First place ROCKS!

We all love to be recognized for our hard work, dedication, and talent—and that’s why we were so THRILLED to hear the news that the house that Polka Dots & Rosebuds designed with builder Mike Childers took first place in ALL categories of the $700K-$900K price range of the 2013 Grand Tour of Homes in Lexington, Kentucky!

The competition categories that were affected by our design included:

• Kitchen
• Master suite
• Interior Features
• Overall design.  

Because many of our readers live in far away locations, and/or were busy with other things during the 2013 Grand Tour of Homes, we thought we’d share a few more Grand Tour pics on our blog. So...with no further ado, except maybe a bit of a drum roll...here they are. Enjoy!

Grand Tour

Take a Grand Tour!
One of the coolest things about designing for a "Tour of Homes" home is that I get to challenge myself to:  #1.  Create a design that blends well with the builder's style and overall vision and #2. Give as many people as possible a "WOW!" moment.  Then, of course, there's goal #3: Design something that the potential home owner will love, love, LOVE! 

Stop by 208 Grassland Park in the Ellerslie subdivision off Richmond Road during the 2013 Grand Tour of Homes in Lexington (July 13-14, 20-21), and you can check out the results of my most recent challenge.  Some things to look for:

*The builder, Mike Childers, is known for creating "homes of distinction"--and each time I made a selection, I kept that in mind. 

*As far as the "WOW!" moment goes--visitors will find plenty of them, but the master bathroom is probably going to be a favorite.  It's so inviting that it will make everyone wish they lived there--just so they could have a long, luxurious soak in the tub!

*I know the future homeowners are going to absolutely love the light fixtures--they're all so interesting--like small works of art (they're from Ferguson's, just in case you see something that you've just GOT to have in your own home!). To see what I mean, check this one out:

Actually, the whole project makes me very proud. I couldn't stop smiling when I walked through it. That's my favorite part about design- seeing a drawing or idea become something you can touch!

In the neighborhood of Lexington, Kentucky and interested in stopping by today?  Here's the info:   http://hbamap.info/lexington/  (you can also see more pics by clicking through and entering the address).  And don't forget--the address of the home designed by Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors is 208 Grassland Park.  Enjoy! 

For the DIYers

Since the dawning of Pinterest, do-it yourself (DIY) projects are taking over.  People find it liberating to hang their own curtains, faux paint their wall, and create their own artwork.  The one thing lacking for most is a plan.  Enter Out of the Box Room Design.

Out of the Box offers a comprehensive design plan for a flat fee (based on the room type).  Clients receive a  box containing all of their samples, a space plan, and a step by step guide on how to create the space they desire.  Once the box arrives at their door they can execute the projects at their own pace.  The video clip (above) explains the concept very well.

The beauty of this service is that it can help people all over the country.  I'm very excited to spread the word and start helping people in other states!!

 You can also check out the website: www.outoftheboxroomdesign.com 

Tangerine Tango

Tangerine Tango is the hottest color around!  Literally everywhere I look, I see this shade.  I must have tried on a dozen Derby dress contenders in the color.  Every striped article of clothing I see has at least a sliver of the warm orange-red hue in it.  As the color name suggests, it’s bright, energetic, passionate and bold.  Admittedly, I was skeptical about wearing it at first- I’m a fair skinned gal with blonde hair and blue eyes.  I don’t have the luxury of bronzing skin in the summer, so I figured the lovely Tangerine Tango would wash me out.  Au contraire!  This color looks good on everyone (what a rarity!).

Speaking of rarities, colors are not often popular in the home fashion and the apparel industry at the same time.  Typically, a shade hits the fashion scene big and then a season or two later makes its way into home decor.  Once again, this color breaks all the rules.  I have seen Kitchen Aid mixers available in this hot orange shade, bold fabric patterns splashed with it, and wall colors covered in the famed tangerine.  

I’m not sure of it’s staying power, but for the time being Tangerine Tango is THE color to decorate with and wear.  If you’re scared to take the plunge, start small and incorporate the color in your accessories (think handbag or jewelry for fashion and pillows or vases for the home). Happy Tango-ing!

HomeMint

It’s no secret, I am a boy band connoisseur.  It started in my teenage years and has stuck with me ever since.  While I prefer the musical stylings of Nick Lachey and 98 degrees over those of Backstreet Boys or NSYNC, I am a JT fan (Justin Timberlake, that is).  I was excited to read yesterday about Mr. Timberlake’s newest business venture- HomeMint.

HomeMint is a home decorating website offering various furniture, accessory and art lines including some designs created by Justin and his former NSYNC stylist. The whole concept seems pretty neat- shoppers can determine their personal style through a series of visual questions and then shop for items that suit said style.   It does require a log-in to go further than the questionnaire, so that is where I stopped.  I try to avoid signing up for more emails, but if curiosity gets the better of me, I might try it out.  If you look into it, let me know your thoughts.  If it’s like everything else the former NSYNC crooner does, I’m sure it will be a raving success. 

Saint Louey

Earlier this month I traveled to St Louis for a conference and had the pleasure of having the hubs by my side.  I absolutely fell in love with this city!  In part, it reminded me of where I grew up (Louisville, KY) so I felt very comfortable there, but beyond that the architecture and the attractions sucked me in.  Here's St Louey from my point of view.

We stayed downtown right next to the arch and every morning we could look out our window to see the massive structure towering above the river. 

A common trend among the buildings in the city was the use of the arch in the architecture.  Arched windows add a graceful element to an otherwise angular house. 

Arched doorways served as grand entrances in the hotel.  

 

One afternoon, we walked through a park in the middle of downtown where a number of unique sculptures and water features were on display.  I couldn't resist posing with the big white bunny!

Check out this smart use of old windows!  I spotted these in a restaurant that had an open, two story ceiling and an industrial vibe.  The windows served as art and as barrier between the kitchen and the dining portion of the restaurant.  So clever!  (Side note- I was so inspired by this that I've now lined up some 100 year old windows from a friend who was putting in new ones.  What a great way to re-purpose something that no longer functions as it was originally intended. Now to just figure out how I will put them to use...)

Even cooler was the light fixtures!  That's right, they are made of old milk cans, painted in vibrant colors.  This is my next project.

When we travel, we try to only eat and shop in local places unique to that city.  We stayed true to that goal while in St Louis and one night after dinner in LaFayette Square we stumbled upon what I now refer to as "our future home".  I love the idea of brownstones in the park, the ease of living within walking distance to hip hangouts and this home on Park Ave had it all!

Hubs and I walked for awhile just taking in the features of each house and making a list of pros and cons to moving there.  I spouted off all the ways I would decorate them and how each room would be used.  While we will remain in Lexington for the foreseeable future, maybe one day I'll get my Park Ave house.

Burlap Coozies....Ahmaaaazing!

Hold the phone!  I've said it 1,000 times- I'm obsessed with all things burlap!  So to come across this creation on Pinterest was like finding buried treasure for me.  The personalized monogramming is just icing on the cake!  Looks like the perfect summer accessory, whether at the lake or pool or backyard cookout.  Here's the Etsy store where you can buy them. 

Happy Memorial Day everybody!!