Hot off the Cyber Press . . .

Hey There. . .

Delighted to be in current issue of Ivy & Piper !  Co-Founder and Editor's Melanie Parker and Elizabeth Raptis lay out such a pretty magazine filled with ideas and must haves.

Take a closer look at the whole Sept / Oct. Issue of Ivy & Piper here

They featured one of my favorite projects - Alex Heffe's room here in Charlotte !  Take a look.

New from Studio Bon . . .

Hey There. . .

I love Studio Bon textiles.  I love when I see a new collection introduced.  I love blue.  I am so excited to see Bonnee Sharpe's new collection.  Available at www.lucyandcompany.com.

I have Bonnee Sharpe to thank for my cornices . . . and she lived out my (occasional) dream of creating her own textile designs when she couldn't find what she was looking for.  What started as a side project became a full blown business after leaving her full-time design job in 2007.

Bonnee not only inherited her grandmother's name, but artistic eye.  Always wanted to create, which I can relate to !  She moved from Dallas to New York City in the 90's to write for an ad agency, but found the visual arts were calling her name.  She took photography and painting classes and later formal design training  in Los Angeles.  To fill a need for a specific look, pattern and texture, she began developing artwork for patterns.  With the artistic talent and entrepreneurial drive, she knew it was what she was meant to do.  Personally designed and hand-painted, it's a quickly expanding line !

photo by Terri Glanger

Take a look at other patterns (in my chosen color way for this post) available from Studio Bon.  We have all the samples, so please call and come by for a closer look !

Sidewalk Inspiration Part Deux . .

Hey There . . .

Get out and walk around . .  If you are an Urban Dweller, consider yourself one of the lucky ones.  Just outside your door you can be visually stimulated at every turn, if your eyes are wide open.  I wanted to be inspired by the color Red . . . on a Red kick as of late.  There isn't much a pop of Red doesn't work with.  While I was in the Big City and on the way home from my meeting with a new NYC client . . . can't wait for that) , I focused on the color Red.

I was in Soho and realized I was on Wooster Street.  Dwell's Flagship Studio in on Wooster, and pretty it is.  I was instantly drawn to a collection of artwork displayed right when you entered.  I love the pops of red, and for those of you who want a big grouping on your big wall . . . this is how it should be done - take note.

But anyway . . . looking for color, pattern and textures combinations for your interior spaces?  This is how I play with ideas . . .

Red and Turquoise are a great color combination, if combined with the anchoring color of black.

images I took at Trina Turk' retail location and Liora Manne's studio

images compliments of Trina Turk's Fall 2012 online collection

A subway stop or two back uptown, and I came across a few more inspirational visions.  While trying to be incognito with my shot of this couple . .  I loved her mix of the red patent leather bag paired with her over dyed black and white shorts, mixed with the simple black T and nubby sweater (which I sure was a combination she just threw together without any thought) Got me thinking about some fabrics and papers we offer . . and how to mix all the textures, colors and patterns in a den maybe?!

Love the bike seat on the red bike . .  love the lettering in gold. . that could be my metal color of choice.

The Coach Store window showcased this great black / gold / dash of red bag . .  and just looking down along the sidewalk I noticed polka dots mixed with pattern trellis work . . hum. . .

Get inspired out there . . .

I love finding inspiration everywhere . . . the creative types think this way I reckon . .  

Take a look at Kravet's latest add in September's Elle Decor . . perfect example !

So keep your eyes wide open today . . . Happy Sunday . . .

Dressing Up . . . for a Night Out . .

Hey There !

Couldn't resist a re-post . . . came across these amazing images taking during the 2012 Venice Biennale.  "Some Pigeons are More Equal than Others" by artists Julian Charriere and Julius Von Bismarck.

The duo collaborated to dye the birds in an effort to change people's perception of them being considered "flying rats."  Without harming the feather critters, Charriere and Bismarck spray-painted them on a conveyor belt-like mechanism on a Copenhagen rooftop believing they would become "less offensive" and in turn, more accepted by those traveling the venetian piazzas!  What do you think ?

I am a big fan of grey, but adorning a jewel tone jacket for a night out on the Square would make me feel "fancy."

photo compliments of Designboom

Photoshop Love Fest !

Hi Everyone . . .

Funnest few days in NYC . . . came up to attend BlogShop. I have been following DesignLoveFest  for a while now and I love Bri's style.  Beautifully laid out, designed and photographed.  I wanted to learn a few tricks of the trade, so I attended a 3 day crash course.  Along with her Blogshop partner Angela Kohler, amazing photographer and LA based filmmaker and director, our group of 25 were treated to a beautiful space, fun atmosphere and the immense knowledge of two inspirational women.   I have to say, I was so impressed with how they organized it all and shared the tips they have perfected and branded into their look in a non-pressure, creative and inspiring way.   They were just as fun easy to be around as they seem in the "virtual" world.

Meet Angela and Bri . . .

photo by beth keim

photo by beth keim

photo by beth keim

Bri just posted some of their images from the class . . . 

photos by angela and bri

Great time . . . my head is exploding with new information . . . and funnest of all

learned a bit about a technique Angela has mastered in a big way . .  stop-motion.  Check out her site and here and it might ring a bell.  She's amazing.  

Angela.. thanks for your patience - and I be proud . . I changed to forever, made it a gif. and successfully downloaded. . . it's a start !

Happy weekend.

Sidewalk Inspiration . . .

Hey There . . . 

Trina Turk was one of my stops in NY last weekend.  Great space located in the Meatpacking District. I found a lot of inspiration in the shop and the streets outside . . . Take a look . . I had so much fun shooting these pictures and relating the two in color, shape and texture.

Check out her fall collection

these two shots from her site at here.

and don't forget we at Lucy and Company have all her amazing fabrics for interiors !

Hey There . . .

While I was in New York this past weekend -  I went out my first night, just to grab something for dinner.  I was staying near 14th Street in the Meat Packing District (a new neighborhood for me, I tend to be a Flat Iron kind of gal) and when I rounded the corner I walked right into a stylist's buffet table.  

The streets were filled with 20-somethings in their very cute, short, flashy dresses, their 5 inch heels were getting caught in the cobble stone streets and they were all a flutter.   It was "Fashion's Night Out".  An event sponsored by QVC and Maybelline of New York to kick off fashion week.   All the local designer shops were open, pouring champagne and cranking "Call Me Maybe" over and over - It was clubbing and shopping all in one.  It was quite the party.  So I grabbed a glass and started watching all the hubbub.

 I wandered and wandered, often jumping out of the way of truly infatuated young, future hopeful designers and models - who were running alongside camera men to catch a glimpse of the likes of Nichole Richie, Anna Wintour, Isaac Mizrahi, and Project Runway designers.  I have to say I was slightly a little "star struck" - snapping my i phone like a teenager - or big tourist, you pick.

Now if you know me at all - I could use a stylist (or surprise makeover), but I love fashion.  I do read Vogue, so getting that close to Ms. Wintour was pretty cool.  I often get a ton of inspiration from the season's colors, textures and patterns.  The runway does jump start interiors, everyone knows that !

I noticed a lot of pink, gray, raspberry, black and white and silver.  Tomorrow on the way to class (which by the way is the main reason for this not-just-for-fun trip) and after my meeting with a new client . . . I plan on taking all this inspiration a little further.

Stay tuned !

Doings in Dilworth . . .

Hey There . . .

I hope everyone local knows about the Dilworth Home Tour coming on September 21st and 22nd !  With our showroom located in the heart of Dilworth, we love to take a work break and check out the great designs and unique homes on the tour.  It's a fun time to stroll around and get inspired.

Get your tickets on line or stop by T. Reid and Company on East Boulevard, Paper Skyscraper and Dilworth Drug.

My friend Taylor Presson of www.sweethomecharlotte.net has the fun job of reporting on all the homes this year on her blog.  Be sure to get your ticket.  One of my favorites, and the signature home  428 East Kingston Avenue is a must see, here's a preview from Sweet Home . . .

photo by Terry Loeb

I also want to extend a big thanks to Taylor for choosing Lucy and Company for her feature story in this issue of the Dilworth Quarterly !!!  I was most impressed by her gift of the written word.  Unlike my rambling and often use of poor grammar and spelling - she was quite eloquent !

Thanks Taylor !!

Fun, Funky & Fresh: Modern Design Reigns at Lucy & Company

By Taylor Presson

Lucy & Company, located in the heart of Dilworth, is nestled near the corner of Dilworth Road West and East Boulevard. The chocolate brown building, with its delicate cream-colored cursive lettering and black & white chevron front stoop is classic and eye- catching. Under dark skies, the showroom’s expansive windows are often softly lit to display the unique and colorful interiors designed by owner Beth Keim.

A long time resident of Plaza-Midwood, Beth followed her heart, clients and real estate investment instincts, and brought her magical showroom to Dilworth in 2006.

Named after Beth’s oldest daughter, Lucy & Company is a true family affair. Husband Keith is an accomplished artist and craftsman, and is often the talent behind Beth’s unique and customized designs. Lucy and youngest daughter Kate are a constant presence in the shop and provide daily inspiration for the light-hearted and whimsical interiors that have become Lucy & Company’s signature.
No stranger to historic homes (her own home dates back to the 1920’s), Beth knows how to make modern interior design shine within the architectural constraints of older homes. Her love of all things historic is evident just listening to her talk about “cold, hard plaster walls, high ceilings, and thick beautiful moldings.” Respecting the integrity of the home, she prefers to “add on” to existing design elements. She has a few favorite tricks (or as she refers to them), “happy surprises.” Some of these include adding molding and modern materials to ancient fireplaces to create the illusion of height by connecting dated picture molding to crown molding, as well as saving antique crystal chandeliers and hanging them in unexpected places.

Stop by the showroom, visit www.lucyandcompany.com or check out her blog at www.lucyandcompanyblog.com to see what Beth is up to now!

So get out and enjoy the hopefully cooler weather and spend some time roaming the Dilworth Homes.

Road Trip . . . Florida Bound

Hey there . . .

So I thought I was smart to plan an escape from the craziness of the upcoming DNC which is being held here in Charlotte. Trading in road closings, traffic jams and the overall frenzy for a fun out-of-town install in the tropics - sounded perfect.  I booked the trip . . . to Tampa.  Ok, I am a distracted idiot.  How did I not know the RNC was taking place in my escape city?   Because I have been work immersed, radio and TV turned out, install obsessed - That's been my focus as of late.  So let the Conventions begin and let the best man win - I will be tuned into the drama while unpacking lamps.   

I am leaving town tomorrow for an install I have been looking forward to for months !! Sunday Richardson.  Name sound familiar . . . Sunday Richardson is Dawn Richardson's sister-in-law from yesterday's post !   It has been amazing working with this family (check out where it all started  . . . with their mother-in-law, Judy's project (here) and their other sister-in-law, Rebecca's project.  I have been busy with the Richardson's !  Each project has been unique, special and simply a joy !

So bag's are packed . . . The truck is packed and I am heading south . .

Stay tuned and let's hope I don't arrive at the airport to this . .