at home FALL 2015
LIVABLE LUXE
color theory all about orange
IBB DESIGN FINE FURNISHINGS | IBBDESIGN.COM
CONTENTS FALL 2015 / IBB AT HOME
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ALL ABOUT
orange
SWIVEL CHAIRS
14 COLOR THEORY
9 18 42 LIVABLE LUXE COVER STORY
KIDS CORNER ARTICLES
Tag us!38
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BRING FALL HOME FALL ACCESSORIES
FIVE REASONS TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Q&A WITH AUTHOR KIMBERLY SCHLEGEL WHITMAN
COOKING WITH CHEF ANDREA SHACKELFORD
IBB AT HOME 5
WELCOME TO
IBB AT HOME BY BETH RAFFERTY beth@ibbdesign.com
Welcome to the fall issue of IBB at Home! Fall is one of my favorite seasons – the temperatures start to drop and the holidays are right around the corner. I’ve always loved entertaining, and welcoming family and friends in my home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For those of you like me, it’s also a wonderful time to make a to-do list of interior design needs before guests arrive. Here are a few things to consider: Foyer It’s important to make a good first impression. Ensure the foyer is inviting with a focal point, the right furniture and a personal touch like fresh flowers. Living Room Guests will likely spend a lot of time socializing and relaxing in the living room, so arrange your furniture strategically to encourage conversation. Dining Room Be sure you have ample seating and good lighting in the room. I love to light candles in the dining room when hosting. Guest Room & Bath It might be time to invest in new guest linens or towels, and make sure there is an extra throw or blanket for cool nights. A clean scented candle is also a nice detail.
OWNER/DESIGNER PUBLISHER BETH RAFFERTY OWNER/DESIGNER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHAY GEYER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MEREDITH HITE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JAYLIE GEYER SHANNON GIDNEY GAIL KUEKER LAUREN MACNAK PATTY OLSSON MARY HELEN PETERS JAMES “JT” TURNER KEVIN TWITTY MAGAZINE DESIGN ARNOLD GRAPHIC DESIGN
Take time and enjoy the details of planning. Guests will feel and appreciate the attention you’ve put into your home. And, if life gets too busy – call on one of our talented designers to find the piece of furniture you’re missing in a space, linens to freshen up a guest room, or the perfect chandelier for your dining room. They can relieve some stress and get your home in tiptop shape for special visitors. Enjoy fall and happy hosting!
Beth Rafferty Beth Rafferty Owner & Designer IBB Design Fine Furnishings
DESIGNER WENDY ARNOLD DESIGNER AMY HELLEN COPY EDITOR ERICA YARGER
DWELL WITH
Beautiful Handcrafted Furniture for the Home
burtonjames.com
WELCOME TO
IBB AT HOME BY SHAY GEYER shay@ibbdesign.com
The leaves will soon be changing colors and football season is already upon us. It’s fall and one of my favorite seasons in Dallas. When I think of fall, I picture fiery orange sunsets, cooler temperatures and layers of cozy textures. Our cover story highlights one of my favorite projects that my mom and I collaborated on together for one of her long-time clients. We give you an inside look at the gorgeous home where comfort and style collide to create a home that is the epitome of livable luxe. Our designers have tons of tips and inspiration in store for you to jump-start your home design projects in time to greet your holiday guests. Gail Kueker shares five reasons you should hire a professional designer to help you with designing and decorating your home. James “JT” Turner gives us a lesson in color theory and Kevin Twitty talks about using the oh-so-versatile swivel chair. If you’re looking for ways to bring the fall season into your home’s interiors, you’ll want to check out Mary Helen Peter’s article highlighting some fabulous finds. Harvest, a local farm-to-table restaurant, shares two delicious recipes with us. I’m very excited to feature a special Q&A with my friend Kimberly Schlegel Whitman about her new book Monograms for the Home. We’re also sharing another model home project we completed for Highland Homes. We didn’t forget the kiddos! My daughter, Jaylie, takes us inside a fun twin nursery for a sweet baby boy and girl. There’s no better time to take on a makeover for your home. The kiddos are back in school and your guests will soon be arriving to celebrate the holiday season. Our IBB family is also celebrating something very special this fall. My mom and IBB founder, Beth Rafferty, is being inducted into her high school Hall of Fame. She was nominated by her peers and after a very competitive selection process; she was voted in as of one of two alumni being inducted this year. We’re so very proud of her! I know I can speak on behalf of our entire staff when I say that she has created an amazing business and place for our team to make a career of sharing their passion for design and giving families a beautiful place to call home. Happy fall everyone!
Shay Geyer Shay Geyer Owner & Designer IBB Design Fine Furnishings
FOR MORE DESIGN INSPIRATION, TIPS, AND SNEAK PEEKS FOLLOW US THROUGHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA. INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ibbdesign PINTEREST: pinterest.com/ibbdesign FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ibbdesignfinefurnishings TWITTER: twitter.com/ibbdesign HOUZZ: houzz.com/pro/ibbdesign
orange ALL
ABOUT
Orange symbolizes energy, vitality, excitement, adventure, warmth and good health. In home decor, it can be added as an accent to complement an array of other colors, or be the main focus for a bolder design.
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ORANGE PAINTS TO CONSIDER 1. Benjamin Moore, New Dawn 133 2. Valspar, Autumn Gala 2004-1A 3. Sherwin Williams, Kumquat SW 6648 4. Behr, Bonfire Night P200-7 5. Sherwin Williams, Raucous Orange SW 6883 Orange is a bold choice for a paint color. It could work beautifully as an accent wall, or you could choose to go all out by lacquering wood paneling in a rich orange hue. TIP: Always sample the paint in your space before painting the entire room. Just because it looks fabulous in your friend’s home, doesn’t mean it will look equally as stunning in your home. There are many factors which influence how paint looks in a space.
Follow our “All About Orange” board on Pinterest for more inspiration using this adventurous color in your home. www.pinterest.com/ibbdesign/all-about-orange/
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BY KEVIN TWITTY
SWIVEL CHAIRS
GO FOR A SPIN
TRY A SWIVEL IN YOUR MASTER BEDROOM READING NOOK, SO YOU CAN TURN AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF THE FALL LEAVES CHANGING.
IBB Designer kevin@ibbdesign.com
Swivel chairs are one of my favorite upholstered design pieces. They can be versatile in function and style for any room in the house. They swivel, glide and sometimes rock, so you can easily turn to watch TV, gaze out the window or swivel around to join a conversation. With the rise in popularity, there are so many options to complement your personal style while also providing comfortable and functional seating. Consider your design style before selecting a swivel. An upholstered base provides a more contemporary look, while a skirted base works well with a traditional or transitional flair.Â
COZY UP &
BRING FALL HOME BY MARY HELEN PETERS
Easily transform your home for the fall with a few finishing touches, while maintaining your design foundation. Think color, texture, pattern, layers and accents for cozy chic!
IBB Designer & Visual Merchandiser maryhelen@ibbdesign.com
COLOR Incorporate seasonal colors such as chocolate, caramel and orange, or even gold metallic accents for warmth and a touch of luxe. TEXTURE & PATTERN Adorn a sectional or chairs with texture from a hairon-hide or cut-velvet patterned pillow. LAYER Convey comfort with a colorful cashmere or cable knit throw layered over a chair or ottoman. ACCENTS Complement with natural accessories such as a tree bark stool, fresh fall flowers, and your favorite fall candle. Once your space is all set, grab a good book and curl up by the fire!
ENJOY THE SEASON AND WELCOME FALL HOME!
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5 REASONS TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER BY GAIL KUEKER IBB Designer gail@ibbdesign.com
Hiring a professional interior designer can save you time, money and many sleepless nights! Here are five reasons you should hire a professional designer:
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WHEN A DESIGNER HEARS, "I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT!" IT'S MUSIC TO OUR EARS.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Our designers are trained to look at the big picture. We can help you sort through various wants and needs to find a design that works best for your family, and then manage the details to bring your vision to fruition.
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PRIORITIZATION
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CONNECTIONS
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RESOURCES
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NO REGRETS
Our designers help you define a budget and priorities, and then ensure all decisions are within the project scope. It can be easy to exceed the budget without knowledge of design and furnishing expenses. Our designers are fortunate to work with the best-of-the-best resources and leaders in the design industry. Our extensive roster and experience allows us to create extraordinary interiors customized to each client's personal taste and lifestyle. The IBB Design retail showroom offers 40,000 square-feet of furnishings and accessories. If we don’t have what we need for your project, we also design and customize pieces for our clients on a regular basis.
Ever made a design mistake that ended up costing you money, and still had to live with the piece or the paint color? A designer can make sure you consider all aspects of your interior design to avoid unnecessary complications and expenses.
Time to decorate your windows for the holidays! Save with mail-in rebates on a selection of stylish Hunter Douglas window fashions. Ask for details.
$100
REBATE*
2 PIROUETTE® WINDOW SHADINGS
2 SILHOUETTE® WINDOW SHADINGS
Plus $50 rebate per additional unit
Plus $50 rebate per additional unit
2 VIGNETTE MODERN ROMAN SHADES
4 DUETTE® HONEYCOMB SHADES
4 SOLERA® SOFT SHADES
Plus $50 rebate per additional unit
Plus $25 rebate per additional unit
Plus $25 rebate per additional unit
ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PURCHASES: ®
SEPTEMBER 15 – DECEMBER 7, 2015
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*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/15/15 – 12/7/15 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of any of the product models set forth above in the quantities set forth above. If you purchase less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Offer excludes Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette® Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month
COLOR THEORY
THE MEANING OF COLOR BY JAMES “JT” TURNER IBB Designer james@ibbdesign.com
Friendly & Inviting Yam SW 6643, Sherwin Williams
Many people believe the colors they select for their homes are purely a matter of aesthetic or fondness for a particular shade. Actually, there’s a whole science behind color.
Royal & Luxurious Shadow 2117-30, Benjamin Moore
Elegant & Formal Gauntlet Gray SW 7019, Sherwin Williams
Energizing & Passionate Currant Red 1323, Benjamin Moore
works fabulously as a neutral. The beauty of gray is that it can be partnered with any color in the spectrum. Darker grays evoke a very elegant and formal feeling, while lighter grays are subdued and calming, letting accent colors shine.
Serene & Refreshinging Verdant SW 6713, Sherwin Williams
Warm color preferences are typically
Tranquil & Soothing Seaside Resort 725, Benjamin Moore
Cool colors consist of greens, blues and
Bright & Cheerful Lemon Grass 339, Benjamin Moore Calm & Practical Cement Gray 2112-60, Benjamin Moore
Gray is unbiased and impartial, and
red, orange, yellow or variations of the three. The shades of fire, fall leaves and sunsets are energizing, positive and passionate. Warm colors are great for living rooms – encouraging interaction and stimulating conversation. purples. They remind us of nighttime, nature and water, and suggest a sense of calm and relaxation. These colors are great for bedrooms or spaces you want to feel tranquil and serene.
DESIGNER TIP: Remember to always test paint samples on your walls because they will look different depending on the lighting and space.
www.johnrichard.com
IBB AT HOME 15
FROM THE DESIGNERS
WHAT EXCITING TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING FOR FALL?
NEUTRALS & NATURAL ELEMENTS Bring the majesty of the outdoors inside with neutral, textural and natural elements – creating a feeling of comfort and relaxation in your space.
JEWEL TONES Add life to your home by mixing in jewel tones such as sapphire, emerald and gold. Color enhances your state of mind and wellbeing.
Shannon Gidney IBB Designer shannon@ibbdesign.com
Patty Olsson IBB Designer patty@ibbdesign.com
COZY SECTIONALS
Lauren Macnak IBB Designer lauren@ibbdesign.com
Cozy sectionals add a plush luxury to the family living room by providing ample seating for entertaining or simply a casual place to kick back and relax.
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LIVABLE LUXE INTERIOR DESIGN Beth Rafferty Shay Geyer PHOTOGRAPHY Dan Piassick
The interior of this gorgeous Dallas home was inspired by the ultrachic homeowners' exquisite art collection and love of color. As you enter the home you are welcomed by a grand staircase, a direct view into the backyard resort, and a sampling of their favorite art pieces. Crisp white walls are used in many areas throughout the home to provide a clean background that does not compete with the art displayed. A piece featuring Jack Nicholson tipping his hat greets you walking through the foyer.
A sitting area was created underneath the staircase using modern chairs in a rich teal velvet and chrome frame. Above the chairs hangs a fabric sculpture from artist and fashion designer Elizabeth Anyaa.
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DINING
& HALL The formal dining room was designed in neutral tones to allow the commissioned artwork to be a showpiece in this space. The painting pays homage to the homeowner’s first vehicle, a turquoise pick-up truck. Metallic silver fabric covers the dining chairs which surround a custom sized dining table for frequent dinner parties. The walls and ceiling are finished in a metallic Venetian plaster. A long hallway with a groin vault ceiling connects the two wings of the home.
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FAMILY SPACE The family room features a rich palette of orange and chocolate brown. Vibrant orange cashmere drapery panels highlight the gorgeous architecture of the space. A large-scaled tufted chocolate brown velvet sofa sits on a Kyle Bunting patterned hide rug. For a pop of pattern, a leopard chair was added at the writing desk behind the sofa. The leopard is repeated on brown lacquered barstools in the bar area. White leather Barcelona chairs sit opposite orange and brown striped club chairs.
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LIVING, KITCHEN
& NOOK
The breakfast nook features a fireplace with a pair of modern egg chairs grounded by a patterned hide that features a small pop of orange. The dining table was designed to seat eight and sits in front of a custom aquarium. The kitchen is a chef’s dream. Custom Italian cabinetry, floating shelves and Carrara marble offer a fresh, modern feel to the space. A suspended glass bar was designed for the kids to eat at and use for serving during parties.
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HALL, POWDER BATH & STUDY
Down the hallway, a transitional chest sits under a traditional oil painting of breathtaking clouds. Across the hall, you will find one of the home’s powder baths with a gorgeous backlit gemstone vanity cabinet. At the end of the right wing of the home is a woodpaneled library. White leather game chairs were selected to go around a pedestal game table with a cozy shag rug grounding the space and offering contrast to the design. A powerful black and white photography piece is featured above the cast stone fireplace.
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MASTER SUITE
The master bedroom features a restful palette of silvery blue and crisp white. White Venetian plaster walls provide an elegant backdrop for the wood and chrome shaped bed with a chain-link chandelier hanging overhead like jewelry. Texture is layered into the space with a white Tibetan lamb’s wool pillow on the bed and a bench for a cocktail ottoman in the sitting area. A silvery-blue mohair sofa, white leather swivel chair and mother-of-pearl end tables provide a perfect spot to read a book or enjoy coffee.
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MASTER BATH
The master bath is absolutely breathtaking. Carrara marble from floor to ceiling envelopes the room. Frosted-glass panels serve as walls to the shower and closet. Wood vanities adorned with jeweled hardware flank the entry into the bathroom. A wall of mirror was used behind the freestanding bath tub and showcases the features of the luxury bathroom. A silvery-blue quatrefoil chair sits at a make-up vanity in front of the large windows for the perfect natural light.
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Q&A WITH AUTHOR KIMBERLY SCHLEGEL WHITMAN
MONOGRAMS FOR THE HOME
INTERVIEW BY SHAY GEYER
Shay: What inspired you to do a book about monograms for the home?
somewhat of a modern twist on a family crest. It can be used to personalize stationery, on pillows in the home, table linens and really just about anything.
Kimberly: I’ve always really been attracted to things that were personalized or one of a kind. When I started writing the book, I asked myself why I liked monograms so much. Both of my grandmothers did needlework. It’s very time consuming to do by hand. The idea of someone investing the time and love into making something for another person is just so special.
Shay: What is your favorite personalized item to give for a housewarming gift?
Shay: What are some ways to use a monogram that people may not have thought of?
Shay: What is the proper etiquette on the order of how the letters should be placed in a monogram?
Kimberly: We feature some lampshades made out of antique French monogrammed linens. They were very fragile but they were special to the homeowner so she decided to use them to cover a pair of lampshades. One of the trends that we’re seeing is monogramming floral vases and even trash cans.
Kimberly: I have a chapter on this in the back of the book. Traditionally on bed linens, you use the wife’s monogram. If you use the letters from the husband and the wife’s names, it’s called a duogram. When you’re doing a woman’s monogram, you center the letter of the last name and make it the largest. Then, the first name goes on the left and the middle name on the right. For a more masculine look on a man’s monogram, you would generally do all of the letters the same size and all in a row (first, middle, last). I feel like these days the rule should be to do the monogram the way it feels best to you. Honestly, today anything goes. Monograms are meant to decorate and to personalize so you should choose something that appeals the most to your taste.
Shay: The cover of your book features a monogram that was customized for the family. Tell us more about that. Kimberly: Yes, they are called cyphers. A cypher is a design that is created by layering the letters together instead of putting them in a row. Many people consider it
Kimberly: I love to give monogrammed cocktail napkins or hand towels. They’re both the type of things you can never really have enough of.
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WARM & COZY HIGHLAND HOMES MODEL HOME DESIGNED BY IBB DESIGN FINE FURNISHINGS
For more than 25 years, IBB Design has proudly designed the interior specifications and visual merchandising for Highland Homes. One of our latest projects for them is a fabulous two-story floor plan that features a well-designed story of textures and neutral colors. As you enter the spacious home, you are greeted by a warm palette of black, caramel, taupe, gray and white. To your immediate right is the study and the formal dining room is on your left. The study walls are painted in a rich caramel and a wall of built-in bookshelves were done in a high-gloss black paint finish. We used a geometric patterned rug underneath the desk to make a strong statement and striped linen drapery panels to dress the windows. The wing chair in the room has been a crowd favorite! We used a black velvet for the body fabric and ran a Greek key band down the center of the front and back of the chair.
DINING SPACES We used a favorite paint trick in the dining room to create horizontal stripes around the room. The walls were taped off and then the same color was used in a satin and a flat finish to create the subtle stripes. A rich dark wood transitional dining table is surrounded by velvet chairs. The drapery panels highlight the room’s tall ceilings and add pattern to the space. A narrow rectangular table was used in the breakfast nook to allow seating for six. We used a charcoal gray fabric and a black leather seat on the dining chairs.
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LIVING ROOM Color blocking draperies draw you into in the family room. The open floorplan is ideal for families and entertaining. We used a caramel colored leather sofa with a contrasting chocolate brown welt cord. Texture was brought in through faux fur pillows in black and chocolate brown. A large rectangular wood cocktail table sits on a soft shag rug and balances the sitting area. We mixed metals and layered textures throughout the home. We selected a gold sunburst mirror to hang over the cooktop to play off of the gold in the backsplash.
BEDROOMS/ LOUNGE The master bedroom is painted in a soothing taupe color. A four-poster bed with quilted velvet bedding makes quite a statement in the space. The sketches in gold frames were the perfect choice to go over the nightstands and balance the height of the bed nicely. In the sitting area, we used a pair of chevron chairs and a gold metal and mirrored end table. The guest bedroom is designed with a gray and
TOUR THIS HOME
caramel palette. Monogrammed pillow shams personalize the room. We had a lot of fun designing the upstairs kids’ hangout and lounge area. We painted stripes up the walls and across the ceiling to create a playfulness in the game room. A white lacquered tulip table is the perfect spot for snacks, and gray pin stripe chairs create a sitting area in front of the windows.
Visit http://www.highlandhomes.com/dfw/prosper/windsong-ranch75s for community & driving directions. Project: Highland Homes Windsong Ranch 75 Series Photos courtesy of Highland Homes
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RECIPE
GRILLED WILD BOAR BY CHEF ANDREA SHACKELFORD | EXECUTIVE CHEF, HARVEST
HARVESTTX.COM
INGREDIENTS • • • •
1 rack of boar 1 clove garlic 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup bacon jus or vegetable stock • 1 cup pear, diced • 1 cup raw bacon, diced • 1 small bull’s blood beet • 1 small candy striped beet • 2 cups purple kale, chopped • 1/4 cup pistachios, toasted • 2 tablespoons butter • 2 cups canola or grapeseed oil for frying • Garden herbs for garnish (red sorrel, garlic chives or burnet salad)
DIRECTIONS Mince the garlic, and mix with olive oil. Cover the rack of boar with garlic oil mixture. Place in refrigerator until ready to grill. In a fry proof pot, with a candy thermometer attached to the side, heat 2 cups of frying oil until it reaches 325 degrees. With a mandolin, thinly slice the red beet and drop them in the oil for 1 to 1 1/2½ minutes. Remove the beet chips from oil and set on a dry paper towel to cool. Set aside. Grill the rack of boar to your preferred temperature/ doneness, then let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Heat a sauté pan to medium-high heat. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil in the pan with diced raw bacon. Let bacon cook for 1 minute without stirring, then stir and let bacon cook for 1 more minute.
Add the diced pear and 2 cups of jus or vegetable stock. Let simmer for 2 minutes, until it thickens. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it emulsify with the jus. Toss in chopped kale and pistachios. Cook for 30 seconds and toss. Take the pan off the heat and set aside. Slice candy striped beet on a mandolin as thin as possible.
PLATING On one side of the plate, spoon the kale and bacon in a nice pile. Stack the boar ribs down the middle, and place the raw sliced beets and fried beets all around. Drizzle the remaining jus over the boar and around the plate, garnish with herbs and enjoy!
COCKTAIL
GRAPEFRUIT MARTINI BY TOBY THOMASON | MIXOLOGIST, HARVEST
DIRECTIONS Grab your shaker and partially fill it with ice. Pour in 1 1/2 oz. of infused Vodka, 1 1/2 oz. of fresh-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice, a splash of simple syrup, and 3/4 oz. of St. Germaine Liqueur. Shake contents vigorously, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a freshly picked sage leaf for color and aroma.
INGREDIENTS • • • • •
1 1/2 oz. infused Vodka* 1/4 oz. simple syrup 3/4 oz. St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur 1 1/2 oz. fresh-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice Sage leaf
*GRAPEFRUIT AND HERB INFUSION VODKA DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
Combine all the ingredients into a one-gallon Mason jar. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three weeks. Strain and enjoy!
• Dripping Springs Texas Vodka (2 quarts) • 6 to 8 Grapefruits sliced • 1 Rosemary sprig and 2 Sage sprigs
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UPCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER 9
OCTOBER 24
Partners Card Seller Soiree www.facebook.com/ partnerscardtfp
TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art www.twoxtwo.org
SEPTEMBER 11 Kimberly Schlegel Whitman Book Signing of Monograms for the Home www.ibbdesign.com
OCTOBER 3 Cattle Baron’s Ball www.cattlebaronsball.com
NOVEMBER 7 Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Black Tie Ball www.bbbstx.org
NOVEMBER 13 Dallas On The Move Luncheon Benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society www.nationalmssociety.org/ Chapters/TXH
JULY
2015
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KIDS CORNER
INTERVIEW BY JAYLIE GEYER Interior Design by Shay Geyer Photography by Dan Piassick
TWINS + CONVERTED ATTIC SPACE = ADORABLE NURSERY
In this adorable nursery for twins, my mom took on the challenge of designing a converted attic space into a functional and fabulous room for the Latham family. Jaylie: Kristen, I love all of the colors in the nursery! How did you decide what colors you wanted my mom to use in Grant & Elizabeth’s nursery? Kristen: I really wanted the nursery to be bright and fun. Orange is my favorite color and it pairs with navy and pink for girls, and aqua for boys. I love how it all came together for a great room both Elizabeth and Grant will enjoy. Jaylie: Kristen, what is your favorite part of the room? Kristen: My favorite thing about the nursery is the painted mural. I wanted to incorporate something fun with elephants or giraffes, and Shay came up with the perfect idea. Shay: An animal print fabric we found inspired the mural. It didn’t have all of the colors we were looking for and we wanted the scale to be much larger, so we tweaked the pattern and had our muralist paint it on the wall behind the cribs. It’s such a fun statement when you walk into the room. Kristen: An attic room is challenging because the walls are slanted. Painting the mural on the back wall provided a great focal point to really open up the room. Jaylie: Speaking of challenges, I hear the windows were a bit challenging too.
Shay: Yes! With slanted walls, there are obstacles using typical window treatments. In this case, on one window we used a roller shade with a special hook and decorative cornice. The other window, which is on the front of the house, is vintage glass. We didn’t want to take away from the window’s design but needed a functional window treatment. In order to create a black out effect when the twins were napping, we used a custom fabric insert which easily pops in and out of the window for when the room needs to be dark. Jaylie: I love that there is so much personalization in the room for Grant and Elizabeth. Tell me more about the special touches created just for them. Shay: We designed each of their crib bedding especially for them. For Elizabeth, we chose hot pink and orange, and for Grant we used aqua and orange. I love how they speak individually for “girl” and “boy”, but play well together and with the rest of the colors in the room. We had toy boxes embroidered with their names to put at the foot at each of crib. My favorite personal touch is the art Kristen custommade hanging over their changing table. Kristen: I wanted an art piece which really tied into the nursery design, so I cut animals out of fabric and had them framed. We hung the E, the heart, and the G in a grouping with the framed fabrics to create a gallery wall above the changing table. I just love how everything turned out. I keep telling your mom, it’s the best nursery I’ve ever seen. I’m so excited Elizabeth and Grant get to grow up in such a special room.