On My Mind

My mind is moving around so quickly that I sometimes think my eyes are vigorously shifting back and forth for all to see.  If only I could pull my brain tray out of my ear and empty all of the pencil shavings and half finished thoughts into the garbage.  It sounds whacky and feels even whackier.  So in hopes of organizing my head, I thought I might dump some of my thoughts on you.  Ya dig?

I have art on the brain.  I have been lusting after a large, original artwork for a while, specifically Michelle Armas, though I don't want to buy until I see in person.  She recently added some new pieces to her website.  Here's my favorite:

I dont know if this one is new, but it's still my favorite.  Currently. 

 I also like this one by Jenny Andrews:

She is the person behind mfamb and I like her.  I don't know her but I like her.  I think we could hang.  Another cool chick I just recently discovered is Lee Kleinhelter.  I didn't really just discover her, but just recently put a face to the rooms.  She is fabulous at putting a chic spin on rustic elements.  My idol.  Check her out:

Perfection.  Nothing like someone like Lee to make me feel entirely inadequate on a Friday afternoon.  Way to start the weekend.  Lucky for my goldfish-like memory, I'll forget about it in about 12 minutes.  In keeping with that, I'm already off to my next thought.  These classic loafers:

I've really always loved them.  They were on sale at Belks this weekend (I know it's just Belk, no S, but I prefer to say Belks with a thick Southern accent).  It got me thinking about them again and how they are the perfect fall shoe.  With some high-waisted high water jeans and a vintage polo- collar popped.  I would channel that classic New England vibe.  Add a cropped trench and satchel to my arm... and some oversized wayfarers.  Now that is classic fall style and it's right up my alley.  

Last, I'm getting my haircut today.  I always go in with big plans and walk out with... the same haircut I went in with.  It's never my fault though.  I think people are afraid.  Adventure is my middle name though.  I've gathered pictures and intend to find out if blondes really do have more fun.  Wish me luck.

Go Forth!

You may have noticed that I've been a little MIA lately (all ten of you!)  I have been balancing my roles as wife, mother and interior designer.  It's not easy, but I am enjoying every minute of it.  Unfortunately, my role as blogger has been shoved in the closet and avoided at all costs.  Turns out when you actually have clients and dozens of exciting projects, it leaves you with little time to actually share them.  So I have resolved to blog more and as part of my blogging initiative, I have enlisted the very talented Chelsea Fullerton of Go Forth!  I have been wanting to work with her since Spring and we've finally started renovating The Avarice!!  She's quite a talent and I'm glad I found her before she becomes incredibly famous (Thanks Ashley!)  Check out some of her work:

Chelsea and I started a Pinterest board to corral all of our inspiration for the project and with just a handful of pins, Chelsea articulated my vision for The Avarice better than I ever could have.  I am going to keep as much of that a secret as possible, but stay tuned for sneak peaks and also please do take note that my site address will be changing.  More on that to come...

Designer Spotlight: Kelee Katillac

Three weeks ago, I saw this room in House Beautiful:

I was floored.  Flabbergasted.  Completely overwhelmed and utterly smitten.  It is perfection in a room. After I recovered from my initial overdose of beauty and got over all of my feelings of inadequacy as a designer, I, of course, completely forgot about it.  Then today, while searching for some inspiration for a client project, I came across this space again as well as the rest of the photos from this beautiful Kansas City apartment...

With some further research, I found that the space was done by designer Kelee Katillac.  With a name like that, she's got to be good.  And, let me tell you, she's real good.  Her attention to detail and eye for color are unmatched.  And she's also an art historian.  How 'bout them apples.  But, wait.  It get's better.  While digging through her website, I found that she is the founder of Design Gives Back, "an initiative to provide rooms for hope, health and happiness for those who are critically ill or in-need."  What?!  This exists?!  This is something I have had in my brain ever since I discovered my passion for design.  I believe with all my heart that your environment affects your life in every way.  Here is a quote from the Design Gives Back website:

"Design Gives Back welcomes all that love to design, build or decorate.  Our mission is to help those in-need to have more positive living conditions. Hope comes when walls turn from cracked and peeling, to smooth and colorful. The ability to see life differently is prompted by a change in one's surroundings."

I couldn't agree more.

Color Love: Navy

Months ago when I was wishing for more opportunity, a good friend said there will come a time when you will look back and wish that you had less to do.  I am brimming with gratitude for my success and good fortune, but, at the risk of sounding ungrateful, that time has come.  Lately, I've been feeling like life is moving at supersonic speed.  My two little humans are growing so fast and great things are happening for me and my family.  These are all wonderful blessings, but, for today, I'm taking a slow down and floating in a navy daydream.

Anna Spiro Higgledy Piggledy Stripe in Ginger Jar Blue // Considering these Robert Abbey Annika Lamps for my desk // Lacefield Designs Sahara Midnight Lumbar Pillow // Quadrille Deauville fabric in Navy on Tint // J. Crew Tie Top in Navy Tweed  //  Ballard Designs Louis XVI Oval Back Chair in Distressed Off White with Twill Indigo