As the owner of an interior design firm that is service-driven and not sales-driven, I wanted to provide connection in a more meaningful way. So, earlier this month I created our very own VIP Insiders group. This group is also a way to honor my 2020 word of the year: PRESENCE. The first few questions in […]
Word of the year
How did you spend your new year’s eve? We spent a relaxing evening at home. It was bliss. Earlier that day, I worked on refining my ‘word of the year.’ I don’t really make ‘new year resolutions’ but I do set goals, both personal and professional. For the past five years, I have chosen a […]
Design Trends from High Point Market 2019
Earlier this month I attended what those of us in the industry call “market.” It’s the largest furniture trade show in the United States and it’s open for 10 days a year. If you have worked with me, you know that I fully embrace our motto of “MODERN LIVING. TIMELESS DESIGN.” We believe in the […]
Trends from High Point 2018 furniture market
When designers, decorators or furniture retailers talk about ‘market,’ they aren’t talking about their local farmer’s market or grocery store. They’re referring to High Point Furniture Market in High Point, North Carolina. Earlier this month, when I journeyed to High Point, I had a shopping list for current projects, and I wanted to find new vendors […]
You’ve got problems and we’ve got solutions
I just booked my flight for High Point, North Carolina. For those of you unfamiliar with High Point (often referred to as ‘Market’ by those of us in the industry), the town that hosts the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the WORLD. It is over 10 million square feet and has roughly 2000 vendors. […]
Why ‘European’ is synonymous with good-quality
People frequently ask me what HGTV show(s) I watch for inspiration. I don’t. WHY not, you ask? HGTV has only one job: to entertain. My design colleagues and I are frustrated by the propagation of unrealistic budgets, free labor, bad design, absurdly short timelines and the proliferation of the belief that ‘cheap is good.’ So, what […]
Creating a bedroom retreat
There are two aspects of creating a bedroom retreat. Did you know that we spend over a third of our lives in our beds? The bedroom is where we greet the day and where we return for refuge at night. Our bedrooms should provide respite and these tips will help you create a cozy little […]
Equestrian Decorating
It’s DERBY DAY! While my husband is reading about the horses and picking his favorites, I’m adding equestrian decor for a little our Derby fete this evening. My mind has been focused on the equestrian-look all week. I’m working with clients who want to update their family room. The home is a ski chalet and […]
Signs that you’re a decorating ‘maximalist’
My husband jokes (frequently) that if a minimalist says “less is more” than I’m a maximilist because I say “If less is more, imagine how much more, MORE would be!” Here are some signs that YOU might be a maximalist: 1. You love animal print and try to sneak a little in every room. 2. […]
Selecting the RIGHT paint color
Did you know that 40% of the paint sold in the United States is to correct PREVIOUS color mistakes? Yep. It’s true. A common error people make is selecting the paint color first and then making decisions about the remainder of the room. Although I ALWAYS recommend paint color last, this isn’t always possible. For […]