Hi Everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know that we are aware that My Secret Database has not been working for the past couple of days. Amazon is our database host and you may have seen in the news that they are having some issues they are working on. So in the meantime, enjoy the posts and we’ll let you know when we’re back in the swing!
Happy Easter!

There are lots of you who have made some fantastic improvements to your homes lately.  Renovations are certainly not easy but in the end, you have a new living room, a cozy kitchen or a much- needed guest room for your family and friends. And often, it’s the finishing touches that have the greatest impact on a room.  But at the end of a renovation project, it’s common for your spirit to fizzle along with your budget.  So to help you enjoy your space even more, Rejuvenation is hosting their annual “Make Your Home Your Own Contest” with some fabulous prizes!

Rejuvenation passionately handcrafts, quality reproduction lighting and hardware, with just that in mind. To celebrate those who recognize the importance of the crowning details of a room, the company is launching its third annual Make Your Home Your Own Contest. Visitors to Rejuvenation’s website are invited to share their personal inspiration and show how it helped them make their home uniquely their own, for a chance to win one of two $1,000 prizes.

Submissions will be accepted from April 1-May 1 by posting photos and describing how you’ve changed you room. On May 5th the polls open for two weeks and website guests will be able to cast their vote to help determine the People’s Choice winner of a gift certificate worth $1,000 of Rejuvenation products.

In addition to the People’s Choice prize, a second $1,000 gift certificate will be awarded to the owner of the room as chosen by a panel of five industry experts and I am one of them!

So snap some photos, upload them and tell Rejuvenation your story.

You might win the prize that puts the crowning touch on your home!

Good luck!

P.S.  Even if you don’t have a Renovation Story to share, you should definitely hop over and check out the entries.  There are some great Before & After shots!

Pottery Barn has a really great collection of pillows that coordinate but don't look too matchy.

Could your sofa use an update?  Yep, mine too.  Yet your pillows may be suffering from so much kid and pet abuse, that you hesitate to buy new ones. Since it’s my job is to help you create a beautiful home (no matter how many of your family members are working against you )  I have a great solution.  Outdoor pillows.  They’ve come so far in style and texture that they’ve earned a spot right there on your living room sofa.  So scoot over and make some room!

Once upon a time, no one had outdoor pillows. It seemed a bit too luxurious.  You were lucky if you got a measly 1″ cushion to soften the seat on an outdoor metal dining chair while you enjoyed a burger. But by the 80′s Sunbrella fabric made the scene. Previously, a fabric used only for boats and awnings; they took its best qualities and prettied it up!  So we had durable outdoor fabric that resisted fading, mildew and water.  A great step in the right direction, expect the original Sunbrealla fabrics had a bit of a scratchy feel to them and they only offered the typical outdoor patterns…. chunky stripes, dark solids and ridiculously outdated florals….yawn.

If you are receiving this post via email, click the title above to go online and see the photo gallery.

Fast forward 25 years and there’s been a huge shift to outdoor living and with that, updated fabrics that are gorgeous, durable AND comfy.  Sunbrella, as well as other vendors, offer printed and woven patterns that are great indoors and out.  They can stand up to PB&J, a little dog drool and a lot of abuse. Plus they are machine washable or can easily be spot cleaned.  The other cool update that makes them more “homey” looking are the colorful fringes and braid trims.  A designer detail that I apply to every custom pillow. There are lots of pillows that are ready to throw on your sofa or if you are handy, you can purchase the fabric and make just about anything including draperies and upholstery.  Check out the gallery up top for some inspiration and the links below for sources.  

Have fun!

OutdoorFabrics.com – lots of great fabrics to do your own thing

Crypton Fabric – Super durable fabrics with William Wegman fabrics.

Pottery Barn

Grandin Road

Frontgate

Ballard Designs -great choice of pattern, size & trims/

West Elm

World Market

Etsy had 972 results for outdoor pillows and many styles.

1937 LaSalle Speedster... This beautiful piece of automotive history was built for Clark Gable as a gift from his wife, Carole Lombard. It was even more beautiful in person.

This weekend I spent a delightful Sunday with my Dad in West Palm Beach.  We started by enjoying some pasta and Pinot Grigio at IL Bellagio by the CityPlace fountain.  Then we strolled around a fantastic classic car show and then we topped it off with ice cream cones and lots of people-watching (including a couple that brought their pot-bellied pigs!)  It was one of those 78 degree Florida days that make me so grateful to live here.  The car show prompted the get-together because my dad is a bit of a car aficionado junkie.  From across a room he can give you the make, model and year without blinking an eye. Up close he can tell if it it’s all original down to the each component of the engine (and cursed them when they had “tricked it out”.) Loads of info filed in his permanent memory bank along with fond memories of his teens and young adulthood.  It was fun to go along for the ride.

A recent renovation (Carleton Varney) of a classic interior (Dorothy Draper) from the same era. You can see lots of similarity with the car above in the color combinations, curves and glamour.

This show featured everything from the 1920′s up to the present but the cars that he and I always enjoy are the 40′s through the 60′s.  He talked a lot about the details and features, plus the upgrades the manufacturers made each year.  And they were pretty significant.  We’re not talking about a bigger cup holder for your Starbucks double latte, it’s more like radical changes to the body and chrome details that said a lot about the styles of that era.  Now it just seems that they tweak the headlights or wheels and call it a new model. He pointed to a 1965 pink Thunderbird and commented on how it was sleeker than previous years and this was mimicked in the suits men wore back then…straight legs and thin ties (dare I say, a la Ryan Seacrest?).    Cars were once a true indicator of the times and you’d see this mirrored in fashion and interiors.  I picked out a couple of examples and it wasn’t that hard to find some proof.

A neat photo from the 1965 LA Times. Shows us the sleekness in fashion and cars all in one shot.

The shape of this 1954 Chrysler Imperial was an indictor of new technology that produced curved designs with a lot less man-power.

Car meets kitchen.

We also talked about the cost of cars (ranging from about $2,000-$5,000) and the payment plans.   Leases didn’t exist and you were expected to put up a decent down payment and the loan was usually paid off in a couple of years.  If we were able to pay a car off that quickly these days, I think we’d feel more ownership of the car, take more pride in it and really feel the need to choose something that truly matches our style and personality.  Feel free to share you thoughts on classic cars you’ve owned or just loved from afar.  I hope there will always be people who are willing to share their beautifully shined gems so we can “ooh”, “aah” and reminisce.

Designed by Chad Eisner, this dining room features a glass and nickel-plated metal table designed by Eisner himself. And the pendant light is from Reborn Antiques.

Spherical chandeliers (or pendants) add a wonderful touch to most any room.  Lately I have seen so many wonderful examples in varying sizes and materials that I wanted to share a few favorites and some new ideas on where they fit best.  If you think they are too modern, you are in for a pleasant surprise.  They also come with traditional touches such as milk glass and brass details.  And never forget how great a modern chandelier looks with a classic table!

At 21″ round, this is a nice sized sphere. The burlap and wrought iron combo has a bit of an Asian feel to it. It would look great over a modern glass table with a black base.

The Hood fixture is from Rejuvanation is a 1920′s reproduction. Comes in 12″, 14″ & 18″. Perfect for a foyer with hardwood floors and a warm oriental rug.

This Capiz shell pendant from Horchow has such a great floral effect.  Beautiful against a colorful wall and a surprising addition to a large master bath.

The Coral Pendant from Design Within Reach was created as an interpretation of patterns the artist saw in ice crystals as well as coral.  Nature can’t be wrong. Right?  Lovely over a simple white pedestal table in the foyer or dining room.

And lastly, this beautiful hand-hammered iron pendant.  Mostly an accent piece with a lovely amber glow.  I can picture this at a breakfast room table where you already have lots of natural light.  In a world full of 6 and 8-arm chandeliers, consider going in a different direction the next time you have an empty ceiling to fill!

Enjoy!

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Are you on Facebook?  Well so am I!  Then why haven’t we hooked up yet?

I have a page for Lorrie Browne Interiors and one for My Design Secrets.  The more of you that connect with me, the easier it is to spread the Design Love!  I would love to hear your comments and have an ongoing conversation with you.  Tell me what topics you’d like me to cover and I’ll be happy to give you the inside track so you don’t have waste hours on the web.  I’ll also keep you up to date on all my latest projects and photos.  Just photographed 4 projects this week so stay tuned!

See you there!
Lorrie

My Design Secrets | Promote Your Page Too

Lorrie Browne ~ Interior Designer, Wellington Florida | Promote Your Page Too

Welcome to everyone who saw us in the  The Palm Beach Post today!  Though I have readers all across the country and abroad, we wanted to let our Wellington, Florida neighbors know that we are right here in their backyard!

My name is Lorrie Browne and I am a professional interior designer.  I introduced the My Design Secrets website 3 years ago.  Since then, I have posted over 400 tips, tricks and informative articles on how to decorate your home like a pro.  We also have a fantastic database of over 500 Online Shops where you can search for specific items by style and budget….so dive right in!

If you like what you see and would like some personalized help from me,  then definitely check out My Virtual Designer!  This is My Fantastic Service where we hook up live online.  We discuss your decorating dilemmas and important decisions to help you start moving in the right direction.  It’s easy, fast and convenient.

Are you local and feel like you could use some “live” in person help?  Through my local company, Lorrie Browne Interiors,  I offer Design Boost, a fantastic flat-fee service where I meet you in your home and solve all your nagging problems. You share all your decorating challenges and I give you all the solutions plus a detailed To-Do List for reference!  It’s Easy-Peasy!

So if you need design help, we’ve got simple, satisfying solutions just a click away!

Thanks for visiting and be sure to contact me here if you have any questions.

Welcome!

The Vas ceramic faucet is one of my favorites from Kohler. The water flows out like a fountain. It comes in white and cream as well.

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Last week I shared my Top Tips for Selecting the Best Bathroom Fixtures which gave you some guidance in choosing sinks, toilets and tubs to achieve a long-lasting custom look.  This week we move on to Hardware!  I often see cheap or uninspired hardware when it really should be the Jewelry of your bathroom!   Upgrading to a style that complements your bathroom and makes everything super useful and easily accessible is more affordable than you make think so lets explore the options.

Style

While I encourage a more eclectic look in other areas of your home the best way to get a cohesive look in your bathroom is to coordinate the style of everything from the bathtub to the cabinet knobs. It’s a small space and when you use too many styles it looks choppy and cheap.  So before you start anything, are you going modern, traditional or casual?

Cost

Never buy the cheapest faucet you can find.  Why?  Because it’s the cheapest for a reason.  Most people choose a faucet based on the style rather than the engineering.  But you want it to last inside and out.  Kohler, Moen and Price Pfister have many reasonably priced faucets and they stand behind their products.  Make good use of the manufacturer’s websites because they often provide a lot more information on warranties and finishes then the websites that sell them.

Finishes

Burnished finishes such as stainless steel, brushed chrome and antique brass are your best bet in terms of style and maintenance.  They don’t show water marks as easily and they have a more earthy look to them which is more in tune with today’s styles.  Be careful when mixing brushed chrome  and stainless steel because some finishes have a much warmer tone than others.  Be sure to coordinate all your metals.

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This Gatco double towel bar is very efficient if you are short on space.

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Hardware Selection

Faucets 

From ultra-modern to Victorian, there are faucets and finishes for every taste.  I generally prefer single-control faucets because they are easy to operate when you are brushing your teeth or washing your face.  They also keep your vanity area a bit more splash-free. 

If you are replacing an existing 2-handle faucet make sure you check out the existing installation to see if its a centerset (4″ ) or widespread (8-16″).  Unless you are replacing the countertop, you need to choose the same setup.

Wall-mounted faucets are very stylish but will add significantly to your plumbing costs and have to be coordinated with your mirror height so plan carefully.

Showerheads

The first question is what type of shower do you want?  Some people like high pressure and some like a spring rain.  A basic shower-head is fairly reasonable but at the very least make sure it adjusts so all members of the family can customize their shower.  If you like the rain shower-head, bear in mind that while it feels soothing and peaceful, this is not the shower-head you want if you have thick or curly hair.  I can tell you first-hand that it’s difficult to get the shampoo rinsed out!  If you would like a bodyspray, this is something you should plan during a renovation or new construction because you have to make sure you have adequate water pressure and there is a fair amount of plumbing work that has to be done in the wall.

Towel Bars & Hooks

These accessories are often a last minute consideration but keep focused and choose wisely!  Towel bars and hooks placed in the right location can make a big difference in how you operate in your bathroom.  Before choosing towel bars measure your towels so you have enough width to spread out a towel to dry.  I recommend a towel bar 30″ or wider and if you like to display your towels get an additional one or go for a style with two bars.  If you like to keep your vanity dry, neat and free of clutter then consider a towel ring near the sink.  Hooks should be strategically located so you can easily grab your robe when the phone or doorbell rings.

Knobs, Pulls & Other Accessories

Last but not least, the knobs and pulls you use on your cabintry are your chance to add a little personality.   Start with your style and finish to narrow the choices.  Metal finshes are almost always your best bed for stained and painted woods.  Ceramic knobs give a more casual country look and glass a bit more formal and traditional. Measure a knob in your home to get a feel for the size.  You might not think a 2″ knob is very big but that’s actually the size of many doorknobs!  If you are replacing knobs, make sure the base of the knob covers the mark from the old one or you will need to refinish the door.

There are lots of great accessories to make your bathroom more neat and efficient.  Hair dryer caddies and wall -mounted soap dispensers give you more room on your vanity and less chance of knocking things over when you are in a rush (sound familiar?).

The great thing about a bathroom project is that you can do virutally all your research and shopping online and it can save you lots of $$$.  So if you are considering a bathroom renovation, your first step should be joining My Secret Database.  For $9.95, it’s a tiny investment that will help you make some very wise choices! 

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Click Here and Join Now!

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This is week #3 in our Style Series and it’s time to take a peek at the Country & Casual Style.  This style is very popular because it is easy to interweave decorative selections with lifestyle necessities.  It ranges from a casual/modern look to a very country look, and everything in between.  The important thing is that the look is easy, informal and welcoming.

Some of the hallmarks of this well-liked style are: The beautiful and comfy sofa that is kid and pet-friendly.  The perfect painted finish on your dining room table that seems to look better with age and a little Elmer’s glue.  The plush throw pillows that are great companions for movie watching but also add just the right spark of color to the room. 

This is the balance you can achieve with the Country & Casual Style.  Here are some tips that will get you going in the right direction:

Good Foundation- Flooring is important for durability and aesthetics. If you are replacing your flooring, then laminate wood floors are great, but my top choice is pre-engineered hardwood; if your budget allows.  You will love these floors for years to come and they do a great job of hiding dirt, hair, etc…  Area rugs add cushion for walking/sitting/crawling on the floor and color and style to compliment the look.  Purchase something that has a little bit of a rustic look to it.  Not too pristine or shiny with this style.

Investment Pieces - Start with solid pieces of furniture that can withstand wear and tear.  The sofas, chairs, coffee and dining tables are critical.  My advice… When purchasing furniture, invest in the best quality upholstery that you can afford.  The extra years you will get out of the pieces will be well worth the additional investment!  Pick the sofa or chair with the arm and leg you like best.

Light it up – Have you ever walked into a room where the glare from the overhead light is just overwhelming?  Lighting adds a fantastic decorative touch to any room.  But don’t forget that a balance of the three types of lighting is important.

• General Lighting - Provides good overall light in the room.  Eg: Overhead fixtures and recessed lights.
• Task Lighting – Provides light for specific tasks like reading or sewing. Eg: Table and Floor Lamps.
• Ambient/Accent Lighting – Gives the room a dramatic feel by highlighting certain areas.  Eg: Sconces and pendant fixtures.

Decorative Touches – The Country & Casual style really shines by showing off the character and personality of your family.  Throw pillows, fun picture frames, and accessories allow you to surround yourself with items that support your interests.  They also give your visitors some insight into your individual taste.

Shop for the Country & Casual Style in My Secret Database!