Inspired by the World Around Me

I find myself inspired by the world around me, by culture, by experiences – movies, music, travel, art, nature, food, etc. I also love anything a little bit “dark”.

I’m a Little Bit of Everything

I would consider myself sort of a utility personality – I’m a little bit of everything. I can appreciate things from many different angles and perspectives, but still be my Virgo-self. I consider myself to be kind, compassionate, and sympathetic, but also a bit head-strong, confident, and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. I basically give everything I’ve got to pretty much anything that I do.

Dark & Vampy or Glitz & Glam

My design style almost always leans towards one of two directions – dark & vampy or glitz & glam. I love anything “showy,” really, but a little sultry in the mix never hurt anybody! The designs that I see and love I often describe as sexy because to me, those are the designs that are memorable and leave an impact.

Leave People Wanting More

I like to think of myself as fun and spontaneous with a little mystery, so I love event designs that leave people wanting more. My goal with any design is first and foremost, to create something that makes my client emote – laugh, cry, salivate, or smile like you’ve never smiled before. I’m big on the “reaction” part of what I do; anything that lets me know I’ve done a rockstar job and have a happy client. I have a few clients that I work with annually that really let me take the reins on the design aesthetic and, of course with their blessing, it allows me some creative leeway to build something I’m really proud of in a style that might showcase their event in a different way than they normally show it.

ANYTHING VELVET OR COPPER

ANYTHING VELVET OR COPPER!!! I’ve been campaigning for velvet and copper inventory items for a few years now so when the velvet trend came into the Capital Region wedding market I was ecstatic! We carry a really gorgeous pewter luxury velvet table linen, a luscious burgundy velvet drapery, and black velvet lounge furniture that we call the Charlton. Also, the hammered copper charger plates and copper metal café chairs are my faves! Despite our inventory on some of those items being limited quantities, I really think it just amplifies any event into that “rich elegance” category for me.

Drapery Really Does Make the Biggest Impact

Only one?! That’s just not fair! ☺️ Well, I think drapery really does make the biggest impact in a space overall. It’s so multi-functional and can take on so many awesome qualities in a space that is, maybe, lacking dimension, texture, or color. My next best pick would be anything lighting related. What a transformation a room can undergo with just a little enhancement to the lighting! I mean… Mixed hanging chandeliers and glass terrariums with a pop of colorful LED uplighting?? Yes please!

Don’t be afraid to do something non-traditional!

Don’t be afraid to do something non-traditional! Holiday style trends change every year and even if your personal style is a bit more traditional, don’t let that inhibit you from trying something unexpected in your home! I’ve done a couple of really cool home holiday parties that utilized illuminated drapery in the entrance foyer, lounge furniture and lighting in a garage space, and fun linens throughout the entire house. The possibilities really are not as limited as some may think just because you’re in a residence rather than a large, open-concept venue. Also, not every room has to look identical. By creating some differences between spaces it can feel more like an experience to the guests because it gives everyone a reason to explore.

Favorite Holiday Traditions?

Well, holiday traditions usually start for me around my birthday (September 20th). I always go apple picking at a new orchard every year and make homemade applesauce. Starting in mid to late October, I typically start listening to Christmas music playlists and burn my pumpkin and holiday scented candles all over the house. I also ALWAYS go cut my own live Christmas tree around November 10-15th. (Yes, I said NOVEMBER.) I live for a good fragrant Frasier Fir! In the past I’ve even cut 2 trees – one for each room with a good viewing window – and decorated them differently. Somewhere in there I must watch The Nightmare Before Christmas, ELF, and the original How The Grinch Stole Christmas – those ones in particular give me all the feels.

My family and I are very close so Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner both take place at my parents home with everyone gathered around the large dining table for a hearty meal and a rousing game of CLUE or Catch Phrase. The memories are the most important thing to me so I cherish moments like those that we make around the holidays.