Winter Blues? Add Funky Florals!

A warm, neutral palette is great for the winter, but sometimes we need to be reminded just how mood-lifting colorful florals can be.  With your holiday themed decor, don't be afraid to step out of the red, green, and white box and integrate pops of color in your space.  One quick and easy way to do this is by adding a bright, beautiful accent rug.  Like the ones shown above from Anthropologie, you can still keep things neutral, but give your space a splash.  Here are a few examples of how you can keep the warm palette and add a few cool accent rugs.

{Inspirational Thought} You Were Designed To Be Creative!

I love the fact that humans were made to be creative.  We have created technology, designed cars, built human body parts, and found cures for illnesses.  God has given us some pretty nifty tools and we have done some phenomenal things over our time on earth.  The common thread is that it all started with a single thought from a single person.  There probably wasn't loud thunder or bells and whistles when this thought was realized either.  I bet these ideas came quietly though the inner creative mechanism we all share.

We all have ideas, thoughts, dreams, and visions on the inside of us.  We're not here to live someone's life or to do what someone thinks is best for us.  NO, we are here to choose and create our own path, destiny, and dreams. When you stop to think about it, who, other than our own selves, has the right to say that our dreams and visions from the Most High God are wrong?  Who is to say that what you love and who you are is wrong?  Certainly not our peers!  Definitely not a society that doesn't even care about us as individuals! Only if what you love is completely immoral and illegal, then yes, that would be wrong, but at the core of each of is love and creativity, with gifts that the world must see.  Don't waste another moment on the train to nowhere with those who have not discovered this freedom.  Live your own life doing what you love and have no regrets about it.  

Shake that fear and start taking baby steps to living your true self!

When you need to get the creative juices flowing, find a quiet place that reflects who you are.
If you can see a reflection of yourself in your space, then you will be constantly reminded of your brilliance! Shine On!

Has someone ever tried to deter you from your goals?  If so, how did you respond to them?  I would love to hear from you.

Make a Reflective Statement!

Image Source

So right now I am in love with mirror collages.  What a great way to add length and dimension to your space.  It will also help to add light to your room as it reflect from a natural source or your lamps.  Instead of using one large mirror, try using a variety of shapes and sizes in offset positions.  I often shop at my local thrift and vintage store to find great pieces.  Once you get the shapes you like, give them a new coat of paint to match the palette of your space.  This will add personal style to your statement.  Great places to add a mirror collage: stairways, hallways, and small rooms.  Give it a try and let me know how you do.  Use these images as a source of inspiration.

Image Source: Anthropologie

Image Source

Image Source

Quick Tip: The last image has to be one of my favorites.  Don't want to spend a ton on your dream headboard just yet?  Then opt for creating a statement using frames behind your bed.  It will give your room the proportion and scale it needs to create interest and dimension.

Love and Design!

Affirmations to Playful Punchlines: The Power of Typography Design

Image Source

Imagine your favorite quote handwritten on a sheet of notebook paper.  Now, picture it written in large, bold font, in bright jewel tones all nicely matted and framed.  This is the power of typography design!  It takes that same quote or phrase and brings it to life!  I am in love with the fact that the design and arrangement of such simple words, letters, and phrases can have such a strong impact, especially as a statement in your interior decor.  We all need mantras, affirmations, or even funny taglines to help get us going every once in a while.  So, why should you seriously consider adding a positive quote or two to your decor?

1.  Pick Me Up's
Positive affirmations, quotes, scriptures, and punchlines are all great ways to recharge us mentally.  Putting your favorite quote somewhere in your home or office space in a bold way will provide you with instant motivation.  It will help drive out negative thoughts, and invite positivity.  Soon you will commit them to memory and live more fulfilled from day to day.

2.  Let Your Personality Shine!
Typography art is a great way to show off who you are.  There is no limit to the styles of fonts, colors, and frame designs to choose from.  You can choose personality made pieces or take a stab at creating your own.  You can find great fonts at dafonts.com, alter them on your favorite design software or a word processor, and print on the paper of your choice.  Then, find a great vintage frame to add the finishing touches.

3.  Ignite a Conversation!
Be bold by making your typography art a conversation piece.  Maybe find a piece supporting your favorite cause or charity.  A statement will give your space it's own personality and set the tone for your guests.  Whether you are daring and adventurous, or calm and lighthearted, make sure your art speaks to who you are.

Looking for some inspiration to get you going?  Here are a few examples that really make a statement:

Image Source

Image Source

Image Source

What quote would you love to see on your walls as apart of your decor?  Let us know!

Busy? Stop to Consider This...

Busy! Busy! Busy!  I'm back from Miami and vacation and have been going none stop ever since!  So much to do, especially before I go out of town again this weekend.  This time...Baton Rouge, Louisiana for a friend's wedding.  So excited!  Until then, staying motivated and taking heed to the words above!

Eye Candy of the Day!  Love this soothing color palette and fantastic design elements!

Image Source

{Inspirational Thought} What's Your Big Idea?

Ever had those days where it seems as if your dreams and ideas were way too big?  Well, they are closer than you think.!  Just get started! Sometimes it helps when I break down the big picture into small actionable steps over a set time period.  That way I don't get bogged down with looking at the entire project.  It's all about taking it one step at a time and knowing your limits.  And celebrate the small steps you make along the way.  Each small triumph will result in one big beauty.  Here is a little inspiration to help you keep moving, keep dreaming, and keep designing!

Image Source

What big goals are you working towards and what steps have you made today?

MIAMI Style

Wouldn't you love this view of Miami?  Clean whites and bold pops by Italian designer Frederica Bisazza of the Trend Group. 

So I have been working on a huge branding project for a client who owns furniture boutiques in Miami, FL.  I am excited to be developing her website and print collateral as well as the boutique's social media branding.  As for inspiration, I have thrown myself into the Miami lifestyle and researching Miami interiors.  What did I find?  Crisp, clean, and bright whites, bold colors, and a breath-taking oceanfront views.  Can't wait to meet with her in 2 weeks.

The beautiful Delano Hotel on South Beach.  Image Source 

Another guest room at the Delano Hotel on South Beach.  Image Source