organic curves with impactful boldness for your spaces!

Arteriors, one of my personal faves, successfully highlights organic curves within a curated luxe environment with impactful yet quiet energy that is simply stunning.

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Creativity, in my opinion, is where art and science meet. The artistry is full of the unknown, the unexpected, the inspiration, while the science is the logistics of creating said artistry with well-thought out schematics and technical aspects that execute the WOW!

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Simplistic elegance….yassss!

You guys know I absolutely love exploring trends and finding creative, yet resourceful solutions to embracing trends that may have longevity within an environment, hence, curating a timeless + edgy space. Over the last few years, our industry has evolved with organic movement in spaces, furnishings, lighting, wall coverings, case goods, art, and accessories all revolving around curvature and one of God’s perfect design: natural elements. Professionally, I have explored countless showrooms from many markets that have encapsulated the natural elements in luxe formations with exquisite form and function. So, I decided, to take you guys on an organic curves journey of what is now being categorized as modern, edgy, and timeless.

Architecture has developed into more sweeping and organic curves which add intentional interest and edge.

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Rich walnuts, luxe oaks, textured acacias, stunning mahoganies, exotic wenge woods, jaw-dropping quartzites, exceptional limestones, + impressive marbles: they all make my heart sing especially when paired with muted metallics like brushed brass aka champagne gold, as I lovingly refer to her as or bold matte blacks. Our industry is engulfed with some of these natural beauties in almost every shape and form. From striking drink tables to textured wall coverings to plush upholstery to gawgeous sculptural art, we are redefining a renaissance of the natural essence of design elements that are evoking wellbeing and thoughtfulness to every environment we touch. I absolutely love the reemergence of exploring textures with shapes and unexpected collaborations from showroom to showroom intentionally focused on some of God’s precious gifts: natural beauty.

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As I stated before, we are seeing curves in all the right places from showroom to showroom such as Bernhardt, Arteriors, and Eichholtz!

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I’m here for it all. My VIP clients love when our team hones in on the discerning design details; that is where the magic and luxury always resides. My perceptive obsessions with visual and tactile experiences throughout a space highlights how my clients interact within their curated environments, which electrifies me wholeheartedly. Simply put, I am in LOVE with the curves.

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Embracing and utilizing curvature adds noticeable + welcomed interest to a space, whether it is introduced as cookware or bakeware or serving platters. I’m intrigued with the limitless possibilities and variety, especially with the upcoming holidays knocking at our doors. You, as the hostess with mostest, can curate dynamic dinner parties with timeless style and cleverness just by altering to organic curves. Feels like a fresh approach on your typical rectangular serving platters with added whimsy and vitality. Yasss!

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No matter which types of spaces harness the impactful boldness of organic curves, it always seems to elevate that experience, which is delightful. Just a simple arch in a space evokes a luxurious sentiment.

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Fabrics and wall coverings make use of the shapely aspects with enthusiasm as well as restraint; well-edited. Cabinet jewelry beautifully explores natural element trends of the oceans, mountains, deserts, and valleys using organic curves. Softly curvaceous lighting and accessories for the win! And I am here for IT! #GawgeousDahling

Instead of frequently relying on sharp geometric angles in every space, shapely upholstery like this vignette warmly welcomes your body. Try it with something small if you’re anxious or uncomfortable with embracing this stable trend, like a drink table or accent chair or chandelier. You’ll be pleasantly surprised of the dynamic of cleverly mixing shapes and the impactful boldness it embodies.

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I’m truly inspired in almost all ways; through travel, exploration, and nature, through food journeys or color stories, I’ve appreciated my innate ability to experience and envision dynamic spaces utilizing my surroundings.

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What are your absolute faves? Annnnnd how could you introduce curvaceous design elements within your space? I love hearing from you guys, always inspirational.

Until next time,

Live…Love…Design!

xo Renae

Some Design Love…Coming at You!

HIYA…GUESS WHAT?

Calling all SHOPPERS!! Sola Design is heading to Market in High Point, North Cacalacky! Yessss, THE biggest furnishings market WORLDWIDE! I’ve been before and it was bananas…or should I say bananas and cream!! Yum Yum Yum!

Hunti, anything you can dream up, I can assist you in executing. I can personally shop for your business or home curating each piece to build the desired aesthetic! Yesss! It’s CandyLand for designers and retail establishments! This is where we get our goods!

Shop with me wholesale and see what I can curate for you and your space!

See what all the rave is about! The quality, the selections, the customized features, and yesss the pricing! Don’t shop your local furniture retailers feeling stuck in a box, imagining the space looking quite differently, but yet they do not offer those amazing options. I’m your concierge of interior decor and furnishings. I got you!

I can show you variety that you have never seen before!! Do you want your space to look like Karen’s or Susan’s? Noooo, you want your space to reflect YOU personally OR your end users (your clients) commercially. Either way, I have your brand aesthetic in mind!

Save the date! And contact me if you’re looking for something special or something specifically for your needs! I got you! #Promise

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Until Next Time,

xo Renae

Live...Love…Design!
(Photographs Courtesy of my iPhone Photo Album)

Somewhere over the rainbow…

There is always something magical when you hear “somewhere over the rainbow”, even as children, I grasped that there was definitely a magical place over that rainbow. Today is not any different. I get obsessed with magical things around me all the time, like for instance this morning I noticed several packs of deer frolicking in the woods taking over the streets of Johns Creek. It was quite fascinating to watch and to realize that nature takes place in their magical little worlds regardless of what is going on around them. I love the saying, “somewhere over the rainbow,” because to me that means there is another destination that remains to be seen. And that somewhere is approaching fast. Appreciate where you are for where you are going will be THAT much better!

Those blue skies….let’s go find them!

I’m a sucker for blue skies and a turquoise blue ocean….Lordt! I love the scenery and the architecture is just pure bliss….this is in Italy, btw. One of my bucket list items! But back to my topic of discussion…believe me I’m going somewhere with this…..

Sometimes we look at our problems and only think of how hard and challenging it is to come out of the situation, that we miss the rainbow. God gives us rainbows after storms and trials. You ever notice that it is MOST beautiful after a storm?? Somewhere over that rainbow, troubles do melt like lemondrops….now that can be awfully hard to imagine but I have a few ideas…

This.Is.Magical. Enough Said!

This is my dreamy backyard in my mind…how I would love it to be…somewhere over the rainbow, you know? Anyway, what I’m getting at in a roundabout way is that you can always take your mind somewhere else to temporarily distract you from your current situation. Now I love to take myself to exotic trips or fabulous eateries or just somewhere relaxing and promising to be magical in my own eyes….I love to dream and dream BIG! I love to think of the why nots? But most importantly, I know there’s something magical over that rainbow and I want you to know it too!

Here’s to a beautiful Friday, and beautiful cake….I’m going to enjoy this weather as I keep my mind over the rainbow.

Until Next Time,

xo Renae

Live…Love…Design!

(All photographs are courtesy of my Pinterest)

Now lemme introduce myself….Pantone Color of the Year 2018!

Soooo I know it's March and most times the Pantone Color of the Year is already announced....but because this particular color is one of my favorite hues, I had to share with you this incredible worthiness of Pantone's colorway: ULTRA VIOLET! Now if you don't know what or who Pantone is, it's the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries. "The PANTONE® name is known worldwide as the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer."

Now let's talk about the hue...WOWZERS!

"Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own."  And that is just the beginning......

"Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets."

Pantone does not hold back with the varieties of uses this color attributes to in design, fashion, architecture, beauty, etc. 

This space entices the senses of using Ultra Violet subtly but making a huge impact!

In architecture, just a simple expression to the door makes a bold statement using ultra violet.  I love this!!!

I just love this color....so rich and royal.....love love love!

I just designed a space using this hue with the crystal rocks that helped to bring a pop to it.  Very exotic color choice....extremely elegant and still fun!

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Beauty is no exception here....just stunning!

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Even through iconic imagery, it is not exempt from the beautiful hue....playing tribute to one of my favorite ultra violet legends....PRINCE! Art is a beautiful representation of life...and this is no different.

Let's end on a true beauty wearing ultra violet, my West Indian sister from another mister, Ms. Rihanna!  Rocking the heck outta that hue.  Go Ri Ri!  Those shades are dope!

Here were a few examples of how the Pantone Color of the Year 2018 were expressed through art, fashion, beauty, architecture, and of course design.....Ultra Violet is my ultimate fave! What do you think about it?

Until next time,

Live...Love...Design!

xo Renae

(All photos are courtesy of my Pinterest)

What should I wear today?

Most women wake up wondering what they're wearing today for work.  I have staple pieces in my wardrobe that can of course go with just about everything.  Then I have those special pieces that pair well with some of my wardrobe that can make statements.  I'm here to share a few ideas of what to wear throughout the work week and even on weekends....Before I begin, I want to warn you that my personal style is urban classic with a tinge of romanticism, so my choices will likely reflect that. So let's begin, this should be fun!

Simple blazer, which is a staple piece, can pair well with just about anything, I love a nude shoe and an A-Line dress! This outfit is our Monday look to get started off right for the week.  How do you like?

For Tuesday, I like to get a little less dressy and more casual with still a sleek attire, like this ensemble.  That coat is everything, and with the weather we are currently experiencing, I would need this all day long, and still would be extremely stylish.

Hump day is casual with a dressy element using a white button down blouse and cardigan.  Spice it up mid-week with a little red.  Nicely done for a Wednesday!

As you can tell, I adore neutrals and love navy.  Very classic!  That purse though...yummy!

We finish the work week in style with pumps, pencil skirt and a romantic blouse to soften the look a bit.  TGIF!

Who says you can't run errands in style on Saturdays?  I say YESSSS!! Stylish riding boots with a jean dress is perfection!

Sunday best is always a requirement for me! I love this look for church! 

So you see, I have given you some great ideas to get you through the work week.  Don't be shy, tell me what you think?

Until next time,

Live...Love...Design!

xo Renae

(All photos courtesy of my Pinterest)

South African Treasures….Treasure Tuesday!

I accidentally came across a showroom at America's Mart, South Africa Lifestyle Hub, that has changed my design life!  I mean everything in the showroom is HANDMADE by South Africans within their provinces....OMG!! When you see the treasures I found, you'll definitely agree!

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Designers, when you visit America's Mart next time, be sure to stop by South Africa Lifestyle Hub on the 13th floor! You will love it and tell Cynthia I sent you!

Until next time,

Live...Love...Design!

xo Renae 

(All photos and videos courtesy of my iPhone)

Design Finds from Spring Market…..

It’s always exciting to see what is the newest, latest, and greatest at Market. I’ve been so consumed with clients and designing that I almost missed Spring Market at AmericasMartthese past couple of days. No, it’s not as busy or as large as the Winter and Summer markets, but you still get to see the newest trends and fab furniture.

I was pressed for time unfortunately, so I only made it to two floors and a handful of showrooms, but wanted to share a few of my findings...the pillows and other textiles as well as some accessories and furnishings were just a taste of what’s to come this spring.

Remember, I told you guys before that gold is on the rise, it has been so for a couple of years, and you will see it everywhere now. You’ll experience it in pillows, art, accessories and furnishings. Just fab! Tell me what you think about the new new.

The glitter and sparkle alone makes my heart pitter-patter.... This showroom, Cloud 9, was a dream come true, especially for my online store. Stay tuned for some of the updated inventory that will make your heart and your wallet skip a beat...lol. This showroom had great price points so that I can pass those savings unto you guys.

Hide on Hide items are the new rave! Look at these coasters....yassss!

Layers & Layers of goodness! Those lamps are everything and that mirror is the star of the show!

You guys, I love pillows! This array of pillows are spectacular! Yassss!!

This chair...OMGEEEE! I told you about the gold: so chic! This showroom, AB Home has lots of great finds...LOTS! 

You guys know how I feel about unique table settings. Well this dinnerware is so petite and cute with of course: GOLD! It’s really really good. Look at the charger also, GLAM GOOD! I love it! 

Also fur whether faux or not, is trending hard! Fab, right?

Surya is more than just textiles. They have a great line of furnishing accessories. So good!

I love these mirrors! Classic, glam, eccentric: you name it they have it at Surya! 

This was just a taste of Spring Market, I plan to go back today, but if not I’ll definitely be at the one in July & hopefully the big one in Highpoint next month. Exciting times!  

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

 (All photos courtesy of my iPhone) 

Ohh La La…Look what I discovered….

Happy Monday! I had a great weekend enjoying the beautiful weather, catching up on some reading, and looking at the Oscars, which had me mesmerized with the gowns that the celebrities wore.  I mean that is why I watch it every year (for the red carpet).  Anywho, I also received my catalog from Caracole, which made me even more excited to see what was new for the upcoming season. With Highpoint's market coming up soon, I knew that they had some goodies to drool over.

This vignette is the epitome of classic style...Caracole is known for its interpretation of modern traditional timeless styles.  "These refreshing adaptations elevate the aesthetic of traditional styling by incorporating rich new finishes, subtle design touches and luxurious materials." Very chic!

This vignette is glam yet classic with a mixing of luxurious materials that make a grand statement!

This is reminiscent of uptown urban flavor with a masculine feel...I don't know if it's because of the dark finishes, but this screams upscale bachelor's pad!  Very handsome vignette...

These classic bedroom pieces are something I would love to have in my master bedroom...extremely romantic elements with slightly curved legs of the nightstand and the beautiful lines of both beds...chic is an understatement. 

This vibrant space is an exquisite look that defies trendiness by remaining relevant.  This should be on a cover of a magazine!  Caracole does an excellent job of styling and marketing their goods.  The fabric choices and sleek lines of the furniture compliment each other well.

Caracole is making new traditions with its new line.  I am thoroughly impressed and I only shared a tidbit of the line.  For more classic looks, go to their website and take a peek at what they have to offer.

Until next time,

Live...Love...Design!

xo Renae

(All photos are courtesy of Caracole.com)

Saturday Love…..

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, my Saturday love! That’s an old school song from way back by Cherelle, hence the name “old school”, that just popped in my head! LOL! My Saturday loves are God first, my family, and of course designing arts (interiors, architecture, culinary, & fashion)! I love it all! Those elements inspire and motivate me every single day, especially on Saturday (my favorite day of the week)! 

I’ve been flipping through magazines and my social media, searching for that special inspiration that encompasses a look I want to boldly portray. I also visited my favorite showroom, Romo, at Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, commonly known as ADAC. I was so inspired with what I found throughout the showroom that I did some short instastories on Instagram that may be there still if you want to check them out. Click below to find my social media platforms. 

Anywho, I wanted to share what I could with you. Maybe something will inspire you...tell me what you think! 

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I also visited one of my favorite showrooms, Kravet, who has awesome furnishings as well as fabulous textiles! Here are a couple of my finds....

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Also another favorite showroom, Ernest Gaspard, holds high ranks in my book! I wish I could upload these videos I recorded in the showrooms, but I haven’t figured out that part to share with you unfortunately. When I do, I have lots to share as I’m a video-kinda-gal. Here’s one unique find in the Ernest Gaspard showroom...talk about gorgeous and tribal-inspired!

Lastly here is a beautiful jumping off fabric curated by designer, Sabrina Fay Braxton, who started off in fashion working with top designers in that field...This particular fabric is hand dyed and hand woven and will be my muse for my next design that could be found in showroom, Travis & Company at ADAC.

Wowzers! That’s beauty right there!  

Until next time,  

Live... Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

(All photos courtesy of my iPhone)  

Design is in my blood! Live! Love! Design!

I’ve been away for a few days but now I’m back! I love love love to talk design as you all know. I’ve been noticing more and more of this gold and black trend that seems to be all over the place, whether it be fashion, interiors, architecture, nails, etc.! If you don't know, and you may not, but I love NAIL ART!! Like totally!! Anywho the beauty of the two (black & gold) together is simply one of the best collaborations this season. Gold is rich and glamorous and black is royal and demands attention. Both together are regal and sexy! Here’s a few great examples of the terrific marriage of the two: sensational! 

This is a perfect example of beauty, form, and function using black and gold as the primary scheme. I would have a double cup of espresso, reading my daily blogs from fellow bloggers in this kitchen. 

These striking art pieces by Left Bank Art are beautifully paired with gold accents on the furnishings and accessories. Lovely juxtaposition of modern meets eclectic. I absolutely adore the artwork. What do you think? 

Now wood mixed with the metals and matte black cabinets are totally dope! This kitchen, with the Gramercy Park brick shaped tile by Walker Zanger, is just what one needs in an edgy sorta way. Now this contrast is striking in a good sense.  

OMG! I love these chandeliers! Point blank and the period! Gorgeous space altogether!  

This sultry office makes having to do work so much more relaxing.  I likey likey! 

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These two bathrooms are really special. That gold and black is set off with sophistication and pure glamour! Just fab! 

Designing is definitely in my blood. I think of how to convey a direct message through design daily, sometimes hourly, depending upon my current projects. I believe you become what you think & emulate. I throughly believe design is within me, so I speak it, live it, and love it!  

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

(All pictures are courtesy of my Pinterest boards)

Don’t sleep on it……

I’m here to tell you, one could secure bargain finds and great pieces everywhere and on every budget. Some you may have to tweak a bit and some need desperate attention. All and all it can and will be found! 

I went accidentally to a super-sized home warehouse store waiting for my daughter to finish her movie at the theatre. At Home was like a breath of fresh air, in a warehousey way! I did some quick instastories throughout the store bragging on and on about so many good deals I found! 

I’m definitely one to share great deals worth sharing with any and everybody! I like to treasure hunt for items, especially when they’re stylish and fab! Some of my treasures were priced so right that even I, who will never ever pay retail since becoming a designer, was floored with excitement regarding the value and the beauty! So I wanted to share a couple of pieces with you guys that caught my eye. I didn’t want to bombard you with so many awesome finds, but I wanted to give you a small tease of the furnishings that had me excitedly happy!  

Good stuff right?

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design!

xo Renae

Bold Design!

As much as I speak about simplicity, I do still love boldness in design! I still love mixing patterns and colors, as well as the next designer, but mostly I love mixing styles.

Details are everything! They say it’s the devil in the details, and although I don’t recollect exactly what that means per se, I get the gist of it. Detailing is what makes the space pop! I love oversized art, it can establish a pop of colors as well as creating presence in the room. Of course, beautifully crafted furnishings are a plus too!

I know I’ve mentioned many times before about how design is expressed in everything, so this table setting is no exception. Boldness to a “B”! Lol. I also like the gold and black mixed with the white and black. Very dramatic! 

Boldness definitely is the difference in this nursery. It sets this nursery apart....This infant will know design and great styling at a very young age. Love! Love! Love! 

Even monochromatic design can offer boldness with key pieces. In this case, the art wins again! The varying portraits are bold and in charge! This design excites me as a designer...

This is beyond gorg! The tufting alone on this sofa/daybed creates a statement that is clearly heard! Now I know a few projects that this could be used in. Spectacular by Unlimited Furniture Group! Splendid!

You can create boldness in lots of scenarios, even simplistic design can speak volumes without saying a word. Be bold! 

Until next time, 

Live... Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine's Day is always a special day across the country where people show “extra special” attention to one another. I love LOVE, and I love how it makes one feel. So this valentine, my special valentine will receive extra special treatment by reminding him that I appreciate him and love him tremendously!

I used to think Valentine's Day was oh so corny but now as I get older, I appreciate the gesture. In design, there’s so much to relate to this day. From scrapbooking to table settings to flower arrangement to food delights, you can find design in almost everything! 

Also there’s special recipes one could do... 

Yummers!

Great way to start the day! Nom Nom Nom Nom! 

Soooooo deliciously delightful! And sexy! 

Cute way to design a card or a picture inside of a frame...extremely creative!  

I love quirky and funny sayings....too cute!

Well I hope you guys have a wonderful Valentine's Day! I hope it’s all that you want it to be!  

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design!! 

xo Renae  

(All images are courtesy of my Pinterest boards)

Yummy Fabrics

Mixing fabrics is totally my thing! I mean I have a knack for mixing textures and patterns. I love to play around with it and then put it all together...yummy fabrics!

Soooo my tip is to mix larger patterns with smaller patterns and coordinate with one another....this is for an upcoming project that I’m dying to share with you guys, but in due time my little grasshopper. LOL.

This space has a lot of texture and pattern mixing. Love this design!

Sexy and sophisticated is what I think about this space. Switch it up, take risks! Change is soooo good!

I love bold spaces...have fun with it. It’s design not brain surgery...although I totally respect both professions, you get what I’m saying. Just do it!  

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

Stylish spaces….

Do you ever wonder where a designer gets his or hers ideas from? I get mine from all things around me. I love the art of design, whether it be Interiors, architecture, fashion, and art, etc. I live it, breathe it, and I use it as a muse to create something spectacular for my clients and I.

The mixture of wall coverings and molding is a definite in dining rooms in my opinion. It creates a lush space and chic interior. I always talk about simplicity and aspects of how less is more. This dining room by Arteriors Home displays it harmoniously. 

Layers of goodness is displayed in this space! It may not read simplicity per se, but it reads lush and chic. Very stylish by HT Studio. 

Global Views is sensational when it comes to layering stylish spaces. Mixing of materials and different textures creates a space that has balance, form, and aesthetics. Beautifully curated design.  

Now I’m all about styish spaces and this exotically awe-inspiringly sexy kitchen is all that! I mean that hardware and lighting alone will have you singing praises! Just incredibly styled...

I’m moved....beyond belief! Lol  

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae 

Browsing around….inspirational spaces!

Happy Tuesday!! Today is Therapeutic Tuesday  & I have just the thing to turn those Tuesday blues into Tuesday oooohhhhhss.  I’m in love with the new trend of free-standing tubs! The days of surrounding platforms around a jetted tub is a thing of the past. This particular model home by Ashton Woods is spectacular with the finishes selected. They just know what to do when it comes to interior finishes for the masses!

The master bedroom is well appointed with a simple but neutrally luxurious design. Stunning!

The two toned kitchen is perfection! I absolutely adore the waterfall edge on the island, which is becoming more and more popular in homes these days. I love that the cabinets go all the way to the ceiling too. It’s just a beautiful kitchen point blank period.

This is a fun multi-purpose space for the entire family to share and enjoy! This space is bright, vibrant, & lively!

Windows are beautifully done! 

I love walking different models all over town, especially since I used to design & decorate model homes for a couple of years. It was a lot of fun, but a lot of work (rewarding work though).My background inspires me to design to the masses, but come up with creative ideas to make the space exceptional!

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

(All Photography courtesy of my iPhone)