LIVING WITH LEOPARD PRINT

Here kitty-kitty...
Vivacious and primitive, leopard print is nothing new, but it continues to defy traditional patterns found in home furnishings and accessories. The animal itself symbolizes bravery, courage, stealth and strength, and I believe a decorator who uses this pattern also possesses those same qualities. Its connotations range from playful to luxurious, and its attention-grabbing pattern enhances any decor style.

Mark English Architects, AIA

An neo-traditional conversation area with layers of sophistication receives an instant update from a bergere chair bedecked in leopard.

Elizabeth Dinkel

A soothing overall palette of cream and brown provides a relaxing backdrop and allows for a little spontaneity from the printed ottoman.

Ashley Goforth

Because of its bold print, just a touch of leopard goes a long way. Accent pillows and side chair finish the room and also makes it easier for the homeowner to transition to another style when ready.

Honestly, it's only been within the past year that I've grown to like leopard prints. And later writing this ideabook for houzz.com piqued my interested even more. What I love most about leopard is its feisty appeal and unexpected presence. How about you?

ROOM SERVICE ATLANTA - FULL STEAM AHEAD

Friday was the second measure day for Room Service Atlanta (RSA) designers and a chance to get first dibs on generous donations from Lewis and Sheron Textiles, The Shade Store, and Dacron who donated pillow forms for all the residence rooms.

Here's Angela making a getaway toting two heavy bolts of fabric. I offered to help, but after she showed me her biceps, I was positive she could hold her own...

In the midst of our measuring, scheming, and chatting we had the honor of being interviewed by NBC news afflilate, 11 Alive News, to talk about the origin of RSA, our commitment to Nicholas House, and the importance of volunteerism. We were even more thrilled that our segment aired the same evening and within 15 minutes of the broadcast! Please take a moment a view the video on our new RSA blog!

With so much excitement going on, it's surprising that I remembered to measure my room, well my suite to be exact. Suite 7 consist of two adjoining rooms and a bathroom. If you can see from the photo below, the twin bunked beds are within steps of the threshold. The doorway on the left leads to another bedroom. The door straight ahead is the bathroom.

To improve the traffic flow, I'm planning a sitting area in the first room and will use a dresser to double as a tv console and clothing storage.


The sleeping area will now have a set of bunked beds and a full sized bed. Now that I have the floor plan squared away, I can now move on to the decorating plan. This is where you guys can help.

We are currently seeking both cash and in-kind donations for the completion of our rooms. Many of you have contacted us via the Room Service Atlanta website and email asking how to get involved.

Monetary donations should be payable to: The Nicholas House c/o Yvonne Druyeh 830 Boulevard SE Atlanta, Georgia 30312 tele: 404/622-0793 please note "Room Service Atlanta" in the memo section.

In-kind donations: If you would like to donate furniture or home decor items please email: Dayka Robinson dayka@roomserviceatlanta.org Erika Ward erika@roomserviceatlanta.org to make arrangements for pick up/delivery.

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

There are many more ways to give! Please click here for more information!

If you are interested in our corporate sponsorship levels, feel free to download our sponsorship proposal below.



Thanks to everyone for your support! Even your encouraging words are much appreciated! Stay tuned for updates. Installation week is just around the corner!

LIVING WITH WARM COLORS IN SPRING

A design dilemma of my own prompted my latest article [Rust for All Seasons] for Houzz. I'm looking for accent pillows to transition my titanic rust-hued sofa into spring. Clearly replacing the sofa is not an option, but finding colors that cool the room's atmosphere sounds like a more realistic plan. I'm looking forward to getting rid of the pillows with the fringe on them. The kids pull at it constantly and our new pup likes to get in on the fun, too. *sigh*

As you can see the room hasn't changed much since I posted about it last year. This room for me is like a leaky faucet in a plumber's home. You get around to it when you can.

Here are a few examples from my article on how to decorate using rust in the spring.

John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

Rust colored bedding in combination with a geometric patterned comforter and crisp white sheets makes for a modern aesthetic that lasts for al seasons.

Niche Interiors

Darker hues paired with bright white yield a look that is clean and unabashedly modern. Dining chairs and the neighboring room, complement the rust wall color and freshen the color scheme.

Erdreich Architecture, P.C.

Rust built-ins provide a warm welcome to visitors in this entryway and library. Surrounded by pristine white walls, the color combination leans more toward eclectic than modern with the introduction of rich antique furniture.

Houzz readers recommended adding turquoise and cream to the mix. I'm definitely interested in hearing your thoughts, too!

SWANKY SWEDISH FLAT PUSHES THE ENVELOPE ON CREATIVITY

Houzz.com readers had mixed reviews on my latest interview with Swedish artist and blogger, Tina Sindahl. Some loved Tina's ability to create glitz and glamour on a dime, while others couldn't get with Tina's style. Personally, I thought her flat was a great of example of her remaining true to her design aesthetic and cleverly merging modern and eclectic styles.

images courtesy of Tina Sindahl

Click here to tour of Tina's home and discover the inspiration behind her design in my exclusive interview for Houzz.

Click here to view all 55 captivating images of Tina's Swedish flat. Enjoy!

YOU'RE INVITED: STYLISH CONSIGNMENTS CAFE CHAT

The monthly Small Business Chat hosted by Stylish Consignments is being held this Saturday, March 19th. I’m thrilled to have been selected as the Small Business Spotlight for March! I’ll be providing advice on creating a closet you love as well as providing decorating tips that are light on the wallet, but big on style! The chat is 11-1 PM and would love to meet you so be sure stop by and say hello!

Location: Lilburn Cafe 5514 Lawrenceville Hwy Lilburn GA 30047
Call 770.676.0953 For Details
Hope to see you there!

About Stylish Consignments:

Stylish Consignments is a hot, new boutique full of trendy, classic, and professional wear that has earned recognition from top Atlanta media outlets such as CBS Better Mornings, Fox 5 Good Day Atlanta, shopping guru Jessica Shops, and was voted Best of Atlanta amongst all others in its category after just one year in business.

Stylish Consignments is a dream come true for fashionistas of all sizes who love to look fabulous, feel fabulous, and get paid for their great fashion sense! So what are you waiting for? Grab your purse and head over to Stylish Consignments! Why do women love us? Because we love what we do! Can’t you tell?

PILLOW TALK & COCKTAILS WITH AMERICASMART ATLANTA

Last Saturday, I along with four of Atlanta's hottest design bloggers, spoke at a AmericasMart's panel discussion, Pillow Talk and Cocktails. Prior to the seminar, we were each given a pillow form and asked to design a cover based on our inspiration and current design trends. Other discussion included blogging and its benefits for interior designers and retailers.

l-r: Sherry Hart (Design Indulgence), Kari Fisher (Buy Well, Buy Once), me, Dayka Robinson (Meditations on Life and Style), and Capella Kincheloe (A Curated Lifestyle)

The brown pillow (floor right) with the contrasting rosettes was designed and fabricated by yours truly. For this design I drew inspiration from the beautiful reclaimed wood furniture and lighting we are seeing everywhere from showrooms to showhouses.

1st photo: l-r: Amanda Cheek and Tess Tuberville (AmericasMart Atlanta)

2nd photo: Dayka Robinson and I

1st photo: Carla Schwartz (Decorativity) 2nd photo: Capella Kincheloe

l-r: Kari Fisher and Sherry Hart

l-r: Darcy Harris (The VIP Room), Kathy Beveal (AmericasMart Atlanta),

Melanie Woodroffe (Capitol de Beaute)

Our one of a kind pillows were given away as door prizes for the guest!

A huge thank you to the folks at AmericasMart for the invitation! We all had an amazing time!

7 WAYS TO EMBRACE YOUR SMALL SPACE

Itty bitty kitchens and bathrooms are hardly thought of as a desirable quality in a home. Personally I believe it has everything to do with perspective. My first place was a mere 365 square feet, but it was mine! The narrow galley kitchen stretched my imagination regarding storage solutions and was super easy to clean. The bathroom was equally tiny and as a self professed product junkie, I can say it really forced me to edit my stuff and only keep what I favored most.

In a recent article for houzz, I provided readers with 7 smart ideas for making each square foot count. Whether you live in 700 square feet or 7000, each tip is equally effective. Let's take a look!

Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers

#1: Raise the ceiling and a few eyebrows with a bold graphic stripe.
A simple scheme of black and white brings big drama to this small bath. The stripes give the illusion of more height, while the feature wall adds interest and style.

via ADEENI DESIGN GROUP

#2 Take advantage of every nook and cranny.
Slim and stunning, mosaic tile and a sculptural sink take this bath from practical to polished.

via Frisson

#3 Outfit your kitchen with attractive cookware.
Proving to be as functional as the next, this petite kitchen allows everyday items to become part of the decor. A fiery red tea kettle and set of cookware adds spice to this modest kitchen. A simple spice rack above the stove top makes it convenient to cook a flavorful meal.

Love these tips? Click here to get the other 4 tips to help you embrace your small space! Have a great weekend!

VIDEO: HANDSOME HOME OFFICES

This quote by Richard Mishaan speaks my truth! I literally work EVERYWHERE. Case in point, I've been dealing with a serious bout of writer's block and decided to change my scenery. I spend yesterday afternoon tapping away on my keyboard at Atlanta Bread Company. The only downfall was my inability to resist those damn cookies. You win some, you lose some...

"The office is no longer defined by where your desk is...the office can follow you around by simply having your technology with you. Clearly, the boundaries of home and office are blurred. What we think of as the traditional office is no longer going to ever be the same. The office will appear when you are ready to work." - Richard Mishaan

Check out the video if you have a moment. It's a real treat!

TRADITIONAL + CONTEMPORARY = MODERN MIX

Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.

Two story great rooms are some of my favorite space to design. This lottery home designed by Atmosphere Interior Design gave me amazing ideas for my great room as well a special project that I'm working on.

Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Curtis Elmy, one of the resident designers, who so generously shared design advice and sources for the Canadian show home. Click here for more images and the complete interview.

Have a great weekend!

ROOM SERVICE ATLANTA: A NOTE FROM THE HEART

Whew! Where do I begin? I stopped and started this post so many times that I finally decided to just let it flow freely. So here it goes. Unedited, but spell checked.

Room Service Atlanta is so much more than a non-profit organization. It is a dream realized and a bit of a sacrifice. Many long hours have gone into planning, building our website, securing sponsorships, marketing, etc. that my business has taken a backseat the past few weeks. I've received some constructive criticism about embarking on a non-income generating project instead of "winning bread" for my own family, but when your heart speaks you have to listen.

Our benefiting shelter is Nicholas House located in Atlanta's Grant Park Community. What really struck a chord with me about Nicholas House is that they keep families together. I had no idea until now that men and women are generally segregated in most shelters and that a "family" constituted a married couple with children. As we know, families come in many forms from a father and daughter, to a grandparent raising their grandchildren.

Truth is any one of us, no matter how prepared we think we are, could experience circumstances that would leave us in a homeless shelter. Homelessness, like death does not discriminate. Imagine having to leave your current home with or without your life's possessions. Could you live in one room with your family? If not, what would you leave behind? Hard to say, isn't it?

Our slogan for Room Service Atlanta is simply, "Deserving Design Delivered." No, interior design is not a cure all for homelessness, but it can do a ton of good for a person's mental and emotional state. I'm so grateful to have a co-founder, Dayka Robinson, who has the same heart for homelessness as well as 12 designers who have joined us in this endeavor.

Interior Designers are problem solvers are we thrive on a good challenge. The rooms are small and people possessions are plentiful. When you see the following images, you will understand what I mean. Keep in mind that my challenge is NOTHING compared to what the residents are experiencing on a personal level. I am humbled and honored that they would allow me to help.

A father and his two daughters live here. It's a bit difficult to see the floor plan, but I will post a sketch when I get some time. Lives will be changed during this project, mine included. My heart is full.

If would like to help in anyway, please click here and tell us how you want to serve.

Thank you in advance.

JOIN US FOR PILLOW TALK AND COCKTAILS!

Let me know if you plan to come! Would love to meet you! For additional information, please visit www.americasmart.com