Sep 22, 2017 No Comments

Curate My Life

Fall 2017: Runway-Inspired Interior Style

By: The Balance Design Team

We’re heading into seasonal closet-cleaning time where we take stock of what we have and note what’s needed to freshen up existing pieces. And if we’re doing this for our clothes, why not our homes as well? Here are some trends we’re loving from New York Fashion Week that can inspire both areas of your life.

Stephanie’s Pick: Pink and Silver Statement

Photo courtesy of Vogue.

Photo courtesy of Elle Decor.

At this season’s fashion week, pink knits paired with metallic silver accents were comfortable yet dynamic. In this sitting room, the splashes of pink in the pillows and armchairs keep you on your toes, while the shimmering rug and soft greys make you want to slip into a nap on that cozy long sofa. This combination is strong and vivid, layered and colorful, and even—dare I say—timeless? We shall see.

Elisabeth’s Pick: Lingerie All Day

Photo courtesy of Vogue.

Photo courtesy of Designer Rugs.

This season presents a multitude of sensual black garments: fur, leather, and lace layered in sophisticated swaths of ooh-la-la. Lorenzo Serafini’s collection makes wearing undergarments all day totally possible…right?! Let’s just put that gorgeous model right in this gothic veranda with costume designer Catherine Martin’s new black lace rug, shall we?

Shelby’s Pick: Red Red Red

Photo courtesy of Now Fashion.

Photo courtesy of Maison Valentina.

Red alert! Unsurprisingly, red is a favorite color for statement pieces, real show stoppers. Whether it’s a head-to-toe monochromatic outfit or a floor-to-ceiling built-in, red is an instant focal point. With the right hue, it’s a timeless classic (red lipstick, anyone?) that adds a splash of brightness to any look or space.

Danielle’s Pick: Oversized Natural Accessories

Photo courtesy of Vogue.

Photo courtesy of Remodelista.

There’s so much to love about Delpozo’s fashion week collection: the modern silhouettes, the airy sherbet tones, and of course the BIG OL’ BOWS. Contrasting the crisp colors and sleek shapes of their clothing, Delpozo topped off each look with a big ol’ honkin’ rattan headpiece. And what’s the home equivalent of this natural woven cherry-on-top? African wall baskets! Accenting a modern, neutral room with these warm tones creates a current but cozy look and adds character to an otherwise sterile environment.

Melody’s Pick: Patchwork Party

Photo courtesy of Vogue.

Photo courtesy of Rose Lawn.

Bold and intriguing. As we see in fashion week and in the rug world, patchwork is back! Curating pattern and heritage from a variety of sources, patchwork rugs comprised of antique kilim remnants give life to otherwise forgotten works of art.

Any of these trends, whether applied to your wardrobe or your furnishings, are sure to amp up your style factor. You and your home deserve to strut your stuff!

Sep 13, 2017 No Comments

On our Turf

The Calm After the Storm

By: Stephanie Andrews

We’re in the midst of a pretty emotional few weeks, with the 16th anniversary of 9/11 (which always brings up raw, intense emotions) and natural disasters barraging us and our neighbors. We’ve seen the devastation in Houston, and now our friends in Florida (and even here in Georgia) are facing a new hurricane aftermath. With the earthquake in Mexico and massive flooding in southeast Asia, the overwhelming amount of destruction in our global community is daunting.

How do we cope? How can we process these feelings of helplessness? At a time when it seems impossible to be positive and keep our heads, it’s more important than ever to work together as families, friends, and neighbors. Remember we are all part of communities — local, national, and global — and reflect on the life we’re living and the one we aspire to. Regardless of our differences, every one of us has love and compassion to give, and that is how we’ll get through these hard times: together.

This is my heartfelt thank you to our team, friends, families, and neighbors. We are all here for each other, and that is truly meaningful. That is a blessing.

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Sep 07, 2017 No Comments

Artist in Residence

The Expressive Line: Moroccan Rug

By: Danielle Clockel

Renowned American abstract artist Cy Twombly described his work as “childlike, but not childish.” This assertion referred largely to the freeform, organic lines in his paintings, but we also like this as a mantra for personal style.

Photo courtesy of Eye Likey.

Far from having a negative connotation, the word “childlike” evokes a sense of wonder, free spiritedness, and glee. And who doesn’t want a little bit of that in their home? We see these attributes (both conceptually and graphically) in Moroccan rugs like this one.

Photo courtesy of Nazmiyal Collection.

A rejection of perfection, this rug (and ones like it) embraces playfulness in design while still showing a mastery of craft. Moroccan rugs are a classic design staple, and it’s not hard to see why! Such a rug elevates any space while remaining fun and fresh.

Aug 31, 2017 No Comments

Learn it!

Cookin’ Color: Bright and Bold Kitchens

By: Danielle Clockel

Kitchens are a big ticket item when it comes to your home’s resale value, and happen to be one of our favorite rooms to design. While a neutral white/grey kitchen is a timeless classic, we’re inspired by those who mix it up with unexpected color.

Photo courtesy of French Fancy.

This sunshine yellow is about as bold as it gets! The calm grey walls provide a necessary balance to the brightness of the cabinets and allows them to really shine.

Photo courtesy of That Nordic Feeling.

Maybe a kitchen full of bold paint is a little intimidating for you. Try choosing one piece to be your pop of color, like this lipstick-red Smeg refrigerator.

Photo courtesy of Domino.

Want color and pattern? How about an unexpected take on a backsplash: bold wallpaper! In this look, the classic marble countertop and simple hardware keep the vibrant floral wall grounded without squashing its wild side.

Photo courtesy of Farrow and Ball.

Even with a small surface area, you can still make a big statement. Paint your upper walls a solid color, or get funky with positive and negative space.

Thinking outside the box when it comes to your kitchen can be a little daunting. Renovations are a big investment and contribute greatly to the value of your home, but you don’t have to completely sacrifice style! Sometimes a little bit of paint or a single wallpapered wall is all you need to breathe life into your space.

Aug 25, 2017 No Comments

Learn it!, On our Turf

Cherished Treasures + Custom Creations = Happy Place!

By: Shelby Adamson Pawlak

Photography by Danielle Clockel for Balance Design.

Our clients’ vision is the most important factor in our designs. While we want to fill their home with beautiful furnishings, we find the best way to keep the space true to their personality is by combining new pieces with their own cherished items. Books, art, keepsakes from travels, and family heirlooms are always considered as part of the final design. This client has an incredible collection of vintage kilim rugs, handwoven textiles, and even a plague doctor’s mask. With these curated pieces as a starting point, we selected a vintage over-dyed rug under a saddle leather lounge and created custom graphic window panels to pull the look together. We love to inspire our clients with art and furnishings, but we love it even more when they inspire us!