Spring into Earth Day with the Best of Eco-Finds

Spring is officially here!  With Earth Day around the corner I thought it would be fun to explore some Earth Friendly products that I can't live without.  The interior designer in me is always looking for new and innovative products that can inspire my projects & get my clients excited.  
Fashion continues to evolve my design eye day after day.  I'm always left thoroughly inspired by the amazing Stella McCartney.  I'm in love with her spring collection and how she has incorporated bold patterns and colors....And the cherry on top is her whimsical play on Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland
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Every great outfit deserves a show-stopping accessory to make a statement. I am always on the hunt for stylish accessories to finish off a fabulous look.  This year's color: Turquoise!  My must have accent piece for my overflowing jewelry collection is this Jose & Maria's Multi-Strand Turquoise piece from Neiman Marcus.  Look great and forget the guilt...Turquoise stones are natural and precious & dying to be worn!

What a great season to spruce up your style and add a little Green into your home.  Just like in fashion you always want to start with a foundation and add to that.....We all know that Paint is the most accessible and inexpensive way of changing the backdrop of your space, but have you tried the Aura Collection from Benjamin Moore? It is a great example of an Eco-Friendly product that gives you unimaginable color selection plus the bonus of low VOCs. 

 Fabrics are another great way of expressing personal style & exude those fashion forward trends that add an instant burst of drama into a space.  I am a huge supporter of products & individuals that convey style while remaining environmentally friendly all at the same time...If you haven't seen Clodagh's GLOBAL PASSAGE for Duralee, check it out! 
1st Dibs, as we all know & love, is such an amazing resource when trying to locate those unforgettable vintage pieces.  What a way to re-claim and re-discover those lost treasures.   

Getting ready to go to  High Point Market in North Carolina to work with Duralee & Arteriors....Many exciting projects on the horizon.  Can't wait to share all my finds....

“We want to maintain the quality of the earth for our current future generations, and it depends on us.” - Ben Bishop

Everything Old is New Again

It’s a New Year and time for a new outlook on your old surroundings. We all have those staple pieces in our homes that we can’t live without, but they seem so tiresome….Here are some of my helpful tips for re-inventing the ordinary.

TRANSFORM YOUR HOME:

 BORING BOOKSHELVES? Tip: Spice them up by taking some foam core and cut so it fits snug to the back of your bookshelf. Then using some spray-mount and a fabric or wallpaper of your choice, simply stick and push to the back of the shelf. Simple, Chic, & Removable!

 LEFT OVER WALLPAPER? Tip: Change the appearance of several surfaces, coffee table, side table, etc. by taking left-over wallpaper from the bookshelves and cutting it to size to fit the top. Then place glass over top to finish. (Wallpaper can also make a nice runner on your dining table too) Instantly Refreshed!

 TIRED OF AN EVERYDAY CONSOLE TABLE? Tip: Cover the top in faux leather and line the perimeter of the piece with nail-heads. Now you have a custom table without paying that custom price.


 DULL CHAIRS? Tip: Don’t spend hundreds to re-upholster or refinish….Buy a can of high-gloss spray paint in a bold color and spray the frame of an old chair, leaving the neutral fabric. Now you have a chair that’s become a true statement piece, and don’t be afraid to use a bright orange or hot pink….The color will excite you & energize the space!


 RIBBON TO THE RESCUE! Tip: A Color Story can be expressed by the addition of some grosgrain ribbon to a simple lamp shade. As a matter of fact, Ribbon can transform more than your lamp shades…An ordinary bench can be lined with ribbon and nail-heads, add dimension to a room by lining the perimeter, chair backs, drapery edges & more!

Here's a couple Tips you didn't get to see....
 EXPENSIVE ART….YIKES! Tip: Make your own! Eileen often buys stacks of construction paper and emulates the work of famous colorists by strategically placing easy designs in like frames. So interesting, memorable, & cheap!


 NOT-SO-SPECIAL DESK? Tip: Find a funky fabric, something inspiring that you love and have a slip-cover made to fit over your desk. Depending on your fabric choice this can be done under $200. Ex. Marimekko has great fabrics at very affordable price points. Your desk is sure to be the only one of its kind!


These tips are sure to transform your home from drab & ordinary to fab & extraordinary. As evidence by the LX.TV segment above. I have often said it doesn't have to be expensive to look chic. Great design is everywhere; it's just a matter of training your eye to find it. And a little point in the right direction never hurts!  Thank you again to NBC and the OpenHouse Team: Marni, Adam, & James....Love working with you & I can't wait for the next project!

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Leonardo Da Vinci

Chic & Simple Tips for Capturing the Love Bug at Home all Month Long

Valentine’s Day may have come and gone, but that doesn't mean that the LOVE has to…. How to keep it alive? Why not make Valentine’s Day last as long as possible. Here are some of my favorite Lovey-Tips for warming up the whole house...

Let Go & Allow Your Senses to Guide You.....

· Vision of Love….Lighting is so key when creating those special and romantic moments. Must-Have: Aromatherapy’s Winter in Russia Candles. Tip: Invest in an Arteriors Lamp for mood-lighting all year long. My Favorite: This glamorous Silver Tortoise Table Lamp

 

· The Sweet Aroma…. There is nothing more powerful than the smell of something wonderful…an instant mood setter! Must-Have: Jo Malone has the most beautiful & romantic fragrances for the home. Tip: Start using The Laundress Products…My favorite: Wool & Cashmere Pacquette Box

· Music to My Ears….We don’t realize how sensitive we are to certain sounds. Must-Have: Get your iPod engraved Tip: If you haven’t yet you must invest in the Bose SoundDock Speakers….Your playlist never sounded so good!

 

· Catch that Loving Feeling….. Never under-estimate the power of the human touch. Must-Have: William Sonoma’s Faux Fur pillow & Throws. Tip: Invest in some Ann Gish Bedding…So luxurious!

 

· Savor the Zest of Love…. The taste of the evening is literally the cherry on top….Flavors stay with you! Must-Have: It's a good habit to always have a bottle Maschio Prosecco and for special nights have some of Sharis Berries for dessert. Tip: Set your table all year long with Kim Seybert flatware & linens….You will be inspired to do so!

The best part is that all of these elements can last long after February 14th. I have been helping my clients find that at-home-balance between work, life, kids and romance for so long and I know what works! Keep the LOVE flowing....

"Romance has been elegantly defined as the offspring of fiction & love." - Benjamin Disraeli

Love and Passion

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Design for me is a real passion, you know a 24/7 non stop train of thought that leaves the station every day heads into my imaginative world. I am never with out an idea  that I have to research and explore. I search for patterns, colors and designs that inspire me. While doing research for  fabric and textile ideas I came  upon the work of Alexander Girard. This man was a truly talented and passionate designer who was designing nearly 50 years ago and his work is still timeless.

Inspiration....

KandinskyGeorgia O'Keefe

Kandinsky

2010 is going to be a really exciting year....I am really energized and optimistic! I am starting several new projects this year I am always on the lookout for ways to get inspired....After a very busy holiday season I realized that two must see exhibits were about to close.  You can always count on a great exhibit to spur on creativity.  I stole some time and headed over to the Whitney and saw the exhibit "Abstracts"a collection of   Georgia O'Keefe paintings, watercolors and line drawings. Her work always has inspired me even as a  young girl. 
Then I headed up to the Guggenheim and saw Kandinsky...Wow! what a thrill to see his work together in one space...unforgettable.  I love the artbuzz you get when you are close and personal with such amazing and inspiring art.  Of course, I bought the books and when home and poured over the pages again so I could remember my favorites....I posted a couple that I liked from the exhibit...I always take away a visual memory from these great artists and I weave a piece of it into my work....

'Tis the Season to Shop Online

Don't be crazy this holiday season stay calm and shop online. I decided this year that I was not going to fight the crowds & all the mall frenzy. I poured myself a hot cup of tea, sat in front of my computer, and got shopping. Here's what I found....

I hope some of my finds help you along with your Holiday shopping and I would love to hear any of your ideas....Wishing everybody a Happy & Stylish Holiday Season....See you 2010!

“May today mark the beginning of many new joys and accomplishments...and a continuation of all of the good things that you have already achieved."

Paint the Town Red!

Even before the final countdown to the holidays began I was thinking that it would be great to have a bold, red window display here in the shop. Our inspiration was this intriguing 3-dimensional looking wallpaper from Romo. With the addition of the nailheads you have touch it to convince yourself that is actually a flat surface.

Red is not typically one of my go-to colors, but nothing says celebration like red. Red conveys a sense of passion and intensity so much so that the phrases “Power Tie”and “Red Carpet” conjure up strong images. Crimson, ruby and rouge can all speed up your heart rate.
Think of Valentino and red is the first color that comes to mind. He practically invented the color. He’s the Ferrari of the fashion world.

The last two covers of Elle Décor featured red as the dominant color in their room designs. I think they may be on to something here.

One of my favorite fabric lines-Marimekko-often uses a pop of red with both orange and pink to really make a statement. And it’s a match made in heaven with a red Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair.

And red is such a popular color for front doors because it really stands out and looks great with almost any house color.

"When in doubt, wear RED." - Bill Blass

Paint It Black

Even though I’m known for my use of color I had to hold my breath when we decided to paint one of our showroom walls black. It was a bold move but it created just the kind of drama I was looking for. Not scary, Halloween black but sophisticated, elegant, mysterious black. A black wall can add depth and perspective to a room and can be as prestigious as “black tie”.

If any of you have seen the new film “Coco Before Chanel” you’ll know that she was the one who made the little black dress the chic, enduring fashion statement that we all own. In fashion or interiors you can make jewel tones pop with black or contrast it with white for a timeless combination.

Even if you’re not ready to take a leap of faith and paint a room or even a wall black, every room should have some black elements in it. It can provide definition or a common thread for the eye to follow. It can be as simple as the frames on photos, the grosgrain trim on a pillow or a few well-chosen accessories. We recently changed all the exterior doors here to black and it looks sleek and classic. But remember that black is not just black. It can carry the subtle differences in value in the likes of ebony, jet, ink, midnight or onyx. I absolutely fell in love with this striking image of Gwyneth Paltrow's beautiful black Hampton's kitchen...I am currently using this as the inspiration behind one of our client's butler's pantry. Stay tuned!

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
Coco Chanel

The Sunny Side of the Street

I figured this dreary fall day was a good time to continue with my color series and talk about the color that always makes me feel happy…YELLOW. This sunny color is one that I’ve been using lately in my design schemes as a “highlighter”. It perks up the more subdued neutral that has been one of my go-to colors for a while now-gray. Yellow can be a bit tricky-not too warm as it may read as gold and not too cool as it may turn to that acidy-greenish yellow that can be as unflattering in interiors as it is in fashion.This yellow stunner from the runway would send whoever walked the red carpet in it straight to the top of the best-dressed list.

And why do you think those iconic rain slickers come in yellow? Gotta be because they’re one of the bright spots on a stormy day.

This intriguing door system in yellow really grabbed my attention. It turns an industrial look into a chic design statement.

I credit the yellow I used in this designer showhouse in part with helping me land the cover of Traditional Home. The estate venue was limiting for many of the designers because of all the dark wood that had to remain untouched. Luckily I had free-reign and knew that my room would feel like a ray of sunshine.

"Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun." -Picasso

Tickled Pink

Pink is one of those excitable colors that lingers with you long after it's gone. Even though Pink is often associated with little girls & their dream bedrooms, there is a way for even us big girls to bring the blush of Pink back into everyday life. I always jump at the chance to have some fun with Pink....

Here are some great examples of how pink (and more specifically Hot Pink) can work in every area of your life....Pink often adds that perfect pop of unexpected color that just holds your eye captive and in this case defines the space. I love the idea of painting the trim so it appears so predominantly....Unforgettable whimsy. Or, if your on the brave side, you can allow Pink to take center-stage by covering an entire wall with a bold print, like suggested below. And paired with that neutral chair...Magical!

Pink has had many admirers over the years...One being design icon Dorothy Draper. Her book, In the Pink, is a must read if you're as crazy for this hue as I am.

Pink is certainly no stranger to fashion either. I've found that Hot Pink is either making a cameo as an accessory or completely dominating an entire outfit. This Chanel bag is the perfect accent to punch up any outfit...Whether it be your classic LittleBlackDress or just jeans & a Tee, heads will turn.

I am madly in love with this jaw-dropping Marc Jacobs raincoat...I'm certain I could weather practically anything in this coat, completely armed in style.

And then there's every girls dream....a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. These Pink pumps are such show-stoppers. So Carrie Bradshaw!

This beautiful velvet Designer's Guild fabric was the perfect shade of Hot Fuchsia-Pink that my room needed....No other color would've sufficed. These slipper chairs were my exclamation point to a neutral base and complemented the artwork by the late, great Stanley Twardowicz perfectly.

We all feel connected to this little Pink symbol and October has dedicated itself to the Pink ribbon in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a good reminder to all of us women to be taking care of ourselves and those we love. It's important that we continue to support & donate to wonderful organizations such as the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer foundation. Pink continues to inspire.

"Pink it's my new obsession. Pink it's not even a question. Pink is the love you discover." -Aerosmith