It Usually Always Starts With A Picture!

I'm exhausted.  I didn't sleep well.  As we all know, life doesn't care or stop because you're not at your best!  I drag myself out of bed, get the kids breakfast and lunches made, and out the door we go to make the twenty-five minute drive to school.  When I got back home I decided Frasier would be a great pick me up!  Hmm, not this time.  Just not feeling it.  So here I am sitting at my computer wandering aimlessly to find something that will wake me up and get me going.  Thirty minutes pass and nothing.  But then, as I'm going through Tumblr, I come across this picture from Vintage Luxe, that I immediately reblog!  It is strikingly simple and truly moves me to search for the designer!  That's when I come across Allison Bloom, of Dehn Bloom Design in San Francisco, CA.  Can I tell you, how just by looking at her designs lifted my spirits, but then to read about her and her philosophy and views on Why Design Matters, literally made them soar!  I am inspired by a number of designers, however, it has been quite a while since one has impacted me the way that she has and made me remember the reasons I became so interested in design four years ago.  I honestly share her views implicitly!  Please take a moment to visit her website and read what she has to say!  She articulates so well why design is not just about making things beautiful, but also the importance of it in our lives and well being!

Find your inspiration and make your day memorable!

Rhonda

All images via Dehn Bloom Design



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My Dining Room Inspiration!

I'm not sure where to begin!  It all started with a couple of pictures of a dining area and me needing to find the original credit for them.  I've seen them on Pinterest and I'm sure, they've been all over the blogosphere!  I think I may have even pinned them?  Hmmm, if I haven't I will after this posting!  Sometimes on Pinterest, the source of the images are not always the original source, they are the source from which the pinner pinned the image, and further research needs to happen in order to give proper credit.  I now have that proper credit for them and many other images that I found by being diligent!

I have been so drawn to this space!  The bluish/gray wall finish with the black and white checkered tile floor makes for a wonderful canvas for all other elements to succeed!  The warm finish of those beautiful chairs with the dark pattern of the wood grain is sublime!  Heck, the style of the chairs, alone, are just gorgeous!  But then you have the chairs juxtaposed with the simplicity of the black table and black bamboo arm chair!  I love it!  Let's not stop there!  Can we talk about the brass chandelier, gold mirror, and gold chargers underneath the potted plants!  These elements just remind me that the details really aren't just the details, they truly are the design!  All of these elements come together to create a space that makes for an incredibly lovely and comfortable experience!  One in which you're sitting there enjoying the meal, the company, and the view!  What more could you ask for!  Something for all of the senses!

I attended a presentation given by Tracy Zeller, of Tracy Zeller Designs in Charlotte, NC, while in High Point at the Spring Furniture Market.  She spoke about the importance of Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest as it relates to the interior design industry.  It was a wonderful presentation and very informative!  Although, I'm pretty knowledgeable about all three of these as I utilize them daily, there was one thing she said while speaking about Pinterest and citing the original source of images that grabbed my attention!  I have numerous images that I have found online from different sources that I've saved to a file or usually the camera role on my iPhone.  Well, now I know that I can upload an image from my files into Google images, and search to find the original credit!  How did I not know this as much as I am on the computer!  I didn't and I am so glad to now be equipped to find the source of so many of my most inspiring images!

Anyhoo, in searching for the origin of the previous two images, it lead me to the work of Raul Martins, an interior designer based in Madrid!  The photos of his 19th century apartment are beautiful and really showcases his wonderful talent!

Whatever your plans for the weekend, be safe, laugh a lot, make it amazing, and be inspired!

xoxo,

Rhonda

*Images

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Lenny Kravitz, Interior Designer

Good morning my friends!  I hope today holds everything you could ever want or dream!  Now, on to the business at hand!  Am I the last to know?  Why didn't someone tell me?  Well, actually someone did!  Having lunch with my best friends the other day, we are talking about The Hunger Games, when he mentions that Lenny Kravitz is an interior designer!  What?  Could this be true?  So, of course, I had to investigate!  I had no idea Lenny Kravitz founded an interior design firm in 2003 where he has a very talented team of designers that have worked on many desirable projects! Surprise! Surprise! He has a very modern, glamorous, sophisticated, and edgy design aesthetic that is honestly, what I would expect from such a hot and undeniably sexy rock icon who is able to hold the attention of many on stage, onscreen, and off!

In his latest movie endeavor, The Hunger Games, he plays the stylist, Cinna to Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence). I was also surprised to discover he is 47 years old! Are you kidding me! Really? There is only one man that I know, about the same age; actually one year older, that rivals his good looks! Yes my friends, and he shall remain nameless! Although, my last name is a big clue!

Mr. Kravitz, the pleasure is all mine!

Make it an incredible day!

Rhonda

*via google images

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Reflections On Another Amazing Experience At High Point Market!

This is what my hands and wrists look like as I am typing this posting!

We headed to the airport yesterday afternoon exhausted and excited from our experiences at the 2012 spring market in High Point, NC!  This was my third time at market and each time I go, I meet wonderful people and see some of the most amazing elements in design!  Whether it's furnishings, accessories, lighting, textiles, art, etc., it makes a huge impact on me, how I look at future projects, and my business!  For someone who is still relatively new to the industry, to be able to attend market and all of the events that are offered, it is truly a major, career altering experience!  I am always evaluating and re-evaluating how I operate my business; what I'm doing, who I'm interacting with, my objectives, my image, etc., etc.!  If it affects my brand, you name it, I'm thinking about it!

 This is where I imagine I am composing this posting!  Pretty nice diggs, huh? 

I started my business in February 2008 with referrals from people who just wanted me to show them how to hang draperies, select pillows to update their sofas, choose a furniture piece for this room or that room!  I never thought I would be so immersed in this world that seemed so foreign to me, at the time, yet have come to see it is not very different from the world of modeling that I'd left only a few years prior!  Obviously, you should have an eye for design, whether it is mixing patterns, selecting the appropriate furnishings, or being able to create incredible vignettes from the ordinary, but it doesn't end there!  This business of design is so much about your own personal image, which is a direct reflection on your company, again your brand!  It is a VERY social industry!  Networking is a must!  Social Media is imperative!  You MUST have a web presence!  This is where it is so time consuming!  I am on Facebook for my business, Facebook for my blog (I just recently did this), Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, StumbleUpon, Olio Board, etc., etc.!  Not to mention the countless apps that are available for smart phones!  If I'm not on my laptop, I am on my phone!  In fact, so much so, until my iPhone feels like an extention of my hand!  This doesn't always sit very well with my significant other!  And to be quite honest, is draining for me as well!  It literally zapps me of all creativity!  Not such a good thing when your business is being creative!  Anyhoo, you get the idea!  Needless to say, that is a lot to try to keep up with and have a presence; so I've decided to do a couple of things really well instead of everything not so well!  I sense I am standing on the edge of a new and exciting beginning!  It's time to narrow my focus so that I may broaden my horizon! 

Hmmm, I would say she looks like a woman on the edge!  Looking fabulous!

I will be making some changes to my blog very soon!  I'm not quite certain what direction I will go in!  Right now I am brainstorming ideas and re-evaluating the content I want to share with you!  I will, however, keep you posted on what I decide to do!  I started this blog on a whim and after having done it for the past seven months, I see an evolution of sorts happening!  It is a very exciting time for me, my business, my blog, and all of the creative ventures I have begun!  It has been such a pleasure to do all that I have and will continue to do!  I really appreciate your support through your comments, emails, and tweets, and feel truly blessed that you think enough of me to stop by and see what I have to say, show, and ramble on about! 

Tomorrow is a new opportunity to change!

Rhonda

Images via My Tumblr

*For original image credit [1]; [2]; [3]; [4]

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Elements For Outdoor Living At Emissary Home & Garden

Today was another successful day here at High Point Market! This is our last day, which is always a more fun day because we're not really doing any specific sourcing for clients; just more or less on the look out for great new resources for art, accessories, and various other elements.

I had never visited the Emissary Home & Garden showroom before, but was drawn in by a beautiful display of celadon painted porcelain vases, garden seats, planters, and lamps! I tell ya, it was like the Pied Piper! I couldn't walk away! Mark Johnson, the Creative Director, was so gracious to give us a tour of the showroom and allow me to take photos to share with you! A terrific staff they have working this market! And the place was bustling with buyers!

I love outdoor living and being able to bring elements that are used inside the home outside to make it a more beautiful, comfortable, and functional extension of the home! Emissary has elements that are well suited for indoors and out!

Until next time!
Rhonda

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Three Cheers For Four Hands!

We visited the new Four Hands showroom today and were "wowed" upon entry! It was as if we had stepped into a museum with the way select beautiful and unique pieces were displayed on risers and under lights! The showroom is enormous with a dark finish on its walls that evokes a somewhat smoky and sexy feel. This really highlighted the amazing lighting fixtures, as well as the creative and imaginative vignettes and displays. There were so many elements that would be fantastic additions in my clients homes! Ahhh, I love coming to Market! Wish you were here!

Have a terrific day!
Rhonda

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Add A Little Oomph To Your Home

Okay, so we're at Spring Market in High Point, NC and we're being a lot more efficient for the next couple of days by visiting specific showrooms that have what we know my clients will love and want. Our first stop after leaving the airport is Caracole, where Myra did a fantastic job of showing us all of the new and exciting furnishings they have to offer! The lunch there was fantastic! But of course, you would be hard pressed to find a showroom that didn't serve the most amazing lunches, snacks, and cocktails! Anyhoo, I'd not had the pleasure of being formally introduced to this new line that has the most colorful and fun pieces! It is a Connecticut based company that is now in it's third year of production. I truly believe they will see enormous interest that will lead to tremendous growth!

Have a terrific weekend,
Rhonda

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