Fred MacMurray's Charming farmhouse

I have great memories of Fred MacMurray from "My Three Sons", and when I saw this sweet video from his daughter Kate MacMurray I just had to share.

The house a simple two story farmhouse speaks to comfort and family what a home should be. Read their story behind this endearing  house and family. 

I hope you love seeing the pictures and the story as much as I did. Let me know what you think

Have you read The Bee Cottage story?

I just finished reading a darling short book called, The Bee Cottage Story, by Frances's Shultz. Her book evolved from the stories she published for House Beautiful several years ago when her life was a mess and she decided to remodel a house she bought in the Hampton's.

Part memoir part decorating, this book is about the evolution of a person as well as a home.

I really enjoyed reading her story and the growth that occurred in  her personal life and her house.  Her book speaks to the feelings we get from our homes, to the people we touch and the way we express our story in our collections and selections to fill our homes. Truly embracing the fact that our homes tell the story of our lives.

As I meet with new clients and learn their stories, I am excited to curate their stories into cohesive, comfortable and beautiful spaces we all come to call home.

Have you read the Bee Cottage? What did you think of the book?

Pantone names 2016 color of the year

As you all have heard by now Pantone named Rose Quartz (a light and warm pink) and Serenity (a soft blue) as their colors for 2016. When I initially saw them I thought YUK taking me back to the 1980's when you saw so much mauve and blue. I do have to admit that Rose quartz sounds so much better than mauve.

Pantone

Mauve and blue in the 1980's - YIKES!

Via Ugly House

As I sit here and write this I have to admit that I do love both of colors.  Whether they are used alone or combined with other colors they each are calming colors bringing a sense of peace to interiors.

Via Style me Pretty

Combining these colors using similar values will maintain this sense of Serenity. (No pun intended)
Below is a color palette to show you complementing colors in the same value

Via Provide the home

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Pantone's color choice for 2016 . I hope you will take a look at how to use these colors in your home on my pinterest board.

Best of houzz 2016

It's an honor to have won the Best of Houzz for Service.

My business is centered around listening to my client needs so that I can provide the best service for them.  My designs tell the story of the people who live in their homes, curating their spaces to have the feeling of being assembled over time in a Chic, Bold and Colorful way. 

I am thrilled to have achieved this!

Goals for 2016

MY Goals for 2016

As I was writing my previous post and encouraging you to set goals related to your homes I decided to go ahead and post my goals for 2016. Knowing the difference between a goal (an endpoint you desire) and a resolution (an intention you set for your life). I have decided to assign these as personal goals which will transfer to my business.

I have done this for years but never on the world wide web, so here goes.

 STAY TRUE TO MYSELF

 First and foremost, I want to make sure every decision I make regarding both my personal life and business life - I stay true to myself. This means that I am happy with the decisions I make and confident that I am doing the right things for myself and others

 PRACTICE POSITIVE HEAD CHATTER

We all suffer from the crazy head chatter or cucarachas in our heads that keep us from moving forward in a positive way.  I would like to focus on positive thoughts and practice what Abilene Clark said daily, because I IS!

 CONTINUE SUPPORTING THE RONALD McDONALD HOUSE

I love the Ronald McDonald house and I love that I have found a way to contribute through my gift of language.  Being fluent in Spanish has enabled me to help the guest staying at the house that do not speak english through translations and compassion.

PLAN TO VISIT MAISON & OBJET IN PARIS

For years I have been wanting to go to Paris to this amazing show. It is similar to the Atlanta and High Point market but on an international scale. This year my husband and I are tying it in to our 30th anniversary, two years later.  In the meantime, it's WORK HARD so i can PLAY HARD in September.

FOCUS ON MY IDEAL JOBS

I would really like to focus on working with my sweet spot which is CHIC, BOLD & COLORFUL !

It's not something that is always going to happen but I would certainly like to incorporate those elements as much as possible into my design jobs.

Jamie Drake Interiors

Cheers to your 2016 Goals!

Set micro home resolutions

Set micro home resolutions with a dreams and wants list.

What exactly does that mean?

It simply means to break it down so that your need list is manageable and not overwhelming. Always plan for a "complete by date" and work towards that goal. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time so that neither you or your budget is overwhelmed.

I'll give you an example below:

RDI

Create a budget!

I can't emphasize how important it is to have a budget and make sure it's a realistic one.  If you have not shopped for home furnishings in a while, start early so that you can have exactly the look you want. The best advice I can offer you is to "alway invest in the BEST quality you can afford".

So remember:

Kandrac and Kole

A goal is the endpoint that you desire and if your goal this year is to make a difference in the way your home looks and feels, heres your chance to start turning your goals into reality.

I hope this quick tip will kickstart a change. 

Change begins with a Plan

Happy 2016! 

Wow, can you believe we're actually saying that?

I love starting a new year thinking ahead with both optimism and delight of what is ahead of us. The plans and resolutions we make and the surprises the new year brings.

Because our homes and office spaces are so important to the way we feel, I would like to start out the year with a few suggestions to help make the dreams and wishes you have for your home a reality in 2016.

Turning your dreams into reality

1. Create a plan

Make a list room by room of all the things that you would like to change and the reasons why. Be honest with yourself

2. Prioritize the list

Which room is the room that needs the most attention? What in that room bothers you the most and why?

3.Create a budget

This is the most important step in making a change. Your budget should be a realistic one to you.

Make it happen!

Wishing you a very happy 2016 and Cheers to turning your dreams into reality!