Mood:
celebratoryTopic: Writing
The February issue of House & Home Magazine came out this week featuring my story—photo and all—on the cover, "Suite Spaces: The Best Bedroom Suites Offer Calming Hues and Lush Textiles Mixes."
I know I've expressed my dream of being a magazine writer, and there have been times I've dreamt of having my writing published in a prestigious magazine. But I don't think I've ever even dreamt of having anything take the cover. My reaction—a quiet "yessssssssssss!" with a few fist pumps—surprised even me; I didn't know I cared that much.
Truth is, sometimes I find myself writing so much I lose sight of my goals. Do I want to be a famous writer? No, but I do want to make enough money to write from home and raise a family one day.
Having a cover of House & Home Magazine won't make me famous. It won't pay a month's rent and it won't find an agent for me. It will, however, find a spot in my portfolio that will make its way to a future employer. It will also be snug in a frame for all my apartment to see.
The story in February's issue, like all stories I write for House & Home, was a challenge. I'm not a designer, I'm not an architect, but I am trying and learning. This story is part two of my four-part series, this one concentrating on bedroom suites, particularly guest bedrooms with coordinating bathrooms.
Honestly, the day I have multiple guest suites in my home...that's when I know I've made it. These guest bedrooms and bathrooms were more beautiful than my master bedroom and bathroom (ahem, my only bedroom and bathroom). The story details 12 bedrooms and bathrooms, naming the materials and techniques used.
One of the suites was inspired by a Eurpoean hotel room, so there was tufted fabric on the walls, dramatic drapes, and pillars in the arched doorways. The entire suite was the bedroom, a sitting room, bathroom, and a spiral staircase that lead to a personal gym and kitchenette. Must. Be. Nice!
Another home had two guest suites (this was the picture featured on the cover). It was a New Orleans-style home with several set of French doors that lead to small balconies. The entire home was decorated with Louis XVI furniture—very dark wood with intricate carvings. The fabrics in the bedrooms were either silk or antique, and all the drapes were custom made. It reminds me of the White House, especially with the great crystal chandeliers hanging from plastered medallions.
I've already completed part three of my series, which concentrates on kitchens—indoor and outdoor. Kitchens, as you may assume, hold a special place in my heart since I love to bake and cook, so the stories on kitchens are always fun. I love picking out features from all the kitchens I see and building a dream kitchen in my mind—built-in banquette, hanging copper lanterns, pot-filler faucet, pullout spice racks, large island, full wet bar...
I haven't decided exactly what to do to celebrate my cover success. Dinner? Wine? A great book? Honestly, my celebration will probably be a cinnamon soy latte, so I can write my next assignment.
