Kathryn Lemaster

Art and Design

  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • Interior Design
    • Production Design
  • Online Course
  • Portfolio
    • Interior Design
    • Production Design
  • Press
  • Praise
  • Journal
  • Connect

Springspiration: the “She Shed”

Well, here we are in the beginning of May! I hope you’ve been enjoying lovely spring weather similar to what’s been gracing us in AR lately. I’ve spent a good half of my work days in the outdoor office (aka the front porch) soaking up as much of this delightfullness as I can before it takes a turn for the warm. I’ve rigged an indoor/outdoor solution for my design assistants (Rufus and Nellie) to be able to “join” me at my outdoor desk…

Outdoor Office_Kathryn J LeMaster_1

After the launch of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Designer House a couple of weeks ago (only open for 1 more week!) my friends from Chairish.com reached out asking if I would be interested in creating a concept board for a “She Shed” space with some Shabby Chic inspiration.

You may have heard of this growing trend, but She Sheds are essentially the woman’s answer to the Man Cave concept. It’s most commonly it’s own structure or attached to the exterior of the house and is used to house a specific craft, or many! So you may have an art studio, a potting room, a reading escape, and what have you. I thought, what opportune timing, as my Sitting Room design at the ASO Designer House was inspired by a similar intention: an imaginative, feminine space for ladies to relax, read, write, draw, create, or just be!

So I started exploring more about this She Shed craze that’s taken off and I was just mesmerized by all of the beautiful and creative spaces out there along these lines! So I pulled just a few of my favorite inspiration spaces for the purposes of my own, imaginary She Shed, with more saved on my Shetreat Pintrest board. 😉

First up, The Potting Shed by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Man (bonus points for the clever blog name, I love that band!) Please get a glimpse of this perfect potting oasis.

[nitty gritty dirt man]

Next up, Whitney Leigh Morris’ darling home, The Tiny Canal Cottage! If you’re not following her on Instagram yet, you most definitely should. In this case, it isn’t just a backyard retreat. Her whole life happens in and around this dreamy creative space!

[Whitney Leigh Morris – Tiny Canal Cottage]

Then whilst perusing the interwebs for more inspiration, I came across Katie and Peter’s magical treehouse captured here by the talented Lindsey Appel. Now, I don’t like to pick favorites… but I will say I can completely see this in my backyard as a retreat for all my reading, writing, music and art creating. Please look at all the nature and openness and twinkle lights!

8496218810_2b25823de4_z

8495194645_2f045e7017_z

8496219036_569e8396a8_zFun fact… this particular tree house is actually FOR RENT! On Air BnB! What a dream.

Then of course, I got to thinking about my client’s enclosed sun porch that through last year’s remodel became her cheerful Garden Room in which she enjoys one of her biggest passions. It has definitely become a “She-Shed” for all of her gardening fun. (read the full story by At Home in Arkansas here ;))

[Kathryn J. LeMaster, Baker Residence – photo by Rett Peek]

So! I pulled together a little inspiration board for a dreamy little She Shed indoor/outdoor space with a mix of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces from Chairish.com, as well as some other finds I can totally see in this imaginary shetreat! (Sources below.)

Imagine a tree-house cottage setting, and come on in (our out) for a cup of coffee, curl up with a good book and be refreshed and inspired… 🙂

She Shed Inspiration Collage_Kathryn J LeMaster_May 2016_7

Carved Mediterranean Architectural Doors, Chairish – Santana Lace Curtains, Anthropologie – Vintage Brass Lotus Chandelier, Chairish – Vintage Japanese Charger, Chairish – Chinese Plate and Bowl Set, Chairish – Homer Laughlin Blue Willow Serving Bowl, Chairish –  Chevron Path Rug, Anthropologie – Antique French Pine Table, Chairish – Windsor Chair, Chairish – Magical Thinking Adar Floor Pillow, Urban Outfitters – Turquoise Dreamcatcher, TwigandTassel’s Etsy – Succulent Spectrum Print, Anthropologie – Feldman Style Brass Lotus Lamp, Chairish – Ektorp Loveseat, Ikea – Grainsack Pillows, WoodsandShore’s Etsy – Hoot Owl Table Lamp, Chairish – Shabby Chic Turquoise Side Table, Chairish – Suna Rug, Anthropologie – Reclaimed Wood Chevron Coffee Table, HurdandHoney’s Etsy – Canyon Fringe Hammock, Anthropologie – Cafe String Lights, Anthropologie – Handmade Ceramic Hanging Planter, CeramicbyLeoStudio’s Etsy – Shabby Chic Wicker Chair, Chairish – Handmade Ceramic Planter, CeramicsbyLeoStudio’s Etsy – Japanese Garden Stool, Chairish – Wren White Sheepskin Rug, Chairish – Tenzin Tapestry, Urban Outfitters – Pearpod, Ellen Mulcrone’s Etsy

What do you think?! Let me know your favorite ideas from above in the comments below. If you have a She Shed, Man Cave, or creative space of the like, please share!

Thanks for dreaming with us today, and thanks again to my friends at Chairish for spurring the idea for this fun post project.

Stay Inspired!

xo, K

SHARE

No related photos.

Happy New Year!

Hoping you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season!

Thank you for being a part of 2015. What a wonderful, colorful year of growth.Merry Christmas Happy New Year 2015I am excited about all of the new things 2016 holds! At the top of my list of business goals: website updates and new portfolio images! So stay tuned in the new year for that. 😉

In the mean time, you can check out newly released project images from the Heights remodel in my recently updated Houzz portfolio, here! As always, please feel free to send me a note at kathryn@kathrynjlemaster.com with any questions, musings, or funny jokes. 😉 Additionally, I am on Instagram and Twitter almost daily, so please make sure to find me there as I would love to stay connected with you! —> @kjlemaster

Wishing you all peace, joy, happiness and prosperity in the new year!

IMG_8748

Cheers!!

xo,

Kathryn

SHARE

No related photos.

Unstyled: A beautiful mess

Everyone loves a beautifully styled photo. I’m the queen of taking 15 minutes and 12 shots with my iPhone just to get that perfect “selfie” of my coffee cup, complete with the morning sunlight streaming in to highlight the steam coming off the top… #coffeesesh #cupojoe #goodmorning #mycoffeewokeuplikethis … you know the drill. We like pretty pictures of pretty things.

Kathryn J LeMaster_ Coffee

Plus, styling is fun! Maddening as it can be, I love focusing on details, so I love the tweaking, fluffing, centering, taking away, adding more – whatever the equation is to get the desired composition in frame. It’s an art form. Toss the throw (throw the throw?) over the sofa this way – no, it looks better that way – okay now just two inches to the left – nope now it’s covering the pillow. Let’s just scratch the throw all together…

That’s art though. When it comes to reality, who actually lives in a perfectly styled or even clean house all the time? Somebody? Anybody? If that’s you, I’d really like to know your secret because 99% of the time my house is a complete disaster zone! My friends and family will be the first to tell you that. Because life is crazy. When I’m short on time (which is always…) and something has to give – the people in my life will always take priority over the places, spaces and things. Laundry will stack up to ridiculous heights. My desk becomes buried under piles. Name a surface – it probably hasn’t been dusted. The cute coaster and candle vignette you saw in a picture has been replaced with the PS3 and TV remote and a coffee ring… where did the coasters go?

I wanted to stop comparing my imperfect home to all of the perfect ones I see in photos – even the photos of spaces I’ve created for others! Just like I shouldn’t compare myself to the seemly flawless, stick-figure thin fashion models. That’s art. Those are photos. This is reality. It’s important to be happy in your own skin and in your own home.

With that in mind, I snapped a few photos around my office and living room recently as an exercise. Could I candidly snap a single photo, with no rearranging, no fluffing or polishing, no straightening the drapes or moving the clutter – could I do that and not be embarrassed by the flaws and imperfections I see?

600w_Kathryn J LeMaster_IMG_0376

With all the things I’m still critical of  on my own “to-do” list still to be done – could I just appreciate what’s there now, as is? I began to focus on the beautiful things about this photo. The tall windows, the natural light, some of my favorite colors, the sweet puppy curled up on the couch… hey… that’s actually a pretty beautiful sight! Remotes and all!

600w_Kathryn J LeMaster_IMG_0378

I was surprised how much I loved these spaces when I actually stopped and looked at them in a candid state. I love the stories behind the things in the room, regardless of the “camera ready” status. I know my rug is crumpled. I know there’s a crack in my ceiling that needs to be covered with crown. Yet somehow when I look at these images, it just makes my heart really happy because there’s a story behind each and everything that i love in here. The garland left over from my best friend’s baby shower. The rainbow art I created on my front porch on a sunny day with a glass of wine when I just needed some art therapy. The sketch of Paris my sister brought back for me from her travels abroad. The bell jar light fixture my mom and dad helped me install. Even unstyled and in slight disarray – it’s a reflection of me and those I love, and that is what really amplifies the beauty!

600w_Kathryn J LeMaster_IMG_0380

The blue velvet chairs that were my grandmother-in-law’s. The pillow I made that made me realize I’m not a seamstress. The side table I picked up on an estate sale adventure. The lovely antique desk I get to use while storing for some of my best friends. There’s so much to love in this photo – no styling needed!

Love the space you’re in – appreciate what you have. To-do lists, wish-lists, dreams and aspirations for your home are great – that’s why I have a job – I get to come in to help people achieve those dreams. But don’t let those things stop you from realizing and appreciating how beautiful your home is right now, when it’s put together or when it’s falling apart – because it’s a reflection of you and your real life.

Embrace the beautiful mess.

Rufus and Nellie sure have.

600w_Kathryn J LeMaster_IMG_0387

600w_Kathryn J LeMaster_IMG_0384

(Yes, that’s a tear in the sofa cushion. That was the dogs contribution to making the room really look lived in. Thanks y’all, for helping me keep it real.)

SHARE

MORE TO LOVE:
Designer Insights: Interview with Terry’s Fabrics in the UK!
Souvenir
Fall Decor Inspiration: At Home in Arkansas front porch feature!

This calls for cupcakes

Don’t you just love a reason to celebrate? I sure do, especially when the celebration involves cupcakes.

Kathryn J. LeMaster Art & Design turned 1 on Thursday, and by George, that’s a darn good reason to celebrate!

Come along with me and my lovely sister, Hannah, and join us for a whimsical picnic in the woods complete with delicious cupcakes and teacups full of milk to celebrate KJL’s birthday!

I am delighted when I think back on what an amazing 1st year this was. I didn’t really know what to expect in the beginning, so I’m truly thankful for all of the amazing opportunities that surprised me and exceeded my expectations. God is so good.

Thanks for sharing this journey with me! I would not have made it this far without the unfailing support of faithful friends, family, readers, clients, and professionals I look up to and learn from. You guys rock my world.

Please lift your cupcakes and let’s “cheers” to another great year ahead!

xoxo,

-K

SHARE

MORE TO LOVE:
Fall Decor Inspiration: At Home in Arkansas front porch feature!
Interview Feature on Wade’s Blog!
Designer Insights: Interview with Terry’s Fabrics in the UK!

Interview Feature on Wade’s Blog!

Today, it is my honor to introduce you to the fabulous Mr. Wade Barber! Wade is a long-time family friend of mine and in the past year, he and his wife became a valued clients of mine as well.

Wade is a Realtor with Keller Williams here in the Central AR area, so keep him in mind for your home buying and selling needs. He has recently joined the world of blogging to be able to bring you expert advice and input on everything home related.

I was thrilled when he asked to interview me for a blog post on home design tips! Head on over to his new website and blog to read his post about our interview and learn more about Wade and how he could help you!

SHARE

MORE TO LOVE:
Patio Bath Featured on KES Photo
Patio Bath Featured on Curbly
Patio Bath Featured on Centsational Girl!

Pumpkin Spiced Inspiration

If you’re a coffee lover or Starbucks fanatic like me, you may know that the Pumpkin Spice Latte made its grand return to the Starbucks menu this week, as it does every autumn. (It’s okay to cheer out loud – I did.) Welcome back, PSL! You are my fall in a tall paper cup. PS – I love you.

(kathryn lynn photography via flickr)

The below image came from a healthy living blog I stumbled upon recently called Eating Bird Food. It caught my eye because I have and LOVE that adorable coffee mug from Anthropologie! (Except mine has a K. 🙂 To find the $8 Homegrown Monogram Mug with your letter, click here.)

(eating bird food)

So I was thrilled by the colorful image of my favorite fall drink in my favorite mug, but then was pleasantly surprised as I continued scrolling and went on to read about Brittany’s budget friendly recipe for a Healthy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte, as it would probably be a good alternative to my usual Starbucks PSL habit. 🙂 So thanks, Brittany! For the recipe, check out her post here.

In honor of all of the pumpkin spice-ness beginning this week, which for some marks the true beginning of fall, I bring you color inspiration from Design Seeds revolving around beautiful pumpkin hues. Drink up!

(pumpkin soup by design seeds)

(orange petals by design seeds)

(spiced palette by design seeds)

(autumn breeze by design seeds)

(produced hues by design seeds)

Gasp! I think I just heard a leaf change from green to orange. Maybe it was my imagination. Or maybe fall is really on it’s way!

Hope you all have a wonderful first weekend of September. See you next week! 🙂

-K

SHARE

MORE TO LOVE:
Fall Decor Inspiration: At Home in Arkansas front porch feature!

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!

SHARE

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
Follow us on Instagram

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.

© 2021 Kathryn J. LeMaster Art & Design a doodle dog website

rsvp!

Join my e-party and receive a free copy of  my e-book “7 Steps to Design + Decorate like a Pro” as your party favor!