Design Trend - Mint Green

We have a quick post for you today - a round up of some mint green home decor. Back in January (can you even believe we're halfway through May?!?) when we shared 2018 design trend predictions from Studio McGee, Bria Hammel Interiors, and CC and Mike Creative - Bria Hammel talked about the return of pastels to the interior design palette. Well, we're pretty sure she nailed it. 

Mint green is popping up everywhere and we love it. 

White dot pillow / Utility caddy / Mini trash can / Industrial dining chair / Hello welcome mat / dust pan and broom / Ice cream bowls (set of 4) / Canvas bin / Plates (set of 4) / Frame

Have a great week. 

- Leah, Sonia & Michele

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Interview with Cynthia Harper

Happy Monday everyone! We're taking a break from our Pearl Street Project reveal to share a truly awesome interview we did with Cynthia Harper. This is a bit different from previous interviews we've shared because Cynthia isn't an interior designer. She's a stylist...amongst other things.

A stylist (versus an interior designer or interior decorator) is someone who specializes in curating the decor of a space - the pillows, art, coffee table books, sculptures, plants...you get the idea. The person who handles all the details that make a space not just gorgeous but also livable. And Cynthia Harper is an incredible stylist.

 

 

You can follow her on for a daily dose of beauty, which we highly recommend you do. Or, check out her brand new website. Not only will you find gorgeous, inspirational home design ideas and images, but also heartwarming tidbits of her personal life and some universal words of encouragement. She's a true talent and GEM.

And now, the interview.

Gray Oak Studio - What is your "job title"? Silly question, but hear us out: you do SO MANY things! You're a stylist, you have an Etsy shop (Harper and Arrow Marketplace), you're an Instagram Influencer (71k followers as we write these questions), you mentor Instagram newbies interested in growing their following...what are we missing? You're a busy lady. 

Cynthia Harper - That's a great question, and one I've wondered myself, lol. Though to be honest, I've never been one who feels the need for titles or labels. I love being creative and helping others, and as opportunities have arisen to follow my dreams and implement new ideas, I have embraced them. That being said, I consider myself a product stylist and educator, with my primary goal being to encourage and equip others to live their lives with authenticity and joy.

Gray Oak Studio - Of all that you do, what is your favorite?

Cynthia Harper - My favorite job of all is actually one that wasn't mentioned above, and that is being a mom! That is a lifelong dream that I've been fortunate to see fulfilled. I've often told people that the only 2 "followers" I have that will ever matter are my 2 children. Outside of that, the rest of this is empty. 

Gray Oak Studio - We can't tell you how many times we've been searching Pinterest for some personal or professional inspiration and landed on "the perfect image"...of your home. You style is so clean and bright, yet comfortable and approachable. How did you land on a style that felt right for you? 

Cynthia Harper - It took several years for me to really determine what my true style was. And it started to happen when I began to listen to my own inner voice that told me if I truly liked something or not. I don't think about if it's trending or if my best friend will like it. The question is "Do I like it?" When I stopped designing my home for what I thought it 'should' be and instead started designing it for what sparked joy in me, that's when I really began to hit stride stylistically. For example, people in my real life told me that subway tile to the ceiling in a kitchen was crazy and that I was planning far too much white in my kitchen. Imagine if I had listened to them, instead of my own desires. I would be missing out on a kitchen that I love, and which is coincidentally also appreciated by many people on social media too.  

 

 

Gray Oak Studio - And when you're shopping for that perfect piece and you find something, how do you know it will work not only functional wise but within the context of your style?

Cynthia Harper - I gravitate toward neutrals with lots of texture because it's so important to use texture to keep a space from falling flat. And when I'm shopping, I always ask myself 2 questions before I buy something: "1) Are there are least 3 places in my home that I could put this? and 2) Would I still consider buying this if I had to pay twice as much for it?" If I can answer yes to both those questions, then I know it will work within the context of my style because I know it will be a versatile piece that will work in many rooms, and I know that I'm not just tempted to buy it because it's a cheap impulse purchase. 

Gray Oak Studio - Who inspires you? What Instagram feeds are you most excited to see pop up on your feed?

Cynthia Harper - There are so many! That's a tough one to narrow down. I'm inspired by big design firms like @studiomcgee, and by other interior stylists & mamas like @brepurposed, @arrowsandbow and @thehouseonbeachroad, to name a few!  I'm also inspired by the insightful humor and wisdom of my friend @thefestivefarmhouse. There's just so many who inspire me on instagram!

 

 

Gray Oak Studio - Your home featured white walls long before they became the rage. What draws you to white walls? And, if you don't mind sharing, what are your favorite white paint colors?

Cynthia Harper - I love the clean calm simplicity of white walls, and I love that they are the perfect blank canvas for creating any space I can imagine!    I love White Dove by Benjamin Moore and Snowbank by Olympic (the perfect crisp white). 

Gray Oak Studio - What is your dream project?

Cynthia Harper - I have 2 dream projects!  One would be to one day renovate an RV and spend the summer traveling in it with my family.  The idea of creating a vehicle for us to go explore new places as a family is exciting!  And then while we aren't traveling in it, we could rent it out as an airbnb or something.  That would be fun!   Also, I'd love to one day have a studio space that can be utilized by creatives and small shop owners for photo shoots, or hosting markets, or events.  A place to build community and creativity while empowering and equipping entrepreneurs and creatives...that would be a dream come true!  

 

 

We are so grateful to Cynthia. Her thoughtful, wise words were a joy for us to read and we hope you feel the same. Have a wonderful week! 

- Leah, Sonia & Michele

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Pearl Street Project Reveal - Entryway

Hi again! We're back this week with more from our Pearl Street Project Reveal (if you missed the living room - click here). Today is about the entryway.

As we explained last week, Pearl Street is a city condo. This meant we designed in smaller spaces that needed multi-functional use. For example - the entryway.

The "entryway" is the cabinet and mirror against a small wall in the living room. It's right next to the condo entrance and feels subtly separated from the living room. We stuck with our tried and true entryway formula (read more on that here): storage, mirror and texture. The cabinet provides great hidden storage, the mirror is functional and unique, and there is texture everywhere.

Let's talk more about that texture. First, there's the rattan front cabinet. 

 

 

Second, the mirror. So much texture in this one piece. The shape and bone in-lay, check and check. And even the color provides texture with layers of whites and creams. 

 

 

Last up - the details. The striated vase and the tote basket. More texture and some great function too. The vase is a great spot for fresh flowers and the basket is a great spot for just about anything, including cat toys...which will likely be the use. Shout out to Ozzy the cat, who was polite and supportive throughout install day.

The sum of all this texture made us so happy. And, more importantly, the function we created on this tiny wall of the living room was everything we (and our client) wanted. We think this "entryway" is a great example of maximizing function in a small space without layering hook upon floating shelf upon basket upon drawers upon more baskets and hooks. A space can look sleek and be functional too.

 

 

We have more to show you from our Pearl Street Project (the dining room!), but we'll take a break next week with something different. And we haven't even begun to show you phase 2 of our Pilgrim Project! EEEEK. So much goodness to come.

Have a great week!

Leah, Sonia & Michele