My Design Secrets » accessories

Creating a Foyer with Screens & Dividers

My Design Secrets — Thu, 12 May 2011 19:24:29 +0000

This laser cut screen is a bargain at $260 and comes in 2 styles and 3 patterns.

In many smaller homes and apartments, you open the front door and “surprise” you are in the living room. While you’ve go to make every square foot count, I still think a well-designed transition helps round out your space. This got me thinking of all the inventive and attractive ways you can create a mini foyer. Decorative screens and room dividers provide lots of options.

You can choose a laser cut screen for a classic look.
Modern hanging designs create a bold statement.
Simple cubes complete a simple modern look that also provides built-in storage.

When you start considering your options aim for something that is either low (36″ high bookcase) or that’s somewhat translucent (screens and hanging dividers). That way the space will feel open from both sides and allow people to be seen coming and going. It will be a stylish spot to great your guests and a cozy little home for your keys, umbrella and purse.

Click on the photos for details plus here are some other great sources for screens. Let me know if you have some of your own!

Accent Chair for a Monocrhomatic Living Room

My Design Secrets — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:09:04 +0000

I was skimming through the Crate & Barrel catalog this morning and spotted this awesome accent piece – the Chloe Chair. With loads of black, white and gray interiors being featured lately, the many brilliant shades of yellow are a natural pick. This chair would bring just the right pop of color to a monochromatic room but it has a lot of “wow” factor so I wouldn’t necessarily go for a pair. If you need another chair, a more comfy club chair on the opposite side of the coffee table would do just fine. The back of this chair is 36″ high so it would look best with other furniture that is at least 30″ high. If you like the graphic pattern but could do without the bold pop, it comes in blue, green and gray as well. Bonus points for having a sustainable hardwood frame and being made in the USA!

Have a great week!

5 Plants That Make Great Holiday Gifts

My Design Secrets — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:05:20 +0000

How’s your Christmas shopping going? Me? Well, lets just say I feel like the finish line is within site but I am not quite there yet. I love to give my friends and family thoughtful and personalized gifts. But gift-giving can be a little more difficult for someone you are just getting to know, a business associate or the host of a party.

In this case, plants are a lifesaver. And I am not just talking about poinsettias and holly! Bonsai trees, orchids, and fragrant herbs are top choices because Winter is a great time to bring nature back into the home. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a great florist down the block, then don’t be shy about ordering online. Order it in the middle of the night and it usually shows up in day or two. How easy is that?

Here are a few great plants that look festive for the Holidays. But once you take off the ribbon or change the pot, the recipient has a wonderful gift for months to come that reminds them of your generous spirit!

Just click on the photos to take you to each site!

Happy Holidays!

Stylish Etsy Pillows at Amazing Prices

My Design Secrets — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:34:18 +0000

I am continuously scanning and searching for new interior decorating sources on the web. Partly because I love doing it and mostly because I cannot help myself. If I see an eye-catching pillow or fabric online or in a magazine, I immediately go into research mode and soon those items wind up on these pages so I can share them with you! Lately I am doing more and more online consultations (Soon we are going to be rolling out a whole menu of fantastic services! I will keep you posted!) and so I often direct my online clients to products and sources on the web and that's where the pillows come in….

Pillows really give your room some punch. You can have the same old sofa for years but if you toss a couple of great pillows and a throw on it, suddenly it comes to life! Now I can find wonderful designer fabrics for custom pillows but that takes a bit more time and money. But if you are looking for quick fix with immediate impact, then I have some great affordable tips for you!

Stealing from Your Teens

My Design Secrets — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:34:14 +0000

For years and years my favorite type of desk lamp. Go classic with stainless or add a pop of color to your office or craft area. Six colors @ $59.

I have been fighting it, but I am starting to “speak” my age. I find myself saying things like “That’s totally inappropriate” or “My mother never would have let me wear THAT”. When kids are drinking coffee and using cell phones at 10, we can’t be shocked when the teen activities and proclivities we knew seem virtually non-existent. The warp speed with which teenagers are growing up these days is mind-boggling. But one thing remains. A teens room is their haven. Their home within your home. And they have some definite ideas about how it should look.

Pottery Barn’s marketing department is wise enough to know that teenagers want their own look, not just hand-me-downs from their parents. It’s a creative catalog with saturated color and fun accessories. Granted, I see a lot Peace Signs and Surf themed items as I leaf through the catalog. But I also a few things that might be worth stealing. The prices are low and the style is high. So just follow me…

Quilts are all the rage these days but most prefer a modern flair. These Henley Quilts feature great colors and a full/queen is only $109.

As a person who hangs lots of family photos, this is definitely on my list. Three photos, hung perfectly straight and easy to swap out. A dream!

A modern and fun pop of color for your office. Plus the vinyl is perforated for a fun twist.

Love these little lumbar pillows for a chair or bed. Crewel embroidery detail for $29. A steal!

The dominant color themes for the girls are aquas and pinks; navy and brown for the boys. But try to think outside of the box when looking at their rooms. I am sure you will find accent colors to suit most any casual or modern home. The prices are very reasonable so you can change up your color story and rotate these into the mix. That’s the key to keeping your home feeling fresh, current and fun!

One Kings Lane

My Design Secrets — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:42:58 +0000

Even thought One Kings Lane only exists on the Web, this is its virtual home.

70% off on gorgeous high-end furnishings for your home….now I have your attention!

One Kings Lane is an wonderful site that offers a limted number of designer deals each and every day. Furniture, art, accessories, it’s all there. Today there are 10 vendors listed with everything from high-end bean bag chairs to hand-crafted candle flowers that could pass for the real deal. The sales start at 8AM Pacific Time every day (the founders are Manhattanites turned West Coasters) and feature at least 3 brand new vendors. There’s a schedule listed for easy reference plus you’ll receive an email each day announcing the sales.

An adult sized bean bag chair is relaxation and luxury rolled in one. This shade of orange is the perfect accent for any room. (Retails for $250, their price $149)

If you recommend a friend who makes a purchase they give you a $25 credit which is a nice little perk. On Saturday’s they have the Tastemaker Tag Sales that feature “curated selections from leading interior designers.” This weekend they are featuring Vintage Print Gallery and I am excited to see what they offer since some of their artwork hangs in my clients’ homes. Check it out and see what you think!

If you have not entered our Rejuvenation Giveaway, make sure you take a look.

You could win a $300 light just for stopping by!

Enter Here!

Win a Lovely Ceramic Treasure from Lonesomeville!

My Design Secrets — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:00:23 +0000

This giveaway has ended!

For those of you receiving this entry by email, please visit our website for the full story and photos. There were so many lovely shots that I have posted 2 slideshows for your viewing pleasure!

Wild Birds is just one series of pieces you can choose from!

Lonesomeville -A curious name that sounds sweet and melancholy at the same time. Here’s the story… It all started with a farm house built in the late 19th century and a group of people who could not bear to see it torn down. So what did they do? They bought it! And over the last 20 years the owners have brought the house and the lovely grounds it is nestled on back to life! From the cabinetry, furniture and tableware to the railings and gingerbread, no detail is overlooked by their artisans. And so, Lonesomeville was born.

[[Show as slideshow]]

But that’s just the beginning of the story. Danny, one of the homeowners, happened to be an accomplished potter. Soon thereafter, the home and grounds became the birthplace of Lonesomeville Pottery Company. Really, it’s a campus of sorts with a lovely home, garden, and studio that all provide endless inspiration and comfort for those that reside there.

As you browse through the website you will see that each piece is inspired by nature. Leaves, insects, flowers and birds are lovingly integrated into the designs. As you click on each motif, there is a wide offering of shapes and sizes. Maybe something for your end table or mantel… dining room or kitchen? It’s all there and it’s beautiful.

[[Show as slideshow]]

…

Would YOU like to Win your choice of

Beautiful Lonesomeville Pottery worth $150.00?

This is how to enter:

Step 1: Visit Lonesomeville Pottery and shop around.

Step 2: Leave me a comment below telling me which piece would be on the Top of Your Wish List and Why. You can choose any piece up to a value of $150! If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter. Replies by email will not be accepted.

One entry per person. You have until 11:59PM EST on Wednesday, May 26th to enter. One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

Good Luck!

~Lorrie

P.S. And remember, you can be the first to hear about Lonesomville news and the latest designs by signing up to receive their Newsletter or becoming a fan on Facebook!

How to Choose a Fabulous Foyer Mirror

My Design Secrets — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:45:39 +0000

This mirror from Carver's Guild has just the right touch of whimsy.

So you’ve got a fantastic foyer table but you’re stuck when it comes to selecting a mirror. I understand why. There is a dizzying array of shapes, sizes and styles but just like Goldilocks, choosing the right one takes some careful consideration; neither too large or too small, the perfect mirror should be ”just right.” If you need some help, you’ve come to the right place. Just pick your preferred shape and then follow these simple rules:

Rectangular or Oval

A classic choice that you can pair with almost any style and size table. Most foyer tables are about 30-36″ high so the mirror should be around the same height give or take 6″. If you have high ceilings and want to add drama, go with one that’s extra tall. Also, consider the width of your console table and choose a mirror that is about 50-75% of the width. So if you are table is 36″ wide, your mirror should be 18-27″ wide.

This mirror listed on 1st Dibs is made from antique bamboo and adds a nice bold modern or exotic touch.

Square

Square mirrors with large frames and smooth finishes are a safe choice for almost any interior but getting the scale correct an be a bit tricky. Follow the height guidelines above but bear in mind that the mirror will look heavier than a rectangular shaped one so they generally look better with furniture that is larger in scale. Square mirrors work very well above long consoles that are 48″ or more or a chest of drawers.

A starburst mirror is lovely as a piece of art but not a good choice for a foyer where practicality is key.

A nice alternative to the starburst. Simliar effect, much more useful.

.

Round

This one can be tricky but if done properly can add a great “wow” factor to your foyer. Just like the square mirror, the size will be dictated by the height needed. You don’t want a small mirror (20″ or less) for a couple of reasons: 1) it will give you the feeling of a porthole in your foyer; and 2) the hanging height that looks good with the table may not be a practical viewing height for gazing. You only want a few inches between the top fo the console and the bottom of the mirror. A star-burst mirror is lovely but if the mirror itself is quite small or convex, then it’s not the right choice for your foyer. Those are better suited as artwork on other parts of your home.

What’s Your Style?

Select a style and finish that’s a bit of a contrast with your foyer table. If your foyer table is carved wood, you might want to look for a gilded mirror or one with a tile frame. If your foyer table is metal, then warm it up with a exotic wood frame. Don’t be tempted by table and mirror matched sets, they are unimaginative and sterile. If you get the scale right, the style options are endless and you might be suprised by an unlikely combination. A stunning mirror is one of the best ways to welcome your guests and brighter up this small space. So take out your tape mesaure and jump in!

Throw Blankets for Every Room

My Design Secrets — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:28:44 +0000

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!

Wrapping It Up

Here are some of my favorite sources for Throws. Some for the prices, others for the selection…

Dash & Albert

Jonathan Adler

Pillows & Throws

And if you Join My Secret Database you will find wonderful new sources for anything you need for Your Home!

Have a good weekend:-)

mmm

Flowers For The Home – Book Giveaway

tim — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:47:59 +0000

* 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.

* Courtesy of Rizzoli International Publications (With a special thanks to Jessica!)

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?

To Enter Simply…

Tell me about your favorite flower.
If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter. Replies by email will not be accepted.
One entry per person. You have until 11:59PM EST on Wednesday, December 16th to enter. One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.