Spectacular Kitchens of NC Contest!

I have exciting news!  I am currently entered in the North Carolina Design Readers' Choice Contest for Kitchens.  My design, along with those of the other contestants, can be viewed here on the North Carolina Designs website.  My design is titled "Dining in Tonight", and you can support me by voting everyday until July 17th.  Voting is easy- simply go to the website, scroll down to the "Comments" section and type in the name of my design ("Dining in Tonight"), then submit your vote!  The contest webpage features the following 2 pictures of my design:

We installed Sub-Zero & Wolf appliances.  The kitchen also features hand painted Venetian plaster walls that beautifully contrast and create an open and airy feel with lots of natural light.  The client is an avid cook who wanted a warm, romantic environment where she could entertain friends and family in a comfortable and inviting kitchen.

Here is a closer look at the different aspects of this design:

Custom copper hood

 Currey & Company light fixture

Custom wood ceiling, stained to compliment the architectural features in the kitchen

TECH Lighting light fixtures

Don't forget to vote for this design everyday until July 17th!  Thanks for your support!

Rolling stones; At home on Stage

My husband is an huge Rolling Stones fan and this past weekend we went to Philly with our daughter to see them in concert.  As I was sitting in the arena waiting to hear them play, I thought about the important role that the stage,  backdrop, lighting and props play in creating our concert experience.

 

Friday night, the stage was the Rolling Stones home and Jagger was welcoming all 25,000 of us into his space. A lot of thought went into exactly how the stage was going to be dressed and  the lighting needed to make the setting just perfect.

 

Our homes are no different.  When we think about the design of our homes, like their stage, we need to make sure the backdrop, meaning our walls and the art on them, as well as the layers of lighting and our props (floor coverings and accessories) all complement each other.  We are in fact creating our experience of comfort that reflects how we like to live.

 

Most importantly just how the Rolling Stones stage reflects the groups image and music, our homes reflect our lifestyles.

Style Spotting at ICFF, NY

Style Spotting at ICFF, New York Spring 2013

What's HOT at ICFF

ICFF is the premier showcase in North America for contemporary design featuring the latest trends.
While I was in NY for Blogfest2013 I had a chance to visit.  The exhibits are from all over the globe and show contemporary flooring, carpeting, wall coverings, lighting, accessories, textiles, outdoor furniture,  kitchen and bath fixtures for both residential and commercial interiors.

It's so exciting to see first hand the innovative and original products coming to our markets. 

There was so much to see and experience so  I can only share a few of my favorites for now

Molo, a company out of Vancouver, BC was one of the most interesting ones I've seen

Seating, Lighting and partitions to name  a few, created from paper honeycomb structures that fan and open creating stools, benches and lighting.  It is made from 100% recyclable content and flame retardant.  One of my favorite features of these pieces is that they all fold into a small accordion piece and therefore require minimal storage.

Sublime, a line of furniture blending art, color and polished acrylic.  Simply beautiful!

The coffee table below is an example of how acrylic is used to create a one of a kind coffee table.

Moxie, a Showerhead + Wireless Speaker.  These wonderful little cone shaped nozzles are actually magnetic , waterproof speakers that fit into a showerhead.  COOL right! 
Currently,  they are available in white but will be available in colors at the end of June.
Not only can you shower with them, but because they're magnetic, you can take them with you, pair them with your Bluetooth and enjoy your music.

 

I loved going to ICFF to see what's coming and what's available.  It's always exciting to see the innovation and creativity that's available.

Let me know what you think of these products.

Why hire an Interior Designer, Four FAQ'S

 

A good interior designer brings

their professional knowledge, education and experience to the table. 

Design is not just about making something pretty, it's about function and making it work. 

It's so exciting to know that spring is here and with that comes the longer days of sunshine.  Sometimes that sunshine exposes concerns and new issues that seem to pop up in our homes from year to year.  If that happens to be your case and you are considering making some changes or it just happens to be that time, then you will appreciate learning how

Hiring an interior designer will help you save time and money and get the look and feel that is right for YOUR lifestyle

 Why Hire an Interior Designer

                                                                             Four FAQ'S

How will you help me save time?

People tend to spin their wheels running around town or spending endless hours on the computer looking for just the right piece.  Many have a very hard time making decisions and feel overwhelmed by the design process or simply want something done but don't have the time.

I bring to the table creative ways to solve problems and build my business around resources that offer solutions and save you time.

I think it's going to cost me more, are you sure you'll save me money?

Have you ever made any of the following mistakes?
*Overbuying to get just the right piece?
*Falling in love with a piece of furniture you see in a catalog, online or in a store and think it's the perfect piece only to have it delivered and it's the wrong size or color?  

*Have you ever had your room painted and realized after you paid the painter that you hated the color.

My job is to save you money by avoiding costly mistakes.    

Thinking about remodeling or re-freshening a room?  I have the resources to guide you in the right direction so that the job is done once and it's done right! 

I'm afraid your going to want to do what you envision and not listen to my concerns.. 

I take pride in getting to know my clients and their family, involving them in the decision making process. Your home reflects who you are and how you like to live.  My job is to create a home for YOU, one that is functional and reflects your aesthetic and lifestyle and one that you will absolutely LOVE!

"You take the time to get to know your clients and figure out who your client is, and what they want so you can help them. You listened to me." Melissa Arroyo

"You've taken our lack of vision and taken us to a place where we are very comfortable. You are upfront with your clients in order to realize what works for them and when it doesn't work, you offer choices to meet their needs." Rick & Dorothy Menze
 

How do you charge? 

Because no two projects are alike and your project is unique to your needs, I evaluate the scope of work for each client to determine how I can best help you. Once I determine your needs, I prepare a proposal and from there we decide how it's best to move forward. 

Think about how much you would like to invest in your project and I will work with you to stay within your budget.

Join me in celebrating 12 years of business, for every referral that becomes a client you will receive a complimentary one-hour consultation.

"Thank you for your referrals, they are our greatest compliment"

Sneak Peek into HGTV's Dream House

 

I was lucky enough to be in Kiawah, SC for the opening weekend of HGTV's Dream House and I am thrilled to give you a sneak peek into some of my favorite rooms in the house.

 

 

It's no surprise that my favorite rooms in the house was the kitchen, open to the living space, simple yet elegant.

One of my favorite features in the contemporary kitchen was the back splash; clear, glass panels installed over white walls.  They made the kitchen sparkle, reflecting light and making it look 

Oh so Clean!
The cabinets are sleek, by Siematic and offering a purist kitchen design.  Although they don't scream "beachy,"  they complement the aesthetics of the house beautifully.

 

 

The kitchen/dining area opened up into the living space.  A  green soothing color, Hearts of Palm, by Sherwin Williams was used in the kitchen and accented in the great room.  a lovely view of the

 

I love the way the high ceilings were highlighted by the large hanging gate above the fireplace.  Because the room is large and open, two coffee tables were used side by side.  Most of the furniture and accessories in the room were furnished by Ethan Allen

  

Another wonderful feature in the great room were the windows, made by Gayko.

The casement windows open both as tilt and turn with a beautiful view of the marsh.

 

 The lap pool looked delightful!

 

 I apologize in advance for the poor lighting in some of my photographs, they do not do the room justice.  The master bedroom was lovely, very serene in khaki and sea-foam colors again with a beautiful marsh view. 

                     

The Display case in the master suite was actually one of my favorite pieces of furniture in the house.  It too cam from Ethan Allen

 Master Bath

 Upstairs Loft 

I loved the architectural features used in the ceiling that could be seen from downstairs.

 

 

View of the downstairs from the upstairs loft

 

HGTV's website  actually has a beautiful picture of the loft.

The combination of blue and white upholstery with a punch of color in the art work, made the room fun and relaxing.

The upstairs bath room was a delight.

 I loved the mirror!

Saving the best for last, my favorite room in the house was the downstairs Play room.  I know I said it was the kitchen but then I had not seen the downstairs yet.

The play room

Yes, it's inside the garage.  But what a cool garage.

 Of course, no play room is complete without a TV and a ping pong table.

While Charlotte was experiencing a blizzard, Kiawah Island was delightful.  I took lots of pictures of all of the rooms, so if there is something in particular you would like to see, contact me and I'm happy to share.  Otherwise, if your in need of a little vacation, Kiawah is the place to go and don't miss HGTV's Dream House

How will Pantone's color of the year affect me?

Image courtesy of Pantone

I always get excited when Pantone announces their color of the year and this year's color is a favorite of many,  Emerald Green.  Green, a majical color that speaks to balance and harmony.

Pantone is considered to be the design authority on color.  Pantone searches throughout the world for clues that give them insight into what colors are gaining traction.  They look at the world scene, most recently at the green movement and the preservation of the universe.  They also look to the trends in commercial furniture, residential interiors, textiles, lighting, and housewares to name a few.  All of these factors and more go into selecting the color of the year

While Tangerine Tango  filled us with much needed energy in 2012, Emerald green brings us insight.

The real important question for us is:  How will the color of the year affect me?

If it is a color you love and it fits in or complements your current pallet in your home, use it.  Add a pop of emerald green here and there, whether it's using an accessory or painting an accent wall.  We are going to be seeing emerald everywhere, and if you love and can't see it in your home  incorporate it into your wardrobe.

Because fashion is a major player in the color industry, we will see the color everywhere.

Photos courtesy of Etsy and Pinterest

 From the runways

 

 To our Homes

Skyla Freeman's 425 square foot studio apartment in Washington D. C. features the Pantone 2013 color of the year. The crisp white accents pop against the office walls. (Katherine Frey - THE WASHINGTON POST) caption

To the Beauty Industry

                                             And even to our kitchens

Le Creuset Fennel Green Mixed Pots and Pans

Can you see Emerald in your home?

If you would like to and don't know how to add that POP of color, I am happy to help!

Santa's Temptation is raising money for the Symphony Guild of Charlotte

If you LOVE Chocolate, You'll LOVE Santa's Tempatation!


The Symphony Guild of Charlotte is once again hosting their annual 'Festival of Trees".  A wonderful fundraiser for the Symphony and a great opportunity for the public to bid on sensational trees.

I am once again participating  and looking forward to tantalizing your taste buds and inspire you to bid.

Three feet of chocolate
Yes, a tree made of chocolate ornaments

Santa's Temptation

A chocoholics delight


Thanks you to Davidson Chocolate Factory for working with me on this spectacular edible tree, every ornament is a chocolate delight I'm sure you'll enjoy.

From a 6" chocolate star

To  musical instruments

To musical instruments 

 

To truffles and reindeer"s

Surprise someone on your list today and help the  Symphony Guild of Charlotte
with their Festival of Trees