Interior Designer Highlight: JBM Designs (with Your Budget in Mind)

Julia Barnes May—Cinnie to her friends—started her business just a year ago after training with the pros for over a decade: first at Brunschwig and Fils in New York and then with Baltimore interior design legend Stiles Colwill. “I feel I have been trained by the best in the business,” she says. With tremendous resources and the versatility to support a wide variety of tastes, she takes inspiration from the highbrow and the low. “A friend gave me a theory on dressing. She said to go to Banana Republic, grab an outfit you like and then spend some money on great shoes and a bag. I feel the same way about decorating. I encourage clients to invest in a couple of quality pieces and then help them do some really creative things that look fabulous but don’t entail spending a king’s ransom.” JBM Designs, 410.581.0914.

Back in Black

The latest trend in modern design—dramatic and sophisticated black crystal makes the most basic home accessory, like the candlesticks shown, into a design statement. Far superior to black glass, black crystal has no bubbles or swirl marks and is perfectly smooth and flawless. Candlesticks, Radcliffe Jewelers.

Paint It Green

Environmentally-friendly interior paint by BioShield is non-toxic and contains no volatile organic compounds that create health and environmental risks. With virtually no fumes, they leave your home pollutant-free. Spring pastel color range, shown - White Dawn, Mother of Pearl, Saffron Rice, and Lime Coconut. Available at Bluehouse.

Down for the Count

The newly developed Rainbow Knockout Rose is a rose lover’s dream! Mildew-tolerant and black spot-resistant, the delicate five-petal rose with a sweetbriar scent won the 2007 seal of approval from the prestigious All-American Rose Selections. The flower blooms late into the season and is winter hardy to zone 4. For a trouble-free rose garden, the Rainbow Knockout is a sure winner. Available at Green Fields Nursery.