MY NEW OBSESSION...

I've added a new dimension to my design business - Stella & Dot. I decided to become a Stella & Dot stylist to earn extra income since I will have twins going to college in September. When I decided to join the company, I had no idea how quickly I would get sucked in. Now that's not really a bad thing. I've met some incredible women who are all about empowerment and living your best life with style, flexibility and fun. And the jewelry is amazing and affordable. 

The problem is how much I'm loving it!! I do have an interior design company that I run. I'm fortunate to have two projects that I'm currently working on, one that's winding down and 2 to 3 potential projects coming down the pike. 

Let me show why this is becoming a problem...

Look at all this beautiful jewelry!! This is the display for my Launch Party three weeks ago.  My wonderful sponsor, Tiffany Pratt, allowed me to borrow her jewelry to augment my display. Woah is me - I have to surround myself with all this wonderful merchandise everyday. The company offers incentives and ways to earn free samples. Being the obsessive compulsive person that I am, I couldn't wait to earn the products. I had to buy tons of samples right away. (Not to mention that most of my jewelry was stolen last month so that didn't help the situation but I digress.) I'm becoming obsessed. So much so that I felt the need to blog about it.

Of course you'll be hearing and seeing more from me on this subject so stay tuned.

In the meantime, happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

SOME PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMMY BOLDEN.

THE USEFULNESS OF CONSOLE TABLES...

Console tables aka entry tables are usually more decorative than practical pieces of furniture. Although a console table can set the stage for an inviting room, they are usually a place where vases, candles, photos and other decor reside. 

The idea of a console table comes from classical architecture. The word console means a ledge on the wall acting as a support. The same role is given to console tables. Nowadays they usually act as a support for keys, mail, photos and phones as well as the aforementioned decorative items.

Here are some examples of my faves...

West Elm

Patagonia Trading Company

Bungalow 5

Arteriors Home

Global Views

West Elm

Bungalow 5

Global Views

I love when designers store ottomans underneath a console. It's a great design and space saving element that adds extra seating. Check out these consoles in action...

 

Click here to see what Elle Decor has to say on the subject of console tables.

Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

SOME PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELLEDECOR.COM

MY DAY AT ICFF - INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE FAIR...

The annual ICFF (aka the International Contemporary Furniture Fair) held at the Javits Center in NYC is now a distant memory. One of my favorite trade shows, this is the premier showcase for the latest trends in unique and contemporary design from around the world. 

I was happy to stop for a photo op with my girl Malene Barnett of Malene B Carpets representing the carpet industry with her amazing designs...

Me and Malene B

This year ICFF celebrated its 25th anniversary.  You can see why this show is so sought after with this sampling of the hundreds of unique products from furniture to lighting to accessories...

GIN Art & Design
by Brooklyn based furniture designer Orlando Dominguez 

Door Handles by Phillip Watts

Crystal Foosball Table from Bespoke Global

Handblown Glass Chandelier from Bespoke Global

Iconic Fritz Hansen Chair

Vanity from Devon & Devon

More bathroom fittings from Devon & Devon

Lamps by Gilles Caffier

Walter Desk by Olga Guanabara

Clock by British European Design Group

Lighting by Iacoli & McAllister

Hanging Light Fixture from Serip

Pedestal Sinks by MGM Stone

Vertebrae Lighting by DFC 

I look forward to what next year's ICFF has to offer.  In the interim, happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

DESIGNING FOR A PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE...

I am about to embark upon two office projects, both in NYC. Of course both clients have TOTALLY different visions for their spaces. Since both companies have a marketing twist to their businesses, we are able to be a little more creative than usual with the design.

One client's space has an industrial feel with the exposed ductwork and mechanics in the ceiling, white walls and hard wood floors. She envisions a dream like setting. Think the Warren Beatty movie, "Heaven Can Wait" (God, I'm dating myself!): modern, ethereal and white. Here are some photos from her inspiration board...

My other client's office has taupe walls, floors with a faux whitewashed antique finish, exposed ductwork and beams painted charcoal & brown, and a killer view. Mind you, he did all this himself before he even hired me so you know he's got amazing taste.

He envisions his space to be an extension of his home. He wants old world industrial yet eclectic and contemporary. Think the Restoration Hardware meets Crate and Barrel. The furnishings, although they need to be office appropriate, should function in an apartment as well. Here's some of his inspiration...

 This one is going to be more of a challenge, but I'm up to it.

Tomorrow we'll look at the elements needed for each space: executive office, conference rooms, etc.

Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

SOME PHOTOS COURTESY OF CRATEANDBARREL.COM, RESTORATIONHARDWARE.COM