It’s no surprise that I like to surround myself with interesting and inspiring places, people and things. So, when I finally got to meet Sarah Ridgley, I was super excited (thanks, Michael and Laura!). Sarah had been featured on one of my favorite blogs, DesignSponge, which made me super happy to see someone from Fort Smith, Arkansas featured…..and she had great style! When I learned she was a printer – a LETTERPRESS printer! an aficionado of TYPE! a paper loving-lady! a collector! an Arrested Development fan! and an admirer of all things British – an instant friendship was born. 
This fall, Sarah and I decided we should collaborate. She loves to print and I love to design. Add those up and you get a lovely combination. Even though Sarah is in Fort Smith and I’m in Little Rock, we were able to get a few things ready for the holidays. Mind you Christmas was only a month away at this point, but hey, we work great under pressure. Don’t all creatives? So, I got my laptop out and started to design several Christmas card options. We went with our favorites…Rhino & Unicorn (Animals. Shocking if you know me, right?!?). Sarah’s studio is glorious. So many little happy things to take in and covet. It’s truly one of my favorites spaces to just sit and hang out and get inspired. After all, isn’t that what any creative really craves? The day that Nancy Nolan and I went to shoot Sarah’s studio, she was busy printing away a few of the Pheasant Press + small happies (that’s me!) Christmas cards… 
Check out more of her studio and learn more about Sarah here. Cheerio! -Mandy Love Sarah’s work? She’s giving one lucky At Home reader a chance to win this great set of coasters from Pheasant Press. Simply visit her Etsy store here and leave a comment below telling us your favorite design. A random winner will be announced next Monday, January 21. 
— UPDATE: 
Thanks to everyone who entered! Congratulations to Lanay, who was the winner of this week’s giveaway. Lanay, be on the lookout for an email from us with instructions on claiming your prize!
Design Bloggers Conference 2013
Are you an interior design blogger interested in improving and expanding your blog, building your brand or enhancing your career? The 2013 Design Bloggers Conference, taking place March 3-5, 2013 at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, is the only conference specifically for interior design bloggers.
{Design Bloggers Conference 2012, via Kravet}
At #DBC2013, meet and learn from fellow design bloggers, new media innovators and leaders of the design industry at this two-day conference produced by At Home in Arkansas‘ parent company, Network Communications, Inc. You’ll have the opportunity to meet potential advertisers as well as icons of the design blogosphere and traditional media.
In addition to learning about exciting new products for 2013, you will have the chance to learn more about building and engaging your audience with information and inspiration on multiple platforms, using a variety of business models and marketing channels. Guest speakers include designers Barbara Barry, Charlotte Moss and Arkansas’ own Tobi Fairley; plus House Beautiful editor-in-chief Newell Turner; Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles editorial director Clinton Smith; Adam Japko, president of DesignSherpa, a revolutionary internet marketing service for the home design and remodeling industry from Network Communications, Inc., and many more. Read about all the speakers here.
#DBC2013 will include sessions on the following topics:
- Interior Design Trends in 2013
- How to Build Your Business Through Inbound Marketing
- Pinterest, Content, and The Future of Blogs
- The ROI of Social Media
- Use Social Listening to Build Your Brand
- Cashing in on Your New Online Footprint: Paths to Income and Careers
- Showcasing Creative Products and Services Through Social Media
- Creating Inspirational Content
- The Emerging Integration of Search and Social Media – Google+, Facebook, and Klout
- How to Build Traffic Through Facebook, Twitter, and Search
- Using Houzz and Instagram to Promote Your Brand
- Hall of Fame Award Winners 2013
color coordinated : elegant foyer
Find color inspiration on the pages of At Home in Arkansas with these custom paint palettes inspired by some of our favorite images from the current issue. Read about this foyer on athomearkansas.com or in the January/February 2013 issue.
{ photography by nancy nolan | design by kaki hockersmith }
add vitality with art
Ready to add color, personalization and sophistication to your home? Authentic pieces of art, whether it’s a sculpture, a painting or a collection of glassware, can add interest, color and appeal like nothing else imaginable. Our Jan/Feb issue features the home of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Executive Director Don Bacigalupi and his partner Dan Feder, who have amassed an amazing collection of art (including the Murano glassware shown below) Read on for tips from Don to bring art into your home. 
Look at as much art as you can. Seeing everything is the key to learning how to differentiate among the good, better and best. Visit museums, galleries and exhibitions whenever you have the chance and look closely. 
Live with what you love. Great works of art don’t need to match a color scheme of a room; they transcend the space they occupy. 
Consider the light. Keep works on paper and other fragile materials out of natural light. For paintings (on canvas or board) and sculpture, ambient light may be sufficient, but you’ll likely want to consider some directed light. 
Don’t be afraid of larger works even in smaller spaces. They can activate a room like nothing else. 
Learn from the beautiful objects you live with every day. Works of art reveal themselves to us over time. As you live with art, it will continue to unfold its secrets. Want to see more of Dan and Don’s home? Read the full story here.
green design : tips for entertaining in small spaces
Our resident green design blogger Lyndsey Lewis is back to share some great party prep ideas when entertaining in a small space. As the owner of the 900-square-foot Little House in Little Rock, Lyndsey knows a thing or two about making a small space work for her needs. You can read more about the Little House on the At Home website, or follow the building process of her green home on the At Home blog here. 
Happy 2013 At Home readers! I’m so excited about the new year, as it will be the first full calendar year in the Little House. In 2012, I hosted several gatherings at the house, including an Open House, a slumber party for my girlfriends from college, a Halloween party, a baby shower, and several smaller dinner parties. I’m already anticipating all the fun events I’d like to host this year!
 |
| ‘Grannie’ and ‘Crazy Cat Lady’ Halloween 2012 |
. With that being said, I thought it might be helpful if I shared my strategy for ‘creating’ space for large gatherings in small places. So far, my 600 square feet haven’t let me down… even with a guest list of 90 people. My secret: furniture that is great at multitasking. One easy (and cheap) way to make your furniture just as hardworking as mine, is to add rolling casters to tables or other large items. My kitchen is equipped with a small island for extra counter space and storage; my dining area, a round table with seating for 6 guests.
 |
| Kitchen (above) and dining area (below) in their natural states |
.
.
Both the cart and my dining table both are mounted on wheels. (I added the casters to the dining table myself using a set of four from Home Depot, $11.96.) When it’s time for a get-together, these rolling pieces quickly change the space into an open area for seating and serving.
.
 |
| Dining table becomes a serving buffet and bench seat is open for better traffic flow |
.
I can also move a small chair and table from the entryway, and the kitchen cart turns my ‘foyer’ into the perfect spot for gifts, party favors, or a guest book. It also means there’s no need for me to haul the cart out to the garage for temporary storage.
.
 |
| Everyday foyer (above) and party-ready foyer (below) |
I’ve found that having people gather in a smaller spaces tends to make the event seem intimate and more casual. I end up sitting closer to other guests, talking to people as they slide past to grab another drink, and reliving that feeling of a spontaneous house party from my college days. In fact, the space has never felt small to me… just cozy. 
ASID Gold Winners : Meridith Hamilton, CKD, Allied Member ASID, MLH Design
The January/February issue of At Home in Arkansas is filled with design inspiration and resources from around the state. We also had the pleasure of showcasing the award-winning designs of Arkansas members of the American Society of Interior Designers in our 2013 Design Book. Each week throughout January and February, we’ll be showcasing a few of our favorites, beginning with At Home guest blogger and ASID Ovation Award Winner for Best Overall Residential Design, Meridith Hamilton.
The owners of this small, closed-off kitchen asked Hamilton to create a spacious entertaining area that flowed seamlessly into the living and dining rooms. Hamilton began the renovation by removing the interior wall between the kitchen and living room, as well as pushing out the back exterior wall to give the kitchen an extra 450 square feet of space. A glass-and-marble tile backsplash served as the starting point for the kitchen’s color palette and was used to create a focal wall. The earthy hues pulled from the tile inspired the contemporary look of the dark-stained cabinetry and amber glass pendant lights. A main island was installed to serve as part of the kitchen’s work triangle, and a second island, turned at a 90-degree angle, adds extra storage and gives guests a place to mingle. The statement piece in the room is a generous slab of Cambria quartz used to connect the two islands and add seating for six. Click here to read more about this home and see more photos.
giveaway : chris h. olsen’s five seasons
As the new year begins, resolve to decorate for all the seasons – spring, summer, autumn, winter and, of course, holiday – with a little help from garden and lifestyle guru and At Home in Arkansas guest blogger, Chris H. Olsen!
Nationally known home and garden designer Chris H. Olsen shares his visions of unique and stylish ideas for the home and garden in this book focusing on decor for the five seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter, and holiday. Starting at the front door, he goes throughout the house and outdoors presenting breathtaking examples of seasonal and holiday decor. His guidance and expert advice show how simple the process can be when homeowners get just a little push toward developing their ability to dream and create beautiful things. Encouraging everyone to live, enjoy, and be creative, Chris demonstrates how to transform a home with impressive arrangements of plants and other accents at the entrance, in the living room, dining room and bedroom, as well as out on the patio and lawn. His easy and affordable exploration of textures and colors is just the inspiration that every homeowner needs to find their own unique style.
We love Chris and are so thrilled that he is giving a signed copy of his book, Five Seasons, to one lucky At Home in Arkansas reader! Simply leave a comment below telling us your favorite season for a chance to win! One winner will be chosen at random next Monday, January 14th! — UPDATE: 
Congratulations to Rose who is the winner of this giveaway! Rose, be on the lookout for an email from us with instructions on claiming your prize! – THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED.
friday favorites : getting ready for a new year
From editor Rosemary Hallmark: “My 2013 motto is ‘less but better.’ I want to make less but better purchases. I want to watch less but better television. I want to make food that has less but better ingredients. Thanks to the simple, healthy recipes on this blog, at least the food part should be easy.” {“Test Report: Quinoa Corn Edamame Salad” from 86Lemons}
From managing editor Tiffany Burgess: “Call me old-fashioned, but there’s just something I love about a low-tech, pen-and-paper planner. Wondering which of these options I should choose for 2013…” {“Go Buy Now: Agendas” from Who What Wear}
From art director Mandy Keener: “Dreaming of spring…and all the lovely blooms. This gives me a quick fix till then.” {“The Cool House Opens Today” from The Cool Hunter}
From assistant art director Laura LaRue: “This post will be very helpful when packing up our Christmas ornaments and decorations. Thanks for the great tips!” {“My Favorite Christmas Organizing Ideas” from I Heart Organizing}
From account executive Emilie Head: “This is such a great reminder for the start of a new year!” {From Cornflake Dreams}
From account executive Emilie Head: “These gold and white pillows would add a fun flare to a traditional couch or chair! I love the mix of patterns!” {“The Holiday Gold Collection is Coming” from Caitlin Wilson Design}
anatomy of: pretty practical pantry
January = organization for many of us. Our advice is to start small and work your way up to larger rooms. For instance, tackle your pantry with storage accessories like these. Oh, and don’t forget to add a dash of color while you’re whipping up the new look. 
1. Glass storage containers 2. Lacquer hexagon tray 3. Framed chalkboard 4. Homekeeping Handbook 5. Clear stackable cubes 6. Grid organizer 7. Double Hook
chris olsen : surviving winter’s bite
A wet heavy snow is nature’s curse for certain shrubs and trees, especially evergreens. Their beautiful shape may be disfigured for a short period of time but not usually for long. The best advice is to prune and disregard all damaged branches. As much as possible, try to reshape the bush or tree so it will have a very promising spring flush. If you have a plant that is so damaged, it loses its true look and shape, then replacement is suggested. There is nothing worse than half a tree in someone’s front yard. Please end its misery!!!
The best way to prevent future damage is through selective pruning. Prime example: you may see around town how some people trim back their Bradford Pear trees every few years to about half of their original size. Why? Since Bradford Pears are fast-growing trees, their wood is soft and this will likely cause limb breakage in their mature years. But, if every 3 to 5 years you prune them back to about half their size, their branches are stronger, fuller, and thicker, so winter damage is less likely to occur.
This applies to most evergreens as well. A professional tree company should know how to do preventative maintenance on your large shrubs and trees. Budget money toward a 5 year plan. Every 5 years my large trees are limbed up to allow more light below, and evergreens such as Savannah hollies are trimmed lower and shaped to prevent winter damage for years to come.
Live Life to the Fullest, Chris Olsen
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- …
- 149
- Next Page »
