Annie Ballantine Designs

Mid Century Mod in Palm Springs, CA

2011-09-20T22:52:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite vacation destinations is Palm Springs, California. Located just an hour and a half out of Los Angelos, Palm Springs is a very relaxed desert town where you can truly go just to relax.

I stayed in a fun Mid Century Modern condo last time I was out there and remembered I didn't post the photos. The house was designed well and although I could have done without the shag carpet in the bathrooms..eek! Otherwise it was a very comfortable pad to stay in.

Color that isn't scary!

2011-06-28T10:01:00.002-05:00

Color can be scary but when used appropriately it can be dramatic, peaceful, or sophisticated. If you have worked with me then you know where I stand when it comes to color. I believe that you should add color through inexpensive, or the least expensive, changes. For instance, if you want to experiment with a funky wall color have the walls painted (since paint is relatively inexpensive) before buying a hand-made artisan wall covering in that same color. I also recommend that people use neutrals on large furniture pieces and save color for small accent pieces like occasional chairs, ottoman, pillows, stationary drapery panels, accessories, or art. The smaller pieces will be easier (and less expensive) to change out when you want a new color scheme.

I saw this handsome lamp in Architectural Digest and it immediately captivated my attention. This particular beauty is from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. At the affordable price point of $220-$230 (depending on finish/shade) it will be an easy way to add a little pizazz to your space!

I'm out from under the rock!

2011-06-28T09:46:00.002-05:00

Hello, hello! Happy Summer to all. This week I finally crawled out from under the rock I've been living under (this is why I have so neglected this poor poor blog). In reality, I've been extremely busy professing, designing, and reorganizing my new home office in The Wood (Woodbury).
What's new? I've created a yard monster involving flocks of birds and numerous feeding stations so when I'm not designing, professing, or snuggling with my beloved fur-kid I am out tending to the beast I have created in our yard. In the upcoming weeks I will be adding rain gardens to the back yard to help reduce wasteful and damaging run off when it rains. I will certainly be sharing photos and comments as gardening and landscaping would probably be the one thing I would do all day, everyday, if Minnesota were that type of climate in which one doesn't need to worry about frostbite.
As usual, I have been sifting through the countless magazines I have stacked around my abode but the exciting news is that there are all sorts of new and amazing products to share! I'll be posting several soon...
Until then, I wish you summer delight and enjoyment!

Is it Spring yet?

2011-03-14T17:26:00.006-05:00

Anyone living in Minnesota knows that it's been a rough winter. Last evening I was recalling how wonderfully early out spring came last year. This year winter seems to be holding on with tight fists. I do realize though with each passing year winter only gets harder the older I get. Does anyone else notice this? As a kid I loved winter and couldn't wait to play in fresh snow. Now additional snow means I'll have to wash the salt off my car, give up my cute shoes for boots, and hobble through slush with my samples in tow.

While winter and cold are constant outside my window there is a constant flow of magazines and catalogs showing me the latest looks for spring. Giving me hope that one day, very soon, it will be SPRING once again.

Here are some of my favorite spring trends/products....

Elle Decor featured this space - unexpected chartreuse chairs add drama and youth!

Lemonade is synonymous with SUMMER. What better way to sip away the afternoon? This adorable dispenser comes from Wisteria.com.

Love this chair - soft feminine curves but still neutral enough as to not scare a man away!

New Lulu DK fabric!

2011-02-27T14:48:00.002-06:00

Each new season, just as in fashion, Textile Designers are releasing their new designs. Enter the SPRING collections. One of my favorite fabrics for Spring is from Lulu DK. It is a linen and cotton blend. With a color name "Apple Martini" it screams spring and summer. Delicious!

Project in Edina

2011-01-20T11:45:00.004-06:00

This living room was a fun project. When I first saw the space the walls were light and there was nothing in this room but old furniture (that was on the way out of the house), a rug, and a few stray toys. The clients needed a place that was kid-friendly but would function as a grown-up lounging area and entertaining area. At the point these photos were taken we were still waiting on the arrival of a print that will be installed above the fireplace.

Holidays in My Home

2011-01-20T11:24:00.008-06:00

Holiday decorations at my home, 2010....Our tree. This was somewhat disappointing for me as our tree last year was 12 feet tall. This year we bought so early that a 9 foot tree was the tallest we were able to get. I tend to favor a sentimental collection of ornaments that reflects experiences of my life versus a contrived "designer" tree in my own home. Decorating with fresh greens is so incredibly festive and inviting! The scent is wonderful as well. For easiest clean-up I try to buy the fresh cedar garland as it doesn't shed tiny needles. I like to attach trinkets like fake birds or ornaments to the garland. This year I made holiday card holders and attached those to the garland as well.

More fresh garland on the living room fireplace...

The naughty and nice stockings are more decorative and I love the whimsy of them. One side says "naughty" and the other "nice" so you can flip them depending on behavior! This year they hung in the den, just above the fireplace...

This is one of my home-made banners. This particular one was strung across the den fireplace....

Holiday Trees in November!

2010-11-24T08:26:00.006-06:00

This year I have found myself in a state of holiday glee! It all started the first week in November when I participated in a holiday event and listened to holiday music to get in the mood. Well, that mood stuck so now it's not even December and my shopping is done, my gifts are wrapped, and my decorations are begging to be put up!

I was lucky enough to decorate a tree for Health East's Festival of Trees, last week at RiverCenter in Saint Paul, MN. Each year this event brings 750 people to the RiverCenter in support of the Health East Foundation which provides services to patients in need.

My tree was 7.5 feet tall and my theme was "Birds of a Feather". I used gold ball ornaments with traditional red accents. My favorite ornaments were the white owl (Target), birds nests (trade source), and cardinal globe (trade source). I was able to decorate this entire tree for $200 including the skirt!

5 Minute Holiday Craft!

2010-11-15T12:51:00.004-06:00

This crafting process seriously only takes about 5 minutes. Believe me, you don't have to be Martha Stewart to get this one right
First, you'll need the following tools: holiday scrap booking paper (something sturdy), holiday stickers, ribbon, cutting tools, zots (adhesive glue dots - or just Elmer's glue is fine too!).

To make the process simple, I am using a circle cutting tool from Michael's. This tool is around $20.00 but wow is it worth the cost - you can cut circles anywhere from 4" to 12" in about two seconds! It is so easy to use.

The first step is to cut a circle out of your first paper - any size will do. For my larger size I used a 10" circle with a 5" circle in the center in a contrasting paper. Once you have your first circle cut then cut out your second circle and glue or "zot" your second circle onto the center of your first circle. Now punch a hole in the top of your big circle and run a ribbon through the hole to create a hanger. Now you can embellish the circle with holiday stickers or you can use glittery letters (from the craft store) to spell out holiday phrases.

Now...where do you use these? I plan to use some in the center of my wreaths - I simply hang the ornament from a nail or hook and then hang the wreath on that same hook. If you measure carefully the ornament will hang in the center of your wreath; this is a beautiful, easy decorating trick! You can also make banners as I have shown - connect your circles with ribbon. You can hang banners just about anywhere but they are very pretty by a fireplace mantel (just keep them as far as possible from flames!) or across a mirror.

This is incredibly inexpensive and you can recycle these ornaments when you are finished if you don't want to use them next year. Or, if you make smaller circles you can repurpose them as gift tags next holiday season.

So simple! So festive!

Chaos No Longer!

2010-11-15T09:40:00.002-06:00

When it comes to the kitchen, my favorite accessory is just about anything you can put on the table: place mats, napkins, napkin rings, place card holders, runners, and table cloths! For me, these are to the kitchen what shoes are to a woman's wardrobe!
Even with the best of intentions, my linen cupboard was a disaster. Any time I needed a particular item the rest would tumble out of place and, in a rush, I would shove them back in the cupboard and shut the door. What a mess!

A few weeks ago I tackled the issue head on with a label maker and some organizational bins. My supplies were purchased at Target. I opted for Sterilite containers to hold my napkins, napkin rings, and and table runners. Each container is along labeled using my trusty label maker. For instance, one container is labeled "cloth napkins, sets of 6". I also have "sets of 4" and so on...

My napkin rings are divided depending on occasion: everyday or holiday.

If your kitchen is a mess, this is the time to tackle it! If you plan to do holiday entertaining or even holiday baking surely you will need to find things easily and quickly. No better way is this possible than through good organization!

Gift Wrap Center

2010-11-10T11:25:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite holiday tasks is gift wrapping. Amongst family and friends I am known for my gift wrapping and usually people know who the gift is from long before they look at the tag. I don't mind being known for gorgeous gifts.

I do mind, however, when my gift wrapping supplies are in disarray. Due to lack of dedicated space I tried to contain all of my supplies in an under-the-bed storage container. The main issue was that this particular container did not contain a roll of wrap - the rolls were too long! So, I kept wrapping paper in the unfinished basement, other supplies under the guest room bed, and then the tape and scissors were in the den. What a mess! Every time I had to wrap a gift I would run to five different rooms to gather my supplies. This process sucked all the fun out of wrapping gifts!

I have been on the look-out for a smart gift wrap center but had been disappointed with what I saw. I could have easily spend $600 on a high-tech gift wrap center but I didn't want to do that for a temporarily solution. So, I put on my thinking cap, went to Home Depot and came up with a peg board system.

All of my accessories like ribbon, gift tags, tape, pens, tissue paper, and gift bags are organized on my peg boards. Under the peg boards I have a 4' by 2' table that I use my work surface. On that table I have a few small baskets that hold miscellaneous ribbons and small "do-dads" or embellishments. Then next to my table I have two trash tubs - one holds my everyday gift wrap and the other holds all of my holiday gift wraps.

This whole system cost me $95 - real steal in my mind! Now sanity has returned my gift wrapping process and I couldn't be happier with that.

Wonderful crafting tool!

2010-11-10T11:03:00.004-06:00

I am obsessed with this new crafting tool that is available through Martha Stewart Crafts. The tool is called "Punch Around the Page" and you can purchase it at Michael's for $24.99. Look for coupons though - Michael's usually has a weekly 40% off coupon and you can use it on this particular item!
Versatility is the main reason that I love this tool. I have used mine on paper to make beautiful place mats, gift tags, mailing labels, card stock, stationary, and more. You can use this for just about anything.

If you are going invest in this tool I would highly recommend a classic pattern that you can use all year. There are some cute snowflake options but it would be ridiculous to use that during the summer months! I chose a classic loop pattern for my punch and I have very happy with it!

Using this tool is so straightforward and somewhat mindless. A note though, if you have arthritic hands get someone to help you or you hands will hurt for days!

Happy Crafting to all!

Fantastic Book!

2010-11-10T10:56:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite past times is rummaging through design books at the library. I do buy a lot of design books as well but I like to preview books first and the library is perfect for that!

A few weeks ago I stumbled across a book called Creating a Sense Sational Home by Terry Willits. I love this book and cannot say enough positive things about it!

As a designer I always try to convey to clients just how important the concept of HOME is. How important it is to raise children in a comfortable home that reflects the family and sense of togetherness. This book puts it into easy to understand, yet eloquent terms.
Terry has a unique background as well, she is an interior designer but her husband is a pastor so she does discuss religion in the home as well which I found interesting too.

There are tips and tricks throughout the book - how to change a small thing here and there to make a big difference.

I would highly recommend this book!

P.S. - Sorry for the click caption on the photo. My lack of tech-savvy is showing through! =)

Fashion and Home Design

2010-09-22T11:21:00.003-05:00

Interior Design and Fashion Design are closely related. I've put this photo of an advertisement for Lee Jofa's newest line from Oscar de la Renta (a fashion designer) to show how fabric houses are trying to get consumers to relate fashion to home design.

At the beginning of a new season do you take stock of your wardrobe and see what pieces no longer work and what needs to be replaced? I do. But rarely do people do this same seasonal editing with their homes.

I am certainly not advocating that you completely redecorate every single season, I am only suggesting that you take inventory each season and rotate things in and out of your home to keep your home looking fresh, new, and inventive each season of the year.

Accessories are the easiest to rotate in and out followed by soft goods like pillows and throws. If you have some smaller furnishings (occasional tables or chairs) you can always swap those out once a year to give some fresh perspective.

Your home is a reflection of you and your personality and it should always be changing just as you are!

Protecting your Investment

2010-09-21T12:12:00.002-05:00

The design and purchasing processes are the first steps in any room or home improvement. One step that many consumers neglect is the protection step. I know, it is another expense after you've just spent a hefty amount on a room full or new furniture but imagine how distraught you'll be when a dinner guest dumps a glass of red wine on that new sofa and the stain doesn't come out! There are a few different ways to protect your investments. Usually just doing one or two things will enhance protection but if you want to dot your i's and cross your t's then take care of all of the following items and your furniture will stay in like-new shape for years to come!

1) Fabric protection: You don't have to use Scotch Guard anymore, there are other options as well but be sure that your fabric has been protected from stains in some way. Also be sure you know the limitations of that product. If it needs to be reapplied every 2 years then be sure to do that or you will no longer have the same level of protection!

2) Anti-Fading: The only way to protect your fabric from the sun is to have your windows covered with a special film OR to keep your window treatments drawn during the day when the sun is strong. Window films have come a long way; they no longer appear dark or "black" on windows the way they used to. With professional installation you won't even notice a change with your windows but your fabrics, floors, and art will be safe from the sun.

3) Disaster Ready: Before your new furniture is delivered ensure that you have a proper cleaning kit for emergencies and that it is stocked well. For a well-rounded cleaning kit have these products on hand in an organized container: baking soda, clear all-purpose cleaner, clear dish soap, ammonia, guardsman (dry cleaning solvent), table salt, and soft white cloths.

About your kit:
For tricky stains seek out a professional to help you before you attempt to clean it and then possibly make the problem worse. For red wine stains on fabric dump table salt on the spill and let is sit until the salt wicks up the wine. Clean any remaining spot with mild dish soap and a soft cloth. This technique works on carpet and rugs as well.
Always be sure to spot check a fabric if you're trying to clean it! I have learned my lesson after a rug in our house became discolored after I cleaned a small spot with a strong cleaner. Always test in an inconspicuous spot!

Service for the Holidays

2010-09-20T14:43:00.002-05:00

As you make your holiday preparations for entertaining be sure to give proper attention to serving ware. You'll most likely dedicate a lot of time to the construction of the perfect menu so ensuring you have the proper way to serve your foods will make for a flawless dining experience for your guests.

If you're having a buffet of sorts, be sure to place items at different heights - this adds dimension and interest but it always helps people see dishes individually versus one massive plane of food. To create height you can stack books under your table cloth to create ledges or buy dishes with height to display fruits, desserts, or crackers with various cheeses. The display I have pictured above is from Jayson Home & Garden and retails for $150. If you're looking for a budget piece with height check out Pier One as they carry versatile, budget-friendly pieces.

Utensils should not be overlooked either. Instead of buying a serving set I try to find vintage pieces at antique shops, thrift stores, and even rummage sales. Older serving pieces tend to be more ornate which feels special and dressy. Also try mixing intricate pieces with modern, classic pieces to create interest and tell a story of your interests.

Keep your displays personal. Try to use your Grandmother's china or Aunt Susie's crystal vase. When people comment on a given piece you'll be able to tell them a family story of who it came from and why you love it. If you're dining with family they will appreciate the history present at the table.

Fantastic Party Decor

2010-09-14T09:24:00.005-05:00

This weekend I attended an event for the Courage Center, right here in Golden Valley, MN. Courage Center is an amazing institution that provides physical therapy, rehabilitation services, and outreach to persons with physical challenges. The even this weekend, Celebration of Courage, is their signature annual event and is the major fundraiser for their much needed equipment to aid their clients with rehabilitation services.

The event was at the Earle Brown Heritage Center and I can say I've never seen the inside of that event center looking so wonderful! The event designer did a fantastic job on the decor. I especially loved the light fixtures which I captured on my IPhone to share with my readers! So creative, so cool! It's hard to tell from my primitive photo but there were fans of real tree branches mounted to a circular board. Strung in those branches were small white lights. Hanging from the center were elaborate glass chandeliers. So gorgeous!

Commited for the Long Haul

2010-09-14T09:13:00.003-05:00

As I edge up on my own wedding anniversary I find myself reflecting on commitment of the long-term type. Two weeks ago I found myself in New York City at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I was astounded as I looked upon fine furniture from 1600 or sooner and I couldn't help but think: what are we making today that will last for thousands of years? Not much. I can assure you that the department store sofa with a cardboard core structure will barely last you three years and certainly not 3,000. As a culture our attitudes on furniture has shifted drastically in the past 40 years. We don't buy "heirloom" furniture, we buy IKEA furniture that lasts a few years. Why?

As we move toward a more green earth and make eco-friendly choices I urge you to consider eco-friendly choices when you purchase furniture. Think about that cheap sofa you bought; in 5 years you're going to need a new sofa because the one you have will be worn out completely. You won't be able to reupholster because the frame itself will be shot. So, where do you think that sofa is going to go after your living room? A landfill and there it will sit..for a long, long time. Consider instead a timeless frame with classic lines that is well-built and will last (without frame repair) for 40+ years. You will be able to upholster that piece several times and save our landfills from those 8 cheap sofas you would have purchased in the same 40 years time.

One of my favorite artisan furniture makers right her in America is Thos Moser. Located on the East Coast their work studio is full of artisans who hand craft each piece of furniture. Each piece of furniture is unique and built to last a lifetime. This is certainly worthy of heirloom status.

I've included a photo of one of my favorite tables by Thos. Moser: Pasadena. Prices start at $5,900 for the dining table in the 74" length.

For more information check out their website: http://www.thosmoser.com/

Fabric Obsession!

2010-08-04T10:46:00.004-05:00

My favorite part of my job as an interior designer to to hunt out great, unexpected fabrics. I love fabric -- the feel, the texture, the color, the design -- LOVE IT! A few days ago I was rummaging the showrooms at International Market Square in Minneapolis and found this fantastic Vervain fabric at the Ambiante Showroom. This fabric is a silk tafetta and it has a printed, colorful design. The fabric does have a lot of slubbing which is completely natural to silk but anyone purchasing the fabric should be aware and expect the slubbing.

The most impactful part of this fabric is the beautiful array of colors used in the large-scale, printed design. The design is youthful, playful, yet feminine. The drape of this fabric is gorgeous and it would be the perfect drapery fabric. It could also be used on an occasional chair but a backing would be very necessary.

I have included a scan of the fabric. It doesn't quite do it justice but you get the point of what this fabric looks like!

Old School Shabby Chic

2010-08-04T10:36:00.003-05:00

During my first year of college I was lucky and cursed to have the one single dorm room in the entire dorm building. I loved that I had my OWN space. Growing up with my own bedroom I was certainly accustomed to the privacy and freedom of having one's own space.

This first year of undergrad schooling I was obsessed with Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic books. I loved anything vintage, French, or even remotely antiqued. I couldn't get enough of the bold floral chintz fabrics I would find at thrift stores or flea markets.

One of my most memorable moments was while I was sitting in an interview with admission's counselors in the hopes of becoming an Admission's Ambassador. One of my duties, if hired, would be to host prospective students for over night visits in my dorm room. One of the counselors said "describe your dorm room for us" and my response was "it's very Shabby Chic". I got the job!

I love to look back at old photos of my past bedrooms, apartments, and really early projects. It's amazing to see how my style has changed as I've experienced new things, learned lessons, and grew as a designer. Some things, like this shabby chic dorm room, are better left in the past!

Recycled Walls

2010-07-22T10:32:00.000-05:00

This morning during a new product showing I spotted a great new wall covering that I wanted to share with my readers! This innovative product is from Weitzner Limited and is made from recycled newsprint. It has a nylon webbing on the front to protect the newsprint and it is paper backed for installation. This is a handmade product and therefore is incredibly unique. The graphics and colors will vary throughout the roll and from roll to roll. The product is 47" wide and is sold in 5 yard increments. The retail price is $250.00/yard.

This wall covering would be a great accent wall in an office, den, or youth bedroom. Imagine the thrill of being surrounded by words and stories of the past! Something so unique is sure to spark conversations and strong reactions.

If you have specific questions on this product please call our studio: 612-746-5519.

Look for Us on House of Turquoise!

2010-07-19T11:36:00.000-05:00

Our completed den project will be featured on the blog House of Turquoise; a very well-known interior design blog. Check it out for the story! www.houseofturquoise.com
The turquoise that we used was Benjamin Moore's Affinity Azores AF-495.

The Den: Before & After Window Wall

2010-07-15T11:28:00.001-05:00

This "before" and "after" set is the North facing wall in the den, otherwise known as the Window Wall. If you have gorgeous mill work that is beautifully stained and of high quality then I wouldn't recommend painting it. We did not have this. Some people would cringe over the fact that we had the mill work enameled but truth be told it was not high quality product and it had a lot of surface blemishes. Enameling the mill work was a means for brightening an otherwise dark space and creating a fresh look in the space.
What makes this wall so impactful in the "after" photo is the addition of window treatments. I designed these Roman shades with a soft curved detail at the bottom. The shades were made by The Enchanted Room from Cowtan and Tout fabric with Schumacher silk trim at the base. The addition of the window treatments softens the space and makes it feel extremely inviting.
Never underestimate the power of drapery!

The Den: Fireplace Before & After

2010-07-15T11:21:00.000-05:00

This "before" and "after" set shows you the West wall of our den. Before we installed the fireplace on the wall there was nothing there so it was quite boring. I came up with the design for a built-in space that would house not only bookshelves and cubbies for accessories but practical things like lateral files and storage for television components. We now have ample space for all of our files but we don't have to have a dedicated office in our home.
The fireplace is framed out with top and bottom panels that have applied mill work to give a library ambiance to the space.

The Den: Workspace Before & After

2010-07-15T11:08:00.000-05:00

This first image shows the old "panic room". This was one of the quirkiest parts of our house. There was a wall-mounted bookcase that opened off of the wall to reveal a secret hidden space. I can see how this hidden space would be useful if it were somewhere else in the house but being that it is in the front of the house, all of the neighbors could see us opening it and knew about our "secret hidden space". Not so secret!
We decided to turn that space into a work center. The center had to accommodate a lap top computer, a digital camera, a wireless router, and cable modem, a wireless printer, and our everyday office supplies. I also wanted to be able to shut the space off from the rest of the room. The result was a customized work desk with Cambria quartz work top, custom drawers and cubbies for our office supplies and two recessed armoire doors that also lock for security.
The finished result is a great use of the awkward space and now we don't have to keep all of our office equipment out and visible; we can simply shut the doors and it disappears! Love it!

I've fallen off, again!

2010-07-12T13:47:00.000-05:00

I was so proud of myself in May; blogging became a part of my weekly routine and it seemed effortless to churn out at least one post a week. Then June happened...and now it's July and I've become a real delinquent blogger. Forgive me, my faithful readers!

Since the last post the work on my personal den has been progressing; very slowly! Finally, at the end of June the cabinetry was installed and now I am waiting on just the carpet and window treatments. Then the real fun begins with accessorizing and personalizing the space. Check back for photos very soon!

This summer I've been working on expanding our resource library in the design studio. Whenever I can find unique products it is very beneficial to my clients for very obvious reasons. I came across a new product that I've heard very little about but am very intrigued by: Bio Fireplaces. A bio fireplace produces NO smoke, ash, or soot and in many cases there is absolutely no venting required. A bio fireplace is the perfect solution for a space in need of ambiance with little of no room for a traditional firebox or gas insert. The units aren't cheap: they start around $500 for a basic unit and go up from there. However, there are tax incentives that help reduce the overall cost. You can check out bio fireplace units at: http://www.chanticousa.com/

Above I've inserted a photo of the "Transparent" model which retails for $1500.00.

It's getting personal

2010-05-21T10:06:00.000-05:00

There seems to be a big misconception out there. People actually believe that because I am an interior designer my house must be completely decked out and "finished". Well, I'm here to tell you that it's certainly not.

First, I don't believe that any home is truly ever finished. A home constantly evolves and changes just as the people who live in that house will change over time. Second, I design Monday through Friday and often times when I go home at night I just want to unplug and relax; I certainly don't want to do more design problem solving.

This is why my house will never quite be "finished" which is fine with me. At this point I would say that the room that is closest to being complete is our kitchen but I still want to work on the lighting and installing a back splash. Eventually I'd love to gut the whole thing but that's another story...

In February I decided to embark on a fairly significant project involving my house. There is a front room on the house that has never been used because it doesn't seem to serve any sort of purpose very well. There was no overhead lighting, no outlets for a cable or phone so using this space as a relaxing room or office was out of the question; at that point.

Soon this front room will complete its transition into Annie's Reading Room or The Den. Mainly, this is the room you will find me in at the end of a long day when I just want to listen to music or read.

Here we are four months down the road from the initial planning and it truly doesn't look like much has been done inside the space. Soon though, it will all come together and be pretty close to being "finished" although I'll be editing the built-in bookcases every few weeks, I'm sure.

This project started with my preliminary sketches of what I wanted in terms of furniture layout and built-ins. From there I started to pull favorite fabrics and materials that I wanted to be sure and incorporate into the space. Once everything is installed I am very confident that this will be my most favorite room that I have ever done (so far) because it suits me perfectly; just the way a home should!

I've attached the color scheme and some "before" photos...

The hope is for an end of June completion (crossing my fingers!).

Working in the Studio

2010-05-14T11:55:00.001-05:00

Today is a design day in the studio at International Market Square. This is a peek of what I'm working on...

Fabrics include a Lee Jofa flamestitch and a classic Calvin texture with color variation.

Going Home

2010-05-12T16:24:00.000-05:00

There is a beautiful song by Miranda Lambert called "The House that Built Me" that has been playing on the local country station. I can't get enough of this song. Every time I hear it I want to drive up to Duluth, where I grew up, and sit on the front porch of my childhood home and watch the world fly by.

I know they say you can't go home again
I just had to come back one last time
Ma'am I know you don't know me from Adam
But these hand prints on the front steps are mine
Up those stairs, in that little back bedroom
Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar
And I bet you didn't know, under that live oak
My favorite dog is buried in the yard
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it's like I'm someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could walk around, I swear I'll leave
Won't take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

After hearing the opening lyrics, I'm hooked and now I've downloaded the song from iTunes so that I can listen to it, on demand. You see, I miss "home" sometimes. I think we all do at some point. Life was so simple back then. I had a little bedroom that I loved with no TV, just a radio that was always tuned to 101.7, the oldies station. You might be surprised but I know most of the lyrics to the major hits anywhere between the 1940's through the 1960's. I used to shut myself in my room for the whole day, designing elaborate Barbie doll houses made from paper butter cartons and scrap cardboard I rescued from the trash. This was the beginning of my love for design and the building process.

I was lucky to have relaxed parents who did not have an interior designer (if they had a designer she surely would have hated dealing with me!). My parents let me redecorate my room whenever I wanted and I usually did this every six months. I had many little businesses to raise money for the redesigns. It was such fun, to experiment with abandon. My favorite scheme involved pepto-pink millwork, key lime green walls, and a blue "sky" complete with white clouds on the ceiling. My bedding was a bright melon-inspired plaid with a floral compliment. I loved everything about that room.

So, thank you, to my mom and dad, for always letting me experiment on your walls. Thanks for raising me in a great house that was always under construction; it made me who I am today and I love that. Thank you for encouraging me to follow my dream of making rooms pretty.

Creativity in Upholstery

2010-05-11T17:35:00.001-05:00

I want to share this really fun chair that was upholstered for a client. Prior to it's transformation into an absolutely adorable statement this was a rusty gold, crushed velvet slipper chair from the 1970's; certainly it was in need of some TLC. I used a striped cotton on the back and seat cushions. The barrel back of the chair is covered in a bright Schumacher floral linen print. The buttons are encased in raspberry velvet and to top it all off, a multi-colored cord trim was used in place of welt to tie everything together just perfectly! So cute!

A great example of creating something new out of what you may already have at home.

ABD Spring Flea Market

2010-05-10T11:25:00.001-05:00

A very sincere "thank you" is due to the many people who attended the ABD Spring Flea Market on April 9th and 10th. The event was a success and also a lot of fun! Thank you for your support! To our vendors who helped out; we truly couldn't have done it without you! THANK YOU!

Latest Installation...

2010-05-10T11:13:00.000-05:00

My true love, and sometimes obsession, for design lies mostly with residential design. That's not to say I don't enjoy taking on an occasional commercial project but it must be something on a smaller scale that has a home-like mood or aura. At the beginning of 2010 a strange thing happened and I started working on three different commercial projects at once; a very rare occurrence for me.

Although both commercial and residential design hold their own challenges, commercial is often less personable and more about the bottom line. One of my favorite aspects of the design process is building a relationship with my client; this is often lacking in the commercial realm as designers tend to deal with committees or groups of people versus one single client.

I just recently finished a small commercial project that consisted of a reception space and two small scale conference rooms. We used beautiful furnishings from Italy that are light in proportion and scale to compliment the small space. Most of the art work is by local artist, Kate Pearce. The fabrics we used are from Pollack and are commercial grade for extreme durability. The final result was simple yet stylish and refined.

Change Your Look

2010-04-09T14:12:00.000-05:00

I have a magazine habit that drives my husband crazy. My shelter magazine subscriptions, admittedly, are out of control as I get 5 per month along with my lady magazines. Quite frequently I can be found sitting down with a stack of magazines and a few minutes will pass between a symphony of tearing paper. I tend to collect a big pile of "tear outs" that I save for later inspiration. Sadly, there is rarely any rhyme or reason to the things that I collect in my stack of torn paper but last month I found something extremely noteworthy.

I've attached the page for you to see but it was a fantastic advertisment for a department store. It shows how easy it is to refresh the look of a neutral space through accessory placement and bright colors in small doses. As you attempt another year of Spring Cleaning change out your accessories just for the season. I promise you that the change of scenery will make you appreciate what you have even more and it will hopefully create an excitement for change in your home!

Happy Spring & Happy Changes,

Annie

Jewlery for the Home

2010-03-11T14:20:00.000-06:00

Admittedly, I have a problem. A shoe problem to be specific. I have over 50 pairs of different shoes; heels, flats, sneakers, sandals, etc... Luckily, when it comes to fashion, this is the only accessory that I tend to indulge (or overindulge) in. Handbags, jewelry, hats; I can live without a single one but my shoes are the love of my wardrobe.

When it comes to home fashion the trends and styles are typically a derivation of something we've seen in clothing design but it does take a few years to trickle to housing. Accessorizing a home is one of the greatest joys in my day-to-day work life. Within the minuscule details (trims, lamps and shades, art, sculpture, and accessories) of design is where my passion lies and this is precisely why I have opted to work within mostly residential design.

My favorite accessory for the home is what I refer to as the jewelry of any scheme; TRIMMINGS! A pillow or skirted chair can be downright boring without a little touch of unexpected color or pattern brought in with the perfect trim! I love trim MORE than I love shoes and that is why, at any point, you can walk into my resource library and find a bin overflowing with trim samples.

One trim that I particularly love but have not yet used is Samuel & Sons "Espadrille Woven Border". This is a chunky, 3" wide band trim that is perfect for draperies, skirting, pillows, or bedding. The size is fantastic and it makes such a strong statement. I'm showing the trim in the grey/blue color but it is available in several other colors.

The price point is sizable at $65.00 per yard but the effect is wonderful and you don't need to use a lot of this trim to make a big statement.

Oh Baby!

2010-02-03T10:33:00.000-06:00

There is something magical and promising about a baby shower. Good friends gather to celebrate a new life that has recently arrived or will debut in the coming months. Such an event took place at my home last weekend.

I'll admit that I tend to "oooh" and "aaah" when I pass the baby section and see a tiny, sweet outfit. For this event I was able to marry my passion of decorating with the sweet expectation of the arrival of two new babies: one boy and one girl.

Although blue and pink is, well, typical, for a baby shower, I decided to branch out and use chocolate brown, bright olive green, and raspberry. Everything from the invitations to the cake was in this color palette.

With simple supplies like ribbon, key limes, pink tulips, votive candles, and onsies, our home was transformed into baby central which was met with plenty of "oohs" and "aaahs" from the guests (well, at least from the women).

If you have questions about the vendors I used or where I found certain items seen in the decor, send me an e-mail at annie@annieballantine.com

Thanks for reading! Here's to happy celebrations in 2010.

Cheers,
Annie

5 Essentials for your Guest Room!

2009-12-11T10:27:00.000-06:00

Tis the season for... house guests! When you invite people (friends, family, or other) into your home you are inviting them to a part of yourself. Your home and the things in it are a direct reflection of your beliefs, personality, and attitude. What better way to welcome a guest than with a comfortable bedroom or suite to sleep in!
With the holidays well underway your guest room may very well be booked! To help with the preparations, here are 5 essential items that will pamper your guests and keep them coming back for more:

1) Luxurious Bedding! Overstuffed pillows, down comforters, and soft sheets will give the sheep a break and lull even your most sleep-deprived guest right to sleep. Be sure to pay attention to allergies -- if someone is allergic to down try a down-alternative that has a down feel. To find bedding options locally, try F & B Linens on Grand Ave (tell Barb I sent you!) in Saint Paul.

2) Entertainment! Being away from their own bed can be hard for your guest. It may take them awhile to fall asleep in a different environment. Take this to heart and be sure to provide some sort of entertainment for your guest. This can be: a television and dvd player stocked with a variety of movies, magazines, good books, photo albums with pictures of you and your guest, or music. If you opt for a television you may want to type up a channel guide to give your guest that ultimate hotel feel.

3) Provisions! We've all been there -- it's midnight, you're in bed, wide awake, and your stomach is screaming for a snack. Make sure your guest is covered for the late-night munchies! Leave a few bottles of water in the room along with a small package of cookies, a granola bar, and a few pieces of fresh fruit. If you really want to wow your guest, keep a small coffee maker in the room so your guest can enjoy coffee or tea at any point during their stay.

4) Illumination! It sounds simple but you'd be surprised at how many guest rooms I've stayed in that do not have bedside lamps for reading. There is nothing worse than finishing a chapter of a book, getting out of bed to turn off an overhead light, and then stumbling back to bed in a strange room. Alleviate your injury liability and keep a nice bedside lamp in the guest room. The best options have dimmers and provide soft light for reading.

5) Bath Kit! Keep bathroom supplies in as convenient a spot as possible for your guests. Supply their room with a nice basket containing at least the basics: a bath towel, a hand towel, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, and wash cloths. For an extra touch buy a guest robe and slippers to keep on hand for guests.

With these essentials you're sure to have happy guests for the holidays!

Adding Pizazz!

2009-11-25T13:57:00.000-06:00

If you're anything like me, on the day before Thanksgiving you are sitting at your desk, working, instead of standing in your kitchen cubing the 8 French baguettes for your from-scratch stuffing. I still can't quite believe that Thanksgiving is TOMORROW! I am sitting here asking myself "where did fall go?". It doesn't feel like Thanksgiving yet; we don't have snow, it isn't 20 degrees outside, and the grass is still partially green. Yet, somehow, the turkey holiday crept up on me.

I haven't had much time to commit to all the decorative details for the festivities taking place at my house; I've been too busy tracking the ever-changing guest list. We began with a semi-challenging 12 for dinner. I made reservations to rent a large dining table as well as serving tables. Then 5 days ago the guest list bumped up, unexpectedly, to 16. So, I cancelled the tables and decided to do a more casual buffet. Yesterday was the final change (I hope!) to this guest list and we are now at a more comfortable 11 guests for dinner. It was too late to rent additional tables so we are keeping the buffet style but now I am realizing that I've been so busy adjusting plans and recipes to accommodate guests that I have completely neglected our decor.

I have to admit I typically buy flowers two or three days in advance. I go to a large floral shop and spend an offensive amount of money on flowers. Afterwards I invest half a day arranging them and sprinkling the house with suitable arrangements for each space. This year, I have done no such thing. This year I made a hasty trip to Trader Joe's to pick up a pre-arranged, overpriced, scrawny arrangement for our small bites table.

As I plunked the few flowers and many fillers into a vase I was so depressed by my centerpiece that I decided to rummage through my craft bin in an effort to add a little pizazz to this mess sitting before me.

The result? Stunning! To my pre-packaged flowers I added: dogwood, curly willow, shrub branches, fresh fruit, pine cones, and a festive bird. Now it looks like I actually called a florist!

Next time you come home from the grocery with a floral arrangement, be creative, add something unexpected. The result will be something that is unique and makes you smile. This is an easy way to stretch your entertaining dollars and impress your guests all in one step. The holidays are a wonderful, celebratory time. Don't let the expense of decorating drain your holiday spirit, instead, be creative and daring. The results will surprise you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Big Sale at IMS!

2009-11-04T16:04:00.000-06:00

You read correctly -- a big SALE is happening at International Market Square this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only. Showrooms will be liquidating merchandise at 50 - 80% off retail prices! You'll find great deals from Baker, Hickory Chair, Hancock and Moore, Brunschwig & Fils, and more!!
Hours are:
Thursday, November 5th: 4-8pm
Friday, November 6th: 9am-6pm
Saturday, November 7th: 9am-1pm
If you're looking for great prices on high-end furniture you don't want to miss this sale!

If you need help selecting pieces or deciding if something will work in your home, please call our office at 612-746-5519 and we can schedule an appointment during this sale.

Happy Shopping!

FLOR Tiles

2009-10-16T12:36:00.000-05:00

FLOR (http://www.flor.com/) is a product that has been available for a few years but is now gaining popularity in residential settings. The FLOR product is a 19.7" square modular flooring tile with a non-skid backing. This product can be used to create an area rug or it can be used in wall-t0-wall scenarios. The sample shown above is: needlepoint stripe, color: ginger.

The FLOR website is very user friendly; you can look at different styles and order samples (3 samples for $5.00). The website also features a rug designer feature and a handy calculator to help you figure the quantity of tiles you need for a given application.

What makes FLOR so great? Well, first, it's really inexpensive! If you are looking for a heavy-duty rug for your mud room or maybe just a temporary area rug these tiles are incredibly affordable. A 5 x 7 rug will average $150. The beauty of this product is the durability factor. FLOR tiles are designed, mainly, for commercial spaces with high-traffic so the tiles really hold up in a residential setting. If something does happen and one of the tiles is stained you can simply lift that tile and replace it with a new one. It's really that simple!

This is a great product to consider for play spaces, 3-season porches, mud rooms, basements, kids' rooms, bathrooms, and utility spaces. It can also be used in just about any room you desire but the finished look will be casual.

From October 15th - November 15th we will offer 10% off any FLOR products purchased through Annie Ballantine Designs. We will also provide you with free samples. This discount cannot be used on clearance items; sorry! Happy shopping!

Be Bold

2009-10-08T10:48:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago I was making rounds to some of my favorite odd shops for great finds. I went into a shop in Highland Park and found a great painting that I instantly loved. It's shown above and as you can probably see, is a very colorful and slightly convoluted clown.

I've shown this, excitedly, to many people and have had a variety of reactions: dislike, disdain, fondness, and adoration.

At this exact moment the painting sits in the ABD inventory, awaiting it's new home. I know the perfect setting will come along for this lonely clown.

Where do I plan to use it? Certainly not in a child's bedroom or nursery. I think it would be fabulous in a powder room or a hallway -- a place where the viewer has a fleeting experience with the painting.

As I have had this sitting in my office for several days I have noticed that sometimes the clown is smirking, sometimes he's mournful, and occasionally I look at him and he appears sly, as though he's plotting something. Regardless of what I might see in this piece each day, it is interesting that each time I look at the painting I see something new; a different expression, a sense of feeling, or a wayward brushstroke. It continues to engage me in a thought process; something I feel art should do.

As you put finishing touches in your home, try to do something unexpected and bold. Do something that will catch people off guard. Put a clown in the powder room.

Long Awaited After Photos!

2009-10-05T10:12:00.000-05:00

I have resigned myself to the fact that a good space is never done. Spaces should evolve and change just as the people who use the space do. There is always something to be added, edited, updated, or rearranged in any space. This is my glorified excuse for not posting my master bathroom "After" photos until now. =)

In the photos the wall material looks like it could simply be paint so I've included an image of the Valtekz fabric that we used on the walls. It has a leather texture to it that is very subtle and doesn't read at a great distance.

Work was completed on this bathroom during the summer months but it has taken some time to find some of the finishing touches for the space. It isn't done, but rather, it is a work in process; always.

Enjoy...

Hot New Textile!

2009-10-02T11:27:00.000-05:00

In a recent fabric showing I fell in love with Bart Halpern's pleated upholstery fabric. This fabric is a tough blend of Polyurethan, Polyester, and Viscose with an abrasion rating of 201,000 double rubs. As a point of reference, a normal residential fabric should fall in the 15,000-45,000 double rub category. The double rub (Wyzenbeek) method for testing fabric durability involves rubbing a surface against the fabric to see how many strokes (up and down equals one double rub) the fabric can withstand before it starts to show normal wear. At 201,000 double rubs it would practically take explosives to destroy this fabric!

This fabric is so versatile! It can be used in upholstery, window treatments, as a wall covering, or as bedding. The fabric is available in 33 colors and it can be ordered with or without backing. The production time is only 3-4 weeks and there is a 6 yard minimum order.

Please inquire about pricing by calling our office: 612-746-5519.

The New World of Wall Coverings

2009-09-18T11:53:00.000-05:00

Although I hate to admit this, I've become a delinquent blogger...AGAIN! Apologies to my loyal readers. I owe you "after" photos of the exterior of my house and of the completed master bath. Although nothing is ever "done" I will at least show the progress we've made.

This week I'd like to direct your attention to wall coverings. For many years home owners were shying away from wall coverings due to the hassle of having them hung and, if necessary, taking them down (gulp!). If you too have been shy about using wall coverings I invite you to take a look into the new, innovative products available. These are not your mother's, or grandmother's, wall coverings. This year texture and graphic prints are all the rage in wall coverings. I encourage you to take a look at Trove, a company that specializes in wall coverings, and offers some very dramatic options. Of course, these wall coverings will not be appropriate for all spaces as they can be overwhelming. However, if you have a small powder bath or an office that needs some instant character or a "wow factor" consider using a wall covering! You can find Trove products by clicking on this link: http://www.troveline.com/wallpapers.php4
Please enjoy!

Cozy up the Cave!

2009-07-23T10:09:00.000-05:00

The best way to describe our master bath was CAVE-LIKE. When we bought our house the master bathroom was just partially finished. The builder had made choices that were very style specific and not at all neutral. This posed several design problems.

First, the bathroom is very small (about 7' by 10') yet the builder selected materials that were heavily patterned and felt very imposing. The flooring in this space is slate tile. The tile certainly has an interesting texture but it is so varied in color that when the tile was paired with the deep, saturated red-brown wall color the space felt as if it could close in and gulp someone up at any moment. The same slate tile (although a smaller size) was utilized as the shower surround and the whirlpool tub surround. With all that color and texture on the floor and parts of the walls, I knew I needed to calm the walls down quite a bit. I first thought of colors for this space. I liked the idea of using a cool color as I knew this would help expand the small space visually. I hesitated with a cool paint color as this space is already had a very cold feeling -- I didn't want to enhance that at all. I selected a great product called Valtekz (this can be purchased through ABD) that is actually a heavy-duty composite fabric. Valtekz has a leather look yet it is constructed of man-made materials that give this product unparalleled durability and flexability of use. Valtekz is most commonly used in yacht applications yet it can be used as a fabric in a residential application and it can also be used as a wall covering. I decided to use this product as a wall covering in our master bath. I chose this fabric as it would add a soft, warming sense with the very subtle texture but I also knew it would help to expand the space visually as well.

(Please note: If you decide to use Valtekz as a wall covering, be sure that you work with an experienced paper hanger who understands the product and how it should be installed. If you need a referral please contact our office and we will be happy to help you.)

I had several other design challenges in this space: 1) The mill work was low-quality and needed finishing work, 2) The vanity lights were domed down lights, creating shadows on anyone standing at the sinks, 3) The shower was not finished and did not have a door, 4)There is very little wall space to fit enough hardware to accommodate towel bars.

For the mill work issue I decided to enamel all of the mill work including the built-in vanity. I used Benjamin Moore Bone White in the Impervo enamel product. This product worked well but I would recommend hiring someone to do enamel work -- it is very tedious!

I decided to cut down on cost and leave the vanity lights where they were (above where mirrors would go) but I did change out the fixtures. For light fixtures I selected a very transitional 3-light fixture from Forecast that features three linen-shaded lamps. The fixtures add a nice soft light to the space while the linen shades add interesting texture in a subtle way.

When it came time to decide on a shower door I felt this was a place that I wanted to splurge a little. In my mind there was nothing worse than the thought of using a framed shower door in the small shower space. The white frame of a shower door would have contrasted with the dark slate in a way that anyone looking at the space would have immediately paid attention to the shower door but not the tile design. I selected a frameless shower door design with a 28" wide glass door and an 18" glass panel. Both the door and the panel are installed with minimal hardware in a satin nickel finish. This application allows the slate tile to be the focal point, not the shower door. One thing to note with frameless shower doors is that they can be difficult to clean. I recommend using Rain-X to clean the glass -- this product will also help minimize water spotting on the glass.

When it came to installing hardware I used Restoration Hardware because I needed a "train rack" towel bar system and Restoration Hardware has the best selection of train racks that coordinate with other hardware. The train rack was installed above the whirlpool tub. This piece allows space for hanging bath towels but it also has extra storage for unused towels -- this was a must-have in our small bath with minimal storage! I added a small towel ring by one of the sinks and a towel hook right outside the shower door.

I have posted some "BEFORE" photos with this post! I will post the "AFTER" photos next week! Peek in next week to see the finished product!

ABD Presents Salon 568

2009-07-09T12:13:00.000-05:00

In 1725 the Salon de Paris began a tradition of official art exhibitions to showcase great French artists. At ABD we are pleased to present our own local version: Salon 568.

At ABD we are committed to supporting local artists and our local economy. We are excited to present a four-part series of Salon 568. This is a unique opportunity to see one-of-a-kind, local art and meet the artist. This is your chance to find that special piece for your home or office and hear the story behind it.

Our first Salon 568 will be held on Wednesday, August 5th from 4:30-7:30pm at the ABD office in International Market Square. The featured artist is Kate Pearce of Saint Paul, MN. You can read more about Kate by visiting her website: katepearcestudio.com.

Please join us for this exciting event!

Our address:

275 Market Street Suite 568

Minneapolis, MN 55405

"Root" by Kate Pearce (shown above)

Adding an Arch

2009-06-19T10:41:00.000-05:00

When my husband and I first moved into our home last summer the kitchen was the one space that I felt needed the least amount of change. There was only one issue that was truly an eye sore and that was a small rectangular opening between the kitchen and living room. The opening was approximately 40" high by 50" wide and it is located directly in front of the kitchen sink. When you look through the opening you can see our living room space and past that, you see through the patio door into the backyard. On the living room side of this opening there is a small granite bar where people can sit and use a lap top computer or eat a casual meal.

I told my husband that we needed to arch that opening and he agreed that it might look a little bit better but he couldn't understand the full reason that I wanted the opening arched. One challenge that I noticed straight away is that our kitchen has a ceiling height of 9'0" while the living room ceiling height is 12'0" -- a difference of three feet! So, with this low opening it often felt that the kitchen was a small cave compared to the living room. I knew that opening up the space with a soft arch would alleviate that visual issue and it would make the transition from the kitchen to the living room more smooth and visually pleasing. I knew the change would also FEEL better.

Even I was surprised by the massive difference this small change made in not only our kitchen but also our living room. As neighbors came to visit and see the new arch they too were blown away. My husband instantly became a believer in small changes making a huge difference in the aesthetics and comfort of a space.

In an effort to add more lighting to our living room we added wall-mounted sconces to each side of the arch on the living room side. These sconces are on a dimmer and we often have just those lights on late at night to create a relaxing, soft, and sometimes romantic atmosphere.

When we first moved into our home every single wall in the entire house was painted a simple yellow beige color that is actually not an unattractive color but in this house it blends almost seamlessly with the mill work and therefore there is no contrast between cabinetry and the walls which results in a very monotonous look. When the arch was added we painted the kitchen a dark copper red hue so that there would be more contrast from the wall color to the cabinetry and the result is a cozy, warm environment for not only cooking but also eating casual meals.

The living room will be painted entirely (someday!) but for the now only the wall with the arch has been painted a rich ashy brown, this is still a somewhat neutral color selection but most importantly it allows the viewer to clearly see the boundaries from walls to mill work and built-in cabinetry.

So, what's next on the project list? Well, we just finished our master bathroom so I will be posting that next week and we also hired a closet designer for our master closet -- photos and comments to come...
As always, questions and comments are much appreciated and always welcome!

Exclusive Design Seminar: COLOR

2009-06-19T10:17:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, June 25th, ABD will be hosting a Design Seminar, "How to select paint colors for your home" at Cravings Wine Bar located in Woodbury, MN. The seminar will begin promptly at 6:00pm and will end at 7:00pm. As an attendee you can expect to gain insight into the process of selecting paint colors as well as information on how to select paint finishes and brands. You will leave the seminar with increased confidence in your ability to chose paint colors for your home. We will be serving wine and other beverages as well as appetizers from Cravings. This event is complimentary but registration is required as space is very limited. To register please contact Annie at 612-746-5519 or e-mail annie@annieballantine.com. We hope to see you there!

Cravings is located at:

755 Bielenberg Drive

Woodbury, MN 55125

Seeing Red

2009-06-17T15:06:00.000-05:00

A few weekends ago my husband and I decided to up the sweat equity in our house and stain the exterior cedar ourselves. FUN -- not! Actually, it went much faster than expected as we had extra help (thank goodness for parents).

As the stain dried my reaction was one of shock as the color looked nothing like the sample chips I had selected from. It turns out that after I had collected my sample chips and before we bought the stain Cabot Stain was purchased by Valspar and their formulas were changed. That would have been nice to know up front as the colors are not what we anticipated. We were told to wait several weeks as the highly saturated colors (reds) fade quite a bit in the first two weeks. Although we have noticed a lot of fading the colors aren't quite as mellow as I'd like but I am willing to live with it for now.

Our next task on the front exterior is to paint the front door and garage doors. Once that is complete we will be adding some shrubs and plants to the front yard. At this point we have decided to leave the back yard as-is (with the exception of adding a deck) until next year.

UNIQUE PRODUCT: Kilim Remnants

2009-06-16T17:09:00.001-05:00

One purpose for this blog is to alert my readers of unique, interesting, or one-of-a-kind products that I happen upon. I have attached a photo of a Turkish Kilim rug remnant that has been sewn onto a neutral linen. If you're not familiar with Kilim rugs they are traditional, flat-weave rugs from Turkey or Afghanistan. Typically these rugs are made from wool and the patterns are usually geometric in form. Rich colors are the standard for these types of rugs as vegetable dyes are used on the wool fibers. Wool takes dye very well.

It is difficult to find antique Kilims that are in perfect condition. I loved the idea of preserving the beauty of the rug by saving just a small piece and having it framed to hang on the wall. Unique pieces like this are interesting and are far different than traditional art prints, so typical to many homes.

I had the opportunity to purchase three pieces that I am offering to my clients. If you are intersted please contact my office for pricing information.

ABD Open House

2009-06-07T15:21:00.001-05:00

2009 has brought several changes to ABD, LLC. The most exciting change has been the move to our new space at International Market Square (IMS). We moved into suite 568 (just down the hall from our old space) at the end of January. We began this new adventure with one shared desk but as we've settled in we are now set with our design studio in the back of the office with our conference and show space in the front. From our design studio we see the new Twins' Stadium and the downtown Minneapolis skyline -- stunning!

On May 21st we celebrated the new space with our clients and vendors. Thanks to many local vendors (Floral Logic, Cocoa and Fig, One Simple Plan...) we were able to have a beautiful event with great sweets and tasty drinks. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend; your support means to world to us!

Coming up this summer and fall look for our new E-Newsletter, Designer Seminar Series, and more! We look forward to growing, stretching our boundaries, and most importantly, designing with you, our clients.

Back to Blogs

2009-05-29T11:34:00.000-05:00

So I started this blog in November of '08 with the expectation that I would been finishing projects on my own house at the speed of light! Well, life took over and although it's a blessing that client projects have kept me so busy, my own house has suffered.
We are still working on the exterior of the house! The driveway and sod went in last August and we recently stained the columns, front porch, and cedar shingles. What's next? The garage doors and front door need a few coats of paint and the landscaping must begin!
During the winter we did make some progress on the interior. We added an arch to the kitchen -- what a dramatic change! Before the arch was built the kitchen felt like a small cave off of the living room. Our living room has 16' ceilings while the kitchen has 9' ceilings and the straight horizontal line of the cut-through brought attention to the major difference in ceiling heights. Now the kitchen feels like an extension of the living room and the whole area is much more inviting and feels quite spacious.
I will continue to make updates on my own house but in between I've decided to add in design information, inspirations, new products, and thoughts on design. I welcome your design questions and I look forward to blogging each week (really!!).
Thank you for your patience!

A Little History

2008-11-09T18:49:00.000-06:00

Clients are often curious about what design decisions I have made in my own home. Right now my story is similar to the shoemaker’s children who don’t have shoes of their own. As I settle into a new home and slowly unpack boxes and organize the contents of each box I have decided to share the story of how I am transforming my house, a frame of wood and sheetrock (with a new roof that sometimes leaks) into a home.One would assume that for a designer it would be quite easy to decorate and furnish her own personal home but it is actually the opposite. While I have designed several client homes in two or three weeks time I can’t seem to nail down the details of my own home with months of thought and planning. I agonize over fabrics and while my husband believes that the difference between two similar fabric swatches is “negligible” I argue that even though the color and texture is very similar the two fabrics convey two different messages: polished, refined, yet relaxed versus casual, cheap, and predictable.I decided to make a rule for myself in my own design process. My rule is that I only put my favorites into my house. Lucky for my husband, he is my ultimate favorite! As I thumb through thousands of fabrics and trims and dispute the minor differences between two similar sofa frames I constantly remind myself to take it slow and make sure that our home is done right the first time around without attention paid or stress given to lead times and back orders.I have lived in this house for just a few months and although it challenges my ego every time I walk into the living room and see a lonely, lack-luster sofa, I know that this blank slate will slowly transform, right before my eyes, into the home that I know it can be.I invite you along on this journey to experience the excitement of change as I work with electricians, plumbers, craftsmen, carpenters, and painters to turn this hollow shell into my very own design wonderland.Each month you can expect to see at least one new project in this series. I encourage you to get involved, ask questions, share the blog with friends, and feel free to contact me when you have questions regarding a particular product I have used.

A Little History:
Our house was a builder’s model that was constructed in 2006. Unfortunately, the builder was unable to finish the home and the property went into foreclosure. The house sat vacant and unfinished for over 18 months. The exterior of the house is approximately 95% complete while the main level of the interior is 90% complete. The "Before Photos" show the state of the house upon purchase in 2008.