Sunday, December 12, 2010
Decorating for the Holidays!
Happy Holidays!! I can not believe that Christmas is two weeks away. Time sure does fly!! Unfortunately, we have not put up our Christmas Tree, yet; there is still time. I did, however, send out our Christmas cards; my theme for cards this year was metallic gold and silver!! These colors look fabulous together. I also love muted reds, greens and purples ( that was last years theme.) As some of you may know, I am not a fan of the giant Santa, snowman or any other Christmas characters on the front lawn, in the living room, on hand towels or on floor mats (nothing wrong with those of you that do, this is just my personal opinion.) When decorating for the holidays, try to incorporate your holiday decoration into your usual, everyday decor; this will look very elegant and tasteful! Another way to make your home look festive for the holidays is by decorating your dining room table; this allows you to bring in an element of sophistication. Here are some examples of how to decorate your home for the holidays by using simple colors schemes and minimal decoration! Enjoy!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Creating Interior Design Lesson Plans for Children!!!
So I applied for a Junior Interior Designer Instructor position at Moraine Valley Community College and I believe that I have a pretty good chance at getting the job, but I have a few concerns. The purpose of this class is to have a Interior Design professional teach what an Interior Design career is all about; this class is for children ages 10-13. I am obviously not a teacher, but I have a degree and real world experience in Interior Design, so I am asking the help of all you teachers out there!!
I need to come up with ideas for a new description of the class (I am under the impression that I get to create a new curriculum for the class, along with a supplies and materials list.) The class is only for four weeks and there is only 8 sessions. I know exactly what I want to teach them, what I think they should bring to class and what the goal/end result of the class is to be; I am just not sure what learning level children are at between the ages of 10-13. Do they understand measurement, concept, color theory, etc. These are all things I want to cover along with design terms, drawings and tools!
I want to learn the proper way of creating and presenting a lesson plan so that I am prepared for my interview. If there is any one out there who has any ideas and /or tips for me, I would greatly appreciate it!!
Thank you all!!
I need to come up with ideas for a new description of the class (I am under the impression that I get to create a new curriculum for the class, along with a supplies and materials list.) The class is only for four weeks and there is only 8 sessions. I know exactly what I want to teach them, what I think they should bring to class and what the goal/end result of the class is to be; I am just not sure what learning level children are at between the ages of 10-13. Do they understand measurement, concept, color theory, etc. These are all things I want to cover along with design terms, drawings and tools!
I want to learn the proper way of creating and presenting a lesson plan so that I am prepared for my interview. If there is any one out there who has any ideas and /or tips for me, I would greatly appreciate it!!
Thank you all!!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Have you started your 20 year journey yet?
As an inspiring interior designer, I have found it very difficult to find my niche in this very large and very intimidating world. I work as a design assistant to a fabulous interior designer who has truly made a name for herself!! She has traveled the world, lived in Paris, was a New Kids on the Block groupie (I saw pictures!), studied interior design and art history, wrote articles for magazines, is a wife and a mother, has a beautiful home in a fantastic neighborhood, owns her own business (with an assistant) and the list goes on and on!! Compared to her, I have accomplished so little!! I feel like I will never, ever get to a place where she is at now! She once told me that it took her 20 years of hard work, unpaid jobs and delivering muffins to get to where she is today! "You have to pay your dues," is what she told me!! It is a scary thought that I have to wait 20 years to be where I want to be!!
I am currently reading "If You Have To Cry, Go Outside" by Kelly Cutrone. I am only on chapter three and I LOVE it!! She talks about her first experience visiting New York City and how she just knew that she had to be there; live there; create a new life for herself there. She knew that she did not fit in in her hometown; she was different!! Against all odds and discouragement, she moved there with no certain plans!! She talks about finding your tribe; a community of friends, mentors, mothers, artists, socialites, executives; people who you can share your journey with because it is no fun to travel it alone! She talks about finding out who it is you are and that the only way to do that is by making sure that you start on the right path to finding your destiny; wherever it may take you!!
This made me think about my journey; it made me question if I have even started this journey that will take me 20 years to travel!! I thought that I would get a great job right out of college because I had a Bachelor's Degree. I thought I would work my way up the corporate ladder, get paid a huge salary, be offered great benefits, have a 9-5 job and make enough money to pay for a wedding and save for our perfect house!! HAHA well, let me tell you, none of that has happened yet!! I work two jobs (the second as a waitress), I get paid very little, have no benefits, work odd hours, drive over 50 miles a day to get to work, live paycheck to paycheck and still live at home!! BUT, I then realized that not having the perfect job or enough money or no house IS my journey and it has, for sure, started!! I would not give up all the great experiences and people I have met in the last year for any 9-5 job! Every day is a new opportunity to meet new people, talk to someone you may not usually talk to, ask questions instead of just wondering, make a phone call instead of waiting for an email! Kelly talks about surrounding yourself with people who support you and your decisions, whether they agree with them or not!! She said that sometimes, your tribe is not where you are and that you may have to move to a new location to find it!! That is a scary thought for me and I am not at that point in my journey yet, but it sure does make me think about who I surround myself with and whether they are hindering or supporting me!! It makes me question if I want to live in the city or stay in the suburbs. I have just passed the 1 year mark on my journey, so only 19 more or so until I have found my niche!! I want to create my own path and what happens along the way, not have someone else create it for me!! I want to experience all that I can in this short time that I have on this earth!! I look forward to the next 19 years and what may or may not happen along the way. I only hope that I meet fabulous people and end up where I know I as supposed to be!!!
I am currently reading "If You Have To Cry, Go Outside" by Kelly Cutrone. I am only on chapter three and I LOVE it!! She talks about her first experience visiting New York City and how she just knew that she had to be there; live there; create a new life for herself there. She knew that she did not fit in in her hometown; she was different!! Against all odds and discouragement, she moved there with no certain plans!! She talks about finding your tribe; a community of friends, mentors, mothers, artists, socialites, executives; people who you can share your journey with because it is no fun to travel it alone! She talks about finding out who it is you are and that the only way to do that is by making sure that you start on the right path to finding your destiny; wherever it may take you!!
This made me think about my journey; it made me question if I have even started this journey that will take me 20 years to travel!! I thought that I would get a great job right out of college because I had a Bachelor's Degree. I thought I would work my way up the corporate ladder, get paid a huge salary, be offered great benefits, have a 9-5 job and make enough money to pay for a wedding and save for our perfect house!! HAHA well, let me tell you, none of that has happened yet!! I work two jobs (the second as a waitress), I get paid very little, have no benefits, work odd hours, drive over 50 miles a day to get to work, live paycheck to paycheck and still live at home!! BUT, I then realized that not having the perfect job or enough money or no house IS my journey and it has, for sure, started!! I would not give up all the great experiences and people I have met in the last year for any 9-5 job! Every day is a new opportunity to meet new people, talk to someone you may not usually talk to, ask questions instead of just wondering, make a phone call instead of waiting for an email! Kelly talks about surrounding yourself with people who support you and your decisions, whether they agree with them or not!! She said that sometimes, your tribe is not where you are and that you may have to move to a new location to find it!! That is a scary thought for me and I am not at that point in my journey yet, but it sure does make me think about who I surround myself with and whether they are hindering or supporting me!! It makes me question if I want to live in the city or stay in the suburbs. I have just passed the 1 year mark on my journey, so only 19 more or so until I have found my niche!! I want to create my own path and what happens along the way, not have someone else create it for me!! I want to experience all that I can in this short time that I have on this earth!! I look forward to the next 19 years and what may or may not happen along the way. I only hope that I meet fabulous people and end up where I know I as supposed to be!!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Who wants traditional wallpaper when you can have Peel & Stick Wall Murals!!
As of November 16, 2010, Eazywallz.com has launched its Peel and Stick Wall Murals! This product is a fresh and innovative alternative to traditional wallpaper. You can select a high quality image from over a thousand or you can personalize your mural by uploading your own photo and choosing a custom size. The mural is made from adhesive woven fabric, but has the look and feel of a soft canvas; it will not rip, wrinkle or tear. The best part is that you can reposition and reuse your wall mural without the adhesive weakening; it will not leave any residue or damage your walls. Peel & Stick Wall Murals are not just for walls, they can be applied to mirrors, tiles, cars, windows, furniture and much more. Another perk, free shipping across North America! To get more information on Peel & Stick Wall Murals, go to Eazywallz.com! There are over a thousand images to browse and instructions on how to customize and install your new Wall Mural!
Here are some of my favorites....
Here are some of my favorites....
All images via eazywallz.com
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Black and Brown...can they be combined?
Lately, I have found it almost impossible to find a good pair of flats. While at Carson Pierre Scott, I found this great pair of Bandolino black and brown flats. I was excited because I only have to purchase one pair and not two; usually I would buy a black pair and a brown pair. This way, I can wear them with either a black or brown outfit. Then, I remembered that a good friend of mine suggested that I write about the combination of black and brown in interior decorating; her and her husband recently renovated their kitchen using this combination. I am sure you have heard the fashion rule that you can not mix black and brown. This rule also applied to interiors, however, it does not seem to apply anymore. I am a former believer and follower of this rule, but it seems that I have been proven wrong. This combination of black and brown seems to be popping up more and more in fashion and interiors.
Let me give you a little background on these colors. Both black and brown are neutral colors. When paired together in a space, they can create an elegant or contemporary feel, especially if you add another neutral color such as a cream or off-white. Another great idea is to add a pop of color such as an orange or a red. The two neutrals, black and brown, will really make the bold color stand out. You can use the bold color for accents, such as throws or vases. Black and brown, paired together, gives a feeling of luxury, especially if you use rich fabrics and textures. This pairing can also be very dark and sensual; a more masculine feel. There are different values for both black and brown, so trying using gray or taupe to create a calming, more modern feel. If you hang anything on the wall, such a painting or a photograph, these neutral colors will really make the wall decor stand out, since black and brown will not take away from other colors, hence the idea of a neutral. Another cool idea is to use a wall paper that combines the two colors, maybe a flocked damask, this makes it easier to pull the scheme together. If you prefer to stick with paint on the walls, try using a rug that combines neutrals colors. The most important thing to remember when decorating with this combination is to create contrast in the room. Try not to use chocolate brown and black, instead, use a tan or off-white. This will create the contrast that you want. When in doubt, add white! Check out some of these black and brown interiors....you may become a follower of this trend too!
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| Bandolino Shoe |
Let me give you a little background on these colors. Both black and brown are neutral colors. When paired together in a space, they can create an elegant or contemporary feel, especially if you add another neutral color such as a cream or off-white. Another great idea is to add a pop of color such as an orange or a red. The two neutrals, black and brown, will really make the bold color stand out. You can use the bold color for accents, such as throws or vases. Black and brown, paired together, gives a feeling of luxury, especially if you use rich fabrics and textures. This pairing can also be very dark and sensual; a more masculine feel. There are different values for both black and brown, so trying using gray or taupe to create a calming, more modern feel. If you hang anything on the wall, such a painting or a photograph, these neutral colors will really make the wall decor stand out, since black and brown will not take away from other colors, hence the idea of a neutral. Another cool idea is to use a wall paper that combines the two colors, maybe a flocked damask, this makes it easier to pull the scheme together. If you prefer to stick with paint on the walls, try using a rug that combines neutrals colors. The most important thing to remember when decorating with this combination is to create contrast in the room. Try not to use chocolate brown and black, instead, use a tan or off-white. This will create the contrast that you want. When in doubt, add white! Check out some of these black and brown interiors....you may become a follower of this trend too!
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| via BoConcept |
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| via Good Housekeeping |
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| via Lisa Epley |
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| via 4Homes |
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| via Better Living Through Design |
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| via Brown Design Inc |
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| via Mobalpa |
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| via Good Housekeeping |
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Peacock Blue....Is this color for you?
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| via Design Happens |
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| via Canadian House and Home |
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| via M Design Interiors |
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| via Southern Accents |
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| via Domino |
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| via Monarch Restoration |
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| via IMAN Home |
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| via Susan Schneider |
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| via The Rug Company |
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| via Design to Inspire |
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Cupcakes and Interior Design
As some of you may know, one of my goals in life is to design a bakery. I am completely obsessed with cake stands, with the glass lids, of course, and cupcakes, in a clear box with a ribbon around it. I have to admit, I am not a baker, but I truly wish I was! I don't exactly know what it is about the idea of a cupcake bakery that is so intriguing, but I just love the idea! There is so much creativity that is put into the decoration of a cupcake, similar to decorating a space. Here are some photos that just may inspire you to open a bakery and let me design it!
*All Photos from Google images*
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