In honor of the rain today, I thought I would find some pretty rain gear. Just for fun, here are some of my favorite things that can be used in the rain and places to store them when the sun is out!!!…

So I would not normally call myself a DIY(er). Though recently, with my newest addiction Pinterest, I have found my creativity to be a little more on the Crafty side! I have also been quickly skimming Estate Sales and Flea Markets for finds for my ~in the near future~ retail space. Will tell more about that later.

I have not been much of a Holiday Decorator (other than Christmas)- mostly because of my lack of free time. Now that the kids are getting older, I feel the need to be festive!

Here is my recent Halloween Project~ Very Cheap and Easy- and kids can’t break it!!!

Before~ Easter Egg Tree ~found at estate sale- $2.25

After~ Halloween Tree~ Painted by Danny with ornaments purchased for about $25 total at Pier 1

Pretty Darn Cute, Huh?

School has officially started again! If you are anything like me, then this is a very Bittersweet time. I have one starting Kindergarten and another starting a new preschool. Though I always look forward to the end of summer, I do miss all the things that go along with it. Sleeping in, going to the pool, making PBJ’s for the kids and their neighborhood friends and hearing “Mom” about 700 million times a day! In honor of the new upcoming season, here are some of my favorite things that Fall brings…

Love when the leaves change

This pretty much sums it up!

Touchdown Arkansas!

My fall/winter shoe of choice

Juicy Tracksuits

The color and texture of this Velvet fabric is the perfect choice for Fall

LOVE THIS

And of course… Baking (and Eating) Cookies with the kids

As summer is winding down, I am anxious to get back to work. Not that I haven’t been working the last 2 months, just not been doing much work for clients! One of the reasons I chose to be an Interior Designer (other than I love pretty things and working with people) is because I knew that I would want to spend as much time with my family as I could. I was pretty sure that this would be a career that would allow me to do that. I would have made a really good Attorney (I am slightly argumentative and ask lots of questions), but I knew that it would be difficult to juggle that type of career and stay home with my kids each summer. I want it ALL! I had no idea, at the time, it would be so hard to Balance everything… and still be sane. With a lot of prayers and help from my family (and friends), I am managing to pull it all off. As if I am not busy enough,I decided to add another layer to my life and open a Real Estate Company. So far, so good. I do plan to update my blog more often and get more photos of my design work.

Until then, Here are some things that I really like. Just Because

Domino Magazine

Pulp Design Studios

Brooklyn Home Company

Really???????????

pseriesstylist

Suzanne Kasler

Lindsey Binz Home

I Love Stripes- Vertical, Horizontal, Diagonal, Whatever. They are so classic and can bring a certain element to a space that is so fresh and crisp.

If you want a bold, dramatic room, a powder bath is the perfect outlet for that. They are small enough, that you can change often without spending too much. I say the sky is the limit…Go for it!
photo via lonny magazine

This Powder Bath, I designed, I used a silver pinstripe between the wide stripes to accent the Hardware and Mirror.

Don’t be afraid to Layer Stripes and Colors.
Photo from www.houzz.com

In my daughter’s Nursery, I painted wide horizontal Light and Hot Pink Stripes on one wall and used Silk multi colored Vertical Stripe Panels on the window.

The contrast of the zigzag rug against the white walls is very dramatic!
Source unknown

Again, the layering of stripes has a great affect.
Photo from www.houzz.com

Here’s another way to add a Bold Stripe without overdoing it!
Photo From Elle Decor

Using the wall color of an adjacent room as the stripe is a great way to keep the design cohesive without being too much of one color.
Photo From Elle Decor

Here is another Powder bath I designed using Tone on Tone Horizontal Turquoise Stripes with a silver pinstripe to accent the Silver ceiling and mirrored vanity. Very Glamorous!!!

I love vintage inspired decor. I think it comes from my mom. She is a huge collector of all things old. I remember even as a young child going to flea markets and antique shops. Antiques just seem to have a story to them that bring a little mystery. I do, however, like the clean lines of modern pieces as well and appreciate the home that has just the perfect mix.
Blending both styles can be sophisticated chic or look as if you went to the flea market after a few glasses of vino. You want to make sure to create a nice juxtaposition of styles!

Vintage pieces should be accents, not completely overtake your space. Use accessories, side tables or a coffee table in front of a well made newer sofa. You could hang your flat screen over a vintage console or use an older bedroom dresser in the front hallway.

Bigger pieces that get the most use should be new- like a sofa or armchairs. These take a beating, so it’s harder to find vintage pieces that are still in good condition. Save up and invest in a new one you can’t live without. You can always get a great antique rug or chandelier.

Domino Magazine

Cococozy

Rue Magazine

Coco + Kelley

Decor Pad

When you have kids, you soon realize that your home reflects just that!!! So, instead of trying to disguise all the stuff that seems to “accumulate overnight”, you MUST Embrace it!!! I am in the process of turning our office/dining room into a Kids Living Room. I want my kids to have a fun place where they can play and be creative, right here in the middle of our home. Of course, it will be pretty and functional with lots of storage to house all of the puzzles,paints,dolls and legos that seem to “come with the territory” of parenting!

Here are some of the playrooms that have inspired me…

Pottery Barn always has wonderful ideas for storage and activity tables

Chalkboard walls are a great way to let kids be creative and artistic.

This great idea for attractive storage is from: My Ideal Home

Found on salon.ru- I love this modern take on a kids space.

Last, but not least! The playroom I designed for the Symphony designer house! I kinda like it.

Special Thanks to:

Morgan Coven for painting the wonderful canvas
Courtney Roberson for the custom wood frames
Sam Finley- Finley Electric- for hanging the Pendant Light
Jan Smith (My Aunt)- for Sewing the Teepee,Pillows and Sleeping Pad
I really appreciate all of your help with the success of the space!

As Summer is approaching, the lake is on my mind! I am so lucky to live within an hour to so many wonderful lakes. I don’t have a lake house (Yet) but when I do, I want it to be a relaxing – non chaotic place- where I can go to unwind and enjoy nature! Here are some designs that inspire me.

With a view like that, simple design is all you need!!!

Love the Modern Twist on Rustic design!

These Doors are so cool. Nothing like dining in the cool summer air right on the lake! Okay, we are in Arkansas, it would be humid, but still beautiful.

I absolutely Love this Design, by Local Designers Bear~Hill!

My Dream Home is all white! Of course that would be a dream with no Kids, Dogs or Red Wine~ and who wants that!

That being said, any great lake house needs a bunk room! The more the merrier!!!!

Not sure that I will ever have a lake house like any of these, but I will surely design some.