My Top Picks from High Point Furniture Market

Friends.. today I'm bringing you my favorite finds from last fall's adventure to High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina. Some unforeseen work opportunities have delayed this post but I've finally sorted through the various vendors & their beautiful new offerings. Go ahead, feast your eyes on these glorious designs: 

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TWO

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SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN 

TWELVE

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram (@sweetondesign) then you probably saw my excitement when this event actually went down. I am a HUGE Mad Men fan and happened to love Bryan Batt LONG before I realized his connection to New Orleans AND Interior Design.  Yeeesh.. so many of my favorite things all wrapped up in one handsome designer!

Bryan Batt's new book Big Easy Style is sure to be the flame for your creative fire - it's the perfect gift for yourselves or your favorite stylish friend.

**A special shout out to my former boss Melissa Rufty & MMR Interiors for their contributions to this fabulous book.**

And there you have it.. a mix of brilliant pieces for both residential and commercial interior design! If you are in the market for any of my top picks be sure to contact me - I'd be thrilled to help you find the perfect piece for at perfect price.

Here's to creative & thoughtful design solutions -- may they effect positive change in the spaces we inhabit each day! 

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE EVERYONE!

So! After taking inventory of my photos from the past 12 months it is obvious that I've been through a whirlwind of change & adventure!  I've celebrated so many beautiful weddings, spent time with my gorgeous Goddaughter who seems to be growing at the speed of light, met Baby Liam - the newest addition in my soon-to-be family, became ENGAGED to my super handsome & smart & wonderful boyfriend, and had the good fortune to visit close friends & family in far off places.  

All the while I've been toiling away in the shop conjuring up just what exactly I'll be doing with this next phase of my career. It has been a stream of brilliant creation, arresting fear and confidence testing like never before. Lots of contemplative thought. Lots of "what if" questioning, and to be perfectly honest... lots of doubt.  Blessed with a crazy supportive family and incredible teachers & mentors, I'm happy to close 2011 with loads of excitement and enthusiasm for the year to come. 

Here is a brief list of some of the teachers I've encountered this year & their blogs or books. I don't know how they showed up in my life but each seemed to come at the exact right moment and I wouldn't be in this exciting new place -- geared up for all of these new beginnings in 2012 -- if it weren't for each one of them. I hope that if you're seeking it out... these brilliant human beings can bring you direction & peace of mind as well: 

Business & Entrepreneurship:

Danielle LaPorte - http://whitehottruth.com/ & Marie Forleo- http://marieforleo.com/ 

Savvy entrepreneurs & modern day goddesses in their own right... these women have been the salvation to my fledgling business and have given me the confidence to proceed with a little caution, a lot know-how and a dash of sass into the creative pursuits that I envision for my future. 

Tim Ferriss - http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/

Tim has created a revolution with his "four hour" systematic lifestyle changes. The four hour work week is a refreshing paradigm shift for a new generation of employees & employers.  He will give you the tools you need to untie yourself from cubicle hell, venture out on your own, toss corporate ladder climbing to the wind and get the most out of this short, precious life we have been given. 

Everyone at CopyBlogger - http://www.copyblogger.com/

If you run a website, own a business or have a product that you want to sell - CopyBlogger has the tools to make your marketing, branding & sales pitches a huge success.  

Health & Wellness: 

Kriss Carr (Author of Crazy Sexy Diet) : http://crazysexylife.com/about/

A beautiful, deeply passionate, cancer fighting bad-ass whose mission in life it is to get us all off the typical American diet and into healthy, clean living. Love her deeply. 

Once again.. Tim Ferriss with The Four Hour Body  -http://www.fourhourbody.com/ 

Peope this is literally the only "diet" that has ever worked for me long term. I think the idea of 6 days of good behavior and one cheat day must be what has tipped the success scales in my favor because I've literally never felt better. Check it out for yourselves... you won't be sorry!! 

Spirituality & Self Exploration: 

Sue Monk Kidd's Dance of the Dissident Daughter http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Dissident-Daughter-Christian-Tradition/dp/006064589X

Sue's ideas might not be for everyone but her empowering message was perfectly timed for the place I am in my spiritual life. A blessing to females everywhere. 

Pixie Campbell & The SouLodge: http://www.pixiecampbell.typepad.com/

Pixie's Native American roots give way to beautiful insights into the human condition, love of family & a journey towards deeply knowing yourself.  Anyone who is looking for strength within must take a look at her site.  :) 

Eckhart Tolle: http://www.eckharttolle.com/

I've just dipped my toes in this pool and cannot begin to explain how interesting his ideas are.  It's a heady journey to say the least but his teachings will give you some deep insight into the conscious & unconscious mind.  

Writing and Creating: 

Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird: http://www.amazon.com/Bird-Some-Instructions-Writing-Life/dp/0385480016

A great read to keep you motivated as a writer or creator of any sort.

Your Big Beautiful Book Plan: http://yourbigbeautifulbookplan.com/

Hint Hint... this will be one of my bibles for 2012!

The War of Art & Do The Work by Steven Pressfield: http://www.stevenpressfield.com/the-war-of-art/

Pressfield helps you understand why you're stuck, helps you name what that stuckness is and helps you fiercely tackle it head on.

And that my friends is my 2011 wrapped up in one little blog post!

Thank you so much for being a part of this 2011 blogging adventure. I can't wait to bring you insights from the world of interior design in the upcoming year.  

!!!Cheers to you and yours!!!

-Christina Lee

~**HAPPY NEW YEAR**~

Designing A New Way To See The World

In a recent issue of DWELL magazine I came across Mikiko Endo and her magical spaces. Drawing on the insight of her children, a keen understanding of the materials she utilizes (primarily wood) and her own desire to bridge the gap between life & architecture, Mikiko has devised magnificently playful spaces for kids of all ages. 

As mentioned in DWELL Magazine's Young at Any Age she believes that when spaces or installations are "giant, extreme and surprising - but also very simple" they are well received by young & old alike. 

(VIA)

The installation below had giant chalkboard walls that reached up to 12' in the air. Adults propped one another up on their shoulders in order to make their mark in the highest spots! 

(VIA)

(VIA)

Mikiko's ability to disregard preconceptions about a space allows the user to experience a new way to se the world... a way that ignites their imagination.  Can you imagine having a tent or play space with hundreds of t-shirt sleeves or neck openings to slip your own arms into or peek your head out of... 

(VIA)

She has also developed user inspired products like the reading mats below that are not only functional but instigate play & curiosity among children as they explore the structural and functional possibilities of the mat. 

(VIA)

Mikiko Endo is my type of designer.  She knows that the designs we create can positively influence how we experience our day.  They can make us playful and imaginative.  We can solve functional problems through playful innovation.

I imagine that her workday, much the same as her end products or designs, is playful, imaginative and ultra fulfilling. Consequently, we are delighted by the joy & imagination that take place when we experience her designs for ourself.   

Click HERE to find Mikiko Endo's Project Gallery and more of her incredible work. 

Enjoy!

It's been a busy week my friends...

Map Making * Path Paving * & LOTS of Creating. 

Old projects winding down as new ones begin to emerge.

Heres to a little blood, sweat & tears in the name of doing what we love.

* Devoted Readers * Crazy Fans *         *Deep Seated Love* 

It's true. We may not have specific characters to emulate at the latest interior design book launch but that doesn't mean we're less devoted to its story or its purpose!

At the risk of repeating myself on this one: if you're gift shopping for a designer look no further. You answer is Interior Design & Architecture Books. Get us one of these and we're putty in your hands. It's a sickness really...

We love tangible evidence of a world that acknowledges our craft. Consider something that documents the beauty in a restored facade or historic architectural details. We also love anything that can show us a new way of looking at the built environment. 

Remember when I told you HERE about my wonderful Godmother Renie? Well she has outdone herself and sent another literary gem, Southern Interiors of Charleston, South Carolina.

Little did she know when she made the purchase that Charleston was the destination of choice for our wedding next year. Truly a wonderful gift for this utterly devoted interior designer.

Here now are some of my favorites from Southern Interiors of Charleston.  I find the last image particularly intriguing...!! 

Delicious Architectural Molding:

I believe I spy a sleeping porch..

Out and about on the mesmerizing streets of Charleston

And finally - this gem:

I quote..

"Of the many antiques with which Seabrook is furnished, none attracts such enthusiastic comment as the perambulator at the right; a Victorian mother would be startled to discover that the family family baby carriage has been put to use as a rolling cocktail bar"

Talk about repurposing geniuses ahead of their time!

Ladies & Gents of Charleston, my hat is off to you. 

On that note.. today we are off on another adventure filled trip to Charleston S.C. We'll be wandering the streets searching for the perfect venues to include in our wedding celebration --- which happens to be exactly 365 days from TODAY! 

*Cheers to you all*

~Tina Lee

Philippe Starck is the epitome of thoughtful designer.  The end product of 3-dimensional space and user experience is only one layer of his incredible design process. He will create an intricate back story for the "theoretical guest" then consider that guest's impact on humanity or vice versa. This character development allows him to shape an entire boutique hotel around this person's story.

His spaces whisper of magic and adventure and are a refreshing change from the otherwise magic-less world of hotel chains.  We travel to experience the world in new ways.  Philippe Starck designs in a way that pushes those experiences to a deeper, richer & more meaningful place. 

I can only day dream about what its like to work in a studio with Philippe as he explores unique stories, brings forth new magic and gives life to the briliant spaces in his mind. 

Some quotes from P.S. about his spaces:

Mama Shelter is a hotel and restaurant where everyone can be united, rich, poor, known or unknown artists.  Like an open platform that is rich in possibilities for locals to show their talent and have exchanges with others.

There are no projects without something very strong behind them; a humanity reason, social reason, or a love reason. A vision. Otherwise no legitimacy exists. We cannot separate Mama Shelter from its genius, simple application of a vision and a story. Human history, a meeting, affinities, a deep friendship, people who love each other. This is the starting point of everything. - Philippe Starck

The Royal Eclaireur - Raffles Paris has nothing to do with architecture or decoration, it is an exploration. It’s an exploration of what the French spirit is, of what it should be, and what it could be. Our qualities, our flaws, this poetry, this romanticism, this reflection, this critical spirit taken to an even higher level, which either kills or confirms. 

It’s the creation of an internal mental space within the physical surroundings and even replacing decoration ; the mental in place of the esthetic, literature in place of style. The creation of a total space, of a life, a memory, of a passage as if its molecules had been set in motion by music, as if the air had become palpable with the scent of parfume, as if a room could be understood by evoking the exquisite soul of one who had lived there, and had left behind memories, gifts, and memoires.

- Philippe Starck

Photos via Starck

It's True! I'm not here today but I am over at Casa de Campo Living, an online magazine catering to community life at the most beautiful resort in the Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo!

Click HERE for the first installment of my series for Casa Living.

The Sun Shines Brighter at Casa de Campo

Dear house number at 1 Habersham Way,

 You are precious.

That is all.

<3, Tina Lee

Why Are You Walking in Circles Girl?

Although labyrinth's have been around for thousands of years only recently have they garnered the attention of Western society.

These meditative labyrinth walks have been seen popping up as additions to religious spaces, healing spas and retreats. At their core labyrinths create the opportunity for a calm, meditative space for you to clear your mind, center yourself or deal with questions or concerns in your life.  

(VIA)

By giving your brain the task of finding it's way around the labyrinth you allow intuitive thoughts to make their way in. Essentially, you're getting your logical thoughts out of the way and making room for inspiration, guidance and insight.

(VIA)

You can enter the labyrinth with an intention or a question that is supposed to be resolved by the time you reach the center. Then you are given time to allow that answer or insight to resonate as you make you way back around and out of the labyrinth.Your walk could be quick & relaxing or serious & contemplative. Either way you leave the labyrinth experience feeling restored.

(REAL SIMPLE)

My first experience with one of these was at the Cygalle Healing Spa at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. I certainly had not intended on meditating that afternoon.. I was there taking advantage of Cygalle's indulgent spa treatments. On my way out however, I spotted a beautiful labyrinth. I had recently been introduced to the concept of labyrinths and decided to give it a go. 

It wasn't until I'd almost made my way to the center of the labyrinth that I realized the power of this type of mediation and mind clearing.  Up until that time my thoughts pointed out the pointlessness of this activity and questioned how silly I probably looked to others (of which there were none but my mind acted like I was performing a circus act for the whole town).

And then it happened.. clarity. I was struggling with a tough decision at the time and it was as if all of the barriers fell away and the answer was perfectly clear... as if it was in front of me the entire time. Which I imagine it was, isn't that the way with intutive thoughts?

Seek out a labyrinth the next time you plan a trip OR if you're lucky enough to stumble upon one of these beauties then take the time to walk with yourself. If you're already on to the powers of this type of meditative labyrinth walk, why not make one of your very own? What better way to start the morning than getting out in the fresh air and having a few minutes dedicated to your intuition and insight.

I'm going to steer off the design path for a moment today.  I've been working with some incredible digital tools lately but there is one in particular that I don't think YOU can afford to go another day without taking advantage of, her name is...

EVERNOTE

I could write love sonnets to this program but I will spare you just this once. Evernote is basically one big ball of organizational goodness. It will keep track of every note, recipe, thought, picture, article or document you've ever created. I'm going to tell you my favorite ways to use Evernote and then direct you to some of the best resources to get you started.

My Evernote

I currently have Evernote downloaded on my computer, my phone and my ipad.

On the computer I use the Evernote Web Clipper to clip the articles, images and websites that I'd like to save. You highlight the portion of the webpage that you'd like to save and hit the Web clipper button.  You can choose to save them into topic specific Notebooks. I have created separate notebooks for Clients, Inspiring Images, Business Documents, etc. Then you can organize your notebooks into notebook "stacks". Personal, Work, & Resources are the three main "stacks" I use to organize all of my notebooks. 

On the phone I take pictures of things I want to remember when I'm on the road.  I like to jot down notes or voice recordings when ideas come to me instead of hoping that I will remember them when I get home. I also take photos of receipts so they don't all end up at the bottom of my purse - this can be a huge help with expense reports! 

I take the ipad on site to projects in order to have important documents & images available without needing access to the internet. (There is a sync feature that updates your notes across all of your devices in real time so you don't need wi-fi in order to access any of the information you've put into your notebooks).

Paperless Aspirations

It is possible to scan in all of your documents and keep them safely in Evernote. You create a file system the same way you would in a file cabinet but this one becomes accessible from almost anywhere in the world. Then toss those papers into the recycle bin and relish in your clutter free work environment.  

Search Feature

One of the best features in Evernote is it's search capability. Type a word into Evernote's search box and any note that includes that word is pulled up. You can take a photo of a business card and import it into Evernote.  Any names or words within a photo you've imported are automatically searchable in Evernote.  No more carrying around a book of of business cards..Hooray!

Your Evernote

For your own shot at organizational bliss...

Go HERE and see a quick intro to the world of EVERNOTE. 

Then go HERE and read about all of the possibilities and features.  

Finally go HERE to sign up.  Make sure you install your EVERNOTE Web Clipper so you can clip images, articles, & websites into your Evernote notebooks while you're surfing the web.

Everyone needs a little EVERNOTE in their life..Organize and Enjoy!