Romance. Today is the day. I am an uncurable romantic and I am not afraid to admit it.  The following images inspire my heart to skip a beat....

Nothing says romance to me more than Paris. It is the city of love after all. Old achitecture in general makes me heart felt.

Any view of water is great but this overview of a small Italian town is amazing.

Something about balconies with tables...

All this view needs is a hot tub and a bottle of champagne!

This seclusion yet open air is wonderful!

Candle lit dinner with wine.....

And then, of course, back to the room....

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. Hope you have a romantic view.

The Chill is in the air! My air anyway. One of the first things I think of when the winter starts to creep in is turning my fireplace on. Nothing like real logs but yes, I now have to turn mine on. They say it is better for the environment to have a gas fireplace, but none the less, I'm happy I have one.

Take a look at some of these inspirations. Stay warm my friends!

I am not usually a big fan of all white interiors however, could you imagine just the colors of the food, people and fireplace dancing to bring the room to life?

Something about this room with the combo of cool neutrals and warm light make it so comfy.

This room by Frank Roop is so casual. I like it for its color and ability to be any room you want. Read, eat, nap, and most importantly, stay warm.

The Giai Fireplace is a more interesting one for more contemporary rooms. Usually not a fan of ultra modern, this room just works.

This room is so glamorous. I'd never really care to leave.

For those where it is a little too warm for a true fire I hope you can still enjoy the ambiance!

So as of late, I have been so busy I can't think straight, much less, have blog time. I love what I do, and am very happy to have such great clients that keep me busy, however, we all need to just sit back and relax and allow our brains to stop running on overdrive for a little while. Well, this Labor Day is my due! I'm forbidding myself to work tomorrow and I hope to be outside maybe hanging out on our boat while having a magazine or book in hand (most likely on Interior Design because inspiration is not work, it is fuel for the next round!). In lue of work, I will be sitting back and hope you will too!

The air is getting crisper. The heat is not as humid. And fall is on its way. I love this time of year! What a better way to relax than enjoying the great outdoors, even if your surrounded by chaos, like a big city, you can still enjoy some relaxation time.

Here are some relaxing photos I found of beautiful exteriors that seem like wonderful spaces to take it easy. Check these out. Inviting, invigorating, and calming...

Enjoy your relaxing day wherever you are!!

I recently had the chance to visit the beautiful city of Savannah. As a former flight attendant I have had the pleasure of visiting many cities, especially on the east coast, working out of Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport hub. Unfortunately I never had the pleasure of seeing such a magnificent little gem, and it is was right in my own back yard, so to speak.

In Savannah the beautiful old architecture mesh brilliantly with the quaint boutiques and inviting eateries. So, while there, I took a trolley tour and learned a lot. Some good movies were filmed there, such as Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil; which I have yet to see but is now on my list. The art vibe is right up my ally. They have tons of squares with the most beautiful trees I have ever seen. The history is deep and rich. The weather, um, very hot (so I'll go back in fall)...but I almost can't wait to return and really explore deeper.

Check out these corbel columns!

St. Johns Church. I hear it is as pretty on the inside too.

They don't make them like this lamp post anymore.

Quaint train car we had lunch at.

Paula Dean and Sons cooking up something good, I'm sure..

Gold Dome Capital Building

Broken glass bottles to keep the ghosts away!

Love this ivy!

Use to be Arabian horse stables!

Love this bee hive door

All the gorgeous trees with Spanish moss!! Everywhere.

I hope to visit again soon. It is like traveling back in time. Next time I may take one of their many ghost tours. Apparently ghosts have good taste and know where to hang out!

Savannah is truly unique. It has the party atmosphere of New Orleans, the historic value of Boston,

and the charm of the Old South. -- J. Bennett, New York, NY

Texture is sensual. Pattern adds activity. Both are added elements that are an absolute in my designs. One of the best ways to bring texture and pattern into a room is with fabric. Here are a few fun finds for you that will add texture and/or pattern to a space....

Robert Allen Festive

Kravet 30868-23

Kravet CO 30053-8

Kravet CO 30091-6

Kravet CO HECTOR-1

Nomi Mobia Jamal

Clarence House Etro

I like juxtaposed things. Always have. Just that bit of the unexpected. Somethings are just meant to add interest. One of the best ways to save the life of an old piece of furniture and add interest is with fabric. Don't be old and boring. Have FUN!!

Grey, my favorite new neutral. Without neutrals, lets face it. Colors would not be as interesting. They are the back drop of our beloved color. Sometimes, they are played up, such as in these wonderful interiors... Don't be afraid of grey. It is the mood I'm in at the moment and the trend color of the year. It is subtle yet sophisticated. Go grey, it is okay. Grey and Yellow. Grey and Pink. Grey and Teal. Grey and Red. Grey and Copper.... What is your favorite compliement to grey?

Life is so rapid sometimes that we never really take the chance to stop and look at ourselves, nor our life, to reflect. Taking a good look really lets you view a new perspective and see what is obvious to others yet may be oblivious to you. It can help you to compare the past, see into the future and most importantly, view the present. Without mirrors and reflections, we would never have that vantage point of ourselves. They are the icon of reflections and weather you are just quickly glancing at yourself or taking a good hard look, mirrors are usually not gonna lie.

What's better than a view of great stone? A second view!

My client and I love this mirror in her Living Room and how the down light plays it up so well.

I am fond of wall mirrors especially when they hold art work or sconces..

This is a bad picture of a FABULOUS mirror I have in my Foyer. I LOVE it!

This ceiling would seem so much lower with out the mirror to heighten it.

Those who know me, know I love to entertain! I totally enjoy having to plan a guest list, menu and entertainment. My friends and family mean the world to me, and having them all around, no matter how crazy it gets in one place, is a great party for me! Entertaining to me means having to clean (ugh) but also, having to cook! I have a passion for it. Only having 2 humans in the home right now (2 furry ones as well) offers little opportunity to really get down and dirty in the kitchen. I get excited when the planning begins!

As a designer, I went into Kitchen Design around 2002. What an overhaul this did for my career! I learned kitchen design, and it brought me knowledge like no other. To truly know how a cabinet is built, and those who build them well is so beneficial. I also know you can put $5,000 in a kitchen or $250,000. You will get your money back!

I had, maybe, one class that I had to draw a cabinet cross section in college, which, in retrospect was quite surprising! I was clueless then, and surprised I passed the class.  But learning cabinetry and becoming a kitchen designer really helped me to learn how everything from 5 star kitchens and luxury baths are put together to the understanding of almost all furniture and its insides. It was like a light bulb went on. What a difference!

Not only that, but it taught me so much about how a space functions. I came up with my own morals in planning kitchens... Store, Prepare, Cook, and Serve. In that order. If you set your kitchen up in this "Flow" it is so  kind to the user! That along with great appliances and the infamous NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) triangle planning- refrigerator, sink and cook top are the key elements to a great kitchen work space.

I'm sharing some of my favorite with you. These are kitchens you will want to stay in, even with all the hotness!

So, you think you can't make your kitchen look like these? Take a look at a before and after I did for a client. I was a little taken back when I saw the before. Amazing what a little planning can do!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Now that is hot!

Give me a yard sale, flea market, or antique store and I'm in heaven. The thrill of the chase. Finding that great item I can show some love to... So exciting. I love giving used yet good quality things a new life. I can spot a key item such as an accessory or piece of furniture that has major potential a mile away. Something that is very well made, and maybe forgotten about, replaced, or just not desired anymore is always in my radar.

Another person's junk may just be my treasure!

Now, granted, some things need some serious love to be wanted again. But items I know once shined that could be a great piece again just by giving it a little attention, are definite deals for me. Some people throw the most valuable things away! They just can't envision the potential. Sad really.

I love revamping! As a hobby, and even if asked for by my paying clients.  I have some awesome things in my own house that I have admired, given a spray of new paint to, a new lamp shade on, new hardware in, etc. and now not only have a great new item but I'm giving back to mother earth too.

Obviously, I am not a big advocate of waste, especially in today's financial state. In the past I have had a few clients who have wanted to throw perfectly good furniture or appliances away. I always suggest Habitat For Humanity or a good local thrift store. You never know who you're gonna help by doing this. In my opinion it is the best form of recycling around.

Oh, and if you haven't heard, Esty is a great new site that you upload pictures of things handmade or vintage that you have found. A great way to save a piece and make some money. www.etsy.com . Check it out.

I challenge you to give a little love and care to something old. You may be surprised at just how much you like it!  Here are some finds to inspire.....

Wouldn't believe the steal I found for clients at a consignment shop. This set (Italian Art Deco Rosewood) is originally @$24K! Got the set for @$10K, recovered the seats in a black leather, and it is stunning!!!

A little paint goes a long way! Only spray real wood though. Particle board wood pieces aren't worth the salvage, in my opinion, not to mention acting like a wet sponge if sprayed.

This is clever. A bed turned into a bench!

Everyone remembers these things.. My grandparents had a set, only they were avocado green. Think spray paint is the trick! If only I had known then..

Lamps are so fun. Instant impact in a room from something you may have thought was hideous at one time!

Think outside the box. Turning an old TV armoire into a desk area is super easy and very useful!

Fabric... As useful as paint to show some kindness! And fabric can give it a million different looks.

I love these. The originals are probably from my high school. ha ha

Im a big proponent of modern antiques! I like taking an old classic and giving it not only a new life, but a new edge! From boring to bold.

This is soooo simple. Find an old drawer face, paint, attach hardware and voila...(Courtesy of My Back Yard Eden, one of the many blogs you can get some inspiration from.)

Please Recycle! Make something simple, saved and now super!

I have a confession to make. I love Martha Stewart! Laugh if you want but despite her sketchy financial past and 'I can do everything better' attitude, I really do learn a lot from her, which, most likely, means I learn most of it from her staff. I will give it to them though. They sure do make her look pretty witty!

I have always been one to organize. Lists, calendars, colors, books, or anything with a category. If it doesn't have one, I'll give it one. This is where my sense for functionality in design comes to play. Useful ergonomics CAN look good too! Non- clutter, functional and friendly.

Seriously, If I had to choose between rearranging a room verses just cleaning it, I'd choose to just redo everything. OK, so maybe the baseboards would get neglected and the fan could probably use a new dusting. But it would be neat and everything in place! My Mother learned this all too well when, as a teenager, I was asked to clean the Kitchen and over and over, I'd have rearranged every drawer, all the stuff on the counter, put a new tablecloth on the table, but failed to clean the refrigerator out.

The problem that I can't seem to get around, and yet, sometimes I think is no problem at all, is that, I love change! I do. It drives me a little nuts sometimes, and more so, those poor souls that live or have lived with me. I get bored easily and feel like change of a space can somehow change my perspective! It works though. It really does!

Being a designer is exciting because every project is a change. A new direction. A new set of ideas, drawings, products, feel, etc. I could never be one to do a repetitive job forever. I would be miserable!

With that said, I am a firm believer that everything has a place. Even if that place changes constantly. There are proper places for things to go, and this is why Im sharing some neat storage ideas I have found that inspire that perfect place for room function. So many, but Ill continue adding more, and may do a blog getting more specific in oragniaztion areas, as there are tons of catagories (there I go again).

Now, if only I could be granted permission to get into the "man cave" (garage)... It is screaming for my help!....

While starting a new residential project, I sometimes get my inspiration from hotels and restaurants. I have always had a fondness for hospitality design. I like the themes, the flow, and the connection they usually seem to poses. I have studied both first hand. They usually never fail to get me excited.

As a flight attendant, I stayed in many hotels. Sometimes longer than others. Sometimes just to close my eyes for a few and go right back to the airport. However long, I never failed to intensely study the people, the decor, the comfort, the smells, the textures, the lighting. It was somewhat of an adrenaline rush.

I also designed national restaurants while living in Philadelphia. There is nothing like a hidden theme to get this girl into an artistic frenzy. I am one determined girl when I get vision. The creative direction for restaurants is thrilling and allows me to get ideas of where the project will go.

With that said, while some of these inspirations I admire are over the top, I still see the simplicity in the details. Come on, lets face it. All you really need, aside from some creature necessities, is a comfy bed, a cozy chair, and maybe a little place to eat a bite. Given this, those elements should be the best, most comfortable and ergonomic, like the basics of a great wardrobe. The rest is the icing on the cake.

I believe it is this thinking of functionality that allows me to take the inspirations from the places I study and from the basics, transpire the rooms into elegant, yet comfortable places for my clients. Not boring, but inviting. Not dull, but reveling. From simplicity to sensuous. Here is some inspiration.

London

Sheraton In Toronto

The Peabody in Memphis

The Alluvian in Greenwood, MS

Washington DC

Butter, NY City

Not sure where this is, but I love the romantic appeal of it.

Maldives Undersea Restaurant. Must go.

Hotel in Hong Kong. I really like these colors and how they combine with the reflection of the light.

And The Alluvian again.

I have always found it strange that some kids struggled with what they wanted to be when they grow up. With confusion in my eyes and sympathy in my heart, I pondered what it must be like to not know what your calling is. Even in college some people battle with the choices.

I wanted to be a Veterinarian when I was around the age of 6, and then a Psychologist for a year or so. Then it immediately went to Architect/ Designer and never stopped. I knew my gift, and knowing is half the battle! I was always fascinated with maps, and planning in birds eye view. I loved to plan. It was my calling.

I had a barbie house with furniture. Maybe that was the beginning. But I also had a neighbor friend, Chris, who must have had, what I thought was 10 million of the coolest matchbox cars. While I wasn't going to get him to play barbies with me, I on the other hand, had no problem playing matchbox cars with him. We took so long to even pick out the ones we wanted, taking turns, one by one. And that was only half the fun. The next part came when we decided to start building roads and spaces/places for the cars. Civic planning..

Then I started playing cards with my little brother, Josh, in our hall way, only it was not your typical War game or Go Fish (the only card games kids know how to play, it seems). I would dig the cards vertically in the carpet, making paths and structures until it went half way down the hall. I could picture in my head, exactly what this house would look like if it were a real space.

Many things like this pointed me toward the direction and with passion in my heart, I was one happy little girl. Along with rearranging my bedroom 2-3 times a month, and driving my parents crazy with change in the process.

Well, it was upon a return from college one day that I looked through some old stuff in a closet that had been stored away from high school. Mostly scrap books, old yearbooks, a book of poems I had written, art work, etc. But the amazement I had when I open a particular binder to find what I had totally forgotten about, took me back. I was so enamored I had to sit down on the floor immediately and check this out! I couldn't believe it. While looking threw this book of drawings I had done as a child, it made me dizzy with nostalgia. So many memories came back and I knew I was made for this for sure.

I am sharing some with you. Scales are off, things are askew in places, most are drawn on notebook paper, etc., but I don't care. I will cherish these forever!

Check out the vegetable and flower garden in the plan above!

It is funny to realize, as adults, that kids think they can make anything work. They live by their own rules.

It is truly a blessing doing what I love. They say if you find your calling, you will never work a day in your life. What work?..

I don't necessarily believe in reincarnation but if I did, I would know from which I came. Without a doubt, I would have been a Parisian bombshell with a long cigarette, in a satin gloved hand in the late 20s.. I feel so mesmerized by that era. While The Jazz Age and all it is about gets me overwhelmed, more so, it is The Art Deco that came about in that time that really gets my heart going (the jazz just adds to it!). We all know that The Industrial Revolution sparked some amazing progressions, but the greatest thing is that the old way of thinking was transforming into new, even juxtaposed thinking.

Being a non-curable romantic, the prior Art Nouveau and all its incredible curves where fabulous. However, I think the geometric ideas, and non-traditional materials used were ingenious in Art Deco. It was not the same old thing. It brought interest, excitement, and fun details.

Art was truly given the appreciation it so deserved, with such greats as Picasso. And the Architecture is still some of the greatest, with Raymond Hood doing such greats as Radio City Music Hall. (I hear stories of my Brooklyn raised Mother being taken there by my Grandmother several times to see various plays and I try to picture how it really must have been the 60s when Deco was on the rise again and so many places were "deco-ed" out.)

Here are some pics of my finds and I will find items from that era for many years to come. And I will always secretly wish to be in it (or maybe go back to it ;) ....

I love all the wonderful posters that came from that Era too!

Dreaming away...  Let me know when they successfully make a time machine... I want to go back.

Being a free spirit in my youth, I, of all people learned this statement, "Home is where the heart is" all too well. Running away from my small town southern roots and living in large metropolitan cities, I can now say, being back in a small southern town, this statement is so true! I love where I am and even more so, love that I am so near to good family and great friends. Hope you enjoy this heart filled day. Check out some romantic inspired items I have found..

Fiberglass chair from Giovannetti. Just looks cozy! The back even looks fantastic..

I won't go into detail as to what this ottoman is actually used for but a lot of it will be happening today I am sure...

The Heller Bocca Loveseat...

And last but definitely not least... One of my most passionate past times, painting. Art invokes so many feelings. I live for art. And one of my most influential artists, Brandy, my cousin and owner of one of the greatest studios ever, with no pun intended,  Hart-Ureel. www.hart-ureel.com.

Enjoy your day and be passionate!