LATELY.

If you follow me on instagram, you pretty much know my life chronicles. Things have been a-happenin' lately, and I couldn't be more thankful or excited. Several design projects are entering into final phases and installs...new ones are on the brink...some are mid-way...and one is headed into construction. Feeling very blessed about that last sentence! My Maple and I (and the most fun group of friends) have done a tiny bit of travel, and our little downtown cottage now entirely belongs to us! So progress is finally being made in that 'updating' department. And, although I'm beyond ready for the onset of fall, I'm determined to do all that I can to slow down and soak up every last drop of this amazing summer. So here's a glimpse into my world as-of-late:

Dalmation print wallpaper was installed on the ceiling of #ClientHorseFarm's little girl's room.

 A set of dining chairs were given a bright new future thanks to these fabrics and my talented upholstery workroom.

An uber-traditional facade got a modernist facelift with crisp white paint, a moody blue/gray door, copper lighting that will patina beautifully, and sleek concrete benches. Next on the list of to-do's is adding planters and greenery for warmth, and simplifying that outdated front door glass!

My Maple and I jaunted off to the beach for a week with the most amazing group of friends who were more than generous to invite us on their escapade. It was beyond fun.

Major pro of summer: the drinking of bubbly, with the best of girlfriends, next to inviting green walls.

Another pro: leopard print sandals. I finally have a closet...so I could finally unpack, which means I finally know where my shoe collection lives.

As you know, my One Kings Lane photo shoot went down. Two days of intense shooting. Thank goodness for these two people: Bradley, the (amazing ) photographer, and Chelsea, the (amazing) design assistant. They rocked it.

I know, I know. You are tired of Ricardo. But he's just so dapper. 

Here he is posing for One Kings Lane. He is just so photogenic. 

A construction-site visit revealed exciting surprises: the most sumptuous charcoal stained coffered ceiling, and exquisite millwork (do you see that door jam?). The details are everything, people.

More wallpaper = more client (and designer) elation! This prettiness happened for #ProjectAtlanta. Our custom paneling provides a buffer so wallpaper will live a long, happy life on those bath walls. Isn't it just perfect with that marble vanity top and black cabinetry? If only you could see the herringbone floors of black subway tile. Beyond pleased with this beauty!

I've been agonizing over what color scheme to paint our cottage exterior, until I drove past this beauty...and immediately threw on the brakes...and had passenger Chelsea snap this photo. Isn't is just so classic and humble? Inviting...and fresh? Pretty near perfection, I think.

Custom chairs are in the works. A reminder that patience is a virtue, as I cannot wait to install these super chic host chairs.

We have a long way to go, but furnishing deliveries and custom window treatment installs means this area of a master bedroom is starting to take shape. I just love the soothing environment made by layering tones of blue. 

Those draperies are getting paired with that wallpaper. How I want to be 11 months old again.

And, the best for last? Chelsea, our witty design assistant, fell smashingly in love with this newly installed wallpaper on a client's fireplace wall. You should see it in person. It's just 'riveting.' Hehe. (p.s. paper is Rivets by Phillip Jeffries. Get it? Get it?)

So there you have it, friends. Me and my lately. Again, I am so blessed to do what I love on an everyday basis, and help clients achieve a relaxing, inspiring home of their dreams. Thanks for always being so supportive of my endeavors. I so appreciate you following along :)

HAPPY WEDNESDAY.

TOM SCHEERER DECORATES.

Every designer has their icons. While my list is swimming with an intimidating amount of interior talent, there's one name in particular who continually astounds me: the Tom Scheerer. The number of glossy pages he's adorned is unfathomable--he's certainly favored by shelter pub editors. And, for really good reason: though highly sophisticated, unexpected, and somewhat whimsical, Scheerer's interiors are entirely approachable, and laden with timeless appeal. He's mastered the art of mixing the high with even the lowest of low (and how refreshing to know he reveres certain pieces for their character...not just their namesakes or price tags!). And, Scheerer has the innate ability to envelope a room in warmth, interest...and ease.

Remember the post I did on Scheerer's design of the Lyford Cay country club? It's beyond amazing. I can vouch. I always look forward to my return, as there are always new details to uncover. New brilliance to experience. Perhaps my favorite meal of all time was had beneath the whimsical pink and white cabana-striped canopy, simply because of the magical ambiance of my surroundings. And, Scheerer doesn't spare on the use of one of my most-coveted fabrics: fiddle leaf fig, by Peter Dunham.

Being that I'm so very fond of Tom and his design brilliance, you can imagine my excitement when I learned of his newest coffee table read: Tom Scheerer Decorates, by Mimi Read (which now proudly sits on the very top of my towering stack of design books). 

It's stunning (and that doesn't even begin to describe it). Never before have I owned such a page-turner of a coffee table book. Never before have I incredulously studied every single photograph...and every single caption (loaded with interesting tidbits pertaining to the why's of his designs, and even resources). Never have I witnessed a design book in which each page is just as exciting (if not more) than the last. Never have I been so stirred and inspired by a decorator! Seriously, people. Tom Scheerer is an icon. And perhaps the biggest in my book. Classic Americana, with the most brilliant, authentic, approachable, luxurious twist. I needed this book. And so do you, my friends:

(p.s. Ricardo totally agrees. Can you tell?)

 (Ricardo's favorite kitchen)

...And that's just the tiniest glimpse into this beautifully contrived book, and Scheerer's uber-impressive (and stunning) portfolio.

Tom Scheerer Decorates, by Mimi Read. 

HAPPY MONDAY.

FALL FEVER.

It's that time of year. I am over the shorts, and yes...the sandals...and everything that has to do with balmy summer weather. A seaside vacation was had last week (hence my silence), and now that my beachy reprieve is over and done, I'm so in the mood for all-things fall. And yesterday's weather was absolute perfection. I'm not sure what's going on with this August, but there are no complaints in my book: crisp, balm-free breezes, filtered sunshine, and the opportunity to (finally) strut around in boots has me craving my very favorite season (and all the goods that come with it):

Dark and sultry.
Moody, layered, and classic.
Fall is just so chic.

xoxo.

ONE KINGS LANE.

Authentic Blue Willow Medallion Collectibles

My apologies for playing the quiet game these past couple weeks! As per usual it has been incredibly busy here at the studio. Hopefully you think the wait was worth it when I reveal a piece of exciting news: One Kings Lane (www.onekingslane.com) has asked me to be a September feature for their Tastemaker Tag Sale. Today is our scheduled photoshoot and after months of hunting for the perfect pieces, everything is finally coming together. Stay tuned for details!

It will be hard to say goodbye to Ricardo, who was recently dubbed the official studio mascot.

LATELY.

My 'lately's' been quite the whirlwind: filled with travel, design happenings, renovation thrills (...and headaches)...and easy summer weekends well-spent with family and friends.

Here's a little glimpse:

 I made my way to Atlanta, where a new build project is in the throes of tile installs (as seen above). 

While there, we made some rug and furnishings selections, and established the overall direction of the interior aesthetic. It's going to be nothing short of chic and gorgeous! Clients are happy, which means designer is uber-happy.

And...lighting selections have begun to make themselves at home in Atlanta. 

This above gem is #1 of 2 making a gorgeous statement above the kitchen island.

And, Ricardo made his way home with me from Atlanta. He's quite the travel companion. And thank goodness he has good taste in fabrics. I have a feeling he won't be mine for long (sadly)...

And neither will this little number. Gold rope arm chair upholstered in an emerald (nearly black) mohair? Come September, she's likely to find a new home as well. 

So yes, goodies are being corralled for an exciting little venture...

Of which I don't think I can flat out tell you about yet? But I will drop hints, don't you worry...

So, back in Kentucky territory, I had a most unusual client meeting. Involving little missy. A bulldog. A horse. And a miniature horse named 'Baby Diamond.' 

But, custom upholstery is happening...

And I quite like it.

Lots of coffee accompanied a weekend of house happenings (umm..we FINALLY have a semi-functioning kitchen!), hours of Lost (yes, we are like eight years late in discovering, I know), and How To Make It In America. 

And we walked around the corner of our new hood to cheers Bastille Day at Le Deauville, with Mussels and amazing convo with newly met locals.

And we topped it all off with blackberry + banana soft serve with a brown sugar rum glaze...made in my blender with goat milk fresh from the Maple farmstead:

So there you have it.

My lately.

It's been busy. And amazing. 

And I hope the same holds true for yours.

HAPPY MONDAY.

THE LIGHTING FILES.

Want to see me get excited? Like, unreasonably so?
...Just tell me you need some lighting...and that you want it to make a statement.

I mean, there are things you should invest in, and things that aren't much worth it. I take the former stance when it comes to lighting and interior design. It's worth every single pretty penny you're willing to spend on it. Did you hear that? E-v-e-r-y one of those shiny coins. Because if you skimp, and have cheap / boring lighting...that doesn't shed the proper wattage and warmth...well...suddenly everything else in the room looks just as sub-par. Spend those pennies, people. Get you some good lighting, to highlight the good interior.

Speaking of lighting, here's what's been illuminating current projects of mine. I am living vicariously through these clients, you see....because these fixtures are all insanely gorgeous/unusual/perfectly perfect...and I pretty much want them all. See?

Notice a theme, here?
Yes, you are right--aged brass, it is.
And iron.
And just overall goodness.
Flush mounts don't have to be boring, my friends. Or ill-designed.
And over-mirror bath lighting doesn't have to be your standard contractor's special.
And can we talk about these pendants and chandys? Amazing, I know.

....So, take a hint from these clients' ceilings and walls...and go invest in statement-making lighting.

HAPPY MONDAY.