We completed our lakehouse in 2010. It is a gorgeous place! The perfect location, the perfect point on the lake with the Sun rising in one window and setting in another...truly breathtaking. It was a dream project! French limestone and dark, hand-scraped hardwood floors, beautiful Bianca Antica granite countertops...dreamy! Check out the pics on Houzz in our portfolio!

Then we bought the house next door to serve as the Guest House. Wow! What a project this is going to be! My hubby wants to keep the cost low as we may tear it down in a few years and rebuild. So, Home Depot is my budget and it's going to be a lot of fun trying to stay true to that type of budget. No custom cabinets, no french limestone, no hand-scraped hardwoods. Here we go...

LOL, quite the "fixer-upper" isnt she? I have my work cut out for me that's for sure!

This is the existing kitchen. Definately taking out the ceiling and moving some windows. Existing wood floor stops at the kitchen. :( Was hoping we could have hardwoods throughout. 

The Living room which is also connected to the Kitchen and the Dining room. At least I have hardwood to work with here! Yay!

She really needs some TLC :) Off to Home Depot and probably Lowes too! More pics later of my finds and progress!

Happy Decorating!

Kim

A few photos to lose yourself in...

Notice how the rooms have been transitioned from heavy to a much lighter feel.

Notice any similarities?

Morning Friends,

I have given you plenty of time to think about transitioning your home(a little more time than I planned but, that's life for you). So how's it going? Have you been thinking about how you might like to transition your home into a lighter more updated style? Have you perused magazines? Shopped in Kim Hoegger HOME lately for a look at the new merchandise?

Have you thought about what it is about this new lighter look that intriques you most? Have you always wanted a white linen sofa or maybe white walls? Maybe it's the blue gray hues that intrique you or is it the aquamarine? Have you always wanted to use burlap for your curtains or bed skirt? Maybe you find Vintage Style charming. Maybe the nonchalance of the style draws you in. And just maybe you have been dreaming of owning something with a little chipped paint or a weathered and rusty patina.

For me, it's all of the above and more. I love Vintage Style. I love a weathered and rusty patina. I love that Vintage Style is classic and elegant yet tattered and torn.  It's the mix of new and old, it's the blending of new furniture styles and family heirloom pieces. For me, there are so many reasons to love Vintage Style.

So why do you love Vintage Style? That's the first question you must ask yourself. Dig deep and try to put your finger on what it is about this style that makes you want your home to look this way. Then let's get started...

Vintage Style has no boundaries. It can be really rustic or refined. It's a personal thing. What draws you in?

Stay tuned for more this week on Transitioning :) Need help with your home? Call me for a Design Consult. Now scheduling for March and April. Call this week to schedule a Design Consult and receive a "FREE" Royal Standard pillow!

Happy Decorating,

Kim

Hello Friends,

I would love to share with you a few photos of Kim Hoegger HOME taken recently by Abby Hoeffner. Abby and I have been friends since the days of The French Pear and we have always loved working together on photo shoots inside the store and have so much fun!

I love how they turned out and think they reflect the style and feel of Kim Hoegger HOME perfectly. I hope you enjoy them today. Take a few minutes away from the hustle bustle and dream alittle. Allow the photos to take you away and be inspired. And if you desire a little assistance in creating your dream home, give me a call. Help is just a phone call away :)

Full Service Interior Design Services available including client consultation, space planning, renderings, material and finish selections, reupholstery, slipcovers and much more. Give the store a call today to make an appointment with Kim. Book a design consult today and receive a free pillow of your choice from our new collection from The Royal Standard. Offer available to the first five appointments. Appointment must be scheduled before March 1. Pillows are on display at the store.

I am in love with this orange door! And I must say, the green planters too! What a fabulous combination of color, so inviting. I can only imagine what is behind this lovely door. Let's go inside...

I feel sure that behind this door is an absolutely divine entry hall. I see black and white tile floors and an eclectic mix of modern and traditional furnishings.

A pair of chairs like this...

And this chest...

LOVING this mirror and thinking I would sit it atop the fabulously rich chest above and just lean it against the wall...definately! Now all we need is a bouquet of flowers!

I think the flower arrangement would be much larger but you get the idea! Gorgeous color! So much fun!

Design Services available through Kim Hoegger HOME. 

Everyone has a Wing chair, right? Or at least, someone in your family has a Wing chair, possibly your Mother or your Grandmother. The Wing chair is a classic piece in American furniture. It's been around forever and most everyone knows what you're talking about when you refer to a Wing chair. It's that classic and it's not going anywhere because it's really a great chair!! Take a look at some new styles of the old classic from F. Schumacher. Very refreshing and "Oh so comfy". Available through our Design Services at Kim Hoegger HOME.

Wilshire Wing

Weston Wing

Kent Wing

And my personal favorite, The Madison Wing

Wing chairs are a great addition to any room these days, even at a dining table but be sure to check the seat height with the table height! Small versions, like the Weston, can be used in a bathroom.; perfect for putting on your shoes every morning or just relaxing for a few minutes while the bath water runs :) Along with great Wing chairs, F.Schumacher offers a wide variety of fabrics in so many beautiful patterns and colors. I am happy to assit you in finding the perfect one for your new Wing or if you are lucky enough to have inherited your Grandmother's Wing, we can find a modern fabric for that too! Check out www.fschumacher.com

Feeling creative today. Pulled together a few selections in fun fruity shades of Tangerine and Apricot. Tangerine is the HOT Pantone Color for 2012! I am imagining a sunny kitchen, modern cottage attitude, maybe near the ocean or the lake? Let me know what you think!

Let's start the fun with a wallpaper from Thibaut in a happy leaf & stem pattern in Tangerine!

Waterbury Trail in Orange on Cream by Thibaut, bright and cheery but elegant and refined all at the same time.

New Lana Chandelier in Apricot from Currey & Co. Fabulous!!! So unusual in Apricot!

Merevale Chair Currey & Co. Love the deep brown!

These Aquamarine vases from ZGallerie could be fun!!

A few choices in pillows to get a personal look - Geo Pillow in Aquamarine from ZGallerie providing a classic touch.

This Ombre Pillow in Marine from ZGallerie is really off the wall but kind of fun!

Bringing the Ocean in?

Or possibly this one?

Soft ripples resembling the ocean waves. Cool. 

Wow, I think I love it! So much fun and what a wonderfully, cheerful room with just enough elegance to make you feel really special.

Wishing I was in that sunny little modern kitchen looking out the window at the ocean...

Good Morning friends,

Hope this post finds all of you rested and doing well after a wonderful weekend. And if your weekend was crazy busy with soccer games and birthday parties, maybe this post will give you some much needed time away from your busy world.

While reading other blogs and mulling through ten thousands emails last night, I ran across some fabulous new wallpapers from Thibaut and wanted to share them with you. Wallpaper is one of my favorite things! I have been in love with it since I can remember and it's all because of my Grandmother's living room. It was covered in the most gorgeous dark green wallpaper with pink and white cabbage roses. Absolutely gorgeous! Breathtaking really...I still dream about that wallpaper and fondly remember the days in her big white house. My Grandmother's taste was impeccable and each room was elegantly decorated. Hide and seek in her house was so much fun! I miss that house, and I miss her dearly.

Thibaut does an amazing job putting together beatiful collections of papers. Take a look at some of their newest patterns. I hope you will love them as much as I do!

Have a wonderful day! If you are interested in Design Services for February and March give me a call as I am booking now and have a few openings left. For those of you reading my blog, here's an extra special treat just for you :) Book a design appointment today and receive your first consultation FREE! A $300 value!!! 

Congratulations Pat! You are the winner of the Tocca Candle! Come by the store and pick up your wonderful candle anytime. So happy for you, hope you enjoy it! Thank you for your comment!

Thanks to Mary and Glenda too for your comments. I enjoyed them all and thank you all for contributing to my blog. Comments are a girls best friend, or was that diamonds?

Lots of new goodies coming soon in the store, some have already arrived :) Furniture, lamps, jewelry, scarves, apparel etc. etc. etc. The next few weeks will be like Christmas all over again! Happy Shopping!

After my last post regarding Transitioning, I had several of you come in to the store or email stating your confusion. Some of you felt like you needed to get rid of red and gold altogether. Some said they thought they understood that red was out. NOT AT ALL! 

My objective is to teach you how to make your red, gold, purple(whatever the case may be) work in creating a lighter, cleaner palette. Like I said before, no need to throw everything out. We just need to rework it and give it a fresh look.

So glad to hear that some of you picked up the magazines I recommended. That's a great place to start. Thumb through them and see what peaks your interest. See what color makes you smile. Which one makes you sigh because it says comfy? Which one turns your stomach(it happens) and which one makes you antsy(you dont want that)? Color can make us feel many emotions so it's important to pay attention to how a color makes you feel. Trust your instinct. Go with what feels right and makes you happy. 

Along that line, stay true to yourself when decorating. If you like brights, stay with brights. Brights can work with a lighter palette too. Veranda February 2012 has many good examples of how brights can be used in a light, fresh, even contempory design scheme. Don't be afraid of color. But also, dont be afraid of what it cost to ask for help. Hiring a designer can save you thousands of dollars in costly mistakes. 

Hope that clears up some things for you. Let me know your thoughts. Leave your comments on the Blog and be entered into a drawing for a FREE Tocca Candle. $60 value! Winner will be chosen on Monday! Have a great weekend!

Warmly, 

Kim

Tomorrow's the day!!! Biggest Sale of the Year at Kim Hoegger HOME!!! Doors open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. Arrive early, I feel certain there will be a line forming to get to the greatest goods first!

Remember, everything is on sale at 50% off, Christmas will be 75% off, except for the trees which have been at 30% off and will be at a new 50% off. Very few items in the store will not be on sale, mainly brand new items that have arrived in the past week or so.(We have to have something to sell after the sale! LOL)

Anyway, looking forward to seeing all of you. Please bring your patience with you as the line at the door and the cash register might be long. Anyone being "Ugly" goes to the end of the line says Angie and I stand behind her on that one. LOL

Donuts and Coffee for everyone! Come early!

See you tomorrow!

Warmly,

Kim

Since opening the store a year ago October, the one comment I hear most often from my customers is "I could LIVE in here." To hear you say that Kim Hoegger HOME is a place that feels like HOME, and is a style that you could LIVE in, is by far the greatest compliment one could ever hope to receive. Thank you all so much!!! I am truly blessed with the most wonderful customers in the world! 

In thinking about the style of Kim Hoegger HOME, I want to ensure that each of my customers feels that it is something that they can attain in their own homes. Decorating can be overwhelming. Let's face it, it can be downright scarey! The money, the time, the costly mistakes, right? It can be daunting. I want to make it easier for you. I want to assist you in creating the home of your dreams.

If you are like me, you jumped on the French Country band wagon 8-10 years ago and filled your home with traditional french country furniture, fabrics and accessories...even a rooster or two! Sunflowers, lavendar and artichokes. Some of you even went as far as to paint your walls a beautiful French red or sunkissed gold right? 

Now, ten years later, we look around and things have really changed. Walls are no longer red and gold, furniture isnt heavily carved and very few roosters can be found. Things have lightened up alot and in more ways than one! Modern American Country, Swedish and Gustavian styles has taken over...so what do we do, where do we start? What is this surgence of white and burlap and gray? And how does it work with what we have? How do we mesh the styles? How do we make what we have work with this new, fresh simplicity? And what the heck is Gustavian style anyway? I know what you are thinking, LOL.

My goal in 2012 is to guide you in that transition. To give you the confidence to lighten things up, to embrace the style of Kim Hoegger HOME without throwing out everything you own; there is no need for that! So stayed tuned and start thinking about your home and the places you might like to make some changes. Look through decor magazines like Veranda, Country Home, House Beautiful and Traditional Home and gather ideas. Come by the store in the next few weeks to see the transformation and all the new exciting things that will be arriving!

If you desire personal assistance, call the store to schedule a design consultation. I am booking now for February and March. I just sent out an email yesterday with a coupon for 20% off design consultations. If you would like to receive our emails let me know.

Thanks again for being such wonderful customers! Looking forward to 2012!

Warmly,

Kim

I LOVE this photo of my daughter. I think it exemplifies the affirmation of  JOY; living life to it's fullest with open arms and a smile on our face. Jumping into opportunity with Faith and leaving fear on the dock. 

Looking ahead into 2012, I am thankful for yet another year to embrace opportunities for growth and happiness. I am affirming JOY and looking forward to it's sweet rewards.

I am excited about new directions and challenges that lay ahead of me with my store this year. So many changes and exciting transformations I can hardly wait to share them with you!

This coming Saturday will mark the start of new things to come in Kim Hoegger HOME. I can't tell you about what's going on this coming Saturday until Wednesday(so be sure to check out Facebook on Wednesday!) and it's really hard keeping a secret! Just put us on your errand list for Saturday, TRUST ME, you WANT to be at the store on Saturday!!! And you probably need to be there before 10am to get a parking place and be first in line! Just sayin!!!

Next week is the Dallas Gift Market and that is going to be so much fun! Can't wait to dive in to all the new things at Market and bring them back to you! 

NEW to Kim Hoegger HOME this year with be a granduer focus on DESIGN. Watch our windows in the following weeks for exciting new product and services! I am so excited!

Anyway, speaking of work, better get to it! AFFIRM JOY today, seek it and expect it. JOY belongs to you, EMBRACE IT!

If you love the idea of using fresh greenery to decorate your home or office during the Holidays, take a peek at Williams - Sonoma. They are offering some wonderful pieces this year!

www.williams-sonoma.com Check it out!

A few of my favorite gift items from Beaucoup Designs available from Kim Hoegger HOME...

Aimez Birthday Cuffs - Pewter and Sterling Silver Cuffs embellished with a flower representing each month of the year. 

Above and below, beautiful charms of all different kinds. Wear one or start a collection, express yourself! Chains available in a variety of different lengths and designs.

Authentic Pearl and Sterling Monogram Initial Bracelets. Stunningly gorgeous! 

Just a few of my favorite things! Now available at Kim Hoegger HOME.

I have been thinking alot about 2011 and what a wonderful year it has been for the store. So much has changed, so many things have evolved. So many wonderful friends made and so many homes made even more beautiful with our products; how blessed we have been. What an honor for us that each of you has chosen to shop with us. Thank you so much!

In looking ahead to 2012, I am in need of help from you, my friends and wonderful customers. In an effort to better serve you, I would like to know your thoughts about Kim Hoegger HOME and how we might serve you better. Are there products or services that we could add or take away that would make shopping with us easier or more pleasurable? Let us hear from you. Leave a comment and be entered into our drawing for a beautiful Tocca Holiday Candle! A $68 value!

I would love to hear your compliments as well! Those are always nice and greatly appreciated. Thanks again for a wonderful year, looking forward to another one!

Warmly,

Kim

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas...so the song goes. I love that song. This year, White Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning. Take a look! 

While browsing the internet for Christmas inspiration, I ran across the following information regarding the Twelve Days of Christmas. I loved it and wanted to share it with all of you. The history of this silly song is heartwarming and again, one of the ways to bring alittle more Christ into Christmas. 

I have always loved that song for some reason, it's catchy and I love all of the characters! But, honestly never invested to much in it, for I, like the writer who posted the article, had no idea what it had to do with Christmas. Now, I will most definately look at it much differently and will feel more passion and freedom in embracing the idea of the Twelve Days of Christmas. I am excited now to find that perfect collection of the Twelve Days of Christmas. What will it be, ornaments, plates, artwork? I will delight in search now that I feel the connection to the song. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Merry Christmas!

Twelve Days of Christmas

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens,
swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won’t come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? This week, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit–Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit–Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

Enjoy your holiday season! I am excited this year for having an opportunity to see more Christ in Christmas, I have been missing him. 

Merry Christmas to you and yours,

Warmly,

Kim

Did you know or have you forgotten like I had, that the meaning behind the Christmas tree is Hope, and that the raising of a tree symbolizes Jesus, the King of Kings. "The days are coming", declares the Lord, "when I will raise up to David a righteous branch, a King who will reign wisely adn do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Irasel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be call: The Lord Our Righteousness." Jeremiah 23: 5-6

I love remembering that my beautiful Christmas tree is not just a beautiful Christmas decoratation but a symbol of Hope through my Faith in Jesus Christ, the Hope of the world and the King of Kings. 

Did you know or have you forgotten like I had, that the lights on the tree are meant to symbolize Jesus, the Light of the World? "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in the darkness." John 12:46. How comforting to remember that promise when I face the daunting task of sorting through the plastic tub of tangled light strands. Remembering our gift of Jesus Christ as the Light of the World, will make the task more peaceful from now on.  And now, each time I turn on the lights, along with the beautiful decorations I will see Jesus in Christmas.

Did you know or have you forgotten like I had, that the decorations and ornaments upon the tree symbolize gifts to Jesus? I love that symbolism. 

And did you know or have you forgotten like I had, that the wreath, a continuous circle, is a symbol of eternity because there is no beginning and no end.

I was blessed to bring home so much from the church services yesterday. And I am so thankful for the message of Seeing Christ in Christmas. Hope this brightens your Holidays like it has mine and I hope that seeing Christ in Christmas will bring you much needed Peace. God Bless You All. 

Warmly,

Kim

Like most of you creative souls, I long for a space to REALLY work. A place where my creative projects dont have to be moved for the family to eat dinner. A place where I can leave my inspirations strown about and not feel like I am in anyone's way or cluttering up the house. Because let's be honest, creative happenings are messy and take up alot of space as they should. I feel most happy and creative when I can see everything in one place that is inspiring me and that usually means all over the kitchen table and the island. And then...it's time to eat! So frustrating, so disheartening. But, family is my first priority and move the stuff I must. 

After many, many years of working in this manner, and I am grateful for the space in which to do so, I am longing for a private space where my creative inspirations may lay untouched as long as they need to; a space where I can create a floral arrangement if I so desire, or maybe even paint a chest.

My precious hubby has graciously offered a part of his workshop to accomodate my design studio. I immediately accepted the offer before he changed his mind; knowing there would need to be a discussion regarding the accomodations as I am not really inclined to work amongst the dog hair and dust that he finds comforting. I will need walls and heat and a/c and white paint, not wood grain. His shop is truly a man cave with tools and saw benches and grease and dog hair. He LOVES every inch of that place and I am grateful that he has a space to call his own. I also know what a sacrifice it is for him to offer space to me which may never look the same. What a sweetie :)

I mentioned putting up a few walls and adding heat and air, he was ok with that and more than happy to accomodate. When I mentioned painting the wood grain cabinets white, adding crown and base moulding and replacing the striped carpet squares, the hair on the back of his neck stood straight up. He got alittle defensive. He didnt understand why a purple and green striped floor tile and visible wall insulation wasnt appealing. We have since worked through our differences on the finishes and he can relate to my desire for sheetrock and needing a different material on the floor for the sake of clean up. ;) Painted concrete or VCT tiles are much easier to keep clean(and much more asthetically pleasing). I am not sure how hanging a chandelier will go over, wish me luck, I am going to need it.