Pink Eggshell

African Artist making more than a Statement {Necklace} #ICFF

2012-05-25T10:36:00.000-04:00

2012 Top 20 African-American Interior Designers

2012-05-22T05:06:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard a buzz begin to fill a room? You know how it starts, right?

Hushed whispers of, "Is that her?" and "Ooh, I love his work!" mingle with squeals of delight as the interior design industry icons greet their peers. Well, on the evening of Sunday, May 20th, 2012 the buzz didn't just fill a room, it filled the entire VIP upper level of Jay-Z's recently re-designed 40/40 club in Manhattan which was entirely shut down by none other than Pinkeggshell. What was it about, you ask?

The better question my friends, is not what, but who was it about?

We, at Pinkeggshell, unveiled the long-awaited list of the 2012 African-American Top 20 Interior Designers in front of an exclusive gathering of the design elite and those closest to them. The people in attendance (which also included key celebrities who came to show their support) traveled from near and far to witness the presentation of the highly sought-after honorees. If you missed the celebration of this year's

African-American Top 20 Interior Designers, you truly missed a once in a lifetime treat!

The event was an opportunity to reveal the 2012 Top 20 and present them, along with a sample of their interior design talent, to others working in or affiliated with the design industry. In addition to introducing this year's African-American Top 20 Interior Designers, I wanted to bring the designers together so they could mix, mingle, and get to know each other. So often we get immersed in our individual projects, but that night was a time to come together as a whole. It was an emotional celebration and everyone in attendance shared with me how honored they were to be there. There's so much that I can say about the group. They are amazingly talented and so passionate about the spaces they create!

I enjoyed sharing anecdotes with each one, some of whom, I met for the first time at the event.

For me, the highlight of the evening was the way everyone shared straight from their hearts. It was the reaffirmation by everyone of how far we've come as African-American designers and how much further we can impact the world of design. It was the acknowledgement that together we can serve as not only a resource to those looking for upscale designers and tastemakers in the field, but also as an inspiration to those who are up and coming. The designers hand-selected for the 2012 African- American Top 20 are all unique, but each one creates spaces of luxury, beauty, elegance and sophistication by bringing the

vision in their mind's eye to life in a way that is unexpected, yet compelling.

I'm currently in New York attending Blogfest, so stay tuned for pictures from the event as I'll be posting them on Facebook over the next few days. I understand you're anxious to hear more about it, so please check back later this week and once I return home I'll be sure to provide you with more details. If you haven't already done so, please go out and "Like" the African-American Interior Designer page on Facebook

as a show of your support.

So finally, after much ado...drumroll please! Everyone reach out and join me in celebrating the

Pinkeggshell 2012 African-American Top 20 Interior Designers!

Your unique creative power, scope of work, and versatility have earned you

a place as part of this year's coveted group.

Cheers! You deserve it!

Michel Boyd Smith Boyd Interiors SmithBoydInteriors.com Atlanta

Cecil Hayes Cecil Hayes CecilHayes.com Miami

Alicia LaMar Alicia LaMar Home AliciaLaMar.com Los Angeles
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

Howard Brown Howard Brown Design HowardBrownDesign.com Atlanta

Robin Wilson Robin Wilson Home RobinWilsonhome.com New York

Joan Goodwin Verandah Interiors VCustomDesigns.com Columbia, SC

Helen Bailey Urban Living Urbanlivin.net Chicago

Kimberly Ward Kimberly + Cameron KimberlyandCameron.com Atlanta

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

Anishka Clarke Ishka Designs, Inc IshkaDesigns.com Brooklyn, NY

Lisa Turner Interior Obsessions InteriorObsessions.com Los Angeles

Courtney Sloane Courtney Sloane CourtneySloane.net New Jersey

Janice Palmer Palmer Design LLC PalmerDesignLLC.com Atlanta

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

DeJa Vu

2012-05-17T18:30:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe that it has been a year since I last attended Blogfest. Even as I was packing last night, I found myself doing the same things that I was doing last year at this time - worrying about having enough suitcase space, checking the weather, and learning everything I can about the other bloggers. This year's preparation came a little late, as I've been extremely busy the entire month of May. {See my timeline and instagram photos} May is a huge design month in Atlanta and New York and I can happily say, I've had the pleasure of being in attendance for it in both cities on numerous occassions. There are seminars, new product launches, book signings and opportunities to make new friends. This year has been especially great for me! I've met some amazing people and to my surprise, found my voice. As I head to New York, I'm going with an open heart, fully ready to learn and to share. Last year, through my Blogfest2011 recap, I learned that we will all view this experience differently. For me, that's the fun part of having this shared experience with some of the best bloggers in the business.

I'm going into Blogfest2012 with a clear mind. I've made myself a promise that I will not compare it to last year. Last year was perfect and I can only imagine how difficult it has to be for Bethe Green and her team to duplicate that success. I took tons of pictures at the event in 2011 Blogfest Pictures and will do my best to do the same this year because I don't want you to miss a moment of it. Please follow me on twitter or Like my facebook page to keep up with the happenings as I will be immersed in the event and won't be able to blog again about this until I get back home.

Thanks for Coming Out! (I'll Be Looking For You on Facebook)

2012-05-16T11:28:00.002-04:00

Today was my very first ever keynote presentation and I want to thank all of you for coming out to support me. I have been on countless panels but wondered if I could keep your attention the entire hour standing there alone. You were so responsive, interested, and I attentive and for that I am very thankful. I have to admit, I was a little nervous when the staff had to wheel out the additional seating. I wondered how you'd receive everything I had inside to share. I just wanted to be sure that I could reach out, touch a chord in you, and help all of you personally.

Remember to contact the ADAC office to get copies of the materials that were handed out. If you need additional help, please visit www.hubspot.com. They have answers to all your social media questions.

In the meantime, here are the guidelines that I recommend you consider when determining which companies to "Like" on your new facebook page. Good luck! I can't wait to see all the amazing content that you create.

1. Like the furniture companies that you use in your design projects. This includes all the brands where you have your trade accounts, as well as the brands that are turning out projects that inspire you.

Use the ADAC directory for a list of companies and samples of their products.

2. Like companies that offer tools that make your job easier. We like Olioboard for 2D or 3D presentations. Remember to also Like your favorite paint company. They have cool tools or special installation instructions that you might need to learn more about as you grow your business.

3. Like brands that are making waves in the industry. Companies like Kravet and Lee Jofa have partnerships with some really cool, cutting edge designers. By liking their pages, you get to follow along as they create the fabrics and furniture lines that you'll be using in future projects.

Hinkley Lighting : Life Aglow

2012-05-16T09:04:00.001-04:00

At Home With Uptown Magazine

2012-05-15T11:35:00.000-04:00

Last night, I attended the Uptown Magazine editor's cocktail event at the W Downtown. I have been singing the praises of the magazine every since they started to feature more and more African-Americans at home. I have been completely taken in by the spectacular spaces featured and find myself eagerly flipping to that section each and every month. I had a moment to speak with Isoul Harris about his most recent coverage of Nicole Avant's Beverly Hills home (below) and can finally quit wondering if they will have a new feature each month. Uptown has definitely found their sweet spot with this.

As we go into the weekend of our African-American Top 20 announcement, I am excited about the future of all this. These images go a long way to celebrate the African-American home and lifestyle experience. I am proud to be here, doing my small part of what is sure to be a huge movement in our community. I'm looking forward to the day when we have more friends over just because, we save up to buy that perfect piece of furniture, and reclaim our backyards as a place for children's birthdays and weekend cookouts. It shows another side of us. A side of us that cares as much about our homes and where we live, as we do the clothes we buy or the cars we drive.

Top 2 Images via Uptown Magazine April/May 2012 Issue

Bottom image take by me ;)

Tomorrow Is the Day

2012-05-14T13:25:00.001-04:00

Join me at 10:00 in the ADAC Atlanta presentation lounge for a fun keynote on getting the most out of your Facebook experience. If you haven't already done so, please click here to register. See you tomorrow!

As a Mother

2012-05-11T13:15:00.000-04:00

There is nothing more important than the moments and memories that I am creating daily with my daughter. All too often in my life, I'm pulled in a million different directions, but never without thinking about my baby and how what I am doing will affect her. I love being a mom! It's the best thing that I could have hoped for in my life. My baby is so much fun and if you are around mid-town, you've probably seen her out with me.

Having Skylar has changed everything about my life. I spend tons of time at home and have become more relaxed about having the perfect home where everything has to be in its perfect little place. My mother was really hands on with us and I want to be that type of mother for my little bunny.

I'm taking time off this weekend to go to home to my Mother's to celebrate Mother's Day. I'm actually speaking about being a mom at my childhood church. Let's hope I don't start crying, because truly every time I think about it, my heart overflows.

Happy Mothers Day

Mothers and Daughters!

Details, Details, Details

2012-05-10T21:52:00.000-04:00

Making New Friends At ADAC's Design Defined 2012

2012-05-09T10:39:00.000-04:00

One of the things I love about Design Defined at ADAC is the opportunity to meet new designers. Just as I expected, this year has been no different. While waiting to attend the Veranda at 25 keynote, I ran into Glennette Haynes of Stephin Oubre Events and Interiors. She'll tell you, we were running around the design center like teenagers, hopping from showroom to showroom, laughing and chatting up a storm. We ran into Michel Boyd and Janice Palmer and together we shopped and talked design and fashion all afternoon long.

One of my favorite stops was an impromptu pop-in to the Jim Thompson showroom. It was so colorful and the fabrics were so much fun. They were having a trunk show and there were tons of cool things to see. I also got some really good news while I was there! As it turns out my Keynote speaking engagement is filling up fast. Originally we were set up for an intimate classroom seminar of 25 people. The response has been so overwhelming that we already have over 100 people signed up to hear what I have to say about social media and the list is still growing. So, we're moving things around to accomodate everyone and the word is continuing to spread like wildfire. I am so excited! The news got my week off to a great start! So if you'd like a look inside what I've learned about social media and how you can use it to create interesting content that will propel your business to new heights, then it's still not too late - Come join us this week at ADAC!

20 Great Decorating Tips from the team at House Beautiful

2012-05-08T22:46:00.000-04:00

Tip #17 Leather Lasts

House Beautiful is one of my favorite shelter publications and not because their Editor-in-Chief Newell Turner has Mississippi ties, but because of cool little features like this one. See all 20 decorating tips here.

Behind The 2012 African-American Top 20 List

2012-05-08T10:27:00.000-04:00

As we head into May, I want to start introducing you to some of the designers on the African-American Top 20 List (#AATOP20 if you're on twitter). My goal is to give you a little insight into their lives, along with their perspective regarding our influence on interior design. It's my hope that it will help you understand more about the industry and how you can carve out a place for yourself in it. All the designers represented are unique and have come to be successful in the field via many different paths. Some are Yale educated and others self-taught. Some are in the twilight of their careers, while numerous others have only just begun. All are established, talented, and happy to share with you their experience as an African-American Interior Designer.

The Hidden Hand

In the Book, Rules of Civility, Katey Kontent makes reference to the interior design of Tinker Grey's Manhattan apartment as having been done by a hidden hand. A reference which acknowledges that the space was put together by someone with taste and skill in the area of interior design, but who was not known. As I interviewed the designers on the list, I found that several have worked on in design firms that have won numerous awards, as well as on design projects that have been published in shelter publications both locally and nationally. More interesting to note was that even though they held positions such as Senior Project Manager or Luxury Design Specialist, their names would never be associated with the project. Hidden in plain sight - they were there,

...but you would never know it.

Images Marian Akinloye of MA Designs formally of Drake Design Associates

The Faith Walk

The decision to go it alone is always a difficult one to make. Working for a firm, especially an established one, provides so many great opportunities for a young designer. Once you've worked your way up and learned all that you need to learn, you can't help but to think about striking out on your own. But that type of move takes courage. Truth be told, some designers would rather stay cocooned in a corporate situation where the projects are assigned to them, than have to recruit their own clients. Of course there are pros and cons to both, but many find it hard to survive outside the walls of a well-run design firm. For this reason, we chose designers who are running their own firms for the list. In a way, it was to say thank you and to acknowledge the bold move to go it alone.

As we compiled the 2012 selections, we found that there was room for more designers on the list. We went back and forth about the number and in the end, decided to stick with 20. We've agreed to add 5 new names in 2013 and are busy vetting those nominations now. Compiling a list such as this is a lot of work, I really must say. In 2011 when we first published the list, I was like many of you, I had only heard of about 5 of the names on the list. One of the biggest issues was that we were taking recommendations via word of mouth and there was little else to go on. Their web presence was practically nonexistent and many of the sites had not been updated since they were first put up in the 90s. We had to painstakingly research all the designers and understand that they were better at interior design than graphic design.

In the end, we trusted our guts and brought to you the designers who were doing outstanding work in the field. These authors, public speakers, television hosts, and philanthropists have passionately dedicated their lives to the art of building beautiful living spaces. They have worked hard to perfect their craft and now stand as a beacon of light to generations of designers of color.

Stella and Dot Summer 2012

2012-05-05T11:58:00.000-04:00

In addition to great furniture and fabric finds at ADAC this month, you have to check out the jewelry trunk shows. Be sure to look for Vaughn Maxson of Stella & Dot in the Design Limited showroom. I fell in love with many variations of statement necklaces. Below are some of my favorites. What do you think?

1. Zahara Bib Necklace $248.00 2. Palamino Necklace $138.00 3. Bahari Necklace $98.00
4. New Limited Edition Mischa Necklace $198.00
5. Pegasus Necklace $198.00 6. Campan Necklace $128.00
7. Sophia Pearl Bib Necklace $118.00 8. Bamboleo Necklace $248.00

Inside Michel Boyd's Feature in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles

2012-05-03T16:43:00.000-04:00

A & R Cashmere Throws on Joss and Main

2012-05-02T14:47:00.000-04:00

It Takes Delusions of Grandeur to Attempt This

2012-05-01T12:54:00.000-04:00

Good morning everyone! It's May and boy do I have some exciting news for you! I've tried to keep everything under wraps until I could share it with you in the proper way. If you follow me on twitter, which I know you do, you might have gotten wind of some of the projects already. Just yesterday, we received several tweets and re-tweets about all the exciting things happening at Pinkeggshell and with Kimberly and Cameron Inc. Thank you and keep 'em coming because your support is much appreciated!

With all the excitement and good news, it would stand to reason that we would have some setbacks. First of all, a few weeks ago, I accidentally deleted all the images from my blog. And when I say all, I mean all the images! I know that those of you on Wordpress are like what? How does that happen? Well it's true, I did. I was in an industrious mood, editing my google+ page and accidentally deleted all the images. That's why some of you might have a black box on your websites, where my image used to be. It took me (yes me, because no one else around here knew where things should go), four 18-hour days to get things back up and running. If you are devastated just reading this, then imagine how I felt. I wanted to cry, but only for like 5 minutes. I smiled at the Universe and quickly went about fixing the problem one post at a time, taking care not to look too far ahead to assess the problem and get overwhelmed. Or as some would say, eating the elephant one bite at a time. I knew that I could not simply give up on Pinkeggshell as many other bloggers who had made the same mistake with their sites in the past had done. I'm a Psychology major and I always seem to be able to appreciate the emotional discipline it takes to not "go postal". It 's all so comical actually. Just when you're having delusions of grandeur, something like that happens.

Speaking of delusions, or others might call it an amazing display of ambition, I am having a party this year to celebrate the African American Top 20 Interior Designers list. Don't look in my direction, look straight up into the sky and thank GOD! I simply could not be attempting this without His grace and mercy presiding over the creation of the event. In addition to the sleepless nights re-building my blog, I have been planning a 200+ party for some very powerful and influential designers in the industry. The response has been overwhelming and we had to close the list only a few days after invites went out. The event should be remarkable, as designers are coming from all over the country to join in the celebration.

Read more »

Tamu McPherson for Net-A-Porter

2012-04-27T20:50:00.000-04:00

I smiled when I saw this. One of my favorite fashion bloggers and one of my favorite fashion sites.

If you aren't already, please follow Tamu of All The Pretty Birds.

2012-04-25T17:30:00.002-04:00

This Week on Pintrest

I Love Pink to Pieces

2012-04-24T17:47:00.001-04:00

I was out scouting this weekend and found myself in pink heaven. If you haven't been to Pieces in Atlanta, you are missing a treat. I love it. I never know what to expect when I step into the showroom onto those crisp white floors. This time was no different. I was taken in by the fluffy chairs and soft glow of pink. Even the pink lamp made my heart skip a beat.

Event the antlers had a hint of pink. And is there anything better than Malin + Goetz candles? Love!

I only had my iphone with me so the images area little fuzzy, but you can see why I love the store.

Social Media Tips - They've Gotta Make Sense

2012-04-21T12:04:00.000-04:00

Do as I say, Not as I do. No, just kidding. I have been working to grow my social media footprint in a natural and organic way. I want to make real connections with people and have an open give and take of information. I am a mother, entrepreneur, writer, speaker... you get it. I'm busy. So social media has to fit into my already hectic life. In short, my efforts have to make sense. I did a guest post for Susan of Hive Marketing the other day. It's a quick little post about how I decide what goes where. Check it out then let me know a little bit about your social media strategies.

Weekend Reading: Smith Boyd Interiors on the Cover of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazines

2012-04-20T18:41:00.001-04:00

www.Smithboydinteriors.com

Ted Ellis - When Praises Go Up!

2012-04-20T11:07:00.000-04:00

"Here's "Sunday Jubilee", celebrating the 50th Annivesary of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, it is my families church home. I love my church. It took me 3 months to complete the painting, the original size is 40x60 and I believe it is one of my best paintings. "

- TED ELLIS

How Often Should You Update Your Home's Decor?

2012-04-18T18:14:00.000-04:00

I was recently in the home of a couple who undoubtedly spent a lot of money to have their home furnished. Many of the items were expertly selected and have served them well for many years. Since they're still in good condition and some pieces have only received limited use, should they be encouraged to update their home? It's been over a decade since they've done so. What do you think? How long is too long to go before updating your home's decor?

Aside from the lack of color, which was done intentionally, what updates would you recommend for this space?

Reflections of Ten Years as Kimberly and Cameron Interiors

2012-04-17T14:44:00.001-04:00

I'm in the process of organizing various events around the 10 year celebration for my interior design firm, Kimberly and Cameron Interiors. So much has happened in ten years and I know that with social media it can seem that things have always been pretty and easy, but in fact, there have been a lot of advances that I simply was not privy to at the beginning phases of my business.

For one, I didn't consider the design projects that I did for my friends and family. It wasn't until I had clients who actually signed contracts, paid full retainers, and full design fees that I registered my business with the state. From the beginning I was blessed to have amazing clients. My first project was the 2,200 square foot tri-level city home of an NFL executive. I was responsible for the entire project from top to bottom. All the rooms, hiring the gardener, selecting the art, each intricate detail...all of it. The experience was exhilarating and by the time I finished, it reconfirmed what I'd always felt inside. That I truly had the gift of being able to transform a space into something amazing, while still ensuring that the client's essence of who they are as a person remained at the center of it all.

Sometimes I encounter aspiring designers who only know me from blogging and they assume that I'm creating vignettes for each post in the corners of my home. Ladies and gentlemen, in case you've wondered the same thing, this could not be further from the truth. In fact, my designs are 90% custom high-end furnishings and decor.

I make this point because it's important for people to understand that when you make it to a ten year celebration, you've done much more than simply move around furniture. You have ordered more expensive sofas than all the furniture in your flat and lived with the reality that one mistake could bankrupt your entire practice.

One of my favorite clients was Houston Texan, Anthony Weaver. Anthony lovingly refers to his home as his sanctuary and if I had known more about the importance of photography then, you would have seen why. My only regret is that I did not fully photograph this home at the time. Interior styling and photography is big business now, but at the time, digital photography was just catching on and the idea of having insight to magazine secrets as we now do through blogs was unheard of. The home was fantastic! Not because it was overdone, but because it was a perfect representation of Anthony. It was masculine, yet very family friendly at the same time. We added an underground pool to the 7,000 square foot estate and I am sure that it's his most prized possession.

I have always been convinced that I know and work for some of the best people in America. They have been so helpful and have allowed me to transform their homes with little, if any, back talking. One of the things I love most is that I still have relationships with many of them and hope that I continue to grow along with them.

My final reflection has less to do with my past and much more to do with my future. I live this life and fully recognize that what I'm doing with both my company and my blog is unique to the evolution of the African-American experience in interior design. I have been lucky from the beginning to work with vendors like Marge Carson, Matlain Smith, Jeffco, Della Robbia, and Fendi Casa. We have always sourced primarily from the Houston, Miami and Atlanta design centers where I believe the best products are housed. In the last few years, I have worked to embrace new techniques that will satisfy the changing landscape of the interior design industry. I often wish that I could have chronicled my Houston design projects with the current social media platforms we now have available to us. Now that would have given me the ability to transform the entire design experience and serve as a point of reference not only for me, but for tens of thousands of people also.

Any whoo... I know that my life has unfolded exactly how it was always supposed to. I've enjoyed a fabulous career and made some amazing friends. I've learned so much and developed a strength that can only come from facing your fears, looking them straight in the eye, and overcoming them. I don't know what the next ten years will hold, but I am so excited. I can only imagine that things are going to be great!!!!

It's all Smiles at the New Crate and Barrel Store in Buckhead

2012-04-11T17:33:00.000-04:00

That's Gloria over at the new Crate and Barrel store in Buckhead. I ran into the new store a day after it opened last week and found smiles like hers beaming on the faces of many of the employees. They all were so happy! Happy to be in a new building, happy that everything looked so good, and happy that there were new customers coming in. I have to admit, for years I didn't bother with Crate and Barrel because of the inconvenience of the Lenox store's location. I dreaded the entire ordeal. The parking in one spot, having the car loaded in another, and the waiting for what seemed like forever and a day for the re-emergence of the stock boy from the dungeon that was the stock room. If there was ever a case for a new store, shopping at the Lenox Crate and Barrel made it loud and clear.

Enter, the Buckhead store. First of all, I love being able to pull right up and run in to get what ever I need. In my case it's always solid pillows. The selection is great and is available year round in a magnitude of colors. As a neat little design trick, I mix and match them with my custom-made accent pillows and everyone wins.

Now that the store is larger, on one level and easy to get to, I can stop calling in my sofa orders to Houston. Yes, it's crazy I know, but I was still doing it. I know Hector in Houston and it's easy to get what I need without a lot of hassle. Now I have Jerry (above) who promises to step right in and take care of me as only Hector could. And doesn't he look happy? I love working with Happy people - it makes my day run smoothly! :)

So why all the talk about Crate and Barrel now? Because Crate and Barrel is a great store. It's easy to take it for granted and overlook the fantastic home options that it has because it's been around with no real frills. They are like that good old faithful friend. There whenever you need them with exactly what you need. For me, I love the sofa selection, especially the frames built by American Leather. I absolutely adore the Lounge sofa and recommend it to clients year after year... classic elegance. Now I know what the fear is, that everyone will have your living room... I get it. I don't recommend walking in and asking for the entire showroom floor exactly how it's set up. However, I do recommend stopping by and taking a look. Ask some questions and meet the staff. Crate and Barrel has some amazing home decor options and now that it's easy to access, there's no reason not to stop on by and sink into a new sofa.