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!

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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

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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

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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:

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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!

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{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!

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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

Simple. Chic. Confident. -- Hello September!

Currently inspired by these 3 words -- Simple, Chic, & Confident.  Effortless yet bold beauty.  Image Source

There always comes a point in my year where old worries don't matter, discernment is a little crisper, and everything seems to be changing.  Maybe it is so since it has been such an eventful year of growth, but as we change from sweaty summer days to cool, crisp nights, I am charging myself to keep things simple and chic. 

Are there priorities you have been ignoring? Are your friends and family screaming for your attention?  Or maybe there has been a burning desire slowly losing it's flame within you.  This season is the perfect time to get back to what matters, and that's living your life.  Not your friend's life, not that reality star's life, not your parents' life, but YOUR LIFE and to the fullest.  And I know from personal experience that change is certainly not easy and may very well be painful, but there is no better time than now to start embracing your new season.  You are exactly where you are meant to be.  My new daily checklist:

Let's keep it Simple, Chic, and Confident!  What do these words mean to you?

Is Your Home Really Safe? 3 Tips For Protecting Your Masterpiece and Your Family

Although we all want to believe that the crime we see on TV can't happen to us, we should always take safety precautions just in case. In these desperate times, not every one can be trusted. I had the unfortunate experience of witnessing the aftermath of a home break-in. The incident hit very close to my heart as it was property owned by my family. Thinking that neighbors and random police drive-bys would be enough, the home had been vacant for less than 2 months. Thankfully, the thieves did not take much, but there were a few lessons we learned from the Police department.

1. Always make it look like you're home. Robbers these days are targeting vacant homes and looking for valuable to steal. They are even out there stealing copper from home piping and making tons of money! When you are away on vacation or going to be away for a few days, always use timers on your appliances and set them according to your regular schedule. If you can, leave a friend's or relative's car in the driveway or your parking space in your complex. Also, have your neighbors grab your newspapers and mail while you are away.

2. Create an unpredictable schedule. Robbers will observe your daily routine. If they notice that you are reaching under a mat for a spare key or behind that bush to the right of your doorway, then they will have a straight shot into your home. Some days leave work earlier or come home at unexpected time of day to throw them off.

3. Lock it up! Be sure to double check all locks and windows. It is astonishing to hear just how many home break-in occur when the homeowner has left a door or window unlocked.  Get in the habit of checking all locks before you leave the house or go to sleep.  


Since we are all just humans and are prone to error, enlist the help of professionals.  Contact a home security company and get that extra protection!  Look into indoor and outdoor sirens, key fob setting and deactivation, and surveillance cameras.

Here is a list of things to check for and precautions to take around your home.

Home Security Checklist:
Doors, Windows, and Locks:

• Get a contractor to check the wood used to support your lock system in the front doorway. The detective told us that home builders will commonly use a lightweight type of wood composed of 5 1-foot strips pieced together by wood glue. That doesn't sound very sturdy! Get them to install 5/4 dead wood the entire length of your doorway. Very similar to a 2x4 but cut to fit in your space.
• Use a security bar. This product is very effective. I have used the Door Alarm Home Security Bar by Winston Brands and they will keep any unwanted visitors from coming in through your doors.  
• Use window locks. Especially when you are away, use Metal Window Security Clamps to seal your windows tightly so that they cannot be opened.

Lighting:

• Use outlet timers on your lamps.  Place your lamps near windows to signal that there is activity in your home.  Even your neighbors will notice if your home is darker than usual.
• Use flood lights in the front and back of your home.  This is also a great way to ward off bad guys.  More importantly, use motion detected lights.  You'll notice when there is movement outside of your home.
• Make sure all porch and deck lights are working properly.  Apartment home owners and renters --- notify your landlord immediately when the lights are not working near your space.  Your safety is on the line!

Sliding Doors:

• Is your sliding door on properly?  I was completely shocked when the detective told us our sliding glass door was on backwards!  We checked our neighbor's house, and there's was the exact same way.  The sliding door slides from the outside!  When we went outside, it was so easy to yank and maneuver the door off the track.  Please, please, please check to make sure your sliding door slides from the inside!  If not, install a pin that extends through the sliding glass door to the fixed door when not in use.  
• Place decals on your doors signifying some type of protective system such as an alarm, dog alert, neighborhood watch, etc.

The statistics are daunting!  It's always a good idea to know the facts.  Source

I encourage you, protect yourself now before something happens!  It is always best to be prepared.

Be safe!

Add Life! 5 Ways to Treat Your Space With Beautiful Fresh Flowers

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There is no easier way to bring life into a room than by adding a vase of beautiful fresh flowers. The smell and vibrant colors will not only add interest to your space, but has been proven to be linked to health benefits such as reduced stress and anxiety, and an increase in life satisfaction. I'm here working on thank you cards for all of the friends and family who have been so supportive since my father passed on July 20th. Fresh flowers and natural sunlight has been such a mood booster in my life!

New York City floral and garden designer Rebecca Cole, host of Discovery Channel’s Surprise by Design, shares her floral design experience and offers the following tips on how to enhance your space and your mood with florals (with a few of my own additions).

1. WAM BAM POW! To make a big “wow” statement, choose lots of one type of flower. Take off the leaves below the waterline and place flowers in a big jug, teapot, coffee tin or water pitcher for a burst of cheer. Select surprising color combinations to make a bold statement.

I love my flowers!  Added a purple lace bow to contrast the lush yellows!
Photo via The Design Hall Interiors

2. Unconventional, Un-Vase! Cut flower stems short and place flowers in interesting or everyday kitchen containers such as tea tins, jelly jars, salt and pepper shakers or even pretty wine glasses. Pick something to match your personal style.

3. Color Me Please! For a simple, pleasing effect, try red and purple stems in grouped vases or use monochromatic flowers from one color family to create tranquility in your space.

4. Sunny Days Sweeping The Clouds Away! Rebecca suggest choosing citrus-colored flowers for a sunny feeling. Place a bud vase holding a few stems of yellow and orange blooms inside a bowl filled with oranges. Or try placing a narrow vase of flowers inside a wider, but equally tall, vase. Fill the larger vase with lemons or limes to surround the smaller vase for a fresh look.

5. Accentual Allure! Play off of accent colors in your kitchen to bring a splash of color with flowers. Look around and match flowers to decorative wall plates, place mats, or curtains to pull out key accent colors.

See these lovely examples for inspiration!

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Cheers and Sunny Days to You!

Design and Inspire: Your Responsibility!

Photo via pinterest

Don't waste another moment doing something you don't love.  Take a moment to think about that passion and how you can work towards it today.  There is something in you that the world needs to see!

Go Forth and Design!

Mr. GreenJeans -- From Overalls to Modern Chic

Good Morning Captain!

Well not exactly your beloved Mr. GreenJeans from the children's show Captain Kangaroo (though way before my time), but the popular and historic restaurant in downtown Toronto!  I was watching one of my favorite designers, Sarah Richardson, and her HGTV show, Design, Inc., and absolutely fell in love with her transformation of Mr. GreenJeans Restaurant and Bar.  Her vision took the tourist attraction to a completely new level.  From overalls and beer bottle caps to elegant, chic, and ultra modern.  

View from the outside.  Love how the flowers prepare you for the elegance inside.

Mix of lush green hues, bright whites, and florals --- a winning combination!

Great lighting design!  The layers of chandeliers provide each table with its own warm dining experience.

In the lounge, Sarah's team uses steel tabletops and chocolate browns to add additional elements of design.

Overall, a fabulous job by the Sarah Richardson Design team and Design, Inc.!  When I am in the Toronto area, I will definitely be stopping by.

Happy Designing!

"I Am The Happy Victim of Books" -- Home Library Decor Must-Haves

Love your books and want a home library? Consider these must-haves for your peaceful space!  
Photo via Tracey Garet Design.

I am absolutely in love with books!  A wealth of knowledge, a fun adventure, and non-personal drama all at your fingertips.  Give me a book and a cup of tea any day and I am in heaven.  I was out doing more thrifting, but this time found a wealth of gently used books.  You could even say that I collect them.  From classic novels to self-improvement to textbooks, I keep a wide variety.  You can find a few for sale on my Amazon Storefront.

What I found:

Photo via The Design Hall.

Pretty excited about my new reads including:

 

This is a peek at my bookcase at home:

I am so inspired by a well-designed in-home library.  It would easily become one of my favorite rooms in the house.   A few must haves:

1.  Great natural lighting for an airy, tranquil feeling

2.  Great reading lighting such as soft spotlight lamps and recess lighting

3.  Great seating for lounging in multiple hours at a time

4.  Great location -- try to stay away from dark, damp spaces to avoid humidity

5.  Simplicity -- Let the stories do the talking!

Loving these home library ideas.  Take a look!

  

Soft and focused lighting creates a serene and peaceful environment.  Wouldn't you love to relax in that chair after a long day? 

This space can also be used as a home office or study, especially for entrepreneurs, those that work at home, and students.  Shhhh!  

Your books are not limited to a single wall!  I love how this designer shapes the flow of books around the door.  Great use of space! 

Get creative with your colors!  Keep the palate simple, but add pops of color to maintain the space's personality.

And in the words of the great Karl Lagerfield...

Photos via 1.  2.  3. 4. 5.

When was the last time you got lost in a good book?  Let me know what you're currently reading.