I just returned back from a wonderful few days with my Design Blogger friends in Atlanta.

It was a fun filled few days with amazing speakers as you see above.

I so enjoyed getting to see Cheryl Luckett from Dwell by Cheryl. She has the same passion for Design as I do. She loves to renew, restore and revamp old treasures and enjoys the hunt of a good find. Follow her blog, it is full of amazing transformations.

Watch this quick video to give you a quick glimpse into the fun we had!

Of course the highlight for me was meeting Candice Olson. She is my Design Idol! I absolutely love her design style. She is brilliant, incredibly kind and fun. Of course they took the picture while I was telling her I wore high heels just for her!

Here are my top 25 takeaways from the event:

Even the best of the best have struggles in this business.
Being an overcomer is key
If you fall, get up and try again
Find where you shine in this industry and stick with that
Comparison is a bad word, everyone has a different walk
Be where you are planted and do that well
There is insane talent in the Design industry
Don't let fear steal your joy
Videos are key in our market right now
You don't have to be like everyone else, stand out.
There are lots of tools out there for us to use that make our job easier
Take time to rest or you will burn out in this business
It takes years to build your brand. Stick to it, be consistent and it will pay off
It hurts when you grow, get help and don't feel guilty
Build a good team that represents you well
Social Media is a must but choose the one you like best and be good at that one
Trust your gut, don't be shortsighted
Just say yes!
Collaborate with a fellow designer
Find your tribe and do this together
Show a piece of your personal side
Give your readers topics they want
Listen to your readers needs
Have rich content on your blog
Show before and after pictures, they are incredibly effective

THE INSPIRATION HOUSE

I've been reading through my "Atlanta Homes" Magazine and found this amazing Tour of Homes that is taking place in Atlanta that I so wish I could be a part of.

This question is what caught my eye:

"Do you need some new ideas on how to use inherited antiques?"

You know I love to incorporate a mix of styles in my designs and this Tour of Homes would be so inspiring.

Ten talented interior designers were each invited to adopt a room at

The Inspiration House of the Cathedral of St. Philip. Designers were

asked to show visitors a fresh approach to including antiques in today’s homes. Some approached the task from a layered, classically

traditional viewpoint, others took a pared-down sleekly modern

approach, while still others skillfully blended elements of old and new.

If you answer ‘yes’ to any or all of these questions, be sure to visit The Inspiration House at the Cathedral Antiques Show.

Do you need some new ideas on how to use inherited antiques?

Are you trying to make your home more “green” by re-using or

re-purposing antique or vintage furniture? Or are you just a lover

of antiques, period?

YES, YES, YES

Visit this link for more details.

The 40th Annual

Cathedral Antiques Show

& Tour of Homes

Tour of Homes – January 30 – 31, 2011

Antiques Show – February 2 – 5, 2011

The roster of designers includes: Laura Green Thome (foyer and second-floor landing), Rick Anthony Bonner (keeping room), Marcia Sherrill and Alison Goldwater-Arkin (dining room), Robert Spiotta and James Deadwyler (library), Darcy Harris (bedroom/sitting room), and Terri Vawter and Terry Brown (bedroom).

Antiques add so much style to a home. They don't have to make a home stuffy. Incorporating old and new items is what makes a house feel like a home, collected over time with history and a story to tell.