Nothing like a Deadline! by: Stephanie Andrews Nothing like a deadline to kick my butt into gear!  Nine designers were coming over to my house for dinner.  We are a group called the Design Guild.  10 women entrepreneurs who get together once a month to share best practices, issues, frustrations, and inspiration.  Now, it […]

Hi Friends, Happy 4th of July!! I must admit, it’s difficult for me to say that right now. As the daughter and granddaughter of a veteran, it’s hard to acknowledge that the fireworks, national anthem, and flags, which always brought me a sense of pride and peace, no longer feel the same. The current state […]

A Study in Style 50 Ways to Claim Your Personal Style by:  Stephanie Andrews Happy Friday! This Saturday, June 28th, from 12 to 5 p.m., we’re hosting our first Vintage Pop-Up Sale at our studio. I’m co-hosting with my friend Rebecca from House 10 Design, who has curated a collection of fascinating treasures from Atlanta […]

Beauty, Order and a Whole Lotta Love by: Stephanie Andrews Hello friends, I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates about our Balance Design work studio! Over the past few weeks, we’ve been busy transforming our studio space, which was made possible thanks to the incredible help of some special friends and colleagues. Showing the messy […]

SURPRISE!  Creating the Unexpected in Design. By: Stephanie Andrews Happy Friday! Do you like surprises?  Surprise Parties?  (That’s a NO for me.)  Surprise Guests?  (Again, not usually.) Surprise Foods?  (Sometimes…). Surprise in Design?  (What is that?) Synonyms for surprise: Awe, Amazement, Wonder, Magic. (There were also negative associations that had to do with warfare like […]

Hello there! Today, I was thinking about the word “tend” vs. the word “maintain”.  Although the difference may seem subtle, these words ignite a distinct feeling in me.  I looked up these words’ definitions to see if they are different. Tend: (verb) to pay attention to, to serve, to watch over. Maintain: (verb) to keep […]

by: Stephanie Andrews Hello friends!  I hope you are well and making it through this cold February with a smile, at least mostly. I often struggle with February, wanting warmer temps, a tropical vacation, and feeling a comedown from the holidays. I give February a hard time, and I have for years!  In my 20’s, […]

By: Stephanie Andrews Happy Valentine’s Day, my friends.  I hope my email finds you well.  In Atlanta, my family, our Balance Design team, some friends, and I have been through it!  (A Norovirus that acted like the worst food poisoning I have ever had.) Couple that recovery with a difficult work week, and let’s say […]

Hello friends! Yesterday, I met with a long-time client and friend. As we caught up, we drifted to the current state of affairs in Washington DC. Amidst our fear and disbelief, she said something profound: we all have a “sphere of influence” that we alone can control. We may not be senators or movie stars, […]