My Design Secrets

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

I came across some interesting statistics this morning with regard to wedded bliss.  The first one’s not a shocker:  June is the most popular month for weddings, then August, followed by September, October, and May.  The second one, even I find unbelievable:  During their engagement, couples will spend $4 billion on furniture and $3 billion on housewares each year!  So for those of you who are stumped on an appropriate wedding gift, look to the Nest!

Fine Sheets are a Luxury – And every newly hitched couple should have them.  If they don’t have their color scheme nailed down yet, you cannot go wrong with pristine white sheets.  Organic cotton is a nice touch.

A Bottle of Red, A Bottle of White - Sitting down to a glass of perfectly chilled wine is one of life’s little luxuries.  Even the tightest spaces can spare room for a six-bottle cooler. 

The Gift of Choice - Cash usually goes to boring necessities like gasoline and food:-)  While a gift card guides them to a store that will make their house a home!

Shop My Secret Database for the Happy Couple!

Statistics courtesy of About.com.

Sitcoms frustrate me with their goofy depictions of Dads pining for talking Bass plaques and basements complete with fuzzy rugs and ragged recliners.  What woman wants to live under those conditions?  Well, there is a way to give the man in your life a great home-related gift, without spoiling your carefully crafted decor! 

Women and men definitely have different priorities when it comes to home design, but that doesn’t mean you cannot wend your way to a cozy compromise.   When I work with my clients, I often find that it’s merely one or two items that are the key to a man’s heart.  They realize that decorating the house is a top priority to their lovely ladies, so most times they don’t say much and happily go with the flow.  But in the name of Father’s Day, I would like to introduce you to some ideas that will let Dad know he is top notch and that his personal preferences are a priority in your home.

The New York Times store has an exquisite collection of photography with a wide variety that is sure to tap into Dad’s interests.  From iconic sports and history figures to landmarks and science, they have it all.  The photos are available with or without a broad selections of mats and frames.  In particular, the sports photos capture remarkable moments that are full of emotion and detail.

The recliner.  A long debated and often rejected piece of furniture.  Men want them, women hate them.  But there is hope on the horizon.  Many companies are making recliners that meld the style and comfort that you are both looking for.  Being a designer, I cannot help but choose a timeless classic and a stylish runner-up.

Slam Dunk.  Cut him a little slack by the pool.  Stop fooling around with those dinky pool toys that are demolished in one afternoon (while you coyly smile). Step up to the plate and buy him a real toy that will foster poolside fun and a little exercise (with bragging rights later). 

Disclaimer:  I know we have a great group of design conscious men out there who put great effort into the decoration of their homes.  They can ignore this post and go directly to My Secret Database to find what they need!

Happy Father’s Day to all you great Dad’s out there; especially mine!

It’s time to celebrate the Heart and Soul of our dear Moms.  They nurture us, worry over us and celebrate our victories.  For that, they deserve at least one day of honor!  As you consider gifts of flowers, chocolates and jewelry, I would like to offer you some ideas that hit a little closer to Home.

Current Photos – What Grandmother doesn’t have a brag book with photos of her cherubs?  Keep her up to date whether she is near or far.   The Ceiva Digital Photo Frame allows anyone with a computer to send photos to Mom and they will appear magically before her very eyes.   The frames come in several finishes to compliment her decor.

Rest and Relaxation – Memory Foam mattresses are luxurious but can be a bit pricey.  On the other hand, Memory foam Mattress Toppers are affordable and a snap to install.  They improve support and will reduce pressure on her body.  She will feel refreshed and revived.

New Faucet – Aging hands and arthritis can make it difficult to turn the knobs on faucets.  Surprise Mom with a fashionable new faucet with levers that are easy to turn.  The Danze South Sea Faucet from Fixture Universe has a modern bamboo motif with a brushed nickel finish. Don’t forget to include installation.

Enjoy the day and make sure you share My Design Secrets with Mom!