My Design Secrets

* 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

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

This custom cabinet, designed by Erika Carolina Soza, is stylish and multifunctional.

Custom Wine Fridge Cabinet by Erika Carolina Soza.

The idea for this custom wine fridge cabinet came from the client’s desperate need for storage.  My client needed storage for her serving dishes and glassware, but didn’t necessarily want to display them.  We searched for the perfect piece that would coordinate well with her new dining table, yet fit perfectly in the space underneath the window, while still leaving room for the wine fridge they wanted to keep in the space.   Apparently we had too many requirements and the ideal piece was no where to be found without going way over budget.

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Personality Plus!!

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I came up with the idea of a custom piece, because this way we could get it built to our exact specifications, accommodate the wine fridge and choose the color that would coordinate well with the rest of her furniture. I then decided to give the cabinet “personality” by lining the inside with a large patterned black and white vinyl wallpaper (for easy cleaning and durability) and adding crystal knobs for glam.

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Since we were also using the top of the cabinet as a bar, there would be a high likelihood of drops and spills, so it was essential to add a glass top to prevent damage to the paint and wood.

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The end result was a unique multi-purpose piece that fulfilled all of the client’s needs and looked good while doing so.

Thanks ~ Erika Carolina Soza

Thank you for sharing Erika!  ~ Lorrie

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Win a $200 JCPenney Gift Card!

This man had the right idea about getting to know the neighbors. But secretly, I wish I lived next door to King Friday and the Purple Panda.

So, now that you’ve spruced up your home, it’s time to invite the neighbors over for a drink and a bite to eat.  Many people are getting back to the basics and reaching out to their neighbors with potluck and neighborhood feasts.  You should get to know the people that whiz past in the carpool. 

Take the initiative to be the one to coordinate the get-together in your neighborhood.  Planned smartly, the event will be inexpensive too.  It can be easy and enjoyable if you don’t sweat the details.  Just follow these easy tips.

Party Planning List

1. Grab a friend or two for moral support.
2. Make a list of guests.  (If someone misbehaved at the last party, give them a second chance) 
3. Declare a unifying theme (Mexican, BBQ, Italian…) and have everyone contribute a dish. 
4. Make it BYOB.
5. Send out an Evite.
6. Recycle and use biodegradable plates and utensils for an easy, earth-friendly cleanup.
7. Relax and Enjoy.

And after everyone has finished gossiping and gorging themselves, roll out a few games for some laughter.  It’s an easy way to introduce new people and it’s a nice diversion from the everyday.  Here are few games that range from silly to serious.

My favorite game!

This game involves wine and a blindfold, it has to be fun.

Table Topics from Pottery Barn poses thought provoking questions. Now you will really get to know people!

Please share your great ideas for planning a neighborhood party.  All comments are welcome!

Enjoy!

~Lorrie 

 

Win this Gorgeous $32o Lamp!

You can use this great little sauce boat and ladle for sweet toppings or gravies. I find the little ladle irresistible.

One of my favorite parts of entertaining is setting the table in a unique way for each gathering.  This is much easier to do if you start with the basics.  I really love the Villeroy & Boch china that Tim and I chose for our wedding.  But when I registered, I did not see the sense of getting all the extras such as a sugar bowl, gravy boat and butter dish.  They are often the most expensive and get the least use.  Years ago I had purchased all these items in clear glass from Crate & Barrel because they were inexpensive and chic.  And they still look great today; so why replace them?  Clear glass adds a little sparkle and saves a whole lot of money, plus then you have the freedom to decorate your table with any accent color you desire.

Guest really appreciate easy access to some cold drinking water. Fill it up ahead of time with lemon slices, water and cubes. The cubes will melt by the time guest arrive so the water will be chilled but easy to pour.

Made of European hand-blown and molded glass, this set is only $36.95.

Nothing says classic like hurricane lamps filled with flickering candles. They are beautiful and don't block sparkling conversation like flower arrangements sometimes do.

They are calling these individual butter dishes but I think 2 or 3 people could share. Place a few throughout the table so everyone can reach.

So take stock now and make sure you have everything you need.  If not, fill in the blanks and take advantage of these deals at Crate & Barrel. 

Free Shipping on orders $100 or more.

Shop the Thanksgiving Sale!

Be sure to ask if you have any Holiday Decorating Questions.  I am here to help!

~Lorrie

Click to Win Great Prizes!

Ask A Free Design Question!

Fresh off Halloween, let’s dive into Thanksgiving preparations.  This is probably a good idea because there is so much going on during the fall season that the big feast can often sneak up on you.  While making food preparations for the big day, don’t forget to dress up the dining room table.  Setting a beautiful table is a good way to start the festivities and will have your guests feeling welcome the moment they step into the room. 

Here are some simple tips to add a special twist this year:

1. Easy Color - You don’t have to purchase new china or a tablecloth to update your color palette.  Use an ivory or white tablecloth and bring color in with candles and napkins.  It’s simple, inexpensive and very effective.  The food is aromatic and beautiful and the true center of attention anyway.
2. Name Game – Place cards are a great way to personalize the party and encourage lively and new conversation.  Split up spouses and seat people together that do not normally get a chance to mingle.
3. Center of Attention – Centerpieces do not have to be complicated.  Scatter a variety of nuts or beans in your hurricane lamps or put out small floral arrangements.  Avoid anything too big, you want to encourage cross-table conversation and have ample room for the food.
4. Overflow – Clean off your buffet table or set up a card table covered with a table cloth.  There is rarely enough room on the table for the all the food, so make sure you have room for the overflow ahead of time instead of scrambling once the hot food is ready to be served.
5. Dessert Buffet - Usually there are several desserts and not everyone is ready to to indulge at the same time.  Put the sweets out along with coffee and tea and allow people to enjoy them when they are ready.

So start creating your Thanksgiving vision, take your time to plan and enjoy the little things that make the day so special.  The best Thanksgiving meal is one that is made with love, encourages laughter and relaxation and in the end motivates everyone to forge a group clean-up. 

~Lorrie

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Ask A Design Question!

With the holidays just around the corner, now is a popular time to purchase a new dining table.  Before you fall in love with that modern mahogany number on sale at West Elm, it makes sense to assess your wants AND your needs.  Many people shop for a style and then make due with the size which is not a good idea.  A “too large” table has guests plastered against the wall trying to make a discreet exit to the ladies room and a “too small” table has one of the kids sitting in the extra chair at the corner.  So let’s go by the Goldilocks rule and find one that’s just right!

The guidelines:

• Each person requires about 24″ of width so they can comfortably eat and avoid bumping elbows.
• Allow 32″ between the table and wall to allow people to get up and sit down easily.
• Allow 38″ if people are also going to be walking back and forth behind the table.
• Allow 42″ if you are going to serve people from behind their chairs.
• If you have a china cabinet or buffet table, take your measurement from there, not the wall.

The Fredericksburg Oval Dining Table from Thomasville is a great classic style. I love the contrast of the darker chairs.

Here is a rundown on popular table sizes, the number of people accommodated and the recommended minimum room size for round and rectangular tables. I would advise against square tables unless you have a very large room because you need a little more space in the corners to make it comfortable.

Base your decision on the number of people you usually have at dinner and then add two.  It’s nice to have the extra room for impromptu guests.  Of course, things change when the holidays come and there is always room for everyone.   The rules are easy, your dining area will look welcoming and your guests will be comfortable.

Shop for the perfect Dining Table in My Secret Database!

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Ask A Design Question!

The Wood Line with Walnut finish and Navy cloth.

Games rooms are in the spotlight as families are doing more entertaining at home.  Some of you have enough room in your home to dedicate an entire room to games and entertainment but others have to compromise.  This reminded me of a client I had a few years back who wanted a pool table that converted into a dining table.  At the time, they were too clunky looking but things have changed.  A great example is Fusion Tables whose modern designs will complement your interior and bring the family together for some fun! 

The metal line has options of Aluminum or fingerprint free Stainless Steel.

Converts to a pool table in seconds.

Some other cool features:

• No one would guess the a pool table is hidden in this sleek design.
• The pockets are made of high-tech stretch nylon that stretches when it collects balls and shrinks back up when you take them out.
• Cues and balls can be stored under the table top.
• Optional Easy-Lift system raises the table from 30″ dining height to 33″ playing height.
• They offer coordinating chairs and leather benches to match.

Optional card, family and casino game cloths and accessories can be fitted on the table top reverse side.

Dining Elegance once again.

Shop for all your Tabletop & Entertaining needs in My Secret Database!

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

Cocktail hour is making a huge comeback and I can see why.  It’s a relaxing and affordable way to spend time at home with friends and family.  I enjoy a good cocktail as much as the next person but I am a bit of a light-weight, so I usually nurse the same drink for 2 hours.  This gives me ample time to take in my surroundings and come back to you with inspired ideas. 

Butler tray tables are enormously useful pieces of furniture that can float from room to room because they are light and mobile.  Here are some of my top picks in a variety of styles: 

The Bauer Stiles Brothers Butler Tray Table is made from mahogany and rattan. It converts easily into a coffee table and has an Exotic edge.

Here are my top recommendations on how to use this multipurpose piece:

1. Bar table
2. End table
3. Night stand
4. Out on the deck near the BBQ grill
5. Holiday dinner overflow table
6. Hors d’oeuvre tray
7. Holiday wrapping, ribbon and tape station
8. Breakfast in Bed

A beautiful side or accent table design with a white lacquer tray, from Jonathan Adler.

Cherry Blossom Tray Table in Ebony and Gold from Horchow

Tray tables are a sensible and useful addition to your home furnishings collection.  A great investment piece that you will use time after time.  Search My Secret Database to find one that’s just your style!

A lightweight option from CB2.

The Maitre D' Table from Pierre Deux is made from alder with a distressed walnut finish.

***Note of clarification! Butler Tray tables are quite different from the TV tray tables that typically come in sets of 4.  They are purchased singly, are a lot more stylish and most times the tray can be removed from its stand.

Make sure to enter our Giveaway for a $100 gift certificate today!