Postmark Morocco

Everyone likes a good "Before and After"...throw in an exciting trip (to an off-the-beaten-path locale), a plane ride or two, high speed ferry, and a Moroccan shop keeper (with a sense of humor that would have even the cast of SNL in stitches), and wah-la...a fun blog post is born!  My last trip abroad (several months ago now) was to Portugal, Morocco, and Spain.  For the past few years I had especially been wanting to travel to Morocco, and it was definitely an experience I wont forget (to say the least); one full of adventure and of course...SHOPPING! 

 I was particularly interested in rugs and textiles on this trip, and one of my favorite purchases was this gorgeous cream and brown centerpiece.  I spent a few hours in this shop, selecting the perfect color, size, and pattern, and had it shipped home only to arrive a few weeks later...

And so the story goes...from Morocco (with love) all the way back to my colorful, living room 

apartment in Charm City, Maryland.

Ironically, I took this photo a few weeks prior to this past weekend where I spent most of the day Sunday rearranging my entire apartment.  The daughter of an Army officer, I come by the need for change honestly, and so I (very often) rearrange the furniture.  The two, blue Ikat chairs are now in a completely different room, and I have relocated my round dining table in front of the window (on right) to take in the gorgeous view of my garden for the spring and summer months ahead.  I edited out the coffee table, added in a soft leather pouf, and love being closer to the sunlight in the mornings and my white lights (strung around the two holly trees outside) that glow when the sun goes down.  I am so happy to come home at night and just.be.here...in my little oasis, with so much beauty around me.  I wish the very same simple happiness for each of you...  

The Friday 5

This week I took a quick trip down south to see my mother's side of the family.  That meant lots of time sitting in airports and on various planes.  It was nice to have a few hours to get my "To Do" lists (yes, I said "lists" with an 's') in order and catch up on some of my reading.  Ironically, it wasn't until after my journey that this was delivered to me...all the way from Paris!  

Upon my return, it was back to the grind...catching up on projects and doing quite a bit of creating.  

Between gathering supplies and scheduling furniture deliveries, putting together the design concept for a client bedroom project, trips to the fabric store and the framer, I was a busy, little bee. 

It has also been a week of weddings...gearing up for the season ahead, prepping design ideas for potential brides and staying inspired by each and every client and their vision.  I came across this image when looking for "lavender" weddings (I did this for a show awhile back).  I always enjoy the creative collaboration with my talented vendor partners.  Thank you Carla David Design, Gala Cloths, Party Rental, and Wicked Willow especially for your help with this fun display. 

In college I used to run the stadium steps up and down and up and down again.  I love the challenge of the incline and with these gorgeous spring-like days it has been hard to pass up this workout.

And speaking of sunny days...I hope to see my very favorite Morgan mare (I know she makes the blog a lot) again this weekend.  I may be out riding while the big game is on, but back in time for 

half time of course.

Until next week...

xo,

stephanie

Baltimore BRIDE - Eye Candy & CAKE!

 

                            Images by Stacy Zarin

For the past several years, we have partnered with the creative team at Baltimore Bride magazine to create delicious tablescapes and this year was certainly no exception.  Our design challenge...to create a tabletop display good enough to eat and with the help of our partners at Charm City Cakes that was not a difficult task.  The inspiration for this design started here with this color palette--bright tangerine ("Tangerine Tango" being the Pantone Color of the Year!), teal and crisp white.  I wanted to work in the ombre trend (which I am still loving) especially in florals, and create a modern gallery feel. So many brides are requesting a fresh twist on traditional design, incorporating plenty of special details for a very personalized event start to finish.  2012 is all about bold colors mixed with softer hues and taking risks to make each celebration one to remember.

I enlisted the help of the team at Fleur de Lis Florist to create (what I refer to as) "my ombre dream."  To have seen these florals in person was breathtaking.  The paper details including the framed sign (above), place cards and menus were crafted by the talented Carla David Design.  

Want to look behind the scenes at pulling all this together?  Peek here.

This is the sketch of the cake BEFORE the making of the masterpiece and we couldn't have been more delighted with the finished design.  We added a little sequin trim to our cake stand and it was just the embellishment we needed to make this cake sing, sing, sing.

Many thanks to each of our talented vendor partners including: 

Charm City Cakes, Carla David Design, Fleur de Lis Florist, Table Toppers, Gore Dean, 

The House Downtown, Macy's, Pier 1 Imports, and the Tremont Plaza Hotel & Grand Historic Venue.

AND DON'T FORGET...to pick up a copy of Baltimore Bride on newsstands now AND mark your calendar for one of two bridal events coming up this winter...Click HERE for tickets and more info!  

All images by Stacy Zarin

Magazine story by Janelle Erlichman Diamond

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

TO DO 2012

A few years ago, I started writing down my New Year's "Resolutions" and then posting them to one of my many inspiration boards ("happy boards" to those that know me best).  I peek at my list each of the 365 days (366 this year!) and my handwritten list serves as a reminder of my daily commitment to excellence and moving forward in positive ways.  Last year was a big year for me and the business.  One year ago this month I opened the studio (here), hired a design assistant over the summer, and took on more creative projects than ever.  This year, I hope to continue growing and expanding in new and exciting ways.  Here's what is on my TO DO List for 2012:

1. Bookend the year in travel, one for community and one for pleasure, 2. read more books, 3. spend more time outside, especially (here) with my favorite Morgan mare, 4. drink more water (carried over from my 2011 list), 5. entertain more often and more intimately, 6. take bigger "steps", 7. be present, AND 8. take a few (more) BIG risks...

   

In an effort to push myself (and my team) to new heights of creativity in interiors and events especially, I hope you too will be INSPIRED to dream BIG, create beautiful things, and give us your feedback from time to time on our journey.

Happy Everything 2012!
xo,
stephanie


Image 1 weheartit.com, 2 and 10 google, 3, 6, 8 pinterest, 4, 5, 7, 9 designer's own

Antler Inspiration

I have always been a fan of eclectic design--the mixing of old and new with treasures collected over time. I also happen to be the daughter of an avid hunter and my father will occasionally send an email with a picture or two of his recent prize from Alaska, Texas or a visit abroad. While that may be a bit extreme for most of us, I have to say I just love these natural sculptures.  My interview with The Baltimore Sun just a few weeks ago about the rise in popularity of this interior trend (view article here) got me flipping through my personal design files and here's what I found...

A tablescape (above) I designed back in 2009 for the Fall/Winter issue of Baltimore BRIDE magazine where I mixed a collection of deer antlers with milk glass containers full of romantic blooms.  I happen to have this pair of horns hanging in my own home mixed in with a collection of artwork and one similar to this at the studio.  I painted it in high gloss white and it currently helps display jewelry and pretty ribbons.  I also found a few of my favorite interior spaces sporting this trend as well. 

So, all this antler talk has me inspired to mix a little rustic with my glam for a last minute holiday pop up party at my place (perfect invite found here) and some decor that is sure to stand out among the masses. 

What do you think about this trend?  Love it or leave it?  I say it is here to stay...

Happy Monday!

xo,

stephanie

The Friday 5

This week was exceptionally busy (in preparation for the Annual Fashion Show at Baltimore Country Club) and I was heavily inspired by the big event.  Here's a peek at my inspiration for the week...

New stickers for my business cards in fun holiday colors to boot.  Thank you Carla David Design!

The quote that got me through the busy week.

Despite the change in temperature, these orchids continue to thrive in my studio window.

The gorgeous embellishment on one the gowns I will wear later today.

So many pretty dresses all prepped and ready to go for the big show!

Enjoy your weekend!

xo,

stephanie

P.S.  Check back next week for a behind the scenes look of the fashion event...