1.31.2013

A Look Behind the Curtains With Sherry Hart @ Design Indulgence

Hello!

I'm so glad to be back with another post of Look Behind the Curtains with one of my favorite designers/blogger, Sherry Hart!
{If you didn't see my first post of this series, please go here to see my interview with Marianne Simon.}

If you have not read or follow Sherry's blog, Design Indulgence you definitely need to put this on your list! She has the greatest sense of humor and great sense of style. It is such a treat reading her posts.


Here's the results of my interview with Sherry.

Where are you based?
S: I LIVE IN ATLANTA GEORGIA

How did you get into interior design? How long have you been doing it? 
S: WHEN I MOVED TO ATLANTA IN 1989 MY HUSBAND AND I BOUGHT A HOME THAT NEEDED RENOVATING. I HAD ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN DESIGN SO I DECIDED TO GC THE PROJECT. WELLI LOVED DOING IT! AFTER IT WAS DONE WHEN PEOPLE SAW IT THEY WERE SO POSITIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY THAT I WENT TO WORK PART TIME FOR A DESIGNER TO LEARN EVERYTHING I COULD. AFTER 5 YEARS SHE DECIDED TO RETIRE AND I WAS FORCED TO GO OUT ON MY OWN. THAT WAS ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO. I CONSIDER MYSELF "HOME SCHOOLED"!
 
When and why did you start your blog? 
S: MY BLOG WILL BE 3 YEARS OLD IN FEBRUARY.AMAZING I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE IT! I AM NOT EXACTLY SURE WHY I STARTED BUT I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A WAY TO SHARE PICTURES OF MY WORK. I REALLY ENJOYED THE WRITING PART SO MUCH MORE THAN I THOUGHT I WOULDAND IT HAS HELPED ME IMPROVE MY WRITING SKILLS SO MUCH.
 
Do you have any interior design education/ degree? 
S: NOPE.IN FACT I ONLY COMPLETED 2 YEARS OF COLLAGE AND THEN I WAS A FLIGHT ATTENDANT FOR 20 YEARS [UNTIL I WAS 40]. I GOT INTO THE FITNESS INDUSTRY WHEN I WAS 30 SO AFTER RETIRING FROM FLYING I WORKED FOR A WHILE FULL TIME AS A TRAINER. I HAVE TO SAY THAT I LOVE DESIGN AND LOOK FORWARD TO DOING MY JOB EVERY DAY!
 
How would you define your style? 
S: I THINK MY PERSONAL STYLE IS PRETTY CLASSIC.BUT I DO LIKE TO ADD SOME MODERN IN WITH IT. LIVING IN THE SOUTH.MOST OF MY CLIENTS PREFER THAT LOOK ALSO. I DO LIKE TO ADD SOME PATINA TO A ROOM BY ADDING SOME VINTAGE.AND I TRY TO KEEP IT FROM LOOKING TOO "DECORATED" I AM ALWAYS THINKING HOW A ROOM WILL AGEAND HOW CAN I MAKE IT SO THAT IT CAN BE UPDATED EASILY IN THE FUTURE.

Sherry's Living Room

 
What is your favorite room to design and why? 
S: I SEEM TO GET A LOT OF BEDROOMS! NOT SURE WHY BUT I HAVE DONE SO MANY THAT I CAN ALMOST DO THEM BLINDFOLDED :) IT SEEMS LIKE THAT IS THE LAST ROOM MOST PEOPLE DO SO I LOVE WHEN I CAN MAKE IT A NICE RETREAT FOR COUPLES.
 
What is your favorite paint color to use? 
S: THE LAST 5 YEARS I HAVE BEEN INTO NEUTRAL LIGHT COLORS. MY FAVORITE WHITE IS BEN MOORE WHITE DOVE. IT IS A VERY SOFT WHITE THAT CAST SUCH A PRETTY GLOW ALL THE TIME. OF COURSE I LOVE LIGHT BLUE. BEN MOORE ALASKAN HUSKY IS ANOTHER FAVORITE.
 
What is your favorite local décor shop? 
S: I USED POTTERY BARN A LOT FOR BEDDINGWORLD MARKET HAS ALSO STEPPED UP THEIR GAME THE LAST FEW YEARS. IKEA AND WEST ELM ARE CLOSE BY SO I CAN USUALLY FIND SOME THINGS THAT WILL WORK FROM BOTH OF THOSE. I LOVE MIXING HIGH AND LOWSO TARGET GETS SOME OF MY MONEY:)
 
What is your most go to online décor shop? 
S: WISTERIA! LOVE THEIR LATEST CATALOG WITH ALL OF THE COLOR ON THE COVER. I JUST ORDERED A MIRROR FOR A CLIENT FROM THEM. ALSO BALLARDS COMES THROUGH FOR ME MANY TIMES.
 
What room in your own house is your favorite and why? 
S: HMMMM..I WOULD HAVE TO SAY MY BEDROOM. IT IS ALL WHITE WITH AN ANTIQUE RUG IN SOFT BLUES AND BROWN. THE CATHEDRAL CEILING WAS A STAINED WOOD BUT I HAD IT PAINTED WHITE ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO. I HAVE A CREAM LINEN PADDED HEADBOARD WHICH MAKES IT COMFY TO CRAWL IN WITH MY IPAD AND READ BLOGS AND PIN.
 
Sherry's Master Bedroom
 
Who inspires you? 
S: MRS. HOWARD, SUZANNE KASLER, VICTORIA HAGEN ARE A FEW OF THE DESIGNERS WHO'S WORK I REALLY ADMIRE. I LOVE A TAILORED CLEAN STYLE AND THEY HAVE IT.
 

"This room is by Mrs.Howard.The furniture is very classic but I love the brick wall and the softness of the window treatments" ~ Sherry


"Another gorgeous room by Mrs. Howard. Rustic console but a very traditional dining table. She mixes the styles so nicely."~Sherry
 

"Another gorgeous bedroom by Mrs. Howard. I love the neutral tones of this room. The wood bench and desk help warm up the space."~Sherry

 
 


Looking back, have you ever had a big design disaster? Or thought, “what was I thinking?” 
S: OH YES! IN FACT I JUST MADE A MISTAKE WITH THE WINDOW TREATMENTS IN THE SHOW HOUSE I WAS DOING. I ALMOST ALWAYS DO CREAM LINEN CURTAINS AND DECIDED THAT MAYBE I SHOULD TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT. THEY WERE HORRIBLE! WE HAD 24 HOURS TO GET THEM REDONE! BACK WHEN I FIRST STARTED I TALKED A CLIENT INTO SOME CLUB CHAIRS.SHE WANTED A MORE MODERN LOOK AND I ASKED HER TO TRUST ME AND GO WITH A MORE TRADITIONAL STYLE. I ENDED UP WITH 2 NEW CHAIRS ;)
 
Do you ever second guess your decisions? 
S: YES..AND BEFORE I ORDER FOR A CLIENT I AGONIZE OVER EVERY FABRIC AND PIECE OF FURNITURE. I WANT THEM TO BE HAPPY AND LOVE EVERYTHING SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO ME THAT I REALLY GIVE IT AS MUCH THOUGHT AS I CAN…TO PLAY DEVILS ADVOCATE AND MAKE SURE IT IS PERFECT FOR THEIR ROOM.
 
Best advice for someone starting an interior design career? 
S: IF YOU CAN SHADOW A DESIGNER A COUPLE OF DAYS A WEEK..BE AN ASSISTANT YOU WILL LEARN SO MUCH WITH HANDS ON TRAINING. STUDY PICTURES YOU LIKE AND TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHY..OR WHEN YOU SEE AN IMAGE IN A MAGAZINE LOOK AT THE FURNITURE PLACEMENT AND THE COLORS. I ALWAYS DO FLOOR PLAN WHEN I FIRST START ON A PROJECT BECAUSE IT'S THE ONLY WAY I CAN REALLY MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WILL FIT IN A ROOM PROPERLY.
 
Best advice for new bloggers? 
S: WELL.IT TAKES TIME BUT COMMENT AND GET TO KNOW OTHER BLOGGERS. I WAS SO OBSESSED WITH READING BLOGS THAT I WOULD GET UP REALLY EARLY SO I COULD READ THEM. OF COURSE I HAVE GOTTEN SO MUCH BUSINESS FROM MY BLOG I AM NOW BUSIER THAN EVER AND DON'T HAVE AS MUCH TIME FOR READING.BAD AND GOOD :)

 
Best advice for someone decorating on their own? 
S: GO SLOW. DON'T JUST BUY TO BUY. SAVE FOR WHAT YOU WANT AND MAKE WISE DECISIONS. DON'T ACCESSORIZE BEFORE YOU HAVE GOTTEN ALL THE FURNITURE, RUGS AND CURTAINS IN THE ROOM. TRY NOT TO SPREAD YOUR MONEY OUTFINISH A ROOM.
 
 
____________
 
Thanks so much to Sherry! I got such a kick out of reading through your answers and getting to know you a little better. Thank you for the wonderful tips/advice! I am dying over your inspirational photos by Mrs. Howard! Love them too!!
Be sure to pop on over to Sherry's site if you haven't already and say "Hi".
 

 
 




 

1.30.2013

New Purchases

Thought I'd share a few new things that I've bought for the house.


 I just bought the plain white pillow and the yellow floral pillow from Pottery Barn for the family room. The textured pillow in the corner was from Target.


 Just brought this baby home from World Market yesterday for the family room. I really like it. I just need to find a lamp, some art on the wall or mirror above it and some accessories. This table sits right inside the door from our garage, so it will be probably be a "catch all" place I am sure.

 
 I purchased this clock from Pier One. I still need to figure out what in the world I am doing with that fireplace and re-accessorize the mantel.

 




I bought this wire side table from Target for the living room. Also, can't wait to makeover this room!
 


And here's a little sneak peek of one of my daughter's room that we have been working on since....oh a year ago! Yikes! The table and lamp are current purchases from Target and the headboard is a recent purchase from Pier One.

Well, that's all I got right now. I am hoping to have pictures of my daughter's room to share soon!

1.25.2013

A Sweet Smell of a Fundraiser and a Giveway

One of my daughters has been given the wonderful opportunity to go on an educational tour of China this summer with some other 8th graders (incoming Freshman actually). I am so excited for her to go on this trip and expect her to come back with so many stories, memories and knowledge of a new country.
While this is such a great experience, it does come with a hefty cost to go there as you can imagine.
One of my dearest childhood friends, Anne has been so gracious to help with a little fundraiser.
Anne is a Scentsy consultant, actually she is a "Director". She is doing an amazing job with this company and I'm so excited for her.
Anyway, I thought I'd give it a shot and see if any of my readers/followers/friends wanted to take this opportunity to purchase some wonderful scents or warmers from her site and also help me and my daughter out in the process.
Scentsy has some incredible scents and warmers to fill your home with delicious fragrances, and also without the worry of a lighted candle.
You can go to Anne's website, www.annehedeen.scentsy.us and check out the great products. If there's something that you'd like, please click on Open Parties, and find my party, Stacey Steward's Online Party to purchase through that.
As a thank you, I'm also extending that everyone that purchases something from my party, will be entered into a drawing for a free Scentsy bar and plug in of their choice from me.
Drawing will happen February 15th. After, you've purchased something, please come back here and leave a comment, and what scent/plug in you'd love to win. Double your chances of winning by becoming a Follower of my blog, or follow by Email, leave a comment saying you did that as well.
Thank you so much in advance and have a wonderful weekend!

 





1.18.2013

Sick and Tired

I got it... I got the flu. Knocking on wood, our family seems to have a pretty good immune system. While I hear horror stories from friends of their middle of the night explosions of bodily fluids from their kids and being sick for days, I have sit back and thanked God that we don't have moments like that in our house. I am not sure what we are doing right, but maybe it's all luck.
Luck has caught up with me though. Last week, I got it. Looking back it wasn't horrible. I didn't have any body fluids (I know-gross) expelling from my body, but I and the couch started to become one. It really kicked my butt.
It was no fun. I really was sick and tired of being sick and tired. So if you haven't gone out and received your flu shot, I do recommend it.
During my time on the couch, I did have visions of this room and thought if I had a room like this maybe my time being sick would've been a little more enjoyable.


Via
Doesn't that look so nice and cozy? I love it!
I hope to regain my energy soon, and stop thinking about beds.
Have a good weekend.

1.09.2013

Can I Pour You A Drink?

I still wish I could show you my family room update after our small renovation this summer. But it's not all the way finished yet and don't want to share until it's done, or at least at a point that I'm happy with it.
Other than hopefully the fireplace reno in our future, another area that needs to be addressed in this room is the bar area. We have this little built in bar area, that does come in handy when we have a gathering at our home.

 
First off, will be to remove at least the bottom drawers and doors to reconfigure a different layout. This space isn't really used and I'd like to maybe even work in a beverage or wine fridge below, but not sure if I want it exposed. Thoughts?
I also want to get rid of the oak wood, and have it be all white.
 



Just another view of how it sits on one side of the room. That big white open space on the wall will hopefully soon have a console table, and wall art. I just can't make up my mind on which console I want yet.


This is what she looks like inside in all her glory. Ain't she a beaut? She may have been in the 80's but she now needs to join the 21st century.


 These oak shelves, mirrored back, and glass shelves will go.



 This light fixture will be replaced.


 
 And this 80's yellow tile will also be gone.
 
Here are some inspirational photos that I've gathered up.
 
 
House and Home

Not sure if I want to go with planked walls behind the shelves or subway tile with a dark grout.
And white shelves or wood shelves? I think I am leaning towards have wood shelves to bring in some warmth.


Jeffrey Alan Marks

Remodelista
 Can't find the true source of the above photo. If you know the designer, let me know.

Blake Shaw Homes
 
Shelterness

And I sort of like this type of shelving too. Note the wine fridge below too.
 
What is your vote? Which one do you like best? And would you still have doors on the cabinet to close it all up when not in use or would you have it without doors and have an open look all the time? In the meantime, cheers!


1.08.2013

Humor in Instagram

I'm sure many of you have seen this video, but I wanted to share it for those that maybe have not.
I found this video quite funny. I have an Instagram account, and take many of the photos that they are making fun of. It's good to be able to laugh at yourself, and see just the simple humor in things sometimes.
Enjoy!

If you want to follow me on Instagram, my username is staceysteward.

1.07.2013

John Robshaw

At first glance at John Robshaw's textile line, you can't deny the strong East Indian, Moroccan, and general Eastern influence in his textiles prints. You may think that his textiles would only work in a sort of bohemian style decor but what is great about his textiles is that they are very versatile in my opinion. They can look right at home in a traditional setting as well as a coastal look and I really like how they can mix and match with other textiles so easy as well.
Here are some of my favorites. (Excuse all the blue choices, but that is a color that I seem to be drawn to lately)

johnrobshaw.com
Brooke Shield master bedroom per architectualdigest.com

neimanmarcus.com

neimanmarcus.com









Fun bedding for girls' rooms too.


Neimanmarcus.com
 
 
Neimanmarcus.com




And some fun tablecloths, and vases too.
 
 




I recently added new bedding to our Master Bedroom since we moved from a queen size bed to a king, and I purchased this from Z Gallerie.
I feel it reminds me a lot of something Robshaw would create.



So, are Robshaw's or look alikes something you would or do have in your own home? Do you think they are versatile?

Thank you so much to everyone that stopped by my blog from Marianne's site this weekend! I hope that you will stick around. If you are a designer or blogger that would like to take part of my "Look Behind the Curtains" series, please send me a line. I would love your input as well. It's so fun to see what other bloggers/designers advice and thoughts are.

1.04.2013

A Look Behind the Curtains With Marianne Simon


I am very excited about starting a fun little new series of posts, or at least I hope to continue them anyways, it's called A Look Behind the Curtains. I am calling it that because it will be a little insight into a designer/or blogger that I am fond of, and want to get to know a little better. I have done Blogs I Follow and Designer Spotlights before but this will be a little more insightful with the designer/blogger answering some questions for me.

 It will be a little like looking behind the curtain of the Wizard of Oz, where we get to pull back the curtains a little and see who is behind the pretty pictures and designs, and see how they got to where they are now.

Especially for someone like me that is just starting out blogging and trying to learn a little more about design, I thought what else would be better than to ask people whom I admire their work for a little advice.

So graciously, my first designer that has agreed to answer my questions is Marianne Simon of Marianne Simon Design. She is actually a local designer to me, just a short 30 minute drive away. (If you ever want to meet up for coffee sometime Marianne, just let me know!)

Here is what Marianne told me:

 



Where are you based?  Bellevue, WA (right next to Seattle)

How did you get into interior design? How long have you been doing it?  I started my design business in 2005 while I was working full time in pharmaceutical sales.  I guess you could say I moonlighted in design until I could afford to take a leap of faith and quit my lucrative sales job.  I finally kissed corporate America goodbye a few years ago and now exclusively run my design business full time.  Design has always been in my blood, I've been doing it since I was a child.

When and why did you start your blog?  I started my blog 3 years ago as an extension to my design business.  I thought blogging would be a great way to communicate with potential/current clients and other people who share the same passion.  I had no idea what an amazing network of talented people bloggers are, many I have even met in person.

Do you have any interior design education/ degree?  While I don't have a formal degree in design, I did graduate from the University of Washington.  I don't think you can be taught great design.  I think you either have it, or you don't.  I considered going back to school years ago for a design degree, but then I thought about all of the great designers I admire, not a single one of them has a design degree!

How would you define your style?  My style is timeless, classic and clean lined with a mix of antique and modern elements.
 

 {Marianne Simon Design}
 
What is your favorite room to design and why?  I'm not sure I have a favorite room to design.  I truly get excited about each new project and the possibilities each one holds.
 

 
What is your favorite paint color to use?  My go-to color is Navajo White by Benjamin Moore.  It's the perfect neutral shade and pretty much goes with any décor.
 

What is your favorite local décor shop?  I have a few local favorite décor shops that I frequent… Veritables, Great Jones Home and Haystack.

What is your most go to online décor shop?  Jayson Home is always a favorite.

What room in your own house is your favorite and why?  I love my kitchen.  I remodeled it almost 5 years ago and since I love to cook, it really brings me a lot of joy to be in there.  Plus, the kitchen is always the heartbeat to any home!  Everyone wants to hang out in the kitchen.

 
 
Who inspires you?   Darryl Carter and Steven Gambrel.  I was lucky to meet Darryl last May in New York, truly a dream come true!
 
Looking back, have you ever had a big design disaster? Or thought, “what was I thinking?”  I once used an upholsterer that came recommended and used them for a piece I was having reupholstered for a client. It turned out to be a major disaster!!!  I think a child could have done a better job.  It was awful and I didn't want to tell the client about what had happened.  Luckily, I was able to get my money back for the labor, but had to eat the cost of the fabric.  I took it to another upholsterer, reordered the fabric at my own expense and never told the client about it.  The piece turned out beautifully and exactly how it should have.  Lesson learned.


Best advice for someone starting an interior design career?   You must be passionate about design.  Gain as much knowledge as you can about the industry, intern at a design firm if you can afford not to be paid, read as many design books and magazines you can get your hands on and if you're switching careers or venturing out on your own, make sure you have money in the bank.  It takes time to grow your business and it doesn't happen overnight.


Best advice for new bloggers?  Post at least 3-4 times a week, leave comments on blogs you like so people know you're out there and don't worry about the followers.  Just because they 'follow' doesn't mean they're reading.  There are so many people that will read your blog on a daily basis that will never hit the 'follow' button.

Best advice for someone decorating on their own?  Buy the best quality pieces you can afford, even if it means you'll have fewer things, and never, ever buy a matching set of anything, i.e. matching sofa, loveseat, chair or bed, dresser, bedside tables.  

Thank you so much, Stacey for including me in your series!

________

Thank you Marianne! You are so kind! It was so fun reading all your answers, and getting your wonderful advice. How lucky are you to have met Darryl Carter? Very cool. I am also excited to check out those local stores you mentioned above! Maybe I'll bump into you there sometime.

Be sure to visit Marianne's website and blog to see more of her work.

Have a great weekend!
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