Art in Bloom

The weekend was full of celebration and color for me.  My former design assistant was married on Saturday (peek here for a pretty pic), and on Sunday I slept in, played in the garden, caught up on a bit of reading (am in serious like with this VOGUE cover by the way), took a few long walks in the neighborhood (can you believe the cherry blossoms are already in bloom?), AND...

...thoughtfully hung this new painting on the wall in my bedroom. (Boom!)  It is sooo gorgeous and totally 

inspiring--the perfect way to start each and every day.  Tonight I am sure to be inspired once again, as I attend the NACE Baltimore Chapter UNCORKED! fundraising event.  I can't wait to put on a party dress, reconnect with industry colleagues, and see the dining room in creative bloom!

Until tomorrow,

stephanie

* Images 1 & 2

NEW SERIES - Interior Inspiration - A is for...

A new year means a NEW SERIES on the blog and I have to admit I am pretty excited about this one.  Last week I was having a temporary design block, so I started making an A-Z list of the interior trends I am loving at the moment.  Just that exercise in and of itself got me out of my funk and I am happy to report I am back in the saddle, crazy for A.R.T!

Now I realize this word is quite subjective.  What one sees as art versus another can be tricky.  So I am going to keep this simple. Whether you like your paintings big or small, in a group or all alone on a wall (I sounded a little like Dr. Suess there for a moment), to me they are always the cherry on top of any interior and bring so much life to a space.  Sculptures and photographs are some of my favorites to include in this category.  Here are just a few statement pieces and/or collections that have me wanting to redecorate every room in my house...

White walls and large scale imagery are the focal point to these gorgeous spaces.  Using a mirror to reflect art on the opposite wall is another great design trick to make your small space seem larger.  I love the round mirror reflecting the photograph and architecture from across the room.

Color my world with a large scale painting that simply rocks. Hands down.

Abstract or realistic? Bold, dramatic, dewy or dreamy?

Looking for something a little outside the box?  These spheres are a fun and creative alternative adding texture and dimension to their respective spaces.

Collections big and small, white or bright, vintage, modern, traditional or edgy.  What speaks to you?

This post could go on and on with images of ART I LOVE.  I am always pouring over the pages of books and magazines inspired by art in fashion, travel, photography, events and interiors.  Want to peek at a little more of my design inspiration?  If you're anything like me, your walls are always evolving...

Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 6, 7, 8, 9-11

Welcome to the Studio!

In January of this year I took a leap of faith--moving my business out of my apartment and into a studio space in Baltimore. Months before the move, I began collecting pictures of other spaces and places that inspired me (as I have all my clients do before we create a space or party for them) and began the design process.  I selected a honey-colored sisal carpet throughout the space and a neutral color palette of warm grays, cream, and crisp white trim.

Next on my list were the furnishings...a low sofa, ceramic table, chic accessories, and plenty of fashion and design books to help add visual interest and texture to the design.  I knew the final detail was going to be the art and I knew that selecting a "the perfect image" was going to be challenging.

With that being said, I decided to bring in a professional and commission a custom piece, made especially for me -- a reflection of what I love.  I had the pleasure of working with the talented Kristen Scotto Di Frega when I commissioned her for another client project months before and knew she was the perfect person for the job.

Here's a peek at the process and the "design file" I shared with her...

The paint colors I selected were all from Benjamin Moore.

LOVE this room design by the talented Kelly Weartler -- so chic and glamorous.  This picture of Sarah Jessica Parker (one of our very favorite fashion icons) and Chris North was featured in the June 2008 issue of VOGUE and has been hanging in my bedroom for years.  I love the gown, the sofa, the carpet and of course the leading man isn't bad to look at either.

These starburst shapes have always been a favorite of mine as well as these amazing glass chandeliers.  They are a reminder of how much we love a great party. Kristen incorporated them all into the work!

Some of the rough sketches Kristen did...with her eyes closed.

Below is the piece "in progress" in Kristen's studio.  As part of her process, she placed individual hand sanded, hand painted, tiles onto the canvas(s) prior to transferring her sketches using a projector.

Drum roll please...

The finished product, is, in one word...STUNNING! It is an intimate reflection of my style and the things that inspire me.  It now hangs in the design studio sitting room and is the piece that greets guests upon their arrival into our creative work space.  Every day I find some new detail that captivates me, makes me smile, and inspires me to continue creating beautiful things each and every day.  

xo, stephanie

P.S. I am so in love with my painting that I've commissioned Kristen to do another piece, this time for my bedroom. I can hardly wait to see how it turns out! I will keep you posted on the progress...

Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore - Opening in 8 Days!

                                                                                                                                                                         Statement lobby lighting

Yesterday I had a client walk through for an upcoming holiday party at the Four Seasons Hotel.  Not only were we blown away by the view, but the hotel's lighting and artwork were beyond spectacular.  All of the interior finishings were layered with texture--a mix of modern and natural elements--perfectly blended together for a completely chic experience.  

                                                                                                                                          Artwork installation on the ballroom level

                                                                     Industrial cafe lighting and a great view of the harbor

The hotel was bustling with activity and that is to put it mildly. Opening in just eight short days, there were a mix of hotel staffers, trainers, contractors, decorators, and vendors, all busy putting the finishing touches on this very chic space.  

You must peek at the interior and its gorgeous finishings for yourself. We also heard that the restaurant, Wit & Wisdom - a tavern by Michael Mina, is sure to be delish.  I can't help but think this might be the perfect place for an "art meets fashion" photo shoot.  My wheels are already turning...

xo, stephanie

I couldn't resist an artsy pic in front of this gold, pebbled wallpaper (installed just yesterday).
To. Die. For. Glam. Dress BeBe, Necklace Neiman Marcus, Earrings from Sassanova,
Michael Kors Watch, Stella & Dot Bangles

An Illustrated Life

Girls About Town (from left to right): Lisa (my best Chica), Stephanie, and Inslee

For the past few years I have been buying my best girlfriends (and myself of course) a fashion calendar by one of my very favorite illustrators, Inslee by Design. Her calendar sits on my desk here at the office and on the first of each month I am always excited to see the details in the new month's drawing.  I met Inslee in 2008 when her notecards were featured in People StyleWatch Magazine. She was a student at Washington & Lee at the time and when I approached her about illustrating a logo for my design business she gladly accepted.  The image she created has been our company brand since that time and I have had the pleasure of working with her on several projects over the years.

In January of this year I was beyond excited (and a little overwhelmed) to open a design studio for Bradshaw Styling in Baltimore.  I asked my friend and talented photographer, Jennifer McMenamin, to take a picture of me in the new space.  I wanted to turn that portrait into an illustration that I could then use on personalized "from the desk of" notecards and this is what Inslee created...I couldn't have been more thrilled!

To see more of Inslee's work visit her online and don't forget to add her 2012 calendar to your holiday wish list.  It is already on ours!

xo, stephanie

Iconic Anniversary

Did you know that fifty years ago this month (on October 5, 1961 to be exact), one of Hollywood's most iconic films was released?  Breakfast at Tiffany's remains a modern family favorite while her fashion choices, both on screen and off, remain timeless and unforgettable.  Thank you, Audrey, for showing us what true glamour is. 


This has always been one of my favorites...
xo, stephanie

We Couldn't Help It....

Well Being 1, by Valerie Roybal

This is just too good.

*Sigh*