1 Year Blogiversary! Kinda...
Let's Celebrate and Reflect!
I know it's been awhile, but I'm finally back and I'm going to do better!
So I thought...it's my blogiversary today, but when looking back through my feed, my blogiversary was actually August 7th! How could I have forgotten such a thing? Sigh...But I will not fret, I will celebrate anyway!
The last year has been good to me. My family is doing awesome and my design business is taking off (details to come). We were blessed ten months ago to welcome a new bundle into the fold and he and his siblings are doing great. I love watching the dynamics of their relationships unfold. It's so beautiful, and pure, and honest, and true, and so very present and in the moment. I love it and I am kinda obsessed with watching them.
As I sit and reflect on this last year of pushing this design business forward, I can identify changes that needed to occur in order to make things happen (details to come on that soon too)! =) Over a year ago, I was blessed to have two conversations about the design business that changed my outlook on my business endeavors. Those conversations inspired me, provoked my creative thought, and left me asking myself some hard questions about what I wanted out of my business. Conversations that definitely needed to be had with people successfully working in interior design. I can't thank Erika (Erika Ward Interiors) and Dayka (Dayka Robinson Designs) enough; two extraordinary examples of what women in a successful business look like! And the fact that they look like me makes it even sweeter! Be sure to check out them out!
As I celebrate one year of blogging...well kinda because (let's look at the facts), I haven't blogged that much, but I'm trying to change that...I rejoice in the small things like - 1) I actually started a blog; 2) I actually blogged at least 20 times and 21 if you include this one; 3) I have completed a few design projects for 'real' clients since I started blogging; 4) I have prepared as best I can for the growth I know I am about to experience with my business and this blog; and all of this makes me super happy!
So with that said, I just want to thank you all for checking out my blog. Thank you for riding along with me this first year. Thank you for FaceBooking me and asking me why I have not posted. Thank you for supporting me. I appreciate every second, minute, or hour you spend out of your time visiting this blog or 'hearting' and liking my pics on social media. Thank You!! Thank You!! Thank You!!
Making Home, Home!
XO, Kathleen
Using Pub Tables in the Dining Room
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| Image Courtesy of Godby Home Furnishings: Jofran Stain Walnut Counter Height Contemporary Pedestal Table |
I recently received an inquiry with a few pictures about using pub tables for dining room spaces. I have to admit that when I first saw the tables I thought 'wow these are really nice and are a great price'. But as much as I love pub tables, I have to admit that I am not a fan of them in dining rooms. *please don't throw rocks* =)
Because of her email I felt this would be a great way to give you all a few things to consider when purchasing or using pub tables in your space. So let me explain.
Why Not The Dining Room: Pub/Counter Height Tables v/s Standard Dining Tables
The standard height of pub tables typically range from 40"-42" (and counter height tables 35"-36"). Because of the size of pub tables, standard height tables can more easily transition into other spaces especially when the ceilings are your standard 8' or 9' heights. Due to their size, a pub table will take up more visual linear space and possibly make your space feel a little more cramped instead of open and airy
Also, if you ever tire of the dining set look and want something different down the road, it may be much easier (in my opinion) to find attractive and affordable dining chairs that will work great with your dining table. And if you have little ones, it is much easier for them to climb on and off a standard height dining chair (16"-18" from seat to floor) as opposed to the pub table chair ("24-26" or 28"-30" from seat to floor).
Where & When Pub/Counter Height Tables Look Great Pub/counter height tables can look great in various spaces
- In an open basement or entertainment area where there is ample space to move around
- In spaces where there are adequate ceiling heights - 10' or higher<
- On a patio or deck especially if neither are surrounded on all sides by exterior walls
- In spaces that are flooded with windows or natural light which gives the illusion of more space
- In smaller spaces like kitchens for creating little breakfast nooks, two seat tables may work best
- In kitchens where counter space is limited and you need a counter height work area
- If you are taller pub/counter height tables may just be more comfortable for you
So does this mean that you shouldn't purchase that beautifully rich walnut pub table set with the leather seat cushions (like the set above, isn't it beautiful?) if the above are against you? Absolutely not! Just consider the dimensions of your space including the ceiling heights, the surrounding open space, adjoining walls, surrounding windows, and any other entry doors or openings when doing so.
Always remember it's your home and you should select the things that make you happy and most comfortable in your space! But we wise in your buying! Happy Decorating!
Making Home, Home! Kathleen
The 2014 African American Top 20 Interior Designers
There was a time when I didn't even know we existed in interior design let alone actually making a living at doing what we love. I was searching for faces that looked like mine as affirmation that we too can succeed at creating and crafting beautiful spaces for people to live and make beautiful memories of their own. Ironically enough one day I stumbled upon the blog of Kimberly Ward, also know as Pink Eggshell, combed through the pages of her blog and found the African American Top 20. It was a list highlighting some of the top African American interior designers from around the country. Kimberly has worked diligently over the years to bring to light and share with the world some of the best interior designers. Does it stop at only twenty? Absolutely not! Since then I have learned about so many more and my list keeps growing. But from this you do get a glimpse of who we are, okay maybe not me yet =)), so I'll say who they are and the contributions they have made to the field of Interior Design.
This weekend in Atlanta these amazing designers are celebrated and being recognized for the accomplishments they have made, for the doors they are opening for all designers to come, and for just being fierce - finding their way, carving their niche, and making it happen in this big old world of design.
When you have a moment please check them out! For more information about these designers and the events going on around Atlanta in honor of them, please visit Pink Eggshell. Bravo to all the designers!
8 Tips to Mixing Patterns
Hey everyone! So one of the questions I received recently was from a friend that wanted to know about mixing patterns, whether it is through pillows, window panels, throws, etc. And since I have been having a little writer's block I figured why not write a post about it. Now you will find lots of information in the blogosphere with different approaches to mixing patterns. Below is my personal process to successfully getting it done. Rules I Follow,99% of the time =) Whenever I am trying to pull together a group of fabrics there are always some rules I keep in the back of mind. And I must admit, I have actually broken a rule or two because, well...I just wanted to. It happens sometimes when you are trying to create a certain look. But in order to break the rules you have to know them first.
So here are my rules/tips on selecting the RIGHT patterns in order to achieve a COHESIVE look.
Tip #1 Start with a base pattern/color. A base pattern (that's what I like to call it), is your jumping off point; it will direct you towards your other selections. When you are looking for other fabrics, pull those colors from your base pattern. It will complement perfectly every time. *pinky promise*
Below the base pattern is the honeycomb fabric. See how all the other fabrics play so well together with it?! =)
Tip #2 Select at least three different patterns/colors.In design you always here us talking about doing things in odd numbers, especially threes and fives. This just always works. It adds interest, allows for dimension or depth, and provides enough opportunity to create varied textures, sizes (of pillows), and different scales for your patterns. When thinking of mixing patterns especially for pillows also keep in mind the power of odd numbers when it comes to how many pillows you are using as well.
Rule Breaker...You Bet This also happens to be one of my golden rules that I actually break from time to time. Remember the children's playroom space I blogged about? I used a heap of patterns, probably more like 15. It worked because all of the colors complemented each other and there were places the eye could rest with all the creamy whites around the room. Below are three of the main patterns used in that space. Notice how the creamy white helps to break up all the color (which happens to be Tip #5).
Tip #3 Select patterns/colors that complement each other. Colors do not have to be all matchy, matchy, all the time, but they should complement or blend with one another. The same with the patterns.Now if you are going for a more monochromatic look, just make sure that your pattern colors share a similar story in undertones, depth of color, intensity, and/or richness.
Tip #4 Vary the scale of your patterns. When selecting fabrics/textiles, you want the scale of your pattern to vary. For example, a large pattern with a medium or smaller pattern, and/or possibly a solid helps to add interest and helps to balance the patterns.
Tip #5 Add some white or cream (my favorite thing to do). I also believe that you should always give the eye a rest by including white or cream. When the right amount is used, it can add calmness and lighten up your grouping. There is one little thing about whites though, try to be consistent in the shade of white you use. All whites are not made equal. Sometimes if you put a super creamy white right beside a bright white, the super creamy white may come off to look a little dingy. And we don't want any dingy whites.
Rule Breaker...You Bet Juxtaposing white and cream - this is also one of those little rules that I may break depending on how close the creamy white is to the bright white. Sometimes I use both in the same room.
Tip #6 Add some texture. Texture plays up on our senses. The way a textile feels can be just as important as the way it looks. When you are working with a monochromatic color scheme, texture can take center stage. See the velvety stripes and the silver checkered pattern? It ups the anty wouldn't you say?! If the texture was not there, this room may look a bit flat because the color scheme is more simplistic. The texture ups that anty wouldn't you say?!
Rule Breaker...You Bet Sometimes I don't add 'real' texture. I can be okay with all cotton everything as long as the scales and patterns are interesting.
Tip #7 Balance is everything. Balance is one of the golden rules. **My writer's block lifted a little with this post, so I am also in the process of writing about some golden rules to design now. So stay tuned!** You never want your space to feel lopsided or heavier on one side. And the way you mix your patterns and place them in your space could make or break your overall scheme.
Make sure to sprinkle your patterns and colors throughout your room. Remember the ATL Bachelor's Pad? Please don't pile up all your patterns on your sofa and leave your arm chairs empty. They like a little action too! You have to invite everyone to the party - that's what makes your space feel more complete, more well designed, and more interesting.
Tip #8 Take risks and own it. We all have different tastes. So in the end it is more about doing what you love, using fabrics you love, and bringing them together in a way that is meaningful to you. Rules or not, it is all up to you! So have some fun with it!
Hopefully you found these tips helpful and you can use them the next time you are trying to mix things up a bit! Do you have any rules/tips that you follow when mixing patterns? I would love to hear about them below!
Making Home, Home!
Kathleen