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

The Friday 5

The week started off with THIS fun photo shoot styling some of the most lovely 14-year-old young ladies I have ever met.  I also had the pleasure of partnering with some of the very best in the business (thank you Jennifer and Ashley), I and enjoyed helping the girls play dress up all afternoon!  

Projects, projects and more fun design projects!  

We just ordered a few more of these fun lucite trays to help keep us organized in the studio (yes, I really do get excited about anything that is not only chic but functional too!).  They are perfect for holding 

all sorts of samples and seeing everything all at one time makes things so.much.easier.

On Wednesday I was honored to accept the "Alumni of the Year 2012" award from my alma mater Shippensburg University (I graduated in 1996, if you can believe that).  I was delighted that my father (also an SU alum, receiving his masters from SU in 1992) was able to join me for the ceremony. 

The newest addition to my bedroom and "he" makes me so happy.  This fiddle leaf fig (an interior designer favorite; very slow growing and relatively easy to maintain) is the perfect addition to almost any indoor living space.  I now literally wake up feeling like I am in my garden.

And the very best part of my job...attempting to "be amazing EVERY DAY"...

Saturday and Sunday included. 

Have a great weekend!

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

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

The Friday 5

I thought this sentiment was the perfect way to jump start the weekend ahead...For me it has a been a week full of FABULOUSNESS (thank you, Mrs. Lilien), trial and error, a few heartfelt disappointments, but mostly an overall sense of gratitude.  I am thankful for so many things, so many people, and am continually inspired by the support of others who push me to be better each and every day.

I have been getting ready for the ENGAGED! Magazine Bridal Show all week (hosted here tonight) and I would be remiss if I didn't include a few of the details that delight me.  These gorgeous menu cards and coordinating place cards from Carla David Design will be the perfect finishing touch to our tabletop display.  And, this dress from Francesca's Bridal (gown by Paloma Blanco) is devine.  I love the waistline detail and the billowy layers are perfection.

I almost squealed with delight when I drove past David's on the Avenue in Hampden this week.  I have been working with them on their branding for months now and their shiny, new sign 

(with their new logo too) finally made it's way to the building...Congrats you guys!  

P.S.  Stop in...They have amazing furniture finds inside!

It was also a week full of networking and events.  We were all smiles behind the scenes with these enchanting fairies at The Knot event in Baltimore. Hair and make up by Up Do's For I Do's. 

A sneak peek at more party pics here...

And these happy blooms were popping up all over town.  Nothing says "spring is coming" like 

happy, little daffodils.  They made me smile all.week.long.

Now, for the weekend...perhaps a day trip?  A change of scenery might really be inspiring. I could use a little recharge after feeling like this and literally falling into bed last night.

Any suggestions on where to go?  Hmmm...
Until next week,
stephanie

Images by Stephanie Bradshaw, all rights reserved

The Friday 5

The week feels like such a blur...as I was back and forth to LA before I could even say "go."  The conference was such a welcome opportunity to meet fellow interior designers, bloggers, and some of my favorite trade professionals in the biz.  I was also able to do a little shopping (here and here), and I even took home a treat from here.  Speaking of sweets, these cake stands were absolutely amazing and they also came in delicious pastel shades of cotton candy pink, mint chocolate chip green and a gorgeous pale ocean blue.  I kept imagining them on a pretty wedding tablescape piled high with decadent desserts. 

A trip to Melrose Ave highlighted this gorgeous hand painted wall here...

...and the windows, walls, interior, lighting and newest collection at the Kelly Wearstler Flagship  

was nothing short of WOW.

Meeting fashion designer Heidi Merrick and her team was also such a welcome surprise.  She is so down to earth, and I wanted to take home her entire Spring 2012 Collection--blouses, dresses, blazers and all.  

(More from my trip to her design studio here).

And last but not least, these flaming heels at Balenciaga.  They were quite literally on fire!

While this week was again a testament that inspiration is indeed ubiquitous, I am fondly looking forward to the weekend ahead for a little rest and relaxation, catching up on my reading, and perhaps a visit here (one of my newfound favorite places in town).

* Photography by Stephanie Bradshaw, all rights reserved

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

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