Yummy Scrumptious

Kai Lin Shop

2011-11-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! It's that time of year, and with looming deadlines that have me a bit panic stricken, I am happy to say I have most of my Christmas Shopping done. For those of you that don't, tomorrow marks the official countdown--but let me remind you that it's not all about Black Friday or Cyber Monday, there is now SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, which personally I feel is much more important. That being said, let me introduce you to Kai Lin Shop! The brainchild of my darling friend Yu Kai Lin of Kai Lin Gallery, Kai Lin Shop has a fabulous assortment of great, handmade items by talented artists, everything from toys and jewelry and of course beautiful pieces of art.

I asked Yu Kai what inspired him to open up Kai Lin Shop, here is is response:

I opened KAI LIN SHOP because I saw a need for us to expand our brand and gallery to include local artisans that worked in a medium beyond 2D. There are so many talented local artists that need a space to show their unique work and a sell their hand-crafted products.

I selected the items in the shop much like we select items in the gallery. We curate the space thoughtfully so that each designer and artisan has a dedicated space to exhibit their product.

Here are some of my favorites:

Jarno Kettunen, a chic fashion illustrator from Finland who creates art using make up and has illustrated many fashion shows from the top designers from Dior to Chanel. Personally I have the one on the far right, it is an illustration of a Comme des Garcons piece, and I call her my cotton candy drag queen (not the hair.)

Mr Soggs Creatures made by an artist named Joelle Medici from Tennessee. Her fun whimsical plush dolls are adorable! I am thinking of these little guys for a friend who just had a baby and one who is preggo--super cute shower gift!

Alex Leopold, a Nashville artist who creates beautiful resin pieces of illustrated and animal imagery. I love these.

Mike Lowery who is a professor at SCAD of Illustration and his pieces are quirky, light-hearted, and child-like.

Viva Greetings which is a local greeting card, wrapping paper, t-shirts and toymaker who makes really great products. So you can walk out of there with a card and wrap it all up too! He has thought of everything...besides, who doesn't love a greeting card in Spanish. I know I do!

The gallery and shop have items that range in price from $2-$250 so you can really find something for everyone. The shop hours are the same as the gallery hours, Tuesday through Friday 10-6pm and Saturday 11-6pm. They are also open by appointment.

The gallery and shop is located in the heart of Buckhead Atlanta at 3096 Roswell Rd NE Atlanta GA 30305 - 404-408-4248. There is free parking behind the gallery off Early Street across from Pearson's Wine. So drive past the mall and when you finish up at Yu Kai's hit up some of my other favorite places to shop, all while avoiding the mall madness!

Ready for more after you hit up Kai Lin? Try these other favorite places for more Holiday Happiness (all within walking distance of the shop, btw):

Lush Life: Beautiful store for great flower arrangements, fab books and gifts. Great Mother/Sister-In-Law or Hostess Gifts--or Niki gifts.

Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams: Great home accessories, art, books, candles, pillows, frames, throw pillows, perfect for anyone who has a new home/condo/apartment and needs a little style. Ask for Hayley, she's amazing.

Sage: Fab woman's boutique with great clothes, jewelry, bags, all around awesome for any female you need to shop for.

Pieces: A.m.a.z.i.n.g. home boutique, Lee is a doll and you will just want to lick everything in there.

And when you are all done, go get yourself a cupcake from Piece of Cake, because you deserve it.

The moral of the story is shop local, shop smart and shop small businesses! They need our support and the stuff you'll get from them is going to be way cooler then anything you find at the mall.

5 Things I Heart - Capella Kincheloe

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

I first met Capella last year when she was participating as a designer at the Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Christmas House. She is quite a busy chick with running CKID, her blog A Curated Lifestyle, getting hitched in Hawaii, an Etsy shop where she makes killer Ombre pillows (one of my favorite things) and she is also the co-founder of Design Collective (the other co-founder is Hillary Linthicum, Y.S. 5 Things Alum and rock star at Peace Design.) She is a busy girl with great style and very intriguing quality about her, you just want to talk to her. Something about her makes me think of Winona Ryder+Drew Barrymore, I don't know what that has to do with anything but trust me she's great and she's blowing up all over the place. Her work has been featured in AH&L, her pillows all over the place including Better Homes and Gardens and Design Collective just had a great write up in Luxe Crush. Seriously, I don't think I have had so many links in one post before! Here are her 5 things, 1 of which I am also obsessed with (gold star if you can guess what it is!)

Natural Stone Platters from Rablabs

The chicest thing to put on your table or way to serve cheese. I think every space needs a natural element and this takes it to the next level by adding sterling silver or 24K gold. And it will never go out of style.

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding

Over the top, unlike anything else on earth, and with a British accent. Like an adult “Toddlers & Tiaras” without the nausea and alarm and with bigger dresses and crowns. An hour of blissful captivation and entertainment.

Cookbooks

I love cooking and composing a great meal. The process of it is very relaxing. I usually don’t follow recipes to a T, but use them as guidelines. I love food and eating, but I also love pulling a stack of cookbooks and just reading through the recipes. Cookbooks are a lasting memory of a vacation or a restaurant you visited. I like to pick up cookbooks when I go on vacation and the “favors” at my wedding reception are wine country cookbooks (for California’s Central Coast).

Jean de Merry Ibero Round Dining Table

A perfect combination of French and California – an exquisitely made table that looks like its been in your family for centuries.

Longchamp Tote

The perfect bag. It is lightweight and can go from carrying your fabric swatches and paint books to a beach towel and sunscreen. It is chic enough to carry to dinner, but the nylon is so light you can use it all day.

10 Things I Believe

2011-11-14T09:29:00.004-05:00

Obviously I have been absent for the last month and a half, nothing's wrong, just really busy at the office. We have an looming deadline of 12/23 for a major commercial project that has me at the office until almost 8:00 every night. Regardless I will have a few posts between now and the end of the year. Today is something I did for the lovely Capella Kincheloe over at A Curated Lifestyle. She started a weekly series called "10 Things I Believe" and mine just went live today! Click over to check it out, of course mine includes Drag Queens, cocktails, and the shooting range...not necessarily all at the same time but why not?

Finally, a new look for MWDA online!

2011-09-21T11:52:00.003-04:00

I am painfully aware that I have been lacking in the posting department but we are just super busy here at MWDA which we are very thankful for! One thing that I was working on like a mad person last month was getting our new website up and running (just in time for our 4 year anniversary!) We finally have it done with photography of all the projects from the past 4 years as well as some of our favorite completed a while back. It's a new look, and a re-vamp for MWDA, we hope you enjoy it!

www.markwilliams-design.com

Guest Spot -- A Curated Lifestyle

2011-09-08T15:24:00.000-04:00

The lovely Capella Kincheloe of A Curated Lifestyle asked me to do a guest post for her to run while she was off on vacation in Hawaii GETTING MARRIED! Congratulations Capella! For those of you who haven't checked out her blog, please do and also be sure to check out her Etsy store with her beautiful handmade ombre pillows, they are happiness. For my guest entry on traveling to the one and only Athens, Greece. I tried to make it as detailed as possible, imagine me as your tour guide Barbie with a little red flag, "this way please!!!"

5 Things I Heart - Barry Leach Edition

2011-08-24T10:00:00.002-04:00

Barry Leach is one of my mentors and he also writes The Blue Remembered Hills. He was my professor in college and has become one of my favorite people over the years and I truly admire him and value our friendship. He is one of my favorite people and whenever we get together I simply have the best time. He is witty and smart and cranky and fabulous all at the same time, all the time--something I strive for. Of course he agreed to do a 5 things list for me, I mean what choice did he really have.

Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
Discovered in Rome, Italy, at Christmas. The barman in the hotel suggested it for the Manhattan cocktail I'd ordered and it was a revelation. Sipped it slowly, my beloved next to me with his Negroni, whilst looking at the spectacular panorama of Rome after dark.

Together with Bulleit Rye and a Luxardo maraschino cherry, makes the best Manhattan I've had, ever. Served straight up, of course. The most peculiar Manhattan I've ever drunk was one made with Talisker whisky on the Isle of Skye.

Guerlain's Eau de Cologne Impérial

Dating from 1865, when I first bought it, this cologne has top notes of Bergamot, Neroli, Verbena, Lemon, Orange, with a middle note of lavender and base notes of cedarwood and tonka bean. It's the only scent I'll wear on special occasions. The rest of the time it's just soap, though I must admit I really like Hermès Eau d'orange verte - also discovered whilst in Italy.

Blue
I possess more blue shirts than any other color, and, though I'm at a loss to explain it, I feel more comfortable wearing blue. Blue and white is a delicious combination, especially the cobalt and soft white of old Kraak porcelain.

Alden suede monk-strap shoes

Not much to say except that they're the best.

Fettuccine Alfredo at Pricci
He Didn't give me an explanation for this one, but I don't think it even needs one.
(Shameless plug: Athens Pizza has good Fettuccine--it's the special in Thursday Nights.)

Reconnecting with Connecticut

2011-08-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

Well it has been an unexpectedly busy summer both at MWDA and in my personal life and I am sorry that I have been so absent. I do however have some really fun stuff coming up which will make for some good posts, especially since I dislike Summer and use that as my time of hibernation. One thing coming up sooner rather than later is a end of summer trip for my husband and I. We are going up to Connecticut which should be really interesting, that is where he was born and for his birthday we are going to check out where he spent his early years. I have not spent much time up that way but I would love suggestions from anyone on places to go and things to do! So if you have any experience with the Connecticut coast line let me know, I would love to check out the places you love!

My husband Sandy in Kindergarten. Too adorable!

We Have A Winner!

2011-08-01T12:47:00.004-04:00

Congratulations Sincerely Cecelia! You are the lucky girl who has won my 2nd bottle of limited edition Cato Pink nail polish! I hope you love it as much as I do!!! Also, a BIG thank you to the lovely people at Knoll Textiles for allowing me to be a part of Cato's birthday celebration and sending me this fabulous polish to give away! Hopefully some of our suggestions will come in handy, can't wait to see what comes next!

Knoll Nail Polish-Pull It Together People!

2011-07-29T09:57:00.004-04:00

Ok people, I am wondering if you don't understand the gravity of this situation. Knoll Textiles, as in Florence Knoll, an in Womb Chair, Barcelona, Bertoia happiness, has come up with the most brilliant marketing campaign, nail polish in colors from their fabric collection. You cannot buy it. You cannot request it. Once it's gone it is gone. The red is amazing (going to get my toes done with it today) you can no longer get it. Now you have a chance to get their second edition, Cato Pink. All you have to do is go HERE and leave a comment telling me what you think their next nail polish color should be. Right now we have one entry, I find that a little disappointing. PULL IT TOGETHER PEOPLE!

Knoll Nail Polish - 2nd Coat

2011-07-19T12:00:00.002-04:00

Congratulations on turning 50 Cato! The most fabulous (and my personal favorite) fabric is turning 50 and to celebrate KnollTextiles has continued their brilliant nail polish marketing campaign! They were so kind as to offer me a bottle of Cato Pink of my own to give away! Beginning today, tell me (by leaving a comment) what Knoll fabric you would like to see transformed into a fabulous nail polish. I can't guarantee they will do it, but I would LOVE to give them some suggestions for their next round of genius marketing.

So, which KnollTextile would you like to see as a nail polish? I will select a winner on August 1st at random from the people who leave comments. If you don't win with me, you can go to HERE to KnollTextile's facebook page. Like them and participate in their contest! Each week they will give away 10 bottles for the first 10 people to correctly identify whatever fabric image they post, go there for more details.

Happy Polishing!!!

Wonderlust called, they asked about London

2011-07-05T15:44:00.003-04:00

So I gave them my top 10 list, check it...

June Mixology

2011-06-24T10:00:00.001-04:00

It's that time of summer when all I want is something cold and refreshing, preferably spiked while lounging by a pool with someone to keep refilling my glass. I often refer to my backyard as "the jungle" because it is, and one day it won't be because I will actually get down to business and landscape that beast, but one thing it does have is a pool with really comfortable sun beds. I am all in favor of mesh over cushions (less maintenance) because they are easy to clean and always look tailored and tidy. Here are some of my favorites, and what I would be drinking if I was in one.

The Barrow Lounger from West Elm & Lemon Fanta with Vodka

If you don't know about Lemon Fanta, it's amazing and hard to find.

Love this lounger because it's got clean lines but that back wheel is like a Fanta Happiness Bubble.

The 405 Chaise Lounge from Room & Board with a Blueberry-Jalapeno Margarita

This lounge is made from 100% post industrial/consumer recycled plastic (that means it's super "green")

Love the shape, even though it is a bit boxy, it also comes in some really great colors and will never warp or fade...it looks comfortable enough to get faded in...HAHA!

The Leaf Chaise by Dedon & Prosecco

It's beautiful and Prosecco is delicious.

Sirocco Chaise by Brown Jordan & Corona

This lounge is simple but can be pumped up with frame color options and different mesh fabrics. I want to sit in it and pitch back a Corona, or 6.

Alize Sunlounger by Fermob & St. Germain with Soda
I have loved Fermob for years, they have the whole color thing down and were the first to do it. All the colors are so fun and bright and this ample lounge chair just beckons to be laid on like St. Germain begs to be sipped.

5 Things I Heart - Ben Collins Edition

2011-06-10T13:16:00.010-04:00

I heart Ben Collins...I feel like I start every 5 things post that way but I really do love him (not that I don't love the rest but you know what I mean!) Ben is part owner in Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams in Atlanta, Nashvegas, and Dallas. He travels all the time and it makes me sad because I don't get to see him as much as I would like. But he's a super cute, ultra savvy businessman who has great taste and serious southern charm. Here are his 5 things:

1. My new Billy Reid Duffle...Its a great looking white canvas duffle perfect for summer travel......and when it gets completely dirty from all of my abuse, I plan to dye it a nice grey for Fall. Everything that Billy does is fantastic. He truly make "country" look cool and hip.

2. The new Woodrow Collection from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Made from reclaimed wood, you can know that you are being environmentally responsible while getting a great look. The clean lines of the piece mixed with the reclaimed wood top makes it a great fit for any space! The console and cocktail tables retail for $1120 and the side for $680. The new collection will hit the showroom and the website in August.

3. The non profit Room Service Atlanta....Local Atlanta designers, Dayka Robinson and Erika Ward, have founded a non profit that helps homeless and those less fortunate "get back on their feet". Through donations, and with the help of other local Atlanta designers, these women are furnishing and decorating spaces for those in need. Its truly an amazing organization.

4. My Imogene + Willie jeans.....they are hand made in Nashville TN. You actually are fitted in the shop and wait for them to be hemmed. Great jeans and an incredible shopping experience. It feels like you have taken a step back in time when you walk into their shop.

5. Online home mags.....when traveling it so nice to have my airbook and not have to lug around 20 magazines for a flight. There are so many great online mags to choose from....one of my favorites is Trad Home.

Drag Queen or Cabinet Finish 3

2011-06-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

Drag Queen or Cabinet Finish: Paprika

MoMA & Modern Atlanta

2011-06-03T10:05:00.010-04:00

Modern Atlanta officially starts this weekend, YIPPIEEEE! If you aren't familiar, you should be ashamed of yourself. Here is the deal (straight from their website):

"The original event was born in 2007 out of a desire for an Atlanta-based forum diverse in content, eclectic in spirit, and international in appeal. Each year the event will be built on these aspirations, attracting a diverse range of speakers, exhibitors and attendees prepared to push the boundaries of applied contemporary design and urbanism.

MA’s aim is to embrace and connect a wide spectrum of practices including architecture and design, retail and trade, industry and academia, the arts, and NPO foundations. MA activities attract innovators, visionaries, independent minds, creative leaders, students, and non-specialist audiences with discussions on how design and innovative products improve everyday lives. MA provides the right conditions and venues for manufacturers and designers to successfully connect with businesses, consumers, and the public alike, by way of elevated local and international design exhibitions that expose all facets of the creative process including innovation and implementation. MA produces programs and events and provides marketing and promotional services for cultivating and showcasing the international design industry in Atlanta. These programs and services are not only a platform for professionals, but also an arena for experimental and student work, and a meeting point for the international community."

I will be doing my best to hit up as many of the events as possible but if you're like me, this is your busy season. I will for sure be checking out Karim Rashid at Pedini on Wednesday and I will be hitting up Room & Board for Annette Joseph's presentation.

All of that is good and well, but not the point of this post. Last night I had the privilege of being invited to the 25th Anniversary Dinner for Corporate Environments. It was a beautiful evening at The High Museum with a private viewing of the "Modern By Design" Exhibition, of which Corporate Environments is a sponsor. This to me is the highlight of MA2011, it's just a fantastic collection borrowed from MoMA and displayed beautifully. I wasn't supposed to take pictures, but I didn't know that until I had already taken some, you're welcome...It is a really beautiful exhibition and each floor is better then the one before it. I got some really good pictures, but I don't want to ruin it for you. GO SEE IT.

This is a robot. He builds furniture. He is Joris Laarman's idea.

This is one of his tables.

It is made from zillions of these tiny metal cubes and held together with glue.

Super awesome. I used that light fixture at DIFFA one year but in white.

MWDA's Table for DIFFA 2008

Those cushy-cabbage looking things are cute. It took every ounce of restraint not to squish them down.

That's enough out of me (maybe even too much) go see it for yourself.
"Modern by Design" at The High Museum of Art
June 4th - August 21st

Ms. Field's, not the cookie lady

2011-05-27T09:16:00.001-04:00

Let me take a moment to talk about Patricia Field. I hope to dear baby Jesus that you know who she is. If you don't, slap yourself. She is the genius behind all of the costuming for Sex and the City, The Devil Wears Prada, Ugly Betty, and several others. She has an amazing store in NYC (shocking) and travels all over styling her clients. My husband just brought the biggest Greek pop singer to town for a concert, she is basically Cher/Madonna/Kylie all rolled into one. Pat is a friend of hers, like forever friends and so she came to the show.

Yes. Patricia Field was in Atlanta. I talked to her. I danced with her. She slapped my ass. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture with her, but my super smart and stylish friend Chris did. Notice the one earring--neon green feather, very current.

I guess I sort of got a picture because we were on stage together, with Anna (in the red) who was wearing my hat made by A Modern Day Flapper which you can get here at her Etsy Shop, which I totally bought to step up my outfit because I knew Patricia was coming--there is no shame in that my yummies.

After meeting her I had to seek out all the information I could about her. She's 1/2 Greek and 1/2 Armenian and grew up in Astoria. She's insanely brilliant, obviously too cool for school, and ridiculously nice. Like I said, store in NYC or ONLINE! Here are some of the things I heart from her online situation.

Who doesn't love a sequin?

All my client's want this phone. Mark won't let them have it.

Patricia Field for Keith Haring

What?

Who hasn't watched Breakfast at Tiffany's and said they wanted that eye mask?

That's right. Patricia rocks and I really hope to see her again, I have a new goal of getting her take on interior design...yes it's a long term goal.

May Mixology

2011-05-23T13:02:00.000-04:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but May is insanely packed with social obligations. It's as if everyone woke up on the same day and decided it was time to celebrate something. I literally have some sort of commitment every day in May--which makes me even more desperate for a cocktail to get through it.

I first posted my theory on Mixology in the Interior Design universe like 2 years ago--read it here--I feel like it still applies. As a designer I am constantly mixing, old and new, existing with additional, pretty and ugly (more then you would think.) But that's the game, if you don't mix different styles, eras, colors, it all seems sterile and blah. So, to satisfy my need for fabulous furniture and a drink, here are my latest cocktail-esque inspirations. This time we are talking side tables.

I don't know why, but sometimes I feel like finding the perfect side table can be the most frustrating part of a project. It must be the right size, the right height, the right finish, and I often feel like I am constantly searching for the right side table on every single project, and half the time no one even notices it--until they set a drink on it.

Sake.
Obviously.
Harlow Side Table from Bungalow 5

Super Dirty Vodka Martini.
This table is sexy. But when you put Shagreen on anything it instantly becomes sexy.
Shagreen+"Dirty"+Bronze+Vodka+3 legs+Russia (b/c of the Vodka)=Sexy
Antique Bronze and Shagreen Circular Side Table available through Belvedere

Skinnygirl Margarita
Because it's less cheesy then a regular margarita and there is no mini-umbrella.
This table is whimsical and unexpected when used in the right place. If you put it in a hotel in the Bahamas--more expected.
Seahorse Side Table by Noir

St. Germain with Champagne
This is a super fem table and the copper color just adds to that. A feminine table deserves a dangerous yet delicious cocktail--exactly what St. Germain with Champagne happens to be. It tastes and smells so good that you can't help but keep drinking, and drinking.
Oppiacei Table available through Design Within Reach

Ice Cold Beer.
It's made of steel, it's white, it's laser cut, it's awesome.
The Ginger Salt Side Table from Crate and Barrel

Tequila Shots.
This table is awesome and so is Tequila.
Stone Egg Side Table available on 1st Dibs from Lewis Trimble

Lighting Obsession

2011-05-11T12:08:00.001-04:00

I love lighting.
I love beautiful lamps/pendants/sconces--any and all of it.

If you are in Atlanta or read Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles then you would have noticed the March issue featuring the article on the Christmas Showhouse benefiting the Alliance Theater. Susan Ferrier, who I adore and admire used the most outrageous and fantastic chandelier I have ever seen. It was from a local company called Solaria. I am now OBSESSED with them and cannot wait to use something from them. They are insanely pleasant people and have incredible custom capabilities. Here are some of my favorites from them.

Susan's gorgeous dining room and killer chandelier.
It makes me think of Alice in Wonderland.
You should have seen it when it was installed with nothing else around it, no table, no artwork, just this giant light. It was kind of hilarious.
Photo by Erica George Dines for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

Ah-Mazing.

Major.

I will own this one day. I don't know where I will put it but it kills me.

Gorgeous.

Fluffy.

A bit scary, it reminds me of a spine.
Which makes it hot.

Dead on the ground.
I can't help it.

Photos of the fixtures are from Solaria.

5 Things I Heart - Dustin Hatley Edition

2011-05-06T09:29:00.000-04:00

I can't count on one hand the reasons why I heart Dustin. He makes me laugh like no other and is simply the fiercest man on the Atlanta Luxury Bath Scene. He has incredible taste, personal style, and can deliver the quintessential quippy/witty/snarky/bitchy/hilarious one liners like no one I know. Personally I feel like I am a little bit cooler when I am with him, and the fact that I know all of his 5 things (and where to get them) puts me a little bit ahead of the curve. For instant sexy, purchase or visit any of the following items or places:

Empire State South – Elegant Clean Classic Southern Décor and Amazing food.

The Ryder Chair from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams – Modern, Hip and Sexy!

Raimond Light by Moooi – Perfect Sphere of Stainless Steel with tiny LED lights, creates the appearance of a Starry Night

Henry Exposed Tub Filler with Legs in Unlacquered Brass by Waterworks – It is stunning in proportion and scale, and would make a statement in any bathroom. I loved the exposed untreated Brass that will patina and age adding more color and character over time.

Altar Table and Bench from Verde Home – uses all carefully selected pieces of reclaimed of Teak to create a clean natural finish

Drag Queen or Cabinet Finish 2

2011-05-02T10:05:00.001-04:00

Drag Queen or Cabinet Finish: Honey Spice

Greek Easter

2011-04-26T10:54:00.006-04:00

Easter for the Greeks is a big deal, I would say it's our biggest religious holiday and for sure my Husband's favorite. According to Sandy, "Easter is MINE!" I don't know many men who geek out at the thought of cooking for 200 guests--to me it just seems exhausting. Sandy loves creating his menu which changes a bit from year to year but always includes the basics...Whole Roast Lamb, Kondosouvli (a pork situation--which we made two of this year and everyone said mine was better then Sandy's. I am very proud!), Lamb Chops, Souvlaki (pork, chicken, beef, or all of the above) and then sometimes shrimp or lobster, this year we had octopus as well. He also makes an huge amount of appetizers, typically involving dips (olive spread, melitzano salata--an eggplant dip, and htipiti--a spicy pepper and feta dip) along with 45 different kinds of sausage. Aside from that, my mother in law tackles her traditional fare, pita (spanakopita, tiropita, blah, blah) dolmathes, peas with artichokes, margiritsa (soup), and insane amounts of salad. I am in charge of the bar. It's funny, a friend of mine told me that Facebook was littered with Greek People taking pictures with their lambs on the spit-it's the Greek version of taking your picture with Santa. So true. Here is a glimpse of the Papadopoulos Easter Extravaganza...

That's my backyard (affectionately known as the jungle)

The Papadopoulos Brothers working the grill.

Sandy & Chris pose with the Kondosouvli (mine is the one in the foreground)

Little Arnakia (lambs)

Sandy passing around the shaved kondosouvli (little Yianni was all into it-we teach them young.)

There was an Easter egg hunt (it was anticlimactic and over in 5 minutes--next year I need more eggs) which I forced my niece into running for me.

This was before I told her she was in charge of the Easter egg hunt.

Sometimes I wish we just went out to brunch like normal people, but this is a lot more fun.

5 Things I Heart - Hillary Linthicum Edition

2011-04-19T10:20:00.000-04:00

My lovely friend Hillary is a rock star, if the Atlanta Design Family had a "scholarship program" she would be Miss Congeniality. She's cool, smart, and rocks the house working with the ever fabulous Bill Peace at Peace Design. She is also the co-founder of Design Collective, a grassroots (Hillary & Capella's roots) effort to connect all of Atlanta's creative types in the design community and promote and support one another. I have gotten to know Hillary over the past year and I just adore her, so naturally I knew I would love her 5 things, I know you will too!

1st Dibs
Michael Bruno is simply a genius! We are now connected to the best of everything, all over the world. Whenever I need a little inspiration, this is my first stop…I just love to browse all categories; fashion, design, jewelry, etc. It is amazing how a vintage Dior dress can send your mind down the path of creating a room for the woman who wears that dress…I love designing in that stream of consciousness sort of way.

Lumiere
We are so fortunate to have a gallery like Lumiere here in Atlanta. Bob and Tony have created such a wonderful environment for the medium (photography.) Visiting one of their exhibits or artists talks leaves you feeling educated and inspired

Gramercy Home
I truly do not know how I did bedding for clients or bought the perfect gift for a friend before this shop opened! I LOVE everything about what they are doing. Added bonus – Jennie, Cam and their staff are the best in the business when it comes to customer service.

Lamp Bergere
I received mine as a gift years ago and I just adore it! They are better than any candle out there and they help purify the air while making the room smell amazing.
(in Atlanta, you can find them at the fabulous Paris on Ponce)

Outer Banks, NC
The Outer Banks was our family vacation spot for 15 years and when I returned recently I wondered if all those fond memories were just because I was a kid on vacation. Nope. Everything I remember loving about it was still there (albeit with a few more restaurants but that happens!). Definitely my happy place.

Quintessential London

2011-04-15T10:17:00.000-04:00

For my last post on my London visit, I want to discuss the most illuminating experience I had on my trip--Dinner at The Athenaeum Club.

The Athenaeum Club is an exclusive members only club (which was originally only open to men) where members can "enjoy the life of the mind" -- it is a beautiful building filled with more incredible books then I could have ever imagined, over 80,000 books to be precise. The majority of the members, including our host "are professionals concerned with science, engineering or medicine, but the clergy, lawyers, writers, artists, civil servants and academics of all disciplines are also heavily represented on the roll, with a small number from business and politics." It is my assumption that the club is open daily where members can go to have a drink, read, research, work, relax, or mingle with other members over dinner or brandy. The club also hosts special events for it's members including concerts, guest speakers, wine tastings, and discussions where members can gather and "stimulate friendship and satisfy the urge to good fellowship."

We started with drinks in a private library, where my sense of propriety over ruled my mischievous inklings. This room was just the beginning but overwhelmingly perfect and exactly what a proper library should look like, at least to me. Every wall, around every window, and even the door, was covered, floor to ceiling with books. Amazing books. Books that when you pulled one off the shelf and blew across the top, a real cloud of dust would puff off. Surreal. My sister-in-law who knows me well asked if I could take photos, seemingly embarrassed that she asked on my behalf, I was actually thrilled that she did and ever more excited when they said yes!

This was the secret library where we had drinks. I wanted to sit at that perfect little writing desk so badly---and carve my initials in it. But I didn't.

A few glasses of champagne later and we were off, down the beautiful staircase, passed incredibly beautiful portraits of seemingly important people. Dinner was another experience as I tried to recall every proper table manner I possessed. We were the only women in the dining room, there were 7 of us along with our host, clearly he was outnumbered and even though we all "tried" to be well mannered, I am sure we were a bit loud for some of the member's liking. While I stopped taking pictures passed the library, just because it didn't seem right, I was lucky to find that their website has some really lovely photos!

The Great Staircase

Dining Room

Finally after dinner and before heading home we went for a quick drink in the Drawing Room.

I didn't want to leave, I knew there was much more of that building I wanted to see and probably wasn't allowed. But what was I going to do, ask for a private architectural tour from the only member I knew and only met a few hours prior? I had to just use my imagination---until I found more photos online. It seems the areas I didn't see, are just as I had imagined them. Incredibly beautiful.

Liberated

2011-04-07T11:12:00.000-04:00

I have heard about the fabulous world that lies within Liberty of London. The fabrics, the wallcoverings, the china, the pillows, the accessories, the rugs, blah blah blah. But when I saw it for myself it was an entirely different and amazing experience. Design porn for me and Yummies like you--I was so overloaded by the loveliness of it all that I had to take several deep breaths on each floor to keep myself pulled together.

The breathtaking Tudor revival building was opened in the 1920's while Liberty of London was already well known for their fabrics (both used for furnishings and fashion) the store became the quintessential emporium for current home furnishings and accessories. According to Arthur Liberty, he wanted the patron to fee as if they were in their own home while shopping. I wish that was my home!

I came across the building by accident but recognized it immediately, I was so excited!

4th Floor Fabrics!

Oooooooooooooo!

Wall of Pillow Happiness

Love.

Ah-mazing.

These guys were tucked behind the stairs, just hanging out.

Had to resist buying this entire table.

and this one...

Sad this is blurry, but they had such lovely rugs and those poufs piled up in the back were awesome. I could have taken one home for 400 pounds.

The display of black chiffon globes willed with fabric flowers cascading from the ceiling was just beautiful. I wanted to be inside one and just people watch.

MWDA says Thank You!

2011-04-04T11:15:00.006-04:00

Mark Williams Design Associates is honored to have been selected as Jezebel Magazine's "Best Interior Designer" for 2011. We are so thrilled to be included in this years issue along with many of our favorite vendors and colleagues. Jezebel's Best of Atlanta issue is on stands now and we are on page 76 or you can see it online here.

We are also excited to have been included in a short article on how to make an impact when designing in small spaces, featuring one of our projects in the same issue. Flip to page 118 or click here!

Thank you so much to Jezebel Magazine and those who nominated us!

I stop for pretty buildings

2011-04-01T14:38:00.000-04:00

London was incredible. So much fun, such an amazing place, I am determined to go back again and again. I love getting lost in that city, with every turn you take, one ends up on a little alley with a great pub or fabulous boutiques or in a lovely park. Their city planners were brilliant.

The best part for me was to observe the integration of modern architecture with historical classics. Yes, the two can live harmoniously in one city and look perfectly paired. The incredible detail of the historic buildings blows my mind (especially when I think about drawing that out) and contrasted against some more internationally modern architecture just makes me smile. It's not a revolutionary idea and I know I am not the first to notice this concept, but it really is one of the things I loved the most.

Here are some examples of what I loved in London. There were really too many fabulous buildings for me to attempt to document where any of these are but I do remember a few.

Hotel Russel (around the corner from the British Museum.)

Interesting building (near SOAS campus)

I just loved the shape of the windows.

Liberty of London = Fabulous = it's own post at a later date.

The British Museum

The view looking towards Central London while crossing The Millennium Bridge.

Royal Courts of Justice-breathtaking building, don't mind me in the photo.

Loved these buildings along Greek Street, they each have their own personality.

These condos were right around the corner from my hotel, they were a series of buildings and all different colors (there was a green one too but he didn't fit in the photo.)

What building isn't made better by a giant, glittering stiletto? Priscella aside, the Palace Theater is really beautiful.

I know...

2011-03-22T13:27:00.004-04:00

I have been absent, it's been a hectic couple of weeks and now I am trying to pull my world together so I can go to LONDON!!!!!!!!! Yes it is finally here, I am leaving this week! I am still hoping to meet up with Mr. Bazaar (fingers crossed) but either way it's going to be fantastic and I know I will tell you all about it when I get back. I am trying to harness my inner control freak and just let the trip happen and not make too many plans (but I do have my folder with print outs of various places to check out.) If you have any fab place for me to go let me know!

Until then, love on this Yummy Union Jack.

Sofa is from Barker and Stonehouse. Die.

Drag Queen or Cabinet Finish?

2011-03-16T09:53:00.000-04:00

Drag Queen or Cabinet Finish: LaBelle Chiffon

5 Things I Heart - Lauren Rubinsten

2011-03-10T09:05:00.000-05:00

I have known Lauren for about 5 years now and work aside, I love being her friend. She is so much fun and so full of life. I have had the pleasure of working with her on numerous occasions and her photography is just stunning--but aside from that she is a great person. Here are five things you should know about Lauren: 1. She travels a lot for work (so I never get to have dinner with her. sad face.) 2. She has super adorable dogs who love popcorn. 3. She loves to cook and is supposedly good at it, but she live SO far away so I have no idea. 4. She always smells AMAZING (I can't believe she is giving out her secret mix!) 5. She and I have a shooting record of 18 shots in one 7 hour day (including stopping for lunch)--after 5 years we are super fast together. smiles. Here are Lauren's 5 thing she hearts:

#1. Clean crisp sheets. My favorite. ... SEA cell sheets from Private quarters. Made from sea kelp and cotton. The softest sheets around!

#2. Body lotion and hand lotion. I have all sorts. My faves. AHAVA body lotion and C. Booth body Butter in Olive Oil.

#3. Black Truffle Salt. From Dean And Deluca. A must have for everything yummy.

#4. My favorite mix of perfume. Angel innocent and Trish McEvoy #9. My own concoction.

#5. Lulu Lemon work out gear. All Of it. It is made so well that even the worst launderer can not shrink or ruin it.

Happy Birthday Y.S.

2011-03-04T10:26:00.005-05:00

I almost forgot...in fact I had a small panic attack thinking I had missed my own 2nd birthday! In an attempt to avoid the terrible 2's I have been busy thinking of new posting ideas and here is what I have come up with. I will absolutely continue with my 5 things I heart series--that's a total given. I will revive my mixology series (see here) and I am thinking a weekly game of Drag Queen or Cabinet Finish/Fabric/paint color is in order, example: Cabinet Finish OR Drag Queen: Deluxe LaBelle Chiffon? I am happy to report that MWDA is super busy so it might take a minute for this brilliant ideas of mine to take hold but stay tuned and thank you for 2 great years!

And the winner is...

2011-03-01T11:57:00.005-05:00

LINDA! Congratulations on winning the most perfect shade of Knoll Red, totally appropriate for Spring and Summer! I love Cato as well, love the texture and depth that fabric has, it looks so good on chairs!

Linda, please email me with your contact information so I can send you the most awesome nail polish ever! papadopoulos.niki@gmail.com Thank you to everyone for your participation and I hope to have more giveaways in the future so stay tuned!

Knoll Nail Polish Giveaway

2011-02-28T12:11:00.003-05:00

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ENTER!!! If you want to win your own bottle of limited edition "Knoll Red" from Knoll Textiles, today is the last day to submit your favorite textile to enter the drawing. CLICK HERE!

5 Things I Heart - Emily Amy

2011-02-25T10:20:00.001-05:00

Emily Amy is hip. She is the owner/curator of Emily Amy Gallery with an incredible eye for great art that is affordable. Aside from her obvious gift for curating beautiful artwork, she has great eclectic style and a fantastic personality. She is one of the coolest people I know and her list is proof of that. Her positivity is contagious and her sunny disposition make her so fun to be around--here are 5 things make her smile.

#1 Elizabeth and James
A little hipper than most lines that Neiman’s carries and right up my alley. A tad bohemian and even more artsy; a perfect combination. Available at Neiman Marcus.

#2 Okkervil River
Because they recorded their first real album in their friend Brian’s garage...and it sill remains one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. (the title isn’t bad either--it’s called “Don’t Fall in Love with Everyone You See.”

#3 Frank Family Champagne Blanc de Noir
Because any champagne is good, but this one is exceptional. And the tasting notes site aromas of toasted hazelnuts and warm baked bread. Yum. Available through Frank Family Vineyards.

#4 Bibim Bop and Tofu House
I love to head up Buford Highway for dinners that I could never cook myself and this is one of them. Absolutely delicious.

#5 Wonderroot
I must admit, I am a little biased because my boyfriend founded this community arts center several years ago, but it does so much good for Atlanta and its tag-line is “uniting artists and community to inspire positive social change.” Now that’s inspiring.

Next up is the marvelously talented Lauren Rubinstein of Lauren Rubinstein Photography.

MWDA gets Trend-y again

2011-02-22T09:10:00.000-05:00

We are always thrilled when a magazine approaches us about one of our projects, especially a national publication like Trends. Trends magazine has been good to MWDA over the years and featured us several times and when they picked up a kitchen renovation/relocation we completed for some friends we were thrilled. Our clients had a totally wasted sun room and a really tiny kitchen, so we flipped them! Look at the sectional sofa and imagine that being your kitchen...yeah, I know. You can read the article online here!

Knoll Nail Polish Update

2011-02-16T12:23:00.007-05:00

So here is the deal, Knoll Textiles, in a brilliant stroke of marketing genius, has come out with nail polish in their signature Knoll Red! It's super fabulous, I know first hand (no pun intended) because I was lucky enough to get a bottle from my super fabulous Knoll Textiles rep! If you want to get your own all you need to do is become a fan of Knoll Textiles on Facebook and then email knollfb@knoll.com with your information and your favorite Knoll Textile! If you need help picking one, you can go to Knoll Textiles.com and check out some of their incredible collections. I personally love their Knoll Luxe Collections--specifically the Mohair Prima, it's my favorite! You have to do all of this in like 24 hours because winners will be drawn on Friday 2.18.2011. Get a jump on it and you could have yourself the perfect spring polish!

BUT--I have been fortunate to get my paws on a second bottle. One for me, one for who? It's my second giveaway!!! If you leave me a comment about your favorite Knoll Textile I will do my drawing on March 1st. So, pull it together and let me know what you love from Knoll!

Breaking Knoll News

2011-02-14T16:44:00.003-05:00

Hot off the presses aka Facebook: I don't know what the deal is with this, where to get it, how to get it, or anything about it, but I know it exists. I will find out how to get it and it will be on my hands IMMEDIATELY! Yes, I am more excited about it then the Knoll Book, or their super fab/lux Mohair Prima. And now back to your less exciting nail polish.

Make a Splash

2011-02-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

Let's discuss back splashes for a moment. HGTV has sufficiently covered the fact that it is an easy and relatively inexpensive (compared to gutting your kitchen) way to update your kitchen. There are zillions of fantastic options made of a million kinds of different materials so your choices can be overwhelming. Some things to consider that might help you make your decision:

1. Size: Playing with scale and using large or small tiles can make a big impact depending on a few factors. Smaller tiles are going to look more lively, even if it is a simple shape/color/material. Something to consider carefully if you are using a very active or modeled counter top material. Larger tiles are going to read in a more singular statement and look a bit more fluid, which, if you have a more modern space will add to that sleek dynamic. Or you could go super large with sheets to back painted glass, which is something I LOVE to do.

Tiny tiles, big impact.

Or go super large with back painted glass sheets (in this case, stripes)

2. Color: Use this to your advantage. If you have a very simple color scheme going on, punch up your space with some color. If you have lime green counter tops (see image)that this opportunity to let your other areas of interest to be the star and go with a neutral, more simpler option for the back splash.

Pop with color on your back splash OR

on your counter tops...BUT NOT BOTH!

3. Maintenance: What does it take to keep your chosen material clean? If you are the type who uses your oven for extra space for your sweaters, you could probably pick something that would be a little less practical then the budding Nigella Lawson, who will no doubt be scrubbing with 409 on a regular basis. If you hate fingerprints, metal tiles or sheets would probably not be the best option for you.

Windex is your best friend and all you need.

Glazed ceramic is easy to clean, with 409, Windex, Fabuloso (my favorite) or whatever.

5 Things I Heart - Lee Kleinhelter

2011-02-04T09:46:00.002-05:00

Lee Kleinhelter owns Pieces, one of the coolest stores in Atlanta (I am also thrilled to be in the Top 10 under 40 with her!) Lee has an amazing eye for finding one of a kind, exquisite items and breathing new life into them, in addition to her melt-worthy accessories and off the shelf items. Lee's top 5 things make me want to run out and buy them all just so I can sort of be like her.

#1: DYING OVER THIS.
I do not own (YET), but it makes me happy and gives me the travel bug...big time. Globe Trotter Cententary Suitcase from J. Crew.

#2: LOVING ANYTHING FURRY & WHITE. Mongolian lamb fur down pillow available at Pieces.

#3. SILVER POLISH ON THE TOES.
Never thought I'd like, but it's actually fun! Available wherever Dior Makeup is sold.

#4. I KNOW IT SOUNDS SILLY.
But if you have kids there's always a mess. Lately I've been loving these multi colored bandanas.
We use them instead of bibs. Yes, he looks like he's about to be in a rodeo, but they are so functional. Perfect for our little dude. Available at J. Crew.

#5: CLEARLY PERFECT.
Our Acrylic Block Frames have flown out the door...some of which have ended up in our home. Of course, it's all about the photograph. Available through Pieces.

Up next, the super fly 5 things list from Emily Amy of Emily Amy Gallery!

Tee-Hee

2011-02-03T12:33:00.000-05:00

This makes me smile. I would smile bigger if there was a cocktail sitting on it.

We have a WINNER!

2011-02-01T10:31:00.003-05:00

Capella, get ready to plant some mint for some cocktails, I am coming over!!! Congratulations, Tina is coming to live with you!

Last Day to Win Tina!

2011-01-31T10:16:00.003-05:00

Today is the last day to enter to win Tina in my Woolly Pocket giveaway! Click HERE and leave a comment about what you would plant in your Tina if she came to live at your house and I will pick the winner tomorrow!

Linen Magnetism

2011-01-27T12:25:00.004-05:00

I love getting special things in the mail and when I get something super clever and brilliant I get very excited. Today I got an update from Weitzner Ltd. in the mail, they make beautiful wallcoverings and have come out with magnetic wallcovering. Why has it taken so long for someone to think about this? When I opened their lovely marketing packet and saw a lovely linen I wasn't surprised, but then when I discovered it's gravitational quality my eyes lit up with delight! Currently it is only offered in a natural and a white linen, but I see that changing relatively quickly. I want to upholster my refrigerator.

Woollypocket - Super Fab and my first giveaway!

2011-01-24T10:30:00.004-05:00

I spoke at the AmericasMart last weekend and as a vote of confidence I received a lovely package in the mail from Woollypocket! This might be the cutest thing EVER. Basically is a felt (which is so hot right now) planter with a waterproof liner. They have 3 versions, the Meadow, the Island, and the Wally. The lovely people at Woollypocket sent me one brown Wally and one peacock island, her name is Tina. I will make every attempt to plant something in them and not kill it, but my track record is not so good. I stopped by their booth at market to check them out and these things are so stinking cute I couldn't stand it. They were so gracious and gave me a second Tina to give away. So here is the exciting part, this will be my very first giveaway! Post a comment and tell me what you would plant in your Tina and I will pick a winner! The drawing will be on February 1st when I will announce the winner!

This is Tina in Peacock Blue, she is up for grabs! What would you plant?

In a perfect world, this is what mine will look like--which means I might be taking it to have it done.

This is Wally, how cute is he!

Market Highlight

2011-01-21T10:42:00.001-05:00

I spend last Saturday afternoon at the AmericasMart hitting up Market in search of new fabulous-ness and to speak about Blogging! It was great, it was packed, and while I found a lot of really great new products and resources, my new favorite is Design Legacy. I walked through their space twice and while the people running the display didn't seem too friendly (granted they had already braved the snowpocalypse and been there for 3 days) I can look past that because they had super fantastic stuff. Think lots of washed linen prints that look super comfortable but still chic, great accessories that have individuality so two will never be the same, fantastic printed pillows, really lovely metal work (tables, case goods, bar stools, etc.) Check out some of the photos of things BPF and I swooned over.

Totally love the illuminated peace sign! Also, check out that huge bird print on canvas to the left of the peace sign, they had a zillion of them and I love them and intend on buying one! I also freaked out over the rug.

I have a thing for butterflies, cliche I know but I can't help it. I loved that case piece and doors are actually upholstered in a butterfly fabric. Upholstery makes everything better.

I forced him to take this picture against his will. But he looked so cute in the orange chair! The chair was cute too.

For more killer finds from Market 2011 check out BPF's rundown for HGTV here.

5 Things I Heart - Jason Moattar Edition

2011-01-17T10:45:00.005-05:00

I heart Jason Moattar. I love his sister too, but today we are hearing from my favorite go to rug guy. Let me just say, that I call on Moattar Ltd. for a lot of favors and they always deliver. Jason, Andrea, Kendra, Matt, and Koda always pull it together and make it work for me and I truly appreciate it. Business aside, let's talk shop. Jason has great style and his list of 5 things is an obvious example of that--to me it's an ultimate guy list with a gay twist, hot girls, hot cars, and great eye cream. Here are 5 things Jason hearts:

Marrakesh Rug from Moattar Ltd. Handmade in India, this piece is so sophisticated and stylish. Shades of slate blues, grays and khakis make this piece a perfect anchor for any transitional or modern environment. We just placed a 12x15 in one of Mark and Niki's client's homes! Available exclusively through Moattar Ltd.

Sisley Baume Efficace. Always a lover of a good eye gel, this is one of the best. Clear gel is perfect for morning, it sucks out all the evidence from a night of debauchery! A little pricey but it lasts forever, available through Saks Fifth Avenue or anywhere that sells Sisley.

Keen Hiking Boots. These boots are just awesome hiking boots but can be completely stylish as a casual day/night on the town. Heavy enough for the a long hike through the Appalachian and cool enough to pair with a thermal and some jeans. Available through Dicks Sporting Goods or here.

Jennifer Lopez for Gucci. Jennifer is one of the greatest beauties of our time as well as a fashion leader. These new Gucci ads showcase a softer side of Lopez posing with her children while still possessing the sexiness only she can deliver.

Porsche Panamera. The new 4 door Panamera is a perfect blend of Porsche power and styling with the added luxury (and space) of a sports sedan. Rated #1 in its class by Edmunds, the Panemera fits four good size men with some luggage. Even the riders in the back feel like they are controlling the cockpit with heated/cooled quad-climate control technology. *Side note, I love this car too and Jason has one. When I saw him drive up in it I swooned.*

Niki? It's London Calling...

2011-01-12T10:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to me, I am officially going to LONDON!!!!!!!!! I can not begin to express how excited I am!!! My darling niece Melanie made the wise decision to study in London for her junior year of college, I am making the wiser decision to take it as an opportunity to visit her. My sister-in-law and I are headed across the pond for 5 fun filled days in London Town. I have suddenly become obsessed with anyone who has a British accent, peacoats, the word "bloody", rain boots, and tea. When it comes to travel I am a bit of a nut case and there are certain things I need, an aisle seat, hand sanitizer, most importantly a binder which contains locations of my hotel, Melanie's flat (and a map of how to get to and from), the closest hospital, two copies of my flight information, and other "practical" bits of information...I'm a little neurotic.

But I do need help with one section of my binder...What to do. I want to make the most of my London experience and I need some help. What should I see? Where should I shop? Who makes the best crumpets? What should I avoid because it's a big waste of time/money/sanity? Of course Mel has begun mapping out our agenda, but we want to hear from you too! So give up your yummiest places to nosh and your scrumptious places to shop because I'm going to LONDON *twirls around* !!!

Blogging Business & Bites

2011-01-07T11:09:00.005-05:00

The January Gift Market is just around the corner, literally next week and down the street from my office. I am super excited because I will be speaking on a panel about Blogging and Design next Saturday as one of the Market events! Ms. Peak of Chic, Mr. Decor Demon, Ms. High Gloss Blue, and myself will all be discussing our blogs, our businesses and how one helps the other, all facilitated by Mr. Blue Remembered Hills. While I am super nervous and a little terrified that I might swear, I invite you to come down, it's going to be super fun and there are cocktails after.

In addition/preparation for the first Market event of 2011, I did a guest post for the AmericasMart Blog, check it out here and get my top 10 tips for visiting the mart.

Hello 2011...I think it's going to be a good year.

2011-01-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

I think 2011 is going to be a good year, it's off to a fantastic start already! I am incredibly honored to have been selected as one of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Top 10 Under 40. Truly I cannot explain how thrilled and completely humbled I am. To those who submitted my name for this honor, thank you so much, just to know that you think highly enough of me and my work to consider throwing my name out there is recognition enough. Briefly I would like to thank Azadeh Riaz for teaching me about business and giving me a chance when I was just a teenager. Barry Leach for making me realize, I made the right decision and telling me that I am a gay man trapped in a woman's body (possibly my most favorite compliment EVER) Scott Laslie and Mark Williams for putting up with me and guiding me. Mark--you're one of my best friends and I truly enjoy every day that I get to come to work with you. My father, for telling me I can do whatever I want and be whatever I wanted to be. He has always supported me and taught me what it means to take pride in the work that you do. And finally, to my amazing husband Sandy, thank you for letting me be me, for putting up with my insanity and being so supportive of everything I do. I could not ask for a better partner in crime or in life, thank you for loving me. I am in fantastic company this year including some of my favorite people and some new friends, congratulations to us all and thank you Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles!

5 Things I Heart - Annette Joseph Edition

2010-12-28T10:28:00.001-05:00

Fantastical style genius Annette Joseph is super fun and thankfully was willing to do a 5 things segment! I was tempted to ask her for like, 105 things because she has such incredible taste and knows where to find the coolest stuff! I did however let her get away with 6, because I couldn't resist one particular item...can you guess which one I died for?

Marwari Bag~ Hermes
This is the best bag ever, I bought one in Monaco, for myself for my birthday this year, with the encouragement of Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn…It will be with me for a lifetime, and the best thing is it’s comfy and functional.

Vetiver candle ~ (malin+goetz) best flavor ever, I burn it in my studio~ I got it from a friend, ( Gwyneth Paltrow’s chef Julia) it’s her fav flavor and now it’s mine! Available at Bloomingdales.

Hunter gold wellies~ on my holiday gift list, found by my oh so chic and cool new assistant Ginny Branch…I love them so, again pretty and functional just my style. Available HERE!

Axel 3 seater~ Anthropologie LUV LUV +LUV this clever chair~ the fabric the bomb, and the 3 way seats make me smile.

Ordinal Dresser~ also from Anthropologie very me with graphic numbers, I love numbers and letters on anything!

Color saturated rugs from ABC carpets~ I think that this is brilliant, in idea and color! Probably my most fav trend of the year.

Holiday Cocktails according to Betty (Crocker not Ford...obviously.)

2010-12-21T14:18:00.006-05:00

Slammed slammed SLAMMED! But I am not to busy to post about something that matters, a drink at the end (beginning and middle are ok too...) of the day.

Ginger Bread Cookie Cocktail

Ingredients
Gingerbread Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons mild-flavor molasses
1-inch piece fresh gingerroot, peeled, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves

Gingerbread Cookie Cocktail
Orange wedge
Brown sugar
1 oz Gingerbread Simple Syrup (2 tablespoons)
1 oz vanilla vodka (2 tablespoons)
1 oz half-and-half (2 tablespoons)
1/2 oz coffee liqueur (1 tablespoon)

Directions
1. To make Gingerbread Simple Syrup, mix sugar, water, molasses, gingerroot, cinnamon sticks and cloves in 1-quart saucepan. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; set aside 1 hour to cool. Strain syrup into glass jar; discard spices. Cover jar, and refrigerate until needed. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

2. To prepare cocktail, moisten rim of chilled martini glass with orange wedge. Sprinkle brown sugar onto small plate, and dip moistened rim into the sugar to coat lightly. Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1 ounce gingerbread simple syrup, vodka, half-and-half and coffee liqueur; cover and shake. Strain into martini glass.

Tip: If you can't find mild-flavor molasses you can use full-flavor molasses but reduce the amount by 1 tablespoon.

Coconut Macaroon Cookie Cocktail

Ingredients
Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Coconut Macaroon Cookie Cocktail
1 oz Simple Syrup (2 tablespoons)
1 oz light coconut rum (2 tablespoons)
1 oz half-and-half (2 tablespoons)
1/2 oz white crème de cacao (1 tablespoon)
Toasted shredded coconut

Directions
1. To make Simple Syrup, mix sugar and water in 1-quart saucepan. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; set aside 1 hour to cool. Pour syrup into glass jar. Cover jar, and refrigerate until needed. Makes 1 1/4 cups.

2. To prepare cocktail, fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1 ounce simple syrup, coconut rum, half-and-half and crème de cacao; cover and shake. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with toasted coconut.

Tip: To toast coconut, sprinkle coconut in ungreased heavy skillet. Cook over medium-low heat 6 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently until browning begins, then stirring constantly until golden brown.

My favorite kind of cocktail after a long long day...

on the rocks.

Vasilopita

2010-12-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

I have decided to recycle a post, it's not ideal but I wanted to share this with you all. Every year my father and I make Vasilopita, a traditional Greek New Year's Bread. It's about that time and we are going to be baking all weekend, so if you have nothing better to do bake along with us!

Let me reiterate the fact that I am by no means a cook, it's all I can do to not set the oven on fire (for the second time) But this recipe is special, it's my Yiayia's (Grandmother's)recipe for Vasilopita. Vasilopita is a Greek Tradition, it is a special bread that we make for New Years. It's a sweet bread, super tasty, and we bake a coin into each one for luck. Vasilopita is the bread of St. Basil the Great who's saints day is celebrated on New Years Day. When you cut the bread on New Years Day, whoever gets the piece with the coin in it is supposed to be "King" or "Queen" for the year (meaning they will have a good/lucky/exceptional year) The most senior member of the household is supposed to cut the bread. The first slice is dedicated to my homeboyJesus, the second is for the Virgin Mary, the third is for St. Basil, then a slice for the church, for the house, and then for the members of the family. This is something that I make every year with my father. We spend all day in the kitchen and make a huge mess. My late uncle passed this recipe on to us after he documented my Yiayia making it in 1986--when she was about 78 years old. It isn't super exact or precise, you kind of have to feel it out. If you have made bread from scratch before the whole process won't feel so foreign. It's a long process so settle in for a few minutes of reading.

This recipe makes 4-5 loaves of bread, you will need....

-7lbs flour (high gluten works really well)
-5 sticks of butter, melted and cooled
-11 large eggs
-3 cups of sugar
-4 packages of dry yeast
-4-5 cups of milk
-1 cup brandy (Metaxa)
-1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
-.5 tsp ground cloves
-.25 tsp salt

In a bowl, dissolve the yeast with a little water and a pinch of sugar. Add 3 cups of warm milk (not hot or it will kill the yeast; not cold or it won't activate) Stirring with a whisk, add enough of the flour, a little at a time, to reach the consistency of "gruel" or oatmeal. This is called..."the Sponge"...I know. Cover the sponge and let it rise in a warm place until puffy and bubbly. It takes between 15-20 minutes.

In a large bowl (I do this in 2 bowls because it's just too much for one) Add 3 lbs of flour, the sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves and make a well in the center for the wet ingredients. Add 10 of the eggs (eliminate 2 of the whites if you can), melted butter, Metaxa, and the rest of the milk. Then add the sponge. With your hands, begin kneading the mixture into a dough. If it is too wet add more flour, if it is too dry add more milk. Knead until it is smooth, not sticky. Pull out some of the dough--the size of your fist--and set it aside.

At this point pull out your cake pans and butter them up. Shape the dough in to round loaves (in a 9" cake pan it makes about 4 loaves--leave about 2" all the way around the loaf in the pan, it shouldn't fit snug because it still has to rise again) Take a quarter, wrap it in aluminum foil and insert one coin into each loaf. Grab the dough that you set aside and you will need to shape it into the numbers of the new year...I don't really know how to explain it, so just look at the pictures.

Once the loaves have risen--they should almost double in size and fill the cake pan, it is time to bake. I do my oven at 325 for 50 minutes. Take the one remaining egg and beat it with a little bit of milk. When the bread has baked for about 40 minutes, pull it out and brush on the egg wash. Then again when it has about 8-5 minutes left of the oven. This will give the top a pretty, shinny, golden brown color. When you remove it from the oven, run a butter knife around the edge and when cool-ish flip them over and get them out and then let them cool on a rack.

If you decide to try this understand it's like and all day process, but it's really fun. It's a tradition for my Dad and I, we make them every year and I give them away to friends and family. This also happens to make the most AH-MAZING French toast, just an FYI. Enjoy!

Cartoules Letterpress

2010-12-14T10:54:00.006-05:00

First off I think it's a bit sad that we don't correspond in writing anymore. There is something to be said for a personal, hand written thank you note or just a simple card to say hello. My friend from Cali, founded Cartoules Letterpress; which means "Little Cards" in Greek, a couple of years ago when she was getting married. A self proclaimed "paper fanatic" -- it started because she wanted her invitations to be bilingual (Greek of course) and so she did it herself! She has beautiful cards and can really do anything...visit her Etsy shop for some examples, including lovely personalized note cards.

In addition to being super fantastic and crafty like that (which I fully respect because I am not...not even a little bit) she loves interior design. She asked me to answer some questions for her blog for her one of her Designer Profiles and I was thrilled to do it! So check it out HERE!

What I don't want...

2010-12-10T10:16:00.005-05:00

It's that time of year where everyone is rushing around trying to figure out what the perfect Holiday gift will be for their friends and family. While so many people are coming out with their wish list and holiday gift guides, let me help in the opposite direction, by eliminating some of the guesswork. So many times we tell clients, "tell us what you don't like" because it helps us narrow in on what they would like, this is a list to help do just that. Let me tell you what I (and I assume most women) don't want.

1. The latest "As seen on TV" item that is on sale at the checkout counter at CVS. I don't care if you think it will make my life easier/better/more convenient.

2. Any jewelry/bag/scarf/accessory that you are also buying for your mother, but in a different color. We aren't 3 year old twins.

3. Household items, including but not limited to: cooking items, appliances, towels, hangers, trivets, coffee cups, electric blankets, etc. *EXCEPTION* if someone clearly expresses that they want a specific item that falls into this category. Get them the exact item, not a similar version. EXAMPLE: I wanted a Cuisinart Griddler a few years ago, I was very specific and my fabulous sister-in-law got it for me and I love it. However, buying a pink blender is not the same, don't do it.

4. A star in our vast galaxy. If you are going to spend money on something intangible, make sure it goes to a worthwhile cause. Y.S. approved examples:

WWF - World Wildlife Foundation. Adopt an animal for me...something cute of course.

Heifer International - Buy a Llama in my name. The money you spend goes to giving a lovely llama to a family in the mountains of Latin America where they can sheer the fleece off the llama and use it to make clothes for themselves or for sale. If you aren't into llamas they have several options including, geese, goats, rabbits, just to name a few.

World Vision - For $25 you can give a child clean water, or for $32 you can give them notebooks and materials for school.

The point is, if you are going to spend on something, don't buy me a damn star that I will never be able to find.

5. If you are going to buy me clothes, and you don't know my size, DO NOT mess up by getting me something too small. If you think I might/maybe/almost am a medium, get me a large. If you lower my self esteem on Christmas Day, I won't be naughty or nice to you, just indifferent--that's worse.

Happy holidays--go forth and shop!

5 Things I Heart - Scott Laslie Edition

2010-12-06T11:47:00.000-05:00

Scott Laslie used to be my boss (along with Mark of course) back in the day at The LW, now he is super fly fabulous and all over the place. Specifically he has been getting press for his new concept Found Market - which, in a nutshell is a virtual designer in a box! Check out BPF's Decor Demon profile on the business here. Today I bring your Scott Laslie's 5 things, all of which I am coveting as I type.

I absolutely love the abstract paintings by Atlanta artist Dixie Purvis…especially her works in black and white…they are wonderful paired with something primitive, ethnic or traditional...it is artwork that truly works in any interior. Dixie is fine home grown talent at it’s very best!…Available through Sandler-Hudson Gallery, 404-817-3777 Sandler Hudson.

I love the scent from FRESH, called Cannibis Santal…available through Neiman-Marcus…I actually get stopped by someone every day I wear it…its kinda fun!

I love the leather Moroccan poufs in all colors from John Derian. These are great additions to any interior...great to bring out for extra seating or just to put your feet up on. They add great color, too!

European hand tied floral arrangements from Suzanne Cummings Flowers in Chicago…this is truly floral at its best! The presentation is dynamite and these flower arrangements don’t necessarily need a vase...they stand on their own!

I love our new concept FoundMarket.com! It helps people find their personal style in their living space and opens the world of professional interior design to a whole new audience.

Stay tuned for the next installment of 5 Things I heart by Annette Joseph!

Party in the Club(room)

2010-11-29T11:46:00.001-05:00

Throughout my design career I have done a fair amount for work for Multi-Family developers and worked on several buildings all over the country. Every time we get to design a clubroom I get really excited because I get to make a functional yet stylish space that is inviting and durable. When MidCity lofts came to MWDA to bid on updating the building we were so excited. Not only do several clients and friends live there, but we love the building. Over the past 2 years we have gone floor by floor making improvements (lobby is next, fingers crossed)and just finished their clubroom, Sky, which has amazing views of Atlanta. Sky needed some love because the original plan and furniture didn't really suit the way homeowners wanted to use the space-so we ripped it all out and created something new! Mark and I love zones, breaking space up with furniture to create places to gather that have specific functions. In Sky we did the same thing. We created a "Library" zone for smaller groups of people to gather which is really inviting as you enter Sky. We created an enormous bar and dining zone that will easily accommodate large groups for parties, or smaller groups for sit down dinners. Next we created a larger seating group with a custom sofa that acts as seating or perching along the back, perfect for cocktail parties. And finally a game zone with a table perfect for poker or whatever and giant chaise lounges to curl up in. I hope you enjoy but more importantly I hope the lovely homeowners at MidCity Lofts enjoy!

Along with this post, because they go so well together, is the debut of my new Yummy Scrumptious logo! Thank you to Jeff Corey and Impact Design Works for all of his work, I love it!

Christmas at The Mans

2010-11-25T09:56:00.005-05:00

The 2010 Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Christmas House opens TOMORROW!!! I went there yesterday do take care of our flowers and fluff a bit and the whole place looks great! I feel like all the designers have done a fantastic job, some with very challenging spaces. The Christmas House will be open Thursday and Friday 10:00-6:00, Saturday 10:00-5:00, and Sunday 10:00-1:00. I will be there this weekend so come and take a look and say hello!!! For more information or if you would like to volunteer at the Christmas House click here!

ALSO, click here to go to CBS Atlanta's website and watch a video or AH&L editor Clinton Smith talking about the Christmas House as well as the Alliance Theatre, and guess where he is doing most of the interview?!?!?!?

5 things I heart - Ryan Hughes Edition

2010-11-19T11:20:00.000-05:00

5 things I heart is back, but now this will become a guest spot! First up--I heart Ryan Hughes, he has amazing taste (evident in his delicious showroom R Hughes) and is a great guy. I asked him to guest post for this month's "5 things I heart" and here is what he came up with!

James Way’s new painting “Boat with Wheel” available through Mason Murer. I have always been a huge fan of James Way, and I simply adore this piece.

Jiun Ho’s new Saumur Cocktail Table available through R HUGHES. I absolutely love the style of it- the combination of the honed gold calucutta marble top with the steel base.

Rhianna’s new album LOUD available on iTunes. I think this is her best album yet- and amazing she is only 22.

New Restaurant- The Sound Table- great vibe, great food...
483 Edgewood Avenue, Atlanta, 30312 (404) 835-2534

Victoria Hagan’s new and first book: Interior Portraits available through amazon.com- one of my favorite interior designers showcases her crisp work in this wonderful book.

Keep a look out for the next edition of "5 things" featuring my former employer and fabulous designer, Scott Laslie!

Also stay tuned for the launch of the Yummy Scrumptious Logo!

Design Wisdom

2010-11-18T11:19:00.010-05:00

A brief history lesson: Athena, the Goddess of war, civilization, strength, skill, justice, and most importantly wisdom. He sidekick is an owl, she is almost always pictured with one and many sculptures of her have one included (including the giant 8' sculpture of her in our restaurant, Athens Pizza.) Lately I have noticed owls making a resurgence in the design world, specifically in home accessories and jewelry...YUMMM! I have jumped on this trend and incorporated some owls in our Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Christmas House design (AH&L Christmas House Open November 26th-December 12th--come check it out!) you will have to come see it and try to find where I hid them! Here are some owl accessories that I love right now:

This is a copy of a Greek coin with Athena's owl, I can't count how many I have in some form or fashion, I know I have a pendant or two for sure.

Lovely lamp from West Elm, I really like that the owl is simple and clean and white, can't go wrong with white...ever.

Owl apron from Anthropologie, if I knew how to cook I would wear this...I might just wear it for effect.

Kind of cute in a weird funny way, I do like this owl tea set for some reason. It's from VivaTerra...there is something strange about it that I am drawn to.

Super yummy hardware also from Anthropologie, you can feel smart every time you open a drawer.

Super adorable owl pillows I found on Etsy made by Hilary Cosgrove.

Any my favorite, a great holiday gift (are you listening Sandy?) The "Fantastical Tale" owl bangles from Marc by Marc Jacobs, available at Nordstroms.

Iris is moving in...

2010-11-12T14:32:00.006-05:00

It's been a busy busy week full of installations and I am worn out! Aside from a giant client installation on Monday I have been back and forth to the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Christmas House all week. Today I am resisting the urge to go over there and continue to fluff (and continue to search the hotel for Jason Bateman who I met at Valet yesterday with fellow designer Amy Morris. Ok so we didn't meet him, but we stood next to him and giggled, same thing.) I won't give away too much because I want you to come and visit me, but here are a few snaps of how Iris' digs are shaking out...

You can find me at The Mans beginning Friday November 26th through December 12th. The Christmas House will be open from 10:00-5:00 Thursday through Saturday and from 1:00-5:00 on Sundays, I will be in and out and hope to meet some readers (if there are any!!!)

If you follow the link to the Christmas House...HERE you can purchase tickets online as well as in several locations around town. Hope to see you!!!

Lux Finale

2010-11-04T12:20:00.005-04:00

Here are the final photos of my beloved Lux Studio. It is a bright and happy place that smells amazing every time I walk in (sometimes I sneak over there and just lay in one of their shampoo bowls and answer emails, it's so relaxing!) I hope you have enjoyed witnessing the transformation!

photos by the lovely and talented Sarah Dorio!

Bowling for Boobs 2010

2010-10-29T10:39:00.007-04:00

Last night was the 3rd Annual Bowling for Boobs produced by the fabulous ladies (and gentlemen) at Illuminations and myself. This year was a complete success and a total sell out for the first time! We had 64 teams, 8 incredible sponsors and 32 fabulous donors. Unofficially (because we are still counting) we have raised $17,000 for Susan G. Komen! This is the most we have ever raised in a single event, which brings our total for the past three years to over $45,000! THAT'S RIGHT!!! I cannot express how proud I am of our Atlanta design family, this event has grown to be such a success in such a short period of time and that is all thanks to the support we are given by our fellow designers, reps, vendors, friends, and family. This all started because Elaine and I wanted to do something to stomp out this disease that has affected both of us personally and every year we get a little bit closer thanks to the overwhelming support we have received by this community.

First off, a HUGE thank you to our 64 teams who made this year the most successful and fabulous event we have ever had!

Thank you again to our incredible Sponsors, who make it possible for us to donate 100% of the money raised to Susan G. Komen.

Interior Design Magazine
Illuminations
Athens Pizza
Fontana Arte
Leucos
Murphy's
Mohawk

Thank you to our amazing donors who pulled out all the stops making this the most successful raffle we have ever had!

Knoll
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Tecnosedia
Yoma Textiles
Bradley Hughes
Map Contract
Lux Studio
Cook's Warehouse
R Hughes
Artemide
Flos
Modern Fan
Sutdio Italia
Murphy's
Tech Lighting
Athens Pizza
Fontana Arte
Dex Studios
Corpor Environments
Switch
KitchenAid
Pedini of Atlanta
Segis
Environs
Closet Factory
Touch of Color
Jack's Leather
Park Tavern
Coke Cola
LightBlocks
Hottie Hawgs
Bocado
Design Within Reach
Bjork Antikt

Finally, thank you to my friend Jeff at Impact Design Works for donating this time and incredible talent and creating our invitation and all of our signage.

Lux Part 2

2010-10-26T11:40:00.005-04:00

I am feeling coy at the moment. One thing I love about photo shoots are these little moments we create and capture of details, things that make a space special but are sometimes overlooked. Any photographer who has worked with me knows I love vignettes and I LOVE DETAILS! Here are some from Lux thanks to the lovely and talented Sarah Dorio.

Lux Part 1

2010-10-22T10:32:00.010-04:00

It has been about a year since we began this project, starting with field measurements, design, construction documents, etc. Lux Studio is owned and operated by our friends Charlie and Claudia and they are fantastic. We love them so much when they approached us about building out their new salon here at StudioPlex we were thrilled! Mark has done work in this area before, with Blue Med Spa but we knew this was going to be very different from that. I am going to do a series of posts that will show you step by step how we got from a loft condo, to a whimsical salon.

Here are the existing conditions. When Charlie & Claudia decided to relocate the salon, Charlie lived in the space for a while. He was a really great neighbor to have, cocktails at 3 in the afternoon, lending me AB Fab DVD's, all sorts of fun things! As we became friends I was really excited to work on the salon and work with Charlie!

This open space will soon become the cutting floor. Challenge #1...lighting.

Soon to be reception and waiting area.

Soon to be Sherry's Box...that's right. Sherry is their white blond firecracker who sits at the front, makes appointments, deals with clients and pretty much rocks the house. We called this space Sherry's box for a while...not the best choice but oh well.

Progress moved along quickly in the beginning, but not quick enough to be honest. Regardless in April we could see our forms and zones starting to take shape.

Sherry's box is starting to take shape!

So is the cutting floor! Here you can start to see Mark's idea for the stylist stations coming together.

One lovely afternoon I walked across the corridor to check on the progress (great perk of a job literally right across the hall, I can check up on them whenever I want!) Framing was complete and it was about time to start painting...then I almost fainted when I saw these pepto pink walls.

Luckily it is just a primer, but I immediatly ran to check our drawings and make sure we didn't specify the wrong color! It was a small heart attack moment for me, but I was assured that there would be no signs of it in the end.

At the end of May things were finally coming together and our early June installation deadline was fast approaching. With the hanging of each fixture and application of each specialty finish we were getting closer and closer and Lux was really taking shape (as was Sherry's box.)

Then finally the day arrived, INSTALLATION DAY!!! The salon was finished, the stylists were ready to move in and their clients were itching to see the new space. It was an all day affair with a little bit of DIY on the part of MWDA...

You will just have to wait for part 2 to see how it turned out!

Pop!

2010-10-20T14:14:00.002-04:00

Guess where I get to use this!

So excited!!!

Dear Anonymous

2010-10-11T14:24:00.004-04:00

Indulge me for a moment and let us have a discussion about blog comments. I have had this blog for over a year now and genuinely get excited when I get an email alert that I have a new comment on one of my posts. I am all for everyone expressing themselves and some may not agree with what I have to say or what I post, that is just fine. However, what I do have a problem with are comments that borderline on rude just for the sake of leaving a comment. I am not necessarily a law abiding citizen of the "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" rule, however, I do feel that constructively disagreeing with someone or something is just fine. When if comes to design everyone is different, we all have different tastes, likes and dislikes, which is what keeps things interesting. I don't expect everyone to always like what I do or the work I produce, maybe it isn't for everyone, I am willing to accept that. What I am not willing to except are those who leave rude or inappropriate comments and hide behind a tag of "Anonymous." If you have something to say, say it and don't be ashamed of it. If you are, then chances are you should not be saying it in the first place.

So...Dear Anonymous, I am sorry to hear you do not like the project I completed for Armstrong Atlantic State University (click here), luckily you were not my client (or were you?) While I can respect your comment, I find it interesting that to leave such a comment you are hiding behind anonymity. Best of luck with your passive aggressive form of behavior in the future!

Best of the Web

2010-10-07T12:39:00.004-04:00

Thank you so much to Be @ Home for selecting Yummy Scrumptious as one of the "Best of the Web" September Edition! You can click here for their blurb about YS and check out some of the other featured blogs. This is the first time YS has been awarded anything and I am loving it!

Good Drapes

2010-10-04T10:11:00.000-04:00

Designers love drapery and let me explain why. We are aware that it can possibly be the most expensive and time consuming part of your project, but what they add to a space it worth the wait. I don't care if you get off the shelf panels (which I have done--no shame in that--Restoration Hardware & Pottery Barn seem to have the best options) with simple in-stock hardware, just get them. I personally prefer a layer of sheers as well, they let in the softest and most ethereal, filtered light. Drapery is not just there to look pretty and block out the sun when you are getting your beauty rest, the does have a specific application from a design theory perspective. Imagine your room of furniture, almost everything, with a few exceptions (floor lamps, armoire, etc.) is about the same height. I would estimate that about 80% of your furniture does not exceed 48" in height--and that's where drapery comes in. What about the other 4' feet of space until you hit the ceiling? (assuming we are talking about 8' foot ceilings) If you a look around, you will see that most of your furniture is right around the same height, think about that in terms of planes. One plane is your floor, the second most obvious is your ceiling, the third (and less obvious) is the top of the majority of your furniture. So what unites these planes? DRAPERY!!! They add a vertical element that unifies a space, something that passes through each layer of your room and pulls it all together. That is why, from a design theory standpoint, they are important. SO GO AND GET SOME!

These were custom made, perfect installation. This is what I use for all drapery vendors as an example of the look I am constantly trying to achieve. Not too much puddle at the bottom, just a nice clean break with a crisp pleat at the top and simple hardware.

Again, custom made, but here in this photo you can see exactly the type of "unification" I am talking about.

Same project, more examples.

The above three images are all from a townhouse model. We used all off the shelf drapery here--I believe it was from Pottery Barn. So you can see, even store bought drapes do their job.

5 Things I heart

2010-09-28T15:01:00.010-04:00

I realized it has been a while since I did this segment...too long in fact. I decided to get a little more specific and highlight different stores and vendors with things I heart from them specifically. Today I have been working on our design for the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Christmas House and trolling John Salibello Antiques while trying not to die from all the fabulous. Here are 5 things I just cannot get over--believe me it was a struggle to only select 5, check out their website and see for yourself!

Four Tier Etagere made of Faux Antlers. I LOVE this 1960's piece, it's so chic.

Pair of White Lacquered Wood Armchairs with Flower Back detail. Who wouldn't want these?

Pair of Lacquered Wood and Rope "Harp" Chairs. Circa 1970. There are no words.

Stone Inlay Tusk Console Table. I probably shouldn't love it because some poor elephant lost it's tusks, but I prefer to imagine it dying of natural causes.

Pair of Gilded & Patinated Brutalist Steel Spike Wall Sconces. These are 37" long. They killed me.

Making My List & Checking it Twice

2010-09-21T11:34:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again (honestly it's been that time of year for over a month now, I just haven't had myself totally pulled together!) Mark and I are fortunate enough to have been asked to participate in the 2010 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Christmas Showhouse. This year the showhouse will take place at the Mansion on Peachtree and will be composed of two units on the 41st floor. I am proud to announce that we are working on the Master Bedroom in the South unit and we are in some fabulous company (including my all time fav--Susan Ferrier--I flip for her jewelry and personality.) We are still pulling it together and so far we are really loving the direction that it's taking and DYING over this year's "client." Last year Mark and I felt like our room was a tribute to Rhoda Morgenstern and we proceeded as if she was our client, naturally we decided this year we needed a new client. This "Rare Bird of Style" is really forcing us to pull out all the stops and we are having a great time with it. Take a look at some snap shots of our space from this week's site visit.

This year's client is a style icon, do you know who she is?

3rd Annual Bowling for Boobs!

2010-09-17T00:47:00.010-04:00

It is that time of year again, BFB 2010 is around the corner! In the past two years we have raised over $30,000! I am thrilled that we have been so fortunate to do this for a third time and thankful for our incredible sponsors who make is possible to give every penny raised directly to Susan G. Komen. Breast cancer is something that has an affect every woman, even if you never get it, just think about what you do to try to prevent it. Self exams, mammograms, multi-vitamins promoting breast health. This is something ever present for every woman. The Atlanta A&D community is full of strong, amazing women and I can think of two members of our little Atlanta family who have gone/going through treatment for breast cancer just this year. This is something that never takes a break, a disease that doesn't slow down regardless of what is going on in our world. We owe it to ourselves to fight and to do whatever we can to prevent it and help others--and if we can have some fun while we do it then that is even better! If you are interested in participating at BFB2010 please let me know. Bring your breast skills and together we can strike out breast cancer!

Here are the particulars:

$200 per team of 4 players

Amazing raffle items donated by:
R Hughes
Bradley Hughes
Tecnosedia
Knoll
Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams
Map Contract
Lux Studio
Artemide
Flos
Modern Fan
Sudio Italia
Murphy's
Tech Lighting
Fontana Arte
Dex Studio
Corporate Environments
Cook's Warehouse

The entire event is made possible the the following sponsors:
Illuminations
Leucos
Neidhardt
Fontana Arte
Mohawk
Athens Pizza
Murphy's

Without our sponsers there is no way we could put this together. They make is possible for us to donate all of the team registration fees and money raised from the raffle directly to Susan G. Komen. Please contact me at papadopoulos.niki@gmail.com for information on sponsorship, donation, or registration.

Adventures in Bathroom Photography

2010-09-15T13:16:00.009-04:00

A few times Mark has worked with developers to help enhance their building plans and this bathroom is the result of one of those designs. It turned out lovely and so we photographed it, the adventure begins. Produced by me, photographed by Sarah Dorio, and styled by the fabulous boys from Waterworks! All of these items are for sale through Waterworks and if you can't make it in to a location you can check out their online store, they have an incredible accessories collection with insanely soft and fluffy towels! My favorite are the designer toothbrushes, no joke!

Adventures in Floral Arranging...novice

2010-09-08T12:37:00.005-04:00

I am having a floral moment. I have had 4 photo shoots in the past month since I have been back from Greece and it got my thinking about my flower arranging. I feel like I do a pretty ok job, but always, no matter what I do, the lovely Sarah Dorio makes them look incredible. I think I want to take a flower arranging class, if any one in the Atlanta area has done so and really enjoyed it please let me know! Otherwise I'll stick to crossing my fingers and hoping it looks ok from an amateur level. Either way, Sarah's love for "details!" makes me love the floral shots she takes and let's face it, who doesn't like to look at pretty flowers?

Sincerely, Cecelia

2010-08-30T11:12:00.003-04:00

I have just done my first guest post! I was so excited when Sincerely, Cecelia asked me to do a guest post about what's on my nightstand, and she asked me right as I was leaving for Greece! Since I hate my nightstands in Atlanta, I thought it would be fun to go international and do a post about my nightstand in Athens (yes, it has integrated lights.) Check it out!!!

Proper Fit

2010-08-27T10:03:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of being introduced to the newest collection of fittings, lighting, and tile at Waterworks, the Henry & Grove Brickworks. This new collection to me is a breath of fresh air for Waterworks and it really bridges a gap for them for fittings and fixtures with a transitional flair. I was a virgin to the Waterworks showroom---I know I know, after 7 years with Mark you would think that I would have been there before, but all that was rectified yesterday. What I love about this collection, is it draws it's inspiration from the "industrial age thinking." This collection has a very modern foundation, a departure from a lot of the Waterworks product that tends to be more traditional in nature. "Straightforward but not over-simplified, Henry and Grove are intelligent elements in modern settings. Functional composition and construction speak to the fittings' core aesthetic; the brickworks' surfaces and hues create a strong minimalist canvas that's a statement in itself."

One thing I love about this collection are the finishes and colors. The Grove bricks are available in all the shades of blue and gray that I am just madly in love with right now. Henry comes in chrome, nickel, but my favorite is the unlacquered brass, which is guaranteed to age and patina beautifully. There is a sample of the unlacquered brass in the showroom that has been there for a couple of weeks and the aging process has already begun, I will be checking back to see how it continues to oxidize. To view the collection at Waterworks you can visit their Atlanta showroom at the intersection of W. Paces Ferry Road/Roswell Road/Peachtree Street.