Nashville Flood

The Grand Ol Opry 

Source

Nashville residents have been putting their lives back together the best they can, despite the devastation from last weekend's floods. Here in the South we are known for our sense of community, and we are not called the volunteer state for no reason. Everyone has been helping one another out, lending a helping hand, donating supplies, and helping each other dig out of the desolation and ruin. What most people don't know is that most folks did not have flood insurance because they were not in flood planes. Many have lost EVERYTHING they own, including heirlooms, priceless, irreplaceable possessions, and everyday necessities like appliances and a bed! (think about that for a moment. If you walked out your front door right now, with just the clothes on your back and nothing else, what would you be leaving behind...)

Source

Source

Believe it or not, we have received little news about this unprecedented event. Why? Because here in the South we are quietly helping one another out in the face of anguish, shock and absolute heartache. Due to our kind nature, and our do anything to help attitude, everyone is doing everything they can to help out the other. We are not looting, ransacking, or shooting one another. Because we are behaving like KIND adults, and giving as much as we possibly can, QUIETLY, the American Red Cross is receiving very little response, and many organizations have received few calls. FEMA has responded and encourages people to sign up (make sure you have been declined from your own insurance) for relief. Governor Bredesen has spoken with President Obama who signed a disaster declaration for the state on Tuesday, sending federal aid to Tennessee to help supplement the state and local recovery efforts. While Governor Bredesen wouldn't put a precise dollar amount on a damage assessment, he admitted, "it's a lot of money, it's a lot of money. I'd be astonished if not a billion dollars." The Governor is pleased with the response from the White House and FEMA, however, this disaster has been overshadowed due to the oil spill in LA, the times square bombing attempt, and Yeardley Love's death in Virginia. While all of these incidents are very important issues, so is the unparalleled 13" of rainfall this city received. It is reported that this event will not occur for another 500 years. Is that not news? 

Source

I would like to thank ABC nightly news with Diane Sawyer, and Good Morning America for finally doing a piece on this heartbreaking event, and letting the rest of the country know what has happened.

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/nashville-hit-hard-floods-10556421


We are still excepting DONATIONS here at the store, and we encourage you to contact
the American Red Cross, Second Harvest Food bank or Hands on Nashville.You can also 
go to this website to see local business' that are excepting donations, and offering 
additional services to aid in the relief efforts.
For up to the minute info:

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Nashville Flood of 2010

If you have any supplies that you would like to drop off to AB HOME we will be volunteering our services Saturday in River Plantation located in Bellevue. People are in need of water, cleaning supplies, food, and clothing. We will be combining our efforts with Fifty Forward Knowles and appreciate any and all help offered!

http://www.nashvilleredcross.org/index.asp?IDCapitulo=78T3Z2WSK0

Dowtown. The water register is at 62 feet

As I'm sure most of you have heard, Nashville had an unprecedented amount of rainfall over the weekend, resulting in 13.8" of rain and mass flooding. Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee were slammed on Saturday and Sunday, with record amounts of water, causing many deaths, and officials are likely to find an increasing death toll as the waters finally begin to recede today.

I-24 freeway in Antioch TN 

Cool Springs Mall in Franklin TN on Saturday

The Cumberland river, one of the states most iconic rivers, swollen beyond capacity, broke through and breached it's banks on Monday causing severe flooding in an already flooded downtown. Many creeks and reserves also swollen from the rainfall, caused severe flash flooding throughout Nashville's suburbs, leaving many people displaced from their homes. Mill creek just off of I-24, breached it's banks after only a few hours of rainfall, flooding I-24. Cars were swallowed with water, and Diesel trucks stalled as the waters reached the tops of their doors.( I-24 and bell road http://www.wsmv.com/video/23380386/)  Storm drains bloated with raging waters, expanded and filled so quickly that creeks, streams and rivers quickly overflowed into parking lots, streets and major freeways. Thousands of homeowners are without electricity and many without homes, are in need of help, and need to find lost pets. If you would like to participate in the relief effort, click here. You can also go to The American Red Cross of Middle TN to offer additional help.

                          

Downtown Nashville photo by Flickr

Flickr

                              

Fieldstone farms subdivision in Franklin TN

Downtown Nashville, photo by Flickr

AB HOME Interiors will be offering it's offices as a drop off center for any donations of food, water, clothing, or pet items to be donated to the American Red Cross. We can be reached at 615-750-2763 or by email at info@abhomeinteriors.com.

Senior Show, Franklin TN

This Friday the O'more college of design will be showcasing it's annual Senior Design show. This show is so much fun to go to and see all the budding designers and raw talent. This show, sponsored by The Factory at Franklin, displays color boards, prints, models and many more creative applications to show off their stuff.

O'more College

The college was founded in 1970 by Eloise Pitts O'More. She patterned the school after Le College Feminin in Paris, France, where Pitts studied in the late 1920s, and was aimed at women, who were traditionally not involved in the design fields. O'More began the college with nine students in her home. Since Pitts death in 2002, the college has passed into the hands of Dr. Mark Hilliard. He continues to "fan the flame" of creativity. It was originally founded as O'More School of Interior Architecture and Design and is located in the historic district of Franklin. It is a non-traditional, accredited college awarding the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design, Fashion Design & Merchandising, and Visual Communications which includes Graphic Design, Advertising & Animation. It has an enrollment of about 200 students each year, and the grounds and school are amazing.

 O'more College grounds

O'more logo

This event will be held at The Factory in Franklin, (which is an old stove factory converted into comfortable shopping, and decadent, urban restaurants), on May 7th from 6-9pm. 

The Factory At Franklin

The Factory at Franklin

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Wine on Tyne event-Interior designer Amanda Burdge

1002 Tyne Blvd.

On Wednesday night I had the honor and the privilege to attend the wine on tyne event, in Nashville's exclusive Green Hills neighborhood. The home, located at 1002 Tyne Blvd. is reportedly on the market for $4.5 million, through Michael Sohr and associates. You can go here to see the listing. I'm not entirely certain why the event was held, other than show it off, and find a potential buyer. The event brought together some of Nashville's finest builders, real estate agents, and interior designers, for food, wine and and little mingling. And maybe even a little gossip about who the owners were, why they are selling, and of course all the infinite, and fabulous details the home expressed in every corner. Here are a few of the amazing photos:

Dining room

Master Bathroom

Casita/guest house

Guest bath

Four car garage

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Lets do lunch

I will be the first to admit that I am no Martha Stewart. Far from it. But when it comes to entertaining, my motto is simpler is better. When preparing for a lunch, or any party, the most important advice I can give is this, be prepared.  For example, if the engagement is outdoors, make sure you have sunscreen, bug spray, and even bug-bite ointment handy. Keep these items in a decorative basket in the powder room so that guests can access them easily. (If you tell them you have these items, they may be polite and turn you down.) Keep your guests comfortable, and forgo the fussiness. Give them the ability to access it on their own, in the privacy of the bathroom, now you have achieved comfort!

BHG

As I say all the time, mix things up. Mix grandma's china with flea market finds. This adds casualness, and keeps your guests from getting fidgety. Find a color palette that is appropriate for the time of year, and the purpose of the lunch. Spring is a great inspiration for luncheons. The trees are blooming, along with all those beautiful flowers, and they create an unimaginable backdrop of art. Coordinate your linens and dishes with this back drop and keep it simple. If you are unsure of what to choose, white and cream are fail proof.

Use simple containers from around the house for flowers. Quick tip: Use fruit as an easy arrangement. Zest a few lemons or oranges and place them with toothpicks in a small vase with floral foam to hold them in place. They provide great color, and smell wonderful. Place candle holders or lanterns on the table to create atmosphere. Make sure your candles are unscented, and remember to trim the wicks before you light them so they burn cleanly.

                                       

Southern Accents

Make sure the table is pleasing. Keep things simple, but delightful for your guests. If you are entertaining more than six people, make sure staple items are accessible such as salt, bread, water, and butter. I generally have two of each, or one on each end of the table. 

Create a dessert buffet table that displays your sugary sweets like a trophy.  This table can be overly decorated and be prepared as eye candy for your guests. Offer guests glasses for water or wine, and additional plates so they can enjoy these extras at their own pace at the end of the meal.  

                  

Southern accents

Your food needs to taste good, but make sure it has the made-at-home charm. Use beautiful or unique serving dishes, and make sure the items don't look too perfect. If it looks complicated or too ornate your guests will hate to dive into it. (Remember forgo the fussiness)

                               

          Frank Stitt

Last but not least, choose a menu that is appropriate but easy for you to manage. The food has to compliment the table and vice versus. Create a menu that can be made ahead of time, so that when guests arrive, you're out of the kitchen and enjoying their company.

Diva Event Saturday April 24th!!

Our DIVA Event is tomorrow!!  Cathi (the DIVA), Marabeth, and myself are looking forward to meeting every one of you.  We will have refreshments and light hors d'oeuvres and plenty of great product to spruce up your home for spring. And don't forget, if it's a DIVA pick, it is 35% off!

I would also like to thank stylebluprint.com for featuring me on Wednesday and writing a fabulous article about design, living in Nashville and how it compares to my previous address, Las Vegas!

Have questions? Need design help? Contact us!

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Amanda Burdge, nashville Interior designer on Guest Rooms

A retreat for your guests creates a welcoming atmosphere for overnight and weekend stays. Ask yourself, what made your last getaway memorable? A bed and breakfast, with quaint charm and quaint amenities, or a fabulous high end hotel with luxurious linens? Not everyone has space for guests, but even though your space may do double duty with an office or other room you can make your guest space into an inviting and cozy space that they won't soon forget.

Troy Beasley

Welcoming your guests with a well decorated and appointed room is the ultimate in hospitality. Offer your guests paramount comforts like luxurious soaps, towels and opulent linens that they wouldn't normally allow themselves. Ofer bathrobes, toothbrushes, and other toiletries that add that special touch.

American Luxury  &  Bella Vita

Kenneth Brown

Often when a guest stays in your home they don't always feel comfortable, right away. They don't want to put you out, and it isn't their own home. Define your guests needs before they arrive. Choose small amenities specific to them to make them feel at home. Before you get started decorating your guest room think about what you would want, and plan accordingly.

Choose a bed that fits the space and the needs of the guests you will most often see. (like parents) Generally a queen sized bed is safe to go with but if you have the room, go with a king. If your guests frequently travel with children provide a crib, twin beds, or a roll away. This will supplement their needs in a snap and make them feel extra special.

HGTV

Offer pillows in both synthetic and down fills. (some people are allergic to down so be prepared) Dress the bed in great linens, and offer your guests a myriad of reading material, for bedtime enjoyment.

Found San Francisco

Make sure your guests have some space in a closet or dresser to store clothes and misc product. Another special treat, add wood hangers and offer a bag for dry cleaning or dirty clothes. Offer a basket of toiletries with shampoos, lotions, cotton balls, q-tips and hand wipes. Offer a luggage rack as a thoughtful gesture to ease your guests unpacking chores, and it can double as a wonderful tea tray.

HGTV

Offer cozy quilts that can be used in the evening and double as a daytime throw while reading that book that you have offered.

And always give guests privacy. We all "live" a different way and have different idiosyncrasies. Provide your guests with black out blinds, or draperies and if possible provide a guest room separate from the main living area.

HGTV

Finally, add a comfy chair or bench in the room to give guests added comfort for reading, relaxing or to simply sit and throw on some shoes.

Gregory Augustine

Have questions? Need design help? Contact us!

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Diva event, April 24th!

We have been running around the studio like mad chickens for a couple of weeks now, preparing for our DIVA event, happening next Saturday. What exactly IS a DIVA event, you ask? Well one of our favorite local celebrities, Cathi Aycock, who writes a column (conveniently called The Shopping DIVA) will be gracing us with her presence April 24th, for our first ever DIVA event!

Cathi has selected 10 of her favorite things from our studio,(shown below, I mean really, isn't it gorgeous?!) and they will be everyone's favorite four-letter word; ON SALE!! The item's shown in the ad above, which are currently running in the paper, and online, are a few of the items on sale. Below you will find a sneak peek of the studio, that we have so diligently been manicuring for the past 24 hours! Hope you like!

AB Home Interiors Studio

                        

Original Alexander Calder, circa 1970

AB HOME Interiors Studio

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Amanda Burdge on An appreciation for Art

I think Karen Carrol said it best when she said, " I can not think of any element that pulls the total look of an interior together, more than art"; and I have to agree with her. My love affair with art started when I was young, but I grew to have a deeper appreciation for it when I started doing interior design.

Jamie Drake

All elements in an interior are essential. Each and every item plays a cohesive role in pulling it all together. (if only there was an ingredient like this for our daily lives!) Nevertheless, art brings the character, the flavor and the wow factor to a room. It is the one thing that draws you in, and forces you to pause.

AB Home Designs

Thankfully, museum-quality masterpieces are not required to add character to your blank, naked walls. Art can come from anywhere like a flea market, Goodwill, a local gallery or the starving artist next door. I have never been an art snob. I cannot tell you about a particular paint style, or genre, I can not even tell you why one piece is $100 versus $5000. What I do know is this, I know what I love, and I know how it makes me feel. This is genuine appreciation, admiration and understanding for artistic vision, in my opinion.

Troy Beasley
Just like interior design, art comes in many forms. Furniture, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, pottery, and many other items can be considered art. Creativity is something to be celebrated, and enjoyed. Art is just that, a celebration of creativity! Art possesses you, captivates you, and cultivates your emotion and curiosity. Whether you are a connoisseur or an amateur, it is all about how it makes you feel. Like this brooch below, well this thing just makes me dizzy!

Gabrielle Kiss 

Luna Moth Brooch

with diamonds

My medium of choice is typically paint on canvas. Just like the artists themselves, art comes in all shapes and sizes. Here, are a few of my favorites that I have met along the way:

Carlton Nell

#139

Erik Otto

rebirth

Joshua Petker

#24

Amanda Stone Talley

Saints Superbowl

Tommy Thompson

Painted Trail

Karena Albert

Grandeur 

Clint Metcalf
Organica red

Growing up I had a wonderful mama who encouraged and fertilized my creativity. She challenged me to be better, because she would frame EVERYTHING I so lovingly put my heart into. In fact, she has a framed picture in her bedroom that I drew, and colored when I was five. She also has a large poster board of my venture into geometric forms; of which she also had professionally framed. Giddy with excitement that I had THE MOST adoring fan, I strived to get my hands on every thing I could to turn it into my vision (and of course get it framed and on the wall. Gotta keep those fans happy!)  Amazingly, her home to this day still houses every artistic carcass I made.  Its like walking through a cemetery of good and bad choices. But she is still my BIGGEST fan!

Two of my first introductions into the art world were Southwest artists, Bill Rabbit, and Bev Doolittle. My parents have several Rabbits in their home, and these purchases made it obvious to me that the value of art is not in the price itself, but the emotion it evoked and the experience it brought into the home.  By no means are my parents wealthy. But, to spend three thousand dollars on a painting (20 years ago, I might add) meant nothing in comparison to the meaning of the art itself. The emotion, the feeling it evokes.

Bill Rabbit

Just forme

My parents do not own any Doolittle's. We simply admired her from afar. But her works are that of a true genius. Her pieces are thought provoking, and they draw you in. Every piece has two meanings in one. If you look closely you will always find a surprise. (see below, are those rocks? Or are they buffalo?) 

Bev Doolittle

Calling the Buffalo

 When you have a home that reflects who you are, and it envelops you in the things you love, it will take you to a higher place, it will make you better every day, in every way. A recent article in LonNy featuring Laura Day on her own home, she comments, "Artwork should GRAB you, It should reel you in..." And one of my favorite quotes by Leyden Lewis, "I'm hysterical about art!! I would officially be considered addicted to art, IT IS MY PASSION..!"

Terry Slaughter, from Gallery Terrence Denley, believes that creativity and beautiful design can only improve the human condition. I cannot agree more with this statement. The next time you find yourself in the mix of redesigning, or designing a space, don't forget the art!

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