All Things Taj

Sensualizing Your Bedroom

Subconsciously, I’ve been styling, fluffing and re-styling my boudoir this past week. I would say it’s not related to “V” day but maybe I’m fooling myself. I’ve never been one to make a fuss over Valentine’s Day…I don’t run around gift shopping, dress shopping, etc. A heartfelt card and just sharing a quiet moment chatting over a glass of wine does it for me…whether V-day or any other day.

TIPS ON CURATING YOUR WALL SPACE AT HOME

The art season in Miami is upon me and I’m very fortunate each year to be on the Planning Committee for the Art Africa Miami Arts Fair {@artafricamia} happening the first week in December. I’ve served as a Creative Consultant for the past 4 years and delight not only in the growth of this meaningful event, but my own growth in my appreciation of art.

Being an interior designer, I can’t help but to juxtapose both worlds. Afterall, what is an interior space without art, right? And, this idea of “wall space” whether in one’s home or at an art exhibition is one that is and should be curated. It requires thought, it should have meaning and it should evoke a feeling.

Because I'm in full planning mode on how to make this year's event the best cultural experience we've had yet and inspiration is buzzing all around me, I invite you to check out how I create wall space envy {at my home} in hopes of serving up some inspiration to you as well.

Diverse Designers of Influence (NICOLE GIBBONS)

An ongoing discussion with some of my students and in my mentoring sessions is the lack of diversity in the design industry. Although the stats aren't anywhere I think they should be, there are still a number of significant designers of color that warrant a shout-out from the rooftops.

I'm launching a new column to my blog titled "Diverse Designers of Influence" ... Why? Well, because these kick-ass go-getters are carving out their own path in what can be an intimidating industry where that's hard to do and, quite frankly, it makes me happy. I. LOVE. IT.

Although they have plenty press coverage in their own right, there is no collective space one can go to and peruse all of them. I'm giving myself the task to do just that. There's inspiration and empowerment in learning one's story. It's a beautiful thing.

Can't Get Me Outta The Race

When you listen to Bob's track "Bad Card", the lyric really says "yu a go tiyad fi si mi face, cyan get me outta di race" and it's been an inspirational tune of mine for ages. Today is Bob Marley's birthday everyone.

Reggae Lovers, are you playing his tunes on a loop today as I am?

His messages of love and redemption sing true and loud more than ever today, a true legend in every sense of the word. I've taken Bob along my journey in life, listen and contemplate his words time and time again.

Tax Deductible Expenses for Interior Designers

My fellow designers, have you closed out your books for 2017? January 31^st is fastly approaching and is the deadline to get 1099’s issued to any subcontractors you used last year. For me, after reconciling my accounts, I give my accountant remote access to my desktop so she can access my Quickbooks file and run her reports.

Top 5 Home Improvements for the Best ROI in 2018

The weight of the word “January” can feel quiet heavy, would you agree? Symbolically, it means so much. Popular synonyms are “to do list” “resolutions” “goals” “I gotta get my life” LOL and much of the like. Then, you proceed to make a list covering work life and home life, you're gaining momentum and begin to feel excited about finding some clarity, creating a plan AND it goes right back to feeling sooo heavy again..

Designing My Roadmap for 2018

Thriving as a Creative Consultant

Art and Culture Lover...check!
Miami Enthusiast...check!
Décor Obsessed...check!
Community Minded...check!

As the saying goes, a life well lived is a life lived in pursuit of your passions.

Be Sincere in Your Practice

Days run into days run into days...yes, I've been running! And, I get so very grateful and thankful for this hectic-ness. My practice definitely has it peaks and valleys. There are times when I get over-booked and terribly stressed out on over-booked deadlines. Then, there are times when things slow down and I'm still running, in full force Business Development mode and projects are slow to get started.

Is Your Closet Fall Ready?

One of our blog fave's, Apartment Therapy, posted an oldie-but-goodie piece on organizing your closet for the Fall season. There are numerous articles out their on this subject but I find this one to be straight to the point and on the money.

Modern Sophistication in 600 Square Feet

How much space does one really need to live? Here in America, we are spoiled with the "super-size" culture with our homes, SUV's, food portions...you name it! My home is, do I dare say, ONLY 1,800sq.ft. and I feel like I really NEED more.

I Call It My THINK TANK

It's May? The year is vastly zooming by and I have plans...resolutions....goals. This self-inflicted stress I put on myself is confusing. I don't mean to do it, think I'm unaware of it, can't help it, in denial about it...and, it sometimes causes a crash-n-burn type of result. My menu of services has increased tremendously this year.