2012 Inspiration

I've been inspired!  Here is my official inspiration board for the year 2012 - a year that is showing much promise for my business!

I love having these boards posted on the wall near my computer.  I know that throughout the year it does, and has, lend inspiration for my career, my passion for interiors and the things I have done or want to do in my designs.

The medium I prefer for these boards is magazine photos pasted into a collage. I notice the colors are similar to last years but more bright orange, pinks, and turquoise with touches of gold. Very vibrant and fresh with hints of sophistication and bling.  I see cosmopolitan and global emerging as well.  It will be an interesting year!

I want to see your inspirations for 2012!  Please post a reply with a link to wherever you have posted your board online, or you can upload it to my facebook page.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!

It's That Time Again

It's time to start working on my 2012 inspiration board!  I think this is one of my favorite things that I do each year.  You may remember last years:

  

I can definitely see how this inspiration board revealed itself in my designs through out the year.  And just a quick reminder to 2010's board:

As you remember, I love to see your own creations for inspiration for the upcoming year!  When I post my board next week, I would love to get links to your own boards or you can post it on my facebook page as well.  Happy creating!

Eclectic Inspirations

One of my current clients has quite a few french inspired antiques that they would like to incorporate into their new house, yet they also want to bring in a tribal/african motif.  How to marry the two?  See what I came up with for their Living Room:

I decided to use the ever French looking Grey/Yellow and Creams palette with pops of Orange and Purple and Berry to bring in the more tribal accents which will make their presence through pillows, window coverings and artwork.  This warm and fun, yet sophisticated palette is my current favorite!

The Liebster Blog Award

I was just honored by Sarah of Monaco Interiors who gave me the Liebster Blog award.  Liebster, German for "beloved" or "dearest", is an award given to up-and-coming blogs that have less than 200 followers.  In turn, the nominees get to pass it on to their favorite Liebster award worthy blogs.  I had a great time gathering and reviewing my pick!  You must check them out:

1. Laura Neuman of PepperJack Interiors Blog - Laura is a fabulous designer in Granite Bay, CA who is in my local ASID chapter with me.  He blog touches on the wealth of inspiration and sophistication her designs are filled with.  One of my design faves and great sounding board for my own designs!

 2. DeAnna Mackensen of REDesign Interiors Blog - I have enjoyed watching the incredible DIY creativity of the up-and-coming designer in Yuba City, CA.  DeAnna works with me once a week as she is establishing her design business and experience.  I am constantly invigorated by her enthusiasm and out-of-the-box ideas!

3. Jordan Iverson of Jordan Iverson Signature Homes: The Blog - Jordan is my cousin and a fabulous builder in Eugene Oregon.  Jordan sets the cutting edge for his city by being one of the only builder to bring urban and modern to these northwest homes.  He is my go to guy for the latest in modern design. 

4. Lori Crooks of The Chic Geek Blog - I met Lori through the Blogging Your Way class I took, given by Holly Becker of Decor8.  We were able to meet up at the last BlogHer convention which was so fun!  Lori's blog is always a great blend of personal life and style, food and design inspirations.

5. Sheri Shay Johnson of Designer Junk Finder is another fellow student from the BYW class I took.  I am endeared to her by her constant photos of her Standard Poodles, the type of dogs my family had growing up.  Aside from this, I also love seeng her great finds and many design inspirations.







Congratulations to all my nominees and a big thank you to Monaco Interiors!

The Stockings Are Hung

I like to get Christmas decorations up as early as I can, so I can enjoy them as long as I can. We had a great time finding new homes for our decorations. Did i mention we have two trees. They are small and artificial but I figure why have one when you can have two? Maybe next year we will have a real tree as well. But for now, stockings are hung, presents are wrapped, halls are decked, cards are sent.

I have also been enjoying entertaining in our new home immensely. We hosted two Christmas parties this week and the hostess in me is very satisfied. I have been surprisingly and wonderfully busy with work as well so this month has been quite a juggling act amidst the hustle and bustle but I'm loving every minute!

Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year

It's here!  Finally the time has come to share with you the official color pantone has chosen for 2012: Tangerine Tango!

I love it already!  I love using flashes of orange in my designs and Tangerine Tango has just the right mix of fun and sophistication. 

For the official press release from Pantone, go here.

Image via Pantone

Design R's 3rd Blogiversary!

Can you believe it's been 3 years?!  Three wonderful years:)  I thought it best to commemorate this day with a visit to 3 of my top read blog posts, according to the statistics on my site:

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Color and Your Age
Claim Some Reclaimed Wood

I'm a little curious why these were the most read...  If you have a different favorite post that I've made, I would love to hear from you!

Looking forward to many more Blogiversaries to come!  A big shout out to all my faithful readers!