A Designer's Hideaway

A statement that is made quite often by the designers and clients that meet me is, “Your home must really be decked out and large, based on the size of the furniture that you design.” A smile always spreads across my face as I get to explain to them that I live in the same condo that I purchased ten years ago for $110,000. At that time I worked in a gift store at a mall. You can well imagine my choices in real estate were somewhat limited. However, this small condo served as my blank canvass on which I was able to express myself. It reflects soul, personality and attitude. What started out as a pretty plane Jane three bedroom, two and a half bath condo was transformed into a cozy retreat that feels as though one has stepped back into time. It’s a marvelous mix of 16th century Gothic and English Castle, with a touch of the theater. A gorgeous place that I get to go to everyday that feels completely cut off from the outside world. Being both the designer and the client was a sobering experience. When you’re designing for clients you’re creating something so they’ll be comfortable. When you’re designing for yourself, you’re isolated. You’re really answering to yourself. You start with a blank canvass, and you could have a hundred ideas. Then you have to commit. You’re also paying the bills, so you’re very aware of what things are costing. This intimate condo showed me where I was as a designer, where I’ve come from and how I’m building my carrier and business. Now before you take a peek, keep in mind that it was built in the 1970’s and there have been no changes. So let’s begin.

Before and After Bedroom

Before and After Hallway

Before and After Kitchen

Before and After Half Bath

Before and After Stair Case

Before and After Entry Way

 

Seventeen Dollars and the American Dream

Seventeen Dollars and the American Dream Opportunities sometimes present themselves at our lowest points. It happened to me. With $17.00 left to my name in the winter of 2004, I was faced with the fact of losing my job and a stack of bills that left me as cold and desolate as the winter outside. A prayer led me a “friend” who was closing his business. He offered to sell it to me. Seriously. I convinced him to let me pay it out over time. What I didn’t know was that my friend was selling me a lemon. The inventory was, let’s say difficult to get rid of. The client list had gotten used to “Bargains,” and the small warehouse/shop had no electricity. But still, this was my opportunity. I had faith that I could turn it around and make it mine. Designing had always been a dream of mine and now my chance to make it happen was before me. God guided my steps. He brought creative people into my life whose talents helped shape the company. He also showed me abilities that I hadn’t realized I possessed which helped me form the company, Emmanuel. Today my joy comes from working with the exceptionally gifted and talented people. Emmanuel is a company where not only are the customers pleased with their purchase, but our artisans and craftsmen have the pleasure and satisfaction of succeeding in creating one of a kind exquisite works of art. And I get to be a part of it. As creative director I am blessed to oversee every aspect of our products creation—from the first glimmer of a design concept through the handcrafting, to the glorious completion and delivery. I watch ideas become a reality. A stack of wood becomes a beautiful furniture piece. Blocks of metal is shaped into forms that symbolize strength reflecting the very material it is made of, all of which is imbued with quality and meaning that will be passed down through many family generations. I AM LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM! Let me design a dream for you. Next week see what it looks like where Nelson lives……………………….