Best. Valentine's. Ever.

This year's Valentine's Day is one I will always treasure.

In early January, not long after posting about my 2018 goals, I received a message from artist Sabrina Cabada: would I be interested in collaborating with her, and interior decorator Nicole Lanteri, in Sabrina's pop up art gallery re-opening in Clarendon in February? The answer: YES!!!

(A few of you might have caught my artisan gift wrap session at Sabrina Cabada's gallery in Dec ... so much fun!).

Hand painted papers from our holiday gift wrapping session at the gallery.

Needless to say, it was a whirlwind. Sabrina, Nicole and I met in January; the pop up was scheduled to re-open a few short weeks later in mid-February. Nothing like racing towards a deadline! 

The opportunity was/is one of a lifetime: to collaborate with these two, and essentially have a temporary showroom and vignette in the gallery this spring, in the heart of Clarendon, right next to the Apple store and other big brand retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Crate and Barrel. To say I was/am beyond excited would be an understatement.

Getting ready for the big day! 

An early behind the scenes shot of Interior Decorator Nicole Lanteri's new Design Lab in Clarendon.

Artist at work: master wallpaper hanger Michael DiGuiseppe works his magic with our Tunisia leaves in blue paper. 

Sabrina's artwork is amazing; her paintings a timeless blend of portraiture, fashion, style and color. Nicole Lanteri's interior design skills are incredible. Browse through her portfolio, and it's hard to choose just one favorite space ... I want to live in them all! Nicole has exceptional talent for creating spaces that embrace unusual combinations of color, furniture and more; her spaces are an unexpected, comfortable and modern mix that knock it out of the park, every time.

 A beautiful arrangement by florist HB Fiori that greeted our guests on opening night.

As luck would have it, I had already been scheming to have a Mira Jean "show the love" party in February - a way to celebrate and thank clients, friends and family who have supported Mira Jean along the way. This Pop up was a way to do just that -- and more. 

When I launched Mira Jean Designs, I never dreamed this opportunity would come about. But that's the thing about dream jobs. When you start working towards them and making it happen, more great things come about. As I shared on Instagram following our opening night, one word keeps repeating through my mind: Gratitude.

Interior Decorator Nicole Lanteri, artist Sabrina Cabada and yours truly after the party on opening night ... still smiling! (And p.s. isn't that drum pendant behind us Fabulous?! Custom made by lampshade designer Linda Daniel of Elle Daniel. Contact us if you'd like more info!). 

A huge and heartfelt Thank you!!! to my friends, family, colleagues, clients and the fellow artists and local businesses who helped make this special night, and this space, possible. I couldn't have done this without you - and can't think of a better group of people to celebrate with. Best. Valentines Day. Ever. 

xoxo, Kate

p.s. Stop in! We would love to see you at the gallery and hope to be in the space thru mid-May. Hours are Wed thru Sat, 11a - 5pm and by appointment. Message me anytime and I'll meet you there!

Our vignette at the pop up gallery. Browse our textile and wallpaper collections and schedule an appointment to meet with the designer and we'll help you select the right mix of color + pattern for your home.

Original Painting by Sabrina Cabada, now on exhibit at the gallery.

New Year, New Goals

Hello, 2018!

Recently, I listened to a segment on the great podcast, A Well Designed Business, where a business coach shared she blogs twice a week ... Twice Every Week! Yikes, that is often.

I love sharing more on my work with you here -- and giving you a bit of insight into what you may just get a glimpse of via Instagram. My biggest challenge as an artist, mom, entrepreneur, textile designer and small business owner? Finding the time. So, Thank you for reading and indulging my "post when you can" approach.

In this post, I wanted to focus on goals in this new year and what lies ahead. I have always been kinda big on goals. (After all, it was a New Year's resolution that launched Mira Jean Designs in the first place).

As I kick off 2018, I had the pleasure of celebrating with a group of fellow Awesome Women Entrepreneurs. Such a great way to begin the new year! We gathered at the sweet little local boutique The Urban Farmhouse on Wilson Blvd. The energy in the room was palpable. The guest speaker was Successful Culture CEO Marissa Levin -- talk about inspirational!

New year, new business inspiration: the group of Awesome Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) members at The Urban Farmhouse in Arlington, January 2018

Here are some of my favorite words of wisdom heard from Marissa and others throughout the evening. I hope these gems inspire you, too, in this new calendar year:

1. Never let others determine your worth

2. Know what you don't want

3. People who question you are only as valuable as you allow them to be

4. Be able to get really lean, really quickly, is key. As are ... 

5. Pivot(s)!

6. (Be able to) Fly the plane while you are building it

7. The antidote to fear is confidence

8. Have a healthy respect for mortality. (As Marissa shared, "When I get to the end, I won't have any regrets.")

9. Remember: a wall leads to a doorway. 

My Mira Jean Designs goals for 2018? They include:

#1 - Find the right showroom partner in California (if you can recommend one, let me know!).

#2 - Mix it up! -- In 2018, I'll be offering a variety of new works and services, including art and "Refresh a Room" services -- all true to the Mira Jean brand, love of color and desire to help make people's living spaces brighter.

#3 - Launch a new collection -- I've been scheming and painting away; this spring you'll see a new mix of textile and wallpaper designs added to the Mira Jean Designs line. (Hint: what in nature has fronds?).

#4 - More fully live a creative life -- I love every minute I can spend on art, interiors + design. My goal in 2018 is to seize more opportunities to make this creative work possible. It's work that truly makes my heart sing.

Would love to hear your 2018 goals, too ... direct message me or post here and share away. Let's go get 'em. Welcome, 2018! I'm already glad to meet you. 

xo,
Kate

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We're at the DC Design House! Celebrating AMERICAN Made

Today was a day to remember. I had the honor of speaking on a panel discussion at the DC Design House (yes, THE DC Design House!). Pinch me.



Over the years, it's been tradition that my mother and I tour the DC Design House. When I launched Mira Jean Designs, I never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to speak on a panel discussion there ... AND with two well-established businesses whose work I greatly admire: Thos. Moser and Barry Remley of Salvations Architectural Furnishings.

Thos. Moser furniture is made to last many lifetimes. Salvations Architectural Furnishings' work lasts for decades as well. What do I love most about each of these companies? In addition to creating works of art and mastering their craft, they are operating their businesses with American Made principles in mind. They are leaving a legacy for their families and clients. They are employing local artisans, blacksmiths and carpenters and creating beautiful and timeless works that support our local economy.

Today was an honor. Thank you, Universe,

-Kate

p.s. If you haven't yet been to this year's DC Design House, go soon! It ends on October 29th. Here are a few pics of my favorite spaces in this grand home:

Caryn Cramer's Guest Bedroom ... this space had me at its Hallway! Hello, Gorgeous hand painted walls with its bold and bright colors.

The view from the bedroom, looking into the hallway. Love how the drapery panels frame the hand painted mural, like art in a jewel box.

Another view of the Guest Bedroom hallway ... such a work of art!

The Idealized Family Room by Home on Cameron:

The view as you enter the room ... love the kids' art on display (of course!). 

Hello, Yellow! China Seas Wallpaper and Fabric by @Quadrille Fabrics)

The fabulous Ladies' Retreat by the talented Marika Meyer. Check out those framed Hermes scarves ... gives a whole new and sophisticated meaning to the word 'repurpose:'

Photo courtesy of DC by Design

Congratulations to all DC Design House 2017 participants! And to the DC Design House Host Committee. Another year, another beautiful show house and memorable experience.

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Designer Show Houses & Fall Surprises

Happy Fall! It's been a whirlwind as usual - and with some wonderful new surprises:

Here in the Washington, DC area, selected interior designers are gearing up for the area's biggest annual Design Show House fundraiser: the DC Design House to benefit Children's National Health System. Now in its tenth year, this show house is always a must-see. New to the program in 2017 is a series of events, including panel discussions, and ... I was asked to be one of the panelists for their October 25th event! I am beyond honored. Click here for details. (Admission is included with each ticket purchase). 

Around the same time, I was also invited to join a group of fellow DC/MD/VA designers and Instagram lovers who were gathering at the beautiful home of Missy Walsh, aka Missy at Perch. Beautiful doesn't begin to describe her home! It is a show house all on its own. Below are a few photos of Missy's gorgeous property. You can also view more via here and via her Instagram feed - and read about it on her blog.

Have you been to the DC Design House yet? It opened five days ago and will close at month's end. Check it out! I'll share pics of a few of my favorite spaces soon. In the meantime, you can take a virtual "tour" here through these wonderful posts by freelance writer Jennifer Sergent, author of DC by Design, and fellow designer & entrepreneur Sarah Sarna. Enjoy! & Happy Fall,

xo,
Kate

Welcome, Instagram lovers! The view from Missy's front steps, looking down her private drive

The stunning kitchen with its beautiful trim, roman shade, and millwork galore

My favorite spot in the entire house? The pool house (that still counts, right?). Amazing! 

The view of the pool house from across the way

One of several sitting rooms throughout the home, each one inviting and warm. 

A close up of Ranunculuses on the coffee table ... I couldn't stop noticing
all of those bright colors and patterns in the petals! 

The sunroom ... love these botanicals! 

A sweet side table in the sunroom space

Another view from the sunroom, overlooking the garden: 

This house is no stranger to beautiful details. Check out this custom painted wallpaper by Billet Collins and inspired by pagodas. 

Finally, no detail is forgotten in this home: sweet sentiments on Missy's front hall foyer table ... 

... and a Mum for every guest. Thank you, Missy! Such a wonderful treat and special day.

(Photo courtesy of Missy @loveyourperch)

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Happy 4th! Red, White & Blue Colorways

Happy 4th, 2017!

I love this holiday. It always says “Summer!” with a capital S. One of my favorite Fourth of July memories is watching the fireworks on Martha’s Vineyard years ago. It was my first summer back in the U.S. after living overseas for a time and the fireworks did not disappoint. 

To celebrate this year’s Independence Day, I've rounded up a few of my favorite red, white and blue interiors and inspiration:

From fellow DC-based designer Marika Meyer, whose textile designs
are inspired by antiquities and places like Pompeii:

Picture found here

From one of my all time favorite textile designers, Kathryn Ireland, her festive red white and blues:

Kathryn's Diamond Batik in Red, picture found here ... 

her Kirkbean Aubergine (picture found here) ... 

... and her Tangier in Brilliant Blue (picture found here).

One of my favorite patriotic homes? This one, courtesy of Luxe (article and photo found here). 
Reminds me of that fourth on Martha's Vineyard. 

Finally, here's a little dose of our own red, white & blue: our Ginkgo Love design in new colorways ... Happy 4th!

xo, Kate

p.s. did you know all of our textiles can be custom colored? It’s true! If you see something you like, but wish it was in red, white and blue or another hue, let me know and we can make that happen for you. 

Spring Surprises (We're at Tiffani Thiessen's!!)

This spring has been so much fun; filled with sweet surprises in more ways than one.


Spring is my favorite season. We get to kiss winter goodbye, and every week welcome in new pops of color and fresh blooms.

Wisteria, blooming a few doors down from my home

If you know me, you know nature often inspires my work. One of my favorite things to do every day is walk my Berner pup around the neighborhood and on nearby park trails. Below are a few pictures from recent meanderings. (I have so many new designs in my head ... I just need to find time to paint them all!).

These white azaleas are in full bloom in my backyard

Love these leaves ... it's like nature just got out a big paintbrush and started painting! 

Spring green! Close up of a spring fern on my front porch, right after a rain

Me and my hubby, taking in spring at a nearby garden

The other sweet surprise that happened this spring is a post by Tiffani Thiessen (yes, Tiffani from 90210 and Saved by the Bell!!!). I reached out to Tiffani awhile back to introduce my work and custom kids' line. Lo and behold, they were doing a photo shoot and her assistant asked me to ship out a few things. I quickly did. This weekend, Tiffani shared this sweet photo on her Instagram page of her little boy, Holt, who apparently fell in love with our Gingko Love organic throw. Isn't he adorable?!

I am honored to have one of our artisan throws in Tiffani's home. She's a fellow creative and mom I admire -- and I love how her friend Christiane Lemieux @Dwell Studio decorated her little boy Holt's room. (You can read about it and see photos here on Tiffani's blog).

So many sweet spring surprises! I confess, I even love the dandelions:

Reminds me of our Allium Love design:

Make a wish! It just might come true. Happy Spring,

xo, Kate

Showroom & Entrepreneur Spotlight: Jackie Cox at Tapis Decor

Last summer I was thrilled to meet Jacqueline Cox, Tapis Decor showroom owner at the Design Center in Minneapolis, designer Ashley Lundgren and the entire Tapis Decor team. I first reached out to Tapis Decor virtually -- I was looking for a showroom partner in the Midwest, came across their company and loved the lines they carried. I asked if they would consider adding Mira Jean Designs textiles to their mix. After a trip to Minneapolis and the opportunity to share our fabrics in person, a partnership began. 

I am honored to collaborate with Tapis Decor and be represented by this team. Recently I asked the owner, Jacqueline, to share her thoughts on the showroom, trends in interior design and advice for fellow women entrepreneurs. Read the full interview, below.

If you are ever in the Twin Cities and looking for some interior design inspiration, be sure to visit Tapis Decor, located at the Design Center in Minneapolis' International Market Square. It won't disappoint!

xo, Kate

Interview with Jackie Cox, Owner, Tapis Decor Showroom in Minneapolis

When did you first open your doors? I purchased the company in 2008 and continued as a floorcovering store until 2012. It was then that I opened a second home furnishings store and rebranded as Tapis Decor.

For those new to your showroom, how would you describe it? A fresh inspiration to transitional furnishings. It's light, airy and incorporates both highly functional and usable pieces with curious and found accents.

The view when you walk through the showroom doors. Photos courtesy of Ashley Lundgren @tapisdecormn.

What can visitors expect when they walk in to Tapis Decor? Share with us a brief description of Tapis Decor and the lines you carry. We are selective about the lines we carry. We make sure you're getting a product that not only looks good but is well made. Tapis Decor features artists not just products. We love to carry boutique lines that are made with an artistic vision and we actively seek them out.

Another view of the showroom floor with its mix of original art, fine furnishings and beautiful accent pieces. 

What sets Tapis Decor apart from the other showrooms at International Market Square? Our selection and our staff! We've been told over and over that we have a beautiful showroom and great service.

What do you love most about owning a showroom and managing the business? I love seeing the people who come in and enjoy the space and selection. I also love watching it grow as a company and become a more prominent contributor to our local industry.

Another vignette from the showroom floor. Such a wonderful mix of deep indigo blues, lighter natural textures, comfy artisan pillows ... and that chandelier! 

Our textile display panels at Tapis Decor, alongside Victoria Larson and other artisan designers. 

A wonderful mix of natural textures and woods at Tapis Decor, punctuated with pops of color.

Is there a special project that is particularly memorable and that you enjoyed working on? If so, what was it and what set it apart? The projects I remember most are those in which we're a part of the process from start to finish. We're part of the project, not just the source of the product.

For fellow women entrepreneurs and business owners, what advice would you offer? Be true to you, that's how you produce your best product and result.

What suggestions might you have for someone designing or refreshing an interior space? Always incorporate something that reflects your personality and something that makes you smile.

What is one of the biggest trends happening now in interiors; via textiles, furniture, rugs and/or lighting? Color! It's back! Yeah! We're seeing less of the completely neutral spaces and more use of rich color.

Pick a color! Visitors can browse a Mira Jean Designs sample ring on display at Tapis Decor.

What do you love most about your job? Watching my vision come to life as a finished product. ###