Purple is Royalty!

Happy Sunday Morning!! Yesterday was installation day for one of my beautiful clients in Albany. She’s such a beautiful spirit and I wanted her space to reflect just that...

To me as a designer, it’s all in the details. When I consult with my clients, I want to know every quirk, every hobby, every “everyday love”...It’s the details of your life that help me to create a space catered to you.

Love the space your in! 

Bathroom installs are fun to do! I like mixing form with function! 

Flowers bring me joy! 

I’m excited that my client is excitedly thrilled with her space! I’m happy to be of service...  

Another satisfied client! 

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design! 

xo Renae  

Real life entertaining…..

This is a double day feature! Because it’s so extraordinarily special you’ll get two posts for the price of ONE! Ha! I said that TOTALLY wrong, but you get the idea! This is for you weekend lovers! 

Soooo as you may or may not know, I’m a foodie! And since being a new pescatarian, I have to be extremely creative with my food palette. With that being said, I’ve always wanted to do a progressive dinner party. My husband and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE to entertain! In the past it’s been more of a buffet style, but that’s about to change. I can’t wait until my next dinner party! 

I have a few great recipes to share. I want to start with the ideal number of guests, four to eight. Keeping it simple and fun! Who do you invite, you say? Well of course the usual answers are friends and family, but what about neighbors? That is if you have great ones....lol. That’s another topic of discussion. 

The best thing I always tell my guests to bring is their appetite, but based on this book I’m currently reading, Real Life Entertaining by Jennifer Rubell, I am going to start asking guests for a little more than that. I would start with a bottle of wine, or warm bread, because I want to impress my guests with my exciting food choices.  

Now to set the mood, set the table with sophistication and subtlety. I like clean and simple, myself, but you choose the mood you’re trying to obtain.  

I love fresh flowers; the smell is intoxicating! Simple yet refined, which is my goal for this dinner party. 

Let’s start with a salad prior to the appetizer. I’m deciding on a Watercress and Goat Cheese Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette. Then we move on to our appetizers, Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Citrus, Seared Tuna with Olives and Tomatoes, and Grilled Skirt Steak with Orange Mint Chimichurri for the non-pescatarians. Oh, and for the hubster, who is vegetarian, I will serve Cannellini and Rosemary Topping. These will be shared later on. I know your mouth is watering...

And the main course will be Roast of Lamb with Chickpeas and Burnt Onions, Mashed Potatoes with Figs and Parmesan, and Thyme-Roasted Brussels Sprouts! Yummmmmm! For dessert, Vanilla Ice Cream with an Apple Pie Sauce! Goodness gracious guys! 

Watercress & Goat Cheese Salad w/ Dijon Vinaigrette (Serves 4) 

1.5 teaspoons Dijon Mustard

1.5 teaspoons red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 bunches watercress, stems removed, torn into bite sized pieces

4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

A pinch of freshly ground black pepper

In a salad bowl, combine the mustard and vinegar and stir with a spoon. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil a little at a time, stirring vigorously and adding more only after the previously added oil has been completely incorporated. The mixture should maintain a thick consistency. Add the watercress and toss well. Sprinkle the goat cheese on top and add the pepper.  

Grilled Shrimp w/ Garlic and Citrus (serves 4)

1.5 pounds medium large shrimp

2 cloves of garlic

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil  

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 orange, sliced into wedges  

1 lemon, sliced into wedges

1 lime, sliced into wedges  

Prepare a medium hot grill or place a grill pan over high heat. Peel the shrimp, leaving the tail on and the section right before the rail. Make a shallow cut all the way down the back and pull out the vein. Wash and dry the shrimp. In a bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, salt. & pepper. Add the shrimp & toss to coat. Place the shrimp in a single layer on the grill and cook until the bottom starts to turn pink, about 2 minutes. Using tongs, flip the shrimp, being careful not to let them fall through the grill. Cook until the other side iturnz pink, about 2 more minutes. Serve immediately, with the sliced citrus, and squeeze a little of each fruit on top. 

Seared Tuna w/ Olives and Tomatoes (serves 8)

1/4 Cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil  

3/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped  

2 tablespoons capers, chopped if large

8 plum tomatoes, chopped into 1/2 inch dice (4 cups total

5 thyme sprigs

Four 12-14 ounce tuna steaks 1 inch thick  

2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

Place a wide, heavy bottomed pan over high heat. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil, the olives, capers, tomatoes, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a thickish sauce is formed but the tomatoes still retain their shape, about 5 minutes. Transfer the sauce to the edges of your serving platter, and wipe the pan clean with a paper towel. Place the pan back over high heat. While it’s heating, rub the tuna steaks with the remaining olive oil & the pepper. When the pan is smoking hot, Place the tuna steaks in it in a single layer. Cook the tuna without touching it for about 3 minutes, until the fish has changed to a white color halfway up the sides. Flip and cook until just a tiny bit of pink remains on all sides, another 2 minutes (for medium rare). Remove the tuna to a cutting board and cut it into 1/4 inch slices. Arrange them in the center of the serving platter. 

Roast Leg of Lamb w/ Chickpeas and Burnt Onions (serves 8)  

4 yellow onions, thinly sliced 

Four 15.5 ounce cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil  

One 6-7 pound bone in leg of lamb  

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper  

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  

Place the onions, chickpeas, and 1/4 cup of the olive oil on a sheet pan. Toss well to coat with the olive oil. Move the vegetables to the sides of the pan, leaving room for the lamb in the center. Rub the lamb with the remaining olive oil, then sprinkle it on all sides with the salt and pepper. Place in the center of the pan and roast for 20 minutes per pound for medium rare. Let the lamb sit for 10 minutes before carving. Serve, with the chickpea-onion mixture on the side.

Grilled Skirt Steak with Orange-Mint Chimichurri (Serves 8)

2 cups chopped parsley

1/4 cup chopped mint

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 orange

Juice of 1 orange

3 skirt steaks (3 to 3.25 pounds)

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper

Prepare a medium hot grill.  Make the chimichurri: combine the parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, orange zest, and orange juice in a bowl and stir well. Set aside. Sprinkle the steaks with the salt and pepper and place on the grill.  Cook for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes for medium rare.  Slice thinly across the grain and serve, with the chimichurri on the side.

Mashed Potatoes with Figs and Parmesan (serves 8)

7 dried figs

10 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes

4 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1-1/4 cups of parmesan grated

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place the figs in a bowl and cover with boiling water ladled from the pot. Soak for about 10 minutes.  Place the potatoes in the pot.  Boil them until they're fall-apart tender, 10 to 12 minutes, then drain and place in a serving bowl.  Remove the figs from the soaking water but don't throw the soaking water away.  Chop the figs and add them to the potatoes with 1/4 cup of the soaking liquid, the butter, olive oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.  Mash everything with a fork until it's well combined but still a little lumpy (homestyle).

Thyme-Roasted Brussels Sprouts (serves 8)

Three pints Brussels sprouts

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

15 thyme sprigs

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F

Cut a thin slice off the bottom root end of the Brussels sprouts and discard.  Halve the Brussels sprouts lengthwise by cutting through the flat end, and wash them.  Dry the sprouts well and place them on a sheet pan with the olive oil and thyme. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper, then toss until coated.  Spread the Brussels sprouts out in a single layer, pick out and discard any loose leaves, and place the pan in the oven.  Cook for 30 to 35 minutes without turning, until they are a deep golden brown in places (even if certain parts look a little burnt, that tastes great).

Vanilla Ice Cream with Apple Pie Sauce (serves 8)

1 large granny smith apple, peeled and cut into 1/8 inch dice

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

juice of 1/2 lemon

Vanilla ice cream

Place all ingredients except ice cream in a pan with 1 cup of water and place over high heat.  When it comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes.  Serve warm over the ice cream.

WHEW! That was deliciously good! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed sharing with you! Have a bottle or three of great wine to compliment each dish and have fun!  Laughter, food, and great convo are always the best ingredients for a fun time!

Until Next Time,

Live..Love..Design!

xo Renae

Lighting is Imperative! Yes…really!

Sooooo my goodness, this chandelier makes EYES TURN! Not roll, but turn twice..maybe three times! Designfull is a great design boutique that has amazing lighting! Lighting can dramatically transform a space and IS imperative to great design! 

The Brubeck Spiral chandelier is all that! Stylish and grand...perfect for a foyer or two story family room. 

Sconces are underrated....especially this one by Noir! Gold is the new black, I tell ya! 

Look how special this sconce is....elegance by Circa Lighting! This is the Moreau sconce...

This Walker Swing Arm task lighting is beautifully designed, not just saying it because my last name is Walker...lol Simple and Elegant by Circa Lighting.  

Picture lighting is essential for studies and places that hang art. I think that this installation is rarely used but highly effective! Look at how layered this space is with all the lighting. And you don’t necessarily need pictures or art to display for picture lighting. Create your own special moment... 

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

(Images from Circa Lighting, Designfull, & Noir Furniture)  

Gold is the new Black!

Happy Monday! You know as I look through all the design outlets to gain ideas, I’ve noticed a “trend” that seems to be becoming a staple of design: GOLD! I’m amazed how much inspiration this accent portrays. It’s fabulous & glamorous, but also can be subtle and classic.

This bed from Bernhardt is golden with a capital G! Sensational and trendy yet timeless, my clients would definitely enjoy! 

Global Views has a knack for interpretation when it comes to accessories galore! Yesssss!  This vignette is glamorous and yet simple. I love that it incorporates a mixture of the metals. Just gorg! 

I took this bedroom inspiration from Pinterest. I often visit that site for ideas and love the subtleties of this space. This is simply stunning with fun accents.I likey likey!

Just like the pillow reads: LOVE! This by far is the most youthful, playful, but fabulously designed vignette I’ve seen with gold. That cocktail table is everything!! I could see one of my daughters loving this space, even I would hang out in this room. Perfection!

This classic from thehouseofsmiths.com is a gem, with great accents that accentuate fabulous design.I adore this space. It speaks to me in a persuading voice: like me, love me, live me. And I’m responding Yes, Yes, Yes!

That table tho!!! Noir is all that and then SOME!

All in all, gold is here to STAY! I like to mix up the metals to create depth and dimension. Also it’s very stylish and awe-inspiring. You should first try with small vignettes or a small space, and just have fun! See where your creativity takes you…

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

(Images are from Pinterest, Bernhardt, Noir, & Global Views!)

Selecting just right….

Many designers have different points of views when it comes to designing for their clients. Picking an interior designer for your specific project is similar to selecting any other professional consultant, i.e. physician, attorney, CPA, etc. Interior Designers are no exception!

Sometimes, you have to go through a few designers prior to finding the perfect one that’s just right for your needs and aesthetics. I always say, finding an interior designer is a challenge to most because just like any other professional, the right one will make every project that much easier, that much more exciting, and most importantly with beautiful awe-inspiring results!

A variety of different designs to tantalize the senses is what Sola Design can do for you!

Let us design and style something for you! Hire Sola Design for all your architectural design projects and see how our creativeness can effectively compose a sensational work of art. 

We help to compliment your vision with designng a space or spaces that fit your needs and aesthetics. We have designed many types of projects, big and small, with form, function, and balance. Let us work with you collectively to conceptualize a dream space for you! 

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design! 

xo Renae  

(All photos compliment of Renae Walker (studio5) and iPhone)

T.G.I.Design!

I concur! Some things are worth being contagious and this is definitely one of them! Do you ever wonder what’d we do without creativity? Completely lose our analytical minds! Lol. I know, I know don’t quit my day job! Lol. 

Yep! Because it just becomes passion, which is a GREAT thing! 

I need this cocktail in my life. Mix together and you have happiness! 

Love...Love! I like to throw in design any way I can...but seriously, this room creates creativity. A beautiful muse. 

A project I’m currently working on...I pulled a few things together to create for one of my clients! I love mixing patterns and textures.

Just a lil sumthin sumthin! You can find sooooo many good treats in Romo's showroom. SO good!

Lol. Happy Friday! 

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

(All photos courtesy of my Pinterest boards and my iPhone)  

Drinks anyone? Ummmm yessss!

Hello February! Can you believe it’s already February?? Neither can I! And it’s on a Thursday (Friday Eve) lol....Thursdays are always a great countdown day because it’s one day until the weekend! Yessss. I have a few entertaining recipes to share a bit later, but let’s set the mood first...

Modern table settings set the mood for tapas and cocktails with your girlfriends....

Something cute to wear to din din! 

Goodness gracious on a plate: Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites! A great tapa for dining with friends...

Ingredients:

1 Avocado, mashed 

2 tbsp cilantro and/or parsley  

1 Cucumber  

1 Green Onion, thinly sliced or chopped

1 tbsp Lemon juice

1/4 cup Remoulade sauce

1 tbsp Creole seasoning  

Salt and Cayenne  

1 tbsp oil

1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp  

Directions:

Toss the shrimp in the oil and the seasoning and cook in a preheated (medium-high heat) heavy bottomed pan/skillet until slightly blackened, about 2-3 minutes per side. Assemble the bites with cucumber slices, topped with avocado sauce, shrimp, and remoulade sauce. For the avocado sauce mix the avocado, green onion, cilantro, lemon juice, and salt and cayenne together and enjoy!

Raspberry Limoncello Prosecco....YUMMERS! A perfect pairing for fun times.

Ingredients:

6 sprigs fresh mint

1 cup frozen raspberries  

1 cup Limoncello liqueur  

3 cups Prosecco  

Directions:

Mix together Prosecco and Limoncello. Top with raspberries and mint. Serve chilled or over ice!  

Yessss! I totally agree!  Have fun with girls!

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae 

(All pictures courtesy of my Pinterest boards)  

What design means to me….

Let’s face it, design isn’t like brain surgery. It’s needed yes, but not life threatening. Although I’ve seen some situations where I feel otherwise... 

Ha! I love this! My primary goal as an interior designer is to make sure that everything around me has function and beauty!

That’s what I feel I was destined to do. My previous career was in ophthalmology for 14 years. I learned many times it’s your passion that drives you to do what is felt in your heart. Although being an ophthalmic technician was fulfilling, helping others and meeting new people, I felt it was the prerequisite of my design career. It enlightened me on how to listen to the problems and concerns of the client and to come up with solutions to help rectify the situation. That’s exactly why we visit the doctor, we have a problem and we consult a professional for a solution or cure.

As I’ve said plenty of times, I find beauty in everything around me, but I also look for purpose and meaning. There’s beauty in everything because you either love it or learn from it.

Soooo here is my inspiration for today....just pure beauty from my perspective.  

I love fashion! It directly relates to interior design for inspiration in the new color palettes to what fabrics and materials are exciting this season, in my opinion. I tend to design timelessly, because I don’t personally like using trends to design, but I find trends that can stand the test of time. I find beauty in trends because they predict what the industry is pushing towards. 

I’m in love...this piece in LeftBank Art’s showroom presents itself as a trend of silhouettes that are completely abstract but is timeless based on the color palette and the women's attire. Just stunning...but if you want a different palette, LeftBank Art can customize your color choices. One of my favorite art showrooms...

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

Design for whom? You and I of course….

Mondays are for dreamers....and the doers!

I’m forever on my grind...always getting inspired by things around me. Always thinking of my next move and goal to check off my list. The one thing about entrepreneurship is consistency and never giving up. So Mondays are exciting for me, I live my dream out one design at a time!

You know how much I love glam and the mixture of material finishes...like for instance gold and opal with glass...my kinda of arrangement, simple and chic. This accessory by Global Views is awesomeness! A lot of my clients like when I simplify design elements. I love creating simplicity in a sophisticated way. It’s a dynamic that actually goes with the saying we all know; a little goes a long way.  

Complexity is sometimes the answer too. I like to play devil’s advocate with design. I can show you all types of perspectives from designers and clients alike. We like what we like...the job of a Designer is not to design for ourselves but to meet the needs and aesthetics of our clients. I mean they are the ones that have to use the space in the way they choose and the ones that pay us to interpret their desires. So please give them what they want; rather that’s simplicity or complexity. I can translate BOTH successfully! 

I tend to use fashion as a muse for what type of design I’m conquering for each client. This ensemble is sexy and chic. Me likey likey....

This is a direct translation to my muse....such a beauty! I always emphasize with my clients and potential clients to magnify design in half bathrooms because it can take it! It also makes a statement! What does this statement say to you?? Those floors though! 😍  

Exactly what that says...I do. I love creating different concepts to implement for design. It’s therapeutic to me. In fact, that’s what Interior Design is to me: therapeutic... I’ve heard this time and time before, if you do what you love, it’ll never feel like work!  

Yep!! (Adding it up)  

Until next time,

Live...Love...Design! 

xo Renae