Summer is here!!

Bring on the summer!!  Lazy days on the dock...design magazine in hand!!

(Funny story: Recently, I, Eryn, enjoyed a restful weekend at the lake with my family...as usual, I took with me a stack of design magazines straight from Amanda's "already-read-pass-to-Eryn-pile"  As I leafed through the pages, I came across a hot-pink sticky tab marking a page with notes written in permanent marker!!  I had to chuckle...Amanda knows how to "be" everywhere!!  I felt like I had her voice in my head, making sure I didn't miss any of the inspiring pics on the glossy pages!!)

 

Be inspired for summer......

[caption id="attachment_733" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Via Coastal Living[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_734" align="aligncenter" width="370"] Via Bjou & Boheme[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_735" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Lauren Liess Interiors[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_736" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Via Coastal Living[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_737" align="aligncenter" width="620"] One King's Lane[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_738" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Via Pinterest[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_739" align="aligncenter" width="247"] Via Pinterest[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_740" align="aligncenter" width="736"] Via Pinterest[/caption]

Trunk Show Exclusive...

In December, we took an inspiration trip to Chicago...of course, stopping at Merchandise Mart and LUXE home...

 

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting Peter Julian...

 

He was a breathe of fresh air from the moment we walked into the Scalamandre' showroom!  Born and raised in the Midwest, he could completely relate to those of us who choose to make this region HOME!  And he is very passionate about helping us make those homes....gorgeous!!!

So, a few weeks ago he let us know he was going to be in the area and, as he had promised, would love to stop in and give us a peek at the new line by Kathryn Ireland!!  "Of course", we said......"our own trunk show"...."absolutely"!!

If you have had a chance to browse through any recent shelter mags (Traditional Home, Architectural Digest, etc), this line has caused quite a stir in the design world!!  Two big names in design...putting together a line that rings with tradition, vintage vibes and updated finishes...

[caption id="attachment_722" align="aligncenter" width="440"] Kathryn Ireland for Scalamandre[/caption]

It was truly a treat to have these gorgeous fabrics brought to our office...as beautiful as they are in a magazine or an online catalog, there is just nothing like touching and feeling them...admiring the colors...in real life!!

 

Peter had done such a fabulous job of creating "stories" that incorporated the new lines with some of the classic patterns that Scalamandre' has made its name with! (And yes...we got to order memos!!)

This series has an amazing vintage feel, done in classic textures and gorgeous colorways!  The pictures do not do them justice!! LOVE!!!

Isn't that the most soothing color palette???

We realized after Peter had taken off for the next city on his tour, we didn't get a pic with him...bummer...oh well, next time!  For now we get to enjoy the goodies he left us...

...and wait for our samples to arrive!!

Behind the Scene's: Eryn's 2013 Professional Goals-progress report

Can I just say...I am addicted to lists!!  I love to have a long list of goals!  I add to it...and then when I am done, add some more!!

Now, let me clarify...just because I have long lists of goals does not mean I get alot of things accomplished. I battle my "high-quick-start-itis" all day every day...I can get a thousand things going because I have tons of great ideas (I think they are great anyway!!) popping around my mind at any given moment.  However my follow-thru stinks!!

So, knowing this about myself has been a huge help (Thanks to the Kolbe test, which I highly recommend to everyone!!)  With this in mind as I made out my personal and business goals for 2013, I began with this.....



-"follow thru challenge"...choose areas of weakness-develop tangible goals-set dates!!  As I mentioned, follow-thru is NOT my natural tendency...and so, I have purposed to strengthen that area.  (I am soooo thankful for Amanda...I'm pretty sure follow-thru is her middle name!!  And thank goodness, she is rubbing off on me!!)

So, here we are May 23rd and I thought it would be a great time to give an update on how things are going at the "half-way-through-2013" mark!!

My AsterHouse Design Goals for 2013 are:

-Take a photography course with Amanda:...hmmm...can't check that off yet...but a half check for talking with a very talented photographer who will be doing our "after" photo shoots!!

-Regular blog posts...one per week:  Well, they haven't been quite that frequent...but definitely much more regular!  And in fact, one per day for the "12 Days of Christmas" series!!  We have also added a Facebook page where we post daily life snapshots!

-Finish Sheffield course:  This course came highly recommended as a great intro into the business aspects of running a design business...I had started it before we launched our business and have yet to finish it up...so, I have emailed to find out what I need to do to finish...I guess that is another half check!

Along those lines, Amanda and I feel strongly that constant education is a huge priority...online, print, industry shows, traveling and time with other designers...we are always looking to increase our knowledge and understanding of the industry!  So, we are sooooo excited to attend Tobi Fairly's Designer's MBA in July!!  Stay posted!!

-Fine tune blog:...last year I signed up for "The Blog Class" in an effort to take our blog to a new level!  And it has been fabulous!  Emily and her team have done a stellar job with step-by-step tutorials for those of us that are less than tech savy!! So this year, I have adjusted a few key things, and my summer goal is to fill in some of the missing details on our blog!!

-New Office!!!!!  This is getting sooooo close to being done!!  We can hardly stand it!  We are so excited to show some "after" photos!!  This space is so fantastic!!  Here is a quick peek at the most recent installation...

Our new inspiration wall!!  This product is a self-healing bulletin board that we purchased by the sheet through The BoxLab here in Manhattan.  We plan to cover it with photos and design ideas...it sits directly next to our desk space and will be a great "real-life" inspiration board!!

When projects and creative ideas are what you "do", your space must stimulate and support those endeavors...our new office space is both our creative space and our "experiment lab"...we have had alot of fun trying out some products that we have not used before...can't wait to share more!!

How are your 2013 goals shaping up??

Customizing a rug

We had planned this space for almost a year...it is a great homework niche' in a boys' room. We had the floor outlets planned, the desk placement sketched out and the overhead pendant hanging in the center of it all...and we had a great rug to "ground" the whole thing...but the rug didn't come with an outlet in the "smack-dab-center" where it needed to be...

We had planned to cut the rug...(no pun intended!!) but when it came time to do it there was just a wee little bit of nerves...after all, who buys a rug, only to cut a sizable hole dead center??!!  WE DO!!!!



 

Step One:  Remove the floor outlet cover (Strongly suggest cutting the power to said outlet before attempting!)

Step Two:  Be sure the rug is in the exact, correct, not-ever-going-to-move-it spot...

Step Three: Repeat Step Two...

Step Four:  Cut the hole to reveal the floor outlet.



Step Five:  Trim back away from the edge of the outlet.



 

Step Six:  Using a fabric glue, run a bead around the rug edge to prevent raveling. Let it dry.

Step Seven:  Replace outlet cover.



Step Eight:  Admire your handi-work...

Mission accomplished...Function?  You bet!!  Form?  Absolutely!!

 

 

Great minds....

Have you ever had one of those dreams where your brother-in-law, your dentist, your first boss and your best friend from childhood all end up at the same party standing around, chatting together like they have known each other for years... and it doesn't seem at all odd...until you wake up??

I had one of those experiences, only in real life, this weekend.  I was online doing some research for a new project in Boca Raton (yes, I know...neither of us have ever lived in Florida...but we have our first "Boca" client...super excited...details to come!!) and I had that same "wait-a-minute-I-know-her-and-her-and-I-never-knew-they-had-met" moments...

I came across this blog post by Tobi Fairley highlighting artist Jane Booth.  Here is what Tobi has to say about Jane..."[She] is one of the most talented artists I have come across in a long time and now a new favorite of mine."

Blue Sky 56×60...Artist...Jane Booth

Well, you can see why she feels this way...even if abstract art is not your thing...you have to admit the colors are pretty breathtaking!!

Canyon Series: Leaving Paria  60 X 62...Artist...Jane Booth

So, it is not unusual to hear a nationally know designer sing the praises of a new-found "favorite" artist...but here is what made me go "wow"!!  Although we are not currently on a first name basis with Tobi or Jane,  we do have a small connection to them both...and that is just plain fun!!

This July, the ladies of AsterHouse Design are going to a "Designer Workshop" presented by Tobi Fairley...the intensive seminar is geared toward the business aspect of a designer's world!!   We are so very looking forward to three whole days of  gleaning from her many years of experience in our industry!!

And what about Jane??  Well, one of the great gems in our community is Strecker-Nelson Gallery (showcasing regional artists....such as Jane Booth!).  So, when a client fell in love with her work, we collaborated closely with Jay and Barbara at the gallery to put together a fabulous set of  Jane's smaller vignettes to fill a large feature wall in her space.  While putting the collection together for our client, we couldn't help but fall in love with several of her pieces ourselves...

[caption id="attachment_530" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Our "favorite things" wall...[/caption]

...remember our "favorite things" wall??  Top left...rich pinks, deep red, shots of gold and a little pop of green??  It is our "happy" art...it makes us both smile!!  And it is a piece from Jane Booth!!

So here is to Tobi Fairley and Jane Booth...being at the "same party"...what is it "they" say about great minds???

Rooms with a view...

We may live in a small Midwest town, but it has several great qualities...one of which is the hills that provide gorgeous views...

[caption id="attachment_660" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Overview of our community...hills all around...[/caption]

 

As our town continues to grow, the hills are being dotted with homes, retail centers and roadways...and although it is changing the "look" of Manhattan...the various elevations make for some amazing building spots...

[caption id="attachment_663" align="aligncenter" width="300"] New Spec home in the Lee Mill Heights development[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_662" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Who wouldn't want to cook in a kitchen with that view...[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_661" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A view like this??? Amazing!![/caption]

 

Here are just a few pics of our inspiration for this home!!!

[caption id="attachment_669" align="aligncenter" width="300"] With unique ceiling features and rich cabinetry this home will be stunning!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_667" align="aligncenter" width="245"] Stone fireplace, gorgeous creamy white trim....[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_668" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Custom millwork, gorgeous tile and a dramatic corner tub will make the master bath a private retreat![/caption]

Keep posted for progress pics!!  And get ready for a tour this June during the Parade of Homes!!

 

Inspired by...SPRING

...I don't care what the groundhog said...he lied!!  But finally, spring is coming...the stores are filling up with swim suits, beach bags and all things summer...however, spring is my favorite and I don't want to miss a moment of it!!

Amanda and I did a quick trip through the aisles of Target yesterday (in the spirit of targetdoesitagain on Instagram...must follow!!)  for a shot of inspiration and we were not disappointed!!



 



 





 







The vibrant color is so refreshing after the months of dull winter vibes...the graphic patterns are fabulous accents...in the kitchen, for your wardrobe, on your table...anywhere that could benefit from a bold dose of "springness"!!  Go get your SPRING on!!!

AHD Office Update

[caption id="attachment_529" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Comfy on the backside...easy on the eyes!![/caption]

 

So this will be the second time we have remodeled our office...it is true that our own homes (and now our office) are our personal "experiments"...but two versions in one year is alot even for us!!  The reality is that the first spot was spacious...but it was right smack-dab-in-the-middle of the guest area in Eryn's home.  So as we began to see that we would be using this space alot, we began to make plans for a redo.  And to be completely honest, we never really finished that first office...we just got busy with "real jobs" and never got back to our space, which always drove us crazy!!

 

So, when we decided to relocate to another area of Eryn's home, we promised ourselves one main thing...WE WOULD FINISH IT THIS TIME!!!!  And we are well on our way!!  Here are a few sneak peaks of the progress!!

 

[caption id="attachment_530" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Our "favorite things" wall...[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_531" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Fabulous new rug for our desk area!![/caption]

 

Our original plan was to go with a neutral scheme and add shots of pink and orange....we came up with an inspiration board and began finalizing our plan.  But, I couldn't bring myself to begin placing orders, because something just didn't feel right.  The neutral pieces were perfect...but the pops of pink and orange???  Although very fun, neither of us really "do" pink or orange much!!  And so when I came across the fun art deco inspired rug with great blues and teals and shots of orange/yellow...I knew it had "Amanda and Eryn" written all over it!!  After that the details have fallen into place easily!!  Just a couple more items to be put in place and you can see it all!!!!!!!!!!  Stay tuned!

(Chairs...CB2 Rug...Joss & Main  Desk...West Elm)

 

"There is an App for that..."

Inside info...Amanda is the tech-ie...I am not...I know, right??!!  How did I get the job of "blogger"...*insert sarcastic smile*  Well, that is just how we roll around here!!  So, if I can't figure out my phone (we have the same phones, btw) or if I have computer issues (right again...bought identical laptops on the same day...with matching carrying cases printed with our fun logo) Amanda is the one to call.....NOT ME!!  So, I had to laugh when she sent me the idea to do a blog idea on our favorite phone apps..."OUR" favorite phone apps??  One of her favorite line is, "There's an app for that, you know??!!"  And you know what??  She is right!!

Her  Our very favorites are...

Pinterest and Houzz

are great all around...they are so user-friendly and when you need to find just the right picture to communicate your ideas to a client...or you need some specific inspiration on a project, they are both true "go-to's"

 

Who doesn't love a great kitchen...and Architectural Digest...all rolled up into one great app!!  (Hours of fun...look out kiddos...forget "Where's my Water"!!)

Many of the major manufacturers have raced to the app world..."American Olean" and "daltile" are two that have great resources for your handheld!!

Need a quick reference for Corian or Zodiaq color options, on the road??   Go straight to mySurface and scroll through their entire palette.

Another great source for inspiration, creating a virtual photo gallery of ideas and search for steals and deals in "look 4 less" guide.

 Great place to browse custom upholstery options from the great Bassett line...great ideas to get your thoughts for a room pulled together!!

How about you??  What inspiration/design apps are you addicted to??