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!

 

 

 

 

 

Americas Mart

There are many wonderful things about living in Atlanta, but as a designer one of the best is the sources. Yes, we are very fortunate to have ADAC and Scott's antique market, but we also have Americas Mart, which puts on several wonderful shows a year - their biggest being the January and July shows. This past January market had many exciting product introductions so I thought I would share a few. Personally, I was most excited about all of the products I saw in the color navy, which is another wonderful neutral. So many colors look fantastic with navy, including emerald, which is Pantone's color of the year. Hope you enjoy! ...

 

Noir introduced some beautiful pieces of furniture at Mart. I particularly love the lines of this table and the detail in the side table below.

These storage cabinets are so stylish and versatile. I can see them used for books, displaying collections, in a dining area, etc. The mix of materials is also nice.

Wendover Art showcased these geometric images in the color navy. I am particularly loving the first image "Meditations". 

www.wendoverart.com

 

 

www.wendoverart.com

 

These next two pictures, the wood base lamp with drum shade, and the brass and wood chandelier below are both from Curry & Co. Each would add texture and character to a space and showcase the trends of weathered wood and brass finishes.

www.currycodealers.com
 

www.currycodealers.com
 

This adorable side table in leather and brass is from Upcountry.

www.upcountry.com
 

Global Views introduced this incredible black floor lamp from their A Studio line.

As always Surya impresses with these amazing rugs in geometric patterns again using the neutral navy!

www.surya.com

 

Gray with orange, navy and emerald!

www.surya.com
 

What a gorgeous pillow that would really add an amazing pop of color to a neutral chair or sofa.

 

www.surya.com
 

Below is the Cameron chair from Worlds Away with a gold leafed frame and velvet upholstery in again... navy. Gorgeous lines and extremely comfortable.

www.worlds-away.com

 

Hope you enjoyed this eye candy from Americas Mart and a glimpse inside a few design trends for 2013. The day I spent at the mart was a world wind of excitement and to top it off I got to meet and talk to Kathryn Ireland! Can't wait until July!

 

 

Just Do It!

This past week I attended a wonderful panel discussion at ADAC, the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, about blogging. The women on the panel (Sherry Hart of Design Indulgence, Kristi Holcombe of Charm Home, Erika Ward of Blu Label Bungalow, Claire Watkins of High Gloss Blue, Helen Young of White Haven Interiors, led by Wendy Shannon of With a Southern Twist ) are all amazing designers who also happen to have very successful design blogs.
 

Their insight and advice was invaluable, but the main take away for me was to "just do it"!
 

For the last two months or so I have been thinking, discussing, brainstorming, and contemplating what to say on this blog. Obviously I am an over-thinker, which is probably why our social media world scares me a little bit. It's not that I do not have anything to say (yes those of you who know me can stop laughing now - I know that I rarely keep my mouth shut!), but it is the thought of sending out something into this universe that might not be completely polished and perfect. It is a little counterintuitive to what I am expected to do in my profession.
 

So, I am just going to get over my fears because I want to share with you all of the beautiful things I am so fortunate to encounter through my career. I realize that some of you out there are staring out onto a sea of gray cubicle walls and could use a little dose of beauty. Our world offers so many opportunities to be inspired and I want to share with you what inspires me. I hope you will join me in this journey.