feeling proud :)

i'm very proud to have received some great feedback on a fantastic project that I've recently been part of. i was lucky enough to oversee the implementation of an exciting new interiors concept for ikea at their cardiff store. the team have introduced a completely new way of presenting the product, and have taken inspiring the customer to a whole new level!

โ€œthank you for being a part of our living room rebuild, without your eye for design and detail we wouldnโ€™t have achieved the amazing look we have now. your leadership, communication, engagement, passion and the way you interacted with both the Ikea co-workers and external contractors during the project, ensured that it was successful and all deadlines were met.โ€
— derek waite - project manager
โ€œkate from lemonpebble design, is just not a designer, you get the complete package. what a wonderful experience to work with her. highly competent, human & authentic. quick to identify needs of the project and people. thank you for leading us through and out of the dark!!โ€
— mike hawkins - store manager, ikea cardiff

you cant beat natural beauty!

the other week i caught up with friends at the beautiful chatsworth house in derbyshire. the house itself is a real inspiration and every time i visit, i still manage to find something new that i missed the time before?! the gardens and grounds are also spectacular, especially when sotherbys 'beyond limits' sculpture exhibition comes to visit. seeing the modern shapes, lines and materials set against the historic beauty of the estate really is impressive. 

that said, for all the photos i snapped of the sculptures, i took double of the gardens themselves and the natural beauty as autumn descends. the colours were absolutely stunning, and it made me think how the sculptures no matter how beautiful, just couldnt compete with nature at its best :)

Source: http://www.chatsworth.org/attractions-and-...

are you sitting comfortably?!

before my hols last week, i met up with some friends at the the lovely chatsworth estate. that first glimpse of the house as you turn up the drive still takes my breath away, its all very grand and pride and prejudice!

not only are the house and gardens stunning, but they host some really great exhibitions. the latest being โ€˜make yourself comfortableโ€™ which showcases some amazing contemporary chair designs set against the beautiful, traditional backdrop of the house. there are also some specially commissioned pieces that have been designed with the house and its particular rooms in mind. it was a great excuse to visit the house again, and an even better one to catch up with good friends!

amazing lisbon!

just back from an amazing trip to lisbon, portugal with the hubby. four days of cultural overload and one much needed beach day! I asked 'him indoors' which three words he'd use to sum up the trip, his answer - Sun, Port (we drank a lot!) and hilly! Hilly would also have been one of mine - my calf muscles have been punished! As for the other two, I'd have to narrow it down to Tiles (it's ridiculous how many photos I now have), and party! 
We arrived for the festival of saint anthony, which is a brilliant mix of carnival parades, celebration and fun. most streets are decorated with streamers and lights and there is music, drinks and bbqs grilling fresh sardines... Needless to say we had a great time!
Lisbon is a truly great city that I'd recommend to anyone, with amazing architecture, bars, restaurants, and people. We did so many fantastic things, too many to mention, but have a look at the photos below which capture some of the trip. Now it's back to saving for the next adventure! X

liberty, london

what a happy coincidence that I had to change tubes at oxford circus on my recent trip to londonโ€ฆ shopping you say?! well a bit of dream shopping maybeโ€ฆ I had an hour to kill so I popped into liberty, the iconic, multi-floored den of delights, and added many an item to my wish list! the store is beautiful inside as well as out, and the original features create a dramatic showcase for its gorgeous products - even the flower stand as you enter is stunning. check out the photos for inspiration, my bank balance managed to escape with just the cute liberty fabric pin cushion for my dress making host!

happy customer...

i have just received this lovely testimonial following the completion of a recent project.

"kate did a brilliant job in redesigning my kitchen and utility. she has transformed the old dingy layout into the 21st century and made it the focal point of the home"

its always great to get positive feedback and know that the client is happy.  here are a few photos of the finished design, check out my portfolio pages for more.

talking of spring...

every couple of months  i catch up with a great group of friends for a meal. the theme this time was 'spreaster' - a celebration of all things spring and easter! needless to say lots of fantastic food was consumed, and maybe a few seasonal cocktails! check out the photos...