DESIGNER VS. DECORATOR...THE NEVERENDING DEBATE

Brian Patrick Flynn via HGTV

Brian Patrick Flynn a.k.a. Decor Demon is the newest contributor to HGTV's blog, Design Happens. Today he posed the question, "Designer vs. Decorator: What's in a Name?" Leave it to the new guy to start a heated discussion.

He interviewed 10 of his colleagues, yours truly included, and asked our opinion on the Designer vs. Decorator debate. Honestly, I was quite surprised at the various responses from the interviewees. But I also know that the 10 of us could provide only a small sample of what people really feel about the topic.

I know you have an opinion. Head over to read his article and share your thoughts in his comments section.  This should be interesting!

(ANOTHER) TWO STORY GREAT ROOM MAKEOVER

Erika Ward Interiors transforms a bland great room into a colorful welcoming place for family and friends.

THE SEDUCTION OF A MODEL HOME
Each week I receive an email from a reader needing help with their two story great room. Rooms like these are very common in the Atlanta area, especially in new construction. When potential buyers visit model homes they are instantly captivated with the decor and the soaring ceilings.

photography by Erika Ward

THE BLANK CANVAS
What buyers sometimes forget is that their new home will look more like this (below) and require more of this ($$$$$). The blank canvas they purchase requires work and often times professional help to become the showplace they fell in love with.

The above room belongs to a client who emailed me after reading a story about my family room. Prior to contacting me, she had the room painted twice and purchased this huge leather sectional, chair, and ottoman. Her daughter (the more creative of the two) made attempts to assist her, but they both agreed it was time to give me a call. I was asked to design a window treatment, add color to the space, and to make it comfortable for large family gatherings.

THE MOCKUP - VIEW #1

Because custom drapery is big investment, I create mockups to give my clients a loose interpretation of what I envision for the space. I also wanted her to focus on the large-scaled wall art in this mockup.

THE FINAL RESULT
My client was not home the day I installed her job so I was on "pins" until I got her call that afternoon when she returned home. I took a few shot of the space before I left...

BEFORE -VIEW #2
Her husband, usually very opinionated, was firm about his only request. He wanted his clock and television mounted above the fireplace.

THE MOCKUP - VIEW #2
Here's a view of the fireplace with the necessary request from the "Mister."

THE FINAL RESULT
Here is an aerial view of the family room taken from the second floor. Notice the ample moldings and coffered ceiling...gorgeous!

Have you had challenges in decorating a tall space? Do you have a two story family room that needs some expert attention? Please share your story in the comments section...

Are you looking to greatly improve the look and feel of your home? Need quality home furnishings that outlast current trends? Contact me to schedule an online or in-home design consultation.

DINING WITH THE MODERN TRAVELER

Don't you just love to hear stories about far away places from people who are passionate about travel. Conversations like these make great table discussion and gives everyone a chance to share their unique experiences.  Furthermore, if this "Modern Traveler's" home reflected their penchant for adventure visiting them would take you to a distant land without you ever having to leave your town...Case in point, this dining room

1.|TALL TALES These Aztec totem poles turned lamps tell a story through original carvings on its base. (SOLD, piecesinc.com).
2.|SCULPTURED MIRROR Pier 1's Honeycomb Mirror features mirrors within its crevices and serves dual purpose as a mirror and sculpture. ($249.95, pier1.com).
3.| LITTLE BRONZED STATUES Dransfield and Ross's wax cast horse napkin rings bring a Middle Eastern influence to the table.  ($56, horchow.com)
4.|ADD A BIT OF SPICE Ikea's Ritva Curtains in Orange bring warmth to the room and  fit any budget.  Try customizing them for a high end look. ($19/pair, ikea.com).
5.|BLACK SILK This wooden drapery rod by Houseparts shows attention to detail really does pay off.  ( houseparts.com).
6.|IT'S ALL GREEK TO ME Adding trim is a creative way to embellish ready made curtains. This greek key pattern takes your Ikea curtains from Sweden to Greece in just a few minutes. ($12/yd, lsfabrics.com)
7.|ON DISPLAY Place small collectibles under a cloche and use as a centerpiece. Consider placing it on a pedestal for all to see. ($69, westelm.com).
8.|WING IT Overstock.com caught me by surprised with the Malia White Leather Chair. This is an unlikely pair to be seen at the dining table, but I think it's a welcomed deviation from the traditional dining chair. It's white leather upholstery also makes it easier to clean. ($375.99, overstock.com)
 9.|TABLE TOPICS Ibizia dining table has a beautiful architectural base and inlaid starburst pattern. The use of a tablecloth is so passe. ( brownstone.com via erikaward.com)
 10.|NEPALESE DELIGHT Paul Smith for The Rug Company has designed this festive rug made from Tibetan wool which evokes an atmosphere of celebration. Party over here! (www.therugcompany.info)

DREAMGIRLS "DREAM BIG" GIVEAWAY

The Broadway musical Dreamgirls will hit the Fox Theatre stage in Atlanta on October 12-17, for one week only.  Aside from this being a six-time Tony Award winning stage play, I can't wait to see the costume designs and to hear the amazing, soulful voices of the cast!



Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, DREAMGIRLS tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. Hopeful talents Deena Jones, Lorrell Robinson and Effie White are performing as The Dreamettes when ambitious agent Curtis Taylor, Jr. discovers them. He lands them a job as backup singers for the soul and rock ‘n’ roll sensation James “Thunder” Early and begins to guide their quickly rising career. However, when the beautiful Deena emerges as the star of the group rather than the full-voiced Effie, the girls are brought to personal and professional crossroads.

images courtesy of Joan Marcus

The best part...I'm giving away two tickets for the show on Tuesday, October 12th at 8:00 p.m. courtesy of my friend Tammie Reed of Talking with Tami! Grab your best girlfriend, get dolled up, and remind yourself that dreams really do come true.

Here's how to enter:
1.) Leave a comment sharing with us one of your dreams.
2.) Get an extra entry by tweeting this giveaway (please leave a link)
3.) Post on Facebook for a 3rd entry

Contest ends Monday, October 4th at 11:59pm.EST. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 5th. Good Luck!

For more information, please visit the official DREAMGIRLS website at www.DreamgirlsOnStage.com

GREAT TO FINALLY MEET YOU!

I had a dream that I met all of my favorite bloggers and had what felt like a family reunion!

 from l-r: Stephanie, Carlee, Lindsey, and Marianne

Well, it really wasn't a dream but it felt like it given how fast everything happened.  Leaving Atlanta at 6:40AM, arriving in New York to spend the day with Candice (my high school friend) and a gaggle of wonderfully talented and beautiful people, attending a taping of The Nate Show, then dashing back to the airport to catch a 8:00pm flight the same night felt like life was happening at lightening speed. Good thing I had my camera and these pics to remind myself that it was, in fact, real!

Pictured with Candice Cook

Rhoda and Sarah

  Pictured with Cristin

The meetup reminded me of when I was in elementary school and would write my pen pal in Japan. The difference here is that I got a chance to meet (and even hug) my pen pals in person.

LaKeitha, Rachel's Fab Friend, and of course Rachel!

Aside from cheering each other on in our design endeavors, sharing in family joys and woes, we've all established a kinship that brings happy feelings when one of us is mentioned.

 Pictured with Nicole

Jade and Kate

 

 On the set of The Nate Berkus Show with Tamara

Last but not least, do you see this lady below? That's Janell Beals, the woman I featured in the Tastemaker Tuesday a couple of weeks ago.  She's kind of a big deal, you see and the word is getting around. Janell taped a segment at The Nate Show and from what I heard, she knocked it out of the park!

image courtesy of Janell Beals

 Run over to Janell's blog to read about her experience! It was truly a breath of fresh air!

HARLEM TOILE DE JOUY CONTEST WINNER

BACK FROM NYC

Hello Everyone!
I'm back from New York on my day adventure to The Nate Show where I was a part of the studio audience along with 90+ design bloggers...oh, what a feeling! This morning, I'm getting the twins ready for their first day of preschool and will be back later with a recap from my trip!

Take these last few hours to register to win the Harlem Toile de Jouy Giveaway. These glasses are limited edition and are so beautiful that I hate to give them away! Winner will be announced today.

Have a great day!  Chat soon!

DON'T YOU THINK RUE SHOULD ADD BLU?

After much anticipation, the premiere issue of Rue Magazine went live on yesterday! Every since I got wind of this magazine, I was an instant supporter. Bloggers Crystal Gentilello, Anne Sage, Caitlin Flemming, and Alaina Kaczmarski are the masterminds behind this FREE ONLINE publication and have shown that divine collaboration between design bloggers can yield beautiful results.

I have to say that I love every part of the magazine from the beginning to the end, but stopped in mid page turn when I saw these spreads in their Shopping Cart section. I find oodles of inspiration with fashion and home decor matchups like these and that why I do them here on BluLabel Bungalow in my GET THE LOOK series.

 Clearly, I've been trying to get the attention of the Rue Magazine ladies to consider me as a contributor or even a part of what they call their "Extended Family."  I laugh at bit because I remind myself of that guy waving the yellow flag on the side of the road at the highway work site! Persistence pays off they say. I'm sure going to find out.

For a delightful weekend read and to see what I'm so excited about, click here to check out the premier issue of Rue Magazine.

Have a wonderful weekend.

TWO STORY GREAT ROOM- UPDATE

It is no coincidence that since I wrote about my two story great room back in May that I have been getting more and more inquiries about designing tall spaces like these. I recently completed a great room that I'm looking forward to sharing with you all, but I'm waiting on my client's permission to feature their space. In the meantime, here's a reminder of what my great room looked like before and after:

This room is our central gathering place where we watch movies, play games, and entertain our guests. Since installing the drapery, I've gone a bit further in decorating the space by "shopping my house" for accessories to complete the look. This pair of glass lamps used to be in my master bedroom, but after being replaced they found a new home here! The cherry blossom tree used to be in my office and the gray/greenish vase was a freebie I found while rummaging through my friend's garage!

 

 

 Such a tall space can be quite intimidating because of its expansive walls and soaring ceilings. Another concern people have is that the space is generally open to other areas of the house and they want to maintain a flow from one room to the other.

Lastly, I've been asked to address the fact that though the room is one that is "grand" in nature, it still should be warm and family-friendly. My little ones have no problem getting comfortable here in our home.

Do you have a room with tall ceilings? Need direction or custom window treatments? Contact me to schedule a consultation and let's get busy in creating a space you can be excited about!

TASTEMAKER TUESDAY: INTERVIEW WITH SHEILA BRIDGES

My first introduction to Sheila Bridges was on television where she hosted four seasons of Sheila Bridges Designer Living for the FINE LIVING NETWORK. Week after week, I took meticulous style notes on solving design dilemmas and finding home decor inspiration for my modest apartment.

Her decorating philosophy heavily focuses on choosing quality furnishings that last a lifetime, no matter the price point. But what I gathered most important from her work is that she loves creating culturally relevant spaces that resonate with the homeowner.

She designs residences and offices for many prominent entertainers and business professionals from former President Bill Clinton, to Andre Harrell and Sean "P. Diddy" Combs.

It comes as no surprise that she was named "American's Best Interior Designer" by CNN and Time Magazine. She has also made many televised appearances including The Oprah Winfrey Show and has been a regular contributor on NBC's Today Show.  Her work is featured in magazines such as Martha Stewart Living, Ebony, Country Living, Elle Décor, Interior Design, and Vanity Fair to name a few.

Yes, there is a lot of pomp and circumstance surrounding Sheila Bridges, but I find access to her through her book Furnishing Forward and most recently when I had a chance to conduct this interview for BluLabel Bungalow.

Share with us a little about your background. Where are you from, who were your early influences? Tell us a bit about your educational background.
I grew up in Philadelphia where my parents still live in my childhood home.  I hold degrees from both Brown University and Parsons School of Design.  During my junior year at Brown, I studied abroad in Italy which was my first major exposure to design, architecture and the decorative arts.  While at Parsons, I lived in Italy again briefly which further solidified my interest in design.

What do you love most about your work?
I love the fact that every day is different.  No two days are alike and no two clients or their homes are alike.  I really enjoy the creative process and feel like I am always learning something new.


Please share with us the inspiration behind your Harlem Toile de Jouy fabric and wallpaper. Has this design been the most popular of all?
I designed Harlem Toile de Jouy because I couldn’t find a toile that I wanted to live with in my own home.  I have always enjoyed the satirical and whimsical nature of toiles and the idea of telling a story in a fabric or wallcovering.  I wanted a toile that told a story about African Americans on my walls.  This is by far our biggest selling wallpaper design.

The Harlem Toile de Jouy pattern is represented in the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum's permanent wallpaper collection.

If you could live in any period of time for its interior design, what would it be?
As much as I appreciate history I really can’t imagine living in any other period than now!

What is a typical day for you?
I don’t really have a typical day but most days start with the gym and my dogs in Central Park for a long walk. After that the work day begins.  I may have client meetings or do some shopping at the D & D building or stop by a job site to see how construction is going. Most afternoons are spent doing paperwork and sending emails. Some weeks I have to travel for clients who live out of town.  My schedule is always very unpredictable and pretty hectic.

I love reading your tweets about the latest happenings on your farm. Have you always had both homes or at what point did you decide you wanted to slow down a bit?
I decided to slow things down after my TV show ended a few years ago.  I was burning the candle at both ends for several years and felt like I needed more balance in my life.  As much as I love Harlem I also love country life.  I guess I’ve always been a bit of a closeted farmer and find my animals fascinating.

What was it like designing for President Bill Clinton and his staff? Was the office environment different from most?
It was a great project and I feel honored to have been selected.  The former President was very decisive about what he liked and wanted for his office space, and surprisingly his tastes were quite contemporary and modern.

I watched your show Sheila Bridges Designer Living faithfully and was brokenhearted when the network went off air. How did you get your start in television? What it an easy transition?
I was fortunate enough to have been approached by the Fine Living network several years ago about having a design show.  I think that they had followed me in the press and were familiar with my work and my design book Furnishing Forward.  I realize that my experience was very atypical as I was not looking to get into television at the time but it was an opportunity that was tough to pass up! The transition was tough as I juggled running a busy design firm and a taping 56 episodes of a design show.

For those who don’t have the high-end budget, what advice can you give when designing on a limited budget?
My book Furnishing Forward (which I wrote several years ago) has all sorts of practical advice about furnishing on a budget. I think that it’s always a good idea to spend money on the big ticket items first; a nice bed, living room sofa, dining table, etc. I also think it’s important to enjoy the decorating process by taking your time instead of rushing to get everything finished quickly.

Has concern for the economy influenced your style and design?
The design industry has been hit hard by the economic downturn of the past two years and it will be interesting to see how our profession comes out on the other side. I think everyone (myself included) is trying to come up with less expensive solutions to design problems without compromising good taste and style.

What is you ideal work environment?
Being surrounded by smart, creative and inspired people.

When not designing I am...

On the tennis court, riding horses, tending to my sheep, hiking with my dogs, or traveling with friends.


Highest Compliment…
Being named America’s best Interior Designer by CNN and Time Magazine in 2001.

Lucky Break…
Getting hired by Andre Harrell (who was chairman of Motown Records) to design his new apartment which eventually ended up on the cover of House & Garden magazine.



Looking forward to...
Hopefully the best is yet to come.

Special thanks to Sheila Bridges for inspiring us with her amazing talent and entrepreneurial prowess! As a token of thanks to you, the BluLabel Bungalow readers, Sheila Bridges Home has sent me a set of six limited edition Harlem Toile de Jouy drinking glasses to offer for this giveaway! There will be only ONE WINNER!

Every commenter will be entered to win. Here's how to receive additional chances to win:

1. Click here to follow BluLabel Bungalow. 
2. Click here to follow Sheila Bridges on Twitter.
3. Click here to visit Sheila Bridges Home and let me know how you plan to use your Harlem Toile de Jouy glasses. 
4. Blog about this giveaway (please provide link).
5. Mention this giveaway on Facebook. (please provide link).

Please remember to leave a separate comment for each entry. Good Luck!