The Spring season officially starts this Sunday! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to banish the cold and start seeing spring. Here are 5 ways I’m gearing myself and my home up for spring….
I’m getting the backyard ready to be perched outside with a cocktail in the happy spring season with some outdoor pillows!
Last week, we hosted the twice-yearly High Point Market #HPmkt twitter chat with DecorMentor. This is where we get a sneak peek at all of the new High Point introductions coming out next month and we get to curate our top picks that we share in a global twitter chat that trends worldwide. Fun, right?!
What we saw is a strong tendency toward neutrals and lots of edited geometrics. Where we saw lots of geometric patterns last year, this year were seeing a more simplistic approach that’s bold but sophisticated. We are loving these styles from some of our designer-favorite brands and some new ones we haven’t worked with! We love fresh blood for our hungry design team…
One of the reasons we love High Point and these vendors is that we’ve curated great relationships so that we can bring this amazing style and hot trends to our clients at prices below retail.
I am currently a traveling fool… As you read this now, I’m currently in Canon Beach (also known as the place where Goonies was filmed) getting in a little down time with family before the real work travel hits. With everything Carolina and I have coming up, I thought I’d share some of the things I’m adding to my travel repertoire:
We recently completed a room in a super cool show house concept, hosted by ATG Stores, where Decorist partnered with designers to virtually design spaces in an amazing Seattle show house! We designed a space alongside other talented designers, Alexa Hampton, Brian Paquette, and Massucco Warner Miller.
Pulp was asked to design the Home Office, which is actually a large open vestibule. We received photos, measurements, and had to source everything soley from ATG Stores website. It was a bit of a challenge to turn an open space, without four walls, into what felt like more of a room with an ambiance and an environment, but our team did an amazing job. Take a look at the whole process…
Before
The Design Concept
We got right into design and created a neutral space with lots of texture and layers. We wanted to maximize on the gorgeous downtown Seattle views and make the home office feel like it’s a place that you could sit and enjoy. We wanted it to be the exact opposite of a utilitarian space and wanted it to feel warm, inviting, and full of personality
The Installation Process
Once we designed the space we were completely hands off! We got to watch them implement our designs… Naturally, it wasn’t everything we planned for. Lighting was missing and fixtures were in different locations than originally intended. But, overall the results came together beautifully!
We were able to commission an art piece from a local Seattle artist, Kelly Johnston, to elevate the look. And, we had to put our own twist on the portrait art for added personalization.
The Completed Space
Once everything was all set, stylist (and friend) Cassandra LaValle of the Coco + Kelley blog put in some finishing touches. Since we selected everything from ATG Stores, we asked Cassandra for oddities, vintage accessories, books and live plants. The wallcovering we selected by Paloma Contreras for Guildery really gave our space an edge and created a true environment.
The VIP Event
Almost our entire Pulp Design Studios design team was able to attend the event- we were just missing a couple of designers from our Dallas office (we missed you, Tara!). But, it was an amazing turnout with lots of great response… Perhaps the greatest feedback we received was from the call we received from the homeowner. More to come on that front!
Congrats to all the designers who designed beautiful spaces! We’ll share more as photos and videos become available… Here’s a quick little video teaser to hold you over.
Pulp Design Studios is hosting a giveaway of two in-home interior design consultations- one in Dallas with Carolina & one in Seattle with Beth! Get 2 hours of in-person interior design time, valued at $500.
If you’ve been wanting to make some changes or investments in your home, but just haven’t pulled the trigger, or if you have that special someone in your life that could use a home makeover- this is your giveaway.
Whether it be a partner, a friend, a client, or family, we could all explore ways to improve our relationships. I’ve found that it’s so easy to become comfortable and stop being curious about the people around us. So, whether a troubled relationship or a amazing one you want to continue building up, here are 5 ways to improve any relationship (including the one with ourselves)…
We all experience and show love differently. Take this quiz to discover your 5 Love Languages and have those around you take it, too. It’s amazing how a relationship can change when we understand each other better.
Speaking of quizzes, one of the most insightful tests is Gallup StrengthsFinder. Many times what we perceive as weakness is actually a strength and allows you to look at people in a different light.
Human connection requires vulnerability and this video on the Power of Vulnerability is incredible insightful and life changing.
Most importantly, have fun!! This list of 30 fun things to do with your friends is sure to spark an idea to come together in a large group or small and just have a good time!
Your surroundings and how you spend your time in them is everything! When I see a space I love I always imagine how I’d spend my time in each space. Since I enjoy a cocktail (possibly more than the average human), enjoying that space usually involves a cocktail. So, I’m upgrading our old Sit + Sip column and imagining what drink we could enjoy in spaces created by Pulp Design Studios.
Combine 2 ounces rye or bourbon whiskey, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, and 1 ounce simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, cover, and shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Gently pour 1/2 ounce fruity red wine (such as Shiraz or Malbec) over the back of a spoon held just above the drink’s surface so wine floats on top.
Cheers!!
Recipe by Mary Frances Heck via Bon Apetit, Cocktail Photograph by Dan Monick
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday, sometimes we need to remind ourselves to take it all in, enjoy those around us, and be compassionate towards our community. Here are some ways to go beyond the gifts and the food to create meaning around this special time to bring joy to your season!
Explore other beliefs and the healing a restorative power of spirituality around the world, especially during the holiday, with Oprah’s Belief series. It’s on my watch list for the holiday break.
Want to give a socially conscious gift? Check out Forbes list of the Gifts that Give Back.
It always gets super busy this time of year, so in case you’re needing a little meal inspiration for Turkey Day, I wanted to share some of my favorite sides from my Pinterest board to inspire a little twist on traditionalism.
1. 
