What Makes a Design Expert?

“An expert is someone who knows a lot about the past.” ~ Tom Hopkins

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I was sharing with family members about being asked to help a few clients with their holiday decorations.  (I have to share that my main business is more inclined towards the interiors portion of readying homes for the generations to gather.  I’ve completed projects from nurseries to retirement nests, and everything in between.)  My brother-in-law was fascinated by the fact that someone would actually hire me to “deck the halls”, so to speak.  It’s not that he didn’t recognize my design capabilities, but I think the idea was totally lost on him that my clients have come to also see me as a trusted advisor and as a translator of their style leanings . . . even to the point of bringing it home for the holidays.  I’ve become their ‘go-to’ person - to include being their lifestyle ‘expert’.  It’s a confidence and trust I don’t take lightly. 

(One of my upcoming Christmas decorating projects.  I feel like I know this house like the back of my hand.  I was with the client from the blueprint stages and through all of the finishing touches.  Coming back each year, for holiday decorating, is like catching up with an old friend.)

(A cart full of fresh trimmings for another client.  It will be held at the greenhouse until I’m ready to place them.  My client trusts, through previous experience, I have the best resources available.)

(If you notice, the first few photos are so-so because they were taken by moi – an amateur photog at best.  In this shot, Whitney Gray, a talented area photographer, captures my work in the best light.  It might be fine to share some of my “home grown” shots with you for quick points of reference, but when it comes to putting my best foot forward for my website and marketing materials, she’s the person I call on to bring it all together.  Do-It-Yourself may provide a close approximation but an expert provides polish, acumen, and focus.)

As an interior designer, offering boutique-type services, there is an expectation that I should be “The Expert”.  It doesn’t mean that my clients aren’t free to be involved in the process or to collaborate.  It simply means they appreciate that I’ve got the education, background, and past experience to be able to take their style preferences to a different level.  I bring a concierge offering of services to include many of the little details, which added together, make up the sum of a completed project. 

My brother-in-law is often inspired to be creative.  He believes he is not only an expert in his chosen technical field, but that he brings a certain “something” to his home that no one else can. 

And to that I can attest.  (Bless his heart!)

Shopping Around Town & Country

By now, most of us have had our fill of turkey and treats.  If we’ve been lucky enough to have a long weekend, there are activities galore from enjoying extended family visits to hitting the pavement as we get some holiday shopping and decorating under way.  I’m taking today “off” to move out some accumulated “stuff” so that the remainder of the year will offer me a bit more calm and order.  Later on; however, I’ll be joining in to help stimulate the economy.  (smile) 

I’ll have to share that I’m not a huge fan of all of the Black Friday hoopla.  It’s not that I don’t wish the larger business concerns well . . . they employee a lot of folks.  I just know there are also a lot of small businesses who need the extra boost of our dollars, and being a small business owner, myself, I’m more than happy to bring my list to them. 

(Even though this is a campaign created by a major brand, I support the concept of it, wholeheartedly – and not just on one day, too!  You can click on the logo for more details.)

I’ll be sharing some of my favorite spots, as well as some I’d like to stop by.  Be sure to check back for updated photos and finds.  Of course, I can’t share all of my shopping secrets.  Someone may be peeking in and I don’t want to spoil their surprise!

Town

(A great place for interior finds in Charlotte, Alexander Scott is one of the new multi-merchant additions to the city.  They just recently had their grand opening!)

& Country

(I’ve featured my friend, Beth Swanson’s shop, Oldetyme Marketplace, several times before.  If you haven’t made the trip, you should put this on your destination when in the Charlotte area.  It’s more than a shop, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss!)

Town

(A true arbiter of style, LaDonna Harris has offered the Charlotte area fabulous finds.  Even Charlotte Moss made a special visit, when in town!  While the shop is très chic, LaDonna makes every visitor feel like an old friend.)

& Country

(While tooling around at Beth’s shop, I might have to stop in Stegall’s to see if it’s really true they’re out of country ham!  Their website says it’s so!  Surely they have some tucked away for the local folks.  It would be such a treat to have country ham biscuits on Christmas morning.)

Town

(Good things do come in small packages.  A museum pass will be an unforgettable gift to the recipient, especially at the Bechtler Museum in Charlotte!  This is Cascade, created by Jean Tinguely (1925-1991), a Swiss painter and sculptor. Tinguely's art satirized the mindless overproduction of material goods in advanced industrial society.  Mmmm . . . I don’t think this installation would fit in my foyer.)

& Country

(One of my stops will be at King’s Greenhouse, just outside of the Charlotte city limits.  They have gorgeous amaryllis, flowering Christmas cactus, paperwhites, greenery, and some of the most beautiful poinsettias!  They grow many of their own plants, too.  I love a fresh holiday centerpiece, don’t you?)

One of the joys I find in shopping small, local businesses is that I don’t always need a specific something on my list.  There are so many unique and often hand-crafted items and I love waiting to see if something “speaks to me” for the perfect present for that special someone.  I kind of like knowing that my gift will not likely be found on the web pages of an end-of-the-season-clearance-sale.

Stop back by.  I hope to post updates, soon!

Delicious Thanksgiving Dining

Since I’m in the midst of preparing for the big turkey day ahead, I thought I would share a repost of my latest article for the Hooker Furniture Blog.  It was exciting to learn this has been syndicated and featured on several other sites!  In the interest of time, I hope you don’t mind if I share it again with you.

Here you go!

Even the most seasoned of hosts can experience heart flutters when several holidays seem to merge into one extended party. It’s the time of year, where we not only welcome family and friends; we also have the consideration of the many traditions attached to our gatherings. Adding in for the possibility of overnight guests . . . well, those flutters might turn into full-fledged palpitations! I’ll share some of my key ingredients for creating a delicious experience for you and your guests.

(Layers of texture and candlelight warm the center of my holiday dining table.  One of my go-to sources for table settings is “A Passion for Flowers” by Carolyne Roehm)

Whether this is your first event or you have the makings of a celebrity event planner, it’s always a great idea to have a checklist of ‘go-to’ sources for tabletop ideas, inspired room settings, and tested recipes. Having a practice run makes for a more relaxed and fun time for everyone.

Comfort is first and foremost on my entertainment list. Have you noticed how often people tend to linger around the dining table? They’ve enjoyed a great meal and are in the throes of lively conversation. I love a chair that wraps itself around a guest’s shoulders. It’s like giving them a big hug! Topping my list is the Spindle Back Arm Chair, from Hooker Furniture’s Sanctuary Collection. After recently spotting it in their High Point Market showroom, I can tell you I’m in love! I can visualize it transitioning from an American Classic home to a European Manor House.

A ‘go-to’ source for furnishings? Hooker Furniture Company, of course!  Spindle Back Arm Chair – The Sanctuary Collection - Drift and Dune Finish

(The Spindle Back Arm Chair in another finish option: Ebony)

It’s fun to consider mixing it up when it comes to planning your menus. There are always favorite recipes, handed down from generation to generation, but it’s nice to offer a few twists by including a new dish, too. Depending on the occasion, everyone may be pitching in by bringing their house specialty. Wouldn’t it be a treat to have a swap of beautiful recipe cards? Variety is the spice of life!

(I found these Letterpress cards on Etsy. A fabulous site for handmade goods.)

(Scalloped Sweet Potatoes - A “yum-yum” from my friend, Amy Johnson’s blog, “She Wears Many Hats”.  She’s one of my ‘go-to’ sources for family friendly food. Find complete instructions on the Tasty Kitchen link.)

Your Thanksgiving guests will feel most special just because you’ve included them around your table. I think that’s what really makes for a delicious dining experience, don’t you?

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Powder Room Suite = Déjà Wu

It’s the end of the week and I’m going to break all of the rules of blogging!  A little longer post than “usual” as it’s a holiday weekend.  Just desserts for a busy week.

This “little” powder bath post has several parts so just plump up some beautiful pillows and nest in to enjoy a vision of loveliness, peppered with a few musings and stories. 

(via Pinterest - A powder bath treasure chest.)

First, let me share how some late night Twitter conversations have produced lots of fodder for future design posts.  I’ve got to bestow a huge thanks to @citypassion for providing inspiring thought threads for twists on future topics.  She prodded me on to provide more deeply-layered posts; to include aspirational design.  (Just when I was beginning to wonder if most consumers were looking only for DIY ideas.)  We also both have an affinity for Garden and Gun Magazine.  Their stories and photography have a rich, sensual appeal as they refer to the magazine as representing “the soul of the south”.  It’s a publication where even “good ole boys” are given the respect of their blue-blooded brethren.  But I digress.

(via Pinterest – Shimmering black, crystal, silver, candelabra – a true jewel-box!)

Back to the powder bath . . .  I had several posts in que, with bits and pieces of content.  Nothing awe-inspiring, I must admit.  Then, an email reminder came regarding a press release for Jason Wu’s latest creations for Brizo, the company offering plumbing fixtures designed to be the jeweled touches for your home. Brizo encapsulates fashion branding for everyday objects by making them much more than, well, everyday.  That’s where Mr. Wu puts the proverbial “pedal to the metal” in moving them, runway-forward.

(Jason Wu Runway Show)

I was delighted to still be kept in the loop, as you see, I was asked to be Brizo’s guest, during Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, along with about eighteen other designers and design bloggers from across the country.  (Thank you, again, Nick Lovelady, for thinking of me.)  There would be brainstorming sessions, delightful dinners, and the pièce de résistance????  Attending Jason Wu’s runway show!  Alas, family health matters kept me grounded so I missed making the journey; however, as a designer, I’ve got an active imagination!  I could live vicariously through posted experiences and gorgeous photography. 

Low and behold, the email offered up plenty to share and his powder bath line tied it all together! 

(Jason Wu - Shape, form, fabulous!)

Introducing Jason Wu for Brizo – Powder Room Suite – A bold combination of Scandinavian clean lines and delicate, Baroque accenting.

(Jason Wu Accessories:  Wastebasket and Drawer Knob)

 

Jason Wu for Brizo – Odin Faucet

Press Release Excerpt:  Odin faucet is an exclusive temperature control technology featuring a new temperature sensing indicator. A LED light display built into the base of the faucet uses shades of light, from blue to magenta to red, to indicate actual water temperature. The electronic valve built into the lavatory faucet also monitors the mixture of hot and cold water to help provide a consistent temperature for the user, while its high temperature limit stop offers an added degree of safety.

The Jason Wu for Brizo Odin faucet meets WaterSense standards. Additionally, water does not come in contact with metal surfaces once inside the faucet, meeting all current and upcoming state and national legislation.  Also, all items in the collection will be packaged using 100 percent recyclable materials.

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(Miss Wu – Jason Wu)

 

( Brizo Label Luxury Limited Editions)

Don’t you think Thibaut’s Earth Vine would provide the perfect backdrop to the Jason Wu Powder Bath Collection? 

(Jason Wu – Behind the scenes, Spring 2012 show.)

Great design is an aspiration and it isn’t always just about a name or a brand, unless that designer and brand have risen to the occasion to bring us their best.  It’s a topic many of us are chatting up these days.  Choose what you love and do it wisely.  It’s our passion and we hope it will be yours, too!

Tastefully Tacky

While there has been a collective sigh of relief to hear that excessive tasseling, fringing, and gobs of “frou-frou” were not the focus of design details, at the recent High Point Furniture Market, there was definitely one accent item still making for a good run.  Nailheads, furniture tacks, and the like, provided a little more oomph to the classically current, simple lines of furniture design. 

Linen Love from C.R. Laine – Nailheads coming and going!

Tapping tacks into twill tape.  Can you say that really fast?  C.R. Laine High Point showroom. 

A perfect pairing for a more relaxed look – tacks and texture.

It’s all about the fabric combination, too.  Loved this wrap wing sofa from Sam Moore.

You need some serious skills and patience to do this.  (And for an amateur, probably some tough finger tips and a First Aid kit on hand!)

A comfy settee from Parker Southern showcased jet black nailhead accents.  This little gem will be going to a client’s home to create a cozy breakfast table setting, personalized in one of my fabric selections, of course!

A little closer look-see.

My friend, Elaine Williamson, captured another friend’s, (Julie Browning Bova), fantastic ottoman detail at the Stanford Showroom.  Elevates equine “tack talk” to a whole new level!

Of course, this detail was not lost on casegoods, screens, headboards, and other interior treasures.  I’ve used nailheads on doors and under crown molding for an architectural embellishment.

It’s all in good taste, don’t you think?