HOMESTYLING101

What I'm reading...Undecorate

2013-05-17T04:09:00.000-07:00

On my last trip to the library, I happen to grab a book that I had my eye on for my design library. I love being able to preview the books through the library before adding them to my already large design library. The latest book I picked up was Undecorate: The No-Rules Approach to Interior Design by Christiane Lemieux.

Christiane Lemieux is the founder of DwellStudio. DwellStudio is known for their very cool style, eclectic mid-century home furnishing and mod prints in geometric and graphic patterns.

Gate Azure Pillow

Mallory Chair

While I was reading it my very enlightened six year old asked me why I would read a book called Undecorate when I spend all day helping people decorate. Curious boy. Wasn't sure how to answer this question...couldn't he have just asked where babies come from? That would have been easier.... Seriously, though- the book is about the antithesis of the "decorating process". It's the antithesis of the "act of decorating with intention". The rooms seen in design books are typically rooms that don't make sense for real life.

As Lemieux puts it:

"Great style isn't necessarily a finished product so much as it is an ongoing process."

As she states "These aren't flawless residences straight from the pages of some interiors magazine; these homes are imperfect and unbuttoned, a lesson in how to live whether you're a fashion designer or a dentist."

"Undecorating isn't haphazard style; it's not thought-free. It's about being guided by something other than the traditional constraints- whether it's your commitment to the environment, or your love of polka dots, or the fact that you want to feel like you're in Paris when you live in Peoria"

I wish I could share some of the beautiful interiors but you can meander over to Amazon to check out some pages inside...fun! I'll definitely be ordering this one for the coffee table....

I am also SUPER excited because on Monday and Tuesday I will be attending BLOGFEST 2013 sponsored by Kravet, HGTV among other amazing companies. It is the third annual BlogFest held for interior design bloggers- FUN! Anyone else going? These things are so much more fun when you have someone to hang with!

Staging vs. decorating

2013-05-10T06:16:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the radio silence....I had some really big projects going and clearly I am not good at multi-tasking! I have also been having some issues with Blogger that wouldn't allow me to post pictures...and I couldn't do that to you-a blog with no pictures- no fun!

Anyway, I have been working on a huge staging job that just finished and then rolled into another staging job. Not that I am complaining....busy is good! And while I have my degree in Interior Design, I did get certified as a Home Stager and I do enjoy the variety that those staging jobs throw into my everyday mix! While designing is all about pleasing the client, staging is all about pleasing the masses. This is one approach:

Source: thinknsmile.com via Sabre on Pinterest

Here is one before and after of a previous job I did...perhaps my biggest transformation- Luckily I had money in the budget to paint some rooms but as with every job, there was something I had to work around: silk teal draperies. Certainly not my first choice for a neutral room- but my job was to create a warm neutral space while I incorporated the teal draperies and made them look like they were intended to be part of the design.

Here is the after photo...you can see I repeated the teal color in the artwork and in the pillows to balance the strong statement the drapes make.

I think I may have shared these before. On my most recent project, I had to work around about 75% of the homeowner's furniture. The biggest challenge was a very large (and beautiful) Persian rug in the family room which was red and black- not ideal for staging. While the rug is beautiful- once the room is photographed, the potential buyer's eye will go straight to that rug in any photo and detract from the items we are trying to sell....the double-story windows, the view of the backyard, pool, tennis court....you get the idea. The trick was to balance the rug so it didn't steal the show. I don't have pictures to share yet- the realtor is having the project photographed so I'll share once I have them.

On another note, Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, grandmas, stepmothers, God-mothers, mother-in-law and mother figures out there! You all do such wonderful, selfless things for the special people in your life so this is your day to be hang up your cape! Be lazy and indulgent! Eat bad food! Ignore everyone and don't clean one single thing! Yes...impossible....I know....just enjoy!

Source: ca.images.search.yahoo.com via Jaimie & on Pinterest

Crate and Barrel Sketch

2013-04-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

So I know I told you in a previous post about the Crate & Barrel chair I designed for the Designer Custom Challenge. This challenge was so much fun- whether I win or not- it was a blast designing my very own chair! The chair I selected was the Essex Chair which is a Lee Industries frame sold at Crate & Barrel. beautiful!

Then I went on the Lee website and into Crate and Barrel and selected my fabrics....my inspiration was to design a chair for a Ladies Library. Imagine a powerhouse, female CEO. Libraries are typically designed with dark woods, leathers and menswear patterns. I decided to give that a little twist with some stripes, hounds tooth and florals...

Then I came home, broke out the old colored pencils and got to sketching...this was my final design....

It might be hard to tell from the sketch but the seat is done in a light ticking stripe, the back seat cushion is a light neutral floral and the back and base of the seat is done in a khaki hounds-tooth fabric. I think they announce winners this month so we'll see what happens! The best part is that anyone can really design their own chair by visiting Crate & Barrel and selecting from their gorgeous frames and fabrics!

Articles, contests and FREE design book!

2013-04-15T07:19:00.001-07:00

Hope you all had a nice weekend! It was very exciting for me- I was featured in the LivingHere section of the Journal News as I had shared on Friday. It looks like the link I shared doesn't include the entire article unless you subscribe. Sorry about that...I'll see if I can get the entire text to share! Thanks for all your support and kind comments!

(This is not my design...this was the Contest ad....)

I also had the treat of designing my own chair for the Crate & Barrel Designer Custom Challenge. Crate & Barrel called on their design professionals to select one of their chair frames, work with their fabric selection and design their own custom chair. Entries are due today so I am going to wait to share my sketch until tomorrow but here is a little teaser of the beautiful fabrics I selected:

Sorry for the blurry photos and the shadows...I was trying to be discreet in Crate & Barrel! Anyway, wish me luck!

One other thing I just had to share today was a great Amazon book, "How to Design Your Perfect Interior" . It is available for FREE to download from April 15-19th. I highly recommend you download it!

It was written by Gail Dolby, founder of Design Success University and it educates consumers on important factors involved in starting a design project. It also highlights the value of working with a designer. Definitely worth the download!

By the way- it says it is a Kindle Edition but you can still read it on your Ipad or computer- just download the FREE Kindle app. I just learned that! Happy Reading!

Homestyling101 to appear in LivingHere section of The Journal News

2013-04-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Weekend! Hoping that the sun is finding you this weekend...and hoping it shows its face in NY! I am tired of this dreary weather!

On another happy note- I am so excited to share that I will be appearing in this weekend's edition of the LivingHere section in The Journal News, the newspaper covering Westchester, Putnam and Rockland Counties. Here is the online version of the article. Read it HERE.

Thanks to all the wonderful editors at the Journal News, (especially Karen Croke) who were such a delight to work with! Also a big thanks to Frank from CST Creations who allowed me to use his beautiful showroom for my photo shoot! Anyone looking to re-do a kitchen should be sure to stop in there- the selection is stunning and Frank is a pleasure to work with!

New Client...New Master Bedroom

2013-04-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite rooms in the house to design is the Master Bedroom. The furniture layout is usually fairly standard and very straight forward. While other rooms in the house may have multiple functions- the main function of the bedroom is to relax and rejuvenate.

Here are few of my tips for a sumptuous bedroom:

Tip #1: Focus on mixing textiles. And choose fabrics that feel good! I love to mix fabrics such as linens, velvets, cottons and wools. I love working with a monochromatic palette(one color...although can be multiple shades of one color!) mixed with whites, creams, beiges, blacks and browns depending on the room. This keeps things simple and less complicated for the eye...creating an overall soothing effect.

Here I am loving the monochromatic shades in mixed fabrics such as silks...crushed velvets....crisp cotton....yum!

Contemporary Bedroom by London Interior Designer Alexander James Interiors

Tip #2: Focus on light control and window treatments! Window treatments in the bedroom are crucial! You absolutely need to focus on light control in this room over any other. Spend a little extra to get the black-out liner on drapes, panels or roman shades. Choose wooden blinds with no holes so the light can't sneak in...these upgrades are all worth the good night's sleep!

Have multiple light sources around the room and add a dimmer to that overhead light! This is very important as your are winding down to sleep- the light will stimulate you so have a bedside lamp, dimmers or sconces so the light can slowly be turned down as you prepare for a dreamy night of slumber.

Traditional Bedroom by Newport Beach Home Builders Spinnaker Development

Tip #3: Keep the family photos to a minimum! This one is not a hard design rule but I like to follow this rule. It may seem silly but lots of little eyes looking at you is hardly relaxing. Maybe one or two photos is fine but I wouldn't do a gallery wall in my bedroom or clutter up the dresser with lots of photos. Think minimal...if you have a gaping empty wall space that calls out for something to be hung- hang mirrors or a piece of soothing artwork....

Eclectic Bedroom by Atlanta Photographer Erica George Dines Photography

Tip #4: Control the Clutter! No one can relax with unpaid bills, newspapers, piles of laundry or daunting paperwork laying around the bedroom. Keep the clutter to a minimum....the floors are clear, the tabletops are clear and your mind will be clear for a relaxing night of sleep. Doesn't this photo make you feel relaxed already? Love it!

Traditional Bedroom by Greenville Interior Designer Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home

Ok, after writing this post- I think I am going back to bed!

New shopping site...Birdaria

2013-03-28T05:37:00.000-07:00

I love my business because a large part of what I do is SHOP for a living! I mean- shop and buy (usually not with my own money...or for my own home :(bummer)

One of the joys of this task is when I am introduced to new places to shop. My newest find "Birdaria".

The bread and butter of Birdaria is their gorgeous original, gallery-wrapped and framed canvases. All ready-to-hang, made in the USA, starting at $75.....and so unique, too!

This might be going in a master bedroom project I'm working on....

Birdaria Canvas Art

I am totally loving this for a hallway...it's got great color, great movement and is so soothing...

Birdaria Ocean Chic Canvas Art

Besides the uber-cool canvases, they also have personalized lucite trays in many colors, patterns and sizes....
I'm thinking these trays might be great hostess gifts or gifts for my clients once a project wraps......and Mother's Day is right around the corner....hmmmmm

Birdaria Lucite Trays

And I just might know of a few babies who are going to be joining our family who might be seen in this little number.....could you just die? For reals...

Now get shopping! Let me know what you like over there at Birdaria!

Designers I'm Digging...

2013-03-27T05:20:00.003-07:00

I spend a lot of time on the website Houzz.com which is the designer version of Pinterest.com (although I think Houzz.com was around before Pinterest.com) but you can start ideabooks and add photos selected from the portfolios of some amazing designers. I have come to admire so many design firms and portfolios, I've decided to start a weekly series on the blog admiring these "drool-worthy" designers. This week, I have chosen my first designer to dole out the accolades for: Alexander James Interiors. This design firm is based in the United Kingdom. Here are some deets on their background:

"Alexander James Interiors - a highly acclaimed design practice offering a seamless delivery of bespoke design solutions, renowned for our eye for detail and ability to cater for any style without compromising on quality and service. Established in 1995, the company specialised in providing tailor-made luxury show homes and residential interiors, offering a highly personalised service whilst creating beautiful interiors for private individuals."

Here is their Cleeves project....you can see why I'm drooling...

Traditional Living Room by London Interior Designer Alexander James Interiors

Contemporary Living Room by London Interior Designer Alexander James Interiors

Contemporary Bedroom by London Interior Designer Alexander James Interiors

Traditional Bedroom by London Interior Designer Alexander James Interiors

Traditional Entry by London Interior Designer Alexander James Interiors

What do you think of the new series? Inspired? Definitely go over to Houzz.com and start your own account so you can save these beauties in your own Ideabooks.

Busy as a bee....

2013-03-21T06:34:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since my last post because I just became inundated with client work! That is not a bad thing although it makes me miss checking in with you all over here. Here is a bit of what I've been up to....

Turning a playroom into library with wall to wall, wrap-around bookcases to be painted in high-gloss jewel-toned cranberry paint. Yum...my client and I refer to it as the "jewel box". It is early in the planning stages but it is going to be sooo beautiful! Here is an inspiration shot....

Eclectic Home Office by Minneapolis General Contractor John Kraemer & Sons

I've also been working on a monochromatic soothing bedroom. I'm thinking a grasscloth wall and some linen roman shades....a settee at the end of the bed....here are some inspiration shots....

Via Phillip Jeffries, Showcase Gallery- DHR Interiors

Eclectic Bedroom by Birmingham Interior Designer Dunlap Design Group, LLC

Traditional Bedroom by Denver Interior Designer Chalet

I am also working on a living room/sitting room off an open plan kitchen. It is a room just for the adults...I am thinking something like this....but with a little more color....

Traditional Living Room by Barrie Interior Designer Staples Design Group

I also was interviewed by Homestyle, (love the name of their site!), about selecting a backsplash which led me to think about the decision process that I walk clients through while selecting their own backsplashes in their kitchen reno. Realize there is lots to talk about so I'll do a post on that soon:)

I also had a photo shoot yesterday at CST Creations Kitchens & Baths for an article set to appear in the Living Here section of The Journal News which I am super excited about! I probably took the shoot way too seriously, smizing and booty-tooching, etc.....(Tyra fans know what I'm talking about:) Anyway, the story is going to run April 6th so look for me there!

Ok, that is a brief run down of my crazy- I hope to be back on a regular blogging schedule for you all! Thanks for reading!

Great opportunity and Great Deals!

2013-03-04T06:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the honor of being a guest on the WFAS radio show "How's The Market", hosted by real estate guru Jason Wilson. The topic was Home Staging and Interior Design (naturally) and it was such a blast to share my thoughts on staging and design with Jason's listeners. We talked about the blog a bit, too so hopefully we picked up a few new readers which is always great!

For those of you who were actually up at 8 am on a Sunday and tuned in- thanks for listening! For those of you who missed it- I will share the link later in the week once it is up and running! Hopefully I didn't ramble too much! When it comes to a topic that I am passionate about such as design (or any show on Bravo) I can go on, and on, and on, and on....ok- I'm a talker.

But thanks to Jason's lead I think I kept it under control......who knows...maybe there will be a spin-off show...."How's the Interior"....it happens for all the Bravo Housewives....anyway- thanks again to Jason and everyone at WFAS for the great opportunity! And if you are in the Real Estate industry- "How's the Market" is definitely chock-full of great real estate info and worth tuning in to! You can listen from anywhere through the IHeart Radio app, too!

On to other big news from Crate & Barrel......

Crate & Barrel Axis

Crate and Barrel is having a whopper of an upholstery sale! For those of you thinking of investing in some upholstered and leather pieces- check out Crate and Barrel- some of their best lines like Davis, Lounge, Klyne and Axis are 15% off. Plus if you are a client of mine...you get another 10% off! You lucky, lucky ducks!

Crate & Barrel 83" Lounge Sofa

If you are in the market for a new sofa- feel free to contact me for more information or advice on which piece is best for you!

Selecting Wall Art

2013-02-26T06:16:00.000-08:00

One of the most challenging parts of pulling together a room is selecting artwork. It is such a personal decision, I always rely on client involvement so I don't include pieces that might not resonate with them.

While on my art hunts, I was contacted by an amazing Australian company, Entanglements. They specialize in metal wall hangings that are truly quite beautiful!

Bamboo Single

Here is their take on selecting artwork for your home:

"Find a piece of wall art that will become part of your life. Wall art is the perfect way to turn a room in your home from generic to intimate. The decoration of a blank wall means the transformation of the space. Your walls really can talk if you give them the opportunity. The only hard part is find the perfect piece that will fit perfectly into your home, because with a wall hanging, the possibility for expression and detail is infinite, so you need to follow your instincts and trust your intuitions when deciding on what you want. After all, you will be living with it for a long time, so you need to really be in love with it."

Chrysler Building

"Color is a good way to begin, as it's one of the first sensory perceptions of a room or space. The color you choose in your art work should enhance and reflect the color of your room as a complement. There is nothing wrong with unexpected colors in your artwork either. A large canvas or piece will make a bold, determined statement whereas pieces of a smaller scale will give a delicate and compartmentalized air. If you want smaller pieces, consider a series of matching pieces that can be hung side by side or in different parts of a space linking the room through a common thread."

Flutter- picture is fuzzy but it is stunning when you look close-up!

"Shape is an important recurrent theme too. If you have many hard edges or right angles in your space a round shape could potentially look out of place, or it could provide a welcome break for the eye. Whatever you choose, just make sure you love it. Browse wall art and commissions at Entanglements."

Dive Set of 4

Besides the beautiful metal wall hangings- I loved the privacy screens they have! Thank you, Entaglements for your contributions and for sponsoring this post!

Privacy Screen Door

Favorite Fabric...thank you Kravet!

2013-02-21T04:43:00.001-08:00

I have a boatload of fabric samples in my design library. I source some when I go to the D&D building in NYC and others while I scope out the fabric houses on my computer. These samples are on loan but sometimes a fabric is just soo good that it seeps into multiple design plans....here is one I'm digging right now:

Kravet's DotKat....in six different colorways and one is better than the next!

I first spied this pattern in Silversage for accent pillows in a den. I love pillows with small pattern repeat to offset a larger scale pattern or solid pillow.

Then I spotted Dotkat in Mineral and I'm working it into my monochromatic gray master bedroom, also as an accent pillow- three euros across the king bed...divine!

Since this pattern was working out so well for me thus far, I even proposed it to a client for a seat cushion on an entryway bench in this yummy color Straw. I think it's going to get a yes!

I am totally dying for this color- Peony for my daughter's room- it is young and fun but can grow up with her to be quite sophisticated!

And the remaining colors of DotKat are River and Glade....I'm sure they'll be sneaking into my projects soon!

Then low and behold- one of my all time favorite designers, Sarah Richardson, used Dotkat Mineral in a kitchen design! (Thank you, Pinterest...just type in any fabric or paint and you can see how it has been used!) Look at those kitchen stools- so pretty!

Source: decorpad.com via Joanne on Pinterest

Source: hookedonhouses.net via Joanne on Pinterest

DotKat is by Kravet- one of my favorite fabric houses. It is part of their Echo Home collection and is sold through the trade. If you are interested in working DotKat into your design- contact us at homestyling101@yahoo.com for more info!

Mood Board Link-Up at Design Your Dwelling!

2013-02-19T08:21:00.001-08:00

Today I am linking up at the Mood Board Link Party at Design Your Dwelling. I decided to link up a mood board that was done as an inspiration board for my office.

Sadly, my office looks nothing like this because I share it with my darling husband who is also based out of our home office. There is some Yankee memorabilia and golf prints in there not shown in this mood board:)

One day, when I have my own office...it will look a little more like this! Check out the other designers, their mood boards and link one up yourself over at Design Your Dwelling! Also, be sure to visit Design Your Dwelling for more great design
dirt!

For design details, check out my Mood Board on Olioboard to shop specific items!

Designer-Like Colored Lamps

2013-02-18T05:36:00.001-08:00

So LampsPlus is killing it in an almost custom way!

Has anyone seen their line of Color + Plus lamps? I love a colored gourd lamp in just about any room or on any console and now you can achieve that at a fraction of the price!

At LampsPlus you choose the perfect color to work with your decor and BAM! a custom-like lamp for less than $150 (depending on what you choose)!

I know you are saying to yourself "How great are these colors I get to pick from?" Well, there are about 70+ colors and they are popular paint colors from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams or Pantone colors so you really can get a pretty accurate idea of what you are getting!

Here are some examples from their extensive color chart:

Once you have selected your color, then you can choose the shape you want for the base and the style and color of the shade and VOILA! Custom lamps shipped to your door!

I picked the Sherwin Williams Majolica Green color for a project I am working on...here are just a few of the different shapes and shades available:

These lamps run from $99 to $249 for the floor lamps. I am so excited to use this line of lamps in my upcoming projects...I wonder if I'll ever use a color twice!

And this post was not sponsored by Lamps Plus- I just wanted to share my excitement about this new product with my peeps! Happy Shopping!

Romantic Rooms

2013-02-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies...

Happy Valentine's Day!

As I shared before, I am working on a master bedroom.....one of my favorite rooms because it has one primary function....SLEEP....ok...get your minds back to design people....

Anyway, I have always felt very strongly that when you walk into your bedroom it should feel like a sanctuary...peaceful, relaxing, sumptuous and just down-right, old-fashioned beautiful. I understand the need for a TV in the bedroom...I enjoy watching TV in bed, too- I just think it needs to be contained in a piece of furniture that can be closed so the telly is covered.

So, in honor of Valentine's Day, I am going to share some of my favorite bedrooms compliments of the talented designers over at Houzz.com.

This chandelier just screams romance....and the chocolate brown walls keeps it from going too feminine...LOVE!

Traditional Bedroom design by Chicago Architect Rugo/ Raff Ltd. Architects

Soft, soothing colors here. I love how the over-sized panel above the bed gives the bed a feeling of grandeur without swallowing the room up! Pretty, pretty!

Traditional Bedroom design by Atlanta Interior Designer Janie K. Hirsch, ASID

This is just brilliant! Look how gorgeous these muted neutrals are...plus the design on the ceiling is beyond genius....in what other room do you spend most of your time looking up at the ceiling? Brillz

Traditional Bedroom design by Toronto Interior Designer Regina Sturrock Design Inc.

Currently, in the bedroom I am working on- we are doing a monochromatic theme and this rooms looks quite a bit like what we are working towards....so pretty!

Contemporary Bedroom design by Chicago Interior Designer Michael Abrams Limited

My Valentine's Day wish for you is that you turn the TV off, put the bills away, close the laptop, pick the clothes up off the floor and turn your bedroom into a sanctuary...even if it is just for one day...or just for yourself...you deserve a room for reprieve!

Ivy & Piper Shoppable mag....GENIUS!

2013-02-11T05:35:00.000-08:00

So we survived blizzard Nemo or whatever they named this most recent attack from Mother Nature on the bewildered East Coast. Where I live we got about 12" of snow. The winds never progressed as they thought they would and thankfully we didn't lose power. I sort of could have predicted that we wouldn't lose power because we got our generator delivered this past Tuesday (just a side note...we bought it after losing power for over a week after Sandy in November 2012 and it just arrived...)

As the delivery guy was lowering it into our shed I whispered to my husband..."this will pretty much insure that we won't lose power for another 5 years!" You know how those things work......

Source: mashable.com via Mark on Pinterest

Anyway, no school/work on Friday due to the storm so I was busy mommy-ing and on my computer this weekend with client work. Much to my surprise, Sunday evening I received this little Aussie pretty in my inbox:

They had me at "Summer".....and Navy....I am totally dying to do a navy room! But seriously, I do always enjoy when Ivy & Piper comes into my email. And it looks like they stepped it up again- their newest issue is a SHOPPABLE LOOKBOOK! So clever! So sneaky...I can actually get into trouble this way!

I think my favorite spread is on page 30 where Ivy & Piper features a gallery wall and you can actually shop for almost all the art! I am high on the hunt for artwork for a client so I was clicking my heart out!

If you haven't wandered over to Ivy & Piper- get yourself over there! And you can subscribe so you are lucky enough to get this little pretty in your inbox!

Roman shades of the sort...

2013-02-04T06:31:00.002-08:00

Things have been nutty but great! In the last two weeks I signed two new clients and I am getting uber-busy! Sorry I neglect the blog a bit but my customers get my full attention and sometimes I have trouble getting all wordy for you guys.

Anyway, a main sore spot for clients lately seems to be window treatments. They seem to get very overwhelmed and simply stick to the paper shades until they bring me in for some support. For two clients I am currently recommending some beautiful roman shades.

So, as inspiration I spent some time over at Houzz collecting some beautiful images. Here are the main things I consider when designing roman shades. Choose a fabric- one that will look good when the shades are pulled all the way up or down...usually a fabric without a very large pattern or repeat. You also have to think about the liner and choose the appropriate liner for light control. Another decision to contend with is the placement of the roman shade.And that is where photos come in handy!

Here we are with a wall mounted roman shade hung high up outside the window frame...closer to the ceiling....this designer knocked it out of the park over the picture window by using one large valance covering three smaller shades. Shows continuity but functions well because each window can be adjusted individually. Gorg!

Traditional Kitchen design by Other Metro Interior Designer Anna Baskin Lattimore Design

Now these little beauties are hung within the window frame. This technique shows off the beautiful molding but does keep some of the window covered at all times...depends on your needs and wants for the room. I love the bold pattern against the white trim!

Traditional Hall design by Boston Window Coverings Fabrika Drapery Workroom

I love this little pair because these roman shades are hung with a coordinating cornice box. Very neat...very tailored...great detail!

Eclectic Bedroom design by Atlanta Interior Designer Liz Williams Interiors

And then there are these puppies that are hung all the way up at the ceiling! Talk about drama!

Eclectic Bedroom design by Los Angeles Interior Designer Hillary Thomas Designs

Needless to say when addressing roman shades there are OPTIONS! I always have them custom made...in the world of roman shades, you get what you pay for so some of the retail options that are more affordable seem to malfunction or break rather easily. Window treatments are ALWAYS an investment in a room but, if done right, well worth the visual impact! Off to put together mood boards on the very same idea...

Really...Pier 1?

2013-01-23T04:55:00.000-08:00

So I popped into Pier 1 the other day to pick up some tables I have been loving which are now on clearance....(more on these later...)

Pier 1 Greek Key Nesting Tables

and I happened to spot this when I walked in....the Natura Writing Desk....LOVE....

And then I bumped into this gorgeous glittery gal....the Crisanto Hall Chest....yum....

And just when I thought I had had enough.....I spotted this hanging with a bunch of other chests of drawers.....I mean I could just die that Pier 1 with their worldly exotic vibe is putting out a linen-upholstered chest AND ME WANTS! (If not for myself, then for a client...so if you hire me...I might have to sneak this in your home....with 15% off I might add!) It is the Lexford 3-Drawer Chest...it even has a snooty name! And this photo does not do it justice! Great as a pair of nightstands...entry chest...hall chest...just about anywhere!

And I also am considering these two for some manly office or den....what do you think...also on clearance....

Pier 1 Passport Chest

And then this beast....also on clearance...the Chadwell Faux Leather Chest....gorgeous...

So what do you think...is it just me or is Pier1 totally stepping up their design game? Have I got you running to your nearest Pier1? Damn, I should have negotiated some sort of commission.....just let me know what you buy so I can feel some sort of satisfaction! Happy Shopping!

Mary McDonald for Schumacher

2013-01-15T04:16:00.000-08:00

So last week I went over to the D&D building for a little shopping....I was focused mainly on fabrics and wallpaper and as usual....did not leave empty handed! I saw some beautiful goodies from Kravet, Duralee, Clarence House, Ralph Lauren, Kathryn Ireland, Jasper, Sister Parish and of course, Schumacher...(I'll share some pics later once I get it all unpacked!) Now my office looks a bit like this...

Source: statigr.am via STEVE MADDEN on Pinterest

In any case, the very next day, I received some exciting news from Schumacher...Mary McDonald (of Million Dollar Decorators) has launched her own collection with Schumacher. Now, I didn't see any of it when I was there the day before...perhaps I was on a fabric high and just didn't notice...although it would have been nice of someone has given me a heads up while I was there...I would have loved an advanced sneak peek! Anyway, here is some eye candy for you to enjoy....

From the Schumacher website...
"Mary McDonald, one of today’s most sought after and celebrated designers, has created a collection exclusively for Schumacher. Blending her love of Chinoiserie, color and bold patterns Mary reinterprets traditional textile designs in a clean and graphic style. Enhanced through dramatic scale this collection brings a strong sense of glamour and sophistication to any space.

Exquisite cut velvets, matelassé and delicately detailed linen prints are embellished with embroidered tapes and appliques creating a sumptuous and elegant mix. Color adds both softness and intensity in clear shades of orange, jade green, aquamarine and blush pink or rich hues of bittersweet brown, ruby red and jet black. "

Chinoiserie........to die....I would line my walls with these fabric panels....

Exquisite appliques for pillows....draperies...upholstery...etc....

Here are some of my favorite fabrics all compliments of Mary McDonald of Schumacher....

For more yummies go visit Schumacher. These items are available to the trade only so if you interested, send me a shout!

Thinking about starting a business?

2013-01-14T06:40:00.002-08:00

I started Homestyling101 several years ago while in the midst of diapers, potty training, sleep training (did I mention that took 6 years for my daughter?) etc, etc. I started very timidly, very slowly and I was very naive. I had never worked for another Interior Designer so I was new to the ins and outs of starting a small business.

Source: Uploaded by user via Red Instead on Pinterest

When I started, I focused mostly on home staging and vacant properties because I felt that was a very targeted market and I wasn't quite ready to tackle large and continuous design projects or the world of wholesale. Needless to say- it was all "on the job training" since they teach you very little about business in design school.

Source: marykatemcdevitt.blogspot.com via Anne-Lie on Pinterest

And that brings me to today's lesson....I am going to share this amazing series from one of my favorite blogs, Hyphen Interiors, where designer Kristy Swain talks about the details of starting your own design business. It is an 8 part series covering all the important stuff! Boy, if I'd had these when I started, you'd be watching me on Bravo right about now....

Source: youtu.be via Ross on Pinterest

Anyway, for those of you considering starting your own business...or in the midst of it- this is a great overview of what you need to do.....and of course, it varies from state to state and this girl's a brilliant designer, not an accountant or a lawyer so stop with the expectations....but she tells you like it is from a small business owner's perspective and that is priceless.

Definitely worth checking out...and subscribing for all the juicy design deets she shares on the regular! And Kristy, thanks for all the time you put into this series...you are going to help many small business owners get started!

I have issues...House Beautiful Feb 2013

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Is anyone else drooling over the February 2013 House Beautiful? The cover is just so vibrant and gorgeous!

House Beautiful Feb 2013

And flipping through the pages is just as delicious. One of my favorite sections of every House Beautiful is the Color section where they feature favorite paint colors. In this issue they feature favorite colors for painted furniture! Brilliant! Here are a few of the faves mentioned...and what I love most is that you can search the color on Pinterest and see some amazing examples of people who have used that color!

1. Benjamin Moore Onyx (photo pinned from Carmen Murphy-Cicin)

Source: Uploaded by user via Carmen on Pinterest

2. Sherwin Williams Real Red.....Always a sucker for this color....photo via Jennifer Galbraith

Source: houzz.com via Dawn on Pinterest

3. California Paint in Clementine...so tasty via Amy Campbell

Source: thisoldhouse.com via Ashley on Pinterest

4. Benjamin Moore Patriot Blue...via Angie Ortberg

Source: hudsonbabydesign.blogspot.com via Julie on Pinterest

5. Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Blue...this one is all over Pinterest as a fab wall color...here is one of my fave pics...via Genia Kudolis

Source: dulcious.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

Check out House Beautiful Feb 2013 for more deliciousness!

Have you painted any furniture? Do you have any favorite colors...please share...I am getting inspired!

Ready for 2013...sort of!

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Hi all! I am back from my unannounced, unscheduled hiatus and I am ready to tackle 2013! On January 1st, 2013, I woke up early and wrote down my goals...I listed personal goals and then business goals. They were great....well thought-out...measurable....quantifiable and relevant. Only one problem...now I can't find them...

Source: someecards.com via Joanne on Pinterest

Which has lead me to re-write them. Now I am down to one big goal...GET ORGANIZED!

Source: someecards.com via Joanne on Pinterest

I digress....I have been a reader of Tobi Fairley's blog for a while now. (For those of you who don't know her, Ms. Fairley is an extraordinary Interior Designer and she has had one of the most spectacular years...both professionally and personally.)

Besides her fantastic posts on design deliciousness, I also have come to covet her posts on confidence, life solutions, motivation and ORGANIZATION. Ms. Fairley not only grew her business to amazing heights but she lost 38 pounds in the process. So here is Ms. Fairley's latest post on organization with a 21 Day Organization Challenge from Holiday Sparkle:

#10 scares the living cr#p out of me...this step may take me 21 days alone but I am up for the challenge! And when I find my original list of Goals for 2013...I'll be sure to share! Happy Organizing!

Let me know if you are up for the 21 Day Challenge...I hate doing things alone :(

My Obsession with Initial Mugs

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I have a little bit of an obsession to confess to...I am obsessed with initial mugs. I don't know why- I don't even own one but I get excited every time I see a new version and I wonder who I can buy it for. I imagine using it to host my other obsession...Sharpie markers...Hint, hint...if you are on my Christmas list this year you just might be getting you an initial mug.

Here are some of my faves...

Williams Sonoma Gold Monogram Mug $9.95

Anthropologie Initial Mug $6

Anthropologie Home Grown Monogram Mug $8

C Wonder Monogram Mug $10

C Wonder Alphabet Cabana Mug $7.99

C Wonder Alphabet Mug $3.99

Rosanna Initially Yours Mug Letter J

What is your fave? Too many to choose....Happy Shopping!

C Wonder...I see it!

2012-12-12T03:21:00.001-08:00

So yesterday I did make it over to one of my favorite shops, C Wonder. They have so many little yummy trinkets that I had to share some of my faves. Too bad for me- I got so overwhelmed by the prettiness and the long list of Christmas gifts I still had to buy- I left with nothing....but I came home and shopped on line:)

Good thing, because they are having a sale for the next two day which will get you free shipping and 40% off sale stuff! Hurry and shop because this stuff is selling out! Here are some things from their sale page prices do not reflect the 40% off yet....Procrastination pays for once! (BTW- use code SALE40)

Bamboo Nesting Bowls- $44.99- Holla!


Lace Salad Coupe Plate for $5.99! Pair it with that formal china you never use!


Ikat Tablet Case for $34.99


For $4.99 so cute for jewelry...plus 40% off- seriously??

This may have gone into my cart.....

Continental Wallet $74.99 and then 40%

BTW, if you have a moment, I would really appreciate it if you could vote for my little ole' blog over at Modenus- they are rating the top 100 Design Blogs. I am currently #223 on the list- maybe I'll move up the list with your help! Go here to vote!

Holiday Book Gift Guide

2012-12-11T05:35:00.000-08:00

Anyone who steps foot in my home understands my obsession with books. One of the first projects in my home was to put built-in bookshelves to hold my collection of books- which also reside in my office, more in a box in my garage and some in the attic. I am a book-hoarder so it is very natural for me to put together a gift guide of the books I have on my Christmas list!

My first collection of books for the gift guide are from one of my all-time favorite designers, Kathryn Ireland. I am so inspired by her ability to mix patterns, color and texture and I think she is just so much fun to watch on Million Dollar Decorators. I had a little encounter with her which I blogged about here. I love that her rooms are gorgeous but so live-able and functional which I think is so important in design...no one lives in a magazine! Here are three books by Kathryn Ireland which I think would be amazing additions to any collection!

Kathryn Ireland Timeless Interiors

Creating A Home

Classic Country (pb)

I have also been loving this book for a while but haven't added it to my collection yet. This mother/daughter duo inspire me to endlessly beg my daughter to be an interior designer....I don't think I'll be as lucky as these two who share the passion for design....although my daughter would relish the idea of being my boss one day!

Good Bones, Great Pieces: The Seven Essential Pieces That Will Carry You Through a Lifetime

I am a daily reader of the design blog decor8 by Holly Becker so I just have to include her beautiful book here...

Decorate: 1,000 Design Ideas for Every Room in Your Home

Or how about this from an iconic designer of our time, Barbara Barry...

Barbara Barry: Around Beauty

Why don't I own this one already??

The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How to Decorate and Live Well

And truth be told, I need my Nate fix now that his show has been retired....boo hoo!

The Things That Matter

Did I miss any? Let me know what some of your "must have" design books are as I'd love to add them to my wish list! Hopefully Santa is listening!

Also, today I am heading over to one of my favorite stores, C Wonder- I think they have some amazingly stylish stuff at pretty good prices! I hope to pick up lots of last minute gifts for some people on my list (aka me) Also, if you head over to C.Wonder and shop today through the 13th they are having an amazing sale: 40% off sale items and free shipping over $100! Use code SALE40. I'll share some pictures of what I find there tomorrow!