I'm Still Around!

Hey there!  I'm still around!  I've just been a little tied up trying to complete the Room Service Atlanta project, benefiting the United Methodist Children's Home.  I've been working diligently for the past couple of weeks trying to get the finishes just right.  This week is installation and I'm busy putting the finishing touches on everything; so I'll see you guys back here in a little bit!

 

 

 

...or I'm in the throws of putting out more pressing fires!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



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With A Man In Mind: A Gentleman's Dressing Room

Today I am featuring the Gentleman's Dressing Room from the Traditional Home Show House at the Adamsleigh Estate in Greensboro, NC that I toured while at High Point Market.  This dressing area was thoughtfully designed by Lisa Mende and Traci Zeller, both based in Charlotte, NC.  The wall covering was a special design tribute to John Hampton (Hamp) Adams, textile magnate and patriarch of Adamsleigh.  It is an architectural toile, designed from the original blueprints of the home.

 

 

The fabric that is covering the ceiling is also found on the back of the shelves in the closet.  This was also a very fitting tribute to "the mansion that socks built!"

 

The green grosgrain ribbon detail can be found in elements throughout the space.  It is finely placed around the chair and one of the pillows, as wells as surrounding the walls and ceilings.  For details on how this was executed, click here.

 

I would like to think that my husbands closet would be as nice and styled as this one; but alas, I'm afraid that it just would not be!  However, one can always attend show houses and dream!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

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Teal, Turquoise, or Cosmic Blue...

Okay, so I mentioned briefly yesterday about my blue moment when the first coat of paint went onto the walls in the boys lounge at the RSA (Room Service Atlanta) project on Sunday.  Well, I go on Pinterest and guess what I see so many pins of?  You guessed it...teal, turquoise, peacock, etc., etc.  Glidden paints, the wonderful donors of the entire project, calls the one that I chose Cosmic Blue.  It is electric, and when trimmed with Extremely White, it almost vibrates off of the walls!  I did say I wanted a room filled with energy!  Well Baby, just call me Georgia Power!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My team of painters!  (L to R) Robert, Scott, Pete, and Mr. Rice.  Thanks guys for coming in and doing a fantastic job!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

Images via Pinterest



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Monday's Office

Hello there!  I hope you guys had a fantastic weekend???  Mine was nice!  Deirdre and I went to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Showhouse on Saturday in the cold and rain.  We've actually become quite use to this since our trip to Paris!  Anyhoo, it was a lovely French inspired, 18,000 square foot home that was designed to the rafters with awe inspiring elements.  If you live in or near Atlanta, make sure you go.  The last day is Sunday, the 12th (Mother's Day). 

 

Yesterday, Pete and one of his work buddies, Scott joined myself and my painter, Mr. Rice and his son Robert to paint my space at the Room Service Atlanta project benefiting the United Methodist Children's Home.  It went well!  When the first coat of Cosmic Blue went on, I began to have a serious blue moment!  I thought to myself, "Oh Dear Lord, Rhonda, what have you done?"  I literally had to leave the room and go visit Jessica who was diligently working in her space.  Bless her heart, she did the best she could to calm my nerves!  Folks, it is going to be the brightest, most energetic space in the cottage!  Which is exactly what I was going for, but...well after the second coat went on, I began to feel great about my choice!  Whew!  I can't wait for it all to come together!  The moisture in the air hindered the drying, so I have to finish up the trim today!  Wish me luck; so not my thing!

 

 

I chose this office today because of the use of color!  I love the mustard yellow upholstery on the chair, the coral of the draperies, and the indigo on the inspiration board!  Check out that rug!  The basket weave pattern is fabulous!  Fabulous?  When was the last time I used that word?  Hmmm, not long enough I suppose!  But I do fancy that rug!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via Pinterest

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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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My Adventures in the CR Laine Showroom at High Point Market!

I could rule the world from my iPhone!  We all could, right?  Instead, I thought I would take pictures of furnishings and elements that struck my fancy in the CR Laine showroom.  By the time I was done, my phone was saying "cannot take photo", literally!  This had to be one of my favorite showroom visits!  There was color at every turn, and I was turning like a merry-go-round trying to see it all!  Oh my gosh, the most incredibly vibrant colors and patterned fabrics that I've seen, all in one place, in a very long time!  CR Laine is definitely my showroom crush for High Point Market 2013!

 

 

I so loved the ming red mirror on the green wall!  And then all of the blue...WOW!  I was told by Mary, from New Jersey, that the Marcoux sofa is one of CR Laine's best!  It totally was so comfortable and looked classic and polished as the grounding piece of the setting.

 

 

This setting was probably my favorite!  One...because the sofa is named "Ramsey"; my dad's name is Ramsey, and two... the sumptuous teal blue velvet!  Oh my gosh, sick!  The Windsor chairs in that fabulous floral fabric made my heart race!  I was never much on florals, but that chair, in that fabric was freakin' amazeballs!  I say this as my eyes are rolling around to the back of my head!  I absolutely love Lance and David with Parker Kennedy Living, and their red vintage ming chests had me at hello!  I was contemplating a personal purchase, but alas they were sold!   

 

 

I hate that this picture ended up being blurry because the details were just so striking!  The upholstery on the chair, the detail along the bottom of the sofa...crazy madness!  Truly!

 

 

Never been much for plaid, but this sofa, with it's clean lines and modern silhouette quickly changed my mind!  How cool is that little accent table, not to mention those black walls with those eye-popping yellow cubes!  Yes!  I am all in, my friend! 

 

 

Okay, this chair is so on fire!  I hate that I didn't get the name!  Sorry!!!  They also showed it in this way chic and cool ink blue leather with nailhead detail that had me like...really?  Really!  I truly was like my kids at Toys R Us...running around from one scene to the next and just floored by each!

 

This vintage chest from Parker Kennedy Living had me reminiscing about my early years spent visiting family and remembering the furniture they had!  I love this chest and the salmon color! 

 

Another piece from Parker Kennedy Living that I eyeballed early on the first day of market, only to miss out on it by the end of the day!  I came back for the party and guess what...SOLD!  The base of the lamp is just so pretty with a nautical kind of feel, and that oversized shade was perfection topping it off!

 

Anyhoo, I hope you enjoyed all that I spied while visiting the CR Laine showroom at Market.  CR Laine has been crafting furnishings for over fifty years in North Carolina, and they became the first upholstery manufacturer to achieve AHFA's Sustainable by Design; quite an accomplishment!  Oh, the food was totally delish at their party and the showroom reps made you feel welcomed and special...like a great big Southern hug!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda 

 *All images from the CR Laine Showroom at the 2013 Spring High Point Market

*Quote via my Pinterest board



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2013 Room Service Atlanta Update!

I am so beyond excited about how amazingly generous my friends are!  I am truly blessed to have them in my life.  They support, honestly, everything that I do.  It's like a reflex!  I literally just express a thought, idea, need, whatever; and they are there with a means, a resource, a hand, an "I got you, don't worry about this" way of supporting me!  These are the kinds of people we all need in our lives that enrich it and makes us so much better for their presence!

 

The 2013 Room Service Atlanta project is underway and many designers have begun the process of getting their spaces ready.  I've yet to start the physical work, but I have been busy putting all of the pieces in place.  Erika Ward and Dayka Robinson are the charitable geniuses that gave birth to this incredible organization!  You so need to click on their names and visit their sites to get to know them!  I can say that I genuinely adore both of these women.  They are very different from each other, but they each are reflections of my personality collectively!  Weird, huh?

 

 

My color inspiration for the lounge!  I cannot wait to get started on the painting!  Well, hmmm...I'm not quite sure how much of the painting I personally am going to do, but I can't wait to see it!  You know what I mean!  I'm sure I'll paint something because I'm a little too much of "I see things that need to get done, so I need to do them" kind of person; so my hands will have paint on them, I'm sure!  SPECIAL THANKS TO GLIDDEN PAINTS FOR SPONSORSHIP AND DONATING THE PAINTING SUPPLIES for the entire project!  Wow!  Such an awesome contribution!

 

The sofa sectional has been donated by another incredible RSA sponsor, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Atlanta!  Jonathan White and his team in the Atlanta store are totally the best!  I've had the privilege of working with Jonathan, and I promise you, he is the real deal!  What you see is what you get!  I love him!  I may have to reconsider the lighting, as I'm thinking that if the guys get a little rowdy tossing a ball around and hit this amazing fixture, it may not end so pretty!  I'm not 100% on the coffee table; I'd actually like four cubes that will serve as a coffee table and additional seating if needed.  Maybe I'll make them...again, not "Me", but I'll have them made!  Shaking my head!  You guys should know better by now!

Okay, so totally excited about the gaming area!  I may have to visit from time to time to get in on the action!  My husband had the sweetest idea of having multiple televisions in the space for television viewing and for gaming.  He was getting a little carried away with all of the TV's he said to do, but his idea was fantastic and I am running with it!  I plan to paint the furnishings featured here in bright colors.  I will need help with that, as I have not ever painted furniture before!  You Tube will be viewed quite a bit in the next few weeks!

 

Words seem to escape me when trying to describe her, my friend Deirdre Frutiger purchased the laminate flooring for the lounge area, and the tile for the small restroom that's located inside of the lounge!  Did I not say in the very first paragraph that I have the most supportive friends???  Well, here ya go!  I cannot tell you how much this means to me!  Sometimes all I can say is "Wow"!  And for those of you who know me, it speaks volumes when I am rendered speechless!

 

 

This donation is so overwhelming!  My client/good friend Dale Oudems, assisted me with getting the flooring, that Deirdre purchased, to the cottage one rainy day.  He just happened to look up at the roof and says, "Have they had this roof inspected?  It looks like they could use a new one.  Have them send me some information about the organization and I'll see what I can do to get them one."  He was so matter of fact when he said it, so I was like, ok.  I got the information to him and two to three days later, the company where he is the human resources manager; CertainTeed in Peachtree City, Ga...was calling the CEO of the United Methodist Children's Home to find out how many tiles they needed in order to replace the roof!  Shut the front door!  Speechless!  Again, I am so blessed; so much so to the point where I can't do anything except say "Thank you, Jesus"!  We are all blessed to be a blessing, and my friends totally walk in this!  Again, Thank you Jesus!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

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***Although I've not taken any additional pictures of the space, please visit the RSA tab at the top to keep up with the progress as I move forward with this incredibly amazing project!

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Happy March and Have a Wonderful Weekend!

You know, this is one of the things that I love about a new month; no, it's not a new year, but it is a chance to do better, be better, and get it right!  You may not be able to start completely over and change some of the mistakes or misteps of the previous month, but you can take what didn't work and grow from it.   

 

March brings with it the beginning of spring.  Spring for me is like a refreshening of sorts.  This is when I am most motivated to clean not just my house, but my head, and my way of doing things.  Starting, of course, with my house!  Clutter, dust, and dirt in my environment always wreaks havoc on my psyche!  It signals a time of renewal.  The trees and flowers are in bloom, and so it is only fitting that there be a sort of blossoming of new ideas, energy, and fire inside of me to accomplish more and go further.

 

 

While in Ikea today I bought some succulents and an orchid.  I've bought all of these really cool planters and vases over time, that I've not ever planted anything in or rarely, on occassion, place flowers in.  I want to do better with this!  I want to try to keep plants and flowers in my home going forward.  I will count it a personal accomplishment if I can keep them alive!  This may not seem like that big of a goal, but it is definitely one for me!

 

 

One of my favorite rooms in any home is the dining room.  There is something about this room that draws me in and makes me want to sit and spend time.  This one is beautiful.  I love the green leather chairs with the dark finish of the table.  It is set with three lovely floral centerpieces in fresh white florals with striking green leaves.  The wallpaper and chandelier are truly gorgeous and totally finishes the space in the most elegant way.

 

 

Do you have any plans for spring? What type of spring cleaning will you do? Whatever this new season brings, I hope you take the time to make the most incredible moments and memories in your life and in the lives of others.

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via my Pinterest boards



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The Way We Live Today

We no longer worry so much about how this looks, or how that looks, or even if this is going to match. We live with the things that speak to us and the things that we love. We fill our homes with finds from our travels, items from years past, things that we may have inherited or were given to us by friends and family that have value; sentimental or monetary, it doesn't matter.

 

 

 

We've embraced who we are and by doing so have given ourselves permission to be different in our decorations; knowing that it is okay to have that weird, knarled piece of wood lying randomly on the table.  It is okay to pin unframed pictures to the wall to make an off beat statement that probably only we will understand, like, and appreciate.  It's okay if no one gets it.  It's okay if no one likes it.  We do and that's enough.

 

 

We want to be surrounded by those things that have a story behind them. They don't have to be old to have a story. They can be things that were made in China yesterday, that were bought while out just browsing with a loved one. It really matters not.  The point is we have gotten to a place in our lives where we want things of meaning and to have meaningful experiences. This is what having a collected home means.

 

 

We're not just making room for collected treasures, but collecting moments to treasure.  We're creating environments that excites the child within us, relaxes our minds, and speaks to our souls.  We're showing ourselves, becoming more and more transparent to those who are fortunate enough to be invited through our doors.  When we welcome our friends and family, colleagues and peers into our homes we're giving them an intimate tour of the place where our most personal and private moments happen.  Not to be taken lightly, nor taken for granted.

 

 

 

We are not in a hurry to fill our homes with things just so that there won't be any empty spaces. We're okay with the empty spaces, knowing that the perfect piece will come. We now understand the importance of taking our time and making the most of everything. We're not so quick to throw away things that we once thought no longer suited a particular need or looked a certain way. We will repurpose. We will repaint.  We will tear down, build, and transform.  We will do what we need to do in order to make it fit the way we live today.

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via my Pinterest boards



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