The definition of INSPIRATION is the feeling of enthusiasm you get from someone or something that gives you new and creative ideas. That is the essence of what our INSPIRATION SHOWCASE is based on. This new feature will provide visitors access to experts who will answer design questions as well as provide visually dramatic vignettes and educational support. DIY enthusiasts will leave with a renewed sense of excitement!
We are thrilled to welcome you to the INSPIRATION SHOWCASE and believe you’ll want to return year after year for the newest trends, decorating, design and entertaining tips.
Over a decade ago Mindful Spaces was born from Lauren’s passion for organization, but more importantly because she believes that our lives can be transformed when we begin to remove anything that no longer serves us within our physical environment. Lauren has a love and natural talent for helping others within their homes declutter, create organizational systems, and invite what they truly love into the space. Aside from her organizing business she has worked as a project manager for a top Boston based media and professional organizing company, is a wellness coach, and a two-time published author. Her book, The Unbecoming, explores the journey of finding our truth and living authentically. Lauren’s career began in retail and fashion merchandising, working in management and sales roles. She then transitioned into account management in the consumer goods industry, and she is currently working for Composites One
Desiree is an interior designer in MA who runs a family-owned design firm. Since becoming a homeowner and new mom, she gravitated towards the value of having a home filled with beautiful multi-functional spaces. By working through her own challenging experiences, she created healthy comfortable environments for her growing family, hence the birth of Designs By Des Interiors. By continuing to share simple DIY and fun behind the scenes of an upbeat designer life, wife, and new mommy, she met more boss babes who struggled with the same and grew her clientele nationwide. By leaning on her architecture degree, concentration in Human Factors in Design (Human Psychology), and 6+ years of lighting design experience, she looked at the world differently. Through the years, DBDI runs as a luxury design boutique and has mastered distorting perspectives, brightening spaces, beautifying realities, and optimizing space through different techniques they continue to implement in all their interiors.
Jill Gebhart Interiors is a boutique home staging and interior design firm based in Rhode Island providing expert services to real estate agents and developers as well as providing the novice homeowner to the seasoned developer with design services and event planning. In the residential space she creates beautiful and unique interior spaces, utilizing the character of a home and highlighting its untapped potential. In the commercial design and display space, Jill has created windows for Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Armani, and Forever 21 as well as local small businesses. Aside from her private clients, Jillian also supports Sunshine Development Home Rehab Firm. Jill’s formal training began at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, CA and Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. She holds degrees in both Visual Communications and Marketing. Her years of experience collecting art and antiques helps her infuse otherwise clean settings with a pop of personality and charm.
J. Allan & Paradise Home Staging was founded on the life-long friendship of Chris Paradis and Josh West. Chris cultivated over 35 years’ experience in design and creative merchandising, most recently working as the Regional Visual Manager for a national furniture chain. His experience in interior design partnered well with Josh’s background in operations and logistical planning. As a Manager of Strategic Projects for a big box retailer, Josh joined Chris in “staging with a story”. They provide premiere services to realtors, homeowners, event planners, and seasonal clients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. With a focus of finding the story of a home through good design, their mission is to educate on the benefits of adding value to any project. They keep it real, authentic, and help clients create the space between where they are, and where they want to be.
Kürätëd is a minority woman-owned Rhode Island venture that provides incredible personally styled charcuterie and picnics. Arlene, former owner of Cashmere Eventi, an event and wedding planning business. Arlene, doing business as Kürätëd focuses on crafting charcuterie boards and micro events planning. Services include charcuterie boards, boxes, and grazing tables for your personal enjoyment, private or business events, in addition to charcuterie and mindfulness workshops utilizing her knowledge as a psychotherapist, life coach, wellness and social emotional facilitator both in English and Spanish. She believes in one’s well-being and is intentional in crafting experiences that are not only fun but relaxing and enjoyable for all attendees. Arlene is an organized and detail-oriented event planner with years of experience in designing, coordinating, and executing events. She tailors events according to the personal tastes and budgets of clients, managing and exceeding expectations.
Katherine has worked with hundreds of industry experts, including interior designers, architects, home stagers, set designers, and stylists. She’s helped build a trade department within Wayfair before stepping into the more creative role of interior stylist for the company’s photography department. Here, she worked for over three years to create imagery for catalog, direct mail, and digital channels – as well as establish brand standards. Katherine graduated with a degree in Woodworking and Furniture Design and is inspired by taking an ‘old’, disregarded furniture piece and making it once again a desired piece that will be enjoyed for years to come. Her roles of interior stylist, stager, creator, and educator provides the opportunity for her to showcase her skill sets and educating people on the true impact interior spaces can have in the real estate market and everyday life.
Pat Paolino Cruz of Pat Cruz Events is an event production specialist, former radio show host, avid networker, connection maker, marketing strategist and social media innovator nationally celebrated for ranking TOP FIVE Rhode Islanders with highest calculated social media influence. She’s created a socially oriented business environment that uses and combines a uniquely large local network and social media visibility with popular event concepts. Her face-to-face signature events (Taste of Rhode Island, RI Women’s Expo and Monthly Networking Events) provide cost-effective marketing opportunities for businesses who need to increase their network and customer base by getting them face-to-face with the ‘right people’.