Pinkeggshell

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Follow this link for more information on the 2016 Black Interior Designers Conference

About the 2016 Black Interior Designers Conference

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The conference kicks off with an exceptional evening of drinks and mingling. Attendees and designers alike will gather in an intimate setting to talk design and settle in before we get down to business. In 2016, we're really going to step it up. We've combined all the highlights from previous conferences and we truly believe this year's event will be spectacular.

The Black Interior Designers conference will take place in Atlanta, GA August 18-20th. Attendees can look forward to three days of networking, speaking engagements and small group seminars. This event will pair potential designers with the tools and inspiration to get started on their own interior design projects and get their businesses off the ground. Education is the theme of this year's conference and we're bringing in experts in critical areas so that attendees leave knowing they can put their best foot forward and move their companies in the right direction.

Early bird tickets will be on sale beginning mid-December, offering savvy registrants the opportunity to attend the conference at a discounted rate. Regular priced tickets will go on sale February 1st. You're not going to want to wait until the last minute to buy your tickets, as there are only a limited amount of tickets for purchase.

The conference will also be dedicated to African American Top 20 Interior Designers who make insurmountable contributions to the interior design community with their unique, individual style and design technique. These Top 20 Black Interior Designers will be recognized at the beginning of the conference and will serve as ambassadors for the community throughout the conference.

Each year our founder, Kimberly Ward, along with our generous sponsors, carefully craft a program that invites you to experience modern design. Guests will learn from and celebrate with some of the best interior designers in the industry. The conference is an incubator for designers, developers and interior design enthusiasts to come and exchange new ideas while paying homage to those being recognized for their great works.

The Mission of the Black Interior Designers Conference

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OUR MISSION

The mission of the African American Top 20 List is to celebrate diversity in the interior design industry by highlighting 20 accomplished interior designers each year.

WE STRIVE TO:

Celebrate the unique contribution designers of color bring to the interior design industry.
Build a community resource of Black Interior Designers capable of handling design projects of various sizes and scope.
Showcase African American Home and Lifestyle through partnerships with various media outlets, books, magazines, blogs and network television appearances.
Use the combined wisdom of the designers on the African American Top 20 List to educate and encourage the next generation of interior design professionals

The Black Interior Designers conference is made up of three days of networking, speaking engagements and show house excursions. This event pairs creatives with the tools and inspiration to get started on their own interior design projects and get their businesses off the ground. This weekend is also dedicated to interior designers of color who make insurmountable contributions to the interior design community with their unique, individual style and design technique. The weekend is always brought to a close with a grandiose revelry too big to miss. Each year, PinkEggshell along with our generous sponsors, carefully craft a program that invites you to experience modern design while learning from and celebrating with some of the best in the interior design industry. The AATop20 is an incubator for designers, developers and interior design enthusiasts to come and exchange new ideas while paying homage to those being recognized for their great works.

2016 Black Interior Designers Conference Agenda

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THURSDAY AUGUST 18, 2016

6:30pm Welcome Mixer TBA Buckhead

8:30pm 2016 Top 20 Designer Recognition TBA Buckhead

FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2016

DESIGN DAY AT ADAC

9:30am Registration and Check in ADAC Atlanta

10:00am Opening Keynote, Elaine Griffin, NYC

11:00am Alternative Choices for Your Interior Design Career

12:00am Networking Lunch

1:30pm Marketing, Sales, and the Making of A Brand

2:00pm The Five Ways Money Impacts Your Creative Life

3:00pm The Business of Design, Panel Discussion

4:00pm Day Sessions End

PIRCH PARTY

7:00PM "DESIGNING THE FUTURE" FUNDRAISING SOIRÉE

(Included in conference registration)

SATURDAY AUGUST 20, 2016

BREAK OUT SESSIONS

Session 1: Present Like a Pro: Learn How To Express Your Ideas To Clients Through Well-Organized Presentations*

Join 2016 HGTV Smart Home Designer and HGTV Host Tiffany Brooks as she shares ideas on how to put together presentations and present your ideas to clients.

Session 2: Growing Where You're Planted: How To Grow Your Business in A Competitive or Small Market*

We'll be providing attendees with tools to identify the opportunities in their specific market as well as strategies to capitalize on those opportunities. Emphasize the importance of sales goals and setting up a sales calendar.

Session 3: Networking With A Purpose: How To Build A Clientele*

Take the mysteries out of getting clients by learning how to network effectively. Learn proven ways to convert the people you meet into paying clients.

Session 4: PR, Marketing And Working With the Press*

Understanding what you want and need from the media and how to be a viable source for editors and other media outlets. Join us as we delve into the importance of original content and telling a compelling story with your brand.

*These events are still being updated. Stay tuned for final details and session leaders.

SESSION TIME BLOCKS

11:00am - 12:00am

12:15pm - 1:15pm

1:15pm - 2:15pm Lunch Break

2:15pm - 3:15pm

3:30pm - 4:30pm

SESSION DETAILS

Each session will be presented in small groups of 20 -25 people per time slot. Once you register for the conference, also register for the sessions and time slots you would be interested in attending. The sessions are not guaranteed but are included in your registration.

Please contact us if you have questions. 404-806-0791

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STUDENTS, ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN FREE ADMISSION TO THE 2016 BLACK INTERIOR DESIGNERS CONFERENCE!

Black Interior Designers Conference FAQ

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Q: Is the Black Interior Designers Conference open to the public?

A: Yes! The invitation is extended to any and everyone who appreciates design, but please register early since seats are limited.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Admission cost is $275 which provides access to all the events within the conference.

Q: Isn't Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) open to the public?

A: Yes, but our speaking engagements, panel discussions and events are private and require registration.

Q: When should I arrive?

A: Thursday morning is a good time arrive and get unpacked. You can relax before the Welcome Reception at 6:30 p.m. There are plenty of design adventures to have in Atlanta. Give yourself time to see the sights and hear the sounds of the city.

Q: Where should I stay?

A. The Grand Hyatt in Buckhead is our host hotel. We have reserved a room block there for you. Buckhead is on fire and you'll find everything you need is just an Uber away from this location. *Find more details under the host hotel tab at the top.

Q: Do I need to RSVP?

A: Not in the traditional sense. Your paid ticket will be your confirmation. Your name will already be placed on our list for check in. But please be able to provide a photo ID at registration when you pick up your badge.

Q: Can I get a refund, if I decide not to attend?

A: Under special circumstances we will issue a refund. However, NO refunds will be issued after May 24, 2016.

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A three-day conference, The African American Top 20 Event is comprised of a welcome mixer and two days of networking, speaking engagements and show house excursions. This event pairs creatives with the tools and inspiration to get started on their own interior design projects and get their businesses off the ground. This weekend is also dedicated to interior designers of color who make insurmountable contributions to the interior design community with their unique, individual style and design technique. The weekend is always brought to a close with a grandiose revelry too big to miss. Each year, PinkEggshell along with our generous sponsors, carefully craft a program that invites you to experience modern design while learning from and celebrating with some of the best in the interior design industry. The AATop20 is an incubator for designers, developers and interior design enthusiasts to come and exchange new ideas while paying homage to those being recognized for their great works.

Please Join Us on Our New Website

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Pinkeggshell.com

5 Reasons You'll Love Pinkeggshell 2.0

1. Our sleek new design makes navigating the site extremely easy. The site adjusts to your device so that the same user-friendly experience is accessible on your desktop, tablet and smart phone.

2. Monthly Giveaways! We will have monthly giveaways that accompany our decorating tips so winners can actually use the items we rave about in our posts.

3. More Reader interactions

More reader interaction with home features and DIY projects; Readers can now share the projects they are working on and detailed "Where to Buy" guides.

4. Evergreen Content

We understand that homeowners are entering the decorating process at different times and will be providing evergreen decorating content under our "How To" tab.

5. Extensive Event photo gallery

We get invited to so many industry events and we're excited to share the fun with you our readers.

We Can Help You Find An African American Interior Designer

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Visit Website here

www.AfricanAmericanTop20.com

On May 8-9 2014, we will celebrate the 4th installment of the African American Top 20 Interior Designers. For two days in May, the world will be able to interact with some of the best black designers in the business.

The celebration will start with an opening reception at a gallery in downtown Atlanta and end with a Panel discussion/meet and greet at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC).

With the panel discussion, our goal is to bring you an intimate discussion about career success, building a top-notch client roster, and what it takes to rise to the top in this highly competitive field.

Seating is limited, so please RSVP as soon as you can.

In the meantime, join me here all month as I bring you interviews and insights from designers from the top 20 list. We're talking more than 'diversity in design'. We're talking style and success and how to sustain a design career in an every changing market. As Lisa Turner of Interior Obsession states in her interview which will go up on tomorrow, "we've come a long way baby!"

We're working hard to put all the information you need about the Black design community at your fingertips. Please visit, FOLLOW, LIKE and SHARE the following resources as needed.

The African American Top 20 Website
Here you will find information pertaining to the top 20 interior designers as well as the details about all Top 20 events.

The African American Google+ and Facebook Fan Pages
We use these social sharing sites to share updates from and about Black interior designers, product designers, retailers and artist. Got a tip or something to share? Please send your updates to Blackplumdesign@gmail.com

Pinkeggshell Google+ Page
I've collected many of my favorite books and best decorating advice on my Pinkeggshell Google+ page. Consider it your virtual mentor. I've gotten so many emails from young designers that I've decided to establish these resources just for them. Now they can ask questions and post comments directly to the page and get an answer directly from me.

Let's Talk Home with Kimberly Ward-
Blog Talk radio show every Monday at 6pm est
Join our weekly conversation about interior design trends and hot topics. Produced by Mathis Media Hub LLC. Tonight's special guest is HGTV host and Season 8 Design Star winner, Tiffany Brooks of You and Your Decor.

African American Interior Designers

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For the past few months, I have been working on a project that I'm really excited to share with you today. It started out as a search for an answer to a question, but has turned into a quest. I began with the idea to collect the names of African American Interior Designers and post them here as a resource for those seeking to hire, support, and celebrate those working in the field.

It was important for me to create a list of designers capable of handling design projects of all sizes and scope. I collected names from design showroom staff from all around the country. That proved to be a great jumping off point. Many vendors were happy to join in the celebration and put forth

their favorite clients for consideration.

I also took recommendations from realtors, home builders, and design bloggers. Anyone who could contribute to the list of names that I share with you today. In the end, I turned all my findings over to a panel who read tons of bios and reviewed countless images.

I am proud of the names that are on the list. Some you've heard of. Many you likely have not.

It's a very talented bunch. So join me in celebrating...

The 2011 Top 20 African American Interior Designers

Michel Boyd Smith Boyd Interiors SmithBoydInteriors.com Atlanta

Cecil Hayes Cecil Hayes CecilHayes.com Miami

Elaine Griffin Elaine Griffin ElaineGriffin.com New York

Ron Woodson Woodson and Rum WandRdesign.com Los Angeles

Sheila Bridges Sheila Bridges SheilaBridges.com New York

Darryl Carter Darryl Carter DarrylCarter.com Washington DC

Afiya H. Kumar AHA Designs AHAdesigns.com Chicago

Robin Wilson Robin Wilson Home RobinWilsonhome.com New York

Joan Goodwin Verandah Interiors Vcustomdesigns.com Columbia, SC

Keitha Brathwaite Contrast Design Contrastdesigngroup.com Chicago

Joy Moyler Joy Moyler Interiors Joymoylerinteriors.com New York

Marian Akinloye MA Design Studio MAdesignstudio.com New York

Erin Shakoor Shakoor Interiors Shakoorinc.com Chicago

Venus Williams Vstarr Interiors Vstarrinteriors.com Miami

Lisa Turner Interior Obsessions Interiorobsessions.com Los Angeles

Courtney Sloane Courtney Sloane Courtneysloane.net New Jersey

Janice Palmer Ydesign International YdesignLLC.com Atlanta

Roderick Shade Roderick N. Shade Interior Design Roderickshade.com New York

Katherine Alford Nyla Simone Home Nylasimonehome.com Tempe, AZ

image credit: Portfolio Images-1. Erin Shakoor 2. Michel Boyd 3.Cecil Hayes

Glassy Baby, Russell +Hazel and A Breville Juicer

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on Square Market

Is it too early to tell you about some of my favorite things of 2013? I have really become a total product junkie lately. As a result, I am loving some amazingly cool things right now. Items that are making my life more enjoyable each day. Y'all, these are the things that make me feel good,
keep me smiling and saying, "I'm so blessed."

The first is the Russell +Hazel Mini Binder turned stylish agenda. I must say, I have a thing with agendas. I love my iPhone, but there's nothing like writing things down in an agenda. I have the one with the gold cover. If you have a need for a change, check it out in person at your favorite paper or gift shop. There are so many interesting accessories.
You'll love creating an agenda that's as unique as you are.

Glassy Baby Candle Holders / Image via GlassyBaby.com

During Blogfest 2012, we were given a Glassy Baby votive holder in our swag bag. Since I was moving, I packed the entire bag up and put it into storage. Last week I pulled it out and re-discovered this innovative and creative company. I am so in love! I love everything about them. The votives are hand blown and come in the yummiest of colors. The founder, Lee Rhodes, has amazing vision and has done tremendous work with unrestricted cancer support. Love that!

Buy them. Give them.

Tory Burch for Target + Neiman Marcus Vacuum Sealed Beverage Container and Lunch Box

You can drive a hybrid and "go natural" in every since of the movement, but unless you stop drinking from water bottles none of it matters. Nothing is as harmful to you or the environment as plastic water bottles. No amount of marketing can change this fact. When you have a moment, please check out the documentary Tapped. In the meantime, explore ways of transporting your water in fresh ways.

I love this Tory Burch beverage container. It keeps my water ice cold all day long.

You'll love it. Trust me.

Cloth Kolo photo album via kolo.com

My adoration for Kolo is eternal. I've purchased and used Kolo albums for as long as I can remember. In 2009 when I was pregnant with my daughter, I purchased all the pink Noci albums that were in stock. They were going to discontinue making them and I wanted them for all the future memories that my baby would create. Photography for me is natural. I actually see the world in frames. From breathtaking landscapes to intimate details, I see and want to capture it all. I've challenged myself to print more pictures this year. I hope you'll join me in this quest.

We'll talk again in December to see how things turned out.

Breville Juicer /

I have been juicing for years, so this one is not all that new. What is new is the juice recipes that have made their way into my life since starting my 40 Day Juice Challenge. I'm juicing twice a day and loving every minute of it. I started out wanting to inspire my sister to juice, but later found that I need it more than she does. I don't juice for weight loss, so I can't tell you how juicing will help with that type of New Year's resolution. However, I can tell you that I feel amazing!

I highly recommend the Breville Juice Fountain Plus. I've had it for years and it still works amazingly. Breville's website is packed with useful information that will make incorporating juicing into your life extremely easy.

Here's one of my favorite Green Juice Recipes from the site:

3 kale leaves

1 bunch cilantro

1 cup of spinach

1 cucumber

1 carrot

1 green apple

ENJOY!

Houses of Veranda and Danielle Rollins Soiree

My sister got me these books. I am still enjoying them immensely. You see, I love books. I love all kinds of books. Design books, business books, novels, children's books, audio books, you name it. I like for books to find their way into my life. When it happens organically, I know it was meant to be. Lately, I have been getting books from publishers, which is like having Christmas every time I get a package in the mail.

White - Still Making a Big Color Impact in 2013

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You don't have to go far to find blog posts about the 2013 color of the year. It's starting to show up everywhere. I love Emerald Green, but think white is going to have a great year also. Why white, why now? Well, the right white can transform a space. It's fresh and extremely versatile. Once you get comfortable using white paint the right way, it will become one of your favorite design staples.

Use some of these tricks from designers of the African American Top 20

to make a smooth transition into your unforgettable white space.

Family Room By Michel Boyd

In this family room designed by Michel Boyd, the walls were left white while the ceiling was infused with a pop of color. This is one of my favorite applications! The ceiling color was pulled from the

pillow fabric and ties the room together perfectly.

Family Room Close-up By Michel Boyd

There are so many amazing fabrics out there that make a statement on their own. Boyd used this lovely floral print to add interest to his white reading nook.

Dining Room By Anishka Clarke

This space designed by Anishka Clarke allows the artwork and dining chairs to be the focus of the area.

No additional color needed.

Bloom Where You Are Planted! ( Even if You're In a Pot and Not In the Ground)

2013-01-04T15:18:00.001-05:00

OK. Let's go! I'll admit, I'm a little slow in starting this year. Maybe it's because for a while, I didn't know where home base would be. Now that I have it figured out, I'm ready to talk design. Notice that talking icon on the right? Well that's where you can submit design questions to me. Ask me almost anything. I'm excited to be on Vyou and I think you will love it too. Oprah, Rachael Roy and many other interesting people are on there answering viewer submitted questions. Please, take a moment to join and be a part of the fun.

I'm in the process of creating a temporary space for my daughter and I. With her dad working overseas for the next few months, I've decided to settle into a cool little space near my parents.

I addition to that chaos, I am also looking for office space. I can't decide what I want to do about this just yet. We still have bills in Atlanta since we made the decision to rent the condo out versus sell it. Paying a mortgage along with rent in several places is a little insane. (I need to go over to INC. Magazine to see what they say about doubling down in this economy.)

By the way, be sure to leave a comment below if you too will be moving to a new city or decorating a new space. It's a lot less stressful when we're doing it together. We can share stories and design tips. And when things get too crazy, we can whine and wonder why we ever left the comforts of our old homes.

The first thing we need to do when starting any type of project is to create an outline. You would be amazed at how many people skip this step. It's absolutely critical because this helps you set the direction you'll be going in, so you can map out how to get there. This will include making a list of the rooms to be decorated. Measuring and taking images of the existing space. Checking the space for repairs. And finally, creating a budget for the project. I've created a board on Pintrest to collect my ideas for my country house here and here.

Great choice for when using wallpaper is not an option.
Via pintrest.

So here's what I'm starting with.

Read more »

"How vain is it to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live" -Henry David Thoreau

2013-01-01T20:27:00.003-05:00

Hello Star,

Thank you for your heartfelt comments.

Here's the thing. It is natural for us to be in the middle of some type of change or evolution. My grandmother used to say, "You are either green and growing or you're brown and dying." One thing I embraced very early in life is the idea of celebrating the journey. And please - don't mistake it - Life is a journey.

You hear that all the time, but have you ever taken the chance to really examine what it really means?

Two very important characters define a journey. First, it means moving from one place to another. Second, it refers to the actual time that it takes to go from one place to another. In both cases a few things are for sure. You will be moving and you will end up in a different place than you began.

I think that the comparison to life as a journey also has a lot to do with the things found on the journey. Unforeseen obstacles, UNimaginable fatigue, and unexpected terrain are all synonymous with journey. But so are friendly villagers and breathtaking views.

My Celebration of Change

2012-12-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

As I reviewed 2012, I noticed that it has been a year of changes. I didn't enter 2012 thinking that I needed to make these changes, but I guess the universe knows best. :) For one, I cut my hair. I've always worn my hair short, but grew it out for TV. We thought that it would make me appear to be more mainstream. In the end, it really didn't matter. I wanted to cut it so I did...super short and super chic. What do you think?

All images Instagram/Pinkeggshell

If you've tried to contact me and could not or if you noticed that I was missing from social media for long periods of time this year, then you helped to influence change number 2. After I returned from New York in May, I had the worst luck with my Internet connection! I just could not get and keep a constant signal. I tried absolutely every service out there, to no avail. It was the worst! So in the end, I decided to move to another condo. As I wrapped my mind around moving down the hall, I decided to make an even bigger move. I changed my bi-cities. Instead of living between Houston and Atlanta, I've decided to live between Oxford and Houston. I truly heart Atlanta, I do, but I believe that the opportunities outside the city are better for me and my family. I'll miss my friends and the after work cocktail hours, but I'll be okay.

All images Instagram/Pinkeggshell

Not all of my changes were as major as switching cities. One small but powerful change that I made was to change my homepage setting from Gmail. This is the best thing I could have ever done. I've heard it said that "email is an effective way of managing other people's priorities for your life." Instead of turning on my computer and getting bombarded with that energy, I get news and business motivation that I can use. This is, by far, a change that I would recommend to anyone.

All images Instagram/Pinkeggshell

Spring Cleaning in December?

2012-12-22T08:53:00.000-05:00

I've just spent the past 12 hours cleaning up in preparation for our guest who will be staying here over the Christmas Holiday. It has been brutal! I started out with a simple list.

Tidy up the guest bedrooms.
Make sure the bathrooms are clean.
Pull out the serving platters.
Locate the extra blankets.

That list has evolved. Okay, it has actually morphed into a small novel. I just finished clearing out the guest bedroom (which resulted in 2 boxes of "stuff" for Goodwill), painting the guest bathroom, and purchasing new bedding. With all the dust flying, I had to wonder if holiday cleaning has taken the place of spring cleaning in your life as well.

Sometimes it takes the threat of relatives coming for people to do anything with their homes. For years this has been the busiest time for my design firm. There are last minute deliveries that have in times past caused me to place the last vase moments before the guests were to arrive. This type of hustle to clean and get the house ready will not occur again for many people until next year around this time. Now compare that to how little people do in the spring. Besides packing up the old blankets and heavy throws, there's not nearly as much going on in my world in the spring as there is during the holiday season. What do you think?

Leave a comment below and let me know if holiday cleaning has surpassed spring cleaning in your house.

I keep this Cleaning Guide by Real Simple close during all my cleaning escapades.

Pick it up here.

I Want This Vintage Necklace

2012-12-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

Love this Cleopatra necklace form Grandmother's Buttons . It was featured on the Folkmagazine Blog's Christmas wish list. Now they have me wishing for it.

#marketingisevil

Holiday Prep, Inspiration, and Tips with Olioboard

2012-12-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is my favorite time of the year. Maybe it's because I'm from such a large family and the holidays are our time to get together. I love all the preparations and the endless celebrations. This year, I am spending the time leading up to Christmas in Mississippi with my mother. It's the first time in years that I've been home early enough to help with the planning and decorating. Just this past Monday, I was able to take my daughter to the town's Christmas parade. It was all so magical!

Being here has caused me to start thinking about my own holiday traditions.

Every year, I plan to start early and buy up ribbon, paper, and holiday decorations at the end of the season. I never do. It seems that I'm just not organized enough to plan it all out in advance. To me, without a proper plan, it all seems like a

bunch of junk in a clearance bin.

This year I'm turning to Olioboard for help. I'm counting on the mood board site that set me apart with HGTV producers and streamlined how I communicate with clients, to help me design holiday 2013 so I can shop for it now.

I have always wanted to host a formal New Years Eve party. It would be so sexy and chic to have my family and friends over for a formal dinner to celebrate the season and pending New Year. I like the idea of it being opulent and a little over the top with

red roses, gold bottles, and black ties.

If that doesn't happen - or better yet, if the things to make it happen aren't on sale at Macy's, I'd at least like to have a Christmas party at my house. I'd put up a tree and sprawl ribbon across a mantle. I know I could make it look amazing, if only I'd just do it.

I was on Olioboard yesterday and was right. There were tons of great room ideas for festive holiday decorating. Jackpot! Below are a few of my favorites.

Be warned. Olioboard has made it super easy to re-create these rooms

in your own space.

In addition to the visual inspiration, the rooms are simple to shop. Each item is listed with the cost and where to buy link. You can also create a budget for your project with the pro tool, which I find extremely helpful when deciding what to buy.

Click on the links and let me know what you think. Do you have a favorite? If not, create a board and leave me a link to it. I'd love to see it! Who knows, maybe I'll be shopping from your board this holiday season.

Michelle at Color Chats
Jane at Snob Interior Design

Lisa at Lisa Mende Design
Jennifer at Jennifer Reynolds Interiors
Sarah at Sarah Gunn: Wall Candy
Lynda at Focal Point
Andie at Andie Day Lifestyle
Alicia at All About Design
Tobi at Tobi Fairley ID

There's a New Male Presence in My Life

2012-12-09T00:39:00.001-05:00

Bold, unique, and oh so well put together. Who needs the king's horses and men? His confidence is unbreakable and his impression lasts way past the first encounter with his individual style.

From his hair, to the way he rocks his jeans, to his choice of furnishings, the Blue Satin Male takes pride in the value of his brand. He is a connoisseur of design that reflects who he is and savors decor that conveys his story through the language of color, form, and texture.

See the way he strokes his 5 o'clock shadow? He is not afraid to be smooth, yet edgy. He is multidimensional, and knows how to give and take with a flare for artful negotiation. The Blue Satin Male likes to mix it up, creating swagger at home without losing one drop of authenticity.

I have had the pleasure to create exceptional spaces with many stylish men who exude the Blue Satin Male archetype. As the inspiration for this site, it is my hope that the pictures and content curated here are a reflection of and an inspiration for all.

Check out images from recent blog posts after the jump.

Brilliant Tea Bag Displays at Cicada For Her

2012-12-06T09:20:00.000-05:00

Cicada

307 S. Lamar Blvd

Oxford, Mississippi 38655

Shopcicada.com

@shopcicada on Instagram

I'm Kinda Feeling This

2012-11-30T09:08:00.000-05:00

2012-11-29T08:30:00.000-05:00

Just Love What Matthew Patrick Smyth Has Done With This Space {video}

2012-11-28T00:47:00.000-05:00

My New Love - The Coveteur

2012-11-26T11:56:00.001-05:00

I am such a fan of the Coveteur! I love the mix of high-end fashion and stylish interior accents. The site is super cool and features some of my favorite tastemakers and pop-culture icons. Shoes, coats, dresses, and other fashion staples are styled into the Coveteur's existing decor. Goodies that you and I get to purchase on the site directly from their closets. I love the photography, which is always creative, as well as the many swoon-worthy offerings. Some of my favorite features have been Virginie Dhello, DJ JaKissa Taylor-Semple, Celebrity stylist Monica Rose, and this home of Cushine et ochs designer and co-founder Carly Cushine.

I'm Getting Better

2012-11-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone,

I've missed you guys! If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, then you know that I have been all over the place. In my travels I've run into several interesting Pinkeggshell followers.

One of the followers and I sat down for coffee on Monday and she shed some light on how I blog and what she felt people were looking for when they read my blog. (I know right.) I thought about it for a few days, with my first instinct being not to worry about it too much. However, the conversation stayed on my mind and this blog post is my response.

It's a design blog, so why don't we see more behind the scenes design stuff?

Social media moves quickly, design projects not so much. I'm always torn between how much I share with you about any given project because the reality is that they are all over the place. For instance, I was slap dab in the middle of doing phase one (the first level of my client's house), when the couple became pregnant and we had to switch our focus to the nursery. I posted some images from the completed rooms on Instagram, but have yet to finish and get in there to have the space professionally photographed.

I also struggle with this because I believe that homes should evolve and include facets from the owner's life and travels. I don't like generic art or random BS in a space. I don't design in cliches so the spaces should mean something and creating meaning takes time.

We want more design business advice, especially those of us who are just getting into the business.