The seamed silk shade and the slight bell shape immediately make this lamp look a bit more formal and traditional.

mmmmm

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.

mmmm

The more modern choice. Still a silk shade but the shape is simple yet classic.

mmmm

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!

mmmm

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!

 >>>

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!

>>>

As you know by know, Wednesday was the Big Day!  We unveiled all the wonderful improvements here at My Design Secrets and we are already getting some great feedback. Decorating your Home using the Web will be easier than ever before!

You have to be a Member for exclusive access to the Database and believe me, it’s well worth it!  Click here to see all the wonderful benefits of membership; including getting my free guide:

“7 Great Ways to Stretch Your Home Decorating Budget”

We have done our best to make the transition as smooth as silk, but as you know, technical glitches are bound to occur.   So, as you surf around please give us time to work out the kinks.  And if you want to bring anything to our attention, just click here to contact us.  We appreciate your help and feedback!

Thank you all for your loyalty and support.  We will be here helping you decorate your home for many years to come!

~Lorrie

CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!

..

If you are going to remodel your kitchen and would like to do it in an eco-friendly fashion, consider using the following materials in your new design.

Appliances- Certified with an Energy Star label.  Use a convection oven versus a conventional oven to save energy. 

Cabinets – FSC-certified plywood, wheatboard, bamboo, formaldehyde-free MDF, reclaimed wood, recycled timber, or recycled steel.

Countertops – Granite, engineered stone, recycled ceramic tile, FSC-certified wood, recycled steel, recycled glass, recycled plastics.

Flooring –  Bamboo, cork, linoleum, stone tiles, recycled glass tiles, recycled metal tiles, reclaimed & sustainable woods.

Lighting – Copper light fixtures, recycled glass, recycled aluminum, recycled steel, sustainably harvested wood, and post-industrial waste products.  Be sure and use energy-saving fluorescent bulbs.

Storage – Store food in glass and ceramic pieces instead of plastic.  They are easier to clean, do not hold odors, and if on display, aesthetically much more pleasing.

..

Are you following me on twitter?  You should be!

~ Lorrie

Today, I would like to introduce you to a very talented interior designer, Joel Robare.  Joel is recognized for his innate creativity, open approach, attention to detail and superior service in interior design.  He has been kind enough to answer a few questions and share some of his work with us today.  Thanks Joel!  Enjoy everyone!  ~ Lorrie

Could you describe your path to becoming a designer?
I was bitten by the creativity bug early, drawing and painting ever since I can remember. My first apartments lived like stage sets!  That said, it surprises most people to know that I started with a business management degree – how efficient!  I think the experience gave me the ability to run my business with my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground. A friend once told me we all have to ” do what makes our heart sing.”  If you are near me, you can probably hear my song without straining your ears too much!  I love what I do and am inspired daily.  

Can you describe your philosophy of a “lifestyle-driven approach to design?”
Have you ever walked into an interior that takes your breath away?  That is our aim when we work with our clients.  We create interiors that speak to their own inner voice – going beyond current trends and catalog pages. Our interiors speak of the people who live and work inside them.  Our life-style driven approach takes into account everything our clients are willing to share with us.  We start with an comprehensive interview that asks all the right questions. Have a dog?  Have children?  Have a problem with hiding clutter?  Don’t want to hide clutter?  There IS a perfect interior for every person, and I believe we create it…beautifully.  Our clients become intimately involved with their own homes and they love our work!  Some of their testimonials have been very touching.  

What was the inspiration for your featured project?
The featured project on our website is a home for San Francisco newlyweds.  Putting together a home is really the first decision making process any young couple takes on.  As a designer, we have to ask a lot of questions and use a bit of light psychology to bring two lives together under one roof.  Our inspiration was “a fresh start” and we worked hard to assist them in finding their combined voice.  I think they both learned a lot about each other in the process – almost as much as we learned about them! (The discussion on the nursery was important for all of us…) We layered in a lot of pure functionality (easy maintenance, extra storage, private spaces) with layered bits of personality they identified with individually.  She was most interested in the past like antiques and creating moments that stir her memory like the wallpapered powder room and painted cabinetry. He was very interested in the home’s tactile components like the Aga range, walk in shower, and building out his garage.  Our job was to add completely fresh elements, a cohesive color story and a few “wows” like the glass stripes in the kitchen floor and that lush mosaic tile backsplash.  Our work combined with their individual preferences led to a cohesive whole that both expressed their personality to the world – both as individuals as well as a new couple. 

Joel, could you share a few tips with our readers on how best to marry style with practicality/functionality?
Marry is the word of the day!  If you read my blog, you will see I love lists.  Here is one for your readers:  JR Studio’s 5 steps to making any situation stylish. 

Summer is just around the corner so it’s time to start thinking of our outdoor spaces:  patios, decks, lanais and terraces (enter our Home Outside giveaway).   One of my favorite ways to warm up outdoor spaces is with rugs.  Rugs create warm, cozy conversation areas and provide texture and color.  As I browse some of my favorite sites, I see that the selection of outdoor rugs is fabulous.  There is something for every budget and style.  Let me show you.

Perfect for your Mountain Retreat look. A braided rug that's cozy and comfortable on bare feet.

Why I Love Outdoor Rugs

The Soho Border Outdoor Area Rug from Grandin road appeals to me because I always like to customize the look. 5 sizes and 15 borders from $99 to $499.

For those trying to a achieve a more natural, zen-like look, the Rocky Road Rug is perfect. It's hand-hooked construction makes it softer than it's name would lead you to believe. 5' x 7'6" for $299.

The Clover Outdoor Rug from Pottery Barn is available in blue and red. Perfect to finish off a French look or to add a spot of color on a modern porch.

s

Coastal Style has a great selection of rugs in natural fiber and wool and you can choose your size down to the inch.

Area rugs are the crowning touch to wood and tile flooring.  They add warmth, beauty and color to your room, not to mention how good they feel underfoot.   But there’s nothing worse than ordering a rug, laying it down and then realizing it’s a little too big or too small.  So before you start searching, it’s a good idea to figure out what size you need.  It will help narrow down your choices and give you confidence in your purchase.   Here are some room-by-room guidelines:

Dining Room

Living Room & Family Room

Hallways

Bedrooms

5 Secret Buying Tips:

• Shipping costs for rugs are pretty hefty.  Rugs often qualify as over-sized freight so be sure to take advantage of sales and free shipping offers.
• Along with figuring out the right size, it’s often worth the extra time to order the same pattern rug in the smallest size available to make sure the pattern works.  Confirm that the return policy is liberal and ask them if they will credit the freight if you order the larger size.
• If you are ordering a custom sized rug, then use the exact measurements calculated above.  If you are ordering standard sized rugs, then go up to the next size rug.
• If you have any recessed floor outlets, make sure they are covered if they are not underneath the furniture.
• Order the pad along with the rug.  That way you have the exact size you need to roll it out as soon as you receive it.

>>

>

If you are not going to go green for yourself, at least think of your tots and pups. This sofa from Greener Lifestyles is made from FSC certified wood, natural latex cushions and is available in a variety of organic hemp, cotton and wool fabrics.

>

Upholstery 

I have to admit this is a tough one right now.  As a designer, there are a number of companies from whom I can buy eco-friendly upholstery.  For retail customers, the options are few.  Plus you have to be careful because some companies are taking advantage of the “eco-friendly hype” to sell mediocre furniture.  Yes, a sustainable hardwood frame and organic fabric sound great, but how is the piece made?  What’s inside? (The answers should be a hardwood frame with wool or natural latex cushions)  What is the warranty?  Some companies do not sell directly to the public but you can find an authorized dealer in your area.

• Lee Industries - Crate and Barrel carries some of their items.
• Greener Lifestyles – A great selection of mostly modern sofas.
• Williams Sonoma Home – Offering some stylish options in their Green Collection.  Look for the little green leaf.
• Eco Terric- They offer the Inside Green line from Cisco Brothers.

>

I have been admiring this Viva Terra table for quite some time. Reclaimed railroad ties-made from teak, pine, and ironwood have been crafted into a nesting coffee table with sturdy metal frames that have been given a waxed finish. It has a nice clean look but the weathered wood gives it an interesting twist.

>

Casegoods

Casegoods are pretty much anything that is made out of wood.  Think coffee tables, armoires and dressers.   Here we have many options to choose from.  Antiques and used furniture are the most obvious way to go green.  You can use these items in exactly the condition you find them or refinish them to your taste using earth-friendly products.  If you are handy you can create furniture out of items or wood that had a previous life.  Lastly, there are plenty of talented artists and vendors that are making new furniture from eco-friendly and sustainable materials.

• Vivaterra – One of my favorites, a lovely selection of furniture and accessories.
• Green Culture Furniture - They offer everything from bedrooms to living rooms in traditional, transitional and modern styles.
• Design Public – Great Modern furnishings for your home.

..

Pottery Barn has a wide selection of organic bedding in solids and prints. The Sanibel Collection is great for a vacation home or any room where you want that beach house feeling.

>

Pillows, Bedding and Other Soft Stuff

If you like to sleep as much as I do, then you spend more than a few hours with your pillow snuggled under your head.  Since these items are close to your skin for many hours at a time, it’s a good idea to go green.

• A Happy Planet - If you are going with a simple white or ivory palette, they have got you covered with vendors such as Anna Sova and SDH Purists.
• Pottery Barn – They have a nice selection of organic bedding in lovely colors.  200 thread count is fine for shams and duvet covers but make sure your sheets are 300+.
• LAUREN SPA - Their new spa collection features the trademark Lauren style but with a softer look and feel.

>

>

>

Lighting

Again, we can arrive from two directions.  Take what you have to a lighting store, make sure it’s safe and add a new twist with shades, beads or crystals.  There is also some great refurbished antique lighting on the web.  Bare in mind that compact fluorescent bulbs are available in many sizes.  You can also look for Energy Star approved fluorescent lighting that require 2/3 less energy than standard lighting, generates 70% less heat, and lasts up to 10 times longer.  Some people are concerned that they won’t get the same warm light from a compact fluorescent but if you select a fixture with that has opaque glass, you can hardly tell the difference.

•  Chameleon Fine Lighting – If you are interested in finding a period fixture or just something funky for contrast, they have a beautiful selection.
• Rejuvenation Lighting- One of the few places where you can get an perfect antique reproduction that takes a compact fluorescent bulb!
• LBC Lighting - You also have the option of selecting light fixtures that are made of recycled glass or grass clot for an interesting twist.

I hope this helps you jump into the world of eco-friendly furnishings.  Just remember: consider what you can reuse, analyze what you really need and then do your research.  There are lots of great companies offering a wonderful selection of products that will make your home beautiful and eco-friendly.  Now that’s a smart way to go!

Reuse and Recycle 

First, consider the items you have that might just need a little TLC.

• Friendly Facelift - Sometimes an old favorite just needs a little pick-me-up.  Try a sunny coat of paint on an old table, a new shade for Grandma’s lamp, or reupholstering your favorite chair.
• On the Move – Consider moving accessories, lighting and furniture to another room.  You will be amazed how different the piece looks and how it dramatically changes up a room. 
• Friendly Swap – Talk to your friends and family about what you are looking for and what you are willing to part with.  You might just have a perfect match.
• Dispose With Care – If you have decided that you are ready to part with that sofa, chair, or rug, do your best to pass it on to someone else  who can use it.  (www.freecycle.com, www.craigslists.com, & www.goodwill.org)

Ready to Purchase ? 

 Let’s start from the ground up in the world of eco-friendly decor.

This Hickory Hand-Scraped Flooring is from Eco Timber Flooring. The fantastic character and warmth would be perfect in any room. It is Certified according to the Principles & Criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as well as being LEED certified.

Flooring 

There are lots of eco-friendly options ranging from cork to reclaimed wood.  My best advice is to do your research like you would for any other purchase.  Be honest with yourself and make sure the flooring works with your lifestyle (and the dog’s and the kids’).  And it’s not just the wood or cork you have to consider.  Make sure you have information on any adhesives and sealents that will be used as these often contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)  Just because the flooring is eco-friendly, does not mean the vendor is customer friendly.  Assume nothing and ask a lot of questions.  Get a firm quote, ask about warranties and post-installation care. (Though I have not specified it for any of my clients, my flooring company tells me they are getting a lot of service calls for bamboo flooring, so be vigilant.)

• Eco Timber - Sustainable exotics and hardwoods.
• Check out your local architectural salvage companies for great deals.
• epanko – Cork options for every style.

An Angela Adams rug is truly a thing of beauty. The design, colors and textures mimic the beauty of the natural world.

Carpet & Rugs 

This is where things are getting interesting.  Area rugs can be made from a variety of natural and recycled materials bringing us a fantastic array of textures and designs that are truly amazing.  Along with checking that the rug is made from a sustainable material (recycled items, wools, cotton) make sure it’s made using earth and people friendly practices.  All the better if it’s made in the USA!  This will lessen the use of fossil fuels for transport.

• Flor - Carpet tiles for your whole room or just an area rug.  You can send your old tiles in to be recycled.
• Rug Studio - Sisal, Sea grass and Jute are a good, natural place to start.
• Angela Adams at Velocity – One of my personal favorites.  She makes earth-friendly wool rugs and they are a member of Rug Mark – assuring your rug is child-labor free.

Now that you have the floor covered, are you ready to start adding some furniture?  Then stay tuned for the Eco-Friendly Furnishing Guide Part II this Friday! 

The Urban Retreat by Garrow Kedigian

Today, I would like to introduce you to Garrow Kedigian.  Born in Montreal, Canada, Garrow attended the prestigious architecture program at McGill University before moving to Boston to work in the in the office of renowned interior designer William Hodgins.  After six years with Mr. Hodgins, Garrow moved to New York and went on to work with designers Marjorie Shushan and Eric Cohler.  In 2001, Garrow established his own design firm and since then he has successfully presided over a wide variety of projects.  His portfolio includes a 20,000 sqaure foot barn-turned-residence in Greenwich CT, a multiplicity of apartments and residential projects in Manhattan,  residences in the ever stylish Palm Beach, and large corporate headquarters and office spaces in New York.

This year, Garrow has been invited to participate in the presitigious Kips Bay Decorator Show House.  As a Kips Bay newcomer, Garrow didn’t get first pick of the major rooms.  In fact, he ended up with the smallest room, 95 square feet, tucked away on the 5th floor of the house.  Having a love for small intimate spaces, Garrow was ready to take on the challenge. 

…

…

Garrow’s theme is based upon one of his first projects he ever did, for a client on Park Avenue.  “She was an intellectual, versed in the classics, who needed a place to get away from her husband and kids, where she could read, eat and be away from the day-to-day hassles,” he explained. 

In Garrow’s Own Words

“We turned a small maid’s room into a multi-use space, with vibrant colors, the underlying classical theme of Greek mythology. The walls are a deep orangey/brown, and painted paneling lines characterize the walls and ceiling throughout in a softer deep mocha color, making the space like a jewel box. Color and paint are key. The room is all about the paint, since there is little original architectural character to the space, the wall paint and colors create architectural detailing from where there is none.”

“The banquette, which anchors the corner, is upholstered in a deep chocolate brown velvet for sumptuousness and surrounds a quirky high table, from Amy Perlin Antiques, which double duties as a dining table or work surface. The marble console writing table, from 145 Antiques, has accents of the wall colors coming through in places. Whimsical pillows accent for color and texture and thread the Greek theme through again. The ceiling light, from John Sallibello, is an explosion of whimsy, brass and elegance. The carpet is a custom Greek Key, done in tones to compliment the walls. Above the banquette is an interesting mirror to help expand the small space, in gilded geso. At the opposite wall from the mirror a giant painting of the Russian poet, writer, and idealist Maya Kovsky.”

…

…

“I like painting small spaces dark and dramatic colors.  This helps give the room boldness when it is lacking in its size. The use of mirrors strategically placed help expand the space and manipulate color/light source into the space.”

Congratulations Garrow and thank you for sharing this wonderful room with us!  The Kips Bay 2009 Decorator Show House is open from April 17th – May 17th in New York. 

Are you following me on twitter?  You should be!

~ Lorrie