I don't know about you, but my feeling is that Spring 2020 deserves a serious do-over. Yes, for kids it was the Spring Break that never ended, but we grown ups have some different feelings about that. So, in standard do-over fashion, there's no settling for "good enough". You deserve a proper do-over. A grown up do-over. A serious investment of a do-over. And that should start with your home. I know, you've spent a LOT of time there. But that's precisely why it deserves a little TLC. 
This patio, for instance was the last space in our client's house that we had to tackle; but boy was it worth the wait. This is a space the family of 5 (triplets!) is going to be spending countless hours in, and with both fans and heaters installed, it's now a space that can be used almost year round. Except for, you know, those once-in-a-decade winter storms. 

Check out our Outdoor shopping page for more great patio finds! 

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When we were planning our next installment of Artist Spotlight we realized that one of our favorite artists had not yet been featured! The tragedy! Beth Gandy is an artist based in Dallas who does amazing large, colorful (shocker) abstract pieces. Her work is featured in galleries all over the US including DFW, Santa Fe, North Carolina and California. One of the places she sells her work, Park & Eighth here in Fort Worth, was where we discovered her and since then she has become one of our favorite artists to recommend to clients. 

SGD: Can you briefly walk us through your story? How did you get started and how did you get to where you are today?
BG: I started painting in high school, but I didn't paint much after that until I had kids. I painted wall murals for several years, then children's portraits. I started painting abstracts about 11 years ago using figures as my base or starting point.
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SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
BG: As we all know, it has been a long process of learning and growing. I think the quote from Derek Fordjour says it best, "Artists are people who work hard to get lucky."

SGD: What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from other artists?
BG: I am proud that people actually enjoy my work and that so many support my art. I would say my use of color sets me apart.

SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career?
BG: I say to paint as often as you can, keep learning from as many others as possible and give back when you can.

SGD: What artists do you admire and why?
BG: Joaquin Sorolla for his use of color, Willem de Koonig for his style, everything about Joan Mitchell and the figures from Richard Diebenkorn.

​SGD: If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
BG: LOST! 
How to find Beth Gandy:
Website: bgandyart.com
Instagram: @bgandyart
Facebook: Bgandyart
Email: [email protected]
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Catch up on all the other featured artists here. 
All photos courtesy of Beth Gandy

We have had the amazing fortune of catching the eye of the editors of HGTV Magazine in the last couple years. You may remember the feature they did on Shauna's house back in May 2019. Since then the relationship has blossomed, yet we are always humbled and excited when they take the bait on a project we submit for consideration.
The Caraway project was one of Shauna's first and really the one that sparked the concept of "shop your house". Since then, one of the first questions we ask new clients is, "where is the closet/drawer/box/chest where you've stashed stuff you bought or inherited but don't know what to do with?" And most of the time, the found treasures end up being the launch point of the whole design concept. 

 Check out the digital edition of the magazine here. 
Resources
Breakfast nook:
Table: Vintage, similar here
Chairs: Vintage, similar here
Counter stools: Wayfair (reupholstered)
Cowhide: Wayfair

Dining Room:
Arm chair: Vintage, similar style here
Pendant: West Elm (discontinued, similar here)
Table Runner: CB2
Rug: All Modern

Kitchen:
Light fixture: CB2
Island: El Paso Import Co. (vintage, similar here)
Rug: Wayfair

Family Room:
Sectional: Haverty's (discontinued, similar here)
Ottoman: Simple Things, similar here
Chair: World Market
​Rug: Vintage Oushak, similar here

Main Bedroom:
Bed: Ralph Lauren Home (similar here)
Bedding: Serena & Lily
Lamps: Shades of Light
Rug: Oriental Rug Galaxy

Guest Room:
Headboard: Pier 1 Imports (discontinued, similar here)
Bench: Wayfair
Rug: RugsUSA
Lamps: Joss & Main
Art: Gray Malin

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