Hello, my color loving friends. Welcome back to my 2012 color series. January is White, February is Pink, March is Green, April is Blue and May is Purple!

Here we are already in the fifth month of 2012! Spring is in full bloom, and we are surrounded by the lush, rich color of purple and lavender. Lavender and purple always remind me of the huge old-fashion African violets my mother kept on our breakfast room windowsill when I was growing up. My mother does not have a green thumb at all, but my, oh my are her violets beautiful. Now, I have never mastered the art of African violets. I can keep an orchid thriving for years on end, but not African Violets. Mine are beautiful the first week after I bring them home from Nicholson Hardie, one of my favorite garden centers.

Often found in the kitchen, violets are just as likely to be found on plate, in a cake, in a cocktail, in the fabric of a vintage apron as on a windowsill!

Botanical Violet Painting

Bake an Afircan Violet Cake

Wearing this Darling Apron!

Contreau Teese Cocktail!

40ml (1.3 fl oz) Cointreau
20ml (0.6 fl oz) Apple juice
15ml (0.5 fl oz) Monin violet syrup
15ml (0.5 fl oz) Fresh lemon juice
Frost ginger around the rim of the glass.

Both Violets & Lavender are Edible Botanicals

To know me is to know that I love hydrangeas! Their enormous, happy blooms fill the garden, the home and the heart with beauty and joy. Mine are just about to bloom, and I cannot wait. I will certainly be posting photos soon!

Bold & Beautiful Blooms

I do love the purple sky in an amazing sunset, especially in the mountains or the desert, but every now and again, you can catch a majestic, purple sunset deep in the heart of Texas.

Deep in the Heart of Downtown Dallas, Texas

I love any beautiful purple or periwinkle blouse … so pretty with blue or green eyes.

Fashionable Ralph Lauren Vivian Cape-Sleeve Blouse

Lovely Jil Sander 1950s Inspired Dress

Travel in Style with this Purple Vintage Trunk

And of course lets not forget the fun colors in eye shadow and nail polish. Essie and Armani are some of my favorites, but I also love this Lancome eyeshadow and Dior Nail Lacquer.

Let me know some of your favorite purple/lavender inspirations.

If you are interested in speaking with Pam Kelley regarding the interior design of your home or work space, please contact Pam Kelley by email.

Pam Kelley, Interior Designer, is the principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam at pam@pamkelley.com.

(214) 908-6115
www.Pamkelley.com
www.PamKelleyVignettes.com

Originally Posted by: Denise McGaha

I am always amazed when a client asks about why they are paying a designer to “shop” for them!  Here is the latest excerpt from a recent design dilemma:

Client:  So when you go to High Point to shop for me, why am I paying for that?  Shopping is so fun and you are going anyway.  I just don’t understand why so much time goes into it.  Please explain.

Me:  Smile…well, it goes a little something like this.  6 days of my life in another city away from my family, with 15 or 30 minute to 1 hour appointments each day.  Approximately 3,500 images on my camera and 35 different showrooms across an entire city.  Shuttle buses, cheese and crackers for dinner and picked-over veggie trays.  A cheap hotel within walking distance so I don’t have to deal with parking.  Walking about 5 miles a day.

BUT…I see the most amazing options for your project.  I combine all that “sitting in 40 chairs” and taking images and pulling fabrics for each piece just to deliver the absolute PERFECT CHAIR for your room.  And then there are the lamps and chandeliers – only about 500 in each showroom I visit, to select the perfect ONE for your room.  And rugs…those poor men move at least 50 – 75 rugs to find the perfect Oushak with that little touch of turquoise blue around the edge to work with your pillows.  Oh, and I almost forgot, what about the antique mirror I found that is the PERFECT size for the wall above the console?  I had to buy it right there and arrange to have it shipped because another designer was standing behind me eyeing it and I wanted it for your project.

So, when you walk into your new living room and each of the pieces is curated in a way to provide you with maximum comfort, amazing function, a little story behind the piece, (especially ft it’s an antique) and beautiful fabrics, that’s why.  I personally selected each and every one of those items in different cities, at different times and with YOU in mind.  Because I love this job and I work to create beauty in your life.  And, don’t forget, we did the entire space in 60 days…in time for your son’s graduation party!

So really, it’s all about YOU.  Does that help?

Hello, my color loving friends. Welcome back to my 2012 color series. January is White, February is Pink, March is Green and April is BLUE!

Many of us are getting ready for the Easter weekend coming so early this year (April 8th) and Passover is on the same weekend! This is the closest I ever remember the two holy days falling back to back. Easter and Passover are two holidays that fill us with the joy of spring, and I  know one thing for sure … I am in full swing with spring (as I am sure most of the country is) with this unusually warm weather we have been having.

Vintage Easter Cards are a Lovely Addition to the Holiday Décor

My color choice for the month of April is blue. The color blue is one of the most peaceful colors in the palette for sure. Below are some of my blue inspirations.

Elegant Blue Accents are Perfect for the Dining Room (See more like this here.)

Darling Blue Children’s Room (See more like this here.)

Serene Blue Bedroom

And Matching Dog Bed!

The beautiful, blue, Texas skies always fill our heart with the hope and happiness of spring!

A Perfect Sky View for a Texas Ranch Bath (See more like this here.)

Darling Blue Bird Brings the Outdoors In!

Of course when you know me … my color inspirations are never far away from my garden with the blue Hydrangea or Hyacinth that are so beautiful this time of the year, and I have to mention the beautiful Bluebonnets (the state flower of Texas). If you have time, head on down to the famous Bluebonnet Trail in Ennis, Texas — just 45 minutes south of Dallas — for some of the most breath taking vistas of blue bonnets you will ever see. They have bloomed early this year so don’t miss them!

Beautiful Spring Blooms

Vibrant Blue Chair to Enjoy Your Garden View

Bluebonnets … the Texas State Flower

When it comes to fashion, what would we do without the wonderful staple in all of our wardrobe — the Blue Jean Jacket! I am on the search for the perfect Blue Jean Jacket this season.

The Blue Jean Jacket … a Texas Fashion Staple!
(www.Anthropologie.com)

Blue Moccasins … Why Not?!?

I could go on and on about my love for blue, so enjoy a few of my blue inspiration photos for the month of April.

Happy Spring … and stay tuned!

If you are interested in speaking with Pam Kelley regarding the interior design of your home or work space, please contact Pam Kelley by email.

Pam Kelley, Interior Designer, is the principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam at pam@pamkelley.com.

(214) 908-6115
www.Pamkelley.com
www.PamKelleyVignettes.com

Hello, my color loving friends. Welcome back to my 2012 color series. January is White, February is Pink and March is …. GREEN! With the last name of Kelley, you could surely guess that my favorite color for the month of March is, of course Green. It also happens to be my own personal favorite color!

Green — for the allusive four leaf clover that I have been searching for since I was a small child!

Lucky Four Leaf Clover

Green in all shades

I particularly enjoy the following color combination …

Green & Lavender Bedroom Brings a Sense of Calm and Beauty

Lavender & Green Hydrangeas Make a Perfect Wedding Bouquet

Green and white are a fresh and clean combo — perfect for a white bathroom with green glass tiles for accent.

Green Tiles & Crisp White Bathroom

Green and orange are often combined to create a contemporary environment, which is especially delightful outdoors!

Darling Green & Orange Contemporary Child’s Room

Fun & Funk Green & Orange Contemporary Bathroom

Green & Orange Furniture, Beautiful Against the Blue Water & Sky

Green reminds me of the fresh smell of the young green grass popping up here in the south and the leaves on all of the beautiful tulips, hyacinth and daffodils that are peeping their heads above the ground.

Green … the Beautiful Color of Spring!

Green is always an important color in fashion. This adorable green and blue trench coat is perfect for lunching with your girlfriends!

Green Trench Coat from ModCloth

Bright, colorful jeans are all the rage this year. Love these kelley green jeans.

Skinny Green Jeans Available at Neiman Marcus

And of course jade stone jewelry …

Dyed Jade Stone Available at Stella & Dot

Enjoy this wonderful month of March and a Happy St. Patricks day to all!

If you are interested in speaking with Pam Kelley regarding the interior design of your home or work space, please contact Pam Kelley by email.

Pam Kelley, Interior Designer, is the principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam at pam@pamkelley.com.

(214) 908-6115
www.Pamkelley.com
www.PamKelleyVignettes.com

P.S.  Did I forget to mention Kermit???

By Pam Kelley

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Well, it is February my friends and time for my color of the month post. I imagine the first color we all think of for February is red, so this is precisely why I have chosen pink!

The color pink brings to mind flower — all pink flowers, but especially pink tulips. When I was a little girl of about four or five, I thought these perfectly beautiful flowers were made of plastic and that people just placed them outside in their flowerbeds! That would be easy seasonal gardening, wouldn’t it?

Perfect Pink Tulips

My other favorite “pinks” are of course the most beautiful pink food groups.

A delicious, cold borscht served in an eclectic variety of lovely glasses.

Cotton candy — Perfect for a pink party!

Strawberry ice cream — What a treat!

Pink meringues — oh, so pretty in pink!

French macaroons — puffy, pink, perfection!

Pink lemonade — pinkishly, delish!

Rose tea — vintage tea tins make perfect containers for pink roses!

Of course, there is the fashion of pink: a beautiful pink cashmere sweater or pink trench coat to brighten a dreary winter day to name a few.

Pink cashmere — this flattering faux wrap is a Neiman Marcus exclusive.

Darling pink trench coat by Burberry would brighten any cloudy day!

And a little pink cashmere for the pooches!

What comes to mind when you think of pink? I hope all things wonderful.

So, we come to a close with my valentine to you … in pink of course!

Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day

May your February be filled with Peace and Love.

Enjoy a pink treat on these darling hippy chick plates!

I hope you have enjoyed this pink color board and will as always stay tuned for the colors to come.

If you are interested in speaking with Pam Kelley regarding the interior design of your home or work space, please contact Pam Kelley by email.

Pam Kelley, Interior Designer, is the principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam at pam@pamkelley.com.

(214) 908-6115
www.Pamkelley.com
www.PamKelleyVignettes.com

Follow me on Pintrest, Facebook & Twitter

Happy New Year Everyone. Better late than never, right? I have been on a short hiatus and am now back in full force and ready to begin my year of blogs with a new theme — color, color and more color!  Each month, I will share with you the color that I feel is inspirational for the time of the year. So, welcome to a year in color! Enjoy!

January is all about White
White is the beautiful clean color I find so refreshing after all of the frenzy of the end of year holidays. It symbolizes a clean slate, a fresh start, a new canvas on which to paint the new year. Some of my favorite whites are the fresh clean falling snow. Not that we have actually had any in Dallas yet but who knows what February and March will hold.

My Front Porch, January 2012

Through the Looking Glass, January 2012

January brings the birth of beautiful white blooms, forced from the bulbs hiding beneath the soil. I love to see their little “heads” as they make their first peep into the bright sunny world.

Winter Blooms

Wintery White Orchid

Whether wearing to a formal affair with a long taffeta skirt or alone over a pair of  brightly colored pants in the summer, a crisp what blouse (perfect all year) is my favorite piece of clothing.

Crisp, White Poplin Blouse

A cold wintery January day is the perfect time to serve a delicious  soup served in a classic tureen with the perfect white bowls.

Beautiful Soup Tureen from William Sonoma

I never tire of a white kitchen!

Always Fresh & Clean

White puppies …

Perfectly Irresistible

and of course White Houses rank high of my lists of things I love!

Charming East Coast Home

So here are a few of my favorite white LOVE ITs for January.  I hope you have enjoyed the color board and will as always stay tuned for the colors to come.

If you are interested in speaking with Pam Kelley regarding the interior design of your home or work space, please contact Pam Kelley by email.

Pam Kelley, Interior Designer, is the principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam at pam@pamkelley.com.

(214) 908-6115
www.Pamkelley.com
www.PamKelleyVignettes.com

My oh my what a difference a year can make! Each year as Thanksgiving approaches many of us reflect back over the previous 11 months to count our blessings. I am always amazed at the transformations that take place from year to year.

One particular episode I am grateful to have behind me is the six-month renovation of my home. Whew! That was a project!

Grateful for the Cozy Comfort of Southern Cottage
Just 11 short months ago, I moved out of my home to embark on an in-depth renovation process. I moved into a small cottage on Southern Avenue — I affectionately referred to it as Southern Cottage. I thoroughly enjoyed my six months in the cozy, little house. I took care in selecting each design accoutrement that would accompany me on my six-month adventure in Southern Cottage. If you are considering moving to a small space and are wondering how you will maximize each square feet, you may enjoy reading Designing for Small Space. Be sure to take a peek at the online photo booklet I created to spark some ideas for your own space. As grateful as I was to have that darling house for six months, boy was I ready to move back to my renovated home!

Master Bedroom at  Southern Cottage

Dining Room at  Southern Cottage

Grateful for the Many Lovely Treasures that Make My House My Home
After my home renovation, I began the the painstaking task of unpacking. What at first felt like a Goliath of a project, quickly turned into a delightful journey down memory lane as I unpacked the many collections — paintings, ceramics, dishes and other cherished home design accessories selected over the years. Everything I own has a story as unique as the individual piece, and I took my time unpacking to savor the memory each item held. I took great delight in recreating my home — designing new vignettes, which inspired new and creative design ideas for my home. Rather than recreating the exact layout as before, I found gratitude for the opportunity to redesign my familiar space. Although my time at Southern Cottage was delightful, there is nothing better than coming home.

Although this Working Dog Tobacco Holder had been Packed Away, He had Not Been Forgotten!

Read Must Love Dogs

Grateful that So Many of My Facebook & Twitter Friends Love LOVE ITs
My unpacking experience inspired a new idea for my blog … LOVE ITs! I found so many treasures in my moving home journey that I decided to start a series of “LOVE IT” cards to share with my friends on Facebook and Twitter. And to my delight, everyone LOVED IT! View more LOVE IT cards on Facebook.

Grateful for the Beauty of Thanksgiving
Of course, Thanksgiving would not be Thanksgiving without a lovely Thanksgiving Day tablescape. However, I have one last bit of gratitude to share … my son Andrew’s wedding, which of course brings me a new daughter-in-law to love and cherish.

Wedding Ribbons & Blooms

And so, my Thanksgiving tablescapes will not be created in time for me to share before Thanksgiving. You will have to wait till the day of to get a sneak peek! In the meantime, please enjoy my Thanksgiving 2010 blog, Thanksgiving Tablescapes.

Thanksgiving Dinner Vignettes

Thanksgiving Dinner Vignettes

With only a month and a half of 2011 left to experience, I can say with complete certainty that this year has brought many experiences for which I am grateful and many memories that I will cherish for years to come. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

If you are interested in speaking with Pam Kelley regarding the interior design of your home or work space, please contact Pam Kelley by email.

Pam Kelley, Interior Designer, is the principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam at pam@pamkelley.com.

(214) 908-6115
www.Pamkelley.com
www.PamKelleyVignettes.com

The holiday season is upon us: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and the New Year. Like most folks, I love the holiday season. As an interior designer, I love holiday décor. So do my darling puppies Ming and Julip who are dressed and ready for Trick or Treaters days in advance!

Ming & Julip Dressed & Ready to Party!

Preparing Your Home or Commercial Space for the Holiday Season
Create a theme: While you may have a cornucopia of holiday décor items — all of which you love and enjoy equally — it is best to determine a holiday theme and carry that theme throughout the space. You may want to choose a theme per room or a theme per home or office, but the key is to be consistent in the “story” your décor conveys.

Consider how you want others to feel in your space: Do you want to create a sense of holiday nostalgia and coziness? Perhaps you want your space to feel festive and cheerful? Maybe you want your home to convey the essence of holiday traditions? How you want to feel in your space and how you want others to feel are important considerations for holiday decorating.

Delight the senses: What does Christmas smell like? While you may not have ever thought to ask yourself that question, you most certainly know the answer. The holidays are full sensorial experiences. When decorating your home or work space, be sure to enhance the décor with items that indulge all the senses: candles and floral arrangements are wonderful for bringing delightful but subtle scents; décor items and lighting delight the sight; varying textures of pillows and sofa throws delight the sense of touch; and soft holiday music or musical ornaments and snow globes enhances the space by incorporating sound.

Autumnal vignettes and a harvest tablescape create
a traditional and inviting Thanksgiving environment.

Vintage postcards and cherished ornaments bring a sense
of tradition and history to the family Christmas tree.

Holiday décor is essential to fully experiencing each holiday season. When professionally installed, Pam Kelley & Associates clients are able to more fully enjoy the each holiday season with increased home aesthetics and professionally prepared holiday event décor. From tabletop and full-home décor to holiday party décor, Pam Kelley and her team of designers bring sophistication and artful design to residential and commercial spaces.

If you are interested in speaking with Pam Kelley regarding the interior design of your home or work space, please contact Pam Kelley by email.

Pam Kelley, Interior Designer, is the principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam at pam@pamkelley.com.

(214) 908-6115
www.Pamkelley.com
www.PamKelleyVignettes.com

On a recent trip to Westport, Connecticut I was once again reminded of the beauty and charm of New England. This particular trip was especially charming given that it occurred during one of the hottest summers we have experienced in years. Enjoy the photographic tour of this historic town.

Marina at Westport where I started my morning walk each day.

One of the prettiest and oldest Victorian-era houses along Compo Beach in Westport.

Garden Gate 39 joins an old stone wall.

Crumbling stone wall that runs along one of the many ponds in town.

Pond-Living at its best.

Another Westport beauty.

This stone wall divides a road between and a private garden. The layers of stone walls

in this area demonstrate the functionality and beauty of these protective barriers …

the perfect example of function and form.

New house in Westport that maintains the architectural significance of the older homes.

The new stone wall captures the charm of the old stone walls.

A close up of the same new wall.

I came upon this lovely remnant of an old stone wall while walking in the woods.

New Englanders tend to leave the landscape undisturbed, allowing walls like this to live

on and become a part of the  natural landscape.

A 1922 Garrison Colonial with a new stone wall protecting the gardens.

Love stone wall protecting farmland from the highway.

If you are interested in speaking with me regarding the interior design of your home please e-mail me about our services. I look  forward to hearing from you!

Pam Kelley, Dallas Interior Designer, is the Principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam atpam@pamkelley.com.

By Pam Kelley

This year marked the 44th year of the annual Round Top Fall Antique Show. Thousands of people flock to South Texas each year in hopes of discovering something fabulous, and just as many return home with a Texas treasure in tow.

Antique Majolica and Cream ware — a favorite of mine.

Love this Texas Shabby Chic!

Practical yet charming dish ware.

This year, South Texas was blessed with a big ole Texas thunderstorm. On any other year, a rainstorm may have felt more curse than blessing, but this year we all took it as a sign of good things to come — the first of which was a 20-degree drop in temperature. You never saw such happy, soggy women! And the parched earth was pretty darn happy too.

The most beautiful rain puddle South Texas folks have seen in years!

Outside the tents — great view of the big ole Texas sky!

Tents cover the landscape for miles & miles.

Just like the vendors and the participants …

This beautiful plant is thriving in the unpredictable Texas weather.

As those of you living in Dallas know,  the elements here have not been friendly. A horrible hot summer kicked off a too-warm autumn, but the difference that begins just a 100 miles  or  so south of Dallas/Fort Worth was a bit shocking. The further we drove down I-35 South, the more dessert-like our trip became. Once we felt full immersed in dessert terrain, we entered Bastrop. This scorched earth left us all feeling sad and a bit overwhelmed by the devastation of this summer’s wild fires. And yet, in spite of all of the trauma our Lone Star State has experienced, her spirit is strong. Antique dealers and treasure hunters alike were all in wonderful humor throughout the weekend. Although I arrived on Day Three of Round Top, I heard about the overwhelmingly hot and difficult weather endured by all. Yet the lack of air conditioning did not trample the festive mood of vendors and participants.

Clever booth design to display words in many ways.

Industrial goods become home goods — great way to re-purpose anything.

The old  shooting gallery … an old-fashion carnival game.

These make such fun and interesting collectible art.

Little figurines that survived the old shooting galleries

have now become very collectible.

Over and over, folks commented on how fantastic this year’s show was — they best yet. Like every year, people came from all over the country to buy and sell and everyone seemed thrilled by the turn out. This was a hard year. The earth quite literally dried up and the economy felt it was doing the same, and yet, in true Texas form, Round Top was indeed on top! I look forward to seeing you at the 45th annual show, but in the meantime … Happy Hunting & Stay Tuned!

If you are interested in speaking with me regarding the interior design of your home please e-mail me about our services. I look  forward to hearing from you!

Pam Kelley, Dallas Interior Designer, is the Principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam atpam@pamkelley.com.

By Pam Kelley

Our homes are an expression of the things we love. When working with my interior design clients, I spend time getting to know who they are as a family as well as time getting to know the individuals who comprise the family in order to create a home that will comfort, inspire and nurture them. I want my clients to feel their homes express the things they love as much as my home is an expression of what I love.

This past Saturday afternoon as I was sitting in my family room reading, I began to look around and came to the conclusion that my love of dogs is here, there and just about everywhere in my home. Most of it is very subtle, but they are there for sure. Please enjoy this photo tour of some of my most cherished dogs!

Cozy dogs in from a romp in the snow.

Doorstop dogs … always minding the way!

Resting dogs here and there on top of a book or a table or who knows where!

Portraits of my dogs all warm by the fire on a coal bin! RIP  Kate, Oliver and Riley.

Tobacco holder dog from the early 19th century.

One might call this Majolica dog a “Working Dog.”

Tobacco holder dog from the early 19th century …

another Majolica tobacco holder “Working Dog.”

Book on dogs … Oh my Oscar you make a great cover!

Fancy antique bronze ink well dogs.

Staffordshire bookshelf dogs.

Calling card dog; or shall we say another working dog?

My dogs … worthy of a portrait!

English Victorian portrait dog painted over someone’s ancestor!

More Staffordshire dogs.

All photos by Pam Kelley.

More of things I love will be coming soon. Stay tuned!

If you are interested in speaking with me regarding the interior design of your home please e-mail me about our services. I look  forward to hearing from you!

Pam Kelley, Dallas Interior Designer, is the Principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam at pam@pamkelley.com.

by Pam Kelley

Nothing destroys a beautifully organized dressing room or vanity quite like a clutter of jewelry. And yet, no matter how hard we try, the task of removing our jewels and returning them to their proper place each day seems to be a chore too great for most of us to accomplish on a routine basis. Rather than setting myself — and my clients — up for failure, I have established an easier system … a bowl of baubles.

What started as a system for addressing clutter, has become a “Pam Kelley” favorite amongst my clients — not to mention my granddaughters!

My Bowl of Baubles

I am lucky to have an island in my closet where this huge pink reproduction Chinese export bowl lives. This is the home for my weekly — sometimes even monthly — fun jewelry! It is fun to look at and sort through colorful beaded necklaces, bracelets and watches and helps me remember what I have in my collection of “funwear” while also serving as a reminder of what I have worn recently. My bowl of baubles inspires me to rotate other pieces into my wardrobe, preventing me from getting stuck in the rut of always wearing the same things.

Create Your Own Bowl of Baubles

Grab a favorite dish or other container from the kitchen or dining room and give it another life on a table, a night stand or bathroom countertop and enjoy your own bowl of baubles! Take pictures and share on my Facebook wall. We would all love to see your creative creations!

Stay tuned!

If you are interested in speaking with me regarding the interior design of your home please e-mail me about our services. I look  forward to hearing from you!

Pam Kelley, Dallas Interior Designer, is the Principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam atpam@pamkelley.com.

by Pam Kelley

As an interior designer, I love to entertain. I enjoy preparing for a party just about as much as I love the party itself. Of course, I want every detail of my social gatherings to be as picture-perfect as possible, which is why I rarely host an event without a quick trip to my favorite destination … Nicholson-Hardie. This darling garden shop is one of Dallas’ best little treasures. The Nicholson-Hardie staff are very knowledgeable and oh so helpful, and the store if full of goodies!

Whether preparing for a themed party such as a backyard, picnic-style barbecue, a spring bridal shower or an autumnal harvest buffet dinner, Nicholson-Hardie  consistently offers the most fantastic and unexpected décor items that provide the perfect touch to any event.

The next time you are looking for the perfect little décor delight, gift or are want to splurge on a little treat for yourself, head on over to Nicholson-Hardie. You will be glad you did! And be sure to tell them Pam Kelley sent you!

Stay tuned!

If you are interested in speaking with me regarding the interior design of your home please e-mail me about our services. I look forward to hearing from you!

Pam Kelley, Dallas Interior Designer, is the Principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam at pam@pamkelley.com.

This year I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Camp Barnabas, a nonprofit camp that provides life-changing opportunities for children with special needs. This beautiful and loving organization serves over 1,300 special needs children who travel from all regions of the U.S. each summer. For those of us who had the life-changing experience of summer camp as children and want our own children to share in similar experiences, Camp Barnabas provides just that for children with mental or physical challenges and/or chronic illnesses. A Christian summer camp, Camp Barnabas was established  to give children who are faced with incredibly adult challenges year-round the opportunity to experience life as a kid. Each summer children with special needs come to be participants in life rather that observers of a life that they cannot participate in.

Learn more about Camp Barnabas and see all the fun in action in this video.

Camp Barnabas from Steve V on Vimeo.

The Well House

Camp Barnabas has recently grown their operational offerings with the addition of a new on-site hospital — known on campus as the Well House. The all volunteer medical team of six to eight nurses and two physicians allow children with cancer, hemophilia, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, autism, spina bifida and many other rare and debilitating diseases to come to camp enjoy their time at summer camp.

Like most people, I was so touched by the mission and services offered by Camp Barnabas and was thrilled to learn of the new hospital they were building on the campus. I jumped at the chance to volunteer my interior design services for the Well House early last year and called my good friend and fellow designer Robyn Zumwalt to bring her on board as well. And then the fun really started!

As the volunteer interior designers for the project, we were tasked with developing the design specifications and procuring furniture for the Well House as well as the adjoining dormitory wing for the volunteer doctors and nurses who so graciously come to the camp to care for the children and stay for long periods of time. We had a budget to work with so I hit the streets asking for help from many of the generous and talented vendors I have worked with over the years in this business. Just about everyone said yes to either providing a deep discount or by offering items at 100 percent donation.

Two of the huge donations came from Delivery Limited here in Dallas. Delivery Limited provided the incredibly necessary and generous service of receiving and storing the furniture and other goods we were collecting over the months at no charge And in addition, Delivery Limited deeply discounted their service cost for delivering our items to Camp Barnabas in Purdy, Missouri. Once there, they set everything up for us. Thank you so much Delivery Dallas … what a fantastic company!

Palecek, a Dallas furniture showroom located in the Trade center, is another company that gave with gusto. Palacek’s beautiful furniture was used exclusively in the Well House lobby, providing the exact balance beauty and comfort we hoped to create. Palacek generously and deeply discounted their furniture and provided beautiful art at no charge. Their generosity, kindness and support has made me as a customer for life. Thank you Palacek for a gift that will provide comfort to thousands of children for years to come.

This experience reminded me of the Biblical teachings — “It is better to give than to receive.” As many of these photos visually demonstrate, the magnificent camp grounds certainly nurtured my spirit as the individuals who work and live at Camp Barnabas. They are truly Angels. I was honored to have been given this opportunity to share in the generosity and kindness of my colleagues and the folks at Camp Barnabas.

Visit my Camp Barnabas photo gallery to see more of the Camp Barnabas splendor!

By Pam Kelley

Whether buying a starter home, downsizing as an empty-nester or moving into transitional housing while remodeling or building a new home, you can still live large while living small. Many people prefer the coziness of smaller spaces, adopting the “less truly is more” attitude in terms of how they create their home.

Cottage living has a certain charm that is somewhat irresistible. Even those who live in 5,000 plus square feet homes feel nurtured when vacationing “cottage style.” If you are considering moving into a cottage either as a permanent residence or as a vacation home, you may find it helpful to enlist the help of an interior designer to help you make the most of your cottage experience.

PREPARING FOR COTTAGE LIVING
Prior to embarking on your cottage home buying journey, take inventory of the items that will be moving with you to your cozy cottage. By having a clear and accurate idea of everything you will bring with you to your cottage, you will be able to imagine where, or if, your belongings will fit in your new-to-you-home. You may want to enlist the services of your interior designer at this early stage as she — or he — will quickly be able to determine if your house and all your possessions are a love match.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND
While walking through houses on your home-shopping tour, keep an open mind. Avoid getting caught up in “this is the dining room, this is the family room” closed thinking. While originally built to be a dining room, the room may very well make the perfect home office. Or, the nursery may be the perfect dressing room. One of the unique charms of cottage homes is that they are able to eclectically adapt to being exactly what you need it to be now, not what it used to be for the family that lived in it before.

SOUTHERN COTTAGE
I recently had the experience of moving to a transitional cottage — Southern Cottage. Built in 1939, this house is very atypical in that it has 9-foot ceilings plus a large fireplace. Southern Cottage is built slightly differently in scale than most homes built in this era. For example, the house has two-enclosed porches, which provide additional living space and gives the house “room to breathe.” Very large, oversized floor-to-ceiling windows bring in natural lighting and make the 25×18 square foot living area feel comfortable and spacious. The natural light paired with the light colored paint I had painted throughout the house, this small space feels surprisingly spacious.

I converted the original sleeping porch to a home office. The three walls of windows create a rejuvenating space that allows for enjoyable creative and administrative work. The enclosed front porch allows guests to have a moment of pause before stepping into the main living area of the house while providing a lovely first impression entrance into the home as well as a convenient place to drop keys, hats and dog leashes.

It isn’t the size of the space that should be of the greatest concern,

but rather how you maximize and use the space.

The dining room at Southern Cottage is quite large for a 1400 square foot cottage. Although the dining room could easily double as a second living space, library or office, it is important for me to have a room for family dinners and entertaining. My eight-person table is situated with ample room for serving and comfortable seating with room left over for a cherished buffet and hutch as well as my large collection of cookbooks. This little house has an ample supply of built-in shelving, yet another reason why 1600 square feet does not feel small.

MAKING THE MOST
Cottage Vignettes. Cottage living provides the opportunity to make the most of what you have by maximizing the space and optimizing “cottage vignettes.” Smaller homes allow for “up close and personal” viewing of cherished items. Display them so that they tell a story, representing their true sentiment.

Small Spaces. There is no getting around the fact that small houses have small kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and yes … closets. This is where creative space planning is a must. Creating smart storage solutions can easily be accomplished with a highly focused afternoon at The Home Depot, Target and The Container Store where inventive storage solutions are plentiful. The key to creative storage is to truly maximize nooks and crannies, storage chests, chests of drawers, etc. Leave the living spaces open and free of clutter so the personal items you truly enjoy viewing are just that … in view.

View Designing for Small Spaces, the Before & After photo book of Southern Cottage.

Pam Kelley, Dallas Interior Designer, is the Principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam atpam@pamkelley.com.

by Pam Kelley

Between snowcations and move-palooza, I am finally settling down enough to comment on the Dallas Home Market. With all the change that is happening in my life of late, I took comfort in noticing the consistency of bright and happy colors that launched in the spring of 2010 have carried over to 2011 with even more clarity and refinement. With the recession lifting, we are all in need of a little whimsy and the market did not disappoint. (Click on the photos below to view a larger image.)

The Spring 2010 Market introduced a lot of bright colors. Turquoise and coral combinations were generously used everywhere — from home furnishings, to jewelry, nail polish and everything in between. 2011 Spring Market continued with the same bright and happy colors but in an even more refined way. Home design trends and fashion trends have always been two sides of the same coin. In this video, I demonstrate the direct correlation between interior design and fashion design. Art imitates art!

Pam Kelley, Dallas Interior Designer, is the Principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam at pam@pamkelley.com.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

To everyone who has seen and commented on my new website … Thank you! We have worked very hard on this, and your support makes it all worth while. I hope you check in often as we will be updating the blog frequently. You can also subscribe to the blog if you would like to receive email notifications when a new blog has been posted. Just complete the email form on the yellow column to the right. You can also sign up to receive newsletters directly to your email inbox.

Tis the Season to be Folly!

For those of you who follow me on my Facebook and Twitter pages, you know I have had the joy of decorating four Christmas trees this month and un-decorating two! Another perspective … I have decorated 31 feet of Christmas trees, which adds up to more time on a 6′ ladder than I care to mention!

This decorating-palooza consumed far more of my time than I had of course budgeted, putting the gift wrapping phase of my holiday preparation in a crunch. But necessity is indeed the mother of all invention, and I will say I am very pleased with my gift wrapping idea! Using the very nice red boxes provided by Hannah Anderson, I simply cut and pasted old Christmas cards onto the front of my grandchildren’s gift boxes. The result? Adorable! And it was a blast reading through cards from the past.

Enjoy this video of my holly folly Christmas … Holly Folly Christmas on You Tube.

Next month I will be attending the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market from January 19th to the 25th and will be updating my blog with all the newest home trends. As I like to say … Stay Tuned! And have a very Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year.

Pam Kelley, Dallas Interior Designer, is the Principal of Pam Kelley & Associates where she has been working as an independent interior designer for almost 40 years. She is licensed by the State Board of Architectural examiners and is a member of the following organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Texas Association of Interior Designers (T.A.I.D.). Contact Pam at pam@pamkelley.com.

by Pam Kelley

As the first decade of the 21st century comes to a close, I had the delightful experience of celebrating the sixth decade of my life with my family and friends, which lead me to think about the decades of design I have witnessed, learned from, enjoyed and contributed to in my four decades as an interior designer.

The question is often asked, “Is art a reflection of life or life a reflection of art?” The answer? Both. Interior designers draw from the lives of our clients to create art, and we draw from our knowledge of art to enhance the lives of our clients. Celebrating milestone birthdays certainly brings one to reflect on how those years were spent, what has changed in the world and how those changes have influenced the spaces in which we live.

My sixtieth birthday celebration was an occasion perfectly befitting a designer who has spent two-thirds of her life as an independent business woman in the design industry. The birthday cake modeled in the form of a Louis XVI French Chair by Frosted Art Bakery was a visual feast for this design girl! You might think it is too pretty to eat, but the truth is that it was too yummy not too! So let’s begin our living history of design … a stroll down memory lane.

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Just want to share with you a few of my past tablescapes for Thanksgiving. Yes, I know Halloween is here and possibly gone by the time I post this and everyone is thinking about Christmas. Not me! This is such an important Holiday to share with our friends and family and I do feel that it totally gets lost in the shuffle, hustle, and bustle of the season. Yes, of course, we all connect a huge one day feast but how about enjoying the entire month of November with some pretty fall decoration around your home. Here are a few of my ideas I hope you enjoy and Have a Happy Turkey Day.

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WOW! what a fun weekend I just had in Little Rock Arkansas! Yes my friends I did say Little Rock. This Dallas girl and two other designers went off to Camp in Little Rock With Tobi Fairley.

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