Thursday, February 28, 2013

Whippoorwill


Thank you all for your sweet and interesting comments to my last post.  I really appreciate the love and suggestions received in my inbox too.  Thank you!!  Someone's response to me was, "It's a small, temporary problem."  That is so right.  Very small, indeed!

Spring cannot get here soon enough.  Little guy has stomach bug again, poor fella.  Are there two strains of that virus this year?  Crazy.  So, while I'm working from home today, I'm catching up on an old movie I haven't seen in years.  "Legends of the Fall".  Gah, I had forgotten how incredibly sad and complicated it was.  What a timeless, most beautiful set design and cinematography.  And, Julia Ormand, Brad, and Aiden.  Sigh.

I have six days left to submit as many olioboard creations as I can create to the olioboard contest.  The first two boards I submitted the last few days are pretty theatrical and whimsical in style.  I had to get that style out of my system first.  I realize it's not for everyone.  Haha.  I am open to suggestions on the next ones I create.  What's your style?  Maybe I'll create one for you.  I'm currently creating others for clients and even a potential client on IG who liked the others I showcased.    

The contest theme is STRIPES.  So, I 'have' to incorporate stripes.  I decided to go my typical bold, black and white striped background.
"WHIPPOORWILL"
When I started this board I imagined a girl inhabiting it to be a bit quirky and so I decided to give each board a personalized 'storied' description.  The one above was actually inspired by Will's second cousin.

Description: Samantha enjoys nature and the sport of bird watching. Wild birds in particular. Adventures to mossy creekside knolls, forests at dusk, and the Ozark mountains are among this stylish girl's jaunts. 
"whippoorwill!" ~Sharon


You can vote for this board if you follow this link.   Under neath the right hand corner, click on the check mark inside the red heart:)  You can vote for it one time per day for the next six days.  You can 'shop the look' there too.  



"TEARS OF JOY"
You can vote for this board by following this link.   Same instructions as the one above.

To see all the other entries in the contest, go here.

Thanks for stopping in!  Enjoy the rest of your day.

xx
sharon

Pickwick House is a full service design/build company in the heart of the Midwest!  {Springfield, Missouri's Rountree Neighborhood}.  We handle all aspects of residential renovations from small to large projects and are available for full service and consultation design, and/or stylizing from East to West Coast.  Call or email us today.  We may be on location, but we'll get back to you in no time.

 417-459-8988 *sharontaylordesigns@yahoo.com





Tuesday, February 26, 2013

UPDATES AROUND TOWN AND BEYOND

Welp, we went dark ebony {thanks for the surprise gift, honey}.  I hope we're not sorry.  I'm already super excited about the darkness counter balancing the stark white walls.  We are going to do extra high gloss
poly-uro.  



We've received some mentions around the web. My internet friend, Amy, with the lifestyle blog, ABCDdesigns recently complemented our current house renovations on her blog.  Thanks, Amy!  You can see that Hicks Pendant post here.  ABCDDesigns is one of my regular blog rolls. You should make it yours too.

Amy is an incredibly tasteful tastemaker and talented in all the things that she touches.  Her fortes touch upon all that we love, here at Pickwick House.  They include: interior design, event planning, photo styling, window styling, and an appreciation for good food... although, she actually cooks the good food, {which is something I hope to aspire to do with my new stove}.

Funny story:  Amy is the one who initially inspired me to look into our AGA kitchen appliances.  And then, a couple weeks ago, within minutes of each other, she and I both posted our kitchen obsession of the moment with a post about the much talked about hicks pendants.  We really laughed about that.  Had to chuckle about our kitchens looking alike.


Also, I told you a few weeks ago about how I'm crushing on Bailey Mcarthy's designs.  Well, after I showered her with my love and adoration, we then engaged in email convo:)  She was very sweet.  I told her she would love my sister's art work, who's piece was coming up for auction soon in her town of Houston. Today, on her blog,  she's posted on my sister's work {julie blackmon}here, and then she was kind enough to put me on Julie's coat tails at the end.  Sweet!  {It kinda helps to have a sister who's world reknown.}

Btw, see and read both of these cute posts about Bailey's style on Matchbook mag, Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

More updates on the home front soon.  Btw, do you guys like reading my posts?  I admit, I'm feeling a bit insecure as it's sometimes met with lots of silence here./  I know you're reading.  I can see it.  THANK YOU so much for reading it!!!  I keep thinking I know I'm reaching people, but every now and then I'd just like to know if you're falling asleep on it, if it's just like reading the obituaries, or even better, if it's the gossip section.  haha.  I'm only lucky enough to be the fodder of all three, but most especially the latter:)  Now, don't get me wrong, the last thing I want to do is seem like I'm fishing for complements.  While I do appreciate nice complements, that's not what I'm aiming for.  When I ask/pose questions, it's because I want to know my readership.  What is it you are loving?  Reactions. Do you have things you want to share?  I LOVE hearing about them.
________________________________________

Now, for a little more honesty that I wasn't going to post, but then later decided to come back and add as an addendum to the original post above.  I don't normally like to get too deep here, but I felt I had to get this off my chest.

ADDENDUM:  {lawyer lingo....haha, had to use it.  You'll see why below:)}

Recently there have been numerous and continuing complaints made to the city over the last ten weeks about our house which is under going renovations.  Some 'one' in the neighborhood, whom we do not know and have never met, is complaining that we are  'devaluing the neighborhood'.   We recently found out that this person wants to potentially sue us as well as the city.  Honestly, this news really hurt.  Every now and again, it still hurts.  I've run the full gamut of emotions since finding out last week.   Alternating from hurt, to being mystified, then just, Well, feeling badly for the soon-to-be neighbor of ours who couldn't talk to us about his issue with us in person to begin with.

I do not know 'this person'.  But I now know that they will be a very close neighbor of ours very soon.

For those of you in and around our soon to be home,  I send apologies. I want to thank all of you for your patience.  I know it has to be so completely annoying to see dirty old trucks parked day after day.  Dust, mud puddles in our yard.  Ugly equipment setting outside {we currently use the garage as our woodworking workshop for the house renovations}. Week after week.  Month after month. On our behalf, at least no porta potties or dumpsters on curbs for months on end.

This seven month renovation has been a great deal of fun, as I've shared with you.  You know we love doing it and it sends thrills down our spines.  We've learned SO, SO much!  And while it's been fun, it's still been filled with challenges, then throw in some real life stuff, along with some family circumstances.   

We are a family of seven, trying to make strides to better a property that was pretty dreadfully gross for many, many years.  {Btw, I'm wondering if there were ever complaints made about the property in all those years before we purchased it?}  Anyway, we've been spending all of our hard-earned money and then some trying to make the house a betterment for our family that currently sleeps all of us in a tiny, three bedroom, 1 bath house. It's a tiny house that's served us very, very well, but we're so excited to finally see our kids finding a much deserved space of their own to stretch out, inside and outside too.  We'd like to think we were making improvements not only for ourselves, but for a neighborhood that is new to us as well.  Embarrassingly, we have made a future neighbor, {hopefully not a pluralized neighbor} very disappointed.  Even before moving in. No safety hazards or breaking of ordinances, or parking issues, mind you, just a 'devaluation' complaint made over and over again.

I know, and I'm sure you are full well aware of that old saying, 'You can't please everyone.'.  Most harsh stuff and negativity rolls pretty easily off my back the older and wiser I get, and the more I interact with the public.  But when you know that an anonymous person will soon live inches away, I admit, I want to say, "Hey, look, we really are TRYING, and we are almost done. Come by and introduce yourself sometime, mister anonymous.  We want to get along with our neighbors. We have high hopes for bringing positive energy to the hood.  We have chickens that lay eggs that we plan on offering all our neighbors.  Not for throwing as a mean sloppy prank.  But for cracking into the frying pan and enjoying as a nutritious and hopefully tasteful meal."  {Last comment was not meant to be snarky or malicious.}  There are a few things I've learned in my forty years of life, and now I'm trying to teach my kiddos too.  I've learned it's far better to kill with kindness and to under-react rather than to over-react.  I'm still working on that one.  I know I've over reacted to plenty of things in my life, especially to trees being chopped down, streets being closed, and a kid being bullied.   haha.  AND then some:))  But what I hope to always continue to do is grow from uncomfortable situations, misunderstandings, and injustice.  There are things we can learn from each other if we just talk.  And, that is why, I guess, I appreciate an open dialogue.

Okay, so pulling 'em all out and rounding up all these insecurities and what-nots and underlying intentions upon posting gritty emotions...

My main goal isn't to get comments, praise, or reaction.  Okay, maybe it's a small goal. I share these posts because we love what we do as a practice, and we strive to share our 'best, bad ideas'.  Our greatest desire is for you to maybe relate to it in some small way. Maybe learn from our tips and also from some of the mistakes we make.  Yet, I still have a curiosity for what you may like or dislike reading about here.  You could even tell me what you hate about what I share {as long as it's respectful}. As long as I can still call you a friend and neighbor, and better yet, a reader:)

You know how this internet thing gets a bad rap sometimes?  Sometimes, I admit, there are days where I wonder if the blog and postings of our work is the bane of my existence.  Especially when my kids seem as though they are raising themselves while I blog.  haha.  Just kidding.  {Sort of.}

Actually, this internet thing has been really good for a lotta reasons.  I'm proud to say it's where I've met many of you.  It's also enabled me to make connections with others who are meaning to make a difference in lives. Bloggers sometimes get a bad rap, but there are many bloggers who are truly putting GOOD, solid content out there.  I'm daily blown away by what I plug into, even by my friends who aren't bloggers are posting great content on their IG.  EVERYONE has something to share.  AND, a final thankful clap for this internet thing that has served as my cloud for 'resting some of my 'things' and thoughts, as I've done here tonight.

This is what's left of my rambling thoughts tonight.  Thanks for letting me share once again, dear readers.  I am SO aiming to be good to go on a regular, shortened update tomorrow:)

xxxx
sharon

Thursday, February 21, 2013

RUBY DELIGHT Olioboard by SharonTaylorDesigns

Okay, so you remember how I went to Design Camp in October?  It was life changing for me and the business.  I won't bore you with talk of that deal, but wanted to share one of the biggest topics/tools shared there.  Leslie Carothers {twitter link}spoke on behalf of this great new tool called 'Olioboard'. Have you heard of it?  It's an online tool for drafting 2D and 3D room inspiration boards... using a full market of millions of items and brands to pull from.  Once you've created the room at the drop of a fingertip, you can 'shop the look'.  You can shop other user's boards.  Anyone can use it.  Including you.  And it's free. 

For designers it's great, because it's a quick and easy way to present a visual board to your clients. 

Many designers at camp had never heard of it.  I had, but kept resisting using the tool because I really didn't think I had time to learn one more thing.  And i didn't know you could pull antiques and oddities.   {WRONG}

Since returning from camp, I've kept Olioboard at back of my mind.  I remember Leslie encouraging us designers to expand to their larger 'PRO platform', to make more money and also promote the biz. Leslie made most campers leave camp with 'Olioboard' at the top of their priority lists.  Not me. haha.     

Fast forward four months.  Well you know how much of a fan I am of Tobi Fairley, right?  Great luxury designer, inspiring business woman and coach, and overall life-coach for all of us who strive to be better.   Elevating not only our practice, but our inner spirituality and physical strength.  I greatly admire her as a positive business woman and mom!  


RUBY DELIGHT:  A Sharon TAYLOR Designs board

I, of course, follow her on IG, and twitter and noticed that a couple weeks ago she was mentioning her upcoming  "Get Published" for April 9th. Now, I tell you, I've been trying to get to one of her camps for the last few years, but timing never was right with babies and kids activities.  

Then about a week later,  Ronda Carmen of All The Best,  announced that her forth coming book, Designers At Home,  will be launched at the Tobi Fairley camp as well.  And to top it off, Traditional Home editors are guest sponsors and speakers.  Then I was like, WHAT?!  I have to go.  


It's in Little Rock, Arkansas.  I could drive, right?   


So it just so happens that Olioboard is a Team Tobi sponsor, and is hosting a contest right now with the winner to receive 2 tickets to the camp valued at $2400 each.  I'm putting that challenge out there not only for myself, but for all of you designers who would like a chance to win it too.  But, I'm pulling for mostly me.  Haha. 

{No, but even if you're not a designer, it's something you could play with too.  It's like playing in a dollhouse.  Join in and try it out with me!  My profile is:  sharontaylordesigns}


 Well, you know what I did last night after reading about the contest?  Slept maybe four hours, woke up with a catapulting leap, and started plugging away...
ruby delightThis is my first room above.  I know I'm duplicating the one above it, but I had to showcase the amount of clutter I amassed while creating it.  I'm so proud I completed a board.  Not sure if this will be an entry into the contest yet and don't judge me for the wampiness or my untidy, unkept house I keep.  Haha.  I really wanna break out the online paper dolls now.

 Alright, so I named the room Ruby Delight.  Needs some help, but here's the Description:  This room is for the girl who is charmed by all things chic. Delightment filled by all things french, antique, adventurous travels, books, film, science studies and tea!

It was great fun and pretty easy.  With a click of the mouse, I could slide an antique One Kings Lane table out from under a crrrrrrrystal vase, and it SO didn't crash into jillions of pieces.  It was fairly easy,  and I'm already majorly addicted and I think it could work really well for me with my clients' presentations too.  Can I tell you how happy I am that Olioboard offers antiques too!!  I was really pleasantly surprised.

I published this one before I realized I forgot to put away all the things I had scrapped that are up there to the right.  Haha.  And I still don't know how to edit those out.  Anyway, I'll work on that, but I need your help, because, you see, I realize this room is very 'girly'.  And that girly stuff may not be a 'winning style'.  One plus to the contest is, I can enter as many boards as I want.

Okay, SO this is where I need your help.  Tell me what types of moods, styles, trends, products you might like to see created.  I'll incorporate some of those things into boards to create for my multiple, winning entries in the contest.  Be thinking about what some of your favorite things are, and please, please tell me.  {thank you in advance!}

I may need your help at some point too, on voting. It's a judged contest, but viewers can vote daily on their faves.  Not sure that sways the judges, but it might.  Sort of like American Idol?  Haha.

Okay, I know this is a long post, but I thought I'd leave you with an inspiration image and woman to 'glide around on the ice with' today.   I love this painting.  It's of Florence Nightingale.  I think that's one of the prettiest girl name I've heard in a LONG time.  Why has no one in my massive family used it?  Even the last name would make a pretty middle name aside from Florence, I think.

Anyway, did some reading on Florence and thought she was the perfect inspiration for my 'Ruby Delight' board above.  "She was a precocious child intellectually.  Her father took particular interest in guiding her through history, philosophy, and literature.  She was able to read and write French, German, Italian, Greek, and Latin at an early age.  Never satisfied with the traditional female skills of home management, she preferred to read the great philosophers and to engage in serious political and social discourse with her father." ~ You can read more about Florence here.

                               One more:  Miles Redd room.  I LOVE Miles fun with color!

Wish me luck, folks, and try out Olioboard, and tell me what you think.

Happy ICE DAY. Be careful out there, locals!!

xx
sharon


Pickwick House is a full service design/build company in the heart of the Midwest!  {Springfield, Missouri's Rountree Neighborhood}.  We handle all aspects of residential renovations from small to large projects and are available for full service and consultation design, and/or stylizing from East to West Coast.  Call or email us today.  We may be on location, but we'll get back to you in no time.

 417-459-8988 *sharontaylordesigns@yahoo.com

xx
sharon

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

BIG LOVE


You've heard me touch on 'thoughtfully done remodel/restoration' in some of our recent home reno posts, but Barry Darr Dixon {one of my biggest design idols} recently brought the point home very simply and eloquently at Design Camp. "As a designer you have two clients.  The client and the home {building}."  Pretty simple, huh?  "Good, professional designers and contractors SHOULD value the home and it's architecture."

It's no secret that Will and I LOVE architecture and it's at the core of why we even fell in love.  We carry a big heart for that into every project, and I believe it really raises the value of what we do.


Pickwick House is a full service design/build company in the heart of the Midwest!  {Springfield, Missouri's Rountree Neighborhood}.  We handle all aspects of residential renovations from small to large projects and are available for full service and consultation design, and/or stylizing from East to West Coast.  Call or email us today.  We may be on location, but we'll get back to you in no time.

 417-459-8988 *sharontaylordesigns@yahoo.com

xx
sharon




Monday, February 18, 2013

House Update




The weekend was refreshing for us, how 'bout you?  Me, Will, and the babies went flea marketing and found several area rugs for the downstairs.  That's my favorite kind of family day, what about you? 



This rug above was a good find.  Will spotted it with his good eye.  I love that it's so finely detailed, hand knotted, antique,  not a 'rumpler', and it has some black in it. Our floors are currently being sanded, and the cabinets, leg-kicks, moulding, tile work, and walls are still a work in progress, here in the kitchen.   We are waiting on the custom made brass etageres, and reworking some of the hardware to match them.   We will probably have a small free-standing island on the rug.  Can I tell you how happy I am that this kitchen has plenty of free walking space?  I see a lot of kitchens with monster islands that are way too big for the space.  They 'lock' people in at parties in a claustrophobic way.  Kitchens seem to be where people gravitate when entertaining, so I really wanted this space to feel open enough to throw back some wine, feel welcome, and make people want to linger.  By having a free standing island-table, we can move it in or out to make accommodations.
Here's the back hallway rug we found too.  It's hard to see what it looks like with the lighting, but it's going to pair well with our other downstair rugs.  

              Doesn't Bubs look like he's a poor peddler from the Oliver movie?  "Looking fo some bwead", he says.



I couldn't be any happier about the honed marble slabs we got.  


These two colors have been a source of great debate.  Will and I have always wanted ebony floors, but after hearing from everyone [including other designers], how hard they are to keep clean looking, we're now unsure of what to do.  I understand the hardships of cleaning, but I still want the ebony.  Will wants to go even lighter than the one on the right.  That's when we really got 'into it'.  HA!! I finally gave in and said, 'Whatever you think, honey.'  We'll see what happens. What would you choose?  

Thank you for following, and thank you for your comments!



Pickwick House is a full service design/build company in the heart of the Midwest!  {Springfield, Missouri's Rountree Neighborhood}.  We handle all aspects of residential renovations from small to large projects and are available for full service and consultation design, and/or stylizing from East to West Coast.  Call or email us today.  We may be on location, but we'll get back to you in no time.

 417-459-8988 *sharontaylordesigns@yahoo.com

xx
sharon

Friday, February 15, 2013

BRAIN POWER + INTERN BID + BEFORE&AFTERS


I apologize, in advance for the long post.  You may not even want to venture far into this post.  Hehe.  Not only am I high on paint fumes, my nuttiness is apparently hitting mountainous height proportions in the likeness of Pikes-Peak-extremes after being cooped up in the house these last few days.   My hands are chapped and cracked from washing dishes, washing bedding over and over, and changing diapers, and I don't think I've showered or applied lipstick in days.  Very glamorous, I know.  Enough of my whines.

Baby has been sick for FOUR days, bless his weak little heart.  I'm grateful to be a caregiver, and mom, and I thank god for him and especially the abundance of kisses he's been laying on me in his little stomach bugged weak condition.  He's so sweet.

I'll tell you though, time off doesn't pay the bills, and it definitely doesn't make for good timing on projects.  Which begets and begs the question for intern searches for spring and summer.  I may need an intervention. Like a superhero, free-nanny.  And/or a superhero free-intern.  Holla!  Just kidding on the nanny front.  We'll be fine with his pre school and once he's better.

OKAY, up next now:

A vid and a bid [i.e., a Video + Bid-eo]  Ha.  This craziness, shall pass, right? I'll explain here.  { I promise I haven't been drinking wine. }

I decided to put on some short animation films to get inspired during the last few days.  I'm very picky about tv.  I don't like investing time into regular tv programs, due in part, to my a.d.d. tendencies and I can hardly watch a movie at home either.  But, my sisters watch shorts, and foreigns, so I I felt like with all this extra time here at home, I should at least try to get inspired with artful film.  I got sucked in by one artist in particular.


Especially by this one, and others by Jordan Bruner.  vimeo.com/53751714


I feel like it is SO on topic for our culture movement right now.  On topic for the anxiousness we perpetuate ourselves.  If you're a local, from KC clear to Colorado and AT&T is your host, you might remember a few weeks ago, when the transponder went down.  Everyone from here to Colorado was without usage of their phones.  I immediately drove to AT&T store because I thought I must've forgotten to pay the bill {which is SO like me.} When I realized it wasn't the case, my relief quickly became overshadowed when I watched and observed customers flooding in behind me to the store with a crazed, frantic response to not being able to use their phones.  It was sheer panic and crazed-ness, I tell you.  Were you one of those?  I was too.  I was falling right in line with the masses!  

It is sort of eery seeing how times have changed, and how our culture has progressed from the genius technological revolutions.  We are so addicted to the fast paced-ness of 'time grabbers' and 'WANTING MORE and MORE' buttons and envelopes to push.  Where will be in ten years?

I'm curious as to your reaction to the video.  For some odd reason, mine was to go get our juicer out of storage, {perhaps because we're sick too much}, go plant some seeds in the dirt, and to sharpen the colored pencils.  Turn off gadgets more frequently. AND just let things and project progress naturally.   Do you have any short films you recommend?

Also, I'm curious, what do you working mom's do when little ones are sick?  Do you have back up for childcare or assistance to take care of the biz when you're not there to oversee projects?  

Okay, now, Here's my BID and/or BID-EO for student interns.   You will want to skip over this shim-in-ugh, and skip to my before/after pictures at the bottom of the post if you're not into 'internin'-learnin.


WHO: Current college/graduate students looking to work in one of the Midwest's leading boutique interior design/build firms.
WHAT: Interns will get to participate in the day-to-day boutique firm's departments, including project management on location, marketing and communications, collections, product sourcing, creative web development, and customer relations.
WHEN: Spring 2013 semester-Starting now, and Summer 2013
WHERE: Learn more about what we do. sharontaylordesigns.com/
alifestylething.blogspot.com/
Please send a resume + cover letter to sharontaylordesigns@yahoo.com
Applicants reviewed on a rolling basis.

Wanted: Web Development Intern.  Local Springfield business is seeking an Intern.  The candidate  would work closely with the business to enhance a currently working Web site and blog with over 200 followers.  The website is http://sharontaylordesigns.com/.  The blog is http://alifestylething.blogspot.com/.  This internship begins February 18th, and could end at the end of the Spring 2013 term. I'm also seeking a summer 2013 intern as well.  Required: documentation and code.  Compensation is unpaid Creative Web Experience is a welcomed plus.  Contact: Sharon Taylor.  sharontaylordesigns@yahoo.com

Effective starting immediately
Creative thinkers welcome!
Must be energetic and eager to pursue growing a small company's online presence
Conscientious, Dependable, Timely, and Competitive

Did you know we love architecture, set design, tech savvies, artists, and interior design students?

email resume to:  sharontaylordesigns@yahoo.com
call for interviews:  417-459-8988

Our offices are currently undergoing a transformation, but here's what you might expect a desk at Pickwick House to look like on a good day:)  

                                                     Photographed by Twin Town Studios for RUE daily mag.

And, because I'm a working mom, I'm SO, SO excited to finally get my very own office at the new house.  This picture just taken is of the paint job done today on my new space.  I went with a Benjamin Moore 'Heritage Red' in high gloss latex.  I normally do oil base on heavy pieces, but I didn't want to wait for three days to have it shipped in.  So anxious, can you tell?    I CANNOT wait to show you my other plans for this space!






This is the before pic from my iphone.  To tell you the story behind this monster desk and office space progression, will have to wait for another day, because it's a little too long to post here about how this space has evolved without spousal confrontation:)  I say that with a gutteral laugh, because working together with my designer hubs, Will, isn't always peaches and cream.  And he would probably tell you the same of me.  But, somehow, I think we've made a pretty tasty CHERRY limeade out this 'LIME'.  ha!  

Happy Friday, Loves!  If you made it thru this post without falling asleep, I think you deserve a tall Martini or two right about now!!  Once you've had a martini, feel free to come back to this post and tell me what you really think of the desk.  

xx
sharon

Pickwick House is a full service design/build company in the heart of the Midwest!  {Springfield, Missouri's Rountree Neighborhood}.  We handle all aspects of residential renovations from small to large projects and are available for full service and consultation design, and/or stylizing from East to West Coast.  Call or email us today.  We may be on location, but we'll get back to you in no time.

 417-459-8988 *sharontaylordesigns@yahoo.com


Thursday, February 14, 2013

LOVE DAY Obsessions: FASHION, MOVIES, HOME GOODS, POETRY, & TREATS


Happy Valentines Day to all of you, dear friends, family, and readers!  Here's what I'm obsessing over today.  


Red Smeg fridge.  West Elm is selling these now along with a myriad of other great kitchen necessities, including some black and white enamel cooking ware I'm obsessing over.  {Locals, there is no distributor here for the smeg fridge, unfortunately.  I tried to order one for a client:(}  
Light blue grasscloth wall.  With the raspberry upholstered chair.  SO sweet.  


I spied this amazing geronimo balloon creation over on IG.  Couldn't find it on their website, so I'm assuming this one is hot off the press.  Is it not beautiful???!  No local deliveries here either.  Wishing a local floral shop would make things like this.  




Now locals, and any other connoisseur of fine delights, my daughter, Eleanor, is the master baker at Tea Bar and Bites.  This is just one of her many IG photos she takes of the delectable treats she bakes daily for them.  I've got to go GET ONE in my mouth, and you should too.  



Also, obsessing over the 2013 fall collection of Alice and Olivia.  #NYFW has the skirt of my dreams, as well as work day/cocktail attire one could only wish for.  To see the collection hot off the runway, go here.    It's retro, brocade, sophisticated, romantic yet modern, and big into flower prints.  I love the shapes and fabrics so much.  {This ensemble pictured above is from Stacy Bendet's spring collection.}


I'll leave you with a poem by John Keats to Fanny Browne.  It made me dream of floating away in a hot air balloon, gifting some blue heart balloons to my girls and boys, and watching a fun movie like Bright Star, A Royal Affair, or Out of Africa.  Three MUST-SEE movies!

"I am sailing with thee thru through the dizzy sky!  How beautiful thou art!"~John Keats

Happy thoughts, and day, LOVES.  

xx
sharon  


Pickwick House is a full service design/build company in the heart of the Midwest!  {Springfield, Missouri's Rountree Neighborhood}.  We handle all aspects of residential renovations from small to large projects and are available for full service and consultation design, and/or stylizing from East to West Coast.  Call or email us today.  We may be on location, but we'll get back to you in no time.

 417-459-8988 *sharontaylordesigns@yahoo.com

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

LET THERE BE LIGHT



Good afternoon!  Welcome to the dark side.  I hope I'm not boring ya'll to tears with house posts.  I'm gonna just go ahead and blame this crazed-nugget on the paint fumes we've been breathing in for the last few weeks.    


Iphone Pic of the day
Walls and ceiling are completely done in our soon to be family room.  Benjamin Moore 'black'.  Trim is in high gloss, oil based black too.  Our wood-slat blinds will also be black.  The floors are currently being sanded.  They will be.....EBONY.  {changin it up a bit, haha}
Iphone pic of before

Now after seeing all that darkness, let me ask you this?  Would you say it's an improvement over this?   At least a shred??  

What are you doing for pre-V-day?  I'm sitting at home with sick little fella.  Trying to comfort him and his bless-ed, rosy-cheeked goodness.  Even in his sickness, he keeps giving me kisses.  I feel so lucky.  


This is John-John on Monday, {pre-sickness} modeling in his first Julie Blackmon shoot. He was so proud.  I will post the final draft once she's done, but it may be a while because she's off to shoot a cover for New York magazine tomorrow.  I was going to go with her, but with fella sick, it's a no-can-do.
From my iphone
Thanks for reading along. 

Pickwick House is a full service design/build company in the heart of the Midwest!  {Springfield, Missouri's Rountree Neighborhood}.  We handle all aspects of residential renovations from small to large projects and are available for full service and consultation design, and/or stylizing from East to West Coast.  Call or email us today.  We may be on location, but we'll get back to you in no time.

 417-459-8988 *sharontaylordesigns@yahoo.com


xx
sharon

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

WISH LIST: SCIENTIFIC STUDIES IN THE HOME

At last my light has come.  I've been wanting something milk glass for the kitchen for awhile now.  But everyone and their sister has the Thomas Obrien Hicks pendant {that really is still on my wish list}.  But, when I found this amazing Sandy Chapman zodiac pendant on the circa lighting site today, I decided I needed three. No big deal.  They cost $2G a piece.  One can wish, right?  



It has smart design written all over it.  Plus an ode to the 30's with the milk glass.  {Sigh of the SKY!}


Want, need, and will do these lithograph prints above somewhere in my house as well as my clients'.  I think one could do these a number of different places in the home.  I want to do a grid of different plates in the kitchen nook with emerald green frames over some wall paper {yet to be decided}.   {Antique Haeckel original rare botanical lithograph print: 1st edition-plate 33-folio-nature print.  A 10x14" is $44.  Etsy Shop:  Discover Prints
 I'm basically obsessed with heavy brass.  Found these cute little book marks for like $4!  Wouldn't they make great little favors or valentine, or teacher gifts?  Etsy Shop:  Yan4u
Loving these odd creatures for gracing a wall to be more than interesting.  Also from Etsy shop, Discover Prints

Happy Tuesday!

xx
sharon