I sit down to write and the guilt immediately creeps in…

I usually post once a week (maybe twice) but I was aiming for so much higher this year.  I love interior design, I love writing, and I love my readers… So what’s the problem? I am sure you can relate.  Some days I feel so efficient that I can do the work of 3 women and other days it’s a flurry of stop, start, stop, start ….Ugh!  Between work, family, the website and trying to squeeze in a little fun it doesn’t seem like there are enough hours in the day.

Every day ideas for posts are running through my head and across my desk.  The transfer speed with which this huge pile of torn-out magazine pages turns into posts has slowed way down and I would like your help.  Here is a (partial) list of topics I am considering, now please tell me what to do!

THE LIST

1. Pillow arrangements for different size beds
2. Affordable Custom Mural Art
3. Sumptuous Area Rug Designs
4. Appliances Finishes – Modern & Retro
5. A Wonderful Selection of Wooden Chandeliers & Lamps
6. Selecting the Right Mosaic for your Kitchen Back-splash
7. Color Palettes for Kids’ Rooms
8. Decorating Do’s & Don’ts
9. Countertop Materials Roundup
10. Selecting New Fabric that Works with your Existing Design

So please post a comment below selecting one of the topics above and I will start in order of popularity.  Or you can  help me out by sharing some ideas or questions of your own.  I am happy help, just let me know where to go!

Grateful for some guidance. 

~Lorrie

This cute little desk lamp is so charming that it was recently reproduced by a major lighting company, but the new ones don't capture the authentic character of the originals. $300

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Whether your taste is traditional or modern, you just can’t knock a good antique.  Most designs you see today take their cues from days past and lighting is no exception.  And that, my friends, is a big fat hint at the fantastic giveaway we have for you today!

Rejuvenation (my favorite source for classic lighting) has expanded its online antique lighting assortment with a collection of vintage industrial lights spanning the 1890s through the 1940s.  It’s called Antique Industrial.  They have also added a few new collections with antique style where you can customize ’till your heart’s content!  So let me tell you a little bit about them…

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The Ford's Mill makes an excellent bathroom or hallway light.

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Rejuvenation’s current offering consists of lights that originally illuminated movie theaters, garment factories, machine shops, schools, warehouses store display windows and New York City Subways. Minimal refinishing work has been done to these lights to maintain their rustic beauty and original patinas. When more extensive restoration was necessary, original period appropriate parts were used whenever possible.

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The McCoy is from around 1900 and you can customize it with blue, green & red shades as well as some metal options.

In addition to these wonderful originals, they have also added some classic fixtures where you get classic style and your choice of finishes, shades and light bulbs.  The Ford’s Mill makes an excellent bathroom or hallway light.  The Menlo, McCoy and Wiley are fantastic pendant lights for any space.  Think hallways, dining areas or kitchens. (That’s where I  have mine!)  So jump out of the box (or the Big Box Store) and select a unique light with lots of charm.  You will be amazed at how many people will notice. .

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This is how to enter:

Step 1:  Visit Rejuvenation and shop around.

Step 2:  Leave me a comment below telling me which item would be on the Top of Your Wish List and Why. 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, July 7th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

Good Luck!

~Lorrie

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!

Last week, our friend, Richard Sexton, at Carolina Rustica was nice enough to give us some tips for selecting a chandelier.  This week he’s giving one away!

Last year, Sheila Hickman was extremely happy when she wone a $440 Emerson Ceiling Fan.  This time, you can win the gorgeous Hawthorn Collection Chandelier shown above (Retail Value – $244.80).  I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Carolina Rustica is one of the most diverse vendors in My Secret Database.  And besides that, their one of my favorites too!  Keep reading! 

Carolina Rustica has one of the most extensive collections of chandeliers, sconces, and other fixtures available online. From the very highest-end lighting manufacturers like Fine Art Lamps, Currey & Company, and Hinkley Lighting to hand-forged lighting like Northeast Lanterns, Arroyo, and Hubbardton Forge, you can find something for every room, style and budget.  And right now… All Lighting and Ceiling Fans Ship Free!

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Look stylish and be good to the planet with this Energy Star wall sconce! Hubbardton Forge has created an iron and glass sconce that is striking in its simplicity, with flowing forged reeds originating on the lower left of the light fixture.

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Would you like to find a great deal on furniture, lighting, or home accents and save Big Money $$$?  Then you have to visit Carolina Rustica’s Clearance section.  This is a great opportunity to pick up brand-name lighting or furniture items at a huge percentage off list retail.  Look what I found below!

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This Liz Claiborne Arbor Hill Rectangular Cocktail Table is on clearance right now. Was $899.00 NOW $475.00

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Do YOU want to Win this Beautiful Hawthorn Collection Chandelier – $244.80?

This is how to enter:

Step 1:  Visit Carolina Rustica and shop around.

Step 2:  Leave me a comment below telling me which 2 products would be on the Top of Your Wish List and Why.  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 14th 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 Carolina Rustica’s new arrivals, exclusive promotions and decorating trends by signing up to receive their Newsletter Specials.  Just by signing up, you’ll receive $10 off your first purchase!

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I was just leafing through the GORGEOUS book “Inspired Interiors” and I bet it’s one you’d love to have on your coffee table.  It was created by Designer Suzanne Kasler and it showcases a range of Kasler’s projects; from a luxurious Georgian mansion in Atlanta’s Buckhead to a sophisticated farmhouse in Tennessee and a beach house in Watersound, Florida.

Well, I know you all love a great giveaway but this one has a little hitch.

I need a little help from my friends…

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I think it’s time to add Online Design Consultations to My Design Secrets.  I want to make it easy, fast and fun for you to get help with your design projects. So I have put together a very short (4 question) survey and it will only take 30 seconds to respond.  If you would like to be entered in the Book Giveaway, just answer the 4 questions and submit your email address at the end. That’s all it takes!  (You must click on the survey below to be entered, comments posted below do not qualify.)

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Thank you for your help and Good Luck!

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Amy, from Chicago, is the lucky Winner of Cottages in the Sun!  This great giveaway was a Members Only event and we are going to offer more members only giveaways in the future.  So, make sure you sign up today! 

Member Benefits Include:

1. 24/7 access to My Secret Database of 400+ exclusive home decor vendors for online shopping.  Search by product, price range, and style to find the perfect furnishings for your home!
2. Your FREE 9 page guide of my Tips & Tricks on How to Stretch YOUR Home Decorating Budget! 
3. Win Fabulous Prizes in our “Members Only” Contests!

Here’s a sneak peek of the Free Decorating Guide that comes with your Membership!

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Click Here to Become a Member Today!

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Are you tired of the cold, snowy winter?  Looking for a little sunshine in your life? 

Well, I have a nice little treat that you can enjoy cuddled up in you favorite chair.  My good friends at Rizzoli, who publish some of the most beautifully photographed books you can get your hands on, have given us a copy of  “Cottages in the Sun: Bungalows of Venice, California” and I have decided to pass it on to you.  So this copy is going to sit on my desk until Friday night when I pick one lucky member of My Secret Database as the winner of this book. 

Venice is a beautiful little town in Southern California, and yes, it was named after Venice, Italy!  It was built more than a century ago by a millionaire with great affection for the city of romantic canals, quaint cottages and beautiful streetscapes.  After going through a period of disrepair in the 50′s and 60′s the city then emerged into the eclectic, charming town it is now.  The imaginative interiors and abundant gardens are infused with the bright light of the California sun.

*Just to be clear, this is not like some of our other contests in the past where we ask you to share your comments in order to enter. To automatically be entered, this one requires that you are/become a member of My Secret Database.  And at the low price of $9.95 a year, it’s really a no-brainer. 

Member Benefits Include:

1. 24/7 access to My Secret Database of 400+ exclusive home decor vendors for online shopping.  Search by product, price range, and style to find the perfect furnishings for your home!
2. Your FREE 9 page guide of my Tips & Tricks on How to Stretch YOUR Home Decorating Budget!
3. A chance to win a beautiful book worth $45 that you will thoroughly enjoy reading.  Plus, it makes a great accessory for your coffee table.

We will continue to offer several more “Members Only” giveaways in the future!

You have until Thursday night, February 18th, at 11:59PM to sign up and be entered into this giveaway.  

For a chance to Win this Beautiful Book and some other great prizes down the line…

Click Here to Become a Member Today!

Seasons 11 by Teresa McCue - 6" x 6" acrylic

I received an email this morning from my good friend (and amazingly talented artist) Teresa McCue for a wonderful event that I’d like to share with you. She participates in a brilliant art show twice each year that is presented by Nahcotta Gallery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  They gather a wonderfully diverse and talented group of over 50 artists for their “Enourmous Tiny Art” show (ETA).  In their words

“Twice a year, the walls of Nahcotta are hung to the hilt with tiny art, in all of its one-of-a-kind” beauty, ingenuity, and magnificence”

So you ask…what is tiny art?  They are beautiful, creative pieces that are all about 6″x6″ (some a bit larger, some a bit smaller) in a variety of mediums and there is something for everyone.  So for those of you who say you don’t have any space for new artwork, now you do!

These small treasures are PERFECT for Valentine’s Day or for anyone that deserves a special gift.  The small size makes them extra precious and is bound to bring a huge smile to your sweetheart’s face.

And Terry is making this show even more special.  You see, she not only has a big talent but she also has a Big Heart (see above).  She is donating 50% of her proceeds to the charitable organization Konbit Sante which will benefit the victims of the earthquakes in Haiti. 

So jump in, take a look around and BUY something….it will be good for your heart, your sweetheart and all the good people in Haiti who desperately need our help!

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At the end of this year I heard a lot of people wishing good riddance to 2009.  And while I know it’s been a rough year, I was honestly a little surprised.  I am not very superstitious, but hey, we all know that things can get better or worse in the blink of an eye.  This past year has been very busy with family, my design work, the website and my own personal goals.  It was a year filled with highs (my 40th birthday, deepening my yoga practice and our new dog Roxie) and lows (Tim’s appendicitis and our dear pup, Emma, passing away).  I am sure you can all relate…we have to embrace the good times and learn to accept the things that are difficult and sad. 

We launched MyDesignSecrets.com almost two years ago and thanks to all of you, we’ve had a loyal and ever-growing audience.  I created this website to help you express your own sense of style and to give you the tools to decorate like a pro.  I have written a library of how-to articles and have given you my take on colors, coordinating, and couches. Our giveaways have been a tremendous success and we’ve sent loads of beautiful books, eco-friendly paint, gorgeous furnishings, and valuable gift cards to our readers.  We then pumped up My Secret Database to give you better search results with photos, cool search options, and a whole slew of new vendors you won’t find anywhere else.  We are glad that so many of you have decided to become members!

But as I think of the year ahead, I do have some goals and visions and since they include you, I thought it was time to share…

Hmmmm…where to start? 

Personal Goals

I am going to try to be consciously grateful for the blessings in my life: 

• a husband who can make me laugh when I am down,
• a sweet dog who reminds me that a short walk and a deep breath can change my point of view
•  a number of loyal and inspiring family and friends
• my lovely garden
• and beautiful Florida days and nights. 

I am going to practice yoga more often and finally start painting again.  I have also been saying for years that I will cut back on sweets and chocolate and it never happens.  So here’s my declaration:  sweets and chocolate are here to stay and I will do other things to make up for it….maybe.

Goals for My Design Secrets….

When we first started, I was writing posts 5 days a week and it was very challenging and honestly I was a bit burnt out.   But I realized we can move in different directions and there are many places to do that!  I will certainly continue to share secrets and tips on interior design, but I am also going to share fun tid-bits from the news and more  exciting details on my design work.  So you will see news posts here two or three times a week but you can also keep in touch via Facebook and Twitter if you’re on the run.

I wish you all best of luck with your ambitions for the year.  I will be here for anything you need on the decorating end…you will have to take care of the rest yourself.

To start out the year, here’s a recent project of mine that was featured in a local magazine.  Let me know what you think!

Beach House Design In Wellington Magazine

And if you have not visited My Secret Database, now’s the time to check it out and receive your

 Free Decorating Guide!

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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.