Buds, Blossoms and Bouquets

March 11, 2021March 18, 2021 akstudiodesigns

Spring is springing upon us and we are ready for some beauty in our communities!

Grass will shortly be turning into thick green carpet spread across our soil, trees will be budding with fluffy leaves and the fragrance of honeysuckle will fill the air.

Ready Or Not, Here It Comes!! (Thankfully)

Undeniably, Mother Nature produces breathtaking varieties of plant life and botanicals. We love to bring the outdoors in with a variety of plants, florals and trees. Adding touches of foliage in any space creates a sense of oxygen and life. However, for those of us who do not have a green thumb attached to our hand, we have the perfect solution.

Permanent arrangements are not only maintenance free, but they are beautiful, colorful, lush and tailored to our individual needs & style. Whether you add a lush tree in a corner, a delicate orchid on a tabletop or a statement wall divider — quality foliage can be just the right finishing touch to complete a space.

Regardless if your style is Coastal, Tropical, Desert or Woodland the varieties are abundant and realistic. Assortments of succulents, orchids, ferns, palm leaf, boxwood, moss and agave are terrific options to consider in your space.

Adding a dash of green completes a space with just the right touch of vine and vegetation. Trust us, you will love the results!

At LL&A, we offer a variety of florals and greenery perfect for any space and season!

Here We Go. Onward & Upward!

January 11, 2021January 15, 2021 akstudiodesigns

Well, Well, Well 2020WON…

We are so delighted to meet you! You have been a long awaited dream and are finally here to wake us up and WIN us over! You are breathe of fresh air, the light at the end of the tunnel and the start of a new beginning – how exciting for us ALL! We cannot wait to get this party started and let you take us onward and upward! Together.

We all know this past year presented various trials and tribulations that will mostly remain unsaid (we are all aware). However, it also graced us with laughter, family time, opportunities to reflect & think forward, be considerate, create new habits and just be HOME. We’ve all found our own silver lining to each of our stories and found ways to look on the brighter side.

At LL&A we certainly had our share of experiences as individuals and also as A-Team (no pun intended, well maybe just a little pun).

Like most of you, we were challenged daily with new formats of meeting our clients (HELLO ZOOM), working from home, social distancing and keeping our eyeglasses from fogging up!

Oh Yeah… AND quarantine! From illness to family matters, we had equal amounts of fun, love and blessings.

During 2020, we were excited to attend the Las Vegas Market in January, participate in the very FIRST Virtual Homearama in July, complete various residential renovations and commercial projects (all of which we are very grateful), participated in the annual JeffMainStreet Holiday Open House, Small Business Saturday, AND expanded our team members by adding three new interior designers and one tiny new addition.

Now Introducing:

Shelby Sills, 2020 University of Louisville Graduate (our very own self described “extra”, queen of the selfie).

Mallory O’Brien, 2020 Indiana University Graduate (sweet and silent but packs a dry wit we all love).

Katie Bryant, 2020 University of Louisville Graduate (resident fashionista and the only one of us that can rock suspenders and white go-go boots).

Weston Eurton, 2020 May Addition (our cutest, wildest future delivery boy).

We thank each of them for joining our team and to Lauren for delivering such a sweet little tot to the team, just like icing on cake! There were so many positive vibes, personalities, loves and friendships formed in 2020 and we are thrilled!

Looking to 2020WON

We will be exploring endless possibilities to create mindful, innovative, functional & beautiful spaces for each of our clients. Since the new year has rolled in, we’ve started fresh and eager to step up our game, learn something new, teach something positive, mentor, lead, follow, set examples and be good people.

The 2020WON Blog promises to deliver the newest in design products, inspiration, instructional tips and more.

Starting with the 2020WON Pantone color of the year! We love the contrast and story behind the decision to release two colors this year, how appropriate!

Meet Pantone colors of the year for 2021: PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating.

Our attitude is gratitude and we are deeply thankful to our clients, families, industry associates and supporters for enabling us to do what we all love.

Let’s take the best and leave the rest!

#dreamteam #interiordesign #downtownjeffersonville #southernindiana

Design Challenge: Designing for A Designer!

February 3, 2020February 7, 2020 akstudiodesigns

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.

Images LL&A Blog 1-20

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.)

Images 2 LL&A Blog 1-20

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.

Cheers to hiring a professional!!

#upforthechallenge

#welovethehubs

#changeisgood

#lasvegasmarket

Our Year In The End

January 13, 2020January 14, 2020 akstudiodesigns

So here we are… 2019 has come to a close and 2020 is here.

2019 marks many experiences, changes and accomplishments for our team’s personal and professional lives. Together we finished the year feeling confident, satisfied, accomplished, grateful and blessed. Yes, we work hard to serve our clients and nurture our business, but we also feed and water our personal lives and relationships. Keeping our tanks full is essential for each of us. We all work hard to maintain work and home balance. As challenging as it may be, we are all determined to keep all balls in the air!

2019 had plenty of scene stealing headlines but we cannot let them over shadow our own contributions to story telling!
Granted, history was made when President Trump became our nations 3rd president to be impeached, yes, this is a big deal. We get it… and yes, the college admissions scandal was a pretty big deal, but we made our own newsworthy articles ourselves!

LL&A Headlines, Read All About It!

A year of planning…

Did you think Justin and Hailey were the only couple to tie the knot this year? Well, our very own Sarah and Matt put a ring on it and strolled down the aisle in October too!

A year of anticipation…

Duchess Megan and Prince Harry are not the only ones to have had a baby boy, Lauren and Cody are expecting their very own bundle of joy in May of 2020.

A year of change…

Leslie’s “25 year old bundle of joy” son, Murphy landed his dream job in South Florida which has made for several fun trips to the Sunshine State getting him settled in with many more trips to come!

A year for learning something new…

Playing nurse was never a game Tammy was particularly good at as a little girl, but this year proved to be her year to learn. Luckily, she picked it up quickly and helped nurse two parents back to health.

A year of balance…

Dawn continues to balance her life here in Southern Indiana with her world in Fort Wayne where her two daughters, two son-in-laws and six grandchildren live.

A year of growth…

This was a year of growth for Whitley. Julia Roberts certainly has nothing on our adventurous girl. On a solo trip to Cabo to celebrate her 30 years of life, she ate and prayed the whole week long! Cheers to spiritual growth!

Together we each closed the year having planned, anticipated, changed, learned and balanced many aspects of our lives. Some things turned out as planned – others maybe not. Some changes we welcomed – others more unexpected. Lessons we learned were blessings and changes will always be just as the seasons change.

Faith and love is the key to the LL&A team… time to unlock the door to 2020!!

Your friends at LL&A Interior Design

#indianagirls #liveloveappreciate

Online Design

August 13, 2019August 13, 2019 akstudiodesigns

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

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

The process is quick, easy, online, and budget friendly.

Email our office for further details at sarah@leslielewisdesign.com

Your friends at LL&A Interior Design

#onlinedesign

#indianagirls

#liveloveappreciate

Bright Ideas at LL&A

January 23, 2019January 24, 2019 akstudiodesigns

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

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

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

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!

#liveloveappreciate #indianagirls #interiordesign

Way to Go 2018!

December 27, 2018December 28, 2018 akstudiodesigns

As 2018 comes to a close, we have so many great experiences and memories to reflect upon. Like many of you, whether it be personal or professional, our successes are measured by relationships we have encountered, prosperity, commitments, appreciation, health, faith and dedication.

Taking the M out of “Me” and making it a “We”! We are dedicated to our profession, valued clients, families, friends and all the ones we love, (including our “fur children”).

We are committed to providing a service that results in exquisite work and home environments.

We are prosperous in creativity, our work facility, supportive colleagues and most of all a happy work place!

We are healthy and grateful.

We have faith that there is always a solution, always another day and we will always figure it out.

We appreciate all that has been given to us in 2018.

Thanks to all that have supported us this year, our clients, suppliers, sub contractors, builders, vendor representatives, neighbors and community.

Looking back on 2018, our team is grateful and each of us want to share a thought for the year end.

“I’m thankful for our hearts that can love, our hands that can help and our minds that can imagine great things!” – Leslie

“Watching the changing seasons of life surrounding me within the people I love has been exciting to see. I am grateful for our health, the love and the peace within our lives – cannot wait to see what 2019 has in store!” – Tammy

“For me, 2018 was a year to be grateful. I am so appreciative to have a wonderful support network of family and friends! Having worked in many different environments, I am so grateful to have a positive, peaceful, professional, and happy group of ladies to work with every day!” – Dawn

“At the end of this year, I am thankful that my blessings are bigger than my problems! I am grateful for the support from my amazing husband, family and friends who keep me grounded and remind me what is really important in life when I get too busy to remember myself.” – Lauren

“For me, 2018 has been a year of many milestones, personally and professionally. I have proven so many things to myself and hit a lot of the goals I set for myself this year. I couldn’t have done it without the wonderful and inspiring people I surround myself with everyday.” – Sarah

“As 2018 comes to a close, I’m most thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such strong, intelligent women here at LL&A. It’s truly been rewarding to have their daily guidance and support.” – Whitley

Whitley

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to intern at LL&A! I learned skills I never thought were needed in the interior design field, such as building chairs and shelves and using power tools. My mom would be proud, and maybe a little scared that I am left alone with power tools!” – Rachel

We are 7 strong and proud – ready for 2019! Ready or not, here we come!

Bring it on!!

Your friends at LL&A Interior Design

#indianagirls

#liveloveappreciate

LL&A’s 30% Off Extravaganza!

December 4, 2018December 3, 2018 akstudiodesigns

Gifts Galore! All Items – 30% OFF!

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!

Your friends at LL&A Interior Design.

#indianagirls

#liveloveappreciate

Holiday Design

October 25, 2018October 29, 2018 akstudiodesigns

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.

How to “shelf a book” & an accessory or two!

October 1, 2018October 1, 2018 akstudiodesigns

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.

LL&A Office Design

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!

Until next time,

Your friends at LL&A Interior Design

#indianagirls #liveloveappreciate #interiordesign