My Design Secrets

How’s your Christmas shopping going?  Me? Well, lets just say I feel like the finish line is within site but I am not quite there yet.  I love to give my friends and family thoughtful and personalized gifts.  But gift-giving can be a little more difficult for someone you are just getting to know, a business associate or the host of a party.

In this case,  plants are a lifesaver.  And I am not just talking about poinsettias and holly!  Bonsai trees, orchids, and fragrant herbs are top choices because Winter is a great time to bring nature back into the home.  If you aren’t lucky enough to have a great florist down the block, then don’t be shy about ordering online.  Order it in the middle of the night and it usually shows up in day or two.  How easy is that?

Here are a few great plants that look festive for the Holidays.  But once you take off the ribbon or change the pot, the recipient has a wonderful gift for months to come that reminds them of your generous spirit!

Just click on the photos to take you to each site!

Happy Holidays!

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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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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This giveaway has ended!

For those of you receiving this entry by email, please visit our website for the full story and photos.  There were so many lovely shots that I have posted 2 slideshows for your viewing pleasure!

Wild Birds is just one series of pieces you can choose from!

Lonesomeville -A curious name that sounds sweet and melancholy at the same time.  Here’s the story… It all started with a farm house built in the late 19th century and a group of people who could not bear to see it torn down.  So what did they do?  They bought it!  And over the last 20 years the owners have brought the house and the lovely grounds it is nestled on back to life!   From the cabinetry, furniture and tableware to the railings and gingerbread, no detail is overlooked by their artisans. And so, Lonesomeville was born.

But that’s just the beginning of the story.  Danny, one of the homeowners, happened to be an accomplished potter.  Soon thereafter, the home and grounds became the birthplace of Lonesomeville Pottery Company.  Really, it’s a campus of sorts with a lovely home, garden, and studio that all provide endless inspiration and comfort for those that reside there.

As you browse through the website you will see that each piece is inspired by nature.  Leaves, insects, flowers and birds are lovingly integrated into the designs.  As you click on each motif, there is a wide offering of shapes and sizes. Maybe something for your end table or mantel… dining room or kitchen?  It’s all there and it’s beautiful.

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Would YOU like to Win your choice of

Beautiful Lonesomeville Pottery worth $150.00?

This is how to enter:

Step 1:  Visit Lonesomeville Pottery and shop around.

Step 2:  Leave me a comment below telling me which piece would be on the Top of Your Wish List and Why. You can choose any piece up to a value of $150!  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, May 26th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

Good Luck!

~Lorrie

P.S.   And remember, you can be the first to hear about Lonesomville news and the latest designs by signing up to receive their Newsletter or becoming a fan on Facebook!

Great little piece in the New York Times on using throw blankets to add some color to your room.  Designer Brad Ford shares some of his own tips.  For a small investment you can make a chair look brand new, a den look super cozy and a give a monchromatic bedroom a colorful lift! 

Wrapping It Up

Here are some of my favorite sources for Throws.  Some for the prices, others for the selection…

Dash & Albert

Jonathan Adler

Pillows & Throws

And if you Join My Secret Database you will find wonderful new sources for anything you need for Your Home!

Have a good weekend:-)

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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.   

I started My Design Secrets more than a year ago with one goal in mind:  Help people who love home decorating by giving them professional advice and easy access to the best online interior decorating sources.  After receiving a lot of wonderful feedback and learning that close to 100,000 people visted the database last year, I realized that My Secret Database was the answer to many of your decorating prayers!  So, I  was determined to continue sharing my interior design advice and resources.

A couple of months ago, I announced that we would be making some upgrades to the website.  Now, the time has come!  We wanted to make My Design Secrets even more useful, interesting, and fun for all of you decorating enthusiasts. (And for those of you who don’t know, my husband, Tim,  is the what turns “me” into “we”.)

So, here is what’s in store…

Improvements to My Secret Database *

The new database is PHENOMENAL.  When it comes to home decorating, My Secret Database blows any search engine out of the water.  Take that Google!  Here’s why: 

• Search through hundreds of online retailers for the product(s) you need and in the specific style you want.
• View a wide assortment of photos of specific products from the vendors in My Secrets Database. 
• Check out the the handy $-$$-$$$!  These icons will help you stay within your home decorating budget.

*While we wanted to keep doing all this for free, a girl has got to make a living!   With all these great new features, we are confident that you will recognize what a great value it is.  So starting this Wednesday at noon, My Secret Database is going to become a membership only site.  We are sure you will agree that the nominal charge of $9.95 per month is a fair price for access to this incredibly valuable, time-saving database.

Hot New Topics and Inside Tips in the Blog (Free)

The blog will continue to be free of charge and will offer my professional design tips as well as introductions to some of the hottest new decorating sources on the web.  I have lots of great ideas for new topics and, as always, you are welcome to make suggestions.  Feel free to search my existing blog entries covering over 350 decorating topics!

Great New Giveaways

We know you all love a Great Giveaway, so those are definitely going to continue.  We have some great ones lined up for high quality paint, gorgeous home furnishings, and fabulous interior decorating/design books.  And remember, your paid membership will automatically enter you into the giveaways.

Thank You…Thank You…Thank You

I have appreciated your support over the last year and sincerely hope that you will find these upgrades very helpful as you continue to put your personal decorating stamp on your home.

~ Lorrie

This Classic Glass Hurricane from Williams Sonoma features hand blown glass from Poland and can be personalized with your initials. ($68.00)

I like the idea of accessories that pull double duty.  A personal favorite in my home are my Hurricane Lamps.  Sure, they make it possible to eat outdoors on a breezy night, but they can serve many other useful purposes.  So, today I would like to share some of my favorite sources for Hurricane Lamps as well as ways you can use them to spruce up your home for any holiday or as an accessory all year long.

The Hurricane Glass Bowl from Target is a nice option. The low height makes it easy to see people sitting across the table. I would fill it with water and aqua candles.($29.99)

The Londoner Hurricane is a cool modern option from Crate & Barrel. Looks great with some simple ornaments inside or out. Two sizes ($29.95 & $39.95)

Some Tips on Accessorizing your Hurricane Lamps:

• Fill them with Pine Cones for your Mountain Retreat or Sea Shells in your Beach House.
• Put sea salt in the bottom with some holly on top for the look of fresh snow.  Finish it off with a large pillar candle.
• Fill them with colored or clear marbles for a modern look.
• Arrange seasonal fruits and veggies: Lemons, pomegranates, green apples, artichokes and gourds look great.
• Decorate around the hurricane with greenery, flowers or garland.

If you do want to use candles, stock up on different colors so you can coordinate the color with linens.  Just remember that these beautiful accessories can be used as a showcase for anything special; no candle is required.  With a little imagination your table will always look fresh and fun.

Bargain Alert - These Green Glass Hurricanes from Pier 1 Imports are made with recycled glass and look great in multiples. ($10 & $18)

Another great option from Crate & Barrel. The Piazza Hurricane features a square design and stainless steel frame. ($34.95)

One of my favorite prints is Ocean Breezes. A more classic take on the brown and blue combo with both colors having a gently worn feeling.

My Design Secrets is the perfect outlet for my obsessive habit of collecting decorating sources.  Even with a busy design practice, and the homes of my friends and family, I still have overflowing amounts of advice and sources that are here for the taking!  Today I stumbled onto a site that makes me giddy.  Saffron Marigold carries exotic, handmade, eco-friendly bedding and linens that are bursting with gorgeous colors and good Karma to boot! 

A versatile tablecloth that goes from everyday to festive and then just throw it in the wash.

This black and white shower curtain lends some modern flair to this traditional paisley.

The owner, Anisha, is a girl after my own heart.  She has a Masters degree in Human Resources but her love of Indian Textiles was so overwhelming  that it led her to create Saffron Marigold.   It’s a small business run out of Petaluma, California that has a large heart that extends over the Indian Ocean and into Pune, India where the magic happens.  All of their products are hand-crafted according to traditional block printing techniques and each piece is an original work of art distinguished by the work of the artisan, the particular lot of dye, and even varying weather conditions.  They work with a couple of artisan studios with whom they have a close relationship.  They visit the studios to make sure they follow Fair Trade practices that Saffron Marigold values, as well as helping the craftspeople become more economically self-sufficient.

These white lace curtain panels are perfect for a soft touch that's a bit more sophisticated than most country curtains.

A 17" x 17" pillow cover is only $19.99. This is the most stylish sofa makeover bargain you are going to get!

With a broad selection of bedding, shower curtains, table linens, pillow covers, and sheer curtains you are sure to find something to spice up your home.  Cool blue and turquoise, spicy saffron and cinnamon, and breezy white on white. You can shop by the item or by prints with names like Lavender Dreams, Paisley Au Lait or Memories of Shalimar.  You will enjoy browsing the site and the fantastic prices are a wonderful bonus.

Enjoy!

~Lorrie

The impressionistic landscape design of the Sedona vase is begun by sifting on many layers of glass powder. We then use multiple colors of glass in a variety of forms, powder, custom mixes of frit, and stringer. The design is embedded in the surface of the glass during the blowing process to creates a highly textured piece. The final step is to softly iridize the surface with a technique adopted from the studios of the early 1900's. $300.00

The Artful Home does a tremendous job of attracting gifted artists from around the world and making their extraordinary creations available to you at home.  Now, the artists can spend more time on their craft while someone else promotes them.  Brilliant!  I have bought many, many pieces from The Artful Home and my clients have always been delighted.  You can easily own original artwork for your home with prices to fit everyone’s budget.  And it’s not limited to paintings, there are immensely gifted people designing furniture, tile, glass, rugs, sculptures and many more items.  You can search by style, color, price range and artist.  The listings are detailed and clear with shipping times and charges so decisions are easy.  I have bought a number of birthday and holiday gifts here as well.  There is something for everyone.  You will have a blast just browsing through.

"Bougainvillea" - A giclee print of a mixed media painting, signed ,open edition. $150

Matted pigment print of a scanned black-and-white negative that has been digitally toned and painted. Printed on archival Hahnemuhle fine art paper. Limited edition of 15. Signed and numbered on print. Save 60% off this item. Ends April 30th. Was $310.00 Now $124.00

"Straight-Carved Yellow Urchin" - Hand-thrown, carved, porcelain vessel with hand-thrown/built, porcelain lid. Glazed by hand and fired at 2300 degrees. $385

"Tree Study" - This wire and glass sculpture is inspired by the beauty of multiple curves of tree branches. $1100.00

Are you following me on twitter?  You should be!

Have a great day!

~ Lorrie