Kathryn Lemaster

Art and Design

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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!

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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

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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!

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Cheers!!

xo,

Kathryn

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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?

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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!

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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!

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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.

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(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.)

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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

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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!

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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

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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!

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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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The coziest air bnb in Hot Springs, a couple of ou The coziest air bnb in Hot Springs, a couple of our favorite couples, icecream cake for all, hiking date for us complete with cupcakes + rosé in a cave… only for  @forrest_addison_roberts ‘s birthday!! 🥳😘 

I couldn’t let the year end without narrowing down a few favorite captures from such a special weekend earlier in December (which overlaps with our elopement anniversary now, but anniversary photos wouldn’t fit here too ha!) celebrating the love of my life. 

Thankful for such sweet friends to laugh and celebrate with. Thankful for keeping our birthday tradition of cake + wine in a cave, come rain or shine. Thankful to get to celebrate my favorite adventure partner for another year! Thanks for picking me to host your parties for the rest of your life. It’s a grande honor, and you’re the easiest to want to celebrate. I love you!

PS: if you’re traveling to Hot Springs, you absolutely need to check out @thewoodlawntudorandcottage and @thepaddockhotsprings - love these properties by @kaligoldenharris !! We didn’t want to leave and can’t wait to go back! 🏡
October highlights in 10 snaps (and a motion to in October highlights in 10 snaps (and a motion to increase the 10 slider limit as all the joy this month held couldn’t be narrowed to such a small smattering). 

This is merely a fraction of sweet memories from one of our two most festive months of the year: October brought:

- a road trip to Comfort, TX for my cousin’s wedding fest 
- Liam’s 5th birthday 
- my 34th birthday 
- Halloween parties, dates, and costumes book readings (not even enough room for all of those here!)

I can let perfectionism lead to procrastination in sharing, sorting, favoriting, editing - and then months escape me without letting a few favorites make it here to the grid, which is the closest thing to a scrapbook I have these days. So doing my best to let these few float up here like balloons to the sky before another month escapes me. 

So incredibly thankful for all of the sweet memories and grande adventures with my two fellas. 🥹 This first year together as a blended family is one I’ll always want to remember, for the treasures it’s held and the growth we’ve all experienced. 

Thanksgiving is the perfect day to remember to remember and hold it all a little closer. 🙏🏼💛

Much love and many more sweet memories moments to be thankful for to you and yours! 💝
Happy Son’s day to my sweet Liam love. Brightest Happy Son’s day to my sweet Liam love. Brightest little light of my life, teller of the most original jokes, giver of the silliest lick-kisses, imaginer of new games, snuggliest bug, the bravest boy with the strongest heart and fastest feet - and so many endless more magical things to me. Getting to be his mama is the greatest honor and a most unbelievable gift. 🥹🙏🏼🤍 I love you Liam! And I will always be so incredibly proud of you. Keep being you! The world needs all of your wonder, enthusiasm, kindness and joy. ✨ And all those “great ideas” you’ve always got brewing. ☺️😘 

📷 @brittanyrigganphoto
Cooking with Liam and “Michael Bubely”…🕷❤️🎶😂🙏🏼 While he’s loved the Spider-Man theme song for awhile, we recently discovered this version and it has been on repeat and we are happy about it. 😅 
 
#boymomadventures #thatsdarling #kitchenconcert #singingvideo #fouryearolds #cookingwithkids #thefoodnetwork #videooftheday #momlifebestlife #michaelbuble #spiderman #spidermanthemesong #kidsareawesome #childprodigy #michaelbublé #michaelbubleduet
Glorious, precious memories from “part 2” of o Glorious, precious memories from “part 2” of our wedding celebration - our reception this summer, 6 months following our elopement! Thank you to our sweet friend + amazing photographer @brittanyrigganphoto and to our friends at @reservehotsprings !! 🥹🙏🏼🤍

@forrest_addison_ - I am filled with wonder yet again as I look through these, trying and failing at narrowing down favorite moments, still in awe of this love of ours, beyond all we could’ve asked or imagined. 🥲🙏🏼

There’s a consistent calm + quiet in walking alongside you in this life, with the sound of puns + giggles, plans being made, hearts being shared, being the blessed echo for miles around. 

I’m thankful for all the space for us to learn and grow as individuals and together. Thank you for your willingness to learn with me. I love partnering with you in cultivating the kind of relationship and life we believe in! 

I’ve yet to see anger, bitterness, jealousy or other turmoil take up root in the sacred space we share, and somehow I know we never will. Your unending generosity of spirit, steady patience, and a truly unassuming heart that’s always believed the best of mine, softens mine more.

Watching and learning from you is an honor and joy. I’m still trying to wrap my head around your genuinely pure kindness. You’ve prayed for those who’ve persecuted us. You’ve “rejoiced with those who rejoice” even when they’ve wronged you. You keep no record of wrongs like I’ve never seen. You simply carry on loving well.

Thank you for being my safest place. For being to me among many things, one long exhale after years of oscillating between holding my breath and hyperventilating. 

Even as I have those moments still, you listen to my heavy heart and witness my weary tears without judgment I’ve known before, because like Jesus’s “banner over me is love” always - you, too, judge me forever and always as “beloved”. I’m learning to remember and rest in that to counter the self consciousness that comes with learning to be truly seen. 

Thank you for by your very presence and heart posture, inviting me to be myself, even when I am a taco level hot-mess.

I love you to the moon and back, to infinity and beyond! ♾
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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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