Dog Days of Summer

One of the greatest things about living in South Carolina has to be the 7 months out of the year that we have beautiful weather.  Outdoor living spaces in the south aren’t just an added bonus…they’re a necessity!  One of my favorite places to be on a summer evening is on my screened-in back porch.  It doesn’t get much better than dining al fresco while being protected from the elements…with a ceiling fan as an added bonus of course!  Check out some of these gorgeous outdoor rooms for inspiration, or contact me if you need ideas on how to spruce up your outdoor space!

The all-white upholstery looks so crisp against the greenery! I also love the contrast with the dark wood ceiling.

The reeded-roof on the pergola provides light filtration, and works great with the paper lanterns and Moroccan room divider to make you feel like you're in a remote vaca spot!

If your space gets a lot of sun, consider using drapery panels, especially sheer ones. They can be used to filter light and heat without totally blocking the sun!

I love how this structure looks like it's always been a part of the garden! Who wouldn't want to sneak off to this little daybed and take an afternoon siesta?

I love the retractable screens in this space! They're a great options for outdoor rooms that have a great view but also need bug protection.

There's nothing more classically southern than a Charleston-style side porch. The French doors make this room inviting from the inside or out! Also, be sure to take note of the blue ceiling...it's supposed to repel bugs.

Barbara Barry…for Kravet

Barbara Barry has long been one of the most respected designers in the business.  In the last few years, she has developed lines for Baker, McGuire, Henredon, Kravet, and Macy’s, just to name a few!  She’s done all of this is in addition to running a wildly successful interior design firm (Oh…to be so lucky!!).  She has just released a new line for Kravet, which is a total departure from her typical neutral, unadorned style.  The new collection, which includes fabric, trimmings, carpets, and hardware, is called Indochine.  It was inspired by her Asian travels, and is full of rich color and bold patterns.  Check out some pics of the new fabrics, and the style icon herself.

The Sanctuary

The master bedroom of any home should be the most prized space in the house. It’s where you can start your morning with a cup of coffee, decompress after a long day, relax and retreat. In fact, in many homes built in the last 5 years, the master bedroom is built in such a way that you would almost never have to leave. They have sitting rooms, televisions (out of sight, of course!), kitchenettes, and private terraces. What more could you ask for? It doesn’t matter whether your idea of a perfect master is the absence of color or a kaleidoscope of your favorite fabrics and findings; whether you like to bury yourself in pillows, or only require the necessary ones for sleeping; or if you like an upholstered fabric headboard or one painted on the wall. When I’m designing a bedroom for a client, I try to figure out what brings them peace, calm, and serenity, and then surround them with it.  For some, it’s books and flowers.  For others, it’s white walls and great views.

To personalize your space, there are two things I would recommend.  First, whenever possible, allow the bed to “present” as you walk into the room.  After all, it is the main feature.  Secondly, and probably most important…buy the best sheets that you can afford!!

Check out these master bedrooms that I love and get inspiration from!

(all images from ElleDecor.com)

What’s Hot Now

It’s been a few weeks since spring market (and a few months since my last blog post!) and we’re just starting to dig into 2011 trends. Market was a huge success for SSI!  We found tons of new companies that we’re already doing business with.  We also heard some great seminars from top designers in the industry.  We are staying on top of what’s hot right now, and have opened new accounts with furniture, lighting, bedding, art and accessory companies! 

If you stay on top of home trends, then you know teal blue and gray have dominated for a couple of years now.  I don’t know about you, but I was ready to see something different.  I was wondering what the hot color for spring and summer was going to be.  I was hoping for something happy and bright…and I got it.  Pantone has named citrus yellow as one of the colors of the year.  This color is totally refreshing, cheerful, and uplifting , and can even combat fatigue and depression!  Check out these awesome fabrics, wallpapers, and accessories some of my favorite companies.

   

Global Views Strapping Candle Holder

Bungalow 5 Jacqi Chest

Kravet Jerry 123

Vietri Bellezza Collection

Stay tuned for a full review of the trends for 2011 and sneak peaks at my favorite items about to hit the market!

Fall Color Trends

There are three major color trends dominating the fall lines, and they all derive their inspiration from things you see around you every day.  The first is very urban, with the color of concrete becoming the hottest new neutral.  You’ll see this accented with fresh whites and intense cool colors (blue, green, purple).  Metals will be shiny, colors will be saturated, and the buzzword is still sustainable. 

From www.cosmosworlds.com

 

The second is all about nature; think weathered barn wood against a bright blue sky, October leaves, and red wine.  We will see surprising textures and recycled fabrics with modern themes.

The "Terraneum" style trend according to Lenzing.

 

The third is airy and ethereal, like a late-summer sunset.  Fabrics are whispy and light, with patterns that will suggest a 3D quality.  The grays, pinks, and greens will be light-enhanced and layered.

Illusion color trend by Lenzing

Now that you know what to expect this fall, let us know how you plan to use them in your home!  There is nothing wrong with incorporating trends into your classic interiors!

Okay…let’s do it.

Starting my own interior design firm has been my goal for as long as I can remember.  There was one time a few years back that I seriously considered it, but after running numbers on leasing and building out a space, I decided I wasn’t ready.  Instead, I went to work for one of the best design firms in Greenville…and thank goodness that I did.  I learned more than I could’ve imagined about the “business” of interior design. 

Then, about 8 months ago, my sister approached me about possibly launching “Stephanie Swander Interiors.”  At first I told her that she was crazy.  The economy was bad, housing market was down, and the last risk we should be taking was leaving the comfort and security of working for someone else to follow our dreams of being entrepreneurs.   However, my sister wore me down in the way only family can, and I finally agreed to go for it.  I got a great piece of advice from a good friend of mine’s father, who said, “There’s no better time to start a business than in a down economy.  There’s no place to go but up.”  He was right.

This venture is the result of a life-long dream, months of planning, hours of prayer, and a huge leap of faith.  See, I’m one of the fortunate ones who always had a clear direction of what I wanted to do with my life.  By the age of 9, I began locking myself in my room to re-arrange my furniture, and wouldn’t come out until every last stuffed animal was in place.  I never sought anyone’s opinion on where I should put my bed, or even my pet net.  So, it only figures that when it became clear that this was the right thing to do, I went for it. 

Now, I’m faced with a future of working with the two coolest women and best business partners a girl could ask for, my mom and sister!  I also get to use my creativity to work for amazing people (God has blessed me with extremely cool clients!), to have complete freedom over my designs, and to help make the world a little more beautiful, one room at a time!