Well Stated!

"First, understand this.  It is impossible to build a successful career defining yourself as only an African American designer.  Yes, I am African American, but I obtain clients of all races.  I'm sure that the designers on the list will agree - beauty and style know no color."

Kimberly Ward

Kimberly of Pink Eggshell presented us with a list of the Top 20 African American Interior Designers. Although all of them are good I grew particularly fond of one of them, Mr. Micheal Boyd of Smith Boyd Interiors. I love it when a man designs! His designs are influenced by the rich French history of New Orleans, living in New York City and extensive European holidays. It sounds good to me!

He is still fairly new to the design industry and definitely new to me. As you can see above, this is why I  love male designers. I love the juxtaposition of masculine and feminine that he graciously injected in to each one of his designs. A great example of this can be seen with the coffered ceiling and striking dark insets and then I love the soft touch of the large transparent pendant fixture hanging below it!

Dark and handsome, like my man! I love this bedroom and again the masculine vs feminine. Boyd is quickly making an impact in the design industry with his "boutique bedrooms." In his bedroom designs he achieves the ultimate hotel suites, therefore creating destinations for his clients.

Now this is what I call the ultimate hotel suite! This is a great inspiration for my boys' room! I love these beds and all the textures and the pop of orange. I also love the addition of the feminine flowers in this masculine room. Check out the rest of his designs, I know you will like him as much as I do!

"Get'chu Some!"...Modern Glam

Anyone who knows me knows that I am fool for nail heads, tufting and pretty shiny things, which could be a brief synopsis of Hollywood Regency Style decor. This would fall under "Modern Glam," for me! So you gotta get'chu some of this pretty!

All of the following interiors are by Mary Ruth Caldwell and Lisa Caldwell Flake of Caldwell-Flake Interior Design. I came across this website awhile back and revisited it today after visiting my favorites. Each  room is a work of art a masterpiece even. Check em out:

A little ethnic, a little rustic, and a whole lot of glam! Get'chu some......The drapery fabric is fa-abulouuuus (as I sing it out)! Its sooo serenely beautiful! I all the little minute details that make a big statement, like lush jacquard pattern in the pillows. They make this room dance!

A sight in white, this room has so much depth with is play on textures. Look at the dynamics of the shiny metallic pillows, lamps, and bench versus the rustic bedside tables. All grounded by the heavenly hotel linens! Get'chu some......I even love the crystal vase with the pretty lilac hydrangea!

As you know, I love my pop of color! I am loving the pop of apple green in this bedroom. This room is so eclectically right.  I love what looks like wrought iron carts as side tables. There is even classic ikat in this room. I also love the twist in the metal of the x benches at eh end of the bed and the extra large window hardware. Get'chu some.....Really what is not to love about this room?!!

I saved my favorite for last!  Rustic yellow, distressed, corbel wall sconces with square lamp shades....really?!! Talk about "get'chu some......," I gotta get ME some...... LIKE QUICK! I love the pops of yellow sunshine in this room with that fun swirly monochromatic fabric pattern. Then you have black and white ethnic patterned shams on top a padded square tufted wall with a nail-head relief. I am sick y'all, because I am dieing for this room!

Their philosophy is like poetry! It is such a desirable achievement to reach in your own surroundings. Enjoy!

Bringing Happy Back

Sometimes things that you can not control just gotta hit you all at one time like a bag-a-bricks. Sorry ya girl has been out for the count as for posting for the last week and a half, but you ever get to a point where nothing motivates you because your are physically and mentally drained?  Well..I am sooo...there! I gotta say that I can honestly blame it on this unstable economy. I am overworked due to major cuts at the J-O-B, I am paying mo money than my house is worth, and gas is about to blow the roof off the hizzy! I NEED HAPPY BACK, QUICK! I am planning a family evacuation vacay ASAP.

Ok now that is my chest...howz about some Happy-Chic Style with Jonathan Adler:

This oldy but goody living room makes me happy!

I am drawn to the green in the sofas and the drapes. And I love the quirky art work. I just love the unexpected and JA can bring it!

 These Capri bottle neck lamps make me really happy!  The shape, the color and the size are so lovable!

This bedroom below makes me really really happy! I love every color in this room on its own and together its flawless. That mirror and those ottomans would find a happy place in my home.

What is not to be happy about in this cathedral dining room? Ok we have white walls with trim detail, the height is to the moon, and a chevron area rug on the floor! Now that's bringing happy back!

Ok, so bringing happy back can sometimes mean reviving the child in you! I watched  Pee Wee Herman's Playhouse on Broadway the other day on HBO with my kids. Talk about classic entertainment! I remember waking up Saturday morning, as a child, just to watch this show. The day was not complete without the "word of the day!" If you loved Pee Wee then I promise you will love him now! Be sure to catch it if you havn't already.

I will leave you with my word of the day!  

HAPPY! Ahhhh!