Jumat, 15 Februari 2013

With a Man in Mind

I was having a conversation the other day with a friend of mine where we were discussing trends in interior design that had staying power.  The one that we both agreed that is here to stay is the impact that men have had on their living spaces.  Obviously, women's voices will always be heard in design just because that's still considered more of what we do, but with the family dynamic undergoing some changes with stay at home dad's and/or men working from home; their needs and desires must be addressed.  Not to mention with more and more men wanting nicer, more stylish and sophisticated diggs, they are taking more of an active and deliberate role in creating environments that speak to who they are and their lifestyles. 
 
 
Men tend to think more about function first and then aesthetics.  That's not to say they put a small amount of value on nice looking things, it's just that it needs to suit the purpose first and then be great looking.  Oh my gosh, let's not forget about convenience and their interests.  These are the jumping off points for their design endeavors.  Once these are satisfied, they can then move on to the task of making it amazing.
 
 
Linen, denim, a pocket square, and a nice watch!  I would say this is a great way to do casual.

 
Leather totes are a very stylish and handsome way for men to carry their work essentials.  This tote would look good whether he's wearing jeans or a suit.
 
 
Bed and bedding... Now obviously not everyone is okay with a mattress on the floor; not even the average guy.  However as shown above, as long as the space is clean, organized, and clutter free it can work.  This is totally a bachelors bedroom!  The wall color is subtle with a couple of great framed images, and the on trend brass details in the art lights and light fixture, well I mean, it's fabulous.  The draperies hung simply from discreet hardware, along with the no nonsense bedding...hmmm, just smart.  This room would not offend me at all.  I would date this man.  Well, I would have dated him!
 
 
Okay, so I had to throw Lenny in for a little eye candy!  Wow, just beautiful.  I remember when I was a little girl, my dad's facial hair would tickle my face and I didn't really like it all that much.  My how things have changed!  I love a nicely groomed beard.  Yes, I really do (nodding approvingly as I smile from ear to ear). 

 
What can I say about this Bugatti Veyron?  Sexy?  Absolutely.

 
Accessories are the details that speak volumns and yet they are most often the last to be given any thought at all.  I do think this is changing with the guys.  I don't know, there seems to be an evolution of sorts happening.  I am so glad about this, too.
 
 
Really!  The high ceiling along makes this bathroom incredible!  Come on!  The contrast of the wood planks and the beams is striking!  The dual vanity, reminiscent of cross-legged trays that are used in living areas to hold anything from bar essentials to collections of pictures and treasures is totally handsome in the rich walnut finish.  I'm loving the louvered window treatments.  It is a very clean and clever way of letting light in and also having privacy when needed.  The wall tiles make a huge statement in large part because of their size and in part because of their finish.  Interesting also is what appears to be wood slats in the walk-in shower.  Do you see this?  Only what is convenient, necessary, and functional in a very sophisticated design.
 
 
Classic.  Both the wardrobe and the club chair.

 
Obvioulsy, women aren't the only ones that need organization in their closets.  There is a place for everything here; even a place to sit, which by the way is a very smart chair with a hide underfoot to add a little warmth and texture. 
 
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
 
*Images via my All About Men Pinterest board

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Kamis, 14 Februari 2013

Happy Valentines Day?

I'm not all that big on Valentine's day; never have been.  I am, however, a romantic.  Not in the sense that most would think.  You know, the mushy love stuff.  Ha! There's nothing wrong with that.  I just don't have to have it to have romantic notions.  I can romanticize just about anything.  I enjoy life's simple pleasures, whether with Pete, my children, or by myself.  Of course, it's always nice to be on the receiving end of their affection, and I am so glad they shower me just because!  So to them...Happy Valentine's Day! 
 
 Isn't this camellia beautiful?  Look at how delicate the petals appear and yet they withstand the rigors of growth, weather, the elements, and being handled by those who want to enjoy their beauty in a vase.  Youth and beauty is usually compared to that of a flower.  I get it.  Take nothing for granted.  Enjoy all the things the days will bring.
 
 It would be such a pity to cut into this cake, but how else could you enjoy just how delicious it is?  It wasn't made to just be pretty.  It was made to be enjoyed by all of your senses.  Our lives are no different.  What a pity it would be to have the ability to decide what kind of day we're going to have, who we're going to spend our time with, and what we're going to do, only to choose to do nothing at all.  Wow!  Really?
 
 I love the length and color of this belted skirt paired, with the classic white button down.  So feminine with a casual easiness.  It always makes me smile to see women who are comfortable in their skin, because no matter what they are wearing, they are wearing it; it's not wearing them.  What you're wearing doesn't matter as much as how you're wearing it.
 
 
As a nineth grader in Etoyle Mouser's English Literature class, I loved all of the writings of Elizabeth Barret Browning.  Did I understand all that she had written?  Of course not.  Did it matter that I didn't?  I don't think so.  It was more about how her poems made me feel than about my understanding.  I am a very analytical person.  I've been criticized by a few for being so much so.  I am also a very feeling person, in that it matters more to me the experience of the moments than it does the moments themselves.  Simply put, if I want the experience of enjoying a cup of coffee, I'm probably going to drive pass five Starbucks to get to that one Illy coffee shop where I can have a nice porcelain cup with a pastry on a nice porcelain plate.  Now don't get me wrong, I too enjoy Starbucks, but there are times when it means more to me to have the "experience" than the coffee itself.
 
No matter what this day finds you doing, whether with the love of your life or in the company of yourself, enjoy the moments of being.  Being able to wake up this morning and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.  It does surround you, you just have to open your eyes to see it.
 
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
 
*Images via my Pinterest boards

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Rabu, 13 Februari 2013

My Countdown to Paris has Begun!

Wow!  What else can I say, but WOW!  Last year was a fantastic year for me!  Not all of it smelled like roses; but does it ever?  Anyhoo, it was just a year where Rhonda E. Peterson experienced tremendous growth and incredible awakenings.  Now, here it is barely two months into 2013, and I am already realizing dreams and goals that are taking my breath away.  One such goal is my trip to Paris next month!  I am finally beginning to get very excited about going!  As I was browsing through my Pinterest boards searching for images, I became totally giddy with excitement, so please excuse me if I just show pictures of places, architecture, and elements that will cause my heart to skip a beat everyday that I am there!
 
 Paris vista
 
 Eiffel Tower
 
 Champs-Elysees
 
 Musee de Louvre
 
 Paris Pont (Bridge)
 
Montmartre
 
 Palais Garnier (Opera Garnier)
 
 Cathedral of Notre Dame
 
The Gardens at the Palace of Versailles
 
The River Seine
 
 Pont Neuf (Paris' oldest bridge)
 
 Le Procope (Paris' oldest cafe)
 
Parisian residence (Art Deco at it's finest)
 
I can totally see myself standing here wanting to split myself into, so that I can see it all!
 
The best part of all is that I get to share this experience with a person that has truly supported my dreams, goals, aspirations, and all those things that make us who we are at the core of our being.  Those types of friends are so rare, and I'm so glad Deirdre is mine!
 
 
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
 
*All images via my Pinterest boards

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Selasa, 12 Februari 2013

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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Senin, 11 Februari 2013

Monday's Office

 
 
I really like the elements of this home office.  The desk is a lovely distressed turquoise that has a clear acrylic or glass top to protects it's surface.  The desk chair is an "of the moment" linen wingback with unfinished legs and a petite pillow to aid in lumbar support.  That pillow is very smart, not just because it is a pretty addition, but because this chair has a pitch that lends no lumbar support whatsoever!  I totally think the French chairs are a great complement! 
 
So let's talk about layering the floor coverings... Okay, I've always been a fan of this, always!  Natural fiber rugs are a great way to introduce texture to any space whether formal or casual.  Seriously!  I've seen some amazing formal living spaces that have been covered in wall to wall jute or sisal and then layered with another fantastic rug; oushak, tibetan, or zebra!  Obviously, I'm feeling this!  And then look at that little cute sheepskin lying next to the mama zebra!  I'm getting a little side tracked now!  Moving on...
 
I am so inspired right now by all of the incredible lighting that's trending.  There are some exciting metals to choose from, as well as interesting designs.  If you don't have room on your desk to do a lamp, then try a cool ceiling fixture or do a wall mounted swing arm lamp.  Be creative!  There is more than one way to skin a chicken!  At least that's what I've been told!  Another thing that I'm crushing on is shelving of any and all types.  I have a lot of "stuff" that I like to display.  Books, vases, jars, Foo Dogs, bowls, trays...the list goes on and on.  My point is I don't purchase things just for the sake of purchasing, although I'm sure Pete would have a different opinion.  I want to display my finds because they inspire me in some way or another and I love being able to look up and feast my weary work-driven eyes on something that motivates me to keep it moving!  I'm loving those gold cowboy boots on top of the cabinet!  I'm sure there is a story behind those!
 
And finally, art and photography should have a significant role in our interiors.  Have you ever been in a room that had nothing on the walls?  I have and it's just not right!  It's not finished.  Art and photography adds another wonderful layer of interest and depth.  It doesn't have to be anything pricey or considered a masterpiece.  I have yanked pics out of fantastic catalogs, matted and framed them, and hung them on my wall gallery style!  What's funny about that is people think it's this amazing photograph that I paid a grip for!  Ha!  I don't think so!
 
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
 
*Image via my Pinterest board Work Spaces

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Minggu, 03 Februari 2013

Sunday Inspiration

I'm sitting here thinking about all of the things I would have missed out on if I had not taken one chance, one leap of faith, and done something that scared the crap out of me!  Do you have moments like that; moments when you throw caution to the wind and just go for it?  If you do, then you know exactly what I'm talking about.  If not, my hope for you is that today is the day that you will!
 
 
This is a line from one of my favorite movies, when George Bailey is walking Mary home from the prom and he asks her what does she want.  He then continues with the kindest, most wonderful expression of what she means to him.  No matter how many times I watch this movies, I always get this goofy grin with a warm feeling inside. 
 
 
I've never I had a problem with asking for what I wanted because I always thought, (1) all they can say is NO, and (2) why would they tell me NO?  No shortage of self esteem here, huh?
 
 
Oh my gosh, this is so true!  We seem to fear the unknown and tell ourselves all of the reasons why it won't work out; but in that brief moment, you know the one where you're kinda having an outer body experience, and before you know it you've said or done something that goes so against what you would have typically done or said?  I live these moments now!  Not because I'm fearless (or wreckless), but because I don't want to look back and realize I was the only one standing in my way!
 
 
We've all experienced doubt.  Sometimes we're even paralyzed by it.  This is how I've conquered it; if I have done all that I could possibly do, then I have to let it go and let the cards fall where they may, all while expecting nothing but positive results.  Now when I say positive results, I'm not necessarily talking about the results that I want, because sometimes it is not up to me.  I'm speaking more about the joy and confidence that comes from the sense of accomplishing something that I probably doubted I would.  I hope that makes sense to you!  Obviously, it made a lot of sense to me!
 
 
Sometimes I do wish there was an easier way to success.  I wish it didn't take so much work, and frustration, and disappointment, and all of those other things that come along with it.  But then I would have missed out on all of the growth, and the experiences, and the opportunities to be the best me.  Here's the thing, it can be the most amazing adventure!  One that you look back on fondly and recount the memories of times not so bad, as well as those that encouraged you to hang in there and keep going.  It really is all in how you look at it...
 
 
We can all relate to this I'm sure!
 
 
Wouldn't it be just awful if you give up on your goal(s) and/or dreams only to find out if you had just hung in there a little bit longer and pushed a little bit harder, everything that you had been working for was about to happen?  Wow, I just felt all of the air leave my lungs!  Totally deflated!  This is what keeps me going day after day after day!  Now, I may not do all that I need to do in that day; or even all that I should do, but I always do something that puts me a little bit closer to getting what I want!
 
 
What makes all of this easier for me is my ever increasing faith in God and His love for me, and the people he has placed in my life to encourage, motivate, and inspire me to greater things.  I am surrounded by people who see great things in me.  Sometimes, when I'm not feeling it or seeing what they see, I will act on what they see because in that moment, that has to push me until I am able to push myself. 
 
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
 
All quotes found via my Pinterest board "Words of Inspiration and Humor"

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