ON THE HUNT

Hey everyone!! Yesterday was a fun day - I was sent out with a list and a mission to go hunting, gathering and exploring fabric shops - to collect samples for some upcoming custom projects! And I don't mean just popping into JoAnn's... I'm talkin' walking into a maze of fabric bolts, books and samples from vendors such as Kravit, Robert Allen and Beacon Hill, to seeing ton-age of trims & tiebacks. One shop I found while sourcing on the Internet was located just down the street from me called Tiffany's. It's a family run shop that has been there for more than thirty years. I loaded up on a few sample books to bring back to the studio, along with a few shots of fab fabrics around the shop.

Fresh Spring color combos

Radiant starburst prints

Foils on fabrics

Bling! Bling!

Great linens with prints

Amazing tiebacks

Quatrefoil prints

Fretwork prints

Reptile textures

Graphic prints

Ikats and Bohemian style prints

Afterwards, I headed south... and drove on an expressway I haven't been on in probably over fifteen years (the Palmetto)! I stopped off at shop, that use to be located up here in Hollywood, but relocated south to Bird Road in Miami called Ultra Fabrics. The manager I chatted with was so helpful, she even suggested another shop for me to check out: Fabric Gallery, located in the Bird Road Arts District. Ding! Ding! Another gold mine of trims and treasures, with more helpful people... so much so, they handed me the scissors and said "Cut what you want". 

After collecting some samples and talking a little more with the FG rep Terri, she said I might be interested in checking out a relatively new shop that the Fabric Gallery owners recently opened called Urban Loft. Although I was crunched for time (didn't want to get caught in  a sea of break lights at the airport expressway - the Dolphin) I dropped off my goodies at the car and headed over.  I got to speak with the shop owner, who not only let me take some pics of his shop, but let me know new merchandise would be arriving next week. I am definitely going to be making a trip back down there...



There are SO many more shops to explore at the Bird Road Arts District! I think I may have to bring my mom out with me Saturday ~ which the district also holds an art walk every third Saturday, to help support the area.



 

NEW YEAR NEWNESS

New tasks. New schedules. New gigs. So far this past first week of the new year has brought all of the above.  To bring you into the present, I've got to take you back to this past summer. Back in June, I had blogged about the premiere episode of the new Color Splash season and location ... Color Makes A Splash In Miami and More Color Splash Over Miami

ColorSplash

Soon after creating the posts, I had looked up the production company, along with names of people related to the Color Splash program. Since I was very focused last year on breaking free of my "shop girl" past, as well as learn & connect to more people in the design industry, I added those names I found to my connections on LinkedIn. I also searched their names on Facebook, and sent a friend request - which thankfully was accepted.

This past December, making those connections paid off in a wonderful way: I had received an email (from the shows Executive in Charge of Production) to come interview with the crew and staff of Color Splash Miami - as an additional Design Assistant for the show.  So yes (SMH) - I got to meet Designer David Bromstad, Patricia Rothman (David's Design Coordinator), Gina (David's Trainee), Stuart (David's Carpenter), the show's producer Julie, along with all the other team members (assistant producer, production assistants, and camera crew) who together create Color Splash.

After interviewing with them, I awaited a call from the shows Executive in Charge of Production - Michelle (my original connection on LinkedIn and Facebook), who called two days after the interview to ask if I'd like to start January 3... And so I did =)

David B. and me the day of the reveal.



This past week I started the gig I had interviewed for back in December. Ironically, the studio is located near the Design District (which I had temporarily worked at back in September), so I was already familiar with the drive, neighborhood, and traffic patterns. I've learned a lot of new names and terms, but I've also been able to apply some of my past experiences to help with some of the organization of the makeovers scheduled, as well as product display for a shoot. Understandably however, I cannot show you any the makeovers... You'll have to wait until they air, which should be in/around April or May. As it does get closer, I'll give ya the heads up!

My apologies for not having been more consistent with posting this past week. Combining a work schedule and time to blog is new for me. I mostly enjoy writing the posts in the morning and afternoon - writing at night is different (and challenging). So what I'm trying to do is write the weeks post over the weekend, save them, and still post daily, which should work out. 

I also have two more client projects coming up, a contribution request (for centerpiece ideas) from HGTV.com, along with a makeover for my mom. I'm going to be teaming up with an old friend (Jose) who started up his own company. He has an online site called KoutureComfortInc featuring custom pillows, window panels, throws, home fragrances with candles and room sprays, and a skin care line he just set in a shop on Lincoln Road. I'll be blogging about the launch party from the shop during the second week in February. Jose's even pushing for me to write a book... so we'll see what else the new year will bring...

Jose snapped this shot just after I had interviewed with ColorSplash.

In the meantime, I'm so excited to be learning about production and be a part of a dynamic team who together produce a fine show! And hey - Hello! David Bromstad!!! In my honest opinion - he is "THEE" Design Star. He was not only the first, but set the bar and standard for others to reach to - which sorry but - I don't think anyone else after him has been as successful as he has been!!

New year... New gigs... and New Adventures!

NEW TO VIEW IN 2011

Hello! Hello! Hello! Hope everyone has enJOYed the first week of the new year! How have you spent yours so far? Have you made resolutions for change? Are you starting a new career venture? Any big travel plans on your agenda? Now that the decorations have been put away and the family has packed up and all gone home, have you had any time to check out some new shows airing on HGTV? I had spent  some time on New Years Day checking out the new shows... which by now have aired this week...



I really liked three of the new shows: Cash and Cari, Selling New York and especially Candice Olson's new show - Candice Tells All. What I liked most about Candice's new show was the more realistic approach it had to showing more of the behind the scenes effort it takes to putting together her signature look. She has several assistants aiding her in executing her vision. The assistance do everything from sourcing accessories and furnishings to textiles for window panels and custom pillows. And you thought she did it all? With as many projects as she has happening simultaneously, plus keeping her high level of standards - you just can't do it alone.

The first episode of Candice Tells All reviewed the principle of indestructible design, which included using sturdy and durable materials. And like Candice says, "You may not have the fireplace, but you do have the wall that you can make a focal point with a statement color or a statement wallpaper."

These ladies sell the VIEW...

NYC hot properties is all about the view...

A new season of Selling New York has also begun. Although it isn't necessarily a new show, but new situations and dramatic lux interiors are always an inspiration ~ especially when set in such a spectacular gem of a city like New York... The lofty listings are always an inspiration!

For the complete other end of the spectrum (those of us not living in lux but in the thrill of the thrift) there is a new show called Cash & Cari. I enjoyed watching Cari's hunting and gathering of treasures from trash... (chic version of American Pickers) I also especially enjoyed seeing how Cari's crew collected, cleaned-up and repaired the finds for Cari to resell - in a barn, for her Estate Sales. I wish South Florida had something like that... For now I guess I'll stick to thrifting =)

From Emily's blog post today: "... while I don't have an exact date, expect end of February early March for the series to start airing."

 

Some other programs in the works and expected to air later on in the year are Secrets From A Stylist and HGTV'd. For HGTV'd, a HGTV designer will travel across America in a red 18-wheeler, surprising fans with jaw-dropping makeovers and over-the top home transformations. Since Saturday, January 1, 2011, potential candidates have been going to HGTV.com to upload room photos & videos (same format as RMS) showing the rooms in their homes in desperate in need of a makeover - and warning - some of those spaces have been FRIGHTENING!!! A lucky homeowner will be chosen for the series and will receive an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime fantasy makeover, along with the chance to appear on HGTV - WITH - a celebrity designer!!

Sabrina Soto

Genevieve Gorder

The makeovers will be created by HGTV stars such as David Bromstad (Color Splash), John Gidding (Curb Appeal: The Block), Genevieve Gorder (Dear Genevieve), Sabrina Soto (Get It Sold and Real Estate Intervention) and Vern Yip (HGTV Design Star). Each week will feature a designer driving up in a specially outfitted HGTV’d truck - ready to transform outdated family rooms, dull basements and boring backyards - into astonishing, one-of-a-kind spaces.

Vern Yip

John Gidding

David Bromstad



The series is expected to premiere in summer 2011.

Looks like a great new year of design inspirations and network newness. Speaking of the new year, newness, and HGTV ... I have some exciting news to share with you shortly ... and it will also explain last weeks absence from posting to the blog =)

DESIGN RESOLUTIONS

It's a new year and also a new decade. When was the last time you refreshed the look of your home? Even if it was at the start of the millennium, you could be in need of a refresher. Last year may have been a year of caution - not too many home renovations were happening as in years past. But refreshing the look of your home need not require an entire overhaul. In 2011, take some time to rethink the design style of your home and re-energize your outlook by what you look at... with a little shift and shopping thrift.



• (RE) THINK your space: Over use of one space and under use of another? Bring balance to your home by re-thinking the way you use your space. For example: A home office littered with magazines and cluttered with books can be reorganized by relocating reading materials to an underused dining room to create a library, or create a reading corner in your great room. Taking the time now to plan how a space is used, will save you time later when you need it the most.



• (RE) PAINT your space inside and out: Even if you live in a development with restrictions (i.e. all the same color) chances are, your front door, garage door, or trim (esp. near the garden) could benefit from a fresh coat of paint to make your home look crisp (and even spark inspiration for your neighbors). Over time, no matter what quality of paint you use, it just doesn't look as fresh. Inside, why not try a new neutral (like a warm grey) and an accent wall in a grassy green or chocolate? If you’ve always lived with solid walls: try stripes: same color: 2 finishes. Even glossy white moldings can be refreshed in an afternoon. Freshen all doors in another afternoon with a new coat of semi gloss. If you have the freedom, paint your front door a new color. If you can't do outside because of a community association, at least paint the interior face of your door a new color like charcoal, chocolate, or black.

KELLY HOPPEN DESIGNS

• (RE) VAMP your accessories: What you’ve had upstairs, bring down. What you’ve had downstairs, bring up. Check in the garage and closets for some forgotten treasures. Gather similar shapes into a collection. Inexpensive or old pieces can have new life with a simple coat of spray paint. This is the time to try a new color, like all white, grey, or red, but vary the finishes: two flat with one high gloss. If groupings aren’t getting enough variations in height, try a stack of books. Books stacked by color create impact, or turned in reverse create texture. Books can also be unified by covering them in white or tan craft paper.

KELLY HOPPEN FURNITURE COLLECTION

• (RE) LAMP your space: Just like you change your accessories every time you change your outfit, change your lamps from room to room. You’ll be amazed how a space is transformed with new lighting (and only be new to the space, but at no cost) Minimal updates to refresh lamps can be a quick spritz of spray paint or add an updated shade in a new shape, color, or pattern.

KELLY HOPPEN DESIGNS


• (RE) PLANT your entrance, terrace, or outdoor living space: What do you or your guests see when they come up to your home? Have trees or bushes overgrown? Is there a composition or rhythm in your garden? Try adding some containers. Even if you aren’t into flowers, visual interest can be added through contrasts of solid or variegated plants, pops of color through pots, or textures from leaves. Even coordinated decorative pillows on a back patio can expand the living space from inside your home out. Existing outdoor furniture, containers, and even your grill do tend to fade (especially down in South Florida!) so spruce it up with a fresh coat of spray paint. Even some left over Jacobean wood stain works on a terracotta pot: it will chip away and looked aged over time.

• (RE) PURPOSE (RE) USE (RE) CYCLE: Or in a word UPCYCLE! Whether it’s your own pieces stuck in the garage or tucked up in your attic, refinish and switch out some existing pieces in your spaces to refresh your home for the new year. Find a new use for something old (side tables together (but not bumped) become your new coffee table or relocate a ‘matchy’ bedroom bench into the dining room for new seating) While clearing through the clutter, let go of pieces you know you will not use. Donate undesirable items to your local Salvation Army or Vietnam Vets. Your trash could be someone else’s treasure and help them to refresh their home. An afternoon activity can be made by holding a garage sale. With a little time and effort organizing, the money you make from the sale you can treat yourself to a new addition or put it towards supplies to re-salute your home.

• (RE) TREAT and celebrate your refreshed home with gatherings of friends and family. Reconnect with those you’ve lost touch with, or make new connections by starting up a block party. Host a clothing, scrapbook, or accessories swap for the ladies, a tailgate grill out for the guys, or a cookie party for the kids. We’re all spending less money out and about. The past year was a reality check for us to realign our priorities. Now is the time to apply what we’ve learned (as well as what we’ve been putting off) and bring back true value to our haven called home.

 

WELCOME 2011 with the promise to (RE) SALUTE your home. Don't get overwhelmed ~ just do a little at a time throughout the year. Try a some thrift shopping this year. Try a little furniture refinishing project. Try a refreshed editing approach to your accessories. Try a new color - even white can be a refreshing new color in a space. Apply yourself and surprise yourself for 2011! And if you live in an already perfect home, then take the time to apply these resolutions to help a friend, a family member or neighbor. You’ll be glad you did.

WELCOME 2011 with a REFRESHED look!