Secret Garden

Your deck, porch and yard should be an extension of your home. These spaces deserve attention, care and design. Color is key here. Lucky for us it's abundant in plants, flowers, trees ... everything in nature! Use it to your advantage.

Designer Tip: Color blocking can create a strong look in your garden. Plant flowers and shrubs of like colors together for maximum impact.

love the drama of the tall topiary flanking the sofa

outdoor sectionals are great for entertaining and can be

split into separate pieces for additional options

just because your space is outside doesn't mean

you should neglect drapery. outdoor fabrics have come

a long way!

who wouldn't love that view?

the arch of greenery creates room definition.

love the outdoor chandelier hanging from the tree branches

Is Grey the New Cream?

As a designer, I am always torn between neutrals and color - desperately trying to find the perfect balance. Cream is a go-to for me. It works with everything. Looks amazing in all spaces. Never goes out of style. But sometimes I crave more. I want more of a punch but still neutral. Grey is my new cream. This color is defined as "all colors ranging from black to white" and I must say I love all of them. Historically, grey as a color has been around since 700 AD ... so why am I just now falling in love? Maybe I always thought of grey as contemporary or cold. Oh how wrong I have been. As the images below show, grey can be soft, traditional, edgy, contemporary, cozy, feminine and masculine. It is a color that wears many faces and makes mine smile. :)

Work Space

I think work spaces are one of the most difficult areas to design. Papers, files, notes, pencils, pens, markers, telephone, fax, computer, scanner, books, references.... the list goes on and on. How do you organize all of these necessities and still make it appealing to the eye? In my career, this is often a question I have been asked by clients, friends, family... even myself. The first answer is storage (and a bit of OCD to keep everything in its place!). However, everyone knows when they need extra storage, it's a question of where to come up with it and how and what should it look like and do I purchase furniture or build built-ins and oh my gosh I don't know what to do!?!?

Here's what I tell my clients:

1) go through all of your "stuff" and divide into piles what you need on a daily basis and what you only use every so often.

2) donate and trash anything you don't use or haven't used in the past year. This step is difficult to do, even for me and the Hubbs. Ask yourself "when was the last time I used this?" "when will I need this?" "does this serve a purpose?" Then answer honestly.

3) File. File. File. If you keep an organized file cabinet, it's easier to file papers as they come. This is so hard for me! I definitely have to work to keep up with paperwork, but my life is much easier when I take 10 minutes every week to file. It's also easier when I'm looking for a paper and it's right there where it should be. Divide your files with clear labels, large folders, and if you have a lot of files, think about splitting up your files between separate cabinets or drawers.

4) Invest in storage and organizational items like boxes, baskets, shelving, drawer dividers, and my fav - a label maker. They are your friends and will make staying organized easy. Ikea, Target, Wallmart and Michaels are great places to find these items. You can even find snazzy colorful and patterned storage that aren't expensive.

5) Once everything has a place and is in it...keep it there! When you take something out to use it, put it away as soon as you are done. This is a key piece in the organizational puzzle. It keeps items out of your immediate work space and saves you time looking for something because you don't know where you put it!

Here are some inspirational work space photos!

bulletin boards are great for posting notes, pictures, and other small

items that might get lost and clutter your space

love all the cups for pens, pencils, scissors, etc.

What does your work space look like? I'd love to hear about how you organize.

Baby Boudoir

What bundle of joy wouldn't want to call one of these spaces their own? Nursery rooms are so personal, a place where mom, dad, and baby can bond. Design trends range from calm and muted to bold and vibrant with a collection of pattern. My design advise is to chose colors and even furniture not based on baby, but keeping in mind that in a very short time that little one will be growing. You don't want to purchase newborn-specific items that will need to be replaced in a few short years.

For many, preparing the baby's boudoir is intimidating. Let's face it, 9 months is a short time to prepare for a new one. Do you decorate pink for a girl, blue for a boy? Neutral because you're waiting to find out what you're having? Save yourself the extra stress, call in a designer. We are here to help and guide you, making this process fun and exciting....which it always should be!

I Heart This Room

This room speaks to my own personal style. Like vanilla bean ice cream... white and creamy with punches of chocolate and taupe. Yummy.

Designer Eye: Notice that the fixed pieces (drapery, cabinetry, furniture) are done in classic neutral colors. Throw pillows add pattern and texture and can be changed out according to trends. On a personal note, I love a good cheetah print!

Adult Lamps

The husband and I have named these our new "Adult Lamps". I found the pair at Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta, shade-less. It was love at first sight. The crackle finish on the porcelain is classic and the detail in the metal work is so lovely. Paired with a creamy silk shade and I'm in heaven.

Oh What A Little TLC Will Do...

I found these great pieces at Lakewood Antiques Market in Atlanta and through garage sales. Places like these can be full of treasures that are just looking for some love. For my clients that have a budget...and who doesn't?... this is a way to give them big bang for small bucks.

Designer Tip: When re-upholstering furniture, go classic on your new fabric. You want your investment to last. It's much easier...and cost-effective...to change out pillows when looking for a new look.

Check out my before and after photos below!

{wing chair with great lines}

{a lovely pair of cane back chairs...love}

Table Skirts

Table skirts are a great way to add extra color or pattern to a room. I find that they soften the look of a space and can be used for extra storage under the fabric. Forms can be purchased in a tripod shape (great for the use of larger storage like kid's toys) or with shelves.

Look beyond your typical throw table skirt. Here are some pictures of sophisticated and tailored options.