Monday, September 30, 2013

NEW HOME ADVENTURE

I'm excited to be documenting the process of building and decorating our new house.
I hope that you will take this journey along with me!
It's an exciting and new adventure!



We are building a new carriage home in Middletown, DE in a new community called Bayberry.

Here is the front of our new house.
Foundation is poured.



Here's a photo of the back of the house.
This will be the entrance to the garage.
I'm really excited to have the garage in the back of the house.  
It makes for nice look to the front of the property.

This view from the front of our house is going to be beautiful.
They are adding a walking park across the street.

As you can see, the neighbors across the street are across the park, which gives a nice open feel.

This view is looking to the right from the front of the house.
It also has an open view.

If you have a moment, please leave a comment to let me know that you're joining me on my journey.


"Decorate your home. It gives the illusion that your life is more interesting than it really is."

Friday, September 20, 2013

MY LOVE OF PUMPKINS!

Yes, I had this love affair with pumpkins for as long as I can remember.  
I don't know where it came from, but there's something about the shape, color, texture of a pumpkin.  
It's nature's beautiful DESIGN!


The lady at the farm stand and I were talking about my love for pumpkins and she said that maybe I was a field mouse living among the pumpkins in my prior life...LOL.  
For some reason that thought really made me feel good...hahaha!


The rich, brilliant colors warm my heart and makes me feel really good!!!






Here are some creative  carved pumpkins that make me smile and laugh...

Who wouldn't love a daisy pumpkin?!!



 




So creative!!!



When looking for pumpkin decorations, they come in all shapes and sizes.
Here's some fun Bling-Bling pumpkins!




This cloth pumpkin would look good in a coastal home.


Then there's the pumpkin color to use in home design.
This beautiful chevron throw looks perfectly cozy for the Autumn nights.


These cozy pillows would go great with the throw.  
Not everything has to have the pumpkin motif on it, just using the warm pumpkin color works beautifully!




These orange lamps bring a pop of color to any room!


Ever consider pumpkins in your artwork? 
One of my favorite painters, Chris Mars, does these creepy paintings that I just LOVE.
I know, it's not for everyone, but what a statement piece for any home.

 When designing your home add a little of the unexpected.
Maybe it's a little creepy, or a little whimsical, just as long as YOU love it!

I hope that you add a little pumpkin to your home decor!!!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

AUTUMN INSPIRATION!

With the crisp weather upon us, it inspired me to share this beautiful color palette of fabrics.

Maybe it's time to update an old chair, or change up a room with new custom drapes.  
You can use new fabrics to add amazing color to your room with accent pillows, or custom bedding. 
Let the creativity flow...

I just love the rich color of this dark teal with the rust and gold. 
The pattern has a beautiful movement to it.


Bringing back an updated version of the SouthWest. 
Unique pattern and color combination with the added grey.


 These are a pretty blend of colors especially with the added lime green color.
Would look amazing on an ottoman or bench.


Who doesn't love paisley? 
Stunning teals, greens, and yellow make a pleasant color combination.


Softer versions of rust and teal with an accent trim would make beautiful pillows.


Here's even a softer palette of teal and rust.


This rich, metallic copper in a faux leather adds a bit of glam to any room.
It's so upscale and modern with the textured pattern.
This would be awesome on one side of a pillow with a softer fabric of dark teal on the other.



Can't forget about a lush velvet.  Here are two beautiful teal colors.
Would make a great throw or pillows.

What colors are you inspired by this Autumn season?

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

PORTFOLIO: Friends Academy Westampton - a private Quaker school

I worked along with the architect on the design of this new private school project.

 I redesigned the original logo and worked with the sign company on placement and scale.



 I selected the paint color throughout the school.  This is the Quaker Meeting area.



The classroom entrances needed to stand out from the meeting area, so I selected a bright cream color.


I designed these quotes to be placed in the lobby and meeting area of the school.
Notice the painting of the Head of School, painted by Mark Collins.





I selected  the furniture throughout the school.  
These warm, oak benches are perfect for the Quaker Meeting area.


I  hired an amazing, local carpenter to create the final, custom reception desk.
 Staying with the warm oak, I added a darker wood for a bit of contrast. 



I gave 3 options for color listed below:
Sketch design #1
Sketch design #2

Sketch design #3


Final logo in brushed steel behind reception desk.



Warm and inviting Teacher's Lounge


Science Room Furniture

Middle School Lockers

I chose an updated contemporary carpet that was placed throughout the school.

Tile for the Classrooms

Even had to select paint and tile for all the bathrooms.

 Can't forget the playground equipment. Selected some fun pieces for the kids.




I designed the front entrance sign with a contemporary, "clean" look.

There's no reason that a school can't have a warm and comfortable appearance.  
My goal in design was to have the students, parents, and staff feel as though they were entering a safe, home environment instead of an institutional facility.