Easter Tablesetting Ideas

Easter has long been thought of as the beginning of spring.  It is the time of renewal, refreshing, the shedding of winter heaviness in favor of a lighter, even brighter outlook.  I love the spring, sans the allergies that come with the blooming flowers and trees.  It is always such a pretty time of year and being someone who loves nature and the outdoors, I find so much inspiration in it.  My family and I enjoy the walks in the parks, along it's trails, hanging out on the deck taking in the sights and sounds, driving down treelined streets and marveling in the colors.  It's like magic!

 

 

 How simple and lovely is this!  Just using beautiful teacups to place small Easter egg confections and placing them on the table or buffet.

 

 

Going into the yard and picking a few pretty stems and wrapping them nicely in the napkins will add so much to a minimal tablesetting.  It really doesn't take much.  It just takes a little effort and creativity.

 

 

Gerber daisy's can be found at your local grocery store very inexpensively.  Using an eclectic mixture of dishes and drinkware makes it special.

 

 

Last year I posted a great Easter diy project that Gillian and I tried that was a lot of great fun and ended being very pretty!  Here's the link (An Easter DIY Project my Daughter will love) if you think you'll like to try it out!

 

More stems and blooms and soft pastels make the table pretty.

 

Okay, if any of you saw my space at the 2013 Cathedral Antiques Inspiration House, you would know that I love using bird nests and small eggs in my designs.  It makes for a wonderful introduction of nature into any setting.

 

 

Happy Easter and Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

Images



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Inspirations from the Paris Metro

Okay, so I'm working on a new project that I am so excited about!  It is with Room Service Atlanta, a community service organization that enlists the help of local interior designers to create better living environments for children's homes, shelters, and other non-profit facilities, that aid in the support of making Atlanta a better place for as many as possible. 

 

While in Paris riding the Metro, I was struck by the architecture of it's stations.  I loved the walls, the lighting, and the iron details that were specific to each.  This one station in particular really stood out for me, and I immediately thought of my project with Room Service Atlanta.  I have chosen to do the lounge in the Boys Cottage.  This is a place where the young men can gather and watch television or just hang out with each other for some fun and fellowship with their housemates.

 

 

I'm not much for doing one wall as a focal wall, and I guess that's why something like the wall above really appealed to me.  I think it would be really cool to do something like this on all four walls, but in a fun, very imaginative color.  Right now I'm toying with a medium orange or peacock blue!  I feel like a kid with a new box of crayons when I start thinking about color palettes for projects!  I typically like keeping the walls somewhat neutral and introducing color in the accessories, draperies, rugs, and such; but for this space I want color, color, color!  Not so much until it's distracting and overwhelming, but where it's inspiring and totally cool!  You know that place where you're like, "I so want to spend time here!"



 

This is the part of design that really gets my creative juices flowing!  Trying to figure out how to translate inspiration into realization.  Even if it isn't the exact same thing, it's okay.  The idea is to capture, in some form, the look and/or feel of the inspired element.  Yes, I do realize this is very industrial and has a cold feel about it, but that's when all of the elements such as light, color, and texture really becomes important.  You have to be diligent about selecting elements that will be a soft yet complementive contrast.

 

I love this lighting!  I can't wait to begin sourcing for something like it.  Isn't it incredible???  Of course, with this being a lounge, I want it to be comfortable and a place the guys want to hang out.  It needs to have a bit of intimacy, while inspiring their creativity and dreams.  For me to be able to design a space where they will feel at home and foster genuine, lasting relationships that will become a part of their support system will be absolutely amazing for me!

 

 

If you would love to help support my efforts in helping to create a wonderful lounge for these deserving young men, please contact me at rhondae@rhondaepeterson.com.  I will be posting updates as progress is made to keep you guys in the loop.  Also, please visit Room Service Atlanta to learn more about this amazing organization!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



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A Very Chic Apartment

Here in the last few months I've not had much time to peruse my favorite mags online or in hardcopy; but in trying to find inspiration for an upcoming project, I had to take a moment to see what I've been missing.  And as I suspected, I've been missing out on quite a bit! 

 

 

David Jimenez, vice president of visual merchandising and store design for the Hallmark company, is pinned as the "Mix Master" because of his artfully eclectic, yet very discerning way of decorating his apartment at the Sophian Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

 

It strikes me as odd that I am so captivated by all of the elements in his space and absolutely love it, while my design aesthetic leans more towards the minimal.  You would think that being as I am a little more minimal in my decorations, a room like this would make me feel bit overwhelmed?  It so does not!  It actually makes me want to venture outside of my box and try to incorporate more into my designs.  This aesthetic does take a very keen eye with great attention to detail.  I can see where editing is a major part of keeping this room from becoming "too much". 

 

It really is all about layering elements that complement each other in scale and proportion, as well as color, in order to strike just the right balance.  Natural lighting is truly a rooms best asset!  When you have great natural lighting, you are able to take bolder chances with different color palettes and furniture arrangements.  The use of a neutral palette in this bedroom is soothing and striking at once with the addition of the black leather tufted bench at the foot of the bed, which also provides a wonderful rhythm with the trim in the coverlet and bedding (note the wide trim flange on the euro shams).

 

 

A small kitchen is made to feel larger with high ceilings, again fantastic natural lighting, glass cabinet doors, and lovely white marble countertops with white subway tile backsplash.  I love the taupey/gray wall finish and the open shelving above an open countertop that's perfect for a stool!  I know the rest of the kitchen isn't shown and this probably doesn't matter so much for Mr. Jimenez; but where does he keep food?  Is there a nice little pantry?  I'm sure he probably doesn't cook very much!  Hmmm, nor do I, but I have a family who loves to eat, so food storage is a must!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via architecturaldigest.com



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Monday's Office

Wow! I so totally love the striking contrast of the dark color paired with the crisp white!  A very classic and sophisticated space that is made comfortable and casual with the open bookshelf, the basket of miscellaneous items in the corner, and the zebra rug placed randomly on the floor.

 

I have one of these types of desk chairs and was considering getting rid of it, but now I'm thinking I may just let it be my next DIY project and change the fabric and try to zhoosh it up a bit.  It's a great chair!  It moves so easily on the casters; it just needs a little makeover to make it not such an eyesore in the space.  Funny thing, I'm always drapping a jacket, scarf, or something over it until I can put them away.  I guess that's why the one shown in the photo appeals to me so much!

 

The classic urn lamp, you simply can't go wrong with anywhere in your home.  So, why not place it on your desk and use it as a task lamp?  This one sure is awefully pretty sitting on top of the cabriole leg desk!  I'm not certain my desk would ever be this clutter free, but one can dream...

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

P.S.  Yes, I had the most incredible time in Paris and I will be sharing many photos and my thoughts about the city of lights in upcoming postings.  I hope to see you there!

 

*Image via Pinterest.com

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Bonjour!

Well, I finally made it! We left Atlanta Wednesday afternoon bound for Paris with a connecting flight in Miami. Take off from Hartsfield-Jackson was rough! It felt as though the plane was being dribbled and tossed about like we were a ball on the basketball court! The winds were pretty high, as you could imagine. Deirdre and I had aisle seats across from each other and the gentleman next to her had not long finished a brief prayer before we felt the fingertips of the wind! I wasn't worried because I'd spent years releasing my Angels to go before me and prepare my way! It was still very unsettling, though! Once on the plane to Paris, it was smooth air with a little bump or two here and there.

Once day break came and we could see land, it looked like a frozen tundra below! So was not expecting that! Landing felt as though we were on one wheel, but alas we taxied safely to our gate where we were greeted by the sight of our own breath! "What was this old friend? I've not seen you since winter 2012! You've traveled far to be with me"! Yeah, I don't think it's been that cold in Atlanta this winter or if it was I was inside and not experienced it.

I'm so glad Deirdre ordered a car service! It was nice not having to find transportation. The drive into the city was like the ones at home. But once in Paris, oh Dear Lord! Really? I thought I was in a Bourne movie or the most recent Bond movie! Small cars and motorbikes abound! No big cars or suv's here! Maybe a crossover or two and a compact van sprinkled about, but that's it! Our hotel room was intimate as well. Lovely, but intimate. More to come, please stay tune! Why do we as Americans have to live so large?

Rendre ettonant!
Rhonda

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7 Things that TOTALLY made my Week!

Drumroll please...

 

 

Steve and Jill McKenzie were so awesome to not only share with me in the success of my first ever show house, but also to present me with this incredible cotton canvas bag made from his own signature fabric!  You've go to stop by their showroom if you live in or near the Atlanta area!

I like Nathan Turner on Bravo's Million Dollar Decorator!  He's the hilarious good friend of one of my favorite designers, Mary McDonald.  It is such a great book to have!  Stay posted for my upcoming book review.  This book can also be found at Steve McKenzie's, where they have this and many more books you'll want to snatch up and take home!

 



 

Gillian and I were perusing TJ Maxx looking for a zippered shoulder bag that I can wear across the body for my trip to Paris next week, when while standing in line we spotted this incredible gift wrap!  I love wrapping paper and will buy it when something great catches my eye!  And for only $2.99, are you kidding me!  They knew I was coming!

 

Well, I wanted a Burberry trench, but alas this one from Old Navy will have to do!  Hey, I'm not complaining!  It looks good on me, you would never think it was from Old Navy (as I tend to make everything look expensive), and it was $34.99 with an additional 30% off!  I am cracking myself up!  But you know I really believe that, right? LOL, for real!

 

 

I've not been a big shopper of Ulta until one day I just happened to saunter in.  Yes, saunter!  You can picture that, yes?  Anyhoo, last summer I decided I would step out and try a red nail polish.  Oh my Lord, Pete went banannas!  So, I went back and bought another bottle, as well as a bright red lip (I've been practicing wearing it, as it kind of requires a bit of maintenance), and a popping red gloss.  I thought how tres chic it would be for Paris, yes?

 

While in Ikea, I spotted these succulents for like $2.99 and decided, hey for that price, if I kill 'em; oh well!  I bought three and I'm praying that I can do right by them!

 

This is the new do I just got yesterday!  Very rarely do I have those moments where I get out of the stylist chair and not feel like I've got to make some sort of tweak or adjustment to what she's done.  This time she outdid herself because I felt like Alicia Keys, "This Girl is on Fire"!  Man I hated to go to sleep!  Well, of course I had to tie the sides down with my little wrap to make sure the sides and the back laid smoothly this morning, but that did mean some of the rest got a bit flattened out!  I hope I can keep this going at least until my next visit!

 

This quote has to be for someone out there!  It's great to have potential and even for others to acknowledge that potential, but then what?

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



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Closet Fantasies

When I started thinking about what I was going to pack for my trip, I immediately thought I needed to go shopping.  No, I wasn't using it as an excuse to shop!  I honestly thought I didn't have anything to wear.  I know those of you who are reading this, and actually know me are like "yeah right"!  Well, after shopping my closet, I found things in there that I've not laid eyes on for too long!  Which got me to thinking about closet design and organization.

 

 

 

My closet is too small for my things and way too small for mine and Pete's! So as you can imagine, it's pretty cramped in there. However, I will say since I am a bit of an organization stickler, everything has it's place in the cramped space. It is organized by style, color, and length. My shoes and boots line the walls at the bottom, along the floor in their original boxes. I have long necklaces hanging on one of the walls, as well as in jewelry boxes, in lovely little bowls, and on beautiful trays. Scarves are folded in the boxes they came in, belts are coiled in a hat box, and my handbags are in my linen closet on the bottom two shelves. Never place them on the top shelf because over time the heat will take it's toll. Anyhoo, I give you this breakdown so that you can kind of get an idea of how it's so easy for me to overlook and forget the many fantastic pieces I own. Such a shame!

 

 

My ideal closet would have all things displayed in a way that would make it very easy for me to see, grab, contemplate, try on, and take a peek in the mirror from all angles; even as I walk to and fro checking out all sides. Nothing would be missed! Obviously, I would have to have a place to sit and rest in between try-ons! This maybe a nice Bergere chair beautifully upholstered in an amazing Schumacher fabric or a lovely tufted settee in a luxe velvet. I would also want great lighting. Yes, a fabulous chandelier or pendant is preferable, but I need lighting that makes me look amazing! Natural lighting is always best, but not necessarily so for clothing! I wouldn't skimp on flooring either. I just used a fantastic porcelain tile in my show house space, that I would totally consider using with a plush rug underfoot to cuddle my toes.  I've always loved the idea of a beautiful dressing table with a chair to sit and put on my make up and other accessories.  There would be a wonderfully tasteful ornate mirror that would anchor the space and be the crown jewel of my most amazing dressing room.

 

 

 

The best closet design is one that allows for it's contents to be seen, protected, and organized all in one incredible space.  Ahhh...  Oh well it's time for me to get the kids off to school!  One day my closet fantasy will be a delightful reality!  Until then...

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images



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One Week to Paris + A Little Something Else

I hadn't really felt all that excited about my upcoming trip.  Oh, don't get me wrong, the thought of the trip totally excited me; but I had yet to get that giddy feeling on the inside.  You know the one I'm talking about!  Well, now that I've finally gotten my passport renewed, as of last Wednesday and picked it up on Monday, day before yesterday; I am giddy like a kid the night before going to Disney World!  I actually began packing over the weekend to ensure I don't forget anything!  In thinking ahead, knowing me the way that I do, I called to check on international plans for data, texting, and calling...Lord have mercy Jesus!  Really?  Not sure yet what I'm going to do because I really wanted to use the Instagram app, but I will have to work around it some way or another!

 

 

One of the things I am most excited about is being able to walk the streets of a city that is so rich in history and beauty.  To be able to sit in an intimate cafe and enjoy the food and wine, to sit on a quiet bench and just revel in the moment, to attend the ballet at La Opera and be moved not just by the performance, but the experience of it all.  To be able to fall in love over and over with the life that I've been so blessed to live.  To fully realize a dream of traveling to a place where I've always wanted to go, but seldomly thought about because I knew it would happen.  Pinch me now!

 

 

 

 We will be up before dawn and long after sunset. I'm not sure we will even sleep on this trip!  Yes, yes we will, on the flight over and the flight back!  My bestie, Tomeko and I, were talking yesterday about living on purpose.  I've never given much thought to this, but it's so important to live each and every day on purpose.  The alternative is to take each day as it comes.  Really?  Is that something any of us want to do?  God only knows what will come from that!  There are always going to be things that are out of our control, but those things that we can control, we should.  We can purpose ourselves to be happy; to enjoy all the day brings knowing that we can have the best and be the best because it all begins with our thoughts; which reveal themselves in our behavior and actions. 

 

 

 

This trip is going to be such a huge source of inspiration for me! Huge in the way of knowing I can live the life I want and totally enjoy my friends, family, peers, and career. I can get through those struggles knowing that they are par for the course, so that I am able to have the life of my dreams, made possible by the setting of goals and the discipline of doing the most simple things day after day regardless of what it looks like.  How wonderful a gift for us all to be able to decide what we will accept and not accept.  To decide who we will be and how we will impact the lives of those around us.  To decide not to let the set backs hold us back.  To decide to go out and live the life of our dreams because we've been given a gift to just that.  The best way to show our gratitude for such an amazing gift of life is to live it to the fullest!

 

 

 

No matter the struggle, no matter the challenge; we get to decide how we're going to handle it.  We get to decide if we're going to be overwhelmed, overcome, and defeated by our situations; or if we're going to devise a plan, perservere, and keep it moving.  I've chosen to...

 

 

Rendre ETTONANT!

Rhonda

 

*Images & Quotes



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