Ysabel LeMay and then some

Hello all.  

How are things on your side of the screen?  Hopefully decent.  I don't post nearly as much anymore, and when I do I keep it light and happy.  But, I have to be honest.  It's been a doozy of a few months.  We moved back to KC.  Which is wonderful, however, we are staying with family and I'm missing having my own home.  Also, and most importantly, my 2 year old son, Roman, was finally diagnosed with Autism.  I say finally, because I've known since he was nine months old that there was something off.  And to finally have it confirmed was a release and a earth shattering moment all in one.  We currently go to therapy for 20 hrs a week.  Hoping to give him a chance at a normal life (whatever that is.)  So yeah.  Some rough shit.  But, we are trying to pull together as a family and meet this head on.  I'm striving to be positive (not a strength of mine, I'm more of a realist) as he was so young when we caught it and there is a chance of essentially rewiring his brain.  We'll see how he progresses.  But either way he is our sweet little boy and we love him unconditionally. No matter what.

 Annnnnd, that has been my life the past few months.    Just wanting to share a little more than fabulous art and design related stuff.  Get a little more personal, and share some of my life with you all.  Not too often...just every once in a while. 

But now....the time has come to speak of prettier things.  To lift the mood and enjoy the beauty of art.  So today I have the work of Ysabel LeMay to show you.  I came across her on Saatchi.  Her work is so complex while keeping a dreamy quality that makes her unique.  It all feels so "garden of Eden,"  Take a gander...

What do you think. Lovely right?  

She has a ton more work than what I've shown today.  It's all magical.  

Also, thank you for listening to my rambling.  It helps to get it out and actually see it on the screen.  We have been in limbo for so long it's hard to remember there is an earth anymore.  But, this too shall pass.  Right?   

Please take care.

Til next time....

 

Red, White and Blue - Happy Fourth!

 Throw, Flag Tray 1, Star Tray, Boy Pillow, 

USA Pennant Tray, Striped Bowl, Flag Tray 2, Red Pitcher

Blue Dot Bowl, Red Balloon Dog, Blue Striped Pitcher, Stamp Holder, Blanket

Flask, Hat

 I'm back!  Thought I might throw together a Fourth of July Board for us Americans.  Everything you see here is from an online, new to me shop called Waiting On Martha.  I'm sure many of you have heard of, or seen it.  But, I'm a newbie, and seriously am digging it.  This is just some of the more patriotic wares.  There is an amazing array of other offerings that I will keep in mind when sourcing for clients.  This is why the internet is my best resource.  Places like this offer so many lovely options that it's a no-brainer. 

Hope you like and have a wonderful (and safe!) Fourth!

Talk soon!

Cozy Library?

Hello all!!!

So here is a little something I've been working on as of late for a pair of clients with serious budget constrictions.  It's a simple example of what would end up being a much more complex design, but I still love how it turned out.  However, the clients.  Not so much.  So it's back to the drawing board. Which makes me sad as I thought this was a wonderful possible room.  One I wouldn't mind having in my own home. 

 But, I thought I might as well share it here to see what you all thought.  It's a very dark, cozy library/family room space.  I've been loving using oriental rugs to bring in color.  It gives interest without overtaking the space.  The sofa is existing and something that needed to be integrated into the design.  And, those chairs...ugh, loved them.  And the price was wonderful, so much so, that someone else already scooped them up.  Insert sad face here.  I was thinking of buying them if my clients didn't.  But oh well.  Such is life.  

So what do you think?  Are you a fan of this cozy library look?  Or, did I miss the mark?

 Best to everyone.  Talk soon!

Long Overdue Update!

Hello to the one person who still reads this.  It's been too long.  

I wanted to say hello and give you a little update about what I've been doing as of late.  It's been an eventful last few weeks for me personally.  We are at long last moving back to Kansas City from Chicago.  You know how you never knew how good you had it til you leave it.  Yeah, that's Kansas City for us.  Plus, my son has Sensory Processing Disorder and its imperative that we are close to family for his benefit as well as mine.   It's been a looooong haul kids.  But, I think things are on the upswing, hopefully.  

Ok enough about personal stuff.  Let's get on to the pretty.  Right?  

So, what I'm going to show you today is from my Clay project's living room.  This is a slow moving job.  The clients want to make sure every piece is right and price isn't as important as beauty.  But of course, there is a budget too, and good things take time, as they say.  We FINALLY got the custom made daybed finished.   It turned out to be....well.... badass!  No other way to put it.  

Uhh yeah, told you.  

That amazing hand-painted fabric is from Holly Cooper.  Then we had the daybed itself built from scratch and upholstered.  So cool.  

Here it is in it's natural habitat.

This pic was before some major changes took place.  But, this way you can get the full effect of the daybed in situ.  Here is the next incarnation of this room...

As you'll notice, the artwork behind the sofa went bye-bye, and we replaced it with this incredible mirror.  Instantly better.  The artwork was relocated to the library.  Which had a PERFECT spot for it.  Worked out brilliantly.  

THEN, there are these chairs.  Holy moly.  

I adore how they turned out.  Originally, they were a garish turquoise color velvet.  Now, a little white gator perks them right up.  Also, a little le tigre never hurt anyone.  Not to mention that Ashley Woodson Bailey in the background.  

Annnnd, there you have it.  This project is turning out so lovely.  

Thanks to those who have stuck with me.  I'll try to come back on a more regular basis.  I know I always say that.  But, I will really try.  

Best to you all.  Talk soon.

p.s.- if you want to keep up to date with me in real time, come visit me at my instagram account.

Eccentric

Sofa, pillows, mirror, sconces, rug, coffee table, art, chair, side table, throw

Hello.  Hope all is well with you.  

We just got back from visiting family and friends in KC.  I'm

missing home greatly right now.  But you never know.  Right?

Anyway, get a load of this design board.  Eccentric is what comes to mind when I see it.  But, in a good way.  That sofa is what kicked it all off.  Talk about wild and crazy.   It's upholstered in Liberty of London fabric and is the coolest kind of kooky.   If I had a library I might just make this a reality.  The artwork is nothing to sniff at either.   It's a lovely piece by Miss Aniela.  Not sure what kind of name Miss is, but since she makes this kind of work, I wouldn't care if she were called Fluffy.  This board is a bit of a departure from what I typically create which is why I thought it might make a nice change of pace.  Hope you like it.  Could you deal with a room such as this?  Or is it a little too "out there" for you?

Obsessed With Brooke Shaden

Hi all.  I wanted to pop in first off just to say hi.  

It's been a while.  But, also to share. 

I love art.  It brings a room to life and puts the stamp of the owner's personality on it.  It's such an integral part of any design, and likewise, typically carries one of the highest price-tags.  But, owning works of art like the ones featured today is a real dream of mine, and one I hold for every client I work with.  They can literally change the mood of a room.  These insanely glorious works come from Brooke Shaden.  She is without a doubt one of my favorites.   There is a feeling of melancholy in her pieces that resonates with me.  They are so heartrendingly beautiful that it's hard to look away.  I love it when art makes you feel something beyond just the initial beauty of it.

I hope some of these pieces speak to you as they do to me.  Thanks for still coming to visit me here (all 2 of you.)  I will continue to update and share as I am inspired to.  I find I use this blog for a record for myself, as much as a space to share with others.  Talk soon all.  

Til next time...

Nursery Reveal!

SO...

the nursery I've been working on is finished.  All I have to show you at the moment is iphone pics, but they aren't too bad.  As I said before the green crib was the jumping point for this little design. And believe me "little" is an accurate description of this room.  We had a lot to cram into a small amount of space.  Challenging, indeed! 

This space is for a little boy, and absolutely packed with personality.   As you can see, it's not a shy room.  It's meant to pack a punch visually speaking.  The ceiling really makes this space and the lighting provides the jewelry.  

Annnnnd, there you have it.  Hope you enjoyed this little tour.  I enjoyed designing this room for sure.   It was refreshing to be able to make a nursery that doesn't revolve around peace and tranquility.  This room was meant to be fun, interesting and above all, unique to it's little occupant.  Check, check and check!

'Til next time!...

Nursery Update!

 Making some great progress on a nursery I am doing right now.   The lighting and window treatments will be up by next weekend which will really help to soften the place up.  The rocking chair will be going to the left there, semi-in front of the shelving.  Notice the ceiling?  Doesn't it look faaaabbbulouuuusss!?!?!  I'm digging it in a big way.  Totally patting myself on the back with that choice. 

 I am really loving the dresser.  It's got a lovely patina to it.   And our Michelle Armas print from OKL is perfect above it.  We've still got a little ways to go 'til we are finished, but we are seriously rounding the bend on this project, and I am thrilled. 

As a reminder...this is where we are headed...

As I said before this will be no typical nursery.  Which is so refreshing.   I can't wait to get this room finished and move onto the next one.  Their Master.  Queue the clapping!  I'll be back soon with more goodness, and hopefully more progress.  

'Til then.....

Clay Living Update

Hello all. 

So here are some updated pics from the Clay Project. For those of you following me on my instagram account you have already seen a couple of these. The project itself is slowwwwwly creeping along. But, I always love when I get progress shots. Makes my day. 

So check it out....those Venini lamps never hurt anyone.  Oh my, it's hard to look at them they are so lovely.  Like looking directly into the sun.  Also digging the custom console.  Nice and streamlined.

Annnnd, my favorite piece of art ever.  From the dear Ashley Woodson Bailey.  We had it made in a custom size for above the fireplace.  

Another shot of the Venini Lamps behind that schexy hunk of a sofa.   Yum.

Check out  those urns.  So unique.  I just think them sitting atop their acrylic pedestals equals perfection.  Another interesting layer.  We've still got a loooong way to go.  Countless chairs to be re-upholstered.  Wallpaper to be installed in the library and dining rooms.  Not to mention all the details that are still yet to be found.  But, the basics are starting to arrive which is thrilling.  


 just to remind you. This...

...is where we are heading.  As each piece is chosen and arrives we are that much closer.  Making me an intensely excited lady.   I think that is where I leave you today.  My son is screaming in his playpen, which I have dutifully been ignoring as I type.  But, in the hope I don't scar him too much, or give him some sort of complex, I'll go and pick him up, which is all he wants.  Bad Mommy.  But sometimes a girl just needs to update her blog.  Am I right?  Ha.

Til next time.

Black and White

 lamps, vase, crystal, artwork, console, bowl, throw, chairs, pillows, rug

 So today, I'm thinking, is a good day.  My days have been eaten up by a little man by the name of Roman.  It's an amazing time right now for us, because he's 9 mos. and starting to walk, along with developing his little personality.  But, I'll tell you what.  The boy wears me out.  Sometimes I'm lucky to brush my teeth, people.  And it's day in and day out.  This whole mother thing is no joke.  Sometimes I don't feel very cut out for it.  But, I'm sure everyone feels that from time to time.  At least that's what I tell myself.

Anyway,  on to the good stuff.  It's been a while since I've done a board like this.  So, I thought it might be fun.   Also, when in doubt, you can never go wrong with black and white.  These are some of my favorite pieces lately.  So much to love here.  The artwork is by Ashley Woodson Bailey, who is my favorite artist right now.   Not only is the subject flowers, but she makes the most lovely, moody photographs.  All things I dig in a big way.  The chairs are classic.  The pillows are super cool.  They have that graphic punch.   Lastly the rug.  Just plain ol' neat.  I have never seen one like this one before.  That in itself makes it special for me.  I love the unique. 

With that I'm signing off for today.  Have a good one all. 

'Til next time...

Nursery

Hello all.  

How's the day shaping up?   Here it is lovely.  The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the sub freezing temps have finally ceased. Halle-freaking-lujah!

So, I am just starting to work on a entire house redo.  Which I am super excited about, especially considering it is for one of my favorite previous clients.    We will be beginning with the nursery.  Allowing me to live vicariously through her, as my own nursery here at home, sadly, has not even been started, even though Roman has been here for almost nine months.  Pathetic indeed!!!  She is having a boy (so fun), and wanted a nursery that didn't look like a nursery.  In other words, no cutesy tootsy things, like animal murals on the wall or the babies name spelled out above the crib.  I honestly hate typical nurseries, so she came to the right place.  Of course, it needs to be child friendly, and have some whimsy to it.  It IS still a nursery after all.

The crib was the jumping point.  Sister is not afraid of color (ummm, green crib.)  You might recognize the ceiling treatment here from the ceiling of the Clay Library.   It's amazing how the same thing can be used again, with such different results. I just felt is would be perfect for this space.

The artwork ties the whole room together.  I wanted to keep the rest of it, save the crib of course, semi- neutral. Hence all the black and white.  But, the artwork, which is by Katerina Bodrunova, brings out that pop of green perfectly.   

I love making a unique space for my clients.  This won't be mistaken for those bland all white and grey nurseries that inundate my pinterest.   There's such an amazing opportunity to make a space interesting and fun when designing a child's room/nursery.  Why settle for grey and white. 

Anyway, I can't wait to get started.  Seriously, champing at the bit!  I'll be back with updates as they happen.  Aaaand, with that I shall bid you adieu!

Til next time...

Clay Living Room Update

Hello to you. How are you this fine day?  

Things are well here.  The weather is supposed to cooperate with my yearning for Spring this week.  Which makes me a happy, happy girl.  I am so sick of seeing snow still on the ground that's been there for two months.  Yuck.  

Sooooo, I have a bit of a treat for you today.  The Clay Project is coming along nicely.  After several options being chucked, so to speak, we have decided upon a final layout for the living space.

 

 Which allows us enough room for a custom daybed upholstered in Kelly Wearstler's Channels fabric. It's going to be gorgeous.  Seriously, so fabulous it will make your toes curl.   

Also, remember that those chairs are going to be done in a lovely white croc faux leather, 

Then a pair of these glorious furry ottomans...

Add in next, this pair of large French architectural urns.  Spectacular! 

  

They will be perched atop the acrylic pedestals.  The flames at the top are so unique and interesting.  They add the perfect "something old" to the mix.  

 And that's where we are at present.  The final details/accessories/pillows/lighting are still to be decided, which is super exciting.  It's so fun to see a room come together.  Especially when it comes from your own little brain.  Very satisfying.  I struggle, like most others with my "am I good enough?" demons.  I assume most people have their own version of that anyway.  But, then when I see a project finely come to fruition, and see a clients smiling face, that's all that matters.   You know?

Anyway that covers it for now.  Have a wonderful week.  Hopefully it will be mild and Spring-ish where you are as well.  Enjoy it!  

I will be back soon with more goodness.

Til then...

Clay Media Room Update

Hello, hello.  

I am alive and reasonably well.  Just trying to make it through this Chicago winter, which I am officially and undeniably OVER!  My son has decided to skip crawling and go straight to trying to walk.  The emphasis here is on trying.  We've already had several bumps and bruises.  Which not only breaks my heart, but simultaneously makes me look like a baby beater.  Pray to all that is holy, that my son lives to see his first birthday.

Yeah, exciting times here.

Anyway....Thought I'd pop in with a bitty update for you.  This project is unfortunately out of state for me, and therefore I rely solely on the mercies and goodwill of my client to send pics.  I, otherwise, would most likely be over there weekly to catch a view.  I'm sure they are glad that I'm not close enough to do that.

I have to admit, I am so very happy with how things are turning out.  There's a lot of purple going on in here, but the velvet drapery brings in some texture, while enveloping the room into a eggplant colored cocoon, which saves the day.

Right now, we are working on the art that needs to go over the sectional.  It needs to be a big son-uva-gun.  As the sectional/wall is rather large.  I thought I'd flank the smaller options with sconces.  Adds a little dimension right?  Below are the four options I gave them for the artwork.  I do have my favorite, but, what matters is which is their favorite. 

So which option would you choose were it your choice?  Just curious.

Alright all, I'll try not be away for a couple of months this time.  Things are rolling along again after a holiday hiatus, so I'll keep you in the loop.  

Til next time...

Shawnee Project

This is another project I am working on right now. We will call it the Shawnee project.  My client is a mature woman who leans a little more to the traditional side of the spectrum.  So, I wanted to semi-stay in her comfort zone while freshening/lightening things up considerably.   My client (like myself) is vertically challenged, and we needed a sofa that fit her petite proportions without being dinky.   Enter the Crosby sofa from West Elm.  It's modern without being too stark of a contrast for the rest of the more traditional design.  It's a welcome update from it's super traditional, red plaid predecessor.   The existing palate was pretty dark and heavy.  I wanted to lighten things up, bring in an airy feeling.  The double layered sheers will breeze things up quite a bit and the rug is traditional without feeling stuffy.  The artwork is my favorite thing in the room.  Surprising I know.  It's just so soothing, and the massive scale will keep it modern in tone. 

This is just a preliminary board.  Things aren't set in stone yet.  The coffee table is still up for debate as are many of the details.  But, this is just a look into my little head, and gives you an idea of where we are (hopefully) headed.  I'm enjoying this project much more than I thought I would considering the traditional feel the client wanted to keep.  Looking forward to seeing how this space shakes out.

'Til next time...

Clay Library Update

Today I thought I'd give you a look into the design for the library. It's a small room off the entry through which you have to walk to get to the rest of the home.   Needless to say it needs to be a dramatic space.  

You can see the view of it behind the piano.  It's such a charming little space.  With just enough room for four chairs to relax in while reading books. 

Like I said, this is sort of an extension to the entryway and I wanted it to be a statement space.  So we are going black on the walls.  The ceiling will be special due to the fact that it will be papered in black and white buffalo check.  The little seating area is defined by this oriental rug and four Ming chairs.  The stump table will be a nice center to anchor the seating arrangement. 

The art I am pushing for is from Zena Holloway and will be large and in charge.  Taking up the majority of the wall entering the room.  It's a small room so we have to get a lot of bang in there without overwhelming the space.  

So there you go...a little look into where we are at this point.  Don't know about you, but I would be happy to live here.  Can't wait to continue on and see how things fall into place.  

'til next time...