Sunday 27 May 2012

Important News: I've moved !!!


Hi everyone!
A quick post to let you know that I've moved my blog over to my new website: 
I look forward to visiting with you there!

Thursday 24 May 2012

Time Traveler!

                                                    WINDOW DISPLAY!!!!!!!

Tuesday 22 May 2012

STAR STUDDED!!!!!!!



Aha!! Gotcha!!!! This is not the kind of stud I wanted to talk about today! Although I could dedicate a whole blog to Channing Tatum, so just quit drooling and keep scrolling!!!!




                                                 


                                                     STUDDED FASHION!!!!!!!


Well once again we are seeing the look of studs show up on everything fashion. All the way from
clothing ,belts,shoes to handbags and jewelry.


                                               











One or maybe two pieces and you can look as chic as Lauren Conrad
Anymore then that and you risk looking like you favorite heavy metal band of the eighties (your choice.)
YIKES!


                                             STUDS ON THE HOME FRONT!!!! 





As always studs have been around awhile in decor and they don't seem to be slowing down.






 OK THIS ONE IS RIDICULOUS! OUCH IF YOU MISS THE SEAT!



                                                          WALLPAPER!

 In the newest issue of Style at Home, the latest in studs or rivets is wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries. I am in LOVE! with this look, made to mimic nail heads it is a very cool look,one that can offer some texture and interest instantly to a space.Check it out.........http://www.phillipjeffries.com/






So what do you think are you loving the look or not? Let me know.
D.

Sunday 20 May 2012

Inspiring Ikea!!!!

Last week I took a trip out to my local Ikea store to pick up a few needed things. Once again as always I'm amazed at what they have to offer! Have you checked out their outdoor collection for summer? Tables,chairs,loungers and couches all super stylish and all, once again reasonably priced.
Ammero $119.00

Ammero $169.00

Arholma $645.00

Enholmen$75.00

Falster $179.00

Hogsten $89.00

Sandskar $39.99

Nowadays when I see people turn up their nose at the suggestion of using Ikea, I have to restrain myself from lunging across the table and slapping them Mike Tyson style! Then I remind myself that chances are they just don't have a clue how to.

My design philosophy has always been the look for less. Erin McLaughlin said it best in her editors letter of the latest issue of Style at Home "Save or Splurge." She called it "real-life" decorating. It's coming up with your dream design and then finding a way to create the same look without spending a fortune. Really, anyone can drop a pretty penny on expensive pieces,but the reality is ,not everyone can afford to. That is where Ikea comes to the rescue!

When I walk into Ikea I'm like a mad woman after 5 days without caffeine! My goal is to transform those Ikea pieces, to make them mine by putting my own design ingenious stamp on them. I'm not alone in this endeavor check out http://www.ikeahackers.net/ there is a whole movement for achieving this on that site. When I'm done with a piece, the people who turned their nose up,have a whole different opinion about that fantastic store.

I've spent thousands of dollars on custom kitchens,and then for half of that I've bought Ikea. The difference? Other then the time it takes to sit down and come up with a plan ..... the big sum of nothing. If your one to poo poo this,why then are their kitchens always in at least one home featured on the pages of some of my favorite design magazines?.... You tell me.

One day when I sell this home,my plan is to build a spec home for one lucky family and finish it all with Ikea! I dare anyone then to turn their nose up,and if you do dare, I shall remind you of my Mike Tyson swing! :)

Here is another site featuring peoples Ikea designed spaces http://www.theshare-space.com/

Have a look at these great pictures of kitchens using Ikea cabinets. I think they are stunning!
I would love to hear any comments you have about the" Ikea debate."
Enjoy!
D.

hello painted!

painted again!

are you kidding me ....shut up!

double shut up/!!!

my personal favorite!





Thursday 17 May 2012

"Designer"

Ever since I was young I loved design. I fondly remember pouring over magazines dreaming of the day I could design my own home. Since that day,I have built 4 homes alongside my husband as well as designed and consulted on countless others.

It wasn't until about 6 months ago that I had finally realized that I needed to stop playing down my abilities as a designer, and start accepting myself for what I had worked so hard to accomplish over the years. This all came about because of 5 amazing women I have the privilege of working with,who have given me the insight and courage to see myself in the proper light.So why then did it take me so long to accept myself as a designer?

1) "Designer," in my books has long been a misused as well as misrepresented term.
 To blame,in my opinion anyways, is the huge influx in recent years of DIY shows on television. Suddenly if you helped your neighbor move their couch to another wall you earned the title "Designer". Frankly, I was not about to lump myself and my capabilities with everyone else and their neighbor who is now a "Designer".

2) I have never felt that I fit the profile.
 You wont see me pulling up in my BMW(although I would kill to have one) dressed head to toe in Prada,with my side kick "Buffy" taking notes and measurements for me. Chances are when we do meet for the first time,I have probably come from one of the other 3 jobs I have, dressed nothing I can assure you,like a walking advertisement for Holt Renfrew.

3) I have never had formal schooling.
 Nope, that's right folks I was just born with good taste (props to my mom),and 16 years of experience, working alongside someone who has fed me a wealth of knowledge. I have no objections to school,but for me it just didn't fit into my timing.

So what have I taken away from all of this? That just because I don't have a office overlooking Central Park,or my own reality design show,doesn't make me any less talented then those that do. You see designers come in all forms with a list of credentials to follow,that's why it is your job as the client to pick the designer that's right for you.(And there are plenty to choose from.)

I recently came across my goals for 2012,and the one that stands out the most for me is... To not be afraid to call myself a designer.So here it goes...... Hi my name is Dawna Jones, I'm an Interior Designer, pleased to meet you!
Yeah I did it!!!!!!!


FYI, there are many self taught designers like myself ,that have enjoyed great success. Here are a few that I admire and some pics of their work.
Enjoy!

Sarah Richardson.

http://www.designinc.ca/home/




Vicente Wolf.
http://www.vicentewolf.com/


James Huniford
http://www.huniford.com/


Nate Berkus
http://www.thenateshow.com/


The list goes on, but there is not enough room for them all.
Have a great weekend.
D.