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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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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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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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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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

 

*Quote

 

***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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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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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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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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