"What you have in your home creates your story. I want you to surround yourself with what you love - to be able to express yourself and live in comfort."

- Julie Ann

It's summer, and I hope you are enjoying the best of what this season has to offer - at home or wherever you're traveling to.

Florida Sunset

In early June I had a relaxing, joyful time in Tampa, FL. I saw some neat sites, and everywhere I go, I'm on the lookout for unique art, as you know. This trip I was introduced to a glass artist, Duncan McClellan, who does beautiful work. He has a cool studio there, and also represents artists internationally. I had the chance to interview him - watch for more on that soon.

I'm excited about my newest piece of art! (Pictured above - by Kay Hofler, an artist featured in our Virtual Art Gallery.) What do you think? It's a piece that has meaning to me, with symbolism that I love.

Do you find time for your own creative pursuits in the summer? I'm going to work on my oil paintings, currently one called "Sedona Skies", then one of a sunset from a photo I took in Laguna Beach.

Speaking of Laguna, check out how the laundry room turned out below! It's much more functional.

Also, there's a Before & After story of an apartment - my client's new, downsized home has a refreshing, coastal style.

Glass art by Duncan McClellan

Finally, don't miss this issue's featured Virtual Art Gallery artist, Cynthia Starkweather-Nelson. Her refreshing art depicting water the deep woods might be just what you need to cool off this summer.

How is your space feeling? Whether it's your home, office or commercial space, we're here to help make it support you.

Warmest Regards,

Julie Ann

Interested in the glass artwork Duncan has for sale? Contact me

BEFORE & AFTER

Downsized Coastal Style

The Apartment - BEFORE

Although the living space and lifestyle of this new apartment fit our client's needs, the furniture and décor in it did not. She had recently downsized, and the furniture she brought with her was not working - the space just didn't feel right. She longed for the refreshing, light feeling of coastal style.

See How It Turned Out

Click here to see design highlights in the "After" photos. We helped her create a fresh design for the space with new furniture and accessories, along with some of her own. She can now relax and enjoy her surroundings.

See the After photos and read the full story

"Julie Ann was extremely helpful. She and her team were easy to work with, respectful of my tastes and have excellent follow up. I would not hesitate to recommend them."

- Mary L.

BEFORE & AFTER

Laguna Beach Laundry

Laundry Area - BEFORE

While the laundry area in this Laguna Beach condo wasn't terrible before, it did lack functionality, and the design didn't coordinate with the changes we've made in the rest of the space.

See How It Turned Out

Click here to see design highlights in the "After" photos. After redesigning it, the laundry area feels much better - it's a lighter and more pleasant place to get things done.

See the After photos and read the full story

VIRTUAL ART GALLERY

Featured Artist: Cynthia Starkweather-Nelson

"Cascade Hike 1"
by Cynthia Starkweather-Nelson

Cynthia Starkweather-Nelson's paintings are part of a practice of "intentional viewing", working to discover what in the subject demands attention, and finding the means to convey that beauty in layers of form, color and light.

Her works explore the intricacies of natural forms she studies in local environments. Structures are examined in intimate detail. Every painting reveals something more about the environment and about the artist.

Cynthia uses acrylic glazing, fluid and heavy body media, graphite, and pastels to create her paintings, drawings, and prints on paper or canvas. She maintains studios in WI, MN and AZ.

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

To purchase one of Cynthia's pieces, or see more of her work, contact me

"Art brings a higher quality of life to any living environment. At times it can clarify reality or bring an opportunity for meditation and reflection. Art causes the viewer to stop and consider the flourish of activity in the making of a painting that is communicated if the viewer is willing to take the time to absorb."

- Cynthia Starkweather-Nelson

CONGRATULATIONS, METRO INTERIORS!

2015 "Best Interior Design" Winner

We were honored and excited to be voted "Best Interior Design", winning Sun Newspapers Readers' Choice award in two Twin Cities Metro cities, Bloomington and Eagan!

Read about it here:

Bloomington Issue:
http://issuu.com/acnpapers/docs/633-bloomington

Eagan Issue:
http://issuu.com/acnpapers/docs/627-eagan

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.

Click link below to view:

Summer 2015 Issue of Exploring TOSCA