Flowers!!!

Some friends of mine got married this last weekend, and I was lucky enough to get to do their flowers. I wasn't really given any instruction besides some ribbons of the colors and I took pictures of the shoes, so I could get the flowers close to that.  That was actually the biggest challenge! 

I made a bouquet of roses for her bridals, which I didn't get a picture of, but wished I had.  It was pretty basic, but beautiful.

For the actual wedding, I made the bouquet, a corsage for the groom's daughter, corsages for the moms, boutineers for the dads, and one for the groom.  I ended up getting more roses than I thought I was going to, so as an after thought I made a bouquet to toss. 

Here are some pics!

Weddings!

It's springtime and love is in the air!

This past weekend I had TWO weddings to go to, on the same day, at the same time!  One of them I got to decorate for.  I just have to say it was so fun!  The preparations threw some learning curves, but I made it through.  My cute mom was WAY helpful getting things done and being so supportive!

It was held at This is the Place Heritage Park.  She bought loose roses from the Flower Patch, and then daffodils at a local store.  Then I got to arrange them!  So much fun!  Here are some up close pictures!

 

This is the cute little church. 

 

Not fans of cake, so it's a lemon cream something from Marie Calendar's.  I got to add the flowers, and the stuff on the table :)

Gift table!

Creating a Master Suite into a Zen-like Retreat...

As promised... Here's my newspaper article...  As seen in The Salt Lake Tribune!

(For whatever reason there's no link online, and I sent a request to get a digital copy, and have heard nothing since.  Sad!)  It's a full page!!!

 

Everywhere in your house is overrun with kids, to-dos, clutter, work, piles, noise, technology, etc...  Do you have a place that is just for you?  We've all seen:

 

 

There's no where for just you!  Well, your master suite should be!  When you have a party, where does all of the extra stuff end up? The stuff that doesn't have a "home". In your bedroom. You should have rules about keeping the extra...um.. junk and unnecessaries out of it! 

 

Well, here are a few tips to creating a Zen-like feeling in your room...  Of course you want your room to be personalized.  However, if you collect dishes or shoes or little figurines, your master bedroom shouldn't be the place you show that off.  Declare your room a knick-knack free area!  Zen works really well with contemporary furnishings, low profile, minimalistic.  To bring in that Zen feeling, bring in nature.  You want to use natural elements:  wood, rocks, metal, water, light.  Natural light brightens the room, and pumps up your energy level, rejuvenates you for what you are going to face outside of your personal retreat!  Bring in some plants, something alive! 

 

I suggest finding a photograph that represents peace and relaxation for you, and build your design off of that!  Easiest fix, paint your walls, bring in a color from your photo.  Have throw pillows on your bed, but don't overflow it with pillows!  The key is to keep everything in moderation!  Nice, light-weight fabric, whether just by appearance, or really light-weight will help to lighten the room, which will lighten you!

 

Now, grab your favorite book, put on your most comfy clothes, light some candles and enjoy your moment!  It may not last long, but it'll be waiting for your next moment!

New project, new camera...

So, for Christmas I got a new camera!  I was so excited!  Here it is!!!

 

Today I started a new project, and took my new camera, and thought I was set.  As I was walking through this spa taking pictures of all of the massage rooms, my camera would not focus.  It kept trying, but it was like it couldn't decide what to focus on.  So, the spa owner had to carry around a chair so it would focus.  How weird is that?!  Of course the lighting was really dim, but I sure learned I need to learn more about this camera!

 

 

Interview...

Watch this Saturday's Salt Lake Tribune for an article that I was interviewed for on creating a master suite into a Zen-like retreat!  So much fun!  Thanks Jake for contacting me!

I'll post a link here, and then I'll discuss the process of creating a Zen-like retreat! 

STAY TUNED!!!

When I was in school we had to write a business plan.  My business plan went something like this:  "Be an independent interior designer, and a wedding and event planner..."  My professor said those two things didn't really work together, and that I needed to rethink that idea.

Fast forward about 8 years, and I met her daughter-in-law.  This professor is an interior design professor, an interior designer, and a wedding planner.  Interesting...  Anyways, I promise this is going somewhere :)

Well, I've been contemplating new business endeavors.  I've been working in my church, planning, organizing, and carrying out many large scale events and conferences for a few hundred people.   Granted at these events I haven't used any of my design skills.  I have had the opportunities to decorate for other activities, parties, weddings, etc...  I arrange flowers as a hobby... So, I guess what I'm saying that in the not so near future, Designs by Pyper will be starting up a new phase of business!

Spread the word!

I've been keeping busy working on a few fun projects!  Challenging at times, but oh, so fun!  Once again, I see where I lack in communication skills.  I once managed the shoe department at Meier & Frank in Layton, UT.  It was a million dollar department, and we did really well, often winning competitions with other stores in the region.  Things always went really well communicating to my employees, but I remember nearly every time I met with Joe, the store manager, I'd get through with this big rant about whatever needed to be done, and he'd look at me, and say, "Let's start again, speak slower..." I'd always leave thinking that one of us was apparently, ummm.... well, dumb, but I didn't know which one of us it was :)  Well, since that year and some of working under Joe, I've had a complex.  Every appointment I have, I pray that I can express my thoughts clearly, so that we all understand what's going on. 

That being said, every consultation, I listen a lot to my client, but I don't really give feedback that day.  That way things will really make sense, I hope, when I present!

There have been a couple times in the past week, where I've been with clients, and they ask questions that I've never expected.  It's been a great learning experience!

I love the way people's minds work! 

A fun, rushed project!

A few weeks ago I got a phone call from a client of mine that had been "not in a rush," and he was now in a rush.  I panicked!  I had a huge conference that I was in charge of, and had timed it all out perfectly, so I wouldn't feel overwhelmed.  Well, you've got to know that once you decide that's how it's going to be, life is going to throw you a curve ball!

Here are two photos of the boards I created for them, in a very sleep deprived week!

What's the difference between an Interior Decorator and an Interior Designer?

 

People often refer to anyone in this profession as an "Interior Decorator."  I used to correct people, but that got old.  I found this article today, and liked what it had to say.

"The first thing to know before you set out to find the right interior designer is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator. Interior decorators are educated in the art of working with most any existing interior space and they know how to accommodate the client's taste to develop a coordinated overall look. Home interior decorators don't generally address safety or structural issues, functionality or efficiency; however interior designers are expected to consider these issues.

An interior designer is a degreed professional capable of designing efficient environments by considering all the elements relevant to the room's purpose. The right interior designer knows how to coordinate the available space by considering traffic and work flow, furnishings, fixtures, surfaces, and lighting. The right interior designer knows how to work with architects and has a network of qualified craftsman at his or her disposal." -Interiordesignersonline.com

It's an amazing experience to have the experience of telling where to put walls, and such, and then see that picture that's in my head, actually come to fruition!

E-Design

Via email, you can have a personal designer help you with your home!  Contact me for details!

Designs by Pyper

Residential interior design.  Home staging.  Small home accessories.

I have been an interior designer since 2005.  I graduated from Weber State University in 2003 with a degree in interior design.  

Designs by Pyper was established in October 2008. 

Residential Interior Design:  Any project, from brand new construction to a remodel, Designs by Pyper does it!  Interior design begins with an in-home consultation, including discussing the interest and wants of the client, and photos of the home.  I then brainstorm for a few days and come up with an idea board or just photos/drawings, depending on the desires of the client.  The process will go on from there :)

Home Staging:  Designs by Pyper focus on the living room/great room, kitchen, master bedroom, and one bathroom.

After the initial consultation, Designs by Pyper will compile a list of suggestions for the client. After which, the homeowner can decide whether to complete the list on their own, or if they want my assistance in completing that list.

Frames, Signs & More: I've been working on small home accessories this winter. Please check out the hand-crafted decor page for photos (which will be up and ready tomorrow sometime). You can check out past posts, as well :)  Email me at pyper@designsbypyper.com for pricing or with any questions. Custom signs are available!

Signs and stuff...

I like to play with paint, wood, and vinyl!  So, I'm sharing that fun with you.  Custom signs are available, please message me with any questions at pyper@designsbypyper.com.

This sign is 6 1/2 x 9 1/2 in size.  It's wood painted with a graphite/black, and then stained natural.  Cream vinyl.  $12.  (Easle not included)

$15.  Rustic/weathered Chocolate sign.  Cream vinyl.  8 1/2 x11 1/4.  Custom signs available :)

My most favorite saying ever!  5x7.  $10.  Contact me for custom designs :)

"Dream" 8x10 black frame. Red, Black & White. $18. Contact me for custom designs :) 

"Create" 8x10 black frame. Purple, Olive, Black Vinyl. $18. Contact me for custom sign :) 

Cartoon font.  6x6 tile.  Contact me with custom sayings, custom sizes available.  $5 (this size)

Two 5x7 frames.  $10 a set.  Custom orders available :)

Look what I made!!!

(Sorry it's dark!)  This is a sunburst mirror.  I've seen some at Pottery Barn and at San Francisco Design, so I wanted to see if I could do it!  It measures 25" from one point to the next.

Colorful Sectional

A client of mine found a photo in a magazine of a sofa with this color way, and wanted her sectional done this way.  So, we had her sectional re-upholstered by Clearfield Upholstery, and Larry did an amazing job!

I custom designed the rug, using Flor carpet tiles.

Throne...

Here are some photos of a chair I had custom made for a client. She had a picture in mind, and I took her thoughts and this is what I came up with...

Travels...

This weekend I was on a road trip from Houston back to Salt Lake.  I just wanted to say that there are some amazing Interior Design locations in Texas.  I want to go back so I can really see all of the places, 'cause I only saw them in passing.

What are your thoughts...

I found these pictures on www.hgtv.com ...

How do they make you feel?

Window Treatments!!!

New Logo...

Here's our new LOGO!!! I decided to update the logo, that shows more of my personality. Color. Pattern. Classic, but contemporary! Squares for structure, at an angle fo fun!

Phase 1 of a project...

An ottoman tray, a couple more pillows, a round rug, and a throw will finish off this area!

Some artwork will be in that blank area, and that small vase won't be there.

Ottoman tray, plant in the corner, a throw, a couple more pillows and a round rug will finish off completely!