Harmony And Home

Castello di Reschio – Luxury in the Italian Countryside

2009-11-29T08:28:00.001-08:00

I’ve found my idea of heaven on earth.

Where the stress and hustle of every day life somehow vanish in the mist of the morning. Where your imaginings of the world float above you, unable to touch you.

Where you can be as close to God (or whomever or whatever you believe in) as you want to. Only the wind rustling through the orchard and the whistle of the trees signals the coming of change.

Here on a mountaintop you can throw wishes up to the heavens and let the wind carries them to a place where decisions are made and the answers rain down on you if you are still enough to hear them.

In the stillness of the moment, the low hum of the valley says “it will be ok”… “just breath.”

When the clouds pass, sunshine will fill your face with a new hope for tomorrow, maybe new questions and hopefully new answers.

You will sit and feast with new friends and look forward to your next drink, your next meal and your next conversation.

You will finally find time to write that novel that’s been sitting in your drawer in pieces… waiting for you to put it together.

Tea on the patio in the afternoon will be your ritual, as will showing up when you show up.

Contemplating all your options, while breathing. Just breathing.

As we finally say goodnight, the sun begins to rise in the sky and beckons us to start anew tomorrow. Hope and faith guide you.

Castello di Reschio’s website here.

Capella Cabo

2009-11-20T00:21:00.001-08:00

I need a little getaway. Life has been stressful and I want to start planning an ocean vacation where I can sit back with a lemon drop (my new favorite drink) in my hand, having a very attentive staff wait on my every need and slowly, methodically, breathe in the ocean air.

I think I found just the place.

Capella Pedragal Residences and Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I’ve never been to Mexico. Never really had the desire, but, I find that it is calling to me now.

Sitting by the pool during the day and watching the sunset in the evening with the warm ocean breezes blowing through my hair.

Content to sleep in every morning while the breezes blow in through the opening to the lanai and the sound of the waves lapping on shore wake me gently.

Soaking in my free-standing tub until I’m ready to go get some fresh fruit for breakfast.

Having breakfast on the patio with the waves crashing behind me.

Meeting friends or lovers for drinks in the fabulous bar with the bartender who listens intently to everything I have to say (whether I’m making sense or not!)

Then we move onto dinner overlooking the bay. Acoustical music plays in the background as we enjoy our fresh seafood, our wine and our conversation. We watch the marina bustle with activity and the noises of the city start to erupt in youthful play.

We take an evening stroll hand-in-hand and as we talk about our dreams and desires, we throw wishes up to the moon.

We have desert in our own private cubby and enjoy the extensive wine list.

Back to bed. I vacilate back and forth between the downy softness of the bedding and the candle-lit patio that is protected with billowy sheets of linen.

The lanai is alive with water splashing in rhythm to the ocean.

The sunset await my arrival. Anyone want to go with me? :)

Break Away

2009-11-10T16:30:00.001-08:00

I’m taking a break from design today.

I wanted to post this video today for all those hurting souls out there who need to spread their wings and fly.

Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway

(Was reminded of the song from Liberty Post blog.)

Property Worth Checking Out! – November 2009

2009-11-02T21:32:00.001-08:00

I have to admit that I’m a bit of a voyeur when it comes to checking out other people’s homes. I love seeing how people design and decorate their homes. I love to see their choices in cabinetry, furniture and wall coverings. I am interested in whether or not the interior decor matches the exterior architecture. I wish for some of the design elements in my future homes. I would like to start featuring some of the homes in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I live that are currently for sale. I don’t have any affiliation with the home owners or realtors.

There is a signature estate in Hillsborough and for only $10,950,000 you get over 1.6 acres overlooking the Burlingame Country Club and San Francisco Bay views. A cabana, full catering kitchen, and a wine cellar add the finishing touches to a setting that is second to none.

The entrance iron door is covered with trellised ivy and flanked by topiaries. You enter the house and face a charming brick wall and tile floor.

The magnificent living room is so warm and cozy and my idea of a perfect gathering space with friends. The features that make it perfect for me are the coffered ceilings, the wood flooring in the chevron pattern, the brick fireplace with the zen elements on the mantle, the black table lampshades throughout, the floor to ceiling drapery and the wood detailing throughout.

Dining Room with great gate leg table that looks like it is expandable. Slipper chairs with nail head detailing in a beautiful camel color is the perfect compliment to the color of the room with the accent draperies that match the couches in the living room. The fireplace and brick walls complete the look.

This kitchen has all the elements of an executive kitchen. The professional appliances (is that a built-in rotisserie on the back wall?). The cabinetry to match the oven/cooktop and the open French doors that let the fresh air in and the incredible smells from the kitchen out.

A vignette of a room in the house that has wonderful tile flooring, beautiful built-in cabinetry and incredible woodwork.

Another kitchen in the home. The Sub-Zero wine cooler and personalized glass cabinet fronts are on my kitchen dream wish list!

No multi-million dollar home is complete without it’s own wine cellar. Although I’ve seen wine cellars that I like more, this one gets the job done nicely. I love the iron-based table with the marble top!

A library room for relaxing. Notice the iron railing above and the fireplace on the left. There is lots of light that comes into this space making it the perfect place to while away the afternoon with a good book.

The master bedroom features dark wood floors, a multi-colored chandelier and a dark ceiling. The cassone at the end of the bed is magnificent. The drapery is a bit outdated, but that’s easily remedied.

The master bath features a nice soaking tub and a very clean aesthetic throughout. I would throw in a nice rug to give the room a little warmth.

Another bedroom in the home has an a-frame ceiling, which allows for a tall four-poster bed. You can see that some of the house has been updated and other rooms have not. Here the chandelier needs to be larger and the carpet needs to be upgraded. Again, easy fixes.

Finally, the backyard boasts a huge patio area with firepit and swimming pool with checkered lawn. It’s a bit busy to the eye looking down on them together, but I’m sure when you are in the spaces separately, they are quite nice.

The property can be seen at Sotheby's International Realty.

I hope you enjoyed this months property tour! I’ll pick out new properties for you to view each month.

Have a wonderful week!

From our pumpkin patch to yours

2009-10-31T14:08:00.001-07:00

Pictures of my daughter, Rachel. But, she didn’t want me to show her face. So, I could only post photos of her looking at the beautiful fields of flowers at our local pumpkin patch.

Happy Halloween!

All Over The Place!

2009-10-24T18:31:00.001-07:00

I’m a bit frenzied in this post, because there there are a couple things I want to tell you about and they aren’t all design related.

Rachel Whiting Photography Refresh Agency, UK

I’m a huge Amazon fan. It makes my life so much easier for gift-giving. Since my family is spread out all across the United States, I’ve often written up my gift list and Amazon usually can cover everything on it. Plus, whenever I know about a new design book on the market, I can go to Amazon to check it out (and usually get the best price for it!).

Well, now they have a contest going on called Amazon’s 10th Anniversary Wishlist Sweepstakes and the prizes are incredible. Ranging from new home electronics (55” HDTV) to a new dream kitchen with all new appliances.

All you do is go HERE and you’ll be linked to their sweepstakes. You have to create a wishlist to enter, but that’s easy (and fun!).

And BTW FTC, I’m not getting paid to endorse this! :)

Now for some house cleaning…

I would like to send a belated thank you to Sue Whitney of Junkmarket Style for the fabulous gift of her two books that I didn’t (but now do) own! Sue was kind enough to send Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition and Junk Beautiful: Room by Room Makeovers with Junkmarket Style to me in response to me writing a post on her! Thank you Sue! Love her and love her ingenious creations! Visit Junkmarket Style to check her out!

Sue Whitney, Junkmarket Style

My post on Sue and her company Junkmarket Style can be found HERE.

Finally, I’ve been surfing around the internet and have a few fun sites for you to visit…

My friend, Teresa, sent me a link to Fit Click, which is a social fitness site for those who are interested with getting the right ratio of exercise to calories. It’s free and it’s a wonderful site.

I’m a bit late in posting this, but my daughter and I made the BEST Mango Salsa this summer for a school project she had. The site is called Great Salsa and it’s loaded with yummy recipes!

For fabulous design stories and pics like this…

and this….

visit the online magazine called Design Trade. You won’t regret it! Full of great articles about all things interior design.

I love bright graphic pillows. Check out some of Inhabit Living's new line of pillows….

wallpapers and….

hanging fabric panels. They are all incredible and the graphics are so vibrant and fun that I want to immediately design them into my space and my clients!

And finally, for a little eye candy, check out…..

Maria Trimball's Murals. Every bit, if not more, gorgeous than the likes of de Gournay or Gracie wallpapers. See for yourself….

Beautiful, aren’t they? Maria, if you are reading this, I have a dining room that needs your magic touch!

Have a lovely week!

New Collection - Vintage Art

2009-10-16T11:46:00.001-07:00

I’ve showcased New Era Portfolio in recent posts and now I have another reason… their new (at least to me!) vintage art collection. It’s simply fabulous. I’ve always been drawn to the colorful renderings of vintage prints, especially the travelling themes, but this collection has so many wonderful prints, that I can’t narrow it down. Here’s a small taste of their new collection and the prints that spoke to me!

V00001 - Vintage Poster, V00006 - Vintage Ad, V00004 - Vintage Ad, V00017 - French Bicycle PosterV00020 - Aix Les Bains Cappiello, V00023 - French Poster

I love the vibrant colors that are used, especially against the dark backgrounds. They really make a statement and pop off a wall.

V00002 - French Vintage Cappiello Poster, V00027 - French Poster, V00055 - Marie Brizard Anisette, V00083 - Cuba Holiday Isle, V00132 – Veracruz, V00147 - Mt. St Michel, France

I love the Marquisette and Marie Brizard prints here the best. Hmmm… where could I put these in my home?

V00176 - Weston Super Mare United, V00188 - Chicago Worlds Fair 1933, V00281 - Mont St Michel, V00287 - Japan Air Transport, V00304 - Grand Hotel Bologna, V00307 - Trinidad and Tobago

How fun are these? The Trinidad & Tobago print is so unusual and the Avranches print has a romantic feel about it.

V00316 - Capri Napoli, V00327 - Lago di Garda, V00372 - Paris Air France, V00374 - Carribean by Clipper, V00400 - Lago di Garda Sirmione, V00905 - Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau)

The color of the Jugend print is beautiful. I can see placing these prints in an office or even a fun entryway.

Which is your favorite?

My New Favorite Designer

2009-10-10T13:47:00.001-07:00

It takes a lot to catch my eye (as I’ve often lamented in the past). I’m easily bored with the same old designers out there all copying one another. I think it takes a true creative thinker to really come up with true original design. Because really, when you think about it, everyone copies everyone else. I did a post recently here on demijohns because they were the thing of the moment. All the designers were using them in their spaces and some still are.

The same goes for burlap bag pillows. It’s a trend thing. They are everywhere right now, even large retail stores like Pottery Barn are splattering them all over their catalogs. I love them, but in another few months, the next pillow of the month will be showcased and the burlap bag will go back into obscurity, with the exception of those designers that hopped on that trend wagon and purchased a few for their clients (I have to admit I’ve eyed them pretty closely).

Zebra rugs were another design trend. I have to admit, that I did go out and buy a zebra print rug and was extremely happy with it….for a few weeks. Now I wish I had gone with something a little more conventional, like say, seagrass (ala Joni of Cote de Texas).

So, it is no simple thing for me to be truly impressed with a designer. Yes, there are some incredible designers out there, such as John Saladino, Michael S. Smith, James Radin, Thad Hayes and the list goes on and on. But, at the end of the day, the designs have to speak to my heart and to my head. They have to make me yearn to want to emulate them and they have to make logical sense to me. In other words, I have to look at the design and say to myself, “OH… I see why he did that! Ingenious!”

So, it was by chance that I pulled some pages out of the current Veranda Magazine (October 2009 issue) for an article entitled “Urban Comfort” and then looked up the designer. David Kleinberg of David Kleinberg Design Associates happened to be the designer behind the room that I loved.

This was the room that caught my eye, from Veranda Magazine. It is a simple room, really. But, what caught my eye was the color combination, steely blue and beiges, highlighted with reflective surfaces and interesting art pieces. The room and colors were much more vivid in the magazine, than what it looks like here.

Photo from David Patrick Columbia and Jeffrey Hirsch's New York Social Diary

So, I did a little more digging. David Kleinberg happens to be quite the veteran of the design business. He worked for Parish-Hadley Associates.

I don’t need to give you a lot of facts about Kleinberg, because his websites gives a bio and there is a wonderful article from the New York Social Diary on him here. So, I’ll just share a couple photographs of his work from his website, David Kleinberg Design Associates.

Here Kleinberg takes a monochromatic theme with traditional pieces of furniture and adds some surprising elements, such as the x-frame leather bench in front of the stone fireplace and the coffee table with the heavy footed base.

I like this traditional living room because of the way he ties in the color of the wood beams throughout the room. The color is repeated in the wood of the armchairs, the inset of the mirror the artwork on the left and even in the natural elements of the room, such as the basket and the flowers on the right.

The entrance hall and living room of this home are filled with architectural details. There is nothing I love more than a wall that is made interesting with architectural details and moldings. Add the dark wood stair rail, the hall lantern and the dark wood floor and you have quite the grand entrance. Notice how there is a tufted bench under the sofa for extra seating?

This picture speaks for itself. I don’t know the creator of this magnificent staircase railing, but I absolutely love it. It defines this space with nothing else required (but an ultra-cool wood sculpture was thrown in for good measure).

Who wouldn’t want to live in this incredible home? The high ceilings, the clerestory windows, the soft palette of blues and soft browns. The kitchen in the background is fantastic, no? I absolutely covet that antiqued blue bench table, which ties in so incredibly with the living room furniture. The seagrass rug blends nicely with the cabinet beyond and what looks to be a slate floor or a concrete floor in the background.

Well, what designer would be complete without a “Something’s Gotta Give” type kitchen in his repertoire? The super large island with the turned legs, complete with the modern light fixture and the marbled tile behind the range make this kitchen Hampton’s worthy (not sure of its actual location).

One has to be quite sure of himself to put such a large piece of artwork up on the wall like this. It works in this space, which is neutral in all its finishes.

This children’s room is fantastic for it’s repeating colors and patterns. Even the playhouse on the right is color-blocked in a very Mondrian-esque fashion.

Another children’s room with a similar pattern shape on the walls and notice how he repeats it in the bedding with tone on tone pattern.

Finally, this incredible living room (which we saw touches of from a photo above), with it’s antiqued blue wood fireplace and accent chairs, it’s symmetry and grandeur, it’s fabulous chandelier and mirrors. It looks formal, yet comfortable at the same time. That’s hard to achieve.

Check out David Kleinberg’s website here for more pictures.

Have a great week!

New Design Books

2009-10-03T12:30:00.001-07:00

There are a few material things that I have affection for in my life. Perhaps affection isn’t the best word. More like obsession I suppose. One of them is purses. I typically buy a few purses every year, because I get bored easily with what I have. Another is shoes. I don’t have an extraordinary amount of shoes (I’m no Imelda Marcos), but I am always on the lookout for a new pair of comfortable cute shoes. And finally, (but by no means the last thing), I obsess over design books.

Annsley Interiors

I have them everywhere in my house. Every bookshelf that I have is littered with them. They are displayed in every way possible. I have them perched on frame stands to display nice covers, I have them standing up in a row with artistic bookends, I have them laying down with their bindings showing and topped off with a designer box, I have some in hidden piles around the house because they don’t fit anywhere else and the ones that aren’t my favorites, but that I can’t part with, I have in shelves in my garage. I told you… it’s an obsession.

Victoria Hagan Interiors

So, it goes without saying that I always have my eye out for new design books on the market. And, boy, are there a bevy of them coming out for the Fall, just in time for Christmas (hint, hint!).

I will say that there is one very popular author/writer in particular that I will not buy any more books from because I had the opportunity to meet her and I will just say that she was less than cordial. In fact, she was downright snobbish and couldn’t care less that I admired her work and have been a past customer. Sad, really, that she lost me as a future customer. And sad for the designers that she writes for too!

But, enough of that… onto the new design books coming out! I’m so excited!

David Hicks: A Life of Design

To be released October 20th, 2009.

In House by Mitchell Owens

To be released October 20th, 2009.

Sister Parish Design: On Decorating

To be released October 27th, 2009.

The Private World of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge

Published September 1, 2009.

Suzanne Kasler: Inspired Interiors

To be released October 13, 2009.

Geoffrey Bradfield Ex Arte

Published September 1, 2009.

Nancy Corzine: Glamour at Home

To be released October 6, 2009.

Rooms to Remember: The Classic Interiors of Suzanne Tucker

Published September 29th, 2009.

The Well-Dressed Home: Fashionable Design Inspired by Your Personal Style

Published September 29th, 2009.

Starting Your Career as an Interior Designer

Published May 19, 2009.

You can click on any of the links above and they will direct you to the book’s product link on Amazon.com (where I buy a lot of books!).

And finally, from many of the creators of Domino Magazine, the new online shelter magazine, Lonny Magazine, is ready for your reading pleasure. Click on the link and sit back for some wonderful images and articles.

Have a lovely week everyone!

Restoration Hardware Lighting Sale

2009-09-23T11:07:00.001-07:00

Restoration Hardware, one of my favorite stores, is having a big lighting sale. Currently, they are offering up to 25% off ALL lighting.

That’s right… that means that this lighting fixture is available to you at a reduced rate….

Meridian Chandelier $1499

And THIS pendant can be yours for a reduced price of $1145-$1795.

Victorian Hotel Pendant

Add some romantic gothic touches to your entryway or hallways with this stunning piece.

19th Century Salerno Streetlight Pendant

Bring a little Napa Valley into your dining room with this fixture.

Wine Barrel 6-Arm Chandelier

And how FUN is this pendant? I love this fixture!

Maritime Pendant

And still sticking with the maritime theme…. I think I like this one even more than the previous one! I can several of these hanging in a study.

Royal Master Sealight Pendant

And finally, for a simple lantern effect…

Filament Pendant

Restoration Hardware remains one of my favorite catalog/online and in store shopping places for good reason… great design and well made products.

For a great article on lighting, please pop on over to Cote de Texas’ article on her Top Ten Design Elements… Lighting. You won’t (ever) be disappointed!

Hope your week is happy!

Poking around Sotheby’s

2009-09-19T12:29:00.001-07:00

Have you ever poked around the Sotheby's Auction House? It’s loaded with such gorgeous furniture, art and more than you can ever imagine.

On a recent visit to their site, I came across a sale they were having from a Paris Flat. Specifically, Photographs, Furniture and Works From a Parisian Flat, Avenue Montaigne.

To have such grandeur and luxury in your home would be incredible. But, why the sale? It looks like everything is going! It’s quite a lot. Here are some of the offerings…

SECRÉTAIRE À ABATTANT EN BOIS CLAIR ET LAITON DORÉ, TRAVAIL AUTRICHIEN BIEDERMEIER, VERS 1830-1840
[SECRÉTAIRE, BIEDERMEIER, C.1830-1840]

Estimated at 3,000-5,000 EUR.

VASE EN BRONZE
JAPON, ÉPOQUE MEIJI (1868-1912)
[A BRONZE VASE, JAPAN, MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)]

Estimated at 600-800 EUR.

BERENICE ABBOTT (1898-1991)
1898-1991
BROOME STREET, NEW YORK, ANNÉES 1940
[VINTAGE SILVER PRINT. MOUNTED AND FRAMED.]

Estimated at 4,000-5,000 EUR.

I love this print! It’s so Moulin Rouge, isn’t it?

GRAND LUSTRE EN TÔLE PATINÉE ET BRONZE DORÉ, TRAVAIL DU NORD DE L'EUROPE DE LA FIN DU XVIIIE SIÈCLE - DÉBUT DU XIXE SIÈCLE
[A LARGE PATINATED TOLE AND GILTBRONZE CHANDELIER, NORTHERN EUROPE, LATE 18TH CENTURY - EARLY 19TH CENTURY]

Estimated at 50,000-80,000 EUR.

This chandelier is gorgeous. The gilting, the patina, the design!

LIT BATEAU EN ACAJOU ET BRONZE DORÉ D'ÉPOQUE EMPIRE, D'APRÈS UN DESSIN DE PERCIER ET FONTAINE
[A GILTBRONZE MOUNTED MAHOGANY BED, EMPIRE, FROM A SKETCH BY CHARLES PERCIER]

Estimated at 10,000-15,000 EUR.

I can’t imagine sleeping in this beauty though… it’s so formal!

BAS-RELIEF DIONYSIAQUE EN MARBRE À DEUX FACES, ART ROMAIN, VERS LE 1ER SIÈCLE APRÈS J-C
BAS-RELIEF DIONYSIAQUE EN MARBRE À DEUX FACES, ART ROMAIN
[ROMAN MARBLE RELIEF DOUBLE SIDED WITH DIONYSIAC DECORATION, CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.]

Estimated at 9,000-13,000 EUR.

PAIRE DE FAUTEUILS CONFORTABLES À DOSSIER EN ÉVENTAIL RECOUVERTS D'UN GAUFRÉ DE SOIE RAYÉ OR, TRAVAIL MODERNE
[A PAIR OF CONFORTABLE ARMCHAIRS COVERED WITH SILK, MODERN]

Estimated 600-1,000 EUR.

There is that beautiful chandelier and bronze vase in the background.

MARCUS LEATHERDALE (B.1952)
b.1952
RANI USHA OF JODPHUR, 1992 (SÉRIE BHARAT, INDIA)
[SILVER PRINT, ED. 1/10. MOUNTED AND FRAMED.]

Estimated at 1,500 – 2,000 EUR.

This photograph is hauntingly beautiful. I would love to have this piece. Her gaze tells me she has quite an interesting story to tell.

Go checkout Sotheby's for yourself. I have to live vicariously through those that can afford these items, but it’s nice to have a peek into their lives.

Do You Bouf?

2009-09-16T22:28:00.001-07:00

This summer, while reading English House & Garden, I came across a webwatch link called Bouf.

Bouf is a new online marketplace selling housewares and accessories from around the world. The products offered are from independent designers and are all available to you.

Created by Alex Griffin two years ago in England, Bouf was created to offer original artwork and design pieces to the market at prices that aren’t affected by the middle-man.

Bouf's products stand out from the crowd and cannot easily be found elsewhere. They offer limited edition items, design innovations, luxury goods, debut (new-to-market) items, iconic items, custom-made or bespoke items, rare goods, exclusive lines, collaborations and one-offs. Their goal is not to create a large flea market (like eBay), but a specialist selection of the world's most distinctive design, including house wares, art and gifts.

I am quite impressed with the selection of designer furniture, textiles, accessories and more. Take a look at some of the offerings.

Maia Lasercut Lampshade with Cascading Glass Crystals. Very elegant and has the look of constant movement.

Bespoke Handpainted Vintage Cabinet. I think this cabinet is lovely. It can be used in a myriad of places, including a teenagers room or an fun, young entryway.

Sponge Light Fixture. These remind me of jellyfish, but with a bit more sparkle!

Stucco Leather Wallpanel. I think this is just gorgeous. Available in custom sizes and colors, I think I want one for my dining room and a few for my living room!

Oak Radiator Bench. What a really unique way to hide a radiator! We don’t have a radiator in our house, but if I did, I would definitely think about covering it with something like this dual purpose piece.

Walldots Wallpaper. The graphic design of this wallpaper is both relaxing and striking at the same time. i.want.it….

Allium Table Lamp. I’ve seen paper lamps similar to this before, but none with this dandelion motif that makes me want to blow on it and make a wish!

Merino Wool Black Bird Pillow. This pillow looks so soft and cozy that I was immediately attracted to it, but add that black bird sitting in the corner and I was smitten.

Table OM. I love, love, love the fretwork cutouts of this table that looks like they extend into the ground. Cut out of plywood, I think one could easily paint this any color to suit any decor.

New Objectivity Stool in Hair on Hide. This stool is fantastic! The cutwork in the base is beautiful and that combined with the hide on top give this piece a richness.

White Sunburst Mirror. We’ve all seen the sunburst mirror, but I haven’t seen it in white! I love it! It’s very refreshing and crisp.

A shipping cost caveat: Since Bouf is located in England, but the designers are from all over the world, if the Seller of the item is located in a country outside of your own, you may be subject to import duties and taxes which are levied once the package reaches your country. A small price to pay for such spectacular designs, don’t you think?

I now Bouf. How ‘bout you?

St. Helens Wine Country Home

2009-09-12T22:19:00.001-07:00

When a Colorado couple moved to wine country in California, they wanted to bring their contemporary sense of style to their home. They hired Maurice Lombardo of San Francisco’s Taylor Lombardo Architecture firm to help them.

They found their perfect house in St. Helena. A concrete table offers the perfect place to dine with friends and enjoy the beautiful countryside. The fireplace in the back also serves as a wood-burning pizza oven.

On the left, a vintage Knoll bench upholstered in Hermes leather sits along the back wall. Eames plywood chairs offer a fun juxtaposition against the rustic picnic style table. On the right are Michael Taylor chairs in the dining room.

Although the cabinets are country-styled with their stylized feet and bin pulls, the marble brings in a bit of contemporary style.

The living room opens to the patio beyond. Low profile furniture around the fireplace and the simplistic furnishings give an Asian zen feel.

Another view of the living room. The artwork was found by the owner in Palm Springs. On the right, their concrete entranceway is filled with light from the stairway windows.

In the master bedroom, a large window seat looks out to the spectacular view.

A special kids space was created in the attic area. What a perfect place to do homework!

What a beautiful home and beautiful place to live!

All pictures and story from California Home and Design magazine, May, 2009 here.

Parting shots of summer

2009-09-10T14:34:00.001-07:00

Hamilton Design Associates

Cool summer breezes blows through the white billowing draperies into all the crevices of the living room, swirling around the fireplace and through the wicker chairs whose shapes undulate with the motion of the wind.

Stylist Tony Hutchinson

Wild flowers brighten your tables from kitchen to patio and whisper sweet nothings to you at every glance.

Hamilton Design Associates

The soft bed adorned with silken pillows and cozy cotton awaits your heavy head. You wake to the warm whisper of morning coming through the French doors.

William Shaw Photography

The cool taste of sherbet on your tongue refreshes you on a hot summer afternoon and makes you feel like a kid again.

Hamilton Design Associates

Laing on the floor, putting your puzzle together, you realize that hours have passed and that you haven’t worried about a thing except where to place that next piece.

Barry Dixon Inc.

Morning peeks around the curtains into your private breakfast area. As you sit sipping your tea, you ponder how you are going to make it out of your pajamas this morning.

Stylist Tony Hutchinson

Floral patterns bring back childhood memories of slipping into your bed in the evening, listening to the crickets outside and falling asleep to the rhythms of nature.

Stylist Tony Hutchinson

Your summer novels are piled high in great anticipation of long evenings by the open window, letting the wind gently blow your pages one by one.

I hope your summer has been as wonderful as mine.

New Winner and Outfit to Room #3

2009-09-02T13:37:00.001-07:00

We have a new winner for our Junkmarket Style contest! Debbie Smith from Love the Decor is our new winner! Congrats Debbie!

I’ve been itching to do another outfit to room post, so here we go again… these are fun to do. Enjoy and if you find a better matching room…let me know!

All dresses from Blanka.

Point, Click, Home. Elle Decor.

I couldn’t decide which I liked better… this one….or

this one. So I posted both! The Ugly Betty Set. Archie D’Arrico, Set Decorator.

Williams Sonoma Home Collection here.

Designer Rafael de Cardenas, Elle Decor, October 2008.

Designer Molly Luetkemeyer.

Notice the scallops on the bedspread matching the pattern in the dress.

Barclay Butera Design.

Mark Badgley and James Mischka’s home. Featured in SO CHIC: Glamorous Lives, Stylish Spaces.

Metropolitan Home, October 2007. Designer: Ron Marvin. The pattern in the rug made me pick this one. It mimics her dress pattern.

Hamilton Design Associates.

Ghislaine Vinas Interior Design

Have a wonderful week!

Winner and I Need Your Help!

2009-08-26T09:00:00.001-07:00

I’m sorry I’m late in posting this! The winner for the beautiful Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition is Karen! Congratulations! However… Karen, I do not have your contact information. If you could leave a comment for me and provide your user name on the Junkmarket Style site and email address or blogsite, I will be in touch so that I can get your shipping information and we can get the book sent to you! If I do not hear from you within one week from today, unfortunately I will have redraw another winner! Congratulations again and I hope you enjoy the Junkmarket Style books as much as I do!

I’d also like to thank Sue Whitney from Junkmarket Style for the interview and also providing her Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition to the lucky winner! Thank you so much Sue!

I’ve been getting a few questions lately about resources that I’ve shown on my blog and in going back and researching them, I have not been able to ascertain the source of them. Unfortunately when I posted them, I either did not cite the source or it was not available to me at the time.

If any of you can help me determine where these items came from, I would be very grateful and so would the readers who are looking for them!

The first item is this “Biggy Piggy”. My original post had it listed for $59.00. Does anyone know where we can find this item?

This piggy was shown in my resources post here.

The second item is this bedspread…

One reader would love to know where to find this bedspread and unfortunately I did not have the resource for this either!

This bedspread was shown in my Purple post here.

And while (hopefully) some of you can help me with with these resources, I’d like to share a few photos from my weekend in San Francisco. We were touring around the Exploratorium area where I love the homes.

There are a lot of homes in the area like this. Iron balconies, columns on the face of the building, single garages and Mediterranean colors.

The texture on this building coupled with the turned columns on the balconies was interesting to me.

The famous Palace of Fine Arts. More about it here. Check out those carvings up top and those massive columns! This whole area is so beautiful. If you ever get the chance to visit San Francisco, try to stop by and see it.

These homes look directly across to the Palace of Fine Arts. What a beautiful site to wake up to!

While this building is not big on architecture, I found the blue shutters against the white surface interesting amongst all the other houses in the area.

I love the art deco tiles arched above the entrance here, however, the ironwork in the doorway is more art nouveau. Do you like the mix of styles? I’m not sure I do.

This house was actually up the hill from the Exploratorium area. I believe it was on Divisidero Street, home of many mansions! I love the arched window and balcony above. Absolutely beautiful.

The art deco details of this building are even above the doorway and garage entrances.

I find the wooden bump-out on this building interesting, considering the rest of the building is stucco. It’s very cathedral-esque, especially with the arched windows underneath. Do you like this?

A young Jewish couple was getting married here (they are seated on the bench). What a beautiful place to get married!

Enjoy the rest of your week! I’m off to Colorado for my niece’s wedding!

Junkmarket Style and Giveaway!

2009-08-18T18:49:00.001-07:00

My style is very eclectic. However, every year, as I venture more and more into interior design (my chosen career) I find myself becoming bored with a lot of what is out in the market. It’s not that there aren’t wonderful products on the market, but I guess the delivery or the way that some spaces are put together are just… well, boring or have been done a thousand times before.

Recently I came across a book that had been sitting on my bookshelf for a few years (unbeknownst to me) called Decorating Junkmarket Style. I was so smitten that after gazing at the creative projects and spaces for hours, I had to contact one of the authors, Sue Whitney, co-creator of Junkmarket Style.

Decorating Junkmarket Style

Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer – Author, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, Meredith Books – Publisher

The very talented and beautiful Sue Whitney. Isn’t she adorable!?

Sue is designer extraordinaire, flea market whiz, creative junk genius, co-author and designer of several books, including Decorating Junkmarket Style, Junk Beautiful: Room by Room Makeovers with Junkmarket Style, and Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition, magazine columnist, television personality (The Today Show, HGTV) and most importantly, a mother.

From Junk Beautiful: Room by Room Makeovers with Junkmarket Style

Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer – Author, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, The Taunton Press – Publisher

The style of the rooms throughout her books are not junky at all, but rather edgy and fashionable. Sometimes hip and urban, sometimes romantic and flowing, but always with a quirky, unique piece or two.

I was truly curious as to how Sue came into this whole junk market business and she very graciously answered some questions for me (and you!). But, before you go on…. I’ll direct you to information about Sue that is already on her website…here.

With permission from The Taunton Press, I was graciously given the go-ahead to share with you some of the photos from Sue and Ki’s second book, Junk Beautiful, Room By Room Makeovers with Junkmarket Style, which was published in 2008.

Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer – Author, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, The Taunton Press – Publisher

H&H: How old were you when you first started going to flea markets and garage sales?

SW: I am the baby of six kids so hand-me-downs, garage sale Saturdays and thrift store shopping were all a big part of my youth from the get go. I was taught to be creative with second-hand goods from as early as I can remember. This type of upbringing allowed me to be free-spirited, open-minded and downright playful. If I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing. My affair with the flea market started in college. Like most, I was a poor college student but still wanted to live with style. Flea markets provided an affordable alternative to retail stores and far more freedom to be me!

From Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition

Sue Whitney – Author, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, The Taunton Press - Publisher

H&H: What did you want to be when you grew up?

SW: The only thing I wanted to be for sure was a mom, but other than that the doors were wide open. I think sometimes young people lock themselves into a career path far too early closing doors and windows to the big, wide world of options and opportunities. That was not the case for me. Variety is indeed the spice of life! I did many different things before devoting my complete career attention to the JUNKMARKET at the age of 40.

From Junkmarket Beautiful: Room by Room Makeovers with Junkmarket Style

Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer – Author, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, The Taunton Press - Publisher

H&H: How does what you do now speak to that?

SW: As you can guess by now, I would be a fish out of water if I had chosen a more conventional career path. Junkmarket and Junkmarket Style allow me the freedom to follow my passion and to be flexible enough to arise to the challenges of an ever changing world. I believe that if you follow your passion, you have a much better chance at success. You can always expect a few bumps in the road, but both success and failure teach you valuable lessons.

From Junk Beautiful: Room by Room Makeovers with Junkmarket Style

Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer – Author, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, The Taunton Press – Publisher

H&H: Are you married? And does your husband help you with your business or does he let you “do your thing”?

SW: This question always brings a smile. I am a single mom and have been for almost nine years so he doesn’t help out much! TeHe!

From Junkmarket Beautiful: Room by Room Makeovers with Junkmarket Style

Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer – Author, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, The Taunton Press – Publisher

H&H: Do you shop better with a friend to bounce ideas off of, or on your own?

SW: I like to do both. Junking is really a team sport so shopping with friends and family is always fun. I tend to spend most of my shopping days with friends, but I’ve been known to wander off and get lost in my own little world!

This is one of my favorite pages from Sue’s first book, Decorating Junkmarket Style, that led me to contact her. I love the old theater seating lights that she incorporated into this hallway. Ingenious, creative and original.

Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer – Author, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, Meredith Books – Publisher

H&H: When did you know that you had something special going on?

SW: Right from the start! I knew that I wasn’t alone in the world because the flea markets, garage sales, and junk yards I frequented were very busy places. I did notice however, that there was no one really taking a leadership role in the junking world to address the needs of the many junkers. I was more than happy to try and help out!

From Decorating Junkmarket Style

Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer – Author, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, Meredith Books – Publisher

H&H: What inspires you? How do ideas come to you?

SW: First of all, I find beauty in just about everything. If a cast-off doesn’t seem attractive or useful at first blush, I look at it from every angle and the beauty eventually appears. Bringing something left for dead back to life is music to my ears! The most inspirational place for me is inside the four walls of my home. I am surrounded by junk that has been transformed as well as cool stuff in the rough that is displayed in its found condition. Just taking it all in is very inspiring. As for the ideas, they just kind of flow like a river. I really don’t know how else to explain it!

And this photo took me over the edge folks! Sue fashioned an old screen door into a shower door and transom! If this is not the cat’s meow, then I don’t know what is!

From Decorating Junkmarket Style

Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer – Author, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, Meredith Books - Publisher

H&H: What part of your work gives you complete satisfaction?

SW: Inspiring other people is what brings me the most joy.

Another one of my favorites is this old drawer front that was turned into quite a unique candle holder. Check out that coffee table!

From Decorating Junkmarket Style

Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer – Author, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, Meredith Books - Publisher

Quick answer

Favorite color? JUNKMARKET green!

Favorite home accessory? Scales, scales, and more scales. They are beautiful, functional, and they lend balance to my life.

Best creation? The shower enclosure crafted from vintage screen doors found in my master bathroom.

Worst creation? My daughter would tell you it is the dog kennel door I used as her bathroom door. I guess I would have to agree. It looks cool, but it’s not high on the privacy meter. I’ve added fabric panels to it now that lend a little softness and at least a sense of seclusion. Ha!

H&H: What’s next for you?

SW: Only time will tell, I guess! First and foremost, my daughter is a senior this year and I want to make sure that this special year will be a memorable and happy one for her. As far as work goes, there are many options available so it will be about selecting top priorities and addressing them one by one. Junkmarket Style, the online community has and will continue to be my number one priority. The sense of family that has exists between the members on the site, I truly believe, is second to none. The contributors and members are talented, creative, thoughtful, kind, encouraging, helpful, and supportive. What more could a girl want?! I would like to author more books, host a television show, create an online magazine, and continue to make personal appearances. The opportunity to meet junkers from all over the country is near and dear to my heart. I guess what I am trying to say is that I would like to establish a full meal deal platform that address the needs and wants of all junkers under one umbrella.

From Decorating Junkmarket Style

Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer – Authors, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, Meredith Books - Publisher

AND NOW….. for the best part! Sue has GRACIOUSLY agreed to give away her latest book, Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition, to one lucky reader!

Sue Whitney – Author, Douglas E. Smith – Photographer, The Taunton Press – Publisher

Here is what you do… Just visit Junkmarket Style, Sue’s website, and register! Then, come back here and leave me a note with your user name! From all those that register, I will randomly choose a winner for this lovely book! (Please make sure I have your email address if you don’t have a blog for me to link back to!)

Unfortunately, the contest is limited to U.S. applicants only….sorry!

Winner will be drawn on Tuesday, August 25th (one week from now)!

Thank you SUE! It’s truly been a delight getting to know you, getting much more familiar with your books and sharing with all those in blogland the incredible pieces and spaces that you create!

If you have any questions for Sue, she can be reached at junkmarket@qwestoffice.net.

Now go to Junkmarket Style, register, browse around and then come back here to enter! Can’t wait to see who wins! And I can’t wait to hear what you have to say about Sue’s creations!

Apologies and Gifts!

2009-08-12T23:28:00.001-07:00

I just got back from a trip to the beautiful Catalina Island and although I didn’t bring my computer to work on my blog, I did peek at my emails with my Blackberry daily.

Catalina Island – photo by me!

I was dismayed to receive an email from a very nice woman by the name of Marina (funny coincidence), who expressed her disappointment over me borrowing her photos and not crediting her properly. And she was right to do so.

Photo from www.getentrepreneurial.com

As many of you know, a lot of pictures that we post on our blogs have made their way around the blogsphere. And, while I try to give credit where credit is due, more often than not, I do not know the source of the pictures that I post. Believe me, I wish I did!

So, without further adieu…. please accept my apologies Marina. I posted pictures of some beautiful antique demijohns that are from Marina’s shop and they are for sale (see link below).

Marina actually has quite a lovely selection of antiques at her website through Ruby Lane. Please give her some link love and go to her website to check out all she has to offer….

www.rubylane.com/shops/eantiques

Another picture of Catalina Island – this one showing the famous Casino. Los Angeles is 30 miles in the distance.

I am hoping to have my interview with my very special guest ready for this weekend. AND…. (drumroll please)… my guest has a special gift for one lucky reader! Please tune in to play!

Demijohns

2009-07-31T23:19:00.001-07:00

Demijohns have made the rounds through the blogsphere lately and I thought I would educate myself a bit more on where they came from. I’m glad I did. I am eager to use these in some of my room designs.

The word demijohn was taken from the French, Dame Jeanne, meaning Lady Jane.

In Britain, demijohn refers to a one-gallon glass brewing vessel.

In Southeast U.S. slang, a demijohn jug, of any size, is referred to as a jimmyjohn.

The shape of the demijohn can be ovoid, kidney, cylindrical, round, teardrop, apple and heart shaped. The sizes vary from a few ounces to twenty gallons or more. The very large containers are called carboys.

The original purpose of the demijohn was for transport and storage of bulk liquids.

The demijohns were usually wrapped in wicker to protect them from breakage during shipping. Today, however, most demijohns have had their wicker removed to better reveal their color and shape.

Three color variations of the demijohn.

From the European Antique Market's website. These demijohn’s have been used for candles and the wax has dropped down the sides. Lovely!

Jayson Home and Garden has an antique green demijohn that sells for $125.00.

Fill one up and put your favorite branches or flowers in it.

19th Century Demijohn

Set of three antique demijohns from Alhambra Antiques

25” tall demijohn! $300 from modernicus.com

Here, designer Steven Gambrel uses a demijohn on the coffee table in this Dunes house. Although they kind of get lost because of the clear glass. I think a colored (perhaps blue like the lamp behind the sofa) would stand out much better.

A shop in Paris with demijohns hanging. From the blog A Brooklyn Limestone in Progress.

Demijohns shown on a furniture project from the blog Design Sponge.

Now for the fun part….

I was just at Homegoods near my home doing some shopping for a client when whaddayaknow… Demijohns in all shapes, sizes and colors…. I couldn’t resist. They are very good quality and at $19.99 a piece, I had to pick up a few.

My digital camera is on loan this week, so I can’t show you my great find… but I will soon!

Note…. I’m off to Catalina Island for a few days, so I won’t have an updated post for you for about 10 days! Hang in there with me, as I have an incredible interview and giveaway coming up! Here’s a hint… it’s all about junk!

Pink!

2009-07-25T18:53:00.001-07:00

I just recently posted about a home in House Beautiful that was impeccably designed by Jonathan Berger. In it, he designed an entry way in a bright pink, called Razzle Dazzle by Benjamin Moore, which was a VERY bold choice! And it was fabulous.

I may be incorrect here, but it seems that bright pink is on the front of the design scene right now and wanting to be heard!

Using Pink with Other Colors:

All shades of pink become a different personality when combined with other colors. Pink and orange are playful and vibrant and are commonly used in teenagers rooms or young adults. Pink mixed with black or brown becomes more of a sharp statement of style because of the contrast. See below for more color combinations.

Feng Shui and Pink:

Pink in an environment sooths the heart and fills it with love. Place it in the Southwest area of your home for it to connect to the Love and Marriage aspect of your life.

Popular color combinations using pink

Based on where pink falls on the color wheel, I’ve listed some of the most popular color combinations using pink.

Pink and Brown

Pink and Black

Pink and Orange

Jonathan Adler Design

Pink and Green

Another Jonathan Adler designed room.

Soft Pinks

Sally Steponkus Design

Philip Gorrivan Design

House Beautiful (wall color is Pantone's 705-C)

House Beautiful - design by Suzanne Kasler

Barry Dixon Design

Mid-Tone Pinks

House Beautiful - Mary McDonald design - Benjamin Moore Coral Pink 2003-50.

From Domino Magazine

Jonathan Adler Entryway

Bright Pinks

From Flikr

Grab your sunglasses! Yikes!

Pink as an Accent Color

Barry Dixon Design

Celerie Kemble Interiors

Barry Dixon Design

Kishani Perera Design

Finally…

Design Pink is a blog that is all about pink.

Making It Lovely just did a great post on finding the perfect pink as well.

Magazine Beautiful

2009-07-20T07:22:00.001-07:00

I have an exciting interview coming up that I am working on. I cannot wait to post it, but in the meantime, I want to just commend the publishers of House Beautiful on an incredible month! Have you seen the August issue? It’s got some really great homes and spaces featured in it.

First of all, Jonathan Berger's Small and Flirty home design. It’s bright, it’s beautiful and I’m totally smitten.

In the living room, the chair is covered in Lee Jofa's Pardah Print in Sable. The ottoman was found at Christie’s and is a Napoleon III style with a rope trim.

In the entry hall of this Brooklyn home, Jonathan chose a Benjamin Moore bright paint called Razzle Dazzle. I love the bright paint against the wainscoting and the wood floors.

In the living room, de Gournay wallpaper brings the room to life. The white chairs are George III chairs, covered in Scalamandre's Anemone. Jonathan designed the hand-hammered brass coffee table.

Check out that chandelier! It is a Venetian pink milk glass chandelier and the chairs, which match the wallpaper above, are covered in leather with pink-dyed cowhide backs from Global Leathers.

In this bedroom, a suzani spread, bought on eBay, covers the bed, while the unusual headboard is covered in Nouvelle Orleans, a cut velvet from Clarence House that looks like ironwork. In lieu of an iron bed, I think this is the second best choice.

Next, another small space, an 1850’s guesthouse designed by Ginger Barber, is so relaxing, yet pulled-together beautifully.

Located in Round Top, Texas, this guesthouse is very simple from the outside.

Yet, step inside and immediately you feel yourself breathing a little easier. Here, Ginger added an antique Swedish pine table with white painted chairs. I love the roman shades in the same shade as the pale white-washed walls.

The floor in the living room is the big feature here, stained in chocolate and white stripes.

The floors extend to this little cove which Ginger used to place a white-washed buffet table that perfectly fits the space. The botanical prints above are the perfect choice.

In the master bedroom, the seagrass rug, whitewashed walls and beautiful bench with custom cushion and skirt work perfectly together. I love this room.

The bathroom console is a worn zinc top, which was retrofitted for the white vessel sinks. Love it!

Then, as if I wasn’t happy enough with those two homes, Home Beautiful did “The One-Day (No Way!) Makeover”, with Designer Jonathan Rosen.

Jonathan was tasked to change this room…

in nine hours, using what was already there.

The result?

With tons of pictures showing the progress along the way, I found this feature to be so fun to follow!

Here are some glimpses of some of the other features HB offers this month:

“50 Wastebaskets We Love”

Kelly Wearstler’s Game Night Tablescape

I continue to love House Beautiful. It never disappoints. Every month I pull several pages from their magazine for my idea files, including new fabrics that I want to see in person, new paint colors that give me inspiration for current projects and more.

Have a great week!

Imaginary Faces and Spaces

2009-07-12T12:15:00.001-07:00

My Shades of Light giveaway was not claimed last week. So, there was a new winner drawn. Bondgirl! Would you please contact me with your contact information?

Now onto today’s post!

I love to read, although I don’t have nearly as much time for it as I would like. One of my favorite things to do is imagine how the homes and spaces of the main characters look like.

I’ve also imagined what the space of a well known person would look like as well, if he were alive today.

Many room photos are from Inspace, Film and Shoot Location Specialists out of England. Their work looks incredible and the homes in their portfolio are definitely interesting, as you will see below….

Cinderella

Cinderella, a poor servant girl, who dreams of love.

I can see Cinderella hard at work here in her very rustic kitchen, slaving away for her egotistical step-sisters and step-mother. We’ll just call them Bernie, Bernadette and Bernice.

A few fineries can be found in Cinderellas home, but they are not new. They are what is left from her father’s estate.

Hardwood distressed floors and stylish doors and wallpaper provide interesting details throughout her home. Good bones, but not a lot of fluff.

Cinderella soaks away her aches and pains each night in this lovely claw-foot tub, while the fire that she built slowly burns.

At night, Cinderella retires to a simple full-size bed, in a simple monotone room, void of color or love.

The prince comes to question whether Cinderella is, in fact, his princess. He asks her to sit on this beautiful fauteuil chair and we see the expression on his face in the closet mirrors, that goes from anticipation to relief and hope for a new future.

And they retire to the And the Prince and Princess retire to Peles Castle in Romania and of course… live happily ever after.

Jane Austen’s Emma

Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition loved to unite friends and family. She had very little that distressed her, until she pondered finding love herself.

Home where Emma would live. The conservatory being the place that she dreams up her matches.

A walled-garden where Emma sits with her friends and entices them to meet their mates.

Raised to think well of herself and having such a high opinion of her own worth, Emma is oblivious to the the opinions of others. Emma sits in her simple, but stylish living room, thinking of who she might match up next. Her choice of a bold wallpaper and long shag rug are choices she would not consult others about.

Romeo and Juliet

We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet. Two lovers on opposites sides of the fence, who fall in love and it ends tragically. Well, not in my version! In my version the Montagues and Capulets come together for the sake of their young children. Romeo and Juliet find a cool flat in London and this is what it looks like….

Their home is young, fresh, and fun. It expresses a start and glimpses of whimsy.

Their bedroom is somewhat romantic, with the lavender padded bed, but decidedly unfinished, as is their story.

Their bed faces a fireplace, that has no furniture in front of it. Just a rug, where they lie together, on the animal rug, wrapped in each others arms.

This room expresses their young hopes for their relationship. Because they are young, they are vain, hence the mirrors all over the place.

A tribute to their families, the Montagues and Capulets are haphazardly placed on the wall near the entrance.

James Dean

James Dean, the bad boy of the 60’s. A movie star with a mind of his own. He doesn’t need a flippin’ mansion! No, he’s more a warehouse man, a loft man, a good bones and guts kind-of-guy.

Just give him some cool furniture and some architectural objects placed around his space and he’s good.

The natural lighting of this room offers great light for the dining area. And the seating area is where Dean and his friends sit around smoking their Marlboros and laughing at how much money Dean makes for what he does.

The card catalog in the back is where Dean files all his fan mail!

Rudimentary bathroom stalls? Ripped right out of an old bus station. That’s all a man needs.

Dean was a good-looking guy with great hair. He needed a mirror here and there to check his reflection.

The Little Mermaid

I love the story of the Little Mermaid. Here Julianne Moore is shown as the mermaid with the dream.

Eric, Ariel’s Prince, builds Ariel a house she would feel comfortable in. The Shell House in Isla Mujeres.

The kitchen is simple with sea blue cabinets and open shelving. Location Works.

Eric and Ariel’s bed is hand-carbed and fit for a princess. The room is decidedly feminine with the floral wallpaper and crystal chandelier.

Every mermaid needs a good tub to soak her tail in!

Whose home would you like to imagine?

Design Inc. Snapshots

2009-07-07T05:24:00.001-07:00

*** Just a reminder to James, who entered and won my Shades of Light Giveaway… I need you to give me your contact information… email or otherwise, so we can contact you with the winning information. Please contact me soon, otherwise the prize will go to someone else on Saturday! ***

Have you seen the show Design Inc. yet? It’s in it’s fourth season and it comes on the Fine Living USA channel, HGTV Canada, BBC Canada, and Fine Living Canada. It’s a wonderful show for many reasons; great designs, quirky personalities, the perfection of it all, but what I really like is their website here.

First there is the team:

Sarah Richardson is the head of the team and is quite the whip cracker. She likes to get things done and get them done right.

The show typically goes through the process of fixing up one space. On their website you can search for rooms that they have completed. What you will get is a snapshot like this….

It’s fabulous! It gives you a few pictures of the space they have designed, including the paint palette, plus the resources for the space all on one page.

And in addition to the resources on the room page, you can find further resource contact information on their “where to find it” page.

I suggest you do a little browsing and check out their work. You can get some great ideas for your home and if you like something you see, you can duplicate it.

Have fun browsing!

Shades of Light Winner and Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T20:44:00.001-07:00

Well, it’s been an exciting week of entries. I’ve read so many great entries for my Shades of Light giveaway. I’m so glad to announce that James has won the beautiful Old World Gold Lantern.

Congratulations…. and I hope that you enjoy your beautiful light fixture! I’d love to hear where you are going to hang it!!!

Unfortunately, I do not have contact information for James, so please contact me with your email and I will forward the winning information to you.

If I don’t hear from you within one week (next Saturday), I will be drawing another name for the lantern.

Stay tuned for more great contests. I’m lining up more great giveaways for the summer and I am excited to be able to give these great items away through my blog.

Hope you all enjoy your 4th!

Shades of Light Giveaway!

2009-06-27T18:12:00.001-07:00

I’ve been doing a lot of research lately for a commercial project that I’m working on and one of things that I’ve been searching for is the perfect light fixture.

Well, as soon as I found Shades of Light, my search was over. The selection of light fixtures that they have is wonderfully diverse, easily searchable and offers everything from dorm decor to antique lighting.

The incredible people of Shades of Light have generously donated a beautiful Old World Gold Lantern (shown below) to one of my lucky readers!

Old World Gold Lantern

Here is what you do….

Go to Shades of Light, peruse their lighting fixtures, then come back to my blog and let me know which lighting fixture you like and why!

From the comments received one lucky winner will be chosen to receive the beautiful lantern above!

That’s all you have to do! Easy! I wish I could enter my own contest, because I love the lantern they are giving away!

Shades of Light is more than a lighting store. They also offer rugs, furniture and a contract and hospitality service to the trade.

Here are some of the light fixtures that I fell in love with…

Woven Sphere Pendant – Fun for a funky apartment or a home filled with natural elements.

Antique Gold Leaf Crystal Chandelier - 6 Light – Very romantic, very French and very beautiful!

Organza Shade & Crystal Chandelier – Round – So glamorous!

Shades of Light has three store locations; two in Richmond, Virginia and one in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

You can view their online catalog here.

They also have a fantastic blog called Inspired Spaces. They have great ideas for your home.

Their rug selection is unique and interesting. Offering traditional, modern and more, anyone can find what they are looking for on their site! Here are a few that I thought were just the ticket!

Ming Hand Knot Rug – Looking for something a little more traditional? The subtle colors in this hand-knotted rug would be perfect with some bergère chairs, iron and glass tables and nice glass of merlot!

Soho Dhurri Rug – The geometric pattern of this rug can be used in a modern or traditional setting. Love it!

Overscaled Flora Rug – The green goes so well with the grey/green walls that are so popular right now.

O.K… it’s on! Go to Shades of Light, then come back here and leave me a comment! Good luck to you all!

The winner will be chosen next Saturday, July 4th! Tell your friends and family!

*** I'm sorry to say that this contest is only open to contest entries within the U.S. for mailing purposes. ***