Designers have needs too! The time has come for two of our designers to practice the art of design and renovation within their own homes!
Wow, talk about hiring a professional, where’s a good designer when you need one?! The month of January produced opportunities for Sarah and Tammy to rise to the occasion and work for ourselves! (Our poor husbands.)
You know the old saying, the cobblers children are the last to have shoes? Well, a designer’s home (at least ours) is the last to get painted, last to get new flooring, last to get artwork, furniture, accessories, wallpaper, cabinets and oh, window coverings….everything!
While we eat, sleep and breathe design for our fabulous clients, we can get choked up and deprived of time when it comes to our very own homes. Paint color selection is not easy, even for the professionals.
Finding the perfect shades of complimentary whites and earth tones has been Sarah’s challenge! Why is it that PPG, Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore cannot make the perfect shade of white Sarah needs?! There are only 3,000 shades of white to choose from – LOL! It only took Tammy five weeks to select her paint colors (there were only two) and she is still trying to discover what her “look” is. It’s funny how our ADD kicks in gear with the limitless exposure to our design imaginations that we can indulge in.
Project management comes naturally to us as a designer, yet preparing our homes for wall removal, drywall work, sanding and staining hardwood flooring, electrical contracting and new cabinetry has certainly afforded us the opportunity to practice what we preach to our own clients!
Living out of boxes, eating out, purging closets and inhaling dust gives us an appreciation for all we ask of our clients. We’ve found ourselves asking the exact same questions we do of our clients; what is our budget, priority, schedules and where is the best place to spend and save money – you name it, we have experienced it.
In the end, we see the light at the end of the tunnel. We have stayed positive, focused, on schedule and on budget. (With only a few surprises, which is always expected.)
Thankfully, we know a great team of designers who have guided us through the process, plus our terrific contractors who we cannot do without.
Cheers to supportive husbands who stay out of our way and let us do what we do best. All while moving furniture, packing and unpacking boxes, trips to Goodwill, getting carry-out and writing checks!
We cannot wait to see the end result. Our projects are still a work in progress, but grateful we have our terrific design team to coach us through the process.
Wow, can you believe the Holiday Season for 2019 is among us?
The hustle is on and the bustle is bustlin’!
Question:How do we get through another season of festivities, shopping, feasting, sipping, gift wrapping, decorating, cleaning, spending and memory-making all in one piece?
Answer:We have absolutely no idea!
We all love to entertain and be entertained, give and receive gifts and cook and feast. Making it all happen and appear to be effortless, on time and stress-free is the challenge. Where do we cut corners with time and money without making it appear that we obviously cut corners with time or money!?
We aren’t Pinterest Maidens but, we do appreciate all of the terrific ideas that can be found on this terrific platform. The problem is – how do you decide what to choose with so many options? It can be so overwhelming…
Do we need to feel guilty if we order our roasted turkey from the market and do not roast in our own kitchens? Is time saved in the kitchen more valuable than a homemade feast?
Which do you prefer, this or that…
Homemade pies vs bakery goodies
Instant vs real potatoes
Bag of bows vs hand tied ribbon
Gift bags vs wrapped boxes
Silver & glass vs paper & plastic
Gifts vs experiences
Cash vs gift cards
Clear lights vs multi-color
Help a friend out here people! We would love to hear from you.
What ideas can you share for making new Holiday traditions?
What family traditions do you still carry on from your childhood?
What tips do you have as a host for your Holiday festivities?
What gift giving ideas can you offer for that hard-to-buy-for person who has it all?
You see, we need to help one another through this blissful time of year and make beautiful memories together.
We would love to read your favorite recipes, gift giving ideas, time savers, family traditions, and anything else you would like to share with us.
Simply add your comments here, tag us on social media or message us to share.
Help us help you, from Christmas lists to Christmas miracles, Frosty to fruitcakes, and elves to eggnog, where do we start and how do we keep it fun & peaceful.
Now, lets rock around the Christmas tree with Frosty the Snowman, playing our silver bells while we watch mommy kiss Santa Claus!
The landscape of Interior Design is always on the move. With its many nuances, our industry offers a variety of platforms to achieve the needs of any consumer.
LL&A is proud to announce our Online Design Assistance.
We allow you the leverage to seek premium interior design services by one of our professional designers without ever leaving your home. Our program has been built to serve the needs of the most discriminating consumer in a proficient and economical manner. Equipped with talented designers and technology, we conveniently create spaces designed specifically for you, on budget and on time. The products chosen will be sourced from the world wide web and ready for you to order at your leisure in the privacy of your own home.
Our process is simple.
Complete a brief online questionnaire so we can get to know you.
Send us digital photos of your space along with the dimensions and any pieces you own and wish to incorporate into your room.
Select a style genre that speaks to you from the library of photos we will share with you.
LL&A will send you a digital box complete with a visual concept, space plate and 3D image of what you can expect your room to look like.
Space plate for furniture placement.
LL&A Virtual Rendering
LL&A Virtual Rendering
Once approved, expect a specification sheet complete with details of paints, floor coverings, wall treatments, artwork, lamps, accessories and all items needed to complete the installation along with instructions.
Receive your Shopping List and order your products to complete your room styling.
Final Product
Final Product
The process is quick, easy, online, and budget friendly.
As working women, we are all a combination of strong, independent, talented and resourceful achievers. Our personalities all vary which create the melting pot within our work family. Each of us have our own interests and outlets which we thought would be fun to share in this month’s blog. From recipes to rest – check us out and enjoy!
Leslie:
In order for me to do what I love and do my very best work – I must be my very best self and also the very best wife, mother, daughter, friend, co-worker and tribe member! Steps for me to be my very best self start with these little things that make a big impact on my daily life.
Give thanks and begin every morning with a simple, thankful prayer and a great cup of coffee. Believe in the miracles that are presented to me each and every day. My new favorite acronym is GDT – “God Did That”.
Let go of expectations. Not much surprises me anymore and I just try to smile and roll with it! See the opportunities that are presented to me each and every day as a new way to stretch, grow and learn.
Disconnect and get outside. I love to run, ride my bike or catch an exercise class. Physical fitness always makes me feel better afterwards.
Finally, I love getting home, putting on my comfy clothes and giving thanks for a full day while enjoying my wine! My new favorite toast is “Thanks Be to God!”
And So It Is!
Tammy:
Yoga is my ticket to a healthy me.
Practicing yoga is an essential part of my life. It takes the focus off of life’s daily challenges, routines, commitments and overall “noise” that the day can present. Yoga supplies me with time to myself to be quiet and thankful for all things and people that surround me. It allows me to go somewhere else in my mind and focus on myself, unplug and put myself to rest.
Some days it may be a simple 10 minute stretch before I start my day with a few cat/cow, forward bends and downward dog. Another day may be a little more intense with 30 minutes on my mat. But my favorite time spent are the classes I attend at Heat Yoga. I am blessed with two great friends who are yoga instructors who have taught me the tools and techniques to experience the most from my practices. I can turn up my time with a Bikram flow or dial it down with restorative – whatever my body and mind need. I customize it for myself. I especially enjoy hot yoga and love a good healthy sweat. It feels like I have been cleansed from the inside out and walk away feeling calm and detoxed. Yoga works for me, after 10 years I am not an expert by any means, but in my world I feel confidant in my skills and feel stronger after each practice.
Namaste.
Dawn:
Staying organized is the key to my sanity.
If something comes in, something must go out!With clothes it’s easy to get overwhelmed quickly, so whenever I purchase something, I look at my closet and get rid of something.I use the “one-year” rule. Anything that hasn’t been used or worn within a one-year period is fair game!By doing this I’m able to keep my wardrobe manageable and my closet space needs to a minimum.
Go to the grocery store armed with a menu and a list!I spend a little more time at home to look for the items needed to prepare the menu meals, but I save time and money at the store. Meal Prep!I don’t mind leftovers so I will prepare one or two meals over the weekend and use them the following week as a main meal or a portion of my main meal.I try to keep a cut up salad or cut up veggies on hand to use as well since cutting veggies is time consuming and during the week I don’t have a lot of time to cook.This helps me eat healthier foods and stay away from the “quick meals” that can be very tempting, but unhealthy, when I’m tired and don’t feel like making dinner.
Whitley:
I’m a bargain shopper through and through. Clothing, furniture, home accessories and everything in between. I VERY rarely pay full price for anything – call me cheap, but I prefer resourceful! In addition to bargain shopping, I’m also a looker. I love to browse and wander aimlessly through stores (in hopes of coming across a great deal, of course).
Here are a few of my favorite spots to get lost.
*note: I’m a firm believer that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I have a slight obsession with thrift/antique stores. Walking through these stores is like exploring a magical treasure trove. You never know what you’ll find!
Furniture & Home Accessories
Mellwood Antique Mall – If you’re local to the area and love thrift shopping, this is a must! Booth after booth and room after room, they have it all. Clothing, home accessories, furniture, jewelry – you name it!
Joe Ley Antiques – Again, another local must! Quirky and so much to see. I love the history behind old/vintage items and they have so many unique finds!
Peddler’s Mall – Commonly referred to as a “flea-tique”, some junk and some gold. That’s the thrill of the hunt!
Habitat ReStores – ReStores offer both new and used items. Profits from Habitat ReStores are used both in your local community and around the world, so a win-win all around.
HomeGoods – This one shouldn’t need an introduction. A good place to rummage for deals if you’re weary of secondhand!
I also love attending local arts and craft fairs. Check out Fleur de Flea or The Flea Off Market!
Clothing
Thrift stores – Louisville has A TON of cool thrift stores. Think more “boutique” setting and less Goodwill (although Goodwill can be a great option too!).
TJ Maxx – Many of my clothes come from here. Discount retailer with both boutique/designer brands.
Nordstrom Rack – I worked for Nordstrom for several years so this will forever be a favorite of mine. A vast majority of the merchandise here is from Nordstrom (AKA designer looks at a fraction of the original cost!). I almost always buy my designer shoes and handbags from here. Great prices/great quality on clothing and accessories!
If you feel up to the challenge, check out some of these spots!
Sarah:
Makeup Mania! I’m such a “when you look good, you feel good” kind of girl which is probably why I am such a makeup guru! I love cosmetics and skincare products.Yes, I am confidant in my own skin, but appreciate products that enhance my features, skin and complexion.
I love experimenting with new products, techniques and looks, but of course have my favorites that I cannot live without.
I love Smashbox’s Studio Skin foundation. It’s a full coverage foundation, has a dewy finish, is cruelty free, and doesn’t break the bank!
My next go to is Kat Von Dee’s Shade & Light Contouring kit. I have tried a variety of different bronzers and this is by far the best formula in my opinion and is the most economical.It is easy to use and the results are flawless.
My favorite products that are a little more expensive, but worth the investment are Becca’s Champagne Pop Highlighter and Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. The Becca’s highlighter will give you a summer glow even in the dead of winter.Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray is awesome. Afteryou finish your makeup routine, mist on your face and you are good to go for the next 24 hours! This is by far my favorite and a must have.Being in our field, we are constantly on the go in the rain, snow, wind and heat, and this product will stay with you.When I am not working, you can usually find me outside with my Fiancé and dogs either boating, fishing, or camping. Needless to say that the Urban Decay setting spray is agodsend – no matter what I am doing or where I am at I’ll have a fresh look all day. #cannotlivewithoutit
Looking my best and putting in the effort makes me feel confident and the best version of myself.As women, a little polish is all it can take to bring out the best in us! #lookingpretty
Lauren:
I love to cook for family and friends.
I’m a fan of the Pioneer Woman’s recipes. They are usually easy to make and are crowd pleasers every time. I found this one to be a favorite of my husband’s, Cody.The Pig Cake. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s delicious, simple and perfect for any party or potluck!
FOR THE CAKE:
1 box (18.25 Oz. Box) Yellow Cake Mix
1 stick Margarine, Softened
1 can (14 Oz. Can) Mandarin Oranges, Drained, 1/2 Cup Juice Reserved
4 whole Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
FOR THE TOPPING:
1 package (4 Oz. Box) Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
1 can (20 Oz. Can) Crushed Pineapple, Juice Reserved
1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
4 ounces, fluid Frozen Whipped Topping (such As Cool Whip)
Extra Mandarin Orange Slices, For Garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For the cake, combine cake mix, margarine, 1/2 cup juice from the mandarin oranges, eggs, and vanilla. Beat for four minutes on medium-high. Add drained oranges and beat again until pieces are broken up and small. Pour batter into greased and floured 9 x 13 inch baking pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. Once cake is cool, blend juice from drained pineapples with the vanilla pudding mix. Add powdered sugar and mix, then mix in whipped topping. Stir in drained pineapple. Spread on cooled cake and refrigerate several hours. To serve, cut cake into squares and top each square with a mandarin orange slice and a smile!
We hope you enjoyed a peek into our fun-filled world.
When the time comes to consider what window covering products are best suited for your needs, the process may be overwhelming.
Determining what your individual needs are is the best place to start, whether it be privacy, light control, or simply decorative purposes. Manufacturers are offering a variety of products in fabric, woven horizontal and vertical shading systems, metal and wooden blinds, and motorized options.
Woven roman shades offer a simple privacy solution with added texture.Horizontal screens provide subtle privacy and sunlight control to this conference room as well as versatility to raise and lower.2” metal blinds are perfect for high traffic spaces. They offer durability and versatility with no interference to overall design concept.
Consider the rooms purpose.
We will educate you on each product and their suitability. With so many choices, each offering their own benefits, we can align you with the proper products and finished look.
Solar shades offer the perfect understated solution to this space. Motorized to raise and lower to meet the demands of the sun, yet subtle to compliment the wood walls and beams.2” wood blinds were the perfect solution for these elegant wood paneled walls.
It’s all in the details.
Fabric, trim and hardware build the perfect soft treatment by adding pattern, color or texture. This combination of silver metallic wooden poles, crystal finials, beaded trim, button detail, tiebacks and lush fabric produced a stunning custom window treatment scheme in this formal master bedroom.
The combination of silver metallic wooden poles, crystal finials, beaded trim, button detail, tiebacks and lush fabric produced this stunning custom window treatment scheme in this formal master bedroom.
A splash of color, pattern or texture on any window will add flavor to your room. Window treatments are like that perfect piece of jewelry to a favorite outfit, a room is just not complete without them.
Combine a sheer with a pop of color and bold stripe.Soft subtle texture.We love the way these smocked jute panels frame this sweet reading space.Asymmetrical draperies with custom bedding components.
We are proud to offer an extensive fabric library to customize drapery panels, valances, pillows and bedding. Let one of our professional designers put together a look tailored specifically for you!
$250.00 window treatment consultation is rebatabletowards purchases of $500.00 or more. Professional installations are provided.
Just as we expected, 2019 started off in a rush and we would not expect anything less!
With the Holiday season behind us, we are now busy planning for 2019. Blessed with the many wonderful projects we currently have and the ones on the horizon, we are constantly in search of new ideas, systems, products and logistics that will enable us to grow and mature our business.
Leslie and Tammy recently attended the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market and discovered several new finds they are bringing back to Jeffersonville!
Check out what is coming soon to The Shop!
Bloomr
Fine, sophisticated, tasteful and elegant faux florals & stems that are all designed and created by professional florists. A space without flowers or plants is an empty space, let them breathe air into your home or office.
Fine, Sophisticated, Tasteful and Elegant
Fine, Sophisticated, Tasteful and Elegant
Fine, Sophisticated, Tasteful and Elegant
Fine, Sophisticated, Tasteful and Elegant
Fine, Sophisticated, Tasteful and Elegant
Fine, Sophisticated, Tasteful and Elegant
Studio Penny Lane
For those of us that always pick that penny up off the sidewalk…
Studio Penny Lane was created to bring awareness to and inspire a daily practice of gratitude and cultivate mindfulness in the world. One penny at a time.
Studio Penny Lane
Studio Penny Lane
Studio Penny Lane
Studio Penny Lane
Canoe Custom Made Jewelry & Handbags
Hand crafted in Blue Ridge, Georgia, their unique collection of jewelry and bags effortlessly combine rustic charm with contemporary sophistication. We loved the combination of fine leather, hides and chain bags with their unique wood, stone and hide jewelry.
True South Puzzles
Who doesn’t love a great jigsaw puzzle? They’re great for solo therapy sessions or family night with some pizza and a movie! We were thrilled to find these terrific puzzles created by artists focusing on our treasured national parks, scenic routes across the south, southern cities & states and most of all… our sweet animal friends! Once assembled, frame them up and hang on display!
True South Puzzles
True South Puzzles
True South Puzzles
Watch for more details on these products and many more once they arrive at The Shop!
#cheerstonewproducts
Think Tank
One of our favorite days of the year is in January! Our annual Think Tank meeting offers a day of yearly preparation for the ladies of LL&A. We celebrate our successes & accomplishments from 2018 and plan for 2019. Keeping on top of our industry, staying involved in our community, and growing our business does not just happen, we make it happen!! We are certain to end the day of planning recharged & ignited with bright ideas & policies to serve our clients needs & expectations!
If you’re like us, you still you have holiday shopping to do! Don’t worry…We’ve got you covered! We are offering 30% off storewide to our valued clients!
When: Monday, December 10 – 24, 2018
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am – 6pm and Saturdays from 11am – 2pm
Christmas Eve: 10am – Noon
Stop by The Shop at LL&A and check out our newest additions of fashionable scarfs, jewelry, holiday giftware, scents, artwork, lamps and accessories! There are so many fun gifts to choose from and we’re here to help if you need assistance in finding that perfect gift.
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Plus we’ll have it wrapped beautifully and ready to go to make the shopping experience quick, fun and convenient!
Can’t decide? Give a Gift Card!
We are offering the perfect gift for the person who has everything! Interior design consultations are perfect for that hard (or easy) to buy for person in your life that seems to have everything. Let one of our trusted professional interior designers help guide and assist your friend, family member, or loved one in achieving the home or room of their dreams! Holiday Consultation Special: $225.00! Contact us at 812-282-6606.
Cheers to shopping local and shopping small this happy holiday season!
Happy Holidays and see you at the 30% off extravaganza!
Let LL&A create a perfect, personalized, festive holiday atmosphere for your home or office!
With the Holidays only a few weeks away, it’s time to start preparing for all the festivities, celebrations and parties.
With all the hustle and bustle approaching, let LL&A Interior Design assist you with “Decking Your Halls” while you enjoy the upcoming season with family and friends. Whether it be your home or office, we all enjoy festive surroundings to share with the ones around us.
We believe bookshelves are the window into our family life and tell the story of who we are. Many of us have either built in bookshelves, wall shelves, or furniture pieces with shelving and have a difficult time accessorizing them in an effective way.Showcasing our collections of treasures, family photos and books can be a tricky task and end up looking like an afterthought instead of a prized feature of a room.
Let us share with you a few helpful tools to turn your wall of shelves into a wall of storytelling…
Edit
Edit out all items that no longer serve a purpose or speak to you.Remove old greeneries, tiny objects, and tired outdated pieces.
Scale
Our rule of thumb is nothing smaller than a cantaloupe belongs on a shelf.Combining large scale accessories with frames, books and treasured collections will provide a clean tidy appearance and also highlight features items.
Color palette
In order to achieve a cohesive easy “read”, select an accent color and stick to one.From there, add a greenery source to give an organic element and texture, then photos, books and accessories.For example, if you want a fresh beach look, try blue accessories combined with brown books and wooden photo frames – clean, easy and fresh!If you prefer a monochromatic look, maintain a greenery source to let the accessories breathe.
Your accessories will tie your entire look together.
Books
Yes, bookshelves deserve BOOKS! Even if you are not a reader, add books!Local libraries have book sales at least two times a month and is great fun collecting sets and color combinations.Remember, paperbacks do not count, only hardbacks (no cheating). Measure your shelves and buy more than what you think you need. Trust us, the shelves will eat books up! Select a color scheme and buy books within that range.Consider blacks and grays or browns and tan. You may even like blues if that is your look – go for it!If you own an assortment of mismatched books already – no problem, turn them around and show the page side! TaDa!
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Family photos
Bring it on! Here is your chance to create the story wall. Combine your favorites and select frames that compliment your accessories.You can choose to either use color photos, sepia or black and white. Again, all depending on the look you desire to achieve.Keep all frames simple and of similar appearance in color and texture.
Accessories
Your accessories will tie your entire look together. They should all compliment your valued treasures and collectibles that tell a story all their own.Keep accessories in one color palette with clean lines and scaled appropriately.Mixing ceramics, glass, and pottery are all terrific ways to add texture. Just keep within the same color range.Adding baskets in neutral tones that compliment your scheme adds great texture and scale.
Side tips:
White items on white book shelves do not showcase well.
Glass items will not show up unless filled with greens, spheres, nuts, rock, etc.
Move small objects onto smaller side tables or with cabinets.
Play with shapes. Less is more!
Don’t be afraid to paint your bookshelves a different color or add a textural wallcovering to the back wall.This may be the perfect addition to draw attention to your feature.
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Now take these hints and tips as you begin your own journey in creating the perfect bookshelf display! Have fun and enjoy!
The landscape of Interior Design is always on the move. With its many nuances, our industry offers a variety of platforms to achieve the needs of any consumer.
