LINTELS + LALLIES BLOG

I've been busy--it's been difficult to make time for blogging!  However, my visit to Magnolia Market I feel, is *blog-worthy*.  😆 So I'm making time to write  at 10:00pm .  Right off, let me answer the top two questions everyone's been asking.  Then, I'll expand into the nitty gritty of my visit. 1. Did I meet Chip & JoAnna Gaines?  No.  I tried to check their appearance schedule and even went as far as to try to schedule a meeting with their public relations team member...but they were busy the week I was there. 2. Is it worth traveling to see?  My answer is to, wait.  Is it worth it?  Yes, but there's still work to be done, and if you're traveling as far as I did...you might want to go when it's more complete.  It was still great, but I think there's reasons to wait. If you are planning a trip in the near future regardless of my "wait" comment--I recommend you go in October 6-8th when they are having ...

So, what do we mean by ‘approachable design’? We believe that the modern role of interior designers has changed from its historical beginnings.  Homeowners today have so many resources at their fingertips. 

So I'm doing some "website editing" (fun, fun *sarcasm*), and felt this post was more of a blog-style and thought I'd keep/move it over here--enjoy! Ever wonder why you bring home several paint swatches from the paint store only to find that none of them look the way you thought they would?

Whew, it's been awhile since my last entry; I've been a busy bee! I've had renovation after renovation nonstop!  Last year we completed a church that was new construction, a master bath renovation, a basement, countless color & furniture consultations, and a kitchen and sunroom renovation...I'm sure I'm missing stuff...it was a very busy year for L&L!  Then, my husband shocked us all by ending the year with open-heart surgery!  Literally right after returning from Northwestern (hospital) we learned we are expecting BABY #3! So, here I am, my hubby's doing great, we've been back to work for several months and my wardrobe is getting more, um, "difficult".  I decided to treat this "season" with a full closet overhaul.  I've started packing away things I know will take awhile to fit back into...and my closet is somewhat empty! I'm so busy with work these days, and I HATE shopping for maternity clothes.  I pulled out my ma...

Awhile ago I mentioned a deeply personal gift I got my hubby for our anniversary.  With Valentine's Day around the corner, I thought I'd share this unique gift with you. Below is an abstract canvas by "Voice Art Gallery".   Just like thumbprints, each of us has our own unique voice and when viewed in sound waves no two are alike. Voice Art Gallery has put this into a beautiful work of art.  You can record and upload anything...a baby's first heartbeat,  sing a song, read a poem, you name it!  You can even customize the size, color & frame. So how do you read it?  Each print comes with a certificate/link you can even get a QR code that your iPhone can scan and it will play your recording! Sorry folks, I'll never share what my message was, but you can see it framed below! To learn more, make your own or visit the friendly staff at: http://www.voiceartgallery.com

So, today I’m going to share with you a little secret…a delightful site I stumbled upon during one of my random Google searches… It is called The Grommet .   The site is a big platform that features unique items made by real folks – many products even have fun videos that build a natural connection between the consumer and the product innovator.   It’s such a friendly way to shop!   With that connection, you feel like you are making a small difference to help support someone’s creativity and dream. I spent a little too much time on this site, (is there such a thing?!) but I’m proud to say that I also got a huge portion of my Christmas shopping done in August-whoo-hoo! The Grommet , brings amazing products from all over to your fingertips.   There is something for everybody.   The videos make it like a friendly ‘Shark Tank’ buying experience. (One of my favorite TV shows by-the-way). Here’s a little video about who they are& be sure to check out...

  BELOW IS A WALK-THROUGH OF MY SON'S FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY -WILLY WONKA THEME- 

Sometimes I think when you are a *creative* person, you tend to lack in certain organizational and maintenance skills. For me I’m kinda a messy person. Ok, ok, I’m a *really* messy person. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy cleaning…but have to be in the mood for it…which let’s face it, doesn’t happen very often, and so cleaning becomes procrastination. (Am I procrastinating by writing this blog? Whoops!) At my *Faithful Fitness*class today, we played a little game to help us get to know each other better. So, when those of us with “dirty dishes” in our sink had to get up and move…I learned that maybe I’m not alone…but then I was impressed by those who had managed to clean either the night before or first thing in that morning. For years I told my husband that "if I were a good housekeeper too, then I’d be perfect, and that’s just not achievable, I mean we all have to have a flaw right?" (smile)…but after 15 years, the cuteness and charm of that comment has worn off. It’s ...

As we should, women take pride in their home. And who knows how to decorate it better than you right?! Exactly . (you can relax & breathe - we agree - {smiles})  I think the biggest misconception about designers is that we come in and push *our* vision in *your* space…while that may be true of some, it simply is not the case for us. We *get it*. It is not an “all or nothing” thing for us. We help you with as much or *as little* design as YOU want. We value what you, the homeowner, have learned through watching your favorite design shows, reading magazines, and viewed online, you may even have a natural eye for design! But let’s face it….have there been times you feel like a room doesn’t have a *finished look*? You’ve probably struggled with finding the perfect paint color. These factors have nothing to do with you personally being bad at decorating your home…it just means that, maybe you can use a *little* help in certain areas.  And there is nothi...

Ah, the holidays! The warm glow of the Christmas tree lights up your evening. Festive, shiny decorations fill every surface of your home. Then, you face the dreaded tear-down process... There is a little sadness to putting it all away, but what I think many people neglect to think about is that there are still great ways to *decorate* through the winter months. With many years decorating showrooms and window displays, I’ve learned a few tricks to help *ease* out of the holiday season. Check them out below: 1.Glitz. Silver & Gold. This is a great color scheme to carry you through the New Year & the remainder of a wintery January. So bring out (or leave out) the crystal, silver bowls, etc. 2.Keep the red. No, sorry, the Santas need to go…but look at your decorations, and find items that don’t scream *Christmas* & repurpose them. For example, maybe you have red roses, red lanterns, candles, candle-holders, tray/bowls etc. Red is a very warm color. So, visually...

Whew, so what’s with that heavy subject title, eh?!   J   Well, for those of you who know me, know I’m a ridiculous dreamer.   I believe anything can happen.   I’m one of those annoying *positive* people.   I’ve always felt something *big/great* would happen to me one day.   I grew up watching “Star Search” and dreaming of what it would be like to be one of those people.   I used to watch movies & would quickly memorize lines and became fascinated by the *world of television*.   So, having my own show on HGTV…um, are ya kiddin’ me?!…*design + TV*….SIGN ME UP!   At first I just toyed with the idea…then you all encouraged me and I realized, I’ve got nothing to lose, let’s do it!   So, I checked everything out…there was a very long (I’m guessing around 15 pages) questionnaire to fill out, portfolio pics, headshot pics, and then there was the actual audition video submission.   As some of   you may know, we kinda lik...

(If you've already read this post, scroll down to the bottom for the updated images!) One of the things that make my design process unique is the way I use art.   Many people think of art as an afterthought, or just an accessory.     When I can, I try to use it as inspiration to build a room from.    That is exactly what I did when designing my kitchen.   About 12 years ago, I purchased my first pieces of art, which included these two great vintage magazine covers.   I love their personality, history, and humor.   My goal was to evoke that *feeling* in our kitchen.   I also used a literal translation, by mimicking the colors in the art.   You’ll see the same colors in my barstool fabric, my cabinets, and even the cream background of the art is what I used in selecting my countertops. Here are the vintage magazine covers I used.   Being a picky eater growing up, I could totally relate to wanting to feed the dog under t...

I’m thrilled to introduce my latest passion, a new service of Lintels & Lallies, called “WORDS”. After many requests, now you can purchase original hand painted works of art created to uplift you & your family. There are pieces available in all price ranges & I have also been taking custom orders. Please read below to learn more about this exciting line. With a distraction of 5,000 advertisements per day, WORDS , is designed for you and your family; to silently speak encouragement by bringing the focus back on the core values each family finds important. Maybe it is the lyrics of your first dance as husband & wife, to help remind you of your commitment. Maybe it is a saying your grandmother taught you that you’d like to carry on. Maybe it is scripture or poetry. Whatever you value to help you keep focus and feel inspired throughout the day. Please check back regularly - I will be adding more paintings in between orders. If you have something you...

The Versatility of Vintage Rugs   Vintage can be a vague term often referring to an elusive time in the past.   When it comes to rugs, vintage has a distinct meaning. Rugs produced between the 1920s - 1970s are classified as vintage.   This time period in the arts was an explosion of style, color, and experimentation.   The results were an eclectic mix of beauty, sophistication, and playfulness which reflected the influence of major art movements throughout the world including modernism, minimalism, and surrealism. Rugs and textiles were a part of this shift in artistry and, in turn, a broad range of styles is conveyed by vintage rugs.   Their versatility in interior design is outstanding. From sleek, subtle designs to complex patterns and bright colors, the expanse of vintage rugs complements many home and office styles. Whether your space is minimalist modern or boldly traditional, there is a vintage rug that would be a great fit.   Let’s ...

When I watch a movie the first time, I tend to notice only the major design elements but try hard not to let my mind stray so that I can follow the storyline.   It isn’t until my second preview, that I really become consumed by the design details. This weekend we re-watched the “Hunger Games”.   Really great storyline, however even the first time I watched it I found the styles/design to be so jarring!   By the second viewing, it drove me nuts.   My husband had read the book, so I asked him if there was great description of what people wore and the settings…naturally he didn’t remember, but I’m willing to bet it was Hollywood that just didn’t “knock this one outta the ball park”.   With the movie’s success, I’m hoping the subsequent movies will be better. In case you haven’t watched it, here is a quick synopsis: It takes place in the future.   After an apocalyptic event poor districts are formed around a wealthy capitol.   As puni...

Most of you know how much I love to cook. Many of my friends & family have asked for some recipes…so I thought I’d put them all in one place. Feel free to leave a comment on the ones you’ve tried & let me know what you think about them. And sorry folks…but if ya want our family “Eggrolls” or my special “Sunday Sauce”…you’ll just have to get together with me sometime so I can cook for ya! ;) I cook a lot with fresh onion & garlic. If you don’t know how to easily cut them, ask me sometime! Some recipes are basic, some require a little more time. Some are from my family,  some original, some from the Internet.  I’m always trying new recipes, so check back often as I will be updating this particular blog with our family favorites. MEXICAN TACOS I never use the envelope stuff 1-2lbs of Ground Beef 1 16oz Can of Tomato Sauce (I use hunts) 1/2 Large Onion Chopped Finely Garlic Salt Chili Powder Cumin Salt & Pepper Couple light dashes...