I’m sorry my postings has been scarce; it’s been busy on all fronts of my life.  Finding time for all the things I love escapes me sometimes.  I used to be better at managing my time…not sure what happened?  

I do love my time here and the relationships I’ve built since I started this blog.  Rooted is close to having 100 posts—that’s kinda cool and I’m feeling grateful.  I feel some sort of give away is in order…hmmm. 

Here is the second half to the outdoor post that I promised. 

a self confessed sucker for succulents clean lines and the view of water for days….

i came across this image today; it made me think of planning AJ’s nursery…before she was born, when the mama in me wasn’t quite sure how it would all play out…it has played out so beautifully.  

she turns 4 years old on saturday…i cannot believe how fast time is flying and what an amazing little girl she is….so curious, so full of life, so fun…and busy….she starts pre-k in just over a month…..big girl stuff for her and for mama.  we’re formally celebrating in a couple of weeks when all of her favorites are available to sprinkle love on her day.

this pic was taken one morning when she was just under a year, i’m guessing.  notice the jammies are on backwards…our solution to her houdini tricks of the time….i love watching her grow and learn and explore each new phase of her life…but there is this part of me that wishes i could slow down time for a bit, to savor each stage just a wee bit longer….a mama can wish….she and her brother are growing up fast (with big sis tay entering 8th grade this year)….we’ll cherish each day…each and every day.

Peace.

nursery image care of  elle decoration

Sharing a bit of lovely inspiration of a primarily outdoor variety.  It’s been very warm in our neck of the bay area.  We’ve spent evenings in the yard, the lil ones playing in their pool, grilling dinner, and enjoying warm evenings outside.  I thought it was a perfect time to share a bit of outdoor goodness.  I found myself so overwhelmed with outdoor style, I think I’ll break the post up into two parts.  Today, I’ll feature the work of highly seasoned  photographer Ted Yarwood.  

true confession, this makes me want to walk the iron horse trail with one of my gal pals :)

copper, the trickle of water, a lily pads, manicured grasses and sculptured concrete

daylight drenched cozy large scale suspended daybed hammock…perfect backdrop for napping, reading or romance, :)

smooth stone blended with clean lined rustic iron, cylinder sculpture, water wall, moss and curved large scale vases…balanced shapes, scale and material selection goodness

pickled wood, aluminum, geometric lines, sleek clean material elements, wood slats, groomed plantings …….peaceful energy

tiny retreat…tree nestled, crooked stone path, textured plantings, of old and new, where, whisper quiet redeeming

a blend of natural and man made eloquence, rich overhangs, sweet lavender, rustles of small wildlife…blessed and grateful

I hope you are having a very nice week.  If you could change one thing about your outdoor setting, what would it be?  (pssst, we’d have a bigger water feature in our backyard…..BIG DREAM…that water feature would drop into a large pool complete with curved slide)

Peace

‘not to worry because worry is useless in times like these’…an ongoing challenge for me.  

i love this song, ‘where there is a man and there is no voice, there i shall go singing’…..one of my challenges, one of many, is exerting my voice, my power, my authority in my life, my business.  i’m cool if my opinion aligns with yours, but if it differs, and if it is an important topic, i struggle.  in recent years, i’ve realized that rather than wade through the waters of holding my truth in the light, i stuff it, unless i simply can’t bear to, especially if it only affects me.  many people don’t want to hear anything except what they believe…what their perception is.  and many of those same people have such strong coping skills to put it back on whoever disagrees, to make them wrong, to make them feel awkward, you see, that is how they get you to be quiet.  and i have. been quiet.  it is part of what locks me up at times.  

the only exception i experience is when the issue relates to my children.  topics that involve the treatment, care, or parenting of my children, i have a voice, and i feel confident and (a bit more) fearless…my internal critic, the one that tells me most conflicts are because of me, he recedes and i stay present, and firm with what i want for them, what i expect, what i will and will not tolerate…end of story. there is a obvious distinction from issues that involve just me (even in business) and i observe my strength.

 a new goal is to to cultivate this strength and determination for my own life, business, relationships and encounters.

it’s not to say that i don’t feel drained from exerting my voice, because i do.  yet, if the topic is my children, i don’t reel over it, and question myself in useless detail about whether what i am asking for, or how i’m asking for it is valid.  

lil ones deserve to be protected…respected….their mind, their bodies, their souls and their spirits…THAT is one important and never wavering value i have.  

now, as a mom, i certainly have my moments when i lose my patience or overlook something and have to clean it up with AJ & G….i want to model humanity to them….to show them that big people make mistakes and it’s ok to own it, that they deserve apologies too.

for some reason, this is important for me to share here.  it’s a delicate balance having a blog that illustrates my profession, and to also share personal stuff…and yet my personal stuff is intertwined with what i do and the underlying relationships are key elements in my daily life and work.

a theme this year….my voice, my authority, my power…even writing that makes me cringe.  like, what Jana?  you think you have power?  who do you think you are?  

i have to learn to be more comfortable with using my voice.  you see, when I was in Corporate America it was easier to play that role—to enforce the policies and procedures for the companies i represented.  it’s much more difficult and emotionally dicey for me in representing my own business…not just my business, but my passion….something i put my heart and soul into.  every decision, every layout, material selection, piece of furniture, accessory, every everything that i encounter in design is important to me and taken very seriously.  

do not be mistaken though…i equally value the wants, needs, preferences, and interests of my clients.  but that is really for another post.  this is more my sharing of a personal struggle, on a variety of fronts, related to me having a voice in my life in work and in play.

so, here’s to using your voice.  i’d love to hear your experience with having a voice, in life, love, work, parenting, whatever. is this easy for you or do you struggle too?  if you do, what have you found helpful?  it truly helps me and warm my heart when you share your experience here.

Peace.

It’s time for some visual delight….so feminine and deliciously stylized

An example of well selected pieces, on all levels, style, color, scale, finish, texture and placement…these individual pieces may not appear to make sense together, but the entire finished look, it works…reflects selection wisdom and casual comfort, approachability, if you will.

Perfection of material juxtaposition…in it’s simplest form, this is a complementary palette—on the color wheel, of orange and blue….typical of an assignment I was given (back in the day) in color theory class; but looker closer, you see the mix of the rugged and distressed wood flooring, against the rich color and the textural sophistication of the sky blue mohair covering this clean lined rosewood chair—yummy, simple and smart.

Ode to Shabby Chic; the lovely Rachel Ashwell….such a warm hearted talent..can’t wait to see what she shares with us next…it is bound to be beautiful.

Thoughtful vignette…notice the traditional architecture, mixed so well with a contemporary take on the classic bistro table and chairs, nicely varied with the pop of chartreuse and slate blue…warm tea, freshly baked scones, laughter and sprinkles of honest sharing abound here.

I’ve been craving a road trip….of the zen travelling, two lane road, small town locals and campground fires variety….there is something about breakfast cooked on a camp stove that can’t be matched…wherever do we find the time to do all that we wish for?

Yes, as you have seen before, I’m a sucker for the blend of decay and feminine materials and lines—that back wall is to die for, and these peekaboo crocheted lacework pillows, the soft lines of the bench against it’s rustic, rugged finish…….add in the long stemmed roses, a perfect touch. 

Each of these images were shot by the photography talent that is Chris Everard.   His work is threaded with such taste..always appealing yet calming at the same time.

Have a lovely weekend…We’re planning on a bit of work, a bit of play, a bit of outdoor grilling, and maybe some garden time….our garden needs some tending to, some loving.  I find a renewed appreciation for my home when I regularly love on our garden.  I’d love to hear what helps you appreciate your home, your living space?

Peace.

Feeling a bit of melancholy this week; it happens to me…it is not a bad thing, nothing to be worried about; it’s actually part of my process…I have learned this through the years.  Let it be, sit still, know creativity will come, as it does…sweet timing…this life.  

I had a life sized Raggedy Ann in my room growing up, it came from my Grandpa Nordin.  Don’t know what happened to her, but I found these thrifting and adopted them instantly…they live in the studio, they make me happy.

Image taken in my studio, shot by my lovely friend, shannonkelli; quote via the rain is gonna fall, the sun is gonna shine

I hope you are all having a great week.  The weather has been lovely and moderate, something boyfriend and I treasure; AJ & G have wished for a bit more heat as we got them a lil pool this weekend and they love it…we get one every year.  Sending smiles and sunshine.  Peace

Happiness is to be found along the way, not at the end of the road, for then the journey is over and it is too late.  Today, this hour, this minute is the day, the hour, the minute for each of us to sense the fact that life is good, with all of its trials and troubles, and perhaps more interesting because of them.      

Robert R. Updegraff

image via flak photo. 

Dror, is the brand extension for the work of international designer, Dror Benshetrit.  He is a multidisciplinary designer of products, interiors, architecture and art direction.  His background is quite diverse, his experience well seasoned. His client roster includes the likes of Kiel’s, Levi’s, Swarovski, and fashion designer, Yigal Azrouél, among others.

He’s recently launched a series of interior products for Target stores starting at an affordable $19.99 each. The products are stylish, smart, and incredibly easy to assemble.  The modular nesting bookshelves in walnut are sleek, functional, aesthetic and simple.

These are flexible and a nice alternative to higher priced comparable items.

I love how the look varies so nicely just by switching up piece configuration.

This simple, wood veneer and metal accent table could work well in so many small space applications and it’s smart compartmentalized design is quite appealing.

Shifting now to softer scape, he also released this graphic large scale humming bird bedding starting at $19.99 a piece.  (He also has wall art of a similar motif).

The butterfly collection is just as lovely, with a little quieter color palette for his large graphic patterned selection. (Again, wall art is available in this motif as well).

Initially impressed by the product and styling he’s offering for Target, I was inspired to dig deeper into Dror’s body of work.  His interiors are based on the philosophy noted above.  I got this vibe when looking through his portfolio.  One space in particular resonated with me and I am happy to share it with you.  

Lovely, inviting, mysterious, intriguing and evocative, I’d say :)  Old world brick, concrete flooring, low to high light flexibility, minimalistic with smartly unpredictable furnishing choices.  This smacks style through and through.

He also designed this custom piece for a wine bar—I love the lines, the use of strong, distressed materials.  The result is both substantial and shows quiet restraint at the same time; Pieces like these are so inspiring.  I can see variations of this theme working quiet well as an island in a residential cook’s kitchen, a retail cash wrap for a high end hand made metal jewelry designer, or a much smaller version working beautifully as a vanity for a beach house guest bath.

And last but not least, his recently designed Peacock chairs, for the renowned upscale Italian Company, Cappellini.  They are infamous Italian manufacturers of home decor furnishings, decorative objects, panel systems and area rugs and well as a full spectrum of product offerings within the commercial realm design.

Historically, Cappellini has been known to work with lesser known designers from all over the world.  Many of these designer’s have gone on to experience  a more fruitful following and expansive client base as a result of their collaborative relationship with this world renowned company.

One of the benefits of authoring this blog is learning a bit more about the inspiration, philosophy and life behind the people and products I feature here.  This post was no exception.  

If you get a chance, check out Dror’s full product offer for Target, here, or look for it during your next Target store visit.  Currently 18 products are available through Target, with several new products expected to be released within the coming months.   

Peace :)

I recently visited Century Furniture’s website, while researching some outdoor furniture options for a client. Their site is refreshing, their pitch is fresh and inviting.  I’m so excited to share a few of their pieces available within their leisure outdoor category.  The styles are timeless, but fresh, with a variety finish options.

The Andalusia and Riviera lines (like most of their styles) allows you to work with their basic canvas options, or easily customize each piece with the fabric of your choice. Cast and extruded powder coated aluminum frames, with finishing that resembles a hand forged appearance result in a freshness that is stylishly spot on.  These classic frames have the quality that Century is long been known for, but the finish is engineered for full time exterior use.  I honestly could see many of these pieces working beautifully in both indoor and outdoor applications.  

The sleek clean lines, generous scale and proportion, variety of customization options with both frame color and fabric selection opens up the possibilities for so many gorgeous looks.

Finish options are as essential to the success of a look as the style and quality of construction.  For my client’s money, Century does a phenomenal job on all fronts in creating pieces with options that allow designer’s creative freedom to reflect their client’s dream looks.

The functional and attractive chaise canopy and tassel add a sense classic style…aren’t these just lovely?

There is something so fresh, comfortable, versatile and classic about this chaise.  Again, this would work beautifully in an outdoor poolside setting as well as in a corner reading nook in a large master bedroom suite.

Century also offers many other leisure outdoor styles.  I found so many that were appealing.  Here are a couple that speak volumes on style and remind me, quite refreshingly, of the longstanding, geometrically sexy McGuire furniture line.

I love the masculine scale, precision of stylizing within the frames, and the finishes that reflect a richness that will last and last.  Designing pieces that are generous in scale, reflect style longevity, offer finish flexibility and are timelessly tasteful is something Century does quiet well.

Nothing speaks style like the classic lines of the renowned Oscar De La Renta.  This piece, the quintessential lounge chaise, reminds me of a few nap filled afternoons poolside in my younger years. Cushions and throw pillows are beautifully dressed in a whitewashed acrylic.  These woven frames are a reflection on the classic scale, quiet finish, rich textural quality that serves so many design looks well.

Lastly, I’ve included a sleek option with their Gulf Stream, maritime look.  This is reflective of yacht railings with their stainless steel frames crafted in forms that combine striking vertical and horizontal planes with soft curves.  These read a bit more modern in spirit and would fold nicely in many indoor or outdoor design settings.  I can see seats covered in many fabric styles from small textural quiet weaves to rich, bold, large graphic patterns.

I will be featuring a few of Century’s mirrors in another post.  This is a ‘to the trade’ vendor, but one that offers design sensibility, classic quality construction, a continual commitment to customer service, and an investment in maintaining style freshness that is so important in an ever changing design climate.

Thank you for being here; it really does make me smile.  

Peace.

I got slammed the latter part of this week and didn’t get a chance to be here.  I have some fun things lined up for next week…this visual gives you a little taste…couldn’t you just fold right into this room and read, nap, sing, sip tea or just look at the ocean from your window.  This company has been around a long time, and I’ll be featuring some of my favorite selections of their furnishings in two different posts.  The first will be a few outdoor/leisure pieces that are fresh, clean lined beauties that I could also see working within an interior setting.  The second will illustrate a few of my favorites within their mirror line…I’ll disclose the vendor (image source) in my first post… :)  The image above didn’t really fit either theme, but I had to share it with you because it speaks volumes on quiet tasteful use of sexy shaped furnishings, a quiet tone on tone color palette, layered smartly with varying textures and finished with the perfect value of sea glass blue to soothe the eye.

I hope you have a lovely weekend.  We will be having a bit of family over tomorrow to celebrate father’s day and my boyfriend’s birthday, which was earlier this week.

I’ll leave you with this thought:

Progress always involves risk; you can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.                                                                                                                                                           Frederick Wilcox