An Inspired Bedroom with Black, White, and Splashes of Red

The last couple of days have been exhausting!  I firmly believe in working smart and not hard, but there are times when you just can't avoid the latter.  I awoke yesterday morning at 1am and could not for the life of me get back to sleep!  I had a nine o'clock meeting that ran over for my 11 o'clock meeting...yeah, who was I kidding; I live in Atlanta!  Getting from one end of the city to the other within thirty minutes is not likely to happen on any day!  But I digress; the day was terrific and I slept very well last night!

 

 

Speaking of sleep...this bedroom was featured in the House Beautiful Showhouse (Adamsleigh Estate), in Greensboro during the week of High Point Market.  It was designed by Jack Fhillips of Jack Fhillips Design, Inc. of West Palm Beach, Fl.  When you first walk into this bedroom you're immediately pulled in by the color palette and then the details! 

 

 

Mr. Fhillips used a contemporary mix of furnishings from Polo Ralph Lauren (the bed, the chest, and two side tables).  Among some of the other pieces were either antiques or one of a kind items from his studio.  A couple of my favorites were the pair of chaises.  I loved their profiles...I thought them to be very clean-lined and sophisticated.  The nailhead details made them even more striking.

 

 

At this Market, Eastern Accents debuted their partnership with Scalamandre which resulted in the collection of several different product categories.  One being the Le Zebre collection that features bedding and tabletop accessories in the black, white, and red color palette.  If you were at Market, you couldn't help but see this!  It was on the side of buildings, bags, magazines...literally everywhere!

 

 

The selection of artwork throughout the space was eye catching and added so much interest.  There were pieces by Andy Warhol, Louise Nevelson, Robert Rauschenberg, and vintage restrikes of Picasso etchings.  A real treat for anyone who appreciates art!

 

 

I didn't notice this at the time I was actually in the space, but I really like how the walls and ceiling are trimmed in black!  It totally adds another dimension to the space and works so nicely with the established theme.

 

 

Not many pieces were without the zebra detail, as it is featured here on this bowl of apples.  Isn't this chaise just perfect?  It is Mr. Fhillips own design from his furniture collection with EJ Victor Company.

 

 

Also one of my favorite pieces was the chest by Polo Ralph Lauren.  It truly is absolutely stunning with the silver hardware details.  The red tray on top, along with the silver framed vintage photos made for a lovely and striking vignette.  There was so much more to see in this incredible home!  I'll see you back here again for more inspired rooms...

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Resources:  Home Accents Today, pg. 12, April 2013; The ShowHouse at Adamsleigh, Traditional Home

 

Oh my gosh!  Since I didn't do my Happy May posting yesterday, please forgive me!  You guys know how I feel about the beginning of each new month!  I LOVE them!  It's a brand new month to try to do better and get it right!  My goal for the month of May is to truly LET GO AND LET GOD!  For some reason, I just allowed the month of April to run me!  Oooh but I can assure you, the month of May will have no such luck!  I am in control of me and the direction I will go.  I will yield only to the spirit of the Lord!

 

 

Now you really can...

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

Quote via my Pinterest board "Words of Inspiration and Humor"



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Make an Impact with Black!

Black is one of those hues that makes any and everything stand at attention.  The key is using it to command the right attention.  Black and white, to me is the most striking; however black paired with any color can yield the most sophisticated and polished results.  It is classic and never loses it's place as one of the most powerful statement makers, whether it be in interiors, fashion, or vehicles of transportation (thinking of cars and motorcycles specifically).  Have you any black in your home?  If not, may I suggest that you explore a place to use it.  It's not just for your wardrobe, you know...  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via my Pinterest boards



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Hello! Are You There?

Oh, hello!  Yes, I am still here!  I know that it has been over a week since my last posting.  Last week my daughter was on spring break and well, I decided I would take a break right along with her!  We had a pretty good week together.  She needed that time only a Mommy can give.  The time I spent away in Paris had taken it's toll on my little one!  She will not always want to spend time with me, so I have to enjoy every moment of it!  I pray that she and I will have the special mother/daughter relationship that I had and still have with my mom.  I don't know what I would have done without my mom, and I am so truly blessed that I didn't have to find out.

 

 

This is pretty much how I've been feeling for quite some time now; especially prior to my trip.  It just doesn't seem like there is enough time in the day for me to get things done.  Well, there really isn't...but thank God, in all of His infinite wisdom, he knew that if it can't get done in twenty-four hours, then it can wait until the next day!  I've got to begin practicing better time management.  I use to be so good at that!  Hmmm, not sure what happened... So NOT true!  I lost my focus!  I lost that tenacity to jump in and get things done.  The best way to get it back, is to get it back!

Here are a couple of images from a bedroom project that is, for the most part, completed.  I don't think I was suppose to put a comma after "is"?  It's a verb, so isn't there a rule about that?  I wanted that pause for affect though.  Shaking my head at myself...moving on!  There are still a few more items to get to really make the room sing, but the clients are pleased with the outcome and that is all that matters.  I hope to photograph it professionally and show you the before pictures.  You will literally fall out of your seat when you see these!  I am so grateful they listened to me and downsized from a king-sized bed to a queen.  What is it about having a king-sized bed anyway?  Pete and I had one when we first got married and I grew to loathe that thing!  If you and your mate feel you need that much space between you while sleeping, may I suggest counseling!  There are other issues in play here that really should be looked at!  Anyhoo!  The bedding for a king-sized bed is much too expensive and although our bedroom could accommodate it, it still took up so much space!  The orientation of this client's bedroom really didn't allow for a king-sized bed and now I am so excited that the room can have a sitting area because of this simple adjustment. 

 

Okay, so on Saturday a girlfriend and I went out for drinks at one nearby restaurant, where we sat for a few hours at the bar catching up and enjoying our friendship.  We then left there and headed not too far down the street to a new restaurant that had recently opened called Khalifa Hookah Lounge.  I've not ever been to a place like this before, but can I tell you how much fun I had!  Oh my gosh!  It was just my kind of place!  Very laid back, very calming...a place where I can go with friends and totally hang out and have a great time.  As you can see from the photo, a great time is exactly what I had!  It's so funny that some people see me so completely different from who/what I actually am!  I mean, I typically always have a smile on my face and will laugh at just about anything!  But when they see me out having fun or even photos like this one, they seem to be shocked!  I'll have to ask to see what that's about!

 

 

This is one of my favorite photos from my Paris trip.  I took it while standing at the top of Notre Dame.  Isn't it beautiful?  I'm learning to take each day as it comes.  There will be days that are just chocked full of things to do and then there will be others where some of those things are really not that pressing, and can wait for another time.  The most important thing to do is to stop for a moment, just a moment, and listen to yourself breathe...take in who you are, and what you want.  In that brief moment, reflect on those people, things, and moments that have made you happy and given you joy.  These are the moments that help me to get through my days and I take them as often as I can.  I've been told by some that I have it so easy...and yes, I suppose when you're on the outside looking in, it could quite possibly appear that way.  All I can say to that is thank you!  I'm glad I make being me look easy.  I take that as a compliment!  I never want there to be a time where my appearance; whether it is the look on my face, how I'm walking, talking, or even my dress makes you think anything less.

 

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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With a Man in Mind

I was having a conversation the other day with a friend of mine where we were discussing trends in interior design that had staying power.  The one that we both agreed that is here to stay is the impact that men have had on their living spaces.  Obviously, women's voices will always be heard in design just because that's still considered more of what we do, but with the family dynamic undergoing some changes with stay at home dad's and/or men working from home; their needs and desires must be addressed.  Not to mention with more and more men wanting nicer, more stylish and sophisticated diggs, they are taking more of an active and deliberate role in creating environments that speak to who they are and their lifestyles. 

 

 

Men tend to think more about function first and then aesthetics.  That's not to say they put a small amount of value on nice looking things, it's just that it needs to suit the purpose first and then be great looking.  Oh my gosh, let's not forget about convenience and their interests.  These are the jumping off points for their design endeavors.  Once these are satisfied, they can then move on to the task of making it amazing.

 

 

Linen, denim, a pocket square, and a nice watch!  I would say this is a great way to do casual.

 

Leather totes are a very stylish and handsome way for men to carry their work essentials.  This tote would look good whether he's wearing jeans or a suit.

 

 

Bed and bedding... Now obviously not everyone is okay with a mattress on the floor; not even the average guy.  However as shown above, as long as the space is clean, organized, and clutter free it can work.  This is totally a bachelors bedroom!  The wall color is subtle with a couple of great framed images, and the on trend brass details in the art lights and light fixture, well I mean, it's fabulous.  The draperies hung simply from discreet hardware, along with the no nonsense bedding...hmmm, just smart.  This room would not offend me at all.  I would date this man.  Well, I would have dated him!

 

 

Okay, so I had to throw Lenny in for a little eye candy!  Wow, just beautiful.  I remember when I was a little girl, my dad's facial hair would tickle my face and I didn't really like it all that much.  My how things have changed!  I love a nicely groomed beard.  Yes, I really do (nodding approvingly as I smile from ear to ear). 

 

What can I say about this Bugatti Veyron?  Sexy?  Absolutely.

 

Accessories are the details that speak volumns and yet they are most often the last to be given any thought at all.  I do think this is changing with the guys.  I don't know, there seems to be an evolution of sorts happening.  I am so glad about this, too.

 

 

Really!  The high ceiling along makes this bathroom incredible!  Come on!  The contrast of the wood planks and the beams is striking!  The dual vanity, reminiscent of cross-legged trays that are used in living areas to hold anything from bar essentials to collections of pictures and treasures is totally handsome in the rich walnut finish.  I'm loving the louvered window treatments.  It is a very clean and clever way of letting light in and also having privacy when needed.  The wall tiles make a huge statement in large part because of their size and in part because of their finish.  Interesting also is what appears to be wood slats in the walk-in shower.  Do you see this?  Only what is convenient, necessary, and functional in a very sophisticated design.

 

 

Classic.  Both the wardrobe and the club chair.

 

Obvioulsy, women aren't the only ones that need organization in their closets.  There is a place for everything here; even a place to sit, which by the way is a very smart chair with a hide underfoot to add a little warmth and texture. 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via my All About Men Pinterest board



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Wouldn't Take Anything For My Journey Now...

Ahhhhh...it feels so good to be back home!  Well, back in the "home office"!  The Inspiration House wrapped Sunday evening and I experienced mixed emotions of it coming to an end.  On the one hand, I am so glad it's over because it's been such a long journey.  On the other, I met some of the most talented and wonderful designers that will forever have a place in my heart and my memories!  I want to mention William Mclure (Bill Ingram Architects), Sherry Hart (Sherry Hart Designs), and Lori May (Lori May Interiors, LLC).  These three were my compadres on the lower level of the house and we had the best times together!  I don't know how I'm going to get along without them!  Everyday spent with them was like spending it with long time friends.  We talked about everything under the sun.  They totally made my first show house experience one that I will never forget!

Sherry Hart, Lori May, William Mclure

  

 

You've just feasted your eyes on images from Sherry and Lori's feminine Stone Room!  Why Stone Room?  Because the space had these stone walls that were just begging for the two of them to come in and make them amazing!  Oh, and get this, they added wood planks to the ceiling!  The juxtaposition was just so beyond!

 

 

William and Bill Ingram of Bill Ingram Architects did the Hearth Room, which is just a doorway away from Sherry and Lori's room.  Upon first glance, one would think that both rooms were done by the same designers or that the designers collaborated on their plans for their spaces.  Not!  William and Bill's room is such a comfortable masculine antithesis to their space of cozy femininity.  The painting is the creative genuis of William!

 

The boys from upstairs, Jonathan Gonzalez (Petite Maison) and Bryan Alan Kirkland (Bryan Alan Kirkland Designs), became quick pals of mine too. Bryan designed the living room and kitchen in the attic apartment and Jonathan designed the bedroom and the bathroom. Their design aesthetics couldn't be any more different! Polar opposites actually! Bryan's use of color in an Art Deco inspired space is so refreshing and energetic. Jonathan's French inspired interiors were very lovely and lady-like, but not so much so until a gentleman wouldn't feel comfortable. The one thing that the lower level had in common with the upstairs attic is that both levels had to undergo renovations in order to get our spaces to a workable blank canvas. Maybe this is why we all felt an immediate connection? Hmmm, probably not! The six of us all have this amazing energy that just worked and the last week of the show, you could usually find us huddled together doubled over in tears of laughter that resonated throughout the main level of the house!

 

Jonathan, Me, Bryan

 

Jonathan's French inspired Boudoir and bath; so feminine and lovely!

 

Bryan's Art Deco pad takes away your blues immediately!

 

Jonathan and Bryan's spaces are polar opposites, right???  That's one of the wonderful things about show houses; there's something for everyone.  Even if it's not your taste, you can still have an appreciation for the aesthetic.  If you've not ever toured a show house before, I certainly hope that after seeing these incredible images, you will!  My new designer friends are totally talented and truly fantastic people!  You would love them all if you had an opportunity to meet them!  You would!  Really!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*If I'm not mistaken, my blog title is from one of Maya Angelou's books.  If you know, please send me an email so that I can give proper credit! :)

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