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Fun Finds at the Traders Village Flea Market!

There are two things I really love in life – a great design find and a great deal, and Traders Village Flea Market in Texas delivers on both. Traders Village is located just outside of Dallas, Texas in the suburb of Grand Prairie and it has been ranked one of the Top 10 Flea Markets in the United States. 

I made the visit to Traders Village with my great friend Hina Amin, host of inspirational radio show Expressive Homes with Hina on Radio Azad. Hina and I were eager to see what this flea market has to offer and we were inspired by so many things we found while shopping. Watch our video above to see our experience at Traders Village Flea Market!

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Decorating

The perks of decorating with a neutral palette + color!

When decorating a home with a neutral color palette, every color introduced just seems to POP against neutral cream and white shades. This recent Atlanta Homes home tourfeatures only one or two rich colors in each room leaving the rest of the palette neutral. I am loving the effect of this limited use of bold colors in this space. I take notice of every design element even more so than if this room was filled with bright colors. You can see a preview of this elegant home tour below designed by Kay Douglass Interiors. Truly an elegant use of color in limited doses. Expertly designed! 

Head over to the Atlanta Homes website to see the full home tour!
 

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Art

Interview with Global Weaving Artist Susana Negre

Tapestry weaving by Susana Negre shown in the home of Jacquin Headen. Artwork shown by Marcus Jolly.

Our Artist Spotlight today showcases weaving & textile artist Susana Negre who has sought creative inspiration across the globe, from her hometown of Barcelona, to London, Mexico, and all the way to Brazil. Susana’s goal is to blend old world techniques with new ideas to create something never seen before. She describes her work as non-traditional tapestry weaving.

Weaving artist Susana Negre of Barcelona. 

Jacquin: What attracted you to weaving as an artform?

Susana: Although I am now focused on my true passions of art and textiles, previously I worked internationally as an event/art producer. I discovered weaving in 2013, however, I think my attraction to the textiles medium began much earlier in my life. I went to Teraninya School in Barcelona where I was introduced the fascinating world of textiles. 

Through conducting weaving workshops, I decided to specialize in the artform full time. Negre textile art is inspired by art, fashion, design, architecture, interiors, culture, travel, photography, cinema and the great value of hand-making and crafting.

Jacquin: How has living in Rio de Janeiro inspired your work up to this point?

Susana: The creativity of the people, the colors of the sea, and the tropical rainforests of beautiful Rio de Janeiro have had a huge impact on me! Location and scenery have always affected my artwork. It is difficult to explain why I feel the need to travel for inspiration when my hometown of Barcelona is such a creative and beautiful city. Experiencing new cities allows me to gain fresh inspiration. I have recently relocated back to Barcelona where I am pursing my masters degree focusing on weaving & textiles. 

Susana Negre volunteers in Rio de Janeiro as she teaches a weaving workshop. 

 

Jacquin: Have you had the opportunity to introduce your local community to weaving in some way? What has been the best part about getting into the community with your weaving art form?

Susana: Yes! While I was living in Rio de Janeiro last year I had the opportunity to work as a volunteer for a NGO called PIPA SOCIAL run by Helena Rocha. It is a creative hub for talented people, mainly women who live in low-income communities in Rio de Janeiro, with a focus on establishing professional connections and promoting social inclusion.

Their mission is to invest in a Talent Bank of entrepreneurs working in the fields of art, crafts and fashion, helping them achieve professional qualifications, improving their ability to find work and generate income, and providing exclusive consultancy services.
 
My job as a volunteer was teaching tapestry weaving & creative knowledge to the beautiful and talented craftswomen, designers and artisans who were interested in learning tapestry techniques. We met once a week where we collectively created a small collection of different items such small handbags, scarves, and miniature tapestries for home decorating, We used the traditional tapestry techniques to develop their crafting and design skills, then allowing them to apply their own unique style. We had a goal to help them to generate new products and income for themselves through sales. It was truly a privilege for me to be able to share my time and knowledge with everyone.
 
 
“It’s something about the colors and textures in textiles that inspires me. It is almost like I didn’t choose textiles, but instead I think it chose me.” -Susana Negre 
 
Jacquin: Tell us about your process creating a tapestry weaving. 

Susana: My working process is very intuitive. In fact, I have never drawn my weaving designs in advance. I refrain from thinking, and allow my creativity to find its way. However, I do have a very clear idea of the materials, textures and colors I want to use before starting a weaving.My designs are heavily textured with vivid colors. Most notably, my textiles are always handwoven, combining traditional handcrafted techniques of knotting and weaving. 

The interpretation of my work I leave up to the viewer. There is a different quality of something that is hand crafted rather than machine made. My work is still emerging, and I want to keep pushing myself to create something unusual. In some senses, my work is growing with me. In terms of the process, it is difficult to say how long it takes. It can take me from just one day to up to 6 month to create a large piece; it always depends on the size of the work and the time I have to weave.

 
 
Jacquin: Are there any weaving projects that you are eager to try in the future?

Susana: I would love to get involved in an international project, working with local textile artists worldwide. I would also like to continue doing social projects worldwide. 

Learn more about Susana Negre and her artwork here. 

 

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Art

Artist Spotlight: Laurie Anne Gonzalez

Meet artist Laurie Anne Gonzalez, a Southern artist with Alabama roots now living in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband Taylor. Laurie Anne’s artwork showcases her exploration of fine art figure drawing as well as capturing her new Southwestern environment. Read on to learn more about Laurie Anne’s artwork and to see her home tour!

‘Lady with apple‘, gouache, Laurie Anne Gonzalez.

 

Jacquin: How would you describe your artwork? What are you currently working on?

Laurie Anne: If I had to put myself in a category for my style of art it would lean towards post-impressionism but my style can change drastically depending on what I am working on. Not only do I paint but I also design stationery which tends to be more meticulous and detailed artwork. Currently, I am working on exploring different mediums and sizes of artwork. I’m very excited to see what 2018 brings!

‘Desert Outline‘, gouache, Laurie Anne Gonzalez. 
 
 
 
Jacquin: How has your artwork or your approach towards art evolved over the years?

Laurie Anne: My art has changed a lot over the years. Mainly in size. I used to paint very large oil paintings. I took about a 6 year break from painting and worked for Sweet Pea Designs stationery company and when I started my painting business back up, I starting working on smaller watercolor paintings.

 
 
‘Lady with table‘, gouache, Laurie Anne Gonzalez.
 

Jacquin: How does your love of antiques & vintage come out in your style at home? Also, tell us about your vintage home decor shop, Laurel and Co.

Laurie Anne: Laurel and Co. was started by me and my friend Lauren out of a mutual love of Emily Henderson. My favorite part of our business is finding really good vintage art. When my husband and I go on trips, we try to find a piece of art from a thrift store or estate sale to remember our trip by.

 
 
 

‘Dancing Ladies‘, gouaches, Laurie Anne Gonzalez.

Jacquin: What is your favorite hobby when you aren’t creating artwork?

Laurie Anne: When I’m not working, you can find me hanging out with my husband and puppy or traveling! I love to travel and try to as much as possible. 

Jacquin: What artists are inspiring you right now?

Laurie Anne:  I’m currently digging Richard Claremont, Dylon Mierzwinski, and Kate Waddell.

Jacquin: What is on your creative bucket list? 

Laurie Anne: To teach online Art classes! That’s one of the fun things I am going to explore this year!

 

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Entertaining with Style

Entertaining with Style: Paper Ave parties with paper flowers!

It has been too long since our last Entertaining with Style feature! I am so glad to have more hosting and party inspiration for you, especially as we approach the holidays. Today creative business woman Donna Tran of Paper Ave shows us how she decorated her most recent party, a 2 year business anniversary celebration! Paper Ave is a company that sells artistically created crepe paper flowers as well as hosts fun flower making workshops. Here is a peek at her recent event. 

 
 
My name is Donna Tran-Corona and I am the artist and owner of Paper Ave, a business that specializes in colorful and cheerful handmade crepe paper flowers.  The business was officially established in October of 2015 as a side-hustle and after getting married and moving to Huntington Beach a year later, I decided to pursue the life of a creative entrepreneur full-time and what a ride it has been!
 
When my friend Deanna from Smoke and Brine Co. Warehouse reached out to me to teach a workshop at her new venue, we decided that it would be a ton of fun to celebrate Paper Ave’s second birthday there by hosting a celebratory workshop to mark the occasion. Here’s how I planned this exciting event!
 
 
 
Having a design background has really helped me be comfortable in working with colors and I definitely wanted to use bright colors to create a fun, colorful and festive environment. Our guests included long time college friends, new friends who I have met from past workshops (this was their 3rd one with me for a few of them!) and a few vendors who have been such a crucial support within my business. 
 
 
 
Each attendee at the Paper Ave workshop was provided with their own kit that included the templates, crepe paper, floral wire, vase, moss and additional supplies. Our paper flower kits are always packaged with a labor of love to make opening each kit an enjoyable experience on its own.
 
 
 
For party decor, a colorful bouquet with various handmade paper flowers including peonies, roses, dahlias, and little wildflowers were used as centerpieces, paired with white vases to allow the colorful flowers to pop. Custom cookiesinspired by the workshop were made by Jennifer Tee based out in Irvine, CA and they were the cutest keepsake for everyone (almost too pretty to eat!).
 
 
 
What’s a birthday party without some delicious bites and drinks along the way?  Deanna from Smoke & Brine. Co provided the most beautiful and colorful platter filled with various cheeses, fruits, and nuts and it was a perfect match with our DIY mimosa station (champagne, sparkling cider, orange juice and some fresh blueberries and raspberries). 
 
 
 
Loren of Four Things Paper provided the ‘Gather and Graze’ calligraphy signage as a beautiful backdrop for the food and drinks area. Some fresh florals and a number 2 gold balloon were used to celebrate the occasion as well. I also paired live greenery with my colorful paper flower hoops, which made a great backdrop for people to gather in front of for photos. This party was so much fun to put together and a great way to celebrate 2 years for Paper Ave!
 
 
 
Here are my top 10 tips for your next festive celebration:

1.  Don’t be afraid to use colors!  Colors have always been an inspiration for me and I just think it can be used to create a fun, festive and happy environment!  There are many places to bring in color, from the centerpieces, decorations and food to name a few!

2. Simplicity goes a long way.  It also makes it easier for yourself, and cleaning up afterward as well!
3. Have a DIY drink station so people can control how much alcohol they’d like in their drink.  Also provide non-alcoholic alternatives.
4. When working with a colorful set of flowers for a centerpiece, use a contrasting lighter vase so that the flowers can really pop.  Wooden slabs can be used to help create levels for the various centerpieces.
5. Create name cards for guests so that groups can be seated together.
6. Decorative paper plates help provide a nice pop of color and makes clean-up a cinch as well.

7. Adding a touch of greenery by each setting makes a great decorative detail!
8. Grazing platters allow attendees to have something to nibble on throughout the event and party.  
9. Have a fun backdrop so guests have a place to take photos at. You can even assign a unique hashtag for social media so you can use it to look back on photos that your guests take!
10. Provide a fun and unique keepsake that guests can bring home with them.

Interested in having your next event or dinner party featured in our Entertaining with Style series? If so, email me with details of your event!

Paper Flowers: Paper Ave // Venue: Smoke & Brine Co. Warehouse // Grazing Platter: Smoke & Brine Co. // Calligraphy: Four Things Paper // Photography: Rachael Smith Photography // Custom Cookies: Jennifer Tee // Paper Plates: Harlow and Grey (purchased from Happily Ever Etched)
 

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Decorating

5 Creative Ways to Use Wall Sconces

Photo via Brabbu featuring Newton Wall Sconces 
 
The impact that light fixtures have on a space is often underrated! Sconces are a particularly an underappreciated hero of lighting. They are diverse, and can be dramatic or subtle. The symmetry created by sconces can completely refine a space. Using sconces as a light fixture can frame, highlight, or be its own piece of art in any space. This blog post will show five (creative) ways to use sconces in your own home! 
 
Alaina Kaczmarski’s bedroom via of The Every Girl 

 

#1 – Use wall sconces in the bedroom: 
There is a sconce for every style bedroom. Sconces can be feminine and elegant like the ones in Alaina Kaczmarski’s bedroom above. In contrast, sconces can also fit a modern and industrial space like the ones pictured below by Restoration Hardware. A sconce on each side of the bed elevates the typical bedside table aesthetic, introducing great symmetry while working well as reading light also! 

 

 

#2 – Use wall sconces outdoors:
Sconces can be used in various different outdoor contexts. Two sconces in an entryway add a symmetrical lighting and decorative element to a front door. Sconces can also create ambiance in a backyard outdoor entertaining space. A great way to add detail to a garage area is through sconces. The fixtures are decorative and practical in outdoor spaces.

 
Photo via Ronique Gibson of Stagetecture

 

#3 – Use wall sconces to frame artwork:
Sconces can add dimension to wall art and gallery walls! Your sconces can even pull together the colors around the art to create a cohesive space. For example, the scones below pick up the gold accents of the room, making the photograph pop! 

 
#4 – Use wall sconces for bathroom lighting:
Sconces in a bathroom can either be very fluid and subtle, or they can make a statement. Brass sconces create a bold and modern look in a bathroom, especially against the usual clean colors of a bathroom such as blues, grays and whites. They bring life and a contemporary touch to a neutral space.
 
Photo via of Blog Lovin’
 
#5 – Use statement wall sconces as their own works of art:
There are so many amazing sconces out there that can hold their own as a statement decorative element in a room. With creative variations of sconces available like the Jonathan Adler Puzzle Sconce below, you can easily bring an art-deco elements to your space or go for another statement making sconce design. 
 
Design by Kelly Wearstler
 
 
OPTIONS FOR STATEMENT MAKING WALL SCONCES:
1. Art Craft Bronze Wall Sconce – Jasper Park
2. Rio Indoor/Outdoor Wall Sconce – Jonathan Adler
3. Puzzle Sconce – Jonathan Adler
4. Silver “Twig” 2-Light Wall Sconce – Global Views
 

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Luxury

Demystifying the Auction Process – with Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

A sneak peek of Leslie Hindman Auctioneer’s upcoming Modern Design auction.

I have been curious about the world of auction houses for some time now, so when I had the opportunity to chat with the team behind Leslie Hindman Auctioneers I was eager to learn more. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers is one of the nation’s foremost fine art auction houses. With more salerooms in the United States than any other auction house, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers conducts over 60 auctions annually in categories such as fine jewelry and timepieces, furniture, contemporary art, 20th century design, rare books, decorative arts and more.

Read on for my interview with Corbin Horn, a Leslie Hindman auctioneer and expert on antiques, fine furniture, and decorative arts.

Antique expert Corbin Horn of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Jacquin: With Leslie Hindman Auctioneers providing amazing opportunities for sourcing one-of-a-kind additions for the home, it’s important that design lovers know how to engage in the auction process. What do individuals new to participating in auctions need to know?

Corbin: New buyers at auction should know that while the bidding process can seem intimidating, it is actually pretty simple. Anyone can register for one of our auctions online and follow the sale live, clicking a button to place a bid.

People can also leave absentee bids in their online accounts or by submitting a form ahead of the auction. This is a more hands-off approach where you determine what you’re willing to pay for something in advance. You’ll get an email after the sale, no matter how you bid, outlining what you have won, how to pay and how to get the property shipped.

One of the most important things to remember about buying at auction is that all auction houses charge a buyer’s premium. This means that a certain percentage is added to the “hammer price” or what an items sells for during the live auction. Remember this when determining how much you are willing to bid on something.

The work pictured is from the home of renowned collector Mary Griggs Burke.

Jacquin: What is the average day like for you working on the Leslie Hindman Auctioneers team?

Corbin: Working at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers is never dull because we never know what we’ll see from day to day. If we aren’t traveling to appraise a collection or a single item, we’re in the office researching and evaluating consigned objects, building our auctions and selling on the phone or via e-mail to eccentric collectors all over the world.

As a result of the firm’s outstanding reputation, it was acquired by Sotheby’s in 1997. Since reopening in 2003, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers has handled the Estates of Lilly Pulitzer, Leona Helmsley, the Gary Pepper collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia and more.

Jacquin: What type of items can interior design lovers expect to find at Leslie Hindman’s Auctioneers? What has been two of your most notable home decor and furniture sales this year?

Corbin: Our Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts department really offers a bit of everything, and you know that you are buying something historic and one-of-a-kind. We have both traditional 17th – 19th century furniture along with an entire department devoted to modern design. Within these categories you can expect to find furniture, decorative objects, paintings, silver, mirrors, rugs, lighting fixtures and antiquities from Greco-Roman and Middle Eastern civilizations.

In March of this year we held a very fun auction of the David and Gail McRorie collection. The McRories had homes in the mountains, at the beach and in the city, and they filled each home with décor to suit the spirit of the region. We sold everything from Italian furniture to antique Serapi rugs.

We are so excited to announce that in 2018, we will be selling the contents of Villa Massei, a hunting lodge near Lucca, Italy that was built by the Counts Sinibaldi around 1500. The house’s gardens have been meticulously recreated in correct Renaissance style by the consignors with whom we are working.

Jacquin: How did you become interested in a career working with auctions and antiques?

Corbin: I have always been interested in antiques, history and material culture. The auction business is a perfect parallel between those studies and interior design.

Jacquin: Are there any distinctions people need to know regarding participating in your auctions online versus in-person?

Corbin: Things have really changed as the industry globalizes, like most everything else. We have just as many people, if not more, participating online and via phone as there are in the auction room. That being said, it’s still exciting to be at a live auction and the floor is given priority when multiple bidders are bidding at the same time. However, the convenience of bidding remotely keeps many people on the phone and plugged in online. There is always something going on. You can view upcoming events and auctions on lesliehindman.com.

 

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Decorating

Touring the Dallas Decorators Showhouse… and it’s bold!

I had the pleasure of attending the Dallas Decorator’s Showhouse‘s PRESS Preview last week and I was beyond impressed! This year’s showhouse was located in Southlake, TX and sponsored by Donna Moss and Traditional Home magazine. The designs showcased here are truly bold. I also had the pleasure to interview designer Scot Meacham Wood. Watch the video below to see this luxurious show home!

 Video production & editing – Stephanie Alleva-Cornell 

I loved the range of styles present at the Dallas Decorators Showhouse! The home transitioned seamlessly from the bold entryway with graphic wall paper (shown above), to the more traditional spaces like the bedroom below, which you’ll note still features fun patterns. The upholstered choices were all so unique. Definitely a lot of inspiration to consider. 
Artwork by Lindsay Cowles
As far as the details are concerned, the Dallas Decorators Showhouse designers certainly didn’t miss any opportunities to make a big statement. I was truly elated by this staircase nook, which featured bold stairwells, bold chandeliers, and even bolder wallpaper. Just another illustration proving that sometimes more, really is more!
The outdoor space at the Dallas Decorators Showhouse was just as impressive as the interior. The outside decor was colorful and lush with a lot of surprising elements. Did you catch the butterfly patterned fabric on the outdoor curtains? And below you’ll see an oversized butterfly and branch installation that you really have to see for yourself to believe. Check it out  below! 
 
Besides the luxurious pool, my favorite design element in the outdoor space was the colorful tablescape. There were multi-colored glass place settings with pressed flowers inside the glass. Truly unique. Sadly I wasn’t able to learn who designs these amazing plates. Any one know? If so, write in below. I’d be so thankful to be able to buy a set of these unique plates for myself!
Learn more about the Dallas Decorators Showhouse and the designers who teamed up to decorate this luxurious space at the website here. A portion of the proceeds from the public home tours and gala event went toward supporting the Alzheimer’s Association. Looking forward to next year’s event!

Decorating

The Design Lovers Gift Guide

I’ve collaborated with the Interiors by Jacquin team to compile the best gift ideas for Design Lovers of all backgrounds. You will love these gift suggestions! We have 3 distinct categories of gifts to entice you: Creative gifts,Luxury gifts, and Budget-Friendly gifts. Read on for our top recommendations for the picky design-lover in your life!

3. Broste Copenhagen ‘Haldan’ Candlestick Set

 
JACQUIN’S TOP CHOICE:
Michael Aram Gold ‘Palm’ Frame

Designer Michael Aram never fails to create impressive luxury home decor & gift items. This gilded ‘Palm’ frame is one of my favorites! This frame, which I own personally, catches the light and shines when displayed making it the perfect showstopper gift for the Design Lover!

BONUS: 
 
 
 

STEPHANIE’S TOP CHOICE:
Creative Lettering Art & Stationery Kit
Now this gift is definitely my favorite gift of the season! It’s no secret that the art of calligraphy has made a glorious comeback in these past few years, and if you’re anything like me, it has seriously peaked your creative interest. If you know someone (or maybe you are someone) who is dying to learn this skill but can’t afford to take a professional course, then this lovely hand-lettering kit teaches the magic of calligraphy and hand-lettering for only $14.77! 
 
 

LAYNE’S TOP CHOICE:
BYOB Scented Candle Making Workshop
During one of my recent trips to Atlanta, I stopped into the store Candlefish. Not only do they have hundreds of handcrafted candles in stock, with the option of choosing your own scents to put into a unique candle, they also offer candle and essential oil making workshops! Candle making workshops are a great gift to give/plan for a girls night out or a date night! It is definitely an unexpected yet extremely pleasant surprise of a gift. 
 
 
Save this gift guide onto Pinterest to have gift ideas on-hand throughout the year! Happy shopping!
 
 

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