My Design Secrets

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

The intriguing photo above is a little hint as to what we have in store for you today!  It’s time for me to unveil another one of  My Design Secrets and you are going to love this one.  Not too long ago I received a postcard in the mail introducing White Lotus Collection.  I visited their website and was immediately taken in by the fantastic selection of lovely Asian furnishings. When I visited their 6,000 square foot warehouse I was completely in awe.  So if you are in South Florida, you must pay them a visit….but don’t despair if you live further away.  Manager Michael Sullivan is there to help.  Just give him an idea of what you are looking for and he can send you photos and details lickity-split! 

~Lorrie

P.S.  If you happen to live in South Florida, they are hosting a Free Fung Shui Event with expert Chriss Barr on April 29th.  So mark it on your calender and learn more about feng shui while enjoying a private viewing of the collection.

WHITE LOTUS COLLECTION, today’s giveaway sponsor, sells some of the most beautiful hand-crafted Asian furnishings and accessories.  Hand-selected from rural China and Indonesia, each piece has been chosen individually for its fine quality, attention to detail, and simplicity of design.  The collection, equally at home in contemporary and traditional homes, offers a sophisticated alternative to many of the furnishings available today.

WHITE LOTUS COLLECTION was inspired by the peace, elegance and tranquility that the white lotus flower evokes. A water flower that grows in fresh water lakes and ponds, the white lotus is symbolic of a total state of purity and spiritual perfection in the Buddhist tradition. These unique furnishings are intended to bring this type of serenity and sophistication to the most treasured spaces; both inside and outside of your home.

Today, thanks to WHITE LOTUS COLLECTION, we are very happy to offer this hand painted Tibetan Groom’s Box.  Per Chinese Wedding tradition, the grooms family prepares a gift of food for the bride-to-be and places it in this decorative box.

   The box has a retail value of $290.00! 

This beautiful box could be used to store special treasures or as a lovely accessory. 18L x 11 ¾D x 11 ½H

Would you like to win this Hand Painted Tibetan Grooms box ($290.00)?

Simply Enter Here…

1. Visit WHITE LOTUS COLLECTION and have a look around.
2.  Leave me one comment below telling me what is your favorite product from their website.

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, April 29th to enter.  Two random winners will be chosen and announced soon after.

Good Luck!

~Lorrie

If you love color and exotic decor, these trays from Peru are just the thing. Reverse painted glass makes for easy clean up. ($24.99)

In the interest of spreading the “tray love” I selected a few different styles for you.  I kept the price point and maintenance low so bathroom and kitchen use are fair game.  So pick up a couple and start herding all the little items that cover your countertops.  You can thank me later. 

The Samba Tray from Crate & Barrel has a cool, sleek look in high gloss green. ($24.95)

These are my favorites and the ones that adorn my kitchen and bathroom. Bamboo is sustainable and easy to clean. Plus I love all the different sizes! ($3.99 to $6.99)

You can customize this tray from Overstock.com with your favorite photos and images. ($19.99)

Win this Gorgeous $32o Lamp!

These cute little glass bird vases from Viva Terra just need a little sprig of green to make them sing! (2 for $29)

It’s that time of year again.  The lovely blanket of Christmas snow that made your eyes twinkle has turned to slush and ice that totally deflate you.  You need a reminder that Spring will return once again and nothing does the job better then a cheery vase full of pretty posies.  So, here’s is an eclectic group of vases that look great brimming with buds or just sitting by themselves, posie-free

I like the combination fo the modern shape with vintage images in this transluscent vase from Patina. ($36)

This lovely candlevase featurs a hand-etched ginkgo leaf and could be used for candles or flowers. I would get two! ($20)

The French are famous for making the simple sparkle. Take a galvanized metal tin, paint is and make it fabulous for flowers or umbrellas! ($58)

Win a $2oo VISA Gift Card!

These wall shelves from JCPenney can be used to display a variety of items. They come in black, mahogany, and white. Were $129, now $49.

Where’s the best place to put a special picture, keepsake or small treasure?  You don’t want to cast it amongst the the books and candles that cover your coffee table.  It needs a special little spot and a wall shelf could be your answer.  If you want a minimalist look, then choose one that blends in with the wall.  If you want the shelf to be an accessory itself, then go for something more obvious and ornate.  Either way, it will dress up the wall and give your special something a new home.  Here are some great picks to choose from:

The sleepy hollow storage shelf-nightstand from CB2 can be used as a nightstand or shelf and includes handy storage beneath. Comes in Bamboo and Black. $149.

This iron demi lune wall shelf can be used indoors or out. The size and shape make it useful as a small foyer table too. $55

At 14" wide and 18" deep, these can be used as a shelf, night-stand, or bookshelf supports. Custom made and available in 27 colors including Kiwi and Wild Salmon. $420.

Brown faux croc with nickel studs, gives these shelves a more masculine look. 24" shelf was $59, now $29.

A beautifully distressed French reproduction, this shelf features a zinc top and carved angels. $229.

Click to Win a $250 Gift Card from Amazon!