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)  

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)

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!)

Supersoul Sunday! Oops…..I meant bowl….

Yes the big game of football is today, starting any moment, but let’s take a moment for a little mediation and inspiration....

You can and you will! Let’s always think the glass is half full instead of half empty and speaking of glasses, make sure they’re stunningly insane!

My mom always told me to get out of my comfort zone. For me, comfort zones are THE worst. It’s where you feel complacent and you are subject to mediocrity. Nothing great comes from being comfortable!

Just get it done! Whether it’s work, relationships, football, etc. Get it Done!

I’m ready for a successful year full of awesomely cool surprises and GREAT design! Are you ready?  

For the fans at this time of the season, they are ready for SOME FOOTBALL!! I’m ready to see the hysterical commercials and the halftime show of Justin Timberlake....and of course the food! Yay to the food! Being pescatarian will make things a little creative this year, but I’m up for the challenge! But anywho, believe the impossible, bet on you and dream big! Those are the biggest tips and advice I could give to anyone! You can do it!! (With my Pom Poms) I know you can! 

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae 

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  

Happy Sunday!

Soooo I know this may seem weird to most, but not so much to me, but I went to church this morning as a guest to one of my good friends. You may think it’s weird because of my constant spirituality on all my platforms of social media, but I’m totally in tune with my spirituality and I’m a firm believer in God, so much so faith totally leads my life. I pray daily and read the daily word, as well as scriptures. With that being said, not going to church may seem odd but it was definitely warranted. I needed to be in a place of worship without any strings attached. Now what do I mean by strings attached? Well going to church on “mandated” church days such as Easter, Christmas and New Years Eve. I didn’t want to be “one of those people” with the intended side eye and all.

This resonates with me because following His example is critical to leading a spiritually healthy lifestyle. I want to live right by doing right. The old saying goes when you know better, you do better, or something similar to that. Anywho, I know my journey is forever ongoing but I think I’m being lead by His word in the right direction. Now I’m not going to be all preachy, this blog is about my lifestyle both present and future with some glimpses of the past....but I needed you to know my perspective on this subject dear to me. 

Church was refreshing...I went primarily because I was invited but secondly because I want to find a new church home that I felt comfort in. I’m glad I went... 

In my heart, I know that every day is a blessing so it makes me want to fulfill my destiny...one of which is design. Whether it be Interiors or journalism, I’m apt to continuing my love for the arts, design, & creativity. So I welcome you to join me on this quest and experience to seek the purest forms of design with of course my perspective respectively. I hope you enjoy my nuisances and unique way of thinking. Until next time.... 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae 

Design! Design! Design!

You see design in everything pretty much. I’m astonished that since I graduated from design school how much I notice the beauty in everything. What is someone’s trash is someone’s treasure... 

I love the beauty in this artwork...it’s abstract yet tells a story. Check out Sally Benedict for her art creations... Really, really cool!!

Global Views always impresses me...beautiful! One of my favorite showrooms.... This is stunning!

I told you...Global Views has done it again. Hotness!  

Global Views continues to drop the mic....look at how well they have styled this space? Dope vignette! 

This girl’s room has so many yummy ingredients that include bold prints and patterns. Many designers shy away from mixing patterns but I have a natural knack for it that my clients love. I absolutely love to see complex aspects of design elements. Incredibly styled!  

Let me introduce myself: I love GLAM!! Good Gawd! The layers of luxurious finishes just thrills me...YESSSSS!  

If you know me, which btw I know this is learning session of my perspective on everything, you know that I LOVE mixing metals! It's layers of goodness in a one space. The gold and silver work so well together. Just fab!

Yessss to Global Views! Those candle holders are gorg, okkkk!  

I think this is hilariousness but oh so true! Some clients need tutorials on what to expect from an interior designer and vice versa in some rare cases...lol  

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

Happy Hour…

Happy Friday! Boy oh boy has it been a hectic week; from doctor’s appointments, track meetings, errands, and client meetings; I’m exhausted! A good exhausted though. Hope your Friday is going well!  

Precisely! I couldn’t have said it better, except to gloss them with an awesome color.  

Stop and smell the roses! I have to remember to take time out to enjoy the present. It’s very important that we thank God for all His mercies and gratefulness, in my opinion. 

Letting go is something that is challenging for us all, but leave it all in God’s hands. Breath deeply and listen to God.  

I bet when you saw “Happy Hour” you thought splendid cocktails....but I meant to be happy within. Not for just an hour but try it out daily. It will make you feel a whole lot better! 

Enjoy this beautiful weather today, if your in Atlanta that is. Have a great Friday! 

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design! (And be grateful)  

xo Renae  

Friday Eve Shenanigans!

So happy we are THIS close to Friday! Why does everyone like Friday so much?? For me it’s the start of the WEEKEND! Yay!! Today for me is a half day, but I wanted to share some design inspiration with ya!

I get a kick out of looking through magazines, Pinterest, other blogs, and of course social media for inspiration that can translate well. I know on Tuesday I shared a kitchen design, but today I’ll share random design (probably bathrooms mostly). Be great today & dope on PURPOSE!

This design is just awe-inspiringly gorg! I love the tile by far...I mean the chevron pattern is off the charts! I adore how simple this design is, but yet so full of pow pow pow! The juxtaposition of wood meets tile meets marble meets glass is what I call a party of design...the finishes work so well together. That soaker tub is sleek and beautiful. And those pendants ...Gawgoeus dahling! 

Ohhhh yeah! Hotness! That tile IS everything (yeah you may hear that a lot too! Lol) But seriously, this bathroom speaks volumes!

You know I love beautiful tile...well this bathroom highlights it well. The glass shelving and divider make this space look larger than it appears...stunning! (I told you that word will come up quite frequently through my blog posts) 

Tile is hotness! The details of the finishes and accessories alone make this bathroom stunningly beautiful! Ooohhh yeah, I want to soak in that tub with a glass of Shiraz... 

I’m in love! Floor pattern, wall tile with the adorable heart...very unique and beautiful! Now I know I said random spaces and it seems like I concentrated on bathrooms, but I was inspired with the simple yet complex design choices. It makes me want to rethink some of own designs...well definitely translate this to my own creativity.  

Lastly here is a bathroom with such character that you feel like you’re in a modern cabin. That rain shower is ridiculously hot! Ohhh Lord, this is a great example of a beautiful bathroom. It makes you feel at home. I love that! I like warm and cozy, and that's what this space says to me.  I know I said random designs, but the bathroom is just as important as a kitchen design.  They say kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, so I believe that they should be highlighted, hence this post. 

Until next time,

Live...Love...Design!

xo Renae

Treasure Tuesdays!

I can think of many treasures that excite me like finding the perfect little restaurant that serves the best cuisine, or finding a great sale at Dillard’s, or even scoring found change in the car seat, along with food and stuff that the kids leave behind (that is NOT treasure!) lol 

But the one treasure I like above all (well the little restaurant find is a close #2....ssshhhh! Lol) is design inspiration that can be translated to my own creativity! That’s the best! I found some treasures...I won’t give all my secrets but I wanted to share with you...

This kitchen design is absolutely stunning! I may use this word a lot, please excuse me! The two toned cabinetry along with that hardware and of course the lighting is all the rave. I can just imagine myself making my homemade cream of broccoli soup in that dreamy kitchen (I will share with you later). You know what I love the most about this kitchen? That fab Aztec inspired rug! The colors are muted but the quality and look of it is stunningly gorgeous! (There I go with that word again! Lol) Speaking of rugs, I found a great showroom, MOATTAR, in ADAC that you must go to if you’re apart of the trade. 

Ok I got side tracked... 

The simplicity of this design is what draws my eye in. I adore when designers and/or homeowners accessorize the island with practical accessories, ie fresh flowers and fruit/veggies! It makes the kitchen look lived in. Just grab a pretty container from one of my fave stores, HomeGoods, and voilà, you have a centerpiece that pairs well in a kitchen. That’s one of Renae’s Tips. I got more coming by the way! Lighting is sooooooo important in design, don’t overlook it, you’ll be doing a disservice to your design.  Focus on lighting that compliments your architectural design elements. Don’t go all Art Deco on me when you have a farmhouse kitchen design..lol. Just stay in line with the architecture. 

Now I love these travatine floors! Fab! (See I didn’t say stunning, although they TRULY are!) The hardware is my personal favorite and I’m in love with open shelving in a kitchen. It creates a light vibe instead of heavy upper cabinets, although if you do two toned cabinetry in your kitchen, try to do lighter cabinets on the top and darker at the bottom, unless you’re doing white. Another one of Renae’s Tips! See, they keep coming and coming!  

Design is everything to me! I love when a complete creative thought comes together and is of awesomatic quality and discerning character. You’ll see a lot of examples soon enough!  

Now for that Cream of Broccoli recipe! I promise it’s easy AND yummy! See below!  

2 Tbsp butter

1 onion chopped

1 clove of garlic

2 stalks of celery

1 carrot, chopped

3 cups of broth (I use veggie because I'm pescatarian, but you can substitute for chicken)

8 cups of fresh broccoli chopped

3 tbsp butter

3 tbsp all purpose flour

2 cups of milk

salt and ground black pepper to taste

cayenne pepper (optional but yummers!)

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in medium sized stock pot, and saute onion, carrot, garlic, and celery until tender. Add broccoli and broth, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 

2. Pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth and pour into a clean pot. Alternately, you can use a stick blender and puree the soup right in the cooking pot.

3. In small saucepan, over medium-heat melt 3 tablespoons butter, stir in flour and add milk. Stir until thick and bubbly, and add to soup. Season with cayenne pepper and serve.

I serve this with freshly grated parmesan cheese and multigrain bruschetta bread slices from Sprouts. (only $1.89...YES!!!) Another treasure! 

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

A lil’ storage ain’t never hurt nobody…

Organization is a touchy word; let’s face it, we all make new year resolutions to become more organized, but we fall off mid February. There are plenty of beautifully aesthetic ways to introduce and keep organization beneficially in our lives.

I like to start with the kitchen. Have you ever tried to find something in the pantry that you know you bought from Publix only to see that it’s impossible to find? Well that’s me! I’m always searching and searching...and then get frustrated when I can’t locate my missing items. This storage is perfect because not only is it stylish...it’s functional. And of course, that barn door is amazeballs! 

Now hidden storage IS the best by far! It’s like a magic trick that is stunningly cool! Talk about organization, wowzers, I could find everything right at my fingertips. This is gorg! 

I like this pantry. It’s so practical and laid out in such a way, that one could find it all. Function meets beauty, and it’s not the usual white, that is the rave. I mean I do like it myself...but this has a comfortable feel to it and it’s organized. Win Win! 

See organization is not all that bad, you can definitely take a lil time in the beginning and I promise you it will save you plenty of time in the end. 

Until next time..

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

Happy Sunday!

I woke up this morning full of life! I mean it’s the start of the week and the weather here in Atlanta is stunningly beautiful! It’s going to be 60 degrees today, when last week was a high of 20 degrees and we got 2 inches of snow!! Of course, the city was SHUT DOWN! Lol, only in the south, but it will make today feel wonderfully good. Right now it’s cold but look where the day leads....

Today is a great day for a cool brisk walk in the park, which leads me to start back my walking this week. I fell off the wagon due to a car accident a couple of months back and I’m just now getting clearance to begin slowly with walking. I’m excited, but I see tomorrow is forecasted to be rainy, but I’ll see how that goes. Atlanta weather is so unpredictable... 

Sundays are always special to me, most people go to church and some people sleep in late with breakfast in bed. Well I don’t know that for sure, but it sure sounded great!  

Anywho, I like to start everyday off with prayer and scripture. The scripture for today seemed appropriate for starting the new year off right... 

I’m challenged in more ways than one...I want to concentrate on my health, my finances, but most importantly my relationship with God. Today is as good as any other day! I want 2018 to be a year of pouring out blessing after blessing!  

Enjoy this beautiful Sunday, whether you’re heading to church for worship, watching services on your laptop or tv, or sleeping in a little late. Enjoy the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! 

Until next time...

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

New Website Alert!

Hiya guys!! I just wanted to alert you of my new website launching NOW! A lot of my website shows my portfolio of work with former design firms, but I have brand new projects coming up and will be up on the website soon! Enjoy the website and know that this is interactive experience, so please by all means communicate with me if need be....

Thanks guys! Happy Saturday!

Live...Love...Design!

xo Renae