Over the next few days our website will be under construction.  We will be adding some great new services to the site.  I apologize for any inconveniences you may experience during this time.  Thank you for your patience.  Have a great weekend!!

~ Lorrie

I sit down to write and the guilt immediately creeps in…

I usually post once a week (maybe twice) but I was aiming for so much higher this year.  I love interior design, I love writing, and I love my readers… So what’s the problem? I am sure you can relate.  Some days I feel so efficient that I can do the work of 3 women and other days it’s a flurry of stop, start, stop, start ….Ugh!  Between work, family, the website and trying to squeeze in a little fun it doesn’t seem like there are enough hours in the day.

Every day ideas for posts are running through my head and across my desk.  The transfer speed with which this huge pile of torn-out magazine pages turns into posts has slowed way down and I would like your help.  Here is a (partial) list of topics I am considering, now please tell me what to do!

THE LIST

1. Pillow arrangements for different size beds
2. Affordable Custom Mural Art
3. Sumptuous Area Rug Designs
4. Appliances Finishes – Modern & Retro
5. A Wonderful Selection of Wooden Chandeliers & Lamps
6. Selecting the Right Mosaic for your Kitchen Back-splash
7. Color Palettes for Kids’ Rooms
8. Decorating Do’s & Don’ts
9. Countertop Materials Roundup
10. Selecting New Fabric that Works with your Existing Design

So please post a comment below selecting one of the topics above and I will start in order of popularity.  Or you can  help me out by sharing some ideas or questions of your own.  I am happy help, just let me know where to go!

Grateful for some guidance. 

~Lorrie

.

Some of us are lucky enough to have a house at the beach but most all of us have fond memories of spending time in the sea and sand.  The sounds of the waves and gulls, smell of the salt water, and the sun warming your face.  It’s relaxation and rejuvenation all rolled into one.  And that, my friends, is why some wonderful beach-inspired artwork is a great touch in any home.  So today I wanted to share this lovely photograph that comes to you straight from the sea.

.

.

Cottage and Bungalow, which is my go-to source for everything in the Beach House Style, features some really fantastic artists and one of them is Robin Rowe.  In her latest collection, Coastal Studies, she shares closeups of shells, sand and sea glass that make a big impact with color and texture.  I love this type of work because you can really appreciate the organic patterns that Mother Nature has created and are often overlooked.  Framed or unframed, these pieces will add some wow-factor to your walls and they will make you smile each time you pass them by.  I would group them three in a row or two up/ two down for a designer touch.  Enjoy!

.

Enter the $300 Rejuvenation Giveaway Here!

or Automically be Entered in All of Our Giveaways by

Joining My Secret Database!

.

.

.

Even thought One Kings Lane only exists on the Web, this is its virtual home.

.

70% off on gorgeous high-end furnishings for your home….now I have your attention!

One Kings Lane is an wonderful  site that offers a limted number of designer deals each and every day.  Furniture, art, accessories, it’s all there.  Today there are 10 vendors listed with everything from high-end bean bag chairs to hand-crafted candle flowers that could pass for the real deal.  The sales start at 8AM Pacific Time every day (the founders are Manhattanites turned West Coasters) and feature at least 3 brand new vendors.  There’s a schedule listed for easy reference plus you’ll receive an email each day announcing the sales.

.

An adult sized bean bag chair is relaxation and luxury rolled in one. This shade of orange is the perfect accent for any room. (Retails for $250, their price $149)

.

If you recommend a friend who makes a purchase they give you a $25 credit which is a nice little perk.  On Saturday’s they have the Tastemaker Tag Sales that feature “curated selections from leading interior designers.” This weekend they are featuring Vintage Print Gallery and I am excited to see what they offer since some of their artwork hangs in my clients’ homes.  Check it out and see what you think!

If you have not entered our Rejuvenation Giveaway, make sure you take a look.

You could win a $300 light just for stopping by!

Enter Here!

.

This cute little desk lamp is so charming that it was recently reproduced by a major lighting company, but the new ones don't capture the authentic character of the originals. $300

.

Whether your taste is traditional or modern, you just can’t knock a good antique.  Most designs you see today take their cues from days past and lighting is no exception.  And that, my friends, is a big fat hint at the fantastic giveaway we have for you today!

Rejuvenation (my favorite source for classic lighting) has expanded its online antique lighting assortment with a collection of vintage industrial lights spanning the 1890s through the 1940s.  It’s called Antique Industrial.  They have also added a few new collections with antique style where you can customize ’till your heart’s content!  So let me tell you a little bit about them…

.

The Ford's Mill makes an excellent bathroom or hallway light.

..

Rejuvenation’s current offering consists of lights that originally illuminated movie theaters, garment factories, machine shops, schools, warehouses store display windows and New York City Subways. Minimal refinishing work has been done to these lights to maintain their rustic beauty and original patinas. When more extensive restoration was necessary, original period appropriate parts were used whenever possible.

.

The McCoy is from around 1900 and you can customize it with blue, green & red shades as well as some metal options.

In addition to these wonderful originals, they have also added some classic fixtures where you get classic style and your choice of finishes, shades and light bulbs.  The Ford’s Mill makes an excellent bathroom or hallway light.  The Menlo, McCoy and Wiley are fantastic pendant lights for any space.  Think hallways, dining areas or kitchens. (That’s where I  have mine!)  So jump out of the box (or the Big Box Store) and select a unique light with lots of charm.  You will be amazed at how many people will notice. .

.

This is how to enter:

Step 1:  Visit Rejuvenation and shop around.

Step 2:  Leave me a comment below telling me which item would be on the Top of Your Wish List and Why. 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, July 7th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

Good Luck!

~Lorrie

The "Ask Me Alberto" Glider...now who does not like to glide?

.

Q Collection, a company that makes gorgeous eco-friendly sofas and chairs, sent me an email announcing their new website and that they were “lightening up” their image.  Wow, that’s relief!  These days everyone seems to be getting increasingly uptight and it’s way more pleasent to purchase furniture from people who are happy and bright:-)

Their new website is fun (who can resist names like the Sweet Cheeks Sofa and Kiss My Arse Recliner?) plus they are eco-friendly with an emphasis on the FRIENDLYpart.  Formerly a trade-only resources they now have a retail line on their website that can be purchased through their NY retail store.  And by visiting or calling you can purchase designer quality eco-friendly furniture yourself at reasonable prices.  And you know me, I believe a sofa is an investment, not a short term commitment.  If you spread the cost of your sofa over the number of years you have it, a high quality sofa is a much wiser purchase.

.

One Sweet Cheeks Sofa for your sweet cheeks:-)

 .

You can choose one of their many neutral, eco-friendly fabrics (bamboo, cotton, hemp, linen and many more) or even send them your own.  The insides are made of 100% certified sustainably harvested woods, natural latex foam rubber, organic cotton batting, wool batting and natural jute webbing.  Plus you can customize until your heart’s content. 

.

Neutral Fabrics galore...or send them your preference.

 .

The sofas, chairs and ottoman could meld easily into any modern, beach house or classic look.  The lines are graceful yet unfussy.  My next sofa is definitely going to be eco-friendly.  I am done with furniture made from over-forested woods and petroleum-laden cushions.  Q Collection is getting back to basics and helping us all breathe easy!

Q Collection is just one of my Many Design Secrets. 

.

Join My Secret Datase today to find more!

.

.

twenty2 is has bold custom designed prints by a husband and wife team.

.

Wallpaper is making a BIG comeback these days. It’s breaking out out the powder room and into the living room, kitchen and master bedroom.  There are lots of beautiful options but many people claim they don’t like wallpaper because it’s too old fashioned.  That excuse really doesn’t hold water with me.  I think they just don’t want to admit that selecting wallpaper is scary!  

But good design means sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing something new and (dare I say) semi-permanent?  I bet there’s a good number of you that have not repainted your walls in 5+ years and have not given it s second thought.  Why not give wallpaper the same shot?  I am here to take some of the scary aspects out of the mix.  It’s really not as complicated as it seems and the results can be delightful.  

A Few Rules for Easy Wallpaper Selection

• Foyer – Most foyers don’t have much furniture, especially upholstered items.  So this is your chance to pick a bold pattern.  Pull a couple of colors from the adjoining rooms and have fun.
• Master Bedroom – Just like a painted accent wall, a wallpaper accent wall makes a bold statement.  By papering the wall behind your headboard it will give your bed a whole new look.
• Kid’s Room – I love wallpaper for kids’ rooms.  There are lots of durable options and the paper will give you an instant theme for the room.  Just pull the colors from the paper for the bedding.  A mix of colors for the sheets, pillowcases and pillows are fun.
• Laundry Room - The paper doesn’t have to coordinate with the rest of the house.  You spend enough time in there so pick something that makes you smile!
• Powder Room – Always a great spot for wallpaper.  You can choose just about anything.  Just make sure you coordinate your lighting and plumbing fixtures for a finished look.  Which reminds me….this is a great place for wallpapers with a little metallic flair!

.

Thivaut has always been known for classic prints with exotic flair. This trellis pattern is printed on grasscloth whichi gives it a nice earthy feel.

.

Fabric

Finding fabrics that work with the wallpaper without getting too matchy-matchy is easier than you think.  If your wallpaper has a lot of pattern, then stick with solids, textures and stripes for your furniture and vice-versa.  If you like more pattern overall, geometric patterns on the wallpaper such as diamond and trellis designs, look really great with florals and other prints.

Samples

Make sure you get a sample of your wallpaper and look at in the room where you are installing it.  Artificial and natural light change things as well as all the other funishigns in the room.  It’s important to tape it to the wall, step back and take a look.  A pattern looks dramatically different from 6 feet away.

.

Sophisticated medallions to wake up your walls. Vinyl-free wallpaper is hand-printed using non-toxic inks from Mod Green Pod.

.

I think it’s far easier to search for wallpaper online rather than hunting through a bunch of outdated books in a local shop.  You can search by style, color and keyword.  Plus they have great photos to give you a feel for the final look.  Many websites also include a wallpaper calculator and Better Homes & Gardens has a great one here that also explains the difference between American and European roll sizes.

I have some great vendors in My Secret Database where you can order samples and the paper online. What could be easier?

Join Now!

For those of you receiving this entry by email, please visit our website for the full story and photos.  There were so many lovely shots that I have posted 2 slideshows for your viewing pleasure!

Wild Birds is just one series of pieces you can choose from!

Lonesomeville -A curious name that sounds sweet and melancholy at the same time.  Here’s the story… It all started with a farm house built in the late 19th century and a group of people who could not bear to see it torn down.  So what did they do?  They bought it!  And over the last 20 years the owners have brought the house and the lovely grounds it is nestled on back to life!   From the cabinetry, furniture and tableware to the railings and gingerbread, no detail is overlooked by their artisans. And so, Lonesomeville was born.

[[Show as slideshow]]

But that’s just the beginning of the story.  Danny, one of the homeowners, happened to be an accomplished potter.  Soon thereafter, the home and grounds became the birthplace of Lonesomeville Pottery Company.  Really, it’s a campus of sorts with a lovely home, garden, and studio that all provide endless inspiration and comfort for those that reside there.

As you browse through the website you will see that each piece is inspired by nature.  Leaves, insects, flowers and birds are lovingly integrated into the designs.  As you click on each motif, there is a wide offering of shapes and sizes. Maybe something for your end table or mantel… dining room or kitchen?  It’s all there and it’s beautiful.

[[Show as slideshow]]

…

Would YOU like to Win your choice of

Beautiful Lonesomeville Pottery worth $150.00?

This is how to enter:

Step 1:  Visit Lonesomeville Pottery and shop around.

Step 2:  Leave me a comment below telling me which piece would be on the Top of Your Wish List and Why. You can choose any piece up to a value of $150!  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, May 26th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

Good Luck!

~Lorrie

P.S.   And remember, you can be the first to hear about Lonesomville news and the latest designs by signing up to receive their Newsletter or becoming a fan on Facebook!

.

I get email updates from Mountain Living Magazine.  I don’t quite know how they started but I love them!  Western or Mountain design has such a nice warm feel to it.  You know where it belongs and it seems to easily bridge the gap between indoors and out.  Mountain Living just did a feature called “Women In Design” and it’s fabulous.  It features designer and architects in the western part of our country who each have a style all their own but yet they all celebrate the unique style of the West.  Their designs are anything but typical.  They honor the past  but feel wonderfully comfortable right now. 

Enjoy and click on each photo to go directly to the designer’s website!

.

A room from the the famous Kips Bay Showhouse in years past designed by LL Designs.

.

Spring is a wonderful time to take a peak at some of the loveliesthomes in your area on a house tour or in a showhouse.  My mom took me to a few as a kid and as I wandered from one colorful room to the next I wondered who would let all these people in their house!  I highly recommend that you look for one in your area. It’s like like taking a grown-up field trip! 

Showhouses are a good way to raise money for a charitable cause while also quenching the public thirst for great design.  They are usually held in a home that is on the market.  A different designer is usually assigned to each room.  Sometimes the entire home has a theme and other times it’s a surprise in every room.  Either way,  you are seeing designers at their best.  They are donating their time and talent for a good cause and may gain some new fans along the way. 

Home Tours, on the other hand, are private homes that are opened up to show wonderful architecture and design from historical homes to the super modern.  Imagine giving up your home to let a few hundred people wander through next weekend.  It’s a serious commitment.

Take a look at these upcoming events and maybe there’s one right in your backyard!

A Listing of Home Tours – The New York Times

Home Tours – Some modern stunners sponsored by the San Francisco American Institute of Architects

Check your local chapter of the Amercian Institute of Architects for more listing.

The  Top 9 Annual Designer Showhouses – From About.com

So grab a friend and make a day of it.  A little lunch, a little touring.  Step in, take a peak but you’ll have to file all the good stuff away in your head.  Sneaking photos is a no-no.

.