It may surprise you to know that SGD tends to not pay a ton of attention to color and home decor trends. It's more of a "that's interesting to know but I'm still going to use turquoise" kind of design philosophy. But, as with the Pantone Color of the Year and previous trend posts, we like to let y'all know that we ARE on top of things and that we are there for you as a resource.

Last fall, Ochre was the color on the rise and friends, might as well embrace it because it's not going anywhere. This is not your mama's Harvest Gold from 1974. This is rich and earthy and spicy and you'll be surprised as to how it pairs with other colors. Ochre has also lead the way for a resurgence in the earth tones that were so popular in the 1970s. Olive and Terracotta are combined with ivory and charcoal gray for an updated, sophisticated palette. Throw in some Teal for a little coolness and you've got the recipe for warm and cozy surroundings that will last you all winter. Grab your pumpkin spice and settle in. 

OCHRE

OLIVE

TERRACOTTA

TEAL

Check out our Shop section for more of our fabulous finds! 
This post contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for purchases made via these links. 

We went to the Instagram "way back" machine to find out exactly when SGD and Esther McCord ​became acquainted with one another. Turns out it was July 2018 when she started following us and Shauna fell in love with her art. So much in fact, she commissioned a large 36x36 canvas, which was bigger than anything Esther had done in the past. The piece was amazing, of course, and Esther wrote to us later to thank Shauna for pushing her to "go big". And while we did fall in love with Esther's art, we fell in love with Esther's heart as well. Shortly after Shauna commissioned the piece, her granddaughter passed away at the age of 12 days. She heard from many of her friends and followers on social media with words of sympathy and comfort, but Esther's messages stood out. Every other day or so, there was a prayer, a quote of scripture, a word of encouragement. We knew then that Esther was someone special and are forever grateful for her beautiful, giving heart. 

SGD: Can you briefly walk us through your story? How did you get started and how did you get to where you are today?
EM: In 2013 I left my teaching career to join the full time, volunteer ministry. I then found myself with extra time on my hands and decided it was time to start sharing my art with the world. I was nervous and scared! I remember thinking, "What if no one likes my work?" (Some don't) "What if people are mean and jealous?" (Some are) BUT I did this for ME and to share my joy with YOU! I was no longer able to share my joy of art with teaching children, so now I had to share my joy by creating and sharing with YOU! Instagram was a great platform for this. I've met and connected with wonderful creative people on Instagram and have found several amazing collectors! And to this day, those of you that love my work and continue to support me, far outweigh my doubts and the meanies! THANK YOU! My paintings are living in JUST ABOUT all 50 states and even one in New Zealand! Moral of the story?
Continue reading to find out...

SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
EM: FEAR and DOUBT, were big obstacles that I had to overcome. Getting out of my own way was the biggest obstacle. Once I figured out WHY I was sharing my work with the world and was consistent, I learned that the little negative voice in your head can be overcome by the positive one! This world 🌎 needs color and positivity and I'm happy to share what I can contribute!

SGD: What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from other artist?
EM: I can honestly say that I am most proud of not giving up! Everyday, I find something positive to share with my friends and collectors. And as an artist I firmly believe in producing art that will remind you to stay positive and never give up! My work has been described as uplifting and inspiring.
My artworks are more than mere objects, an experience will be provided by establishing meaningful connections with collectors.

SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career?
EM:
•Be humble.
• Get out of your own way.
• Learn from others.
• Then give them credit for helping you.
• Know your worth.
•MOST IMPORTANTLY commend and encourage everyone you meet! Always look for the good.
My favorite motto: Be Nice or Leave. 

SGD: What artists do YOU admire and why? 
EM: David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Maud Lewis, these artists all have something in common and that's their love for bold and beautiful color! Each of these artists took pride in their work and worked hard at succeeding in their art careers. 

SGD: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
EM: A psychologist.

 Contact Info: Esther McCord

• Website:  esthermccordart.etsy.com
• Email: esthermccordart@gmail.com
• Instagram:  @esthermccordart

Check out more of our Artist Spotlight series here. 

We always cross our fingers that a renovation turns out as amazing in person as our initial vision and storyboard. AND that our client loves it as much as we do. Well, this latest bathroom project was a super duper success and I think all of us were blown away by the end result. The original footprint of the bathroom was a great size to begin with, so we were able to work with the original plumbing layout and had plenty of space to work with to create an elegant, fresh, happy room.

Bathroom Before

Now, we assume that when people hire us to renovate bathrooms that they know that what we are going to propose is color and pattern. While we can and have done serene and elegant; bright, bold and happy is totally our jam. 
It might seem out of place to put a dark wood cabinet in this bathroom, but with so much blue and white, it needed a darker color to anchor the room. We also brought in natural elements in the bone inlay mirrors and teak stool in the shower, and like to include these elements in every design. Kind of like a visual sorbet to cleanse the palette! 
Because the wet room space was so big, we chose an economical white subway tile and aqua mosaic tile to match the floor. Mosaic tile is perfect for the shower floor as the grout lines provide a non-slip surface. By replacing the built in tub with a vessel tub, we gained a ton of room for the shower. Seriously, you could have a party in here. 
Lastly, the wallpaper from Anthropologie gives the space that feminine touch to balance all the geometric designs and dark wood vanity. I guess we passed the test because we are already hard at work on a plan for the client's guest bath. She's already told us though that it can't be as fabulous as this one. We'll try to contain ourselves. 
Resources:
Vanity: Restoration Hardware
Floor tile: Zia Tile
Shower tile: Subway and mosaic both from Wayfair
Bathtub: All Modern
Shower fixtures: Wayfair
Wallpaper: Anthropologie
Mirrors: Serena & Lily
Vanity light: Dutton Brown
Teak shower stool: Frontgate
Towels: Target
Rug: Urban Outfitters
Vase: Home Goods, similar here. 

So, are you ready to get started on YOUR bathroom reno? Contact us for more info!

This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links. 

If you follow our Instagram, you have seen photos of Shauna's home renovation, but it's been a while since we've given you a peek in to the before photos and all the juicy details. Plus, well, there were some itty bitty finishing things that needed to happen in the kitchen, like doors and trim and paint, before we were ready to say "ta-dah!". That and there were no floors for a good 4 weeks. So, here is everything you ever wanted to know about Shauna's kitchen and dining area.
​
Kitchen before

So, bones are pretty good, right? Layout works, just needs some paint, new floor and to "Shauna" it up a little. 

Kitchen After

The biggest expense was to add the Terrazzo tile floor. Made in the USA by Terrazzio, it had a lead time of about 6 weeks but it was totally worth the wait. Original laminate countertops were switched out for white quartz from Vicostone and where there was no backsplash, a snowy white glass one was added. The all white palette allowed for some super fun color pops in the Big Chill appliances and the orange glass subway tile behind the cooktop.
​Terrazzo floor: Terrazzio Sterling White
Countertops: Vicostone
White tile backsplash: Tile Shop
Orange tile backsplash: Wayfair
Appliances: Big Chill
Faucet: Lulani
​Lighting: Wayfair
​Rug: purchased in Morocco, similar here

Dining Space Before

I mean, we work here every day and these windows are fabulous. Shauna felt the second set of wall ovens here were unneccesary (there are double ovens to the left of the fridge). So it became the perfect place for a wine refrigerator and additional storage for her vast amounts of vintage barware. Painting the cabinets this bright turquoise not only separates the space visually but brings Shauna's signature colors to play in the room. 

Dining Area After

Note that the dining chairs are not fully sitting on the rug. We get this question all the time and yes, that is OK. A bigger rug would not have fit in this space so we just had to make it work! 

Cabinet paint: Biscay by Sherwin Williams
Table: All Modern
Chairs: CB2
Rug: Aelfie
Lighting: All Modern
Dr Pepper art: Sort of Cool Art

Check out Part 1 of the reno here to see the entry way and living room and stay tuned for more amazing transformation stories.

This post contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for purchases made via these links.

You thought we forgot, didn't you? Last year, we got a jump start on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and shared our favorites even before the sale was live to the general public. OK, so yes, we are a little behind the 8 ball this year, but technically, the sale starts tomorrow, and there are still plenty of amazing things to make your COVID Summer a little brighter and happier. You'll notice it IS a COVID friendly selection; no high heels, no binding clothes, nothing too "fancy". We know most of us are still staying somewhat close to home but I mean, those sneakers you've been wearing ARE wearing out and how cute would your summer charcuterie dinner be on this adorable pineapple cutting board? 

1. Dash & Ash Pineapple Cutting Board Worthy of a display space on your kitchen counter.
​2. Voluspa Pink Citron 2 Wick Candle Spicy and sweet, it's the fragrance of summer.
3.Eileen Fisher Lace Espadrille A step up from sneakers but just as comfy. Assorted colors. 
4. Colors of Morocco Art Print We can all use a virtual vacay!
​5. Work Hard Graphic Tee Words to live by. Today and every day. Captain Casual would be all in. 
6. Textured Dot Duvet Cover A bedding refresh does wonders for lifting your spirits. 
7. Tulip 139 Perforated Sneaker From Ilse Jacobsen, these are Shauna's latest go-to sneaks. 
​8. Madewell Fringe Hoop Earrings Glam up that white T you find yourself wearing at least once a week. 
9. FRAME Les Second Mini Crossbody Bag The perfect size for all your essentials in an easy to carry crossbody. 
So, the details: 
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale runs Aug 19-30 in store and online. New merch added daily so be sure to shop often. 
This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links.
​

Amy is one of those artists that have been an SGD favorite for a while now. We love her abstract art, her bubbly personality and maybe more than anything, her amazing home. Located in the Crestwood area of Fort Worth, it is a space that feels very "California bungalow hosts an artist retreat in 1972". Airy and bright with natural elements, outdoor living spaces and chock full of collectibles and vintage treasures, it is also the perfect backdrop for her big and bold canvases. Recently, a feature home location for 360 West Magazine fell through and Shauna was contacted to crowdsource another home. We immediately thought of Amy's and you can see the final feature in the August 2020 Cool Issue. 

SGD: Can you briefly walk us through your story? How you started and how you got to where you are today?
AY: I am from the South and grew up in a family of artistic people. Art supplies were put into my hands from the get-go! When I was a child many people taught art classes out of their garages or in their homes and my mother would sign me up for every single one! One month I might be on a pottery wheel and the next creating oil paintings of historical buildings. When I attended The University of Alabama I fell in love with the art department and took as many art classes as possible. Since then I’ve continued to create and grow as an artist through workshops where I have studied under many well-known artists.

SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
AY: It was not always a smooth road!  In the beginning, I did all kinds of art because I was afraid to do what I really wanted to do. My dream was to create extra large, abstract oil paintings. One day I broke through that fear by taking a canvas and tons of art supplies up on to a golf course behind the home we were living in. I made a promise to myself that I would not stop until a large piece was completed. I never looked back from that day!!
​
SGD: What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from other artist?
AY: I am most proud of the fact that I never gave up and that I have had the ability to adapt and learn almost every aspect of the art business.
I think what sets me apart is that I do so many different types of paintings but all are uniquely me. Some pieces are soft and calming and others are super colorful and full of energy. Because of this wide variety often times clients, designers and galleries are able to place multiple pieces in one location. I also absolutely love meeting the clients and visiting their homes. I have worked with the most unbelievably kind people. Knowing that my art is loved and enjoyed by them is such a blessing to me! I would also say that my work ethic sets me apart. Some days I will work 16 hours straight and enjoy every minute. I am constantly exploring new methods and ideas that God has given to me!

​SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career?
AY: My advice for someone who is just starting their art career....

• Never give up!
• Be inspired by others but do not copy them. 
• Give back and help other artists get established in the art world.
• Have fun!
• Let your art tell your story!
• Find an older art mentor and become a mentor to younger artists.
• Be bold and create things that will make others feel alive and joyful!

SGD: What artists do YOU admire and why?
AY: Cy Twombly, Jose Parla,  Jean-Michel Basquiat, Joan Mitchell and Mark Bradford are the artist that have consistently inspired and influenced me as an artist. It is their mark-making ability and graffiti/street art quality that I love the most.

SGD: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
AY: In addition to being an artist I am interested in architecture, interior design, filmmaking, writing and illustrating children’s books and someday owning my own art gallery.
I am currently working on a children’s book about rainbows and my paintings will be the illustrations.  

Where to find Amy: 
Website: www.amyoungart.gallery
Facebook: Amy Young
Instagram: @amyoungart
Contact: amyoungart@gmail.com
Know an artist that we need to spotlight! Email us with your suggestions!

If you are a regular follower of Shauna on Instagram, you have come to notice that weekends are times for projects. That is, unless she is waiting in line for 4 hours for tacos. (More on that later). Her DIY Dot paintings were a huge hit a couple years ago and inspired lots of us to embrace our inner artist and create art that's both simple and personal. We believe that anything can be art, and art in your home should reflect you and your passions. So, inspired by a piece of 3D photography that she bought in Guatamala, Shauna set out to recreate the technique with photos of her recent travels. 

So, as it turns out, a time consuming project but not difficult. The floating frames are from Michaels and come in several sizes. Foam board is used to glue (tacky glue is the best option we've found) to the back of the photo pieces you cut out to give it the 3D effect. Also some precision scissors or an exacto knife are handy tools to have. Check out the video tutorial below. 

So easy, peasy! I promise you can do it. All of our photos were taken with an iPhone and we had them printed at Walgreens. So, no fancy cameras necessary. Now, if photography is not your strongest skill, you can go to websites like Society 6 or Etsy and snag some great travel photos of places you've visited. Or, not visited. Just because the photography is beautiful. Here are some of our favorites from Society 6. 

So, if you've run out of projects around the house this summer, here's a fun one for you to tackle. We'd love to see what you create! Post on Instagram with the tag #ShaunasDIYchallenge for a chance to be featured in our stories! 

This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links.

When you think of a ranch in the Texas Hill Country, visions of rich leather, heavy wood, animal skulls and western art probably pop in to your mind. When one of Shauna's good friends came to her to update their family ranch, we knew that finding the perfect balance between the western ranch aesthetic and a fresh, modern look would be a challenge we were anxious to dive in to. 
The first space we tackled was the family room. A wide, open space that originally held a seating area and a dining table. We had other plans for a dining room (more about that later), so there was an opportunity to create a second seating area for afternoon cocktails, card games or just good ol' conversation. 
BEFORE:

I mean....wow! Right? We switched out the heavy leather furniture for a light, bright sectional from Restoration Hardware. Their Perennials performance fabric means you CAN have white linen at the ranch and not worry about mud or red wine or marinara sauce stains. 

We also added this great cocktail table, also from Restoration Hardware (similar here), but kept the homeowners rug and that amazing antler chandelier to maintain the ranch vibe. Custom pillows in cobalt blue mohair, and simple, colorful patterns and stripes provide a rich contrast to the white sofa and are still comfortable enough for an afternoon nap. 

In the new cocktail area, woven rattan chairs also from Restoration Hardware surround an antique Indian chakki table that has been topped with embossed leather to create a cocktail ottoman. The rustic console table from Four Hands fits neatly between the windows with two newly upholstered stools tucked underneath for easy additional seating. Of course, it's not a ranch without a cowhide here and there, so this seemed like the perfect spot. The homeowner is an avid collector of art and objects so we were not lacking for amazing pieces to style out shelves, tables and walls. 
For the kitchen, we wanted to continue the open, bright feel and also give the homeowner a place to showcase her collections. We chose white cabinets and countertops and oversized white subway tile but the wood accents in floating shelves, cabinet detail and the range vent create that warm, rustic feel. And remember the dining room that we eliminated? Well what used to be a fairly unused sunporch is now a bright and colorful dining room. 
B​EFORE:

Seriously, y'all. This has to be one of my favorite before & afters. It's still obviously a ranch but modern and bright and colorful (but not too much) and homey. These chairs were ones the homeowner already had so we just reupholstered them in a yummy blue velvet and floral print from Schumacher. The stacked wood console table by Noir again keeps that wood/nature theme going. Simple jute rug from Dash & Albert is easy to maintain and allows the colorful chairs to pop. Chandelier from Suzanne Kasler has leather buckle detail. 
Check out more of our Before & After renovations here.
Ready for us to tackle YOUR Before? Contact us for more info.

This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links.

Like many of the artists we work with, we discovered Carolyn on Instagram. Her whimsical, bold colors are right up our alley and the fact that she is the sweetest person ever just makes us love her even more! Carolyn is a Dallas native who has lived and worked all over the world. While it's hard to say which of her pieces we love the most; her iconic portraits of Frida, Willie and Iris, her bold abstract florals or the grafitti inspired pieces, her work shows her sense of adventure and vibrancy of living, and honestly just makes us smile! 

SGD: Can you briefly walk us through your story? How did you get started and how did you get to where you are today?

CJ: It feels a bit like I’ve been painting forever, as though making art is a 25+ year long ribbon of color tying together my memories.
 Like a lot of creatives, I loved art as a kid so I signed up for oil painting, pottery, sewing classes, thrilled by color in all its shapes and forms. I majored in Painting & Print-Making at Wake Forest University and minored in Art History. Late nights in-studio and early mornings working in a bakery fueled my creativity, always a sucker for coffee + cookies and the doodles they inspired. I studied at Oxford and interned in some incredible art galleries in Sydney, Australia where I worked with Aboriginal art and Asian Pacific Rim contemporary art.
 I came home to Dallas to work for Neiman Marcus, then 9/11 happened and changed our world forever. Some soul-searching and a continued love for painting led me to teach children’s art & art history… to my great joy. I began meeting and painting for interior designers during these early days.
 A few years later I moved to Austin to pursue art of a different kind, culinary arts – culinary school was a childhood dream of mine, as my extended family had Chinese restaurants and the noisy kitchen fascinated me with its sizzling sounds and fiery flavors. During culinary school, I continued to paint and sell my paintings in coffee shops, happy to share my color-filled travel-inspired pieces. Austin was vibrant and always-encouraging and I’ll forever be grateful for such an inclusive community.
 Fast forward a million years, babies + a whole lot of living, and I realize painting has been this life-giving faithful friend, no matter the city, no matter the season.
 Today I paint from my home studio with my studio pup + a couple of bearded dragons and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I’m represented in Dallas by Maestri Gallery and feel lucky to work with designers creating custom pieces for residential & commercial spaces. My art has been adapted a dozen ways in new media, and I’m grateful for all the collaborations along the way.

SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
​
CJ: Well maybe the adventure’s in the twists & turns; smooth roads are boring, right? I do believe whole-heartedly that “creativity” is an infinite thing, that it can’t be used up, so even when I find myself discouraged or out of ideas, I try to remember that it’ll be fresh again tomorrow. No matter how crazy life can be, it’ll be there for us, ready for our return. This brings me comfort in the dry seasons and helps me go to bed late-night when I’m afraid I’ve over-worked a piece.
 I love collaborating with designers and collectors and I’m a people-pleaser, perhaps to a fault, so it’s been a valuable life lesson to learn to speak up for my ideas and find my worth in the joy creating brings me personally, even if a piece doesn’t always please someone else.
 And then all the back-end office stuff, maybe the typical administrative struggles many artists face… taxes, licensing agreements, legal docs, ha! I’m so thankful for my husband and his finance-savvy ways!
​
SGD:  What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from other artists?

 CJ: I’m humbled by and most grateful that I’ve been asked to collaborate with some amazing brands. We’ve adapted my art by changing the scale & medium to giant wallcovering installations in hotels by LookWalls, and to Roma Boots rain boots that give back to children in need all over the world.
 My art was part of a bespoke line of dresses by Dallas’ Rosie + Belle, and it’s on athleisure yoga pants. I’m on insulated sports bottles by Austin’s clean & green ThinkSport, and I’m in Home Goods via Wexel Art’s innovative acrylic shadow box line. My “Y’all Means All” Pride painting was adapted to street banners for Deep Ellum’s neighborhood initiative, and I was asked to design brand assets for the international olive oil brand, Carapelli.
 I’m so thankful these companies thought of me for their ideas, and saw possibility in my artwork… I know I could never create this kind of impact on my own. Art keeps bringing us together and we’re better together.

SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career?
CJ: Just keep at it, little by little, give it your 10,000+ hours, as Malcom Gladwell suggests, and you’ll hone your craft and more importantly, become an expert at being YOU. Make time early in the morning or late at night and do it a little bit every day… keep showing up for creativity. Also, be curious, stay playful, stretch yourself and give yourself so much grace… you can always paint over it. Take classes. If you’re traditionally a 2D artist, sign up for a new medium, try a 3D glass-blowing or metal-working class. Try new things, go back to what you love.
 I look back at works from 15-20 years ago and smile seeing similarities in my form and use of color, calling cards all my own, poured out by the unique length of my two clumsy arms, splattered and drizzled in a way that only I splatter (messy).
 Imagine and render what genuinely interests you and makes you smile and chances are you’ll feel & share joy. Resist the temptation to ask an Instagram audience what they want to see, just be you and keep creating mini versions of you. We need more you. 
​
SGD: What artists do YOU admire and why?

CJ: I love so many! Chagall for his use of childlike figures and dreamlike color, his whimsical story-telling. I love Matisse for his scissor-cut shapes that have influenced the blobby-shapes in my portraits’ faces. Christo + Jeanne Claude, for the ways they disrupted the landscape by colorfully wrapping objects we might have otherwise overlooked. And then for living artists, I love and admire my friends at ALG Collective (@algcollective) they have created this incredible co-op in the Dallas Design District, using their space to bring together and inspire all kinds of artists. They’re amazing.
 All of these artists make me feel a sense of wonder and bring me joy, and in the end joy is what I pursue, my work’s highest goal – to bring a little joy. Even if you forget what my art looks like, perhaps you’ll remember how it made you feel.

SGD: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

CJ: I’d for sure be a zookeeper. My Instagram feed is equal parts paintings, cacti, and quokkas/otters/whales/puppies. I just think animals are amazing living works of art.
 
Contact Info:

• Website: carolynjoe.com
• Email: carolyn@carolynjoe.com
• Instagram:  @carolynjoeart
• Facebook:  facebook.com/carolynjoeart
• Twitter: @carolynjoeart

We are always looking for new artists to collaborate with and to feature in our Artist Spotlight. Send us your info or suggestions here! 

Big sales going on this week at online retailers are coming at just the right time since, you know, we should be staying close to home. All Modern is a Wayfair brand that specializes in Scandinavian, Modern, Minimalist, Industrial, and Farmhouse styles, and one of our "go-to" places to find amazing pieces that fit any budget. Plus all of the furniture ships FREE (most in just 2 days) so buy today and by the weekend you can have a whole new room. Seriously, you are not going to believe some of these deals. 

And as if these prices weren't amazing enough, save an additional 15% with code GOFORIT. Shop more of the sale here, and don't wait! Take that vacay budget and spend it on a home refresh. It'll feel like a brand new place! 

This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links.