Great little piece in the New York Times on using throw blankets to add some color to your room. Designer Brad Ford shares some of his own tips. For a small investment you can make a chair look brand new, a den look super cozy and a give a monchromatic bedroom a colorful lift!
I received an email this morning from my good friend (and amazingly talented artist) Teresa McCue for a wonderful event that I’d like to share with you. She participates in a brilliant art show twice each year that is presented by Nahcotta Gallery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. They gather a wonderfully diverse and talented group of over 50 artists for their “Enourmous Tiny Art” show (ETA). In their words
“Twice a year, the walls of Nahcotta are hung to the hilt with tiny art, in all of its one-of-a-kind” beauty, ingenuity, and magnificence”
So you ask…what is tiny art? They are beautiful, creative pieces that are all about 6″x6″ (some a bit larger, some a bit smaller) in a variety of mediums and there is something for everyone. So for those of you who say you don’t have any space for new artwork, now you do!
These small treasures are PERFECT for Valentine’s Dayor for anyone that deserves a special gift. The small size makes them extra precious and is bound to bring a huge smile to your sweetheart’s face.
And Terry is making this show even more special. You see, she not only has a big talent but she also has a Big Heart (see above). She is donating 50% of her proceeds to the charitable organization Konbit Sante which will benefit the victims of the earthquakes in Haiti.
So jump in, take a look around and BUY something….it will be good for your heart, your sweetheart and all the good people in Haiti who desperately need our help!
The seamed silk shade and the slight bell shape immediately make this lamp look a bit more formal and traditional.
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Lamps are the last item I look for when designing a room. To me, they are the crowning touch and allow you to infuse a last bit of style and color into the room. I was looking for lamps for a client today and the ones I am considering have two different lamp shade options. Options…it’s a word every designer loves and so should you! When you take a classic lamp and put a pleated silk lampshade on it, the result has a more formal and traditional look. But when you take the same lamp and use a plain drum or cone shade you have a much more modern look. Check out these lamps to see the difference. And by the way, a gourd lamp like this fits in most any room. They come in a broad spectrum of sizes and colors and are always in style.
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The more modern choice. Still a silk shade but the shape is simple yet classic.
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This also means that if you find a lamp you like but the shade is not quite right, change out the shade. There are a number of lamp stores that carry a broad selection of shades in many price ranges. The perfect lampshade can make a simple lamp look more spendy and we all love a bargain, right?
Tired of shopping the same online stores that all carry the same products?Become a member of My Secret Database and enjoy access to a wide variety of boutique vendors that I have gathered over the years!
Margaret has done a great job of integrating modern furnishings into a classic home.
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I have rented a few apartments over the years and even before I was designer it was pretty frustrating when it came to decorating. I had lots of wonderful ideas on how to fix them up but I knew upon exit I would be expected to patch all the holes, paint the walls white and take down the window treatments. So as a result I kept things pretty simple. I didn’t have the money to spare nor did not want to get emotionally attached to a space that was just an in-betweener.
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According to the article, "She remodeled the bathroom, painting walls melon, laying a yellow Marmoleum floor, installing a modern medicine cabinet, repainting the claw-foot tub and adding a glass doorknob from Anthropologie."
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So that’s why a recent article I read in the Washington Post really made me wonder…The article is about designer, Margaret Carter, who moved from Colorado to DC. She had earmarked her savings to start a new design practice and therefore did not have the money to spend on the down-payment for a home. But she needed a nice size space for her business and to showcase her talents. She found a lovely rental home that dated back to 1919 with good bones and a gorgeous wrap-around porch but it needed a bit of TLC. She was able to negotiate with the owner on the lease and agreed to do some upgrades to the house. Painting, cleaning, upgrading the bathroom. Most of it was cosmetic but it amounted to $12,000!
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The color palette in the living room is crisp and bright but notice no window treatments!
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Long story short, the house is lovely and just what she needs for now. But she does not know how long she will be there. I really could not picture myself making this kind of an investment in a rental home.
So tell me what YOU think. What changes you have made and how far you were willing to go to put your stamp on a place you did not own? Do you think it’s realistic to negotiate with a landlord to make such improvements? I want to hear from you!
At the end of this year I heard a lot of people wishing good riddance to 2009. And while I know it’s been a rough year, I was honestly a little surprised. I am not very superstitious, but hey, we all know that things can get better or worse in the blink of an eye. This past year has been very busy with family, my design work, the website and my own personal goals. It was a year filled with highs (my 40th birthday, deepening my yoga practice and our new dog Roxie) and lows (Tim’s appendicitis and our dear pup, Emma, passing away). I am sure you can all relate…we have to embrace the good times and learn to accept the things that are difficult and sad.
We launched MyDesignSecrets.com almost two years ago and thanks to all of you, we’ve had a loyal and ever-growing audience. I created this website to help you express your own sense of style and to give you the tools to decorate like a pro. I have written a library of how-to articles and have given you my take on colors, coordinating, and couches. Our giveaways have been a tremendous success and we’ve sent loads of beautiful books, eco-friendly paint, gorgeous furnishings, and valuable gift cards to our readers. We then pumped up My Secret Database to give you better search results with photos, cool search options, and a whole slew of new vendors you won’t find anywhere else. We are glad that so many of you have decided to become members!
But as I think of the year ahead, I do have some goals and visions and since they include you, I thought it was time to share…
Hmmmm…where to start?
Personal Goals
I am going to try to be consciously grateful for the blessings in my life:
a husband who can make me laugh when I am down,
a sweet dog who reminds me that a short walk and a deep breath can change my point of view
a number of loyal and inspiring family and friends
my lovely garden
and beautiful Florida days and nights.
I am going to practice yoga more often and finally start painting again. I have also been saying for years that I will cut back on sweets and chocolate and it never happens. So here’s my declaration: sweets and chocolate are here to stay and I will do other things to make up for it….maybe.
Goals for My Design Secrets….
When we first started, I was writing posts 5 days a week and it was very challenging and honestly I was a bit burnt out. But I realized we can move in different directions and there are many places to do that! I will certainly continue to share secrets and tips on interior design, but I am also going to share fun tid-bits from the news and more exciting details on my design work. So you will see news posts here two or three times a week but you can also keep in touch via Facebook and Twitter if you’re on the run.
I wish you all best of luck with your ambitions for the year. I will be here for anything you need on the decorating end…you will have to take care of the rest yourself.
To start out the year, here’s a recent project of mine that was featured in a local magazine. Let me know what you think!
Do you have a wall that is just crying out for something special? Well, instead of just painting it with an accent color, you can really give it some style with the fantastic giveaway we have today! The folks at Architexture have a unique solution for you! Tattoowall is a revolutionary, image transfer technique that allows you to install beatiful murals, frescos, and artworks onto your ceilings and walls.
These photos just give you a taste of what they have to offer. The video below has a lot of great information and shows the installation of a large Tattoowall. Whether it’s fine art, photography, a cool pattern, or one of their many featured artists, I guarantee that you can find something that suits your style. And as an added bonus… Tatoowall is completely customizable. ANY image can be used. You can even even submit your own!
So start thinking where you could use a Tattoowall and follow the directions below carefully for your chance to win!
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Would you like to win a Tatoowall image from Architexture?
To Enter Simply…
1. Visit the Tatoowall Image Gallery and choose an image from one of the following categories: fine art, decorative art, illustrations, patterns, or photography.
2. Leave me a comment below letting me know where you plan on using the image in your home. *Please include the image code that corresponds with your choice (*the four digit image code can be found just below each image).
Pantone, the world’s leading authority on color trends just unveiled this year’s pick! This will lead us to a sea of turquoise sweaters, pillows and bicycles. But that’s fine by me. I can easily incorporate shades of turquoise into my color palette if my clients are on board. It has so many beautiful hues and easily works with other colors. Last year’s color was “Mimosa” and while it was a pretty color, it was not one I saw making it’s way into my projects anytime soon.
Here is their take on this luscious color:
“Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well-being…..With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.”
If you love the many shades of Turquoise, here are some great ways to add it to your home:
Pillows & Throws
Lamps
Turquoise Stones
Rugs
Artwork
This is a wonderful way to to give your home a New Year’s lift and add some bright, happy hues to the long, cold days and nights of winter. If you’d like some more wonderful turquoise interior inspiration, visit Erin’s blog, House of Turquoise. Right now she has posted some lovely holiday decorations and she also maintains a group of sites dedicated to different colors. So no matter what color is your favorite, you’ll find you’re in good company!
Happy Holidays!
Seedling Modern Pillow from Inhabit Living
The Glass Zinnia knob from Anthropologie would brighten up any bathroom or dresser.
Flamingo Porcelain Lamp in Turquoise from Cottage & Bungalow
Spa Organic Bed Blanket from Ralph Lauren
1" Penny Glass mosaic tile from Ann Sacks in Water Matte.
You have a favorite sofa that you’ve snuggled into comfortably for the past 8 years. The style is perfect and the size is just right. But the fabric leaves a bit to be desired. All the good things in life….kids, dogs, eating, drinking and being merry are reflected on your sofa. Many clients ask me whether it’s worth it to reupholster their sofa or chairs. It really depends on a few factors. So let me step you through it and perhaps the decision will become clear…
Condition
How is the sofa or chair holding up? Does it creak each time you sit down? Is it sagging in the middle? Or is it just the cushions that are shot? If the frame is weak, then it’s time to move on. If you just need new cushions, that’s an easy fix.
Style
How attached are you to the style of your piece? Because if you really like the certain small details, it may be very difficult to find them again. Styles change over the years and if you are looking for a duplicate piece, you may be searching for a needle in the haystack.
When the fabric is fastened directly to the frame, you need to apply welt to cover the staples. Click on the photo and you will see it's a much more involved process.
Budget
Reuphostering a sofa or club chair is probably not going to save you money. The truth is that except for higher end furnishings, most furniture frames are not very well made. Instead of kiln-dried hardwood and 8-way hand-tied seats, they are made with sofa woods and inexpensive metal coils. So even when a company makes a brand new sofa, most of the money goes into the fabric and labor.
While you might be able to get a great deal on fabric, the labor costs to reupholster is significant. If you’d like to get a quote from a local vendor, some may give you an estimate based on the sofa measurements, but they will have to come and determine the exact fabric yardage needed and take a look to give you a firm quote. Don’t forget to ask about new cushions if yours are deflated!
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DIY
I do not recommend tackling a sofa or club chair unless you have expert guidance or an enormous amount of patience. Most homemade jobs I have seen are very sad looking. There is an exception to this rule. Dining Room chairs that have slip seats are a snap to redo. Check out the great video below for some helpful guidance.
If you are saving for a new sofa but cannot stand the look of what you have right now, then be sure to consider a slipcover for the time being. When the time comes to purchase a new sofa, you certainly don’t want the old one to wind up in a landfill. So if you are ready to move on from your old sofa, please explore your options to donate it to a worthy cause.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask me below!
* Inspired by Grayson Handy’s worldwide travels, Flowers For The Home presents over 100 simple and stylish floral arrangements for both everyday and special occasions.
* Congratulations to Shari D. from Ontario for winning the Flowers For The Home book giveaway!
Handy’s floral designs draw on the cultures and traditions of China, Japan, India, and Morocco; the enchanting French and English countrysides; the diverse terrain of Mexico; the lush tropical rain forest; and the always charming American South.
Handy discusses the basic floral design principles from each of the nine featured locales – ranging from color palettes to indigenous materials – and provides step-by-step instructions and tips for assembling many of the eye-popping displays. The specially commissioned photography will encourage the reader to create many of these delightful bouquets, now and for years to come.
About the Authors/PhotographerGrayson Handy is the creative director of New York’s Prudence Designs and Events. Handy and Arturo Quintero’s renowned flower shop, specializing in event planning, caters to top magazines and celebrity clients. Paulette Cole is the CEO and creative director of ABC Home, a New York–based store that carries sustainable-designed furnishings. Ellen Silverman’s photographs have appeared in many cookbooks, including Neiman Marcus Taste, as well as in numerous magazines. Tracey Zabar is the author of Charmed Bracelets.
Would you like to win a copy of Flowers For The Home?
Potential clients often ask what my “Style” is. While I am happy to share how my home is furnished, the important thing is how I will use my expertise to express their style. After all, this is about my client, not me.
There are some designers and decorators who have a “look” and they use it over and over again. That works for people who are unsure of what they want and feel more secure in just pointing to a photo. Personally, I think the real value of hiring a designer is allowing them to use their talent to translate your style into a wonderful new design. As a designer, my job is to help you identify a style that you find beautiful and comfortable for you and your family; and then, bring it to life!
When I was still in design school, I started working as a decorator. Fortunately, I have some very trusting friends and family members who allowed me to test my talents in their homes. For the most part (barring a few mistakes that were promptly fixed) the designs came out very well. Over the years, it’s been my ability to translate the tastes of my clients that has brought me much success.
Today I am sharing some photos with you of my mom’s home. I am very thankful to her for allowing me to renovate (once) and decorate (multiple times) her home. I have noticed that when it comes to family and friends it’s tempting to make assumptions about their personal taste. But beware, this can put you in dangerous territory. To make sure my mom got the home she wanted, I asked a lot of questions (What did she want to keep? What colors did she love? Which ones had she grown tired of?) and gave her many different options.
The result: a home that possessed sentimental elements of her personal history but at the same time expressed the wonderful person she has become over the years.
So whether you hire a designer or decorate your own home, give it the time and attention it deserves. My designs take time, patience, and careful consideration. Tastes change over the years, so let your home be a reflection of where you have come from as well as where you are going.
