Baby Girl Nursery

Inspiration comes from everywhere.  Truly.  Jessica and I will see something and be instantly inspired to design a room around it....a fabric, a piece of artwork, a pillow...maybe even a clutch.  More on that coming up.

On a recent client tile shopping trip, Jessica commented on a bracelet I was wearing. I told her it was from a great company called Noonday Collection.  The purpose of this post is not to talk about them, but I believe their mission, along with the missions of several other companies I love (and maybe need to do a post about soon), is too valuable not to share.  Here's a brief summary of their mission from their website:

"We partner with talented artisan entrepreneurs to make a difference in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. By developing artisan businesses through fair trade, we empower them to grow sustainably and to create dignified jobs for people who need them. Together we’re building a flourishing world where children are cherished, women are empowered, people have jobs and we are connected."

If that's not something Jessica and I can get behind, I don't know what is!

Now back to the clutch.  After said shopping trip, I sent Jessica a link to the Noonday Collection website knowing she would love the rest of their beautiful jewelry and accessories as well. And while there, I couldn't help but peruse it again myself.  Which is how I found this pretty little clutch, the Zardozi (currently on sale too!), the inspiration.

I saw it and immediately thought "Oh I would love to design a nursery around this!"  And so I did...

curtains // lamp // glider // pendant // accent table // acrylic frames // etagere
 // dresser // crib (sold out, similar here) // pillow 1 // pillow 2 // pillow 3 // bedding

With creamy walls, the gray velvet curtains bring so much warmth and softness to the space (And they're blackout, a baby must. Right?) The mix of patterns, textures and metals (yes, you can do that and should!) create a layered look where minimal accessories are needed to finish off the space.  I always say light fixtures can make or break a room, and I think this one definitely makes it!  Besides, all rooms need a little brass in them :)

These nursery designs are giving me baby fever!  And since Jessica and I are done having some of our own, we need to design some rooms for your babies!  Send them on!  Nurseries and children's rooms are our favorite rooms to design.

Until the next inspiration hits...

Best White Paint Colors

One of the things we get asked about most often is paint colors, specifically our favorite neutrals.  So we're going to do a mini upcoming series on our favorite whites and grays.

Let's start with the whites.  You think that white is just white...until you get to the paint aisle and stare at those tiny 2" paint squares and see a ton of different variations until your eyes cross and you have no idea which is which.  Which is why we're here to help!

Let's walk you through our favorites.

China White

This one is a warm, off-white perfect for a tranquil setting.  Its warm tones are very calming and welcoming and will look great in just about any room.
 

Swiss Coffee

This is another one in Benjamin Moore's Off-White Collection.  It has warm undertones with slight hints of green as you can see in the image below.

Cloud Nine

This is another soft white with slight hints of gray.  It's enough of a subtle change from standard white trim while still being a blank slate for any room.

Wind's Breath

One of the darkest in our selection, this off-white paint has neutral undertones in the brown family. 

Design by Kate Roos Design

Simply White

There is a reason this was named Color of the Year a couple of years back.  It looks good on cabinetry, walls, really anywhere in house.  It's not too gray and not too yellow, simply white.  Pun intended.

Design by Studio McGee

White Dove

Here's another warm white with less yellow undertones.  It's classic and warm without too much pigmentation.

We hope that helps you narrow it down some!  Until next time!

Cognac Leather

At 3A we love adding natural textures to our designs. Whether it is a jute rug, woven baskets, or an upholstered leather piece, it adds interest and warmth to a space. One of my favorite natural materials that is a hot right now, is cognac leather. It is rich in color yet neutral enough to go with just about any design scheme.  Not to mention, it is great material with kids as it can be easily wiped clean.

A recent e-design we completed, which we incorporated cognac leather pillows.

Here are a few inspirational rooms that have included a little cognac leather, along with, a few items to help you achieve the look at home.

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CB2 Roadhouse Bar Stool

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Pottery Barn Jake Leather Sofa

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RH Tufted Ottoman

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West Elm Mid-Century Bed

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Pottery Barn Leather Pillow

Until next time!

Resolve to Love Where You Live

According to U.S. News, approximately 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by the second week of February.  But what if that didn't have to be the case?  What if you made a resolution that would not only better your life but also the lives of your family and friends and all who enter your home? 

80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February.

Okay, maybe that sounds a little deep, but it's something we firmly believe.  What if you made a resolution to finally tackle that room you've been putting off?  Or that wall that you've stared at for over a year and still can't decide what color to paint it?  Having a beautiful home isn't just about the aesthetics but more the quality of life it brings.  As designer Laura Nelson put it,

“I realized what an emotional effect it has on people to change their surroundings, to give them a space that speaks to them and improves their day-to-day life.”

So what's holding you back? 

Money.  That's what we often hear.  But when you think about it, investing in your home only requires a small investment but yields big results. 

For those that just need a little guidance or a few finishing touches, our A La Carte Package is perfect.  And it starts at $125--that's about what you'd spend on a meal out for two.  Our full room E-Designs start at $750.  Let's think about what else we spend hundreds of dollars on without blinking an eye and the length of that investment.  

When you look at the money issue that way, it seems like a no-brainer, right? Our E-design services can be enjoyed for years to come. Your home is where you spend the majority of your time aside from your workplace.  Why not enjoy it?  Why not sit down on your sofa and look around and like what you see?  Why not leave your master bedroom door open because you're not afraid of a guest looking in?

Whether it's starting from scratch--from paint colors to hard finishes to lighting, we've helped clients starting out with only blue prints and walked them through the entire design process.  Or maybe you just need an extra pair of eyes (in our case, two) to help bring your Pinterest board vision to life.  We are here to listen to your needs, wants and ideas and put our years of experience to work to make your room, your home truly yours. 

So let's stop being the 80% and start making resolutions that will actually change our lives for the better.  Resolve to love where you live.  We'd love to help you get started!

Trending: Natural Wood Cabinets

For the past few years gray, white, or two-tone cabinets have been all the rage. As we see in fashion, design styles fade for the next up and coming fad.  In this case, enter natural woodcabinets. For the most of us, when we think of natural wood finished cabinets we think of generic builders grade cabinets that have a yellowish varnish to them. However, after seeing the kitchens below you may change your perspective. 

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Here is another view of the same kitchen.

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The cabinets above are made from alder wood that have a thin gray stain applied to them, which warms up the cabinets while still letting the grain show through.

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The cabinets featured in the modern kitchen above and in the kitchen below are made from white-oak.

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With the right stain/finish, natural cabinets can look sophisticated and add a nice warmth.  As we have seen in the images, works in all kitchen styles from traditional to modern.

Until next time!

Rollins' Floral First Birthday

My sweet Rollins turned one last October.  Now that she's 15 months old, I guess it's time I finally share some of her first birthday party details with you guys.

Like all of my parties, I like to pick a theme that isn't super commercialized so I can personalize it a little more.  Auden had a pumpkin first birthday since she was a fall baby and was often called "pumpkin."  Since Rollins is also a fall baby, I had to think of something else.  I decided a simple floral theme with watercolor touches would be just perfect for our sweet girl.

I used greenery from our yard and some Dollar Tree flowers to make all of the floral swags.

One of my favorite details from the party was this floral photo wreath (idea sourced by Jessica).  I used images from her first year, converted them all to black and white and used Persnickety Prints for printing them.

They have a lot of great options, but I chose the 3" press print with thick border and matte finish.  I couldn't have been more pleased with the quality and customer service.

Jessica helped again by allowing me to use some jasmine from her yard to adorn the table and big balloon by Rollins' highchair.

This birthday poster I made hung above the food table, detailing her first year milestones.

I kept the menu simple and fresh with cold subs, fruit, a cheese and cracker tray, pasta salad and spinach dip with pita chips.

Everything is prettier with a bow, right?

Of course, it's not a Reutter party without some custom sugar cookies.  I loved how the sweet monogram and flower details turned out.  Christa Lynn's on Etsy did a great job making my vision a reality and was very reasonably priced.

For the main treat, my mom and I tried our hand at a dirty iced cake.  And I have to say,  I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.  I love when family and friends can lend a hand in helping with a celebration.  It creates even more memories to cherish.  Much like my wedding (where the flowers and decor were done by me and my friends and family), this too will be a memory I'll never forget.

I ordered the light cherry wood cake topper from Alexis Mattox Designs on Etsy.  I threw on some fresh flowers, and there you have it.

Along with custom cakes and cookies, I also love a good signature cocktail.  I decided on a Rosemary Greyhound for the taste and look (I wanted it to match the decor).  But since the party was for Rollins, I added her nickname to the moniker, calling it a "Rolly Rosemary." You can get the watercolor tent labels here.

Rosemary Greyhound Recipe*

Ingredients

Rosemary Simple Syrup

• 2 cups of water

• 2 cups of sugar

• 6 sprigs of rosemary

Cocktail

• 2 ounces vodka

• ½ ounce rosemary simple syrup

• 4 ounces grapefruit juice

• sprig of rosemary for garnish

Instructions

1. Simple Syrup: In a small sauce pan over medium low heat, dissolve the sugar into the water for about 5 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil or crystals will form. In a heat safe container, pour the warm sugar water mixture over the rosemary sprigs and let it steep for at least 1 hour. The rosemary simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 10 days.

2. Cocktail: In tall glass filled with ice combine the vodka, rosemary simple syrup and grapefruit juice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

*This recipe is for a single cocktail but we just multiplied the amounts enough for our needs. 

I was so glad I finally got to use my vintage French Arcoroc champagne glasses I scored off Craigslist!

I ordered a 5" white buttercream cake from Publix for her smash cake.  Auden had one from there too, and she loved it!  I wanted to keep it simple, so I'm just added adorned it with a few flowers.  The pink glass cake stand was a TJMaxx find a few months before her party.

Rollins in her birthday outfit.

We don't call her sweet cheeks for nothing.

After getting into her true birthday suit, she was ready for the cake!  Her baby's breath crown didn't last long after daddy put the cake in front of her, so I'm glad I saved some money and made it myself with a little floral wire, scotch tape and babies breath clippings.

This is one of my favorite shots of my sweets enjoying her first sweets.

I'd say this picture sums up how she feels about it pretty perfectly :)

She delicately ate away at the icing for a good 30 minutes paying no mind while the party carried on.  :)

The cleanup crew was anxiously waiting for a taste themselves.

After she indulged a bit, we moved her into the living room for prime view of her one year video.

I made one for Auden and it's something we all still love watching, so I knew it was a must for Rollins as well.  Between the music and the memories, it's almost always a surefire cry session every time I watch. 

Here's the 3A Girls at the celebration...just missing Jessica's oldest.

For the favors, I created this favor sign to match her invitation. I did mini canvases, a paint brush and paint pods to carry out the watercolor theme.

We're so happy to have been given these last 15 months with Rollins and cannot wait to see her life unfold.  I could not have dreamed up a better addition to complete our little family!