Thankful Tuesday….You can do it!

Are you thankful today? I, for one, am totally thankful to where I am today despite the many challenges that I face. I know that life is full of ups and downs and although I’m grateful to where I am spiritually, mentally, and physically, I strive to do better in every aspect of my being. Sometimes roads get tough but they are meant to strengthen your character and discipline your faith! 

Believe in yourself, you are your best cheerleader and advocate to doing what’s in your heart. I say to myself daily, I can do it! I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me! If you say it routinely, it will manifest itself to fruition. You are the best representation of yourself and you are original. There’s not another you. Strive each day to be a better representation of yourself. You can do it! 

Mother Teresa is right, when you came into this world vulnerable and innocent, you were a good person. If you feel that you have gotten off path, just rectify that by prayer and meditation with expectancy of becoming a better you. Now I know this is coming off a little preachy, but I felt in my heart, that I was to speak this directly to someone who is facing challenges and questioning why. One thing I’ve learned in my 40 years of life, is that you cannot put a question mark where God has placed a period. Don’t question, just keep doing the right thing even when no one is looking, and you will be on the right track. Continue to pray and concentrate on yourself and your path. You’re not in competition with anyone. Run your own race. Know that God is directing your path and if you meditate on His word, you will come into an abundance of blessings and favor!

Failure is not the end all, but purely a stepping stone to what God has placed in your heart: your destiny or destined destination! It’s all apart of your success. Remember, you can do it! Keep God first and everything else will fall into place. It may not happen on your timing, but it will happen on His timing! 

Trust and believe the best is yet to come!

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

(All photos courtesy of my Pinterest)

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)  

Hello March!

Wowzers!! March is already here! This year is flying by, but I’m ready to take this month by the horns.

I have a lot of personal and business goals to obtain this month. I’ve worked hard to achieve them so I’m speaking them into existence. March will be therapeutic for me also as it marks the passing of my grandmother. She was and still is a very special woman to me and I miss her dearly.  

2018 will be MY best year yet and March will be no exception! Goals! Goals! Goals! I personally like to write down and visualize my goals (both short term and long term). I think it makes you realize what needs to be accomplished on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Also, I absolutely love vision boards, and although most people do those at the beginning of the year, the present time is as good as any! Start when you see fit. That always works for me...I don’t keep up with the Joneses, I stay in my own lane adjusting as I need to.

March will be really awesome for us all! Think it, Believe it, Speak it, Do it!  

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design! 

xo Renae  

(All photos courtesy of my Pinterest)  

Let’s have a drink…or three?

I love a good cocktail, here and there, I mean who doesn’t? I also love trying new things....so I wanted to share three new drink recipes with you! 

Wallaby-Darn! A nice play on words....This specialty drink has one of my favorite ingredients: CHAMPAGNE!  This is a close replica of one of my favorite frozen drinks...usually I love drinks on the rocks, but this is an exception! 

I give 4.5 out of 5 stars!  

Ingredients: 

one 1.5 fluid ounce jigger vodka  

one 1.5 fluid ounce jigger peach schnapps  

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 cup of champagne  

1/2 package frozen sliced peaches  

1/2 cup fuzzy navel mix

1 cup of ice

Directions: 

Place the vodka, schnapps, sugar, champagne, peaches, fuzzy navel mix, and ice into a blender. Blend until smooth and SERVE! 

Now here’s a cocktail that can double as an impressive dessert...Grasshopper Delight! Now I’ve never heard of two of these ingredients but we will try it together as soon as we find it! Lol 

Ingredients: 

3/4 fluid ounce creme de menthe

3/4 fluid ounce white creme de cacao

1/4 fluid ounce heavy cream

1 cup ice

Directions: 

Combine creme de menthe, creme de cacao, cream, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Cover and shake until chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.  

For a blended version, combine 3/4 cup ice, creme de menthe, creme de cacao, and cream into a blender. Blend until smooth.  

Grilled Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail....the end of all tequila cocktails! Here's a fired up twist on a traditional Mexican cocktail. You'll grill the grapefruit and lime to caramelize the fruit and give the juice a subtle smoky edge. Stir it up with tequila or mescal and top with club soda for a refreshing drink that's perfect all summer long, or spring long...since that is on the horizon!

Ingredients:

2 limes

1/4 cup white sugar

1 red grapefruit, halved widthwise

1/4 cup kosher salt

1 cup ice cubes, or as needed

4 fluid ounces tequila

2 tablespoons simple syrup

4 ounces club soda

Directions:

1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

2. Cut limes in half widthwise. Cut 1 half into 3 wheels.

3. Pour sugar into a shallow bowl. Dip lime halves, 2 of the lime wheels, and grapefruit into sugar to coat thoroughly.

4. Place limes and grapefruit cut-side down on the hot grill. Cook, turning lime wheels occasionally, until browned and grill marks form, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet to cool.

5. Rub remaining lime wheel over the rim of 2 highball glasses. Dip rims in kosher salt. Fill glasses with ice.

6. Juice grilled lime halves and grapefruit into a small pitcher. Pour in any juices that accumulated on the baking sheet. Stir in tequila and simple syrup. Divide mixture between glasses and top off with club soda. Garnish with grilled lime wheels.

Now I hope you enjoy these fresh new cocktails soon with girlfriends...I know I will!

Until next time,

Live...Love...Design!

xo Renae

(All recipes and photos are courtesy of All Recipes app)

Travel Tuesday! Where shall we go?!

I’m all here for a journey across this planet! I’m a national traveler looking to be a world traveler like my hubby (prior to meeting him—-I dare him to go on a trip without MOI lol), my mom, and my sister! I’m ready to explore this world with you via Instagram! Here’s to my top 6 places I would LOVE to go in 2K18!! Grabbing my passport and suitcases, LEGGO!  

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This beautifully stunningly gorgeous water, my island roots take me to Bora Bora instantly! This is my bucket bucket bucket list destination! The tiki huts with the glass bottoms and luxurious interiors...I’ll take a month for 400 Alex!  

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Please transport me here NOW! The Maldives delivers a powerful and beautiful punch! Go go gadget TRANSFORM! Lol. The sunset alone is breathtakingly beautiful! Ahhhhhh! 

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South Africa has SOOOOO much to offer! Culture, history, architecture, cuisine, views...the list goes on and on! I would absolutely die to see this country! Just leave me there a couple of months so I could see EVERYTHING! Well almost everything, I’m sure it’ll take me WAY longer than that! 

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I’m all here for skyscrapers and architectural goodness! Here’s to Dubai! There’s more to it than dune buggies and camels! I bet the nightlife here is BEYOND!  

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Tokyo, Japan is a desirable destination for me because of the culture, food, and history! I would love the experience and definitely the exposure!

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We will briefly end our world tour in Australia. The land of the down under! So much culture there, I want to be absorbed into it. Beautiful!

You know my tropical senses has this list a little biased, but I do have an extensive list of places I would love to see! This was just this year alone!  

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

(All photos courtesy of Instagram)  

Monday Blues…..

Everyone thinks Mondays are the absolute worst day of the week. If you’re in the Atlanta area, you may think double blah, because of the rain and clouds. But I’m here to tell you Mondays are the start of the work week and one special day full of opportunities and new beginnings! 

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Regarding design, Monday Blues are motivational and inspirational! They really make statements without screaming much at all...sutble is awesomeness too!

Dramatic art or wall coverings help to create a curated space that highlights all the pieces within that space. Like for instance, this wall covering or treatment, although simply subtle has a presence that compliments this space well. I love the bamboo egg swing, I have used something similar in a hotel design during design school some years back. 

This Monday Blues inspired space is reminiscent of a Schumacher design...I don’t know for sure if it is by them, but I get that feeling that the fabric and furnishings have that special look about them similar to something from Schumacher. Very chic! 

I love feature walls and mixing of textures, prints, and metals. With the brass and gold and silver, it’s really put together well, although I would have done a collage with that antiqued mirror, but all in all it’s a pretty design. Eclectic in a modern sense...

Lovely! This Monday Blues space expresses modern meets comfort meets simplicity. I love the classicality of the space...very reminiscent of a mid century modern aesthetic.

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And I’m happy it’s Monday!! Extremely!!

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

(All photos courtesy of my Pinterest boards—-except the one of me!) 

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  

Throwback Thursday…..

Soooo I came across a design board that I did for my very first professional client back in 2014, fresh outta design school. I felt so accomplished with this project because of the broad range of creativity that was appointed to me by my client. I found this board this morning, and instantly thought of hundreds of ways I could improve upon it. 

See, we as designers, are always changing and evolving and growing with each and every project. It’s imperative to have an extensive range of work, but just as important to be true to oneself as a designer. I’m excited to share this with you, and by all means feedback is always welcome (good or bad)....  

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 

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)  

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