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

Summer is just around the corner so it’s time to start thinking of our outdoor spaces:  patios, decks, lanais and terraces (enter our Home Outside giveaway).   One of my favorite ways to warm up outdoor spaces is with rugs.  Rugs create warm, cozy conversation areas and provide texture and color.  As I browse some of my favorite sites, I see that the selection of outdoor rugs is fabulous.  There is something for every budget and style.  Let me show you.

Perfect for your Mountain Retreat look. A braided rug that's cozy and comfortable on bare feet.

Why I Love Outdoor Rugs

The Soho Border Outdoor Area Rug from Grandin road appeals to me because I always like to customize the look. 5 sizes and 15 borders from $99 to $499.

For those trying to a achieve a more natural, zen-like look, the Rocky Road Rug is perfect. It's hand-hooked construction makes it softer than it's name would lead you to believe. 5' x 7'6" for $299.

The Clover Outdoor Rug from Pottery Barn is available in blue and red. Perfect to finish off a French look or to add a spot of color on a modern porch.

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Coastal Style has a great selection of rugs in natural fiber and wool and you can choose your size down to the inch.

Area rugs are the crowning touch to wood and tile flooring.  They add warmth, beauty and color to your room, not to mention how good they feel underfoot.   But there’s nothing worse than ordering a rug, laying it down and then realizing it’s a little too big or too small.  So before you start searching, it’s a good idea to figure out what size you need.  It will help narrow down your choices and give you confidence in your purchase.   Here are some room-by-room guidelines:

Dining Room

Living Room & Family Room

Hallways

Bedrooms

5 Secret Buying Tips:

• Shipping costs for rugs are pretty hefty.  Rugs often qualify as over-sized freight so be sure to take advantage of sales and free shipping offers.
• Along with figuring out the right size, it’s often worth the extra time to order the same pattern rug in the smallest size available to make sure the pattern works.  Confirm that the return policy is liberal and ask them if they will credit the freight if you order the larger size.
• If you are ordering a custom sized rug, then use the exact measurements calculated above.  If you are ordering standard sized rugs, then go up to the next size rug.
• If you have any recessed floor outlets, make sure they are covered if they are not underneath the furniture.
• Order the pad along with the rug.  That way you have the exact size you need to roll it out as soon as you receive it.

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Reuse and Recycle 

First, consider the items you have that might just need a little TLC.

• Friendly Facelift - Sometimes an old favorite just needs a little pick-me-up.  Try a sunny coat of paint on an old table, a new shade for Grandma’s lamp, or reupholstering your favorite chair.
• On the Move – Consider moving accessories, lighting and furniture to another room.  You will be amazed how different the piece looks and how it dramatically changes up a room. 
• Friendly Swap – Talk to your friends and family about what you are looking for and what you are willing to part with.  You might just have a perfect match.
• Dispose With Care – If you have decided that you are ready to part with that sofa, chair, or rug, do your best to pass it on to someone else  who can use it.  (www.freecycle.com, www.craigslists.com, & www.goodwill.org)

Ready to Purchase ? 

 Let’s start from the ground up in the world of eco-friendly decor.

This Hickory Hand-Scraped Flooring is from Eco Timber Flooring. The fantastic character and warmth would be perfect in any room. It is Certified according to the Principles & Criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as well as being LEED certified.

Flooring 

There are lots of eco-friendly options ranging from cork to reclaimed wood.  My best advice is to do your research like you would for any other purchase.  Be honest with yourself and make sure the flooring works with your lifestyle (and the dog’s and the kids’).  And it’s not just the wood or cork you have to consider.  Make sure you have information on any adhesives and sealents that will be used as these often contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)  Just because the flooring is eco-friendly, does not mean the vendor is customer friendly.  Assume nothing and ask a lot of questions.  Get a firm quote, ask about warranties and post-installation care. (Though I have not specified it for any of my clients, my flooring company tells me they are getting a lot of service calls for bamboo flooring, so be vigilant.)

• Eco Timber - Sustainable exotics and hardwoods.
• Check out your local architectural salvage companies for great deals.
• epanko – Cork options for every style.

An Angela Adams rug is truly a thing of beauty. The design, colors and textures mimic the beauty of the natural world.

Carpet & Rugs 

This is where things are getting interesting.  Area rugs can be made from a variety of natural and recycled materials bringing us a fantastic array of textures and designs that are truly amazing.  Along with checking that the rug is made from a sustainable material (recycled items, wools, cotton) make sure it’s made using earth and people friendly practices.  All the better if it’s made in the USA!  This will lessen the use of fossil fuels for transport.

• Flor - Carpet tiles for your whole room or just an area rug.  You can send your old tiles in to be recycled.
• Rug Studio - Sisal, Sea grass and Jute are a good, natural place to start.
• Angela Adams at Velocity – One of my personal favorites.  She makes earth-friendly wool rugs and they are a member of Rug Mark – assuring your rug is child-labor free.

Now that you have the floor covered, are you ready to start adding some furniture?  Then stay tuned for the Eco-Friendly Furnishing Guide Part II this Friday! 

Before I launch into my post, a small reminder that today is Day 1  of the

$200 VISA Giftcard Giveaway. 

You can enter once a day for the next 30 days to increase your chances to win.  Good Luck!

Flor carpet tiles are great. The Martha Stewart Needlepoint stripe is modern and classic. Lay the tiles all in one direction or alternate them as shown.

Catalogs and websites are full of fantastic rugs made from a variety of materials and are available in many shapes and sizes.  But as far as color goes, blue is more popular than ever.  From Wedgewood Blue to Turquoise, Navy and Periwinkle; blue works with so many different colors.  Pair it with warm neutrals or coordinate it with yellow or green for a fresh look.   It can be your new “go to” color.  And there are a world of options outside of the traditional Oriental rugs.  So whether you need something iron-clad for the playroom or are ready to splurge on hand-knotted masterpiece for the living room, there is something for everyone.  Here are  few of my favorites:

I have this bold rug from Company C in my foyer. It brightens up the area and hides stains well.

Nothing says country like blue, white and yellow. This needlepoint rug from Pierre Deux is the perfect companion to the striped sofa.

Designer Secret:

As with any large ticket item, many people don’t feel comfortable purchasing a rug from a catalog.  Admittedly it’s tough to judge the color and patter from one photo.  So, how do the designers do it?  Simple, we ask for a sample!  Order the smallest size available (3′x 5′)and try it on for size.  I would recommend speaking to a customer service agent to place the order.  Sometimes they will give you a credit on shipping if you wind up purchasing the larger version but you should ask them before you order the sample.  It’s worth the peace of mind and it’s a small price to pay to get the perfect rug!

A classic beachy look - This diamond patterned rug is made from superheroic polypropylene and is machine washable, scrubbable and even bleachable! Bring on the mess, indoors and out.

Braided rugs have come full circle. This reversible chenille version from JCPenney is a great deal. The 8' round was $350, now on sale for $169.99 plus an extra 15% off with your JCPenney card.

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

A classic Martha Stewart look. Neutral backdrop, color and pattern repetition with bold accents.

I was in Macy’s the other day when a display of towels caught my eye.  It just happened to be a new Martha Stewart Collection.  I have always admired her color palettes; ranging from mossy green and etherereal blues, to china red and myriad shades of ivory.  Her products are distinctIy displayed in Macy’s and I have also noticed that she is selling collections through a number of other well known retailers.  So, I thought I would take a look and see what she has to offer these days.  Martha’s products reach into many categories and you can see them all in the SHOP section of her website.  But today I would like to point out some of my favorite items from her furniture, rug and lighting lines. 

Opal Point features some very sophisticated designs but always based on classic elements.

Many celebrities put their names on home design products but hers actually makes sense because decorating, gardening and entertaining have always been her forte.  And she has been very smart about it because instead of starting her own furniture company, she has formed a partnership with Bernhardt.  This is a company that has been known for high quality furniture since 1889.  Martha started her partnership with Bernhardt in 2001 and they now feature 5 lines that are named after her residences:  Katonah, Opal Point, Turkey Hill, Skylands, and Lily Pond; plus there is an upholstery line.  The styles range from cozy farmhouse to modern classics with fabrics reflective of her signature colors.  Katonah, Turkey Hill and Skylands mirror lovingly cared for estate pieces with traditional European styles that Americans have embraced for years.  Opal Point and Lily Pond show some modernism and mid-century looks. 

This classic, country bed from the Turkey Hill Collection reflects where Martha started with her first home collection.

The Martha Stewart Rug Collection offers a wide variety of cotton, wool and silk rugs with most featuring subtle monochromatic tones, with a few bolder ones mixed in.  Some patterns are offered in 4′ and 6′ rounds which is refreshing because many companies forgo these sizes because they are more costly to manufacture.  I have seen these rugs at Macy’s, Horchow, and the Home Decorator’s Collection.

The Harvest Foliage Rug featured at Horchow has a subtle pattern that would layer well with stripes and florals.

I love the subtle colors and 3 dimensional effect of this rug.

The lighting collection, which is manufactured by Murray Feiss, has a great variety of classic fixtures that you wish were in your house when you moved in.  These are the period pieces that I love: Classic Foyer Lanterns, Milk Glass Chandeliers and simple and solid floor lamps.  The lighting collection is available at Capitol Lighting and Lighting Universe as well as other online stores.

Lanterns are my favorite look for a traditional foyer.

I would love to see this chandelier in the breakfast nook of a kitchen with white cabinetry and a black and white checkerboard floor.

Martha Stewart furnishings offer some very attractive items that have design staying power.  There is no doubt that the furniture is an investment, but it follows the very same advice that I give to my clients.  Invest in quality furniture that will last you for years and then update your style and color palette with accessories, window treatments, sheets, towels, and rugs.  This allows you to give yourself a little lift while staying in your budget

Shop for high quality investment pieces in My Secret Database!

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

Who said that you have to use a fuzzy wuzzy bath mat in your bathroom?  Some of them are comfy to the feet and match your decor (“match” is not a term I like to use; things coordinate or complement each other but if they “match” you are headed down the Garanimal trail) but let’s face it, they have their shortcomings.  They are less than stylish, they can slip out from under you (I totally don’t understand the ones that do not have a rubber bottom), and they are pretty expensive for a boring solid-colored puddle of fuzz.  Break free of the predictable with irresistible, colorful designer rugs!

Some wool for thought:

1. Replace two little bath mats with one long, graceful Oriental runner in front of your double sinks.
2. Select a captivating oval or round design in front of your jacuzzi tub.
3. Ditch the kitchen sink mat and replace with a vibrant Persian rug.  Don’t worry about spills.  Patterned rugs hide a multitude of sins.

Plus:

Wool is durable, hypoallergenic, fire retardant, dust mite repellent, stain repellent and it just feels good!

Jazz up some otherwise overlooked spots with a great-looking rug!

The Rugman is having a Summer Clearance that ends in 2 weeks.  Rugs up to 70% off!

Novica Home is like stepping into an international bazaar of furnishings; full of color and life.  Run in association with National Geographic, the website features the work of artists from around our glorious globe.  From fabulous furniture and area rugs to intricate tapestries and mirrors, you will surely discover treasures that will add international zest to your interiors.  The website is easy to navigate and you can search by item, region (Andes, Bali/Java, Brazil, India, Mexico, Thailand & West Africa) or gift theme.  The artists also share their background and artistic vision, which forges a unique connection.

If you sign up for their emails they will send you holiday gift ideas and deals.  Since the items come from far and wide, they provide you with shipping details and lead times.  They also have a category of “fast shipping” gifts if you are in a rush.  The items I have received are well packed and arrive with a card that tells me about the artist and their creation, which adds a really nice touch.  You will instantly connect with artists that will be grateful for your business while you add unique items to your home that are handmade with pride and creativity. 

Explore Novica!

Angela Adams says that her designs reflect the beauty of the Maine coast and she does a phenomenal job of backing up that claim. On first impulse I would not expect Maine to be a haven for modern design but her creativity as an artist who has a keen eye for interiors is evident.  The shapes and colors in her amazing rug designs reflect the beauty of nature with tranquil undertones.  She has a large selection in wool and additional designs in cotton as well as bedding and pillows.

I also appreciate that they are an affiliate of RugMark.  RugMark is working to end illegal child labor in the carpet industry and to offer educational opportunities to children in South Asia.  Good for your home and good for our world!

I thought it was a great innovation when they started making the synthetic “sisal look” rugs that you could use outdoors. It adds friendly warmth to your patio. In the past I have recommended that clients also use these rugs indoors for pet and children friendly areas. They give you the sisal look without the worry. Real sisal is a nightmare to clean and it does not feel good on bare feet and knees (for the crawlers). But now there are all-weather rugs that look just like the tufted rugs that you would use in your living room. Here are a couple of fabulous ones from Grandin Road.