I didn't come into the business to get awards or titles.

This is a quote from one of my favorite actresses, Julie Walters. LOVE HER! That being said, it doesn't hurt to be recognized for your achievements every now and then, or at least once a year. Last Thursday, ASID Georgia held their annual Design Excellence Awards banquet. Having attended a few of these, I have to say that it was one of the better awards events that ASID has put together. OK, I confess... I was on the planning committee. Congratulations to my fellow committee members, Chris Socci, Andrew Harris, Crystal Aitken, Erin Boden, Justin Caldwell Childers, Susan Currie, Jennifer Dixon, Joanna Hebb, Kerry Howard, Matt McBride, James Molinaro, Hillarie Robbins and Judy Talley for all their hard work. It really paid off. I heartily recommend entering projects that you are particularly proud of for all ASID designers. And, for those of you out there looking for a designer, don't overlook these Kudos when making your decision. Did I mention that The Design Yogi and Yogini were awarded a Gold? See Lakeside Townhome on my website. Also garnering honors that evening were alumni from The Design Yogi's first interior design home, Mark Williams and Karen Hott. I also want to congratulate Big Daddy - Design Star - Kerry Howard who served on the planning committee with me for his award. Well I guess it's back into humility mode until this time next year (maybe).

Let There Be Light!

Now that we've fed my god complex a bit, let's talk about lighting. This week I'm featuring a little renovation project that I did with Martha. The lighting was a key feature, and has since proven to be the client's favorite aspect of the interiors. This week's shameless plug goes to Urban Electric Co. Most of the lighting specified came from this incredible company based in the Design Yogi's home town of Charleston, SC. They have recently opened a showroom here in Atlanta in the White Provision complex and threw one great party to celebrate. The event was catered by JCT, another one of my favorites. I was spotted with several other designers, who shall remain nameless, accosting the caterers every time they brought out the hors d'oeuvres (particular, the fried chicken... YUM). But, I digress. We specified lighting for the foyer, kitchen accents, stair hall, and dining area from their fantastic line and were given stellar customer service throughout the project (Thanks, Ellen & co.) The photos below were taken at the installation, so bear in mind that things are not quite complete (most notably the yummy chocolate brown concrete counters that showed up the following week).

What A Pair!

Today's shameless endorsement goes to my favorite showroom in the whole wide world... Jerry Pair. It's my first source for fabric for many reasons. Primarily, I would be in the doghouse were it not (The Design Yogi's Yogini schleps fabric there). Of course it doesn't hurt that they have amazing lines - from the tasteful and restrained linens of Great Plains to the fun and limitless block prints that master artisan Liz Galbraith crafts for Galbraith & Paul. Add to the mix a little Chelsea, some Jim Thompson, a dash of Jerry Pair leather, and a pinch of Mokum & Dedar, and you've got yourself a scrumptious scheme. Feast your peepers on the following and you'll see what I mean. Of course they have some amazing furniture lighting and accessories lines to boot. Just check out their web site and tell them the Design Yogi sent you (unfortunately I'm not set-up on commission... yet).

A Tale of Two Settees

OK. Technically we're talking benches, but it messed up my pun. Anyway, today we're going to look at the same exact bench upholstered completely differently for two polar opposite clients. The first is an exercise in excess (see "All that glitters..." below) and is the ultimate in hooker chic. I custom-designed this low profile, sensuously curved piece originally with another client in mind but saw how the form could adapt itself to many tastes. This one is pimped out in hot pink velvet with contrasting orange silk flange welt and skirt border. It's actually quite yummy and girlie and was perfect for the application. The second (and originally designed) incarnation is a study in restraint and was designed to complete a seating group without competing with the other pieces. It's upholstered in a linear sand matelasse - 2 extremes from the same fabulous frame. It's also available for purchase at The Nicholson Gallery (shameless plug). The Design Yogi loves getting multiple uses out of things!