My Design Secrets

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!

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* 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…

1. Tell me about your favorite flower.
2. If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 
3. 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.   

Mark this under father knows best!  As a small boy, Stephen Fanuka would accompany his father, Rod, a cabinetmaker, to work.  And in the old-school European tradition, it was Rod’s intention to teach his son all the in-and-outs of his trade at an early age.  It must have worked because throughout high school and college, Stephen continued to study under his father’s keen eye.  Shortly after graduation, and a brief stint in the world of advertising,  Stephen rejoined his father, creating Fanuka Custom Cabinets.  Three years later, after being offered his first contracting job, Stephen obtained his General Contractors license.  Adding this last piece to the puzzle, the father and son duo created something truly special.  By combining an in-house millwork, carpentry and custom cabinetry factory with high-end renovating, Fanuka Inc. was born. 

Stephen Fanuka

Since the company’s inception, Fanuka has had the opportunity to work with some of the world’s top designers, architects and celebrities.  Stephen has been featured in numerous magazines as well as on television.  He has shared his expert advice in both the New York Times and House Beautiful.  Stephen was kind enough to share several photos of his work with me.  And I, in turn, created the video slide show that you see below so that I could share it with you.  Be sure and take the time to visit his website and look through the portfolio.  You will not be disappointed!  ~ Lorrie

The blogosphere is massive!  There are currently more than 50 million blogs worldwide.  That is a mind boggling number if you stop and think about it.  So when you find a really good one, it’s almost like winning the lottery.  And let me tell you, I have found a really good one and I am happy to share it with you.  It is called Decorology and it is one of my favorites!  Ashley White, the driving force behind the blog, is a web designer by day and a serious interior design and home decorating enthusiast by night.  She writes about a variety of design subjects and includes gorgeous pictures in her posts.  The pictures you are currently viewing came from a recent and very interesting post called Tuscan Inspired Spaces.  I highly recommend visiting her site! 

Have a great day everyone!  ~ Lorrie

Cathy Penton Designs Shoppe

Over the next several months, I am going to introduce you to websites and blogs that help me get my creative juices flowing.  On the Internet, I find that inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes.  And for that matter, all locations too!  Having said that, today I bring you Cathy Penton Designs Shoppe.  Cathy, who lives in Australia, is a wife and mother of two lovely children.  Each day, Cathy “snips and tears paper creating sweet little inspirations in glass especially for you.”  The result, these beautiful one-off charms that Cathy sells online.  

In addition to her online store, Cathy also finds the time to publish a blog, Simple Things Small Joys.  And if that wasn’t enough, Cathy and her friend Rachel will be opening a “tiny little shop” in just a few short months.  Take the time to visit both of her sites, I guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

Where will you find your inspiration today?  Have a great week everyone!

~ Lorrie