Think PINK for 2011!

I think I've always loved every shade of pink. As a teen in the 80's, I wouldn't walk out the door without wearing at least one pink item. In fact, in my junior year, a friend bet me that I couldn't go a week without wearing pink and yes, he won. I was caught with little pink bows on my socks. My nickname to many was even "Pinky"! (If I can find a photo of the pink satin prom gown I had, I'll insert it later.)
When I "grew up" (yes, the jury is still out on if/when that has happened since I play with crayons, scissors and markers all day!), I even painted my first studio a very sweet, pale pink. The color just makes me happy and it also works well with my skin and hair tones. If I had my druthers, I'd have some pink in every room of my home...but living in "testosterone zone" doesn't allow me to do so!
So it's no surprise that when I heard recently that the Pantone Color of 2011 is Honeysuckle, I was tickled pink!
Last year's big color was Turquoise and I'm sure we'll continue to see many shades of this used in decor, especially for the boys. But bright and happy pink will be popping up in everything now from fashion to bedding and furniture. I guess it's time to break out my big pink purses and baubles again!
Enjoy some pink images from my designs, personal life and other collections below!

 Yes, my computer, and many items on my desk are pink. My company pens that I give out at conventions are pink, too!

 

I love my pink tool belt, and matching protective pink goggles.

Much of my wall art reflects my favorite color.

Many of the nurseries and rooms I've decorated were a sweet shade of pink!

Sneak peek at a recent girl's room I've completed for a television celebrity. Many shades of yummy pink here!

A favorite UGG purse I carry throughout the winter.

These boots are fun and really turn some heads! I wear them when feeling especially spunky and want to create a stir!

My favorite new cardigan available at White House Black Market.

I also love wearing my pink flower ring. I purchased mine at a little beach gift shop in Maryland, but you can find similar rings online easily.

I don't leave the house without my pink Ravens mug full of coffee. (Yep, Eric...you can take the girl out of Baltimore, but you can't take Baltimore out of the girl!)

And I always sport my pink Coach sunglasses. Notice my favorite fall jacket from Eddie Bauer, too! Lots and lots of pink in my wardrobe. And for the record...I've got more. But I'm keeping this a G rated post! ;)

Coach

Eddie Bauer

My first, and so far- only venture into crib bedding design was this pink Bird's Nest set.

"I'd like to take a moment to thank...."

As you know, I've been working non-stop to design  four rooms for a very special client. And as every good interior designer knows, you must have the very best resources on hand to help you pull together the most stunning rooms. For this particular client, I had to really call in the troops and depend heavily on my friends in the industry to ensure that the very best products were offered.
While I can't share photos of the completed rooms with you quite yet, I do want to take a moment to express how thrilled I am with the quality of products and the top-notch customer service of the companies who are helping to make these rooms jaw-dropping! You've got the check out their sites and consider them for your next big design project...I assure you- you will be thrilled!
Olena Boyko: Olena creates the most exquisite silk bedding sets for babies and children alike. Her attention to detail and pride in her creations is unmatched! The little cherub in the image above is sitting on the only peek into this project that I'm going to be giving you for a while!
Doodlefish Kids: These wonderful ladies produce top quality children's bedding that beautifully captures the spirit of childhood and will last a lifetime!
Charn and Company: Charn is an old friend of mine and she creates unparalleled custom lighting. She has come through for me with some stunning custom creations on several occasions!
Bratt Decor: The highly creative Mary Bauer (a dear friend and class act mother, friend, wife, designer and business woman) and her unbelievably talented husband Stephen have designed the world's most stunning baby furniture. Their creations adorn the nurseries of countless celebrities and their customer service is top-notch!
Marie Ricci: Marie hand-crafts the most beautiful ceiling medallions, clocks and plaques and her products will add that special touch to your child's room!
Stacie Dale: Stacie is such a talented artist! She has captured the hearts of moms and grandmothers everywhere by creating sweet hand-painted memory boxes that hold all of your cherished treasures for posterity.
Angel Song: This company's nursery gliders and rockers combine the most beautiful fabrics and trims and the comfort can not be beat! If you're going to be comforting your baby in the middle of the night, I highly recommend doing so on their super comfy chair. You'll not only rock your baby back to sleep, but you will likely catch some zzz's here, too!
I Lite 4 U: Is another lighting company who creates the most unique and high quality lamps and chandelier's for children. Joyce is a joy to work with and her products will bring a smile to the faces of everyone who sees them!
Little Worm: Kathleen Virtue creates the sweetest plaques, plates and more for children's rooms. Her product quality is unmatched and the artwork and sentiments on her plaques will tug at your heart-strings each and every time! On top of that, she is a joy to know and is a class-act designer and business woman!
Colonial Mills: Creates beautiful custom area rugs and has very short lead times! Best of all, their products are made in the USA! Their customer service is fantastic!

There are more companies that will be mentioned in a future post- but these links ought to keep you busy and drooling for the time being!
Visit these fine companies and know that you'll be working with companies who care about their customers, provide unmatched customer service and top-quality products! And tell them I sent you! ;)
Happy Decorating,
Sherri

Celebrity Client

 

I just wanted to drop a line to tell you that I've been hired by a celebrity client recently and I'm having a BLAST designing four kids' rooms for this special client. I wish I could share more, but I'm not permitted to do so until after the television special airs shortly after the holidays. What I can say is that this client has been absolutely wonderful to work with and that I can't wait to share all of the great photos with you after the show airs. 

I've also received a call from my own production company recently stating that there is renewed interest from a major network in the television show the producers created based upon my company. Please keep your fingers crossed for good news in the months to come.

Hugs,

Sherri

Designing a Gender Neutral Nursery

I'm just returning from a quick but EXTREMELY FUN trip to the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas. Once I recover from the jet lag and get a few minutes away from working on my super-cool client's nursery and kids' rooms- I promise I'll fill  you in on all I experienced!

Modern Berries by Oilo

As for now, I'd like to share my latest blog post for Home Workshop about Designing a Gender Neutral Nursery. I find more and more people (celebrities included!) waiting to find out the sex of their babies. This makes the job of a nursery designer a bit tricky, in that I really have to be careful to select furnishings and accessories that don't bend too far toward girl or boy.
Luckily, there are some EXQUISITE nursery furnishings and accessories available today, including wall art - that are perfect for a gender neutral nursery.
See the entire article here: Designing a Gender Neutral Nursery
Enjoy!
Sherri

Celebrity Nursery!

Watch my dear friend, Mary Bauer, President of Bratt Decor as she showcases the stunning nursery she designed for Mario Lopez on EXTRA today! And guess whose 4'x5' wall hanging will be seen front and center on the wall?!
See a sneak peek on the EXTRA website today. Mario, Courtney and Mary shopped for all furnishings (and my wall hanging) at Jenny Bec's in Los Angeles, CA. Stop in to see a duplicate sample of the Always Kiss Me Goodnight wall hanging at Jenny Bec's or contact  our studio if you wish to order.

My Favorite Designers Series- Katy Mimari of Caden Lane

As a nursery decorator and kids' product designer, I have the pleasure of meeting some of the world's most inspirational and talented women in the children's industry. Not only do I exhibit my  Sherri Blum Designs products beside them at industry trade shows such as the upcoming ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas or the New York International Gift Fair, but I also source their products to my interior design clients through Jack and Jill Interiors and now offer her beautiful products  in my own boutique, Jack and Jill Boutique. While I've met many good people during my ten years in the industry, there are a handful who have stood out among the crowd, not only as fantastic designers, but as women of integrity and substance.These women have not only put out a beautiful product of top-notch quality, but they've found a way to keep themselves firmly grounded in their values and have always put their families first even in the midst of their "fame and good fortune". I'll be introducing you to each of my favorites over the next few months in candid interviews that will hopefully give you some insights into the creative minds of these wonderful designers!

My first interview is with Katy Mimari of Caden Lane. I met Katy in 2008 at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas. I had always admired her stunning bedding collection, and about two seconds into my first conversation with her, I knew that the woman behind the company was extraordinary, too.  You'll have to visit Home Workshop to read the entire interview. Enjoy!

To buy Caden Lane products, visit our boutique: Jack and Jill Boutique for all the latest and greatest offerings!

Crazy Summer

I realize I've been very sporadic with my posts this summer. I have to admit it's been a whirlwind summer and I've simply had to prioritize everything and something had to give. It's been a great summer though...I've had my wedding reception, we've honeymooned in St. Lucia, I've taken my oldest son to visit three universities and have vacationed with my mother. I've spent lazy days at the pool with our four children and have worked on some great new business ventures.

I apologize for the lack of communication this summer, but promise to be more diligent once the kiddos are back in school and I have from 9-2 each day to work without interruption. I'll fill you in then on the wedding reception details and the honeymoon and all the other great things going on in my business world, as well.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with a couple of my favorite pics from the wedding. I only have a couple of them available today, as the photographer will be sending me more finished photos in the coming weeks.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

My brothers, Jay and Tod.

Luke gave his Momma away.