1.Sparkle is a holiday essential.  This is the one time of the year when you do not have to worry about going over the top.

2. Choose a color scheme and style that best fits your home.  One of the design elements is repetition, so repeat your color scheme throughout your home.

3. When purchasing holiday decor, stick to your color scheme in ribbons and accessories.

4. Try to have a focal point in each room that repeats your design.  Say you have a candy cane theme for your Christmas tree, then candy canes could appear in garland and wreaths for the front doors.

5. Continue your color theme with outside decorations and lights that are in keeping with your look. 

6. Use bows everywhere for a festive look.

7.  Christmas potpourri smells wonderful and comes in many color schemes.  Put it absolutely everywhere for the wonderful smells of Christmas to envelope you each time you walk in a room.

8.  Most importantly, remember the reason for the season.  Take time to reflect on your blessings.  Sitting in your favorite easy chair in a room filled with the pleasant aromas of Christmas while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa to warm your heart and listening to ”Chesnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” playing in the background will make a believer out of just about everyone as to the beauty of the season. 

Enjoy your home for the holidays.  To happy decorating.  More later!

I still come across clients who are holding on to ‘old chairs’ from their
college or single days long after this phase of life is over. ‘What should I do?’
they ask and I tell them, ‘Get rid of it!’ ‘But I won’t have anything to
put there,’ they say, and my response is the same…’Get rid of it!’

Here’s a radical notion: What if you really liked, even outright adored
every material thing in your own life? What if the quality, shape, color,
function of and feel of things you owned gave you satisfaction, pride and
delight? What would that do for you?

Enter ‘The Divine Law of the Great Chair.’ When you let go of the things you
don’t love you create space for things that you do love to show up. Even if the
item is ‘useful,’ it is filling up an empty space . So what if the item was a gift; or
it was inherited, expensive, imported or exotic; or, you truly loved it once upon a
time – if you do not like something in your space, it is dragging you down.

I so agree! Per Carrie, here is your homework: Identify the ‘old chairs’ in your life that you are making do with and get rid of them. True, you may have to sit on the floor cushion for a while, but your mind will begin dwelling in the land of possibility instead of compromise and regret.

Scripture teaches us many principles, but the one I have observed in practice most often is the law of giving something away only to be doubly blessed with something else (ie, sowing and reaping.) He who created us knows the desire of our hearts. Try trusting Him with a few of the ‘old chairs’ in your life this week and see what He sends back your way.

To Happy Decorating! More later,

Kay

Buy yourself a minimum of five home decorating magazines such as House and Garden, Southern Living, Architectural Digest, Florida Design, and House Beautiful. You will find houses furnished in all periods and styles. Don’t concern yourself with being able to identify the style – this will allow you to get a sense of what types of rooms you are attracted to.

If you find a mood you can relate to in your search, clip the page from the magazine. You don’t have to like all the furniture and accessories in the picture (don’t concern yourself with this yet.) Use the pictures to get a sense of what you like. Later on, these can be translated into your own personal style. As you continue clipping pictures, place them in a folder. The folder will be filled with the colors, styles, and periods of furnishings that you can live with comfortably in your own surroundings.

You may find that that you are attracted to more than one mood or more than one style. Great! Interesting people are multi-faceted people. If so, find a way to blend them in a complimentary way such as eclectic style which embodies more than one style, but has a unifier to connect all the things you love.

To happy decorating!
Kay

With what do you fill your dwelling space? For me, as you can imagine, this is my favorite part of the work I do. If you were to stop by my studio on those days when I am in ‘design mode,’ it can look like a hurricane has hit the place. Here are some of the things you might see: fabric books everything; catalog tear sheets with furniture and accessory photos on every available surface; floor plans and furniture arrangements on top of it all; more ideas taped to bulletin boards and the like; you get the idea. I can be messy when I am in creative mode. It is really an unbelievably exciting flow of ideas that just works.

On each project I work on, I pray for the best ideas to flow from our Heavenly Creator, through my mind and into the spaces my clients ask me to design for them.  Then, I am able to make them come to life on His power; it is an incredibly rewarding process to be involved in; co-laboring with God on something that will be a blessing for the families I serve for years to come.

Designer Leah Richardson shares, “I can search the world over for beautiful things to fill my heart and home, but until I recognize and appreciate that what is truly beautiful is what lies within me – I will never find it.” How very true. The gift of God residing in our hearts is what fills our spiritual dwellings in a most beautiful way.

To Happy Decorating! More later,
Kay

During Hollywood’s golden age movie stars were larger than life; they were put on pedestals, protected from scandal. They appeared to be perfection and as such were treated as American royalty. Their opulent homes reflected their star status; luxurious showplaces designed to illuminate the fabulous fashionable lives of their celebrity occupants.

Hollywood Regency is a fusion of art deco, neo-classicism and modernism all blended together to form an exuberant glamorous style. Furniture has clean lines with ornate details and lots of shine; functional but entertaining to the eye. Surfaces are brilliant and reflective, covered in mirror, lacquer and chrome. Everything is fabulous from the velvet draperies to the faux fur accents to the glittering chandeliers. Palettes vary but the fundamentals include white, cream and black with accessories of brilliant colors to even more add excitement.

Want to add a little Hollywood glamour to your home? There are no definite rules, but make sure your design is confident, glamorous, symmetrical and elegant. Use luxurious materials (velvet, satin, faux fur), oversized furniture, mirrored or lacquered tables, sparkling crystal chandeliers, mirrors (baroque works wonderfully) and don’t forget some bold graphic black and white elements (zebra rug, black and white patterned fabric).

Hollywood Regency is as current and ground breaking today as it was in the early twentieth century. It is more than a design style; it is a state of mind! Hollywood Regency practically screams I love my glamorous exciting life and I’m going to live it in the moment and enjoy every second.

There are photorealistic wallpapers that are nothing like the old panoramas of the sixties and seventies; these are works of art in and of themselves.

If you’d just like to add a focal point use the new peel and stick designs. There is no commitment, they are easy to apply, just peel and stick; when you want a change just peel them right off the wall.

York even offers glass bead encrusted or crystal embedded papers to add texture and shimmer to any room.

Alternate two sets of decorative pillow covers — one set for spring/summer and the other for fall/winter.

Purchase reversible drapery panels so they can easily be turned with the changing of the seasons. Pale tone(s) on one side for spring/summer with deeper tone(s) on the reverse for fall/winter.

When displaying art, change it seasonally. Light and bright for warmer seasons, richer and warmer for when the weather turns cool.

Switch a light throw with a cozier one for cooler seasons.

Use light and bright themed flower arrangements for spring/summer. Replace with fall colored pieces accented with fall leaves and fruit in fall/winter.

Warm months use a cool cotton matelasse bed cover, switch to a thick down comforter for cold months.

“All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.”

- Helen Hayes

As the first crocus peek out from the earth and we begin our spring decorating your garden is the perfect place to draw inspiration. Bring nature indoors by placing twigs in a pitcher, plant flowering bulbs in your favorite piece of pottery or a terra cotta pot. Use everyday items like a colander to hold fruit or birds eggs; try to find some with leaves and stems intact. Mix it up by placing some seashells in with the fruit or plants.

Let the sun shine in; replace heavy lined drapes with light breezy panels made of sheer fabrics such as sheer cotton or shimmering silks. Cover dark wood tables with light bright fabrics.

Incorporate spring tones into your home; use shades drawn from the emerging flowers such as pink, yellow and green or blue from the sky. Use these colors in accessories such as pillows, candles and table runners to brighten your space.

Re-energize you bathroom with white towels and lightweight curtains. Use natural materials like raffia to tie a bow around hand towels, add a sprig of thyme or rosemary for a touch of color and clean scent. Roll towels and place them in wicker baskets. Place fragrant candles on small glass discs then surround them with pebbles. In the bedroom, cover the upholstered chair with a light canvas slip cover or put it away and bring out a beautiful wicker chair or other outdoor inspired furniture. Use “outdoor” accessories such as urns and planters indoor to tie it all together.

Hot spring decorating trends for 2009

§ Filigree – delicate scrolls, curlicues and flourishes reminiscent of embroidery

§ Our fine feathered friends – birds and bird-related accessories add whimsy and a delightful spring accent.

§ Bigger is better –flowers, twigs, fronds blown up and cropped add a sculptural element drawn from nature.

§ Orange is the new black – add orange accents such as pillows, curtains with thin orange stripes and patterns – bold or delicate, either will work.

§ Sewing – take inspiration for accessories and linens from Grandma’s embroidered table cloth or crocheted afghan; add pillows that resemble big buttons or a lamp shade that resembles a thimble.

§ Wood grain – use furniture incorporating natural shapes such as tree branches and fabrics with wood grain prints.

Spring is in the air,
now bring it into your home!

What is a Diva?

I must admit I received some flack over the name of our new blog. The Design Diva Dishes on Design, Style and Decor creates an immediate visual impression doesn’t it? Calling oneself a Diva can’t be compliment, right? Well, it can be and it is.

Here’s the scoop on Divas.

From this Baby Boomer’s perspective, there are and was a group of marvelous and magical women of my generation and before my time that quietly, and sometimes not so quietly, worked to change their worlds and the outside world as well. These uniquely fabulous women made it possible for all of us to reach for our dreams. And shouldn’t we do just that, even if we happen to find ourselves in the second act of life?

So today, what is a Diva?

Divas are women who are past their mothering time and have some serious life experiences behind them. Divas do not suffer fools and are not hesistant to forge ahead when others want to stand still. Divas are secure in who they are and what they know. They realize what they have to offer to others in this life. Divas are unable to see the world as mundane. Divas see magic in every thought, move, process, and moment. They could not look at life differently if they tried. They are able to find hidden truths in all things. A little advice…don’t get in their way! Divas love their children and friends greatly and are capable of glorious romances and loving relationships with spouses or partners. Their friendships are deep and abiding, usually with one or two particularly tight bonds and several additional pals in their realm of influence.

Divas do not require validation from others to feel good about themselves, though they do enjoy compliments. While their bonds are very close, they are mature and experienced enough to have dealt with death in a few ways, not just the physical death of others, but the death of friendships, marriages, and dreams. They do understand that people and situations in life, while precious and challenging, are transient. They are comfortable in their own skins and perceive their lives as blessed, regardless of the external challenges they may be facing now. Remember that Divas do not suffer fools lightly and are impatient with manipulators, users, slackers, and phonies. You won’t see a Diva with a partner who doesn’t pull his own weight, or who is less than respectful on an on-going basis. Divas are strong, independent, pro-active women who are listened to when they speak, loved for their spiritedness, and above all respected by all who know them.

A Diva understands her past, has learned from it, and is not fearful of looking back on it.

She has taken responsibility for the life that she has lived, and is living. She looks forward to the future with the quiet assurance that whatever happens will be for her best. Her faith is solid and she is able to help others through difficult times. She does not panic when adversity appears. She works on the situation until she finds the wisdom to solve the problem. Divas choose to live in the present moment because they understand the precious nature of ‘now.’ Every day, Divas find magic and miracles in all things and are grateful to God for each one. There is joy in everything if you care to look, and divas do, whether it is a small gift from a friend, an act of kindness from a stranger, a wonderful meal enjoyed together, or the beauty of a flower. They can enjoy a good laugh and after all, isn’t a smile the best adornment we can wear? Somewhere along the way, laugh lines become a thing of beauty to Divas because they are proof that one has enjoyed many people and experiences on this side of eternity. Divas speak their minds with confidence and without pretense. One should never ask a Diva for her opinion or advice unless you really want to hear it because she will speak her mind. Divas are honest to a fault. They are also private people, so there are parts of life and hearts that are off limits to others. Divas can still be a mystery to those who love them because they will never know all the parts that make up the whole.

These women have spanned the ages. This part of our site is dedicated to all the existing Divas of our world and those who are a work in progress. Here, we hope you will identify your ’Diva Consciousness’ and visit often as we talk about Design, Style, Decor, and Life. We encourage you to continue to be creative, adventuresome, beautiful, joyful, peaceful, and growing in wisdom and emotional strength.

Become all that you can be on this side of eternity.

With warm regards!

Kay

Here are the original “Design Divas’ from the past. Dorothy Draper- Sister Parish- and Elsie De Wolfe whose work stands the test of time. Beautiful, classic design

This article has been adapted for our firm from Vintage Divas.

Yes, yes, I know, but before you start making noises about “who do I think I am” promise me you will read the section immediately beneath this one entitled, “What is a Diva?” Then, come back and have some fun with me as we poke a few holes in the occasionally ‘hoity toity’ world of designers and decorators.

For decades decorators have been portrayed as bored housewives, feisty socialites, or overbearing fashionistas schooled in the ancient art of mincing words and ideas to confuse their clients. Some may say ”good taste is subjective” but having attended and graduated from an interior design program, I beg to differ. Contrary to what many people believe, interior design is not some mysterious activity based on secret doctrines known only to a talented few. Although it is very complimentary to hear someone describe a transformed space as magical, it is not magic but the designer’s skill, imagination and expertise which transform ideas into cohesive design.

In June 2007’s House and Garden, Mayer Rus, editor-in-chief of Interior Design, wrote a funny ruse about his one experience as an interior decorator. It will give you a tiny glimpse into the world of interior design. An excerpt of this article follows.

“A year ago, I took on my first and only ‘client’, a dear friend who was moving back into her apartment after a three-year architectural renovation. She needed furniture, lighting, carpets, the whole bit, and as I am something of a maven in this area (to borrow a phrase from Barbara Kruger, ‘I shop therefore I am’), I thought the assignment would be a breeze. I neglected to take into account the fact that shopping and decorating are not the same thing, and that when it comes to performing either service for a third part – even a third party that one adores – there’s nothing easy or breezy about it.

First, it matters not a whit how many thousands of dollars one spends on furniture and fabrics… There’s still a very good chance the products will arrive damaged, incomplete, or in some bizarre color that has nothing to do with the original specifications. Second, the client will hold the decorator (even an unpaid decorator) responsible for any and all deficiencies on the part of suppliers and contractors.

I won’t even get into the myriad technical issues that I was completely ill-equipped to handle. It turns out – surprise – that a proper education in design and a few solid years of experience are vital. All of which means that the fine people who keep us in chintz and chaises deserve some R-E-S-P-E-C-T.”

Please enjoy our site, visit often and always remember to become all that you can be on this side of eternity.

With warm regards!

Kay