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! :)
