What I've been up to...interior design studies!

Hey there Nesters! How have you been? I hope you've all been keeping busy and distracted from the fact that I've had another hiatus from this blog!

I thought a life update was in order because so many things are a-changing! And I mean exciting things!

First - if you didn't already know, I've stepped away from a few side businesses. I am no longer painting furniture or selling Simply Said. They were both something I really enjoyed and I truly believe they came into my life to lead me where I am going. Both gave me the joy of decorating, but not really - you know? They were just small parts of a grander picture.

Thus , I finally made the decision to go back to school and study interior design. And I am loving it! I wish I had discovered this joy when I was in college all those years ago. But I firmly believe my path was to study creative writing, work in marketing and PR and and end up doing something I love, with a lifetime of experience in things that will make an interior design business better.

I'm still working my book publicity job, and fitting in school when I can. Fortunately, the program I am enrolled in is all go-at-your-own-pace and online. So far, I've studio a lot on color. It was a good refresher from my days working in graphic design and advertising. The program also includes a lot on furniture history. I now know the differences between all the french Louis styles!

It also includes a ton on furniture placement and making sure a room and it's contents convey the right mood, are of the correct scale, are functional and that together all of these elements are harmonious. There was a great section on textiles (you know I am a fabric lover). And now we've just covered lighting and window treatments. And much much more. I expect to complete the program by summertime.

What comes next, you ask?

Well, I will start doing small projects. A room here and there. And to prepare, right now I'm getting the business established. I've come up with a name (to be revealed soon!), and hired a firm to do my branding. I had hoped to do this myself, but found that I've been away from the Adobe Illustrator game far too long. So, they will design my logo, marketing materials and website. I cannot wait to see how it all turns out!

In the meantime, I am going to my first-ever High Point Market in a couple of weeks. It's the largest bi-annual trade-only event to feature what's new in home furnishings. There's seasoned designers providing educational talks, as well as over 280 showrooms of eye-candy! So stay tuned, because I have a feeling you'll get to see a lot of photos from this adventure!

I hope you will stick with me, as I make this transition. The business, blog and social media names will all change, and interiors will become the main focus. I know you guys love a pretty room!

Have a lovely day, friends!