My Paris Trip: The Musee Rodin

I've been so busy here as of late, I'd completely forgotten about sharing pictures from my Paris trip in March.  On this adventure out, Deirdre and I visited the Musee Rodin.  It was absolutely incredible!  I loved the gardens with all of the statues.  My only wish is that the garden would have been greener and in bloom.  It was cold and gray, but that didn't damper my day at all.  The Musee Rodin is by far one of my favorite museums.  One of the reasons is because you can actually get through the museum and see everything.  Auguste Rodin was truly a master.  Although, there was some controversy surrounding not only his works, but his personal life...hmmm.  Isn't that always the way it goes?  Anyhoo...

 

The Gates of Hell.

 

Up close view of the Gates of Hell.

 

Statues of The Slaves in the garden.

 

The backside of the museum.

 

A closer view of the backside of the museum.

 

One of very few bronze female statues.

 

 Another wonderful bronze statue in the garden.

 

My personal favorite, "The Thinker"!  I can so relate to him.  You know there are different schools of thought on what he is thinking.  He also sits high and center on the Gates of Hell!  Scroll back up and take a look.  I found this very interesting.

 

The front entrance to the museum.

 

The grand foyer.

 

 The stair railing is exquisite, not to mention the marble and the chandelier!

 

This statue is found in the garden across from the Gates of Hell also.

 

 Another beautiful bronze female statue.

 

 The details of the statues in bronze and marble are phenomenal!

 

On this particular day there were children going from room to room sketching and working in textbooks.  I thought this was totally amazing!  I loved how immersed they were in their visit to the museum.  I'm sure it is a way of life for them, as you can see their pride and patriotism! 

 

The Hands have always been very moving and romantic to me.

I wanted to take pictures of the marble statues, but cameras weren't allowed.  Absolutely stunning, they were!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Quote



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These Things I Do and Know To Be True...

My hope for you...you who are reading this...today...right now...is that you think upon these things.  Meditate on them.  Think of them often.  Do them always.

 

 

If, for whatever reason, you are not in a place where you can whole-heartedly think these things...believe these things...know these things to be true; just for one week, imagine you do, pretend you do.  After this one week, if it isn't easier, continue to imagine and pretend until one day you don't even think about it because now you do these things and know them to be true.

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Quotes via my Pinterest board "Words of Inspiration and Humor"



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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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Inspirations from the Paris Metro

Okay, so I'm working on a new project that I am so excited about!  It is with Room Service Atlanta, a community service organization that enlists the help of local interior designers to create better living environments for children's homes, shelters, and other non-profit facilities, that aid in the support of making Atlanta a better place for as many as possible. 

 

While in Paris riding the Metro, I was struck by the architecture of it's stations.  I loved the walls, the lighting, and the iron details that were specific to each.  This one station in particular really stood out for me, and I immediately thought of my project with Room Service Atlanta.  I have chosen to do the lounge in the Boys Cottage.  This is a place where the young men can gather and watch television or just hang out with each other for some fun and fellowship with their housemates.

 

 

I'm not much for doing one wall as a focal wall, and I guess that's why something like the wall above really appealed to me.  I think it would be really cool to do something like this on all four walls, but in a fun, very imaginative color.  Right now I'm toying with a medium orange or peacock blue!  I feel like a kid with a new box of crayons when I start thinking about color palettes for projects!  I typically like keeping the walls somewhat neutral and introducing color in the accessories, draperies, rugs, and such; but for this space I want color, color, color!  Not so much until it's distracting and overwhelming, but where it's inspiring and totally cool!  You know that place where you're like, "I so want to spend time here!"



 

This is the part of design that really gets my creative juices flowing!  Trying to figure out how to translate inspiration into realization.  Even if it isn't the exact same thing, it's okay.  The idea is to capture, in some form, the look and/or feel of the inspired element.  Yes, I do realize this is very industrial and has a cold feel about it, but that's when all of the elements such as light, color, and texture really becomes important.  You have to be diligent about selecting elements that will be a soft yet complementive contrast.

 

I love this lighting!  I can't wait to begin sourcing for something like it.  Isn't it incredible???  Of course, with this being a lounge, I want it to be comfortable and a place the guys want to hang out.  It needs to have a bit of intimacy, while inspiring their creativity and dreams.  For me to be able to design a space where they will feel at home and foster genuine, lasting relationships that will become a part of their support system will be absolutely amazing for me!

 

 

If you would love to help support my efforts in helping to create a wonderful lounge for these deserving young men, please contact me at rhondae@rhondaepeterson.com.  I will be posting updates as progress is made to keep you guys in the loop.  Also, please visit Room Service Atlanta to learn more about this amazing organization!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



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Bonjour!

Well, I finally made it! We left Atlanta Wednesday afternoon bound for Paris with a connecting flight in Miami. Take off from Hartsfield-Jackson was rough! It felt as though the plane was being dribbled and tossed about like we were a ball on the basketball court! The winds were pretty high, as you could imagine. Deirdre and I had aisle seats across from each other and the gentleman next to her had not long finished a brief prayer before we felt the fingertips of the wind! I wasn't worried because I'd spent years releasing my Angels to go before me and prepare my way! It was still very unsettling, though! Once on the plane to Paris, it was smooth air with a little bump or two here and there.

Once day break came and we could see land, it looked like a frozen tundra below! So was not expecting that! Landing felt as though we were on one wheel, but alas we taxied safely to our gate where we were greeted by the sight of our own breath! "What was this old friend? I've not seen you since winter 2012! You've traveled far to be with me"! Yeah, I don't think it's been that cold in Atlanta this winter or if it was I was inside and not experienced it.

I'm so glad Deirdre ordered a car service! It was nice not having to find transportation. The drive into the city was like the ones at home. But once in Paris, oh Dear Lord! Really? I thought I was in a Bourne movie or the most recent Bond movie! Small cars and motorbikes abound! No big cars or suv's here! Maybe a crossover or two and a compact van sprinkled about, but that's it! Our hotel room was intimate as well. Lovely, but intimate. More to come, please stay tune! Why do we as Americans have to live so large?

Rendre ettonant!
Rhonda

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7 Things that TOTALLY made my Week!

Drumroll please...

 

 

Steve and Jill McKenzie were so awesome to not only share with me in the success of my first ever show house, but also to present me with this incredible cotton canvas bag made from his own signature fabric!  You've go to stop by their showroom if you live in or near the Atlanta area!

I like Nathan Turner on Bravo's Million Dollar Decorator!  He's the hilarious good friend of one of my favorite designers, Mary McDonald.  It is such a great book to have!  Stay posted for my upcoming book review.  This book can also be found at Steve McKenzie's, where they have this and many more books you'll want to snatch up and take home!

 



 

Gillian and I were perusing TJ Maxx looking for a zippered shoulder bag that I can wear across the body for my trip to Paris next week, when while standing in line we spotted this incredible gift wrap!  I love wrapping paper and will buy it when something great catches my eye!  And for only $2.99, are you kidding me!  They knew I was coming!

 

Well, I wanted a Burberry trench, but alas this one from Old Navy will have to do!  Hey, I'm not complaining!  It looks good on me, you would never think it was from Old Navy (as I tend to make everything look expensive), and it was $34.99 with an additional 30% off!  I am cracking myself up!  But you know I really believe that, right? LOL, for real!

 

 

I've not been a big shopper of Ulta until one day I just happened to saunter in.  Yes, saunter!  You can picture that, yes?  Anyhoo, last summer I decided I would step out and try a red nail polish.  Oh my Lord, Pete went banannas!  So, I went back and bought another bottle, as well as a bright red lip (I've been practicing wearing it, as it kind of requires a bit of maintenance), and a popping red gloss.  I thought how tres chic it would be for Paris, yes?

 

While in Ikea, I spotted these succulents for like $2.99 and decided, hey for that price, if I kill 'em; oh well!  I bought three and I'm praying that I can do right by them!

 

This is the new do I just got yesterday!  Very rarely do I have those moments where I get out of the stylist chair and not feel like I've got to make some sort of tweak or adjustment to what she's done.  This time she outdid herself because I felt like Alicia Keys, "This Girl is on Fire"!  Man I hated to go to sleep!  Well, of course I had to tie the sides down with my little wrap to make sure the sides and the back laid smoothly this morning, but that did mean some of the rest got a bit flattened out!  I hope I can keep this going at least until my next visit!

 

This quote has to be for someone out there!  It's great to have potential and even for others to acknowledge that potential, but then what?

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



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