The Journey to Finding the Perfect Wedding Gown

After taking off some time with my husband to celebrate our first wedding anniversary yesterday, I started to reflect back on all of the wedding related errands and shopping that we did leading up to our big day. It is still amazing to me that even though I am a wedding planner, am in total control of my clients projects, and try to remind them to stay calm before the wedding that I still found myself having those same butterflies as every bride-to-be as I waited to walk down the aisle.

For a lot of brides, a big source of stress is selecting their wedding gown. I would say that was different for me. I knew in three tries that the high collared trumpet beauty pictured above was MY gown as soon as I put it on. Oh sure, I tried on lots and lots and lots of gowns after that, because just about every gal likes to try on different wedding gowns just to be sure. But I didn't agonize over my choice and I just instantly knew that Number 3 was MY dress.

If you are currently searching for your wedding gown, try not to stress out about it! Instead, try to remember these five signs to let you know when you've found THE DRESS.

1) Once you put it on, you don't want to take it off! - if you find yourself standing on the platform staring in the mirror longer than you did with any other dress you tried on because you absolutely love this dress and, most importantly, how you look in it, then THAT is YOUR dress.

2) Tears start to fall - whether it be yours or someone who may be with you helping you in your selection, if the sight of you in that dress brings happy tears - THAT is YOUR dress.

3) Budget? What budget? - if all of a sudden the price of the dress doesn't seem to matter and you find yourself thinking of reasonable ways to make the price tag fit your wallet, THAT is YOUR dress.

4) It totally flatters your figure while you party - this is your dress if you know that you can truly enjoy your wedding reception in the dress, meaning you have no restriction of movement allowing you to sit, walk, and dance; and you can go ahead and enjoy that extra glass of champagne since your tummy will, magically, never look puffy. If the gown allows you to be you and flatters your figure all at the same time, THAT is YOUR dress.

5) You can't stop thinking about it - if you experienced any of the above signs and still didn't place your order that day but you still find yourself thinking about the dress and a huge smile comes to your face as the thought crosses your mind - run back to that salon, because THAT is YOUR dress.

Finding the perfect wedding gown can sometimes be a long process, and it should be! This is the dress that you will wear on one of the most important days of your life. But selecting a gown doesn't have to cause frustration and/or anxiety. Try to remember the five signs from above and listen to your heart the next time you visit the salon. Remember, YOU will always guide yourself to YOUR dress.

La Toya Michelle
~You are only limited by your own imagination!

Outdoor Decorating for Autumn

Autumn is upon us and nothing makes me happier when it comes to decorating than preparing for the changing of the seasons.  I mean, it's seriously the best and cheapest way to make sure your interior design gets a slight boost every three months.  I will have more on seasonal interior decoration to come in a future post.  But today I'm focusing on outdoor decoration.  Today as I was driving around running errands, I got stopped a the traffic light right across from one of my favorite houses for outside decor when it comes to seasonal displays.  The home owners's seasonal displays always draw a slight crowd and always bring a smile to my face especially during the Autumn and Winter months.  We sometimes tend to focus on our inside decor so much that we forget to think about sprucing up the outside of our homes.  Check out how these home owners have decorated to welcome the new season:

traditional entry design

Striking in its simplicity....

traditional entry design by other metros media and blogs Centsational Girl

Using all of the colors of the season.....

eclectic patio design by toronto interior designer Somers & Company Interiors, Gillian Somers

Don't forget about your outside tables...

traditional entry design by dc metro kitchen and bath Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.

Another simple design but striking at the same time....

Go all out!  The lights on these homeowner's Autumn decorations ensure that they can be enjoyed by night as well!

So go ahead, hang that simple wreath or go all out and hang up some decorative lighting to welcome Autumn.  Not only will it bring instant "curb appeal" to your home, but it will also bring a smile to your face and lift your mood, too. 

La Toya Michelle
~You are only limited by your own imagination!

Outdoor Living Spaces Ready to Welcome Autumn

One of the things that I love so much about Autumn is the changing of the leaves and vibrancy of the colors during the peak of the season.  Seeing the kaleidoscope of burnt oranges, robust reds, and golden harvest yellows that the trees morph into is a sight that I anxiously await all summer.  Peak season creates a a picture perfect view of the rich colors of Autumn, no matter if you are viewing the landscape from a tall building or if you are walking along your own street.  And sometimes it seems to me that just as fast as the colors peaked; the leaves start to fall, the colors are gone, and I never feel like I had a chance to truly enjoy the best of the season.  While browsing through some some photos doing some research for an upcoming outdoor project, I happened across these stunning outdoor living spaces.  I'm sure the owners of these spaces make time to enjoy the beauty of the Autumn season.  I know I would if I were them!

eclectic landscape design by san luis obispo landscape architect Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

This outdoor space features two fire pits and a fire table - a perfect way to stay cozy even when the temperatures start to dip into the chilly zone.

traditional patio design by boston landscape architect Timothy Lee landscape design

Another outdoor space featuring a fire pit, which is a practical trend for those of us living in the Northeast, so that we can take advantage of our outdoor spaces for as long as possible.  This space also has a water fountain - perfect for providing adding a touch of tranquility to your outdoor space.

traditional patio design by chicago general contractor Oakley Home Builders

Instead of a fire pit, these home owners opted for a fireplace, and just as with a fireplace inside of your home - an outdoor fireplace automatically becomes the focal point of an outdoor space, too. 

modern patio design by phoenix architect Carson Poetzl, Inc.

The simplicity of this outdoor space is its best feature - that and the fact that it can be accessed from multiple sides of the home.  No matter where you are in this home, this space invites you to come on out and relax.

modern patio design by other metros interior designer Rozewski & Co., Designers, LLC

A lot of people forget about incorporating proper lighting when planning an outdoor living space.  This space has all of the lighting bases covered, as general, task and ambient lighting are well represented in this space.  Layered lighting equals more time spent enjoying your outdoor space.

mediterranean pool design by los angeles landscape architect AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc.

I haven't forgotten about those of us who love our pools.  If fire isn't your thing and you are more preferential to the tranquility of water, how about incorporating a water wall to the back of your pool for some added drama.

tropical pool design by hawaii interior designer Philpotts Interiors

Finally, although this would be a rarity over here on the East Coast - this stunning Hawaiian design brings together the best of both worlds - fire and water!

I could definitely see myself in any of these spaces - even if it were only in my dreams.  But if you have an outdoor space, don't miss out on the opportunity to truly enjoy this extension of your home.  With the right outdoor furniture, proper lighting, and decor you can turn even a simple patio into an outdoor living space that can be enjoyed by your family year-round, especially for those of you living in warmer climates.  If you need any help realizing the potential of your outdoor space, let me know - I would happy to assist you.

La Toya Michelle
~You are only limited by your own imagination

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A Football Sunday Game Day Room.....Just for the Girls?!

As a female sports fan, I sometimes take offense to the term "man-cave".  Not that I don't think that guys should be able to have a space in the home to call their own, but why should they get all of the fun of having a space totally dedicated to them for the sole purpose of watching sports with or without their best buds?  Here are two examples of the typical man-cave - spaces where most of us ladies are seldom invited - especially during game time on Football Sunday. 

eclectic family room design by phoenix interior designer VM Concept Interior Design Studio

I'm loving the bar set up in this room and the multiple screens.  Ensures that nothing will be missed!

eclectic media room design by dc metro interior designer Debbie Wiener

This basement man-cave seems nice and cozy - not a word that the typical guy would want associated with his man-cave.

These are great spaces for sports enthusiasts, wouldn't you agree??  I can totally see/hear my husband cheering loudly for his Washington Redskins or his Michigan Wolverines in either of these rooms.  It seems, too, as if all of the bases are covered in these spaces for one (or many) to enjoy any sports game (or match - in light of last night's fight, can you imagine watching boxing in these spaces?).  TV's - check.  Drinks - check.  Food and drink storage - check.  But what about us ladies??  I would love to have an equally fabulous space dedicated to me so that I can cheer loudly for my Dallas Cowboys or my Ohio State Buckeyes with my best gal pals.  So my question is, why can't us gals have our own spaces to enjoy watching our favorite sports, too?  Well, actually ladies.....we can.  Take a look at these spaces and see how they put the "chic" back in Football Game Day.

contemporary living room design by baltimore architect Ziger/Snead Architects

On a cold November day - I would love to watch my Cowboys play while sitting comfortably in this light filled space.

contemporary media room design by dc metro photographer Jim Tetro

All of your best gal pals not necessarily interested in the game?  Well, here is a space that ensures that you can still enjoy the game while they talk about "Football Cuties" or "Keeping up with the Kardashians".

contemporary living room design by new york kitchen and bath Kitchens & Baths, Linda Burkhardt

Another living room/media room conversion that I would love to enjoy Football Sunday in during a December game.

traditional media room design by san francisco general contractor Mueller Nicholls Cabinets and Construction

This media room was constructed out of an unused attic.  Add some overlaping textures - like plush rugs over hardwood flooring and plush seating in contrast with leather seating - and include a wet bar and food storage area in the design - and you have a chic space for enjoying Football Sunday.

mediterranean patio design by los angeles architect HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

For those of you that live in warmer climates, how about enjoying Football Sunday on the patio?   This is another space that most men try and claim as their own - flip the tables on them - especially since they can't be in two places at one time.  If you have a great outdoor space like this one, consider hosting Football Sunday outside.


What I like most about these spaces is how they were created out of seldom used rooms in the home, or they were repurposed to become media rooms with the female user in mind. So let the guys keep their "man-dungeons" girls!  Who needs drab when you can have fab?!  Think of a room in your home that is seldom used and think of the endless possibilities that exist for creating your own sports space to enjoy Football Sunday with your gal pals.  It would be great if we were able to put a female touch on the guys man-cave, but if you are in a household like mine, where you are both fans of not only opposing teams, but downright rivals - it won't be possible to join them.  In that case, ladies, you will have to simply settle for making your Football Sunday Game Day Room.......BETTER!! 

La Toya Michelle
~You are only limited by your own imagination!

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Versace for H&M......

And now that the Missoni @ Target frenzy has ended, prepare to gear up for another fabulous limited edition collaboration between high end designer Versace and H&M a retail chain that has gained in popularity for fashionistas everywhere.  The collection will debut in H&M stores on November 17, and will feature 40 collection pieces for women, 50 collection pieces for men, and dozens of home accessories. 

More on this collaboration to follow!

La Toya Michelle

~You are only limited by your own imagination!

 

Missoni @ Target - UPDATE!!

I have never seen anything like it. This morning I went to the nearest Target intending to pick up only a few Missoni pieces and even though the store had opened only 20 minutes prior, would you believe that just about everything was snatched off of the racks?! From what I was told, shoppers were lined up at the door prior to the store opening and when the gates were opened, shoppers ran into the store snatching all of the Missoni pieces they could hold. By the time I arrived, thinking that 8:20 was plenty early enough, I was able to snag a few pieces but nothing on my list. I can say that the quality of the pieces is incredible for the price and the collection looks even better in person. My first thought was to try and shop for the items this morning online, but several shoppers told me that they tried to do the same thing and the website froze upon checkout forcing them to come into the store to see what they could nab today. Apparently, Missoni has crashed the Target website.

I saw tag-team shoppers, shoppers with carts piled taller than they were, shoppers in pajamas, and oblivious shoppers who had no idea who Missoni is or what all of the hoopla was about, but still got caught up in the frenzy anyway. The few pieces I did grab I had to keep constant watch on because lady kept trying to steal my wrap from my basket. It was the last wrap in the store. I understand her pain, but back up lady!! The wrap was going home with me lol!! Seriously, you would have thought it was Black Friday in the Skyline City Target that I was visiting this morning.

On the bright side, at least I was able to grab a few fab items. One shopper had sisters in Rhode Island and North Carolina and she said that they couldn't get to any of the items in their respective stores because of the crowds, so she was making sure to grab some items for them. From what I was told from a store manager, what is on the floor this week is all that they are going to get in for right now, but in two weeks they will have larger shipments in the stores. So my advice, if you see something you want today - you better grab it if you can because if you blink it will be gone! Then regroup for the next shipment. At least that's my plan :) Happy shopping!

La Toya Michelle
~You are only limited by your own imagination!

Missoni @ Target September 13, 2011

We are only hours away from the collection debut of one of my favorite designers in one of my all time favorite stores.  Missoni will zig zag its way into Target (aka Red Dot Boutique) bright and early tomorrow morning, and I can not wait to see the collection in stores.  Established in 1953, Missoni is known for electic, color saturated, pattern infused designs and is most famous for its signature zig zag print.  Due to the current popularity of chevron prints in both fashion and interior design, this collaboration could not have come at a better time.  The high end Italian designer will feature clothing for men, women, and children, fashion accessories, luggage, and home fashions and will be priced from $2.99 to $899.00 and will be featured in the store from  September 13 to October 22.  Take a look at some of the pieces in the collection:

To wear.....

To accessorize.....

To dress up the home.....

I personally love it when high end designers create lower price point collections that are equally as fab for us regular folks to nab, and Target consistently brings us these collaborations.  That's one of the main reasons why I love Target as much as I do.  But honestly, it does create major budgetary problems for me at times LOL!!  Even when I stop by the store intending to purchase a couple of rolls of paper towels, I always end up walking out of the store with much MUCH more than I went in there for in the first place.  I can only imagine how badly my wallet will suffer tomorrow when this collection debuts.  I know for a fact that I will be purchasing luggage....and towels....and plates....and scarves....and....well.....not sure I can leave any of this fab stuff unpurchased.....*sigh*.  I think I see low bank account alerts in my future.....

- La Toya Michelle
~You are only limited by your own imagination

Dorm Room Design 101

For college students everywhere - I know it may seem like you just took your final examinations, but it's that time of year again.  Time to gear up for the fall semester.  Many students will be heading to their college campuses for the first time and calling their dorm rooms their first "home away from home".  I remember my first dorm room, and although I was an upperclassman by the time I moved on campus at Virginia Commonwealth University, I was still super excited about moving into my dorm apartment at Gladding Residence Center - or GRC to those of us who attended VCU.  My parents probably spent a small fortune on me as we went from store to store to make my dorm room feel more like a room and less like........a box.  But today there are many decor options available at less expensive prices that will allow you to dress up any dorm room with style and within a budget.  Here are a few suggestion rooms to get you started:

The total cost of all of the items for this room was $489.75.

The total cost of all of the items for this room was $723.55.

Not to leave the guys out, the total cost of all of the items for this room was $627.90.

Of course these rooms were put together with the assumption that the most important item - a desk - would already be in the room - smile.  If you are a student, or you have a college-bound student getting ready to go back to campus, and you would like last minute assistance pulling together a dorm room look, contact me at latoya@panachedesign.co and let's create a stylish dorm room solution for you within your budget. 

La Toya Michelle
~You are only limited by your own imagination

Creating the Perfect Fireplace Focal Point

These days, even new construction apartment homes will have a fireplace in the main living space.  Surprisingly, most clients would prefer to downplay the fireplace as a design feature in the space as opposed to drawing attention it.  Some clients opt to play up a magnificent outdoor view, but depending on the nature of that outdoor view, i.e., if it isn't a city view, when it gets dark - they have now lost the focal point of their space.  The most basic purpose of a fireplace is to, of course, provide physical warmth in the cold weather months.  But a fireplace can also provide warmth to a space in a figurative sense as well.  Take a look at the ways in which the design of these spaces utilize the fireplace as the focal point of the room.

modern family room design by san francisco architect modern house architects

The floating fireplace - a freestanding fireplace built into a recessed wall.

eclectic living room design by kansas city media and blogs Michelle Edwards

During the warmer months, fill the fireplace with unexpected objects and change them out frequently to keep the focal point interesting.

modern family room design by philadelphia showroom usona

Keep it simple! This basic fireplace, even with no mantle and illuminated with a fire is a focal point all its own.

modern media room design by indianapolis general contractor Wrightworks, LLC

Add a textural wall - such as this one by Modular Arts.

modern family room design by philadelphia showroom usona

In an architectural twist - here is a fireplace wrapped around a corner.

modern living room design by austin architect Webber + Studio, Architects

Or go with a fireplace that is both sculptural AND functional.


With all of the options for incorporating the fireplace into the main decor scheme of a space, even if you do have a gorgeous outside view - the fireplace should never be totally overlooked.

Do you have a fireplace that you need help incorporating into your space??  Contact me and I will help you turn it into a stunning focal point.

La Toya Michelle
~You are only limited by your own imagination

Groom's Cakes Are Making a Comeback!

Groom's cakes are making a strong comeback as brides are once again surprising their soon-to-be husbands or newly minted groom's with the cake in their honor.  The groom's cake was traditionally a single layer chocolate or fruit cake and was presented at the wedding reception.  It was then sliced up, placed into packages, and given to guests as favors when they depart. Single women at the wedding would take their pieces of cake home and sleep with it under their pillows in hopes of dreaming of their future husbands.  Today these cakes can take on any shape or size, and although we may not follow the tradition of the grooms cake to the letter, I would guess that any groom would be surprised at receiving any of these creative cakes!

Is your guy a baseball fan? I bet he'd love this.....

Does he have a day job that he loves? Why not turn his job into his cake?

Or maybe he has a favorite hobby....

Or maybe he just likes to kick back and relax.....

Groom's cakes can be as creative as you want them to be and can be an incredibly special gift to the unsuspecting groom.  If you are currently planning your wedding, why not consider surprising your hubby-to-be with a cake in his honor?

La Toya Michelle
~You are only limited by your own imagination

Happy 4th of July!!

Hoping that everyone is having an enjoyable, fun-filled, and safe 4th of July! 

La Toya Michelle

~ You are only limited by your own imagination!

NEW SERVICE!! E-Design - Interior Design services delievered to your inbox

Lately, I have been receiving a lot of inquiries from people that do not live in the Washington, D.C. area that were wondering if I could assist them with a room in their home.  So.... I thought of this service especially for you :o)  The e-design interior design service is designed to assist the needs of the client that may know what they want, are having trouble pulling it all together, but are confident in their ability to be able to do so if given the right tools.  After a consultation either in person, via Skype, or by phone, I will create a customized design plan for you that will include product selections (including furniture, accessories, art, fabrics, window treatments, flooring options, and lighting solutions), a floor plan, a rendered perspective drawing, and a shopping guide—all of which will all be submitted to you via email, overnight mail, or (if you live in the Washington, D.C. Metro area or in the Richmond, VA area and you prefer) personally delivered to your door.  The design plan serves as your road map because it takes all of the guess work out of the design of the space.  With this service you can shop at your convenience and you will have unlimited access to me to ask questions about your design plan for two weeks at no additional cost to you.

Here is an example of a design plan that would be delivered to you:

E-design services can cover any room in your home and you would receive the same elements.  You tell me what the budget is and I will get to work creating a e-design plan for you based on your criteria and within your stated budget.  In addition to the e-design plan above, the shopping list would tell you where to get each item, and the accompanying floor plan and perspective drawing would tell you exactly where all of these pieces should go in your room, making for a very simple way for me to assist you in a room makeover - no matter how far away you are!

More new services to be announced soon!

La Toya Michelle
~You are only limited by your own imagination!

The Return of White Cabinetry?

It seems that in a lot of the homes I'm entering or designing recently, that white kitchen cabinetry is making a strong comeback.  I really wasn't sure when white cabinetry totally fell out of favor in kitchen design and swung toward darker hues, but I welcome the return of white for its ability make a small kitchen seem more spacious as well as its ability to give a kitchen simple clean lines to work with.  The addition of white cabinetry also creates a cool, clean, and modern look to any kitchen space. 

traditional kitchen design by portland interior designer Jenny Baines, Jennifer Baines Interiors

contemporary kitchen design by los angeles kitchen and bath Mal Corboy Design

contemporary kitchen design by london interior designer Celia James

traditional kitchen design by boston architect Joseph Tatone & Associates, LLC

If you are considering a kitchen update, why not consider white cabinetry to help transform your space?

La Toya Michelle

~You are only limited by your imagination!

The Dizzy Designer

Ok....I admit it.....  I have a huge problem.  INDECISIVENESS!!  I think that most designers find themselves in this same situation from time to time in that it seems nearly impossible to to feel as if you have truly finished a project - be it your room, your event, or in my current case - MY WEBSITE!!  I know my website designer would probably like to wring my neck right about now due to my indecision, but I can't help it!  Maybe I have adult onset ADD, or perhaps it's just a serious case of wanting to make sure that every little detail is perfect before launch.  But ever since I was little, when it came to my own space, I've been notorious for design indecision.  My favorite past time when I was younger was changing the color of a room - and then re-changing it.  My childhood bedroom went from pale green, to hot pink, to pale yellow, to peanut butter - all in the course of one year.  I know my Daddy wanted to wring my neck due to my indecision back then too, especially since he was the one that had to foot the bill for the paint, move all of my furniture, and then paint my bedroom!  But being the Daddy that he is, he allowed me to creatively express myself through my color choices - or more appropriately, my color indecision.

Today, my husband will find me moving heavy furniture around, or unloading heavy bags and goods from my car by myself that I bought on an unexpected (by him, anyway) trip to the "Red Dot Boutique" (aka "Target") or Home Goods to redesign a room in our home.  "Why didn't you ask me to help you?" or "why didn't you wait for me to get home so that I could move the heavy chest instead of you pushing it across the floor with your legs?" he always asks.  My answer is always the same, well, because - sigh - 1) I needed the workout (you'd be amazed at how effective moving furniture around a few times can be as an upper and lower body workout) and 2) because I truly didn't want to have to simultaneously explain to you WHY I'm changing the room......AGAIN.  Although my hubby is a sport, I know it can be quite frustrating at times living with a dizzy designer that never feels any room in our home is totally finished.  Not limited to just our home, even our wedding fell victim to it.  When I planned our wedding, the morning before the event I was still thinking of and looking for additional elements that could be added to our simple October garden wedding until my husband said "enough Babe.  Everything is perfect the way you have it."  And you know, it was :o) 

It's funny how those feelings arise.  You work hard as a designer to pull a space or an event together and on the surface it looks great.  You stand back and mull over each detail and fuss with each throw pillow.  Everyone says that your project is wonderful, the client is pleased, and you feel that your work is done.  But be that as it may, it never completely erases the feeling that just one more decor item for an event, or just one more accessory for a room was all that was needed to fill the void - regardless of if there was truly a void there or not.  Hence the cycle of the dizzy designer begins again.....  Anyone else out there suffering from the same problem?? 

modern living room design by new york interior designer Amy Lau Design


La Toya Michelle

~You are only limited by your imagination!

Adding Color to Walls when Painting is Not an Option!

For all apartment dwellers who may be prohibited from painting - who says you have to live with bare white walls?  Why not consider your white walls as a blank canvas and create something beautiful out of them! Paint some picture frames in colors that are represented in your space and hang them on the wall in a huge collage such as in this photo by interior designer Marcelo Brito.  It will instantly bring color to your walls and break up the starkness of the white.  What do you think??

La Toya Michelle

~You are only limited by your imagination!