Divine Living Interiors

Preparing for a busy fall…

Nicole — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:29:00 +0000

Summer fun is drawing to an end, so I have been spending this week preparing for a really busy fall. When the kiddo’s go back to school, we start to realize that the holidays are right around the corner. We start those home projects lists to get finished before family and friends join us for the holidays.

Anticipating being really busy, I decided to be proactive so that I am ready for the fall design rush. I recently purchased Studio Webware, which is an interior design accounting software. It is awesome and will help keep all of my sourcing, purchasing, invoicing and everything else that goes to complete a project running smoothly. All of this planning and preparing made me start a little list of “to do’s” of my own.

As I was organizing my wonderful fabric books (I didn’t get very far because I sat down and spent hours going through the yummy fabrics again and again), I decided that maybe I need my own “Resource Library,” “Design Studio,” or whatever you want to call it. Here are a couple of pictures of some pretty good interior design studios..

Fun studio for those who only do spaces for kids!

Obviously not a resource room, but it’s definitely my kind of design company!

Thank you to Cool Iris for the photos.

Stay tuned to see how our design library turns out!

Christmas in July…

Nicole — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:34:29 +0000

I have to say that it is a great honor to be the Chairwoman for the Holiday Tour of Homes this year! It is definitely hard work, but I am up for the challenge! My good friend and co-chair, Allie, and I have been working so hard on making this years tour a huge success. We have come up with several fresh and new ideas… our favorite: candlelight night tour! I know it’s hard to think about Christmas when we just broke a record high yesterday, but as usual, it will be here before we know it. So, here are a couple of pictures to help get us in the spirit of things…

(All of these pictures are from Better Homes and Gardens)

Kitchen and Outdoor Living Home Tour

Nicole — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:18:24 +0000

Today, my hubby and I took a spontaneous trip up to Barnsley Gardens. On our way back home, we passed a sign in Cartersville that said “Kitchen and Outdoor Living Home Tour.” I just couldn’t go home without seeing the inside of these beautiful homes built in the 1800′s. The tour showcased 6 beautiful homes, each one had such wonderful history. Unfortunately, my camera battery died at the first home… so here are the 2 pictures that I was able to capture! That just means that I have to go again next year!

Design in a Box…

Nicole — Wed, 19 May 2010 03:21:03 +0000

Last fall, I had a client who was in need of a master bath renovation. The husband was a “do-it-yourselfer” type, so they wanted the luxury of having a complete design plan… but wanted to do the renovation on their time and using their resources. This lead me to develop the “Design in a Box.” The box included a sample of the cabinet finish, countertop material, tile, fixture finish, and paint colors. Also, their were detailed drawings that were key to the project. A list of all of the items, from the shower drain to the exhaust fan, were included with where to purchase. Everything was packaged nicely into a beautiful linen box and delivered to the client. The box was a huge hit… and the renovation went perfectly!

I decided that there are potential clients that might want the option of purchasing items a little at a time… so, I decided to offer the “Design in a Box” as an option. I am anxious for feedback… let me know if you’re interested in receiving pricing for the Design in a Box- nicole@divinelivinginteriors.com.

Beach weekend with some art on the side…

Nicole — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:23:32 +0000

Every year, my family and I take a trip to Seaside, Florida for Mother’s Day. Seaside is our favorite Florida town… my hubby and I were married there… beach side baby! Our first stop is always at Pickle’s beach side grill, where I sip on a cold banana daiquiri and snack on the best fried pickles on the planet. This has become our welcome to vacation tradition year after year. Just when I thought that our vacation couldn’t get any better, I found out that Seaside was hosting the first annual ArtQuest. The beach and artwork… they must have known that I was coming into town and planned this awesome art show around my arrival (yeah right!). I found so many new talented artists, many right here from Georgia. So, going home without something would have just been absurd… so here is Southern Soul and she is hanging in my foyer. The artist is Kelly Ash, owner of Sweet Gravy Studio from Cumming, Georgia. www.sweetgravystudio.com

February Newsletter

Nicole — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:58:30 +0000

Check out this months newsletter… don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter on the right side of this page!

Thanks for viewing!

http://eepurl.com/hkZN

Mart-tastic Saturday

Nicole — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:16:45 +0000

Last weekend, a good design friend of mine and I went to the big Home Furnishings show in Atlanta. We spent the whole day trying out amazing (and crazy expensive) sofas and chairs. We got to try out the furniture line by Candice Olson… yep, they are to die for! Besides being inundated with beautiful furnishings, we were also star struck!
We caught a cooking demonstration by Atlanta’s own Alton Brown. Then we caught an amazing design seminar by well known designer Thom Felicia. Just when we thought our afternoon couldn’t get more star studded, we ran into Marie Osmand. She is just a pretty in person as she is on television! We had such a fun day and are ready to hit the ground running!

Color Trends 2010

Nicole — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:20:11 +0000

I just took the Color Trends 2010 class hosted by Sherwin Williams… next years colors are so yummy! Sherwin Williams has developed 4 different inspirations: Rooted, Refreshed, Treasured and Simplified.

Rooted is exactly that… its inspirations were derived from Native American, African and Aboriginal tribes. The colors are very rich with a touch of mystery.
Refreshed is definitely refreshing! The colors will make you long for those summer days. Fresh florals, and bright colors are inspired by bohemian influences.
Treasured is keeping what you have… not getting rid of anything, just repurposing it. Hitting up Scott’s Antique Market to find those pieces that have layers and layers of chipping paint; anything that has an imperfection or a story to tell dominates this ensemble!
Lastly is simplified… translucent materials, tailored lines, and calming hues that blend in with its surroundings for a look that is very versatile.

I hope this insight has inspired you to look around your home to see what trend you lean towards as we are getting ready to ring in 2010!

Holiday Decorating

Nicole — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:09:18 +0000

I thought for sure that after doing the holiday home for the Junior Service League that there would be no way that I would be able to decorate my home for the holidays… well, it seems to be just the opposite! I can’t get enough Christmas decorations. Last week, I met a wonderful lady who invited me to her home to help her decorate for Christmas. We incorporated things that she had, along with some new things that I brought in… together, the house turned out fabulous!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nicole — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:34:54 +0000

I have so much to be thankful for… my family, friends and having a job I love! Their is nothing better than spending time with family around a table full of laughter, cherished memories and yummy food! May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving holiday!