#cessy johnson

[dreamindesign]

This room has everything I love.  A bit vintage with the glamorous feel thrown in the mix.  Let me know what you think! #vintagechic

[dreamindesign]

(Picture found on http://www.thepursuitofstyle.com/)

One of the most important things in a design is the way you accessorize.  I mean think about it.  So many times I see people spend money on this beautiful, glamorous sofa along with a jaw dropping, perfectly accented end table and they end up over accessorizing which now, instead, makes it look cluttered and messy.  To be honest, we’ve all made this mistake because it is so easy to get carried away.  The key is to never over do it.  You don’t ever want to take the beauty away from your main piece(s).  You just want to accent them, make them look finished, and make the entire space flow together.

This picture is a great and simple example of how to accessorize.  I like to call it the “Blooms & Books.”  First choose 2-3 books that have something to do with your personality, hobbies, etc.  This makes your space more personal and will allow your guests to feel a little more connected with you.  Now, find the appropriate size vase & flowers that fits your furniture piece.  Every space needs a little bit of ”you” in it and it also needs some kind of greenery or flowers.  This is the perfect way to accomplish both without doing to much.

[dreamindesign]

Sketch it out.

I always start out every design with some kind of inspiration piece, picture, element, etc.  When I recently made an appearance at the Dallas Market Center this past summer, I noticed a big trend in the use of eye-catching curtains as an accent/art piece.  Starting out on a very recent project, Sassy Elegance Boutique in Arkansas, I started out sketching ideas and the curtain idea just grabbed my full attention.  My clients loved the idea since this wall and the adjacent wall needed something to fill it in a classy way.  This is a design idea I came up with and I really think it works.

[dreamindesign]

This is a great way to get motivated on your to-do list for the day/week/month and it is so easy to make!

[dreamindesign]

Bucket List Box

For the past couple of years, I have been writing out a bucket list on everything I want to do in my lifetime.  You know how big I am on the whole "fulfilling your dreams" thing.  Well, here recently, I thought it might be cool to create a bucket list box with pictures inside of everything I want to do before I die.  That way, it is only more of a push to live my life to the fullest while I still can.

How I created my bucket list box:

1. Find pictures of things you want or want to do in your lifetime, print them to around 2" x 3" size per picture, have them laminated, and cut them out.  It is important to have them lamanated so they will last forever.

(I found most of my bucket list pictures on pinterest via perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com)

                                                           2. Decorate your box to represent you.

                                                            3. If you want, display it where people can see it.  It makes a personal connection between you and your guests and is in general a great conversation starter!

4. As you complete each task, add an item that represented that task. (Ex - Plane ticket, pictures, post cards, currency, etc.)

[dreamindesign]

I ABSOLUTELY love the holidays, especially Halloween!  This year I decided to do a white pumpkin with cheetah print design, my letter "C", and a touch of gold.  The colors were, of course, inspired by Tiffany & Co. (:

Have a fun & safe Halloween, everyone!

[dreamindesign]

I live in a very small, budget friendly apartment.  So, it is completely up to me to make my apartment look good. 

My problem was in my kitchen and pantry closet area.  It made my apartment look very chaotic and junky.  It didn't only affect the kitchen, but also the living room, since the two rooms are very open to one another.

Fix: I went to Target and bought an L84" window treatment for $19.99 and a $5 SHOWER curtain rod.  The reason why it has to be a shower curtain rod is because they have the ends that hold against the wall when a regular window curtain rod does not.  Now when people walk in, they don't see my giant Christmas tree box sticking out from the top shelf, my trash can, and all the food shelves.

[dreamindesign]

In my apartment, to the left of my washer and dryer, I have this awkward nook that I have been constantly saying needs something.  Oh, and on top of that, I am not allowed to paint or put any wallpaper up in my apartment.  Now what do I do?

Fix: 1 yard of $8.99 fabric, vase that I found for half off, flower stems from Hobby Lobby, and an old picture frame that I no longer use(makes it look like an abandoned window).  Took 15-20 minutes to install and now I have a beautiful nook that is no longer an awkward space.  Instead, it is now a display of my style.