Amy, from Chicago, is the lucky Winner of Cottages in the Sun!  This great giveaway was a Members Only event and we are going to offer more members only giveaways in the future.  So, make sure you sign up today! 

Member Benefits Include:

1. 24/7 access to My Secret Database of 400+ exclusive home decor vendors for online shopping.  Search by product, price range, and style to find the perfect furnishings for your home!
2. Your FREE 9 page guide of my Tips & Tricks on How to Stretch YOUR Home Decorating Budget! 
3. Win Fabulous Prizes in our “Members Only” Contests!

Here’s a sneak peek of the Free Decorating Guide that comes with your Membership!

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Click Here to Become a Member Today!

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Are you tired of the cold, snowy winter?  Looking for a little sunshine in your life? 

Well, I have a nice little treat that you can enjoy cuddled up in you favorite chair.  My good friends at Rizzoli, who publish some of the most beautifully photographed books you can get your hands on, have given us a copy of  “Cottages in the Sun: Bungalows of Venice, California” and I have decided to pass it on to you.  So this copy is going to sit on my desk until Friday night when I pick one lucky member of My Secret Database as the winner of this book. 

Venice is a beautiful little town in Southern California, and yes, it was named after Venice, Italy!  It was built more than a century ago by a millionaire with great affection for the city of romantic canals, quaint cottages and beautiful streetscapes.  After going through a period of disrepair in the 50’s and 60’s the city then emerged into the eclectic, charming town it is now.  The imaginative interiors and abundant gardens are infused with the bright light of the California sun.

*Just to be clear, this is not like some of our other contests in the past where we ask you to share your comments in order to enter. To automatically be entered, this one requires that you are/become a member of My Secret Database.  And at the low price of $9.95 a year, it’s really a no-brainer. 

Member Benefits Include:

1. 24/7 access to My Secret Database of 400+ exclusive home decor vendors for online shopping.  Search by product, price range, and style to find the perfect furnishings for your home!
2. Your FREE 9 page guide of my Tips & Tricks on How to Stretch YOUR Home Decorating Budget!
3. A chance to win a beautiful book worth $45 that you will thoroughly enjoy reading.  Plus, it makes a great accessory for your coffee table.

We will continue to offer several more “Members Only” giveaways in the future!

You have until Thursday night, February 18th, at 11:59PM to sign up and be entered into this giveaway.  

For a chance to Win this Beautiful Book and some other great prizes down the line…

Click Here to Become a Member Today!

Seasons 11 by Teresa McCue - 6" x 6" acrylic

I received an email this morning from my good friend (and amazingly talented artist) Teresa McCue for a wonderful event that I’d like to share with you. She participates in a brilliant art show twice each year that is presented by Nahcotta Gallery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  They gather a wonderfully diverse and talented group of over 50 artists for their “Enourmous Tiny Art” show (ETA).  In their words

“Twice a year, the walls of Nahcotta are hung to the hilt with tiny art, in all of its one-of-a-kind” beauty, ingenuity, and magnificence”

So you ask…what is tiny art?  They are beautiful, creative pieces that are all about 6″x6″ (some a bit larger, some a bit smaller) in a variety of mediums and there is something for everyone.  So for those of you who say you don’t have any space for new artwork, now you do!

These small treasures are PERFECT for Valentine’s Day or for anyone that deserves a special gift.  The small size makes them extra precious and is bound to bring a huge smile to your sweetheart’s face.

And Terry is making this show even more special.  You see, she not only has a big talent but she also has a Big Heart (see above).  She is donating 50% of her proceeds to the charitable organization Konbit Sante which will benefit the victims of the earthquakes in Haiti. 

So jump in, take a look around and BUY something….it will be good for your heart, your sweetheart and all the good people in Haiti who desperately need our help!

MMMM

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!

mmmm

At the end of this year I heard a lot of people wishing good riddance to 2009.  And while I know it’s been a rough year, I was honestly a little surprised.  I am not very superstitious, but hey, we all know that things can get better or worse in the blink of an eye.  This past year has been very busy with family, my design work, the website and my own personal goals.  It was a year filled with highs (my 40th birthday, deepening my yoga practice and our new dog Roxie) and lows (Tim’s appendicitis and our dear pup, Emma, passing away).  I am sure you can all relate…we have to embrace the good times and learn to accept the things that are difficult and sad. 

We launched MyDesignSecrets.com almost two years ago and thanks to all of you, we’ve had a loyal and ever-growing audience.  I created this website to help you express your own sense of style and to give you the tools to decorate like a pro.  I have written a library of how-to articles and have given you my take on colors, coordinating, and couches. Our giveaways have been a tremendous success and we’ve sent loads of beautiful books, eco-friendly paint, gorgeous furnishings, and valuable gift cards to our readers.  We then pumped up My Secret Database to give you better search results with photos, cool search options, and a whole slew of new vendors you won’t find anywhere else.  We are glad that so many of you have decided to become members!

But as I think of the year ahead, I do have some goals and visions and since they include you, I thought it was time to share…

Hmmmm…where to start? 

Personal Goals

I am going to try to be consciously grateful for the blessings in my life: 

• a husband who can make me laugh when I am down,
• a sweet dog who reminds me that a short walk and a deep breath can change my point of view
•  a number of loyal and inspiring family and friends
• my lovely garden
• and beautiful Florida days and nights. 

I am going to practice yoga more often and finally start painting again.  I have also been saying for years that I will cut back on sweets and chocolate and it never happens.  So here’s my declaration:  sweets and chocolate are here to stay and I will do other things to make up for it….maybe.

Goals for My Design Secrets….

When we first started, I was writing posts 5 days a week and it was very challenging and honestly I was a bit burnt out.   But I realized we can move in different directions and there are many places to do that!  I will certainly continue to share secrets and tips on interior design, but I am also going to share fun tid-bits from the news and more  exciting details on my design work.  So you will see news posts here two or three times a week but you can also keep in touch via Facebook and Twitter if you’re on the run.

I wish you all best of luck with your ambitions for the year.  I will be here for anything you need on the decorating end…you will have to take care of the rest yourself.

To start out the year, here’s a recent project of mine that was featured in a local magazine.  Let me know what you think!

Beach House Design In Wellington Magazine

And if you have not visited My Secret Database, now’s the time to check it out and receive your

 Free Decorating Guide!

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* 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.   

Potential clients often ask what my “Style” is.  While I am happy to share how my home is furnished, the important thing is how I will use my expertise to express their style.  After all, this is about my client, not me.

There are some designers and decorators who have a “look” and they use it over and over again.  That works for people who are unsure of what they want and feel more secure in just pointing to a photo.  Personally, I think the real value of hiring a designer is allowing them to use their talent to translate your style into a wonderful new design.  As a designer, my job is to help you identify a style that you find beautiful and comfortable for you and your family; and then, bring it to life!

When I was still in design school, I started working as a decorator.  Fortunately, I have some very trusting friends and family members who allowed me to test my talents in their homes.  For the most part (barring a few mistakes that were promptly fixed) the designs came out very well.  Over the years, it’s been my ability to translate the tastes of my clients that has brought me much success.

Today I am sharing some photos with you of my mom’s home.  I am very thankful to her for allowing me to renovate (once) and decorate (multiple times) her home.  I have noticed that when it comes to family and friends it’s tempting to make assumptions about their personal taste.  But beware, this can put you in dangerous territory.  To make sure my mom got the home she wanted, I asked a lot of questions (What did she want to keep? What colors did she love?  Which ones had she grown tired of?) and gave her many different options. 

The result: a home that possessed sentimental elements of her personal history but at the same time expressed the wonderful person she has become over the years.

So whether you hire a designer or decorate your own home, give it the time and attention it deserves.  My designs take time, patience, and careful consideration.  Tastes change over the years, so let your home be a reflection of where you have come from as well as where you are going.

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

This beautiful hand-painted mural sells for $139. Enter below to win!

Congratulations to Lynnette V. from Melvin, Michigan for winnng the Jerusalem Pottery giveaway!

Brothers Stepan and Berge Karakashian, and Hagop Karakashian, are a family on a mission: Bring gorgeous, hand-painted tiles to the world.  The craftsmanship they offer goes back to 1919 when the brothers’ father, Megherdich Karakashian, and several other Armenian potters were brought to Jerusalem from Kutahia, Turkey.  These craftsmen were appointed to repair the tiles covering the external walls of a treasured cultural landmark, the Dome of the Rock.  To escape persecution, which many Armenians experienced in Turkey during this time period, they settled in Jerusalem.  Today, the family tradition continues and has extended its reach to the United States.  They still craft tiles that are prominently featured on the street signs throughout the Old City, but lucky for us they are also creating gorgeous accent tiles and backsplash tiles that we can purchase for our own homes!

An example of the street sign tile the brothers have created

Their shop is a sunny space in the Old City filled with unique plates, bowls, candlesticks, mugs, and tiles in many shapes and sizes.  These tiles are a unique way to add a splash of color to your kitchen tile or bathroom wall; with motifs of peacocks, trees, flowers, and animals.  The designs are graceful and the colors are vibrant and rich.  They can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, gardens, fireplaces, or for table tops.

A joyful colorful garden scene - a pomegranate tree with peacocks. This tile mural is hand painted on 12 six inch tiles.

All the decoration is done by hand.  The tile murals are first designed on paper with pencil, and then they are hand painted on the tiles, glazed and fired using traditional methods.  The colors are still mixed according to the same recipes that their father used fifty years ago.   The Karakashians take great pride in their work (it shows) and in maintaining their standard of craftsmanship.  They look to the future with the hope that Karakashians will continue to supply their unique pottery for generations to come.

Would you like to win this Hand Painted Tile Mural?

To Enter Simply…

1. Visit Jeruselum Pottery and browse around.

2. Leave me one comment below telling me what item you would use to help create your Dream Kitchen, Bathroom, Fireplace, etc…

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, November 18th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

Dog beds and crates can really put a kink in your home decor.  I have seen my clients try to camouflage them with sheets or blankets, but really it creates even more of an eyesore.  In interior design the trick with any necessary but distracting item is to integrate it into the design.  So I did a little hunting and found a company I’d like to share:  Crate Covers & More.  They make custom-designed crate covers and beds that are so nice, they might inspire you to design your room around them!  They offer a variety of fabrics and styles so you can find something that best suits your room.  For more traditional or feminine rooms they have the Gathered Style which resembles draperies.  If you like to keep it simple or more modern, with a cover that fits like a tailored slipcover then the Stagecoach Cover is for you. 

The gathered style is shown here. I love the little tie-backs!

The designer fabrics and color combinations are really sharp looking plus you can opt for the coordinating bed.  The corners and bottom edge are finished off beautifully with contrasting welt.  The front rolls up, so you can easily open the door.  If your pup prefers some privacy you just unhook the loop from the fabric-covered button.  They really put a lot of thought into the design as you can see from the details.

• They use high-quality upholstery and drapery fabrics including  Ralph Lauren and Laura Ashley brands.
• Each cover is professionally lined and sewn.
• The beds are reversible so you can use both sides plus they are soil and stain resistant.
• Everything is made in the USA.

The quality is really nice with coordinating buttons and contrast linings.

In addition to making covers for standard size crates, they do custom sizes and fabrics.  They also carry organic dog beds and sofa and chair covers.  They may be the answer to a few of your prayers.

Become a member of My Secret Database for more great sources of Pet Furnishings!

* Today’s post was written in memory of our dog, Emma (left) who I have mentioned quite a few times.  I am sorry to say that recently she passed away after 12 wonderful years with us.   She was the first dog I cared for from puppy to parting so it’s been a rough couple of weeks and we miss her dearly. But I am also happy to report that we have been blessed with a new dog named Roxie (right).  She is 6 years old and came to us from Florida Weimaraner Rescue.  So for those of you considering a pet, remember all the adult dogs and cats that need a home.  If you like a specific breed, then contact your local rescue league.  Most of them now list their dogs on  Petfinder.com which allows you to plug in all your preferences and see what animals are waiting for you!

This porch is featured in the latest issue of Coastal Living. It's their Idea House in the community of Seawatch at Sunset Harbor, North Carolina.

Fall weather makes me think of crisp mornings, kids playing in the leaves, and cozying up to a good book in a comfy chair.  It’s such a beautiful time of year as we shift from outdoor sun-seeking to indoor semi-hibernation.  Where is the best spot to spend a lazy afternoon? Just follow your dog or cat, they will lead the way. 

Three twin size daybeds in the same room. Sorry kids, that's my bed!

A sunroom or sleeping porch (we call it a Florida room) is a great place to camp out with a good book, game, or snack.  These rooms are a throwback from years past when most people did not have air conditioning.  When it got too hot in the house, they slept on screened porches where they could catch a soothing breeze every now and then.  Many people have winterized these porches with windows and insulation.  So now you have a lovely view of the cold, crisp outdoor world as you sit warm and snug in your daybed reading your favorite novel.

A simple, yet beautiful version. Reminds me of Grandma's house.

As with all decorating, sunrooms range from elaborate enclaves created by top designers to simple rooms furnished with antique daybeds and hand-me-down quilts.  Personally, I prefer the more sparsely decorated ones.  As long as it’s warm and cozy; simple, yet thoughtful decor is fine.  I am more interested in observing the birds and the changing leaves. 

This sunroom, that was an addition, integrates so nicely with the home.

This porch, which is quite large, would be wonderful for entertaining.

As the seasons change I try to become more aware of the subtle shifts around me.  If it hasn’t gotten too cold where you live, it would really be fun to sleep out there with the kids and pets.  We eat and sleep in the same exact places day after day.  You may find that a small change like this is not only fun, but awakens you to a different point of view.

Do you have a sleeping porch now or memories of one as a kid?  Please share your story!

Become of a member of My Secret Database today!