SHEKNOWS.COM INTERVIEWS ERIKA WARD!

I'm thrilled to have a one-on-one interview with SheKnows.com Contributor, Laura Carson Miller on pinpointing your personal style. This 3-question interview is short but sweet and packed with great decorating advice I know you'll enjoy!

If you are new to SheKnows.com be sure to also check out their fun web series, Homestretch [please come to Atlanta!]

Need more assistance in creating a home that reflects your unique style? Contact me, I'm ready to help!

OVERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHY

One of my latest design projects includes the use of oversized photography. My clients, a newlywed couple I worked with last year, invited me back to work on the family room. They already have their major furniture items and custom built-in bookcases and are now looking for help with accessorizing the space.

One of their requests is to showcase their engagement photos somewhere in the space. Wanting to propose something a bit more daring than the usual gallery wall, I presented them with this inspiration image:

A formidable grid of oversized photography makes for an impressive statement in any setting...and most unexpected in a family room!

There was a brief silence followed by the words I hoped to hear, "I love it!" [insert wife's hand clapping here]. Without further delay I headed to Ikea to pick up 6 of these 24" x 40" Ribba frames priced at $24.99. Not bad.

Once seeing these babies in person I seriously thought twice about this design [ok maybe three times]. Enormous I tell ya. But the most awesome part of the story is that my clients aren't the least bit intimidated and we're pressing on.

The prints were ordered on Friday and we are all so anxious to get the first frame hung. Stay tuned for updates.

Need more inspiration? Here are a few more images to get your creative juices flowing:

This layout was one of my first considerations because of it's conservative display of one photo. I also loved that it was flanked by two wall lamps leaving more surface area on the end tables. image: Mrs. Howard

If my clients decided against the grid display in the family room, I would've suggested using an oversized photo in their entry way. image: Jeffers Design Group

Black and white photography also is a viable option, but for the images I'm working with, color would be best! image: Traditional Home

Have you displayed oversized photography in your home? If so, share your spaces with us on my facebook page! What do you think about the proposed design?

JOIN US: I LOVE THRIFTING EVENT

Looking to stretch your design dollar like never before?? Well mark your calendars for I LOVE THRIFTING, a nationwide shopping event organized by none other than Rashon Carraway aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting. On Saturday July 9th at 10AM, Dayka and I are leading a group through 4 of Atlanta's best thrifting hot spots. Here's a look at our itinerary for the day:

#1 : Goodwill (Tucker)
3983 Lavista Road
Tucker, GA 30084

#2: My Favorite Place
5596 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Chamblee, GA 30034

#3: Goodwill (Sandy Springs)
237 Johnson Ferry RD NE
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Lunch: Le Madeline (networking & noshing!)
1165 Perimeter Center West #330
Atlanta, GA 30038

#4: Goodwill (next door to Le Madeline)
1165 Perimeter Center West
Sandy Springs, GA 30338

If you're reading this and thinking, "Gee, they have all the fun in Atlanta", there's good news--the I LOVE THRIFTING event is happening in various cities throughout the country! Be sure to check the website [www.ilovethrifting.com] to learn how you can join in on the fun.

Want to be photographed for the I LOVE THRIFTING website? Be sure to order a t-shirt and show your support! Click here for more details. Will you be joining us?

BLULABEL BUNGALOW TURNS TWO!

I'm about two weeks late in celebrating my blogging anniversary but better late than never, right? As I look back over the past year I am humbled by the change that's taken place in my personal life and in my business. Just last night I revisited this guest post I wrote for Camilla's blog. She asked me to describe a day in my shoes. It was hectic to say the least and for a minute I thought to myself, "How in the world did I do that?" The answer is easy. Passion and reminding myself of this:

One of my best friends confided in me that there was nothing in her life outside of God that she felt the same level of passion as the passion I have for interior design. Did you get that? Honestly, I NEVER get tired of talking about design and could do it everyday for the rest of my life. My design business, this blog, my written works, and Room Service Atlanta all fuel my passion for interior design. I'm living my dream, but as I am learning living the dream isn't easy. It takes PLENTY of hard work and sacrifice to pursue excellence!
For those who have stuck with me these past two years, I love and appreciate you! For my new readers, welcome and know the best is yet to come!

Thanks for taking a moment to read this post and for celebrating my 2nd Anniversary. Be Blessed!

Erika

8 WAYS TO CALM AN IMPATIENT DECORATOR

If my husband read this headline, an image of me hauling a chaise lounge upstairs or using my legs to push a heavy bookcase across the room would immediately pop into his head. In my redesigning frenzy he asks, "Why didn't you wait for me to help you with that? You are so impatient." I'm not that impatient really. It's just that I don't want to explain why I'm editing the room again. He just doesn't understand.

Does anyone else out there suffer from "The Designer's Curse?" We nip, tuck, pin, and pull until it is almost perfect, because it never really is...Because I'm in good company, I feel I can be transparent with you and the millions of houzz.com readers about the impatient decorator in me. I've pulled together 8 ideas that could help people like us in satisfying our desire for change. Here are a couple:

image courtesy of Pulp Design Studios

Change the knobs on any furniture item for a fun, fresh update. Semi-custom furniture has never been so affordable.

image courtesy of Niki Papadopoulos/Mark Williams Design Associates

Add a rustic element to your modern decor. This stump made of petrified wood adds personality to the space and combats the "fresh off the showroom floor" look. For more smart decorating solution, click here to check out my latest article for houzz.

What is your favorite quick fix?