New Beginnings

Happy New Year!!! Or as the French say, "Bonne Annee"! 

Twenty six days into 2024 and I’m feeling incredibly inspired and passionate.  Perhaps it’s the new year, Dragon-energy that’s permeating my whole being??  Or perhaps the fresh, crisp air of winter?  I’m not quite sure, but regardless, the feeling is vibrant and all-inspiring!  I guess it also doesn’t hurt that I just spent eight days in Paris, strolling the streets of St. Germain, sipping on foamy cappuccinos, smelling sweet perfume, and getting a glimpse of the latest French fashions! Oui! But truly, the shift is palpable and I feel alive and ready to charge!  Merci beaucoup, Paris!  Hello, 2024!!

In this New Year, and also after 29 years of honing my design skills, I’m ready to take things to a new level.  I want to push myself beyond former limitations.  Make the rest of my design career, the best of my design career.  And after spending a week amongst some of the best and brightest new friends, taste makers, and designers in the country, I’m reminded of just how much talent is out there, and how hard I’ve worked to earn my rank amongst them all.  Bravo me!

My exact path this year is of course still unknown, but with my beautiful projects in queue, and all the exquisite design partners surrounding me, I’m confident this is going to be a year of remarkable design for Shelley & Co. And as always, I’m inspired for the journey ahead.  May my angels help me to tap into my Joie de Vivre, for what is the gift of it all, if not the journey along the way?  

Again, Happy New Year my friends.  And may the year ahead bring us all great joy, prosperity, and take us to new heights along our path!  

Au Revoir ~ Shelley

Courageously Curated

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.” ― Maya Angelou

This profound quote rings true for Shelley & Company, especially when reflecting on a pivotal point in my career circa 2014.  After working for just over a decade in the design world, there came a moment where I realized that it was time to take a leap and up my game, so to speak. Prior to this, I felt as though I wasn’t yet challenging myself, playing it safe with each project. The outcome always seemed to fall short of my potential. But then, an opportunity in Belvedere came along and I could feel that everything was about to change. 

Two years were spent curating this masterpiece, and I remember viewing every day as a chance to prove my value, trust my craft, and step into my courage as a true designer. Today’s article in Interior Design Homes serves as a wonderful reminder to myself, and now, my team, that taking risks comes with reward. And sometimes, the bravery that guided you through that pivotal moment could place you on the path that you were always meant to be on. 

XO,

Shelley

Head to our portfolio’s page to check out more photos!

California Dreamin'

Born and raised in Sonoma County, my childhood was spent frolicking amongst the vineyards and surrounding mountain buttes.  Green valley floors and bright blue skies were the norm. I was essentially blind to the magic of it all, always dreaming of moving to a big city. 

Today, after living-out those dreams of big city living, I can truly appreciate the breathtaking beauty that I experienced as a child growing up in Wine Country. So much so, that I recently chose to shift my focus in design to celebrate and embrace that effortless, palpable, Northern California feel. Having designed for over two decades throughout the Silicon Valley and Bay Area, I set my intentions to design differently, hoping to return to my roots. My desires were quickly manifested, as our team has completed over 5 residential projects based in Napa Valley over the past 12 months. Each project, a luxe home, set amongst its native vineyards and stunning landscapes. Each design, customized to compliment its own architectural aesthetic.  Each client, an absolute joy to work with. Each and every day, a blessing. 

Now, the time has come to share the fruits of our labor! We have finally begun the process of memorializing these incredible projects for future reflection and cannot wait to share them with our Shelley & Company community. I am so excited to get behind the lens with our esteemed design partners, and share the story of each and every space. Design has always been my greatest passion, and I’m already counting down the days until we embark upon our next great Wine Country adventure. Until then, be well and follow your dreams.

XO,

Shelley

Introducing Your Bay Area S H O P Girl

When recently asked “If you could do anything right now, and you were totally fearless, what would it be?”  I instantly knew, I would write!  And in these new and COVID-times, when online communication is seemingly all we have, my vast knowledge of interior design, I feel, might inspire greatness.

You see, I believe GREAT design can change our lives!  And I’m ready to greet my friends, family and followers with words of wisdom as we explore the world of design ‘greatness’ together. 

The time is now for me to pass on my life experience as a true creative, and a leader in my industry.  And it is my hope that this blog will influence anyone who’s in need of a transformation in their physical surroundings. 

After 25 years of hard work refining both my design skills, and filling up what I call my spiritual “tool kit”, I feel inspired to begin unpacking my wisdom, and sharing my gifts with whomever wants to listen.  Together, let’s transform your shelter in place into your new favorite sanctuary!  Simple, “thought-full”, and beautiful design changes don’t have to be custom, couture or expensive for you to LOVE them.  And they can start today!

And so it begins….I’m writing as your Bay Area S H O P Girl, and I couldn’t be more excited to do so!

Your ‘fearless’ friend,

Shelley