The African American Top 20 Interior Designers: Day 2 A Designer's View

Panel Discussion at the Atlanta Design A Center

Kimberly Ward started the "African Amercan Top 20 Interior Designers" a few years ago. I first noticed her blog about 2 years ago after following her on twitter.  Once I saw it, I fell in love with it. Check it out for yourself. www.pinkeggshell.com

 On May 9th, Michel Boyd, Ron Woodson, Joy Moyler, Alicia Lamar and Lisa Turner led the discussion on the business of interior design.  They discussed social media, building your brand, client/designer relationships and project management.  

Some of the tips I learned were:

-Aim for your target market from the get go. 

-Invest in a great portfolio.

-Know your legal mumbo jumbo with commercial real estate 

-Have a good business system.

- Interior Design is 90% project management and 10% creativity 

-travel is inspiration

-Great social sites: Twitter and Houzz

A few great quotes:

Even on my worst days I would not trade this profession.   Alicia Lamar

Losers wait for perfection, winners go with what they have.     Michel Boyd

I've had to fire clients because there was no connection.   Ron Woodson

Not only did I get to hear these awsome designers speak but I also got to meet many others. 

And then there was lunch.

Later that night.....

Kimberly Ward hosted the Blogger Party at Michel Boyd's Loft. Simply Amazing!

The infamous Top 20!

(Right to Left) Chanel Gaines, Alicia Lamar, Monique Ireland (me), Lisa Turner

Just adoring the table scape.

(Left to Right) Chanel Gaines, Ron Woodson, Kimberly Ward, Howard Brown, Monique Ireland (me again)

Left to Right: Michel Boyd and Kimberly Ward

Toasting to Michel Boyd. Happy Birthday Michel!!!

Leather Floor Tiles.... Insane!!!

The night was classy and uber fabulous!!!

Apartment Wall Design Solutions

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the design.  I see far too many bare walls and lack luster wall art that don’t do anything for the rooms decor. Bring in colors, patterns and/or geometric shapes to make you fall in love with it. Ok. I wont talk you to death.  Just check out these items to turn your drab walls into something super fab.  Best part about it, you can do it yourself.

Hang a tapestry to your wall to add prints, patterns and colors. If you can’t find a tapestry just hang a vibrant rug or some spectacular fabric.  #urbanoutfitters #tapestry #rug #fabric

Hang your curtains from wall to wall, ceiling to floor.  #ikea #drapes

Add a wall decal.  There are tons of choices in prints, words, shapes, and the list goes on and on and on,,,,,  They are easy to apply and are removable.  #walldecal #esty

Temp Paper offers a variety of easy applicable and removable wallpaper.  I absolutely love this wallpaper!   #wallpaper #temppaper

Wall applique provides you with great definition and dimension.  Your company will surely admire your wall applique and probably will run copy your idea.   #designpublic #wallapplique

 

LED wall sconces will put a little sparkle into your room. Added lighting is always a plus and since it is battery operated you won’t need to hire a contractor.  That can be our little secret. #ebay #wallsconce

Hang a large mirror. Mirrors can make a dark room seem lighter when hung opposite of a window and they can make a room feel larger. #cb2  #mirror

 

Fab lab

50% Off!

Don’t miss the opportunity to save 50% off on design services!!!  Sale ends Labor Day Weekend.  Find out more at www.joiededesigns.com.

50% off Design Services!!!

50% OFF!!!

Don't miss the opportunity to get 50% off design services!  You can click on my link below to find the costs and what services I provide.  Sale ends Labor Day Weekend.

www.joiededesigns.com

Lower Prices and Summer Sale!

No one wants to spend a fortune on anything these days but that doesn't stop us from wanting quality without the large price tag.  We all want to live in a home that is stylish and functional.  Don't worry.  The answer is here. Who said you can't hire an interior designer on a budget?  Not me.  Peak at my services below and see how these savings will make you feel like you've got quality services without the large price tag.

New Prices
Home Goods Research $25- Let me find the pieces you need for your home that fit in your budget.
Online Design Services $50- get a 3D model of your room with a list of places to purchase your home goods.  great for DYI'ers!
Room Accessorizing $50- I will help you find the accessories you need to make your room look complete.
Sensory Room Design $25 per hour- If you have a child with special needs this is the service you need.  My background in Behavior Therapy allows me to identify what your child may need to function better in life.
Organization $25 per hour-I will put the function back into your living space.

Summer Sale!
Get 50% off on all services until Labor Day Weekend!  The best part is that you can use these services anytime before January 2013.  These are unbeatable deals for quality design services that you won't want to miss.  Deposits must be made before Labor Day Weekend.  Don't miss out!

Here is what the savings will look like:

Free online Consultations!
$25 In Home Consultations!
$12.50 Home Goods Research!
$25 per hour Redesign Services!
$25 Online Design Services!
$25 (per room) for Room Accessorizing!
$25 per hour for Event and Holiday Decor!
$25 per hour for Home and Theatre Staging!
$25 per hour for Master Design!
$12.50 per hour for Sensory Room Designs!
$12.50 per hour for Organization Services!

Contact Monique Ireland for more information.
302-229-7027
joyoflivingdesigns@yahoo.com