Busy Bee

It has been quite a week for me!  Last Friday afternoon we got these:

Keys to our first house!  Since then there has been a lot of this:

Of course, I couldn't leave the walls white so I had to paint every single room before we moved the furniture in.  So there hasn't been much time for anything else but I promise we will get some decent photos up of the place once we're moved in!

Future office of Rebecca Ward Design

The big move should happen this weekend.  Wish us luck!

A Special Occasion: Giveaway

How would you fill in this line: "_______ is a special occasion"?
 
I was asked this question at the Hallmark booth when I was at Blogher and asked to fill in the blank on a t-shirt.  I chose "inspiring a friend". 

I feel like this is a lot of what my goals are in life and in my career; to inspire.  I am constantly getting inspired by other people - family, friends, colleagues, and by books, movies, nature.  I love the feeling inspiration brings: hope, energy, change.  I love passing this on to others.

Via Hallmark

Hallmark has offered my readers their very own t-shirt to fill in the blank along with some inspiring cards.  What would you put in those lines?  What makes "a special occasion" for you?

To enter to win, leave a comment of what you would say to fill in the blank.  Enter between now and Thursday, September 29th.  Winner will be selected via random.org and announced on Friday the 30th.

Good luck!

 P.S. You can join the Hallmark Mosaic here

Images via Hallmark and Rebecca Ward

Master Bath Remodel: Before and After

I have another recent project reveal for you!  This bathroom remodel was so much fun because I got to do a bit of tile design, which I haven't been doing as much of lately. 

The original bathroom was designed about 20 years ago by another designer when my client was into the southwestern look. Notice all the salmon color...

My client wanted a more modern and spa-like feel without going too dark.  We brought in a lot of reflective material in the glass wall behind the Robern Uplift medicine cabinets.  We also used the glass in the waterfall effect in the shower.

I love how it turned out and so does the client, more importantly!  I'm ready for another!

Before Photos by Rebecca Ward.  After photos by Steve Folino.

Weekend at West Elm

Today I had a great time speaking at West Elm as one of their design experts for their "top picks" event.  They had a wonderful turn out and I loved sharing the "stage" with my fellow ASID designers Laura Neuman and Jennifer Fagalde.  We were sure coordinated our presentations so we were sure to offer different ideas throughout the event. 

Jennifer started us off talking about window coverings.  She demonstrated how you can incorporate West Elm's great drapery panels with your existing window shades and how to tie it all together with a few pillow and throw accents.  I spoke about accessorizing using my top 5 picks from West Elm's store.  I went over a few "dos" and "don'ts" and "musts" in accessorizing.  Laura finished us up with demonstrating how to mix styles - traditional with modern using your her own traditional french chair mixed with a white lacquered parsons table. 

We fielded some great design questions from the crowd and even learned a bit from each other!

I hope your weekend is going well! Happy Saturday!

Photos via Rebecca Ward

Laminates You'll Love

I recently became familiar with Abet Laminati laminates at a vendor presentation.  They are high quality versatile laminates know for their great color selections and wall systems.  This Italian brand laminate is pretty much the go to laminate in all of Europe. They offer 600+ high pressure laminates in a variety of finishes including metals, woods, solids, digital, silk-screened, Tefor 100% recycled for interior walls, exterior laminate and  flooring applications.  They have a variety of sheet laminates that match flooring laminate so you can have a homogenous look, if the project needs it.

Take a look at this wall system used at a salon/spa:

Gorgeous!  What is great is that the laminate can be carried over in to the cabinetry and has a wonderful continuous look:

I am planning to order 1 sheet of whiteboard laminate to go on one wall of my home office when I move, which will be soon!  I've really been feeling like if I had a whiteboard wall, it would be so much better to keep track of my to-do lists for projects!  I will keep you posted on how it goes.  So far customer service from my rep has been excellent to get me samples.  They even sent me the photos of this salon so I can post it here on my blog!

Images courtesy of Abet Laminati

Missoni Madness

Have you succumbed to the Missoni Madness?  Missoni has come out with a limited line of items for Target.  It has been madness in some cities!  I've heard stories of people lining up outside the store to get first pick of the stock.  Most stores have completely sold out of items in just the few days it has been available.  

I was a little to the game when I finally thought I could do with a few Missoni home items myself.  Honestly, I felt it was a requirement as a designer!  The first two Targets I went to were completely wiped out in the homegoods area.  Clothes seemed to be the only items still available, although tempting, I was able to resist.  The third Target I went to had a few melamine plate and bowls left, which was all I really wanted.  I love having choices of plates and bowls when setting out fun dishes at parties. 

I also picked up two bowls with a little color:

I took all of the black and white they had left, since this goes best with my decor.  I love the plums and greens and other items but unfortunately (or my husband might think "fortunately") they do not work with my colors. It's so hard to pass up some wonderful designer items at such a great price!

I was tempted by these boots: 

So cute!  Might have to reconsider these.... while they are still available!

What is Missoni you ask?  Go here for more information on this italian fashion house which has been setting trends since the 50's.


Images via Rebecca Ward and Target

Congratulations!

Congratulations to AubreyLaine for winning my Decorate book giveaway!  Aubrey says her favorite decorating style is contemporary with a lot of greens, and a touch of shabby chic.  Happy Decorating Aubrey!

Sacramento: You are cordially invited...

For all my Sacramento readers, I wanted to let you know that I have been asked to be a "design expert" speaker at West Elm at the Fountains in Roseville for a special invitational event.  Myself and two other fabulous designers will be giving our design and decorating tips, illustrating our points with the current West Elm Fall line.  This event will happen on Saturday September 17th from 10am-11am.  I would love to see you there!

If you would like to attend, you will need to RSVP to the store: 916-784-2109.

Image courtesy of West Elm.

Anatolia Remodel: Before and After- The Master Bedroom

The final reveal of the Anatolia Remodel is the Master Bedroom.  It was become such a nice retreat with new window coverings, new dresser and media stand, new corner chair and ottoman to lounge in, new lighting, new area rug that is velvety soft under foot and new bedding!

Photos by Rebecca Ward