[Sketchy Mondays] Charming Built-Ins.

On a Tuesday. I know. I've gotten really wrapped up in my freelance backdrop work and lost track of the days for a minute there! But here it is!

I sketched these built-in bookshelves a while back when Emily Henderson's new show, Secrets from a Stylist, aired. (For my reactions to her pilot episode, read this)

The 1930's home was all around eclectic in architecture and sprinkled with little bits of charm here and there; but, I fell in love with this built-in wall.

Being built floor-to-ceiling, it emphasizes the vaulted ceiling lines and makes for a large statement wall. Enveloped in the middle is a picture window surrounded by glass block, creating the perfect reading or chatting nook.

Emily was smart and gave the homeowner the option to make it blend in as a more simple, functional, architectural piece or to make it stand out as an artistic flair to the room.

How do you achieve these completely different aesthetics? So simple. PAINT! Paint is the cheapest way to make the biggest difference. Simply by painting the back wall of these shelves, leaving the shelves themselves white, she was able to achieve several different effects from one large piece. Love that charm.

Carry On Wednesday. Carry On.

Seems like Wednesdays are shaping up to be the day for "Words of Wisdom". Coincidence? I don't think so. It's Wednesday. The middle of the week. You feel like you've come so far only to look forward and see that you're only half way through the week. You choose glass half full or glass half empty but really what a let down Wednesday can be. What a let down.

So no. I don't think its a mistake that I seem to feel the need to post encouraging quotes or wise words on Wednesdays...
This week?This iconic phrase made an obvious comeback this past year across design and merchandise everywhere. Whatever your situation, the simplicity and straight forwardness of this British mantra from WWII can encourage anyone to stop. and breathe.From mugs and totebags to wall decals and apparel, you can find this on pretty much anything your heart desires, especially at the official site: www.keepcalmandcarryon.com . Companies are even making rugs. Maybe too far? Eh. Some may need that constant reminder.

Maybe its overused but I can't help but smile when I see it. But like I said, glass half-full or glass half-empty. It's your call. Don't worry. There seem to be plenty of options if you're needing an opposite approach. Because let's be real. We all have our days when we just need to say:

And if that doesn't suit your fancy, check out these printable spoof calenders, offering monthly sass for both men and women stemming from the original phrase. And we know. I love sass.

[Sketchy Mondays] Lighting Up History.

While San Antonio is obviously no design capital of the world, let alone Texas, it is currently home to me...and apparently home to some fun antique shops as well.

My good friend, Lyndi Paige, and I hit up a little street full of antique shops...some with awesome finds...some with...well, crap. But we had a great time and I definitely found some inspiring pieces...

The thing that captured me the most was the array of vintage lighting fixtures. I tried to do them some justice here but there is just no way to capture their details and beautiful historical characteristics. From an amber glass ball pendant to those rockin 60's gooseneck lamps to simple, white, globe drop pendants, history was alive in these fixtures.

And I am definitely a supporter of that lighting of the past making a way into the future. It may be a side affect from my severe obsession with the style and design of the 60's, but I think every space could use a little retrospection!

Oh George.

Sometimes we all just need a little encouragement. This quote appeared to me in the midst of one of those times and tonight I wanted to pass it along.

While I have been struggling with not finding my exact place in the field of design, I have been given a passion, a drive and the optimism to find my own way and my own circumstances. George reminds me that I can do that. We can all do whatever we desire to if we have a little faith in God's purpose and in our own abilities and if we get out there and do it. Thanks George.

[Sketchy Mondays] Vanities on Parade.

First peek into my Sketchbook Diaries project is here. Updates are going to come every Monday and then will be posted on the Sketchbook Diaries page all together!

September marks an exciting time in San Antonio for home-builders, and really in most big cities! Custom home builders, designers, various product representatives and the latest and greatest of everything come together for the Annual Parade of Homes!

Among many other trends and extravagant features, the powder baths REALLY seemed to stand out. The vanities were being designed at whole new levels with interesting features from wall mounted faucets to the ever popular vessel sinks to counters suspended by cables.

What really caught my eye was the use of mirrors! Why do we need to look at ourselves in a simple piece of reflective glass? Why not jazz it up? We innovate with every other functional and non-functional piece in the standard bathroom, so why leave the mirror on the curb? From stacking interesting beveled mirrors to employing more decorative picture frame mirrors to mosaic tile inlays.

I'm now positive the reflection you see is clearly reflective of how posh your mirror is. So step it up so you can look good people. Cause these Parade of Homes homeowners gonna be lookin good, ok?

A Sip of Inspiration.

That was fast! My sketchbook has already arrived from the Art House Co-op's "The Sketchbook Project". I'm so pumped, and a little bit nervous, to get started! So much potential in this tiny package!

The theme I chose is a little odd and somewhat emo but it was the one that sparked the most creativity and excitement for me...

"Coffee and Cigarettes"

It makes me think of eclectic places and people. Musicians. Artists. Veterans. Coffee shops. Bars. Old Pubs. Hippies. Rockers. Granolas. Stress. Sleep deprivation. Cities. Good Music...oh and Mad Men. I could go on. However, being obsessed with people, and especially the people in my life, I would love some input for this project!

I've decided it would be really so great if I could get people to email me pictures for me to sketch into my book. That way it is filled with places and things that inspire me as well as places and things that inspire the people around me. Maybe it's your favorite coffee shop. Maybe it's your favorite tavern or pub. Maybe its your favorite street corner to step out on and take a breather or your very own veranda. Or even your favorite seat at Starbucks or Common Grounds.

Wherever or whatever it is. Snap a picture, phone or camera. Email it to LMSorenson1@gmail.com. And thanks, in advance, for the inspiration.