Today's Guest - Geneva of Geneva Diane Designs

Happy Tuesday everyone! I imagine I'm probably at that point where I really wish we were at a place with hook ups for our trailer. We're not totally roughin' it or anything, but no hook-ups over a week's time is roughin' it enough for me! Yes - I am a girly girl.  :-) We'll be making our two day trip back in a couple days (a smart choice with 3 kids and a doggy crammed in a truck for a 10 hr. drive - break it up for sanity!).

So today I introduce to you the lovely

Geneva

of

Geneva Diane Designs

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself. Family, interests, hobbies, etc.

My name is Geneva Sipes, I am a florist/interior designer. I have an
amazing family with loving parents and 3 fun & crazy siblings. I'm an
aunt of two great kids. In my spare time I love spending time with
friends and family, going to church, gardening, hiking, and going to
antique stores.

2.How did you come about doing what you do,

and what do you absolutely LOVE about it?

I worked at a floral and gift shop while I was in college getting my
degree in Interior Design. My passion for interior design set in at an
early age when I read the Boxcar Children.I love how the characters
made a home out of found materials. I found that the two passions of
Interior Design & Floral design blended wonderfully. What I love is
coming up with creative concepts that are unique to every individual
client. I love working with flowers and I love making events unique
and special.

3. You have various services that you offer -

can you briefly describe eachof them?

&

4. Is there a favorite season in which you work?

I'm sure they are all different!

I decided to answer both question in one answer. Instead of florist or
interior designer, I prefer "creative consultant". I have done a
variety of design work;  from flowers for weddings, corporate
Christmas decor, residential interior design, and banquet design. Each
season and event brings with it a unique creative element. I love it
all, I cant pick my favorite...OK, maybe I can, I LOVE Christmas!

5. Who, what, where do you find inspiration from?

Everything, I love art and nature. Rich colors and textures make me so
happy! That is why fall is one of my favorite seasons and Van Gogh is
one of my favorite artist. I love unique plants and art work. I love
art that makes you emotionally connect to the artist or the subject.

Client preference is a crucial inspiration, so picking up their
personality of my client in whatever project I'm doing is really
important.  In weddings this comes in when the client wants their big
day to represent who they are as a couple. In Interior design its
about making a sanctuary of sorts. Having a home be a place of
hospitality and comfort.

With that being said that is where an act of service becomes my
goal.My faith is the number one drive of my business, and it always
needs to be my number one inspiration.

 6. You have a passion for particular outreach opportunities.

Can you briefly highlight these and your involvement with them?

Growing up I was always blessed to be able to go on missions trips. I
have loved the opportunities I have had to serve in Kenya with
Christian Ministries in Africa. (www.christianministriesinafrica.org).
Locally I work with a great organization called CFC, its a bunch of UW
grads who meet construction needs of non profits around the world. I
am on their banquet planning committe.
(www.constructionforchange.org), and lately I have loved learning more
about the New Beginnings Home in the south end. Its a great
organization that provides care and housing for young pregnant women
and their babies. (www.newbeginningshome.org) I am really excited to
find more ways to serve, and hope my business always keeps service at
the forefront.

7. Flats or Heels?

If it was summer all the time I would live in flip flops,

but I like a little bit of both. Tennis shoes for running around

 and heels for church and special events!

8. Black, Brunette, Blonde, or Red?

On me or the opposite sex?

I am and forever will be a brunette (God willing)

In the opposite sex, I don't discriminate- Im not spoken for.

9. What is your dream travel destination or vacation?

My number one is Italy - I love art and architecture.

But going to New York during Christmas is pretty high up there.

10. With the holidays around the corner, what is your fave tradition?

Spending thanksgiving cooking and putting up Christmas decorations
while watching Home Alone and Elf with my family. But my absolute
favorite time during Christmas is midnight church on Christmas Eve.

11. What is a dream of yours in the next year for Geneva Diane Designs?

To create a business plan for a soon to be expansion.

12. OH! And I'm dying to know - fake tree or real tree and why?!

How do you plan to decorate yours this year?  :-)

Fake trees are easier to work with and give you a lot more options to design with,

but this year will bring a real family tree- still deciding on color and theme. For
my office I have a mini fake Grinch Christmas tree, My mom collects
Lennox Grinch ornaments and I love my mini grinch tree!

Wowza Geneva!!! Those are some drop dead gorgeous

arrangements and design! Wouldn't you agree?

You can visit Geneva's website here

or

chat with her via Facebook

or

Contact her directly

Geneva Sipes : Designer
Geneva Diane Designs
425.273.0812

Head on over and say hello!

I know that always makes my day!!! :-)

~~~~~

Up tomorrow you get to meet the amazing

Julia of 551 East Furniture Design

She definitely has her own special niche with furniture,

so see you tomorrow and have a GREAT day!

~Anneke~

(And remember, I'm here, but I'm away, so comment away,

and I'll get back to you when I get home!)

You can now follow me via Pinterest and Twitter!

Today's Guest - Katy from The Classic Farmhouse

Monday already? I hope it was a great weekend for you!

Any pumpkin patch adventures???

We'll be tromping in the fields when we get home from our camping trip. :-)

In the meantime, please welcome my next guest

in our Feature Interviews

Katy

from

The Classic Farmhouse



I found Katy via Facebook through another local shop.

The Classic Farmhouse

is located at

22 A St SW, Auburn, WA 98002

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself.

Your family, what you do, how long have you been doing this, etc.?

Hello there! My name is Katy and I am the owner/operator of

the vintage home decor store called The Classic Farmhouse.

I've been at it for a little over 7 months now,

though I've been dabbling in this industry for well over 15 years.

At this point in my life I am always busy, constantly creating, slightly scattered brained,

run by coffee, but more by faith and perpetually single.

I am overly blessed with a number of family and dear friends

who are my biggest cheerleaders and support!

2. How did you come about doing what you do, and what do you absolutely LOVE about it?

I've been dabbling in this type of thing as a hobby for nearly 15 years.

I've been creating and crafting since I was born...or at least shortly after.

Having a shop now is really everything I love doing all wrapped into one! I am so blessed!!!

I love meeting new people, redecorating almost daily, finding great merchandise, refurbishing pieces,

creating things to share with my customers, I could go on and on!

3. What are some exciting aspects of having your own store? What's the biggest challenge?

I think the most exciting thing for me has been that people actually seem to like my style and the stuff I find! Of course I always knew I liked it, but it's even more exciting

when someone loves a piece as much as you do and takes it home to make it theirs.

The hardest part for me personally is staying organized.

With so much coming and going and not having a lot of space for storage

it becomes a little overwhelming at times. Also, managing my time between being in the shop,

and then going out and finding things, working on things, researching, etc can become a little tiresome.

4. What are your top three tools or products that you just can't live without?

Spray Paint - I think I may have an addiction. Ok, not really, but I have so many cans it's ridiculous.

Murphys Oil - Works like magic for hiding scuffs, scratches and wear on dark wood.

I've even been known to use it as an aging effect over flat paint as a short cut...shhhh, don't tell.

Facebook - the best form of advertising for any business!!!

5. Who, what, where do you find inspiration from?

Cute shops, big stores, blogs, magazines, conversations with creative people!

I soak it up anywhere I can get it.

Fav Magazine - Country Living, Adore Home (online)

Fav Blogs - Miss Mustard Seed & Design Sponge

Fav Store - Anthropologie, Restoration Hardware, Layla Grace

6. What is the story behind the name The Classic Farmhouse?

This was a tough one for me.
I threw around a lot of names, but nothing seemed to fit

until somehow the Classic Farmhouse evolved.
I am very eclectic in my styling.

I like to mix old and new, formal and casual,
bold and neutral, practical and pretty for a unique look.

I imagine a true farmhouse of old
with Grandmas antique rocker in the corner,

galvanized wash tub, primitive cabinet in the corner,
quilt on the bedside, large rustic table in the kitchen...
throw in a couple updated wingback chairs,

some bold throw pillows,
a black hutch full of white ironstone and a chandelier or two

and you have yourself a Classic Farmhouse.

7. Flats or Heels?

LOVE heels, have some really adorbale ones!!!

I think my heels have been missing me though
as my job is more condusive to flats.

Can't really show up to dig through a barn in 3" heels now can I?

8. Black, Brunette, Blonde, or Red?

Red since birth and probably til the day I die!!!

9. What is your dream travel destination or vacation?

Stick me in a little cottage somewhere near the water

and not far from a flea market and I'm a happy girl.

Seriously though I would love to venture to Paris someday.

Ok even more seriously...what is vacation?

10. With the holidays around the corner, what is your fave tradition?

We never had many traditions growing up,
every year seemed a little different.

I think my favorite part though
(and this will come as no suprise) is the decorating!

It's normally done with family around, so it's a tradition I guess in a way.

11. What is a dream of yours in the next year for The Classic Farmhouse?

Well I would love to still be open and going strong!

Ok kind of teasing, but really
I think it would be fun to have another location somewhere...

maybe unrealistic, especially at this point, but a girl can dream right?

I'm always dreaming about new aspects...guess we'll just have to wait and see ;0)

12. OH! Do you get to go to Ruffles & Rust A Vintage Market this year?
If so, I'm officially jealous. :-)

No plans to yet but would love to!!! I'm jealous of anyone going too ;0)

Oh my goodness! I got to choose picts. and I had such a hard time picking. A few more highlights:

      

Thanks so much for being my guest today Katy!

I'm totally with you on the spray paint, and I think it's safe to say

I'd go broke if I was able to buy everything I loved in your store! :-)

You can connect with Katy on Facebook, Blogland, & Etsy!

Pop on over and say "Hi"!





Tomorrow's guest is design consultant
 Geneva
of
Geneva Diane Designs
Here's a sneak peak!

Geneva is so light hearted and fun~

I can't wait for you to get to know her!

See you tomorrow!

~Anneke~

You can now follow me via Pinterest and Twitter!

Today's Guest - Lenae of Silver Sage Design Studio

Okaaaayyyyy ~ who's excited it's Friday????! Any big plans tonight??? :-)

I'm probably hanging out by the campfire!

Well, today, we're onto our second feature interview while I'm on our family trip,

and you get a big treat as I get to introduce you to

Lenae

of

Silver Sage Design Studio

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself. Your family, what you do,

how long have you been doing this, etc.?

My name is Lenae and I have Silver Sage Design Studio in Moses Lake.

Silver Sage is a lifestyle store with a focus on design.

I believe in celebrating the beauty of all things every day.

This belief is for my business as well as my home life

with my fiancé Urban Masset and our daughter Aspyn Grace.

We are a busy family doing design,

building our dream cabin on Snoqualmie pass,

managing our rentals and working on a house filp or two.

Every day is an adventure.

2. Who is your favorite designer and why?

Picking ONE favorite designer is a hard thing to do. There are

so many talented people in this industry. But, if I have to pick just one,

I think that it would have to be Pam Pierce from Houston. Pam is not

mainstream, but I could definitely move into one of her homes

without changing a thing. Six years ago one of her projects was featured

in Verandah magazine and it remains one of my favorite homes of all

time. Pam Pierce just has something about her work that speaks to me...

The architecture always has a rustic flavor to it with stone and roughhewn beams

mixed with plastered walls. Well-worn antiques blend with silk

and sometimes a little crystal. Simply Devine!

(Lenae's home)

3. How did you come about doing what you do and what do you absolutely LOVE about it?

I’ve always had a love for all things beautiful.

Garage sale jewelry made me feel like a queen as a child. The bigger the better!

Seashells, rocks, moss and branches, I loved it all. This translates today.

Abraham Maslow quoted that a musician must make music,

an artist must paint, a poet must write,

if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. And it is true.

It comes from the inside….Passion!

Passion flows like water making things a little more clear.

I started my first design related business at 19 doing faux painting

and that developed into opening a small shop

and then a full design business at 23.

I wasn’t quite sure what I was doing,

but went full steam ahead (by the seat of my pants)!!!

Lifestyle and design shops were not common then,

and I remember how cutting edge it seemed to carry furnishings,

accessories and jewelry with a working design studio.

This grew and evolved into what is now Silver Sage.

I feel so fortunate to have been able

to do what I love every day.

4. What are some design trends that you are loving at this moment?

There are so many beautiful design trends out there right now. I would say

my favorite has to be the Restoration hardware look.

They have done the best job accumulating a well-worn and loved feel

making it accessible to the common consumer.

And it is a welcomed change from the overdone Tuscan look. Don’t get me wrong,

Tuscan can be beautiful, but as a designer I need a

little more inspiration than a red and gold interior. Been there, done that.

(Lenae's home)

5. Who, what, where do you find inspiration from?

Nature provides the most design inspiration for me. I have always had a love

for rocks and leaves and all the colors as you see around us every day.

To take in a sunset or see the leaves turn in autumn

can take my breath away like nothing else. I constantly drive Snoqualmie pass

and find myself gazing at all the beauty

and suddenly a design scheme will unfold.

There is an honor is being asked into someone’s home

to design such a sacred space that their family shares every day.

I never take this lightly.

6. What is one design tip you think would instantly change a space?

The best design tip I can give isn’t so glamorous.

I think that cleaning and DE-cluttering can do wonders to a room.

So many women want to paint and decorate and purchase a new feel,

but really just cleaning up clutter can bring peace of mind

and make everything look a little better.

(Lenae's home)

7. Flats or Heels?

I don’t even have to think a second on this one! Oh heels most definitely!!!

I don’t even think that anyone would recognize me without 4 inch platforms on.

They are a girl’s best friend!

8. Black, Brunette, Blonde, or Red?

 Blonde…..we have more fun right???

9. What is your dream travel destination or vacation?

Traveling to France and Italy would be a dream for me.

All the history, architecture, culture and good food. I hear its phenomenal,

and I will never want to come back.

10. With the holidays around the corner, what is your fave tradition?

I come from a small family and we had no traditions other than reading

the story of Christs birth on Christmas Eve before opening gifts.

I am excited to pass this tradition down to my daughter

along with making our own. The Holidays bring out the crazy creative side of me.

I love making handmade things for both my friends and my shop.

From fresh cut green wreathes to hand painted ornaments,

my home looks like Santas workshop come November.

I need to reread my answer for #6.

11. What is a dream of yours in the next year for Silver Sage Design Studio?

I have accomplished so many things in my years of business.

People who know me know that I am driven.

There are always so many things going on in my little brain

of new projects and directions. This year I have a little girl

and my heart has really been at home.

I love my shop, but there is something to be said for a balanced life.

So my goal for both myself and for Silver Sage

is a little less business

and a little more personal time.

I would love to reach out to other mothers and women out there.

I have lived a life of valuing accomplishment. Being a type A

I live from project to project never giving myself time to breath.

This year I have seen the beauty of taking a breath.

Taking naps with my daughter and spending time in the yard.

We forget sometimes the value of being a wife, a friend and a mother.

Women truly are the center of a community, family and a home.

12. OH! And what color scheme represents your home best?

My home is done in natural colors

of mossy green, tans and touches of terracotta.

I love things muted and a little dirty looking like they are found in nature.

This year we have a few projects to finish up,

 and I am excited to evolve with the tans and grays

experimenting a little with my guest room and upstairs living room.

Oh ya, did I say in #11 I was giving myself time to breathe???

Old habits sometimes die hard!

~~~~~

Don't I know it!

Wow ~ thank you so much for being my guest today!!!

Aren't her designs just breath-taking? I actually

literally gasped when I saw the huge beams

surrounding the bedroom entry. LOVE!!!

I very much agree on Restoration Harware,

And I'd take a mommy play date any day. ;-)

Please take a moment to visit Silver Sage

via Facebook

and say "Hello"!

OR

Pop in for a visit in person if you're in the area!

Silver Sage Home Boutique

121 3rd Ave.
Moses Lake, WA 98837
Phone: (509) 765-4049

I'm personally planning on making a girl's trip to the area

so I can snag some fun things and meet Lenae!

(Babe...if you're reading this,

I've been good and love the blingy bracelet!) ;-)

Who's with me? Yup...that's what I thought.

I'll take care of the Escalade Limo Rental. Hehe. :-)

Thanks again Lenae!!!

~~~

Have a great weekend and join me on Monday to meet

Katy

from

The Classic Farmhouse.

I'll have a s'more tonight by the campfire just.for.you. :-)

~Anneke~

You can now follow me via Pinterest and Twitter!

Today's Guest ~ Melanie from Rustic Ruffles

Well it's official - I'm off and gone, totally off of the radar and out in the woods on our family camping trip. Don't worry though! Between family and friend's trailers, motorhomes, group dinners, and s'mores, I think I'll be ok. I can't wait to use this time to practice with my new camera - yes, I'm excited! :-)

Now - gettin' onto business!

I'm excited to start my

Feature Interviews with

Melanie

of
Rustic Ruffles!

Welcome Melanie and thanks for being my guest today!!!

1. For starters, can you briefly introduce yourself and your family?

        My name is Melanie W. I am a stay at home Mom of 5 wonderful children (16, 9, 8, 4, 2) and wife to the most amazing guy! We own a small apple orchard in Ontario, Canada. My hubby also works for U.S. Steel and is a volunteer firefighter. I am the Mom who is always in the background trying to keep everything running as smoothly as possible-lately since I have decided I was going to get back into doing some 'Me Time' projects, there have been evenings where cereal is  supper! LOL

2. What is the story behind the name "Rustic Ruffles"?

the name? opposites? kinda like Shabby Chic-

there's nothing like a beaten up piece of furniture

beside pretty ruffled linens!

AND I have started sewing dish towels and other items

that have a frayed edge and a worn look and I call them my 'Rustic Ruffles'.

3. What is your favorite piece you have done and why?

 I have done SO many pieces over the years! Many of them get sold or traded.

Right now I am enjoying my large pine armoire that has a crackle finish with burlap coffee sacks wrapped around the door inserts. When I tire of it I can simply paint it and remove the burlap!

4. How did you come about doing what you do?

I'm just a hands on kinda gal! I think I learned a lot from my parents who were hands on,

refinished antiques and sold them and have great taste.

5. What are your Top 3 go-to tools or products?

measuring tape, sewing machine and Annie Sloan paints.

6. Who, what, where do you find inspiration from?

Inspiration is EVERYWHERE!

I had collected Country Home and Country Living magazines forever,

but 2 years ago I started drooling on my keypad here as I went from blog to blog!

7. Flats or Heels?

FLATS! flip flops gal!

8. Black, Brunette, Blonde, or Red?
 

brunette...after 25 years of bleaching!

9. What is your dream travel destination or vacation?

anywhere with a white sandy beach!

10. With the holidays around the corner, what is your fave tradition?

big turkey dinner and chillaxin with the fam! 

11. What is a dream of yours in the next year with Rustic Ruffles?

right now my hubby and I have been coming up with some great ideas,

and I am hoping to have some of my hand-sewn items

in some local shops within the year-for starters!

12. OH! And can you sew? Because if you can, I'm officially jealous and need lessons! :-D

I am an AMATEUR sewer! I need lessons myself!

I would LOVE to eventually sew large scale slipcovers!

~~~~~~~~~~

Wowza - Thanks Melanie! Love, love LOVE those ruffly towels!!!

And I'm personally inspired by that hutch - GORGEOUS!

Thanks again for letting me interview you.

I personally think Melanie's ruffly towels and pillows would make GREAT gifts,

and Christmas is just around the corner.

(*hint-hint* to the hubby) ;-)

Go check out Rustic Ruffles  because I'm personally loving her stuff!

~~~~~~~~~~

Up tomorrow in my Feature Interview "series"

 you'll get to meet

Lenae

of

Silver Sage Design Studio

Hold onto your seats people - her work is GORGEOUS!

Sneak Peak

Oh yes. :-)

See you tomorrow!!!

~Anneke~

You can now follow me via Pinterest and Twitter!