Jaw dropping

  

“We need better things, not more. We should not pollute the world with meaningless, unused things when we can make and support things of rare and precious beauty.”

Daphne Guinness

I am so awe inspired by Daphne Guinness, fashion icon.  Her creativity, boldness to push all limits, and ability to express herself....leave me daydreaming......

  

Images from Vanity Fair, Harpers bazaar, photographer David Bailey, Zoo magazine, New Yorker

Inspired by gratitude and nature

I recently had the honor of working with Lee Ann, Daryl and their boys. As in all of our projects, our inspiration comes from finding out what inspires the household and in turn reflecting that in the final design.

This world class traveling family has found inspiration in travel and nature. It was important to find the right space for these majestic pieces of inspiration. They have traveled the world in search for just the right one. With great care, these animals were given the best seats in the house. For Lee Ann and Daryl the animals are a reminder of God's faithfulness and His many blessing they have experienced in their lives.

When you enter this home, you truly encounter the gift of hospitality. There is a peace and comfort that radiates to everyone that enters. Once you step in, you never want to leave. I was ready to move in. You really want to know more about the people that live in this house and know the stories behind each room.

About a stones throw from the home sits their charming B&B, called the Miller Haus. It rests on a beautiful hill that looks over some of Ohio's lush countryside. Lee Ann's gift of hospitality spills over into your experience when staying there. So all you city-slickers, take a day or two out of the city to come to the country. You will not be disappointed. It's so peaceful. The food is delicious and is truly comfort food at its finest. After all, isn't it nice to have a completely different pace in life? Even if it's for one or two days, we can all use the time to reflect about what is important in life. Thank you Lee Ann and family for being a true inspiration.

Before of Living room

Work in progress for living room

Adding wall paper to the back of the bookcases and over the mantle really

give a focal point and add a sophistication to the room.

The red on the wall really has a nice romantic glow at night.

Before of kitchen

After

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.

"Chasing Superwoman"

In my opinion, very few women deserve the title "Superwoman." I can say that I am fortunate to know an extraordinary woman who can really leave "superwoman" in the dust. Who might this amazing woman be? Mother of 3, wife, attorney (partner at a prestigious international firm) writer, local advocate, Sunday school teacher, and wonderful friend to many. (this is the very short list of her many daily hats) What I appreciate about her is even with all these titles she takes the time out every week to meet with me at Starbucks. We catch up on our lives, our businesses and most of all whats going on in us spiritually. How are we surviving among the chaos of life? Often really just an attitude adjustment. We use this time to laugh, vent, occasionally cry, and most importantly pray!! This woman is my dear friend, Susan Dimickele. She has been an inspiration and encouragement to so many and myself. I am so excited because her first book is hot off the press. It is a book on a working moms adventures in life and faith. (Very few have dared to approach this subject)

Buy Now

Tell your friends, neighbors, men (they might enjoy hearing about the real life of a working mother :) about the book. Bye for now I am off to start chapter 6.