Writings
Get Instagram Inspired!
Do you know how inspiring an instagram account can be? Honestly, for a long time, I did not. Of course, I followed my family and friends and friends of friends and co-workers and I love all their posts about food, babies and trips, but it wasn't until I started my own design inspiration account, @sweetshadylane that I realized there is a whole BIG world of talented (very talened) people out there. Yay for all of us! So every week, I am going to pick a design-inspired instagram that I am currently...Being inspired by!
Today's instagram inspiration is from @loveyourperch, and you won't believe this house!! I just happened upon it (a little late to the game) on my search feed and I kid you not, my heart stopped beating! Home Bunch (also an amazing account) recently featured this amazing home on their blog, Beautiful Homes Of Instagram and I love the way they showcased Missy's talent and the elegant beauty of her home in Maryland. Like Sweet Shady Lane, Missy's home has a ton of history and Missy does a beautiful job of preserving the magnificent estate. Take a peek at just a sampling of pictures from Missy's feed. Hopefully, you won't stop breathing like I did!
The exterior is awe inspiring! Set on over 40 acres of land...It is truly a masterpiece!
A peak into her amazing kitchen and eating area. In my next home (if there is one) I will be painting my trim black! How stunning?
Her designs are so intricate and not overdone. Sophisticated, but also warm and inviting. Ahh...Everything I love!!
No curtains needed when you can showcase this beautiful, Laurel wreath over this understated and gloriously beautiful bench.
Can you see why I fell instantly in love with this account? I hope you do too!
XO~Heather
Designer, Decorator or Stylist? What's the difference?
Are you an interior designer? I get asked this often and the answer is no. I am not. Interior designers have a degree in design, and if I had been more in tune with my passions when I was a freshmen or sophomore, I probably would have switched majors. You'd think my roommates would have mentioned after the 10th time I repositioned the bunk beds and fluffed all of our bedding, that something was up. Many weekends I'd say, "let's rearrange the room!" And everyone would look at me like I was crazy, and maybe I was (just a little bit.) Looking back, I can see clearly that while my friends were interested in partying and scoring the cutest guy at the frat party, I was wondering if TJ Maxx (HomeGoods didn't exist then) had any cute dorm accessories or fun pillows to brighten up my space. Obsessed? Yes! You could say so.
Because, I get asked this often, I thought I'd clear up some gray area when it comes to design. Interior designers have a degree in design or interior architecture from a 4-year university. Most have taken the NCIDQ, have a studied art history, architecture, furniture and industrial design, and can also use design technology such as CAD. Designers also have skills in sketching, modeling and drafting, allowing them the knowledge to work directly with architects, deal with building permits and pretty much anything structural.
So, what is an interior decorator? A decorator is someone who understands pattern, color and style. They can draw a floor plan for your room-picking out fabrics, furniture and paint colors that suit your taste and style. I believe that interior decorators are the golden touch to bringing personality to your home! When it comes to decorating, I believe that you either have a good design eye or you don't. So schooling in this area isn't really needed. Yep, I said it.
Some of the best decorators I know, never went to school for design, but good decorators do-however stay up to date on trends, classic decor and listen carefully to their clients wishes for their home. Keep in mind that no formal training is needed for this area of design, so a lot of people can call themselves,"decorators." In the past, I have done some decorating for friends and love the thrill of changing a room by just moving a piece from here to there, changing a wall color or picking out a new fabric to update a tired piece. More often than not, you just need a fresh eye to see a room in a new way. My strengths (and I've learned this over time ) are small vignettes; bookshelves, side tables, night stands and mantles.
Interior stylist! What do they do? A stylist is like a decorator in the sense that they are both interested in making a space beauftul, but a stylist takes it a step further and looks at the dressing of a space and often the entertaining value of room. Stylist tend to focus on smaller areas or niches. Think of a photographer taking a photo...Everything in the picture frame has to be perfectly dressed. That is what a stylist does. Currently, on my instagram @sweetshadylane I am styling corners, tables, counters, beds. Looking at a space through the lens of a camera and seeing the truth in it's design. If it's not styled properly, the camera will reveal it. My previous homes were featured in “Better Homes and Gardens,” and “Midwest Living,” both of those shoots came with an amazing stylist who propped, perfected and made every picture count.
I remember my first time watching the stylist and I was like...I CAN DO THAT! And now with my instagram, I am. It's so much fun and feels so true for me that with every pictured published, my soul is instantly ignited with passion.
What category do you fall into? Or what area of your home do you need help in? I'd be happy to help! Check out the “SERVICES” tab on the home page. I would love for you to experience coming to life through design as well…It’s so much fun!!
XO ~Heather
"Wake Up Call"
In honor of Listen To Your Mother, I am writing about my own experience and wishing all the women who are reading tonight at the, River View Theatre a big giant GOOD LUCK and CONGRATULATIONS! Pictured below is the cast of talented writers (right before we took the stage.) I have never been more honored than I was that night...It was everything you'd expect about motherhood-the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful all wrapped up in the voices of these amazing women. You can listen to all of their stories on YouTube by searching, Listen To Your Mother 2016.
My piece is called, "Wake Up Call," (click here to watch) and it's the story of my son calling from school after the drug dog had found pot in his car. Lovely! I know. But the story is true. It happened. To me (little ol' me!) And my son and I are forever changed by the choices and decisions that followed that life changing moment.
Making the cast of LTYM was a moment I will never forget. I have a copy of the email, "CONGRATULATIONS, You Are Part Of The 2016 CAST" sitting beside my writing desk. To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement. I cried tears of joy at the powerful acknoweldgemt and still get goosebumps when I think about being on that stage and sharing my essay. The acknowledgement from the amazing producers, Vikki Reich and Galit Breen gave me the courage to powerfully say, I AM A WRITER and I will forever be grateful for their encouragement and devotion to truth.
Over 700 souls witnessed our stories that night and tonight, the stories will be different, but the magic and truth will be the same. Every heart present will be touched, reminded and moved by each powerful presentation.
If you are free tonight, you can see if tickets are available. If not, please take the time to listen to the stories later on YouTube. You won't regret it.
Miles watching his Mama on stage...One of my favorite images of the night!
Keeping Myrtle alive!
Can I keep my new Myrtle topiaries alive? That's the big question I'm grappling with at the moment, because in all honesty, I've never been able to in the past (insert sad face here.) I either watered too much or didn't water enough. Myrtle topiaries are a delicate, but hearty plant and regardless of how hard it is for me to keep them alive, I find them to be stunning in any room and I am committed and trying (so hard) to keep them happy!When my kids were younger and I had a babysitter, I'd go over a list of do's and don'ts and then ultimately end up with, "just keep them alive until I get back." The sitter would laugh, but really— I wasn't kidding. I kind of feel like that now, because every morning when I wake up, I rush to see how they're doing.
Yesterday, one looked a little under the weather and I panicked! I put it in the sink and watered it (maybe I said a little a prayer or two) and then let it drain into a cup, (to make sure it didn't sit in any water) and people...It worked! Today she is bright and bushy and all smiles. Phew!!!
A few of my readers have said only water once a week and let drain in the sink. They also like a nice sunny window! Okay, I can do this!
Why all of a sudden this obsession with Myrtles? Well, I started following myrtle enthusiast, designer Loi Thai. He and his partner Tom Troeschel have grown myrtles (Myrtus communis 'Compacta') in their Washington, D.C., home for more than 10 years. (If I have these for 10 years it will be a full on miracle!) By the way, his instagram is gorgeous! Follow him @loithai
Loi says, "Water consistently, the extra moisture is why my pots get nice and mossy. Good drainage is important; soil should be damp but not stay wet. Myrtles respond well to pruning. Foliage production slows in winter, so most training and shaping occur when plants are actively growing—in spring and summer."
Lucky for me, summer is near and myrtle plants tend to thrive in the summer months. Loi mentioned "shaping" his myrtles when there is new growth, so clipping your topiary often during it’s high growing season (summer,) will keep the growth looking full and beautiful (looks like I'll need a trip to the plant store for some trimming shears.)
The good news is my little darlings are thriving and this Mama is happy! Maybe one day they'll be as big and beautiful as Loi's pictured below.
Follow @sweetshadylane for design inspiration and love!
XO ~Heather