Karma Living Sale on Swirl by Daily Candy!

I discovered Karma Living at the last trade show I attended in Vegas and fell in LOVE with their beautiful line of home accents!!! Pillows, curtain panels, accessories, blankets, and so much more...their products are bright, colorful and full of life! Swirl by Daily Candy launched a Karma Living SALE today on select home decor items, up to 55% off! If I know most of you, you're always up for a great deal when it comes to shopping, right? If you haven't signed up with Swirl yet, go here. Enjoy the sale and let me know which items are your favorite!

{ALL IMAGES VIA SWIRL BY DAILY CANDY}

1. Assorted pillows & floor cushions from $19!

2. Turquoise Pom-Pom panel - $25!

3. Stitched Floral Tapestry - $39!

4. Chrysanthemum curtain panel - $25!

The Bootstrap Project

A couple of months ago I received an email from Maxine Kaye, a regular reader of Belle Maison, with the exciting news that she had just launched an organization called the Bootstrap Project. Their mission: "to create a sustainable platform to promote and retain centuries-old crafts and customs. We create the outlet for the local artisans. The profits of the sales go back to the artists and their communities, through our development partners, to empower them by providing the education and opportunity to retain, preserve and advance their fast-dying crafts, customs and way of life. By purchasing through Bootstrap you allow artisans—who act as the catalyst for their whole communities—to end their own poverty. It’s trade not aid."

I absolutely love everything being sold in the Bootstrap's online boutique! The best part is learning a little bit about each artisan and what country they're from. Take a look at the profile of one of the artisans below. I support the Bootstrap Project and their mission 100% - what a wonderful way to bring incredible merchandise to the marketplace from talented and hardworking artisans. Sometimes it's easier to justify a purchase for your home when you know the proceeds are going straight to a great cause, right?!

Artisan Profile: Robiya is the mother of four daughters who all work with her in their in-home workshop. As a client of Bootstrap’s microfinance partner, Imon International, Robiya has built her business from having to rent one sewing machine to owning five. Her daughters are now fifth-generation seamstresses—who pride themselves on producing the highest-quality kurpachas and pillows used in grand weddings in Tajikistan and now in your home too!

{Robiya's Ikat Pillows (also shown above, at top of post}

{Galina's Ikat Bowl}

{Rose's Pouf}

 {Sodiqjon's Footstool}

{Soliha's Suzani}

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"Join the movement, become a change agent – one purchase, one artisan, one village at a time."

Citrus Inspired Interiors

With Summer right around the corner, I've been craving fresh fruit and ice cold lemonade. Grapefruit, lemons, oranges and limes are not only delicious to eat, their vibrant colors and textures are also wonderful for inspiring fresh color palettes for interiors. A pop of citrus adds energy and warmth to a space. You can't help but feel happiness and cheer when surrounded by these juicy colors! What do you think about citrus inspired color palettes?  Have you decorated with any of these bright colors in your own home?

IMAGE CREDITS: WE HEART IT; HOUSE TO HOME; HOUSE & HOME; DECORPAD; LE BARON INTERIORS

Quote of the Week

“Rooms are albums that provoke memories. What you decorate with should remind you of a street you wandered down or an experience that made you happy.”

— Designer Amy Hase

  IMAGES VIA HOUSE & HOME

Maximizing a Small Space

Yesterday I blogged about the new project I just started on, which is the renovation of a smaller scale bedroom. I've been searching around specifically for photos of small bedrooms that have multi-functional furniture pieces and maximum storage. The room that I'm designing needs to function as a small apartment (a workspace, decent storage, bed, extra seating, etc.), minus the kitchen and bathroom, which are shared common areas for the women at the shelter. I found some great inspiration photos for my room...now I need to make up my mind and finalize the plans! Do you have a small room that you've maximized / used as a multi-functional space? Please share any ideas or tips that you've found helpful! Thanks for being so wonderful and have a great weekend :) xoxo - Julie

 IMAGE CREDITS: AMANDA NISBET; ELLE DECOR; ATLANTA HOMES MAGAZINE

Good Shepherd Charity Design Project: Day #1

Yesterday 10 designers, including myself, kicked off the second round of room renovations for the Good Shepherd Women's Shelter charity design project. Each designer has 30 days to complete their room - we're talking everything from paint, light fixtures, furniture, linens, art, rugs and drapery panels. My husband and I spent a good portion of the day tearing off baseboards, removing the existing furniture, and taping and priming the walls. We got quite a bit accomplished on our first day! Here's a sneak peek of my room and what I have to work with...more to come as we make progress!

 {Ready to get my hands dirty!}

 {The room is a corner unit with 2 windows so there's a lot of natural light - a definite plus! The existing desk, lamp and cork board were removed}

 {The only thing we can't change is the flooring, which are hideous old linoleum floor tiles in a salmon color...I'll definitely be using a large area rug!}

 {Sink / vanity area - I'm planning on hanging a mirror & switching out the light fixture, among other things!}

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For more info on this project, please visit the GS Charity Project Blog & The Good Shepherd Center website