The Evolution of Personal Style...

Do you have trouble pinpointing your personal style? I sure do. When I graduated from college 10 years ago, I preferred very contemporary furnishings. My decor consisted of light colored leather, chrome accent tables, and blond woods.  I bought most of my furniture from this place and would not consider anything that deviated from it.

Now my taste is more on the traditional side of contemporary with a  rustic mix...well at least for now.  Targeting one style is difficult because I have an appreciation for all design styles. But if I had to choose one, I would call it RUSTIC GLAMOUR. The images below accurately point to my current decor preferences.

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The above bedroom is currently being used as inspiration for our master bedroom.  I generally prefer neutral colors in the bedroom and use various textures to add interest.  I love the way the designer, Susan Ferrier, used both contemporary and rustic elements to create a space that is both masculine and feminine.

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Taking a risk in expressing yourself in your decor is always a good idea. Adding bold colors to an otherwise neutral room breathes energy into a space.  This room is a good example.  The designer used graphic accent pillows to pull vibrant colors from artwork and boosted the glam factor with this ultra reflective chandelier.

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This above keeping room was a part of the 2009 Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine Christmas House.  The designer, Suzanne Kasler, describes it as "chic and modern, at the same time classically comfortable." I fell in love with the silvery blue walls, subtle animal printed rug, and the smooth cognac leather on the mid-century modern chairs and the Greek key benches.

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I feel at home when sitting in a room that opens to the outdoors. Wide open spaces and views of the sand and surf has me California dreaming...The light, billowy curtains, rustic coffee table, and suzani throw pillows leaves me looking for the nearest fainting couch, *swoon.*

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This home office also designed for the AH&L Christmas house (by Bungalow Classic)  makes me want to throw away all my furniture and start over. Getting straight to the point, I NEED that desk chair! I'm afraid to know the cost for it may truly break my heart, but I will settle for an adaptation **currently searching ebay and craigslist!**

What is your personal style? I asked interior designer Palmer Weiss the same question during an exclusive interview with BluLabel Bungalow. Be sure to read her answer in tomorrow's Tastemaker Tuesday post!

Delectable Kitchen Ideas and Inspiration

I'm a bit short on words today, but this post is chocked full of ideas, inspiration, and a must see event.  On Saturday, March 20th and Sunday March 21st, the Junior League of Atlanta is hosting their 13th Annual Tour of Kitchens. They were gracious enough to offer sneak peeks via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle Magazine of the 14 kitchens featured this year.  I instantly went into panic mode because of a major scheduling conflict which may threaten my chances of attending, but I've got one more week to pull some strings...This comes just in time as I am making my kitchen decor wish list.  If you too are brainstorming ideas or just daydreaming, grab a pen and pad before you read this post.  I'll be interested in knowing which kitchen tickles your fancy.   

 

Leave the number of your favorite kitchen in the comments section!

Tastemaker Tuesday: Lee Kleinhelter

In case you haven't heard of Lee Kleinhelter, I'm sure you have heard of her home decor boutique Pieces, Inc.  in Atlanta.  The blog world as well as publications such as Elle Decor, Cottage Living, InStyle, Lucky and Domino have featured many items from this high-end boutique . And with a boutique known for its "sophisticated and youthful with a bit of Southern Califnornia or Hamptons style," I couldn't wait to get a peek into the owner's new home.  Lee, along with her husband, decorated their condo in Sovereign (a high-end Buckhead high rise) in only two short weeks!  Take a tour of this glamourous, yet family friendly home courtesy of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine.

  Enjoy the tour as much as I did? High end design doesn't always have to be so pretentious!

Be sure to check out Pieces if you haven't already! You're in for some serious eye candy.

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!

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.

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?