Jul 21, 2017 No Comments

Curate My Life, On our Turf

On Our Turf: Atlanta Market Faves

By: Stephanie Andrews & Shelby Adamson Pawlak

Our team went to the Atlanta Market last week and, as always, we left with bountiful inspiration.

First up, modern rattan. This peacock chair would be a perfect statement piece for a sunroom with lots of light, a great rug, and hanging planters.  The 70’s are back!

Photo courtesy of High Fashion Home.

Speaking of the 70’s, let’s talk about macrame updated with a twist for this fabulous dining room chandelier. It goes a little beachy, but who doesn’t need a little bit of the ocean in their home?

Photo courtesy of Ro Sham Beaux.

We were lovin’ the black lacquer. So sleek. So refined. We swooned over this chair.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Brown Home.

Black cerused wood. Completely compelling (like this little number for in front of a fireplace).

Photo courtesy of Noir Furniture.

No design trip is complete for us without checking out rugs, and we were really blown away this time. This gem from Anadol Rug Company depicts a melting glacier — a beautiful yet tragic homage to our rapidly changing earth.

Photo courtesy of Rug News.

We are excited to show our clients these new trends in our designs — we believe many of these trends have real staying power. Stay tuned!

Jul 12, 2017 No Comments

Wanderlust

Wanderlust: Nepal

By: Stephanie Andrews

A few weeks ago I revisited one of my favorite places on Earth: Nepal (home of Mt. Everest, Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, and quite frankly the most beautiful people I’ve ever met). My brother-in-law, Bhupesh, is a Nepal native and owns Nepal Travels there, so my family got the inside scoop of a lifetime when we went!

Photo courtesy of Edward Andrews.

After a grand total of 30 hours on two different planes, we arrived at Bhupesh’s family home in Kathmandu. From there we trekked The Golden Triangle to Pokhara and then to Chitwan National Park. I say “trekked” because although we had an expert driver, the roads were long, bumpy, full of potholes, and often closed altogether. But the journey is part of the experience, and we were able to enjoy the true flavor of local villages along the way! We also went white water rafting with a local guide, his wife, and his kids. Summertime in Nepal is hot, and we were all looking forward to taking a dip, especially with possibly the most beautiful view ever.

Photo courtesy of Edward Andrews.

Quite an adventure awaited us in Pokhara, which is a charming little lake town with lots of shops and beautiful inns like the one we stayed in. We experienced paragliding like never before! A quick drive brought us to the top of a giant hill (here in Georgia we would definitely call this a mountain), got a running start, and leapt off the edge for a 20 minute ride of a lifetime to the lake below. I once again had to place ultimate trust in a complete stranger. Incredible experience!

Photo courtesy of Travel Tipsor.

Then there came Chitwan National Park, where we rode elephants and bathed them in the river. These incredible creatures got us up close and personal with deer, rhinos, and crocodiles. But it was bathing in the river and massaging them with smooth rocks that really fostered my love for these gentle giants.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Andrews.

After this journey we returned to Kathmandu to visit a dear family friend Bina Basnet. She is the founder of Orchid Garden, a school/daycare for kids who have little besides their big hearts, joyful laughter, and ability to welcome us as their new best friends. They were so loving and welcoming that my daughter Allie asked to spend the rest of her summer break there volunteering. Of course I said yes! Just look at these amazing children.

Photo courtesy of Edward Andrews.

Photo courtesy of Edward Andrews.

In conclusion, Nepal is one of my favorite places on Earth. If you get the opportunity to go, please don’t hesitate to contact me for information and tips. I would love to share what I know and relive the adventure!

Jul 07, 2017 No Comments

Curate My Life

Top Five Pairings: Graham & Brown Wallpaper

By: The Balance Design Team

We’re constantly inspired by fresh and innovative wall treatments — wallpaper, murals, grasscloth, you name it! Each of us scoured Graham & Brown, one of our favorite wallpaper vendors, and chose something that sparked our imagination. Here’s what we like:

Stephanie’s picks

I imagine this Color My Heart wall mural and settee in a mudroom of a young family as a place to put on their shoes and drop their bags. There could also be a big basket for shoes and another for balls, gloves, and frisbees — perfectly placed for outdoor fun!

Elisabeth’s picks

Surround yourself with this super-hip palm wallpaper and escape into that summer reading list you’ve been neglecting. Perfect for a bright sunroom, this graphic botanical print pairs perfectly with this bamboo pendant designed by Edward Linacre. Made without glues or adhesives, this honeycomb-inspired light keeps your air quality as pure as the tropics.

Shelby’s picks

I love the idea of a young independent woman getting her first apartment in the city in a turn of the century building. She has great taste and can rock out her bachelorette pad in a feminine and impactful way. This fabulous gold polka dot wallpaper would be on the ceiling, with her walls in a white chalky paint. Under this amazing wallpaper is her coral tufted settee that she will lounge on, read, or make power deals while sipping her La Croix.

Danielle’s picks

Can I call this look “gruesome glam?” This black and charcoal skull print wallpaper is what my spooky little dreams are made of. But don’t get me wrong, I like a little elegance too! This gilded floor mirror is over-the-top in its style and size, perfect for making sure you’re dressed to kill.

Melody’s picks

The bold print of the World Heritage wallpaper gets me mentally prepared to delve into new lands while sitting in a relaxing hanging chair with an endless supply of books. It’s the perfect escape on a rainy day.

Deirdre’s picks

The Optimum White and Duck Egg wallpaper reminds me of the bold, sensual, and intriguing flowers of Georgia O’Keeffe. Paired with the antique brass of the Bryant Sconce, this is a match made in heaven.

Jun 29, 2017 No Comments

On our Turf

Pop Up Shop: Turkish Bazaar

We love Turkey, linens (towels, bedding, and throws), and supporting our neighbors’ small businesses. So when we got the opportunity to help our Turkish neighbors by offering our studio for a weekend pop up shop, we jumped at the chance! Come by Balance Design in Candler Park this Saturday and Sunday to find the perfect beach towel, bedding, or a treasured gift. See you there!

Jun 22, 2017 No Comments

Need We Say More?

Need We Say More: Steamy Shower Goodness

By Melody RichardsonThis is the steamy outdoor shower of our dreams! This outdoor oasis is a part of the aptly named Woodman’s Treehouse featured by Dwell Magazine. We could certainly imagine ourselves freshening up and getting close to nature in this gorgeous space. Couldn’t you?