Meet the Designer - Heidi Merrick

It's hard to believe that today is my last day in sunny California.  It has been a whirlwind trip full of inspiration, collaboration, and a little shopping to boot.  On Tuesday I had the opportunity to stop by the studio of fashion designer Heidi Merrick (of which I am a huge fan!) and take a peek behind the scenes of her working LA studio, chat a bit about her creative process, and of course oohh and aahh over her entire Spring 2012 Collection!

Heidi (above) in her creative work space

The collections colors and fabrics are amazing and I am obsessed with these tangerine beauties (above). There are plenty of options for day and night, meetings, cocktails, or that last minute warm weather get-a-way.  Can you guess which piece (yes, I did limit myself to just one) I took home with me?  It is delicately packed away in my suitcase as we speak!

Rumor has it cold and blustery temperatures await upon my arrival home in Maryland, but with colors like this on the horizon for spring, I am a very happy girl!

xo,

stephanie

* Studio images by Stephanie Bradshaw, all rights reserved

Room Service

As I peeked through the shades of my hotel room early this morning I couldn't help but fall in love with this gorgeous California weather (quite a departure from the blustery winds I left behind on Sunday), its powder blue skies, and uber tall palm trees lining the streets of downtown LA.  

I am having such a great time connecting with other talented designers and fellow bloggers, but after (what is sure to be) yet another long day of inspiration overload, meetings and sessions, shopping and interviews, I will certainly be ready to turn in here...crisp, white sheets and perhaps even a little room service.

Happy Tuesday!

stephanie

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Big Night for Oscar 02.26

Last night was a big night for fashion and it isn't every day that one gets to wear a gown like this...

Dreamy dresses and dapper gentleman. How enchanting the evening truly was...  

Who wore your favorite dresses?

xo,

stephanie

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Packed & Ready to Go!

Well, I am off yet again...This time I am heading to L.A. for the Design Bloggers Conference and I couldn't be more excited to meet up with fellow interior designers and a few of my favorite design bloggers as well.

While away, I am planning visits here and here, and of course hope to soak in a little much needed sunshine. Another bonus...The 84th Annual Academy Awards are in town on Sunday and I am a wee bit giddy at the thought of catching a glimpse or two of the limos passing by my hotel on the way to the Kodak Theatre.

Next week I'll be sharing the details of a few design projects in the works, as well as a recap on the conference.

Until then...
xo,
stephanie

The Friday 5

This week I was back in the swing of things with full force and promised myself to get The Friday 5 published in a timely manner.  It has been a rewarding week, and I so enjoy doing these posts because they help document the details I might otherwise forget as the week's (struggles and successes) roll on.

I fell in love with this handsome garden guard I met during an event walk through this week at 

Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore.  Believe it or not, the daffodils were already peeking 

through the grass and I can't wait to return in spring.

While I am not usually one for sweets, I believe this is indeed evidence that eating a few malted milk balls aids in late night blog productivity.

Perhaps the most exciting item on my list...my pretty new LOGO and business cards at press check. They were overnighted to the edger on Thursday and I pick them up on Sunday in LA.

A few packed essentials for California adventure.

* New Rule:  Invite friends over mid-week for a glass of wine or two, some good laughs, and
decorate the bottles.  Save the bottles through the winter and use them as candleholders
(or vases) for outdoor soirees in spring.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the warmer weather.  Next week's Friday 5 is sure to be California inspired...

xo,
stephanie

Looking Ahead

This morning I woke up feeling like this...arms open to the world and its endless possibilities.  I took a few deep breaths (went for a long run) and reminded myself that all things are possible when you work hard, are kind, and put positive energy out into the world.  Be true to yourself and look ahead with purpose.  

After all, the summit is so much more rewarding once you have 

endured, enjoyed and appreciated the journey...  

Image 1 by the lovely Kimberly Anderson of kbimagephoto.com

Gotta Have Em - Succulents

Every day is full of challenges and today is no exception.  For a few weeks now, I have been working on the design concept for a large corporate client (so excited for the April gala!) and the design challenge for our team is...(drum roll please)..."no florals." Yes, the theme of the gala is "spring time" but I have been giving direction not to use any fresh flowers. For those that know me best, they know I am always up for a challenge and I rather liked the idea of choosing something out of the box, something that would stay around for a while, and something that was alive just not necessarily in bloom.  The idea of these inspiring little gems immediately came to mind and I am having so much fun incorporating them into our master plan...

I have been using hens and chicks in my garden at home for years and every year I see them popping up on pretty wedding table centerpieces and in bridal bouquets alike.  I love their texture, varied color and how happy they seem to be spilling over the sides of pots or nestled in a terrarium.  It looks like I may be mixing these little guys with something that has a bit more "zest" for this project. Hmmm...What might that be?

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Day Dreamin'

Today the colder temperatures have crept back in and I can hear the wind whipping around outside my studio window as I work on (what my friends call) "design-y things".  I decided to take a quick mental break and think about the warm sun on my face, a cool breeze (and a sparkly drink perhaps!) and a peaceful place to rest my creative mind and soul.

I hope you too will take pause and a brief mental retreat from the daily hustle and bustle of inbox messages and friend requests.  Come sit beside me here, in the shade and dream a little day dream...if only for a moment.

Be happy.

stephanie

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Color Me Monday

It's hard to believe that we are halfway through the month of February.  I am already craving warmer weather and the opportunity to move those delicious brights back to the front of my closet.

Next week at this time I'll be in LA for a long awaited trip to spend a few exciting days here with designers and bloggers alike, and I can't wait to share all of that with you upon my return.

In the meantime, I have a solid week ahead of wrapping up design projects (while getting a few new ones qued up) and I couldn't be more excited about all the things happening at the studio.  This week I am going to get out my color wheel and spin the needle, begin packing my bags a day or two early (I hope), and remain inspired by the little things that make life so lovely. For some reason, the colors today just seem a bit brighter.

Make it a great week!
xo,
stephanie

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Interior Inspiration - C is for...

CHANDELIERS!  
While this popular lighting option is quite practical, yes (and often the focal point of any space), it also allows you to make just about any statement you choose.  Whether you fancy feathers or can't get enough of our beloved brights, there's sure to be an option just for you and your space.  There is no better finishing touch to any room or party than the lighting itself.  It sets the tone for the design and the mood as well.  Do you prefer one big statement piece or perhaps a grouping of smaller fixtures?  Whether rustic, vintage, classic or glam, each of these perfectly complete the spaces which they adorn.

There are so many lighting options out there and selecting the perfect one is a matter of personal preference.  Here at the studio, we love all of these and fortunately don't have to choose just one (remember we decorate for a living).  I think however, I am still secretly coveting this one for my apartment dining room...

* Images 1-3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

In the Moment

Whether single or coupled, today is a day to celebrate LOVE and all the people that inspire your daily life. Put on something pretty, cozy up with a good book, pamper yourself, relax.  Take a deep breath and simply live in the moment. 

After all, it is those quite moments, the silence between the pauses that are most memorable.  Enjoy the day and remember memories are sweet.  Cherish them.

xo,

stephanie

*Images from Pinterest

PANTONE PlayDate - Knockout Pink

Lately I have been obsessing over brightly colored hues (of pink and mint especially seen here and here) and can't seem to get enough saturated color.  When one of my interns showed up at the studio last week with shocking pink nails (and Valentine's Day now less than 24 hours away), I thought it was the perfect time to feature "Knockout Pink" from Pantone's Nylon Brights collection.  I love how this fun shade pops against neutrals but also plays well with other brights too. There are many great ways to inject this bold color into your wardrobe, home, beauty routine or even your next event.  Here are a few ways our intern Katie suggests...

Are you brave enough to incorporate this color into your daily routine?  After all, tomorrow may be the perfect opportunity to start...

Happy Monday!
xo,
stephanie

*all images found via Pinterest

Head Over Heals for...

This week I have been searching for wedding tabletop inspiration (in preparation for this big event!) and happen to come across these beauties from Cote Pierre.  I love their lines and am a sucker for anything pink (as seen here and here).  They are simple and elegant, leaving lots of options for gorgeous linen and floral pairings. 

Want to see what else I am head over heals for at the moment?  Follow me on Pinterest here!

xo,

stephanie

* Plates by Cote Pierre available here