Kathryn Lemaster

Art and Design

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Archives for April 2013

Barstool Fix

Sometimes for practicality’s sake, you have to purchase some “for now” furniture. Maybe there’s not room in the budget right now for that perfect “forever” piece that will become a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation.

And so, growing weary of enjoying your daily bowl of Cap’n Crunch from the floor, you set out and find something – anything – to sit on.

That’s the position we knew we would be in when we purchased our foreclosure home last year. The priority was of course cosmetic fixes to make our home livable. So we had to get creative with our furnishings budget. One of the items we knew we could make do with a temporary fix was barstools.

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Ethan Home Saddle Stools

We purchased these babies for a whopping price of about $150 for all four online.  They were the right dimensions for our bar, they were simple, they were upholstered, they would work. And of course as with may things in this low price range, “some assembly” was required.

Brothers are the best!

Brothers are the best!

With the help of my awesome little bro Preston, we secured all 16 legs by Allen Wrench and had ourselves a place to eat breakfast!  But just because we had to start with these lower-end pieces did not mean that they had to look like Plain Janes forever.

Zig Zag by Premier Prints

Zig Zag by Premier Prints

When we got a bit more settled in the house,  I gave them some personality by recovering them in a chevron fabric by Premiere Prints that was less than $10 a yard. It only took a couple of yards for all four stools, and I hand stapled it all myself, so it was very affordable.

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I added a couple layers of Scotchgard to protect the fabric and voila! We had ourselves a pretty darn cute and very affordable seating solution that met our needs. Sure, maybe they still require a leg-tightening session with my trusty Allen Wrench from time to time, but I’ve learned to look forward to our tune-up time together.

Last but not least, I covered and added the button tuft back in the center of each seat… but I’ll show you how I learned to do that in more detail in another post!

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MORE TO LOVE:
Buttons
Bench Project: Part 1
Bench Project: Part 2

Pendants

It’s possible I have a pendant problem. I find myself wanting to collect them, like coffee mugs or tiny spoons. The good thing and the bad thing is I haven’t the room nor budget for such a collection.

It’s okay really. Instead I just walk around lighting showrooms until I get a crick in my neck from staring up. In addition, I love to clip and pin my way through favorite web sources, and in this way at least I can have a two dimensional pendant collection. It’s such a space saver, really.

So please, step into my “gallery” and share in my pendant fascination!

 Triangle Glass Pendant Light

Triangle Glass Pendant Light

This one makes me think of a Jolly Rancher… yum.

Possini Euro Design Crystal Burst Mini Pendant Light

Possini Euro Design Crystal Burst Mini Pendant Light

I bet if you made a wish on this star burst pendant… it would come true.

Possini Euro Darby 10 1/2" Wide Blue Glass Pendant Light

Possini Euro Darby Blue Glass Pendant Light

Ooo… I don’t even know. I just love.

Virginia Pendant

Virginia Pendant

Incase you’ve ever wondered what’s up at Cindy Lou Who’s house… it’s this little guy.

 Blossom Pendant

Blossom Pendant

This one is just too cute! The less than $50 price point might be adding to the cuteness.

 Weathered Silver Cowbell Pendant

Weathered Silver Cowbell Pendant

And hey, if you need a little more Cowbell… here it is!

Happy Friday y’all!

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No related photos.

Girl’s Night Out!

Attention ladies:

Don’t miss the next big event at the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Designer House XXII – Girls Night Out is tomorrow night, and you’re invited!

gno invitation

At Home in Arkansas

Sponsored by the wonderful At Home in Arkansas, this is sure to be a fun-filled and fabulous evening.

house_top

ASO Designer House XXII

For more info, tickets, and directions, check out the ASO web page here.

I am planning to be there (possibly a bit late as I will be coming directly from the class I teach on Thursday nights – still working on being in two places at once :)) and will look forward to seeing you there.

Round up your girlfriends and come join the fun!

martini

ASO Girl’s Night Out

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MORE TO LOVE:
Designer House Reveal: The Before
Showhouse!
Designer House Reveal: The Process

Crescendo!

Last night was the Crescendo Party and “unveiling” of the ASO Designer House XXII! What a fantastic night it was. Though the weather tried to rain on our parade, everyone pressed on to pull off this fabulous event, mud and all! Thanks to everyone involved for such a memorable evening.

Crescendo Party Invitation via ASO Guild

Crescendo Party Invitation via ASO Guild

I was so happy to have my sweet husband Will there with me for the evening. Talk about a supportive guy! He should win a prize.

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Me & my handsome date!

At Home in Arkansas did a wonderful job with the event programs. You can pick up your copy when you go tour the house! See the sneak peak below to read their description of my room:

Symphony Designer House publication by At Home in Arkansas

Symphony Designer House publication by At Home in Arkansas

Hopefully this piques your interest and you’ll want to go see it and the rest of the rooms for yourself!

The house is official open to the public for tours starting today at 10am. The hours are 10a-4p Tuesday through Saturday, and 1p-4p on Sundays now through May 12th. Make sure to visit the website here to find out more info and check out the remaining events.

Happy Friday!

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MORE TO LOVE:
Girl’s Night Out!
Designer House Reveal: The Before
Designer House Reveal: Happily Ever “After”!

nuLOOM

Just to give you a little perspective, the average “Garden Ridge” area rug is about 5’x7′-6″ in size and may run between $200-$300 From what I’ve seen, that’s usually for a synthetic material like nylon or polyester. If you’re going for the indoor/outdoor rug look and texture and find a pattern you love, that may be just fine.

rugs_0912(Garden Ridge selection)

See something that excites in the above image? No? Well, maybe you’d have better luck in store. But maybe not. So this Monday morning I wanted to share with you one of my favorite rug solutions available through online retailers, nuLOOM.

nuloom_logo2

I love them because they do a great job of bridging the gap between quality and affordability, and their patterns are oh-so fun! Most of their styles fall under modern or transitional, but they do offer traditional patterns too so there is a little something for everyone!

Gradient Collection

If you’re holding out for higher quality and a more personal statement without a major price jump, nuLOOM is a great choice! Some of my favorite styles average around $300 for a 5’x8′ rug that’s 100% wool and hand hooked. Not too shabby! Take a look at this sampling of nuLoom rugs available from Burke Decor:

Acedia TrellisAcedia Trellis

CAPELLA COLLECTIONCapella Collection

Dakhla TrellisDakhla Trellis

MACARA TRELLIS

Macara Trellis

Malva

Malva 

Vibrant Union JackVibrant Union Jack

Jazzy, right? I thought so. 🙂

So there’s your first bit of good news today – you CAN have your rug and afford it too!

Another bit of good news: this line has frequently been spotted at even lower prices on various flash sale sitesand other retail sites too. So you may have a chance at scoring a dashing new nuLOOM rug at an even lower price than the ones shown above! (Not familiar with flash sales? Ohhh my. You will just have to stick around to learn more about that little secret/weakness.)

I’m so very glad you stopped by today and I hope you come back for more practical design insights in the future.

Here’s to a wonderful week ahead!

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Ikea Love
Souvenir
The Farmers Market

Showhouse!

A week from today the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Designer House XXII opens to the public! I can’t tell you just how thrilled I am to be included in this exhibition and how excited I am to share it with you all very soon.

Be sure and check out all of the events and information on the ASO website, here!

house_top

A $20 ticket gets you in to tour this lovely estate while benefiting the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. As a plus, most of the items in every room will be for sale, also benefiting the ASO.

So why not support good music, good design, and go shopping? I’m telling you, multi-tasking has never been so fun! If you have any questions about let me know and I do my best to hunt down answers.

Happy Friday!

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MORE TO LOVE:
Girl’s Night Out!
This calls for cupcakes
Designer House Reveal: The Before

YOU’RE INVITED TO KATHRYN’S E-PARTY!

Join the e-party below to get personal notes, news, decor advice and inspo from Kathryn and receive a FREE copy of Kathryn’s new e-book, “7 Steps to Design + Decorate like a Pro” as a party favor for joining!

YES, I’D LIKE A PARTY FAVOR!

Happy Friday my friends! It’s been a chilly week Happy Friday my friends! It’s been a chilly week around here with an ice storm yesterday, and snow in the forecast for next week, which is a central Arkansas rarity! ❄️ I hope wherever this finds you - that you are well, you are safe, you are warm.

May this aerial of peonies and coffee, reclaimed wood and sunlight, bring you peace and joy, as well as encourage you to switch up your perspective now and again. 🌸🌿☕️☀️🪵 

Consider what it’s like to walk in the other person’s shoes. Stretch yourself beyond the box of comfortable norms. 

If your usually a “big picture” thinker, try focusing on the joy of one small, beautiful detail. If you’re normally fixated on one thing in front of you, try stretching your sights to be in awe of the vast, grand(e) scheme. 

Do whatever it takes. Stand on the chair at the restaurant to see what birds can. Pull over and take a shot of that sunset through the sunroof (that’s what it’s for, right?).
 
Seeing things another way leads to new discoveries, opens new doors for connection, increases compassion, deepens empathy, grows adaptability, adds gratitude, wonder, and much more. 💝

Love y’all,
K

•

#pursuepretty #verilymoment #flashesofdelight #thehappynow #theartofslowliving #interiorinspo #homeimprovement #kjlartanddesign #interiordesign #interiordecor #interiorstyle #thatsdarling #personalgrowthjourney #dailywisdom #itsthelittlethingsinlife #peoniesaremyfavorite #peoniesofinstagram #coffeeflatlay #floralflatlay #flatlayfriday #flatlayoftheday #ihavethisthingwithflowers #reclaimedwood #farmtable #eatlocal #littlerockarkansas #boulevardbread
This #tuesdaytransformation brought to you by the This #tuesdaytransformation brought to you by the happy bright, white + blue breakfast room that’s an extension of the kitchen remodel from a few posts ago! 😄🙌🏼 (Check there to see how cute they coordinate together... 💙🤍) 

Swipe to see the “before” and construction photos. 😱 Yes. Drastic. I know. 

There to remind us yet again, that anything is possible. ✨ And that likely if it gets worse first, it’s because it’s about to get worlds better, because, #process. 🙃🙌🏼

Stay hopeful my friends. Warm and cozy, too! It’s about to get extra cold and icy here in Arkansas this week but - I imagine it’s because spring is just. around. the. corner. 😌🙏🏼💐

xo,
K

• 

@rettpeek 📷 
@steph.space 🌿🥭
@athomearkansas 📰 

#kjlartanddesign #interiordesign #interiorstyle #kitchenremodel #homeimprovement #interiorinspo #kitchendesign #breakfastroom #diningroomdecor #breakfastroomdecor #kitchengoals #homesweethome #interiordecor #interiorinspo #diydesign #theartofslowliving #thehappynow #flashesofdelight #diyhomedecor #verilymoment #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #homeimprovement #dreamkitchen #tuliptable #vintagechairs #scoutstudio #scoutdallas
Today I want to introduce you to @monarch61project Today I want to introduce you to @monarch61project - a project near and dear to our hearts for many reasons.💞 Toward the end last summer, @emmilyy23 and I had the honor of partnering with this new nonprofit to design their amazing new space for women to heal and connect in!! 

Inspired by the mission in Isaiah 61 (my favorite book!) “to heal the broken-hearted” - this place will be a place of hope, healing, community, and support for all who enter their doors. 🦋 

This haven will include a cafe, marketplace, creative arts studio, wellness studio for yoga, self defense classes, therapy rooms that will convert to cozy bedrooms if a safe place to stay overnight as needed, a beauty bar, spacious laundry room and kitchen, and more!!! ✨ 

Swipe to learn more and catch sneak peeks from their design presentation! Follow @monarch61project here and on Facebook to help support them and get the word out! Reach out to @chefmarynicole or @stirredmarybec to learn how you can donate toward the warehouse renovation costs to help this vision become a reality! 

If you or someone you know have experienced trauma of any kind, including the trauma of being a victim of abuse of any kind (and yes, spiritual / emotional / verbal / psychological too) know that you are not alone. I am here for you. This is a safe place. You do not have to process and heal alone. 

Whether you’re a woman who could benefit from connecting through Monarch61 with other ladies who’ve been through a similar hell, or a man who can relate to any of the above and just need someone to sit with you and hear your story - I am personally here for you, and have walked with friends, ladies and gents, through challenging stories of many kinds. Yours is every bit as valid and deserving of being heard and held. You have an advocate and friend here, and can message me any time. 

If you need help defining what trauma or abuse is, please oh please, ask me. I will help you find the answers. Being able to name your experience is the beginning step toward more wholeness. 

You are loved, treasured, and myself and other safe people as I have come to discern them, are here to surround you with so much love and support. 💝
On this wonderful Wednesday, I bring you a winning On this wonderful Wednesday, I bring you a winning Kitchen before + after! 🤍💙 Swipe to see the “before” of this view (and swipe again to see a fun little initial thumbnail sketch from early on in the design process!)

Going back to the “before” had me thinking about process. Oofph. Sometimes “the process” can be grueling and discouraging. Often, it must get worst before it gets better, or as a friend recently reminded me “sometimes you have to take one step back to be able to go two steps forward.” But that is how we arrive at the “after” stronger, better, more lovely in time. Slow and steady. Hold the vision, do the work, take the steps. The “after” will be reached in it’s perfect time. 😉

Whether it’s a home remodel, a health journey, a relationship you’re building, inner healing you’re braving, a dream you’re leaping for, an opportunity you’re waiting for - remember that there’s One who sees and knows you and this process. One who works along side of us to bring the vision about. One who promises to “make all things beautiful in their time”. 

Whatever process you’re beginning or in the midst of, don’t be afraid of what you see walking in on the proverbial start day, or on demo day when you take that “worse” step back, hit delays, or even lose sight of the original vision. There is One who remains steadfast and holds our hands even on days we’re unsure what the heck we got ourselves in to or where it’s going. One who promises to “be faithful to complete the work He began” and helps us do the same.

Remember what it’s all for. Remember where you’re headed with it and why. Have faith. Do your work. Stay the course! It will be worth it, m’dears.

Cheering for you always! 📣
#tbt to warm sunshine and hot coffee on a crisp da #tbt to warm sunshine and hot coffee on a crisp day at @fortsmithcoffeeco with my partner in design @emmilyy23 . 
☕️🌸☕️ 

Wherever you are today, I hope you keep your heart-eyes open, eager and expectant for the little gifts today holds. 😊 Be it the foam art in your coffee, the way the sunlight will surprisingly find you, or the dandelion that smiles at you from the curb. With gratitude and wonder, may you collect these little moments like big treasure. 

•

#kjlartanddesign #goodmorning #itsthelittlethings #thatsdarling #itsallinthedetails #cheerstoyou #coffeeshopvibes #coffeesesh #coffeetime #coffeeshop #coffeeart #foamart #rusticindustrial #modernrustic #interiordesign #interiordecor #thatsdarling #verilymoment #flatlayoftheday #flatlayphotography #photostyling #interiorstyle #newmorningmercies #fortsmith #fortsmitharkansas #shoplocal #eatlocal
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It is a delight to work with Kathryn LeMaster. She is a good listener who has been able to help us transition into a smaller home while still keeping the essence of our family intact.

- CINDI C.

My husband and I decided to update our house focusing on the kitchen and bathrooms. We were so impressed from the beginning with Kathryn! She was easy to work with and took our vision and made it all come together! She was extremely professional and we highly recommend her. Thanks Kathryn!! We couldn't be happier!!!

- LAURA D.

I have been doing business with Kathryn for several years, where she had played an integral role to enhance the quality and appeal of the visual impact of our furniture in TV commercial s. She independently picks products that perfectly match each commercial. She is also an absolute pleasure to work with. She is flexible when needed, and always has a positive disposition.

- LAWRENCE ZIGERELLI, PRESIDENT/CEO, FFO HOME

We asked Kathryn to create sets for a food shoot with multiple items. She created sets with for each dish and had them passed them off with the client who was out of town. She was extremely organized and methodical about how she purchased and approved each set. Not only was her work exceptional, her presence made the client feel at ease.

- DERO SANFORD, OWNER, THINKDERO

We highly recommend Kathryn. She listened to us as her clients and executed ideas based upon our design style. We had bought a new house and asked her to help us furnish, design, and style It. We appreciated her detailed drawings and ability to "show" us the vision and plan. She is quick to respond and allows for flexibility based upon timeline needs. Once deciding together on budget, she works toward that goal. She is a lot of fun to work with!

- CHRISTY H.

Kathryn assisted me in styling and accessorizing our new home. She nailed my design ideas and style based on the questionnaire and my comments. I was amazed at how she was able to match my style exactly! It would have taken me years to accomplish what she accomplished in one day. I would highly recommend her and look forward to working with her again in the future.

- BEVERLY R.

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