Design is... All in the Detail

Sunday in Bed

2012-03-04T08:54:00.000-05:00

My Favorite Series

...each Sunday, I present for your enjoyment a snapshot of staying in bed
or of just choosing to be plain lazy for the day.

It’s Sunday and everyone deserves a day off.

Here’s wishing you a restful Sunday.

Enjoy Your Sunday in Bed

Are you a Non-Google Blogger or Follower?

2012-03-03T09:00:00.005-05:00

As previously announced by Google, they retired Google Friend Connect for all

Non-Google Sites (i.e. Twitter, AOL, Yahoo, etc.).

So, if you signed up to follow my blog through any other account besides Google... unfortunately, you will not be following me anymore.

Do you have a Google account but signed up under a different account? If so, just Join This Site (over on the right hand side of my blog) under your Google Account now and you are still a member!

I don't want to lose any of my friends, so PLEASE take a look at my sidebar and choose another way that I'm offering to stay in touch with Design is... All in the Detail.

Don't be left out - please stick around and keep following!

Enjoy Your Saturday!

2012-03-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

I hope you have a beautiful and enjoyable Saturday!

Kitchen Must-Haves According to Crate and Barrel

2012-03-02T07:36:00.000-05:00

I received an email from Crate and Barrel the other day and it was titled: The Top 8 Kitchen Must-haves for a Bridal Registry. Curiosity took hold and I had to take a look. This email got me thinking… ‘Must-haves’ according to whom? Yeah, yeah... I know - Crate and Barrel, duh. But after looking over the email… I knew they definitely didn't ask me (or any other homeowner) to vote. Maybe sales are down a little on some of these items and it was time to jump start the marketing? If we had all these ‘gadgets' for the kitchen… exactly how big would our kitchen have to be? Talk about a need for extra storage! Then I got to thinking… Are these on anyone's list?
What do you think: Must-have or Must-not?

1. Nespresso® Citiz White Espresso Machine $249.95

Swiss precision for the coffee connoisseur. Nespresso's fast, convenient espresso machine combines Thermobloc heating, 19 bars of pressure and automatic pump priming for the purest, subtlest coffee aromas and flavors and richest crema. Slim, retro-modern countertop presence in fresh white; automatic capsule ejection, and removable water tank and drip tray.

MUST-NOT: Isn’t this why there is a friendly barista at Starbuck’s?

2. Hurom Slow Juicer SALE $358.95 sugg. $400.00

Patented low-speed technology extracts juice faster than most high-speed centrifugal juicers and expels drier pulp for a higher juice yield — all while saving energy. Auger action acts like a mortar and pestle to break down the cellular structure of fruits and vegetables and release the deep-seated nutrients and minerals, minimizing oxidation and preserving precious enzymes.

MUST-HAVE: I have to admit there is NOTHING like a fresh squeezed glass of orange juice in the morning. If I could PAY someone to prepare this everyday, I would! So juicer, yes... this thing - what does it say it does?

3. Cuisinart® Griddler SALE $99.95 sugg. $185.00

This timesaver is a nonstick griddle, contact grill, panini press and open grill all in one—with one reversible plate and dual temperature controls allowing for simultaneous use in two formats. Five separate cooking options handle everything from pancakes and sauces to steaks and burgers to grilled cheese and panini.

MUST-NOT: I think I could do the same thing with a iron skillet… although I have been curious to see how nifty those Panini Presses are.

4. KitchenAid® Custom Metallic Series® Copper Stand Mixer SALE $499.95 sugg. $529.95

KitchenAid® updates this kitchen classic with a beautiful metallic copper finish and our exclusive 5-quart glass bowl. Powerful 325-watt mixer goes from a gentle stir to a fast whip with a flick of the control switch, while a hands-free 67-point planetary mixing action thoroughly blends ingredients all the way to the edges. Head tilts up for easy access to bowl. Flat beater, "C" dough hook and wire whip included.

MUST-HAVE… MUST-HAVE… MUST-HAVE: I LIVE with my KitchenAid Mixer. I am surprised that poor thing hasn’t given out on me. This marvel of marvels is the next best thing since sliced bread.

5. Breville® Electric Tea Brewer & Kettle SALE $249.95 sugg. $299.99

Tea aficionados will appreciate the thought that's gone into this brewing technology, designed to steep any style of tea to the desired strength with the touch of a button. Programmable brewer with auto-start has variable electronic controls with five temperatures specified for green, white, oolong, French press and black tea (boil setting).

MUST-NOT: Ok, first off, I admit I am not a tea drinker (except Sweet Ice Tea… after all, we are in the South, y’all). But I make my tea on the top of a stove. I have tried the automatic tea brewers and ‘can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ comes to mind. I will concede this may be for some tea drinkers, because – DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT TOUCHING MY COFFEEMAKER!

6. Cuisinart® 6.5 qt. Digital Slow Cooker SALE $99.95 sugg. $185.00

Slow cooking gets a modern makeover with sleek new lines and improved performance. Housed in brushed stainless steel with chrome-plated handles, this 6.5-quart unit gently and evenly cooks food. Touchpad control panel with digital LCD offers cooking accuracy on warm, simmer, low or high settings. 24-hour timer with four heat settings automatically switches to warm when cooking is complete. Removable black ceramic pot and stainless-rimmed glass lid with chrome-plated knob go straight to the table.

MUST-HAVE: This is the working woman’s BEST FRIEND. I have gone through probably 10 of these in my um-teen million years of cooking and working outside the home. Trust me, YOU WANT THIS. And size does matter here, you want to be able to put the whole meal in here – don’t skimp.

7. Cuisinart® Toaster Oven-Broiler SALE $79.95 sugg. $145.00

Compact cooking versatility and modern design make this countertop toaster oven-broiler an ideal choice for today's lifestyle. Brushed stainless and black housing is outfitted with wire rack, broiling rack and baking/drip pan. Nonstick interior and removable front crumb tray are easy to clean. "Always even" shade control monitors toasting temperature for maximum consistency; auto slide-out rack means convenient, hands-free loading and removal of foods.

MUST-HAVE/MUST-NOT: I am torn on this one. I have NEVER owned a toaster oven so I really can’t think of it in a practical way, except when I heat a whole oven to warm something or broil something. However, my sister and her husband SWEAR by theirs…. At their house, EVERYTHING goes in there… I think my sister could make Thanksgiving Dinner in it if it was requested.

8. Vitamix® 500 Professional Blender $599.95

Start a culinary revolution on your countertop with this commercial-quality blender, prized by chefs for decades. The Vitamix® does it all: makes smoothies and cocktails, frozen desserts, nut butters and hot soups from raw ingredients in just a few minutes.

MUST-HAVE: I have had those dinky little blenders all my life and if you use too much ice for a Margarita just once - your kitchen will smell like the Indy 500 track burning with rubber. A friend gave me a professional blender one year and – HOLY MOLY – Where have you been all my life? I can mix anything in there and never get near the “race track”!

Ok, your turn, what’s your thoughts?

‘Must-have or ‘Must-not’ ?

Do You Have a Messy Office?

2012-03-01T08:09:00.000-05:00

What does your office look like?

Do you have piles of papers in every corner?

Does it take you a long time to just find the right bill to pay?

Do you wish all the paper would just disappear?

I have to admit… I have seen some REALLY MESSY OFFICES in my day. You would be surprised what you run into when you enter clients’ homes. I have walked into some offices and thought to myself – “How do you get anything done in here?”

I was just in one of these ‘messy’ offices the other day and that is when I thought: I could write a post to help! (Remember, I’m CDO – that’s OCD but I put the letters in the correct order!)

Here are some suggestions on how to obtain an efficient office

1. Create a quick filing system on your desk… call it a Hot File. Camille over at The Vintique Object found a great vertical file folder which fits inside a magazine file. It's from Martha Stewart at Staples. Brilliant idea! Here are some suggestions for Hot File Labels: Children/School; Coupons; Events/Invitations; Pending; To Do Work; To File; To Pay

2. Touch each paper only once. Decide which Hot File it should go into immediately

3. For your Filing System, create an alphabetical system for your papers. Shown above is Erasable Hanging File Folder Labels from The Container Store. Here are some suggestions for Filing System Labels: Auto; Banking; Credit Cards; Home; Insurance; Medical; Travel; Utilities; Warranties

4. Open the mail each day for 5 minutes and sort quickly.

5. Set aside time each week to pay bills. Read more on Organizing your Bills.

6. Spend 20 minutes at your desk each day creating order and keeping up with your paper work. This is VERY important… if it gets away from you – it is twice as hard to catch up.

7. Make a To Do List with priorities.

8. Write down all your phone messages in one place and keep track of all your return calls and numbers. It helps if you have a notepad, notebook, chalkboard, or whatever set aside just for phone messages.

9. Keep business cards in one place and be sure to write them onto your contact list. If you need a hard copy, keep them in a notebook or a Rolodex.

10. Reward yourself for your efforts and keep track of all future papers.

“Tag and I’m It!” - Round 2

2012-02-29T07:10:00.000-05:00

Here’s the scoop....

Tina from The Enchanted Home "tagged me". The reason I have Round 2 in the title is because I was also tagged by Pam @ Simple Details earlier - different questions, additional fun. And because this game is so much fun, I have accepted Round 2 from Tina!

The idea here is that a blogger "tags" another blogger and gives them 11 questions to answer in a post, then that blogger "tags" another 11 bloggers, and comes up with their own 11 questions and so on.

Tina, thank you for including me in this great merry-go-round of a game and as you said, I now have an excuse to sit and relax and ponder these fantastic questions!

1. Do you have a hobby? Tell me about it, if not tell me a hobby you wish you had! I wish I had a hobby: collecting something really cool – nah, probably not - I am a minimalist; golfing, swimming, skiing…. actually, I do a lot of these things but not on a regular-enough basis to qualify it as a ‘hobby’. I have so many irons in the fire with our companies that I don’t really make time for myself – WAIT, I blog! Is that a hobby? It’s time for myself and I enjoy it! Can I make that my hobby?

2. What's worse, failing at something or never trying to begin with? Life has taught me that lesson all too well (some may say I haven’t learned it yet) I believe that it’s worse to never try than to try and fail... looking back on something and saying, “I tried” is so much more satisfying than looking back on something and saying, “ What if I had tried…” And to quote from a poem written by Alfred Lord Tennyson, 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.'

3. Would you rather be a great cook or a great designer? I honestly don’t think I can choose that one. I love to do both…. Can I pick what’s behind Door #3?

4. If you could only have two rooms in your house which would they be? Does the bathroom count as one? Maybe I could ‘add’ a bathroom area to one of the two rooms? If so… First room: I am a sleeper! Hours, on hours, on hours… and sleeping in my bed in my bedroom is just not the same as sleeping on my sofa in the living room, so it would have to be BEDROOM. Second room: I love to cook (see Question #3 above) My family time (the most precious time ever – see Questions #10) revolves around meal time… long meals and enjoyable conversations with those I love, so it would have to be KITCHEN. Oh no… wait… long meals with my family and friends… now I need a dining room. Could I ‘add’ a dining area to the kitchen?

5. Tell me which 2 famous people you would choose to have dinner with (dead or alive) This is a tough one… no one person jumps right out at me at the moment.

I know I would enjoy sitting down and talking to Princess Diana. What a strong, wonderful woman. I admire her for fighting her insecurities and her adversaries to become the person she was: a loving mother, a successful philanthropist and worldwide role model.

The second person would have to be someone who makes me laugh. I enjoy spending time with someone who is witty… I always tell my boyfriend, “the way to a man’s heart may be through his stomach, but the way to a woman’s heart is to make her laugh!”

Oh, I know – George Clooney… I hear he is a “character” AND he ain’t too bad to look at for an evening! – just killed two birds with one stone there. BONUS: He’s a successful philanthropist too so what a wonderful conversation the three of us could have together!

6. What are four descriptive words that describe you well? It is really uncomfortable for me to describe myself, this is probably the most difficult question anyone could ask me (beside What’s your best quality? Whew – dodged that bullet, thanks Tina!) OK, I pride myself on being a hard-worker, an honest person, a loving mother and girlfriend, and a loyal friend…

7. Best book or two that you read in the last year? I have a stack a mile high by my bed waiting for that ‘me-time’… one day. I just re-read Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent. Amazing… This book found me at the perfect time in my life and has helped me through so much these past couple years. I highly recommend it.

8. What do you miss most about being a kid? My parents. They are both gone now and I would love to still have them in my life.

9. If you had a freaky Friday experience and had to trade places with one person for one day, who would it be? Why that person? …Someone with a beautiful singing voice. I wish I was able to belt out a song; unfortunately, I can barely carry a tune in a bucket. If I could SING for one day – I promise you, I would be hoarse by the end of the day!

10. Describe a perfect day for you from morning till evening.....That’s an easy one: it would be spent with my children. They both live out of state, luckily they live together so they have each other close. My daughter is in graduate school and my son is in undergraduate school. I miss them both terribly and do not feel 100% without them.

11. A place in the world you have never been that you would love to go...

Greece

. My dream vacation is to rent a yacht and sail the Greek Isles. There would be just enough sleeping room for a few of my closest friends to enjoy the moment. The yacht would be equipped with a captain and a wonderful 5-star chef… all that would be required of us is - to sun, to drink, to swim… to swim, to drink, to sun… and so on... and so on...

Rules of the Game

**You must post the rules

**Answer the 11 questions that the tagger posted for you; then create 11 questions to ask the people you've tagged

**Tag 11 people and link them in your post

**Let them know you have tagged them and they should acknowledge that they have been notified.

Thanks Tina, and to all these unsuspecting bloggers. :) Enjoy, its a fun exercise and lets keep this going. It’s always great fun to get to know a little more about your fellow bloggers!

Here are the 11 Bloggers I’m Tagging:

The Apothecary Shop...

Providence Ltd. Interior Design

coastal-colors

hampton hostess

Splenderosa

Conspicuous Style Interior Design Blog

Even if you weren't tag - you can have some fun and play along. Answer these questions too!

Here are their 11 Questions:

1. What is your favorite place in the whole world? Why?

2. Would you prefer to eat in or eat out?

3. Which would you choose: a good book or a good movie?

4. What is your favorite thing about your home?

5. What characteristic to you look for most in a true friend?

6. Tell me something about yourself that you don’t think anyone else knows.

7. What would you like to change about yourself?

8. What is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you?

9. Do you have one all time favorite item in your home?

10. What is your dream vacation?

11. How would you describe your décor style?

Keep Your Home Safe

2012-02-28T07:13:00.004-05:00

Prevent burglars from making themselves at home

It's easy to avoid thinking about a burglar in your home. Fortunately, according to the FBI, the number of home burglaries decreased last year, but they’re still frequent enough that the Bureau’s "one-burglary-every-15-seconds" estimate still holds true. That means every home is at risk of a burglary or break-in, especially those offering easy entry to thieves through neglected details.

Now I'm not saying you're in danger, nor do I want to put anyone in a 'panic' mode... but I do believe "better safe than sorry". So...... here are some ideas to think about if you want to improve your home security. If installing a top-of-the-line home security system is beyond your budget, don't worry - there are still many cheap home security tricks to do to keep your family and property secure.

Your Lights A well-lit home is much less likely to be broken into, so make sure the exterior of your house is fully illuminated with motion-detector spotlights and other lighting fixtures.

When you’re away from the house for long periods of time, be sure to use timers on interior lights to give the impression of life as usual. Manual and digital timers can be found at your local hardware store or home center for a few dollars.

Your Landscape Tall trees can be accessories to crime when dense branches come close to your home and create pockets of darkness where burglars can hide. Keep trees well-trimmed to avoid giving thugs a place to hide.

Dense shrubs can also create a hideout, so keep hedges low and plantings near your doors and windows neat. It's easy to avoid thinking about a burglar in your home. Fortunately, according to the FBI, the number of home burglaries decreased last year, but they’re still frequent enough that the Bureau’s "one-burglary-every-15-seconds" estimate still holds true. That means every home is at risk of a burglary or break-in, especially those offering easy entry to thieves through neglected details.

Your Doors A door with just a handle lock is an easy mark for a thief armed with finesse and a plastic credit card. Instead, add a good-quality deadbolt at each entry.

The best deadbolts require a key on the outside and incorporate a thumb latch on the inside. Further strengthen every installation by substituting long, heavy-duty screws for those provided by the manufacturer.

No matter which lock you choose, it’s only as strong as the door itself which is generally the weakest around the lock. To make doors more secure, add a decorative door reinforcement plate (starting for as little as about $10) to make this area more secure.

Improve home security at a patio sliding door by adding a bar, which can stop the inside door from sliding open or being pried off if the lock is broken. A sturdy piece of wood strategically placed in the open track can also improve door security.

Always remember, when leaving home for day trips or longer, keep your garage door closed and locked to intruders.
If your view is obstructed at your entry, install a wide-angle (200-degree) peep hole in your front door so that you can easily see who comes knocking.

Your Keys Never hide spare keys in “secret” places outside your home, smart burglars know where to look.

Be smart about issuing spare keys. Even though you may be careful about who they’re issued to, you can’t control the paths they cross or situations in which your key may be exposed to duplication.

Your Windows Windows can be the weakest link in home security, especially if left open and unattended. Make sure all units are closed and locked before you leave home for even the shortest errand, and add window dressings and shades to discourage prying eyes.

Modern windows include sash locks, but you can improve security by drilling a hole from front to back where the top and bottom windows overlap and installing a long nail in the hole (something a contractor will be able to do for you). If the integrated window lock breaks, the nail will stop the window from sliding open. Security bars on ground-level windows are also an option, but make sure they’re fitted with quick-release mechanisms that allow them to be opened from the inside in an emergency.

Your Inventory Perhaps the most important home security measure of all is to document your home’s contents, particularly the valuables. Get out the video camera and take a thorough tour of your home, and then deliver a copy of the tape and any other helpful documentation to your safe deposit box. If your home security is ever really threatened by a burglary, you’ll have the proof you need to supply to the police and to your homeowner’s insurance company.

This post is a repost from a previous date – the original post has been lost.

What $21 Million buys Jennifer Aniston

2012-02-27T06:50:00.001-05:00

Have you updated your Map of Celebrity Homes lately? Well, be sure to make a note: Jennifer Aniston has reportedly scooped up a new mansion for herself in Bel-Air, California. The pristine 8,500-square-foot four-bedroom was designed in 1965 by noted Los Angeles modernist architect A. Quincy Jones; after first hitting the market for $29 million in 2008, the house was reduced to $24 million, at which point Aniston swooped in and scored it for even less: $21 million.

Here is what $21 million can buy these days: More than three acres of land, views of the city and ocean, a pool, a koi pond, a guesthouse, a wine cellar, and—last but certainly not least—a vineyard.

Views of the Exterior

Want to take a look inside? The midcentury-feeling interiors boast gleaming wood floors, full-wall expanses of glass, and some pretty stunning fireplace details.

Views of the Interior

What do you think… was it really worth it?

“…and the Oscar goes to…”

2012-02-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

I am the biggest movie fan EVER - I LOVE THE MOVIES… can’t help it. I drink in a movie like taking a drink from a fire hydrant, I notice the scenery, the dialog, the costumes, the symbolism, the undercurrent of intent, the stars (old and new)… I am all about it. So when it’s time to pay tribute to this industry – I am front row, center waiting in anticipation for every single glittery second of entertainment.

Now, the gargantuan night of glamour, Hollywood's annual love fest is here. The night when the stars emerge from their limos in their most attention-getting outfits, tasteful or not, (we all know there is no such thing as bad publicity) - cue "Fashion Police." I love to snicker at the unflattering outifts. I groan as the stars rattle on endlessly during their thank-you speeches... while I scream at the television “play the music already!” Talking to the television during the Oscars is almost as much fun as yelling at "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". I cringe in anticipation of the musical acts - will they be impressive or a snooze - who really cares? But love it or hate it, I'll be glued to the television tonight watching the Oscars.

Are you planning a party? It's a great night to share with other movie buffs. So if you are planning an Oscars Viewing Party, here are a few fun ideas for making your own night of excitement.

Buy, rent, or make a red carpet, out of fabric or carpet remnants, to welcome your guests at the door.

Purchase inexpensive, glamorous Hollywood sunglasses for all partygoers to don as they step over your threshold.

Be ready to snap an instant photo of guests so that they too can feel hounded by the paparazzi (and to use as a souvenir of the party).

Before the big show begins, play the soundtrack from your favorite Oscar winning movie in the background. While the song is playing, add a BONUS Question to your trivia (see below),
"What movie has this song as its soundtrack?"

Decorate with large silver and gold star cutouts either purchased or homemade. Decorate your buffet table with star confetti and glitter.

Dangle unwound rolls of film from your ceiling.

Prepare an Oscars trivia game to play with your friends during the commercials.

Here's a start:

Question: What Movie Has Earned the Most Oscar Nominations?

Actually, two movies are tied for the title of Most Nominated Film. What are the two movies and how many Oscars were they nominated for? Here's a hint: "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" isn't one of them.

Answer: In 1951, Joseph L. Mankiewicz's "All about Eve" was nominated for 14 Academy Awards. "All About Eve" won Oscars for Sound, Best Director, Actor in a Supporting Role, Costume Design, Best Picture, and Writing. It was also nominated for Music, Cinematography, Art Direction, and Film Editing. Bette Davis and Anne Baxter each earned Best Actress in a Leading Role nominations for their work in "All About Eve." Best Actress in a Supporting Role nominations went to Celeste Holm and Thelma Ritter.

James Cameron's "Titanic" (1997) earned 14 nominations and won 11 Oscars. "Titanic" took home Academy Awards for Effects (Sound Effects Editing), Film Editing, Best Director, Best Picture, Cinematography, Music (Original Song), Original Dramatic Score, Art Direction, Effects (Visual Effects), Sound, and Costume Design. "Titanic" was nominated in the Makeup, Actress in a Supporting Role, and Actress in a Leading Role categories but did not win.

Question: Who Has Received the Most Acting Nominations?

Answer: Meryl Streep stands as the most nominated actor with 17 nominations. Streep won Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in "Kramer vs Kramer" and Best Actress in a Leading Role in "Sophie's Choice." She was also nominated for her work in "The Deer Hunter," "The French Lieutenant's Woman," "Silkwood," "Out of Africa," "Ironweed," "A Cry in the Dark," "Postcards from the Edge," "The Bridges of Madison County," "One True Thing," "Music of the Heart," "Adaptation,", "The Devil Wears Prada", "Doubt", "Julie and Julia," and"The Iron Lady". Three of Meryl Streep's 17 nominations were in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Award prizes at the end for best and worst scores. Hand out ballots before the ceremonies begin, and after tallying all the scores at the end, hand out awards for most and least correct picks.

7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time: Dim the lights and enjoy the show.

Oh yeah... I almost forgot (not really but that was dramatic, right?)

One of the best things about this year's Oscar's? Billy’s back!

He is one of the most popular Oscar hosts, having been at the helm for a mammoth eight times.

It is going to be awesome, hope you have a fabulous evening!

A Fresh Look for Warmer Weather

2012-02-24T07:07:00.015-05:00

Ok, before we get started, I am going to vent!

Who created the Blog Comment Word Verification Security Fonts that you honestly can't read? A person with 20/20 vision couldn't read it! It takes forever to decipher the two illegible words... squinting and tilting your head in just the right direction. FINALLY! Success - Oh wait... you got it wrong dummy, do it again! I just want you to know how much I love you to go through this to leave a comment on your lovely post. Once in a while I just give up. (I have turned this option off in my settings - please consider this too.) There, I said my piece... I will step down from my soap box (for the moment) and get back to business.

Spring and Summer are just around the corner. Now is an ideal time to start thinking about freshen up the look of your home for the seasons ahead, and accessories are an easy, quick way to reinvent a space without making a big commitment or big investment.

Imagine filigree showing up on your walls, your bedding or your fabrics.

This wrought iron design is inspired by an appreciation of ironwork scrolls and delicate embroidery, and can make any room feel fresh and alive.

Try hanging filigree patterned wallpaper on the walls of your room to create depth and interest.

Add to any room a rattan chair with an Asian filigree motif composed across the back and arms.

Cover a round skirted table with a filigree patterned cloth for a fresh new side table.

Laser cutting has enabled the filigree trend to appear in many different materials. Lay a filigree patterned rug that’s cut into elegant damask patterns on your floor to bring a note of whimsy.

And one of the best known uses of filigree – add a boldly carved bed frame to your bedroom for a fashion-forward edge.

All things bird-related are popular inside and out.

Designers can’t seem to get enough of this natural motif. Exotic and whimsical accents are the perfect dose of warm weather for any room and can make a bird watcher out of everyone.

Softly etched branches and colorful birds can adorn a delicate print for bedding. Whether it’s an accent pillow or a duvet folded at the foot of your bed, you'll get the effect of a painted mural without all the headache of painting.

Oversized birds printed on a fabric can upholster an occasional chair to add a warm weather feel.

A ceramic figurine bird collection is the perfect note to adorn a stylish room.

Wooden ornamental birds can assert an atmosphere of warm weather and can be displayed anywhere through out the house, from the kitchen to the bathroom.

Changing the basic color of a room can add a new interest and feel to your home.

Orange has become one of the new hot neutrals. The color of spice, fruit, and an island oasis is an antidote to all the cool blues and grays of the past few years.

A punch of orange on a pillow is a great way to bring a dose of uplifting color into your home without a major overhaul. Photo via

For the bold at heart, place an orange sofa or chair in the living room to accent those neutral browns. Photo via

A wool or cotton rug in a vibrant orange underscores your fresh sense of style.

The fantastic design of orange bold walls is not for the faint of heart, but will lend serious design to any modern interior. You can try it with just one wall if you want to step lightly into this design element.

Brighten up your mornings with a dose of healthy sunshine; add orange to your bedding to brighten the beginning of your day.

Try adding a pop of orange to a chocolate palette room and you’ll feel like you’ve brought the sunshine in from outdoors.

With the focus on earth-friendly living and everyone going green, embrace natural motifs in your home in a big way.

When these items go big, they become a statement and when a new decor item is a statement, the whole room will take on a new look.

If you like something 100% organic cotton, bedding is a beautiful tribute to Mother Nature and adding branch patterns to a duvet makes a bold (and chic) statement.

Colorful Spring blooms added to a bold pattern on a upholstered chair is sure to liven up any room.

Like a breath of fresh air, the simplicity of a white pillow with a natural print is both soothing and refreshing. Add one or two white printed pillows to your current sofa for an entirely new look.

White on White

2012-02-23T07:03:00.003-05:00

Being a designer, I am quite at ease at adding color to my client’s room… add color to bring life - to bring warmth - to bring energy. But there is something about a white palette in a decor that makes me stop and take notice. The contrast of the elements become more pronounced, the wood, the stone and the fabric contrasting against smooth white makes me somehow feel a restful comfort. This monochromatic palette seems to compliment a home that is full of love, life and energy presented by its residents and this gives me a warm feeling - like a old worn blanket wrapped around me. I keep a few white on white images on hand - for occasions when just a glance will give me an inner peace, that helps me float in a restful state of utopia for a while.

Here are just a few white or white images that I love and hopefully, as you glance at them, you, too, will relax and float in the peacefulness that comes with this palette.

How do you feel now?

Kitchen Essentials

2012-02-22T07:42:00.004-05:00

Here's a list of ten elements that I believe every kitchen should have:

1. Natural Light

Look for ways to maximize light, from eliminating cabinets next to windows to using transparent or reflective materials like glass and stainless steel within the space.

2. Comfort

I like to incorporate soft seating, a TV, and (when I can) a fireplace, to make the kitchen the coziest place in the house. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home and the place that everyone gathers.

3. Visual Texture

It's the mix of woods, countertop materials, dishes, and finishes that creates the warmth, personality, and mood within the room. Pay close attention to this detail when designing the kitchen.

4. Stainless Steel

This neutral looks great with everything and will never go out of style. I love its organic quality and its up-to-date detail that this element offers a kitchen.

5. An Island

If space allows, an island is essential. It's the social center of the kitchen and it offers additional storage and work space.

6. A Great Sink

Accessories such as an integrated colander and a sliding cutting board make working at a great sink more efficient.

7. Integrated Refrigeration

Creating cabinet facades to hide refrigeration units gives a tremendous amount of design freedom. By eliminating a large, boxy element, it can make a kitchen feel more room-like.

8. High-Performance Appliances

Today, high-efficiency burners and ovens with convection and self-cleaning options are really indispensable.

9. A Hook

Every great kitchen has a hook, that one unique element that just pulls you in. It could be a designer hood, a coveted farmhouse sink, a copper pot rack.

10. A Kitchen Designer

Kitchen design is complicated, and its options are constantly changing. Hiring a professional is perhaps the most valuable investment you can make. (Oh com'on, you know I had to put a plug in for me!)

Pick a Color Palette

2012-02-21T07:16:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder where the professionals get their ideas for a color palette in a design project?

Are you having trouble finding a color combination that wows your family, friends, and you?

Wondering where to look to find help close by?

Well, here are a few professional tips on where to find color inspiration in some of the most unexpected places:

Browse Catalogs

Color trends flood through graphic design, jewelry design, and even packaging for perfumes and makeup. Take a look at the new Spring catalogs that you receive in the mail. For instance, this Spring’s Neiman Marcus catalog is filled with variations of deep purples that fade to lavender and that range from blush to fuchsia. Surprisingly, yellows - from sunshine to pure gold - serve as accents.

Although you may be shopping for your home color décor and not a new wardrobe, don’t throw away those clothing catalogs just yet. Browse their pages and clip and save what inspires you. Look at everything, from summer tops to fun handbags… from beautiful jewelry to cute sandals– and if you think they look good hanging in your bedroom closet – just think how they might look if you add these colors to your bedroom décor?

Back to picking a color palette: Try wearing some of your favorite colorful things (Jewelry, Clothing, Shoes) or even just carry a bright handbag the next time you visit the neighborhood paint store and see what kind of inspiration you create.

Go Shopping

Money may be tight these days, but window shopping is free. Check out store displays for colorful hues of the season.

Window Shop at the Paint Store

Paint companies do the work for you with racks of paint swatches and, better yet, brochures with perfect color combinations. Sherwin Williams (my preferred paint brand) has a great selection of samples that show you what they look like in a room and explains the color theory behind the choices. Now how easy is that?

Here are a few tips for working with color:

First - Start with One Color. Think about choosing an almost monochromatic color scheme in the room. This design principle focuses on a single color with variations in lightness, darkness and saturation.

Next - Find an Accent. For interest, add a complementary accent color (something that is an opposite color on the color wheel from your monochromatic color). An accent color can be a soothing spot to rest the eyes… or an enlivened place to spark your interest. Either way, it breaks up the monochromatic scheme of the room.

And Don’t Forget about Varying Shades of Color. Keep things united in a room, look to a paint strip at your paint store (or once again the color wheel) for guidance. Your wall color and a mirror’s frame color could be only two steps away from each other on a paint strip. Equally, try to stay on target with fabrics for your furniture, use paint strips as guideposts.

One Last Thought - Different Colors for Different Moods. In one of my most recent bedroom makeovers, I was inspired by those purples and yellows in the Neiman Marcus Catalog. These "Spring" colors came straight from the fashion runway to my client’s home decor. You might ask…"Why purple and yellow?" Well, fashion trend setters in the Interior Design industry devote their energies to studying the effects of color on mood and the economy. A splash of yellow is here to cheer us up in these uncertain times, and a dab of purple to calm us down - a sort of visual therapist, you will.

So, next time you are picking out an outfit to wear for the day (or a palette for a room's decor)… stop and think, why did I pick these colors to go together and how is this affecting my mood and emotions. If you can figure that out – you are one step closer to picking out the correct color palette for your entire home.

My Home, My Architect

2012-02-20T06:57:00.000-05:00

I have the distinct honor of living in a James L. Strickland home. His architectural offices are located right here in my hometown, but his work is known throughout the Southeast. He is a native of Atlanta and the president and founder of Historical Concepts. He received his Masters Degree in Architecture from Yale University in 1972 and shortly after graduation, he started his own design-build firm and subsequently built over 300 homes in the metro-Atlanta region.

In the early 1980s, however, Mr. Strickland began to focus his energies on design, specializing in traditional and vernacular architecture, and Historical Concepts was born. Since that time, Historical Concepts has evolved into a multi-discipline, place-making firm offering residential architecture, commercial architecture and land planning services. Through varied and award-winning projects, Historical Concepts has demonstrated the benefits of utilizing traditional principles of planning and design in new construction.

Now that I am an avid ‘design magazine reader-holic", 9 times out of 10... when I pick one of my favorite homes in a magazine – cut to the credits: Architect: Jim Strickland. Seriously Freaky, huh?

Want to see a few of his masterpieces?

WARNING: Viewing these images may cause a love for Historical Concepts.

Historical Concepts designed this 5,561-sq.ft. residence in Spring Island, SC. When approached from the front elevation, the house presents a typical Greek Revival symmetry, but there are also subtle vernacular touches that introduce the region’s Low Country style – a hand-crimped cooper roof, operable louvered shutters and a pier foundation – which accommodate the shift to a predominantly Low Country appearance at the rear. Photo: courtesy of Historical Concepts

The grand entrance is a study in two-tiered Greek Revival grandeur

The rear of the house looks out onto the water, with informal spaces that belie the formality of the front elevation. Large porches are in-filled with screens or windows, serving as informal spaces: dining area, office and sleeping porch

A true Palladium window floods the grand stair hall with light, further expressing the formality and symmetry of the Greek Revival style. Photo: courtesy of Historical Concepts

The main level consists mostly of communal spaces, such as the entry gallery, a large living and dining room and a kitchen and keeping room. Note that porches make up about a third of the first floor. Floor plan: courtesy of Historical Concepts

This small foyer space with its deep elliptical casing provides a frame for the impressive stairway. At left and right are detailed panels that conceal an elevator and a coat closet

The office, located at the rear of the home, also serves as a guest bedroom. Its interior bespeaks the casualness of Low Country design, here trimmed in wormy chestnut and with windows in place of an expanse of wall

This screened-porch area, which features a working chimney as well as overhead fans, is a casual space of relaxation for all seasons.

Want some more? Ok, how about this one?

Can you handle one more? OK… and this one is my all time favorite, Sea Island, Habersham South Carolina. (Click on the link to view the complete article of this amazing home) Three bedrooms, four baths, Heated Area: 2738 sq ft. Porches: 1097 sq ft. Ceiling Heights: First Floor 10 ft. Second Floor 9ft. This is going to be my second home one day!

Sunday in Bed

2012-02-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

A Fun Series

...each Sunday, I present a snapshot of staying in bed

or of just choosing to be plain lazy for the day.

It’s Sunday and everyone deserves a day off.

Here’s wishing you a restful Sunday.

Enjoy Sunday in Bed

One of My Favorites

2012-02-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Teresa @ Splendid Sass reminded me of an image that is truly one of my favorites. I can't find a thing wrong with this:

from the green double doors to the library shelves
from the black stair railing to the hardwood floors
from the extensive trim work to the gallery of photos
from the antique rug to the orchid in the pot
from the glass chandelier to the small down-lights

Seriously, it's like playing Where's Waldo... "Where's the thing I don't like?" One day, when you stop by my house…. you will see this space replicated in real life!

I hope you enjoy this image too…

Have a wonderful Saturday!

tag ~ i'm it!

2012-02-17T06:39:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged by Pam @ Simple Details in a fun little Q&A game spreading through the blogosphere. I answer 11 questions that Pam came up with, tag 11 bloggers with 11 questions I come up with, and so on... and so on.

Here goes....

1. What would be the career of your dreams? – When I was a little girl, I took personal art classes (I think my parents saw a hidden talent somewhere along the way) and I would continually draw cityscapes and residential structures – odd for an elementary school child, right? I just knew one day I was going to be an architect… then I found out I suck at Mathematics! So, next step in the Dream Career Choice: Interior Designer. I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for all the money in the world.

2. I would eat Top Ramen noodles for a month in order to save up for ___________! Or, I wouldn't eat Top Ramen for anything! Ok, this is just bizarre that you would even ask this question (especially now) I LOVE Ramen Noodles Soup Shrimp or Oriental Flavor and have quite a few packets in my pantry at the moment. This is my stand-by… when I get home in the evening and am just TOO tired to cook, I spend 5 minutes boiling water and then… enjoy my labor of love! Sometimes, I add shrimp, and peas, carrots, celery or whatever happens to be in the vegetable bin at the time. So – to answer your question: I would eat Ramen Noodles for a month in order to save up for ANYTHING!

3. Which would you choose for a date with your husband: Candlelight dinner at a nice restaurant or day of hiking in the mountains? Piece of cake on this one: Candlelight Dinner at a nice restaurant. My idea of roughing it is “Sorry, Ma’am, The Ritz Carlton Hotel Room Service is Closed for the Evening.”

4. In which sport or athletic activity would you most like to participate? Ha! Is Wine Tasting a Sport? I am the klutz of all klutz… I can trip and fall just walking, so trust me… you wouldn’t pick me for your team… in anything (except maybe wine tasting!)

5. What do you wish you were more knowledgeable about? Politics. The rules keep changing, and my head keeps spinning. When I was in college, I took a couple government classes and really enjoyed them! They were even 8AM classes and I am NOT a morning person.

6. Pretend one of your online blogging friends is coming to visit for the weekend, what one thing would you do to your home before she arrived? Clean it. I am OCD (actually CDO – that’s OCD but I put the letters in the correct order!), so my house is extremely organized… picked up… neat… but, I am not much of a duster, sweeper, window washer, etc. I would definitely have to ~~get the housekeeper over to~~ clean the house before my blogging friend arrived.

7. What kind of driver are you (speed demon, rule follower, tickets, fender benders, easy going)? I think that I am overall a good driver, (don’t ask my kids this one though… I am sure they would disagree.) When I was young – definitely Speed Demon – too many tickets to count. Now, some days, I seem to be a little more distracted than usual and may be ‘over a curb’ or such… but in the scope of things, I think that’s ok, right? My boyfriend says I do have one really bad fault when it comes to my car (again, I blame this on being a little more distracted than usual) …

8. It's hard for me to_____________. …be confrontational. And I HATE this too, it takes a lot for me to get to the breaking point, but when I do – watch out!

9. What are your nicknames? Oh, great question! I have a few: My family nicknames are TJ & JJ. My girlfriend has started calling me Skittles – don’t know why (I don’t eat candy) but she thinks it’s funny. My boyfriend calls me ‘Angel’ – I like it. :)

10. What is your best quality? This one is hard for me. I am my own worse critic. I never really see the good in who I am or what I do… sad, huh? Sad just typing the words. OK - Best Quality? I am very social (I consider that a positive quality - some may not), I get along with most anyone (back to #8, I guess)

11. What is your best piece of advice for raising children? ‘You are their parent first, set the rules and stick to them. Children need boundaries as they grow up. You can be their friend later - when they are older’

Thanks for including me in the fun, Pam!

Rules of the Game
**You must post the rules
**Answer the 11 questions that the tagger posted for you; then create 11 questions to ask the people you've tagged
**Tag 11 people and link them in your post
**Let them know you have tagged them

Here are the 11 Bloggers I’m Tagging:

Tina @ The Enchanted Home
Teresa @ Splendid Sass
Liz @ Sequins and Stripes
Courtney @ French Country Cottage
Tobe @ Because It’s Awesome
Stuart @ What Wilson Wants
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality
Sue @ The Zhush
Sarah @ The Yellow Cape Cod
Desiree @ Chic Coastal Living
Melissa, Cassandra, Leslie, and Wendy @ Chic Coles

Here are their 11 Questions:

Do you have any siblings? If so, where are you in the family lineup?
How many people would you consider to be your best friend?
If you could have a Dream Home anywhere in the world, where would it be located?
Do you speak more than one language?
What is your ideal vacation?
What is your favorite ‘comfort food’?
Is there something about yourself that you would like to change?
What television show are you totally addicted to at this time?
Do you have any little furry family members?
What type of car do you drive?
Have you ever won a contest?

Thanks for playing along everyone!

Wallpapered Furniture

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have been in love with these gorgeous wallpapered vintage furniture pieces by Bryonie Porter for quite some time and I thought it was time I share this love with you (let’s say a belated Valentine’s Day gift). Her work is a fabulous way to add a punch of print to any room. I have been wondering lately if maybe I could make this a DIY project – image the possibilities for all that leftover wallpaper from our walls. I have a single roll of cheetah print wallpaper (found at a Thrift Store for $5.00) and an old nightstand on gorgeous legs (also from a Thrift Store for $5.00), hmmmmmm... I will keep you posted on that one!

Bryonie Porter creates beautiful, brilliantly patterned furniture for her clients. Using both antique and modern furniture, she customizes each piece with wallpaper. For durability, she uses a water-based, environmentally friendly, high-gloss lacquer, which makes these pieces perfect for the hard knocks of everyday living.

She started her business by covering pieces for herself and her family. She was dealing in antiques for a while before she started wallpapering, so she had access to a lot of great furniture, which made it very easy for her to find nice pieces to cover.

She admits that she has a few favorite papers… Cole & Son, Osborne & Little and Timorous Beasties' designs because they are so unusual.

Jazzing up sideboards, dressers, bookshelves and more, her method offers a solution to drab decorating. Instead of contrasting paint chips or eternally struggling to match those special shades of burgundy, her company wallpapers whimsical prints onto repurposed furniture.

The handcrafted pieces aren't just simple cut and paste jobs, but rather subtle and elegant pieces that dynamically engage simple furniture and enthusiastic prints. A black bureau with embossed black flowers elegantly boasts the clean lines of the piece.

Transforming discarded furniture, the one-of-a-kind pieces make an environmentally-conscious statement too. So any coffee table or bookcase can be revitalized and reformed through a method of applique.

Bryonie creates pieces using furniture that she finds herself, but she also does commissions using pieces that her clients give to her. I think this is a wonderful idea for updating a piece of furniture that has been passed down and has sentimental value.

Bryonie also carries a beautiful line of Children’s Furniture. I just couldn’t show you ALL her wonderful pieces of work, so I chose just a few with different patterns.

ENJOY!

Create an Efficient Laundry Room

2012-02-15T06:59:00.000-05:00

Your laundry room is one of the most important, (… considering the average American family does over 400 loads of laundry a year) and it should be one of the most efficient, rooms in your home. But it can easily become the space for an overflow of all sorts of items that are beyond just the detergent and fabric softener - your pet supplies, extra light bulbs, miscellaneous picnic supplies, even your children's sports equipment can end up being stored in your laundry room. The laundry room can turn into the hamper, the mudroom, the catch-all storage area and before you know it – there isn’t even enough room to do LAUNDRY!

When organizing the laundry room, most people add wall cabinets (and maybe even base cabinets) to help control the accumulation of unnecessary items. I’ve even added open shelving to a laundry room to help create a second pantry in the home.

The layout of a laundry room will obviously include the washing machine and dryer and there should be a utility sink. In most homes, the laundry room is located immediately adjacent to the main pathway leading from the garage/back door to the rest of the house. So when laundry is being done, baskets and piles of clothes are in the way as you move about. Newer built homes are locating the laundry room on the second floor, out of the way of the traffic and closer to the bedrooms - where the laundry originates and is returned when finished. This location makes so much more sense.

If your laundry room is large enough, you should consider a clothes folding surface and if you don’t have one, definitely a sink to rinse things before you wash them. A wonderful addition to a laundry room is a deep stainless steel sink next to the washing machine to clean all sorts of things that would otherwise be a hassle to clean in your kitchen sink, like all the above mentioned pet supplies, picnic supplies, and children's sports equipment.

You definitely want to have superior task lighting in the laundry room and I suggest a bright color scheme for this room as well. Doing laundry is work, and you should make your work environment as pleasant as possible. The laundry room is a vital part of your home. If you spend a lot of time folding clothes in this room, then make sure you have convenient power for a radio, an iPod station, or maybe even a small television. If you have a whole house sound system – be sure to install a speaker in there too. Consider at least one of these things to help take your mind off the mundane chore of laundry and folding clothes.

The surface of your laundry room flooring is important as well. You want a material that is durable and can stand up to the wear and tear of laundry baskets and all the overflow items (mentioned earlier). Consider a ceramic-tile floor - it does a magnificent job of hiding dirt between sweeping and mopping - if it’s the right color, and when it is time to clean it, a mop makes it look like new in just minutes. Also, consider adding a padded mat to the workspace floor to relieve pressure off your legs and feet while standing for long periods of time in one spot on hard flooring.

Look at your laundry room - it is one of the most important rooms in the home and should be one of the most efficient as well. To create an efficient Laundry Room, take a little time in the design and organization of the room, consider first-class features like custom cabinets, maybe a built-in ironing board, and energy efficient, purr-quiet machines. If the room is created correctly, laundry won’t necessarily be a chore any more!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Tim

2012-02-14T07:00:00.007-05:00

February Fourteenth

A Date Set Aside for Romance & Celebrating with the One You Love

La Vita Nuova

In that book which is
My memory . . .
On the first page
That is the chapter when
I first met you
Appear the words . . .
Here begins a new life
- Dante Alighieri

I love you, Tim.

Happy Valentine’s Day

2012-02-14T06:23:00.000-05:00

Here’s the Scoop on Art

2012-02-13T06:57:00.003-05:00

We all know that artwork is a great way to add interest to a room, but tackling the chore of arranging it can be stressful. Seriously, just relax (it's not brain surgery and if you don't like it... there is a remedy). So, with a little advice on how and where to hang art and how much to hang, you can make your home feel like a stylish gallery in no time. I promise - this is quite simple.

People have a tendency to hang art too high. The center of the image should be at eye level. In living rooms, people are usually sitting, so artwork should be lower. A good way to ensure you're placing artwork at the right height is to hang it one hand width above the sofa.

A common problem when hanging artwork above a sofa or sideboard is that it's not in scale. Having pieces that are too small or too large will make the whole arrangement look strange. Make sure artwork is at least two-thirds the size of the sofa or sideboard. For example, a 9-foot-long sofa should have a 6-foot-wide expanse of art above it.

Save yourself the frustration - and your walls the trauma - of hanging, and rehanging, and rehanging a grouping of art. Instead, trace each piece on kraft paper, label the tracing, and cut it out. If you're hanging portraits, draw arrows on the paper to indicate which way the subject is looking. Use painter's tape to try out placements and arrangements without covering your wall with holes.

When you hang multiple pieces in a group, visual balance is very important. In a group arrangement, keep heavy pieces to the bottom and left. It balances the weight of the items because the eye starts on the left. If you have an even arrangement, put the heaviest piece in the middle.

A symmetrical arrangement creates a striking and simple focal point. All-black, gold, silver, white etc. frames will unify a grouping. I like to use the same frames to create homogeny.

Gallery arrangements are easy solutions for blank walls. Give the display interest by including more than just framed art, for instance, vases or plates. Start by defining the dimensions of your display. Position the most prominent piece at eye level in the center and work outward. If you're using different frames, spread them out to give a little breathing room between each piece.

Hanging multiple pieces around a room can be difficult, especially when walls, doorways, or windows separate the pieces. When hanging multiple pieces around the room, don't try to make the bottoms or tops of frames level. Level the middles.

In the bedroom, choose personal art, such as family photographs or your own photography. If you're arranging the pieces in groupings stick with a one color theme, either all black-and-white or all color photographs.

When creating a grouping, choose an odd number of items. With odd numbers, there's a middle and a mirror image on both sides.

In the kitchen, hang art in a place where it won't get damaged by water or heat. Consider placing art above an office space, near the dining table, or above open counter space. Avoid kitchen art in the kitchen. Shy away from pictures of asparagus in the kitchen. Try using vintage art with traditional frames works in a traditional kitchen. In a modern kitchen, try bright colors with stainless-steel frames.

When deciding where to hang images in your home, consider the wall space available and the arrangement of the room. Use small pieces between windows and doors. If small items are in a space too large, the pieces look lost. With larger pieces, allow room for people to step back and admire the work.

The space above a mantel or fireplace is the perfect place to layer pieces. A house looks like a home when you can see layers of artwork and accessories.

Make sure your arrangement matches your decorating style. Symmetrical arrangements are more traditional or formal. Asymmetrical is. Also look at the image and style of the frame. For cottage-style rooms, stick with vintage images or botanicals. In modern rooms, choose large and abstract pieces.

Artwork collaborates with other accessories and decor to create a visual story. Make sure images, moldings, and shelves all work together. Hang artwork in front of a bookcase, on the face of the shelf. The shelves and ledges become part of a decorating story.

While blank walls are a natural choice for displaying artwork, there is another option. Prop artwork against a wall or piece of furniture for a casual display

A Special Thanks to Linda Crisolo, director of merchandising, at Art.com for her help in this post.

Want more tips on Hanging Art Like a Professional? Click here

Sunday in Bed

2012-02-12T07:30:00.037-05:00

A NEW SERIES

...a snapshot of staying in bed or of just choosing to be plain lazy for the day.

It’s Sunday and everyone deserves a day off.

Here’s wishing you a restful Sunday.

Enjoy Sunday in Bed

Windows in the Kitchen?

2012-02-11T07:05:00.025-05:00

My own opinion... The kitchen is the heart of the home. Think for a moment, exactly how much time do you really spend in that room of your house each day? That answer might just make your head spin.

Did you know that no matter how much you take into consideration when laying out a kitchen - there are major existing factors within the room that make major decisions for you? For instance – window locations can dictated the complete layout of the kitchen.

1. Think about your sink position in the kitchen – most people prefer to place their sink directly underneath a window - so the whole design of a kitchen (& that most important Kitchen Work Triangle) can easily rest on the placement of that one sink cabinet alone!

2. And if you like to watch television - maybe watch a cooking show or DVD during the preparation of your meals, you might want to look at the time of day that the sunlight comes through that kitchen window and if it might cause a glare.
3. Most importantly - the placement of every one of your wall cabinets is dictated by the presence of existing windows.

Next time you’re in your kitchen, think about some of the existing factors in your kitchen that made the work triangle and the kitchen cabinetry layout decisions for you.

Want to read about creating a Functional Kitchen Floor Plan? Click here.

Kitchens: With & Without Windows

images via

Ralph Lauren Home Collection

2012-02-10T07:00:00.017-05:00

I am a HUGE Ralph Lauren fan… seriously, anything with that cute little (or big) colorful embroidered pony on it… and I HAVE to have it, his bedding, his clothes, his furniture, his fragrances - for the past 20 years, I have been wearing Safari Ralph Lauren for Women. My daughter has told me that if they ever stop producing that fragrance she will have to buy a bottle and keep it safely in her home so that she can just ‘sniff’ it every once in a while because that IS her mother's scent. Why, his stores even give me goose bumps just walking through the doors. AND let’s not forget his own personal homes…. ahhhhhhhhhhh.

Ralph Lauren is a legend. Everyone knows his name and brand. If not, what rock have they been living under? He was the first American designer to launch a comprehensive collection of home furnishings in 1983. Over the years, his company has developed a wide range of collections that caters to different styles and captures luxurious distinctive lifestyles.

2011 was a very good year for Ralph Lauren. After the exhibition of Ralph Lauren Car Collection and the successful Ralph Lauren Fall 2011 Clothing Collection, everyone was a buzz around the introduction of the One Fifth Home Collection (an address in NYC), a new line of home furnishings… something Art Deco... Old Hollywood... something Glitz and Glam…??? No, Ralph, please, no… I’m not that kind of girl. But true to form, I took one look and I fell in love. Somehow just the mention of this style seems to express luxury and his One Fifth Home Collection is no exception. There is nothing simple in this collection. Everything is rich and oozing luxury. The basic color of the collection is black but gold has been used extensively to contrast with the dark color and this gives it a rich and luxurious look. It is the return of the old Hollywood allure, for sure. The luxurious textures have an inherent richness that make every piece in the collection seem exclusive. The entire collection is available at ralphlaurenhome.com. Want to go shopping?

One Fifth Klismos Bench - Starting at $3,525

Barnet Octagonal Tray - $495

Maddox Suite Dishes - Dinner Plate $95, Dessert Plate $75, Cup/Saucer $115

One Fifth Dining Armchair - Starting at: $2,385

One Fifth Dining Side Chair - Starting at: $2,235

One Fifth Dining Table – Starting at $8,685

One Fifth Bed - Starting at: $7,785

Warwick Bullion Pillow - $250

Blythe Throw Pillow - $195

One Fifth Server - $14,250

One Fifth Mirror - $7,185

Briand Jewelry Box - $2,995

Indian Cove Lodge Fauteuil - Fabric starting at: $5,595 & Leather starting at: $5,985

Gable Table Lamp in Black and Gold Porcelain – Starting at $1,590

One Fifth Cross Brace Tray Table - $4,695

Montgomery Punch Bowl - $495

One Fifth Paris Desk - $8,985

Design is... All in the Detail

Sunday in Bed

Are you a Non-Google Blogger or Follower?

Enjoy Your Saturday!

Kitchen Must-Haves According to Crate and Barrel

Do You Have a Messy Office?

“Tag and I’m It!” - Round 2

Keep Your Home Safe

What $21 Million buys Jennifer Aniston

What do you think… was it really worth it?

“…and the Oscar goes to…”

A Fresh Look for Warmer Weather

White on White

Kitchen Essentials

Pick a Color Palette

Browse Catalogs

Go Shopping

Window Shop at the Paint Store

My Home, My Architect

Sunday in Bed

One of My Favorites

Have a wonderful Saturday!

tag ~ i'm it!

Wallpapered Furniture

Create an Efficient Laundry Room

Happy Valentine’s Day, Tim

February Fourteenth

A Date Set Aside for Romance & Celebrating with the One You Love

La Vita Nuova

Happy Valentine’s Day

Here’s the Scoop on Art

Sunday in Bed

A NEW SERIES ...a snapshot of staying in bed or of just choosing to be plain lazy for the day. It’s Sunday and everyone deserves a day off. Here’s wishing you a restful Sunday. Enjoy Sunday in Bed

Windows in the Kitchen?

Ralph Lauren Home Collection

Ok – who wants to go shopping? … and maybe buy me something?

A NEW SERIES

...a snapshot of staying in bed or of just choosing to be plain lazy for the day.

It’s Sunday and everyone deserves a day off.

Here’s wishing you a restful Sunday.

Enjoy Sunday in Bed