Happy Summer! & Front Porch Inspiration

Hope your summer is going well. Our typical summer getaway is to the beach, but this year we are mixing it up with family reunions and time on a lake. How about you?

Recently, we did a custom pillow order for a client's new screened-in sun porch, which totally got me thinking and dreaming about beautiful front porches and semi-outdoor spaces. Here are a few in particular that inspire me:

For starters, check out this one ... love how they incorporated fun pillows and real artwork on the wall  to add a pop of summer color to the space:

Picture found here

This front porch in Watercolor, Florida (one of my favorite places on Earth) is pretty amazing, too ... what's not to love? Sometimes all you need to finish off a space is color on one accent wall, a cool indoor/outdoor rug (my favorites are by Dash & Albert) and a decorative mirror like the one pictured here. (Wisteria is a great source for accents like these). 

Picture found here

Closer to home on my own front porch, we recently installed two drapery panels couresty of IKEA. All I have to say is, "What took you so long?" We've had our front porch now for years, but never added drapery panels. The instant we did, they created a wonderful sense of space - and we now enjoy more shade and privacy. It's probably the single, least expensive / highest impact accent we've made to the porch since it was built. 

Picture found here

Last but not least, I couldn't resist sharing the front porch of one of my favorite bloggers, Edie Wadsworth @Life in Grace. I've been following Edie for some time and greatly admire her deep sense of spirituality as well as how she balances - and so openly shares the challenges of juggling - motherhood, home, her business, being a wife and more. Thank you, Edie! (and p.s. she is right: All you need is love). 

Picture found here 

Hope you are finding time this summer to enjoy the beautiful beaches, lakes and/or rivers near you ... and a cozy front porch like these! xo, -Kate

Welcome, Summer Intern Maddie Donley & ... We're in The Washington Post!

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks as the kids wrapped up the school year, transitioned to summer camps, joined swim team and … I welcomed my first Summer Intern, Maddie Donley to Mira Jean Designs. Welcome, Maddie!

Maddy by one of her paintings from 2015 

A rising second year student at UVA, when I first met Maddie I knew she’d be a great fit. She is smart, positive, has great ideas -- and is a fellow artist, too. I'm thrilled for you to "meet" her via this quick interview:

Where are you from?

I grew up in Arlington, Virginia and have lived here my whole life. I love the proximity to DC. It's always surprising to me when people visit that they’re shocked by the monuments; I did crew for four and a half years and would see them every day, rowing on the Potomac.

What are you studying currently at the University of Virginia?

I haven’t decided on a major yet, but am studying French and am trying to decide between Art History and Government. I’ve always been interested in public policy - and I’ve always had a passion for art. It’s so interesting to see how art has developed over time.  

Do you have a favorite artist? 
I love Degas; the way he’s able to create movement in all of his paintings.

You’re an artist yourself; what kind of work do you do?

I love to paint, I’ve been painting since I was little. My favorite thing to paint is portraits. I usually work in oil and acrylic. My art teacher in high school was a real role model. She never said there was a right way to do anything - because there isn’t really in art - and she was very constructive and helpful in getting people to develop their own styles.

Check out one of Maddie's portrait paintings, here: 

What inspired you to want to intern for Mira Jean Designs?

I was interested in the small business and artistic aspects. I’ve never really seen how a small business works and art has been a passion of mine, so the connection between the two is interesting. The experience will also help me decide what I want to do, career wise.

* * *

These past few weeks Maddie and I have been in serious office work mode, tackling some not-so-glamorous - but necessary - activities to help grow the business. Speaking of growing the business, did you see we were in The Washington Post?! You can read the full article here. 

I am still pinching myself that this happened. They ran the article online in mid-June ... and then IN PRINT(!!) last weekend. Special thanks to my SCORE business mentors Ed Coleman and Ellen Brotman who helped make this possible.

More soon, and hope your summer is off to a great start.

xo, Kate

Happy Fourth of July!

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty excited for the weekend. Not only is it July 4th, but we also have some dear friends coming in from out of town and the forecast here is looking (mostly!) great.

Before we head into the barbecues and time offline, I couldn't resist sharing a few photos of red, white and blue interiors for a little dose of Independence Day color ... and a pic of our growing pup, Piper (now 6 months old!) ... enjoy!

Love this one, and how just one wall of blue and a pillow can make a bold statement: (pic found here)

This one's an easy way to change up an interior in celebration of a holiday ... it's as simple as, swap out the pillows! (pic found here)
 

Then there's this one, an entryway truly after my own heart. Talk about making a statement with fresh flowers and wallpaper; I *adore* this space! (pic found here)

I imagine how these interiors would look with our watercolor textile designs, now also available in wallpaper:

Last but not least, here's a candid of our little pup, Piper (I get to call her "little" for at least a few more months, right?!).


Happy Fourth!
xo, Kate