MIA because...

After my big announcement I've been missing-in-action because...

My darling little boy broke his leg:( Joe tripped on our two front porch stairs while reaching for toy. He has a spiral fracture on his femur. He will make a full recovery but in the mean time he has to wear this lovely spica cast. He's been a great patient and hopefully his healing will continue to go smoothly.

Needless to say, I'm a few days behind at the workroom. I had hoped to be able to share some pictures at this point but it will be a bit longer. Everything has been moved/delivered and this week we will be getting organized and unpacked. I'll also be tackling glamorous tasks such as cleaning the bathroom. Ick.

Our friends and family (and even clients!) have been so supportive of us and Joey. We are so grateful that the injury was not worse. Even at a challenging time, our hearts are filled with such gratitude.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!

BIG HUGE News

Drum roll please....

I am thrilled to announce that Taylor Galen Workroom is now located in Chamblee's Antique Row District! We are moving to our very own space at 5581 Peachtree Road., Chamblee, Georgia. It was sad to leave our old digs in Brookhaven but we're excited about heading down the road to the City of Chamblee.

building sign rendering

Taylor Galen Workroom is full-service drapery workroom. We have a large warehouse area for fabricating all types of window treatments and other soft-goods. We will continue to offer an expanding selection of blinds, shades, and shutters. Our new location will have plenty of room to look at our sample books.

Even Joey will have a small space to call his own! Anyone with a little-person in tow is welcome to use this room. Family is #1 and we are elated to have found the perfect space that supports our values.

Below pic, Biggar Antiques, across the street from our new location.

photo by John Phelan

More details and pictures coming soon. (I suppose I will have to hang some curtains!)

Thank you to all my clients, friends, and family.

Your support has been life-changing!

DIY Under $100

********Psst! I'm nominated! Check it out here.*******

I might be one of the few kids who, instead of watching cartoons on Saturday morning, was snuggled up on the couch watching This Old House. My dad is the ultimate "do-it-yourselfer" and I think I've logged about a million hours watching home improvement shows or seeing the real thing. ("Measure Twice, Cut Once" is our family motto.)

So, when my subscription of Cottage Living was cancelled (it still brings a tear to my eye) and they replaced my remaining issues with This Old House Magazine, I was intrigued. Steve and Norm (die-hard fans know who I'm talking about) were no where to be seen and the magazine is much more tailored to real DIYers and not professionals. They offer lots of great design advice as well.

Here are a few ideas from their list of DIY projects that are Under $100. Enjoy!

Lock Up in Style

How to do it: Screw in vintage-look sash locks for a tight seal between double-hungs to prevent drafts.

Estimated cost: Bronze bamboo-pattern sash window lock as below, about $13;House of Antique Hardware

Give a Wall a Glimmering Two-Tone Effect

How to do it: Roll stripes or stencil a pattern of shiny glaze over a wall painted with a solid matte finish. Estimated cost: 1 quart of Studio Finishes latex glaze, about $9; Benjamin Moore

Brush On a Welcome Mat

How to do it: Make this diamond-patterened ruglike mat on your stoop by mapping the design with painter's tape and using a roller to put colors in their places. Estimated cost: 2 quarts of Valspar latex Porch and Floor paint, about $24; Valspar

Get a Stencilied Look in Your Kid's Room

How to do it: Decorate the walls with easy stick-on decals in fun animal shapes. Estimated cost: 22-by-30-inch elephant design, about $25; Janey Mac at Etsy

Doorway Display

How to do it: Add a shelf above a doorway, paint it to match the trim, then use it to display pottery. Estimated cost: 40-inch-long 1x6 red oak shelf and two 7-inch Classic Oak Brackets, about $32; Rockler

Tone Down Brassy Hardware

How to do it: Take the gleam off like-new brass hinges and doorknobs with a simple rub of a darkening solution. Estimated cost: 8-ounce bottle of Brass Antiquing Solution, about $7;Constantine's Wood Center

See more ideas here

I'm Nominated!

I am honored to be a finalist in the Forsyth Fabrics 2010 best design contest!

This is my "entry" for the contest. The paisley pillow fabric was purchased at Forsyth Fabrics in Atlanta.

home of clients Carrie & Justin

I'd be so flattered if you took the time to vote for me here. It's easy!

Just choose your favorite by clicking "like" beneath the photo here. (First-time visitors, you must first like our page to be eligible to vote.)

Thank you!

Getting Your Bling Organized

Here are some great ideas for organizing your jewelry...

Hardware hooks (with painted frame and backing)

via apartment therapy

An elegant tiered tower

JC Penney

A nifty over-the-door system

organizer by longstem productions

A pants hanger, repurposed

Real Simple

Sherry from Young House Love uses a ceramic egg crate

Young House Love

Any other creative ideas out there?

It's A New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone!

I'm back from a nice semi-break for the holidays. We did not leave town and it was GREAT! It was wonderful to spend time with family and friends. We and and drank, and drank and ate. There was much to celebrate and feel thankful for. I'm very excited to see what 2011 has in store!

Most of my "resolutions" and plans for 2011 are in the professional realm. I am looking forward to sharing the big things coming up for Taylor Galen Workroom.

In the mean time, I'd like to kick off the new year with a few things that are inspiring me right now. I hope to take a look back at this post next January to see how my inspiration manifests itself in real life.

elle decor

IKEA chair

Gorgeous Fabric - Lewis & Sheron

via decor pad

Better Homes and Gardens

via Better After

What are your plans for a big year in 2011?