Here is a mood board I designed on Olioboard.com for my master bedroom. The gray, silver, and purple create an ethereal feel while the black elements ground the room. The mirrored furniture brings a "Hollywood glam" feel to the space.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tips for planning an all girls dessert reception
Several months ago I wrote a blog entry about a dessert reception my church was planning for our pastor's wife. Well I have to say that the event was a great success, with more sweets than my sweet tooth could handle, lots of good conversation and plenty of laughs. We had so much fun we want to turn it into an annual affair!
A dessert reception is a great alternative to a dinner party or hor's doerves party, because you aren't responsible for feeding your guests real food...just a little sumthin' sumthin' to satisfy their sweet tooth. It can be held mid-afternoon long after lunch has settled in their bellies or later in the evening after everyone has had a chance to eat a light dinner.
Here are a few tips to plan your next dessert fest:
1. Let the decor set the tone. We wanted this affair to be a little bit formal, a little bit casual. Linen tablecloths, crystal votive candleholders, decorative cake stands lent an elegant air to the festivities, while whimsical tent cards and funky paper napkins kept the event from being taken too seriously.
2. Save yourself and make it a potluck. Who says you have to do it all yourself? People always want to show off their most prized recipe or one that has been passed down through the generations. Why not ask a few of the attendees if they wouldn't mind whipping up something for the occassion? Most women would be happy to oblige.
3. Use icebreakers to get the conversation flowing. If not all the girls know each other, icebreakers are a great way to get to know one another. We played an icebreaker where the girls had to right down something about themselves no one else knew about, place it in a hat and we all took turns trying to guess who it was. I can't tell you what was said, but let's just say some of the revelations were scandalous!
4. Relax and have fun. Remember it's all about good food, female bonding, and good conversation.
No event comes of without a hitch. We were in a small space with a lot of people and it was 80+ degrees outside. Needless to say, it got hot very quickly and even with the AC set to 60, the room still would not cool down. There's nothing worse than having uncomfortable guests but all it to was one serendipitous look to the ceiling to figure out what the problem was and after a climb atop a bar stool to open the vents, the party moved right along.
A dessert reception is a great alternative to a dinner party or hor's doerves party, because you aren't responsible for feeding your guests real food...just a little sumthin' sumthin' to satisfy their sweet tooth. It can be held mid-afternoon long after lunch has settled in their bellies or later in the evening after everyone has had a chance to eat a light dinner.
Here are a few tips to plan your next dessert fest:
1. Let the decor set the tone. We wanted this affair to be a little bit formal, a little bit casual. Linen tablecloths, crystal votive candleholders, decorative cake stands lent an elegant air to the festivities, while whimsical tent cards and funky paper napkins kept the event from being taken too seriously.
2. Save yourself and make it a potluck. Who says you have to do it all yourself? People always want to show off their most prized recipe or one that has been passed down through the generations. Why not ask a few of the attendees if they wouldn't mind whipping up something for the occassion? Most women would be happy to oblige.
3. Use icebreakers to get the conversation flowing. If not all the girls know each other, icebreakers are a great way to get to know one another. We played an icebreaker where the girls had to right down something about themselves no one else knew about, place it in a hat and we all took turns trying to guess who it was. I can't tell you what was said, but let's just say some of the revelations were scandalous!
No event comes of without a hitch. We were in a small space with a lot of people and it was 80+ degrees outside. Needless to say, it got hot very quickly and even with the AC set to 60, the room still would not cool down. There's nothing worse than having uncomfortable guests but all it to was one serendipitous look to the ceiling to figure out what the problem was and after a climb atop a bar stool to open the vents, the party moved right along.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
My first interior design interview!
I was fortunate enough to be selected by Zavvi Rodaine's editor, Yolanda Smith, to be featured as an up and coming interior designer in Atlanta. I was so excited about the opportunity that I could have fainted. I was so nervous; what in the world did I want people and potential clients to know about me?
Prior to the interview, Yolanda and I spent over an hour talking about how she got started with her website, her mission to bring light to little known interior designers from multi-cultural backgrounds, what made me get into design, etc. and she made me completely comfortable with the process. So much so, that when it came time for the interview, I knew exactly what I was going to say.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Festive tablescapes ideas for an all girls event
Sometimes a girl just needs any old excuse to get together with friends and nosh on sweet treats. This time it's a party with a purpose as my church is having a "Meet & Greet" to get to know our pastor's lovely wife. We decided on a dessert reception to keep the occassion light and festive.
I volunteered myself to help with the decorations and to provide a sweet treat or two for the occassion. Deciding on a theme is tricky; do we pay homage to Fall with bold jewel tones and warm hues or keep it sugary sweet with confectionary pink? How about a little bit of both?
I'm inspired by this image below from Elle Decor that was posted on Apartment Therapy's website last week. Here the design embraces Fall browns, pinks, and oranges with plenty mirror and crystal accents (check out the ultra-femme chandelier). The chocolate brown could easily be incorporated through the tablecloths and placements or maybe even the base for handmade napkin rings. The pink and orange would come into play with the decorations for the candleholders and a really cool paper craft I saw in the Winter 2010 Do It Yourself magazine. The touches of crystal and mirror accents can be brought into the design with the numerous votive cups, vases, and candlesticks I have on hand.
I'm so excited to see how this will turn out! The event is on November 13th so that doesn't leave much time to plan or execute, but I think we can pull it through. I've gotta make a trip to Michael's and the Dollar store this weekend to see what I can find.
I'll leave you with a few more images I snagged from the internet for inspiration.
If you're planning a party soon, check out GetMarried.com for color schemes, table settings, floral ideas and more.
I volunteered myself to help with the decorations and to provide a sweet treat or two for the occassion. Deciding on a theme is tricky; do we pay homage to Fall with bold jewel tones and warm hues or keep it sugary sweet with confectionary pink? How about a little bit of both?
I'm inspired by this image below from Elle Decor that was posted on Apartment Therapy's website last week. Here the design embraces Fall browns, pinks, and oranges with plenty mirror and crystal accents (check out the ultra-femme chandelier). The chocolate brown could easily be incorporated through the tablecloths and placements or maybe even the base for handmade napkin rings. The pink and orange would come into play with the decorations for the candleholders and a really cool paper craft I saw in the Winter 2010 Do It Yourself magazine. The touches of crystal and mirror accents can be brought into the design with the numerous votive cups, vases, and candlesticks I have on hand.
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| Apartment Therapy |
I'll leave you with a few more images I snagged from the internet for inspiration.
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| Confectionary overload |
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| This reception is saturated with color! |
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| Classic black, white, and blush. |
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| I hope our dessert table turns out like this. |
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| Pink & orange with metallic gold and crystal accents. Lots of sparkle!!! |
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Creative wall ideas for kid spaces
It's no secret that children are some of the most creative creatures on this planet. They are not hindered by the limitations we adults often times place on ourselves. So when decorating a child's room, think about giving them a space that will allow their imaginations to run wild.
One of the easiest ways to achieve this goal is through decorative wall treatments. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. You can create custom or semi-custom looks with paint, wall decals, wall art and more. Below are some wall treatment ideas, including some of my own, to get your creative juices flowing!
Paint
Paint is one of the cheapest decorating tricks that can provide the most impact to a space. With a couple of rolls of painters tape, a ruler, a laser level, and a smidgen of imagination, you can create one-of-a-kind wall treatments for your child's room. If using more than one color, consider buying the quart size or sample size. That way you don't have to worry about what to do with all that left over paint. It's easier on your wallet and good for the environment, too!
Wall Decals
The abundance of wall decals on the market today make it super easy to add flair to your kid's space. Many of the wall decals are vinyl which makes them repositionable so if you don't like where you've placed it, just peel and reapply. You can find wall decals at Target, JoAnn's, WhatisBlik.com and many, many more. I found the Eiffel Tower decal I used to decorate Simone and Nadia's room on clearance at World Market.
Wall Art
Have you ever been tempted to buy every single accessory in a children's bedding set, including the wall art? If you have, then consider replacing the coordinated wall art with some of your own. Make customized wall plaques of your child's name or monogram using small canvases and wooden letters. Frame images of your child using scrapbook paper or fabric as the matte. Create shadow boxes and include personal items such as baby's first toy. Websites like Land of Nod, Rosenberry Rooms, and WallNutz have plenty of paintings, murals, and wall decals to choose from.
Below, LaKeitha Duncan (home23duncanboys.blogspot.com) created wall art in a baby's nursery using alphabet poster cards from Land of Nod.
As you can see the possibilities for decorative wall treatments are endless and you are only limited by your imagination. What not let the child in you run wild?
P.S. I would have had more images of creative wall treatments for this post, but my computer is old and crappy and would only let me do one upload at a time before I had to log out and log back on to do another. Oh well...it's the perfect excuse for a follow up post!
One of the easiest ways to achieve this goal is through decorative wall treatments. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. You can create custom or semi-custom looks with paint, wall decals, wall art and more. Below are some wall treatment ideas, including some of my own, to get your creative juices flowing!
Paint
Paint is one of the cheapest decorating tricks that can provide the most impact to a space. With a couple of rolls of painters tape, a ruler, a laser level, and a smidgen of imagination, you can create one-of-a-kind wall treatments for your child's room. If using more than one color, consider buying the quart size or sample size. That way you don't have to worry about what to do with all that left over paint. It's easier on your wallet and good for the environment, too!
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| Nadia's old nursery. Fit for a princess! |
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| Simone's old room. Rhinestone studded diamonds! |
Consider stripes, circles, harlequin, or free-hand designs. If you don't think you have any artistic capabilities, no problem! You can rent a projector to project the image on the wall, trace it, then fill it in with color. You'll amaze yourself with what you're capable of and if you don't like the finished results, paint over it. Just get a second opinion before you do. We adults tend to over criticize ourselves and what we think is "crap" may actually be good.
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| Miles' future nursery in rugby stripes. |
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| Simone and Nadia's new pink & purple room. |
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| DesignDazzle.blogspot.com |
Wall Decals
The abundance of wall decals on the market today make it super easy to add flair to your kid's space. Many of the wall decals are vinyl which makes them repositionable so if you don't like where you've placed it, just peel and reapply. You can find wall decals at Target, JoAnn's, WhatisBlik.com and many, many more. I found the Eiffel Tower decal I used to decorate Simone and Nadia's room on clearance at World Market.
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| Available at Target.com |
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| Available at World Market |
Wall Art
Have you ever been tempted to buy every single accessory in a children's bedding set, including the wall art? If you have, then consider replacing the coordinated wall art with some of your own. Make customized wall plaques of your child's name or monogram using small canvases and wooden letters. Frame images of your child using scrapbook paper or fabric as the matte. Create shadow boxes and include personal items such as baby's first toy. Websites like Land of Nod, Rosenberry Rooms, and WallNutz have plenty of paintings, murals, and wall decals to choose from.
 |
| Land of Nod |
Below, LaKeitha Duncan (home23duncanboys.blogspot.com) created wall art in a baby's nursery using alphabet poster cards from Land of Nod.
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| Nursery by L. Duncan at Home23Duncanboys.blogspot.com |
P.S. I would have had more images of creative wall treatments for this post, but my computer is old and crappy and would only let me do one upload at a time before I had to log out and log back on to do another. Oh well...it's the perfect excuse for a follow up post!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Ten fantabulous headboards!
I'm a sucker for headboards. To me, they set the tone for the bedroom. Upholstered headboards add an instant touch of luxury. I selected one in the "bonnet" style from Bassett Furniture for my master bedroom. From the simplistic to the ornate, upholstered headboards come in endless options.
Many furniture retailers offer ready made headboards; you just order and install, others allow you to select the form and fabric. But if you still can't find the shape or fabric you want, consider having one custom made. Many fabric centers offer this as a service and they can be surprisingly affordable.
For some inspiration, check out the pics below:
Many furniture retailers offer ready made headboards; you just order and install, others allow you to select the form and fabric. But if you still can't find the shape or fabric you want, consider having one custom made. Many fabric centers offer this as a service and they can be surprisingly affordable.
For some inspiration, check out the pics below:
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| House Beautiful |
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| House Beautiful |
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| Lonny Magazine |
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| Lonny Magazine |
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Lonny Magazine | <><>
Monday, October 18, 2010
Industrial chandelier find at High Point
Here is another great find from High Point. One funky industrial chandelier. The chandelier would work well in a juxtaposition of rustic and modern. Check out the sofas and pillows. It seems that charcoal gray and yellow with a touch of navy are still a hot combination in home design.
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