Tuesday {Happy} Thoughts

Yesterday, I received an email from a client of mine that I did a living room redesign for last week and some color consulting in the past. The email really made me feel all “warm & fuzzy”, so I just wanted to share a bit of it with you…

“Hi Jami,

Thought I'd send you a quick update.  On Thanksgiving, my family usually hangs out in the kitchen and dining room.  This year after the meal everyone just gravitated into the living room instead of the den.  Everyone loved the lay out and complimented the design. 

On Saturday my daughter had a group of friends over. They typically head straight into the den and the TV.  This time they parked themselves in the living room. When I expressed my surprise, they said it just seemed like they should go into that room and sit down.  The overflow onto the cedar chest worked perfectly for them! My daughter came to me after the kids had left and thanked me for making such a nice room for her to entertain in. While it was mostly you, I'll happily share in the compliment.

Best of all, Bob was pleased with what we accomplished.  This is great because he'll be supportive of our doing more work over time.  Goodie!  Can't wait till I can have you back out.

Thank you so much for your help!  Based on our two gatherings, I feel confident in saying the room is accomplishing what I hoped.  It is inviting and comfortable.

Happy Holidays!”

I was so happy and pleased after reading this email, that I just had to share it with you all! As I gain more experience in the design field, I’m realizing more and more just how important it is create “feeling” in the space that is being designed and this email and quote that I came across last night was a perfect reminder. I’m so happy that THIS is what I get to do for a living!

_____________________________________________________________________________    

You can also find me here today, on Staci Edward’s Blog, sharing with you one of my favorite residential interiors. Here’s a sneak peek:

Yup, a yellow striped ceiling…in the dining room! Come see the rest of the home for more unexpected surprises!

Makeover Monday: Insider tips, tricks & expert advice

How about some non-traditional Christmas decor inspired by the peacock?

Relentlessly, I’ve been searching blogs and websites for some Holiday décor inspiration. Red, greens, golds and silvers pop up everywhere, but this season, I’m kind of drawn to the non-traditional blue, turquoise and violet hues mixed with a bit of gold and silver.

The majestic and regal colors of the peacock can easily be incorporated into your Holiday decorating this year. Now, you don’t want to go overboard with this theme by placing peacock feathers in every nook and cranny of your household, but if you tastefully place a few here and there, such as the ones in the wreath above or a few on the tabletop, it will be just enough!

Accessorize your table with jewels tones in turquoises and greens and you’ll create a subtle and tasteful color palette that won’t be much of a stretch from the standard reds and greens of the Christmas season, but will give you that extra something special that you won’t find in every home.

If you’d like to come up with your own personal, extra special theme this year and need a bit of help, I can point you in a direction or take care of all the details. Please check out my current Holiday {decorating} Special and email me to get started! I’d love to help make your home dazzling this season!

*plate setting, table, living room, glassware, charger, turquoise ornament, green ornament, peacock feathers, remaining images from Pinterest

Holiday {decorating} Special!

Do you need help decorating for the Holidays or pulling together that special Christmas look? Allow me to help you make your home come alive this season!

Let's get your home ready for Christmas! We can use what you already have or take a quick trip to my favorite holiday decor stores to shop for a few key items to glitz up your space.

You set the budget, I take care of the rest and more.

Take advantage of my Holiday Special: $250 for a day of decorating & fun!

Email me at jamigoldsmith@gmail.com to set a date!

Thanksgiving Thursday’s This + That

I’m thankful for…

this California home and life I have created and for that Minnesota home and family that I miss dearly on holidays like these.

This year, I have much to be thankful for:

love, family, friends, health and fulfilling dreams one step at a time

“thank you”

for the support that you have all given to imagine

Readers, clients, friends and other bloggers alike; your comments, messages and tweets encourage me and always brighten my day. If I had all of your addresses and thousands of stamps, I would be sending each of you a thank you note personally. 

I wish you all a very wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy every second of the day, be thankful, and safe travels! I'll be back to blogging on Monday...

*Vintage Atlas Thank You Envelope Seals

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up (Thanksgiving Style)

Turkey day is almost here and if you’re still scrambling around searching for that perfect beverage to serve during tomorrow’s festivities, look no further! I’ve got you covered. This is a quick and easy recipe sure to loosen up that family function.

Directions

1. Put cranberries in a small bowl; add 2 tablespoons warm water. Soak until cool, about 15 minutes. Drain, pat dry, and refrigerate until serving.
2. Divide pear nectar evenly among eight tall champagne glasses. Add cranberries, and then gently pour the Moscato d'Asti into the glasses. Garnish each with a rosemary sprig.

*recipe from Martha Stewart, nature image from flickr

{Tuesday Thoughts}

     

"If you want the rainbow,

you've got to put up with the rain."
-Dolly Parton

   

*all images via Pinterest

Makeover Monday: Storage in unexpected places

For those of you who are lacking storage space…

 

TIP: Think outside the box when searching for extra storage space.

During this time of year, I’m always in need of extra storage. Storage for Christmas presents that are being hidden, extra place settings and table décor for those Holiday get-togethers, food for the Holiday family feasts, and storage for those big bulky sweaters and long jackets.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been hiding and tucking items beneath my bed, above doorways on shelving and utilizing every inch of closet space possible. If you want to take your storage to the next level, think about the space under your stairs, above doorways and wall space.

*I'm always available for design consultations if you're located in the Southern California area! My Interior Design office is located in La Verne, California.  For those of you living outside of Southern California, and would still like my design advice, I offer e-design services as well.  Please visit my website and email me for rates and more info. As a recent Interior Design graduate, I offer affordable and comparable rates. I'd love to help you make your house a home!

*All images via Pinterest

Fresh Find Friday: Isabel Toledo for Payless

and they’re only $45!

Are you looking for that cute little pair of perfect Holiday pumps? Well, look no further! How cute are these? They come in silver, gold (my favorite) or black with a pretty crimson bow! They’re like the perfect present on your tootsies! Buy them here at Payless.com.

Thursday's This + That (Amber Discs)

Reminds me of butterscotch discs...

Install this Lee Kleinhelter six-light chandelier made of 36 interchangeable and unique Murano glass discs on a gold frame while dangling that pair of large capiz shell earrings in a lovely amber color.

*Amber Earrings, Amber Disc Chandelier

*as always, "Thursday's This & That", inspired by the creative Joy from Oh Joy!  

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services.

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up {autumn punch}

Fresh-sliced plums garnish a blend of apple-cranberry juice and sweet white wine.

Best for: Low-key backyard parties Prep: 20 minutes Chill: Four hours

Tip: To make this recipe kid-friendly, substitute ginger ale for the white wine.

ingredients

• 2  teaspoons  whole cloves
• 1/2  of a  vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1  64-ounce bottle  apple-cranberry juice
• 4  medium  purple and/or green plums, pitted and sliced
• 1  750-ml bottle  Gewurztraminer, or other fruity white wine*
•     Ice cubes

directions

1. Place cloves and vanilla bean in center of a double-thick 6-inch square of 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth. Bring corners of cloth together; tie closed with clean string. Pour apple-cranberry juice into a large container or pitcher. Add plums and spice bag. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.

2. Remove and discard cheesecloth bag. Stir in Gewurztraminer. Serve beverage and plum slices over ice. (Or omit the ice and heat the juice mixture and wine in a 4-quart Dutch oven until hot. Serve in heatproof mugs.) Makes 10 to 12 servings.

*Nonalcoholic Option: Substitute two 12-ounce cans chilled ginger ale for the Gewurztraminer, and serve over ice.

*recipe found here, red lips found here, leaves found here

{Tuesday Thoughts}

Holy crap this hit home when I saw it! I was skimming through Pinerest last night and came across this nice little reminder. I just met with new clients yesterday to present to them my design concept for their bathroom. The weeks leading up to the presentation (especially the day before) had me in knots! And those exact words

"FEAR OF BEING 

WRONG" 

were shamefully muttered from my mouth as I expressed my worries to the one closet to me. Being in a creative profession is sometimes scary. You're putting your ideas and thoughts out there in hopes that your client, or the public, will like it and accept you as a professional and not just someone who likes to do this sort of thing as a hobby. So if you're in the same boat as me, and you're going after your dream of turning your passion into your profession, keep forging ahead! It's all worth it in the end. We get to say everyday that we love what we do and unfortunately, not everyone can say that!

Bathroom Makeover in Glendale, CA

Makeover Monday: bathroom remodel tips

Hi everyone! I trust you all had a fabulous weekend! Can you believe we're half way through November?! I'm meeting with a client this morning to present my design concept to them for their master bath remodel. Wish me luck! Here's a sneak peek into what I've chosen for them! 

A couple of things that I took into consideration when designing their 70 square foot bathroom, was the small amount of floorspace and the tall ceilings. 

TIP: 

To make your room feel larger, choose a large floor tile, 

such as an 18"x18" and lay it in a diamond pattern to open up the space. 

Also, to take advantage of the tall ceilings, 

think about placing cabinetry or shelving for towels and extra storage overhead. 

*I'm always available for design consultations if you're located in the Southern California area! My Interior Design office is located in La Verne, California.  For those of you living outside of Southern California, and would still like my design advice, I offer e-design services as well.  Please visit my website and email me for rates and more info. As a recent Interior Design graduate, I offer affordable and comparable rates. I'd love to help you make your house a home!

Los Angeles + your city Pillows & Decor

Fresh Find Friday! 

When these came into my inbox this morning from One Kings Lane, I knew I had to share them with you all! Don't you just love them? Show your home/city spirit with one of these Uptown Artwork pillows or wall decor.

After last week's Fresh Find Friday post, I must have pillows on the brain! I think these would be a perfect addition to your sofa to show your hometown pride, or maybe give as a gift to that person who has a guest home. It would be the perfect way to show your appreciation for letting you stay at their Hampton home! 

I hope you all had a great week! It just flew by for me! I've been preparing for a client meeting on Monday, planning our Holiday Party, setting up design product accounts and mingling with designers and bloggers at the Elle Decor event in Santa Monica. Enjoy your weekends, my dears! Hopefully, I'll be relaxing a little and enjoying this unusually warm weather we've been having in Southern CA! 

Thursday's This + That

Headcase

Set your table with this set of napkins rings from Dransfield & Ross while entertaining and wearing that Ban.do hair clip.

*as always, "Thursday's This & That", inspired by the creative Joy from Oh Joy!  

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services.

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

Winter
is right around the corner! 

Instead of serving the classic summer time sangria recipe at your next Holiday gathering, try this unique spin - add dried, winter fruit in place of fresh summer fruit. Be prepared though...this recipe requires an overnight chill in the fridge!

ingredients
6 dried Calmyrna (light) figs, sliced
6 dried apricots, cut into slivers
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup brandy
2 Tbsp. honey
1 750 ml. bottle Rioja or Merlot
1 10-oz. bottle club soda

directions

In a saucepan stir together the dried fruits, brandy, and honey. Cook over medium-low heat until simmering. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Add wine; stir. Refrigerate up to 24 hours. To serve, strain sangria into a pitcher. Add ice cubes and club soda; stir gently. Makes 8 servings.

Yummy! Enjoy and have a great weekend!  xo - Jami

* recipe found here, grey and red image fround here, Daily Drop Cap from Jessica Hische

{Tuesday Thoughts}

The only correct actions 

are those that demand no explanation 

and no apology.

- Red Auerbach

Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice

How to get that Venetian Style in your home without going overboard!

The Venetian style for interior design is very Italian grandeur and inspired by the city itself, it has a slight romantic vibe. Another major element of Venetian design is the creative flair and artistic vision that is both classical and very magnificent – you only have to look at the architecture of Venice’s town-houses and plazas to get a sense of the style.

The Venetian style is one like no other – unique and with a defined identity to turn homes into a modern day masterpiece. The cities Gothic era also has a strong relation on the style and the love for rich decoration as well as their once close relation with the east and renaissance styles.

Cherry woods can be seen throughout the Venetian styled home but when it is too much you can always use an off-white for units with marble tops (they are really quite essential to this look). Once again, glass ornaments such as chandeliers and vases will work wonderfully into the design and reflect light around rooms with mid to darker woods or small areas.

Depending on the size and the amount of light in the room you could either leave walls white to contrast with dark furniture or use deep wine reds for more of a Venetian glamour look. Traditional Venetian style furniture have curved lines as opposed to clean lines – keep an eye for sofas and chairs that have carved backs and arms. For a more traditional look, use a metallic such as gold or bronze as your accent colour in sofa throws, lamps or framed mirrors. But if you want to modernize this look, I'd add silvers!

*I'm always available for design consultations if you're located in the Southern California area! My Interior Design office is located in La Verne, California.  For those of you living outside of Southern California, and would still like my design advice, I offer e-design services as well.  Please visit my website and email me for rates and more info. As a recent Interior Design graduate, I offer affordable and comparable rates. I'd love to help you make your house a home!

*Content from Terry's FabricDining Room, Kitchen, Pink Shaded Chandelier, Bathroom, Mirror and Lamp

Fresh Find Friday!

Mongolian Sheepskin for $69.95?!! Hell-OOO! I'll take 7 please!

I was recently introduced to Pillow Decor by Rebecca over at Digital Dollhouse and I couldn't be more pleased with this Fresh Find! Not only do they have a huge inventory of assorted pillows, they have unbeatable prices! Pillow Decor’s website, www.pillowdecor.com, offers consumers a selection of over 1000 quality decorative pillows in a wide range of colors, styles and designs. Pillow Decor’s wholesale division supplies decorative pillows to the retail, hospitality, promotional and special event markets. Very cool.

Pillow Decor is also sponsoring the contest that I'm a Guest Judge for this week over at Digital Dollhouse! It's a cool contest where you get to design your own virtual house! Kinda like setting up your Barbie house when you were younger, but online! 

Thanks for a great week here on Imagine! I love reading all your comments, tweeting with you on Twitter and chatting with you on Facebook! November is off to a great start! Have a fun weekend! 

Thursday's This + That

Win this Zebra Stripes throw pillow from Pillow Decor while designing your Digital Dollhouse in that Jersey mini dress from T-bags. 

How you ask? Well, head over to Digital Dollhouse's website to get the scoop! I'm Guest Judging this week for their new design contest: "Pillow Party- Give your space some punch with an abundance of pillows!" sponsored by Pillow Decor. Join us on Twitter to follow along using #DigitalDollhseGiveaway  !!! Good luck and start designing!

*as always, "Thursday's This & That", inspired by the creative Joy from Oh Joy!  

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services.

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

Are you all enjoying this beautiful Autumn season? Well, it's that time of year when we all start gathering with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. It's also time to start thinking about what you might serve or bring to your next get-together. Here's a quick & easy recipe that is simple to whip together for your guests! Cheers!

ingredients

• 8 to 10 sugar cubes
• 1 to 1-1/4 cups cranberry juice
• 1 750-milliliter bottle sparkling rosé wine, champagne, or sparkling white grape juice
• Fresh cranberries (optional)

directions

1. Place one sugar cube in the bottom of 8 to 10 chilled champagne flutes or other tall, narrow glasses. Pour 2 tablespoons cranberry juice into each glass.

2. Fill each glass with sparkling rose wine or champagne. 

If desired, place a wooden skewer of fresh cranberries in each glass.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

*recipe found here, images found here: pink here, berry girl here

{Tuesday Thoughts}

“We cannot really love anybody 

with whom we never laugh.”

― Agnes Repplier

How true is this?! It's only with my closest friends and family that I feel I can really let loose and have a good laugh with. The girls in the bottom pictures I met when I first moved to Carlsbad, California almost 6 years ago. We all worked together at a sports bar and became fast friends. These pictures were taken a few weeks ago during Kat's "All American BBQ" she was hosting for her boyfriend from Carlisle, Cumbria. 

I love you Kat & Annie!

*top photos from benmillerphotography's photostream

Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice

Happy November! Can you believe it? Did you all have a nice Halloween weekend? After my scare last week (my Miss Magic Cat was missing), we ended up having a really fun weekend! I dressed as Katy Perry from her California Gurls video and Nick dressed up as a dude from the 70's.

We went to Frightfest in Glendora, CA, which was a party put on by YPN (Young Professionals Network) at CVAR (Citrus Valley Association of Realtors). It was a great party with a lot of young adults, dancing, karaoke, free In-n-Out Burgers and networking. On a different night we ended on the beach at a house party in Marina del Ray with their own haunted house! Scary...

I hope you all had a fun Halloween! What did you end up dressing as? If you have any pictures, I'd love to see them! Post them on my wall on my Facebook page!

Now that it's November, it's time to get serious about our Autumn Holiday decorating! I don't know about you, but I LOVE decorating for this season! The smells of pumpkin spice candles mixed with the sweet aromas of breads and cookies baking in the oven have me not wanting to leave the house to stay snuggled up on the sofa, reading a book (or blogging on my laptop!). 

What is your favorite way to decorate for the Fall season? I have 3 key areas of the home that are a must for Holiday decorating.

TIP:

For maximum impact, focus on these 3 areas in your home when Holiday decorating: 

1. the entry     2. the mantle     3. the tabletop

*I'm always available for design consultations if you're located in the Southern California area! My Interior Design office is located in La Verne, California.  For those of you living outside of Southern California, and would still like my design advice, I offer e-design services as well.  Please email me for rates and more info. As a recent Interior Design graduate, I offer affordable and comparable rates. I'd love to help you make your house a home!

*photos found 

here, here, here

here, here

here, here, here