Madiha Latif Passed LEED Green Associate Exam

Our senior, Madiha Latif passed the LEED Green Associate exam. For professionals who want to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice, Green Building Certification Institute has created the LEED Green Associate credential, which denotes basic knowledge of green design, construction, and operations.

Useful Resource for Sustainability

Green Building Organizations, Rating Systems, and Design Guides
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): http://www.usgbc.org/
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System: http://www.usgbc.org/
Green Guide for Health Care: http://www.gghc.org/
The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS): http://www.chps.net/
The Green Building Initiative (GBI) and Green Globes: http://www.thegbi.org/

Product Standards and Certifications
BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability): http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/
MBDC: Cradle to Cradle (C2C): http://www.mbdc.com/
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS): http://www.scscertified.com/
Green Seal: http://www.greenseal.org/
FloorScore: http://www.rfci.com/
The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI): http://www.carpet-rug.org/
BIFMA International: http://www.bifma.org/
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): http://www.fsc.org/
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI): http://www.sfiprogram.org/
Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability (MTS) and the Sustainable Textile Standard: http://www.mts.sustainableproducts.com/

Find of the Day - Flower Artisan & New On Line Magazine

Usually, my finds of the day tend to be objects - an affordable accessory, a piece of furniture that I think is smokin' hot, or a really neat website.  Well today, I am revealing a person - Sarah Winward of Salt Lake City, Utah. 

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I stumbled upon Sarah on Pinterest and found her incredible little flower shop Honey of A Thousand Flowers to be simply delightful.  

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Her site is ultra hip, and she has some very interesting links to photography and food blogs BOTH of which will melt in your mouth.

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  While exploring her site, I saw a post she did on a new online magazine - Kinfolk Magazine "A Guide for Small Gatherings" which was totally new to me.  Sarah was actually featured in the magazine.

And suffice it to say, I am totally smitten with it.

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 This magazine has such a sophisticated home grown feel to it.  I know that sounds contradictory, but trust me, it is not!! You will just have to see it for yourself - Kinfolk Magazine.  When you have some time today, click over and check it out.

I hope you make the most of your day.
It's Wednesday, and we are on the downhill to the weekend!  M.

Client Project - Pillow Options

Happy Friday!  The last couple of weeks have been a major adjustment for the Smith T household.  My oldest child moved to our junior high this year.  While it is fun and exciting, it's taking a bit of time to adjust (even for me).  I say all this to emphasize just how excited I am to have a long weekend.  We're going to make the most of it - lots of lounging and relaxing. 

In the meantime, I wanted to share some pillow options I sourced for a client this week.  When you have a neutral palette to work with, it's so easy to freshen up a space by simply adding new pillows.  For this cute client, I created two different options for her family room.  

Here is a second option.  Just to show you how easy it is to transform a neutral palette with different pillows.   

All sources for these pillows are available through Mandi Smith T Interiors.  If you are interested in creating a fresh new feel in your home, give me a call.  Also, I know my client would love your thoughts on which option is your favorite.  M.  

Sales Representative Position

Sales Representative for national manufacturer of hospitality-related furnishings. Interior Design degree required; one to three years of experience desired. Responsibilities include maintaining and developing relationships with hospitality design firms. Please contact to:

Charlotte Howard
Howard and Associates
Cell: 214-632-5855
Office: 800-846-9273
1600 N. I-35 E., Suite 105
Carrollton, TX 75006

What Camp Are You In?

Happy Labor Day weekend, everybody!  I hope you have Monday off and are enjoying a long weekend.  I often think of this holiday in two different ways, and I'm wondering what camp you're in on this?  Do you think of this weekend as "One last opportunity to savor the Summer"

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Or is it a "Let's get this party start for Fall football"?

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I guess it could be a bit of both, but I tend to think of it as one last nod to Summer.  I guess because of all the amazing sales to be had on Summer clearance items.  I love to scope out discounted items that transition your home (and your wardrobe) into Fall.  There are so many sales going on this weekend that it's mind boggling.  Here are just a few I plan to check out today! 

C Wonder

I love love this shop.  We actually have one near us and it is so much fun to check out the offerings.  I do find their website has way more products and right now they are having a great sale with 30% off all full price items (aka, the new Fall items) and free shipping when we spend over $100.  It's no wonder I love this . . . 

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and this . . .  it comes in three different colors (and yes, I know this has nothing to do with interior design. :)

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Serena and Lily

This is another great go to website for me when sourcing bedding.  The quality is second to none and you have to at least peruse their offerings on Labor day for the sales!  Right now they are offering 70% off all Sale items.  I've got my eye on a few things.

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This could make a fantastic wall hanging/artwork installation in a colorful bedroom, and the price is right at $11.99. 

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Also, I adore these lacquered pedestal trays in the gray and white starting at $48.00.  These would look great grouped on a Fall tablescape. 

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Rugs USA

This website has a couple of sales a year that are simply unbeatable.  I've snagged rugs for a couple of bedrooms in the past, and I'm constantly on the look out for client project when this sale rolls around. To ensure you get a high quality rug, keep your selections to 100% wool or natural materials such as seagrass or sisal.  You will thank me later!  Here's just one of many examples.

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Now for some Fall fashion.  Here are just a few items on my wish list!

Trina Turk

Right now you can enjoy 20% off all sales items on the website plus free shipping.  But this will be over at midnight Monday, so don't delay! Just a few items to get you thinking. 

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This would be another great transition piece for  early Fall weather (when it's still blazing hot here in the South). . . 

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And last, I am in LOVE with this belt.  It's such a great width for belting a thin sweater or adding some interest is a simple dress.  I can also see it paired with white jeans (yes, we do wear white jeans beyond Labor Day here in the South), and a chambray shirt. 

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With many of these sales, I can literally see the inventory vanishing before my very eyes!  It pays to shop early and make your selections.  Have a marvelous Labor Day - whatever you choose to do today! M.

Design Perspective: J. Hirsch Interior Design

I thought you could use a little pick me up today.  

This is the work of the amazingly talented Janie Hirsch of J. Hirsch Interior Design in Atlanta, Georgia.  Enjoy.

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Now that should get you through the day! M.

Lighting - The Jewelry of A Room

While lighting serves a very practical purpose in a space, it can also add tons of subtle interest.  In addition to determining the proper lighting for a space (i.e., table/floor lamps, sconces and/or chandeliers), you really need to think about the style of lighting.  This is what creates the WOW in a room.  Just as jewelry is to a great outfit, so is lighting to a great space.

Here are some fantastic examples of true room jewelry - lighting available here. I love the trick below for over a sofa.  If you have a smallish piece of artwork that is not quite to scale to go over your sofa, add a pair of wall sconces for interest and to make the artwork "read" larger.  Works every time.

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I love this clever idea - consider pendants in bedrooms rather than a table lamp.  The unexpected is what really makes a room feel special.  Love all the texture these pendants are adding to the space.  When you create a monochromatic color scheme, you have to ramp things up with texture.

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Again, wall sconces over a sofa, but I just love the use of the library style lamps in this spot.  Again, the unexpected style makes this grouping sing!

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I had to include this image - I love the play on styles here.  The very traditional room calls for a more traditionally styled chandelier.  But notice, the citrine velvet chairs add a pop of modern flare and to repeat this juxtaposition, the silver tones of the chandy are more modern.  Very clever, yet subtle.

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This is just completely yummy.  Period.  These table lamps are artwork in and of themselves. 

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Don't forget about using lighting for a punch of color.  I love this over sized floor lamp in paprika! 

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Another great example of using lighting as the jewelry of a space.  Rather than basic cans lights, this designer used low profile overhead lighting in a super current brass tone for some Wow.  When your ceiling does not have tons of architectural interest, this is a clever option.

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Lastly, repetition can create a Wow.  Consider pendants over a dining table, rather than the more expect chandelier.  This is just downright cool! 

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So, when considering lighting for a space, really think about adding something special to the room.  You will be stunned what a little jewelry can add!  Have a marvelous day.  M.

Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article. 

Two Seniors Became LEED AP

Congratulations!
Senior students, Katy Cagle and Stephen Walsh, passed LEED exam during the summer 2009 and became LEED AP (Accredited Professionals). We will celebrate and publish our students' and alumni's achievement continuously.

HGTV's Design Star Casting in Austin

HGTV’ Design Star is currently casting for season 7 and holding an open casting call in Austin on Friday, September 9th.  

Who: Passionate, charismatic individuals who are extremely creative and have major design abilities (Interior designers, architects, contractors, artists and other design experts)

When: Friday, September 9th from 9AM to 1PM

Where: Hyatt Regency Austin – 208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

How:  For more info visit: http://castingdesignstar.com

Teknion’s Student Design Competition

Teknion invites students from Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana to participate in our 3rd Annual Student Design Competition. Based on Teknion's concept, CoCreate, we are encouraging students to collaborate in groups of two to design a new product for Teknion. For more information on CoCreate visit the link. Submissions are due February 29, 2012.

Happy Birthday, Muse!

One year ago today, I made the decision to start my blog.  It's been one of the best things I've ever done.  

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I have met some of the most interesting people from all over the world; learned technical things about blog design, computers, and the Internet; and really grown as an interior designer.  

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I won't pretend blogging is easy.  It takes lots of time and energy.  You have to be organized about it and dedicated to posting.  But, for me it's a true labor of love.  And, as with most things, my blog continues to be a work in progress.  

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Because of my blog, this year was different for me -  I actually put myself back on the list.  Yes, there were some unhappy campers, at times.  But, all in all, it has been worth it.  

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  Believe it or not, I have learned more this past year than I think I did in the last 10 years combined!  

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Many of you have asked me why I love blogging about interior design so much, and I really can't explain it.  All I can say is, it brings me joy.  

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So, thanks to each and every one of you for supporting me! 

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 So many of you have made my day by putting me on your blog rolls, telling me in passing how much you are enjoying my posts and commenting on them, telling your friends about my blog, and just taking time out of your busy day to read my thoughts.  I truly cannot thank you enough.  

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At the end of the summer, I began to feel as those I was running out of things to share with you.  But once my children were back in school, I realized I wasn't out of ideas, just distracted!  

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So, my journey continues.  And I'm delighted to have you on it with me.

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Here's wishing the Muse a very Happy 1st Birthday!  I'm overwhelmed with gratitude today. M.

The Laundress Linen Spray

Several weeks ago, I was contacted by Gracious Style and asked if I would be interested in doing a product review for them.  

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Free stuff?  Ummm, yes, please!  I was given several options of what I might like to review.  Ultimately, I selected the Fabric Fresh from the Laundress collection.  I was already familiar with the All Purpose Bleach Alternative from this line and knew it was amazing.  So, I decided to go with something else from their collection.  On the bottle it actually says, "Spray in the air, on yourself, and everything in your live that is fabric."  Isn't that cute?  

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The timing was perfect.  When I got the spray, we had house guests coming to stay for the weekend.  So, I decided to conduct my very own experiment.  

  There are so many little inexpensive things you can do to make house guests feel special.  You can include fresh flowers in their bedroom, 

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a stack of current issues of their favorite magazines or great books on their bedside table, 

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even a beautiful decanter of water to quench a midnight thirst.   

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or you could iron their bed linens and spray them with a wonderful scent.  Ironing bed linens really just cost you some time in the laundry room, but the results are a decadent hotel experience for your guests.  So,  that's what I did. . . 

I did not mention this little experiment to my sister-in-law when her family arrived for the weekend.  I truly wanted to see if she would notice.  

The next morning, we got up for coffee . . . not a word.  So, I asked,

  Me: "Did you sleep well?" 

SIL: Yes, slept great. 

Still not a word about the sheets.  So finally I could not stand it any longer.  

Me: Did you notice anything different about the sheets? 

SIL: Yes!  They were ironed.  So nice to get in a crisp bed.

Me: Did you notice anything else?

SIL: Like what?

Me: Like how they smelled?

SIL: You know, they did smell very fresh and clean now that you mention it. But it was subtle, not overpowering at all.

Me: Well, that's win in my book! 

I think a great linen spray does not overpower you.  That's the last thing you want when you get into bed.  You want a subtle freshly washed scent. Also, I didn't mention this but the scent of all the Laundress products is nothing like I've ever smelled before.  The only way I can describe it- a clean, slightly masculine scent - sort of a hint of a high end men's aftershave.  If that makes sense?   

Since my little experiment, I've been spraying our bed linens when I make the bed each morning.  It makes it feel like fresh sheets every night!  So, there you have it, my first product review.  Hope everybody has a wonderful day. M.