Simply Seleta

designer of the month: tobi fairley

Anyone who keeps their eyes open in the design world needs little to no introduction to the beautiful work of interior designer, Tobi Fairley.  Tobi is blazing a trail of her own.  With bold touches and a signature Southern flair, her charming spaces lure you into craving more. 

Tobi and I became blog friends a while back.  Although we've never met in person, I always feel her charisma and warm personality in our emails back and forth.  She's got spark!  Today she joins us to chat about design.  Welcome, Tobi.

SS: I would describe my design style as...

TF: I like to call my style feminine, innovative.

SS: My secret design weapon is...

TF: Bold fabrics, especially damasks and large scale geometrics and other over-scaled prints.

SS: I am inspired by... TF: Color and Pattern

SS: My current heart-throb light wallpaper is...

TF: I love the silhouette wallpaper “Clarendon” from Osborne and Little [pictured below] in all colors and also the Schumacher wallpaper Chenonceau especially in the charcoal color way. And like everyone else, I love every color of Kelly Werstler’s Trellis pattern!

 

SS: One fabric that has recently caught my attention is...

TF: The green version of Celerie Kemble's Hot House Flowers (color Verdance)

SS: My current favorite paint colors are...

TF: Both by Sherwin Williams: a pink shade called Angelic and a Gray tone called Pearl Gray.

SS: One design rule I like to break is...

TF: I love technology so I love to leave Television’s exposed!

SS: You would never catch me shopping for...

TF: I am not crazy about Asian influence…but never say never.

SS: You will always catch me shopping for...

TF: Hickory Chair—I use it in most projects because I love their designs and they have a ton of custom options. Plus I think the price point is affordable to most of my clients!

SS: For me, the perfectly designed home always has a.....

TF: A purpose for everyone room! I am sad when clients have rooms they never go in.

SS: My favorite room in my own home is...

TF: Aesthetically I love the Entry Hall (because of the wallpaper) and my living room because it is so fresh and light. Functionally I use my family room and bedroom the most.

[Tobi's entry hall]

[Tobi's living room]

SS: My favorite design book is...

TF: Kelly Wearstler’s Modern Glamour

SS: My design hero is...

TF: All-time… Dorothy Draper for her furniture and lighting silhouettes, David Hicks for his geometrics. Modern Day…Jamie Drake for his bold use of color.

SS: I cannot live without

TF: Christopher Spitzmiller lamps! I would put them in every room.

SS: I add simple beauty to my home by...

TF: keeping Fresh flowers especially peonies and country roses.

To get a bigger dose of Tobi's fresh, Southern style, click on her website right here.  Or go see some of her design thoughts on her blog right here.

[all photos courtesy of Tobi Fairley Interior Design]

i'm having déjà vu

[stephanie and harley]

Been dying to introduce you to one of my favorite fashionista friends, Stephanie Nichols.  She is a talented clothing designer, dear friend and owner of the deliciously chic clothing boutique, Déjà Vu right here on the beach.  Her boutique is packed with style and unexpected fashion finds.  The kind you see and decide you simply can't live without.  I'll be honest, I have a little bit of a fit every time I visit.  I want it all!  

So first let's take a mini-tour inside.  And then get to know Stephanie a little better.  Grab a cup of jo to enjoy while you read....this is one post that should be savored until the very last drop. 

Back to business. 

The second you walk in Déjà Vu, the blood pressure lowers considerably with all of the serious style, white surroundings and open doors inviting in the soft beach breeze. 

Is your blood pressure lowering?

Can you feel the breeze yet?

But then the heart flutters a little with all of the "pretty" there is to see.  Goodies such as necklaces dangling from a tree and rings sprinkled throughout a dish of sand.  Stephanie designs all of her own clothes and has incredible taste.  What's so refreshing is her prices are all very affordable, yet the pieces are not what you'd typically see in just any store.  I always say it's like an Anthropologie on the beach.

 

Here are Stephanie and me obsessing looking at her sassy new ruffled purses.  Click right here to see the one that's my fav.  I have to do three pics because I love that sofa so much I can't even stand it. 

Oh, pardon my manners.  I haven't introduced her pooch, Harley.  He's the store manager. 

Yes, he's as sweet as he looks.  Maybe sweeter.  And he's not the least bit snobby even though he has a vintage Louis Vuitton suitcase for a bed.  Is it sad to say I'm a little jealous of his digs?

So there's your small peek at Déjà Vu.  Pretty, huh?  Now let's get to know the girl behind all of those fierce threads and even read a little bit of her fashion advice. 

Welcome, Stephanie!

SS:  My love of fashion all started when...

SN:  9th grade, I went to Atlanta market with my sister, who was a personal shopper.  A man ran out of the showroom and asked me to work the market.  So I did. I loved trying on all of the clothes before they hit the stores.

SS:   I would describe my style as....

SN:  I love every style. It depends on what day it is.  I might try to be Audrey on Monday, and then Janis on Wednesday.

  

SS:    When it comes to designing my clothes, I'm inspired by...

SN:   I am obsessed with vintage pieces! They were a little conservative "back in the day", but had amazing design. So, I might take a vintage dress and have the hemline raised or the back lowered. However, I also have other designers private label for me because I love their design too.

SS:    My favorite garment essential is...

SN:  That would be an undergarment. The "Camisole".  We sell them.  It is actually our number one item. They are just great for extra support and little more coverage for the conservative outings.

SS:  In every girl's closet there should be...

SN:  Clothes that she feels comfortable and confident wearing.  This is why I love my job! It is so rewarding to me when I help a customer, and she steps out of the box.  She leaves happy, glowing, and exciting about going to dinner with her husband.  Then the husband loves what she's wearing so much, that he sends her back in the next day with his credit card for more before they leave to go home.  Sounds like a fairytale, but this really happens. Catalina, if you're reading this, you know I'm talking to you.  

SS:    My current heart-throb color to wear is...

SN:  I love white.  Nothing looks more fabulous than a summer tan and a white dress.

SS:  One fashion rule I like to break is...

SN: I don't feel like there are any rules anymore...thanks to Carrie Bradshaw. Love her!

SS:   My favorite wardrobe splurge is...

SN:  Giuseppe. I have a problem. I admit it.

SS:   You may be surprised to know that...

SN:  I wear cut offs and a white button down polo at least three times a week during some part of the day. My employees call it my uniform.

SS:  I can't live without....

SN:  Diet Coke

SS:  My design hero is....

SN:  My best friend since 7th grade, Christy Carlisle. I am so proud of her. She is Kay Unger's head designer in New York City. She has always been so talented at everything.....Homecoming Queen, Valedictorian, all-star in every sport, but I have to say her design exceeds every other talent she has ever posessed.

*****

Thanks for sharing with us today, Stephanie. 

Be sure and keep your eyes open for a certain Déjà Vu dress that Lucky magazine is featuring soon.  That is the only hint I'll give you about Fab Friday tomorrow!  And if you would love to see more of Stephanie's pretty things, click right here to shop!

serious style...

One of my favorite parts about blogging is getting to meet talented and creative people.  And today I'm thrilled to introduce you to one! 

About a month ago, I received this sweet email from a reader named Gillian Dewberry.  Little did I know she is a mega-talented designer who creates chic leather and paper journals.  And not just any journals, but the kind with acid-free paper, hand-stitched pages and gorgeous silk-screened images gracing the covers.  A few email exchanges later, we were friends and I was completely hooked on her beautiful designs!   

 

Shortly following, she was kind enough to mail me a surprise package.  In it was my favorite journal from her current collection!  Yes, the octopus [below]. 

As I carefully opened up the package I was a little intimidated by its beauty.  By that I mean I was afraid to use it because it was, well, the nicest journal I had ever owned.  I didn't want to mess up the flawless cover or bend it in any way.  Hello, living with four small fries over here, anything is game for a tragic accident.  Don't get me wrong, her pieces are very sturdy and durable, I just wanted to preserve mine because I saw it as a treasure.  So it sat on my dining table looking quite lovely but was not being used.  Silly me.

Gillian shared some creative ideas about all the things you can do with a journal such as this.  And then I relaxed about using it.  We'll get to her ideas in just a minute.

I soon realized Gillian is not only extremely gifted but very passionate about designing.  Interestingly enough, she's very shy about one thing:  how well her products have been received.  Her stationary was listed on Oprah's Favorite Things.  And this summer Neiman's will sell some of her beachy journals in certain stores.  So I had to mention that since she never would in a million years.

Although born in New York, Gillian was raised in the South and lives in North Carolina with her husband and four children.  So let's visit with her.  Welcome, Gillian!

SS:    What inspired you to design journals?

GD:   I have always been a doodler (Is that a word?!).  I had an image in my head for a book I wanted to doodle, write, and collect in - but could not find it in a store.

SS:    Where did you start out in the design biz? 

GD:   About ten years ago.  No formal training.  I have a writing background.

SS:    What is your design philosophy?

GD:   I think you design what you love, and whatever comes from it is great.  I like to work with materials that will stand the test of time, and pair something functional with the unexpected.

SS:    Where do you turn for inspiration?

GD:   The beach.  Love the beach. Really anywhere outdoors. Or it could be a magazine, piece of art, photography.  I seem to fall in love with a color or texture and design from there.

SS:    If you find yourself ever "stuck" for ideas, how do you get your inspiration back?

GD:   I look through my collection of things.  Things I have that only make sense to me - no rhyme or reason for why I have them, but they tell me a story.

SS:    How would you describe your style?

GD:   Simple, clean, but with a bohemian touch.  I like to take a traditional item and put a modern twist on it.

SS:    What's a must-have "paper good" in your life?

GD:    Books.  Always.  Those electronic book things peak my interest, but I can't imagine not touching the paper.

SS:   What do you like about living in the South?

GD:   The blue sky.  I used to take it for granted, but even if it is cold, the sky manages to be this amazing, reassuring blue.  I never really realized how lucky we Southerners are until I started spending regular time elsewhere!

SS:    Any creative uses for journals you can suggest?

GD:   Great guest book.  Keep a Polaroid next to it and take random pictures of friends and family that pass through your home.  Then have then write what they were feeling inside.  I also know bride's love them for destination weddings-sort of the same idea but with a different twist.

Thanks, Gillian.  What a great idea for a journal!  To get a peek of her work, go visit her Etsy shop right here.  Her journals will inspire many ideas.  And they're easy on the eyes, especially sitting pretty on a coffee table or writing desk. 

organizing with Eddie Ross...

Now that the New Year is here, it’s time to say goodbye to the holiday clutter and hello to style and order.

Who better to curl up with on your laptop and chat about organizing and style than the one and only Eddie Ross?  Yes, the same über talented Eddie Ross with the quickly growing design empire who left us agog after each episode of Top Design.  The same Eddie Ross who has rapidly become the design wonder-boy of our industry and creative genius of the blogosphere.  I must confess that part of me wants to put him in a glass box and keep him all to myself.  I’d be certain to place him on a high shelf [next to stylized Creamware of course] so the kids and cat won’t touch him.  We'd flea together, shop for hours on end and chat over hot tea while polishing silver.  Maybe he would even share a few of his gourmet recipes and flower arranging tips with me.

But what about the remaining twenty million females who would want to do the same with their ideal shopping, styling, and designing BFF?  

Okay.  Maybe storing Eddie Ross isn’t my best design idea, but this interview surely is in the top ten.  And I'm lucky enough to call Eddie a friend.  Let’s find out how he stores that amazing silver collection in a cozy NY apartment and how we can display our own prized pieces in a most stylish way. 

Welcome, Eddie.  

SS:    When organizing, I like to...

ER:    Take things out and not hide them. For example, I keep all my silverware in antique glass celery jars on my kitchen counter. That way, they’re organized, accessible and pretty!  My whiteware too I keep in organized in stacks. I’m all about a beautiful pile!

SS:    My favorite de-clutter trick is...

ER:    Editing.  Think about what you use, what you don’t and what you’ve completely forgotten you even had! Just because something was expensive doesn’t mean you need to hold on to it for dear life. Donate it, sell it, give it to a friend. Make room for something you really love, and you’ll be happier for it.

SS:    My criteria for keeping something is...

ER:    Do I really use it? Is it my style now?

SS:    I add creative storage by...

ER:    Shopping smart at The Container Store. They have so many great organizational things you need but may not know about yet.

 

SS:    My favorite stylish storage essential is...

ER:    Clear Lucite boxes from The Container Store. They’re great in medicine cabinets for toiletries and on desks for paper clips, pins, etc. Everything’s organized and very visible. There’s nothing worse than wanting to find something and not knowing where it is!

SS:    When it comes to organizing, I'm inspired by...

ER:    Pretty piles of stuff. I may make messes, but they’re pretty ones!

SS:    You may be surprised to know that I...

ER:   Don’t have any formal training in design.

SS:   I would describe my style as....

ER:    New traditional. Classic with a twist. A fresh take on familiar shapes.  Old pieces updated for today. It's livable, affordable and I think quite beautiful!

 

SS:    My favorite design splurge is...

ER:    Good bedding and towels. Splurge on things you touch. T.J. Maxx has the best white 1000 count bedding. 60 bucks for a queen set!

SS:    One of my design goals this year is...

ER:    To do a book on sophisticated flea market style.

SS:    I add simple beauty to my home by...

ER:    Polishing my silver often with Gorham polish and keeping perfectly pressed antique linen hand towels by the sink.

 

Thanks for stopping by, Eddie.  Can't wait for that upcoming flea market trip in the city! 

If that didn't satisfy your Eddie fix, then head over here and here to get a few more of his fab ideas on organizing and editing your home accessories.  Also, each picture here is linked to its respective post on Eddie's site.  So click away!

[photos courtesy of Eddie Ross]

design chat with jennifer hunter...

We're back with Interior Designer, Jennifer Hunter.  Today she shares with us some of her own design thoughts and inspirations. 

So let's get busy playing fill-in-the-blank.

 SS:  My design style tends to be....

JH:  Naturally modern.

 

[a bathroom designed by Jennifer]

SS:  I am inspired by....

JH:  Places I travel, nature, fashion, my hometown of Cleveland, Mississippi, and color.

SS:  My secret design weapon is...

JH:  One-of-a-kind vintage/custom pieces and white as a canvas or backdrop.
 

SS:  Three fabrics I simply love right now are...

JH:  Opuzen Tracey Botch Flower [Love Love Love this one]

Lee Jofa Pompadour

LuLu DK Color Wheel

SS:  My three favorite paint colors are....

JH:  1.  Benjamin Moore White Dove

        2.  Pittsburgh Paints Tea Leaf

        3.  Pittsburgh Paints Flannel Pajamas.  Pittsburgh is my new favorite, very inspiring.

SS:  My favorite design book is...

JH:  Natural Home by Judith Wilson and Learning to See by Vincente Wolf 

 

SS:  You would never catch me shopping for...

JH:  Furniture store-looking pieces or wooden furniture with a high gloss sheen.

SS:  You will always catch me shopping for...

JH:  Art.  I love Folk Art, especially.  Paula Perdue, Sammy Britt and Ann "Frantic" are all my favs.

["the kiss" by Ann Frantic.  See more of her work here]

SS:  One design rule I like to break is...

JH:  "Small rooms need to be painted light colors"...not true.  I love using dark muted/dusty colors and absolutely love black!  

SS:  For me, the perfectly designed home always has a.....

JH:  Fireplace.  The warm glow can instantly make any space inviting and cozy.  

SS:  My favorite room in my own home is....

JH:  Kitchen.  Love the tile backsplash and the mix of materials.  Love my Viking range [and love that it is made in Mississippi].

 

 

[snapshots of Jennifer's kitchen]

SS:  I can't live without....

JH:  Starbucks coffee, My German Shepherd and sweets.  I'm a total sweet-aholic. 

 

[Sable, Jennifer's German Shepherd rescue]

SS: My design hero is....

JH:  VICENTE WOLF.  I absolutely love what he does with solid fabrics.  He makes the simplest fabrics interesting.  I rarely see him use patterns.

[vincente wolf's interiors]

 

SS:  I add simple beauty to my home by...

JH:  Incorporating natural elements such as shells, driftwood, etc.] or architectural pieces  [vintage corbels, shutters, pediments, etc.]

If you've reached the end and still need to see more, you can catch two of Jennifer's deliciously mod bathrooms featured on HGTV's site right here and here.  Or you can visit some of her other design work right here at Domicile.  And don't worry, I promise to bring her back on the blog for more design greatness quite soon. 

A big thanks to Jennifer for giving us a glimpse into her world and showing us the modern side of inspiring beach design.

designer of the month: jennifer hunter

When we first moved into our neighborhood just over a year ago, there were two homes down the street that simply took my breath away.  I actually became a little obsessed with them.  Early evenings, when we would go for our sunset bike rides or walks, my feet would find their way to these magical spaces and I would walk all around them taking just the tiniest peek inside the windows.  Since one home was not occupied full time and the other was unoccupied and for sale, I felt I was well within proper social boundaries.  Or mostly.

After doing a little research, I finally found the design genius behind these incredible homes was local Interior Designer, Jennifer Hunter.

Jennifer's fresh and modern style is a feast for the eyes, leaving them hungry for more.  She's mastered the art of mixing elegant touches with the playful all while offering a perfect twist of the unexpected.  Her fondness for a crisp palette is evident in her design selections in each space she conquers.  Although each of her finished projects resonate "beach," she executes the look and feel in the least literal sense.
 
A fellow native of Mississippi, Jennifer has made her home the beach for more than five years now.  She works with her beau, Onno Horn, Principal of the development company, Domicile.  Together they're a dream team who have already been featured on HGTV.

 

[Jennifer + Onno]

So I invite you to sit back and enjoy a design chat with one of the industry's fresh young talents.  Jennifer designed this home from the ground up.  Guarantee you'll fancy what you see.

SS:  Jennifer, this home is filled with so many of your chic signature touches.  Tell us how you arrived at this light and airy, yet modern look.

JH: I love using white as a blank canvas.  I wanted to use saturated Caribbean inspired colors [Guava pink, tangerine, lemon yellow, and key lime] and was totally inspired by the fabrics I had collected.  Everything else just fell into place afterward.  Also loved the French white oak flooring. 

SS:  I love the green armoire in the living room.  Where and when did you find it? 

JH:  I actually found it a year later.  I knew what I was looking for but couldn't find it.  I read an article another designer wrote about 1st Dibs.com and decided to log in.  Found the armoire on the website and bid on it.  I had it shipped from New Orleans [Bush Antiques] and found out they purchased it in Paris.  It's more than 100 years old and was exactly what I had envisioned. 

 

SS:  What ate up most of your budget on this house?  

JH:  Fabrics were a huge portion, most of them were Donghia.  Also the armoire, sofas by Verellen and outdoor furniture by Janus et Cie.  Good outdoor furniture is pricey but will last a lifetime.  The outdoor fabrics were expensive.  Perennials...good outdoor fabrics feel and look like indoor fabrics.

SS:  Did you throw in any high style, low priced items in here? 

JH:  I aways mix in low priced items from Ikea, West Elm, Restoration Hardware, etc.  I even got books for the large bookcases from a thrift store.  A collected look is what I'm after whether it's name brand or nameless.   

SS:  What part of this design project was the most fun?

JH:  Having all of the furniture delivered and placing accessories.  I love this part because you get to see it all come together.  I had selected furniture and had it stored for roughly one year waiting on completion of the house. 
 
SS:  For the record, the breakfast room is my favorite space in the house.  Tell us about those fabulous sheers in there. 

JH:  Found that fabric early on and knew I'd have to design a house around it. It was perfect!  Love, love, love eyelash fabrics.  This one was from Decorators Walk.

SS:  What key design choices do you think made this home special? 

JH:  I've had lots of compliments on the color choice, spa like baths, kitchen countertops [which were crushed mother of pearl], openness of the home and unique furniture + accessories. 

 

SS:  What is your favorite feature of this home? 

JH:  I loved the kitchen + dining area and how there was plenty of room and you could see out onto the park behind the house.  I loved the back splash and countertops.  And loved how there was a vaulted style ceiling with exposed truss detail + catwalk.  All of the natural light coming through the windows was totally refreshing.

 

SS: What surprised you most about this project? 

JH:  How well it was perceived by others.  This one was featured on HGTV.  There was very little I would have changed or done differently. 

Thanks, Jennifer, for sharing a little about your design process on this amazing home.  Tomorrow we'll be back to get a little more personal with Jennifer and learn about her design favs and more. 

[photos all courtesy of Jennifer Hunter and Domicile]

design chat with janie

We're back with my friend and Interior Designer, Janie Hirsch.  I'll be sure and splash some of her beautiful work throughtout our chat.

So today we're playing fill in the blank.  I start a sentence and Janie finishes.  Here goes...

SS:    My secret design weapon is...

JH:    Lighting and artwork.  I studied lighting in New York City for over two years and learned how important lighting is to a room.  It can make or break a space and it can definitely add character.  I like to layer lighting throughout the design so that all of the lighting does not come from above.  If you add sconces, lamps, indirect lighting, task lighting, etc, the space starts to come to life.  What you have done is bring the light down to a human level and is more comfortable and less harsh to your eyes and your skin.  Artwork can be very person to each client, but a variety of original artwork can make a space sing.  It is a way to show that personalities of the owners and can bring color, pattern, and texture into the design.

SS:    My current heart-throb light fixture is...

JH:    Any wonderful lantern in a place that you might expect a chandelier.  I am always changing what my heart-throb is once I finally use the fixture.  For instance, the wood chandelier in this dining room is one of my favorites.  Now that I have used it, I am on to looking for the next one that strikes my fancy.

SS:    I would describe my design style as...

JH:    An eclectic combination of classic furnishings and antiques with a strong connection to architectural elements.  I also use color as a neutral, along with texture and pattern to bring a quiet sophistication to clients’ homes.  My style is tailored and timeless and the end result is a design that is inheritable and ages gracefully.

SS:    One fabric that has recently caught my attention is...

JH:    Anything from Loro Piana Italy.  The fabrics are lush and have the best fiber content that you can find.  They have the finest wool and cashmere in them with the most wonderful hand and drapability to them.

SS:    My current favorite paint colors are...

JH:     1.  Benjamin Moore's Iron Mountain.  It's the most perfect charcoal and doesn't have any     purple or blue in it.  [see dining room below]

          2.  Sherwin Williams Sea Salt [soothing and makes you feel as if you are at the beach]

 
SS:    When shopping for home accessories, I always gravitate toward...

JH:    Larger pieces that make a statement and a mixture of antique accessories.  It could be an old deed box, anything to do with wine, architectural elements, old books, etc.  All of these things add character and give a home a sense of history or that items may have been handed down through the generations.

SS:    You would never catch me shopping for...

JH:    Anything that may have a short life span.  I also don't look for things that make everything look as thought it all matches.  I like a variety of things, including in the furnishings.  I try not to order pieces from the same collection of furniture.

SS:    You will always catch me shopping for...

JH:    Antiques, old books, architectural elements, and anything to do with my dogs - Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.  Everyone should live with a dog and just get used to the fact that an outfit is not complete without a little dog hair on it.

[Janie's two new babies]

SS:    My favorite design book is...

JH:    The Louisiana Houses of A. Hays Town. His homes have a feeling that I would love to love in and friends of mine's homes felt like.  They have great character and you could see his soul through his work.

SS:    My design hero is...

JH:    My father because he was an architect and a water color artist.  He taught me how to appreciate architecture and how the interior design could work with the architecture.  He always said that the best designs came out when both the architect and the designer worked together throughout the design and building process.  He was true to his designs and put all that he had into bringing them to life.  His watercolor art was just a passion of his that ended up making him just as well known for artwork as for his architecture when he passed away.  He was a tremendous influence on my decision to become an interior designer.

[Janie with her dad, mom and husband six years ago]

SS:    In day to day life, I cannot live without...

JH:    My husband, puppies, and friends.  Of course beyond that, I always have my iphone with me.  It's so much more than a phone...it's email, music, movies, and much more.  The best is that I can have my portfolio on my phone to show anyone I run into that asks me what I do for a living.  Well, I can tell them Interior Design and then show them.  How great is that?  Most of all though...all of my father's artwork throughout my home.  He isn't with me anymore, but I can see his masterpieces everyday and smile!

Janie, thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us today.  To get more of her chic interiors, or to talk with her about your own design project, visit her website here. 

Tomorrow we'll take a video tour with Janie on my show and even peek inside a mid century modern home she designed for a client. 

[Photos by Chris Little, courtesy of  J. Hirsch Interior Design]

designer of the month: janie hirsch

Each month I plan to feature an Interior Designer and let them share with you their thoughts on styling and personal design tips.

My dear friend and incredibly talented Atlanta based Interior Designer, Janie Hirsch, joins us this week to talk juicy design.  Janie and I first met eleven years ago in Atlanta when she hired me to work as one of her designers.  We've been good friends ever sense.  Janie's interiors always inspire and actually evoke a compelling "stop and stare" reaction.  Her trademark elegance paired with calm femininity are as classic as cashmere.

What better home than this inviting and rustic retreat to welcome our approaching autumn.  Named Westbrook, this home is one of Janie's most recent projects and won her the Designer of Distinction Award from Viking appliances. 

SS:    Janie, this house is outstanding.  I notice it has just a little more grit than your usual style.  Tell us what inspired the whole look.  Was it a painting?  A book?  A particular antique?

JH:   I have always loved this style and not had a chance yet to design it.  I love the mixture of warm and cool tones, plenty of texture, and worn antiques.  A book "Style by Saladino" gave me the beginning inspiration.  I then began to see some wonderful antiques to sprinkle though out the home.

SS:    How would you describe this home's style?

JH:   I would describe the home's style as Italian Farmhouse.  I had the walls faux finished to look like old Italian plaster.  I then added antiques and classic style furnishings for a warm atmosphere.  I have mixed both warm and cool colors along with mixing plush and smooth textures.  And of course you have to add a spectacular pattern here and there for excitement.

SS:   Design wise, what impressed you the most when you looked at your finished product?

JH:   I always test the spaces that I design as to whether or not I would want to move into the home myself.  And I could have moved into this home in a heartbeat.  It's a home that you will want to entertain in and there is plenty space to have many friends join you.  The interior is comforting and envelopes you and feels as though you have lived there for years and tells a story about the homeowner.

SS:   And what was the most fun aspect of designing this space?

JH:   When a client trusts me and allows me to do my job professionally, it lets me design the best possible home for my client, their personality, and their lifestyle.  Another aspect that made this project so fun was incorporating antiques with new furnishings and using wonderful fabrics through out.  This combination always brings out the best possible interior design for my clients and their homes.

SS    I love your harmonious contrast of various textures in this space.  There must be a great story behind the rustic table [pictured above] in between the two dining windows.  Tell us!

JH:   It is a reproduction of an alter table.  The piece just spoke to me and gave the feeling of history being added to the room.  The selection of finishes allowed me to pick what was right for the space and the other colors and textures in the room.  While it has a lot of texture and movement in the finish, it is also very soothing in the space.  The original may have been used in very different ways, but it can now be used for decorative purposes as well as a server for a dinner party, among many other uses you can think of.

Although Janie is based in Atlanta, her design projects have included many homes around the Southeast, one of which is a beach house in nearby Rosemary Beach.  You can see her most recently published work in Decorating magazine's Fall issue.

Tomorrow we get more personal with Janie and she'll share some delightful design secrets you won't want to miss.

[Photos by Chris Little, courtesy of  J. Hirsch Interior Design]

 

Urban + Grace = Fierce Design

Today we're graced with a little, no make that a lot, of design savvy.  I bring you an interview with Erika, the brains behind one of our favorite blogs, Urban Grace Interiors. Erika shares some of her thoughts on design and even a little about herself.

On a personal note, I first discovered Erika's brilliant design work before actually meeting her.  We live in the same beach town.  Now I am fortunate enough to say that she is a dear friend.  As you might imagine, she's hilarious, genuine, talented and generous to a fault. 

Hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about Erika...let's jump right in to design talk.

WHAT ARE 4 "MUST HAVES" FOR A WELL-DESIGNED ROOM? 

• unusual / unexpected items: preferably something old with a  story.  Not to be confused with “old-timey” (that term is a running joke in our family for “wanna be old”) and not “new-but-distressed” either… I’m talking something legitimately OLD.

• window treatments & rugs: a room feels naked without them

• art: the options are endless! But I tend to gravitate towards unexpected art.  Like this nurse whispering “shhhh” thing [above] that I found at a flea market. Remember art doesn’t have to be a painting or a print… people sometimes get stressed over selecting art - you can create more interest by non-art art. Ha… like that term? “non-art art”… ie: K-Dub’s turtles

• investment piece: if you can afford only Ikea or yard sale / flea market chic items [like moi]… save your pennies and drop some dough on a ‘high end’ item every once in awhile – this may sound superficial, but it’ll give you confidence about your home.  A little pizzazz goes a long way. Remember that video I shared with my girl Courtney awhile back?  We were chatting about our splurge on KWID Imperial Trellis – mine in my kitchen, hers in her hallway (wallpaper).

WHAT ARE SOME SMALL TOUCHES YOU CAN SUGGEST TO TRANSITION A ROOM INTO A SUMMER LOOK?

I like to change the pillows out on my sofas.  A warm and cozy texture in the winter, something light and linen-like in the summer.  Or maybe it’s not based on texture but rather color.  I love Home Couture’s Contessa…one colorway for fall/winter and a lighter colorway for spring/summer.  Wah-lah!  I’ve also been known to change my rugs… but that’s not very practical.  And I have winter sheets and summer sheets for our bed.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR SCHEME RIGHT NOW?

I like all colors, especially unexpected combinations.  Right now I love blue & yellow together, which is not at all "unexpected" but actually quite classic, so here I am contradicting myself already... anyway, on with the interview. I've recently been very inspired by Scalamandre’s Antoine... I know I'm inspired by something when I go back and look at it over and over again, like I can't get enough.

And LuLu DK’s use of blue & yellow vignette...

[image by Lu Lu via stylecourt]

And this photo originally loaded by MStetson – designed by Thad Hayes:

And because I have a slight case of A.D.D. I'd like to mention that I also really like green… and honestly think green looks great with all colors. 

IF YOU COULD DESIGN IN ANY PERIOD OF HISTORY, WHAT ERA WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

I’ve thought about this long and hard… and you know I really like the now.  I feel like the design world is at a place where all eras can be embraced without looking dated or “wrong”.  I love that about now.  I believe that great style doesn’t date itself. I tend to like a mix of everything…so I’m pleased to live in the now where eclectic is embraced.  I like it when you can’t quite put a house/space into a category… it causes intrigue amongst people… especially when done very well.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU EVER FEEL "STUCK" WHEN WORKING ON A PROJECT?

Ha! Are you kidding?  Of course!  The biggest way to stump me is to rush me… force me to pick something under pressure.  You can’t be rushed to design someone’s space – the result is not good.  The first thing I do when I’m stuck is clean my office.  A clean palette helps, and a cup of coffee comes in handy too! 

WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST?

• Being around creative people.

• Silence.  (turning off my computer and my tv)

• Blank paper.

• Seasons changing.

• Traveling & seeing homes in other parts of the US.  We tend to get caught up in the design bubble that we live in, but traveling to see other homes in different architectural styles really inspires me.

• Gardening.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE?

Hmmm does my garden count? If not, my old home office… now turned “den”. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

The fact that it is not an office anymore!  No more samples (fabric, paint, tile, wood) in there, no fax machine, no file cabinets.  That it is simply “my” space as opposed to a space full of “other peoples stuff”. It used to be a room that brought a lot of stress and anxiety to my life, but now that my office is not at home, I can really truly enjoy that space.  I had to paint the walls and give it a facelift –before I made some changes I didn’t even want to set foot in there- it felt like I was working.

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE?

Oh my.  I have just discovered that I am a private person.  I sort-of shudder at putting my home on the internet.  I just gasped to think of all the people on Flickr with their house pictures plastered all over… I guess this breaks the ice.  I’ll give you a little sneak peek.  This room is a work in progress… no rug & no window treatments (2 of my afore mentioned must haves) – I’m breaking my own rules, great. 

Roman shades and draperies are being fabricated in this Barbara Barry for Kravet fabric…I’m excited about these:

The rug will probably be seagrass if I can ever find 10 minutes to order it.

PS- I didn’t take this picture for this intent, I snapped this to send my sister a photo, hence the folded fabric on the sofa… oh well!

DO YOU HAVE A CHALLENGE AREA OR ROOM IN YOUR HOME? 

Ha!  This is a funny one!  A designer is never satisfied with their home… I am re-doing as soon as I get something finished. Not to mention my whole house is a little weird from a ‘circulation’ aspect. 

WE LIKE TO THINK INTERIOR DESIGNERS ARE PERFECT, BUT HAVE YOU EVER HAD A DESIGN "GOOF" LIKE THE REST OF US?

By the grace of God, I can’t think of anything ‘major’ (in a costly respect or ‘oh my, what have I done’ respect) but of course there are things that didn’t turn out like I wished… but you know I’m never 100% satisfied with my work, I always feel like there is room for improvement.  I often regret not standing my ground on things with clients… I give a little freedom and they get a wild hair and do something that doesn’t quite work – I always regret not keeping a tighter reign… but in the end I have to remind myself that is their house after all.

Now for some fun tidbits...

CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT...

How seriously should I take this question?  I can't live without oxygen.  On a slightly more fun note - life would not be as grand to live without friends, family, antique malls, old jewelry, dark chocolate, music, and coffee... or without my husband.

GUILTY PLEASURE...

I'm very frugal, I don't buy expensive clothing or make-up.  I do believe in good perfume and good jeans.  If you smell good and your butt looks decent in your jeans, no one probably cares where your shirt came from, and they probably aren't going to ask what powder you have on your face.

LATELY BEEN THINKING ABOUT...

1) What to do with a bare patch in my backyard.  To sod or not to sod?

2) If I should finally have some decent window treatments made in our master bedroom... with black-out lining... or without?  I really want dupioni silk draperies, which is sort of a-typical of my usual aesthetic (for myself anyway), so on this I'll probably just keep thinking about it. These are silk draperies that I like.

3) Who makes those (above) plates - it looks like some of them have a tiny gold band on the outside... where can I find plates that have a gold trim, but that are not fancy formal china plates? Am I crazy or what?

YOU MAY BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT I...

... am relatively normal despite my answers to some of these questions... and that

... don't touch ice.  You know, some people can grab ice out of their freezer... or maybe drop a piece on the ground and pick it up with their hand.  I don't touch ice (I might touch pellet ice- or otherwise crystal clear ice).  But ice that sticks to my fingers freaks me out.  I don't know if it was that tongue on the flagpole scene in A Christmas Story, or what... but it's like nails on a chalkboard.  Same urky feeling of hearing someone bite into a popsicle.  Something else I don't do.

I ADD SIMPLE BEAUTY IN MY HOME BY...

Having fresh flowers, fresh fruit in the kitchen, great fabrics… and lots of LOVE.  I am so blessed to have a husband who values and supports my creative endeavors, and that feels beautiful to me.  Home should be a place of refuge… I’m learning to edit and buy only things I absolutely love… I think this results in ‘simple beauty’.

a sneak peek...

While I am away see if you can you recognize the brains behind this powder bath.  I'll give you a few hints:

• she has impeccable style + taste

• she has the blog we all love to read

• she's going to "grace" us with her thoughts + ideas on design 

• the killer faucet is a dead giveaway of her design.  Let me quote her blog, "don't be mislead, the faucet is much more important than the sink."

I couldn't be more excited about posting this upcoming interview...

Can you guess who?