Happy Sunday to you! On this grey and chilly afternoon, I’m dreaming of the warm Sacramento summers and life out-of-doors. There are so many possibilities! While we don’t have an ocean view, I am enjoying a view of deer feeding in the pasture next door! What do you think of this Moroccan style outdoor room with Sunbrella curtains, photo by Robert Trachtenberg, all images courtesy of “House Beautiful”. What about this expansive terrace, featuring Janice et Cie’s Veneto furniture? And while we’re dreaming of a little sunshine, what do you think about these gorgeous Restoration Hardware sofas? (photo by Karen…
Duralee, one of the fabric companies for the design trade, showed off their new season of fabrics. Fabric trends included tile block prints, crisp bright colors, suzani inspired fabric designs, menswear inspired plaids and even embroidered fabrics that would be stunning used in draperies. Lilac was everywhere, especially paired with grey. Yellow, grey and white was another combination I liked. Texture showed up a lot, especially in a metallic lilac animal print! Simply gorgeous! Visit Duralee
One aspect of the Design Blogger’s Conference last week, was little about social media and everything about interior design. We were near a state of nirvana, listening to design icons Jan Showers, Tracy Porter, Barclay Butera and Suzanne Rheinstein speak about their favorite looks as well as a few design tips. Designer favorites include painted wood floors, old, refurbished lighting in new homes, wallpaper on the ceiling, blue and white porcelain and animal prints. Decorating tips included buying furniture, whether new or antique, with quality and longevity in mind. The mantra is fewer is better, adding pieces over time. It…
Just like in every business, social media is “the rage”. Sites like Facebook, Twitter and Yelp have forever changed the business marketing landscape. Blogging about your business and/or passion probably won’t make you rich, but it’s another way to “level the playing field”, reaching the masses, while solidifying your marketing brand. All good things. I learned so much about all of this, straight from the experts, but in two short days, I only scratched the surface of available knowledge. More to learn! HGTV was at the conference, filming for a new show.
The sample sale at the San Francisco Design Center is right around the corner! It’s open to the public and you’re sure to find some great bargains. If nothing else, you’ll enjoy seeing all the gorgeous inventory on display!
Next time you’re in Carmichael, I recommend that you visit Veranda Living, next to Cottage Girls on Palm, just east of Fair Oaks Blvd. Susan Powers is the proprietor, and you’ll find a very nice mix of vintage antiques and collectables at reasonable prices. It’s worth a visit and a welcome addition to the neighborhood!
If the weather forecasters are accurate, tomorrow will be a wet one; the perfect day to complete an indoor project. How about creating a “window pane” wall of mirrors, as was done in Amy Dragoo’s Manhattan loft? After painting the wall black, Amy and her husband hung 48 mirrors using a laser level and mirror mastic. Their marriage survived the project, which now brings great light into their main living space!
Are you trendy or traditional; cottage or mid-century vintage; contemporary or simply not certain? Well, if you’re not sure, you’re in good company! And that’s where some people can benefit from the services of a design “mentor”…someone who will help you stay true to the style that serves you best. In my mind’s “eye”, good style has little to do with “taste” and everything to do with editing, to maintain a look and feel that’s consistent throughout a home, bringing a harmonious balance to the entire space. Creating “harmony” takes discipline. While I’ll see fun displays of brightly colored hot…
The Sunbrella fabric line is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary, while extending their fabric line from the outdoors, in. Beautiful new colors, design; paired with long wear and easy care. What a deal!
There is almost nothing more gracefully beautiful than a blooming white orchid. They’re also an excellent value, since they’ll bloom in your home or office for a month or two. But what do you do with the plant when it’s finished blooming? Well, if you’re one of the fortunate few, you just place it in your temperature controlled orchid greenhouse. But if you’re like me, the chances of getting that orchid to bloom again are between slim and none. So, instead of tossing the greenery, cut off the old flower stem and replace it with a silk orchid stem! You’ll…
