Thursday, November 11, 2010

Design Profile: Big Apple Style

Occassionally, I browse the internet for unique and interesting designers and decorators - well, I really look to find talented people in general. It's such an inspiration to see the work of others, and I love to see how different spaces come to life. Tonight, I stumbled upon a website, Karen Houghton Interiors, that really caught my eye. The firm has been around since 1896 and is based in Nyack, NY. Karen's design principal states that "a room must be right for its time, its place and for people who live in it." So true! She has a staff of 3 designers, along with herself, that transforms homes throughout the NY tri-state area. Although I don't know where Nyack is exactly and I will probably never make it there, here's to betting that they have some gorgeous homes and lucky homeowners- thanks to KHI.

Below I have posted some images from the firm portfolio. In my opinion, the work is fabulous - very soothing, sophisticated and elegant. Don't you agree? I could feel right at home in one of these spaces - no doubt!









Wednesday, November 10, 2010

I've hit a milestone...


I now have over 100 followers!! I am so blessed and thankful that so many of you are taking time out of your busy schedule to read my blog. I enjoy keeping this online diary, and I've met so many wonderful people through the process. My whole blogging experience started as a small project and has grown into so much more than I could have imagined. It's truly amazing! I appreciate your support very much and hope you will continue to follow my journey!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you - from the bottom of my heart.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Fireplace Fix-Up

I've been meaning to post about this for a while but just got around to taking some final photos. When Collin and I bought our home, it wasn't quite complete so we were able to put a few of our own touches in the final building phases; however, some things were already in place. One of these things was the tile around the fireplace in the formal living room. The tile that the builder selected was a slate tile which had a lot of natural blue hues. I liked the tile OK, but it just wasn't working with the style and colors of the room. It was dark and rustic, but the room is more formal and light. So, we made a change and replaced the slate tile with a 2" x 1" Imperador marble mosaic tile, and I love it! I wanted something classic, subtle and neutral, and I think it really works well in the space. Of course during the whole process, I bought a new lamp and a few new accessories and moved some things around - go figure!

Below, I have posted some photos of the room and fireplace- before, during and after. I apologize for the pictures not being very professional! Anyway, have any of you reworked your fireplace surround lately? What has been your most recent home project? Aren't they so much fun?!

BEFORE


DURING


AFTER!


Thursday, November 4, 2010

Drumroll please...


I can't believe we finally found out - we're having a girl!! We are thrilled and most excited that our little one is healthy!! It's just so surreal! God is so good, and I feel extremely blessed! Collin and I had dinner with my parents, sister and niece to celebrate and here are some pictures from the night. I've also posted some pictures from the Mistletoe Preview Gala I mentioned in my previous post. We had a great time with friends at the party last night- as always!!

Well, I'm off to do some shopping tomorrow at Mistletoe Marketplace. Can't wait!! Then, I'm on to nursery design :) And I promise I'll be back with more design related posts soon. I told myself I wasn't going to make this a personal blog, but I just couldn't help sharing our exciting news!! Happy weekend!





Thursday's Thrill

It's Thursday, and I couldn't be happier! It's almost the weekend (yay!) and as I mentioned in my previous post, I'm headed to the doc today to find out the gender of Baby Maley! Oh, and last night we attended the annual Mistletoe Preview Gala and had a blast. Even though we were there for several hours, I still felt like I didn't get to see everything (there are so many things going on - music, food, shopping, silent and live auctions...you name it), but I did get to visit with many people I hadn't seen in a while. It's always so much fun! Pictures will be coming soon :)

All in all, it's just been a great week! I thought this room below was appropriate for today - happy, cheerful, colorful and bright! I love the mix of modern and traditional elements, and I especially love the ottoman and yellow lamp. Yum!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Soothing Energy and Baby News

Okay, so I know that I have been WAY out of the loop lately. I don't know what has gotten into me....although I have truly been extremely busy - and tired. I'm going to try to do a little better...I promise! I thought I would post about one of my favorite photos. It's something about the cool purple and lime green that catches my eye. It's soothing and energetic at the same time. I just love it!


In other news...we find out on Thursday if we're having a boy or a girl!! I can't wait, but most of all, I'm just anxious to see our little one. I'll definitely keep everyone posted. In the meantime, though, what do you think we will have?

Boy???


or Girl???


Leave it up to me to put cupcakes as my boy and girl images - yum!!!