My Design Secrets

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!

The regular line of Stanley Furniture is made in China, but all if it's Young American line is made here in the USA.

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They don’t talk much about decorating on World News Tonight, so when I heard this story it caught my interest.  This video clip talks about how purchasing even a small amount of USA made products would be a major boost to our economy. To bring attention to the topic, they are on a mission to redecorate a home using only products made in the USA.  Stay tuned, this should be interesting…

I aim to use many American-made furnishings but it’s not always the best solution for my clients.  Sometimes I can’t find the right piece or there are less expensive options made overseas.  Plus, there are lots of beautiful furniture lines made in Europe and South America with wonderful craftsmanship that you don’t see as much of here.  And I know your options may be even more limited.  The retail world is littered with low-priced, mass-produced furniture made in China that looks good on the showroom floor but the quality is seriously lacking.  Something you might not realize until you’ve it had it a year or two.

The result:  It gets confusing.

So I have a few questions for you.:

• Do you check where something is made before you buy it?
• Does a “Made in the USA” tag mean better quality to you?
• Do you think about the carbon footprint created and US jobs lost from buying furniture made abroad?

Please take a look at your sofa. Find the tag on the bottom or on the cushions that tells you where it’s made.  Share that information with us and your thoughts on this topic.  I am interested to hear your point of view!

My sofa is made in North Carolina but I will admit, I bought it years ago before global warming and unemployment were were daily topics in the news.  It’s been a great sofa and well worth the price I paid.

Thanks for joining the discussion!

I've used Cubitec shelves before. They're super cool, lightweight and very durable. The only hitch is that I have to put them together myself. If I remember correctly, I get the hang of it when working on the last section!

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These days I am still working on our Fabulous Guest/Yoga/TV Room. So far we have our awsome sleeper sofa and new closet doors. Bookshelves are next!  We have lots of books (even after cleaning out) and some special little treasures we like to put on display.  So just like any other design project, I have outlined my wants and needs before diving in.

Bookshelf Wish List

1. Black used to be my “go-to” accent color but these days I am leaning toward white or lightly stained woods.
2. Open backed shelves will give this large piece a lighter look.
3. Lastly I am looking for solid shelves and sides (don’t want to add lots of bookends) but I don’t want it to look too heavy.

Is that too much to ask?

My trade-only sources were disappointing. The only super simple shelves were from high-end Italian vendors that were a bit too pricey!  But online options abound!  Good to have choices, difficult to make a decision. Let me know which one you like best and if you have any other tips!

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Woodwind shelves from Room & Board. Three different sizes shown here. Bonus: the shelves are adjustable.

Shall I go the super simple and cheap route? Ikea's expedite shelve unit ($69) kinda remind me of cubby holes from kindergarten. The "you get what you pay for" bird is chirping in my ear.

Payton bookshelves from Crate & Barrel - the only hitch is that they don't have the open back I am looking for.

Tim (my husband) and I both work from home.  And while it’s convenient with no commute, sometimes it’s a little TOO cozy with work-stuff overwhelming our home and our lives.  Poor Tim had a desk wedged into my sample room and sometimes it was hard to find him amongst all the fabric and wallpaper. With many of my vendors moving their catalogs and libraries online, it was time to start downsizing by moving all the catalogs and fabric into my office.  It was going to take some organizing but we finally did it!

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My Sample Room aka Tim's office. His desk was wedged in at the right.

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So now Tim has some extra room in his office.  But before he could even start enjoying it, I had new ideas about how we could use the space…..yoga room, reading room, guest room…TV room during football season.  Being the amiable guy he is, he was up for re-purposing the space.  What we finally decided on was all of the above.  A big part of this equation would be a great sofa bed… which I know seems like an oxymoron, but please read on.

I had my reservations about sofa beds.  They are okay for a night or two but most people “put up” with them.  You know, the bar, the springs, the whole lame deal. But I am sure you will all agree, sleeper sofas are a hefty investment and it would be really great if they were actually comfortable!  So I did some research, talked to a couple of designer friends and jumped in!  Our choice was the Savannah Sleeper from American Leather. I had ordered a number of leather sofas for clients from this company and their quality is great.  They also offer many different fabric choices in addition to leather.

Their Comfort Sleeper Sofa Program is wonderful.  The sofa is comfy and generous in size but the way they designed it allows it to fit into tight spaces.  The sofa can also be taken apart if you live in an apartment with narrow stairways or doors.  The mattress is foam, kinda like a Tempur-pedic mattress (which you can also upgrade to) and it has a stain-resistant Crypton finish which resists moisture, dirt, mold and mildew. Check out a video of how the sleeper works here.

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So the sofa was delivered last week and we stood there and smiled.  We hooked up a larger monitor to Tim’s laptop and he’s in heaven watching tons of movies on Netlfix and football games online.  Then, I moved my yoga stuff into the room and it all fits nicely into the matching storage ottoman!  Now we had a wonderful space and room for our family and friends too.

But the “sleeper” portion did not come into play until last night.  My throat was scratchy on Christmas night and when I woke up the next day I had the whole achy, sniffly, cold thing going strong.  I knew Tim was never going to get a good night’s sleep with me blowing my nose, so I suggested he give the new sofa a whirl.  I kinda held my breath because no one (especially a designer) wants to find out the investment they just made was a bad one.  But when I woke up this morning, Tim looked well rested and gave it the thumbs up!  I breathed a sigh of relief.

The great thing is that American Leather is sold in many stores around the country so if you are in the market for a sleeper sofa (or any sofa for that matter) you may want to visit and check them out.  I’ve already done the homework for you.

Sweet Dreams!

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During the month of October, we are all keenly aware of how Breast Cancer has touched so many of our lives.  While breast cancer is a serious illness, celebrating the recovery of many and gaining an awareness of others is how a Cure is going to be found.  When I think of anyone fighting breast cancer, I think of their surroundings. Do they have a home, a room or cozy spot  that makes them feel nurtured, calm and content?

When it comes down to it, all women, no matter where they are in their lives, need a room (corner, space, niche or nook) that they can call their own.  It’s a wonderful respite on good days and bad.  A place to sip a cup of tea, meditate, knit, or read a book.  Tim knows my spot.  Early in the morning, I curl up on the sofa with a book, my tea and our dog, Roxie.  It gives me comfort and helps me start off the day on the right foot.  For you, evening may be your time.  The kids are in bed, the hubby is watching TV and those tranquil moments are yours alone.

Whether you have a whole room or a little spot, decorate it in a way that pleases you.  It’s a place you can reflect, pray, scheme and dream. It’s all up to you.

Carving Out Your Quiet Space

• Choose colors that soothe you, whether it’s cool blues and greens or warm peaches and golds.
• Add textures that embrace you.  A chenille or cashmere blanket and soft down pillow will help you snuggle in.
• Add a candle, a statue and a photo or two.  Personalize your space.
• Music always helps me relax.  I use the Pandora app on my iTouch for a great mix and no commercials.  Two stations I love….George Winston & Calm Meditation.
• Ask everyone in your family to “respect the space” and allow you to have some time alone.  I know it’s a tall order but they actually might listen.

Enjoy your space.

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Sources in photos above:

Woodrow Swivel Chair in Sun Tweet Suite from Maine Cottage

Clockwise starting with Rug:

Spectrum Clover Wool Rug from Company C

Eliza nickel-plated Frame from Crate & Barrel

Rectangular Flanged Pillow in Zinnia-Sun Luxe Waffle from Maine Cottage

Set of 3 Scented Square Candles from Crate & Barrel

Solid Cashmere Throw from Williams Sonoma Home

Lucille End Table in Smootie from Maine Cottage

Zinnia Ball Lamp from Maine Cottage

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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.

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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…

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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!

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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!

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It’s a common design dilemma.  You’re done decorating your entire family room, but you still need a ______ (coffee table, media cabinet….you can fill in the blank).  You may have already chosen a couple of items from the same collection so you are not going there again. Or you have so much wood in the room, you are afraid that one more piece will make it look like a forest.  Enter Vintage Industrial.  These pieces are so unique and off-beat that they strike the perfect balance in any room.  They probably won’t match anything you have and therefore help you avoid the matchy-matchy blues.  Plus they provide just the right dose of history and interest.  Your friends will think you are a design genius.  Check out the video an sources below to learn more!

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Vintage Industrial Sources

Furniture Factory Cart by Restoration Hardware

Custom Vintage Industrial Furniture

Pendant Lighting by Barn Electric

The Industrial Collection by Rejuvenation

Cool Storage Options by Empiric Studio

Urban Remains – Antique American Architectural Artifacts from Furniture to Windows, Doors and other curiosities.

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the lovely details of this this French Directoire style dresser from Wisteria are highlighted by the white wash.

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Do you remember a couple of years ago when dark woods were all the rage?  Whether they called it “Java” or “Wenge”, it seemed that they just could not make the finishes dark enough.  Well, just like fashion, politics and anything else we gossip about, when things swing to one extreme it seems inevitable that they’ll swing in the opposite direction sometime soon.  That’s why we are seeing worn and washed woods popping up all over the place.  Worn finishes have a nice earthy matte look that is soft to the touch and easy on the eyes.  A white wash can take that same piece and really brighten it up while highlighting the natural wood grain.  Because of this, a grainy wood like pine is the perfect candidate.

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The Simplicity Chandelier from Currey & Co. Need I say more?

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I like washed finishes for a number of reason, not the least of which is their time-worn look.  Furniture just has more character when it looks likes like it’s been around the block.  But the beauty of these weathered pieces is their ability to fit perfectly into so many designs such as:

• As a counterpoint to a room full of medium or dark toned antiques, it’s a great solution.
• If you are going for a light, beachy look with lots of white and painted finishes but crave some natural warmth, it also works.
• And if you love modern pieces but still want to inject a little history, they fit the bill there too.

So if you are stuck on when selecting that last piece for your living room, take a look at some of these well-worn pieces.  They are interesting, beautiful and instantly bring a little history into your space!
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A classic and comfortable x-back cafe chair. Perfect as an accent piece or an extra seat for an unexpected guest.

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

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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.

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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)

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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!

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The "Ask Me Alberto" Glider...now who does not like to glide?

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Q Collection, a company that makes gorgeous eco-friendly sofas and chairs, sent me an email announcing their new website and that they were “lightening up” their image.  Wow, that’s relief!  These days everyone seems to be getting increasingly uptight and it’s way more pleasent to purchase furniture from people who are happy and bright:-)

Their new website is fun (who can resist names like the Sweet Cheeks Sofa and Kiss My Arse Recliner?) plus they are eco-friendly with an emphasis on the FRIENDLYpart.  Formerly a trade-only resources they now have a retail line on their website that can be purchased through their NY retail store.  And by visiting or calling you can purchase designer quality eco-friendly furniture yourself at reasonable prices.  And you know me, I believe a sofa is an investment, not a short term commitment.  If you spread the cost of your sofa over the number of years you have it, a high quality sofa is a much wiser purchase.

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One Sweet Cheeks Sofa for your sweet cheeks:-)

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You can choose one of their many neutral, eco-friendly fabrics (bamboo, cotton, hemp, linen and many more) or even send them your own.  The insides are made of 100% certified sustainably harvested woods, natural latex foam rubber, organic cotton batting, wool batting and natural jute webbing.  Plus you can customize until your heart’s content.

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Neutral Fabrics galore...or send them your preference.

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The sofas, chairs and ottoman could meld easily into any modern, beach house or classic look.  The lines are graceful yet unfussy.  My next sofa is definitely going to be eco-friendly.  I am done with furniture made from over-forested woods and petroleum-laden cushions.  Q Collection is getting back to basics and helping us all breathe easy!

Q Collection is just one of my Many Design Secrets.

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Join My Secret Datase today to find more!

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