Steamy! Ideas for a Cooler Summer.
Dear Mother Nature,
Stop showing off…we know you’re hot!
Happy 4th of July weekend! If you are going to be near a pool, a lake, an ocean, or a cold bathtub-congratulations, you know how to live. For the last 2 weeks, Europe was under extreme conditions; now it is our turn. July in Atlanta is well known for being steamy, but this year looks like we will hit an oppressive steam sauna as soon as we set foot outside. To be honest, I am worried about the folks who are planning to run our annual Peachtree Road Race this year. I hope they take all the necessary precautions!
I am not a fan of talking about the weather, but it has been on my mind all week-from building a client’s tiny pool house to the conditions in our warehouse to my wilted flowers-it has been a scorcher! So I thought I would share some sexy summer goodness to help cool things off, by heating them up.
Transforming Liberty by Amy Sherald.
Last weekend, we went to a moving exhibit at the High Museum-Amy Sherald. You may have heard of her because she painted the Michelle Obama portrait for the White House. Her portraits are life-sized or bigger. Her technique uses shades of gray for the faces, and then bright colors and patterns for the background and clothing. Her work is joyful in every way, yet seeing a portrait of Breonna Taylor with an engagement ring and a smile carries a poignancy that brought me to tears. She also painted the Statue of Liberty as a queer Black man, and again I had to pay attention. With our 4th of July celebrating its 250th birthday this year, we still have so far to go to become an inclusive, supportive society that celebrates our diversity rather than dividing us with heated debates.
A plum pantry? Yes, please!
On a lighter note, at Balance Design, we have seen an incredible surge in the openness toward warm summer colors-saffron, turmeric, plum, and even a warm burgundy. We are all loving the inviting heat that these colors evoke. Consider changing something this summer with a dramatic brush stroke (pun intended) in your dining room, pantry, mudroom, or powder room ceiling.
Lucille’s just opened in Candler Park!
In our Candler Park neighborhood, we have been waiting for Lucille’s boutique to open up for months. It finally opened on July 1st, and you gotta check it out! This little gem is a one-stop shop for all things romantic, beautiful, inspired, and thoughtful. What does this mean? It is a beautifully designed and decorated space that you can go to for a gift for a friend, or a gift for yourself-candles, jewelry, lingerie, even some s@* toys are behind a curtain, so you can look at them without feeling uncomfortable. This place is sophisticated and fun—a welcomed neighbor to our street. Hope you can check it out!
Marilyn, Melody, and Jennifer in front of our new art wall by Monkey Arm Gallery.
Balance Design also started a summer collaboration with Decatur’s Monkey Arm Art. This little gallery is a rare find-cool, vintage art with fascinating stories, at a price that feels better than reasonable to me. We frequently incorporate artwork into our designs, and this little gallery surprised me! I found several personal pieces, and a few for clients as well. Paul (the owner) and I hit it off, so I chose about 20 pieces to feature in our design studio. We plan to feature these pieces throughout the summer. (I hope you will come visit before you spend all of your money at Lucille’s!)
Finally, here are a couple of little things that may make you a little more comfortable this summer. You know those little neck fans to walk with? I thought these green ones, by Kalston, would look chic. I also came across the coolest company that makes modern planters. I think even looking at one of these beauties in the backyard (from the comfort of my air-conditioned home) would make my summer just a little better. Their items are made in Mexico, and I found them fun, happy, and caliente! A green vintage fan MAY help on my front porch. I have also gotten into the habit of making gourmet lemonade since my trip to Vienna. Lemon, lemon ice cubes, rosemary or lavender, and tonic water taste like a sexy cocktail without the alcohol. Check out this animal print scarf; it’s meant to be damp! Seems like a cool and stylish solution!
Stay cool and enjoy your long holiday weekend! I look forward to connecting next week, but if you want to tell me something before then, email me at: stephanie@balancedesignatlanta.com
As always, thanks for reading,
Stephanie
