Rabu, 30 September 2015

Happy Friday



It's been a very productive week for me.  I am working on a couple of projects I want to share with you very soon!  I will working on them over the weekend.  So, until next week . . . have a wonderful weekend.  M.  

Selasa, 29 September 2015

Find of the Week - Ashley Terrell


Today is your day to snag an amazing piece of original art for a fraction of the price.  I mean it!! 
If you are in Birmingham, and have a free moment, grab a friend and swing by to take a look.  

Art Within Reach

Thursday, September 29th
10am-7pm
At the Home of Betts and Lauten Johnson
2201 Shades Crest Road
Vestavia Hills, Alabama


Here's a sampling of her work.


What I love about Ashley's style is it's very easy to incorporate into traditional or modern spaces.  

It adds a high end element that you just can't get with a giclee print.

This wonderfully talented artist is not paying me a dime to say these things about her.  She is just that good. 
Ashley is my find of the week! M.

PS: If you are reading this and a little mad (smile) you don't live here in Birmingham today, you can visit her website to see more of her work.  She is more than happy to work with long distant clients! 
Here's a link to her page - Ashley Terrell








Senin, 28 September 2015

Interior Design Student Alliance (IDSA) Kickoff Meeting

The Interior Design Student Alliance (IDSA) had a successful first meeting with a great student turn out on September 13th, 2012.  Guest lecturers from the professional organizations ASID, IIDA, and NEWH spoke to the students about the benefits of joining and getting more involved in the professional industry. For more information please visit the IDSA Official Facebook page.

IDSA Officers from left to right:
Adrian Cardenas (ASID President), Claire Fritchie (Hospitality Chair), Tess Hurry (IIDA President), Becky Burrus (Membership Chair), Vicki Alderink (Treasurer), Amanda Corbett (Secretary), Elizabeth Sterling (IIDA Vice President), Hanna Kim (Marketing), Geraldine Sumolang (ASID Vice President), and Gibb Thimamontri (Historian)

Presenters from professional organizations:

Robin Burrill and Marlene Smalls - ASID Speakers
 
Lauren Crill - IIDA Speaker
 
Kerry Wilson – Teknion speaker
 
Ron McDaniel, Elissa Murry, and Roger Mathis - NEWH Speakers

IDSA Kickoff Meeting Image

Haley Laurence Awarded the 2010 Volunteer of the Year

Our alumna, Haley Laurence was named the 2010 Volunteer of the Year by Preservation Dallas and interviewed with ntdaily.com. Click here for the article. The Preservation Dallas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Dallas buildings. Haley Laurence is interested in architectural buildings and historical landmarks motivated her to help save important aspects of Dallas.

If I Were Handy . . .

I would zip over to IKEA and pick up this for $299.00 . . . 

Then I would order some chalk paint which is very forgiving and easy to work with.  I would get it in this color . . . 



Then I would sand off a bit of the paint on the edges to let the original color show through like this . . . 



Then I would change the hardware to these ($4.76 each) . . . 



And get a very similar look to this for a fraction of the cost . . . 


This stunning piece retails for $1,500.00 and is on sale for $699.00 at Kings Lane this week.  


Artwork Tip: If you are in the Birmingham area and want to check out some amazing original artwork, my talented friend Ashley Terrell is in town showing off her work.  You can see and purchase her pieces on Thursday, September 29th from 10am-7pm at the home of Betts and Lauten Johnson (2201 Shades Crest Road). Ashley's calling the show "Art with Reach" which is so appropriately titled given her affordable prices!    Have a great day.  M.

Design Project - Little Girl's Bedroom

I had such a great day yesterday!  I presented a couple of design plans, one of which was a little girl's bedroom.  When I presented the plan, my client was so thrilled she had tears in her eyes!!! 
Totally and completely MADE. MY. DAY!
Here are some images from the design plan.  

The walls in the space were already painted a soft light pink, so we took this palette and ran with it.

Here are the fabrics that will take this cute girl from toddler to teenager. 
Although I can't share the sources included in this plan (since it's work product for my client), I did want to show you the design layout and boards for the project.  I hope everybody has a great weekend.  I'm planning on getting some fun Halloween decorations up. M.

PS: If you would like help pulling a space together or creating a plan to take your current space to a whole new place, I would love to help you!  


Sabtu, 26 September 2015

Designer Positions Available

A small residential interior design firm in Highland Park, Dallas is looking for an entry level designer as part-time and a senior design associate as full time. The firm has been specialized in residential design for 14 years. They are seeking candidates who are detail-oriented and work independently with positive attitude. A knowledge of interior design such as floor plan, CAD, materials, etc. are preferred to assist designers with residential projects. Compensation to be determined by discussion. Please send resume to Heidi Scott at interiorsbylaurigriffin@gmail.com

Heidi Scott
2731 Lovers Lane
Dallas, TX 75225
515-771-6832

Eye of the Magpie - Acrylic Box Update

In July, I posted about this amazing space.  

Specifically, about an acrylic box seen in the space.  

Well, I took my own advice and ordered a custom size acrylic box for a very sentimental item that has been in my husband's family for years.  It's a very old pistol.  Somehow, we ended up with it, and it's sat in a box in our attic for years.  Well, no more!  Here's it's new home.  

When I ordered the box, I kept wondering what I would use to prop up the gun so you could actually see it in the box.  I came up with all sorts of elaborate expensive ideas.  Then, I had a passing conversation with my Dad who told me they often use shot gun shells at gun shows to prop pistols up for display. Since this gun does not use shells, I decided to keep it simple.  I went out into our backyard and found a stick of the perfect diameter.  It looks rustic and does the trick, don't you think?! 

When we first acquired the gun, I thought, "What am I suppose to do with this thing?"  Somehow, the acrylic box really makes it feel important and special. 

 I think an acrylic box can make almost any random accessory feel important.  If you need a custom size, expect to pay a bit more.  I used John with AZCustomPlastics, and he was super nice.  It did take a couple of months to get it.  But the quality is great, and I got exactly what I wanted.    

Alternatively, if you purchase a basic size (like for a football or baseball), the price is very reasonable and you get the same impact.  Here's an example I found online just by googling "acrylic display box."   

Order a basic box, and then find something to put in it!! You will be amazed. . .  

On another note, my posting is going to be sporadic this week.  People are beginning to prepare for the fall season and holidays to come.  So, I have a couple of redesigns this week.  Redesigns are an easy way to make your current space feel fresh and new without buying any additional furnishings.  If you are feeling the need to do the same, call me.  I can create a fresh new space for you too!    

Have a great start to your week! M. 

Falling Into Fall series - Part II

Time for part II of Falling Into Fall series for your home! 

 Last week, we talked about the use of fabrics to get a sense of the season (click here for the scoop on Fall fabrics).  Now, let's talk accessories, and the importance of natural earthy elements to give you that feeling of Fall.  What do I mean by natural earthy elements?  Well, things like deer antlers, turtle shells, acorns,  pine cones, and candles in darker hues. 

While lots of people include these elements in their homes all the time, I think by rotating them in during the cooler months, you really get the most out of these accessories.  
As an aside, did you notice the fabulous butterfly pendant in the image above?  Go back and take a look.  It's very cool!

I love this example because it illustrates that you can include these elements (which seem rather traditional) in a very modern space for amazing results. 

Can you say weekend project for the kids?!  Maybe I'll put mine to work on Saturday.  This image makes makes me rethink the notion of cutting the sweet gum tree in our yard.  

And nothing says Fall, like bittersweet and pumpkins.  

For cool toned interiors, bowls of acorns and white pumpkins do the trick.  A few of you have asked me whether I have acorns again this year (I used these in several styling jobs last Fall).  I'm sad to say my oak tree did not produce many acorns this year - no idea why?

Love the feathers in this one.

Here they've paired the turtle shells with a large wooden bowl of pine cones and then the textural basket of wood in the fireplace.  All great tricks to give your room a Fall feel. 

And just as important as bringing in these natural elements, you need to edit out your light/white summery accessories that speak to the warmer months.  Remember to store them in a convenient place for next Spring.  You'll be shocked the difference these small changes can make to your space.  M.

Jumat, 25 September 2015

An Inside Tip for You!!

Ok, as most of you know, I rarely post on Sundays, but this giveaway hosted by Splendid Sass was simply too good not to share.  Teresa has partnered with Barn Light Electric and is giving, yes I said GIVING away two separate gift certificates.  One for $1,000.00 and another for $500.00 to two lucky winners.

I know exactly what I would do, if won either gift!  I would order four of these yummy sconces.

Exeter Wall Sconce

And I would use them as library lights over our bookshelves.  I've been thinking about doing this for quite some time.  But, they are expensive; and there are so many other things on the list.  But if someone is going to give them to me!! Well, what can I say -  this giveaway, has certainly encouraged me to post about it!  

Here is a picture of our bookshelves.  I would place each of the sconces at the top of the four arches.  I think this would give that area a much more purposeful look.  

Here are a few images that inspired me to consider library lights for our bookshelves. 


Belsey and Mahla contemporary living room
source

So, that's what I would do with the gift certificate.  Now, here's how you can enter to win too!


1.      Look around Barn Light Electric and pick lights you’d love to own.
2.      Feature your lighting picks on your personal blog, and link to the lights if you can!
3.      Copy/Paste these rules at the bottom of your blog article.
4.      Once your personal article is up, you must email your blog link to:contest@barnlightelectric.com to be qualified to win. The contest ends October 12th, 2011.
5.      Don’t have a blog? Find out how you can enter by visiting their website.


Good Luck! M.


Shagreen Goodness

I've had shagreen on the mind lately.  Loving the warmth it adds to a space while still giving you a moment of chic goodness. 




And for an affordable faux option of this yummy texture. It's only $52.49 at Target.

Have a great day - week's half way done!  Woot! M.







Kamis, 24 September 2015

Junior Interior Designer, Full-Time

Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro is a growing architecture design firm founded on principles of good design, strong values, and business ethics. They are seeking candidates with one to two years of experience in residential design. Please send resume to Mary.

Mary Love Koons
Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro
4514 Travis Street, Suite 302
Dallas, TX 75205
Tel: 214. 252.3830
MKoons@shmarchitects.com
www.shmarchitects.com

Find of the Day - Table Lamp

 I just finished a design plan for a little girl's bedroom, and will be presenting it to my client this week. While sourcing items for the space, I found this great lamp for $49.99.  

  Although I didn't use this one in my design plan, I do think it's a fabulous lamp for the price.  Such a great option, if you need a lamp with some width for a certain spot.
 Happy Monday! M.

Rabu, 23 September 2015

Dimensions Architects Hiring Designers

Dimension Architects is immediately looking for two designers as full/part-time positions. They are paid positions based on experience. 40 hours per week (M-TR: 8-6, F: 8-12). Qualification includes bachelor degree in interior design or architecture. Responsibilities are working under supervision of Project Manager, produce design/construction documents, selection interior finishes, produce presentation boards, as well as produce 2D & 3D renderings. Applicants should be proficient in AutoCAD 2012+, have working knowledge of Photoshop, and ability to produce 3D models either on Revit or Sketch Up.

Dimension Architects is a small rapidly growing design firm and highly responsive to clients’ needs located in the Historic Westend of Dallas. Their projects range from educational, medical, hospitality, municipal buildings, highend residential to master planning, from initial programming to construction administration.

Please email resume to Ernie Ramos.

Ernie Ramos
Associate Principal
703 McKinney Ave. Suite 310
Dallas, TX 75202
Tel: 214-220-3800
Fax: 214-220-3843
eramos@dimarchs.com
www.dimarchs.com

Design Perspective - Charlotte Moss


I know, I know, it's like stating the obvious.  I usually highlight interior designers who are not as main stream as Ms. Moss, but today, I have a good reason for featuring her.  First, she's coming to Birmingham, Alabama.  And second, I won a ticket to see her in person and hear her speak!!!  I'm never star struck over Hollywood Stars or professional athletes, but when it comes to talented interior designers, authors, and other artisans - I am smitten.  It's one thing to be able to pull pretty things together to create an amazing room.  But, when you are able to design and create the "pretty things" (i.e., fabrics and accessories) for the space, you are on a different level - Charlotte Moss is all that!

 The good news is, if you would like to join me at this fabulous event, there are still a few tickets available.  Ms. Moss is speaking on Friday, October 7th at 10:30 AM.  I'm also told that she will have signed copies of her most recent book available for purchase, "Charlotte Moss Decorates."


This lecture series is in conjunction with our city's gorgeous Botanical Gardens annual fundraiser "Antiques & Garden Show."  The tickets are a mere $30 and, I was told, there is a high risk of sell out, so if you are considering it - Get your tickets now!!


In case, you on are on the fence about it.  Here is just a tiny sample of her stunning work. 





So, I hope you will join me!  I am confident, this event will not disappoint.  
Enjoy your weekend! See you Monday. M.