Why can't we?

photo: mynottinghill.blogspot.com

I saw this post about the Richmond Designer's Show House here. And all of a sudden I am seriously overwhelmed with the most fierce sense of competition! And not a personal competitiveness in which I want to out do some other designer (so not me!), but on behalf of Birmingham (and being originally from Charlottesville,VA doesn't hurt) I know that we've got the talent that Richmond has! Why doesn't our showhouse ever reflect that talent?

Don't get me wrong, there were some great but small examples of local designers' work at our last showhouse. But for the most part it has become an opportunity, in my view at least, for home/lifestyle shops to showcase their wares. When I toured the home, I rarely felt like I wanted to stop and take in a room's details, or enjoy the feel of the space. Nothing made me pause and think wow! I was mostly just feeling like I wanted to get out of a massive furniture showroom where I was constantly trying to be sold something!

Okay, I may be getting a tad more critical than I should. All that is to say that I KNOW Birmingham could take it up a notch! Let's get our fabulous local designers, both experienced and green, and maybe entice some nationally published southern designers from the surrounding areas into the mix as well.

I just can't bear the thought of Richmond besting Birmingham!

Great Combo!

photo: BritishVogue.com

I bought this magazine the other day and while I've enjoyed looking through the inside, the cover is what really pulled me in. I've always loved orange and hot pink together, but setting them against that pale celadon background just took my love to another level!

The New and Improved Courtney & Co...

I have spent the better part of the last year trying to figure out how to marry my passion for interior design with my love for retail. When I say retail, I do mean a storefront in some ways, but even without the actual brick and mortar there are ideas relating to the way a retail establishment does business that really appeal to me and my impatient and occasionally ADD nature. One of these is the short term aspect of the exchange that takes place.

I kept thinking there must be some way to apply that to interior design. So I went to the internet, and of course found that so many fabulous designers were already offering the type of quick design service that I was thinking about. I can't tell you how simultaneously heartbreaking and exhilarating it is to realize that you weren't the first one with the idea, but that other designers are doing this and it's working! Hooray, you aren't crazy!


That's how "Blueprint" was born. It's not only a great fit for me, but I think for so many potential clients also! There are so many people who either don't want to, or can't afford to, hire a designer on an hourly basis to do an entire room or house. Many of them just need a plan...a place to start.The beauty of the blueprint is that it is custom, but once it's in the client's hands, they can follow it to the letter or just use it as a general guide.

If you want more information you can e-mail me for a detailed description of the services I offer. I am working on my website www.courtneyandcointeriors.com, and hopefully will have something together by the end of the summer.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more to come!!

Summer Chic

Photo: The Sartorialist

Love everything about this...she makes it look so effortless.