Retreat: My Creative Release

What comes to mind when you think of “relaxation?” I’m sure most people would respond to this question by answering resting, meditation, or even a nap. Unfortunately, I just don’t relax like most! For me, relaxing after a long day of design work is, well … doing more design work! But you know what? That’s ok! I am doing what I love and nothing makes me happier {except of course, my family, so if I can have them by my side … even better}! On most nights you can find me on the sofa watching Netflix, with a laptop, design magazines, sketch pad, craft supplies, and a Boston terrier all in my lap … ok maybe not all at once, but if I could I would!

For me, a true escape in the form of an interior space in my home would be a comfy, cozy studio space with all the function dually provided.

This space need not be an “office type” environment. Forget the typical executive chairs and expected L-shaped desk. I need a space where my creativity can flow. And it needs to be filled with beautiful, inspiring furniture. For a chair, I’m thinking a large, upholstered wingback chair in a fun fabric. I need to be able to sit back and relax at times and this chair will be perfect for my “not so typical studio space.” For my work space, I’m going to need to completely by-pass a desk. I have too many mediums going on and I need some space! I think the Sumner Table From Hooker Furniture’s Melange Collection will work perfectly. I’ll also need great lighting, accessories, and storage … and a great view is a must!

{"Hamlin" Wing Back by Sam Moore}

{"Sumner" Table From Hooker}

Since I’m so use to working via the living room sofa, I feel I should introduce a break out area in my dream studio space. This way I can work and “relax” with my legs up and my pup by my side on this gorgeous, modern Hooker Sofa, while catching some of my shows on the wall-mounted flat screen.

{Trilogy Sofa by Hooker}

Yes, I think this will work. Just the right amount of space, perfect little areas for different types of projects and crafts, and even enough space to have friends over for collaboration and coffee.

Here are all the special pieces I used in my getaway space …

I know this place might not sound like your dream escape, but it sure is mine! In my opinion, one of the keys to being happy in life is to find what inspires and excites you, and incorporate that activity or ritual into your daily routine. You might not get to do that “thing” as your 9-5 on an everyday basis, or maybe you’re like me and just can’t get enough.

What’s your dream “escape” space {or maybe it’s more like your inspiration space}?  A spa-inspired bathroom, a library, a workout area, a luxurious hotel-like bedroom, or maybe just a quiet nook? Treat yourself … you deserve it!

Karmyn's Turning 6

I can't believe a year has gone by! Karmyn is turning 6 already and its time for another Wilson Party! The theme: Hello Kitty of course! Pictures to come!

Is Your Entry Way Making a Good Impression?

There is something about fall that signals the start of many happy holidays ahead.  This wonderful time of year is all about filling our homes with family and friends. Whether it’s a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner, or New Year’s Eve … chances are that you are having someone over this holiday season. What impression are your guests getting from your home when they enter? Hopefully your home will be filled with fun and festive decor, but is your foyer reflecting your family’s unique character?

 It can be hard {and sometimes scary} to try to make a unique statement in larger living spaces. Most people go neutral and add pops of color and texture that will not only give them longevity in their rooms, but also outlast short-lived design trends – and there is nothing wrong with that! That’s definitely a smart way to approach a space in which you are making a large investment. But when it comes to your entry, it’s time to go out on a limb and live a little!

In most cases this is a smaller space, so you can make a big impact with little effort. One of the easiest ways to make a statement in your foyer is by choosing a great console or chest that is a reflection of you. Maybe there’s a style you love but would never want to risk using in a larger room. Why not try it in your entry? You can make a fun and unique statement here, and even though your style may become more subdued throughout your other living spaces, at least you have the chance to wow your guests as they come in!

 Family photography, art, plants, and mirrors can add to the statement of your home’s entry. If you’re really daring, try painting one wall with a trendy color or adding a bold geometric-patterned wallpaper! Your friends will be begging you for design tips in no time!

Starting with the foundation of your statement, pick your table. These are some of my favorites right now…

I’m loving these gorgeous mirrors too. Try mixing and matching a funky table with a traditional frame … or vise versa.

        The possibilities are endless! Of course you can keep your entry more formal or traditional. But Im not really a traditional kind of girl :)

Little Tweed Chair: Made-over My Ottoman!

Ashley, owner of Little Tweed Chair {and one of my best friends} just redid my ottoman! I LOVE it! Didn't she do an amazing job? Look at that flow match! :) Read more here! Thanks Ashley! You're the best!

DwellStudio's New Furniture Line...

{Image courtesy of DwellStudio for Precedent}

I was so excited when I first heard that we were getting DwellStudio for Precent’s new furniture line here at Furnitureland South, and I’m happy to announce that it is finally here!

{Image courtesy of DwellStudio for Precedent}

 DwellStudio offers a unique style influenced by Mid-Century Modern design, and while these pieces are gorgeous together and fit with other classic mid-century pieces, they also layer really nicely with furnishings from different eras. As unique and interesting as these products are, they’re really quite versatile and can help add some design flair and fashion to any space with their lines, colors, and patterns.

{Images courtesy of DwellStudio for Precedent}

 {Image courtesy of DwellStudio for Precedent}

 {Image courtesy of DwellStudio for Precedent}

{Image courtesy of DwellStudio for Precedent}

 {Image courtesy of DwellStudio for Precedent}

One of the best aspects of DwellStudio is their wonderful use of scale in all of their compositions. They really voice this expertise with their fun, yet sophisticated fabrics. These prints really set their upholstery line apart from the expected. How great are these?

{Images courtesy of DwellStudio for Precedent}

{Image courtesy of DwellStudio for Precedent}

If you’ve been looking for some fun, quirky pieces to liven up your favorite spaces, you really can’t go wrong with any of these pieces. They are classics and will look great amongst a mixture of other furniture styles and genres.

An Announcement from Arizona...

I recently had the pleasure of working on a moving announcement for a couple of old friends that I haven't been able to see in awhile. This was an honor for me because of the reason we have been a part was also the reason for the announcement. Kati and Billy are in active duty with the Army. I met them both while working at the 'brush in Kernersville when I first moved to NC...so many great memories! They recently moved back to the good ole US from Korea and needed a card to announce their return! 

{source}

Katie wanted the cards to embody the beauty of their new home but also be fun and playful. Introducing the popular adobe houses in this region was something she wanted to convey in the prints. 

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{I actually did an art project back in elementary featuring adobe houses. We made stencils of the adobe homes and used chalk in an exercise that highlighted positive and negative space...I tried to relate back to that technique by playing with the shapes and transparencies.}

{Here is the sweet couple now, taken back during their time in Korea}

Thanks for thinking of me guys! Im glad you love your cards and Im so happy I was able to help you! Thank you for your service!

Birds love MCM too!

{Image Courtesy of Nathan Daniels...Burd Hause}

Ive always loved bird houses, mainly I think because of my Granny and Grandaddy. They loved birds and had birdhouses and feeders everywhere "out in the country" in their Tn home on 'Bluebird Hill'. I remember all the different ones; some that looked like a house, some that looked like a hotel, some made out of gourds, and then there were the hand made ones out of license plates. And the birds loved them all.

Now that I have a place of my own, I've been acquiring feeders. My favorites are the old yankee feeders that were my Grandaddy's. But recently I got this neat feeder from CB2. It looks great in the yard and despite the reviews, our birds aren't scared of it at all! 

{Image Courtesy of CB2}

 Now that I have this cool feeder, i would really like to add some modern houses to the yard.  Every mid century modern house needs a mid century modern bird house! I really like these below constructed from simple materials like plywood and scrap metal.

 {Image Courtesy of ModernBirdHouses.com}

 {Image Courtesy of Tim Moorison}

 {Image Courtesy of Curbly}

I not only love this design... but they supply complete step by step instructions on how to construct this little beauty! I feel a project coming on! Now to put Matt and Dad to work ;)