What Inspires Me (Stephanie)?

As a designer I get to see lots of beautiful things every day...one of the perks of this career! From beautiful fabrics and wallpapers to amazing furniture and accessories...and really so much more. It is these beautiful things that I get to see on a day to day basis that truly inspire me as a designer.

What I want to share with all of you are the most recent things I've seen in new spring fabric/wallpaper collections and product shows...all of which are currently hanging above my desk on my inspiration board. It's a great place for me to look when I need a little creative

pick-me-up. And, for all you animal lovers out there, well you're in luck! The current theme of my inspiration board is all about animals!

Here are just a few of the amazing animal finds I've come across recently...

Osborne and Little

http://www.osborneandlittle.com/

Grand Tour Collection

Best In Show

Wallpaper

Keep it classic with black and white,

Elegant with the metallic tone on tone, or...

Mix it up with the blue and purple color way!

Great for adding personality and impact to any space of a dog lover!

Porta Romana Lighting
http://www.portaromana.co.uk/north-america/index.php

Giraffe Lamp
This stunning giraffe lamp will immediately give character to any space. Add an interesting piece like this to your foyer or living room and instantly create conversation.

Stray Dog Designs
http://www.straydogdesigns.com/

Bird Stool/Accent Table These darling pieces can act as a stool or table! Nestle one beside a favorite chair to hold your cup of tea and book. Or, tuck one (or even two) under a console table to add interest in an unused space and pull out and use as seating when entertaining.

Roost
http://www.roostco.com/about.html

Dachshund Oil & Vinegar and Salt and Pepper

Dachshund inspired kitchen and table accessories with fun and functionality built right in! The playfulness of these pieces will be sure to make anyone smile :)

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For those of you who would like to see what inspires a designer feel free to stop in to Crimson Design Group and check out my inspiration board!

Taking the Indoors Out

I think it's safe to say, spring is finally here! (maybe? please?!) As the weather warms, it's only natural to begin venturing outside more often for small gatherings, cookouts with friends and neighbors, pool lounging, and drinks on the back porch. Is your space ready?

sunset west

Outdoor "rooms" are a great way to expand your living space, especially if you don't have ample square footage indoors. They also give you the opportunity to have fun and go wild with colors, textures and lighting if you're too nervous to explore your creativity indoors.

house beautiful

house beautiful

house beautiful

house beautiful

Keep in mind not only what you see, but what you smell and hear as well. Plant interesting plants and beautiful flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Add soothing water elements for a relaxing space.

house beautiful

house beautiful

house beautiful

Lighting is key when the gatherings last through the night. Create interesting focal points with fun lanterns, spot lighting, and ground lighting.

These outdoor spaces have me inspired to redo mine just in time for all of our summer parties!

I am looking for new fresh recipes to kick off the celebrating of warm weather!!!

Southern hospitality influencing southern design

The southern influence of the stunning fresh wintry garland is just the beginning of what is inside the door of this home. The southern hospitality of my friend, Darci is like none other. She has definitely earned her crown as "queen of entertaining." Halloween, birthday, Thanksgiving, OSU football, cookie baking party for 20 -6 year old, and of course the GRAND Christmas party. (this is only naming some of them and did I mention that this was all w/in 2 months after just moving into a new home a month earlier?)

Yes , many of us are tired just reading this. I am always amazed at how she pulls this off with 3 active but darling kids, many other daily activities, meeting friends, charity events and who knows probably training for a half marathon again. This doesn't all happen without the support of Shawn. Today, I saw first hand the team work these two have as we were working on the finishing touches of the Christmas decorations. The next blog I will be featuring the interior of this well loved home. (7 trees in this home)

My friend, Brian is responsible for the beautiful work above. I love love the mix of the various pine with the magnolia leaves.