Sabtu, 31 Desember 2011

Interior Design Bathroom

interior design bathroom
interior design bathroom

Small Home Interior Designs

Small Home Interior Designs
Small Home Interior Designs

Small Home Interior Designs

Small Home Interior Designs
Small Home Interior Designs

Goals + A Fav.

GOALS, RESOLUTIONS, AMBITIONS, whatever you'd like to call them, I have a few I really want to focus on in 2012. I find if the list is too lengthy, not enough is accomplished. I have a top three list and then the little ideas that I'll chip away at. (look for those on Monday/Tuesday)

1. Is to continue to grow my business and blog. I am putting the finishing touches on some amazing projects, and have two photo shoots and some other exciting events on the horizon. To continue to Grow and develop all facets of SHELTER is numero uno. (Actually being the best Mommy in the world is #1 but again that sort of goes without saying) 

2.  Settle my damn divorce - Who knew this process would take so long? I just need to wrap it up and move on. When that affair (no pun on words) is settled I can accomplish my next task.

3. BUY and RENOVATE a quaint fixer upper. I'll be moving my digs this year, scary but also very exciting. Please stay posted for the change. If I do move, I will of course document any renovation and re-hab I take on.

So you ask? Why the photos of Lee Kleinhelter's work? Well, she's an inspiration. Like Lee, I enjoy keeping my designs graphic, exciting and timeless. She always gets it right and I adore her style and her shop. Her designs always WOW! I'm a sucker for the "wow" factor. My aim is to do the same for my clients.  I usually have to push them out of their comfort zones a bit, but when they take risks, I'm the first to know that they are so glad they did!!

I've always been an admirer of Lee Kleinhelter's work. She and her husband have created a dynamic team. Lee is the designer and Kevin, the builder. Lee also owns an amazing shop in Atlanta (Buckhead), GA. aptly named Pieces. (to own a tiny store front will be a future goal in say: 2015, or so)  Here's a peek at their office space.  It's clear which is hers and his..
I actually just used this paper on a project!! I never tire of a David Hicks graphic.

Jumat, 30 Desember 2011

What I learned in 2011.

hmm where to begin? This post is sort of a continuation to my 2010 "what I've learned" post, which was a moment for me to reflect on the life changing "craziness" going on at the time. 2011 was a year of adjustment and growth for me. So here are the major thoughts that currently come to mind and what I've learned:


- I've learned that life can change in an instant and you just have to hold on tight; when it sucks, embrace the good and let yourself grieve through the sad.

- I've learned you need to face adversity head on. It can be unpleasant as hell but in the end you'll be stronger, smarter and all the better because of it. Not everything, but some things, do happen for a reason.

- I've learned to remain positive, trust me it helps!!

- I've learned change is good! Always take risks even if they scare you to death.

- I've learned everything will be okay, in fact everything may be better if you hang in there!

- I've learned it's important to be independent in every way possible, have your own friends, hobbies and resources to earn your own income!

- I've learned that a run does help to clear your head. I'm not a marathoner trust me, but two miles can work wonders!

- I've learned that you truly don't need much in life to be happy. Surround your self with good people, great food, a stash of prosecco, a warm, comfortable home (the size doesn't matter!), an outfit that makes you feel fabulous, and great music.  (good health - goes without saying). Seriously, think back on the best times over the past year, I bet they don't involve much more then I've listed! 

This excerpt from Chicken Fried by Zac Brown pretty much sums it up for me:
"It's funny how it's the little things in life that mean the most, not where you live or what you drive or the price tag on your clothes, there's no dollar sign on a piece of mind, this I've come to know."

- I've learned that there is always room for improvement and growth on my outlook and attitude!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU, MY WONDERFUL READERS. YOUR COMMENTS, THOUGHTS AND EMAILS MAKE MY DAY! CHEERS!

XX,
JULIE


Best Interior Design 2011

Best Interior Design 2011
Best Interior Design 2011

Best Interior Design 2011

Best Interior Design 2011
Best Interior Design 2011

Bathrooms Interior Designs

Bathrooms interior designs
Bathrooms interior designs

Rabu, 28 Desember 2011

Interior Design Bathroom

Interior Design Bathroom
Interior Design Bathroom

style me pretty - mantels

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I'm off on a mini-shopping spree today. I have a pretty large install tomorrow and my assistants and I are also going to style my client's home. I'm styling a home next week too. I've gathered some great objects but today I'm focusing on the mantel designs. Wish me luck, I'm not sure what I'm doing yet but I've gathered some inspirational images and wanted to share them with you!



Project in Progress - My House!

For Christmas, my husband gave me one of my favorite types of presents - a project!! I love home projects and this year, he's agreed to a "freshen up" of the bookshelves/media area our family room.  As background, some of you may remember my post about the purchase of a fabulous piece of artwork from Ashley Terrell, a Mobile artist, if not click here.  My initial plan was to use the artwork in a clever way to disguise our very outdated vintage TV.  Well, I think all the talk about the pathetic vintage TV finally got to my husband and he suggested we upgrade to a flat screen with all the bells and whistle.  Also, he did not want to cover up all this new technology once it's in place (the compromises we have to make, ladies).

So, my new piece of artwork will be moving to my entryway, and the intaglios (currently in that spot) to the dining room.  This is an entirely separate post, so, more on these moves later.  

For now, here's the plan for the family room (very excited about this)!
The new TV will stay in the spot above the fireplace.  However, the wall will be pushed back (no need for the gigantic hole any longer), to accommod`te a mantel (big smile here).  Here's the mantel in it's raw form. . . .

Little history on this mantel - This was the mantel in my home growing up.  It was cut in the 1920's and used as a foundation board in the original cotton gin for the city of Laurel, Mississippi.  My Dad managed to get it when the gin was torn down in the 60's.  He kept it and used it when we built our home in 1975 as our mantel.  It hung out there until 1999 when my parents house was struck by lighting and burned for a complete loss.  

 After my parents rebuilt, this piece was salvaged and has remained in my Dad's barn.  When I learned we were going to be doing this project, I asked if I could have it.  And he said yes!!

At the present moment, it looks a little sad, but I promise it is really going to look fantastic once it's refinished and in place.  

In addition to the mantel, I'm going to be painting the insets of the bookshelves a dark color.  This will help to balance the very large black TV over the fireplace (which I am not allowed to cover up - Oh, right, I already mention that).  My hope is the dark color of the insets will draw your eye and the entire focus will not be on the mega screen.  Also, since I have several dark wood casement pieces on the other end of the room, this color will add some much needed weight to this side of the room.

Sort of like this . . . 

Still debating how far I want to go with the dark color.  Would love your thoughts!!  
Should I only paint the backs?
  
Or the backs and sides?

  Or the backs, sides and shelves? 

Or paint the entire wall of bookshelves?

See what happens when you look at interior design details all the time - I really love the look of all of them, so it's hard to make a decision.  Sort of like the dessert cart!  

Also debating the perfect color for the job - really want a gray tone, but I have lots of warm tones in my house, so I have to pick a gray with warm undertones - it can be tricky . . . 

Really liking these . . . 
BM - Kingsport Gray (a brownish gray)

BM Herbal Escape 1487 (a greenish gray)

P&L Silver Mink

SW Sticks & Stones 7503

In addition to the new mantel and dark insets, I am going to be installing library lights over each of the four bookshelves.  I've always thought the arches were too deep and didn't make sense.  But with the addition of the lights (along with some restyling of the shelves), I think I will finally like the look of them.  

Here are some images of bookshelves with library lights . . .
I've narrowed the field to these . . .


Would love your thoughts on my project and your favorite picks for paint and lighting.  And to confuse me even more, if you have other paint colors you love, please share!! M.