5 Creative Ideas for Walls + 1 Helpful Idea

As I try to get back into the swing of things around here, I've been on my usual haunts; Pinterest, Décor Pad, Tumblr, Houzz, StumbleUpon, blogs, online magazines, etc., etc. looking for inspiration.  I found exactly that and then some!

 

Chalk board paint in a intricate stencil design

 

I am so impressed by this!  First of all, I really can't imagine whose home this is in!  I mean, it couldn't be mine, only because my two would be so intrigued by it until there is no way at all it would remain this clean and in tact!  I wonder if there is some sort of spray they used to seal the chalk to the wall?  But then, what if you later wanted to change the design?  Anyhoo, I love it all the same!

1"x6" plywood boards wrapped in metallic grasscloth

 

Okay, so I have some left over plywood (20" squares) from making Gillian's headboard a few years ago in my garage that I could totally use to do something like this with.  I'm always buying remnants of fabric that have gone on sale at different stores, so I'm sure I have something that I could use somewhere in my home where a statement would be made by doing this.  I like the idea of using longer pieces too.  Hmmm...let me give this one a little more thought!

DIY wall art using Styrofoam and fabric

 

I always have around the house canvases of different sizes for paint projects for the kids.  I could do something like this using paint and stencils, as well as fabric or wrapping paper!  I just bought the coolest wrapping paper from TJ Maxx a couple of months ago thinking I would use it in Gillian's room when we do her makeover.  So many ideas...

Frames filled with corkboards for kids artwork

Bingo!  I am so doing this for that little girl!  Oh my gosh, I cannot begin to tell you how many pictures she draws in a weeks time!  And all of them, she expects you to keep and display prominently somewhere!  She can change them out at her whim and also have the satisfaction of seeing it displayed for as long as she likes!  Well, here we go!  Problem solved!  NEXT!!!

 



Thrift store frames glued to wooden boxes

 

I just like this idea because it makes for a really nice wall composition.  Simply by getting thrift store or flea market frames and attaching them to the appropriately sized boxes; you have a very nice way to display small treasures that would otherwise be looked at as clutter anywhere else!

Gallery wall art templates

 

Creating a gallery wall just got easier!  I wasn't going to post this one because I felt like just because I do this when considering the placement of frames and art, you do it as well.  In the event that you didn't know to do this, it makes life so much easier to get some paper; I typically use craft paper because it's a little bit stiffer.  Trace the outline of the frame and cut it out.  Oh, before you cut it out, mark where the hanger is on the backside of the frame onto the paper or just measure it out and mark it.  That way once you figure out your placement, all you have to do is place your picture hangers, hang the frame or art, and then gently pull the paper away from the wall!  Voila!  Gallery wall complete with only the holes that you are using!

 

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*All Images can be found via my Pinterest Creative Ideas board



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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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Monday's Office

How was your weekend?  Did you do anything special, out of the ordinary?  Was it AMAZING?  Well, mine was pretty nice.  I got to spend time with my family and laugh a lot.  I turned my phone off yesterday and it felt so good to disconnect!  I remember when I would do this at least one weekend every couple of months and I would feel so refreshed come Monday morning.  I need to get back to that!  If it's happening Friday after 6pm through Monday morning before 8am, it can wait!

 

 

I love the light that this office is getting!  Wow!  I was so a tree, plant, or shrub in a prior life!  Nothing energizes me more than the sun!  I'm totally crushing on these chairs and how they complement the draperies!  I wish I could see the chairs in the foreground.  I bet this space is beautiful.  I mean, just look at all of the other details in the room!  Those wide plank floors would have me as soon as I hit the threshold!  Speaking of threshold, have you guys checked out Target's new home interior's line?  They have some pretty great stuff!  I hope to use some in a project that I'm currently working on.  Check it out!

 

I'm feeling a wee bit sluggish this morning, but what better way to get past it than to get past it!  Keep it moving and...

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Image and Quote



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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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High Point Market, Here I Come!

Well, it's that time of year again where the world descends upon a small, quiet place so aptly named; High Point, NC!  So aptly named because it is the 'high point' of the furniture and interior design industries year.  Two weeks out of the year (October and April), thousands upon thousands of people go to High Point to experience what's new in furnishings and interiors.  It really is like fashion week!  The hustle and bustle of it all creates so much energy and excitement; not to mention all of the parties thrown by the showrooms!  Anyone who's ever been will tell you for all the fun that it is it is also exhausting!  This is my sixth market, so I do consider myself a veteran at this point; I would pack the nice heels and my most fashionable frocks.  Now, not so much!  Heels will be reserved for special parties and dinners and flats will be the footwear of choice while hiking the IHFC, Suites at Market Square, Commerce & Design, 220 Elm, and the countless other buildings and showrooms that are outside of the market area!

 

 

 

 

I'm so excited to see Kelly Kole as one of the Style Spotters for this Market!  I just recently had the pleasure of meeting Kelly, along with her design partner Joann.  They are two of the nicest people and I am excited to be working alongside them on the 2013 Room Service Atlanta project benefiting the United Methodist Children's Home.  To follow Kelly as she pins her favorite pieces at High Point Spring Market click here!

 

This is the first year for the High Point ShowHouse and I'm sure it is going to be something to see!  The house opens April 20th-May 5th; during which time Market will be in full swing.  Such designers as Suzanne Kasler, Miles Redd, and Eric Kohler are featured in the historic Adamsleigh Estate in Greensboro, NC.  I can't wait to tour it and be inspired!

 

There are so many other events going on at this Market that they've not had before as well.  There will be Suite Tours given by Bloggers and Designers showing you their favorite finds of whats hot in design right now.  Ashlina Kaposta of the Decorista, Toby Fairley of Tobi Fairley Interior Design, and  Crystal Gentiello of Rue Magazine are just a few that will be hosting tours.  I will be attending many of the educational events while there, as they are always eye opening and helpful in staying the course to become better and better for my clients.  I think the Temptations are performing this year in front of Show Place Market!  That will be a treat for many!

 

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter (RhondaEPeterson) to see all of my incredible finds!  Have the most wonderful weekend, and I'll see you back here next week!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda 



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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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Dreaming of Kitchen Organization and Display

I have a bit of a problem.  Actually, that's not necessarily true.  I have a few problems, but the one... two...yes, two that I will touch on today have to do with my addiction to lovely dishes, stoneware, glassware, pots, pans, and just about everything that has to do with cooking, eating, and entertaining...except literally the act of cooking; as well as kitchen storage, organization, and display. 

 

 

Did you notice how wonderfully organized these kitchens are?  Did you notice the very lovely and thoughtful displays?  Long sigh...I could sit in either of these and be just as happy as a clam gazing contently at their loveliness.  One of the things that strikes me instantly is that it's all on open shelving or behind glass cabinets, where I can see everything I need, and see what a great job I did selecting and buying them!  Oh my gosh...long sigh, again!  I have dishes in my attic...dishes in my coat closet...dishes in my pantry...and dishes in my cabinets!  I totally have more dishes than I have room to put them.  I need to stop buying them.  Maybe I even need an intervention?  Nahhh, what would make me so blissfully happy is to one day settle myself long enough to design and create spaces to show off all of my loot.  One day I will, but until one day comes, I will continue to be enchanted by these wonderful images of what I have to look forward to.

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images

 



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Easter Tablesetting Ideas

Easter has long been thought of as the beginning of spring.  It is the time of renewal, refreshing, the shedding of winter heaviness in favor of a lighter, even brighter outlook.  I love the spring, sans the allergies that come with the blooming flowers and trees.  It is always such a pretty time of year and being someone who loves nature and the outdoors, I find so much inspiration in it.  My family and I enjoy the walks in the parks, along it's trails, hanging out on the deck taking in the sights and sounds, driving down treelined streets and marveling in the colors.  It's like magic!

 

 

 How simple and lovely is this!  Just using beautiful teacups to place small Easter egg confections and placing them on the table or buffet.

 

 

Going into the yard and picking a few pretty stems and wrapping them nicely in the napkins will add so much to a minimal tablesetting.  It really doesn't take much.  It just takes a little effort and creativity.

 

 

Gerber daisy's can be found at your local grocery store very inexpensively.  Using an eclectic mixture of dishes and drinkware makes it special.

 

 

Last year I posted a great Easter diy project that Gillian and I tried that was a lot of great fun and ended being very pretty!  Here's the link (An Easter DIY Project my Daughter will love) if you think you'll like to try it out!

 

More stems and blooms and soft pastels make the table pretty.

 

Okay, if any of you saw my space at the 2013 Cathedral Antiques Inspiration House, you would know that I love using bird nests and small eggs in my designs.  It makes for a wonderful introduction of nature into any setting.

 

 

Happy Easter and Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

Images



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