All Things Taj

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE | Week 1

The last quarter of the year is The Busiest time of the year for me but I somehow made the decision to join the crazy, fast-paced design challenge known as the:

My Full Page Spread in Indulge Magazine

The summer has been some work but mostly fun times creating memories to treasure for a lifetime! Here are a few shots from a photo shoot I did with Indulge Magazine

Taj Named Top 30 Designer in South Florida

Hi Everyone,

I am thrilled to let you know that I have been selected as a Top 30 designer in South Florida to participate in @housingworks 4th annual Design on a Dime Miami Charity Benefit on February 1-3, 2019.

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..