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

I can't believe that yet another week has just flown on by.  I have had many highlights and in preparation for the launch of my new website I had a portrait session on Tuesday with Jennifer Hughes (one of the most talented photographer's I know), and I have to say the light in her new the studio was.just.magic. 

From Jen's studio (with only a quick change of pants and shoes!), I packed up the car and headed straight to the Four Seasons Baltimore for an afternoon committee meeting...followed by lots of laughs with our newest intern, Lauren (from Towson Univeristy).  This was her second day on the job and she is a welcome addition to our design team!

We also met with on of our favorite brides of the year this week, and the design is really coming together.  We are loving the linen selection especially, and the color palette of champage and plum, mixed with metallics, is going to be the perfect canvas for overflowing floral arrangements of azelea colored garden roses, lavendar, dusty miller and flirty ferns.  So pretty.!

This is the storyboard (our intern Katie has taken the lead on this project!) was created for next week's photo shoot in the office.  We are celebrating our one year anniversary in the design studio and are having a little internal soiree...yes, balloons and cupcakes are involved.   

More details to follow next week...

And, last night I arrived safely in San Francisco, checked in here, and was up bright an early for a full day in the city.  Have a great weekend and mark your calendar for this event hosted by the Baltimore Fashion Alliance on Monday evening.  I will be back in town and the event MC!

xSB

Warmer Days Ahead

Recently, I took the time to go back through all of the pictures taken from my last trip to Portugal, Spain and Morocco, and this image is one of my very favorites.  It brings back fond memories of the run I took high above the beachcombers, along the southern coast of Portugal, with a view that simply took my breath away.  Post workout, I found myself poolside, book, sunscreen (and yummy frozen drink) in hand... 

What was in my beach bag you ask?  A simple suit (one-piece suits are my new favorite thing!), lacy shorts and of course a pair of oversized shades.  A fun top knot bun (and a pretty pedicure to boot) and I was set.  With temperatures heading back up into the 80's later this week (I can hardly wait!), and bathing suits lining the racks of department and speciality stores alike, I thought this might inspire a pop of color in your beach bag this season.

Only one more day 'til Friday!

xSB

Pantone Playdate - Pretty Pastels

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the opportunity to design with pretty pastels in mind (after all, wedding season is upon us!).  These two hues pair together perfectly...not to mention they look good enough to eat!

Images Clockwise: 1 2 3 4

Does this palette inspire you?  We hope it is a refreshing start to your week ahead!
xSB

The Friday 5

The weather has been gorgeous in Baltimore this week and the weekend forecast doesn't appear to disappoint.  I made a quick trip over to Sherwood Gardens to peek at the tulips, picnic goers, and photographers alike.  For ten minutes I really felt like I was in some gorgeous European garden.  

This storyboard was put together for one of our current master bedroom projects.  Earlier this week the bedroom was painted (we used Benjamin Moore's Edgecomb Gray coupled with Gray Cashmere in the adjoining bath), the carpet installed, and this stunning (metallic) peacock print wallpaper (on a vaulted accent wall) is drying as we speak.  Their bed is being delivered on Monday,
and we can't wait to see the room finally all come together!

I spent the morning with three teenage girls (they were over-the-moon excited), prepping their wardrobe for Monday's photo shoot (a surprise birthday gift from their mother).  It is going to be so.much.fun! 

Still pondering an order of these for my outdoor patio... 

the perfect palette for today's Opening Day - Go Orioles!. 

And, I think I may make a few more of these beauties as well (idea found here)...
I am just loving the gold!

Happy EASTER and we'll see you again on Monday!

xSB

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

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

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

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

The Friday 5

My mornings seem to begin earlier and earlier, and with last weekend's time change I couldn't be more delighted.  I started the AM today with this happy hot chocolate, and I haven't stopped moving ever since (evidence of this being a Friday PM blog post, ahhh). Moments like this remind me that it is the simple things in life that seem to make me smile these days.

Over my delicious drink, I was busy working on the back end of my new website (set to launch in 3-4 weeks, yay!).  I am giddy with excitement, and there are lots of changes with the design, functionality, and even an interior product line.  You saw our new logo here, and we'll keep you up-to-date 

on our progress with the site as well.  Fingers crossed...

The gorgeous weather also presents the perfect time to celebrate spring and summer fashion, food and yes...CAKE!  I received this invitation in the mail from our friends at Charm City Cakes this week.  Before I could even open the envelope I was swooning over my name penned by this creative lady.  

Sooo pretty.  LOVE.

I also just wrapped up another interior design project, and one of the final details was a custom created succulent planting on the dining table.  After obsessing over these little guys for weeks (as evidence here), I found two gorgeous containers, and mixed in a few different varieties, shapes, colors, and sizes.  I was so pleased with the result and friends, I have to say they were the perfect finishing touch.

AND, one of the biggest highlights of my week was finding this gorgeous painting at a local consignment shop ($140 SCORE...the supplies alone are more than that!).  It was hidden high up on a shelf (covering the store's water heater, if you can imagine), and the colors are truly amazing.  It is not yet on the wall, but know it will be absolutely perfect in my bedroom (white walls, cream and white bedding, and gold accents throughout).  I have been waking up each morning to find another fun shape in its lines (so far a rabbit, upside turtle, four leaf clover, a mushroom, a fish, and the back side of a grasshopper). 

My weekend project (after tomorrow's wedding)...hang.it.up!

Have a good night and enjoy your weekend...

stephanie

Kelly (Green) Inspired - Room of the Week

With St. Patrick's Day now just two short days away, I couldn't help but be inspired by a little Kelly green! While I usually prefer slightly more detailed design (layered with color and pattern), something about the simplicity of this room really struck me.  I love the gray walls and trim, (painting them both the same color makes the room appear larger), oversized chandelier and dining table.  The drapes are hung high (also elongating the space, and opening up the view), and the simple sculpture above the mantle is perfectly placed.

Add in a few linen upholstered chairs (with nailhead trim), and the palette is both soothing and dramatic all at once.  Would you be bold enough to anchor your space with drapes like these?  I know I would.  (Oh, and I think I'd add a natural fiber rug too...something with texture.)  Now, we're dinner party ready...green beer in hand.

Cheers!

stephanie

*Image

The Right Place

Sooo, I've decided to spend my morning here...

...and my afternoon here.  I couldn't ask for a more beautiful day with more perfect weather.  It has been a challenging couple weeks (with both extreme highs and lows), and quite frankly, I simply don't really ever seem to slow down and relax.  But today, I've decided...it's ok to just be still for awhile.  I am exactly where I want to be.

* Images 1 & 3 both from tumblr