Happy New Year!

My year has started with lots of excitement. Lisa Gambiana and I just returned from Market in Las Vegas. We had an amazing time! Besides design discoveries, a true highlight while there was seeing the Michael Jackson ONE Cirque du Soleil show. It was a magical performance, upbeat and fun, a nice tribute to his life. The hologram of him singing "Man in the Mirror" was incredibly life-like. I highly recommend it.

Read more about our market fun and finds below. This is one occasion where what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas - with more resources and ideas, the latest and best can come to you!

Our Metro Interiors team has been busy already this year, with lots of projects in the works. Apartment building hallways and party rooms are coming together, and we've started what will be a dramatic redesign of a family room. We're painting the woodwork, updating furniture, decluttering, and streamlining to make it a fun, contemporary space. In addition, we're working on an apartment unit for a client who loves traveling - it'll have a joyful, light, Caribbean feel with coastal furniture and colors. After photos coming soon!

Don't miss our latest Before and After below - it's a townhouse with a sweet redesign for newlyweds.

We've featured one of our Virtual Art Gallery artists below, too. Meet Bonnie Cutts.

I'm off to sunny California again in February, for some relaxation time in Laguna Beach. I hope your 2015 is off to a great start! Have you made any plans to change your space? As always, keep in touch with us, and let us know how we can help.

Warmest Regards,

Julie Ann

2015 LAS VEGAS MARKET FINDS

We didn't have much luck playing slots, but lots of luck with new discoveries and connections at the 2015 Las Vegas Market!

In two days, Lisa Gambiana and I scoured all three buildings, 5,000,000 square feet of furniture and home décor exhibitors.

We had a great time - even with all the ground we covered, we still found time to enjoy ourselves, mingling with sales rep's and other designers, and getting VIP treatment!

We're excited to bring our best new and unique interior design finds back to you. We want to share everything, but know that's not possible...

See photos of some of our discoveries below, and for design trends and more, click the link below:

See Highlights

Sculptural Wall Art

Innovative Lighting

Sophisticated Dining

BEFORE & AFTER Townhouse Fresh Start

Julie Ann & Margie at the townhouse, under construction

Before, you can see this townhouse was pretty stark and bare. Because of water damage, it had to be completely redone. After the redesign, it became a functional, youthful space for two newlyweds.

See How It Turned Out

Click here to see design highlights in the "After" photos. Using a mix of existing art and accessories, plus new furniture, lighting and wall décor, we created a sweet space for the couple to start their new life together.

The finished townhouse feels spacious and bright. Personalized, creative touches make it home.

See the After photos and read the full story

It was so nice to work with Julie Ann; she saved me so much time and brainwork. The townhouse really is beautiful now. I am more than pleased. With the colors and style, each room naturally flows to the next, and it feels comfortable and cozy.

- Janis

VIRTUAL ART GALLERY

Featured Artist: Bonnie Cutts

"Busting Out", art by Bonnie Cutts

Bonnie Cutts believes the process of painting is as important as the finished artwork; what is not visible is as important as what is seen. The images are reflections of distinct periods of the creative journey that is her life.

Loaded with rich, emotive colors and visceral surfaces, they are an invitation for the viewer to take a deep look past the exterior-and in a process mirroring self-reflection, meditate on the myriad layers below.

Bonnie has shown her work professionally over the past 30 years, and her work resides in numerous collections around the country.

Read more about Bonnie here, or view her work in the Virtual Art Gallery

"Art is a very important component to a work, living or healing environment. Art can be contemplative, add serenity and beauty, and be intellectually challenging. It may heighten one's awareness and awakens one's sensibilities."

- Bonnie

TWIN CITIES TOSCA

Theatre, Opera, Shakespeare, Culture, Art

Read the latest issue of Exploring TOSCA, the region's only Arts By Category magazine and the most comprehensive directory of arts events in the Twin Cities.

Julie Ann's article "Inside the Blue & White Art Galleries with Israeli Artist Udi Merioz" can be found on page 52.

Click here to read it:

Fall Winter Issue of Exploring TOSCA