Isn’t it nuts that it is December and another year has passed? I know that I say this every year, but it is amazing how fast time can fly. I wanted to share some of my highlights, lowlights, and lessons learned, perhaps if just to reflect on them myself before my 2025 goals and aspirations become a main focus.
Stephanie and Melody in Turkey and Andrea in Japan!
2024 was a year of travel. Between my family and the team at Balance Design we traveled to: Turkey (twice), Spain, Holland, Portugal, and Japan. There was also domestic travel to Erie, Buffalo, Syracuse, Philadelphia, NYC (twice), Seattle, Michigan, San Diego, Florida (twice), Hilton Head, and Knoxville. Wow! That is a lot of travel. Lesson learned this year? If an opportunity to travel arises, we need to do everything in our power to make it happen. My husband, Ed was able to take advantage of his new partially retired role with a bike trip to the Netherlands. He appreciated their home styles, bike culture, and pub life! So much can be learned from the people, the culture, and the lifestyles in other places that may inspire me more than anything else.
This year was a very tough one for a couple of dear friends. Loved ones were lost throughout this year. This year, more than previously, I learned the importance of doing what I can do by being there at funerals and afterward to show my support. Not being able to say something to ease the pain, yet still doing whatever possible and surrounding them with thoughts of love. I know it sounds cliche, but realizing our brief time together was probably my biggest lesson of 2024. Celebrating a loved one’s birthday, getting together for big and little events, and then finally celebrating their lives at the end is something worth slowing down for every time.
Having fun before our annual open house!
As you probably know, I am blessed to work with some incredible people. I know that so many people say these things, but I cannot express enough how much I love our team! We accomplished so much together this year. On a macro level, we became much more organized. With Marilyn, Ed, and Jean Luc managing the purchasing and warehousing part of the process, we finally knew the status of all of the items that we ordered for our clients. Previously, this part was done by a 3rd party, and it left much to be desired. As 2024 progressed, we increased our organization to new levels that I never thought possible. I would be remiss to say that this new process was introduced by interior designer, Marlee, as a way to have more control over timelines and budgeting for clients. Marilyn deserves a huge credit, for managing new clients, ordering, and billing-I honestly do not know how she does it. As we explore some new software in 2025, I am hoping to find more ways to save time on the necessary administrative items that we have to do in every design project. This new software will hopefully give us more time to design and bond more with our clients. That is where the magic happens!
Two design projects we are very proud of!
Speaking of magic designers created some this year! From mountain homes guest homes, high-rise condos, complete renovations, and dozens of kitchens and baths, this was quite a year! A few of the many highlights to point out: Jennifer headed up Phase 1 of Chamblee City Hall and we are hopeful that 2025 is for Phase 2. She also finished up a complete renovation of a high-rise condo at the Four Seasons. This project was full of ups and downs, but we just received photos of the client’s Friendsgiving in their new dining room, and it was truly beautiful! Melody completed numerous kitchens and baths, including designing her dream Victorian bathroom for her soul-sister client! Marlee finished up a fashion-forward project in a former Elton John home. She also found new suppliers and new ways to show off some modern designs. Andrea has been quite industrious on a complete renovation project in Decatur. She also designed our maximalist studio look for our Open House with the help of Allie. Allie managed to assist all of us, with everything that we needed from errands, administrative work, and project management. She also created stunning windows for our Candler Park studio.
These projects, represent just a few of the many special clients that we were able to serve this year. For all of our 2024 clients, whether new or returning, we want to express our gratitude. Your trust allows us to do what we love to do and create homes that speak to the way you live, and celebrate you. Thank you. As we finish up 2024 and the holiday season, we wish you all a very happy December.
Stay tuned for an upcoming Holiday Design Pulp. We are asking the question “What do designers give other designers for a gift” a home holiday gift guide. I am excited to share this fun way that the team is sharing their ideas on what they believe their Secret Santa is going to love. We shall see!
Thank you for reading,
Stephanie