I always think of New Year’s as being “the” time to make a fresh start.  It just seems logical, right?

So, I was at World Market last week and fell in love with the new Barbie calendar. (love the sketches of the vintage Barbie “couture” and the idolized woman she represents).  I bought it, of course, no hesitation.

vintage barbie

When I got home, I realized that it was a 2011 calendar but it had a combined page for September through December of 2010.  Hmmm…I doubt a lot of “Jersey Shore” fans are buying vintage Barbie calendars.  I guess “back to school” also applies to grown-ups!

I don’t know about you, but the last 6 months have literally flown by!  I barely know where I spent my energies.  Now that it’s September, I feel like I am finally able to take a breath and refocus my business and personal life.  Coincidence that it lines up with the start of school? Which got me thinking, maybe January isn’t always the time for a fresh start.  Maybe, it is just whenever you feel ready for a change.  Sometimes, it’s starting a new project, new job, new year, new haircolor, whatever you determine is your “fresh start”.

Here’s an update on my summer and what I am looking forward to for this fall.

First, from K Designs’ standpoint, I am very fortunate to work with a great family moving here from Arizona.  They are wonderful clients and their house is really starting to become their new “home”.   I am lucky to be a part of the process!  Along with this large scale project, I have had lots of smaller milestones with my existing clients, including new grandbabies, grown kids branching out and rooms being rediscovered by new generations.  All in all, I love being able to create these environments where my clients and their families make memories!

first look - a client's living room

Second, I have been working with a very talented team of creative people to execute a few DesignSpeak events and brainstorm for the future!  We had another successful homeowner event this summer as well as our first networking happy hour for industry professionals!  We are currently working on a revamp of the website to simplify and deliver the freshest ideas to you!  I’m also proud to announce that I’ve been asked to be a permanent blogger on St. Louis AT HOME‘s new website, launching this fall.  Thanks to everyone that has attended our events and especially to my team!  I’ll keep you posted on more exciting happenings this fall as well as spring of 2011!

evidence of our first designspeak "speakeasy" event

some peeps at our first "speakeasy" event!

Third, I am still “obsessed” with jewelry as my sister loves to point out!  And you cannot tell me that you are not obsessed after viewing the fall collection from Stella & Dot.  Love it! Love it! Love it!  I am focusing on booking lots of parties for the holiday season because I want everyone to have this jewelry!  It’s fabulous!  People used to refer to my trademark sunglasses but now I can be seen sporting the latest Stella & Dot trends as well. Wow, this necklace is gorgeous!!!

metropolitan mixed chain necklace

Lastly, I am considering this a fresh start on my health.  As I approach a semi-milestone birthday this fall, I realize that I need to establish better habits to get me through stressful times.  And frankly, I’m excited for the opportunity to challenge myself physically!  Stay tuned for a more enlightened and slimmer Kimberly…

Thanks for being in my life & I wish everyone a wonderful fall season!

K

My client and I were busy searching for “vintage” Anthropologie-looking sofas (but at realistic prices).  Luckily, she discovered that her grandmother’s antique sofa was not being used in her mother’s basement and we began a mission to update it for her young family!

Here’s the before photo:

We researched a variety of leathers and fabrics and decided that this mossy green velvet would be durable and maintain the vintage feel of the sofa.  Naturally,  a lot of work needed to be done in order to get it back “in shape” so to speak!  The upholstery company had to re-stuff the cushions and reinforce the frame.

We also elected to strip the wood to its most natural state and give it a lighter stain.  With the dark Victorian-era wood stain applied to the heavily-carved frame, the sofa appeared too “dated” for lack of a better word.  We wanted it to feel vintage but fresh!  Notice, the more subtle color that lets the carving stand out without overpowering the sofa.

Thank you Custom Furniture Works for such an amazing job!!

Here’s the finished product; now it’s time to search for beautiful pillows!