Side Table Love

Side Table Love by allywhalendesign 

Safavieh furniture
allmodern.com

Ship furniture
wayfair.com

Safavieh glass top side table
allmodern.com

Simplicity
simplicity-interiors.blogspot.com

Scenes Around the Shop : Simplicity Interiors & Other Happenings

Life has been busy around these parts. AWD is now booking out as far as late Spring/early Summer for new clients, which brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude along with a healthy dose of that familiar "let's find the nearest Starbucks" feeling. We currently have projects spanning from a gorgeous mountain home remodel in Boone, NC to a commercial renovation for a famous Nascar team's locker room and athletic area. 

The weather here in North Carolina has been a roller coaster as well, and while we are waiting with anticipation to conquer our Spring to-do list, the thick white blanket of snow outside Simplicity-Interiors reminds us Mother Nature may have other plans. This unpredictable weather pattern almost kept us from our much anticipated trip to Nashville (photo's in post), however a little snow and ice wasn't going to keep us from visiting with family and friends, oh and a little trip over to visit the official Stanley Cup. No big deal. 

In the mean time here are a few shots from the shop as well as some other happenings of AWD.

Loving these throws from Jaipur. Soft and they come in gorgeous hues.

This chair is one of our new favorites and can blend so easily into many different decor styles. 

Interesting pieces can always be found at Simplicity Interiors.

Texture and color can make the pillow.

Meeting in Boone, NC to go over cabinet selections.

Making her one of the official rides of AWD.

Our project manager, Scott Whalen, demonstrating our beautifully designed slipcovered sofas to a customer.

Just a few recent magazines AWD has been published in... thanks to all our amazing clients for letting us work our magic on your spaces!

Our junior design associate, Piper, making sure our clients receive their product in great condition. Quality control at its finest.

After delivering a custom piece to a client. If you see AWD on the road give us a honk!

Nashville, TN. Such a fun, lively city with so much to offer. Thanks for treating us right!

Just a little Stanley Cup action. 

If you are looking for design services please contact us at 704.604.5005 or email us at ally@simplicity-interiors.com.

Target Lamp Stylin'

Target Lamp Styles by allywhalendesign

Have you noticed lately that Target is just raising the bar on their home goods? Truthfully, I was really impressed with their new lamp collections they have just debuted. In fact, I was even more surprised when I went online to Target.com and realized you can purchase some really unique, high-end lamps on Target.com. I found their prices to be very competitive, and the best part? Using your Redcard also saves you more money on these beautiful finds. As I've stated previously, I will often times spend a little more in lighting as I feel it really can make a difference in a space. 

Incandescent lamp
target.com

Mudhut grey shade
target.com

Safavieh Jenna Stacked Ball Table Lamp
target.com

Safavieh Long Neck Ceramic Table Lamp
target.com

Threshold Fillable Ambient Lighting Collection
target.com

Threshold Turned Table Lamp
target.com

Cozy Kitchen Banquettes

There is just something about the kitchen that calls people to gather around, to enjoy the aromas of cooking, to chat about the days events or to simply just be in one place...together. One common trait among many kitchens is there is never enough seating or if there is it just lacks the comfort that beckons you to sit and stay a spell. If space allows, banquette seating is a fabulous choice that allows for a cozy living space from within the kitchen, a space that can easily be set for Sunday brunch or afternoon homework assignments.

Recently, I had the pleasure of designing a space where a banquette was not only a great addition, it was a necessity. After viewing the kitchen-sunroom "bowling alley" as we called it, I felt a custom banquette was perfect to divide the space. It's important to realize a banquette doesn't always have to be in the corner of a room as it often times is the best answer to grounding a vastly open living/kitchen area. You can see below how it really does warm up a space as well.

On stands now! Refresh Magazine Spring 2015

Refresh Magazine Spring 2015. Photo:Brie Williams

Refresh Magazine Spring 2015. Photo: Brie Williams

Here are a few other banquettes we are loving right now.

Homedit

Howtodecorate.com

Above is a great way to show how an unexpected color can really make your space pop.

HomeBunch

Traditional Home

Camille Styles

Megan Brooke Handmade

So what do you think? Is banquette seating on your list of must-haves?

My Friday Favorites

Houzz

So much to love about this picture from the beautiful door, the gorgeous tall windows, and the striking roofline.

Photo: Amanda Sharp photography via Strawberryswingandthings.com 

I love how Erinn of Strawberry Swing and Things blog gave her daughter Kenley's closet a total facelift. The best part about this makeover? The IKEA Expedit shelf anchored in the middle along with the fun gold dots brings a bit of style and whimsy into this closet.

Old House Online via My Design Chic

When you put time, effort, and money into finding the perfect front door the last thing you want to do is have the typical screen door. This Chinese Chippendale design adds so much interest that you wouldn't mind letting a summer breeze in every day.

Home Bunch

This inviting coastal cottage featured on Home Bunch has such a wonderful color scheme that it just draws you into this space. This is a great example of how the right use of patterns can create interest while still maintaining a neutral color palette.

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.

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?