Can I go back to bed, please?

It's a very dreary day today and my car broke down on the way to work this morning and Eric is still out of town. All I want to do is go home and curl back up in bed and wait for the sun to come back out.

So, if I can't be home in my bed, I will spend time dreaming of all these beautiful beds that I am about to share with you. Bedding is one of those decor items that can be switched out easily depending on the season or just how you feel. And the way I have been feeling lately, I think it's time for me to add some bright fresh colors to the bed. Maybe it will make Spring come faster!

I hope you enjoy these inspiring bed ensembles.

Very elegant hotel like bedding

A very cheery bed. I love the color and the pattern mixing.

Simple yet perfect. I have been seeing a lot of orange and grey lately and am loving it!

This is my favorite for a little girl's room. I love the blue mixed with the bright poppy red.

A very simple design

Take a look at this excellent display of patter mixing. There is a small stripe, a medium pattern on the duvet and then that beautiful large floral on the pillows. When mixing patterns, be sure to have different scales.

This is a really unique color mix. I would never think to mix lilac with that green and then a buttery yellow but it looks wonderful.

I really like the stripes! And the whole room is just gorgeous!

When dressing your bed, sometimes you want a lot of pillows;

Or sometimes less is more.

This is definitely my style of bed! I love all the crazy patters mixed together.

Awesome color mixing

Now I wanted to show you some awesome bedding that you can actually go buy! These are some great beds and every one is so different, there is something for everyone!

Dwell Studio

Ann Gish

Serena & Lilly

Bliss Linens

Peacock Alley

Anthropologie

French Laundry

Kelly Wearstler for Sferra

So do you feel like giving your bed a fresh new look? Happy shopping!

~Jessica

Blah

It's the end of the day and I am headed home in 5 minutes. I just wanted to do a quick blog to let you all know that Hannah and I have started our p90x workouts. If you don't know what p90x is google it. Basically, it's a 90 day workout program that promises to get you ripped by the end. We'll see.

So far, only 89 days to go. We will let you know how it goes and update you on our progress. Day one is down and I could barely walk around the office today. Getting in and out of my office chair feels like climbing Mount Everest.

Have you started a new workout program for 2011??

~Jessica

"What Were They Thinking Thursday!!??" - Bad Gifts

With the biggest gift giving time of the year past, we would like to address all the bad gifts we have received over the years. Enjoy reading our funny stories. We request the right to remain anonymous.

When I was in 6th grade, for some reason around that time it became cool for tween, teens, even adults to wear Winnie the Pooh merchandise. Don't ask me why, all I can say is if you were one of them, "What Were You Thinking!!!". So being a snoopy pre-teen I was searching my mom's closet for Christmas gifts when lo and behold I spotted a Dillard's bag stuffed in behind some dusty shoe boxes. I paused for a second while my conscious battled over good and evil but inevitably I went with the red horned version of me on my left shoulder and peeked in the bag. I let out an audible gasp when tucked inside that brown plastic bag was a Winnie the Pooh sweat-shirt and Winnie the Pooh socks. Was my mother on crack!!?? What would ever convince her to buy me something so uncool!

Now, even at 12 years old, I was an excellent problem solver so I came up with the perfect solution to discredit this gift and ultimately save me from junior high ridicule. The next day while we are at the mall (because we live in Tyler and there is nothing else to do) we pass a center round display of Winnie the Pooh paraphernalia. I stop and let out my best haughty laugh and say, "That stuff is sooo ugly! Why would anyone want to wear something as stupid as Winnie the Pooh." I cross my fingers and hope that mother got my ever so subtle hint of disgust. Now, all I had to do was wait for Christmas morning.

It came, just as it always does, and my mother handed me a box that oddly jingles as I shake it because my mom always thought she was so clever at disguising what was in a box. She would wrap presents with keys and batteries mixed in them, so that when we would shake them everyday to discover what they were, we would be fooled into thinking mom bought me a broken disc-man or a Lego set. My present came with a disclaimer and she assured me that I would hate this but we could go right to the store and exchange it for whatever I wanted. Almost 15 years has passed and I can't remember any of the Christmas gifts I received that year or any other year after that. But I will never forget the gift I didn't get. Maybe I should finally fess up to my scheme, nah.

Every year my mother, grandmother and aunt take a annual girls shopping day and go to Mistletoe & Magic and do a little Christmas shopping. This particular year there was a vendor selling luxurious linens and pillows. My grandmother of course was enthralled with the quality and luxuriousness of these fine products that she just had to buy something. Not needing any herself she just knew that my younger cousins would love to have such fine pillows...NOT. I think I forgot to mention that these were not cheap! She thought it would be a good idea to buy my younger cousins (at the time, probably around 10-13 years old) these huge pillows to use as floor pillows in their room. What was she thinking? What kid would want 2 pillows for Christmas?? After her purchase, she excitingly called me and asked me to help her pick out fabric and make pillow cases for these gifts. She even offered to pay me for my services. After playing phone tag and trying to coordinate a time to select fabric (she lives out of town) time quickly elapsed and Christmas was right around the corner. She decided not to have me make the pillow cases that she would just give them the pillows and pick the fabrics out with them, which totally makes more since anyway, seeing as how it's their bedroom. Christmas days rolls around and it's present time!! Under the tree I see these 2 huge packages in those big plastic present bags (ya know, for bikes and stuff) and I chuckle to myself thinking "Those poor kids are going to be so disappointed". My mother was playing Santa and picked up the 2 packages and says.."oh, These are for "so-and-so" and "so-and-so". I know my jaw must have hit the floor. I was trying to hold my composure and muttered "Thank you". Later after present time was over she came up to my sister and I and handed us money to buy fabric for the pillows. She whispered in my ear, "I decided that the pillows were to old of a gift for the little ones in the family." HA! As funny as this story is, my feelings were actually really hurt due to the fact of such a unthoughtful gift.

So, please... When gift shopping please be thoughtful in your gift selections. It is very obvious when it's a last minute thought. :)

For my Bridal Shower, I received place mats from a co-worker of my husband. While the sentiment was nice, they were hideous! They were denim with pockets for the red handkerchief napkins to go into. While some may think they are cute, they are far from my taste. It was 21 years ago and I still remember them is detail. The question is: Why would you buy an acquaintance such a personal gift? And do you want to leave such a negative long lasting impression on that person? Giving a gift that will be going into someones home must be approved by the person receiving the gift, either by specifically requesting it or registered for it. You can't even rely on a close family member to give good advice on gifts. My Aunt told my Dad (who was my Mom's Fiance at the time) that my Mom really wanted a blanket for Christmas. While my Mom really did want a blanket for Christmas, she did NOT want it from her Fiance. Luckily for my Dad, he got her jewelry along with the blanket, so he was safe. But her Sister didn't fair so well. Gifts for the home to avoid: picture frames, towels, sheets, table linens, dishes, serving dishes, decorative items. Gifts OK for the home but be cautious: Kitchen dish towels, oven mitts, utilitarian dishes- like mixing bowls, kitchen utensils, paper napkins. Happy Shopping!

I Get Knocked Down...

OK, funny story for you. So, this morning I was at a client's house meeting over some plans for their house. We were in the dining room discussing the art over the buffet. I stepped back to turn around but just my luck, the client's german shepherd was lying on the ground directly behind me. Yes, I did trip over the dog and fall flat on my butt in front of the client.

To make matters worse, this beloved family dog is on it's last leg and could keel over any second. For a split second all I could think is please don't let me kill their dog, please don't let me kill their dog!

The dog, slowly got up and stumbled away only to look back over its shoulder and scowl at me. The dog was fine and since I have been packing a little extra in the trunk since Christmas, the only thing hurt was my pride, which can stand to get knocked down a few times now and then.

~Jessica

2011 HGTV Dream Home Critique

Studio B Designs critiques the 2011 HGTV Dream home.

Outside:

Brandy: The exterior of the house seems in good proportions and the materials and style fit the environment around it. The hot tub leaves something to be desired. It should have been built-in with flagstone and integrated into the landscape. There should be some sort of natural screening to block the view from the road.

Jessica: I love the front of the house and those stairs are awesome but that hot tub that looks like some dropped in as an afterthought is blah.

Hannah: I really don't like the fact that there is a highway that runs just a few yards away from the patio. True, it makes easy access to the slopes, but hope they don't get caught skinny dipping! The hot tub just looks sloppy.

Miranda: I agree! The highway is not a good thing, no privacy. Looks like they ordered the wrong size of hot tub, or like Jessica said an afterthought?!

Entry:

Brandy: I like the entry architecturally however I agree with the comments below on the furnishings.

Jessica: I like the wood ceiling but the accessories could be a lot better. I'm over the bucket of sticks.

Hannah: I love the wood ceiling design! I agree with Jessica, the small (too small) table in front of the railing serves no purpose. I think it would look better if there was nothing there and you would have a clear view down below.

Miranda: Do not like it, except for the wood floor and drum shade.

Living:

Brandy: I like this room, the furnishings and color palette are great! Barn door is awesome! The tree columns are under scaled but they are a nice detail.

Jessica: Love love love that barn door!

Hannah: I absolutely love everything about this room. Great colors! The room is very cozy and the furniture looks comfy. I would like to see a grand fireplace. When I think of living in the mountains, snow on the ground and slopes in the back yard, I also think of snuggling up by the fire with my favorite book.

Miranda: Love- the large barn door on the track, rustic wood ceiling and beams, and the color scheme. Hate- the rug and cocktail table.

Kitchen:

Brandy: I love the kitchen. I love that it is modern. I am concerned that there isn't enough room for two to work between the island and the back kitchen. Seems too narrow but it's hard to tell.

Jessica: Great appliances. I love to cook and would love to have that Wolf and that awesome fridge. Always wanted a glass door fridge but this one allows for some of the fridge to be messy without it all showing.

Hannah: I like it. I love the technology that they integrated into the cabinets with the computer and keyboard. Very clean and simple design.

Miranda: I'm not too crazy about this kitchen in this house. I like the clean design, just not sure about it in this house.

Dining:

Jessica: Dinner or a board meeting, hard to say.

Hannah: Love the light fixtures over the board room table, oh, I mean dining table. The chairs have got to go! The chairs are too modern and do not go with the style of the home. The rug is kinda boring too, but who's looking down when you have that amazing view!

Miranda: Ok, hmmm not liking the chairs. I agree with Hannah, the rug is boring. Great view, love the transoms above the windows.

Brandy: Ditto

Gathering Room:

Brandy: I like the tall ceilings and large spans of glass. The fireplace is too under stated for the space and what you expect in the mountains. The furniture groupings are nice. The color palette isn't as great as the living room. It needs some more modern patterns. I love the annex and the sculpture. I don't like the leather chairs in the annex.

Jessica: Great furniture layout. I love having multiple seating groups.

Hannah: I really like the Annex room with floor to ceiling windows. The fire place is too dinky for my taste. I know the look they were trying to go for, but in a "Mountain Lodge" I expect to see a fireplace that could actually warm the space up.

Miranda: Well.... the view outside is great!

Guest Bedroom:

Jessica: Too cramped. I guess you don't want guests to stay long enough to put their clothes in the drawers because they won't even be able to open them.

Hannah: Love the design and the warmth that this room portrays, but too cramped. You can't even get to the dresser because of the ottoman. But as a guest, I could definitely see myself enjoying my stay in this room.

Miranda: Love the color scheme! Very calm. I think some pieces of furniture needs to be eliminated.

Brandy: Yes, they could lose a chair and the bench. You do need room for luggage. I love this room though. It feels like a hotel. I like the modern furniture.

Master Bedroom:

Brandy: I hate this room. I don't like the red, Miranda is right, it needs a softer color. I wish it was more modern like the guest room. I hate the drape to the bath room. A door would be nice. I much prefer the guest room!

Jessica: Beautiful bedroom, but queen size bed? Also, hate the drapes to the bathroom. Would much rather see a sliding frosted glass door. Still lets light in but is easier to open and close for privacy than drapery panels.

Hannah: This room at least looks a little more spacious than the guest room, not as cluttered. I like the red wall with the contrast of the light wood framing and beams. I know they were trying to save the window view from the bathroom but I would prefer there be a door of some sort.

Miranda: I don't like the red wall, I think the wall should be a softer color.

Master Bath:

Jessica: Love all the finishes but where is the storage? Just when I thought there was at least one drawer for all your junk, nope, it turns out to be a fancy warming bin for lotion. I love warm lotion on my hands as much as the next person but where am I going to put my toothpaste???

Hannah: I'm all about the thought of taking a hot bubble bath and looking out the window to a sea of mountains. But lets be practical. The ground looks level with the house and the windows are extremely low. There is no privacy. There also seems to be NO storage. In the floor plan the master closets look very small too. These poor people aren't going to have any storage for their stuff.

Miranda: Love the finishes! I agree as well ....where is the storage?

Brandy: Storage is horrible, hate the old fashioned tub. It should be high tech with light therapy and massage bubbles. The location of the Master closet near the bed is terrible. It should be near the bathroom or in the bathroom. I still want live in the guest bedroom.

Dorm:

Brandy: Love it!!!

Jessica: I love the bunk numbers on the wall!

Hannah: I really like the pillows! The twigs kinda bug me. In my opinion they look dinky.

Miranda: Love the bunks!

Dorm Bath:

Brandy: Love it!!!

Jessica: Awesome bathroom, only critique would be if you have people older than school age staying, they probably don't want to shower locker room style. Great bathroom for kids.

Hannah: Love! I really like all of the finishes, color selections and plumbing fixtures.

Miranda: Good design. I'm not liking the tile.

Laundry:

Brandy: Way too narrow. You may not be able to open the washer because the door is in the way.

Jessica: If you turn sideways and hold the laundry basket in front of you, you just might be able to get down to that last washer.

Hannah: I like the blue cabinets, but this room is just too tiny. If there is a need for 4 washers and dryers then there is going to be a lot of clothes and a need for storage. Also, how do you expect to open the bottom dryer with the bench in the way. Great look but not very functional.

Miranda: Love the colors! But, too NARROW!

Mud Room:

Jessica: Love love love! Great for a ski cabin!

Hannah: No complaints. Good finish choices. I love the slate floor. Everything looks easy to clean which is a bonus in a "Mud Room".

Miranda: My favorite! They finally got something right! :)

Brandy: ditto

Garage:

Brandy: This is one of the best rooms in the house.

Jessica: Very cool garage.

Hannah: I'd imagine this is any mans dream room. The new car is a nice bonus!

Miranda: Very nice! Great Garage! Love the chandeliers! Wow!

Introducing....Mark Anderson

Hello to all our faithful blog followers. Today I would like to introduce you to the art of Mark Anderson. Mark is a good friend of Studio B Designs as well as my brother-in-law. He is a very talented artist although he wouldn't say it. He will be featured at the Main Street Art Gallery in Tyler, TX starting today with an opening reception. We hope you all can come! 4:30-6:30

And now, for a look at some of his work (you still need to come see some of it in person)

A commissioned work, concept painting (not actual painting)

Artist's personal work

Artist's personal work

Commissioned work, concept sketch

Finished work

This was a commissioned work for an accounting firm. Interactive piece where viewer can pick up bean and place in other box, then pull down lever to count the bean, hence "bean counter"

If you are interested in Mark Anderson's art feel free to give him a call at (903) 372-0823 or email him at maanderson_650@hotmail.com

Hope to see you at the Main Street Gallery today from 4:30-6:30!!

Our New Year's Resolutions...

2011 is here and with it comes the chance to start over, start new things, continue doing those things that have been good for us and stop those that aren't. We have already looked back at 2010 and now it's time to look to the future.

Our New Year Resolutions for Studio B Designs:

1. Keep our library organized

2. Keep our files and project notebooks more organized

3. Incorporate new technology into everyday business for efficiency

4. Continue to push the envelope and bring current design to Tyler

5. Stretch our creative minds and look for new ways to let the creativity flow

Our Personal New Year Resolutions:

Brandy:

1. Try to live more healthy by eating better and daily exercising - generally not an aggressive plan that I will fail at

2. Be more budget conscious

3. Plan for retirement

4. Saturday dates with my Husband

5. Take more time for myself and my family - leave work at work

6. No texting and driving

Jessica:

1. Shed some stuff! Get rid of all those things in the back of the closet and just minimize the amount of stuff I have.

2. Spend more time doing recreational things with Eric. More picnics, walks outside, bike rides and BBQing.

3. Finish all those books that I am in the middle of.

4. Write more letters and cards to family and friends.

5. Look out for others well-being above my own.

6. Eat at home more and out less.

Hannah:

1. Join a Sunday School class, check! And continue attending

2. Watch less TV and do an activity instead.

3. Get my house all set up and decorated the way I envision

Miranda:

1. To do some sort of exercise every day.

2. Read the Bible more

3. Organize my clutter and keep it that way.

4. Leave home at least ten minutes earlier in the morning

Cassie:

1. Join a gym and work out during the week and pick up running outside on the weekends again.

2. Laugh more and worry less.

3. Be better about making time for each of my girlfriends and really being there for them in their lives.

4. Pass my NCIDQ exam in April!

2011 Here We Come!!!!