A classic Martha Stewart look. Neutral backdrop, color and pattern repetition with bold accents.

I was in Macy’s the other day when a display of towels caught my eye.  It just happened to be a new Martha Stewart Collection.  I have always admired her color palettes; ranging from mossy green and etherereal blues, to china red and myriad shades of ivory.  Her products are distinctIy displayed in Macy’s and I have also noticed that she is selling collections through a number of other well known retailers.  So, I thought I would take a look and see what she has to offer these days.  Martha’s products reach into many categories and you can see them all in the SHOP section of her website.  But today I would like to point out some of my favorite items from her furniture, rug and lighting lines. 

Opal Point features some very sophisticated designs but always based on classic elements.

Many celebrities put their names on home design products but hers actually makes sense because decorating, gardening and entertaining have always been her forte.  And she has been very smart about it because instead of starting her own furniture company, she has formed a partnership with Bernhardt.  This is a company that has been known for high quality furniture since 1889.  Martha started her partnership with Bernhardt in 2001 and they now feature 5 lines that are named after her residences:  Katonah, Opal Point, Turkey Hill, Skylands, and Lily Pond; plus there is an upholstery line.  The styles range from cozy farmhouse to modern classics with fabrics reflective of her signature colors.  Katonah, Turkey Hill and Skylands mirror lovingly cared for estate pieces with traditional European styles that Americans have embraced for years.  Opal Point and Lily Pond show some modernism and mid-century looks. 

This classic, country bed from the Turkey Hill Collection reflects where Martha started with her first home collection.

The Martha Stewart Rug Collection offers a wide variety of cotton, wool and silk rugs with most featuring subtle monochromatic tones, with a few bolder ones mixed in.  Some patterns are offered in 4′ and 6′ rounds which is refreshing because many companies forgo these sizes because they are more costly to manufacture.  I have seen these rugs at Macy’s, Horchow, and the Home Decorator’s Collection.

The Harvest Foliage Rug featured at Horchow has a subtle pattern that would layer well with stripes and florals.

I love the subtle colors and 3 dimensional effect of this rug.

The lighting collection, which is manufactured by Murray Feiss, has a great variety of classic fixtures that you wish were in your house when you moved in.  These are the period pieces that I love: Classic Foyer Lanterns, Milk Glass Chandeliers and simple and solid floor lamps.  The lighting collection is available at Capitol Lighting and Lighting Universe as well as other online stores.

Lanterns are my favorite look for a traditional foyer.

I would love to see this chandelier in the breakfast nook of a kitchen with white cabinetry and a black and white checkerboard floor.

Martha Stewart furnishings offer some very attractive items that have design staying power.  There is no doubt that the furniture is an investment, but it follows the very same advice that I give to my clients.  Invest in quality furniture that will last you for years and then update your style and color palette with accessories, window treatments, sheets, towels, and rugs.  This allows you to give yourself a little lift while staying in your budget

Shop for high quality investment pieces in My Secret Database!

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The Empire Poster Bed from the Trump Home Central Park Collection. Comb-over not included.

Home Furnishings dealers are going to do whatever they can to get your attention and lately it seems they are relying heavily on the names of famous people and places, both past and present.  Years ago, furniture was furniture.  It was named by the style or its period in history and your purchasing decision was usually based on three things:  your taste, your budget, and perhaps what your neighbors had.  But now the market has exploded and because it is so tremendously gargantuan, furniture companies are using familiar names to gain favor with customers.  In my eyes, some of the connections are logical while others seem way off base.  Having said that, I thought that the topic was worth exploring in more detail.

Tommy Bahama Curacao Reef Round Dining Table and Chairs

The Logical

Certain celebrities or famous places have a unique style all their own that others would like to replicate in their own homes.

Tommy Bahama has 6 collections with Lexington Home Brands:  Bungalow, Curacao Reef, Jimbaran Bay, Kingstown, Rumba Del Sol, and Tommy Bahama Home.  Through their clothing line, they have quite successfully portrayed an image of easy island living.  This translates well into the furnishings lines which are featured in their retail clothing stores.

The Ernest Hemingway Collection from Thomasville has a lot of exotic details built into solid-looking, traditional furniture.  Hemingway was a gifted writer who traveled the world on exciting expeditions and this resonates with people.

The Cindy Crawford Home Hudson Cardinal 7 Piece Living Room from Rooms to go. I doubt Cindy's living room has a similar look.

The Barbie Dream Home

Forgive my cynicism but what exactly is the connection between a super-model and a furniture line?  The short answer:  There is none.  Wake up, people.  Not only have women been sold a bill of goods when it comes to how we are supposed to look, act and dress, but now these same women are going to tell me what they think I should put in my home.  Sorry, sister, I’m not buying it.

The Cindy Crawford Home Collection from Rooms to Go comes to mind first because the television commercials are particularly annoying.  Cindy’s strutting down a runway and then tells us that her experience as an international super-model has logically morphed into her becoming a home furnishings expert.  Oh Paleeeze!

Kathy Ireland has licensed her name out to so many companies that it’s difficult to keep track.  Desks at Staples, lamps, rugs, carpeting, candles, socks (not kidding) and exercise videos.  She is seriously working the magic of her name.  But I don’t really get what the Kathy Ireland look is.

The Elway Home Classic Motion Sectional from Bassett. Ah, the allure of your husband and his friends getting a little more comfortable.

The Locker Room

For the men who are in on the furniture purchasing decisions in their home, the manufacturers know that sports figures will turn their head.

The Palmer Home Collection from Lexington Home Brands has been around quite a while and has enjoyed widespread appeal among women and men.  It used to be a solid American traditional line with heavy influence from his North Carolina home.  But now, they also have the Palm Canyon (think Palm Springs) line with a heavy Mediterranean look.  I guess you cannot expect Arnie to stay in NC in the winter:-)

Elway Home from Bassett Funiture is sure to attract some attention.  In their words: “Rugged good looks, stunning craftsmanship and comfort inspired by legendary Hall of Fame Quarterback and CEO of Elway Home, John Elway”.  Entertainment centers that hold big screen TV’s, coffee tables that don’t show scuffs from shoes and sectionals that cradle your body in comfort during those Sunday 12 hour football marathons.  All the elements for a man-cave paradise!

So, there you have it.  A sampling of what the celebs are doing to get their piece of the home furnishings pie.  Please let me know what you think of Celebrity Branding and if it has any impact on your shopping or purchasing decisions.  I am curious.

~Lorrie

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

The Viva Terra Entwined Root Table is 30% off right now.

We are kicking off our Giveaway program with a $100 gift certificate from Viva Terra.  They are one of my top sources in My Secret Database for items that are stylish and Eco-Friendly.  The table above is a great example of the imaginative items they have to offer.

Foyers are great place to feature a special table.  It gets maximum exposure as guests come through the door and it can offer a bit of a departure from other furnishings in your home without being out of place.  I love how this table looks like it’s growing from the ground up!

Enter our Fantastic Giveway here!

Good luck!
~Lorrie

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

Antique & Eco-Friendly

The Canaan settee from Arhaus - Regular $1,899, now on sale for $1,359 and availabe in over 400 fabrics.

Beach House

The Nicki Collection from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is a 17 piece collection that is filled with white-goose down blend. It's relaxed slip covers give it a chic Beach House look.

Classic

The Delaney sofa from Restoration Hardware is available in 72 different fabrics and on sale with prices starting at $2,220.

Country & Casual

The Triomphe sofa from Pierre Deux features a woven floral fabric and is $2,995.

Exotic

The light upholstery against the wicker frame give the Excursions sofa from Lane Venture an exotic yet liveable look.

Modern

THe Shelterback Sofa from West Elm is sophisticated, modern and simple at $1,999.

Mountain Retreat

The Morris Sofa from Lexington (The World of Bob Timberlake) has a rugged frame and muted fabric that would be at home in a cabin by the woods.

Have a good weekend and shop for your perfect sofa in My Secret Database!

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

Hi everyone! 

Lorrie was kind enough to pass over the reigns to me today so that I could introduce you to Benjamin Heinrich, a friend of mine that creates beautiful, custom-made modern furniture.  Benjamin resides in Berlin, Germany and translates his love of shapes and forms into fantasic, sculputural pieces made of exotic woods, high gloss finishes, stainless steel and LED lighting.  The effect translates into graceful forms that are truly amazing and very unique.

I hope you enjoy these pieces as much as I do.  If you would like to see more of Benjamin’s work, please visit his website, which is in German.  There is no need to worry if you can’t read German, there are plenty of photos that speak volumes.

Enjoy!

~ Tim

It’s no secret among my friends and family that I am nuts about pups.  I love dogs in all shapes and sizes.  They have such a good vibe and for the most part bring you nothing but joy (if properly trained :-).  Recently, I ran across a few companies that are taking a cue from our pets to create decorative solutions that pamper your pet and work with your decor.  Since pets are a part of the family, I think it’s a very cool idea.  Let me know what you think!

Crates and pet houses can take up a lot of space.  Denhaus has created pieces that do double duty as end tables and pet houses.  They’re available in Classic and Modern Styles.  Tres chic!

I really like the Asian feel to the Saigon Day Bed from Dog Bed Works.  It would be at home with your Modern or Exotic Decor.

The Beverley Hills Black and White Dog Bed from AdorableDogBeds.com will fit right in with Classic decor.  You pup will sit atop his or her rightful throne.

Please take these last two with the humor that is intended.  I don’t dress-up my dog Emma (well maybe on Halloween) nor does she require her own sleeping quarters.  I just thought they would make you smile.

Rachel Hunter apparently hired La Petite Maison to craft a mansion for her dog.  In this case, they replicated the client’s home for Fido.

And if you do dress up your pet, then where are you going to put all the frocks and feathers?  Why an armoire of course!

Shop for your spoiled pet on a semi-reasonable level in My Secret Database!

Summer is winding down and school preparations are amping up.  We want to set up our kids for success so perhaps it’s time to create a study area that functions a bit better than your living room floor.  Kids don’t have a natural aversion to desks, they just want them to be comfortable and cool.  If they are too small for the dining room table and too big for the desk you bought them 3 years ago, then it’s time for an upgrade.  Here are 4 desks that are high on style and quality that will also stand the test of time.

The Little One’s

This cool little number is colorful and gets children accustomed to using a desk.  It could easily be moved from room to room if they want to keep Mom and Dad company.  Plus it has a cool little drawer under the seat for supplies.

Orange Mini Drawer Doodle Desk at Bellacor ($200)

Elementary School 

If your daughter has modern sense of style, then I am sure she will love this simple take from duc duc.  They offer the desk in two heights: 23″ high and 30″ high (standard).

The Austin desk and optional CPU Storage Unit from duc duc (Desk $795 and CPU unit $150) in pink and white (I think it looks lilac)

Middle School

This setup from The Land of Nod features a keyboard tray, storage drawers, a cork-board and shelves.  With hardwood tops and drawer fronts it should safely survive the slings and arrows of childhood. The chair cushion comes in 3 different colors.

Espresso Simple Desk & Hutch from The Land of Nod (Desk $599, Hutch $299 and Chair $119) 

High School

Trophies and books are really starting to accumulate and flexible storage is critical.  Therefore, a desk with add-on shelving might be your best bet.

The Pottery Barn Teen locker desk collection has 11 colors to choose from and many different configurations. 

Planning is the key to success, so here are some points to consider as you shop:

• Children use desks for work and play so make sure there is room and storage for both.
• Even if they don’t have a computer right now, plan for one in the future.
• Don’t be tempted by cheap deals. You get what you pay for!
• Consider how much assembly you are willing to do and find out how many pieces it comes in.
• Try to stay away from sharp corners for the little ones.
• Include your child in the final decision and make it exciting and special for them by personalizing it with their name or letting them choose the color. 

I hope you all create a spectacular study area!  Let me know if there’s anything else that’s got you stuck in your kids’ rooms.  I am here to help!

The Land of Nod elicits images of sleepy children with visions of fantasy and fairy tales dancing through their heads.  The store does a great job of following up on this unique concept.  They have crafted a visually attractive (and functional) website in shades of light blue and green housing an array of products that are equally as appealing.

They go beyond the usual little girl and little boy themes by offering bedding with crisp ticking stripes and imaginative graphics.  And it’s all pulled together with furniture that’s available in a rainbow of colors.  They also have an enormous assortment of storage, wall decals, rugs and window treatments; plus a whole lot more.

They started their business in their basement with a noisy furnace and inventory stashed in bedrooms and bathrooms.  Now they have partnered with Crate and Barrel to increase their service level and selection.  They have furnishings that can take your child from newborn to early-teens.  Check it out!

 Visit Land of Nod and other vendors with great decor options for Babies & Children!

Have you heard about Etsy?  Well, if you haven’t, it’s time for a long overdue introduction.  This is a cozy corner of the Internet where crafty and highly creative people connect with you.

In their simple words:

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade. Our mission is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers. Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice: Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade.

The site was launched in 2005 and now has over 100,000 sellers.  You are walking into the world’s best art and craft show that is open 24/7.  You will quickly become hooked, but never fear.  There are many affordable items as well as some real splurges.  I love the jewelry and purses but since I am guiding you in the world of home design, I am going to point in the direction of Art, Housewares and Furniture.  Inspired oil painting and photography, finely upholstered vintage chairs and sublime ceramic work.  It will be hard to choose once you get rolling.

It’s like receiving a handmade gift from your most talented and creative friend (not the kind that you only pull of the closet when they visit)!

Visit Etsy on My Design Secrets!

Sitcoms frustrate me with their goofy depictions of Dads pining for talking Bass plaques and basements complete with fuzzy rugs and ragged recliners.  What woman wants to live under those conditions?  Well, there is a way to give the man in your life a great home-related gift, without spoiling your carefully crafted decor! 

Women and men definitely have different priorities when it comes to home design, but that doesn’t mean you cannot wend your way to a cozy compromise.   When I work with my clients, I often find that it’s merely one or two items that are the key to a man’s heart.  They realize that decorating the house is a top priority to their lovely ladies, so most times they don’t say much and happily go with the flow.  But in the name of Father’s Day, I would like to introduce you to some ideas that will let Dad know he is top notch and that his personal preferences are a priority in your home.

The New York Times store has an exquisite collection of photography with a wide variety that is sure to tap into Dad’s interests.  From iconic sports and history figures to landmarks and science, they have it all.  The photos are available with or without a broad selections of mats and frames.  In particular, the sports photos capture remarkable moments that are full of emotion and detail.

The recliner.  A long debated and often rejected piece of furniture.  Men want them, women hate them.  But there is hope on the horizon.  Many companies are making recliners that meld the style and comfort that you are both looking for.  Being a designer, I cannot help but choose a timeless classic and a stylish runner-up.

Slam Dunk.  Cut him a little slack by the pool.  Stop fooling around with those dinky pool toys that are demolished in one afternoon (while you coyly smile). Step up to the plate and buy him a real toy that will foster poolside fun and a little exercise (with bragging rights later). 

Disclaimer:  I know we have a great group of design conscious men out there who put great effort into the decoration of their homes.  They can ignore this post and go directly to My Secret Database to find what they need!

Happy Father’s Day to all you great Dad’s out there; especially mine!