I have loved taking the week off to spend time with family, friends and to catch up on a few loose ends around The Studio. I have also taken this week to look back on a few of my favorite projects, blog posts and of course prepare for a fabulous 2013! I have been fortunate to have met and “worked” with so many driven, successful and motivational people in this industry.  There is nothing more rewarding that inspiration and unconditional support, especially in this competitive industry.

Tobi Fairley has been one of those people and I can say THANK YOU enough to her and the great team she surrounds herself with.  This past Spring, Tobi asked me to participate in a   Get The Look post as an opportunity to spread the word about my design Studio and of course my online boutique, Shop Ten 25.  I loved pulling the post together so much, that I later decided to make Get The Look Monday standard on my blog!

So one of my 2013 goals is to pay it forward! As my business grows and you lovely readers continue to support the changes around here, I can’t help but think of what I was going through 4 years ago when I decided to start this chapter in my life!  Seeing my business grow &  having others reach out to support me has been overwhelming…in a good way!  I hope that we can all remember what it was like to branch out on our own, start something new and be so thankful for any morsel of advise to keep us going!

Wishing you all a wonderful and successful 2013!! It WILL be amazing.  Take a look at the Get The Look pieces from Tobi’s blog this past spring, all of the pieces have links for you too!  And while you are on her blog, take a look around, there are TONS of fabulous things to inspire you too!

This Downtown Dallas loft was stark and cold the day I walked in. The concrete floors, walls and structural columns are typical of most downtown loft buildings so I knew what I was up against.  This master bedroom design brings in color, style and a softness that compliments the industrial feel of the space.  The view from the room looks out to various buildings in the downtown area and sits just above the buildings common patio area.

My biggest challenge for the space was to create a chic and swanky loft on a tight budget. I love working on projects like this & feeling challenged to create a room that looks like it cost a million bucks.  I think you will be surprised to see where we snagged a few of the pieces in the room

Custom Pillows and Upholstery on Bench from City Craft Dallas.  Yellow and white fabric from Heather Bailey. Black & White garden trellis fabric from Paula Prass.

The Black Lacquer bamboo mirrors were a vintage store find and so was the starburst mirror. They were pretty pitiful looking when we found them but the black lacquer really did a 180 on the over look!

Tufted Headboard from Nate Berkus on HSN!!! I KNOW RIGHT?? It’s beautiful.

The sunny yellow lamps and chrome accent table, both  a TJ Maxx Homegoods find.

Rug: SHOP TEN 25 Pattern:Rome Color: Gold

I have been working on a new space and wanted to share a sneak peak of the progress. But first, I wanted to share the inspiration for the space. Kate Spade’s style is classic, elegant and just the right touch of girly girl! I spotted this look at the Downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus store and knew this was the direction I wanted to go for this project.

I hope to have the final images…with better lighting… in my hands in a few weeks. But, for now enjoy the iphone pics of this fabulous downtown loft apartment.

Our homeowners were looking to make a move soon but wanted to complete their master suite in the meantime.  This master bedroom started as a plain white room that the homeowners didn’t feel like spending any time in.  Their goal was to transform their plain third-floor bedroom into an open space with a bright yet relaxing feeling.  Since this was a temporary space, our biggest challenge was not being able to paint, replace the light fixtures or flooring. The bedding was a recent purchase and our homeowner wanted to use it as the inspiration for the overall look.  We took the king-sized bed and added stunning velvet tufted upholstered headboard, two unique bedside tables for added storage and a whimsical orchid pillow for a pop of color. We needed to spiff up the sliding glass door and remove the plastic vertical blinds. We put up drapes in a beautiful buttery yellow and soft blue striped silk fabric to tie in with the bedding and soften up the sliding glass door.  A sitting area was created next to the glass door as a restful place to read and enjoy the city below. After a few last-minute touches, this master-suite was complete.

Enjoy the details!

As my clients look for ways to cut cost with out compromising good design, I am constantly looking for better “budget” options.  It seams like the big trend in decorating/ design is getting “the look” for less.  And with HGTV and the Style network bringing so many fabulous designers and their unique shows for all of us to drool over…great design and fabulous rooms are no longer a dream. Right now I am working on a few bedrooms that require high style but come with tiny budget.  I love to shop for bargains and am  fortunate to be in the fabulous and resourceful city of Dallas, TX.  There are tons of budget friendly finds to be had at places like Ikea, Target, Walmart, TJ Maxx homegoods & Marshall’s just to name a few. Not to mention many of the high end “outlet” stores where fab pieces from last season go to be re-discovered again. Places like Horchow Finale, Last Call Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel outlet, the new Lam Lee outlet  and I could go on.

I was recently asked to create a room similar to the one my client gave me (below)..only on a budget. I wanted to stick with the budget friendly stores for the basics and I was able to find almost everything in the room at WAL-MART and Target!!  Getting great deals is great, but I do still believe that you need to invest in quality pieces that will be classics and be able to withstand a few relocations along with average wear and tear. Her is her letter

Hi Abbe,

I am a new college grad with my first place and am in serious need of new furniture in my bedroom. I have decided to sell most of my awful college furniture and replace it with a more chic grown up look for my first place. I have just moved into my new apartment and would love to get started on my bedroom right away. I have a brand new mattress set (queen size) and a few pieces of art that I love and would like to use in the space. I am including a picture of a bedroom that I totally LOVE and want for my new place. I have started to look at things similar to the items in the picture but am hitting a wall and have no idea how to pull it all together. My budget is small ($1,300), I have money stuck back from graduation gifts and would like to use that without dipping into my  new paycheck! Hopefully  you can help me find things to create the look, I am open to anything you suggest but my one request is to find the wallpaper. I know it’s an apartment and I shouldn’t put up wallpaper but I really think it will make the room. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

Thanks, Stephanie

Stephanie has fabulous taste and I can see why she is not wanting to budge on the wallpaper! With a few clicks and free shipping as a bonus, Stephanie will be right on budget to create the look she wants. Now this college grad can come home and relax in style! Here is the finish board, I usually don’t get detailed on pricing and the location of the items I suggest but this is such a fabulous price!!

Here is the run down on cost:

1.King Ivory Tufted Headboard: Walmart $269.00

2.Netural Bedding: Walmart $49.99

3.Faux Silk Pillows: Walmart $12.88 each

4.Chrysanthemum Wallpaper: Target $74.99 double roll

5.Black Nightstands: Walmart $104.75 each

6.Glass Base Table Lamps: Walmart $76.00

7.Pinch Pleat Drapery Panels: Walmart $31.88 each

8.Canary print Chair: Target $299.99

9.Blue Accent Pillow: Target $24.99

Total approximate cost: $1093.9