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2023, What a Year!

A year in Review. Let’s begin in January.

January was somewhat quiet until the end of the month when I attended the Kitchen and Bath show in Las Vegas.  the flight was long and drawn out because of flight delays.  I was trying to get in early enough to attend an evening Soiree.  My flight was six hours delayed.  I was flying SWA with a connection in almost every city between Arkansas and Las Vegas.  But, arrived late that evening but Kitchen and Bath did not disappoint.  Especially, seeing so many of my designer friends and learning about new product technology, color, and design trends.

2023 was a year of many first both my grand babies turned one.  Annmarie in February and Hayden in March. Cole my grandson turned six as will in March. 

Spring and Easter designs for my clients that celebrate each holiday with their families.

April brought High Point Market and everything beautiful for your home.  High Point is the largest furniture market that covers miles and encompasses the entire city of High Point.  The city shuts down to accommodate the thousands of people who come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the new home trends for the upcoming year.

 

High Point Market also allows time with my designer friends, showrooms, and rep friends.  A great place to inspire designers for the upcoming year of interior design.

Spring slid into summer busy times with the grands, window treatments, and remodels.

June brought the Dallas market and Middleby culinary cooking experience again a wonderful experience where I made new interior design friends who teach me so much about the trade.  I love getting into round table discussions about their design strategy for their home designs and remodels. 

August I was New York City bound for the Interior Design Society’s annual conference.  The hotel overlooks Times Square, design friends, great food and my daughters joined me for this fabulous weekend getaway.  I especially enjoyed the tours offered by IDS.  Tour of the NYC Design Center and architectural tour by boat to see all the sights of New York.

My daughters and I celebrated a nice brunch at Bergdorf Goodman tea room. Shopped downtown, went to the Met, Ground Zero, and Little Italy, and attended a Broadway show “Six”

Nothing is quite as fun as celebrating with your daughters in NYC.

Fall began decorating for the season, For my mother’s 90 birthday we celebrated with a Barbie theme.  It is the year for BarbieCore Trends.  Everything pink, she loved all the attention of family and friends.

In October the hubs and I took a drive out west to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, and all the western adventures of South Dakota returning through Nebraska and Kansas City. 

October also began my Christmas decorating of trees.  October, November, and half of December were holiday decorating.  Check out my blog about “ De-cluttering your home to get ready for the holidays”. 

Thanksgiving to mid-December was the Hay Barn renovation into a reception hall.  Check out the blog “From Rustic Barn to Enchanting Festive Haven.

As I reflect it has been a wonderful year.  A year of a lot of firsts for me, new adventures, and my love for decorating homes for not only the seasons but all the remodels and new builds.  I must say I love what I do!

I look forward to working with existing clients and meeting new ones in 2024.  Thank you to everyone who has entrusted me with your design dilemmas and brought me into your homes and lives. 

Happy 2024 to you and yours.

Your happy designer,

Lori

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From Rustic Barn to Enchanting Festive Haven: A Transformation Story

In the spirit of the season, we’re thrilled to share a tale of a remarkable transformation that turned a humble hay barn into a magnificent holiday haven brimming with warmth and festive cheer.

The journey began with an empty hay barn, a canvas filled with potential. Once the core of a hay business, it was ready to be reborn into a reception hall. The transformational process was an intricate dance of design and construction. Every step was a testament to craftsmanship and dedication, from insulating the walls to adding essential plumbing for bathrooms and a kitchen.

Concrete floors laid the foundation for this new space while the electrician weaved magic, bringing life and light to every corner. The extensive checklist demanded attention to every detail—from bathroom walls to installing heat, air, and sound systems and the meticulous selection of paint, doors, hardware, cabinets, sinks, and countertops. The challenge was vast, but the timeline was brief. Yet, with Thanksgiving as our starting point, the barn began its metamorphosis.

Although the kitchen remained a work in progress, the space was already transforming into something spectacular. Tall ceilings painted in black imbued a sense of intimacy, while the Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige on the walls radiated warmth. The choice of black hardware and a rich blackish/brown stain for bathroom cabinets added sophistication. Quartz countertops in Fantasy Brown added a touch of elegance.

With meticulous planning, the space was readied for the impending holiday party—a true spectacle in the making. A flurry of decorating ensued within a two-day window. Faux cedar greenery garlands adorned each table, accompanied by oversized ornaments and ribbons, infusing charm and character. Icicle lights delicately adorned the building, casting an enchanting glow. The front door, unfinished, found elegance with white sheer fabric and oversized red-bowed ornaments.

The pièce de résistance was the mesmerizing wall behind the food service—a magnificent tree adorned in red, capturing the season’s essence. Lighted trees created magical corners, offering guests a photo-worthy experience. A big black sled adorned with an angel and a Merry Christmas sign greeted visitors in one corner, adding extra festive joy.

To enhance the experience, a conversational seating area was curated with swivel chairs, an inviting rug, and arcade games for added entertainment—a space designed for celebration, laughter, and connection.

This transformation was a labor of love by skilled artisans, a project I’ve had the privilege to participate in for many years.  

Lori Carpenter

Interior Designer, Crafting Dream Spaces for Over 25 Years