Designing an Outdoor Living Space

Posted by & filed under 2015, KIM'S PEARLS.

  This time of year we all think about being outside as much as possible.  One way to achieve that goal is to extend our living environment beyond the confines of our four walls.  Here in the mid-Atlantic region, we are lucky.  Functional and comfortable outdoor living is possible for approximately six months of the… Read more »

Vendor Spotlight – Lexington Home Furniture

Posted by & filed under 2015, KIM'S PEARLS.

I was on a mission during the April 2014 Furniture Market. Our design library was in need of a new case good line.  Case goods include bedroom, dining, office and occasional furniture.  Most rooms require several case good pieces so they are key to a well-designed space.  It is important to me that we offer… Read more »

Vendor Spotlight – High Point Furniture Market

Posted by & filed under 2015, KIM'S PEARLS.

Nothing makes my heart go pitter patter like driving down I-85 South in the springtime, seeing the dogwood trees in first bloom along the highway and knowing that I will be spending the next several days at the famous High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina. It is hard to believe that my first trip… Read more »

Should I Hire an Interior Designer for My Project?

Posted by & filed under 2015, KIM'S PEARLS.

People often ask me, “Should I hire a designer for my project and if so, why?” Most people are intimidated by the thought of hiring a designer and are really hoping to find reasons not to hire one.  However, depending on the scale of the project, it is often advantageous to seek professional help. The… Read more »

Selecting Paint Colors

Posted by & filed under 2015, KIM'S PEARLS.

Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a homeowner like the task of selecting a paint color for a room, or worse yet, several rooms. Homeowners are not alone in this.  Even as a seasoned design professional, I wring my hands a bit when called to help with this task.  Over the years I have… Read more »

Vendor Spotlight – Charleston Forge

Posted by & filed under 2015, KIM'S PEARLS.

  In 1988, my then business partner and I ventured into a small showroom at the High Point Furniture Market. It was here that I was first introduced to Charleston Forge furniture. The president and founder of the company, Art Barber, greeted us himself and we were instantly impressed by his commitment to make fine… Read more »

Vendor Spotlight – Century Furniture

Posted by & filed under 2015, KIM'S PEARLS.

  Why do we love Century Furniture?   The Century Furniture line is deep and stunningly beautiful. It is a designer’s dream line. Every piece, case good or upholstery, is unique and finished with great attention to detail and quality. Century offers over 200 gorgeous fabrics, leathers and trims and over 50 finishes. We love… Read more »

Selecting the Right Fabric

Posted by & filed under 2015, KIM'S PEARLS.

  Clients often ask me, “How do you know if a fabric will look good on a certain piece of upholstery?”   There is nothing worse than agonizing over a fabric selection for a chair or sofa only to discover weeks later when it is delivered to your home that it just doesn’t work. Here… Read more »