At the top of the year I found myself catching up on the blog for the end of Q4 2023. Here we are now, coming in hot past the half point of 2024. Nonetheless, let’s caught up in case you missed what I’ve been up to this year. In this blog post I'm also featuring before and after photos of a space recently completed in one of our residential projects.
Pressing Rewind
Let’s rewind the tape. Most of Q1 was quiet and a period of transition. A few high notes included a girls trip to Dominican Republic, saying goodbye to my corporate position that was held just shy of 20yrs, celebrating our 5yr business anniversary, being featured in the February Designer Spotlight by The Interior Design Society, being a featured in the Black Interior Designers Inc. Plastic Sofa Series and being blessed to see another year around the sun. Okay, maybe it wasn’t exactly quiet. It was full indeed.
Q2 kicked off with being one of about 10 designers going to Chicago’s amazing design center for training at Monogram, a luxury kitchen brand. Almost immediately following, came spring furniture market in Highpoint NC. Other highlights from Q2 included finally finishing phase one of my home office design in partnership with Zephyr, and a speaking engagement at a Philadelphia elementary school, and attending Design On Dime in NYC on VIP opening night. A little more recently, yours truly spoke at the inaugural CASE Conference in Atlanta, where I shared my expertise and tips about furniture markets.
Prior to the conference, I had the honor in being the stage set designer for the African American Museum Philly’s (AAMP) Juneteenth evening panel conversation. A few powerful women in politics (the former mayor of Atlanta among two other power houses), discussed women breaking glass ceilings, the importance in balancing & self care, and the need for black women to continue showing up to take seats at the table. A proud and grateful moment on this design journey.
Blog Featured Project
A highlight for residential projects is our latest installation, phase three of one of our whole home projects for our clients in Plymouth Meeting PA. We started on the third level in August 2022 and worked our way down to the lower level den this summer.
The space called for a full gut down to the studs. We designed a custom fireplace & a custom recessed lighting plan, sourced custom drapery to filter the natural light, and selected a light natural color for engineered hardwoods in good contrast with the moody, color drenched walls & ceiling. To finish the new space we curated stylish, sustainable furnishings for entertaining; as well as everyday luxe lounging.
After Design Renovation
Before Design Renovation
While I have you here: If you happen to be returning or a future client, hey friend!! We will soon be wrapping the acceptance of new clients with 2024 install date requests. The cut off is usually at the end of August depending on the scope of work. This year we’re extending this to mid September and offering an incentive. Submit your request with your project details now through September 15th, 2024. To view more spaces we’ve had photographed since last year check our website’s portfolio page .
Fall Design Tips
Home decor stores are filled with Halloween & soon Christmas decor will be taking over. Before you deep dive into either, try these ideas. Instead of changing all of your decor for a few weeks only to change it again a couple times between now and December, try smaller changes like adding a pumpkin spice or patchouli & tobacco scented candles, diffusers, etc.
Another way to welcome fall is to decorate mums inside or outside. No green thumb? Faux floral options work well too. Florals are forever my favorite way to instantly add beauty to any room. AND- Be intentional with placing florals where you’ll enjoy them most, not just for display. Kitchen counters and powder rooms for example are great locations for florals.
Lastly, add a warm paint color to a space never disappoints. Paint is an impactful way to change the mood or brighten up your space. Whether it’s a fresh coating of your favorite white or a new color, don’t forget to test it out before committing.
The third quarter is trending to end on a high note next month. Until then, I am finding good rhythm (aka balance) with planning for a fall home project, expected new clients coming on board, and upcoming travels that I can't wait to share with you soon!
-xx, your Design Bestie
“Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised”- Bible
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