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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What I'm Reading Today

While in the airport yesterday I picked up the latest copy of Domino Magazine, special edition Small Spaces.  I thought it would make for an interesting read while on the plane, but a quick nap got my attention instead.  So, today after I've gotten caught up with a few projects, I plan to sit and have a leisurely browse through one of my favorite magazines.  I was so glad to know that I wasn't the only one out there that sorely missed Domino when they ceased publication a few years ago, and was thrilled to have them publish a special edition (now their third), for we who find inspiration in their pages.

 

 

This issue is on newsstands until June!  Plenty of time for you to pick up your copy!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



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With A Man In Mind

Today, I will let the quotes and pictures speak for themselves...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

 *Images via my Pinterest board All About Men



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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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Getting Creative with Bedside Tables

Oh my gosh, I am working with a client/friend on designing a new look for their bedroom and I swear, sometimes I just want to open up a can of crazy on them!  Please don't worry or think I've lost my mind by writing this about this particular client/friend.  They know they drive me to want to pull their hair out!  As with most clients that you work with for a while, you become friends.  Hmmm, it could end up being one of those love/hate relationships, ya know?  But anyhoo, it has gone past just the client/designer relationship and now gotten into that area of "I love you when you let me do my job, but I will hang you off a cliff when you don't"!  See, the difference in this relationship is that with a straight on designer/client relationship, you can't be so direct with your thoughts of wanting to go all out serial on them!  Trust and believe, the desire is there!

 

 

Mirrored glass bedside tables are so popular.  They are beautiful and add such an elegance to any bedroom.  Truth?  I'm kind of sick of them.  It's just that they have shown up everywhere...even in my own bedroom!  I've had my lovely chest though, for a few years now.  However, I got mine before I started seeing them featured in every store and catalog.  The great thing about mine is that it isn't a "bedside" table, but I use it as such, and that is one thing that I am liking about the way we live right now.  We have stepped outside of what we typically thought for bedside tables and began using other pieces of furniture to accomplish the desired affect both functionally and aesthetically.

 

Nesting tables are always a great choice because they generally have the surface space needed for an alarm clock, a glass of water, and a great bedtime read.  They also can be styled so lovely if all you're wanting it for is looks.  Come on now, I know there are many of you out there that forego the functional aspects of any type of furniture in lieu of looks, until you find that you need it!

 

Okay, so right now I am totally loving this three shelf etagere!  This is actually one of the pieces that I am trying to get my friend to go with for one side of the bed.  Look at all of the space that you have! If you've got items that you need to keep by your bed that you don't necessarily want on display, then get a really cool box and hide them in.  The openess of this piece shouldn't deter you from serious consideration!  It is a fantastic piece for the space and if you ever tire of it in the bedroom, there are many other uses for it as well; the bathroom for instance.  If you hadn't figured it out yet, this was more of a sales pitch for this piece! 

 

This lovely little Pagoda style shelf is another great example of how this type of furniture can add so much to the bedroom.  I love the curve of the legs, and yes, this one looks a little feminine but can easily be offset with more masculine elements sitting on it, or in a darker finish.

 

Now, this little number is more on the traditional side, but made so modern with the addition of the studs!  Don't you just love it!  The details really make this piece.  It's got an open shelf and a drawer for storage.

 

I have to confess that I've never considered a small desk as a bedside table, but I can see where it makes sense!  I love this idea, not to mention the small stool with it's shaggy covering!  This is something that I would totally consider for my next bedside table!

 

Okay, so this is somewhat the design for the bedroom we're working on, as far as the really cool wallpaper, upholstered bed, and hanging lamps.  Again, the Parsons table can be great anywhere!  I love the look here with the cowhide stool.  This table can be used as a console, a small desk, or even ta da a bedside table!

 

This console table is another wonderful option that should be considered.  Because it has a slim metal frame with a narrow top and base it doesn't seem to take up much visual space at all.  It is just so pretty with the color palette already established for this bedroom.  It has plenty of surface space and can be styled so nicely to make a big impact in the rooms design.

This is another traditional style bedside table with a nod to modern with the white drawers.  This one has generous space for clothing and other items, as well.

 

Not so traditional is the use of a bar cart for a bedside table!  Now, I prefer to actually have alcohol on my bar cart, but hey, go in the direction of your creativity!  I like it though!  It has a whimsical kind of c'est la vie quality about it!

 

Lucite tables are another one that has popped up everywhere in it's use.  These can be found in living rooms as side tables and coffee tables, as well as in offices as chic, fashionable desks.  There are many styles to choose from and I think can add a surprising element to the bedroom.

 

Pedestal tables of any variety, in my opinion are classic wherever you place them.  Be it a generous sized wooden pedestal or a metal one like the one featured above.  You can't go wrong with this selection.

 

To my friend that I know is reading this; I hope I've given you enough ideas to consider for bedside table options.  Any one of these can be found in varying finishes, sizes, and styles.  I know you have a preference, however don't discount everything else that's out there just waiting for you to explore, and have a wonderful time shopping for.  If we can't find it, then we'll have someone to build it!

 

 

Rhonda

 

*Images



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