The African American Top 20 Interior Designers and Events: Day 1

     A few years ago, I searched long an hard to find someone to shadow in the interior design business who was African American like me. It was so important to me because I never seen many black designers and wondered if they even existed.  I needed some inspiration and was desperate. 

     On twitter I ran accross a designers blog: www.pinkeggshell.com . 

This talented black designer, Kimberly Ward, actually had an African American Top 20 Interior Designer list. I thought I was in heaven after reading her blog. Just what the doctor ordered. What that blog showed me was possibility.

     I ended up stalking Kimberly by seeking her out on all social media sites. I also sent her messages about the ins and outs of the business and she graciously responded to my questions (love her for that!). 

     Now a few years later I am actually attending the events for the Top 20 African American Interior Designers in Atlanta GA!!! 

     Last night I attended a mixer at the W Hotel in Downtown Atlanta. Right from the airport I jump in the car and go downtown to be amongst the elite.  It was absolutely marvelous to be in the same room with these outstanding designers.

     Who knew that these amazing designers were so approachable and down to earth. I finally met Ms. Ward for the first time and she is definitely some one I wouldn't mind cocktailing with. When the phenomenal Michel Boyd walked into the room my jaw dropped. A fly could of flew in and I probably wouldn't of known. He was flawless from head to toe. I stared him down like a true groupie would do and finally after waiting for him to make his way around the room, I was able to meet Mr. Boyd, the Jay Z of Interior Design! 

Pics from the fabulous Mixer.

Mr. Boyd and I

Interior Designers

Left to right: Sheila Bridges, Elaine Griffin, and Joy Moyler

  Me and Nile Johnson

Howard Brown and I

Left to right: Chanel Gaines, Monique Ireland, Kimberly Ward

Find out who the Top 20 African American Interior Designers are at www.pinkeggshell.com

Rev Runs Remodel

I don't know about you but Rev Run's Family was my favorite reality tv show. This family of eight had good balance of love, hard work ethics and disfunction going on. They were a sensible family who aired on MTV for a few years. Sensibility is long gone from tv so they will be missed. 

What a great surprise to see them on tv again when they aired the remodel process of their home on HGTV.

Check out the pics! 

Living Room Remodel

Kitchen Remodel

Daughter's Remodeled Bedroom

Son's Remodeled Bedroom

Master Bedroom Remodel

Indoor Pool

Source: DIY Network

What's Trending in Event Decor

1. Patterned and Textured Table Linens- Make your table pop!

Source: The Wedding Circles

Source: Caligraphy by Jennifer

Source: Style Me Pretty

Source: Etsy

2. Chandeliers- The Love of Lighting

Source: Best Outdoor LivingRooms

Source: Bellacor

Source: Twitpic

3. Lounging Space-Nice and Inviting!

Source: Bridal Guide

Source: pinful4blogspot

Source: Indulgy

4. Black and White- Unlimited Elegance

Source: Kara's Party Ideas

Source: imgend

Source: Paperiandco.com

5. Industrial Venues- The Rustic Look

Source: Boho Weddings

Source: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Source: Pinterest

6. Bare Tables-no linens necessary!

Source: Ruffled Blog

Source: Style Me Pretty

Source: Green Wedding Shoes

7. Rectangle Tables are Back!- The game changer. 

Source: Bridal Guide

Source: Belle the Magazine

Source: The Wedding

8. Mixing Table Shapes- Visual Stimulation

Source: Ceremony Blog

Source: Ritzybee.typepad.com

Source: Intelligent Lighting Design

Source: It's a Brides Life

9. Amazing Dance Floors- Patterns and Lights

Source: Dance Floor Decor

Source: Belle the Magazine 

Source: Caplan Miller

Source: Blissloscabos

10. The Great Gatsby Theme- Vintage, Feathers and Bling

Source: My Wedding Reception Ideas

Source: Pinterest

What's Trending in Interior Decor for 2014

Take a look at my favorite picks for what's trending in interior decor for 2014.

I. Dark Walls

Dark walls with light colored furniture is a nice contrast for any room. 

Source: www.bloglovin.com

Source: The Sellable

Source: Design Crisis

Source: Houzz 

Source: www.detailsofjoie.com

II. Wood Walls and Ceilings

Not your average granny wood paneling wall but something new and modern.

Source: www.dinksatplay.com

Source: Expensive Life Tumblr

Source: Elle Decor

Source: www.maderawoodworking.com

Source: Architectural Digest

Source: unknown (found on Pinterest) 

III. Eclectic Decor

Eclectic decor combines the old with the new, cultures, along with period furniture styles and lighting. It works! 

Source: google

Source: Elle Decor

Source: Pinterest 

Source:Pinterest

Source: Smith Boyd Interiors

IV. Mix of Metals

I love the shine! Metals make a room feel luxurious. See for yourself.

Source: www.huntedinteriors.com

Source: Elle Decor

Source: Kelly Werstler 

V. Bold  Prints

The bolder the better. Make it pop!

Source: Chaotic Creations

Source: Material Recovery

Source: Pinterest 

Source: Pinterest 

VI. Bright Kitchens

Kitchens tend to be traditional in style and color but the new new says color is in. Out with the old neutral wood toned cabinets and in with the bold color cabinets.

Source: www.designoffurniture.com

Source: www.designoffurniture.com

Source: Vola

VII. Creative Lighting

Source: Elle Decor

Source: Houzz

Source: Houzz

Source: Pinterest

VIII. Stand Alone Tubs

Source: Village

Source: Better Bathrooms

Source: Pinterest

Source: Advent Designs

IX.  Designer Accents

A little something for my label lovers. 

Source: HauteLook

Source: HauteLook

Source: HauteLook

Source: www.detailsofjoie.com

Source: www.detailsofjoie.com

Source: www.detailsofjoie.com