BluLabel Bungalow: A Year in Review

Before starting this blog 7 months ago, I had never read one nor fully understood what a blog was. I read an article written by someone in the graphic design industry that discussed the value of a blog and reasons why a design professional should have one. So I thought what the heck, it's worth a try! Getting started was a bit tough and I received much encouragement from my husband, clients, and many others.

In honor of my 7th month blog anniversary, here are seven things I know for sure about being the proud editor of BluLabel Bungalow:

1. Blogging has kept me in the know regarding what's hot in the design industry.
Entrepreneurship can be a lonely venture and staying plugged into the design community takes more effort as opposed to working for an established firm. Trends come, go, then come back around again. It also helps that I receive emails from publicists regarding their clients products and services.

Last fall, I listed what I thought was hot before reading design journals and mags. BluLabel Bungalow's 2009 Fall Trend Series consisted of six design trends and was a post in which I received countless visits.
2. Blogging has allowed me to meet some awesome individuals.
I actually wrote this post in September thanking them for being so supportive. Every time I visit their blogs I feel a kinship almost like stopping by to say hello to a friend!

3. Blogging can be a huge time commitment!
I've had blog posts that took anywhere from 2-6 hours to write. I would be awake into wee hours in the morning researching topics or searching for images to communicate a point. The post found here took me about 4 hours from start to finish! When I compose a blog post, I have a picture in my mind of how I want it to look. Most times the images I want can't be found on the internet so I customize others to fit my blog. I love inserting my comments. This is something I do when I read design mags as well.
4. Blogging was frustrating until...
I found Google Analytics. After spending much time composing my blog post, I would get discouraged when I felt no one was reading. Thank goodness for Google Analytics, it told a completely different story. I learned that my blog has a very healthy readership! I appreciate everyone who drops by, comment or no comment.

5. Blogging encourages me to stay true and be original.
Blogging is so much easier when you don't concerning yourself with what someone else is writing about. I admit I hate to see bloggers talking about the exact same thing, at the same time, and using the same images! As a result, I resolve in 2010 to show more of my work and design projects in my own home. They are actually some of my more popular post!

http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2009/11/ewi-project-avondale-estates-counseling.html
http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2009/11/ewi-project-preview-atlanta-bedroom.html
http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2009/10/evolution-of-my-home-office-part-i.html
http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2009/11/evolution-of-my-home-office-part-2.html

Updates will be posted soon!

6. Blogging has been good for my business.
Around September of this year (4 months into blogging), I began to receive emails from readers soliciting design assistance. One room designs have evolved into repeat business as well as referrals. I'm truly grateful!

7. Blogging reminds me of the importance of being relatable.
TamStyles of GIGS advised me to offer readers a piece of me and my life. I've done quite a bit of that in the past couple of months. Hopefully, I haven't appeared narcissistic! Between my birthday, my wedding anniversary, and the holidays my family has made many appearances this month!

Thanks to all my readers for a beautful beginning and I look forward to bringing you more design inspiration in the upcoming year. Cheers to you!

Thinking Happy Thoughts...oh yes, and Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone joy and happiness during this holiday season. Even if times are a bit tough, remember what's truly important...the love and family and friends. And if they too by chance are having a meltdown, just think happy thoughts! Take it from me!

Holiday Cheer captured by KATLYNE HILL PHOTOGRAPHY

2010 DIY Inspiration

"People are going to continue to deal with the economy in 2010. That can involve repurposing pieces you already own by reupholstering or refinishing, painting the wall a new colour, or simply adding bold accessories to enliven a space."

- Kelly Wearstler for Style and Home Magazine, January 2010

Revamping old furniture and accessories is sure to make the 2010 trend watch list if nothing else. What excites me the most about this "trend" is that more folks will hopefully open their minds and stir up their creative genius when it comes to decorating their homes. We all have it in us, some more than others.

Just think, when we embark on a refurbishing project, we customize a piece (furniture, accessory, etc.) in such a way that no one will have the same item unless we created a duplicate for them. Not crafty? Need inspiration? Here are my favorite blogs to visit for DIY inspiration. Maybe you will be inspired too...

Holly from Life in the Fun Lane
Jenny from Little Green Notebook
Kate from Censational Girl
Freckles Chick

What home decor projects will you tackle in 2010? Will this be your first DIY (do it yourself project)?

Four Years

Today I celebrate my fourth wedding anniversary! I am completely beside myself with joy and reverence for this man I call my husband. Together we've accomplished so much and I believe this is only the beginning....From the start, he's stressed the importance of going after our dreams and creating a legacy for our children. He's been such a role model for me and has always encouraged me in everything I've set my sights on. He's not only a wonderful football coach, he's my coach in this game called life. So glad to be in his huddle.

Mythic Paint Giveaway

Surely you've heard of Mythic Paint, non-toxic, low odor, high performance paint without harmful VOC's (volatile organic compounds). With over 1,200 color choices, they can even match competitors' colors. Fellow blogger and designer Camila over at High Heeled Foot in the Door is offering readers a chance to win a gallon of Mythic Paint, a color fan deck, and she's even throwing in a roll of frog tape and two Frog Tape t-shirts! What an awesome way to get a jump start on your home improvement projects for the new year! Click here to register to win, I did!

SMITTEN BY ROCHE BOBOIS

From the time I was introduced to the French language and culture, I've had a natural affection for everything French or French-inspired. One of my absolute favorite French furniture designers is Roche Bobois. Beautiful and environmental conscious, their customizable furniture is divided into three collections: LES CONTEMPORAINS (vibrant, avant garde pieces), LES PROVINCIALES (furniture influenced by exotic destinations), and LES VOYAGES (french inspired furniture adapted to today's lifestyle).



I could just get lost in the tones and textures of this serene bedroom. Leather headboard, woven furnishings, plush wool rug, and I'd be willing to bet the bedding is made from the softest merino wool.

Clearly, I am a chair fanatic. How beautiful is this silver painted Louis XVI armchair? I'm daydreaming of replicating this finish by utilizing a silver leafing technique. I spy burlap curtains. Do you? Get a closer look on their website.

Chillax: To loosen or reduce the level of stress by employing a more calm and less intense demeanor. What better place can you think of to kick back and unwind with food, wine, and your closest friends?
Warm weather combined with a swanky pool and an awesome view, a poolside bed could only be the icing on the cake. This may be as good as it gets! Wouldn't you agree?

Turquoise: Pantone's 2010 Color of the Year

"Turquoise transports us to an exciting, tropical paradise while offering a sense of protection and healing in stressful times." - Pantone, Inc.

In case you've never heard of Pantone, Inc. they are the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries. Pantone believes turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively and is one that is universally flattering. To learn more, click here to check out their press release regarding the 2010 color of the year, turquoise.

Finding Beauty in Burlap

Recently during my visit the the AH&L Christmas House, I came across this room styled by Stanton Home Furnishings and became smitten with these accent pillows made from coffee sacks. The room has an eclectic mix of vintage, traditional, and rustic elements that I find common in room designs featuring burlap...

...and this dining room further illustrates my point. The designer saved tons of money by using burlap for these pinch pleated drapery and infused this room with a dose of casual elegance.


I shopped around a bit to see if anything out there tickled my fancy. Here are a few of my favorites from Pieces and Ballard Designs.

Here are a few more ways to introduce burlap into you home's decor. Use burlap to create an organic dining experience. This table setting is so welcoming and thoughtfully prepared with its burlap runner layered with (appears to be) a sage green sailcloth...and the dining room (left) boasts tailored burlap roman shades and an accent pillow for the guest of honor.

Blogger Jen Jen from Tatertots & Jello loves this fabric and has an array of tutorials that will send you well on your way into your next DIY weekend project.

...and speaking of weekend projects, I purchased 2 yards of burlap fabric to see what all the fuss is about. Perhaps I'll cover a drum shade I recently purchased for $3 from a local liquidator...we shall see...

See you Monday for more design chat, and hopefully some photos of the finished lamp shade project. Have a great weekend!

Styling a Kitchen Sitting Area

Lately, I've been searching for inspiration for kitchen sitting areas. The kitchen tends to be the hub for most families especially now during the holiday season. Here are some a few spaces that would surely encourage family to sit and stay a while.

{image credits: UNKNOWN, Candice Olson Designs, Ami McKay Designs, UNKNOWN}

Which room is your favorite?

Smitten by...Barrel Shade Chandeliers

"When you know what you want, and want it bad enough, you will find a way to get." - Jim Rohn

I'm usually not one for trends, but every now and then I will be totally captivated by the latest craze. My newest design crush...barrel shade chandeliers. It was love at first sight, or as my cousin would say "I had to clutch my pearls!" The perfect marriage of contemporary and traditional design, these beauties can blow a modest budget in a New York minute.

To obtain the high style you desire, you need to have the TIME or the MONEY. Since right now most of us have more of the former than the latter, click here view instructions on creating a barrel shade chandelier as seen in the image below.

I saw an amazing shade this past weekend (similar to the above) in the wine cellar of the Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle's Christmas House. I was so tempted to take a picture with my camera phone, but unfortunately photos were not allowed. Extremely disappointed, I searched for something to bring to you as a souvenir. AH&L did provide guests with a list of paint colors and techniques used in the show home. The image is a bit fuzzy, but if you are interested in receiving a clear copy, just email a request to: erika{at}blulabelbungalow{dot}com
*Just in case you are wondering, when you spell your entire email address it decreases the amount of spam emails to your inbox!

Tastemaker Tuesday: David Jimenez

When it comes to setting the table, David Jimenez truly sets the standard. The images below are from three different DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) Dining by Design Events. On his website, he explains the inspiration behind each display and provides a few insider tricks for achieving this look.

The candle-lit glow creates such a romantic ambiance. I can only imagine what a wonderfully magical experience it must be to host your closest friends and family in such opulence. What would you guess is on the menu?

UPDATE: The 2009 AH&L Christmas House

This Saturday, November 21, the Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles 2009 Christmas House will be gifting guests with more than just the most memorable show home tour. Beginning at 11 a.m., a series of special events, free to Christmas House ticket-holders, will include book signings, holiday craft classes and party secrets that you don’t want to miss. Visit atlantachristmashouse.com for ticket information and a complete listing of Saturday’s events. Be sure to check out this year’s first-ever holiday tabletop spectacular, “Entertaining by Design,” located in the garage.

11 a.m. - noon

Comfort Living for the Holidays with Christine Eisner

Let 2009 be the year that you really enjoy the whole holiday season, not just the last few hours of it! Discover how to create a season-long celebration that emphasizes inner priorities and meaningful experiences. Author and lifestyle expert Christine Eisner will share her back-to-basics ideas on how a “Comfort Living” approach to the weeks ahead can ring in a higher pleasure and lower stress celebration of the small moments that make up this special—yet challenging—time of year. This will be the year you create experiences that focus on the journey, instead of merely the finish line. Eisner will also be signing copies of her new book, Comfort Living—A Back-to-Basics Guide To a More Balanced Lifestyle. For more information, visit lifestyledesign.org or comfortlivingbychristine.com

2 - 3 p.m.

The Art of Entertaining with Jennifer Boles of ThePeakofChic.com

What is the secret to a successful party? Are e-vites replacing RSVPs? Learn the answers to these questions and more from design blogger Jennifer Boles, author of ThePeakofChic.com. Covering everything from cocktail hour to calling cards (yes, they’re making a comeback!), Boles will discuss the art of at-home entertaining, both easy and elegant. Along with her personal insights, Boles will share anecdotes about—and tips from—some of America’s most illustrious hostesses of decades past, including Elsie de Wolfe, Dorothy Draper and Dorothy Rodgers, as well as party secrets from today’s top tastemakers. Don’t miss this one-time opportunity to hear from one of America’s most famous design bloggers.

Pausing for a Moment of Reflection...

I've decided to take the week off for a bit of reflection and preparation for what's to come. Thanks for your understanding. See you next week!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today I celebrate my 30th birthday! I am so grateful for the years past and lessons learned.

I am thankful for new experiences, new friends, and for your readership and support! See you on Monday.

BLB Atlanta Edition: The 2009 AH&L Christmas House

I wait with great anticipation for the unveiling of the 2009 Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Christmas House! Located in Atlanta's premier Buckhead Community, this year's house benefiting the Alliance Theater for Children is expected to be the most successful Designer Show House ever!

Just check out the impressive floor plan complete with a Guest House.

Suzanne Kasler, one of my favorite Atlanta designers, is one of the many talented designers featured. Here's the interview she gave to the magazine regarding her signature style, her rooms, and Atlanta Design.


AH&L Magazine has also provided a Product Showcase list for the Christmas House. I quickly spotted a few of my personal favorites. These retailers are excellent sources for design inspiration, too! The Christmas House opens on November 14th and goes through December 6th and is available for corporate and private party rentals! I can't imagine what the cost would be to rent that place. Are any of you planning to check it out?

Evolution of My Home Office - Part 2

Here's a quick update on the evolution of my home office. If you missed part 1, click here to get caught up. I spent the better part of my Sunday afternoon spray painting like a mad woman. Prayerfully, the fumes didn't fry too many of my brain cells in the process. I'll explain in a minute...

My first priority was to take inventory of items I currently own and figure out how I could work them into the design plan. First up, an outdated lamp that previously belonged to my grandmother. I'm sure in its "hay-day" it was a fashionable piece. Without some sort of makeover, she (the lamp) and I surely could not coexist.

I picked up a can of Rustoleum Professional Grade paint in Safety Red from Lowes along with a trigger attachment and gave the old gal an extreme makeover. I also used Wipe-On Poly when the paint dried to add a high gloss.


I'm currently shopping for a new shade. I really love the clover shade on this lamp.

Candidate #2 was an Eiffel Tower lamp I purchased years ago from a consignment shop. I'd just returned from my first trip to Paris and was enamored by all things Parisian! The lamp was silver, but like Granny's lamp it had a date with destiny. I spray painted it with Valspar Metallic Gold paint and gave it a new home on top of my bookcase.


Armed with gold paint in hand, I gave this letter tray from the Ikea Dokument series the solid gold treatment.

...then glammed up these magazine files with more gold spray paint.


By now, with my affection for turning everything into gold, my husband began calling me "Queen Midas." To his good fortune, I ran out of paint.

I then wrapped a couple of mini paint cans with pretty paper I purchased from JoAnn's.
The only items I've purchased so far are these Merete curtain panels from Ikea and a curtain rod from Target. With the curtains hung high and wide on the picture window, it now brings attention to the ugly mini-blinds purchased by the previous owners.


I contemplated purchasing a new desk, but my current desk is both functional and very sturdy. Maybe a coat of paint in a high gloss black will do the trick!

Feeling like buying a can of spray paint now? Why not? It's the perfect time for outdoor DIY projects. What's on your "to-paint list?"