The Value Perspective

Today I stopped and began thinking of defining moments in my life.

Has this ever happened to you?  Sometimes when everything is quiet and I actually get some time alone, I am taken back to moments that have shaped who I am now...

Like many families, when I was growing up there wasn't a lot of extra resources. 

There were 7 of us, but that didn't stop my mother's creativity.

I have memories of her reupholstering & refinishing furniture, making art, and painting.

I trailed along, and watched her enjoy trips to thrift stores and flea markets. 

When she brought things home she enlisted my help in rearranging furniture.  It amazed me how many different ways she could reconfigure a room. Every time she brought something home, no matter what it was, the room was rearranged to celebrate its arrival.

All those years of watching her, she created a beautiful home without a huge budget.

She taught me that you really create a "home" environment out of love and imagination.  

Growing up the way I did has allowed me to always think outside the box and be inventive.

I can't tell you how many times I have resorted to the things my mother has done.

She saw value in the things at the time I could not.  What was once discarded became part of the design of our home.

Not only did that help me in decorating spaces but also in how I see value in other people.  Each person can add something different and significant to the world.

 (My Mom and Dad)

Now I teach my children.  They help me rearrange.. I get their input.. We get creative together.

The seed is planted again.

The Miracle

This past weekend was Easter but it was also my daughter's birthday!

I started thinking about her and the miracle she is..

When I was pregnant I knew there was something wrong

You know what I am talking about, Moms?  Our knower just kicks in..this pregnacy was different than my first.

I kept my fear inside and didn't share except to God in my prayers.

One day I woke up and told my husband that I think I needed to go to the hospital to get checked.

They ran their tests and were about to send me home when one doctor said to try a different exam.  There was no amniotic fluid and rushed me to have an emergency c-section.

I was so scared

Scared for my little girl

The rest of that night is a blur

bits and pieces in my memory

I saw her several hours later with that little face poking through her swaddle.  Flat face with a small button nose and large dark eyes..

I immediately felt to protect her..

My husband telling someone to pray that the doctors were concerned.

She didn't look like a normal baby but was beautiful

Ear closed up

One leg bowed

Flat faced

No neck

But she was mine!

The doctor kept doing test upon test on her until there was no place else to cut on her little feet.

5 days..

5 days of being told she would never be like her older sister

5 days of being told I needed to face reality

There was something inside that wouldn't let me settle for that.
I prayed.  Her Dad prayed.
We brought her home.

I looked at my little angel.
She was so good.
Slept through the night and was never fussy.
Prayed
and
Prayed

and then
we started to see a miracle

the ear that once was closed opened
the neck that wasn't was
the flat face began to take shape

but those beautiful eyes never went anywhere

I remember taking her to visit my OB/GYN and he cried (literally) saying this couldn't be the baby he delivered.
Then my husband and I took her to the geneticist @ 2yrs of age and she was in shock.  My daughter was writing on a chalkboard and playing games..everything they said she wouldn't be able to do.

Now my sweetheart celebrated her birthday the big 13!  Oh my!  What a privilege it has been being her mother.  Watching this miracle grow into a young woman. 

It's wonderful to look back and see the good that has happened in your life.  She is my reminder that there is 'Nothing that is impossible for God'...even when it looks like there is :)

What are some of your moments? 

Designing Life

I have been thinking about "Design" for the past several months and what that means to me personally and to Modern Earth Design.

I do love creating beautiful spaces and all the layers it takes to make that happen.  It's a passion that I get lost in and won't ever get tired of.

However, I just don't want a great designed home I want a designed life.  Living not on accident or by default but on purpose.  I want my talents and life experiences to enrich the lives of others.

So, my blog is going to take a different turn and I am excited about it!

Yes, I will still be discussing interiors and latest projects but I will also be talking about life and what I am doing in "Designing Life".  Maybe along my journey you will be able to use something for your own.

Welcome to Modern Earth Design

"Designing Life"

www.kellypelley.com

Side Note..There will be changes taking place to the look of the blog over the next couple months

I Did It!

Hi Everyone!
This has been on my mind to do for quite some time and I finally did it.

I am happy to announce my design website www.kellypelley.com

You can get to know me and meet the most important people in my life (my family).  They are truly the wind beneath my wings.  I promise not to break out into song (definitely not my gifting..lol)

Hazel Eyes Photography

Take a peek into some of my favorite projects..

Hazel Eyes Photography

Plus an area where we can connect

Thankful for my friend, Marissa, who is an amazing photographer based out of Charleston, SC.  If you are looking for an artistic photographer to capture moments .. look no further!

Hazel Eyes Photography

Let The Light Shine In

Good Afternoon!

I have an easy small space solution that will instantly make your space feel bigger and it won't cost you a dime.

Simply open your windows and let the natural light come in.

You don't know how many homes I go into and it feels dark and closed in...separated from nature.  I know for myself that my mood is better and have more energy with letting the light in.

Here are some great inspiration spaces for you..

(via)

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Wishing you a bright and happy day!

Celebrating Success

Good Morning!

I am one of those people who get excited seeing others succeed and their dreams coming to pass.  I know that it only comes with hard work and persistence.  I also believe that the harder you work for something the more you value the triumphs along the way.

As most of you know I am a huge fan of Angelo Surmelis.  His story and mine have very similar elements...we both grew up in less than fortunate households and design and creativity was a part of our lives since we can remember.

 

So, Angelo, we celebrate in your success and thanks for being an inspiration.  

Please check out the video for exciting news : )

Inspiration While Shopping

Good Morning!

It's going to be a busy day here...so many meetings.  Looking forward to the slower pace after Christmas though : )

Recently we went to Woodfield Mall and did some Christmas shopping.  Of course, I had to take some pics of some decor that I love : )

I love walking into this store..the detail in the ceiling and the chandelier.  I love the feel of this place and want to use this as inspiration for my bedroom.

 The fireplace...I am addicted to fireplaces.

 I love this painted picture of the model.  I want to do a gallery of my kids in this fashion from floor to ceiling in my basement.

I feel like I went to a tropical place when I am in here.

Love the big fluffy pillows.  Whenever I am walking around the mall I always stop in here to sit and relax.

 Hope you all take a breather in the midst of last minute Christmas shopping.

and for anyone in the area come check out a Heartland Christmas ..
(p.s.  you can see my husband playing the keys in the plaid shirt)

Doors ~ The Gateway To Beauty

Hello Everyone!

I have come to know Lynne Knowlton over the course of this year and may I say what an inspiration she is to me.   She is a strong woman with such a positive outlook on life.  I don't know about you but I love to surround myself with people like that.  She really takes life by the horns and makes life what she wants it to be.  I feel like Lynne is a long lost girlfriend and I know that through her blog she is like that to her followers : )  I am privileged to call her friend.  Be inspired : )

I am an Interior Designer.
Crazy about Travel,
Design
and Blogging in....
DESIGN THE LIFE YOU WANT TO LIVE

As a designer, I see inspiration around me
EVERY SINGLE DAY
I would have my camera surgically attached to my hip, if I could.
I suppose that would result in a few odd looks at the grocery store.
I'm ok with that.  If it meant I could capture a good photo.
 

 I like to LAUGH every single moment possible, of every single day.
I am just like so many of you out there...a Mom, a wife, a lover of life.
Hey, clearly I am also a poet and I didn't even know it.
I am happy to share this blog post with you on
~ DOORS ~
THE GATEWAY TO BEAUTY 

I ADORE~ ADORE ~ADORE travel.
Did I mention that I love to travel ?
Because I believe that when we realize how big and beautiful this world is that we live in....
Our big problems seem small.

 I say this with beauty in my heart.
Our world is full of abundant beauty.
I draw inspiration from it as a Designer.

I started my BLOG...
DESIGN THE LIFE YOU WANT TO LIVE .by Lynne Knowlton.
Yup, that's me.

 So I could share my design inspirations, my crazy life happen~in's, and to share my laughs along the way.
AND BEAUTIFUL THINGS HAVE HAPPENED...

 MANY DOORS HAVE OPENED
Like...
Kelly came into my life.
I was new to TWITTER.
My BLOG was just beginning.
Kelly seemed to find me amongst the clutter.
Many of us have spammers, and grey matter on the Internet, and just STUFF.
Every once in a while, a soul just stands out to you and screams
HELLO
YOU ARE INCREDIBLE.
WE WILL BE FRIENDS.
That is how Kelly and I began.
So here we are today, I am a guest blogger.
Writing for Kelly.  What an incredible pleasure.
She noticed me AMONGST THE MAYHEM and I will be forever grateful for that.

 As I considered my guest blogging ideas....
I thought
I am like a kid in a candy store.
I have so many ideas to share that I could barely decide where to begin.
FREAK OUT !!!
 I mean that in a very exciting, good way !!!!

 One statement always stands out to me in life....
WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES
ANOTHER DOOR OPENS

 We all have difficult moments in life, but let us not forget that when that difficult door closes, one magnificent one may open.
I wholeheartedly believe this.
 I live it.
Like this next photo…
Makes me want to jump in there and have a nap…
Livin’ the dream 

I keep my eyes on the prize.
I keep my heart open to the doors that may open in life.

THE DOORS WE OPEN AND CLOSE EACH DAY,
DECIDE THE LIFE WE LIVE ~ Flora Whittemore

Like life, there are so many beautiful elements to design...
Doors are the beginning of a new space.

 A warm space, an open door, can set a welcoming mood.
A girlzzzzz road trip to Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte was one fantastic place to experience just that.
I travelled with a long time friend, and fellow designer....
Who likes to keep her fame wrapped under her wings...
However, note the gorgeous doors :)

 DOORS are an opening to a new journey.
~ Your first impression to almost any space ~
It means something.
That door you are walking through has deep meaning because it sets the tone for the rest of the space, the mood, and the environment.
Your first impression is essential.
I believe, as a designer, we should pay attention.

Rousillon, France


They don't have to be fancy.
Seriously, I mean that.
Most of the doors in my own home are reclaimed, recycled doors.
Character builders, I like to call them.
Or free.
That is another word that works :)

 I am all about reusing, recycling, vintage hunting, dumpster diving...
Whatever it takes.
Using a door in any creative way possible....
Kudo's to the designers at Truman Handcrafted.
Why didn't I think of that idea ?
It is BRILLIANT.

Photo courtesy of trumanhandcrafted.com

That is way more fun than buying a plastic door in a big box chain store.
Sorry big boxers.
Character should rule.
I threw a kink in the wrench by using a street sign for my door pull.
Sorry folks who live on
EVERGREEN HILL RD
I have no idea where your street sign is.

The doors shown here in our TREEHOUSE were reclaimed doors.
Repurposing doors is a funky thaaang to do.

 I am not delusional. Delirious with door design excitement, but not delusional.
There are some doors and entranceways that are worth a truck load of money...... bazmillions of dollars.
Those are the ones that we find INSPIRATION from.

 May you find beauty and inspiration from all around you.
FOLLOW YOUR BLISS AND THE UNIVERSE WILL OPEN DOORS FOR YOU WHERE THERE WERE ONLY WALLS ~ Joseph Campbell  

Related articles
Design Inspiration Is Everywhere..... (lynneknowlton.com)

Handmade Beautiful

Good Morning!  I am doing great after having some jelly toast and a cup of coffee : )

I think one of the reasons why I do this blog is to not only share my addiction of design with others but to help inspire and share other very talented people with all of you that you might not ever get a chance to know.

My husband and I have known Katie for years and it is so wonderful to see how she is sharing her talent with others now.

Modern Earth Design is honored to feature Kaitlin Byers of Katie Mae Cards.

Design = Passionate People :  Kaitlin Byers (Katie Mae Cards)

Ok, here we go...

 What got me started?

I've been making cards for years, since I was young. I would mainly just draw a picture on some construction paper, fold it in half and then.. Ta da! Its a birthday card! HaHa!  I remember I used to write 'Hallmark' on the back of each card, because I thought Hallmark was the best and I wanted my loved ones to have the best. But then my great aunt Charlotte talked me out of that and helped me come up with 'Katie Mae' and then eventually I started calling my cards 'Katie Mae Cards'. And as I got older my creative ability grew, not only into cards but also gift bags, gift tags, gift boxes, jewerly.. etc.

How do you get your inspiration?

I get inspired by anything and everything, from the beauty of nature around me, a song being played, to just seeing printed paper in the craft store, my mind starts putting paper & colors together along with stickers and stamps. The possibilities are endless, and that inspires me.

What made you go into business for yourself?

A lot of the people I'd give cards too, would ask me if my cards were for sale, and then tell me that I should start selling them and try to sell them in stores too. Then, early in 2010 my sister in law wanted to know if I'd want to start selling handmade items with her at farmers markets. So I did and in September of 2010 I had registered Katie Mae Cards as my business name. Now, not only do I still sell at farmers markets, but i also sell my cards in two stores, one in a very cute gift shop located in Bastrop, Texas called The Sugar Shack. And the other a great dance shop located off of Riverside Blvd, in Loves Park, Illinois called Silhouette. I'm also online at www.katiemaecards.etsy.com and you can find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Mae-Cards. I take many special orders deliver for free in and around Rockford.

What advice would I give others?

Don't give up on your dreams! I love doing what I do, and if I can make a living off of doing what I love, then all the better : )

Thank you, Katie!  I hope you all have a wonderful week !

Can It Be : Living Room Reveal

                           Good Morning!  Isn't it wonderful to get that extra hour of sleep?  That is one of the things I look forward to with the changing of the seasons.

Speaking of looking forward, I am so happy to share with you our living room reveal.  Now I must be honest we are not completely done but what has to be accomplished is minor.

Here is the inspiration for the space..

My daughter found this picture while we were at the mall.  Everything from the color of the walls to the the feel of the room came from this.

 You can check out the process here, here, and here.

Remember this piece?

It came home with me months later after heavy negotiations with the store owner.

The ottoman...

I got for free.  It was about to be thrown out in the trash.

And when not in use fits perfectly underneath the side table.

Walking in from the foyer.

My daughter enjoying a quiet time reading.

There is a lady that we know who makes these beautiful crochet blankets.  She graciously gives them to us.  I own five of them now. 

Magazine ladder .. ladder from a one hundred year old barn.

Floor lamp from a garage sale.

Vase purchased at garage sale for $1

EVENING PICTURES

I still have more to do.  Looking forward to Thanksgiving now : )

Have a great week everyone!