Gorgeous, sculptural flower arrangements 05/28/2009
Last satruday I attended Felissimo’s floral arranging class with designer Eve Suter where I learned to create unique floral arrangements with a Japanese touch.       Simple ways to create modern art displays 05/28/2009
 With all of the impact of a huge painting, these smaller pieces of modern art were matted with wide white mats, then framed alike. The checkerboard pattern of hanging is an unusual and striking way to display such a colorful array.  What makes this arrangement a winner? Eye-catching black frames, wide matting, and simple, elegant artwork. While professional framing is always lovely, a budget-friendly look could be achieved with ready-made frames in a clean design filled with "free" art from a calendar or greeting cards.  Black-and-white photos can sometimes be difficult to integrate into a colorful room, yet this technique can make it easy. The mats repeat the wall color while the frames relate to the white painted trim in the hallway -- for a memorable collection of family history. Easy & Inexpensive Summer Decorating 05/22/2009
With summer quickly approaching, longer days and beautiful blue skies, it's also time to bring a little of this wonderful season into our home  Update old frames with a coat of high gloss spray paint in a bright color. If you have multiple frames, create a photo collage. For high impact, paint all the frames the same color or choose two contrasting colors such as pink & orange, aqua & yellow, lime green & lavendar. For a fun weekend project, go to a beach or garden and take photos of things that inspire you like flowers, butterflies, the ocean, sea shells, etc. Print them and frame them in your freshly painted frames.  Create a bold, colorful arrangement with things you already own. Go through your home and create a collection of items that are the same color. Place your collection in a prominent area like a mantel, foyer entry table or console.  Decorate with fruit. Not only will your arrangements be simple, organic and beautiful, they will also have a wonderful aroma and are a healthy snack. My favorite fruits for decorating are apples, oranges, tangerines and lemons.   Update your sofa with bright pillows but stick to two colors. Crate and Barrel has a wonderful selection this year.  Treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh flowers. It's essence, color and natural beauty will transform your home and mood instantly. Happy Memorial Day weekend! Simple ways to get and stay organized 05/21/2009
 No more tangled jewelry You use your jewelry to dress up your outfit. Now use it to dress up your walls. Turn the tangle of jewelry in your jewelry box into artwork. Use frames or shadow boxes to group pieces together. Not only will your walls sparkle, but you'll be more likely to wear pieces because you see them on a regular basis.  Drawer and cabinet dividers are a must when it comes to keeping pans, lids, spatulas, and chip clips in their respective places. Some units match your cabinetry for a completely integrated and customized look. Dividers are available at: Bed bath and beyond Container Store Gracious Home  No matter how hard you try, you just can't get rid of clutter around your house. You can't hide all clutter, but you can contain it. Look at where it collects and set up attractive ways to deal with it. Place a large bowl on the kitchen counter to collect keys. Leave a big basket by the door for shoes. Check discount stores and office supply houses for patterned folders for storing bills -- or wicker, fabric, and leather boxes to match your decor.  If you're working with limited space, think dual-purpose. Look for furniture that works hard: beds and coffee tables with drawers, ottomans with lift-off tops for out-of-sight storage, chests that can stow linens and tableware and also serve as buffets.  Little people equal big messes. Drawers and bins make it easy for kids to put away musical instruments, art supplies, and toys. Baskets and jars for socks, hats, and coins keep the closet tidy. Label everything to help kids stay organized. Taking a room from lovely to show stopping 05/18/2009
This weekend I added the last finishing touches to my client's home. Below are the before and after photos showing how the right details can take a room from lovely to show stopping. The design of this room started with using furnishings that are classic, simple and tailored. I then layered sophisticated elements like the silver leafing on the cocktail table, basket weave pattern on the rug, and luxurious velvet fabric on the chair and pillows. By using a neutral color palette, the room has versatility and flexibility. Here I used a painting above the sofa in lovely pastel tones that make the space feel fresh, bright and youthful while still keeping it sophisticated.   Above the desk, I hung a collection of prints which resemble beautiful script letters with a postage stamp in the center. The prints are delicate but when hung as a group, they become bold, fun and impactful.   In the dining area, I hung an oversized mirror 60 x 48 in antique silver with a lovely beaded detail. The large scale of the mirror opens up the small 8x8' space making it feel larger and elegant. It also reflects the natural light from the window making this small dining alcove bright and inviting.   I love mixing modern pieces in all spaces from transitional, contemporary to eclectic interiors. Modern pieces offer clean lines, simplicity and versatility.  Nogochi Cocktail Table at Room and Board $1349. I've found an identical replica of this iconic, sculptural piece at Advanced Interior Designs for $440.  Eileen Gray side table at DWR $550 Over Stock has a limited quantity for $149. Less that dinner for two and truly priceless.  Magino lucite cocktail table by Karim Rashid at Umbra for $700 Target's similar version is priced at $420.99  Design Within Reach Platner Side Table for $662  Ethan Allen offers a similar more affordable version. Check out the Wire Form table for $419. Plus they offer free shipping, now that's smart shopping! Tips for Decorating with Art & Photographs 05/14/2009
 Art Shelves allow you to display all of your favorite framed art and photos as a collection without damaging your walls. Narrow art shelves are easy to build and install -- or purchase one online or at an art store. This room shows one terrific way to display a big collection of family photos on two long display tracks. Vary the sizes of the pictures, but keep the frames harmonized in color (black and silver, for example) so focus remains on the art. Art shelves and ledges are inexpensive and can be found is styles from Modern to Traditional. Here are a few links of my favorite art ledges to help you get your art wall started. Pottery Barn Room & Board West Elm Brocade Home This years Design on a Dime benefit was a huge success. I had the honor and opportunity to volunteer at the benefit and help raise money for their mission to help the homeless living with HIV.  Me and my friend Bonnie Fox photographed by guest of a guest. Check out their website for more pics on the event and attendees.  A paparazzi moment with Paker Posy  Designer Elizabeth Bauer's room. Additional photos and details on these rooms can be seen on apartment therapy            If you liked my post last friday on inexpensive ways to add a little glamour to your home, you're going to love these additional items.  Z Gallerie Borghese End Table $349, would work great as a night table, next to a cozy reading chair or at the end of a long hallway with an arrangement of fresh flowers.  I found an almost identical option at Horchow for almost $100 less- Mirrored End Table Sale price $269.90  Horchow Ava Mirrored End Table $559. To show off it's sexy legs, I'd pair it next to an armless sofa or modern chaise.  Pier 1 Hayworth Night Stand $199.95. A great alternative to Horchow's table at less than half the price.  Horchow Mirrored Buffet Console on Sale for $1339.90. This piece is such a show stopper, don't limit it to a dining room, It will also look great in an entryway, as a room divider behind a sofa or as a TV console in a formal family room.  Z Gallerie Borghese Buffet $1099. And here's is an even better price. I love hunting for a bargain!  Horchow Tall Aluminium Table $459. This little table can go virtually any where. I'd use it between a pair of chairs or in a master bathroom topped with your favorite candle and fresh flowers.  Brocade Home Turned Metal Pedestal Table $299. This option is just as pretty with an irresistible price. Tomorrow and Thursday I'll be volunteering at the Design on a Dime/Housing Works event. A great organization that helps homeless people with HIV.  |
