The Friday 5

Lately, I have been on a peanut butter toast kick (much in part to my brand new toaster).  Every morning after my run, I make a little AM snack.  This might seem silly to some, but coming from someone who rarely eats breakfast (and is trying desperately to have smarter eating habits in the morning), this is a very BIG, "first step" to a healthier change for the best.  

Still working on the new collection of custom wall art, and I took a few samples home from here. 

One of our (new-to-us-this-week!) brides selected these letterpress invitations (found here) 

and we agree...not only does she have amazing taste, but they are beautiful!

This is my favorite behind-the-scenes moments (and outtake) from our Charm City Style post 

earlier this week.  My intern, Nikki (visit her Tumblr here!), was playing photographer, 

and she had me rolling with laughter.  It made my Wednesday so.much.fun! 

A sneak peek at the gorgeous House of Harlow give-a-way we will be posting next week 

on Facebook. Follow us here for the details...

Happy Friday!

xSB

PINSPIRATION - Pattern & Prints

After AM meetings and a bit of work on the new website, we shifted gears and began brainstorming a few new design ideas for our next piece of custom color block art (click here to peek at a sample of one of our pieces).  Thankfully, we have our "pattern & prints" Pinterest page to help keep us inspired!  See more...

Charm City Style - Before the Rain

Yesterday was one of those days where I was able to check multiple things off my ever growing
"To Do" list, as well as make time for a little fun (with Nikki - one of my interns!).  With the cherry blossoms still in full bloom, it was hard to pass up using them as a beautiful backdrop.  Moments before the storm, the sun was shining and we were able to snap these quick pics.  We then (literally) ran back inside and watched the rain pour down
from the studio windows.  

AE denim, Tahari cashmere sweater, coral scarf Oscar de la Renta, 

printed T from Nordstrom, necklace found at Loehman's, hat found at Target, 

Naughty Monkey braided heels, Tory Burch sunglasses, and Foley & Corina handbag

NACE UNCORKED! & Unfettered!

We all have a BUCKET LIST, and we are curious..."What's on yours?" That was the theme of this year's "Design Challenge" at the annual Baltimore Chapter of NACE UNCORKED! fundraising event. Hosted at Baltimore Country Club in Roland Park on Monday, March 19, 2012, approximately 300 members and guests attended to support Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland and our local chapter.  The weather was literally a dream (no one could believe we had temperatures in the 70's), providing the perfect canopy for cocktails on the lawn...

While guests mixed and mingled under the tents outside, our tabletop judges were busy in the ballroom discussing the many creative designs put together by our group.

As you can see, the competition was superlative giving the judges much to deliberate...

The "Tabletop Design Competition" winners were announced during the middle of the evening's wine dinner, and we couldn't be more excited to CONGRATULATE the following:

Most Creative:  Northern Lights, Table Toppers

Best Interpretation of Theme: Writing the Next Great American Novel, Distinctively Yours

Best Overall: Pandamonium, Innovative Party Planners

People's Choice: Sipping Champagne Through France, Boutique Events

Honorable Mention: Hot Air Balloon Ride, Select Event Rentals

The evening would not be complete without a killer after party (thank you sponsors), 

karaoke, and a bit of dancing too!

There are so many people to thank for the success of this event including our co-chairs Jean Mayer and Rachel Shaw.  To see a complete list of committee members, event sponsors, judges, chef's, and beneficiaries, (or how to get involved in the 2013event)...visit the event website HERE!

Not yet a member of Baltimore NACE?  We'd love for you to join us for our next chapter meeting on April 16, 2012 at Cylburn Arboretum here in Charm City.  

We hope to see you then!

xSB

Tabletop photos by Eric Stocklin Photography. More pics here.

Remaining coverage/after party images by Daniel McGarrity Photography.

Thank you, gentleman...and all of the other photographer's that provided coverage of the event as well!

Mint + Peach = Good Enough to Eat

The perfect pair, this delicious palette of cool mint (it reminds me of "Daiquiri Ice", my very favorite sorbet from Baskin Robins) and soft peach, have us eager for warmer weather, flowy fabrics, and perhaps a little ice cream too!

 

We created this storyboard for a spring wedding we are styling (the bridemaid's dresses are 

ever-so-lovely), and thought this might be the perfect, simple statement for this pretty party.

Dress  Shoes Clutch Belt Bangles Coral Polish Mint Polish

Do you agree?  These soft sorbet shades definitely have us swooning.  What's your favorite wedding palette for the season? 

Livin' the Dream

We are all about creative parties and of course gorgeous weddings too...

I spent much of the day working on design proposals (a June bride just left the studio), scheduling painters and carpet installers, interviewing the lovely Mary Alice at Charm City Cakes (peek here for quick pic), as well as working on the text for our (soon-to-launch) new website. (I am so excited and scared at the same time!).  I have to say, however...I.am.spent.  Heading home (very soon) for what are sure to be a few more sweet dreams.  What will tomorrow bring?  More of today, I hope.  Have I mentioned I just love my job? 

Until then,

xSB

* Image 1

The Kiss

This image, taken by former LIFE Magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt in 1945, is said to be one of the most famous photographs in the world. The picture portrays a young U.S. Navy sailor and World War II nurse in the midst of a spontaneous kiss, which most signify as “the end of the war.” Many people have come forward to claim themselves as the sailor or nurse, but no one knows who these two people are for sure.  It is this kiss that INSPIRED...

...this gorgeous photograph taken just a few weeks ago of my (former) design assistant, Ashley Santana (now) Reid.  I had the pleasure of helping her with a few of the wedding details, and she was a gorgeous bride (peek at us together here).  Even more than that, she was beaming with pure joy on that Saturday the 17th day of March 2012.   I cried through (almost) the entire ceremony...tears of happiness as one of my very favorite young ladies married her sailor and her sweetheart.  

My very best to them both as they now chase their dreams...together.  xSB

Image 3 by "Crystal"

Interior Inspiration - D is for...

 

...D.R.A.M.A!
Sometimes a bit of drama can be a good thing, especially when it comes to interior decor.  Here at the studio, we can't seem to get enough rooms that make a statement with color, wallpaper (you should see the peacock print we are using in one of our master bedroom projects, wow!), or a striking art collection.  Tall ceilings and windows framed in long drapes, large scale furnishings, and mirrors that open things up, all help make these rooms ones that have us swooning.  I asked my interns to find a few of their favorite dramatic spaces and this is what they uncovered...

So, do you share our flair for the dramatics, or do you prefer cleaner spaces?  I love color, and I love the absence of color.  My living room is layered with pattern and texture and walls filled with art, yet my bedroom is a much softer, cleaner palette.  All white walls and furniture, with gold accents and one statement piece.  Either way, a little drama goes a long way.  Tell me, how do you incorporate the dramatic into your living spaces?  We want to know...


*Image Sources 1 and 2; Lonny Mag Image 3; Elle Decor 4; Kelly Wearstler 5; Fieldstone Hill Design 5; Celerie Kemble 6

Our Best Light

On rare occasion, a good photographer is able to capture each of his and/or her subjects in their best light. My friend and fellow NACE colleague, Daniel McGarrity, did just that with this image from last week's UNCORKED! gala.  For that reason, I found it to be completely blog-worthy on this (rainy) Saturday morning in March.  Thank you again NACE Baltimore, and to this industry for embracing all of our creative gifts.

Ladies, you are each gorgeous inside and out...

xo,

stephanie

The Friday 5

"Oh, what a night!"  I would be remiss if I didn't start off this week's Friday 5 with an image from Monday evening's Baltimore NACE UNCORKED! fundraising event.  It was a celebration of the creative, and a testament to teamwork all around.  This was one of my very favorite moments of the evening...a celebratory toast to a job well done designing Table #3 (kudos Danielle and Mary Alice), 

good food and wine, and even better company. 

Busy working on design projects (and some gorgeous weddings too!), it is often hard to find even five minutes to relax and recharge.  I tend to get my stress out in the morning, and my long runs give me the space and time to clear my mind, and mentally prepare for the day ahead.  This week, I stumbled upon this quiet spot on the path of a new route I have been taking.  This tree literally stopped me in my tracks, and I returned hours later to snap a picture.  Who wouldn't enjoy a few moments here...daydreaming...

Back in the studio with a few members of my design army, Nikki (left) and Katie (right).  

I feel so blessed to have not one but two really great young ladies interning for me this semester, and this week we got.the.job.done.  Thanks, ladies!

After a full day in the studio (yesterday), I took the girls to the Charm City Cakes "Summer Collection" reveal at their bakery downtown.  The event was great fun, the cake decorating so creative, and the new cake flavors (the carrot cake especially) extra delish.  Next week, we have a one-on-one interview with Mary Alice that we will share on the blog shortly thereafter.  

Our new motto:  More cake (and of course cupcakes too) = more happiness!

I also had the chance to "play" a little this week.  I was busy selecting swatches for my next piece of wall art, and the palette is so soft and romantic.  It is a custom piece (for a very special friend) to be the focal point of her living room.  Soon these pieces will be available on our new website 

(another project that is quickly coming along), and we can't wait to share it with you.  

Just four weeks and counting...I can hardly wait!

Happy Friday!

stephanie

Room of the Week - Creamsicle Delight

With the change of the seasons, comes the feeling to shake things up a bit, and to me that means moving the furniture around!  My mother will chuckle when she reads this, as I come by this (somewhat) impulsive behavior honestly.  An Army brat (moving more times than I have fingers by the time I graduated from high school), and the daughter of an uber creative mother...one who taught me to embrace change with every new place and every new home.  So, what is the best way to change things up in your interiors you ask?

Paint, paint and a little more paint!  With that in mind, this "looks-good-enough-to-eat" living room is the perfect example of making a statement with color, and a simple coat (or two) of paint.  Of course, having the guts to paint everything in high gloss coral is a risk, but in this case (I think) it definitely paid off.  In addition to this delicious color, I am always a fan of a one cushion sofa, the lines of those mid century chairs (so good), one perfect pendant light, simple shades, and well stylized accessories.  Are you brave enough to take a risk like this with color?  I feel a weekend project brewing...what colors on on your project list?