the adventures of designer girl

*new adventures

2009-01-05T13:46:00.001-05:00

I have loved being designer girl... but alas the time has come to move on. Life is always ebbing and flowing, stopping and starting. I happen to be one of those odd people that likes to have an end and a beginning, I rarely have the chance for any of that as life swirls round me like a tidepool, not really going in any one direction, but all of them at once; very fast and often very cold.

I have closed Char.m as of Dec 31, 2008. One of the many casualties of our changing economy. So I move on, away from interior design. I am charting new waters, trying new things to see if they fit. Following my passions where they take me seems to be the order of the day. I think that just makes me a more interesting, more resilient and well rounded. I think it - therefore it is so.

I can now be found at my new photography blog Olsen Imagery. Website coming soon. There will be plenty of links that lead you to more of my work there.

Come along and enjoy the ride!

And now a moment of silence for Char.m ~ Charleston Model Interiors (2006 - 2008)

My New Love

2008-10-26T21:22:00.003-04:00

Digital Scrapbooking is Awesome!!

Just having a bit of fun with my new found toy! Hope you all enjoy seeing what comes of this.
Gotta go... there are new things to discover.

Tune back in here, same time, same place.

designer girl

October Second Monday

2008-10-14T10:45:00.002-04:00

Image by George DeWolfe

Another Second Monday at the Center for Photography... and WOW. Jack has done it again. It was spectacular! George DeWolfe was astounding. I was somewhere in the middle of the crowd of people, with no access to light save the glow from the projector and yet I couldn't stop scribbling everything that he was saying. A true master - and funny to boot! I like a teacher that can make you laugh.

Notes from the George DeWolfe lecture to come... after I decipher my own writing!

designergirl

My Calling

2008-09-14T11:40:00.006-04:00

Eureika!!! I have found it! My calling...

How adorable is this family?!

I had a photo shoot yesterday with a lovely and patient family at a prime location in SC. They knew that they were my first, and I couldn't have asked for more. The boys (3 and 7) were boys - powered by rocket fuel, but so good for me and my camera. And just adorable to boot. The parents had obviously had a long day, but were so understanding a congeial through my suggestions of trapsing hither and yon for the light and scenery. Oh, and did I mention that this was all inbetween a birthday party and a wedding that was happening while we were skulking around to take pictures. What a time! Enough of my babbling, here are the some photos I've had the opportunity to edit:

What a gorgeous place to live.

This shot was their idea. I think it was pure genious!

September Second Monday

2008-09-09T10:58:00.002-04:00

Image by Beth Reynolds

I am fascinated how some people can be talented (artistically speaking) and be great at what they do, a success even and it's just blah, blah, blah. On the other hand, some people take what they have been given and spread it around to all the world and use it for the benefit of all - and it's effortless! That's how I feel about this month's Second Monday speaker Beth Reynolds.

She stood in front of us and showed just a few, of what I am sure are hundreds of projects that she has been a part of that have impacted people's lives. Who knew that a photographer could help orphaned children find parents, raise (substantial) money for cancer research, help ease the difficulties of dyslexic children and give a voice to women on welfare to the legislators that need to hear... all with her art. Amazing. Beth is the type of person that makes you feel as though you were put on this earth for a larger purpose, just by being near her!

Truly an inspiration... I know that I feel the need to be much better and bigger after that hour.

Thank you.

designergirl

Silence = Good Idea

2008-08-24T21:58:00.005-04:00

taken with a Canon Rebel xti at the SC Aquarium

Upon the advice of a fellow blogger I allowed myself to be quiet this weekend. Just look what happened! It is amazing how silence can open the doors to creativity. I highly recommend it! Check out the other evidence of my productive weekend on my shiny new flickr page.

I am just learning, so I'd love to hear your thoughts!

designer girl

Flickr

2008-08-22T18:29:00.003-04:00

Come one, come all to the amazing, colossal, phenomenal, photo extravaganza! (Otherwise known as my new Flickr page!) I am so excited! I feel so very with it! But I fear I run the risk of being over exposed... I have profiles everywhere!

Who are you in this world today without a myspace or facebook page? (check and check) For exposure in photography a flicker page is a necessity! (check) Don't forget the Etsy page for that creative itch. (check) And personal interests? You've just gotta have a blog for those! (check, CSL - Blogger - BlogHer). Overexposed? NO! I just have the bare necessities!

designer girl

A Thousand Word Picture

2008-08-20T09:58:00.002-04:00

So the old adage goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words". Nowhere is that more true, in my opinion, than the design biz. Have you ever used a thousand words to describe what you need, only to return to the job site to find that your words were inexplicably disregarded? All the while creator of this supreme misinterperatiation thinks that he has created a perfect rendering of your vision.

Humans are visual creatures. We think in pictures. Neurobiologists have discovered that's how we store information. We hear words and translate those words into pictures for long term filing. Knowing that, use it to your advantage. Break out your pen and a napkin and go to town. Doodle, sketch, draw, scratch... it doesn't have to be a work of art. Its just a superior way of conveying an idea for true mutual understanding.

So go and draw your way to shorter conversations.

designer girl

Chaos Theory

2008-08-18T16:29:00.001-04:00

"The only thing in life that is constant is change."

How many times have we all heard this and nodded in agreement? Recalling a recent upset, upheaval or complete turnaround our lives have taken. I have been thinking about how this translates to our lives visually. Some say 'Out of sight, out of mind' as a way to explain our chaotic workspace and endless file piles. Others function better in a more austere atmosphere, but even that can't rescue them from change.

How do you cope with change? What are your strategies for managing chaos?

I think that managing your surroundings is the first step to managing the other chaos going on in our lives. I heard a professional organizer say once that there are two types of organization strategies: vertical or horizontal. She went on to explain that some people think filing can only take place in a filing cabinet. Others do best with piles, which just means that they 'file horizontally'. That isn't code for mess. Know yourself and use what works for you. If you pile, use bookcases with boxes for filing instead of filing in folders. Going with your style saves time and stress. So go ahead... file or pile away.

designer girl

Suprising places

2008-08-09T19:01:00.001-04:00

On a whim I took a wonderful detour on my day yesterday. I felt the call of adventure and just look what I found!

It is an architectural salvage and antique store hidden away where you'd never imagine you'd find one. It was a treasure trove of beautiful patinas and crumbling ruins. A delicious cacaphony of sights and vingettes. The designer and photographer in me went wild!

What are your favorite finds? Places that are in an out of the way place with the air of a far away land? The ones that inspire your imagination... Do share!

2008-08-07T10:46:00.007-04:00

I love photography. It's really become quite a thing with me. The only thing that I love more than taking pictures is viewing the images that other mavens have created. There is so much out there for me to learn! But I am taking it all in stride - well, maybe not in stride - more like I have forsaken all for the love of my new dSLR. But I digress... Look what I found today!

Here is a chica that I want to learn from!

Picture taken by Alicia Bock with Argus 75 (I'm in love)

She has such amazing style and vision. I just wanna gobble it all up! After wandering her website and blog I see that she has a revolutionary approach: if you want it to look vintage... use a vintage camera! The thought just blew me away. Just look at the camera that took this photo.

Ain't he a beaut! The 1950's were so groovy! Don't get me wrong - I am totally in love with my little Canon Rebel (I've named her Stella). But maybe Stella wouldn't mind having a little brother Argus someday (or should I say older brother).

Until next time,

designer girl

I heart Anthropologie

2008-08-05T00:48:00.007-04:00

Just found out that Anthropologie has come to Myrtle Beach !! I know, I know, how could designer girl of all people not know until now. but it's true. So off I went and look at what I found!

taken with my new Rebel xti

love their art! it interacts with the space so creatively!

I have a million of these latte bowls and I love them!

I love these monogram hooks.

Anything looks great when repeated.

These are just a few of my favorite pics from the excursion, more to come...

Until next time.

designer girl

Relax

2008-05-21T10:06:00.000-04:00

Looking for something unique for your at home spa? Here's something to look into... the Strip. No not a glitzy Vegas style room with lights flashing. In fact what's so flashy about this design is that its not flashy at all! Aquamass is a Belgian company with sleek sophisticated designs. Who knew plumbing could be this sexy?

designer girl

2008-05-08T13:29:00.003-04:00

Interior Design is my passion. Arranging beauty feels like my mission. Design is arranging elements in a purposeful way to convey a visual message. I believe that beauty is all around us and often it just needs a tweak or shift and Voila! Beautiful! That's what I do. I show you where the beauty was that you didn't see.

Having beautiful surroundings has been repeatedly documented to have positive physical and psychological affects. I have always known this intuitively.

Thank you for reading my sentimental Ode to Beauty. I am so glad to have a place to express my thoughts on the subject. I'll see you back again soon!

designer girl

Ponds Parade

2008-04-15T14:44:00.004-04:00

This Sunday I took a ride up to Summerville for the Ponds Parade of Homes. I had heard about the masterplan community before, but had not had the opportunity to visit it until this weekend. It was worth the drive.

As we drove into the community you have a nice leisurely ride through the landscaped entry, past the quaint ampitheater and pond, down a corridor of ancient live oaks to the restored farmhouse that was original to the property. There you find the clubhouse/ sales center with a pool and poolhouse. It doesn't stop there... take a stroll through the orchard or cut some herbs from the community kitchen garden!

I was standing in the midst of all this splendor and then it dawned on me, why am I in color? Shouldn't all this be in black and white and playing on a family television set in the fifties?

Then came the stroll through the neighborhood. The sidewalk throughout and the landscaping make for the perfect scene for children riding their bikes on a warm sunny afternoon or for a lemonaid stand for the entreprenurial among the little tykes.

There are a variety of builders to choose from, each with it's own flare. Truly something for everyone, from those wanting a quaint, easy to maintain bungalow, to those who have a need for space for their growing family.

Have a look at the Ponds on your next Sunday afternoon drive. Bring along your lender qualification letter, you'll want it handy.

designer girl

Posters aren't just for teenagers anymore!

2008-03-27T12:41:00.011-04:00

Lately I have noticed a new trend. It's everywhere; coffee shops, banks, doctors offices, restaurants. Instead of those cheesy prints that you can find anywhere in gold frames, the newest trend is to hang a poster! These aren't put up with thumbtacks like they were back in the day. Today posters are mounted to foam core or 'Gator board' for stability and the ability hang without framing to give it a cool graphic pop against a colored wall. Next time you snap a cool shot make a statement with it, don't hide it in the family photo album - put it on the wall!

Living in a coastal area, it's easy to spot local snap shots turned interior accessory.

Morning Folly, Beach that is...

Even if you don't live by the beach you can still find plenty of interesting things to put on your wall. Just be sure to set your camera's megapixel setting as high as you can when taking a shot that you think might be perfect for your dining room. To have the most options, you need the sharpest picture you can get. Here is an example of a website with a ton of great information on photo vs. print size.

A little birdie outside my window told me...
It is easy and inexpensive to create your own poster. Simply upload your digital photo to any one of a plethora of photo sites, pick your specs and pay. Then VOILA! You're print of that amazing Kodak moment is on its way to you!

When choosing a site to use, be sure to shop around; quality, services and materials vary greatly from site to site. Be sure that you clearly understand what you are ordering. Look for sites with project review and technical support. And if your order is getting pricey - GET A PROOF! They are inexpensive when compared to the alternative - reordering. Once that order ships it's yours, so be sure its what you are looking for. Have fun!

designer girl

International Builder's Show

2008-03-11T13:39:00.009-04:00

I recently had the oportunity to go to the 2008 International Builder's Show in Orlando, FL...

All I can say is wow! It was just a big Bazar with everything bigger and better than all the rest. I do not recommend going into anything of that sort without a plan of action. You really get a bit punchy after the second day of all that razzle dazzle.

I have the good fortune to meet some of my heros in the design world while I was there, Mary DeWalt, Ashley Jennings of Kay Green Design and Gayle Goodson Butler the editor of Better Homes and Gardens. It was a wonderful experience to hear and learn from the best in the industry. Inspiration was flying all over the place. I am full of information to share!

More on that in blogs to come. Until then, enjoy the pics.

designer girl

Carol Oaks

2007-11-20T12:05:00.004-05:00

Here is my newest project. Its hot off the presses for your viewing pleasure. This project was a joy. I was going for a sophisticated, livable Island look. When I am designing a project I have a theme in mind to keep me on track of course, however, I feel that it is what you edit out that makes a project successful. The goal being a feeling of infusion of the theme, not icing on everything.

This is why the blog has been a little sparse lately. Have a look...
Dining Room Kitchen Nook
Place Setting

Master Suite

designer girl

My day job...

2007-11-01T11:35:00.001-04:00

Well, I am sure you've all been wondering where I have been. The blog has been quiet for a few days. I received a call last Tuesday to do a model home. It was kind of a last minute thing and so it has been taking up a considerable chunk of my days (namely all daylight hours!). I'll post pictures as soon as I have them!

I haven't described what I do yet have I? I am an Interior Designer specializing in Model Home Design and Staging. Model Homes are my focus. I love creating a story with my interiors. I tell the story of a life well lived, one that is tasteful and interesting, a life to aspire to and that is totally attainable. Creativity and thinking outside the box are vitally important to the overall success of the project. It must be something that people can relate to and desire to achieve because I am hired by Builders to take their product and make it marketable - 'sellable' - a hot property. It really is an interesting field, a bit more psychology than mainstream interior design.

As for staging, it is really what I do with model, but also with individuals, using the same principles. Staging spills over into any area that the public comes into contact with a residence. That could be an apartment or condo model, a furnished vacation rental, a home for sale, a new construction model home, an idea house or show house. They all involve staging of some sort. Staging for real estate or furnished rental is the only area of all of that when there is the potential for someone to be living in the interior as it is furnished. All others are simply the illusion of home.

I like the idea of a large project. One room at a time is difficult for me stop there. I have so many ideas that they spill out into different rooms.

So that's a brief overview of the day job of...
designer girl
Until next time good citizens!

In summary...my feet hurt.

2007-10-28T19:59:00.000-04:00

So much to cover... whew! It took three separate posts to get through the awesomeness that is the bi-annual Upper King St. Design District Walk! So many pictures, so much information, so much walking! Cumbersome I know, but you really should start 3 more posts down6to begin at the very beginning.

That is all that I have for you until next spring concerning the walk, but I will be doing various features on the various shops and designers of King St. I had a great time... I hope you enjoyed hearing about it. Until next time...

designer girl

And I Keep Walking...

2007-10-28T19:05:00.001-04:00

Ok, now it's getting darker and cooler, which I am infinitely grateful for. My next stop on my whirlwind tour is Fine Rugs of Charleston.

I have been here before and I always enjoy myself. Strange thing to say about a rug shop, maybe, but you'll just have to check it out to see what I mean. Everyone that I have talked to there is always great fun and I seem to learn something new every time I am in. Not to mention the beautiful pieces of art they have hanging all around in the form of woven rugs from around the globe. Art for your floor... what next?

A World Apart

One of the newest additions to Upper King is A World Apart. A store devoted entirely to importing only environmentally responsible and sustainable materials and goods from around the world. Very cool. And I am in good company,because the store was so packed I couldn't move! More on A World Apart when I have a chance to see what all the fuss is about!

I am trudging at this point, I have been walking this street in downtown Charleston for two hours now (and if you've seen the sidewalks in Charleston, you'll understand) and I just had some Sangria that is not agreeing with my walking self. And what do I see coming up next that makes me smile? It's Wonderland!

Another new addition to Upper King that is devoted to new arrivals! How perfect. Kid Couture! It was truly adorable. Everything is cute in miniature, but there were a few numbers in there that I wish came in my size. Of course everyone was checking out the new kid on the block, so it was a bit of a squeeze to see it all, but they seem to be purveyors of the fine life for kids. Everything from design solutions for the nursery to the latest in stylin' strollers to of course the clothes! The cutest clothes! But just be prepared it is couture. Don't say that I haven't warned you. But you simply must go and see Wonderland for yourself!

Autumn Design Walk '07 Part Deux

2007-10-28T18:20:00.000-04:00

So the walk continues...

Next stop is a favorite of mine...dwelling.

I could live in a dwelling world! dwelling is a place of luxury and serenity. It has all of the attributes of a home that you would aspire to; cozy, warm, stylish, refined, beautiful, quality, interesting, luxurious. Isn't that what we all want? A home that reflects back to us our own unique style in a way that brings out all the best and finest attributes of us in visual form?

I love the subdued sophistication of all of their vignettes. It speaks to me.

Look for an interview with Leigh of dwelling and more on a dwelling world in posts to come. Their website is down for construction, but look for it to be up in Winter '07.

I love this bedroom! It's a great masculine set up, but most definitely not over the top. It is so inviting and comfy looking... I just wanna dive in! (besides, at this point in the design walk my feet are screaming, and there is still so much more to take in! Oh, but for a five minute nap...)

A good turnout for the design walk at dwelling. The aesthetic here is understated and appealing to a wide variety of people. I love to watch people's reaction to the environment within this downtown vintage loft setting.

Upon introducing myself to the staffers mingling about I find that they love being here as much as I do. Here are just two devoted employees I had the pleasure of meeting this evening... Chris and Marie.

Leigh Ann and friends chatting it up at this stop on the design walk

Autumn Design Walk '07

2007-10-27T18:12:00.000-04:00

Here's a look at my bi-annual romp on Upper King St.

I had hoped to get a few interviews from a few people on the walk this week, but alas, my schedule started running and I had to go chase it. Check back next week for that... but onto the details of my Design Walk!

the design district at dusk

October in Charleston is never cold, but this year the heater is on full blast! I am off to find a chilled Pino to cool me off. I am in luck, the first place that I stop is Lulan Artisans. They are prepared with a cool beverage and exotic atmosphere.

entering into the world of Lulan

It's this great little place for amazing silks. The story of the shop is interesting. Basically, it is a shop selling the wares of small village weavers in Asia. The purpose is to create beautiful silks using traditional methods to help sustain their way of life.
The materials are organic and the colors are natural. Its sustainable and socially conscious. What's not to love. More on Lulan in future posts.

what could be more lovely than being surrounded by bolts of the most beautiful silk!?

Next I was off to a new little shop next door just recently open in conjunction with Amelia T Handegan Interior Design.

She was recently named one of the Top 40 Interior Designers by the Robb Report. The shop seems to be an eclectic extension of Amelia's Interior design inspirations. For all of you who are a fan of her work, she now has a shop for you to come and be inspired by!

I love the look of empty frames on a wall

Off I went to ellington, to check out their newest collections.

I am always interested to see what ellington is up to. A truly eclectic shop. You will find anything from furniture and home accessories to clothing and accessories. Definitely a place to go if you like unique limited pieces. they have a wonderful color palette year round, always rich and strong. I would venture to say its a celebration of color and all ways to experience it.

ellington window display

Then to Haute Designs...

A local Interior Design company with a store front here in the Upper King Design District. Their aesthetic is an updated take on European design sensibilities.

a snapshot of the beauty that is Haute
Haute has been featured in a number of design publications and has done 3 CSOL Designer Showhouses ('01 '02 '05). I really admire the work that they do and the scale that they do it on... many of their projects are quite sizable. An interesting place to pop into when on Upper King.

And still there's more...

Ford Smith Interview

2007-10-23T12:17:00.000-04:00

Where: The Richard James Gallery downtown Charleston
When: Saturday October 20, 2007 1pm – 4pm
Who: Ford Smith
What: Demonstration of his signature “Splash Painting” Technique

I was introduced to Ford’s work just last year, and I have been following his work ever since. I'm drawn into the imagery. My favorite of his works are the comtemporary, abstract feeling landscapes that tap into my imagination. I think it’s the combination of the color palette, the light, and the organic feeling. Now that I have met Ford, I see that a bit of his cheerfully relaxed personality is infused into each painting and that’s what makes them so interesting. He says that they all come from his own imagination as inspired by the places he's been. When I heard that he was coming to Charleston, well needless to say, I was giddy. I can't wait to see what effect our cascading, Spanish Moss covered Live Oaks will have on his imagination for the future.

He came in with his paint smudged Bob Ross “Happy Trees” T-shirt and I introduced myself. “I’m such a fan!”, I squeaked. (Yep, this interview is off to a great start). But Ford proved to be a rock star with his patience, casual demeanor and informative conversation. Throughout my entire dialog he casually yet industriously painted away. His genuine passion for art is evident in his generosity of spirit. At one point he even offered up his paintbrush to a little girl who studied his every move with rapt attention. People stumbled in off the downtown street to find themselves in the midst of a gallery turned studio for an afternoon. They flowed through the space experiencing his finished works hanging and curiously watched as his creation took form before their eyes. Ford answered each question with a genuine appreciation for each person’s interest. Ever gracious and unaffected. At the end of the afternoon, as I said goodbye... I felt that I had though I was finishing up a conversation over coffee with a friend, and yet, magically a bright and lively sunset landscape had come to life.
For more information on this interesting and talented artist check out his website Ford Smith. And if you are in the Charleston area, check out his exhibit at the Richard James Gallery at 231 King St until October 31st.

My conversation with Ford Smith:

designer girl: Do you begin with the end in mind or do you just begin and watch things evolve?
Ford Smith: Not really. I usually have an idea of the general composition, but not the specifics. It’s a very organic process, it evolves. I’m as surprised as anyone with the finished product. All of my paintings are strictly from my imagination and instinct. It’s an emotional process. So it’s truly a revelation at the end. It’s a surprise to everyone – including me!

designer girl: Do you ever sketch out ideas that you have?
Ford Smith: Never. It’s really an intuitive thing. I just – go.

designer girl: Where does the inspiration for landscapes come from?
Ford Smith: Probably because you can find them anywhere. They are always around – even in the city.

designer girl: Approximately how long does it take you to finish a piece?
Ford Smith: Well it varies, of course and I have multiple paintings going at once. They need time to rest and dry so I keep going on another while I am waiting. But I would say – depending on the piece - about a week.

designer girl: Have you always used this technique – “Splash Painting”?
Ford Smith: No. It evolved from the mosaic paintings that I had been doing and I was so into the details. I needed to loosen up. Splash Painting was a sort of reaction to that more structured way of painting. I combined [the look of] Jackson Pollack with [the style of] Pointillism. I really think I invented a whole new style of painting. I know people use this technique in painting, but I don’t know of anyone else using this technique alone to create a painting. It’s totally new in this way.

designer girl: are you still developing new techniques? Or do you feel that you have all that you need to create your work?
Ford Smith: I don’t actively try to develop new techniques. Sometimes things just happen, or I find a solution to a problem and that turns into an ‘insider trick’.

designer girl: What do you think is another signature to your work?
Ford Smith: I think the light effects come from my many years behind the lens of a camera. Photography forced me to study light and how it affects subjects. I think that comes through in my work today.

designer girl: Do you expect each painting to be a success?
Ford Smith: No, not at all. To some people it’s a success if it sells or if it’s popular and gains recognition. I think that ‘successful’ in the art world is subjective. To me I think that successful means that its satisfying to me. Although I have [created] some works that are good but not exciting to me, but have been some of my most popular works. It’s all subjective, but I paint to satisfy me.

designer girl: How many paintings do you go through to get to one that is successful? What do you think is your ratio?
Ford Smith: I think if even half of my paintings are good – I think that’s great. I don’t go into it looking for each one to be the best. Sometimes it’s the ones that I think I have ruined that surprise me in the end. The key is to keep working, keep painting, and keep producing work. That’s what creates success in the end is to keep going.

designer girl: And for a final question. Who is your favorite artist living or dead.
Ford Smith: Gustav Klimt… He’s famous for works like ‘The Kiss’ but he has some amazing landscapes that are lesser known, but are really great.

designer girl: Ford, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I have really enjoyed talking with you and learning from you.
Ford Smith: It’s been great.

Be sure to check out his works at Ford Smith Fine Art or Richard James Gallery
Thanks again to Ford and everyone at the Richard James Gallery...

designer girl

Super Bad

2007-10-20T00:27:00.000-04:00

Thursday was the semi-annual Upper King Design Walk here in Charleston. The design district throws open it's doors for the night for your shopping and socializing enjoyment. Shop owners are there to mingle and artists make appearances (more on artists during the French quarter Art Walk). I had such a great time and spoke to so many wonderful people that I have decided to spread out my thoughts, pictures and interviews over the coming days. There's so much information swimming around in my head that I don't want to put it all into one post... there's just too much. So stay tuned folks, there's much more to come. Until then I'll leave you with my favorite picture from my jaunt on King this time 'round. It's this really great clothing shop right at the heart of the posh Charleston Design District - 'cause where else would you go for "Super Bad New York Styles for Men and Boys"?

designer girl

Favorite New Blog

2007-10-18T13:24:00.000-04:00

I am in love with DESIGN HOLE! Jennifer Mitchell is the host of this smart blog that is just chock-full of design ideas, interviews, resources and wit. Kudos Jennifer, I can only hope that my blog grows up to be just like yours.
designer girl

Char.m Slideshow!

2007-10-17T04:47:00.001-04:00

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Weekend Tour

2007-10-16T23:46:00.000-04:00

This weekend we went on the Charleston New Homes Tour. I can't seem to get enough. I go to model homes constantly always learning, comparing and critiquing. I love the art of a Model Home... all of the phsycology, design skill, color theory, innovative ideas... I could get carried away in the science as well as the creation of it all. Strange thing for a designer to say I know... but that's probably why I enjoy my niche as much as I do.

My favorite idea of the tour so far... a powder room wallpapered
in NOAA maps of the local waterways.

I was a bit surprised to see the color schemes of the model homes I toured through. A majority of them were fairly recently furnished and yet had a color scheme of crimson, hunter and gold. I feel that organic, natural colors such as moss, bark, ocean blue with accent colors of lagoon blue, natural coral, and palm frond reflect the natural elements of this beautiful place. Natural colors are best suited to giving a model the local personality that people look for when they are looking for a home here in Charleston. We live in a place like unlike any other I think we should have that all around us and embrace it.

I have a few more pictures from this weekend to post that I plan to get to soon. My camera batteries quit in mid tour, so I might be stopping back by a few places to capture my favorite things. This tour goes on for another two weekends so there will be plenty more to come. For more information on the tour dates for Fall '07 click on the 'Charleston Design' link at the top of the page.

Until next time,
designer girl

Still setting up

2007-10-10T02:23:00.000-04:00

Having a blast wandering around on others' blogs! I'm a planner, which means I have the need to scope out all the possibilities before diving into the set up of my very own-squeaky clean-brand new- blog. Essentially I am nesting. I should be all moved in by the end of this week and begin contributing meaningful content- until then... Hello new neighbors!

designer girl

Hello

2007-10-08T04:39:00.000-04:00

Wow. That was easy. I have a blog now. Cool.
I stumbled upon a blog while searching online and thought,'wow! this is kinda interesting.' So I looked around some more... so far so good... looks pretty simple, yet complex enough for me to feel accomplished. I just might be onto something here. 'Sold! I'll take one!', I thought. So I set it up. Fancying myself as interesting I dubbed my blog the adventures of designer girl. Catchy don'tcha think? Okay, so now what? I realized that I have absolutely no pictures of myself... so until I get a decent one I shall remain faceless to you. And for all of the other stuff - the content, links, pics, etc. I have been perusing blogger to see how it's done around here. Interesting stuff out there. Keep it up people! I am thinking that this will be a cross between the musings of a budding artist and notes from the designer about town. A place for me to share my business news and the events that touch my world. Maybe even a few interviews from women business owners and local design mavens. As much as I love to find new resources and creative ideas, I love sharing them too. I love to learning and passing that knowledge onto others. I feel that if it's interesting to me then there has to be someone else out there who feels the same way.
I am excited to see what this evolves into.
Join me again soon!
designer girl