Piazza De Liberace - Palm Springs, CA

Last month I traveled to Palm Springs, CA for the Bold Summit Luxury Interior Design Conference.  I had the pleasure of attending a private reception at Piazza de Liberace, one of Liberace's many homes, to celebrate the Interior Design giants, Kelly Hoppen, Joan Behnke and the always entertaining, Martyn Bullard.  It was amazing meeting them and touring the house.  

Credit:  Allen Barry Photography

And what a house! I fell in love.  Not only was it beautifully decorated by Christoper Kennedy,  but the house itself was gorgeous.  Mid-Century modern with a twist.  The layout of the house was fantastic and the perfect size...I don't understand the love of mcmansions, do you?

 I especially loved the wall of glass doors that opened up onto the pool with the spectacular mountain views!    

Here is an interesting little video clip where Christopher talks about the project  http://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2015/02/17/liberace-house-tour-modernism-week/23563691/ 

Take a look at these wonderful photos of the newly designed interiors.  Photography Credit:  Kerry Pucket 

While in Palm Springs, I made sure to get out and have some fun.  On the left is my dear friend Maureen, who attended the conference with me.  We met in design school and love traveling together.  I also posted a photo of my new friend Kimm, whom I met at the conference.  She was so fun and turns out we will be traveling to Spain together.  I am blessed to know both of these very talented and lovely ladies!

One of the many things I love about traveling is meeting and supporting local artists.  I was lucky enough to stumble upon Mario Cespedes, an artist from  Bolivia, now living in Palm Springs.  I bought this piece of art and can't wait to hang.  It will look perfect in my all white office!  He was a lovely man and so interesting.  Each of his paintings have a wonderful story.

I would love to know - how do you feel about art?  Do you seek out art during your travels like I do?

Miele Appliances

Last night I attended an ASID and Hearst Magazine sponsored event at the new Miele store located in Tysons Corner, VA.  Wow...who knew!  I thought they only sold vacuums!  They have some incredible new appliances that are a homeowner's dream.  Plus they look fabulous!  Oh, and did I tell you I have had a Miele vacuum for over 11 years and have never had to have it serviced!  I LOVE IT!

Paloma Contreras was the guest speaker for the evening.  Got lots of great tips on blogging and design in general and really enjoyed meeting her.  Love her work too!  Check her out at www.palomacontreras.com

If you haven't been to the new store and live in the area, check it out.

Hotel Interiors

Have you ever walked into a hotel and been utterly captivated by the design?  Kimpton Hotels are some of my favorites to visit.  This past weekend I was in Pittsburgh and stayed at the Hotel Monaco downtown.  Loved it!  Besides the fab interiors, the staff and the food were wonderful.  Each Kimpton hotel is designed differently and equally as stunning. 

 One of the things I love most about hotel design is that, as a designer, you can push the boundaries and create truly unique and thought-provoking spaces.    Kudos to Ave Bradley and her team at Kimpton for designing some of the most interesting hotel interiors around.  Take a look at some of their other stunning properties. www.kimptonhotels.com  What are some of your favorite hotel interiors?

On my bucket list...design a boutique hotel :-)

Best Of Northern Virginia Magazine

I am very excited to announce that I was voted Best Interior Designer in Northern Virginia Magazine's Best of NoVA 2015 issue.  What a wonderful surprise to receive this honor and so grateful to be able to do what I love each and every day.  My sincere thanks to all who voted for me and a big shout out to Amanda with Authentic Portrait,  www.authenticportrait.com  who shot my photo for the magazine and the photos below!

Professional Photos

If you read my last blog post, you know how I feel about lighting!  Lighting can make or break a room design.  Well, the same can be said for photographing a room.  Every interior designer knows the importance of having professional photos taken of their work.  An average room can look spectacular with the right lighting.  Many designers even hire stylists to put the finishing touches on their rooms before a photo shoot.  A professional photographer can be pricey but worth it for the right shot. 

I recently had a couple of rooms photographed  for a client in Fairfax Station, VA.  I am helping them with the design of their entire house, but we are doing it in stages.  I am currently working on the design for their wine cellar, wine making room, bar, game room, workout room, and craft/gift wrapping room!  Will be posting the photographs of the photo shoot below soon.  Stay tuned! 

My photographer, Bob Narod, doing his thing!  www.narodphoto.com

It's All About The Lighting

Some more fab finds from my trip to High Point...  

Lighting design is a critical part of any interior – and what type of lighting or lamp you choose is even more important.  Lighting directly affects the overall feel, look and functionality of your home.  Take a look at some of the fabulous light fixtures below.  Hopefully, these photos will inspire you to rethink the lighting in your home!  Do you have a favorite?

Mirror Mirror on the Wall...

I promised to show you some of my great finds from the High Point Show.  Today it's all about the mirror.  I love using mirrors in every space I design.  They bring light into a dark space, can make a room look larger and who doesn't like a little sparkle!   Check out some of the beauties below.  Which one is your favorite?

Coco the Dog!

While I was perusing the aisles upon aisles of incredible lighting, rugs, accessories and art at High Point, I came across this wonderfully talented artist, Angie Carrier.  She is a gifted painter and artist and hopefully, will be  a life long friend.  What struck me, at first, was the whimsical nature and fabulous color pallet of her art and fabrics...but then I laid eyes on Coco and it was over.  I HAD to have her!  Anyone who knows me well...knows I LOVE dogs.  Look at the eyes on this sweet girl! 

                     Miss Coco

Angie Carrier, Artist Extraordinaire 

I would love a whole wall of art with faces just like Coco!  I will definitely be visiting her booth again when I go back to the High Point show in October.  Who knows who might be coming home with me next time?

Below is her booth that I stumbled upon. Sitting in the chair is her fabulous husband who was there supporting and helping her.  What a guy!

Can't wait to buy some of her pillows and use them in some upcoming projects. Check out her work and get something special for yourself.

www.carriercollective.com

Angie's booth at the High Point Furniture Show

Highpoint, NC Furniture Show

I had the most incredible time at High Point this month!  I had not been to the show in many years and was so inspired by all of the gorgeous things I saw and the wonderful people I met.  I went with my dear friend, Caron Broadway, with Broadway Gallery.  We sooooo enjoyed ourselves and plan to go back in October.  I will be sharing LOTS of fabulous finds with you...stay tuned!

Inspired Living

As I thought about writing my first blog post, I knew that I wanted to write about Passion. Passion has led me to this career and the joy I feel each day when I'm doing what I love. I believe that passion is a blueprint for success. Living passionately is living a more fulfilled, happier life. How great is that?!

In this busy world of technology and side hustles, projects and to-do lists, I think it is essential that, from time to time, we all take a step back and ask ourselves:

• Do we know what our true passion is?
• Are we allowing passion to inspire us every day?
• Are we encouraging the passionate life we dream of living?

I believe questions like these can help inspire us to live and work more joyfully. Are you ready to take the challenge for a more passionate life? I'm excited to take this plunge and I hope you'll join me! I long to share my visions with others because I believe that beauty, like life, is better when shared.

What about you? How have you found passion guiding your life? I wonder - if money were not an issue, where would your passion lead you today? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.