TASTEMAKER TUESDAY: JANSSEN ROBINSON

Over the past decade, Atlanta-based artist Janssen Robinson has been painting the town with the stealth and precision of Zorro.  He slows his pace a bit for an interview with Erika Ward to share his story from the very beginning.


There's nothing sweeter than a trip down memory lane. This is especially true when you crossed paths with a talent like Janssen Robinson. He's come a long way since I first met him in high school. No embarrassing stories here, only admiration for a dear friend who's dream of becoming a phenomenal artist has been realized. I remember one of his first commissions included drawing and painting our school's mascot (a Raider/Pirate) in the center of the gymnasium floor. We all stood around proudly and in wide-eyed astonishment at the masterpiece he created.

I fast forward through the yesteryear and to the present where now have the honor to interview, for BluLabel Bungalow, my friend and seasoned artist, Janssen Robinson. I hope you enjoy!

Erika Ward: My three kids create artwork at the speed of light. I always wonder who's going to be our "Baby Picasso." At what age did you realize that you have a natural gift for drawing and painting?

Janssen Robinson: Remember those watercolor sets we all got when we were kids? I think I was six years old; I messed around and learned the chemistry of mixing water with dry pigment and with a brush, spreading it across the paper to create something. Instantly, I fell in love with that form of expression and never let it go.

EW: What part did your parents play in developing/supporting your craft?

JR: I would say the most important part! Early on, my mother recognized my interest in art and always supported that interest by buying me supplies and enrolling me into art programs. Every time at Christmas or on my birthday I could count on getting some new art supply.

I remember one strange summer occasion; I had to have been around ten years old. My mom took me to a high school somewhere in Buckhead and there was a classroom filled with kids sitting at tables like the ones that you see in chemistry labs. On each table there sat a bowl of popcorn, not to eat but to draw without looking at the page. The instructors said imagine you are an ant crawling over the popcorn and slowly draw that path. Wow, imagine how that felt! I realized much later that I was being exposed to college training. Through the support of my mother and stepfather, my natural abilities in art were cultivated early.



EW: Having cultivated your artistic foundation here in the States, how did your prior studies in Cortona, Italy influence the work you do today?

JR:That was my first time studying abroad, so it provided me an international perspective I had never previously experienced. Atlanta is great, but I could never have seen the world the same way as I did in Italy.

EW: When I learned of your recent work, I immediately thought "I need to host an event. ASAP!" Real-time paintings, how did you come up with this concept?

JR: The “Now Painting” concept, as I call it, came about from a desire to get myself out in the art world and do something that I love. Giving to causes, painting in front of diverse audiences, meeting new people and challenging myself, all are accomplished with this concept. I feel like this is my calling and it gives me purpose.



EW: I would have to do my best not to hover while you work. Amazing. What goes through your mind when you are creating a “Now Painting?” Do you freeze a moment in time and paint from memory?

JR: No, everything is all about the “Now.” I keep a clear mind, because everything changes. The crowd, for instance, is constantly moving and, if outside, the light is constantly changing. This is the thrill and challenge of the unexpected. I recently made a Now painting on a boat at Lake Lanier. The rock of the boat in motion and the changing tree line were welcomed challenges for me.


EW: In your absence, what do your paintings say about you/who you are/how you work?

JR: They say, “Janssen wants you to look at the everyday world differently. There are events taking place now and you may have never given it a second thought until now. He works fast and captures the energy of a setting, imagine yourself somewhere in it.”



EW: What can we do to help promote outstanding artists like yourself and those around the world?

JR: Thank you! For starters, I think it is imperative that the world knows we even exist. The art world is huge and only a select few get the attention they deserve. Our culture should never get to a point when funding for arts is cut from a budget or eliminated from school curriculum. Creative people solve the problems of the world. So, creative outlets like yours need to be magnified and pervasive just as much as TV and radio.


Favorite artist medium… Right now, acrylic.

Artist you admire [either classic or contemporary]… Louis Armstrong, his canvas was sound. Some of the most beautiful colors.

When you are not painting, you also enjoy…. I enjoy listening to new music and discovering new sounds.

What would we be surprised to learn about you….. I think you would be surprised to know that Istudied scientific illustration.

THE SOFTER SIDE OF MODERN DESIGN

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Boston-based interior designer Rachel Reider for houzz.com. The interview's focus is on a contemporary home in which Rachel incorporated diverse materials and textures to create what she calls "soft modern." Click here to read the article and indulge in these gorgeous spaces.



What I love most about Rachel's designs is her use of color and sculptural accent furniture. For example, take notice of her choice of accent tables when you browse her portfolio. Simply marvelous!

Which ideas would you borrow from Rachel's designs?

THANK YOU TOBI FAIRLEY!

Happy Weekend Friends!
It's been a long, trying week for me battling a mean, summer cold but I'm feeling much better today. Thank you for all your get well emails and tweets. I swear my readers are the best.

Today I'm guest posting at Tobi Fairley's blog for July's All-American series. She's asked a number of bloggers and industry professionals to take part. It was a honor to do so. Without further delay, here's my visual. You'll have to read the rest at Tobi's to see what all this design goodness is all about! Click here.

created by Erika Ward

In other Tobi Fairley news, I was thrilled when Houzz.com asked me to interview her. Such a generous spirit, Tobi shares her advice for creating her signature look: bold, colorful, and timeless. See that interview here.

I'll be back to regular posting next week. I sure missed you guys. See you soon!

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!

TACKLING DESIGN

Dallas-based Interior Designer Abbe Feninore takes us on a tour of a modern bachelor loft and offers tips on designing for dudes. photography Melanie Johnson for StudioTen25

Men. Football. Interior Design...

A series words you generally don't find in the same article. Unless, of course, you happen to be interviewing Abbe Fenimore about her latest venture with Dallas Cowboys Tight End, Martellus Bennett.  Martellus wanted this downtown loft to be a complete 180 from his current condo just outside of Dallas. He wanted a fun loft where he could record music, hang out with his friends and be in the center of the Dallas scene. Since this was the second home she designed for Martellus, she knew exactly what to expect. When they walked into the empty industrial space his only request were:

1. Purple and gray color palette.

2. Large, comfortable, and affordable furniture pieces that would be easy to clean and quick to delivery.

3. A few fun must have pieces like the pool table, arcade games and a place for his recording "studio".

...and she had about three weeks to pull it all together!

ERIKA WARD: Which item was the jumping off point for the living room design? The rug, art, or neither.

ABBE FENIMORE: It's never that cut and dry with Martellus. He is full of ideas so it's my job to find most important items on the wish list and go from there. I actually started with the sofa. I found a 96" long piece from Room and Board that he could lay down on without his feet hanging off! Everything else just fell into place after that.

How would you describe the style of this home? What makes it a bachelor space?

This space was the cliche contemporary/modern downtown loft complete with floor to ceiling windows, exposed ceilings and concrete from head to toe. I wanted to bring in his personality with color, texture and unique elements. It would have been boring if we would have created the standard loft apartment. It's the perfect bachelor pad! The pool table takes the place of a dining table, the master closet is a mini recording studio and the pacman arcade game took the place of a washer/dryer.

This loft has a modern, playful vibe. How did you manage to keep a youthful look while maintaining a sense of maturity in the space?

I started by selecting furniture pieces that could be used in other space once he moved out of the loft. The sofa has a classic modern shape but the fabric was very masculine and pulled together. Adding color is the key to being playful, but using muted and warm tones give the apartment a mature feel.  Layering the rooms with fun accessories was the only way to bring in Martellus' personality. I didn't want the place to feel cluttered and junky so each accessory was well thought out.

 

Tell me a little about the Warhol-esque picture above the bed.

This was actually a piece that I surprised Martellus with. He is an artist at heart and spends his free time painting and drawing. I knew he loved Eva Mendes and when I found this purple pop art piece, I snagged it right away. He loved it!

What advice do you give for creating a cohesive look in a open concept plan?

• Start with a color palette that you love and use a little pop of those colors in each room. Use pillows, art and patterned rugs to keep things interesting.

• Grounding the rooms with neutral pieces like the accent chairs and sofa will be the key to get the most out of the space. Invest in good quality pieces that can be relocated easily and updated with a few pillows.

• Use spaces where your limited on space and configuration to your advantage. Dual purpose pieces can be more interesting in the long run.

• Keep it simple. Use ottomans or garden stool as a coffee table and them easily move them around for extra seating when you have guests over. 

What do you like most about designing spaces for men?

Simplicity simplicity simplicity. Most most don't care about the details.

I stick with basic questions and get the more important answers the first time around. I let them handle the electronic and always offer to have everything installed for them.

Let's go shopping for a bachelor's pad! Where to?

Room and Board, Crate and Barrel, Zgallerie and West Elm are my go to places.

All of these retailers have stylish furniture and accessories that usually wipe down well. Guys don't like to wait 6-8 weeks for something to arrive and most of these places deliver in two weeks or less.

Art.Com is a great resource for pieces that you can purchase framed or create a custom piece by selecting your mats and frame. It's simple and every guy can relate to that.

Bed Bath & Beyond can overwhelm a bachelor but if you take them directly to the towels for example...you can usually get the job done. My advice, get their preferences, purchase a second option if your not sure and return the rest!

  

RESOURCES

Sofa: Room & Board

Rug: CB2

Floor Lamp: CB2

Accent Chairs: Ikea

Koi Art above sofa: Client purchase at charity event

Pillows: CB2 & West Elm

Master Bed: West Elm

Bedding: Ikea  and West Elm

Pillows: Custom

Rug: West Elm

Dresser: West Elm

Lamps: TJ Maxx Homegoods

WEEKEND READING: TOBI FAIRLEY INTERVIEW

image via Tradition Home

Tobi Fairley talks to Brian Patrick Flynn of HGTV's Design Happens about her lively spaces and generously offers many helpful design tips. Check it out here >>

TASTEMAKER TUESDAY: INTERVIEW WITH ELAINE GRIFFIN

It was such a treat to finally catch up with New York-based designer, Elaine Griffin. To simply say that she is busy, would be a complete understatement. From taping design segments on the Today's Show to her new campaign with HomeGoods, and of course juggling her successful design business, it seems that everyone is in hot pursuit of her time and talents. An alum of both Yale and the New York School of Interior Design, and a Georgia native (might I add), what attracted me to Elaine was her ability to perform in the realm of high end design, yet still have a passion for helping design enthusiasts with modest budgets.

She is a contributing editor of Better Homes & Gardens, a former contributing and special projects editor at Elle Decor and is ranked as one of House Beautiful's Top 100 American Designers. Elaine's work has been featured in publications including Elle Decor, House Beautiful, the New York Times, Daily News and Post, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Accents, New York magazine, and Oprah's O at Home.

Welcome Elaine, it's a pleasure to have you with us today...

How has your Southern upbringing influenced you as a designer?
Being Southern is more than a place of birth – it’s a lifestyle! No matter where you live as an adult, if you grew up in the South (I’m from Brunswick), then that’s “home” and you are forever Southern. I adore Manhattan and I love living in NYC, but the South Georgia’s Golden Isles will always be home. Southerners invented gracious living and hospitality (honey, there’s no such thing as Northern Hospitality!!!), and I like to leave my clients with a bit of that, too. There will always be enough chairs to pull up and sit a spell, like we do down home, and my work isn’t done until clients are ready for a dinner party for at least 8, even in a hermit’s studio apartment.

Your bio says that you spend some time in Paris as a publicist. I adore Paris! Please tell us a bit about that time in your career.
Interior design is my second career. I was a publicist in New York and then in Paris for nine years after I graduated from Yale. Paris is the most beautiful city in the world (next to St. Simons and Sea Island!), and if reincarnation exists, then I’m coming back to work in New York by day and commute to Paris every night. New Yorkers are all workaholics (I am, too) but Parisians live the best lives – they really enjoy every day and have fabulous social lives.

Please describe an average day in your life.
I’m a morning person (to the chagrin of my husband, who is not), so I’m up between 5 and 6. During the day, we handle client projects and whatever else that’s cooking for us – it could be working on a morning TV segment, handling media inquiries, doing research or shopping for a BH&G makeover or another BH&G project, or any of the 42 other pies we have our fingers in at the moment; we’re always zooming around. I check in with my husband Michael, who is a psychoanalyst, a gazillion times a day via e-mail to stay in touch. We always have dinner together when we are both at home; if I’m on set or on location, he waits up for me to say goodnight, in person or on the phone. And I call my mom in Brunswick to say hi almost daily (like all good Southern girls do).

Congratulations on completing your first book, Design Rules. How long was this book in the making? Will there be more books in the future?
Design Rules: The Insider’s Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator, launched in November 2009 (Gotham Books), and it took about two years to do, soup to nuts. It’s meant to be The Joy of Cooking for home decorating – it arms you with all the rules, proportions, tricks of the trade that professionals call on every day to create beautiful homes, but that most “civilians” don’t know.
We’re in the planning stages now of Book Number Two! More on that to come.


Define your signature style.
The one design rule I never break is that rooms should look like the people who live in them. So while I don’t have a signature style that’s as immediately recognizable as some of my other colleagues (because if a client wants modern, we do modern, and so forth), what you’ll always see in my work is warmth, coziness (even in an igloo), color and texture, and an interesting (I hope!) combination of patterns, texture, finishes and styles.

What are some of your favorite finishing touches when designing a room?
Every room should have a collection of objects that look like they were accumulated on travels around the world. Note I said “look like” – because I believe in hitting stores with fab accessories like HomeGoods to get those objects, if a client has been too busy to get to “take world tour” on their “to-do” list! Without the personalizing little things that say “so-and-so lives here,” rooms look like elegant, sterile hotel suites where no one permanently resides.

Also, coffee table styling can be hard to do, so here’s my no-fail formula:  a pretty tray, a stack of 2 or 3 coffee table books, a sculptural object like a seashell (5 – 8” tall max), a decorative box, and a small bouquet of flowers or little house plant somewhere like on top of the tray.  With at least three of these or more, depending on your coffee table’s size, you’re golden!

Now that Fall is here, what changes have you made to your home’s decor? 
I removed my window unit air conditioners!!! LOL (Pre-war buildings in NYC still use them.)   Otherwise, my changes for the seasons are subtle:  I changed my mantle display in the living room so it’s a little less summery; I changed my fragrant candles from beachy to a little woodsier; put out darker, heavier throws on the sofas and changed my bedding.


What is your ideal work environment?
Creative, quirky, encouraging and cute!  I believe in the power of the creative collaboration – I want to hear what everyone is thinking so we can run with the best idea.  We’re selling style, so I want oodles of that around me, as well.  And finally, I laugh constantly, so my team does, too.

When not designing, I am…
Exhaling.  Creative people should always take time to rejuvenate, even when we live and breathe our work.

Heroes...
SO many! Great design legends like Frances Elkins, Renzo Mongiardino, David Hicks, Peter Marino (for whom I used to work); the great women of style like Coco Chanel and Babe Paley; great black leaders like Harriet Tubman (whom I’d sit next to me at my fantasy historical figures dinner) ; my mother, who taught me to accessorize . . .

Highest Compliment…
My mom walked into the Southern Accents showhouse we did at Hampton Island, near Savannah – it was the first time she’d ever gotten to actually SEE one of my projects first-hand – and said, “Nice job!”  Although she then made me move two foyer chairs to better locations.

Lucky Break…
After attending the New York School of Interior Design, I sent out ten letters to the 10 industry figures I most wanted to work with.  I got one response back, from Peter Marino’s senior architect, who was looking for an assistant.  And the rest is history.

Eureka Moment…
Realizing that God’s “not right now’s” don’t necessarily mean “no,” and that His “no’s” are always in my best interest (which still makes them a kind of “yes,” no?), even if I can’t figure out why.

Looking forward to…
Getting started on my next design book!  We’re lining everything up now and that’s the exciting part!  The actual writing of a book can be a chore – like a term paper that seemingly will not end.

Best Advice…
From Oprah, who told a group of teens we’d done a Good Works Makeover for at their group home:  “Go after what you want in life, because what you want is never going to go after you.”

...and speaking of advice. Check out this video from a series where Elaine gives great decorating advice in 30 secs or less! You can also find the others here.





I found Elaine's interview to be motivational and so inspiring. One of my favorite answers she gave was regarding her "Eureka Moment." What was your favorite part of the interview?

images courtesy of Elaine Griffin Interior Design

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!

TASTEMAKER TUESDAY: INTERVIEW WITH JANELL BEALS

It's not often that you meet someone who has had successful careers in both fashion and interior design. Janell Beals, on the other hand, has done just that. She's parlayed her passion for design into a clothing line, Janell Beals Design, then into a career in interior design with Isabella and Max Rooms. Though she has left the fashion world behind, its influence remains in her approach to interior design.

In this interview Janell explains the parallel between the two fields. She also gives insight as to how her skills as a fashion designer became transferable in her current field of interior design.

Janell found much success as a clothing designer receiving accolades from WWD and The Chicago Tribune

When choosing fabrics for a decor project, how is your approach similar to choosing fabrics for a clothing design?
Movement, texture, pattern and colors...I love fabric, I get completely excited when shopping for fabrics especially if I find something exceptional. I love to feel it, scrunch it in my hand to see how it will "behave". I find I am frequently using my past experience with fashion to create clothing's counterpoints in interior design: drapes, pillows, bedding.

What unlikely element in fashion design, would you also consider in interior design?
Movement, flow...energy. Clothing is not static, it is always changing and moving, and while interiors are much more static, it is important to bring in a sense of movement. Drapes that move in the breeze, flowers and plants, music is very important in a space, seeing how light moves around a room as well.

As a avid reader of your blog, I'm amazed at how well and how quickly your designs come together. What is your secret?
A sharp eye. I can quickly read a space, see existing problems. It is like fitting a garment, quickly analyzing what you see and what requires adjusting to create a strong design with great lines and fit. I try to do this is a room...I'm still learning.

What two important considerations in fashion are equally important in interior design?
In clothing the proportion and lines (after fit) are everything. The same is true of many items used in decor, furniture, art, light fixtures, accessories.

Janell, I read that you received a BFA in Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. From your studies of painting and drawing can you "draw" a parallel between painting a picture and designing a space? If so, please give us a few words of advice.

1. Rather than predetermining ever aspect of the design prior to beginning, let the project evolve. Make decisions and change directions as the picture unfolds...somewhat like when working on a painting.
2. In the same way you pay attention to how your eye is drawn around a piece of art, pay attention to this characteristic in a room. Attempt to bring energy into a space that keeps your eye moving around the space and back again.
3. I find a lot of people are uncomfortable with empty areas of a room, believing each surface, wall and corner has to be filled. Instead of enhancing a room, this can often detract from its success in the end. In fine art negative or empty space is given as much attention as filled space. When making decisions about how to decorate your space, don't be afraid to leave areas empty, knowing they also play an important roll in the design of a room. 

If this is your first introduction to Janell Beals, I advise you to visit and subscribe to her blog for daily inspiration and a plethora of home decor projects. You will thank me later!

Janell, thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to indulge us in your adventures in fashion and interior design. You are truly a wonder and I look forward to seeing your "new" career skyrocket like never before!

TASTEMAKER TUESDAY: INTERVIEW WITH LEE KLEINHELTER

I love to hear stories of successful women in design who balance work, family, and their social lives and make it look completely effortless. Lee Kleinhelter is a perfect example.  She has been a woman on my radar even before I featured her work back in January of this year. Owner of Pieces, a high profile home boutique here in Atlanta, she has made quite a name for herself as a purveyor of vintage finds. Pieces carries a range of furniture and lighting from the 1940's through the 1980's that have been upholstered, painted, rewired, or reworked in a way that transforms them into unique treasures.

The night I finally met Lee was at a Pieces event featuring Jonathan Adler's pottery collection where I professed my love of her work and admiration for all she has accomplished.

As Part 2 of Lee's original feature, she graciously agreed to an interview with BluLabel Bungalow. In this interview, I asked about her early beginnings, personal style, family, and her greatest piece of advice. Enjoy!

How has your Southern upbringing influenced you as a designer?
Actually it's not about a region but more about a person. More than the South, I was influenced by my Southern mother.  She was always pointing out interesting Southern architecture. Growing up in Greensboro, NC her love for old homes really shaped me. Probably my first major influence (in that way) was Otto Zenke, a famous architect/designer, who built much of Irving Park. My early appreciation for the quality of work in that era has really stuck with me. I continue to love design that is built to last.

With a husband, two children, and a business that has the demands of a “third” child, how do you manage to keep it all together?
It’s a juggling act that's not easy because I like order. Kevin is an amazing husband and father and he is a huge part of keeping everything on track. Our businesses are integrated into our lives so that's not only fun...it's helpful. As a woman, we sometimes feel like we have to do everything, and of course we can't. Kevin and I are very much partners in parenting and I'm thankful for that.

Please describe an average day in your life.
Honestly, there really isn’t an average day. I'm serious about that. I think that's why I am so in love with what I do.

The blog world went bananas over your feature in Lonny Magazine and Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle Magazine. How does it feel to get instant feedback from a blog audience when reading the post comments?
The blogging community has been so supportive and it truly makes all the hard work worthwhile when people understand or appreciate what you do. I love that there is an outlet for people to express what they enjoy in design. And wow, there are some amazing bloggers out there who are extremely talented. You all inspire me!

Define your signature style.
Fresh, clean modern approach using updated vintage finds in an unexpected way. Having said that, I think that description is probably used a lot for designers. I guess what sets me apart is that I layer and I'm a ferocious editor.

With Fall’s pending arrival, what changes will you make to your home’s décor?
Our home is always changing. (an occupational hazard) I obviously keep the main pieces but I'm always rotating chairs or other finds in and out of our space.  I like our home to have little clutter. In the store we are currently having a big pillow sale (which I never do) so that I can transform the look of the store for Fall. Can't wait for the new. We are changing it up and completely inspired right now. 

 What are some of your favorite finishing touches when designing a room?
There is really no set answer or formula for me. I just know when it’s the right balance. My favorite moment is when we install the "wow" piece. (like a fabulous light fixture that anchors the room) I don’t add a lot of smalls. I think each piece needs to be incredible and make a statement.

What is your ideal work environment?
Very clean and ORDER. I cannot handle stacks or messes. I like everyone that I hire to have the same OCD qualities. It's true...

When not designing I am…
Always designing. Otherwise I am playing with Holden.

Highest Compliment…
30 pages in Lonny was extremely flattering.

Lucky Break…
Working for Dan Carithers.

Eureka Moment…
Thinking its around the corner!

Looking forward to…
What’s next...stay tuned.

Best Advice…
Don’t spend it all in one place. (However, I always seem to blow it on the shoes!)


*Thank you again Lee for sharing your passion with our readers! A special thanks to Kyle Jones Tibbs of And She Told Two Friends Communications and to Susan of Pieces.

image courtesy via Pieces, Inc, David Naugle for NaugleWorks, House Beautiful, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine, Lonny Magazine, and Erika Ward for BluLabel Bungalow