The Secret is Out!!!!

 Traci Zeller and I have teamed up to design a room in the Traditional Home showhouse, opening in conjunction with High Point Market in April! (read more after the break!)

Why You Should Use Olioboard....

This past Thursday my presentation in the Baker Showroom at High Point Market for the Unity In Design Event was about Social Media and highlighted one of my favorite tools as a designer, "Olioboard".  I can't say enough about this website.  If you dont' have an Olioboard Account you should get one immediately.  Why, you asked? Because it is sooo much easier than photoshop and does the same thing, but is also a social media platform.   Once you create on Olioboard you are also connected to social media sharing.  So what does Oliboard do?   2d and 3d mood boards can be created , shared and shopped on Olioboard.  

Olioboard currently has 43 e-commerce partners.  Did you know that you too can become an online affiliate with Olioboard if you currently have an online shop for only $250.00 per month?  Think of the exposure your business would get!


Here is an example

 of a board I created on Olioboard:

Or you can also create a 2d mood board like the one below:

What I Have Learned About Life and Work...

I started working on a post for today, which was really going to be good, but you will have to wait for it.  What I realized is that it could wait!   This has been a killer week for me.  On Monday, I was one of the judges for the National Interior Design Society competition, which I must say had some really awesome entries.

I have A Secret.....

If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen this picture last week?  If you aren't following me and want to know what I'm up to start following for more clues...,  I promise it will be fun!  Would love to have you join us for the ride.  Yes, us, I have a partner in crime that many of you know and love.  We might even award a little prize for the person who can guess what we are up to first?  If you don't have a vine account yet, get one today!!!  I'm totally addicted!! Best 6 sec. videos online!!!  Totally fun!  There will be clues on vine today as well, but you will have to follow me to see

Might even drop a few clues on pinterest & facebook!!!!

....let's get this party started!!!!

Kuddos Heather Harkovich and Southern Living Homes

I am so proud of my friend, Heather Blue Harkovich of for the beautifully designed new Southern Living House she completed in Lago Vista, Texas.  I remember when Heather first talked about the project and here it is in all of it's glory! 
The neutral palette with soft blues and greens accents is so soft and soothing.  The attention to detail is incredible!  Who wouldn't love to take a shower and gaze up at a tile ceiling that looks like giant flowers, like the one in the guest bath?  Speaking of the baths, the master looks like the bath I dream about in my dreams.  Wow! 

 The house was built by Silverton Custom Homes and Henley Homes, who have been named "The Southern Living Builders of the Year."  Heather was chosen as the designer for the project which is an honor in itself.  She is so talented and so nice. Not only did Heather and her husband, Scott complete this project but they also renovated a building and moved their business Heather Scott Home & Design to a new location which has won Best New Home Accent Store!

You may have seen Heather on TLC Four Houses this past summer.  A group of us had a twitter party in her honor during the show.  She was the design darling on the show, which was only fitting since she is such a sweetheart
 in real life! 

  For more pictures and details about this dreamy house click here! The house will be on tour until the 24th.  If you live in the area be sure to attend the design seminars on Saturday, February 23, by Heather and our friend Denise McGaha will be holding  beginning at 11:00 a.m.  The physical address of the house is 904 Watercliff Drive Lago Vista, Texas.

  Congratulations to Heather and Scott for a job well done!

What Are You Blog Secrets?

I'm speaking on Thursday in High Point at the Baker Showroom for the Unity In Design Event on how to Blog your business, so I ask you my readers, who are also bloggers, what are your tips?  Give me something to share with my audience.  Do you find that your blog brings you business?  What tips do you use to drive traffic to your blog?  What Social Media tools work best to promote your brand?  Do you practice content marketing?  Do you keep an editorial calendar?  Come on give me the scoop?  Inquiring minds wanna know!!!!!!

Ever have those times when your brain freezes and you really can't think of anything to say? I know I have.

That's when I have a nice walk outdoors, exercise or head to the trade showroom to browse around.

Here are two blog posts that I thought were really great.  One by Lynne Knowlton from Design the Life You Want to Live called, "How to Blog, How to Love and How to Slay a Dragon" and the other from VMac & Cheese called "Blog Tip of the Day", both have some great food for thought. 

I'll share my notes with you once I give my talk on Thursday.

Wish me luck.  I'm fighting a terrible head cold and all I want to do is curl up in my bed and go to sleep! 

Nate Berkus for Target on Olioboard!!!!

I have curated some of my favorite Nate Berkus for Target items on Olioboard!  Have you seen the collection?  Well, you can say that Nate has once again knocked the ball out of the park on this collection!  I think the accessories are phenomenal!  Speaking of phenomenal, you know how much I love Olioboard!  I use it all the time for my projects!  If you aren't using it, you are missing the boat!  

Unity In Design

(That's my friend, Amy Vermillion above, I think this was when we heard Candice Olson and Ann Maine speak during last market)

I am speaking on Feb. 21st in the Baker Showroom in High Point during the Winter series for The Unity In Design Event about Olioboard and other great tools to grow your design business with online social media tools, I hope you will be joining me?  In the meanwhile, go to Olioboard and see Nate's new collection and play with various combos, bet you'll be ordering something for your own home!  It's pretty incredible!!!  I love the selections of boxes, trays, baskets,rugs and I admit I'm kinda gaga for the turtle shells for $40!!!  

It's a totally great designer look at a great price!

Check my public Olioboards Here!

 (When working with clients, I make my boards private, did you know that Olioboard give you the option to make your boards public or private?)

If you don't currently use Olioboard,  watch the tutorial below to learn how easy it is to curate your own room!

Are You Attending Design Blog Conference? Do You Want to???

To My Design Blogger Friends,

I am attending this year’s Design Bloggers Conference, taking place at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City Hotel in Los Angeles, CA from March 3-5. I thought you'd be interested in attending this exciting event created exclusively for design bloggers. 

As an attendee, event management has enabled me to extend to you a special offer to attend the Design Bloggers Conference at a $50 discount if you register by February 23rd! To receive your discount, you must use this special registration link and enter the Special Promotion Code DB304. This is the only way to take advantage of this special $50 in savings.Learn more about the Design Bloggers Conference and the all-star speaker line-up and agenda. Speakers include Newell Turner, Barbara Barry, Windsor Smith, Charlotte Moss, and a host of experts on blogging and social media.  

There are only a limited number of hotel rooms so please book early and don't miss out on the event of the year. I hope to see you in LA! 

P.S. Please note that in order to receive your discount, you must use this special registration link and enter the Special Promotion Code DB304 This is the only way to take advantage of this special $50 in savings.

One Room Challenge

Last year I had the pleasure of participating in "The One Room Challenge" I must say, it was so fun to do!  Linda from My Crafty Home Life does such a great job putting it together.  She is amazing!  This round's group of participates is stellar too!  If you aren't familiar with this event.  You can read about it here! Make sure to click on all the links below to follow the group this time!  So fun to see what creative people do! 

Can't wait to see what my friend Jennifer from Pink Pagoda does with her breakfast room:

All the projects look amazing!  

Just discovered my friend and fellow Mastermind
with Tobi designer Kathleen of Pacific Family Homes is participating in this challenge as well!!!  Make sure to check out what she is doing with this little girls rooms....

Arizona

Here's the list of the current participates:

Chattafabulous 

Chinoiserie Chic 

Classic Casual Home 

the Cottage Mix 

Cottage & Vine 

Design Indulgence 

Design Manifest 

Everything LEB 

Hodge Podge 

Kim Macumber Interiors 

Little Black Door

Matters of Style 

Nicole Scott Designs 

Pacific Family Homes 

Pawleys Island Posh 

the Peak of Tres Chic 

the Pink Pagoda 

Powell Brower Home 

Simple Details 

P.S.  Did you hear the news...My dear friend Traci Zeller is designing her own line of fabrics! I have had a sneak peek and they are fab!!!! You are going to die when you seen them!!!!  Traci and I have some exciting news we will be sharing soon about a joint venture we are involved in.

Lots of exciting things happening at

Lisa Mende Design!!! Can't wait to share!!!



P.S.S. Have you downloaded the new app "Vine"
I am having so much fun on it!  If you haven't, you must!
Make sure to follow me if you do at Lisa Mende

Go Mighty...

Photo courtesy of Go Mighty Website


About every 19 seconds, a family loses a child to a water-bourne illness. Here’s more about charity: water’s mission:

At AltSummit I learned about Go Mighty and immediately knew it was something I wanted to get involved with.  

As it says on their website Go Mighty is "for people who want to connect and collaborate to do something good for themselves and for others.  To learn more about 

Go Mighty visit their website here .  

Their concept is quite simple.  They list it as three steps:

1. Create : Make a list of your life goals

2. Connect : Find people locally and 

globally to help you with your goals

3. Share: Share your stories and invite

 brands to support you.

Interest in joining me to "Go Mighty" yourself?

 Go Mighty 101!  

  Go Mighty is my invitation only! Request to join here.

Once you join, use the 10 step tutorial to build your Life List. Go Do It!  You will be glad you did!

How awesome is it that someone wants us to be happy, conquer our life list and help others?  I'm in, are you?

(all photos courtesy of Go Mighty)

Seven ways to Find Your Own Voice

Credit

In January, I started a new series called "Living Authentically" I had good intentions of walking you through the process, but life happened. Client projects, travel, sickness and other things I can't wait to share, got in the way.  In the mean while, I had posts that had to be written about things that needed discussing at that moment like  The Unity In Design Event in High Point this month.  I also felt compelled to shared a bit about my trip to AltSummit, Design Camp with Lori and Kelli and Mastermind with Tobi.

Design Camp in Atlanta, Georgia with Lori Dennis and Kelli Ellis

Meeting Barry Dixon with my friends Kelly and Joann

  I have been lucky to have so many great events and meet so many wonderful people, but I must say, I'm a little ready for things to slow down a bit and regain my focus on my work.  Unfortunately, there are more things on the horizon which are exciting, but will keep me really busy until the end of May.  I will share as soon as I can.  

I can tell you that High Point Market just named who will be on the panel with me as the new Style Spotters for the April Market!  Congrats to Stacey Bewkes, Grant K. Gibson, Raina Kattleson, Kelly Kole, Erin Loechner, Marisa Marcantonio,Marilyn G. Russell, and Michelle Wiebe. 

To read more about this awesome list of trend predictors Click Here!

I still have plans to share living authentically with you.  If you made a notebook, don't dispair, you will get to complete it evidentually.  I didn't realize when I started that series, the work that needs to be done before you can actually live authentically in your home.  

You must first live authentically in your own skin. 

Karen Walrond - Courtesy of Karen Walron/Chookooloonks

 I had a great class at Alt taught by the amazing Karen Walrond, who authors Chookooloonks blog.  (Chookooloonks means sweetheart in Trinadad) Karen is a former engineer and attorney, now photographer, journalist, speaker and blogger.  Her inner beauty is evident with each sentence she speaks.  Listening to her describe her life compelled me to delve deeper into finding my own voice.  Karen wrote a book called "The Beauty of Different" which calls us to embrace our differences and realize the things that set us apart or make us different, may be the very things that give us a special beauty and uniqueness to others.  She says there may be a super power there we aren't embracing because of negative self talk, due to society's measuring stick.  Karen challenged us to find our own voice. Here were her top seven ways to find your own voice:

1) Stop Comparing - When we compare we discount.  When you "compare your insides to other's outsides" it is an unfair comparsion. 

2) Practice Seeing - Look around you, the way you see your life is exactly how it is.  Do you find beauty in the little things?

3) Journal, Read, Collect awesome things - Karen shared her journal with us and it had cards, notes, and all sorts of things that were special to her. 

4) Name what lights you up, what turns you on?

Karen's is Speak, Write, Shoot.  What is yours?  

She said to write down things you love, then write action verbs as to why you love those things. For instance, I love to cook, then answer.. Why do I love to cook?  answer: Because it is a way I can show my family I love them, I love sharing food with others, I enjoy the process of cooking, etc.

5) Travel - Even if it is a day trip, get in your car, and go to a different place.  Notice how the place you go is different from where you are daily.  

6) Make life happen!  Don't just sit around waiting for things to happen, as Nike says "Just Do It".  What do you want?  You don't get a yes unless you ask!

7) Create your own story!  There is no one in the world that has the same story as you!  What is your story?  What can you offer the world?  What can people learn from you?

 I learned a lot at Alt and came away full of inspiration, but also a little paralyzed, because I felt that I had so much work to do to be where I want it to be.  When I look over my notes, Karen's advice is a good place to start.  I challenge you to use these seven steps and find your voice.  

Unity In Design Event - High Point Market

Calling All Designers and Industry Partners !!!!

Have You Signed Up to Attend the Winter Unity In Design Event being sponsored by

February 20- 21st

The Events are Free, but Registration is Required

Make sure to Register Here!

Check out the Complete Agenda Here!

I have been asked to speak on  "How to Blog Your Business" Ways to Use Social Media" To Promote Your Business.  Join me in The Baker Showroom on Feb. 21, 2013 at 2:00 to discuss this important topic!

I am also sending out a plea to all

 Designers and Industry partners!!!! 

Won't You Please Consider Participating in the Silent Auction being held in conjunction with the event, which will benefit  a worthy cause?  The Sandbox , a Charlotte charity, which supports children with cancer will receive all proceeds from the auction. Donations for the auction are currently being accepted.  The Who's Who in the Design Community are contributing.  This is an opportunity to bring recognition for your design business in the design community and show everyone your design business has heart!

  Please consider donating a dinner size plate representing your design aesthetic.  The plate can be custom designed or purchased. If you don't care to participate in the plate auction,  monetary donation are also accepted, both types of donations are tax deductible.  If Interested please email  Lmende@gmail.com or Ron Bristow of Capel Rugs at rbristow@capel.net for details!

I'm trying to decide which plate best represents

Lisa Mende Design!  Will it be Vintage, new, or custom?

I'll show you soon!!  There have been some really spectacular ones coming in!!!!

Hope to See You At The Winter Event on 

Feb. 20 -21st in High Point!  

    

2010 High Point Design Center • P.O. Box 175 • High Point, NC 27261
 • info@highpointdesigncenter.com

Connect with High Point Design Center on twitter @HPDesignCenter
Connect with Lisa Mende Design @DesignLHM

Home from AltSummit & Design Camp & Now Off To Mastermind!

I feel so incredibly far behind on sharing all the amazing events I have had the opportunity to attend over the past couple of weeks from AltSummit to Design Camp, but I will definitely circle back and share the "don't miss details" before long!  All this travel has left me a bit under the weather, so I haven't felt much like blogging, but I did want to share a little about my fabulous experience at Design Camp in Atlanta with Lori Dennis and Kelli Ellis, rubbing elbows with celebrity "design rockstars" and soaking up industry secrets in the many seminars taught by the best in the industry!  Design camp was held in the beautiful Fox Theatre in Atlanta which was a treat in itself!

Opening night we were welcomed to Atlanta with a cocktail party at the beautiful Subzero showroom.  I was kicking myself the next day for not taking pictures of the actual showroom.  It was breathtaking! So many innovative designs. However, I was a little distracted by Barry Dixon!  Isn't he the cat's pajamas?  Such a southern gentleman and so engaging.  I have always admired his work, but now that I have met the man, heard him share his approach to design, my respect for him is ten fold.  I can't wait to write more about Barry and his approach to design, because it completely resonates with my "authentic" design philosophy.  

Here we are with Barry on opening night. Barry, moi and two of my dear designer friends from Atlanta, Kelly Kole and Joann Kandrac of Kandrac and Kole.  

The next day, camp opened with Bill Indursky of V and M (Vintage and Modern).  He was a "colorful speaker" to say the least!  Kidding aside, he talked about emerging trends and what we could expect.  He also talked about how trends develop.  I think I can speak for the group when I say we all learned a great deal from Bill.  Check out his website! 
Lots of eye candy there!  He warmed up the crowd and got us so excited about what's to come!!!

Bill was only one of a fabulous group of speakers Lori and Kelli scheduled for camp.  Here are some of the others we were so lucky to learn from! On the left is photographer,Gerardo Jaconelli, Kelli, Jason from Japiur Rugs, Lori, Kimberley Seldon, Katy Garrett and Ronda Carmen from All The Best Blog, who has a new book coming out this Spring!  (Not sure what Gerardo talked about, I think we were all mesmerized by his handsome looks and "wee bit" of a cute personality!)

We also had the good fortune of hearing sage advice from Susanna Salk!  Her book "Be Your Own Decorator" is one of my favorites for inspiration.   I also adore her Children's Room book.  She shared such good tips such as "dont' over style your room for photo shoots".  She said editors are "over" the trays with lemons and glasses of juice! ( of course I just did all that in one of my shoots, dang it! It will be good for a laugh and an eye roll I'm sure!)  Oh well! 

Here Clinton Smith who currently serves as the editorial director of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles magazine and Leslie Newsom Rascoe, helped launch Veranda magazine with her mom, Lisa Newsom in 1987, listening attentively while Susanna spoke.  We later heard from both Clinton and Leslie who also shared insightful tips for designers wanting to get their work published from an editor's perspective.    

 Here is a picture from Design Camp with Kelli,Lori and 

 all the designers who went to camp with Lisa Mende Design!

Joann Kandrac, Kelli, Linda Holt, Deb Basnett, me, Kelly Kole, Liz Carroll, Lori and Tam Stone! To say we had fun is an understatement!  Thank you Kelli and Lori!

I must say another highlight of my Design Camp experience was meeting Lisa Newsom founder of Veranda Magazine and her daughter Leslie Newsom Rascoe.  Lisa was so open about sharing her pearls of wisdom from years of experience.  It was a true pleasure spending time talking with her.  Leslie was equally as engaging.  It is a always wonderful to see a family working together who support one another and especially inspiring to see a family business where the women are at the hem.   

 Speaking of Women in business, I can't believe I didn't get my picture made with Danielle Rollins, author of Soiree!  I think it was because I felt as though I was chatting with one of my girlfriends and it didn't seem right to ask for a photo. She was a lovely as her book!  Run, don't walk to buy this book!  I haven't been able to put it down since I arrived home.  I promise it will make you want to have a party asap! Danielle shares all of her secrets to throwing an unforgettable party.  Many of the events featured in her book were held at her beautiful home Boxwood in Atlanta.  More on Danielle later!   Buy the book and we will discuss it later! I promise!

You can purchase it here! 

Miles Redd decorated her lovely home and the book opens with a dinner party she threw in his NYC bathroom, yes, I said "bathroom", you must read the book to understand the reasoning behind the venue!  It's quite fabulous!  I say anyone who can talk Miles Redd into having a dinner party in his bathroom is my kind of party girl!  Of course, I think this pair may have met their match as far as entertaining with panache goes, both has such a flair for the unexpected.  Buy the book, you won't be disappointed.

 Our last panel of the day was with Christi Holcombe, Atlanta native and HGTV star, my friend Shay Geyer from Good Morning Dallas and Lori and Kelli.  They talked about being on tv and how it is not as glamourous as everyone thinks.  Sure seems glamourous doesn't it?  Oh well, another bubble bursted!  What..."no make up artist"?  

The biggest surprise of the day was compliments of Hansgrohe USA National Sales Training Manager, Jason McNeely!  We had an Oprah moment when Jason announced Hansgrohe was giving every camper  a FREE Hansgrohe  E 120 Hand shower!! Yipee!!!!

  

Not only did I receive a new shower head, but I also won a new Axor Citterio semi-pro kitchen faucet!  How lucky can a girl be?  Thank You Hansgrohe and Jason!  I love Hansgrohe's new designer lines.  If you haven't looked at Hansgrohe lately make sure you go to their website and feast your eyes!  Their products are not only made well they are beautifully designed.  Hours of research on what consumers need and want goes into each product!

I won the kitchen faucet by tweeting design ideas with Hansgrohe's new Axor Bouroullec line which offers step by step planning for your own personal lavatory!  See the killer sink below! Hansgrohe offers options not only of various handles designs but also placement options to suit your personal needs. Quite genius! 

Here is another possible option! 

Always the student...what's a Design Camp without books?  Here are some of the must have books from camp...

Green Interior Design by Lori Dennis, Rooms for Children & Be Your Own Decorator by Susanna Salk, Barry Dixon Inspirations by Barry Dixon, Soiree by Danielle Rollins, The Houses of Veranda by Lisa Newsom.  These are all must haves for your interior design library!

All in all Design Camp was everything I had hoped it would be and much, much more!  I highly recommend you attend when it comes to a city near you! 
Thank You Lori and Kelli for a fabulous experience!  You were so kind to allow me to participate in such an awe inspiring camp!!! I look forward to seeing you again in High Point for a Mini Camp during High Point Market in April!!!

Now I must fly off to Mastermind with Tobi Fairley in Little Rock, Arkansas!  I am excited to meet up with my Mastermind Group and learn more!!!!  I've missed my Mastermind peeps! If you are interested in learning more about Mastermind or Design Camp please feel free to email me anytime at Lmende@gmail.com