Well, my friend, we have made it to the end of 2020. What a year, right? When I look at the big picture, it feels like a year of contradictions. We’ve had high highs, low lows, endless uncertainty, and yes, even fear at times. But I’ve also seen a level of teamwork, commitment, and compassion that supersedes anything I’ve seen up to this point. And that is a beautiful thing.
I feel so fortunate to have been able to watch and help lead our team in these times, and I have to say… the result has been life-changing for our clients and for us. There’s nothing quite like pursuing your passion and helping others (from working with clients to sharing inspiration here on our blog) to make our days impactful and rewarding.
So, thank YOU for being part of our community. I hope you have personally gotten something meaningful and helpful from us this year.
Before we move forward in the New Year, let’s take a look back at what made this year special, significant, and of course, vibrant. Below, I’ll be sharing…
- Our Most Loved Interior Design Projects
- Our Most Popular Blog Posts
- Biggest Hits on Social Media
- A big surprise for you!
Most Loved Interior Design Projects
The following projects saw a lot of love on our website and in local magazines!
The Ocean Meadow Project
Aptly named for the meadow bordering this ocean view Narragansett home, the Ocean Meadow project features an open concept living area, a kitchen with double islands, and a stunning dining nook with built-in banquette.
Designed for easy, unparalleled entertaining, this project was also featured in Rhode Island Monthly magazine! You can see more of this project here.
The Taggart Project
Having recently moved from Boston to East Greenwich, our clients hired Blakely to redesign their home to better fit their family. They imagined it being airy and coastal with touches of color. They also wanted each room to feel unique and different while still being cohesive overall. The result was a full-scale construction project, a crisp yet lively design, and all new furnishings.
From the family room to the kitchen, home office to the bedrooms, our clients’ home is relaxing, interesting, vibrant, and totally functional for a family with two young children. You can see more of this project here.
The Mallard Project
This waterfront vacation home located in South Kingstown, RI needed brightness, color, and spaces that could accommodate two or a larger crowd. We made sure to highlight the views and used natural elements and color to create a Vibrant Coastal look. A mix of furniture and built-in seating make these spaces comfortable, functional, and beautiful.
The living spaces and bedrooms are equally stunning… come take a look here!
Most Popular Blog Posts
The following blog posts weren’t all published this year, but they certainly received the most attention in 2020!
1. How Much Does a Designer Really Cost?
A lot of mystery tends to surround interior design fees, so I thought I would offer some clarity on the topic. We gave you a look at how many designers charge for their time, including how we charge at Blakely and what you’re really investing in. You can read the blog post here.
2. How to Develop an Interior Design Budget
The surest sign of a successful interior design project is how well you budget for it. This means getting clear about your goals and project scope, then using that information to allocate your investment in the most strategic places. This blog post is a great starting point for anyone considering an interior design project in 2021.
3. How to Spot Quality Furniture that will Last
When it comes to furniture, you can’t always be sure that price reflects quality. There are several features to look for and consider when on the hunt for furniture that will actually stand the test of time in your home. This blog post will help you make smart decisions for your next big-ticket item.
4. What Does an Interior Design Timeline Look Like?
Any designer will tell you that most people (thanks to reality TV) have misconceptions around the length of time a renovation and/or design project requires. This blog post offers some ballpark estimates for typically projects based on scope. You can easily jot these down based on your project, then calculate backward to discover your ideal start date!
5. How to Mix Colors & Patterns in Your Space
I love, love, love that more people are embracing color in their homes, and the popularity of this post supports that! Working with color does take some practice and skill. Whether you’re considering a full-home project in 2021 or simply want to add pops of vibrant color yourself, this blog post will help you do it well!
Most Popular on Social Media
The following posts were our most liked, commented, and shared on Instagram.
1. Sneak Peeks of the Jersey Palm Project
Our grandest and most vibrant project yet, our design of this sprawling home in Mantoloking, New Jersey got some major love on social media…
If you’ve been following us for a while, you might remember seeing the installation last December and snippets from our photoshoot in September. They say design is in the details, and it’s 100% true for this project!
2. Features in HGTV Magazine
We received not one, but TWO, features in HGTV magazine in 2020! As our first national debut, our team was ecstatic to see our very own work in the glossy pages we’ve been skimming for years.
May 2020 Issue
July 2020 Issue
Perhaps even more heartwarming — the love we received from followers like YOU when we shared this achievement on social media. Thank you.
3. Award for Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
Back in October, we shared that the Rhode Island Small Business Association awarded us the accolade of Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year! It wasn’t that long ago that I left a career in corporate marketing to start Blakely. To see where our team is now, the impact we’re making on our clients’ and community’s lives — every difficult step of this journey has been worth it.
4. The Blakely Design Studio Expansion
Behind the scenes peeks at the Blakely Studio expansion were some of our most-loved posts on Instagram Stories this year. We showed you the before and after photos, our extensive new design library, and our socially distanced team toasting to success! In case you missed it, be sure to watch the videos capturing our progress on Instagram Highlights, and read our blog post to see all the before, during and after photos.
5. The New & Vibrant Blakely Van!
It made me laugh when I saw that photos of the new Blakely van were one of our top posts on Facebook this year. You know you’re doing big things when you get to drive to projects all over the east coast in style ;).
A Surprise for You!
The Jersey Palm Project Reveal
It’s FINALLY here! Sneak peeks of this project have been the most-loved on social, and the full reveal is about to become the star of our portfolio. Our team did a fabulous job on this 7 bedroom, 10 bathroom summer home in Mantoloking, NJ, and I am so excited for you to see it for yourself. Come take a look!
That’s it for 2020. It’s been busy, right? Honestly, sometimes I get lost in the day-to-day work (don’t we all?), but when I look at it from this vantage point, it really is incredible what our team has accomplished… and in the midst of restrictions, delays, and social distancing. I have to credit my team for being so incredible. Thank you, ladies!!
And last but certainly not least, YOU. Whether you’re a client, a new reader, or a loyal member of our community, it has been our honor and privilege to serve you this year. Whatever 2021 brings, I hope you know that we will be here and doing all that we can to inspire your most vibrant living at home and out in the world. See you next year!
Xoxo,
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