I believe in the power and mystery of art. It picks you. It takes you on its own journey, if you choose to allow it. It's a surrendering, more than anything. And that's why I couldn't control the subject or the time when I finally figured out what would hang in our main room. To get to that, however, we have to go back even further. The … Read More »
2020
The last decade will go down as one of the hardest, most refining, and best years of my life. I don't feel like I need to rehash it....the details can be found in my past blog posts. There was a lot to find, unearth, patch up, and expand. I had to look at the woman in the mirror, give her permission to follow her heart, walk into the dark, and … Read More »
Respect What Is
Remodeling is a different animal than new construction, at least in the beginning. There are two wild cards to deal with: the surprises and the restraints. Sometimes they are one in the same. The surprises are self-explanatory. Case in point: in our last home, we ripped off a wood wainscot and there was no sheetrock behind it. It's never fun … Read More »
Project Babbling Brook
Building a custom home isn't for everyone. Initially the idea sound fantastic, right? We imagine the joy we'll feel each time you walk through our dream kitchen and how wonderful it will be to finally have "x". Out of the gate, however, you realize that your budget requires adjustments to the dream. That's disappointing, and by the end of … Read More »
KBIS 2019
Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use - do the work you want to see done.Auston Kleon, Steal Like an Artist Butler's Pantry, Wilsonart Showroom Butler's Pantry, Wilsonart Showroom Friends, I am back from a … Read More »
Something Old; Something New
The two-week vacation before and after Christmas is my favorite. The twinkling lights and time with friends and family is something I treasure, but I also enjoy making plans and projections for 2019. I love stewing about goals! Retrospect of 2018 (mistakes) gives me fuel for change, and I get butterflies planning for new adventures. To anyone … Read More »
Do I Hire an Interior Designer or a Contractor?
"Hi Tawna! This is so-and-so, and I'm remodeling my basement/kitchen/master bathroom. I need to figure out a floor plan and was wondering if I talk to you or a contractor first?" I get this question more than any other, and I would like to set the record straight today. Sort of. You see, it's not a straightforward as it might seem, and I … Read More »
What Sheen of Paint Should I Use?
After being in business for almost 10 years, this is still one of the questions I hear most. There are pros and cons to everything, but this is my standard formula: Moldings: semi-gloss or high-gloss. Why? That sheen is more durable and will wipe down easier when you are cleaning. Be careful of high-gloss, however. It is harder to touch … Read More »
Worthwhile Work is a Duet
I love the New Year. When the old year dies, it lets us forgive and let go of everything that didn't serve us. Then we have 365 days of new starts. As 2018 begins, I want to tell you I am thankful for you. Yes, you. You've trusted me to help you with your design work. On top of that, you've given me invaluable feedback about the things I … Read More »
Q&A: Too Much Beige
It's time for Q&A Wednesday, and we have a great question I'm sure many of you can relate with. Question: We built a small cabin in 2008 and painted all walls SW 6106 Kilim Beige. We never refinished our wooden ceiling beams, just left them untreated and figured we would get back to them when we had some money. We have hard wood floors and … Read More »
