01 Aug Small but Mighty
Small but Mighty
(Sometimes the Little Things are the Big Things)
by: Stephanie Andrews
Hello friend,
Happy Friday!
A recent BD project of a foyer in Virginia Highland.
We recently had a Balance Design project that Jennifer designed to add impact and personality to a white foyer space that led upstairs to the main living area. Although small, it was a significant space, for it was beginning to tell a story of those who lived there. Now, as they have asked us to work on the upstairs rooms, we have a starting point and we better understand the design direction. This process of getting to know them through questions, inspirational pictures, and conversations is what gives a project its “special sauce”.
The front room from over a decade ago that started a complete home transformation.
photography by Christina Wedge
Many projects work like this, starting with one room and then adding more spaces over time. To do one room as thoughtfully and completely as we can, and then move on to the next. When we are truly blessed, we can move to almost every room in the home and sometimes even the next home! This was the case of a beloved client in Virginia Highland. We started with their entry sitting room. This seemed to be a little test; if they liked it, we would move forward to other rooms. We eventually designed their library, family room, and kitchen updates. In a couple of years, we were finally able to go upstairs and design the bedrooms and baths. Along the way, we learn more about what they like, what they don’t, and how they see the world through their home.
The family room continued the design from the front room.
photography by Christina Wedge
Bringing this process back to you, I challenge you to consider a “Small but Mighty” approach to your own home. You can tackle a small space, and it can have a substantial impact on the way that you feel about your home. Perhaps it is your front porch this summer. Play with some inspiration photos on Pinterest, Houzz, or magazines. What commonalities are in the pictures that you like? Noticing the color palette, the furniture, the size, and the use of the space can inspire the next steps. A thorough cleaning and decluttering, and then you can make some changes, a little or a lot, to create a space that makes you smile. It’s okay if it takes a long time, as long as you can feel the improvements that you are making and appreciate the process of making it happen.
Finally, going upstairs to remodel the primary bathroom!
photography by Christina Wedge
In case you are wondering what prompted this post, my aunt sent me a picture of my sister and me at Christmas when I was about 5 and she was about 3. In this photo, I am belting out a Christmas Carol at full volume (at least it looks that way!). She is peeking around my legs, I appear to be standing on a chair, and she seems to be sitting on a beautifully set Christmas table. This picture made me think of my childhood. So hard to remember most things, except through deductions made through photographs. I asked myself, “Who was this little person?” And I came up with that she was someone “Small but Mighty”.
A sneak peak of the guest room details.
photography by Christina Wedge
From my childhood into my late thirties, I always dreamed of being famous. I first wanted to be an actress, performing in every school play I could. Then, my aspirations shifted to becoming a fashion designer, and eventually, an interior designer. My goal was to build an empire spanning cities like Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, Austin, Chicago, and even Paris!
A picture of my aunt, my sister, and me singing proudly!
Today, in my 50’s I feel differently. It is not an empire that I am working on; it is simply (or not simply) building something that feels meaningful to me, one step at a time. I also have shifted to focusing a bit more on my writing, one post a week, every week. This does not diminish the design aspect of my work; it is enhancing it by allowing me to see things that I have not slowed down for in the past. And in that slower pace, I can make more informed decisions about my life work.
Revisiting a delightful book by Sarah Ban Breathnach.
(Do you remember this?)
This week, I rediscovered a book that tethered me during a crazy time in my life when the kids were young. Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach. Do you remember it? This book holds up as an impactful thought to consider each day.
Cannot wait to see you on August 9th from 12-5!
Speaking of repeat, please come to our 2nd Vintage Pop-up! The August Edit features new art and accessories that Rebecca (House 10-Designs) has curated from all over the city! She has found items that can add style and surprise to every room in your house. This curation is her superpower, and I encourage you to check it out, have a cocktail, and enjoy some time with us. Again, we will hold “A Study in Style” in our Candler Park studio (1653 McLendon Ave) on August 9th from 12-5 pm. I hope to see you there!
Until next week,
Stephanie
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