Colorful Creatives: Xced Design Build
Happy Friday! This week’s feature is a boss babe killing it in the construction industry! I had the pleasure of meeting Chelsey Jackel right after I graduated interior design school. She was a natural mentor and taught me so much about the construction industry. She’s incredibly personable, talented, and cares deeply about doing her absolute best everyday. Chelsey and I recently reconnected upon the opening of her new business, Xced Design Build. Their new studio space is absolutely incredible! Fully designed showroom, studio kitchen, collaborative work area, and a design library.
ASID Illinois Communications Director 2019 - 2021
I am excited to announce that I have been nominated and voted in as the Communications Director for the American Society of Interior Designers Illinois Chapter. My two year term will begin on October 1st, 2019. It is an honor to be part of the Illinois design community and have the opportunity to serve on the board with such a talented group of individuals. I look forward to enhancing the stature of ASID and the challenges that this role brings.
Colorful Creatives: B. Rose Studio
Happy Friday! This week on Colorful Creatives, I share with you an amazing and talented stylist, Bianca DeSantis! I’ve know Bianca for a couple of years now, and it’s been so inspiring to watch her business grow. From personal experience, I can say she gives the absolute BEST hair cuts! In this interview, Bianca shares her story of perusing her passion, and living the life she always dreamed of. Her positive attitude is contagious, and just might inspire you to take a leap of faith and follow your own dreams. One of my favorite quotes from her, “Stop saying tomorrow, make changes to seize the opportunities for success today.”
Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forcast 2019
Every year, Sherwin-Williams releases a Colormix Forecast. They take “color of the year” above and beyond, with 6 distinct color palettes that have personality and emotion. After reading about each of them, let me know which palette you feel most connected to!
Colorful Creatives: Rachel Serb Photography
Rachel Serb is a Chicago Photographer, specializing in maternity, newborn, infant milestone, and family photos. In this interview, Rachel shares how she started her photography business, how she landed her first clients, and what keeps her motivated today. With the launch of her new branding for 2019, I’m so excited to share this week on Colorful Creatives, Rachel Serb Photography.
What’s in Your Paint?
Paint is paint, right? Why pay more for the same color? Not all paint is created equal and good quality paint comes at a price. Let’s dive into what really goes into a high quality can of paint that makes it worth the extra money.
Colorful Creatives: & She’s Brave / Brave Girl Club
Meet Lizzie, graphic designer, social media guru, and branding extraordinaire for & She’s Brave and the Brave Girl Club. One of the best things about Lizzie is that she is so authentic. She knows who she is, what she likes and shes not ashamed to just be herself. I hope you enjoy reading about Lizzie’s journey to becoming her own boss and living her best life!
Colorful Creatives: The Letter J Creates
This week, I introduce you to Jess, a self taught calligrapher from The Letter J Creates. Jess has mastered work life balance as a mom of two little ones, Zoey (4) and Zack (2), while running her calligraphy business. She’s also a Honeybook Educator, Wildflower Art Studio Ambassador, and co-founder of Naperville Weddings. I hope you enjoy getting the know more about Jess and The Letter J Creates. Please follow her on social media and leave us a comment.
Colorful Creatives: Audrey Simper Photography
This week I interviewed Audrey Simper, a Chicago boudoir and portrait photographer. She’s the queen of female empowerment and helping other woman see how beautifully they truly are. There’s no better word to describe this interview than authentic. She shares with us the journey of finding herself and how she became the boss babe that she is today. One of my favorite lines from Audrey: “When you put yourself in the life you want to be living, you have no other choice but to make it work out.” Enjoy getting to know Audrey Simper and be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram!
Happy Small Business Saturday!
Supporting small local businesses in Chicago has a positive impact on our community! As a small business owner, I make a conscious effort to work with local furniture makers, contractors, and vendors when ever I can. I would love to work with you on your next home renovation, kitchen/bathroom remodel, or furnishings project. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you design a colorful life!
Behind the Scenes: Dining Chair Reupholstery
I’m so excited to share a behind the scenes look at my most recent reupholstery project! These antique chairs needed some TLC. Finished just in time for Thanksgiving, these newly redone chairs are sure to be the talk of the dinner table! Special thanks to my favorite upholstery shop, Covers Unlimited and my go to leather source, Garrett Leather for being invaluable partners in the completion of this project!
Colorful Creatives: Wrightwood Candle Company
If you want to check a few people off your holiday shopping list, you have to check out Wrightwood Candle Company. This girl boss is living the dream. Her custom, hand crafted candles are beautifully made and the perfect gift for anyone on your list. I loved chatting with her about how she stated her business, what keeps her motivated, and how she found an awesome and supportive community among other talented makers in Chicago. Check out her interview and be sure to follow her on social media!
Colorful Creatives: The Morning List
The Morning List is a lifestyle brand and website. Bringing you inspiring stories, noteworthy news, style tips, advice and so much more. The Morning List hopes is to inspire, encourage and spark your creativity for the day ahead. Check out Teresa’s interview below and be sure to get on the list!
Design School 101: Wool Fibers
As a Interior Designer, I work with fabrics, carpets, and soft goods everyday. Understanding the properties of textiles is key to being able to make the right specification for the client. The inherent natural properties of wool make it a captivating choice the home or office. Here are the basics understanding wool as a fiber in interior design.
Colorful Creatives: The Millennial Adventurer
Recently I met an young woman living her fiercest life. Liz Moorman, founder of The Millennial Adventurer, an inspirational blog to help fellow millennial’s pursue their passion and motivate them to live their best lives. We sat down and talked about how she became an entrepreneur, what keeps her motivated, and some of the biggest challenges of being a business owner. I hope you enjoy learning more about Liz and follow her on social media!
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
“The Universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them. The hunt to uncover those jewels- that’s creative living. The Courage to go on that hunt in the first place- that’s what separates a mundane existence form a more enchanted one.”
Go ahead, touch the walls!
Benjamin Moore just released a line of paint with a soft touch matte finish and it’s absolutely beautiful.
Exploring EXPO Chicago
This year I was fortunate enough to attend EXPO Chicago, thanks to Brizo and Delta Chicago’s Young Designers Night. EXPO is the International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art at Navy Pier.
Beyond the Color Wheel: Indigo
Indigo, the color of elegance, strength and wonder. It can stimulate clear thinking and captivates the imagination.