Blog Connections and Some Amazing Artwork

As I blogger, it has always been somewhat of a mystery about who it is that actually reads my blog.  I know that a larger percentage of my readers are women and many of you are designers like me.  I also know that I have quite a few male readers (yeah men!) and that lots of you love the same things I do…fashion, entertaining, gifting and design.  It is always nice to connect with my readers and I love it when one of you takes the time to drop me a note to let me know how much you enjoy what I write and share with you.

A couple of months ago, I got an email from one of my readers in NY letting me know how much HE liked my blog.  Victor had a website listed at the bottom of his email and of course I checked it out.  Come to find out that one of my blog readers is Victor-Raul Garcia, a very well-known abstract modernist painter from NY.  Victor and I have traded a few emails and I have come to love his work and wanted to share it with you.

Here’s Victor in action creating one of his colorful and dynamic pieces.

Victor was born in Lima, Peru, raised by his grandmother and came to the US at the age of 8.  He has long had an interest in interior design, visual expression and color therapy, all which led him to follow his passion of being an artist.  Victor is known as an artist that explores new ways to create his work, often mixing traditional materials with non-traditional elements like coffee grinds and wood stains.

This is how Victor describes his work…”Layers are the distinction between past and present, old and new, buried and rediscovered. The process I use in my work I call ‘art archeology’ since I am stripping away layers to unravel a hidden mystery or putting on layers to add mystery to what’s hidden. I believe we all have a physicality, a personality and an essence, which is what I hope to portray in each piece.“

Victor’s work has been collected by people all over the world, has been shown in many galleries and has been featured in many magazines.  Here’s a look at some of his current pieces.

ASUNCION

BABEL

INRI

RED ENVY

TORMENTA DE FUEGO

What I love most about Victor’s art is the intense use of color and the bold statement each piece makes.  I hope to one day own a piece of Victors work.

The blog world is an amazing space.  While I may never know who each and every one of my readers is, I love when I can connect with someone, make a new friend and find a whole new source of inspiration.  As someone who has always wanted to dabble in painting, I’m inspired by Victors art.

Thanks Victor for reading ConfettiStyle and for reaching out and saying Hi!

To learn more about Victor you can visit his website here or connect with him on Facebook here!

p.s.  I’d love to get to know my readers better so leave me a comment and let me know your name and where you are from.

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How to Decorate your Home with Confidence

In my years of owning a home décor store, designing and writing this blog, I can honestly say that one of the major pitfalls the average person has when it comes to decorating their homes is a lack of confidence.  As a designer, I not only have studied my craft but was fortunate enough to be blessed with a good sense of style and design which have been invaluable in my work.  Even with all that going for me, I still follow a set of simple rules when it comes to designing for clients and myself.  These are the rules you need to know to Decorate Your Home with Confidence!

You Need a Vision:  You need to decide how you want the space to feel, look and function AND determine what you like and don’t like in design! 

Easier said than done but this step is critical in creating a design for your home that will not only feel good but look good as well.  This may require you to live in your home for a while and let it speak to you.  What style do you want to create for your home and what colors feel right in your home? What elements do you want to play up  and/or take the focus off of?  Knowing how you want a space to look and feel is all part of the design plan and design vision.

You Need a Plan:  How is the space being used or to be used? What items that you already own stay or go? What pieces of furniture do you want/need in the space?

Creating a plan not only in your head but on paper will help you embrace and execute your design plan in every detail.  Draw the space as you envision it, tape off the floor where furniture pieces will go and move things around until the flow and layout feel right.  You can read more of my tips on Space Planning here.

You Need a Starting Point:  Now is not the time to go out and buy any and everything you like.   You need to start with the pieces that will make the most impact in a room.

The best starting point for your design is the selection of the rug, larger art pieces and the sofa. Think of these as the foundation to your design.

 Choose your area rug, large artwork and main furniture piece first…

then select the paint colors that will work with them.  Rarely does it work to select a paint color first and then search for pieces to work with the color.

You Need to Evaluate: Once all the major pieces are in place and the walls are painted, take a step back and evaluate what you’ve done so far. 

Change anything you don’t like,  make adjustments to the floor plan and decide what other elements are needed to allow the space to meet your expectations.  Simply put, if you don’t like something, change it.

You Need to Personalize:  This is where the fun and magic happen.  Personalizing your design plan is what will make it come to life and feel complete.

 Add photos, textiles, books and accessories.  Surround yourself with the things you love and the things that will allow you to relax and enjoy your home.

AND finally, You Need to Enjoy Your Home! 

Make it  a priority this year to spend time with friends and family in your home.  Enjoy the comforts it provides and let is nourish your soul!

Developing a confident attitude when it comes to decorating your home is as simple as envisioning, planning, executing and putting your personal stamp on the look and feel!

If you need help creating a home you love, CONTACT ME to schedule your personal design consultation.  If you live outside the Atlanta area my DOOR-TO-DOOR E-Design service is for you!

For more design inspiration, be sure to Like ConfettiStyle on Facebook, follow on Pinterest and show us some tweet love on Twitter!

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Inspiration from a Design and Fashion Idol

While I’ve spent a little time recouping from my surgery, I’ve had a chance to watch all the shows I had recorded on my DVR.  Amongst the long list of Oprah shows, Dance Moms (guilty pleasure) and Housewives of NYC were all the episodes of Sarah’s House with none other than on of my design idols Sarah Richardson.  I don’t know if you had a chance to watch but this series was noting short of fabulous.  Sarah and her charming side kick Tommy design the most stunning and livable rooms ever.  I love Sarah’s esthetic, her use of color and how she

Here are my favorite looks from this season of Sarah’s House.

 

 

Love the industrial mix that makes up this vignette.

 

The softness of this room gives off such a relaxing feel.  Although it’s a tad on the formal side it looks very approachable.

 

Stunning grey and white kitchen.  I’m loving the look of multiple paint finishes on kitchen cabinets.

 

 Great pattern mixing! And that coffee table looks like a fun DIY project.

 

This cute little work space has lots of character!

 

A beautiful entrance!

 

The black cabinet really helps to add depth to this space and the artwork collage helps the TV to blend in.

 

The white wall ( created with moulding and paint) is a brilliant way to create a focal point and frame out the bed/headboard.

 

Love this furniture turned vanity and the unexpected style sink.

 

I adore, adore, ADORE this wallpaper!  A powder room is the perfect place for this intricate and whimsical pattern.

 

A front view of the entry.  I really like that Sarah used different element on each side of the chest to make the space less predictable.

 

The perfect fabric for these chairs.

 

This kitchen and eating area is just amazing. And check out the stained table base with the painted wood top and painted chairs.  So fresh! 

 Every kitchen need a mini frig/wine cooler.  Love the tiered layout of the island, making each work are distinct.

 Pretty and quaint! 

 This is an awesome craft space!  Love the paint treatment on the ceiling and all the organizational elements from IKEA!

 

My next sofa purchase will be grey!  I so love this color palette!

 

A great example of mixing finishes! 

Who wouldn’t love this bathroom.  Those hexagon mirrors are to-die-for!

To learn more about Sarah Richardson and see more of her stunning design work head to her website and check out her Facebook page.  And, to learn why I love her personal style read this post!  Sarah’s not only one of my design idols but she’s also one of my fashion idols!

I hope you are as inspired as I am!

 

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Kate Spade Never Fails to Impress

 

Kate Spade is one of my favorite designers and while surfing the KS site the other day I discovered a few things I that am swooning over.

Check it out!

 

 

1) Striped Notepads for jotting down ideas and info!  2) Taxi Mittens..perfect for a weekend trip to the Big Apple! 3) Leopard iPhone Case which is right on trend for Fall! 4) Adorable Faux Fur bag that has my name written all over it! 5) Cute Cluster Ring that will go with just about anything. 6)  I never met a handbag I didn’t like and this Dot Shopper is no exception 7) Loving this Gabby Car Coat in my favorite color, red!

To see the full line of Kate Spade products, head here!

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Ralph Lauren Style

 The rough and refined elegance of Ralph Lauren’s style never goes out of style. 

This vignette is one of my favorites with just enough old world charm to give it character and the right amount of refinement to make it elegant!

 

photo source: Ralph Lauren Home

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Design Crush: Eileen Kathryn Boyd

Happy Monday! 

I thought I start the week off sharing a few images from a designer I admire a great deal. 

Eileen Kathryn Boyd is known for her use of color and her skill at creating rooms with a distinct color footprint. Taking inspiration from the fashion runways and adapting the color inspiration into the personal spaces within a home is what makes Eileen’s work stand out. 

I know these beautiful and colorful spaces will put a little “happy” into the start of your week. 

 Enjoy!

One of the most amazing wall treatments I’ve seen!

Want to learn more about Eileen and see more of her work, head to her website here and follow her blog here!

 

all images via Eileen Kathryn Boyd

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Design Crush: Kishani Perera

I recently came across the design work of Kishani Perera and was instantly taken by the eclectic and vibrant mix of furniture, textiles and accessories that have become a signature for her room designs.  And, I also love her personal style! 

 Kishani has a love for antiques and many of her spaces incorporate old and new pieces sitting together in harmony. 

She has a knack for creating elegant and stylish spaces with a true sense of personality.  I love the traditional botanical art display offset by the fun and whimsical polka-dot fabric on the stools. 

This space is another great example of pieces from different eras mixed together to create a comfortable and personal space. 

This space is so beautiful with simple and sleek furniture used in a room full of traditional details.  Love the neutral backdrop and bold pops of color.

 

 

 In looking through her portfolio I noticed that many of the rooms designed by Kashani showcase an unexpected element or two.

 What a fun fabric to use on the sofa!

An eclectic mix of textiles and details.

Love this office space–bold colors against white furnishings.

This living room setting is one of my all time favorites.  I love the oversized saying art and the texture and detail within the sofa, chairs and table.  Such a subtle space that says so much.

 

I’m so glad I stumbled across Kishani’s work.  She has quickly become one of my design inspirations!

 To check out more of her portfolio, take a stroll through her on-line shop Rummage and learn more about my new favorite designer, head here.

 

 

images 1,6,7,8,9 via Porterhousedesigns.com

images 2,3,4,5 via ElleDecor.com

image 10 via mackenziehoran.com

 

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Design Crush: Liz Caan Interiors

Simply put, I LOVE every space that Liz Caan designs!

Liz Caan via made by girl

Full of color, personality, character, energy, luxury and full blown STYLE! 

bellemaison23 via pinterest

bellemaiso23 via pinterest

Liz is a master at combining colors and pattern to create and eclectic yet sophisticated look!

decorpad via pinterest

Love the floor to ceiling shower curtains, adding instant drama to a small space!

flickr via pinterest

Stripes, Chevron and Squares oh my!

google via pinterest

Those stairs are stunning and that chair is simply gorgeous!

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Practically no words to describe the beauty of this closet.  Love the floor mirror, the chair, the color, the desk, the ceiling, the rug…ok everything!

 

decorpad via pinterest

And it get even prettier when look to the side!  The lavender color is so feminine and elegant!

paloma81.blogspot via pinterest

Love the arrangement, the citrus green check and the striped floors. 

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I adore the stools and the larger than life piece of artwork.  This room just has “happy” written all over it.

via pinterest

So many gorgeous elements!

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That little side table adds such fun personality to a room that is already bursting at the seams with it.  A table like that is on my DIY list.

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Want to turn a somewhat dark space into something great… add a bright, bold, outrageous rug!   Lovely!

 

Here’s a look at the Liz Caan Design Studio below…style starts at home!

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I’ve never met an awning I didn’t love!  And, black and white is so chic!

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Pattern, pattern everywhere…such a fun, inspirational lobby, lounge space.

made by girl via pinterest

Love the color mix!

made by girl via pinterest

My creativity would soar in an office space like this.  I love the crisp white with punches of color!

 

I follow a lot of interior designers, all for different reasons, and because their style and design esthetic inspire me in different ways.  Liz Caan’s work appeals to my love of spaces filled with personality, charm and  undeniable character.  Spaces that are all about the people who live in them and reflections of their lifestyle!

For more inspiration and to learn a bit more about Liz, head here!

 

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