Lisa Mende Design

So incredibly lucky to have friends like Cassandra Brand Interiors and Jillian Downham and Patty Herrera Dominguez who were so kind to celebrate my birthday with me at Round Top!!

I love the intersection of architecture and fashion. So when I saw a girl walking through roundtop with her sensational handbag, I practically sprinted to booth and then ran back to drag my with me. We felt like the luckiest girls in all of Roundtop with our new bags.

Amen!!!

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The FLOWER magazine Atlanta Showhouse! Don’t miss this Regency-style home in the exclusive Buckhead neighborhood, decorated by some of the industry’s most accomplished interior designers, led by design chair Suzanne Kasler and honorary chair Charlotte Moss. Visit https://flowermag.com/coming-soon-the-atlanta-showhouse/ to learn more about the house.

Designers: Suzanne Kasler Interiors, Alexa Hampton Inc., Barry Dixon Inc., Melanie Millner, Bunny Williams Home, Michelle Nussbaumer, Ashley Whittaker, Elaine Griffin, Cathy Kincaid, Nina Nash Long, Don Easterling, Julie Dodson, Tammy Connor, Lisa Mende Design, Beth Webb Interiors, Jared Hughes, Mallory Mathison Inc, Tish Mills, Ray Booth, Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, LLC, Fran Keenan Design, Nellie Howard Ossi

It's almost time for High Point Market and the Fairfield Chair Company Challenge!! The Fairfield Chair Company Challenge will celebrate Its second event with talented designers from all over the country vying for winning spot! As last years winner, I have been asked to be a judge for this years competition.
I look forward to seeing all the creative submissions that will be on display during Spring High Point Market. I invite you to stop by the Fairfield Chair Company showroom and see them. While you are there, make sure to take a walk around the showroom and see all the beautiful furniture Fairfield Chair makes. The Libby Langdon Collection Is really special.
Shown in the photo is the vignette I designed for last October Market of my design celebrating Fairfield Chair Company's 100th Birthday!
A huge thank you to Fairfield Chair Company for this honor!
Thank you to the companies who served as my room partners and provided product for my vignette. None of this would be possible without their support.
Furniture: FairField Chair Company
Wallpaper Mural: Thibaut Designs
Lighting (Lamps & Chandelier) : Louise Gaskill Lighting
China & Decorative Items: Replacements, Ltd
Portrait of Fairfield's Founding Father: Emily Wilson Art
Rug: Jaipur Living

I’m so honored to be featured on today! This wonderful group of people choose someone new to post each week and I was the lucky person this week! I am so honored and flattered!
If you don’t follow this hashtag snd these lovely people please stop what you are doing and do so now! Each one post such amazing things and are so nice to boot! Here is the group to follow!







And remember to follow to see who they feature each week! If you would like to be chosen to be featured all you must do is use the hashtag

We hope you will join us and invite a friend to join by tagging her!!

Happy Wednesday! Make yours

What an amazing experience in Cancun. The amazing knowledge we have gained, the beauty of the resort, the graciousness of the people and the generosity of Cosentino and the sponsors of this event are so appreciated!

I’m so fortunate to travel to Cancun for the Designer Conference. One of the generous sponsors of the event is which is a company I use for client projects. Their quality and vast offerings as well as great customer service makes them a great resource for designers. Scroll through for some of their chic designs. Thank you for the opening night cocktails on the veranda which was amazing!

I am currently working on three custom kitchens and am trying to pack as much useful organization and function into each one as possible. Listening to how a client likes to cook and function in their kitchen gives me keys on how to organize and what special features to all. All of the samples provided here are examples from who I think does a great job showing options she provides for her clients. If you love good kitchen design you should give Sarah a follow if you aren’t already. She reigns supreme in my book!
What special features would you like to add to your kitchen? Do you want a dog feeding station, appliance garage, baking center, cutting board storage, spice storage, a tech drawer, knife drawer, a better organized everything drawer or hidden pantry? It’s really a lot to think about.
I like for things to be handy and in places so that the work triangle is lessened but before I can add function I am thinking of focal walls and how to orientate the main appliances so that each way you enter the space you are greeted with a pretty wall not just a boring basic typical kitchen design, then I layer in function. The two kinda work hand in hand actually. Function is key but beauty is also important to me. I am designing kitchens with drawers for those water bottle that seem to take up space in your glasses cabinet as well as drawers for your most used items such as measuring cups, and spoons. Look through the examples here and tell me your favorites. Are there any unique features your kitchen has that set your kitchen apart from the rest? Tomorrow I will share a new gadget that I have fallen in love with! I think you will too! It’s usual for so many things! You will have to wait to see!
Kitchen design:
Photo credit:

Such a pretty moment in this sunroom designed by Anjel Herman / Defining Home] using the Louise Gaskill Lighting] drapery hardware and “Lisa” finial that my sweet friend Louise named after me. Louise is such a dear friend, who is actually more like a sister to me. If you don’t buy lighting from Louise Gaskill Lighting] you are missing the most gorgeous lighting and an opportunity to custom create something special for yourself or your clients. Well done design Anjel!
Design by Anjel Herman / Defining Home]

The streets and lawns are covered with snow and it’s sleeting in Charlotte. Is it snowing where you live?
There is something about the stillness snow creates that is calming but that is quickly halted by the sound of sleet.
I pray for the homeless who are out in the cold trying to find a warm harbor out of the wind to stay dry. The wind is fairly high today so that may be a hard place to find.
Stay safe friends and don’t forget to feed the birds.
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My most popular and reposted project was this robins egg blue kitchen I designed in Savannah, Georgia for the Southern Style Now Show House. I’ve never shared the before and after pics of this room so I thought it would be fun to show your the pretty pic then show you what the room looked like on my first visit. The room was originally a bedroom, very small in size. If you scroll you will see the focal wall had a window that looked directly into the neighboring house so we closed it up to create a wall for the sink and refrigerator. Since we typically like a window over a sink, I opted to hang a pretty decorative mirror for interest. I mean who wants to be sneaked up on while doing dishes, right? Scroll through and see the other wall obstacles. The range wall projected 4 inches between the two windows and another wall had a jog in it (final pic) that we disguised by adding a can pantry to even up the wall. This kitchen was small so each decision made a big impact on the space. I’m currently designing two kitchens and neither is nearly as difficult because we have room for everything but smaller kitchens like this one with odd walls in a 100 yr old house can be much more trying. I’m participating in another Showhouse this year. Can’t wait to share about it.
Are you currently remodeling or working on a new build where you are making decisions about your kitchen? At Lisa Mende Design, we love designing kitchens, it’s one of our specialties. Why have a boring run of the mill kitchen, when you can have a gorgeous kitchen, customer designed, especially for how you live and function in your kitchen? Custom design makes all the difference. We know all the secrets and how to help you make the right decisions for you! From start to finish we hold your hand all along the way! Resources are tagged on he photo.
Photography credit:
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What would it be like to have a viewing window where we could take a glimpse into the new year and see a trailer of what the new year will bring. Would it make you more excited to start the new year with vigor or would it make you want to go back to bed and prolong the start of the new year? Well, it’s all up to us! We have the power to make things happen. We can create our reel.
What’s first on your list? I have so many exciting things happening this year. I’m really excited to get back to work.
Being sick the entire Christmas holiday forced me to sit still and relax. I honestly could not do anything else. I don’t think I remember being this sick in my life even with double pneumonia. The good thing about being sick, is it reminds you how lucky you are to have your health doesn’t it?
I’m anxious to kick off the new year with some exciting projects in the works and also finish up some final details on projects that have been in the works for over two years. Lots to photograph and share!

This photo is one I took of my niece, Lilly Kate, when we went with my dad one day to visit some of his ancestor’s homes. This photo represents so much to me. The newest generation taking a peek at the past. The kids were really intrigued by what they saw and what “Papa” shared about his family. I wish I had recorded him. I plan to have more fun excursions like this in 2022. I plan to make more memories with my family. Those memories are the truly golden jewels of life.

Since I posted the Grace Kelly yesterday, I thought I would post my Grace Kelly today! Sweet girl! She is called by many nicknames but seems to only answer to Grace Kelly when sternly said! She is a little wild when she sees you for the first time but quickly calms down. It’s been a while since I’ve had a girl dog and like humans the two sexes are so different. She goes out side and looks at flowers and butterflies. She entertains herself for hours with her Nyla bone and at 9:30 goes to her kennel for lights out without having to be asked. She is quite a joy in my life!

Loved this story

One of my favorite decorations I have for the holidays is the beautiful, handcrafted wreath, made by my talented friend, Lance Jackson of
I have studied it over and over and each time, I see another unique detail that Lance added specifically for me! This is a gift of not only beauty but also of time and talents and for that, I thank you dear Lance!
Scroll through to see a bit more of my decorations if you wish!
Can’t wait to get started on my interiors in the new year!

Taking a little break from posting holiday to share this gorgeous entry by my friend which features the lovely Calypso Chandelier by
Perfection in every way! Isn’t Julie’s work both artisan and chic? Pop over to her Instagram to see more

The fun part of designing show houses for me, as a designer, is getting to know friends in the Industry. When I designed the guest cottage in the Showhouse in New Orleans, I had the pleasure of getting to know both Julie and Ware Porter. Julie and I became fast friends, I called her after leaving the air BnB in Nola, I was sharing with to rescue some paintings, I had accidentally put in the trash. She was such a good friend to do that for me! I definitely owe her more than one favor for that task!
Anyway, my time spent in New Orleans is full of fond memories and lovely friends,
I shall never forget!

I’m participating in a new Showhouse in 2022, which will be announced in the New Year. It’s in a place where I already have many friends, but I look forward to the experience and making new friends along the way.
Take some time today to enjoy simply “being” in the moment of Christmas! And as The queen says “Happy Christmas.”
Design:

Tonight, I had the lovely honor of chatting with my friend, Lisa Alpaugh who is the talented artist behind the name Lisa makes the most magical handmade candlesticks & bowls. Each piece is a beautifully crafted Work of art made with love by Lisa. I adore her whimsical creations in white & you will too!
Please take a moment & visit her page to see more.
I have a pair of candlesticks she & gifted me a couple of years ago, which I will always treasure! I visited Julie’s studio & discovered Lisa’s work there & loved it. Of course, I also love Julie’s amazing lighting which is also artisan & amazing. I was so incredibly honored these two beautiful, talented artists shared their work with me. (Julie loaned me one of her chandeliers for a vignette I designed in High Point. It was the focal point of the space.

When I was looking at wall tonight I saw this lovely photo of dining table which shows just how beautiful these candlesticks are with greenery & fruits added.
I love how she used the smaller Lily candlesticks on either side of the silver cake plate & one of the Magnolia candlesticks placed on the tray, creating a tiered effect.
I might have to try that!

I cannot imagine my dining table without them. Lisa also generously gifted pairs of her beautiful candlesticks for my son’s fundraiser for the scholarship we have for him at Auburn. Several of my friends bought them & love them too.

After Christmas I plan to commission Lisa to make one of her bowls for me to use with my candlesticks.
She just shared an amazing bowl she made for a friend. I’ll ask her if I can share it & if so, will do so in stories. Not sure if it is a gift that has been given yet, so may not be able to share but I’ll ask!

There are so many good people in this world with so much talent! I wanted to share my special friend with you! I’m sorry I didn’t think to share her sooner for Christmas gifts but she can always make something special for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Birthdays or a treat for yourself!
Photo credit

My dining room tree was born out of my desire to have a tree with white lights. My husband and boys demand a tree with multi- colored lights so I give them an old fashioned tree in the family room. This is also my angel tree. I have some of Walker’s ornaments on it as well as some of my favorite angel ornaments. This year I added brass bows which are girly and fun. This isn’t the best angle or photo but you get the gist. Happy Holidays!!

Yet another blue Christmas at the Mende Abode on Delpond Lane! I don’t know why I associate blue with Christmas more than any other color. Perhaps it’s because I’m an Aries and my birthstone is aquamarine or perhaps it’s my love of water. I don’t really know? Or perhaps with all of its glorious happy times, Christmas is also a sad time for so many. I would be lying if I said I started using blue after Walker died, because it’s not true. However, being blue at Christmas after we lost him made my favorite Christmas color seem just right. you have heard me say in the past, my very first house as an adult had wedgewood blue as the main color and here I am with almost the same blue 40 years later.
This color is very similar to the original blue, but today it’s called French blue! (Wink!) thanks to for helping me get all the garlands hung, wreaths made, tying the bows and basically playing Santa for me!!
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Just discovered a box of Germany glass ornaments I bought at the Christmas Market in Baden Baden last January. I have fond memories pre-Covid as I’m sure you do. It wasn’t long after this trip, that our world changed in a way we could have never dreamed possible.
Do you ever stop to think how carefree our world was pre-Covid? I guess if you look at the glass half full instead of half empty, many of us were able to have time with our children that we would never have had otherwise.
The Covid lockdown time with my children is time I will always cherish.
On another note, are you one who just wants the decorating done or do you savor the task? I guess I’m a sentimentalist at heart. I enjoy taking my time decorating, especially my tree. I unwrap each ornament and reminisce when it was purchased or made. Our family room tree is a mix of childhood ornaments and Christopher Radko] ornaments. I first started giving my children a Christopher Radko] each year, later my mom decided to give one to each family member, which is even more special. I keep the tags on them and write the persons name and year they received so when they leave home they can take them with them for their tree. My family over rules me on the lights. I’m a white light girl but they insist on color so I concede.
It’s the memories of Christmas past, that keep me going all year. I think it is why it is important to make new memories each year.
As hard as it is to leave our house on Christmas Day and drive hours in the car, I cherish each year I can drive to my parent’s house for Christmas Day Brunch with them. I plan to soak in every drop of this Christmas this year with all my loved ones. It’s a magical time of year and meant to be a time to give pause and celebrate the beautiful gift God gave us.
Now to get busy and finish my shopping! Only 14 days left! My Amazon shop link in my bio has some gift ideas if you need any or just ask Alexa! Ha!!

I’m having a little fun with the upcoming holidays!! From now til December 13th, I’ll post daily Favorite Gift Ideas! Some will be in Charlotte so locals can easily purchase but all will be available online for everyone to buy! Today’s gift idea is one near and dear to my Heart!!!Announcing Jewelry! My amazing next door neighbor is launching her dream today! I’m so proud of her! Her jewelry made the cover of South Park Magazine thanks to the clever spread by ! Swipe for the Invitation to the unveiling of this amazing line of jewelry she and her partner have created! Trunk show is today from 5-7pm and tomorrow from 10-2pm! When I say amazing, I mean amazing jewelry designed with passion and her love of heritage, family and precious stones. Follow them !!!
They have a vast collection of gorgeous pieces, but also can create any custom piece your heart desires! Husbands, this would make a great gift!! Or friends, treat yourself!

Last year at this time, I was preparing to travel to Germany for Heimtextil. I received a message this morning, that the press conference for tomorrow has been cancelled, & the show is in limbo due to the new variant, Omicron which is far easier to be transmitted.
Prior to Attending Heimtextil, I visited Baden Baden, which is where my husband’s paternal family is from. His dad never did visit this magical place, so I’ve been determined to go since his death. I stayed at Which is similar to a European version of our Baden Baden is located about 1 hr and 45 minutes outside of Frankfurt on the boarder of France, at the base of the Black Forest. There is no crime, so every time I would ask the front desk for a car to take me somewhere, they would laugh & say “You can walk”! Even at night! I’m sure they thought “lazy American.” Baden Baden mean “bath” & is known for its therapeutic baths, which date back to Roman times. The town is quaint & looks like something out of a fairy tale or a Hallmark movie, especially when I was there because the Christmas Market was still open. I bought beautiful German glass ornaments & ate pastries.
My favorite experience was attending a music recital in a church & hearing Dr Zhivago with a famous German musician playing the balalaika, which is a unique old world instrument. Such fond memories.
It is looking more & more like travel will be banned again for a while thanks to Omicron.
We are doubled vaxed & are getting boosters.
I’ll get hate mail for saying this, but I believe we must do what we can to stop the spread of Covid. The old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” comes to mind. Anyone unvaccinated, please take a Covid test 24 hr prior to being in groups during the holiday. I did before Thanksgiving & will again at Christmas even though I’m vaccinated.
It is your right, not to get vaccinated, but if so, please inform those you are planning to gather with, especially if flying & take a test.

Happy Birthday to this guy! My partner in crime, life and awesome dad to our kids and fur babies. Here’s wishing him the best year yet!

Thanksgiving at the family cabin is always a treat! Family gathered for holidays is simply the best! I am so grateful to have grown up in a large family and it keeps growing with each year. From the oldest one to the youngest one, a good time was had by all!

I had a wonderful visit to the showroom in High Point today for an upcoming collaboration which I can’t wait to share more about. Jonathan Charles has so many beautiful pieces, I don’t know how to pick a favorite. Their latest collections, Water, White Timeless and Reimagined collections have stunning pieces in linen, white chalk finish, and lacquered black and white finishes which give a lighter, more relaxed aire to the traditional silhouettes. I’m so excited to preview the new collections in person. Can’t wait to share more soon!

I love lazy Saturday morning sipping coffee and catching up on naughty pleasures like taking time for peruse the pages of favorite magazines. This morning, I finally took time to read the latest World if Interiors Magazinr that arrived a couple of weeks ago and was totally smitten by the story on Hôtel de Bourrienne in the 10th arrondissement in Paris. I’ve seen the photos all over Instagram and have even used the tented walls as inspiration for an upcoming project, but it wasn’t until I stopped to read about this historic property, that I was truly drawn in. The history is as colorful as the walls that were uncovered during restoration. French businessman, Charles Beigbeder, and owner of the Hôtel de Bourrienne, hired specialty craftsmen, to restore the property to its original glory.
At the root of the design direction we find, Fortunée Hamelin, who was considered one of the naughtiest women in Paris of her time. She decorated the first floor of the home in full Directorie Style, after inheriting it from her her dad. Her mother lived on the second floor. The house was sold in 1798 and Fortunée continued beguiling Parisian society with her many talents.
When the craftsmen were restoring the home, The original decorations of Fortunée were found under layers of paint which had been applied through the years. Only slight repainting occurred in a few of the areas. I love the meaning of the birds, arrows, butterflies and dogs, used in the artwork on the walls, which all tell the story of Fortunée life or her hopes and dreams for life.
I love the idea of uncovering the beauty of history and paying homage to French History as Charles Beigbeder has done. If only more of this type of work could be done instead of tearing done and building anew.
The history of decoration in its finest moments. After all, isn’t it the story of things that is the most fascinating? I want to paint my walls like Fortunée did and pay homage to each surface.
I’m off to for the rest of the weekend so I’m excited to enjoy some rustic views next!
Photography credit:

Beautiful Open house They have something amazing for everyone on your list!

In 2018, I designed the living room in the Hamptons Showhouse for magazine. With each Showhouse I have done, since there isn’t a client to design for, I always try to put pieces from my life in the room. This sweet corner was a dedication to my mother in law who passed a few years after this. The amazing artist so kindly made these beautiful butterflies for me and came to the Hamptons and installed them in my room. I have wanted to install some of Stephen’s butterfly swarms in my own home ever since. You better believe they will be showing up in my stairwell one day soon!My mother in law was Alice. Although she had been raised in a big white clapboard manse with good things, she didn’t let things rule her life. She was a kindergarten teacher, who chose to be the assistant, because she loved children, but didn’t want the stress the lead teacher had with administration snd lesson planning. She just wanted to enjoy children. She also loved birds and butterflies and spent many hours watching both in her backyard later in her life. She told me once that one of her greatest joys was watching butterflies flit around flowers. One day soon I will buy one of Stephen’s Swarm kits and install in my stairwell as a reminder to stop and enjoy the butterflies and not spend days hustling through work snd exhausted. Life is too short not to find joy in each day. Do you have something special like these butterflies in your own home to remind you of lost loved ones who had a strong influence on your life? Alice isn’t with us physically any longer but her message still rings in my ears, not because she perched it, but because she lived it. She was happy and loving. She was authentic and satisfied. Shouldn’t we all be like Alice?
If you love butterflies you should check out swarm kits and for that matter his amazing other art!! Thank you who unknowingly brought Alice’s corner to life in my room!

Just received the most gorgeous throw from designed by it’s perfect for my black sofa! When I went over to www.secretcelebrity.net I discovered a delightful mix of home decor products that are both timeless and on trend for the home. Designers Celerie Kemble and Erin Gates both have designer collections and have curated some awesome pillows and throws. “Secret Celebrity” also has candles, picture frames and artful tabletop designs.
I always say the easiest way to change your decor and give it a refresh is with accessories.

The company’s brand collection is curated from a mix of well respected interior designers and home décor trend setters, all hand selected., to create a beautiful product range of style, value and quality.
Go check them out!
Www.secretcelebrity.net