Exploring Leather Wall Panels in Residential Design

            Earlier this week I attended a presentation given by Garrett Leather at Karen Saks and learned about some exciting ways to use leather in interiors and boy, are the creative juices flowing!  Garrett produces high-end, exquisite leathers for many different applications, from wall coverings, to decorative pieces, and flooring.  Leather gives such a rich, sophisticated to look to any space and with so many different styles to chose from, there is always one that is just right for any project.  Hair on hide is maintaining its popularity and I absolutely adore the colorations or splash of metallic that we are seeing in these products.  Here are a few of the swatches Garrett displayed:

            To better imagine what leather wall panels can truly bring to a space, here are a few applications of leather in residences that show the sophisticated and exciting versatility of leather wall panels. 

Mary Courville Design

E.B. Mahoney Builders

Quezada Architecture

            Could you see leather panels in your office or a feature wall in your foyer?  I would love to use some of these exciting products in a future project!

Have a great day, 

Remodeling your kitchen? Ideas for creating the focal point

            One of the hottest kitchen design trends in the past few years has to be the popularity of the range hood, which serves as a dramatic focal point in any kitchen.  From elaborate and traditional to fun and contemporary, there are so many choices to make the perfect range hood for your design.  There are also tons of exciting materials to choose from, whether it’s stone, metal, or brick, a range hood brings height to the kitchen and instant drama. 

Kitchen Design by Bunny Williams

Kitchen Design by Mick de Giulio

Kitchen Design by Rebecca Bradley

Kitchen Design by Scott Laslie

Kitchen Design by Victoria Hagan

Kitchen Design by Francois and Company

            I designed this range hood for a client and I am still in love with just how striking it is in the kitchen.  The hood is a custom copper creation that added the right amount of excitement and pizzazz in this space. 

            The range hood seems to be a trend that is here to stay and I am thrilled about that.  Regardless if you’re hosting a dinner party or just having friends over for a casual night, you always end up in the kitchen, so why not have something beautiful and fun to entertain you!
Which one of these range hoods is your favorite?

Have a great day, 

Viewing the Latest Cowtan and Tout Line

            I had a blast the other day viewing the latest fabrics from the Cowtan and Tout line, including Jane Churchill, Villa Nova, and Romo with Suzanne.  The collections had so many pieces I liked with some versatile and exciting colorways and patterns.  I really enjoy the double width sizing of the Cowtan and Tout line, the width is excellent for railroading!  I noticed a trend of delicate sheers and beautiful crisp linens, but also quite a few velvets, which we noticed trending at High Point Market this year.  Romo has some fantastic stripes and reversible diamond prints that I would love to use in an upcoming residential project.  The Jane Churchill line had some intricate embroideries in fun, vibrant colors.  Here are a few of snaps I grabbed of the latest line!

            And a couple of fun wallpapers I enjoyed:

            It’s always so much fun to catch up with Suzanne and she has such a fantastic eye for what I’m looking for.  Did you see anything you liked in the collection?  It’s always fun to hear what your favorite choices are!

Have a great day,

Charlotte Interior Design Heads to El Salvador!

            I am so excited to announce that I will travel this weekend to El Salvador to assist in a Habitat for Humanity mission.  I will be traveling and building with my father with whom I am thrilled to share this experience with.  Habitat focuses on creating decent, durable living spaces for those in need locally and internationally.  This can include renovating and preserving existing structures or providing new construction at an affordable price in order to promote dignity and hope for those most needing of assistance.  One thing I have always respected and appreciated about Habitat is their commitment to sustainable construction that has long lasting benefits. 

            El Salvador in particular has been struck by a series of recent natural disasters, creating both an urban and rural need for affordable housing.  At this time, 51% of people living in El Salvador are in need of new housing due to disasters or the decay of existing structures.  Recently, the Habitat Charlotte location has assisted in providing land, electricity, water, septic systems, and green areas for 60 low-income families.  In addition to physically creating housing, Habitat also assists in educating families in El Salvador to build a budget, analyze and control their expenses, and follow a savings plan to move further than simply constructing a new residence, but constructing a new, brighter future.

Find out more information about Habitat for Humanity’s initiatives in El Salvador by clicking here. 

Photos from Previous Habitat Project in El Salvador, Courtesy of Trials in Food Blog

            As an interior designer, this is a mission very close to my heart and it will be a very special trip to share with my father.  I look forward to sharing pictures and stories from my experiences!  

Have a great day,