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Design Perspective - Ashely Goforth Design

I recently had a local interior designer (who shall remain anonymous) ask me why I feature other interior designers on my blog. "Aren't you highlighting their work and sending potential clients to them?"

After a moment of awkward silence, I stated the obvious - There are tons of talented interior designers out there, and you can gain lots of inspiration from their work. Even the smallest of details can be interpreted in your own space with stunning results. So, if any of you are wondering why I feature other designers - The goal is to give you something to think about! Some inspiration that hopefully can be used in your own space! So, with that . . . here's my favorite new interior designer . . .

Ashley Goforth

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Based on what I've read about Ashley, she has always had an amazing eye for interior design and enjoyed various interior design related projects for her entire adult life. Here is just a small taste of her work.

This makes me miss the 1980's wall of mirrors I removed from the living room in my previous house (and I NEVER thought I would ever say that!). Also, I'm working with a client as we speak who still has them in her dining room - so here's a bit of inspiration for that project!

A different angle of the same space. I love layering a mirror on the wall of mirrors and how the abstract artwork reflects off the mirror to look like a pair. Quite fabulous.

This is the other side of the same room with the mirrored wall (if you go back up you can see the TV in the reflection of the mirror). Initially, I thought this was a formal living room, but it's not. Instead, it's a beautiful family room. Love the abstracts with the portrait lights flanking the TV. You know it's difficult at times to make a TV wall look interesting. Also, love the idea of incorporating some greenery into the space with the over scaled planters on either side of the mirrored console (which is a nice repeater of the mirrored wall).

This soothing image just makes me stop dead in my tracks. I love everything about it. The artwork, the painted brick, the chairs, the styling. Love. It. All.

What a nice change from white marble on marble. The black accents really speak to me - not to mention the large wall of windows.

OK, I love this image. Did you notice the knee brackets in the dark stain finish - gives the feeling of rustic beams but for a fraction of the price. Such a simple addition to the space, but adds so much architectural interest. Very clever.

Another view of the same kitchen.

You would not believe how many deer mounts I work with in the rooms I design! This space is such a refreshing modern take. By limiting the artwork to only the mount, then adding the rich wall color, she has created a very modern sleek space. Oh so good.

Adore the tub and shower placement in this master bathroom. Really great.

Question - would you trust your decorator if she suggested a black wallpaper in your powder room? Talk about some major drama! The contrast of the wallpaper and the marble surround is a total WOW for me.

Here are a few examples of offices. I must say, Ashley's paint choices are what really make these spaces go from a "just ok" to "totally fab." Love this color (notice she painted the crown molding the same color but left the windows a lighter trim color.

Another great paint choice, with the distressed wood built ins and the beams - oh so yummy!

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If you would like to see more of Ashley's work, check out her website! Hope you're week is off to a great start. M.

Things I'm loving at the Moment

Now for some total randomness. I've been juggling design work and kiddos at home over the last couple of weeks. I have to confess it's been a bit crazy - but fun crazy. Summer seems to fly by, and I really want to take it all in and enjoy every minute of it. I thought I would share a few things I've stumbled upon - a little summer randomness.

White Walls
I adore this space. It looks like something you would find in a beach house. Notice the white walls, ceiling, wall sconce and simple roman shades. All this white accomplishes a couple things. It makes the space feel bigger and it creates a backdrop for the pops of color on the beds. Also, notice the headboards are actually upholstered cushions tacked to the wall. So simple, but so much impact.

Contemporary Bedroom design by Other Metros Interior Designer Joel Snayd

Sheep Artwork Tutorial
This simple tutorial for affordable artwork really packs a WOW. Wouldn't it be precious in a nursery?! Great Job, Em and Elle!

Gourmet Popsicles

Everybody in Birmingham is talking about Steel City Pops. These gourmet popsicles are all the rage. I was having dinner with some girlfriends a couple of weeks ago and one of my friends could not say enough about them. Then, my husband's firm hosted a dinner last week at the baseball field and Steel City brought a popsicle truck! The flavors are so unique like avocado and blood orange, and they are all made fresh daily. And to sweeten the pot (as they say), the owners are giving back by donating 100% of the profits made on their bottled water to developing water sources in third world countries. So, a true community leader!

Do you remember my post recently of this picture?! . . . Wouldn't these gourmet pops make the most amazing dessert for a summer time dinner party? Oh yea, I'm on it.

Crawfish Boils

Talk about a laid back party. This past weekend we celebrated the birthday of a close friend. She and her husband spent several years in New Orleans and all that culture, food and NOLA lifestyle is now in their blood. So, of course, celebrating big for this cute couple translates into a crawfish boil! I ate so many I finally had to stop when my fingers were numb from peeling them. You just can't beat good food, good friends, good music and yummy drinks in the summer!

Hammock Chairs

At the beginning of the summer, I ordered a pair of hammock chairs for my kids. They are getting too big to use the swing set in our backyard (which makes me a little sad). But, I'm not ready to tear the whole thing down.

Instead, I converted the swing portion of our set using the hammock chairs. Both my kids love to read, so they've been hanging out up there in late afternoon/early evening with a book.

I'm thinking I extended the life of that swing set at least more summer!

Wall Container/Window Boxes

My husband and I took a recent trip to one of our favorite nurseries here in Birmingham. It is a bit farther out, but their plants are always so healthy and really put on a show during the summer season. If you live in Birmingham, it's truly worth your time to check out Collier's nursery.

During our most recent trip, the cutest girl helped us (which is another reason to go there, the customer service is spot on). She taught me something about planting window boxes. Now, mind you, we've had this box for at least five years; and I've never thought about what she told us.

The trick is to plant two different trailing plants on each end (so a total of four plants, rather than just two) - one in the back and one in the front. I've always done just one plant on each end since the container is so narrow, thinking it would fill out nicely.

Well, the box has never looked this great, even at it's peak. I think it's the contrast in color that really gives the container the depth you can't get from a single plant. Simple idea, but huge impact. Love it.

San Tan-tonio Nail Polish

(I told you this post was random!)

I treated myself to a pedicure (which is rare for me, I usually do my own pedicures at home), and I'm loving this color! I think it helps when you've had a little sun on your feet for color, but every time I look down at the polish it makes me smile (the name just kills me!)

(Bet you didn't expect to see my feet on a Monday! I kept the picture small in case you tend to get queasy in the morning! Ha!)

Did everybody have a wonderful Father's Day? We made steaks on the grill last night for our man of the hour; and I called my sweet Dad and wished him a wonderful day too!

What's everybody been up to lately?! M.

Breakfast Room Updates

What do you get when your husband is out playing golf and your kids are spending some quality with with the grandparents for a week?

You get some stuff done!!! Like cafe curtains for the breakfast room.

I was finally able to add some much needed fabric to my breakfast room. I think I've mentioned this a couple of times, but after painting my kitchen and breakfast room it lost its warm feel. These were very easy to make - I did not line them. Also, since we really did not need them for privacy, and I did not want to block our view, I kept it very simple.

Don't get me wrong, I love the new wall color, but it does have some gray in it and because I also painted the trim the wall color, it seemed big and a bit cold. This can be a common problem for kitchens and bathrooms in general. So, fabric to the rescue!

Hope your summer is going great so far! M.

Shout Out to Opal

I wanted to give a shout out of thanks to Opal Design Group for featuring my kitchen makeover on their blog this week. Such a nice surprise to see my kitchen when I popped over!

This design team with offices in Utah and Oregon was founded by Jana Romney and Jen Adair. These cute girls have truly got it going on. If you have not checked out their blog, it is a great resource. What I love about their blog and what I think makes it different from most are all the fabulous videos they've included on different pages. It feels so much more interactive - like they are talking to you! And there is some great information packed into those videos like - hanging curtains the right way, mood lighting and their take on down pillows (which I totally agree).

Also, if you sign up to receive their newsletter they will also send you three of their favorite paint schedules as well as gallery wall templates. If you have a minute, go check them out! M.

A June Bride

I'm in the stage of life where most of my friends are married; but their children are still too young to be getting married. So, we're not attending weddings like back in the day. While I appreciate the reprieve from purchasing all the gifts, I truly miss the weddings. All those beautiful brides and, of course, the flowers.

So, to kick off the month June and all those lucky girls who either got married in June or who will be saying "I do" this month, here are my favorite websites for wedding flowers. So much talent and inspiration here . . .

Heaven help me when the day rolls around for my daughter to tie the knot! M.

Artwork to Consider

While framing my sea fans, I decided we needed to talk about artwork in general. For a space to feel high end, it's important to think outside the box on different types of artwork. The old adage, "buy what you like" does not always work. Too often, when clients buy what they like, their spaces have a "one note" aesthetic. They can't seem to put their finger on the problem; but the space just doesn't feel right. Many times, selecting similar artwork for a space will make a room very predictable and blah.

My rule with artwork - mix it up. When you are considering a piece of artwork, ask yourself. "Do I already have a piece that looks similar to this piece?" If the answer is yes, pass on it. Now, I'm not talking about a color palette here. Obviously, the colors in the piece of artwork you select should compliment the room. But think different mediums for the artwork - oils, watercolors, etchings, architectural remnants, and clever objects used as artwork. You will be pleasantly surprised by the results of this little trick.

Here are just a few ideas I've found online for unusual artwork.

Telephones
(my kids probably would not even know what these were used for!)

This is tutorial on turning a simple decorative wood piece from Home Depot into artwork. Love it!

An old door - still has it's hinges.

Vogue Magazine Covers
Perfect for a room where you need some color.

A total industrial vibe with this fan cover. And I love that they were clever about what they used to display the fan. It all becomes part of the artwork. Simple, but cool.

Vintage Cameras

Album covers

A model ship - talk about a focal point.

Letter box.

Sheet Music

Remember, you can decide if you want it to be whimsical . . .

Or sophisticated. It's all in how you decide to frame it.

Vintage Scarf

Even A Swimsuit!

The real trick is to think about things meaningful to you and your family. Then come up with a clever way to display them on your walls. Have a marvelous day! M.

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