This beautiful hand-painted mural sells for $139. Enter below to win!

Brothers Stepan and Berge Karakashian, and Hagop Karakashian, are a family on a mission: Bring gorgeous, hand-painted tiles to the world.  The craftsmanship they offer goes back to 1919 when the brothers’ father, Megherdich Karakashian, and several other Armenian potters were brought to Jerusalem from Kutahia, Turkey.  These craftsmen were appointed to repair the tiles covering the external walls of a treasured cultural landmark, the Dome of the Rock.  To escape persecution, which many Armenians experienced in Turkey during this time period, they settled in Jerusalem.  Today, the family tradition continues and has extended its reach to the United States.  They still craft tiles that are prominently featured on the street signs throughout the Old City, but lucky for us they are also creating gorgeous accent tiles and backsplash tiles that we can purchase for our own homes!

An example of the street sign tile the brothers have created

Their shop is a sunny space in the Old City filled with unique plates, bowls, candlesticks, mugs, and tiles in many shapes and sizes.  These tiles are a unique way to add a splash of color to your kitchen tile or bathroom wall; with motifs of peacocks, trees, flowers, and animals.  The designs are graceful and the colors are vibrant and rich.  They can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, gardens, fireplaces, or for table tops.

A joyful colorful garden scene - a pomegranate tree with peacocks. This tile mural is hand painted on 12 six inch tiles.

All the decoration is done by hand.  The tile murals are first designed on paper with pencil, and then they are hand painted on the tiles, glazed and fired using traditional methods.  The colors are still mixed according to the same recipes that their father used fifty years ago.   The Karakashians take great pride in their work (it shows) and in maintaining their standard of craftsmanship.  They look to the future with the hope that Karakashians will continue to supply their unique pottery for generations to come.

Would you like to win this Hand Painted Tile Mural?

To Enter Simply…

1. Visit Jeruselum Pottery and browse around.

2. Leave me one comment below telling me what item you would use to help create your Dream Kitchen, Bathroom, Fireplace, etc…

If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 

One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Wednesday, November 18th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

Dog beds and crates can really put a kink in your home decor.  I have seen my clients try to camouflage them with sheets or blankets, but really it creates even more of an eyesore.  In interior design the trick with any necessary but distracting item is to integrate it into the design.  So I did a little hunting and found a company I’d like to share:  Crate Covers & More.  They make custom-designed crate covers and beds that are so nice, they might inspire you to design your room around them!  They offer a variety of fabrics and styles so you can find something that best suits your room.  For more traditional or feminine rooms they have the Gathered Style which resembles draperies.  If you like to keep it simple or more modern, with a cover that fits like a tailored slipcover then the Stagecoach Cover is for you. 

The gathered style is shown here. I love the little tie-backs!

The designer fabrics and color combinations are really sharp looking plus you can opt for the coordinating bed.  The corners and bottom edge are finished off beautifully with contrasting welt.  The front rolls up, so you can easily open the door.  If your pup prefers some privacy you just unhook the loop from the fabric-covered button.  They really put a lot of thought into the design as you can see from the details.

• They use high-quality upholstery and drapery fabrics including  Ralph Lauren and Laura Ashley brands.
• Each cover is professionally lined and sewn.
• The beds are reversible so you can use both sides plus they are soil and stain resistant.
• Everything is made in the USA.

The quality is really nice with coordinating buttons and contrast linings.

In addition to making covers for standard size crates, they do custom sizes and fabrics.  They also carry organic dog beds and sofa and chair covers.  They may be the answer to a few of your prayers.

Become a member of My Secret Database for more great sources of Pet Furnishings!

* Today’s post was written in memory of our dog, Emma (left) who I have mentioned quite a few times.  I am sorry to say that recently she passed away after 12 wonderful years with us.   She was the first dog I cared for from puppy to parting so it’s been a rough couple of weeks and we miss her dearly. But I am also happy to report that we have been blessed with a new dog named Roxie (right).  She is 6 years old and came to us from Florida Weimaraner Rescue.  So for those of you considering a pet, remember all the adult dogs and cats that need a home.  If you like a specific breed, then contact your local rescue league.  Most of them now list their dogs on  Petfinder.com which allows you to plug in all your preferences and see what animals are waiting for you!

This porch is featured in the latest issue of Coastal Living. It's their Idea House in the community of Seawatch at Sunset Harbor, North Carolina.

Fall weather makes me think of crisp mornings, kids playing in the leaves, and cozying up to a good book in a comfy chair.  It’s such a beautiful time of year as we shift from outdoor sun-seeking to indoor semi-hibernation.  Where is the best spot to spend a lazy afternoon? Just follow your dog or cat, they will lead the way. 

Three twin size daybeds in the same room. Sorry kids, that's my bed!

A sunroom or sleeping porch (we call it a Florida room) is a great place to camp out with a good book, game, or snack.  These rooms are a throwback from years past when most people did not have air conditioning.  When it got too hot in the house, they slept on screened porches where they could catch a soothing breeze every now and then.  Many people have winterized these porches with windows and insulation.  So now you have a lovely view of the cold, crisp outdoor world as you sit warm and snug in your daybed reading your favorite novel.

A simple, yet beautiful version. Reminds me of Grandma's house.

As with all decorating, sunrooms range from elaborate enclaves created by top designers to simple rooms furnished with antique daybeds and hand-me-down quilts.  Personally, I prefer the more sparsely decorated ones.  As long as it’s warm and cozy; simple, yet thoughtful decor is fine.  I am more interested in observing the birds and the changing leaves. 

This sunroom, that was an addition, integrates so nicely with the home.

This porch, which is quite large, would be wonderful for entertaining.

As the seasons change I try to become more aware of the subtle shifts around me.  If it hasn’t gotten too cold where you live, it would really be fun to sleep out there with the kids and pets.  We eat and sleep in the same exact places day after day.  You may find that a small change like this is not only fun, but awakens you to a different point of view.

Do you have a sleeping porch now or memories of one as a kid?  Please share your story!

Become of a member of My Secret Database today!

We all have more random stuff in our homes than we care to admit.  It might be the 80’s Cd’s that you simply cannot part with.  Maybe it’s the old t-shirts that have way too much sentimental value.  Or, perhaps you would like to display your treasured collection of voodoo dolls Barbies. 

Many storage pieces can be downright boring and don’t provide the right mix of storage for your needs.  To fix this problem, I have found a bunch of great solutions at The Container Store that look great and allow you to customize ’til your heart’s content.

Galvanized Cubes with components starting at $68.

Galvanized Cubes

These Italian designed galvanized cubes add a bit of edgy style that works with most any decor.  They offer cubes you can arrange to create the look you see above or you can stack a couple of pairs and add a top for a great desk.  They also carry wall-mounted versions for the bathroom if you are short on floor space.  You can add doors, casters, or shelves to create coffee tables, room dividers and much more. 

The Ladoro Display Cubes have a futuristic look and also start at $69.

Ladoro Display Cubes

These polypropylene cubes are curious, but cool.  I first purchased a similar product from Design Within Reach for a client with modern taste.  The kids desperately needed storage but their room was quite small.  I knew that these translucent cubes would give us lots of storage but visually would  pretty much disappear.  I was right.  I will say that initially the DWR version was a little tricky to put together but once you got the hang of it, it was a snap. 

I cannot vouch for The Container Store shelves first hand.  They have lots of different kits including one to create a media center.   The DWR version comes in 10″ and 13″ depths and they offer a bright orange color as well.  The Container Store collection is 15″ deep giving you a little more space.  

The Janus Shelving fits a low budget and has a nice light look to it.  Steel uprights and a choice of shelves allow you to create the design that suits your needs.  Shelves are available in translucent, translucent blue and solid black.  The steel components are light looking and almost disappear into the wall, so the shelves look like they are floating.   

The Container Store also offers customized storage solutions, if that’s what you need.  They have boxes, bins, containers and anything else you might need to keep yourself organized.  Hopefully these shelves have sparked your desire to sort things out find a place for all your odds and ends.  If you are looking for more storage options including wall shelves and display units, be sure to Become a Member of My Design Secrets for access to My Secret Database of fantastic online sources!

Join Now!

Congratulations to Claire H. from Santee, CA, winner of the Caribbean Houses Book Giveaway!

The summer has officially ended and fall is now upon us.  In the last few weeks, I am sure that some of you have already seen the temperatures plunge where you live.  In fact, we just had our first cool front blow through.  In South Florida, you can rarely call it a cold front!   The temperature dropped a few degress giving us a hint of what is to come over the next couple of months.  Many people welcome this change of seasons with open arms while others have already started longing for the hot days of summer.  If you would prefer summer year round, you are going to love the book that we are giving away today!

Caribbean Houses is a lavishly illustrated account of the development of historically significant houses in the West Indies. Author Michael Connors, a West Indian decorative arts scholar, examines venerable houses that remain as a testimony to the rich history and vibrant lifestyle that was, and continues to be, an important part of Caribbean culture.

The book is divided into five chapters, one for each European heritage: the Spanish Antilles, the Dutch Leewards, the English Islands, the French Lesser Antilles, and the Danish Virgin Islands. The authoritative text sheds light on the area’s rich architectural and interior design history and gives the reader a unique view of houses that combine the tradition of European styles with the vernacular island forms and decorative motifs.

The lavish new photography captures the stunning exteriors and provides a rare look into the interiors of these historic houses, with exotic tropical hardwoods, indigenous stone, and a blending of local crafts and handiwork with antiques and contemporary furnishings.

With the disappearance of so much of the Caribbean’s historic domestic architecture, the colonial residences that still exist represent an important historical record of the Caribbean’s material culture. 

Would you like to win a copy of

CARIBBEAN HOUSES ?

To Enter Simply…

1. Leave me one comment below telling me what you are going to miss about the summer months.
2. If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 
3. One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Wednesday, October 14th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

And on another note…

We have recently re-launched My Secret Database and it is truly the best tool on the Internet for helping you find online home furnishing sources.  With your membership, you will gain 24/7 access to my exclusive database of 400+ interior decorating sources; including their price ranges, sample product photos, and other helpful information.  You’ll also receive my monthly members-only newsletter featuring the best design tips and tricks that I have discovered in my professional career.  Plus, when you sign up now, you will instantly receive this special guide: “7 Great Ways to Stretch Your Home Decorating Budget!”

Stop endless internet searches and start spending more time decorating and enjoying your home!  It’s the perfect solution for the do-it-yourself decorator.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW! 

As you know by know, Wednesday was the Big Day!  We unveiled all the wonderful improvements here at My Design Secrets and we are already getting some great feedback. Decorating your Home using the Web will be easier than ever before!

You have to be a Member for exclusive access to the Database and believe me, it’s well worth it!  Click here to see all the wonderful benefits of membership; including getting my free guide:

“7 Great Ways to Stretch Your Home Decorating Budget”

We have done our best to make the transition as smooth as silk, but as you know, technical glitches are bound to occur.   So, as you surf around please give us time to work out the kinks.  And if you want to bring anything to our attention, just click here to contact us.  We appreciate your help and feedback!

Thank you all for your loyalty and support.  We will be here helping you decorate your home for many years to come!

~Lorrie

CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!

I started My Design Secrets more than a year ago with one goal in mind:  Help people who love home decorating by giving them professional advice and easy access to the best online interior decorating sources.  After receiving a lot of wonderful feedback and learning that close to 100,000 people visted the database last year, I realized that My Secret Database was the answer to many of your decorating prayers!  So, I  was determined to continue sharing my interior design advice and resources.

A couple of months ago, I announced that we would be making some upgrades to the website.  Now, the time has come!  We wanted to make My Design Secrets even more useful, interesting, and fun for all of you decorating enthusiasts. (And for those of you who don’t know, my husband, Tim,  is the what turns “me” into “we”.)

So, here is what’s in store…

Improvements to My Secret Database *

The new database is PHENOMENAL.  When it comes to home decorating, My Secret Database blows any search engine out of the water.  Take that Google!  Here’s why: 

• Search through hundreds of online retailers for the product(s) you need and in the specific style you want.
• View a wide assortment of photos of specific products from the vendors in My Secrets Database. 
• Check out the the handy $-$$-$$$!  These icons will help you stay within your home decorating budget.

*While we wanted to keep doing all this for free, a girl has got to make a living!   With all these great new features, we are confident that you will recognize what a great value it is.  So starting this Wednesday at noon, My Secret Database is going to become a membership only site.  We are sure you will agree that the nominal charge of $9.95 per month is a fair price for access to this incredibly valuable, time-saving database.

Hot New Topics and Inside Tips in the Blog (Free)

The blog will continue to be free of charge and will offer my professional design tips as well as introductions to some of the hottest new decorating sources on the web.  I have lots of great ideas for new topics and, as always, you are welcome to make suggestions.  Feel free to search my existing blog entries covering over 350 decorating topics!

Great New Giveaways

We know you all love a Great Giveaway, so those are definitely going to continue.  We have some great ones lined up for high quality paint, gorgeous home furnishings, and fabulous interior decorating/design books.  And remember, your paid membership will automatically enter you into the giveaways.

Thank You…Thank You…Thank You

I have appreciated your support over the last year and sincerely hope that you will find these upgrades very helpful as you continue to put your personal decorating stamp on your home.

~ Lorrie

This Classic Glass Hurricane from Williams Sonoma features hand blown glass from Poland and can be personalized with your initials. ($68.00)

I like the idea of accessories that pull double duty.  A personal favorite in my home are my Hurricane Lamps.  Sure, they make it possible to eat outdoors on a breezy night, but they can serve many other useful purposes.  So, today I would like to share some of my favorite sources for Hurricane Lamps as well as ways you can use them to spruce up your home for any holiday or as an accessory all year long.

The Hurricane Glass Bowl from Target is a nice option. The low height makes it easy to see people sitting across the table. I would fill it with water and aqua candles.($29.99)

The Londoner Hurricane is a cool modern option from Crate & Barrel. Looks great with some simple ornaments inside or out. Two sizes ($29.95 & $39.95)

Some Tips on Accessorizing your Hurricane Lamps:

• Fill them with Pine Cones for your Mountain Retreat or Sea Shells in your Beach House.
• Put sea salt in the bottom with some holly on top for the look of fresh snow.  Finish it off with a large pillar candle.
• Fill them with colored or clear marbles for a modern look.
• Arrange seasonal fruits and veggies: Lemons, pomegranates, green apples, artichokes and gourds look great.
• Decorate around the hurricane with greenery, flowers or garland.

If you do want to use candles, stock up on different colors so you can coordinate the color with linens.  Just remember that these beautiful accessories can be used as a showcase for anything special; no candle is required.  With a little imagination your table will always look fresh and fun.

Bargain Alert - These Green Glass Hurricanes from Pier 1 Imports are made with recycled glass and look great in multiples. ($10 & $18)

Another great option from Crate & Barrel. The Piazza Hurricane features a square design and stainless steel frame. ($34.95)

For a simple home office, you cannot beat the price and functionality of the Trovato Office-In-A-Box from Office Max. A desk, hutch and storage ottoman for $149.99.

More and more of us are working from home.  Some people need to take work home from the office, others work from home full-time and still others are starting new businesses “on the side” just to earn a few extra dollars in these money-tight times.  And let’s not forget how organized you need to be to manage a household – baseball games, trips to the vet, and school plays!

While it would be great to have a whole room for your office, many times you need to carve out a little space in an already crowded home.  The key here is to create a small, but well-organized space so you can focus when it’s time to settle in and get down to business.   Here is a sure fire way to make it work!

The Right Desk Spells Success

Find a desk that works for you. Not for the kids, not for your spouse, for you!  This means it has the right amount of space to hold the things you need (computer, phone, printer, etc) but not so much that you are filling it with clutter.  The height is very important because you want to be comfortable when using your keyboard.  If the desk does not have a keyboard tray then you will have to make sure your chair is adjustable so your shoulders are not scrunched up by your ears!

Steelcase has been making commercial office chairs for years. Now you can have an eco-friendly one that conforms to your body. It's a win-win. $659 at Crate & Barrel

“Chair” Man or Woman

Don’t buy a CHEAP CHAIR!  Your back, your neck and your butt will thank you.  The best chair allows you to adjust your seat up and down, and tilt forward and and back.  It should have lumbar support and allow you to adjust the arm rests.  Even people of the same height can be built so much differently with shorter arms or longer legs.  A good chair will last you for years.  Mine has gone 10 years so far and every vertebrae in my back is thankful.

This flexible gooseneck lamp from LampsPlus will twist and turn in any direction. LED lights keep it burning cool and saves energy. $99.99

Let There be Light

It’s great if your room already has overhead light but you still need some task lighting to make the space work.  If you are doing detailed worked, halogen lamps are great because the light is bright and clear.  But make sure the shade is not metal or it will get super hot.  Another great option is a light that uses LED bulbs that burn cool and last a super long time.  Table lamps look good but they really don’t give you the focused light that your eyes truly need. 

Metal mesh on the outside and cork on the inside allows you to use push pins or magnets. Pick your poison. $37.99

Organize It

Your organizational needs will vary greatly depending on your line of business but there a few basics that can help everyone!  Make sure you have enough filing space.  That sleek and simple writing desk may just have to wait if you have files you need at your fingertips.  There are lots of great looking desks with ample storage.  Also, some kind of  bulletin or magnet board is a huge help.  It can prevent you from getting lost in a flutter of Post-It notes.

These are just some basic tips to get you started with your furnishings.  If you feel you could use the help of a professional home office organization expert, then my friend Brandie is your woman!  She has contributed to My Design Secrets in the past and offers consultations to get you going in the right direction!

Please share your personal home office tips and tricks below!

One of my favorite prints is Ocean Breezes. A more classic take on the brown and blue combo with both colors having a gently worn feeling.

My Design Secrets is the perfect outlet for my obsessive habit of collecting decorating sources.  Even with a busy design practice, and the homes of my friends and family, I still have overflowing amounts of advice and sources that are here for the taking!  Today I stumbled onto a site that makes me giddy.  Saffron Marigold carries exotic, handmade, eco-friendly bedding and linens that are bursting with gorgeous colors and good Karma to boot! 

A versatile tablecloth that goes from everyday to festive and then just throw it in the wash.

This black and white shower curtain lends some modern flair to this traditional paisley.

The owner, Anisha, is a girl after my own heart.  She has a Masters degree in Human Resources but her love of Indian Textiles was so overwhelming  that it led her to create Saffron Marigold.   It’s a small business run out of Petaluma, California that has a large heart that extends over the Indian Ocean and into Pune, India where the magic happens.  All of their products are hand-crafted according to traditional block printing techniques and each piece is an original work of art distinguished by the work of the artisan, the particular lot of dye, and even varying weather conditions.  They work with a couple of artisan studios with whom they have a close relationship.  They visit the studios to make sure they follow Fair Trade practices that Saffron Marigold values, as well as helping the craftspeople become more economically self-sufficient.

These white lace curtain panels are perfect for a soft touch that's a bit more sophisticated than most country curtains.

A 17" x 17" pillow cover is only $19.99. This is the most stylish sofa makeover bargain you are going to get!

With a broad selection of bedding, shower curtains, table linens, pillow covers, and sheer curtains you are sure to find something to spice up your home.  Cool blue and turquoise, spicy saffron and cinnamon, and breezy white on white. You can shop by the item or by prints with names like Lavender Dreams, Paisley Au Lait or Memories of Shalimar.  You will enjoy browsing the site and the fantastic prices are a wonderful bonus.

Enjoy!

~Lorrie