Swatches and Snippets from Our Studio

Over the last few years ( after wallpaper and paint with personality dropped out of favor) I have watched different accessories trends come and go. People are always looking for something  unique and safe to hang on our nice beige or white walls. Mirrors became the thing because they come in all sizes and price points and are safe for a non pro because they don't clash with anything and it does not take the commitment of a piece of art. What could be wrong with that? I am going to give you a new perspective when  you  are considering using a mirror in your decorating plan. I love to use mirrors in my projects! But I am aware of all the positive and negatives involved in the placement of reflective glass.  For instance, a few months ago I was seated in a very trendy restaurant. The designer had used mirrors  abundantly in the decor and it had done all the things mirrors are suppose to do...made the space feel larger and  reflected the light fixtures to give more light to dark

Twenty years ago, this was a luxurious guest bath. Now it is time up date it to be shared by a teen brother and sister with a distaste for flowers.  This room needed to be functional and stream line for the users and neither  masculine or feminine. They both loved it. Job Done!

In May,  Jim and I  took along weekend with our friends the Thompsons', to Bentonville Arkansas, better known as the home of the Sam Walton Clan and Walmart. They had traveled through the area a few years ago, stopping at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and were disappointed that they didn't have more time to spend there. Always up for a road trip, I was excited to spend time with our friends, but did not have high expectations for our destination. I could not have been more wrong! Bentonville  is a small city with a big history. The town square is so picturesque and it is lined with small shops and amazing restaurants. We visited the Sam Walton Museum and ate ice cream on park benches. But the real highlight was a world class art museum in the middle of  the forests of Arkansas. I encourage you to make this trip! The museum itself will take the better part of two days to explore.  You might check their online calendar as they special showings several times a year. We

High Point Market April 2018  We all need inspiration in our creative lives and for me it is a week in High Point North Carolina Furniture Market every April. (They also have a Market in October but it never fits into my schedule as well.) The journey to High Point North Carolina is not for the faint of heart. There is no airport serving the city, so you must fly into one of 3 that are each at least an hour shuttle ride from your destination. And forget about staying in the city of High Point. Vendors and Furniture dealers with multiple stores, have standing arrangements with hotels and their version of the Air B&B. For decades, the residents of High Point get the heck out town when it is market time. They have standing arrangements to lease out their homes to companies with several attendees. I once joined one of my furniture reps and slept on the top bunk of a " princes room". Room was free but I did pay a "price". As a seasoned attendee, I now o

              2018 was an Amazing Year. I always imagine how great it would be to share our projects with our followers as they progress; however, reality gets in the way and I am always involved in the moment and never think about taking pictures  until after the fact. So Patty and I came up with the idea of  a year in review as a great way to recap for ourselves. We hope you will enjoy it with us.  In January and February I made three commitments. One was to a favorite long time client to transform her living room from this comfy but well used room...  #1  To this fabulously bright and cheerful living space with enough seating for large family gatherings. The lemon yellow curved sofa adds softness to the crisp back and white fabrics. This project grew in so many directions and the completed reveal was in November....so you'll  have to wait a bit to see the rest. #2       For over 20 years I have participated as a designer in the Wichita Symphony&

  THIS IS TRULY MY HAPPY COLOR!                       THANK YOU  COLOR GODS                               aka  Color Marketing Group Last year it was ULTRA VIOLET. Great for a sweater or a couple of throw pillows, but....Color of the Year? Coral adds a touch of warmth and compliments so many other neutrals. I helped a client with this bedroom 5 years ago. Warm and inviting with touches of vibrant coral. This eclectic living space is a compilation of a dozen colors and patterns . This lively coral hold it all together. This space was done about 3 years ago. It is about time  Coral got it's color award.