The Design Dialogues {Helen Davis & Heather Hogan Roberts}

Today's edition of The Design Dialogues features the charming Heather and Helen of H&H Home, a home furnishings site based in Atlanta. With aspirations of designing an H&H textile collection and a St. Barth's resort, these are definitely two ladies to put on your radar. Without further ado, I'm pleased to introduce Heather and Helen!

Helen Davis and Heather Hogan Roberts of H&H Home.

Who you are: 

Heather Hogan Roberts and Helen H. Davis

What you do: 

Owners of H&H Home

Where you do it:

Atlanta

Chairs from H&H Home featured in Atlanta boutique Tootsies.

Five words to describe yourselves...

Heather: Bold, direct, good listener, animal lover, wine drinker.

Helen: Creative, charismatic, eclectic, bossy (at least I admit it?), witty.

How do you describe your aesthetic?

Heather: Preppy, vintage chic.

Helen: Modern eclectic.

Who are your style icons?

Helen: Iris Apfel and Kelly Wearstler.

Heather: My mother and my grandmother.

Heather and her daughter, Crosby, flock to the East Coast in the summertime.

Favorite destination

Heather: The North Shore of Boston. I grew up there and there is nothing like being home in the summer.

Helen: In the fall or winter, my family’s farm in northern Georgia. In the spring or summer, any place attached to an ocean.

Favorite quote

Helen: “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” —Coco Chanel

Heather: “It is just as disastrous to have the wrong accessories in your room as it is to wear sport shoes with an evening dress.” —Dorothy Draper

“A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” 

—Coco Chanel

Favorite site

Heather: Perez Hilton. I shared a cab with him one fashion week years back in New York City and I’m totally obsessed with him.

Helen: Ours of course! But for clothes, Les Nouvelles.

Favorite store

Helen: 4510 in Dalas. The best one-stop shopping in the country!

Heather: Any flea market. I can find the gem in a pile of junk. Does that sound weird?

"I can find the gem in a pile of junk. 

Does that sound weird?"

—Heather

Favorite thing to read

Helen: Currently reading Keith Richards’s autobiography, Life. Elle Decor and all things Domino (RIP!).

Heather: Any of the new e-zines: Lonny, Rue, High Gloss. And the new Architectural Digest; Peggy Russell is amazing.

Favorite thing to watch

Heather: The Jersey Shore. Seriously can’t get enough.

Helen: Bravo. Period.

Favorite thing to wear

Heather: My vintage emerald ring, a gift from my husband this past Mother’s Day. It was his grandmother’s!

Helen: Anything that can be worn with a fabulous pair of shoes. Nicholas Kirkwood is my all-time favorite shoe guru. He’s a genius! The higher the heel, the better!

Editor's note: I sort of stopped breathing when I saw Heather and Helen's styling work on their website. Hello, perfection.

How did you decide this is what you wanted to do?

Heather: I have always loved anything anything home-related. I especially love old homes and have restored three of my own so far. Some people relax on the weekends. I like to go to Home Depot.

Helen: We started out as fashion girls in New York. My first love will always be fashion but, when I moved to Atlanta a little over a year ago, I realized quickly that my fashion background easily translated into home design. Picking or styling an outfit is much like selecting a fabric or a color swatch. In both cases you want your choices to be fabulous and to represent you in a beautiful way.

Party favors at a launch event for H&H Home.

What is the most glamorous aspect of your job?

Heather: Getting to be featured in the press. It is surreal to see your name in print!

Helen: We love to throw parties to celebrate H&H happenings with our friends so I think that would be the most glamorous part. Any excuse to pop open a bottle of champagne!

And the least glamorous aspect?

Heather: Having to be the CEO, CFO, Marketing Director, and Accountant.

Helen: Most everything, especially in the beginning. We’ve been able to hand off some of the dirty work but, for the most part, we still do everything ourselves. Schlepping to upholsterers and dumpster diving for great vintage finds can get ugly!

"Some people relax on the weekends. 

I like to go to Home Depot." 

—Heather

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Heather: Be a good listener. Take in as much as you can when meeting with clients and don’t assume anything.

Helen: It’s a total cliché but “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I really believe that what you put out is what you get back!

And the advice you’d offer aspiring enterpreneurs?

Heather: Try not to get frustrated. And don’t give up.

Helen: Surround yourself with positive and inspiring people! We would never have created H&H Home without the encouragement of our friends and family.

Where would you like to be a year from now?

Helen: Healthy and happy. And maybe opening our own brick-and-mortar store?

Heather: Designing a resort in St. Barth’s!

A handful of items on Heather and Helen's wishlists...

Three items on your to do list.

Helen: Find the perfect window treatment fabric for a client, get a manicure, finish the other 300 tasks on my to do list.

Heather: Taxes, taxes, and taxes. Enough said.

Three items on your wishlist.

Helen: Monogrammed Goyard tote in orange (and a matching version for Heather!), a Kendall Conrad leopard iPad case, and World’s Away white Pagoda side tables (just bought them for a client and now I must have them!).

Heather: My entire house painted, a new car (two kids and a pug have trashed my SUV), a full-time nanny.

Three items on your bucket list.

Heather: Visit Bergamo, Italy, to see my friend Joanna and her new baby, own a house on the beach, and meet Anderson Cooper.

Helen: Design textile collection for H&H Home, learn Italian, and have dinner with Jay-Z. But isn’t that on everyone’s bucket list?

- - - 

Thank you, Heather and Helen! Aren't they wonderful? Don't forget to check out their beautiful site!

Today's edition of The Design Dialogues features the charming Heather and Helen of H&H Home, a home furnishings site based in Atlanta. With aspirations of designing an H&H textile collection and a St. Barth's resort, these are definitely two ladies to put on your radar. Without further ado, I'm pleased to introduce Heather and Helen!

Helen Davis and Heather Hogan Roberts of H&H Home.

Who you are: 

Heather Hogan Roberts and Helen H. Davis

What you do: 

Owners of H&H Home

Where you do it:

Atlanta

Chairs from H&H Home featured in Atlanta boutique Tootsies.

Five words to describe yourselves...

Heather: Bold, direct, good listener, animal lover, wine drinker.

Helen: Creative, charismatic, eclectic, bossy (at least I admit it?), witty.

How do you describe your aesthetic?

Heather: Preppy, vintage chic.

Helen: Modern eclectic.

Who are your style icons?

Helen: Iris Apfel and Kelly Wearstler.

Heather: My mother and my grandmother.

Heather and her daughter, Crosby, flock to the East Coast in the summertime.

Favorite destination

Heather: The North Shore of Boston. I grew up there and there is nothing like being home in the summer.

Helen: In the fall or winter, my family’s farm in northern Georgia. In the spring or summer, any place attached to an ocean.

Favorite quote

Helen: “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” —Coco Chanel

Heather: “It is just as disastrous to have the wrong accessories in your room as it is to wear sport shoes with an evening dress.” —Dorothy Draper

“A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” 

—Coco Chanel

Favorite site

Heather: Perez Hilton. I shared a cab with him one fashion week years back in New York City and I’m totally obsessed with him.

Helen: Ours of course! But for clothes, Les Nouvelles.

Favorite store

Helen: 4510 in Dalas. The best one-stop shopping in the country!

Heather: Any flea market. I can find the gem in a pile of junk. Does that sound weird?

"I can find the gem in a pile of junk. 

Does that sound weird?"

—Heather

Favorite thing to read

Helen: Currently reading Keith Richards’s autobiography, Life. Elle Decor and all things Domino (RIP!).

Heather: Any of the new e-zines: Lonny, Rue, High Gloss. And the new Architectural Digest; Peggy Russell is amazing.

Favorite thing to watch

Heather: The Jersey Shore. Seriously can’t get enough.

Helen: Bravo. Period.

Favorite thing to wear

Heather: My vintage emerald ring, a gift from my husband this past Mother’s Day. It was his grandmother’s!

Helen: Anything that can be worn with a fabulous pair of shoes. Nicholas Kirkwood is my all-time favorite shoe guru. He’s a genius! The higher the heel, the better!

Editor's note: I sort of stopped breathing when I saw Heather and Helen's styling work on their website. Hello, perfection.

How did you decide this is what you wanted to do?

Heather: I have always loved anything anything home-related. I especially love old homes and have restored three of my own so far. Some people relax on the weekends. I like to go to Home Depot.

Helen: We started out as fashion girls in New York. My first love will always be fashion but, when I moved to Atlanta a little over a year ago, I realized quickly that my fashion background easily translated into home design. Picking or styling an outfit is much like selecting a fabric or a color swatch. In both cases you want your choices to be fabulous and to represent you in a beautiful way.

Party favors at a launch event for H&H Home.

What is the most glamorous aspect of your job?

Heather: Getting to be featured in the press. It is surreal to see your name in print!

Helen: We love to throw parties to celebrate H&H happenings with our friends so I think that would be the most glamorous part. Any excuse to pop open a bottle of champagne!

And the least glamorous aspect?

Heather: Having to be the CEO, CFO, Marketing Director, and Accountant.

Helen: Most everything, especially in the beginning. We’ve been able to hand off some of the dirty work but, for the most part, we still do everything ourselves. Schlepping to upholsterers and dumpster diving for great vintage finds can get ugly!

"Some people relax on the weekends. 

I like to go to Home Depot." 

—Heather

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Heather: Be a good listener. Take in as much as you can when meeting with clients and don’t assume anything.

Helen: It’s a total cliché but “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I really believe that what you put out is what you get back!

And the advice you’d offer aspiring enterpreneurs?

Heather: Try not to get frustrated. And don’t give up.

Helen: Surround yourself with positive and inspiring people! We would never have created H&H Home without the encouragement of our friends and family.

Where would you like to be a year from now?

Helen: Healthy and happy. And maybe opening our own brick-and-mortar store?

Heather: Designing a resort in St. Barth’s!

A handful of items on Heather and Helen's wishlists...

Three items on your to do list.

Helen: Find the perfect window treatment fabric for a client, get a manicure, finish the other 300 tasks on my to do list.

Heather: Taxes, taxes, and taxes. Enough said.

Three items on your wishlist.

Helen: Monogrammed Goyard tote in orange (and a matching version for Heather!), a Kendall Conrad leopard iPad case, and World’s Away white Pagoda side tables (just bought them for a client and now I must have them!).

Heather: My entire house painted, a new car (two kids and a pug have trashed my SUV), a full-time nanny.

Three items on your bucket list.

Heather: Visit Bergamo, Italy, to see my friend Joanna and her new baby, own a house on the beach, and meet Anderson Cooper.

Helen: Design textile collection for H&H Home, learn Italian, and have dinner with Jay-Z. But isn’t that on everyone’s bucket list?

- - - 

Thank you, Heather and Helen! Aren't they wonderful? Don't forget to check out their beautiful site!

Organization makes me happy.

My dad is going to love this highly organized garage from the long lost pages of Domino. Lessons learned here:

1. Line your garage with cabinetry 

of some sort and hide paint cans, etc. within.

2. Hang pegboard on the walls 

to create storage for cleaning supplies, garden equipment, and power tools.

3. Add shelves 

on top of pegboard to store coolers and toolboxes.

4. Keep sporting equipment from taking over 

floor space by hanging boards and rackets on the wall 

and suspending bicycles from the ceiling.

Who knows? You might even be able to fit your car in there one of these days.

My dad is going to love this highly organized garage from the long lost pages of Domino. Lessons learned here:

1. Line your garage with cabinetry 

of some sort and hide paint cans, etc. within.

2. Hang pegboard on the walls 

to create storage for cleaning supplies, garden equipment, and power tools.

3. Add shelves 

on top of pegboard to store coolers and toolboxes.

4. Keep sporting equipment from taking over 

floor space by hanging boards and rackets on the wall 

and suspending bicycles from the ceiling.

Who knows? You might even be able to fit your car in there one of these days.

New York, New York

Today I'm in New York City visiting the offices of Cline Davis & Mann and attending a job fair I helped plan at MTV. (I have a campus job in Bucknell's Alumni Relations office.) Words cannot explain how much I love this city. It makes me feel alive, ambitious, and generally high on life. Do you know the feeling?

{image via city of love}

Today I'm in New York City visiting the offices of Cline Davis & Mann and attending a job fair I helped plan at MTV. (I have a campus job in Bucknell's Alumni Relations office.) Words cannot explain how much I love this city. It makes me feel alive, ambitious, and generally high on life. Do you know the feeling?

{image via city of love}

Upgrade!

This week's lesson: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 

After my last phone took a little spin through the washing machine bit the dust this weekend, I am happily upgrading to the iPhone 4. (Thank you, Mom and Dad!) My first big girl phone — and no. 28 on my 101 in 1001 list!

Now I need your help. Any advice from fellow iPhone users? Favorite apps? I must know!

This week's lesson: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 

After my last phone took a little spin through the washing machine bit the dust this weekend, I am happily upgrading to the iPhone 4. (Thank you, Mom and Dad!) My first big girl phone — and no. 28 on my 101 in 1001 list!

Now I need your help. Any advice from fellow iPhone users? Favorite apps? I must know!

La Salle de Bain

I rarely post pictures of bathrooms on Design Darling because, well, they're rarely all that inspiring. This gem from Rue's third issue is an exception for me. I love the moulding around the window, the clawfoot tub, the pedestal sink, and the ornate mirror above it. And doesn't the dark tile provide a dramatic alternative to classic white subway tile? 

I rarely post pictures of bathrooms on Design Darling because, well, they're rarely all that inspiring. This gem from Rue's third issue is an exception for me. I love the moulding around the window, the clawfoot tub, the pedestal sink, and the ornate mirror above it. And doesn't the dark tile provide a dramatic alternative to classic white subway tile? 

The A-Line Shift Dress

Have you noticed Design Darling's outfit in the new Gadabout-designed header? It's a simple A-line shift in hot pink accessorized with turquoise bling and bow-tied sandals — and it's a look I'm loving right now. Of course, if I can't convince you, there's always Victoria Beckham, Molly Sims, and Gwyneth Paltrow rocking the long sleeves and short hemlines to do the trick. Now where to find my own Design Darling shift?

Have you noticed Design Darling's outfit in the new Gadabout-designed header? It's a simple A-line shift in hot pink accessorized with turquoise bling and bow-tied sandals — and it's a look I'm loving right now. Of course, if I can't convince you, there's always Victoria Beckham, Molly Sims, and Gwyneth Paltrow rocking the long sleeves and short hemlines to do the trick. Now where to find my own Design Darling shift?

Media Maven

Hi there, ladies and gents! I'm taking this Monday morning to gush about my love of social media. Did you know that Design Darling is on Facebook, Twitter, and now Pinterest? In case you're not familiar, Pinterest is an online inspiration board, allowing you to pin favorite images onto virtual boards of your creation. You can follow other people's boards and see when people repin images from your boards. I'll be using mine to corral new online finds and keep track of old personal favorites. I hope you'll take a peek — you must follow Alaina and Ashlina!

Hi there, ladies and gents! I'm taking this Monday morning to gush about my love of social media. Did you know that Design Darling is on Facebook, Twitter, and now Pinterest? In case you're not familiar, Pinterest is an online inspiration board, allowing you to pin favorite images onto virtual boards of your creation. You can follow other people's boards and see when people repin images from your boards. I'll be using mine to corral new online finds and keep track of old personal favorites. I hope you'll take a peek — you must follow Alaina and Ashlina!

Randi Brookman Harris.

Dear Randi,

When I grow up, I want to be a creative genius just like you.

Love,

Mackenzie

Dear Randi,

When I grow up, I want to be a creative genius just like you.

Love,

Mackenzie

Lots & Lots of Little White Dresses

You know all about the little black dress: the go-to, tried-and-true, perfect-for-every-occasion wardrobe staple. But what about its summery relative, the little white dress? There's nothing like the pop of a white dress against sun-kissed skin. Let's escape the winter blues with twelve pretty white dresses, shall we?

Do you prefer Malin Akerman and Jennifer Aniston's simple white shifts...

Diane Kruger's lace and Michelle Williams' ruffle...

Kristin Cavallari's leopard shoes and Jessica Alba's belted waistline...

Blake Lively's Philip Treacy topper and Lauren Conrad's bow-tied beauty... 

Reese Witherspoon's head-to-toe take and Isla Fisher's bling bling... 

Or Taylor Swift's bare-shouldered showstopper and Kate Beckinsdale's minimalist model?

You know all about the little black dress: the go-to, tried-and-true, perfect-for-every-occasion wardrobe staple. But what about its summery relative, the little white dress? There's nothing like the pop of a white dress against sun-kissed skin. Let's escape the winter blues with twelve pretty white dresses, shall we?

Do you prefer Malin Akerman and Jennifer Aniston's simple white shifts...

Diane Kruger's lace and Michelle Williams' ruffle...

Kristin Cavallari's leopard shoes and Jessica Alba's belted waistline...

Blake Lively's Philip Treacy topper and Lauren Conrad's bow-tied beauty... 

Reese Witherspoon's head-to-toe take and Isla Fisher's bling bling... 

Or Taylor Swift's bare-shouldered showstopper and Kate Beckinsdale's minimalist model?

Seafoam Sophistication

Twin beds never looked so good! The cushy white linens and the seafoam palette with splashes of lemon chiffon make this oldie but goodie from Veranda a forever favorite.

Twin beds never looked so good! The cushy white linens and the seafoam palette with splashes of lemon chiffon make this oldie but goodie from Veranda a forever favorite.

Daily Crushes

Just popping in to let you know that I'm sharing my daily crushes on, er, Daily Crush today! Katie is a total sweetheart and I think you'll really love her blog. Enjoy!

Just popping in to let you know that I'm sharing my daily crushes on, er, Daily Crush today! Katie is a total sweetheart and I think you'll really love her blog. Enjoy!

Accessories or Art?

As much as I would love to inject my wardrobe with Karen Walker sunglasses and floppy sun hats, I'm equally keen on the idea of displaying such possessions as art. Aren't the colors fantastic?

{this brilliance and more captured by The Coveteur}

As much as I would love to inject my wardrobe with Karen Walker sunglasses and floppy sun hats, I'm equally keen on the idea of displaying such possessions as art. Aren't the colors fantastic?

{this brilliance and more captured by The Coveteur}

Parasols, Picnics, and Puppies

I want to live in this.

{photographed by Michelle Holden}

I want to live in this.

{photographed by Michelle Holden}

A Bedroom After My Own Heart

Remember when I asked for help putting my personal style into words? (It's no. 10 on my 101 in 1001 list.) A few of you tossed around the words glamorous, lived-in, and traditional. While I still need to perfect the definition (lived-in glamour? traditional with a twist?), I definitely think you were onto something. 

To me, this bedroom from new-to-me tumblr the house home embodies each of those three characteristics flawlessly. I get a lived-in vibe from the open door and unmade bed, which to some might look just messy but to me means comfortable and laid-back. The chandelier and the floor-skimming curtains are unapologetically glamorous, keeping out of the way and yet stealing the spotlight at the same time. Finally the balcony and the gold gilded mirror stand for time-honored tradition. My only change might be to swap out the bed for one of these platform beds — less vacuuming and more storage! What do you think of this space and my efforts to explain my aesthetic? Feel free to help : )

Remember when I asked for help putting my personal style into words? (It's no. 10 on my 101 in 1001 list.) A few of you tossed around the words glamorous, lived-in, and traditional. While I still need to perfect the definition (lived-in glamour? traditional with a twist?), I definitely think you were onto something. 

To me, this bedroom from new-to-me tumblr the house home embodies each of those three characteristics flawlessly. I get a lived-in vibe from the open door and unmade bed, which to some might look just messy but to me means comfortable and laid-back. The chandelier and the floor-skimming curtains are unapologetically glamorous, keeping out of the way and yet stealing the spotlight at the same time. Finally the balcony and the gold gilded mirror stand for time-honored tradition. My only change might be to swap out the bed for one of these platform beds — less vacuuming and more storage! What do you think of this space and my efforts to explain my aesthetic? Feel free to help : )

No. 11

The eleventh task on my list is to scrutinize the contents of my current closet and donate, store, or toss all the items I never wear. I feel like I do this fairly often but I'm not nearly discriminating enough because I definitely only wear about 50% of my wardrobe. Come to think of it, I ought to add an 11(b): buy only what I'll actually wear.

P.S. New to Design Darling? Welcome! I'm keeping a list of 101 things to accomplish in 1001 days. You catch up on the rest of the list by clicking here.

{photo}

The eleventh task on my list is to scrutinize the contents of my current closet and donate, store, or toss all the items I never wear. I feel like I do this fairly often but I'm not nearly discriminating enough because I definitely only wear about 50% of my wardrobe. Come to think of it, I ought to add an 11(b): buy only what I'll actually wear.

P.S. New to Design Darling? Welcome! I'm keeping a list of 101 things to accomplish in 1001 days. You catch up on the rest of the list by clicking here.

{photo}

Beautiful In Its Simplicity.

Style doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to mean layers of patterns and textures. Sometimes it's just about color or just about fit. Sometimes style is beautiful in its simplicity. I think Diane Kruger gets it, don't you?

Style doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to mean layers of patterns and textures. Sometimes it's just about color or just about fit. Sometimes style is beautiful in its simplicity. I think Diane Kruger gets it, don't you?

A Personal Favorite

Having personally uploaded all 200+ pictures from Rue's third issue to the online gallery, I am thrilled to be able to share my favorite space from what was undeniably their (our?) best issue yet. The black and white palette of Sketch 42 blogger Nicole Cohen's NYC apartment brings a little L.A. to the East Coast, don't you think? My favorite details are the lucite bench, the chrome lamp, and the lighting in the kitchen. Did you know that Nicole sells her abstract art (pieces like the one in the first photo) in her Etsy shop? Too cool for words.

Having personally uploaded all 200+ pictures from Rue's third issue to the online gallery, I am thrilled to be able to share my favorite space from what was undeniably their (our?) best issue yet. The black and white palette of Sketch 42 blogger Nicole Cohen's NYC apartment brings a little L.A. to the East Coast, don't you think? My favorite details are the lucite bench, the chrome lamp, and the lighting in the kitchen. Did you know that Nicole sells her abstract art (pieces like the one in the first photo) in her Etsy shop? Too cool for words.

Quote Du Jour

{via Patterson Maker}

{via Patterson Maker}

Calm & Colorful

There is something about the combination of the unfussy photograph, traditional lighting, and modern chairs that draws me to this New York dining room designed by Iain Halliday.

I instantly recognized the print as the work of French photographer Christian Chaize. The above print, for sale by inexpensive art dealer 20x200, is part of a series in which Chaize photographed the same Portuguese beach at the same moment and from the same angle each day for the duration of his vacation. The result is at once calming and colorful — really, what's not to love?

There is something about the combination of the unfussy photograph, traditional lighting, and modern chairs that draws me to this New York dining room designed by Iain Halliday.

I instantly recognized the print as the work of French photographer Christian Chaize. The above print, for sale by inexpensive art dealer 20x200, is part of a series in which Chaize photographed the same Portuguese beach at the same moment and from the same angle each day for the duration of his vacation. The result is at once calming and colorful — really, what's not to love?

A Brand New Week

Happy Monday! I'm up early to enjoy my morning latté and begin to tackle my to do list. I'm definitely burning the candle from both ends these days (what with three classes, my campus job in Alumni Relations, blogging here, interning for Rue, and applying to full-time positions for next year) but I'm crossing my fingers that the constant balancing act pays off in the end. Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day, don't you think? Let's make this week count!

Happy Monday! I'm up early to enjoy my morning latté and begin to tackle my to do list. I'm definitely burning the candle from both ends these days (what with three classes, my campus job in Alumni Relations, blogging here, interning for Rue, and applying to full-time positions for next year) but I'm crossing my fingers that the constant balancing act pays off in the end. Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day, don't you think? Let's make this week count!