the lovely details of this this French Directoire style dresser from Wisteria are highlighted by the white wash.
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Do you remember a couple of years ago when dark woods were all the rage? Whether they called it “Java” or “Wenge”, it seemed that they just could not make the finishes dark enough. Well, just like fashion, politics and anything else we gossip about, when things swing to one extreme it seems inevitable that they’ll swing in the opposite direction sometime soon. That’s why we are seeing worn and washed woods popping up all over the place. Worn finishes have a nice earthy matte look that is soft to the touch and easy on the eyes. A white wash can take that same piece and really brighten it up while highlighting the natural wood grain. Because of this, a grainy wood like pine is the perfect candidate.
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The Simplicity Chandelier from Currey & Co. Need I say more?
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I like washed finishes for a number of reason, not the least of which is their time-worn look. Furniture just has more character when it looks likes like it’s been around the block. But the beauty of these weathered pieces is their ability to fit perfectly into so many designs such as:
As a counterpoint to a room full of medium or dark toned antiques, it’s a great solution.
If you are going for a light, beachy look with lots of white and painted finishes but crave some natural warmth, it also works.
And if you love modern pieces but still want to inject a little history, they fit the bill there too.
So if you are stuck on when selecting that last piece for your living room, take a look at some of these well-worn pieces. They are interesting, beautiful and instantly bring a little history into your space! .
A classic and comfortable x-back cafe chair. Perfect as an accent piece or an extra seat for an unexpected guest.
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.
The "Ask Me Alberto" Glider...now who does not like to glide?
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Q Collection, a company that makes gorgeous eco-friendly sofas and chairs, sent me an email announcing their new website and that they were “lightening up” their image. Wow, that’s relief! These days everyone seems to be getting increasingly uptight and it’s way more pleasent to purchase furniture from people who are happy and bright:-)
Their new website is fun (who can resist names like the Sweet Cheeks Sofa and Kiss My Arse Recliner?) plus they are eco-friendly with an emphasis on the FRIENDLYpart. Formerly a trade-only resources they now have a retail line on their website that can be purchased through their NY retail store. And by visiting or calling you can purchase designer quality eco-friendly furniture yourself at reasonable prices. And you know me, I believe a sofa is an investment, not a short term commitment. If you spread the cost of your sofa over the number of years you have it, a high quality sofa is a much wiser purchase.
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One Sweet Cheeks Sofa for your sweet cheeks:-)
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You can choose one of their many neutral, eco-friendly fabrics (bamboo, cotton, hemp, linen and many more) or even send them your own. The insides are made of 100% certified sustainably harvested woods, natural latex foam rubber, organic cotton batting, wool batting and natural jute webbing. Plus you can customize until your heart’s content.
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Neutral Fabrics galore...or send them your preference.
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The sofas, chairs and ottoman could meld easily into any modern, beach house or classic look. The lines are graceful yet unfussy. My next sofa is definitely going to be eco-friendly. I am done with furniture made from over-forested woods and petroleum-laden cushions. Q Collection is getting back to basics and helping us all breathe easy!
Q Collection is just one of my Many Design Secrets.
Anderson Flooring offers wonderful eco-friendly flooring by using plentiful domestic woods and safely treating them to achieve an exotic and worn look.
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On this 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, we’ve come a long way! I am thrilled that every year, more and more people are jumping on board. There are lots of ways to help the earth and no matter which one(s) you choose, I honor that. But we also have a long way to go. Living an eco-friendly life crosses many areas; from food and clothing to cleaning products and cars. But the one area that I can certainly help you with is home furnishings. So that’s where we are going today…
There are now lots of sustainable options when it comes to furnishing your home and you don’t have to give up an inch of style. But remember the reasons these options are available now is because some good people and responsible companies realized we had to stop the madness. The home decor industry is guilty of being a major contributor to the use of toxic chemicals in manufacturing and later loading up landfills with low-quality products with short life cycles. I mentioned a while back that I am a Green Residential Expertand during that training a learned many facts that would shock you.
Un-Eco-Friendly Home Furnishings Facts
Deforestation – The furnishings industry is the #3 user of Wood behind buildings and paper; often using woods from forests that are not sustainably managed.
Air Quality – There are many volatile organic compounds in adhesives, finishes, paints and carpeting which affect us all but especially the 15-20 million people with asthma in the U.S..
Overloaded Landfills – 8.8 million tons of furnishings are discarded annually, 4% of US total waste.
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Stanley Furniture is blending the old with the new. An example of a long-time company with renewed green values.
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When it comes down to it, the simple mantra of “REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE” sums it up, so lets talk about how you can design your home with those thoughts in mind.
REDUCE
Live with less! There, I said it. An interior designer who is encouraging you to purchase fewer things for your home. My role as an interior designer has much more to do with sharing my knowledge and eye for design rather than selling furnishings. So when your ready to purchase a new chair, take your time and select one that speaks to your true sense of style (not a fleeting fad)and that is the best quality and most eco-friendly that you can afford.
REUSE
I know it can be fun to get anything new…but I think we can all admit that the joy is fleeting. Think about what you have that can be used in a new and different way. Old tables or mirrors are the perfect candidates for a mod face-lift with a coat of bright eco-friendly paint. An antique chair has new personality when covered it with a modern fabric. Ask you friends and family if there is anything they’d like to swap. We’ve all found great items at flea markets and antique stores. Why not cut out the middle man?
RECYCLE
All good things must come to an end but that doesn’t mean they all need to end up in a landfill. Used furnishings that still have some life in them can be donated or listed on Freecycle or craigslist. Old textiles can be used for rags, drop cloths or quilts. Leftover paint should be brought to the proper recycling facility. Recently I heard about a program where leftover paint is being used to decorate people’s homes who cannot afford the paint themselves. If you need some guidance on where to recycle you old stuff try Earth 911.
As I follow the path of eco-friendly design I am going to bring you along for the ride. We’ll go in-depth into flooring, fabrics, furniture and paint. Why the old options don’t work and what the new ones have to offer. I will share vendors, shopping tips and wonderful examples to boot. I want you to be an educated individual in a world of green products. (Notice I did not call you a consumer…a ridiculous word that has bred a wasteful mindset.)
Every item in your newly decorated living space need not be Green! Just consider the options and choose the sustainable ones where they work for you. Balance beauty and function with your earth-friendly values. These small steps get us further down the path to sustainability and a Cleaner and Greener World!
At first glance, a well-designed bedroom allows you to just settle into the whole space. The colors, the furniture and the tiny details all work togehter harmoniously. Ahhhh, the cohesive loveliness! But as a designer, my next step is to start breaking it all down… the bed, the pillows, the window treatments and lamp. Why does it all work and how can I learn from this? I want to help you develop the same critical eye because this is the difference between a so-so decorating job and a room that comes alive.
I designed the room above for two teenage girls about 10 years ago. They liked feminine details but were growing up and did not want anything too cute. They loved horses but did not want the whole room to go “horsey”. It’s always a balancing act between “this” and “that.” So these are the steps I took to pull together this great little design without breaking the bank.
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Color – We went with a warm peach because it was feminine, bright and fun. It’s a more complex color than pink or purple which spoke to their sophisticated tastes (yes teenagers now have sophisticated taste!)
Beds – These iron beds are classic and budget-friendly. The choice of many finishes allowed us to select one that tied in our coral, ivory and green palette. (I don’t usually recommend iron beds for master bedrooms but for kids or guest rooms they do the job at a great price.)
Bedding- Custom bed-skirts and shams echo the colors with a designer look but we saved some money by using a matelasse coverlets. These could easily be replace by down comforters and duvets when it gets cold.
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Some Ladder Tape options from Smith + Noble. Simple wood blinds step up the style with this designer touch.
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Windows - Simple 2″ wood blinds. The big slats work with the scale of the large windows. A color-coordinated ladder tape covers the strings that hold the blinds together (the ladder). Now instead of plain old blinds that control light they ARE the window treatment. Plus Ladder Tapes cover route holes so sunlight won’t poke through when blinds are closed.
Chair – We bought this wicker chair new but any old wicker chair can be painted for an instant face-lift. You can also just wrap the fabric around the cushions and safety pin them on the back if you are a not a seamstress.
Lamps – Two simple and affordable lamps that could be found at a local home store.
Artwork – I love to use colorful and interesting artwork in kids rooms and posters are an easy answer. The pieces in this room are prints of famous horse paintings. By going with more modern art, it gives the room a more updated feel and the white frames are simple and fresh.
I hope this helps you see, once again, that good design results is more than the sum of its parts. Consider the look you want and then approach it one step at a time patiently and thoughtfully!
Let me know if I can help you with any design dilemmas by commenting below or contacting me here!
You have a favorite sofa that you’ve snuggled into comfortably for the past 8 years. The style is perfect and the size is just right. But the fabric leaves a bit to be desired. All the good things in life….kids, dogs, eating, drinking and being merry are reflected on your sofa. Many clients ask me whether it’s worth it to reupholster their sofa or chairs. It really depends on a few factors. So let me step you through it and perhaps the decision will become clear…
Condition
How is the sofa or chair holding up? Does it creak each time you sit down? Is it sagging in the middle? Or is it just the cushions that are shot? If the frame is weak, then it’s time to move on. If you just need new cushions, that’s an easy fix.
Style
How attached are you to the style of your piece? Because if you really like the certain small details, it may be very difficult to find them again. Styles change over the years and if you are looking for a duplicate piece, you may be searching for a needle in the haystack.
When the fabric is fastened directly to the frame, you need to apply welt to cover the staples. Click on the photo and you will see it's a much more involved process.
Budget
Reuphostering a sofa or club chair is probably not going to save you money. The truth is that except for higher end furnishings, most furniture frames are not very well made. Instead of kiln-dried hardwood and 8-way hand-tied seats, they are made with sofa woods and inexpensive metal coils. So even when a company makes a brand new sofa, most of the money goes into the fabric and labor.
While you might be able to get a great deal on fabric, the labor costs to reupholster is significant. If you’d like to get a quote from a local vendor, some may give you an estimate based on the sofa measurements, but they will have to come and determine the exact fabric yardage needed and take a look to give you a firm quote. Don’t forget to ask about new cushions if yours are deflated!
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DIY
I do not recommend tackling a sofa or club chair unless you have expert guidance or an enormous amount of patience. Most homemade jobs I have seen are very sad looking. There is an exception to this rule. Dining Room chairs that have slip seats are a snap to redo. Check out the great video below for some helpful guidance.
If you are saving for a new sofa but cannot stand the look of what you have right now, then be sure to consider a slipcover for the time being. When the time comes to purchase a new sofa, you certainly don’t want the old one to wind up in a landfill. So if you are ready to move on from your old sofa, please explore your options to donate it to a worthy cause.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask me below!
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.
This Crewel Bench would make a beautiful accent in a foyer or hallway. I love the natural colors and nailhead trim.
Crewelwork is a very odd name for a particularly beautiful fabric. This method of embroidery dates back at least 1,000 years; where it was used on tapestries. Ususally crafted in wool, the embroidery stitches follow a pattern or outline that has been applied to the fabric with chalk, water soluble ink or iron-on designs. Where does the word crewel come from? Well, the exact origin is unknown but is thought to have come from an ancient word describing the curl in the wool used.
The crisp crewel accent pillow on top pairs nicely with other cotton prints.
An example of an intricate crewelwork pattern from the 1940's. You can really see the detail in the stitching.
Linen Source always manages to give you super affordable fashion. This tropically inspired King duvet cover is on sale for $34!
This traditional style of fabric was most often seen in interiors that featured more of a Jacobean motif (think castles, kings and ladies in waiting). Over the years, it has resurfaced in more modern applications. Lately, I have seen a lot of crewel work in light, bright patterns that are open and airy. The detailed nature of crewelwork makes it interesting and adds nice texture to bedding, pillows and draperies. Because it’s wool and raised off the surface of the fabric, it can be a little scratchy and not something you’d want touching your skin. It’s best used on benches, chairs, throw pillows and bedspreads. But not the ones you pull up to cuddle with.
This tone-on-tone look from Williams Sonoma is a subtle and classic way to use crewel.
Layla Grace carries these crisp and refreshing drapery panels from Pine Cone Hill. A heavy fabric always looks lighter in bright tones.
I love this graphic print from Pottery Barn. A modern take on crewel.
The simple design of the Audrey Bedroom set works with many color palettes and styles. Plus, a platform bed means you don't need to buy a boxspring!
You have finally decided it’s time for some new bedroom furniture and you deserve it! You are done with the lumpy mattress, sick of the broken drawers, and frankly you are ready to select furniture that suits YOUR style (even though the hand-me-downs were great at the time!). So where do you go? Well, sometimes when you shop at a furniture store that carries everything, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or distracted. This is not the case at BedroomFurniture.com. They specialize in, you guessed it, BEDROOM FURNITURE.
Their site is super simple to navigate and allows you to search by the item or brand. Their finish swatches are large and easy to see, so you know what you are getting. They give you stock information right away PLUS you get free in-home delivery and set up. They carry top brands like Stanley, Tommy Bahama, Lexington and Broyhill; and at great prices. They have everything from luxurious canopy beds to bunk beds (I won’t tell the kids).
I love the hand painted details on the Froggy Book Case. Imagination on the oustide and books on the inside.
The folks at BedroomFurniture.com would really like you to get to know them so stop by the site and have a look around. And becasue they are so generous, they are offering this darling bookshelf to one our lucky readers. A kid can never have too many books, but they can certainly have too many books on the floor.
Check out the hand painted details. The colors would work for a girl or boy.
Would you like to win this bookshelf for a kid you know?
Welcome to Part II of the Eco-Friendly Home Furnishings Guide. In Part I, we talked about how we can all start incorporating eco-friendly furnishings in our homes quickly and easily. We assessed what we had, figured out what we needed and then started exploring some great new sources in Flooring, Rugs and Carpeting.
So now that you have beautiful and comfortable floors, it’s time to bring in some furniture. Today, we will dive into Upholstery, Casegoods and Lighting. What to look for, lookout for and where to find it.
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If you are not going to go green for yourself, at least think of your tots and pups. This sofa from Greener Lifestyles is made from FSC certified wood, natural latex cushions and is available in a variety of organic hemp, cotton and wool fabrics.
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Upholstery
I have to admit this is a tough one right now. As a designer, there are a number of companies from whom I can buy eco-friendly upholstery. For retail customers, the options are few. Plus you have to be careful because some companies are taking advantage of the “eco-friendly hype” to sell mediocre furniture. Yes, a sustainable hardwood frame and organic fabric sound great, but how is the piece made? What’s inside? (The answers should be a hardwood frame with wool or natural latex cushions) What is the warranty? Some companies do not sell directly to the public but you can find an authorized dealer in your area.
Lee Industries - Crate and Barrel carries some of their items.
Greener Lifestyles – A great selection of mostly modern sofas.
Williams Sonoma Home – Offering some stylish options in their Green Collection. Look for the little green leaf.
Eco Terric- They offer the Inside Green line from Cisco Brothers.
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I have been admiring this Viva Terra table for quite some time. Reclaimed railroad ties-made from teak, pine, and ironwood have been crafted into a nesting coffee table with sturdy metal frames that have been given a waxed finish. It has a nice clean look but the weathered wood gives it an interesting twist.
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Casegoods
Casegoods are pretty much anything that is made out of wood. Think coffee tables, armoires and dressers. Here we have many options to choose from. Antiques and used furniture are the most obvious way to go green. You can use these items in exactly the condition you find them or refinish them to your taste using earth-friendly products. If you are handy you can create furniture out of items or wood that had a previous life. Lastly, there are plenty of talented artists and vendors that are making new furniture from eco-friendly and sustainable materials.
Vivaterra – One of my favorites, a lovely selection of furniture and accessories.
Green Culture Furniture - They offer everything from bedrooms to living rooms in traditional, transitional and modern styles.
Design Public – Great Modern furnishings for your home.
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Pottery Barn has a wide selection of organic bedding in solids and prints. The Sanibel Collection is great for a vacation home or any room where you want that beach house feeling.
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Pillows, Bedding and Other Soft Stuff
If you like to sleep as much as I do, then you spend more than a few hours with your pillow snuggled under your head. Since these items are close to your skin for many hours at a time, it’s a good idea to go green.
A Happy Planet - If you are going with a simple white or ivory palette, they have got you covered with vendors such as Anna Sova and SDH Purists.
Pottery Barn – They have a nice selection of organic bedding in lovely colors. 200 thread count is fine for shams and duvet covers but make sure your sheets are 300+.
LAUREN SPA - Their new spa collection features the trademark Lauren style but with a softer look and feel.
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Lighting
Again, we can arrive from two directions. Take what you have to a lighting store, make sure it’s safe and add a new twist with shades, beads or crystals. There is also some great refurbished antique lighting on the web. Bare in mind that compact fluorescent bulbs are available in many sizes. You can also look for Energy Star approved fluorescent lighting that require 2/3 less energy than standard lighting, generates 70% less heat, and lasts up to 10 times longer. Some people are concerned that they won’t get the same warm light from a compact fluorescent but if you select a fixture with that has opaque glass, you can hardly tell the difference.
Chameleon Fine Lighting – If you are interested in finding a period fixture or just something funky for contrast, they have a beautiful selection.
Rejuvenation Lighting- One of the few places where you can get an perfect antique reproduction that takes a compact fluorescent bulb!
LBC Lighting - You also have the option of selecting light fixtures that are made of recycled glass or grass clot for an interesting twist.
I hope this helps you jump into the world of eco-friendly furnishings. Just remember: consider what you can reuse, analyze what you really need and then do your research. There are lots of great companies offering a wonderful selection of products that will make your home beautiful and eco-friendly. Now that’s a smart way to go!
