Changes...

Happy Friday loves! We're enjoying some winter weather here today, so I'm tucked into the couch, waiting on the delivery of our Christmas tree and working away that this beauty!

via The Design Confidential

But, on to the "Big News". I've alluded to some major life changes happening around here through a couple Instagram posts over the last couple weeks, and now I'm ready to share!

As a lot of you know, I've been blessed to be at home for over a year now, after being laid off from my last corporate position in August of 2012. During that time, I sourced and sold vintage furniture; designed, built and sold custom furniture and then launched my own design company and worked with some very special clients. Well, all of those things were completely fulfilling and I loved every bit of it, but I have to say that the lack of a steady income, combined with the expenses of trying to run a business and the higher cost of living in Memphis. took a bit of a toll on our family. So, I made the decision to make a change.

I'm, heading back into the workforce as a design consultant for I.O. Metro and I am beyond excited! Have you not seen their latest catalog?

I mean, come on! The blue velvet sofa and that faux bamboo coffee table!!!! No doubt about it, there will be a lot of drooling while on the clock. By the way, would you believe me if I told you that they were my very first design related employer?!? I worked for their Little Rock location back in 2007 while finishing my last semester of college. I loved it then and am sure to love it now.

As far as my blog and business are concerned, not a whole lot is changing. Actually, the only thing that's really changing is that my local area clients get to come and see me at I.O. Metro (1213 Ridgeway Rd) and benefit from our amazing catalog of furniture and accessories.

So that's it! Carmeon has a real full time job now; with a real paycheck! Please stop by on Monday, December 9th, to say "Hi!" to me on my first day! I'd love to see you, and will probably need the support!

Holiday Planning

I know that we're well into December, but I was working so hard at not breaking out all of my Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, that I'm actually behind the curve now. I feel really bad now, especially since my mother-in-law had all of her decorations, including the tree, up before Halloween this year! Can you say eager beaver?

I've managed to get a few small decorations up, but am still waiting on THE TREE to arrive in the mail. I had to order this one from Walmart since they can't keep them stocked in the store. Last year's tree had to be thrown away thanks to a broken base. And now that I think about it, we wouldn't have had room for it any way. The new tree is a little taller and slimmer, which is perfect for our small space requirements.

Last year at this time, we were new transplants to the city of Memphis, so holiday decorations were really important for making our new place feel like a home.

I loved the navy and green scheme with lots of gold thrown in for good measure. It was casual for a young family, yet refined for a more adult feel. This year, however, I'm feeling the need for change. I would like to keep the casual and refined/sophisticated feeling, but hope to change up a few colors and textures. Gold and brass are going to remain key elements (forever!!!) so I'm on the hunt for more color inspiration. I have to say that black is a very strong contender.

I'm in love with how Kristen of Hunted Interior incorporated it in her decor this year!

The gifts are gonna get the black treatment as well.

Loving the green!

What colors are you featuring this season?

photos via my Holiday Planning Pinterest board 

Sorry for the Radio Silence...

Hey guys! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I spent mine in the country with lots of family.  I just wanted to pop in and apologize for not properly being back from holiday. I've been busy getting our home ready for Christmas decorating. Meaning, searching for a tree, rearranging furniture, and checking things off my list like finally getting matching curtains for the living room. I promise to be back before week's end with lots of posts showing you what I'm up to. And if you're as impatient as I am, follow me on Instagram for sneak peeks of the progress.