Tag: ladyboss

Mood Swings

akstudiodesigns

Can you imagine the seven layers of moods under one roof of seven women bonded to Interior Design?

We can!

Driven by a common love of space, color, pattern and light, our group of talent brings something for everyone when it comes to what makes us tick as individuals. Each day we focus on the needs of our clients by creating spaces that reflect their personalities, carefully listening to the clues that will make their surroundings their own.

We were curious—what moves us & what inspires us? Boy oh boy, did we learn a lot about ourselves and each other. What fun we had exploring ourselves, digging deep and uncovering the obvious. In doing so, we discovered our team had more in common than expected, some more than others, but needless to say our personalities did shine!

Our assignment was to create an inspiration or mood board that would reflect where we are likely to draw upon for sources of imagination and creativity. Fun, fun, fun! 

We are excited to share our Mood Boards with you—do YOU think they match our personalities?

Katie

Warm, earthy, sophisticated and fun all best describe my personal style. I am inspired by comforting spaces, rich with texture & pops of pattern. Art, fashion, makeup and architecture are also areas that I gain momentum in creativity. I love the contrast between dark vs light, organic vs geometric, and old vs new. Converging these elements helps me to create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.

Mallory

I am inspired by natural elements such as the beach and flowers, accents of soft but impactful colors, a touch of glam and an assortment of soft elements to sweeten the space. I favor gold accents over silver, black or bronze. Most of my design personality was founded during my travels abroad, my favorite places were always on or near the ocean or sea with the beautiful colors of the water. Soft whites and pinks of London, the blues of Greece and the florals of Italy were truly inspiring to me and I hope to carry these elements throughout my design career.

Shelby

I have always been a girly girl. As a sophomore in college, I began watching classic films and discovered I am obsessed with Parisian fashion, architecture and lifestyle. I draw much of my inspiration from the Rococo period and am drawn to organic shapes and patterns. The details are everything, honey! Oh, and I like the color pink just a bit.

Sarah

Timeless patterns, materials and bold modern accents integrated together are combinations I love! I am inspired by the colors of nature, the variety of elements it offers, and the ever changing light throughout each day and the mood it brings. I’m drawn to “bringing the outside in” and using natural materials, finishes, and textures in a modern application. Sleek, timeless, bold, earthy and moody spaces are what I am most drawn to.

Lauren

Neutrals, clean lines, modern country and Scandi rustic best describe my personal style. Most of my inspiration comes from nature and the outdoors. I am drawn to organic finishes & textures and consider myself a minimalist. Balancing new, repurposed or vintage pieces will always attract my attention.

Tammy

Mother nature is my largest source of inspiration. Earth, Wind & Fire. I love opposites, my favorite view is the skyline touching the treetops or mountain range, where the earth meets the sky. Plants, water, soil, stones, wood and metal all work in tandem effortlessly to produce peaceful and tranquil spaces. I am a maximalist, meaning I love things, many things, having them around me brings me a source of contentment. I have to admit, I have a soft spot for pottery, baskets, stones and incense!

Leslie

Just as the river meets the ocean, design to me is the seamless flow, harmony and rhythm of each of these elements merging together in a wonderful way.  What I love and draw my largest source of inspiration from is natural light and happy spaces. Creating spaces that are welcoming, comfortable, timeless, simple yet sophisticated bring me joy and fulfillment.  I am drawn to texture, animal print accents, navy, salmon and moss green. Completing a room with fresh cut flowers and the touch of sparkle from cut crystal adds just the right finishing touch for me.

We had a blast creating our Mood Boards and most of us realized that we could create more than one!

So… for fun, we decided to create a mash up of our personalities and watch the mood swing to a whole new set of emotions! Are you ready?!

Riding pink horses to the beach, wearing brown clogs and halos made of flowers or riding vintage bicycles through the woods with our eyes painted green would suit each of us all too well! See, we told you we were more alike than not!

On the corner where hip meets happy, we are a melting pot of personalities inspired by all that is beautiful in this world.

What Are You In The MOOD For? We invite you to create your own mood board for fun. Create one for yourself, your spouse or friend and share them with us on Facebook or Instagram!

Here We Go. Onward & Upward!

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!

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#dreamteam  #interiordesign  #downtownjeffersonville  #southernindiana

Design Challenge: Designing for A Designer!

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!

design materials

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.

color samples

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.

selecting colors

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

From our house to yours.

akstudiodesigns

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!

Welcome to our World graphic

 

 

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. After you 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 a godsend – 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!

 

2019 Group Photo in Shop

 

We hope you enjoyed a peek into our fun-filled world.

Your grateful friends at LL&A Interior Design.

#indianagirls #liveloveappreciate #mindfulandgrateful