How To Make A Dramatic Entrance

When I was in school I had an instructor that would get so irritated when a student would say drapes, instead of draperies.  She would say "drape is what draperies do"!  Not very long ago there was a discussion on Facebook, I think it was, Women In Design group, that talked about the very same thing, as well as what the difference is between draperies and curtains.  I happen to think the difference is that curtains aren't lined and don't fall below the window sill; whereas draperies are fully lined and fall to the baseboard or the floor.  Hmm, I must research this!  I suppose I should have before composing this posting, but oh well, it'll give us all something to do!
 

Moving on!  Since I love sunlight so much, I'm not a huge fan of using draperies as window coverings unless it is necessary for privacy (obviously), to add a layer to drafty windows to keep the chilly air out, or to block harsh sunlight.  I do love them for framing windows.  Framing both the outside view and adding beauty to the inside.
 

 

I also think draperies, drapes, curtains, sheers, whatever (did you feel my eyes rolling?) are so striking when used to divide spaces; adding drama and importance to what lies just beyond them.  It's a great way to soften a doorway, create an air of romance, and futher a theme.

 

 

 Using them in entry's and hallways can be totally amazing and so unexpected!  I love it when they puddle on the floor, but caution should be used when doing this!  You don't want to bring the whole thing down on you or someone else because it was an accident waiting to happen!  Every puddle has it's dangers, my friend! 

 

 

So, what do you guys think about adding draperies to doorways and pass-throughs?  My home is an open floor plan, so my foyer opens into my living room, which opens into my dining room, which opens into my... well you get the idea!  I have really been thinking about framing the pass-through between my living and dining room with a pair of draperies.  It would be unexpected and add a bit of prettiness.  Hmm, as I am typing this I'm thinking this may be something worth experimenting with for the holidays.  I'll keep you posted on the developments!

 

 

 How very pretty, rustic, and just down right special, right!

 

 

 I not only love the light fabric used here, but also the vine of ivy used as a tie back.  I can't get enough of fabric casually draped on a table to make eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner a little more special.  Oh, and it must puddle just a wee bit on the floor!  Remember what I just said about puddles!  Proceed with caution...!

 

 

I love the rope tie backs here!  It looks great with the rustic look of the wide plank floors.

 

 

 I know that I've shown images of flowing fabrics, but more structured fabric can be used as well.  This would be great for a more masculine space.  Think about it...framing the entrance to his closet or his home office even, would be so handsome.  With the right fabric and hardware a brilliant look is created!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*All images via my Pinterest boards 



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The Most AMAZING Woman I Know!

I'd like to say Happy Birthday to the most amazing, most incredible person I know! Truly, no other person has ever supported me more, placed my needs before hers, and made me feel as though I can accomplish any- and everything I've ever wanted and dreamed of.

 

I remember when I was my daughters age (7) and I thought to myself, I wanted to be a singer. Well, one day my mom and I were driving somewhere and I mentioned to her this newest revelation of mine. God only knows I would talk the woman's ear off with things I wanted to do, places I wanted to go, why this, why that... anyhoo, she listened to me with sincere interest, and then told me I needed to get a demo tape together and send it to Barry Gordy at Motown (yes, I'm dating myself)! When we got back home, I got my tape recorder out and began to sing hits from Donna Summer, Chaka Kahn, and Natalie Cole. I gave her the tape and she said she would mail it asap! I'm positive she didn't mail it and she probably doesn't even remember what she did with it!

The point is my mom supported me in every dream, idea, and adventure I've ever had and she continues to do so to this day. She is as much my best friend now as she was then.  When I was in high school, I liked hanging out with my friends, but my preference was always to hang with my mom!  Ask anyone and they will tell you, I had the coolest mom on the planet!  While everyone was sneaking out to go here or there, I wasn't!  I didn't have to.  My mom and I had a relationship where I knew I didn't have to lie to her about where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do.  I'm sure there were some moments when I disappointed her!  Real talk, there were times when I know I infuriated the hell out of her!  As one would suspect, I wasn't the easiest child to deal with!  But she handled me like a pro, never making me feel that I meant any less to her than if I had done something miraculous!  I guess that's why I always knew that no one had my back the way she did and no one would ever give it to me straight and keep it "one-hundred", as they say now, more than Renee!   If I live to be a hundred years old, I could never repay her for all she's given me. 

Now that I'm a mom, there is not a day that goes by that I am not so grateful for the blueprint she has given me on how to love, how to parent, and how to train my children.   When my daughter comes home from school with her many adventures and experiences, I sometimes shutter on the inside. I'm ever mindful of my expressions because I know from experience this is the foundation that allowed me to trust that I would have no greater friend in my life than my mom!  I know I've only scratched the surface of what it was like for her with me, but I know that Gillian and I will share the same bond and closeness.  I see it in her face and hear it in her voice when we talk.  More than that, I feel it in my soul, knowing that it isn't deja vu, but wisdom from the greatest relationship I've ever known!  Never have I had so much admiration and respect for my mom as I do now!   I am forever in her debt and love her more than I could ever express!  Happy Birthday Mom!  I love you...

Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda

*Quotes


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A Show House Presentation

Okay, so I've not really had an interest in doing a show house.  Well, not until I was hoodwinked into it by a sneaky friend of mine!  It began simple enough.  I had received an invitation to tour the home and see all it had to offer.  No big deal, right?  As a kind gesture to this calculating friend, I decided it wouldn't hurt to take a gander.  While there, in walks my friend with another designer and introduces us.  Innocent enough, right?  NOT!!!  "Oh Rhonda, this is my friend Nikki, you guys should partner up and propose a room!"  I'm looking at Nikki, a petite pretty little thing and I say..."Sure, okay!  If you like?"  Well to make a long story short, after evaluating all of her commitments, Nikki decided this really wasn't the best time for her to be involved and apologetically bowed out. 

 

 Okay, so here I am now having wrapped my mind around proposing for a space, am faced with the decision of not doing it or forging ahead, alone!  That really was a frightening concept for me.  Like I said earlier, I had no interest in doing a show house and for whatever reason, didn't think I was ready!  I didn't think the time was right!  I felt I hadn't done enough in my brief career to be going after something like this!  Hmmm, I'm sure none of you can relate to this, huh?  After mulling it over and getting into a few heated disagreements with a client, who is now a very good friend, (no need to name names, they know who they are), I decide to go for it!  You know me, ever the one to consult with my spirit.  It said to propose for the lower hallway.  Number one, it'll be just enough to get my feet wet!  Number two, everyone else will be proposing for larger rooms, not giving a hallway a second thought!  Number three, if I'm going to propose a space, propose for a space that I will likely get!  I mean, who does this because they don't want it?  Although, in my mind, to make me feel better about not getting it, I decided it was a great exercise and the experience of proposing alone would be great for me...right!  Anyhoo, I wanted it more than I was afraid of it, so my spirit was very strategic in it's planning! 

 

 At this point there were about three weeks before the proposals were due.  I kept putting it off, looking for that divine inspiration that literally, never came!  The Sunday of the week that it was due, Pete and I were spending one of those very rare moments together where we were just talking about nothing in particular, but everything under the sun, when it happened!  Inspiration came, and it came, and it came!  I sat at my dining room table and did four renderings.  One of them was for a bedroom of my client/friend who challenges me every time we speak, and the other three are the ones shown here.  Now that I had the vision, I had to research, source, and scourer the internet to find the perfect elements or at least something that somewhat resembled what I'd like to place in the space.

 

 I finally found some elements that I would present, but only as examples of what I was looking for.  I stressed over whether to color render or not.  I printed several copies of the drawings and set about my way to use, at first colored pencils and then markers; but they never looked quite as striking as the clean, marker drawn drawings.  So, I made the decision to not color render them, but to make my concept statement set the scene, the mood, and paint the drawings for me.  I also thought it would be more impactful to mount each drawing on individual boards and present them in a brightly colored orange box.  Since I couldn't be there to present, I imagined the judges opening my box and pulling out, one at a time, each board and laying it out for them all to see.  One of them would read the concept statement aloud and along with each board my vision will be seen and understood.

 

It worked!  Not only was I selected, I was given the space right next to mine which includes some mechanical challenges!  Oh Father in Heaven!  I am extremely excited and sometimes feeling totally out of my mind for thinking I could do such a thing!  I am so that person who takes calculated risks.  This one just didn't add up!  First of all, I know nothing about what it takes to pull something like this off in such a short amount of time.  Secondly, the expense of it!  Christmas is coming up and I would like to eat and not spend it on a space that is not in my house!  You do get where I'm coming from, don't you?  What comforts me when I'm feeling whacked out and out of sorts is that these are the opportunities that God loves.  I have no one to lean on but Him.  Sure, He already knows the help I need and who's going to help me.  I just have to seek Him and ask what would He have me to do today and who would He have me talk to.  Where there is vision, there is provision!  There is no testimony without a test!

  

 As I move forward on this journey, I will take you with me every step of the way!  Next week I will post pics of the space.  Brace yourselves, they are less than inspiring!  You truly have no idea!  Oh!  If you are an amazing artist, muralist, faux finisher or painter who is skilled in applying a metallic wall finish, or know someone who is and would like to share your/their talents and skills (and live in the Atlanta metropolitan area), shoot me an email!  I would love to talk with you and see how we can possibly work together on such an incredible opportunity!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



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Living In Layers

When the temperature drops, I truly go into layering bliss by adding that extra shirt, sweater, or jacket!  I even pile on more accessories like scarves, necklaces, and bracelets.  Oooh, and let me not forget deeply saturated colors and a little sparkle dashed about!  I typically will go for a bolder lip and nail color as well.  To me, colder weather can handle more layers and so I go for it! 

 

The same can be said, in much the same way, for our homes. I'm not suggesting that you go and pile in more "stuff", however what I am encouraging is for you to introduce stunning colors, bolder patterns, wonderful to the touch textures, and varying finishes that add warmth, shine, and maybe a little bit of glamour (obviously depending on what you want to accomplish)!

 

 

 

Fur vest, cashmere sweater with a lovely scarf thrown about the neck, gold bracelets, and nice leather bag; hmm, what a very chic look for a chilly day!

 

 

There aren't a lot of pieces in this space, but it is maximized using strong patterns in the chairs, ottoman, rug, sculptural wall art, and fireplace.  The finishes of the lighting, mirror, and floor adds warmth into what would otherwise be a somewhat cold interior.  This living room is a great example of how to make the biggest impact with a few key elements.

 

 

Not sure what else I can say about this look other than L-O-V-E!  Well, that's not necessarily true!  Let me tell you what I love most about it... It's the pairing of such a soft flowy fabric of the dress, with the cool lace-up ankle boot, and the heavy fur-lined coat!

 

 

A great play on neutrals that are nicely layered and work extremely well together.

 

 

Are you kidding me!!!  Anyone who knows me, knows that I am absolutely giddy over this look!  It is so polished and sophisticated, yet totally current and right on point with what's hot right now!

 

I want to live in this room!  It is so well executed, in my opinion, layering the elements of design (color, pattern, texture, light)!  I'm usually turned off by accent walls, but this one works incredibly well with the amazing painting and the crisp white walls and low shelf.  I love how they used two chairs that couldn't possibly be any more different from one another!

 



 

These are basics that everyone's wardrobe needs!  A classic black blazer, sparkly sweater, and chambray shirt!  Really?  That's it and look how great these came together!

 

 

I don't have a hair on hyde rug anywhere in my home!  It is next on the list of things to purchase!  It looks fantastic in this space with the saddle leather chair sitting on top!  Just a perfect combo!

 

 

You can never go wrong with a leather jacket, scarf, and sunnies!  No Ma'am, never go wrong!

 

 

I don't think I need to dissect this space!  However, I would like to point out the floor!  There is always a place for pattern!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via Pinterest



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With A Man In Mind: Reed Krakoff's Manhattan Office

As I was perusing through Architecturaldigest.com, I came across an article featuring designer Reed Krakoff and his Manhattan office.  If you're not familiar with his name, maybe you are a little more so with the leather goods brand at which he is the president and executive creative director, Coach.  In 2010, he launched his namesake fashion label where he creates a clothing line that includes accessories, handbags, and shoes. 

 

 

Okay, this table is so beyond!  I am so that person that needs to spread out while working, and what better way to do that than on a stunning piece of art like this table by Joris Laarman! 

 

 

I have books and magazines spread about my work space, but they just don't look like this!  I'm jealous!  But I suppose if I had such a lovely sculptural piece in their midst (such as this table by Jeroen Verhoeven), then maybe just maybe, my clutter would be just as artistic!

 

 

There are those times when I am able to have my desk looks like this; nicely styled and wonderfully organized!  It just doesn't look like that today!

 

 

I've often professed my love for framed wall compositions, so it should come as no surprise that I find this one to be inspiring as well.

 

 

Hmm, is that chair the same one that is in miniature in the image before this one?  A-maz-ing!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

Images via architecturaldigest.com



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Tis The Season To Be Stylish: Festive Christmas Tree Decorations and Home Decor

With the holiday season hurtling towards us at a rapid speed, it’s that time of year again when we start to prepare for the perfect Christmas. With so much to think about in the run up to Christmas, festive decorations don’t always take immediate priority. A lot of us slip into the habit of using the same old tired decorations year after year, citing ‘tradition’ when really we’re just too tired from doing everything else; but why not go that extra mile this year? Our environments have a huge impact on how we feel, and a festive interior can really enhance a festive spirit. Whether you prefer traditional or contemporary festive décor, or a fusion of both; adorning your home with the perfect festive style is both easily to do and great fun for any design junkie.

 

 

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Traditional all the way!

 

The ‘traditional style’ is a safe, tried and tested way to go. A real tree, seasonal foliage, candle bridges, nativity scenes, reds, gold and greens. All the stuff you grew up with. Going the traditional route means you can still introduce those little personal homely touches (such as home made Christmas decorations) without being too restricted by a distinct style.

 

 

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A Very Chicmas

 

In complete contrast; if your home is decorated in a sophisticated, sleek and contemporary style, it only makes sense that your festive decorations work in harmony. More and more companies are catering for those after something a little more high fashion for Christmas, yet the style isn’t necessarily as expensive to obtain as you might think – and it’s never been so sought after. With plenty of online deals out there, you just need to get inspired and shop around. Black Christmas trees have become quite popular in recent times, as have ‘upside down trees’, both being strikingly modern takes on the classic, whilst a contemporary sculptural metal or wooden Christmas tree becomes as much a piece of art, as it does a festive focal point in your living room. More simplified colour palettes, such as black and silver, or just pure white, will ooze glamour and fabulosity.

 

 

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Festive Fusions

 

Like many interior designers so often do, fusing the old with the new always works a charm. You can still embrace traditional Christmas décor whilst introducing a modern, stylish and unique twist to it. Perhaps the simplest way to achieve this is by keeping the basics traditional, but using a modern colour scheme that compliments your home. For example instead of the traditional red, green and gold, why not go plum, copper and bronze? Or perhaps turquoise, white and silver? This is a very easy way to achieve something different, without straying too far from the comfort of tradition – which is what Christmas is all about. Style injections of glamour, vintage shabby chic, and quirky woodland charm all work well next to the traditional Christmas aesthetic.

 

A few festive tips:

• Rearranging Furniture: If you’re entertaining over Christmas consider rearranging your furniture to maximize comfort and practicality for your guests. Give people enough space to stand and mingle, and enough comfortable seating to sit down and talk.

• Get it cosy: There’s no better excuse than the festive season to make your home indulgently comfortable, cosy and snuggly. Adding things like faux fur throws, sumptuous cushion cases and a lovely soft rug are all things that can subtly transform your living room into a beautiful, cosy, festive retreat - and if you shop smart it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Buying things that work alongside your festive décor and colour scheme will help unify the overall style of the room that much more, tying all those little touches together.

• Lighting: Warm mood lighting is perfect for those decadent Christmas evenings and can be achieved in many ways alongside your existing lighting. Lanterns and candles are great for this, and look fantastic flickering around the fireplace. Choosing candles with festive scents can help ensure that your festive spirit burns bright well into the evening. When it comes to your Christmas tree, always go for clear fairy lights as opposed to multi-coloured ones. As pretty as multi-coloured lights are, they dilute any carefully chosen colour scheme as soon as they’re turned on.

• Table Wear & Table Decorations: Since the Christmas dinner table is the most important table you’ll lay all year, it’s only right that you go to town on it. It goes without saying that napkins, crackers, and table dressings should all compliment the rest of your scheme - and don’t be afraid to go a little opulent. If your style is more contemporary, go glamorous where you’d usually go festive. For example, a traditional foliage centre piece can be replaced with a chic silver candle holder with a scattering of glass crystals around it to catch the light. Think Christmas dinner at Anna Wintour’s house. Another nice touch is personalized Christmas cracker gifts. Empty crackers are easy to come by and you can treat your guests to personal gifts they’d actually appreciate, instead of the normal tacky gifts that are often included in pre-filled crackers. A more contemporary alternative would be little personalized gifts placed in small boxes, much like wedding favours.

• If it doesn’t exist, make it: If you’re struggling to find that perfect centre piece for your table or you haven’t found the right wreath – then make them! If you have kids, get them to give you a hand. Activities such as this are rewarding and get everyone into the holiday spirit.

Make it AMAZING!,

Rhonda

 

 

* Special Contributor, Evelyn Burke





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Summer Loftin Antiques and a Miami Circle Event

On last Friday evening I attended the Miami Circle event where some of Atlanta's best antique shops are located.  During this event you were able to go from shop to shop exploring their latest treasures and finds, while enjoying yummy nibbles and delicious cocktails!  My friend Glennette and I had planned to have drinks and tapas afterwards, but as you can imagine, no room was left for anything!  The first on my tour of the Circle was Summer Loftin Antiques.  Summer has truly beautiful, one of a kind pieces that are a feast for the eyes!  If you live in the Atlanta area, stop in to experience an incredible selection of the finest antiques and the best in southern hospitality!  The cheesecake with fresh berries went over very well with Glennette and I!  If you can't get by the shop, it's only a click away! 

 

 

Summer Loftin and Me

 

I love this wall composition of framed paintings and photographs!

 

I'm not much for taxidermy, but these two seemed to look at Glennette and I as if to ask, "may we help you"?

 

I was totally captured by Summer's collection of antiques, but what in my opinion, made them stand out and shine even more was the amazing mural that was painted on the walls!  It gave the shop such a cozy feel that somehow made each piece, although each very different, feel as though they all belonged.  Her shop really is something to experience!

 

This chair is gorgeous!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

Oh wait!!!  The mural was painted by Barry Belcher.  Okay, so can I tell you how much you have to take a look at his site!  I was totally and completely blown away!  I l-o-v-e him and how he connects with his viewers!  Can I just say AMAZING!!!  If you're viewing this from work, go ahead and turn the sound down because if not, you may be found out!  It is so worth it, though!

 

*Images via instagram (rhondaepeterson)

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