Inspired by ... Jared Paul

I had the good fortune of meeting Jared Paul at my first design job almost 10 years ago. Whether you are in commercial or residential design, you probably know Jared, as he is a man with many hats. I thought I was busy, but it is hard to hold a candle to all the endeavors that Jared has his hands in. Not only is he an amazing designer, he runs a very successful independent sales firm JPI, and he owns Paul + Raulet at ADAC. Walking into Paul + Raulet now, you would never know that is has been around since 1960, as Jared has infused his own sense of style and fun into the showroom. My favorite, of course, is that you can usually catch an old episode of Dynasty playing on the TV! No matter what Jared has to juggle - he still always manages to have a good time and make life enjoyable. I'm lucky to call him my friend!

 

 

www.atlantahomesmag.com



 

Jared was named one of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles 20 under 40 and both of his homes have been featured in AH&L. Here is a link to his 1850's farmhouse in Palmetto, GA.

www.atlhomesmag.com
 

www.atlhomesmag.com
 

Jared took a little of his time to share what inspires him. Thank you Jared!!

What is your most prized possession, what you can't live without? My 1985 SAAB

What is your last purchase? A Curtis Jere Lamp for the Steven Rubell Auction

What is the easiest way to update a space? Of course paint or new pillow but new lamps can with that too...

What would you say is the color of the moment? Mustard

www.pantone.com
 

If you could shadow any designer for a day who would it be? Joe D'Urso

www.nymag.com
 

Favorite restaurant? My favorite restaurant closed last year so I don't have one right now... Italian is my favorite food.

What store/ catalog could you spend hours browsing in? Honestly I am terrible at staying or looking at anything in one place for too long but I do love an antique or junk store - that is something really fun to see what you might discover and make "new" again

What is your favorite way to spend a lazy Sunday? Napping and working in the yard

Marilyn, Audrey, or Jackie? Joan Collins



www.fanpop.com
 

What is the most inspiring thing you've seen lately? Turning 41!

 

 

 

 

 

Favorite paint colors

As an interior designer, one question I find I am often asked is what paint color to choose. The process is not as simple as it sounds. There are many variables involved in the selection of paint such as the room's sun exposure, natural lighting, ceiling heights, floor choice and color, surrounding rooms, etc.... I always bring multiple color options to a space when I am presenting and make sure to look at the paints in the environment they have been chosen for. This also gives my clients the opportunity to be part of the process.

 

I am partial to neutrals when painting large rooms and open spaces. The first stop is to gather paint samples or swatches and paint large size samples using white poster boards. Move these boards around your space and watch the colors change in all different lighting and at various times of the day. Colors can look drastically different on a sunny and an overcast day and in incendescent and floursecent lights. You want to love your color choice all the time! Never, never, never paint without trying samples!

 

So with everything to consider I cannot pick a color without looking at each unique space. However, I will share with you a few of my favorites. They might be a great starting point for samples!

Sherwin Williams favorites

Functional Gray - 7024 - a warm gray

Wordly Gray - 7043 - neutral warm gray on the lighter side

Griffin - 7026 - Brown

Natural Tan - 7567 - neutral

Black Fox - 7020 - dramatic dark room or trim

Extra White - 7006 - trim white

North Star - 6246 - a soft blue

www.sherwinwilliams.com
 

I am in love with Benjamin Moore's new "Color Stories" collection, but here are a few of my favorites...

BM Old Soul - CSP-65 - tan



BM Museum Piece - CSP-40



BM Oil Cloth - CSP-760 - neutral with gray undertones



BM Sea Glass - CSP-735



BM Crumb Cake - CSP-1010 - yellow undertones



BM Hidden Cove - CSP-1030 - warm neutral



BM Chocolate Velvet - CSP-235 - dark brown neutral

When in Rome...

When in Rome... I go antiquing! Rome, GA that is! Berry College, a wonderful client of mine, is located in Rome, and I probably visit the city at least several times a month. Berry has a beautiful campus full of interesting buildings and amazing wildlife.

 

 

 

Until recently, I had never been to Rome's downtown area, but on this last visit I meandered downtown for a quick visit to a few local spots. That's when I happened upon Master's Antiques, a local shop full of treasures!

 

I love to design spaces that look collected over time and layered. To do this, you cannot purchase all new items for your home. For a space to be unique to the individual it must be a collection of what each client is drawn to and loves.

 

Antiques are a wonderful way to mix in classics and different periods with new furnishings. Heirlooms are incredible and come with a story... a history. If you're not blessed with heirloom pieces, or heirlooms that you love, then you can hunt for your own piece of history to infuse into your style.

 

Some of the items I spotted at Masters Antiques I just couldn't leave there so I brought a few items home because I fell in love. They will find a way into my home in their own way.

 

Here are a few of my finds...

 

These hand embroidered Italian linens are so incredible and I just couldn't pass them up! Think outside the box when incorporating antiques in your home. These linens could be framed as art.

I loved this little stool but unfortunately did leave without purchasing. Simple to recover, it would be adorable as a vanity stool or in a master closet or a little girls room. Lots of possibilities!

This stool was $35 and is very close to this pretty one from Ballard Designs. Antique stores can also be a great way to find bargain pieces that you can upgrade to a current style.

www.ballarddesigns.com
 

The pattern and color in this rug was incredible but I had to pass on this as well as I don't have a spot for it!

I did pick up these silver bowls which have so many uses... serving pieces for snacks, use for votive candles, or on a vanity or nightstand to hold jewelry.

My last treasure find of this trip were these green and gold 1960s glasses.

I just loved the mix of green and gold and they were very similar to glassware I recently spotted at Anthropologie, except these are the real deal!

I'm always amazed by all the items I find while scouting for clients, shopping, and antiquing, but each time I find something I love, it makes our home a collection of what is unique and special about our family. Adding what you love and changing decor makes the space more you.