Monday, December 29, 2014

Meet the Designer

Do you often find yourself drawn to someone's jewelry, purse, or even overall taste in wardrobe before you even speak to them in person? It's a sense of style that may draw you to that individual, however once you find yourself in a conversation with them you feel that you have found a fellow kindred spirit. Ever wonder why we are so interested in the artist themselves just as much as the art they create? I think it is because we all have an innate sense of curiosity about a person's background and what might inspire them to curate colors, pieces, textures, et al.

This is one of the reasons I love reading about fellow designer's and their career history. I think when choosing someone who is going to help you design the environment where you spend hours of your life it only makes sense to know them on a deeper level than what their portfolio may represent (of course, just like that beautiful statement necklace or purse, I hope my designs are what have helped many of my clients find me). After answering some similar questions recently, I thought my blog would be the perfect place to do a quick introduction to my background and where I find inspiration.

Meet the Designer
Ally Whalen





What was your first career out of college? How did you land it?



I've always been a designer at heart, and as such I graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a Bachelor of Science in Apparel and Textile Design. I believe my tenacity and eye for certain lines allowed me to land a position as Assistant Designer for Healthtex where I assisted in creating apparel for the girls division 12 months to 12 years.


What made you decide to start Ally Whalen Design and open Simplicity Interiors?



In 2010, I had reached Director of Corporate Sales for my company. I felt grateful for my successful career, however I was searching desperately for my creative outlet. I found myself continually being referred by friends for interior design jobs. I finally decided to start a home staging business called Simplicity Staging and Redesign. I became a jill-of-all-trades, creating a website and portfolio to showcase what I had done in the short few months since I had started my endeavor. Soon I not only garnered my first official client, but the calls and referrals kept coming so much so I decided to officially change the name to Simplicity Interiors, LLC. I knew that success could only be attributed to hard work and complete commitment, so in 2013 I resigned from my corporate job and never looked back. I plunged head first, working seven days a week at my new enterprise. My true support came from my husband Scott (a former fireman and policeman), who helped me in my vision to grow my expanding business. As a team in business and life, we grew Simplicity Interiors, soon opening up a storefront in Cornelius, North Carolina, while also meeting the design needs of clients with my design firm Ally Whalen Design.
In October of 2013, Better Homes and Gardens featured a project I had recently completed in Davidson, North Carolina. Soon after Cottage Style magazine showcased my Vermont project and since then I have had the pleasure of decorating both commercial venues and residential homes across the United States.


What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my client's faces when the project is complete.  When possible, I try to plan a “reveal day” so they can see the space in its entirety. The sweet emails, cards, and texts I recieve after they’ve had time to enjoy the space is always so gratifying to hear and read as well. Overall, I feel extremely fortunate to work with my better half and spend time with my children. Wonderful clients, a loving family, and following my true passion- what more could a girl need?


What has been some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your recent career? How did you overcome them?



I think the biggest challenge was probably letting go.  I was so used to doing everything on my own for several years, so it was difficult to delegate tasks and loosen my grip on the reigns.  The other challenging part of owning your own business is just figuring out what works.  I made mistakes early on, but I pushed through and figured out how to work more efficiently and effectively. Perseverance truly is the essence of a successful career.


What do you think will be a strong trend for 2015?



I think the remodeling trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon.  As we slowly pull out of the recession, I think people are smarter about how and where they spend their money.  They are willing to make their home work for them if at all possible even if it means living through a remodel, which having lived through one last year can be challenging, but so worth it.


What is a typical work day like for you?



A typical work day? I don't think that is possible in my life. One thing is for sure- It certainly is not boring.  I usually have a strong cup of coffee with Scott and cuddle my youngest daughter on the couch before our day gets started.  I then drive my oldest daughter to the school bus, return home for a quick shower and then out the door.  I’m either heading to a client briefing or to the shop to do a little work before a project meeting. If I’m with a client, we are either picking out furniture, looking at fabrics or shopping the marketplace. When I’m in the shop, I’m either working on proposals, placing orders or playing store with my daughter who is known as the “shop helper."


What has been the best moment of your career so far?


Boy, hard to say because it’s been such a whirlwind since leaving my corporate job. I would have to say when I was flying to Canada for a wedding in September 2013 and seeing the October issue of Better Homes and Gardens on a newsstand in the airport.  It was incredible to see the kitchen project I had completed spread across the glossy pages and my name in print.  I think I may have plowed over a dozen people trying to get to the racks and then I kept squealing...thank goodness they had no idea who this crazy girl was drooling over the magazine. My clients and family have truly helped me achieve the career heights I have reached today, and I am so thankful for the opportunities that have come my way thus far.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Ally's Local Loves: Sweet Edition


Ally's Local Loves

I love passing along my local favorite finds to others, whether it's a fabulous new restaurant, retail space, or even my go-to coffee shop (shout out to Summit Coffee in Davidson, NC!) It's always nice to refer my clients and friends to my tried and true spots. I recently stumbled upon a little chocolate shop owned by two of the sweetest sisters, Caryl Leone and Regina McGrath. South Main Sweet Shop is quickly gaining a following, simply by referrals, from locals and tourists to the quaint Davidson area. 

It's so nice to go into a store where the children can head right for the wall of M&M's and the adults can purchase some of the most delectable artisan chocolates available. The great thing about South Main Sweet Shop is you can come in to purchase a gift box already preassembled with seasonal treats, or stay and linger, choosing rich temptations of your choice. In the meantime you can learn all about the small batch designer truffles on display. There is something to be said for these unique, owner driven sweets that just calls you to savor each bite. Each sugary confectioner strives to obtain the freshest local, and most organic (when possible) ingredients to add to their recipe. Choosing only a select group of artisans, Caryl and Regina scoured to find the most eclectic mix of chocolates that each tell a story. In fact, they carry a line of gourmet truffles that were featured in the famous Hunger Games trilogy.

I love chocolate just like the next girl, however when you let one of these gourmet chocolates melt in your mouth it's like drinking a fine wine. You know how you can always tell the difference between Two Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's (which is no longer two bucks???) and an aged merlot? Same principal here with these incredible delights. One of my favorites was a caramel lavender truffle (it was gone so fast it didn't make it into the pictures). The caramel was rich and gooey and was followed by a sweet note of lavender. 

If you are looking to give a gift to someone or maybe you just need a special treat at the end of a long day, let South Main Sweet Shop be your answer. In my opinion, there is never a wrong time for chocolate.

Mention that you saw South Main Sweet Shop on our blog and receive a 10% discount off of your purchase. Tell Caryl and Regina the staff at AWD says hi as well!

South Main Sweet Shop
428 South Main Street, Suite A
Davidson, NC 28036
704.997.5767


Caryl Leone and Regina McGrath







L to R: Dark chocolate with chili spice and Passion Fruit (caramel with tropical passion fruit)

L to R: Rosemary (caramel with fresh rosemary in dark chocolate shell) and French Champagne (milk chocolate ganache with fresh champagne)

Pre-made chocolate assortments



L to R: Earl Grey Tea dark chocolate shell, Pumpkin (milk chocolate ganache with pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie spice, Port with Fig & Plum (milk chocolate ganache, port wine, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon in a dark chocolate shell)





Many chocolate bars featured at South Main Sweet Shop are from equal trade artisan chocolate makers



A wall full of retro candy to tickle any adult's tastebuds

A special room just for a wall of bulk candy and bulk bin 



The perfect stocking stuffers


Does it get any better then a salty potato chip covered in milk chocolate?



Nostalgic and fun soda kept ice cold





Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Scenes around the shop

This holiday season has been busier than ever before which is a good thing. It allows us to work off all those extra Christmas cookies which find their way into the shop. Speaking of the shop, Simplicity Interiors has all sorts of goodies that have arrived lately. If you live locally come on in and we will be sure to give Santa your wish list. If you live beyond driving distance remember most all pieces can be shipped as well. There will be a surcharge for Reindeer food though.

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Here is one of my holiday tables

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I love the idea of mixing rustic with elements of refinement 
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I love this piece for the unique rod iron design on the side. It's a great height for behind a sofa as well.

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I'm always on the hunt for unique barstools...these fit the bill.

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Here is a more detailed look at the seats- love them.

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One of my favorite coffee tables. This style is great if you have little kids- no sharp edges and also fits in with a lot of different design styles.
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I love the look of greenery on a coffee table. A simple way to bring the outside in.
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These candles. I can't even begin to describe how incredible they make the shop smell. My favorite brand for my house and as a fabulous gift.


*Please contact us for pricing at: scott@simplicity-interiors.com

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Mantel vs. TV- The Age Old Dilemma

It's a common conundrum that occurs normally right around the holiday season. You find yourself browsing Pinterest late one night and come across "the perfect mantel decor." The insatiable desire to have the most festive holiday wonderment extravaganza on your mantel is quickly overshadowed by the monstrosity sitting above it. You know the one I'm talking about. That huge eyesore that you allowed into the house to appease your hubby so you could take full range of the master closet. It's there ladies and gents, and you know it's not going anywhere.

So that got me thinking about this commonplace problem. I often get asked my opinion on a TV placed above the mantel. In fact, my team did a recent pole on our Ally Whalen Design Facebook page to see which side of the fence our followers were on in regards to this unfortunate enigma. Turns out many of you feel pretty strongly that a TV above the fireplace is a dire sin. My first inclination is to agree, however it truly does depend on your space and style of living. 

In fact, a new client of mine recently requested me to start work on her mountain home in Boone, NC and here is a perfect example of a space issue making the decision for us. 

Boone, NC AWD Before
I cannot wait to show you what we have in store for this project (stay tuned!). Now as you can see the living area opens up to this incredible space with nearly floor to ceiling windows and a panoramic view of this:


Can you just imagine what this looks like when all the Fall leaves are at their peak? Gorge. In this circumstance we have a space that is not convenient for any type of media console and therefore we will more than likely be placing the TV above a mantel. We will have to find a new home for the deer as I am sure he will probably not be making a starring appearance in the living area anymore. We've named him Bob.

Now if you are in a similar situation with no perfect spot to host your TV there are a few options out there that may give you back your mantel and still allow your husband to have his "beloved" in the living room.

After doing some scouting I loved these options:


Pottery Barn Holstead Console and Hutch

Restoration Hardware Media Console: French Panel


LizMarieblog.com
I even love the idea of making your own rustic DIY console table...especially if you are dealing with a long wall. It's nice to be able to completely customize the size you need. Check out one of my faves at Liz Marie Blog to see how to do a DIY such as the one above.

If you are looking to keep you TV conveniently located above the mantel, but wanting something a bit more custom here are some great photos that are sure to inspire.

Leo Designs Chicago via Houzz
Digiacomo Homes and Renovations via Houzz
Muskoka Living Interiors



What's your opinion- are you a mantel vs. TV person or do you believe everyone can live in perfect harmony sans a few holiday decorations and an impressive 50 incher?

Monday, December 8, 2014

Fab Finds for the Holiday Hostess

When the holidays come around you know that it's inevitable that a surge of party invitations will come your way. If you're anything like me the first thing you think of is "what am I going to wear?", followed closely by "what am I going to bring?". Remember that great holiday party you slaved over a few years back? No? Maybe you blocked it out of memory since you spent an entire week worrying if you had the right wine and cheese pairing. Or maybe it was so great you don't remember it because the Christmas cranberry martinis were flowing. Either way you remember that hosting a holiday party is no easy feat.

Now with that being said I always make a point to put in effort behind my hostess gifts. It's appreciated when someone brings a bottle of wine to a festive get-together, but do you want to know some of the few gifts that stand out the most? Those would be gifts that your hostess can use for days, weeks, or even years after her party. Christmas comes but once a year, but the goodies below will have your hostess thinking of you year-round. Below are a few of my favorites:

Fab Finds for the Hostess



One Hundred 80 degree
modcloth.com
I love this cute little mint number. Cute to use in the kitchen or great for your jewelry too.


Bar tool
worldmarket.com


RabLabs bar tool
laylagrayce.com
These are gorge. A real statement coaster. 


Bar tool
modcloth.com
During a party I always get asked where my bottle opener is... now here is a classic.


Diptyque fig candle
nordstrom.com
One for the living room, one for the office, and one for boudoir. Any hostess would love these.


Tin recipe box
southernweddingshop.com
I love this sweet little recipe box. What a great gift to bring the hostess of a cookie exchange party.