If you're reading this, you've made it to 2009...

If you'd asked me what the difference between this year and last was - I'd have to say it was the absence of political primary banter on television. You see, last year my resolution should have been to watch Michael Phelps and the presidential primaries because that is what I was doing instead of being more creative (which was my real resolution) and though obviously very interesting, I did not find much creative inspiration on CNN. The Olympics were inspiring - but unfortunately not for my creativity.

Now with all the global economy changes I've decided turn off the bad news and get out more. Outside in my garden, out of Raleigh, and out of the country. For me this is a huge change from being glued to the television for hours.

I'll be posting more mobile blogs and tweets and hopefully a picture or note in the photo journal may somehow help you find your own muse and inspire you to get out and see more.

I'd love to see places you recommend, so if you have any ideas 0r would like to meet us out on the road - please send me your ideas.

Cheers!

Lise

Inspiring Design Travel

We have been working diligently on creating some new things for you. I'm very excited at all the progress the team has made. All of this has taken me away from blogging regularly, but to whet your appetite before the launch, I thought I'd tell you about our series of inspirational shopping excursions around the globe.

This whole idea came about when I realized that I am guilty of having too narrow a focus when it comes to design and creativity. Although nature is inspiring, I won't always find the inspiration I seek in my own backyard. I have not only a desire, but a strong need to go out and explore; and I figure there are others like me. So, you're invited too.

These trips we are planning are primarily intended for interior designers, decorators, creatives, and DIYers. Together we will discover the unique characteristics of each destination from a design and creativity perspective - we will explore foods, fabrics, textiles, and assorted handmade goods - and of course, we will do some major shopping.

Now, one of the trips I am most excited about will be to Peacock Pavilions in Marrakech. One reason I am so excited by this trip is because I love architecture. Maryam and her husband are in the midst of creating a fabulous place. Take a look . Even though it's not finished, it is utterly breathtaking right? Then take a look at all the unique finds.

All of the plans for each of the trips are still firming up, along with some other plans for design classes and destination events throughout the US. We would love to have you along. So feel free to email me if you are interested in joining us!

All the best,

Lise

What I am listening to...

I love listening to music and dancing - especially on Friday night. So I thought I'd share what's newly downloaded on my iPhone

1. Mais Que Nada - Sergio Mendes - (featuring the Black Eyed Peas) - modern touch to a classic song that always keeps me moving.

2. Sabe Quem? - Joyce & Tutto Moreno - My goal is to download more World Music and get out of my own backyard.

3. Secret - Maroon 5 - This is one of those songs that sneaks up on you.

4. Fragile - Sting - I LOVE Sting.

5. Chaiyya Chaiyya - Sapna Awasti & Sukhivinder Singh - Oh so wonderful beat that you may remember from the Inside Man movie.

What are you listening to?

Inspire me Thursday - Copycats

This week's InSpIRe Me ThURsdAY theme is "Copycats".

It reminded me of "cookiecutter" houses. When I'm in a neighborhood filled with houses that look the same, I often wonder how the children find their way back home...

What does your house look like?

Have your broken the mold?

Exhibit - Textile Monuments - behind the scenes with Valarie Jean Bailey

Last year sometime, my dear friend began talking about her next project for her upcoming exhibit at the Green Hill Center. She told me about her idea for a bottle tree. I think in pictures. So when she mentioned a bottle tree, I thought of the traditional bottle tree that people once used to scare away ghosts. Empty bottles are turned onto tree branches. Then, when the wind blows, the bottles dance and clink against each other. Magical. But not even close to what Valarie Jean had in mind apparently.

But I should remind you that Valarie Jean is an art quilter, and painter. What, I thought, does a bottle tree have to do with quilting? But instead of giving her that blank stare I sometimes get when I'm trying to explain my own art project ideas - I waited. I listened. I watched. And I anticipated.

In our conversations throughout the year, she explained her ideas for the base of the tree. I even donated a few wine bottles, not truly understanding what she was going to come up with. We talked about the best photo paper, and about gates and fences.

During one visit, I sat down with her and looked at images of women on bottles. These were women who had made a difference in the world in a variety of ways. These women were singers, artists, activists, leaders. Still I was not sure what to expect...

Then one Sunday morning I was asked to come by and and help pack bottles as the time for the exhibit grew near. I don't know how many bottles I helped to pack that day, but suffice it to say that it was probably close to 150 or so. I saw the base, and Valarie Jean showed me the quilts, some were still in progress.

This day, there was a feeling in the air. It is as if the spirits of these women had entered this home, and had supported Valarie Jean while she crafted this installation piece - these beautiful quilted pieces, images on and within bottles. All this beauty and strength. It is no understatement when I say that they "spoke" to me that day. Their combined legacy. It is an experience I have never had before. I felt this overwhelming sense of responsiblity, even to pack the bottles with such care so none would break in transit.

This is an immense project that Valarie Jean had undertaken and completed with unbelievable grace under pressure.

If you are in the Greensboro area, please plan to see the Textile Monuments exhibit. If you are not in this area, I have included a link to her interview below.

Green Hill Center: Valarie Jean Bailey

Listen (mp3)


Kudos and much love to you Valarie Jean Bailey!

Lise

Style Points: Household Emergencies

The very idea of home should make you think of safety and security. But it occurred to me while watching Spike Lee's new documentary WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE: A REQUIEM IN FOUR ACTS that at some point we may all be faced with having to leave our homes without much warning. That thought doesn't leave me feeling secure or safe.

So what are we to do? No matter where we live, we are vulnerable to something, so we should take time to prepare an action or response plan. The HOPE Coalition of America offers a comprehensive guide to help outline your basic financial, medical, and contact information in a disaster situation.

Not only should we plan for the major events like hurricanes, but we should have an organized and accessible area of our home that allows us to respond appropriately to life's everyday emergencies. This is part of good design too - allowing our homes to function for all facets of our lives.

Be well,


Lise
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Our Place in the World

Today wraps up yet another tumultuous day in our collective history; and for obvious reasons; I feel disingenuous in writing about the comforts of home. When for so many in the way of peril - the ideas of home, style, and comfort are entirely irrelevant.

Today my thoughts dwell on:

• The reporters who are embedded alongside the military; stuffed into cramped vehicles, covering stories in the middle of the night from putrid hotels having long ago dispensed with anything remotely called an "amenity".
  
• The travelers. Inconvenienced, stranded, uncomfortable, harried... Traveling throughout the world and calling the cold tile floors in random airports - "bed".
  
• The places. Where people once gathered. Places called home which no longer exist in these war-ravaged areas. Places where hopes are lost and despair has set in.
  
• Being thankful. For a home; health; peace; silence; safety; room to breathe and stretch; and for time to reflect and say prayers for those who are not as fortunate.

Be well,

Lise

New Urbanism vs. McMansions - Are we at odds here?

Let's talk about the upcoming trend to stop building larger homes in favor of New Urbanism. New Urbanism promotes building complete communities that contain housing, offices, boutiques and shops, entertainment outlets, education centers, playgrounds, and other facilities that are essential to residents. Some of these new neighborhoods are built on the footprint of older historic urban centers. These neighborhoods are smart, well designed and encourage neighborly interaction. I love the idea that we are looking back to the past for great ideas and using them with a modern twist. The modern twist in this case is when new urbanist plans are combined with "green living" ideas. Green Living is essentially housing that promotes wellness, better use of land resources, sustainable building resources, and overall energy savings.




New Urbanism and Green Building seems like a direct contrast to the recent "McMansions" building frenzy (homes over 4000 square feet). But I think a viable, livable community can use a dose of all of these ideas. They are not mutually exclusive.

The key, in my opinion, is to consider options that maximize what you have to work with. Living in a large home doesn't automatically mean that you are somehow against the environment or that you detest the idea of green living, wellness or new urbanism, as some would suggest.

Your quality of life increases exponentially when you refuse to limit your potential in how you build, furnish, and design your home. Of course making these types of changes requires your thoughtful presence. It requires that you look beyond mass retailers into new ideas and new providers. This can be scary, and a little unusual to navigate. But you can do it. Consider it a learning experience.

My goal is to infuse your living space with your personality and consider all the new options available to you as you create your "artistic lifestyle."

Consider all your possibilities!

Creatively yours,


Lise

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Garden Design for Kids

I often use my home as one big canvas for experimenting. (Thank goodness my family is used to me and my creative ideas.) As the weather warms up here in North Carolina, I'm ready to dig into my next big project which involves creating a garden room for my kids.

I've already started on sketches of the outdoor space, and the functional aspects - for what a one and five year old might like to use. This is usually the first step in my design process - just getting the ideas out on paper and figuring out what really works. This way I also have something to show my son, and see if it meets with his approval. So far, he's my toughest client, but he's coming around.

Last weekend, we agreed on creating a small garden and play area within view of my kitchen windows and back deck. Since it is really hot here in the summer months, it is important for me to create shady areas. Right now, there are no trees in the area to offer this shade, so with my husband's assistance, I'll create a tee-pee like structure out of bamboo or willow to support the growth of large vines. We have also decided on a sunflower room with giant sunflowers.
I think both of these areas will offer some shady spots.

The kids garden will also have these key elements in the overall design:

- Garden Art (of course)
- A shallow water feature
- Edible plants to learn about gardening
- Sand for play
- Some sort of hand-built fencing material around the garden
- Transitional spaces for next year

I've also decided that this is a multi-year project. The kids aren't old enough yet for the tree house I've designed. But maybe in a few more years...

To get them in on the idea, we started with a book A Child's Garden: Introducing Your Child to the Joys of the Garden


After a few evening stories, we decided on some plants. We are currently considering:

- Lamb's ear
- Tomato plants
- Giant Sunflowers
- Pumpkins
- Carrots
- Small potatoes

Right now my yard is completely blank so I'm hoping that this project will take root pretty quickly.

I'll keep you all posted :-)

Creatively yours,

Lise