How to Live a Beautiful Life

Revisiting the past

2013-09-18T16:17:00.001-07:00

   Last week I went back to Wisconsin to visit my old friends and family. Just like this picture of a childhood moment, it was fun to reminisce about all the things we did when we were younger and catch up on what we are doing now.

    I moved to a small community when I was about 12 years old, and attended a 4 room country school house. We only had 7 children in my class, and needless to say we all became like family. Well, my best friend was a boy, and I spent a lot of time with his large family. They had 2 grandmas, 7 sons and daughter and mom & dad all living together. Because there were so many of them, they did not really need anyone else to do things with.

I spent all of my time with that family, and they became family to me. We laughed and cried, got mad at each other and always had a good time playing games. We fished, camped, played softball together. I ended up marrying my childhood sweetheart.

Since then, I have been divorced and remarried, but have still kept in touch with the family. We had such good times, and they are a part of my history.

Whenever I hear someone say that they are not talking to family members, it really breaks my heart. We all need to have that connection to the past. That is how we became who we are. By denying that relationship to continue, we lose touch with our very roots and sense of who we are. Everything goes back to the beginning.   Of course, there are times when your feelings are hurt. Will you let silly pride get in the way of your future? Remember the good times...then you can continue to have more.

What is your Style?

2013-05-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

STYLE, how do you define it?

I have always thought that your style defines who you are.

I think of my style as relaxed but with a touch of elegance. As you can see from the colors I have selected for my remodeling project, the colors are neutral and calm. They were selected to go with a flea market set of old Venetian painted tables that I just love! They have a sense of patina, as most of the shine they originally had has been worn off long ago. They have a lovely curved shape and a soft design on the tops.

I dress my home much as I dress myself. Antiques mix with modern. I collect pieces when I travel, and almost everything has a story. I do not follow trends, unless it appeals to me and fits my personality, body and space.

What is your style?
    Artsy... with color and mixture of patterns, fun and bright?
    Refined.... simple lines, tailored, muted neutrals?
    Intellectual....books, maps, a layered sense of dress and furnishings?

Think about what you like, what you are comfortable with, and follow your heart. Start your own trends. If you listen to your inner self, you will not have a closet full of nothing to wear, or furnishings that look dated. You will always feel good about yourself, and comfortable in your home.

This is a picture of a small courtyard garden that I see every morning when I am getting ready for my day. It sets my mood. The wrought iron fencing is from a wonderful little antique shop in New Orleans. I love hearing the trickling water from the fountains and hear the birds singing...so soothing.

This is my style, that mix of old,... structured and relaxed. A touch of color, but calm and soothing. How do you show your style?

Are you a leader?

2013-04-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

I found this chart, and alot of valuable ideas in an article written by David Kerpen, a best selling author and speaker.

My thoughts are that some people are just natural born leaders. Starting on the playground, they are the organizers of the sandlot baseball game, gathering friends together to carol at Christmas for senior citizens or just the person with the most charisma and influence. All they need to be to be successful is harness those natural talents, get an education in a field that interests them, and join a good company.

Many of us have some of the skills needed to become a leader, but they need to be recognized and honed. Consider what it is about the people you want to be around.
They should be a little bit smarter and more knowledgable so you can learn from them, and you inspire them to do even better.

A good leader always takes the time and effort to know the team. It is important to play up the abilities of the people on the team. If someone is creative, put them in charge of new ideas and expansion. If another member of the team is analytical, let them keep everything in order, and on time and budget. Use the team to the best of their ability. Not everyone has the same skill or mind set. A good leader knows and appreciates that.

"Individuals play the game, but teams beat the odds." SEAL Team saying

Green selections for kitchen

2013-03-21T08:18:00.002-07:00

It has been a couple of weeks since we started our kitchen remodeling project, and we have made quite a bit of progress.

The fun part for me was selecting the finishes and styles of the cabinets, countertops and hardware.

I had a wonderful experience at Home Depot, where I selected Martha Stewart cabinets and Silestone countertops. The entire team was helpful, available when I needed them and very knowledgable. I would highly recommend them to anyone in the process of remodeling a kitchen or bathroom in their home.

The selections I made are green selections, so I am being a good stewart to the environment, and they will be very functional in a space that is used a great deal.

The perimeter cabinets which I wanted in a white, are a 5 ply laminate which will not show the cracking or splitting that would normally be experienced in a dry enviroment like we have in the winter. They will also be very easy to clean, and will not yellow over time. I have chosen the Silestone, Merope for the countertops, and love the honed look which is soft and casual.

The island will be in a dark Java maple wood. The Silestone, Giallo Nova will add movement and color to the space, and not show marks or waterspots. The wonderful features of it not having to be sealed, scratch and heat resistant, and another green product makes it perfect for my needs.

I have always said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. And that is certainly true in our house. With that said, I am really going to love my new kitchen!

Working together

2013-03-07T16:45:00.001-08:00

Day 4 of remodeling project

Wow, day 4 of our remodeling project, and I have learned alot about working together on a project that has not been planned by everyone involved.

Originally my dear husband said "Just do what you want honey, I always like your work." Well that led me to believe that he really did not have an opinion on the choices, or how things were to be done. I thought he was just going to do the work!
Wrong, ... oh so wrong.

After many years as a designer, I should have known that he was going to have an opinion. Silly me...

So, we have worked very hard, gotten very dirty, and did quite a bit of shopping together.

My original thought was to have a high contrast kitchen that was black and white. I have already gotten my appliances that are white, and have always loved that look.
However, he does not want it to look 'like a hospital', which of course it wouldn't.

As we have always done, we are going to compromise so we both enjoy our home.
I will have white cabinets, but the look will be softer with a softer tone on the countertops and dark wood floors. I will be using some accent finishes on the island and the pantry.

We have also decided to change a bit of the layout after finding some 'surprises' when we opened the walls. But that is not a bad thing, and the results will be great.

So, the electrician and plumber have been here to do the preliminary work. The popcorn ceilings are all scraped, the wall is down and additional header is up. Still need to fill in the gap in the floor underlayment.

I think it has been a very productive week, and we have had some laughs, as well as growling (from him of course, never me)

Stay tuned for the next installment on the adventures of our great kitchen remodel...

Remodel...Day One

2013-03-04T20:14:00.002-08:00

Day One...
Well,we got up early, had coffee and jumped right into it. All enthusiasm and energy!

These are the reasons we are doing this project: I felt crowded working in the kitchen with myself and my husband both being in the same corner of the work triangle.

I want to be more open to the dining and living rooms while I cook so I am not cut off from the rest of my family.

Since we added a covered veranda to the back of the house right off the kitchen, it became an 'inside' room with very little natural light...I like it bright.

The first thing we did was to start taking the popcorn finish off the ceilings next to the wall we removed. Much easier than we thought that would be. The trick is to get a sprayer and wet the ceiling, wait a few minutes until the 'popcorn' finish looks wet and then it just scrapes off like butter!

Time for a lunch break, went to a local place for a burger and a bit of fresh air!

Then it was back to work. We took down the wall that separated the small kitchen from the small dining room.

What I want is a larger, more open space that is conducive to entertaining and being able to see into the living room when I am cooking.

It doesn't look like much yet , but I can see my vision starting to take shape. Some of the old cabinets are in the center of the kitchen work space where the future island will be. And I love all the light flowing into the space from the east, west and north. It will be a bright space, and have plenty of space for everyone to be involved and comfortable.

Well worth the aches and pains I am feeling this evening!

Kitchen Remodel

2013-02-28T16:51:00.000-08:00

Like so many of my clients, I am having a hard time with some of the details of my kitchen remodel. My husband says "honey, just get what you want", but since this is my project and I am on a tight budget it means that I can't have everything I want. I have to make choices.

This is a good exercise for me, as it reminds me that patience is a very big part of a designers skill set. Trying to present options, and explaining what they involve in terms of cost of time and money. We all have wants, needs and desires. However, I have always known that the most successful projects have been when I have delivered a final project that fulfills the needs first, and then hopefully most of the wants and desires, exceeding my clients expectations.

Now, I am my own client! We will be doing the demo next week. I have already taken down all of the wall accessories and most of the tabletop and small pieces have been removed. They certainly do make a difference in making a house a home.

But, as you can see, I have made an inspiration board, collected pictures, and am narrowing my options. My must haves are being priced.

I will keep you posted!

Do you let fear hold you back?

2013-02-21T16:17:00.001-08:00

Life is full of challenges and new opportunnites.

Have you ever declined a new position because you did not think you were fully qualified?

Have you ever avoided a situation because you felt you might look foolish to your peers?

What might your life look like if you had taken a different path?

Life does not offer very many "do-overs".
Consider some of the choices you made in the past and use that experience in the new opportunities you take on in your future.

If you would like to start a new career and feel you are missing some skills, take a few classes, or volunteer in the field for the practical experience. You will probably realize that you really had the ability to perform the function, but had never done it before.
Inexperience can be scary. But if you don't take the step forward and trust in yourself, you will be where you are now forever. That is a very long time!

The fear of looking foolish or wrong can keep you from achieving greatness. All of the inventors and great thinkers in all time have failed, sometimes many times. But they had the gumption to stick to it. They did not listen to the naysayers, but kept trying to achieve their goal.

The only person with any real ability to hold you back is yourself.

Tell yourself you can do it
Tell yourself you are worth it
Tell yourself you are going for it

Good for you, you are on your way to greatness!

Loving what you do to make a living

2013-02-20T16:43:00.000-08:00

I am passionate about being a designer. The thing that brings me the greatest joy, is having my client tell me that their room looks even better than they had imagined it would.

The things I feel make me so happy with what I do, should really translate to any kind of occupation. If you are not ready to go out the door in the morning, maybe you should reconsider how you make a living.

Do you feel a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day, or are you watching the clock waiting for it to be time to go?

What about the people you work with? It has always been my goal to associate with people I can learn from and respect their work ethic.

I truly feel like I make a difference in the lives of the clients I work with..they appreciate what I do for them, because I care about them.

Being an interior designer has so many aspects to it. I enjoy the fact that I have to use all the skills in my toolbox....space planning, color selections and flow from space to space, the use of scale and proportion in the furnishings to the environment.

Life is short, and how we make a living is a big part of it. Think about what you want to achieve in your life, and what kind of legacy you want to leave behind. Will you be thought of as someone who has made a difference to others around you? Do you try to uplift them, and are they happy to see you? Is their day made better because you were a part of it?

Winter..the joys of snowy days.

2013-02-07T17:06:00.000-08:00

Winter is certainly here. Cold winds, icy roads, lots of snow to shovel. But oh my...it can be such a wonderful time.

Once I am home, I love to start a 'real' fire in the fireplace and just seem to relax with the aroma of the burning oak, watching the flames. It is somehow transfixing. A great time to share with family. Play a game of cards, read a book, watch old movies. Be brave and toast some marshmallows! Have hot chocolate and just be...

And then there are the outdoor activities.

have a snowman building contest..who can be the most creative
cross-country ski
take a walk and look at the snow and small icicles on the branches with the sun shining through them...they look like jewelry
have a snowball fight

I hope you take the opportunity to enjoy this season.
I certainly know it can be rough...I am from Wisconsin, so I know winter!

But always keep this in mind...
live every day as if it is your last, because you don't know what tomorrow will bring.

Career Satisfaction

2012-10-18T07:47:00.001-07:00

It has been my honor and pleasure to assist many clients over the years to make their homes a place they like to come home to.

I start the process by asking some key questions and then listening very carefully to what they do and do not say.

I always try to make my first visit to their home during the day to review the site lines, inside and outdoors, see the natural lighting, and see the items that will remain a part of our overall plan. I also try to give them a complete plan that can be implemented over time in different phases to work within their budget, however giving a complete and polished look when completed.

It was gratifying to me to go through some folders and find the following thank you notes and comments.

"Thank you again for all your guidance with our home. It looks so warm and charming! We'll be sure to let our friends and business associates know who helped us make our home so special..."

"We still think of you often when we marvel how beautifully our home turned out."

"Thank you so much for all you wonderful advice, patience and creativity."

Soup Season

2012-10-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

Cauliflower Soup

I have to admit that soup is a comfort food for me. It is always quick and easy, and I usually make a batch every week with whatever is in season and freeze it in individual containers. Fast, easy and so yummy!

This is a recipe for Cauliflower Soup from Tyler Florence, and you will love it!

3 tbl olive oil
6 brussel sprouts, separated into petals
3 tbl unsaled butter
1 head cauliflower, separated into florets
1/2 yellow onion, sliced
5 sprigs of fresh lemon thyme
2 fresh bay leaves
3 c milk
1 tbl lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly gound black pepper

In large saucpan coat and warm olive oil
Saute Brussel sprout leaves for 2-3 minutes until crispu around edges. Set aside and drain on paper towel
Add butter and lightly saute cauliflower florets with onion slices
Cook over medium heat, letting them sweat for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Season with salt and pepper
In a sachet add thyme and bay leaves and add to saucepan, along with milk.
Bring to simmer, and then reduce heat to low
Cook until cauliflower if soft.
Remove sachet and transfer mixture to blender, puree. (I usually just mash, because I like it to have a bit of texture)
Add lemon juice, salt and pepper if needed.

I like to garnish with a few of the brussel sprout leaves.

Enjoy!

FALL FAVORITES

2012-10-10T06:35:00.001-07:00

Country drives

Fall is such a wonderful season! The air is crisp, the humidity is gone, and my energy returns.

I love to go for long drives along the Blueridge Parkway, enjoying the sun shining through the multi-colored leaves, and seeing them drift down across the country lanes. It is time to wear a chunky knit sweater and drink hot apple cider.

Foraging in my garden and the farmers market, I find the making for table arrangements that will last until Thanksgiving.

Some are casual and will be out on the veranda, as a welcome home in the evening.

Some will be placed inside to add seasonal appeal to the decor. I love to change my accessories with the seasons. It makes everything seem new and fresh to me.

This is when I bring out throws and more textured pillows, put away the seashells and lighter colored accessories. I display my painting from my great-grandmother of the sheep on the hillside that she painted as a young girl in Ireland.

Rotating your accessories with the seasons gives you a new appreciation for the things you love and enjoy. And those are the things that make the house your home.

A bit of glamour

Natural Arrangement

Wake up to a beautiful bedroom

2012-06-19T13:22:00.001-07:00

Isn't this just a beautiful headboard? It almost looks as tho it is placed in front of a mis-placed window, since the moulding behind it doesn't come all the way to the floor.

This is an example of how you can camouflage an obstacle in the room that keeps you from placing furnishings as you wish them to be.

My feeling is that your bedroom is the most important room in your home. It is where you open your eyes in the morning and close them at night. It should be soothing, and restful. Spoil yourself with beautiful linens, and lovely artwork. Have a bedside table that is large enough to accommodate a good reading lamp, clock, and perhaps your cellphone. Keep the tempurature down low enough that you sleep soundly, and wake refreshed.

Your mattress should be supportive and comforting. You may not look at it, but you will certainly notice it in the morning if it is not a good fit for you!

And if you have room, a chair or bench at the end of the bed is great for those extra pillows during the night, folding the duvet back onto, or putting your socks on in the morning.

Color Inspiration

2012-05-27T16:33:00.001-07:00

I find that I am inspired by so many different things in my color selections for clients. I ask them alot of questions, study the natural lighting in the space, consider when the room is used and how. These are all very important considerations.

The furnishings and who is using the space is also important. It will determine the types of materials we use. But then comes the fun part...and that is color selection.

I am inspired by the colors of the sky, which can create such a beautful scheme of different shades and hues of the same color. The garden with the combinations of cool and warm plants, the differing shades of green. Have you ever noticed how green works with every other color? Did you know that it is used in many hospitals because it is such a soothing color?

What about different materials and the way they reflect the light? Metallics, wood, fabric, stone. All wonderful in the the shadow play they provide.

Next time you are considering a new color scheme, think about some of these ideas and how they can change your thoughts on color. Blue is never just blue, just as beige is never just beige!

How to Live a Beautiful Life: Handling grief and lifes difficulties

2012-05-13T17:32:00.001-07:00

How to Live a Beautiful Life: Handling grief and lifes difficulties: This has been an exceptionally difficult week. I am by nature a positive person. I try to find the silver lining, see the bright side,...

Handling grief and lifes difficulties

2012-05-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

This has been an exceptionally difficult week. I am by nature a positive person. I try to find the silver lining, see the bright side, consider everyone's perception of the situation, and find a solution that will work for all.

This week I have encountered a suicide because of a terminal illness, death by cancer, a friends loss of a beloved pet, and feel the dissolution of a close relationship.

I am also suffering a loss of cohesiveness with my work team. A new person was hired who has totally disrupted our entire environment. This person is surly, uncooperative, and definitely not a team player.

I feel totally worn out. I always try to take the high road, and be the person others want to be around. I want to set a good example and learn all I can from the experience of others. But right now, I want to hide under the covers!

I am hoping that having a few days off will give me a new outlook, that the sun will shine for me again. Time in the garden, reading a book, cooking something yummy. All solitary exercises. Do we sometimes just need to be alone to think and discern what direction to go in?

How to Live a Beautiful Life: Like most designers, I always have a project at ho...

2012-04-09T10:51:00.001-07:00

How to Live a Beautiful Life: Like most designers, I always have a project at ho...: Like most designers, I always have a project at home. About 10 years ago, my husband and I moved to Charlotte, NC from Wales, Wisconsin a...

2012-04-09T10:50:00.001-07:00

Like most designers, I always have a project at home. About 10 years ago, my husband and I moved to Charlotte, NC from Wales, Wisconsin and decided to downsize and simplify.

We considered what was important to us in our lifestyle, our hobbies and interests, and where we were in our life. With children out of the nest, we really did not need a large home. However, my passion for gardening, and his for rebuilding old vehicles required that we had some land to be able to pursue our interests.

We bought a 'fixer-upper' that we have been working on since we moved in. Every year we do a large project, and then play with our other interests. Of course, alot of my time and energy has gone into building a beautiful landscape. This house had no curb appeal. These columns are such an improvement to the front of the house, over the old rotted railing and 4x4 posts that were there!

You can see my garden progress at my other blog http://donnasbeautifulgarden.blogspot.com

Here's a pic from last summer of the before. The garden is lush, but those posts and rail really just needed to go!

How to Live a Beautiful Life: My new addiction, I love the ideas and sharing tha...

2012-04-05T14:18:00.001-07:00

How to Live a Beautiful Life: My new addiction, I love the ideas and sharing tha...: My new addiction, I love the ideas and sharing that this site has brought to all of our lives. So many different interests and talents to...

2012-04-05T14:16:00.001-07:00

My new addiction, I love the ideas and sharing that this site has brought to all of our lives. So many different interests and talents to share. I am always and forever amazed by the talent of others. Have you tried it yet? If not, take a look at my boards and let me know what you think...see if you do not agree.
http://djck031348

How to Live a Beautiful Life: Let's build a room around a rug

2012-03-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

How to Live a Beautiful Life: Let's build a room around a rug: There are many ways to design a room. Sometimes I will start with a great piece of art. Sometimes we will be working around a collection ...

Let's build a room around a rug

2012-03-05T10:47:00.001-08:00

There are many ways to design a room. Sometimes I will start with a great piece of art. Sometimes we will be working around a collection of antiques that my client has acquired over the years. Sometimes, all we will have in mind is a color scheme. Today, I want to talk about starting with the rug. Whether you are creating a comtempory or traditional space, there are many reasons to use an area rug.

In an open space concept, it will accentuate the different areas of use. It can join together a seating area or define a dining space.

The rug that is shown with the solid color is wonderful when a bit of texture is needed, and can tie the space with another that is seen from that space.
You can use it with patterned fabrics on the upholstery or window treatments. It could be used with corals, browns and orange tones, or with cooler colors like the greens and blues.

The two patterned rugs shown are soft in their patterns and may be used with transitional rooms, meaning a mix of contemporary and traditional furnishings. Because of the pattern, they could be used as a focal point as in a foyer, or in a conversation area.

So, the next time you are wondering 'where do I start', consider a rug!

What is your idea of beauty

2012-03-02T17:00:00.002-08:00

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

"Beauty is how you live, is in the mind and not in the mirror"

We are surrounded by beauty everyday in so many forms. The sunrise, the smile in your heart when you see your loved one for the first time that day. The unconditional love we receive from our pets that shows in a wagging tail.

So tell me why we are so obsessed in our society with being thin, not having any wrinkles or blemishes. Why do we spend so much time on our hair (guilty as charged)

Here's a list of all the things I find beautiful:

the poetry of Maya Angelou
all the great photographers who mark our histories with their cameras
people holding hands
nature, in it's many forms
A mother's love, whether human or not
fine fabrics, their weave, texture, color
good architecture, that works with the landscape and surroundings
furniture, with fine wood, detail, finish and proportions
friendship, and the sharing that comes with it, in good times & bad

I am sure if you put it in the front of your mind, you will find beauty all around you.
It doesn't come with an age, or a price tag.
It is a matter of your perspective about your surroundings and opening yourself up.

Let's talk trends!

2012-02-24T16:01:00.002-08:00

Ashley Whitacker

We all love to see and know the new trends, and designers are especially on the look-out for what's new.

These two photos from House Beautiful magazine show a few of the trends that I have been noticing.

The color orange is huge, and is used with soft greens, creams and yellows. Or else it can be revved up by pairing it with it's opposite of a cobalt blue.

The other important trend is texture. It is everywhere. You will see it in wall treatments, fabrics, flooring and draperies.

Michael Smith

In this photo of a room by Michael Smith shown in House Beautiful, look at how it is used in the area rug, draperies, and upholstery. The room in monochromatic in nature, so it works on all of these textiles.

Did you also notice the use of oak on the cocktail table? We have not seen this wood species for a very long time, but it is back in a big way, with various finishes from light to dark. I also love the little accent table with the inlays
that you see between the sofa and chair.

If you are not sure about using these trends in your home, start small. An accent chair, area rug or just a few pillows. You will be surprised how a small change freshens and updates your room.

Let me know if you would like help with your room..I'm just an email away...
donna@donnacomstockinteriors.com