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office makeover…part 1 – ideas and organization

So, recently I have fallen out of love with my office space.  I am running out of usable space to work and would love to move to a bigger space but that is not in the cards at the moment.  Add to that, it seems like a ton of designers have recently updated their offices and I am bombarded with beautiful inspiring spaces on a weekly basis.  No sense fretting over it…instead, I will dream up ways to transform my existing space!

P.S. I kind of think that my frustration with my office is because I am super busy with work and it is an unnecessary distraction to daydream about an organized and inspiring space…

First, here are a few spaces which get me inspired and anxious to be creative!

Love the windows & crisp color palette!
I like the eclectic and functional feel of this space.
Multi-functional yet bright and open!

Since my office also doubles as my dining room, I need to consider dining seating.  I love this photo and I already have this table!

Love the floor mirror and the soft blue/grey of the chairs!

I have been scouring Craig’s List and finally came across these super cheap chairs that I will refinish for my office/dining room.  See my colorful inspiration photos below…

Definitely in need of some TLC...

Now, these are my before and in progress shots…

I moved my desk in front of the window, feels more open and kind of like Sex & the City!
I've started to accumulate more stuff that doesn't fit anywhere...
I ordered a matching desk which works as my new credenza! Yeah!
Much more organized but it needs color!

Stay tuned for progress updates!

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Kimberly Designs Outdoor Centerpieces on Great Day St. Louis!

I’m so honored to have been chosen to appear on Great Day St. Louis this morning!  Very fun experience indeed!

Thank you very much to Victoria and the rest of the Great Day team for making me feel welcome!

Also, thank you to Pottery Barn at Plaza Frontenac for lending me the goodies!

 

If the video doesn’t appear, click here.

I can give you more pointers at one of the decorating classes I teach at Pottery Barn.  Lots of great tips and hands-on advice from me and wonderful associates at the store!

Check their event calendar to get info and sign up!

 

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Decorating Idea: Outdoor Centerpiece Chic

Happy Almost Summer!  Are you ready to brave the heat and entertain friends and neighbors outdoors?

Some of you may know that I teach decorating classes at Pottery Barn a couple Sunday’s a month.  Luckily, they let me exercise my creativity and pull together some of my own ideas for the class.  Here’s a simple centerpiece idea I created using flameless candles, recycled glass candleholders and succulents.  It turned out very organic and natural if I may say so myself :)

outdoor centerpiece i created at pottery barn

One of the reasons this works is it is very neutral and would fit in with almost any decor or color scheme.  Another tip is to let one thing “shine” through in your design.  In this case, it is the candles.  When entertaining, especially at night, lighting can make or break your dinner party.  Too much and it doesn’t feel intimate, too little and it is hard to see your guests!  One of the things I love about flameless candles is their ability to flicker and “dance” like natural candlelight without the hazards.  Bonus: most flameless candles have a timer built-in.  Which means if you want your candles to come on every night at 5:00 and turn off at 10:00, you can make it happen!

Hope this idea sparks your creativity, too.  I would love to help with your decorating challenges!  Please email me with ideas or spaces you would like me to address.

Thanks & Happy Decorating!

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“keep calm and carry on”

Welcome to 2011 – the land of over-scheduled, underpaid, technology-addicted persons racing through life whilst forgetting what it is we are moving towards.  To quote Ferris Bueller “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

classic and original – love those Brits!

It’s no wonder then that the British goverment’s posters, produced in 1939 to alleviate stress from the impending war, have been reinvented as the latest decorating craze.  With it’s simple yet effective motto and signature crown, the posters have been popping up everywhere in dozens of bright colors and unexpected creations.

For me, the poster’s bold color balances it’s somber message and reading the phrase instantly provides a reassuring hand as I push through my never ending to do list.   Feel free to share your own personal motto or mantra for perseverance!

this is pretty popular in nursery rooms!
i have a few friends who could use these!
and some mommies who would want this, too!
love the more natural version!
what a way to come home…
how does this not make you happy?
great way to start the day!

 

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Here Comes The Sun!

Happy Spring 2011

I am so excited for all the amazing color coming out in fashion and furniture stores!  Yellow is such an optimistic color, you can’t help but smile when wearing it or seeing it as an accent piece in your home.  It is also a very vital reminder that warm weather is almost here!

So, use these photos and objects as inspirations for a very cheery 2011 outlook!

Click on the photos to visit the vendor’s sites…

 

necklace from Kate Spade that spawned this post...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
love these Tolix chairs and in yellow, even better!
canary bird tealights from CB2 - adorable!

 

paint your cabinets canary yellow for a fresh look!
uh oh, my Kate Spade bag now in yellow seersucker...someone hide the plastic!
from seersucker to tent stripes, so cheery!

 

daffodils are my favorite flower!
Kate Spade has a flower I love, too!
flowers on a pillow from CB2
a little yellow goes a long way...
what a fun idea!
a taste of the Hamptons from Crate & Barrel

 

Love this chair from CB2 - too pretty to go outside!!!
another great way to use paint!
simply adorable! works indoors and out!
another beautiful space
go outside & enjoy the sunshine!!