Kimberly Reuther

So, if you don’t know me, you have no idea how much I love the combination of black and white and how classic and timeless it is.  Also very versatile, it can be upscale or whimsical, depending on the application.  (I am also crazy with a capital C for the color red but I will leave that for another entry.)

I am also loving the chevron pattern trend which is of course the rug I am slowly saving my pennies to afford at West Elm (see below).

Well, I have just discovered a few other fun black & white pieces to covet…Let me know if you like them, too!

how fabulous will this look in my living room? Zig Zag Rug from West Elm

seriously adorable!! Dottie Chair from PB Teen

LOVE IT!!! Libery of London for Target - Melamine Platter

Durable & Fabulous - West Elm's Melamine Outdoor Dinnerware

Just ordered it, can't wait to wear it all the time! Black Dot Jet Set Tote from PB Teen

Who doesn't need this timeless addition to your jewelry collection? Bloom Flower Ring - Stella & Dot

Show off family photos in style & for super cheap! Liberty of London for Target

Don't forget the tray! Jungle Flower Tray from West Elm

Happy Spring!!

I am so looking forward to the fresh flowers and new opportunities in store!  I thought it might be fun to move my newsletter to my website.  What do you think?  I welcome your comments and suggestions!

The theme for this month is: MORE, MORE, MORE!!!

More ideas, more color, more energy!  I don’t know about you but I’ve been very busy with lots of exciting endeavors and I can’t wait to share them with you here.

My New Desk

“Don’t ask what the world needs.  Ask what makes you come alive and go do it.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”  – Howard Thurman

So, here is a photo of “command central” as I have fondly named my new desk.  It is important that my apartment not look too much like an office or I will feel like I am always at work.  Looks great & functions even better!

Charity Project: Habitat for Humanity 2010 with St. Louis AT HOME magazine.  I’m also very pleased to announce my involvement in this year’s Habitat Design Project with AT HOME magazine.  I am on a team with several talented designers and we are working hard to transform the interiors into a warm & inviting home for a very deserving family!  Please view my Target list if you are interested in donating.  All will be completed by mid-May and I will keep you posted on the progress!

Upcoming Events: As many of you know, I launched DesignSpeak last October and I am very committed to educating consumers about design and where to purchase locally.  I am very exited to announce our first ever “design decoded: kitchens & baths” event!  This is a free seminar for homeowners seeking design advice.  We will have refreshments, goody bags and giveaways!  Space is limited,  RSVP now to kimberly@designspeakstl.com!

Next Up: I am working on getting photos taken at several of my clients’ homes.  I am very pleased with how my projects turned out last year and am anxious to show them off!  Here is a sneak peek at one of my installations.  The frames turned out beautifully!  This project was one of my favorites this past year.  My client was so wonderful to work with and she had such a fun design aesthetic that it really didn’t feel like work!

Coming Soon - New Client Photos

Blazing Trails with the Girl Scouts: I am honored to be a part of such a fun group of young professionals whose goal is mentor recruitement for the wonderful Girl Scout Organization.  So many great opportunities to become involved!  We are hosting a fun adult camp-out on April 17th to get you motivated and just have fun!  To learn more, please join us for Happy Hour at the Moonrise Hotel on March 23rd.

Exciting News: Stella & Dot Jewelry – My sister recently enlightened me on my lifelong obsession with jewelry.  “Obsessed” is a little harsh…Maybe a bit co-dependent is more accurate?  I will admit it is hard for me to go to the gym without earrings…is that wrong?  So, I guess it comes to no one’s surprise that I’ve finally decided to start my career in jewelry as a stylist of Stella & Dot.  They are a wonderful company and I have admired their jewelry line almost since its inception.  I’m very excited and I am planning my first trunk show to introduce you all to the line!  Visit my webpage for more info.

That’s all for now!  Stay tuned for more updates!

-K

So, after a couple years of deciding that I needed a larger media stand (you’ll see what I mean in the before photo) and not finding one that fit my budget and vision for the room, I decided to get creative.   When most people do home improvements, they tackle DIY projects.  I prefer the HDDI method, also known as, Have Dad Do It.

My dad is very skilled as a carpenter but committing to a time frame is not his forte because he is in high demand.  Luckily, my grandpa and my cousin were willing to help out with painting and hauling the completed piece to my apartment.  Now to get my dad on board with my concept.  As you can see by my sketches, I was definitely more focused on the little accent pieces…I did give him dimensions, I’m no dummy!  The goal was to get the baskets of movies in the console but still functional and hide all the wiring to my components.  I’ll let you judge the photos for yourself.  I bet you are already thinking of your very own HDDI project!  Thanks for all the hard work guys!

Before Media Wall - Yes, it's an end table...

My Concept Sketches

Phase 1 - The boys got carried away with the red paint on the center lines

Phase 2 - I created the shapes out of cardboard with my arty friend Brent's help

Voila! Finished product - Functional & Pretty!

New Media Wall - so much cleaner!

Team Photo Take 1 - Eric, quit moving!

Team Photo Take 2 - Grandpa's not smiling

Team Photo Take 3 - This will have to do!

So, I just found out that one of my favorite places for inspiration, Hable Construction, is no longer making all of their pillows out of fun wool felt patterns.  And this year is the last year for the wool felt stockings…now here are the results of my web search for unique, colorful stockings!  Happy Holidays!

Hable Construction Wool Felt Stockings

Ballard Designs Personalized Stockings

Pottery Barn Crewel Embroidered Stockings

Crate & Barrel Cheers Stocking

Pier 1 White Jester Stocking

PB Teen Peace & Floral Stockings

Horchow Angelica Shell Stockings

Wisteria Running Reindeer Stocking

I’m back on the search for the “perfect” lamp.  Lamps have a huge impact on a room and can really tie in a lot of other elements or simply make a statement of their own.  Here are some more to fall in love with…

Bungalow 5 - Alexandra Lamp

Slip Lamps - ed 613 hpc

Mariana Imports Table Lamp

Currey & Company Florian Table Lamp

Oly - Anthony Table Lamp

Arteriors - Off White/Black Cadence Lamp

Oly - Pipa Table Lamp

Okay, back to my search for beautiful, sometimes unattainable things!

This time it is table lamps.  There are so many beautiful choice from cheap to chic, with varying heights and finishes!  Which one is right for you?  Well, take a look at a few at the top of my list!

Atom Designs - Marais Lamp

Atom Designs - Barocco Lamp

Shades of Light - Chrome & Lattice Ball Table Lamp

Shades of Light - Modern Spindle Table Lamp

West Elm - Bronze Ceramic Table Lamp

Neiman Marcus - Grand Crystal Table Lamp

Neiman Marcus - Driftwood Table Lamp

Another part of my elusive search for the perfect design item, the decorative accent pillow!

Here are a few great options at very reasonable prices!  Click on each image to visit the websites!

Atom Designs - Goldfinch Pillow

West Elm - Sunshine Ikat Outdoor Pillow

Pottery Barn - Coral Pillow

West Elm - Shells Pillow