Allow me to introduce Amy Kos...



Soy candles with hemp wicks in recycled wine bottles, from a.k. accessories, llc.

 Along with smearing paint and spreading mud on my client's walls and furnishings, I also do interior design consultation. This means I help clients understand the style of their architecture, help them identify the defining characteristics of their own style, and pry just enough to unearth their secret preferences, all so they can make decorating decisions on their own, with confidence. For the people who come directly to me, usually on the recommendation of their friends, this is often enough. However, some of my projects come through professional interior designers, or clients who are working with a designer to do serious design overhaul on a home.

This photo was shot before the window treatments arrived, but the wine bottle chandelier was part of the fun new look, along with a reclaimed barn wood table, and a wooden toy barn, saved since childhood by one of the homeowners.  I was asked to paint the wall to look as though we had paneled it in rusty barn metal. 

This dining room wall, soon to be featured in Southwest Metro Magazine, was one of those projects.  I met interior designer Amy Kos (click here:  amykosinteriors.com) on this job, and really loved how she brought a contemporary country vibe to a pretty typical Midwestern country style home.  The clients had some special pieces, like a wooden toy barn, which she incorporated into the new decorating scheme.  You won't get any "Dahling, it's got to go" fancy-schmancy designer attitude from Amy.

Her personal style is a warm contemporary look that's decidedly more sleek than mine, but she has a great eye for combining contemporary and traditional, and can tweak this in a very hip boho way that would appeal to a lot of my trendier clients.  Designers become known for their signature style, but of course, like any really good designer, Amy will set her personal style aside, and help you bring out the very best of your own.

  And she just so happens to have just debuted a new line of  drapes, pillows and candles!

At her launch party, Amy Kos demonstrated the sheer overlays for her unique drapery system that allow you to change patterns as often as you like, without buying all new drapes.

 These are available through in-home parties, here in the Twin Cities Metro area, where Amy presents the line and answers questions.  The prices are in the same range as Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware, but unlike shopping there, with Amy you get unique fabrics and design, and a real designer to take the overwhelm factor out of coordinating it all.  And while you're waiting for your custom drapes and pillows to arrive, you can enjoy the soft custom fragrances of the wine bottle candles she sells, too. 

Pillow inserts with eco-friendly fill can be popped into custom covers in a variety of fabric and trim choices, and the selection changes seasonally.

This guest was in love with this pillow.  Really in love with this pillow.  She was still hugging it when I left!

Check out her website, amykosinteriors.com, and ask about booking a party.  If you need more than what I offer in specialty paint and basic design advice, consider having Amy handle your interior design projects.  She's a consummate pro, with a down-to-earth philosophy, and a genuinely warm heart.  I know you'll love working with her!  I can't wait for our next project together.

When I'm not scoping out what other designers are up to, I do a pretty good job of putting paint on your walls.  Check out my portfolio at theartofthehome.com.

Feel free to email me with questions at dawnmariedelara@gmail.com.