Secret Project: Saying "YES" to a Silent Auction

Happy Friday!  The sun is shining and it is Friday, so I am happy!! 


Two Fridays ago, I posted a Sneak Peek on Instagram of a project I was working on that was a little different than any other project of mine in the past.  And many of you were curious what my "secret" project was.

I was honored to be asked by Carey Ridge Elementary School in Westfield, IN to be part of their silent auction and winter festival, their largest fund raiser of the year for the school.  With great pride I said "yes" of course and figured out what I was going to donate later!  I had never been a part of a silent auction but knew I couldn't pass up this opportunity.

This fundraiser is a compilation of local businesses donating goods and services for a silent auction to help benefit student from preschool through 4th grade by offering several educational enhancement opportunities.  I was proud to be representing the community as the only designer/decorator included in the silent auction.  For me, it was not only a great way to donate and give back to the community, but a hope to spread the word of my new company Jessica Stout Design throughout the city.

I didn't really know what to expect or what I was getting myself into, but I will always say "Yes" to a new opportunity like this.  I decided on a complete Home Re-Style Experience Package as my donation to the event.  I felt like this would give someone who has never worked with an Interior Designer, the chance to do so, as well as someone who may have always wanted to do some decorating in their home a jump start to their design dreams!

I have found that people are intimidated or even scared of the idea of hiring an Interior Designer to help with a basic remodel or decorating a space.  They hear the words "Interior Designer" and automatically see dollar signs and think they can't afford it.  I am here to show people that it doesn't have to be the most expensive items to get a great space that you love living in.  So, I was hoping this would show some people that hiring a designer for even the smallest of jobs like choosing paint or new custom curtains can save you a lot of time and money in the long run and ultimately be very happy with the final results.

Because I am so detail oriented, I also wanted to make a great first impression to the visitors of the auction since this is the first time all  most of these people will be learning about Jessica Stout Design.  I wanted to create something that showcased my design style and an idea of what they can expect from me when they hire me or in this case, the highest bidder on my services.  As hard as that sounds, to show someone "this is me, this is what I do, this is what JSD is all about" in one small 15x24 board, I was pleased with how it turned out!

I created two different design plans for hypothetical spaces showing the two very different design styles that are popular right now.  A Bright + Bold Living Room and a Warm Neutrals Living Room each with coordinating fabric samples. 

The silent auction raised over $15,000 for the school last Friday night.  And I am proud to say I was able to be a part of that.  It was a really fun project to work on.  I am so glad I said "YES" to this opportunity and hope to do more projects like this in the future!


Which design style do you prefer, Bright + Bold or Warm Neutrals?!?