Real Life Decorating & More

Public Sample Sale - San Francisco Design Center

2011-02-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

Echo Antiques - Santa Cruz

2010-05-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

Echo Antiques in Santa Cruz has a fantastic selection of furniture at great prices. I saw a couple great pieces that were fun and could be great as is or painted.

Happy, Happy, Happy! The Happiest Tole Table
A riot of California Poppies!
Circa 1960s. 41" glass top
$250

Vintage Drexel Queen Anne China Cabinet

Circa 1930s/1940s
70" H x 36" W x 18" D
$450

2010 San Francisco Decorator Showcase

2010-05-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Always an inspiring event - 2010 San Francisco Decorator Showcase

May 1 through May 31
Located at 3450 Washington Street (between Walnut and Laurel Streets)

Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday,Saturday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (last entry)
Thursday & Friday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm (last entry)
Sunday and Memorial Day: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (last entry)
Monday: Closed (except Memorial Day)

Tickets
Available at the door
General Admission $30, Seniors $25 (62 and older)
Tickets are not available in advance
They accept payment by cash, check, VISA and MasterCard

One Counter...Two Bathrooms

2010-03-03T18:54:00.001-08:00

We redid a fantastic master bathroom, changed the floor plan by moving the shower, eliminating a bath tub and creating a private water closet. We picked out a fantastic Silestone counter top in Grey Amazon. There was enough counter top left over for a small bathroom counter so we did a mini-makeover on the guest bathroom and changed lighting, counter, sink, toilet, floor tile, new cabinet fronts, repainted with new hardware. Both bathrooms have a completely different feel even though we used the same counter top and same floor tile.

Master Bathroom - Double Sink

Tile Detail

Water Closet - with floor to ceiling storage.

Guest Bathroom- Same Counter; Different Feel

Dining by Design 2009

2009-11-05T16:56:00.000-08:00

If you love to decorate or entertain here's an event you shouldn't miss! Diffa's Dining by Design 2009 is just 2 weeks away. An over-the-top celebration of all things tabletop! DINING BY DESIGN brings together established talent, budding artists, and celebrated individuals to create three-dimensional dining installations that awe, inspire, and delight.

The 2009 event will be November 18-19 at the Galleria at the San Francisco Design Center, 101 Henry Adams Street. These tables are always a show stopper and worth a gander. If you want more of an experience check out the website or see details below.
TABLE HOP & TASTE
Wednesday, November 18th; 6:00pm-10:00pm
$100.00
This party sets the stage for Thursday night's gala as designers and guests mingle and preview the installations as they sip signature drinks from Stolichnaya elit and Castello di Gabbiano wines paired with tastes from San Francisco's top restaurants.

GALA DINNER
Thursday, November 19th; 6:30pm-11:00pm
$500.00
Cocktails and table hopping, followed by a seated dinner, dancing, and dessert.

Trend Watch: Wire Forms

2009-10-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

by Target

by John Nelling Metal
by Pottery Barn

by Ballard Designs

Fall Interior Decorating Classes (Oakland)

2009-10-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

If you could use a little help decorating or maybe you just need a fresh perspective, consider taking this fall series of classes with my friend and design colleague Danielle Fox. Courses are held at SLATE art & design gallery in the Temescal district of Oakland. Space is limited to ten students per course and a minimum of four registrations are required for a course to run.

identify and develop your personal style
spruce up your home before the holidays
enjoy twelve hours of presentations, discussion, and individual and group exercises based on one of your favorite topics, all for the price of two hours of professional design consulting
benefit from a professional’s experience, expertise, and extensive resource library
complete the course with a comprehensive room design that reflects your own personal taste and lifestyle, for a fraction of the price of hiring a designer

Weekly Topics

Aspirational Style / Style Categories / Materials and Motifs
Reality: Context and Lifestyle / Performing a Design Review
Space Planning, Furniture Scale and Proportion
Project Managent and Budgeting
Shopping - online, retail, trade, custom, vintage
Color Schemes, Fabrics, Windows
Art and accessories - the final balancing
Sharing Room Designs

DETAILS
Fridays 10-11:30 AM
October 9–December 4
(no meeting Thanksgiving week)
Please let us know if you would prefer another day, evening, or weekend schedule.
Alternate classes can be formed.
$250 for eight meetings. Receive a $25 discount for each friend you refer.

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Danielle Fox, Danielle Fox Design
4770 Telegraph Ave & 48th Oakland
O (510) 444-4085
C (510) 325-6659
info@daniellefoxdesign.com

Easy Fall Updates

2009-10-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

Paint. You don't have to paint an entire room but how about one accent wall or the front door. A little color can go a long ways. Think of something rich and deep. Check out Sherwin Williams SW 6321 Red Bay combined with SW 7069 Iron Horse to create a modern country update.

Pillows. Rotate pillows out or buy new pillow covers. Go for new colors, sizes and textures.

Fresh Accessorizing. Fresh flowers bring color and life while easily establishing the feeling of new season. Another option is to fill glass vases & bowls with persimmons, apples, & gourds. See my example of a fall dinner party I did for a friend's birthday.

Coziness. A warm fuzzy quilt or throw instantly calls you to come and snuggle up. Updating with new lamps or lamp shades can create warmth both during the day or when lit. A new lamp with a dark metal or wood base not only helps to anchor a room but provides an element of nature. Consider a lamp shade that is a heavy linen, a dark color or possibly gold on the inside to create a warm glowing light when turned on. (Anson Lamp from Crate & Barrel.)

Art. Change out one piece of art with a new piece that evokes a since of fall. Put away your pictures from the beach and update family pictures with last years pictures in the fall leaves, skiing, or those with hats & scarfs. Or have some fun...rake the leaves, put the kids in hats and scarves and snap some new pictures. My girls in the front yard.

A few simple, inexpensive changes can get you in the mood for any new season.

Fun Side Chairs

2009-10-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Totally fun side chairs from Walmart. Check out the Skyline Collection for chairs, ottomans, headboards and more. Chairs seem to range from $225-299.

Home Shopping Network - Who Knew?

2009-10-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

Honestly I've never watched HSN the Home Shopping Network but I was flipping through the channels the other day and saw Nate Berkus promoting some very cool stuff! I decided to check it out today and found some great items from Nate and other good finds too. I guess never say never....

Nate Berkus™ Handmade Silver Tray Table - $79.95

Nate Berkus™ Handcrafted Slipper Chair - $329.90

Grandin Road Beveled Glass Mirror - $119ea

Colin Cowie Holiday Appetizer Plates - $19.95

Super Cute Kid Room Decor Items

2009-09-30T14:58:00.001-07:00

I haven't been posting on a regular basis but I'm going to try and get back on track. Anyhow, a friend sent this link to J Caroline Home! because they have ready made items such as pillows, ottomans and slip covers for Ikea Child's Poang Chair. You can choose a variety of fabrics, which are perfect for a child's room. Check them out for their fun fabrics and very reasonable prices.

How much light do you need in a room?

2009-08-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

I come across homes all the time that have inadequate lighting, lamps and fixtures. It's a bit like getting dressed up and forgetting your jewelry.

Calculate the amount of light needed in any room by multiplying the length times the width of the room (in feet). Then multiply that number by 1.5. This gives you the number of watts required to provide ambient lighting for the room. If task lighting is needed, multiply the square footage by 2.5 instead of 1.5 to find the wattage. Ceiling fixtures should be at least 7 feet above the floor.

Examples:
1) 12’ x 16’ = 192’ square footage
192' x 1.5 = 288watts
Therefore a 12’ x 16’ room would have ample lighting with two 150-watt table or floor lamps
(2 x 150 watts = 300 watts) or an 8-light chandelier with 40-watt bulbs (8x 40 watts = 320
watts).

2) For specific task lighting within a space (for example, the light needed on a kitchen island ), multiply the square footage of the island (8’ x 4’ = 32’) times 2.5. Two 40-watt mini pendants would do the job (32’ x 2.5 = 80 watts).

Other links & sources:
Massive Lighting - an average (in Watts) in order to have good light
Common Kitchen Lighting Mistakes
Lowes Lighting Tips
Energy Saving Lighting Tips

SF Silk Trading Company Closing

2009-06-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

The Silk Trading Company is closing their store in S.F. Not exactly sure when but they are either having or will have a blow out sale of 50%-80% off items in the store. This is a great opportunity to get ready made panels, fabric by the yard and pillows.

The Silk Trading Co.
1616-A 6th Street
S.F.
415-282-5574

Also, check them out online for great sales on discontinued fabrics and premade drapery sales.

Tanell - Spruce $25/yd

Jacoby- Terraza $29/yd

Kendrar $10/yd

Ribbon Overlay $76-98/panel

Thomas Paul Fabrics Available to the Public

2009-04-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Thomas Paul has a great line of fun, graphic fabrics which were exclusive to Duralee a trade only resource. However, you can now get these fabrics at Calico Corners. They range in price from $15-45/yard. Here's the crazy part...they are cheaper at Calico Corners than I can buy wholesale at Duralee. Great for the public...kind of sucks for me as a designer!

Check out the Thomas Paul site for other items that coordinate with his fabrics. You can get art, rugs, lighting, pillows & dishes.

Color for 2009: Purple, Blue, Yellow, & Coral

2009-04-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

Thinking of painting or bringing in a new accent color? You won't go wrong with one of these colors.

Purples, especially reddish-based purple but you can also incorporate the palest lavender to more saturated tones.

Blue is our new green. We'll continue to see lots of greens just because of the "green movement" but more blues too from water blues, sky blues to aquamarine blue which works well with yellow.
Yellow is a hot accent color. Especially citrus yellows. I've been watching it make it's way from the fashion industry for a couple years now. It also combines quite well with blacks, whites and grays.
Coral is another color that has been seeping it's way back into design. Just look at Pottery Barn.

All pictures from the Better Homes & Garden site.

Furniture Layouts

2009-03-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

I often create Room Layouts for clients, which can be a vital step in the decorating process. Typically I create 2-3 layouts per space/room. A floor plan helps define measurements, furniture sizes, traffic patterns, etc. Each layout I create comes with a detailed list of furniture & sizes, and it may include pictures and sources. After a client and I settle on a layout, either I implement the plan or the client can then do the footwork themselves. A Room Layout saves time, frustration and helps prevent costly mistakes.

I've included two samples of the same game room, in which a client wanted to include a pool table but also wanted a lot of seating. Pool tables take a lot of floor space because you must allow square footage for shooting with pool sticks. After putting together 4-5 plans, it became clear to the client they weren't getting as much seating with a pool table. It's up for debate, but most of the family thought the pool table should go into the garage.
Layouts may include: windows, doors, walls, appliances, flooring, measurements, lighting, furniture, rugs, etc.

What's Your Personal Style?

2009-03-17T23:43:00.000-07:00

Take this fun quiz from Sproost to discover your style.

My personal style was always a 3 way mix but the mixes were not the same...ahhh that's OK it's just plain fun anyhow. I took the quiz 4 times. I tend to be a French Eclectic, Modern Elegance, Classic & Hollywood Couture. What I'm not - southwestern, lodge or asian.

a little of my french

a little of my modern elegance

a little of my hollywood couture

Have you heard? Mauve is Back!

2009-02-26T10:35:00.000-08:00

What does it mean? Well, as always it's all about a fresh spin and making an old color look new. See below how mixing mauve with browns, blues or greens keeps it fun & fresh. Keep you eyes open because you will see mauve leaning any where from pink, purple, gray or to brown.

According to Funmum.com this season’s hottest colours straight off the catwalk are contrasting brown and mauve and they have managed to work that trend into this beautiful top.
Here's an interpretation of that mauve & brown combo in bedding by Elizabeth Allen Atelier.

I love how Elizabeth Allen's bedding is paired with this golden headboard. The barrel lampshade adds a fresh modern style, which also helps this new country look stay fresh.

Here Elizabeth Allen's mauve colored bedding is paired with a luscious apple green. The classic, clean lines of the headboard, popped with green and mixed with classic, mauve flower pattern still feels fun. It's all about what you pair together.

Back in December '08 I put together a young girls room in a monochromatic mauve color scheme. Remember this Glamorous Girl's Bedroom?

Ikea Slipcovers

2009-02-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

Over 90 designs and colours. 8 fabric choices. Fits old and new IKEA sofa models. Chair and cushion covers too. Simple to put on. Easy to take off. Completely Machine Washable. Inspiration has never been more fun. Check out Bemz.

Ceilings...what to do with them?

2009-02-02T21:08:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a hair salon project and I'm trying to find an inexpensive solution to cover a small, ugly ceiling for the washing room. Here's a cool ceiling! Great focal point!

Lisa Bengtsson

Coordinating Colors & Accessories

2009-01-06T14:00:00.001-08:00

Suray is a site with some great area rugs; however, besides their great area rugs they have art, pillows, throws and lamps that coordinate with their rugs. They've even taken the guessing out of what go's with what by putting coordinates together for you.

Glamorous Girl's Bedroom

2008-12-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

Here's a really fun girls room I finished last week. This was a fun room to do and eight year old Allison LOVES it. Here's what she had to say...."it's so awesome, like floating on clouds, and I can't wait to come home from school every day just to be in my room."

This room was easy to pull off. The stripes give it a lot of detail with a big bang for a small buck (and one of Allison's favorite things). The bed is Pottery Barn, vintage Barbie prints from Z Gallery, curtains & rod from JC Penny's, and bedding, lamps, shades and flocked artwork from Target.

The first picture is probably the best for natural light and true colors. Enjoy and don't get distracted by my photography skills.

Vintage Wallpaper

2008-12-04T15:48:00.000-08:00

Second Hand Wallpaper represent the world's largest collection of vintage wallpaper. This impressive wallpaper collection, spanning the 1860's to 1970, has been featured on Martha Stewart and is a the collections of museums throughout the world. Kitchen, bathroom, geometric, and floral wallpaper prices range from $70 per roll (60'sq) to $1,200 per roll for original Frank Lloyd Wright designs (90'sq.) Check out their vintage linoleum too!

Bathroom Vanities - Great Deal!

2008-10-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

I found a great resource on Craigslist today! Bathroom vanities at drastically reduced prices. Check out Ben's Showroom for available product. Read carefully for chips or cracks. Showroom location in Stockton, so a bit of a drive but worth it if you are looking for a deal.

These fine bathroom sink vanities come from a company Ben works for. These items have never been used; they are mostly display models, manufacturer samples, and returned items because customers changed their mind or they are damaged during transit. As a result, he sells these items at a huge mark down - even below wholesale prices.

The showroom is located in Stockton open Mon-Fri by appointment only from 10am-5pm. If you have questions about an item or want to make an appointment, contact Ben at 925.339.1013 or via email at ben128@rocketmail.com. Here are just a few:

$275

$350

Update Your Flooring

2008-10-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Check out Shaw flooring to play with carpet, laminate & hardwood flooring, area rugs & eco-friendly options. This fun tool really helps you see what flooring can do for a room and how it can change or enhance different elements.

Upload a photo of your room and or choose from their idea gallery and watch it come to life as you switch floors, paint the walls, and even add a rug. Just sign up for a free My Shaw Floors account or not and get ready to sample new floors. Have fun!

Decorating Kid Rooms

2008-09-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

Tips for decorating kid rooms:

1) How Time Flies! Children grow up soooo fast. Honestly they are toddlers before you know it and then kids and teens. Clearly taste and functionality will change with time, but decorate for longevity (the best you can anyhow). Stay away from pastels unless you are doing something more vintage. Vintage in general works great...be it pretty quilting patterns or retro furniture finds. Think beyond infants, Tomas the Train & Disney. Save the toy themes for the toys.

2) Budget and a Plan. A child's likes and dislikes can change really fast, especially in the first eight years. Literally their favorite color changes year to year and that's not just being a 'kid' but is connected to their developmental stages. Keep the shell of the room the same such as a bed & dressers. Stay firm with these items and be more flexible every few years with new bedding, paint colors, and updating accessories.

3) Paint/Walls. Personally I don't think paint is so expensive you couldn't change a kids room every few years. However, one way to keep cost down is to select a color that isn't overly trendy. Consider spicing it up with a couple colorful stripes about a quarter of the way down from the ceiling. The stripes then could changed from time to time with little cost & effort (except some painters tape and a couple quarts of paint). Now days there are tons of low cost decals on the market which are also easy to install & remove. For a more dramatic effect, paint a mural which can be easily painted over at a later date.

4) Windows. Choose hard window treatments that can with stand time (e.g., roller shade, plain fabric shade, wood blinds, woven blinds. etc.). Further enhance with curtain panels or a valance. Plain department store curtain panels can easily be embellished with ribbon.

5) Custom Options. If building window seats or a built in desk...plan for future longevity.Those little tykes really don't stay small for long. For younger children supplement with appropriately scaled furniture. Lower tables meant for kids are more comfortable for them plus they are small, inexpensive and don't take up much room anyhow.

6) What do they want? Kids DO have their own ideas. I have two daughters 8 & 10 and I happen to be working with them on their rooms. I listen to them, acknowledge their personalities and try to incorporate elements that represent them. I even compromise on little things like a shade of color and I let them call the shots of Remember - when kids get to be involved in the decision-making, they are more likely to “own” their new décor and keep it clean and tidy!

7) Ideas. Check out my good friend and designer, Anna Stahl, of Nest Interior. She specializes in children rooms. The dinosaurs and flowers are vinyl decals she designed. All three were rooms for small children, but something they could grow into.

Beds Beds Beds - SALE

2008-09-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

Charles P. Rogers is having a great end of summer sale. Seriously these are great prices. I especially like this first bed. Very Martha Stewartish....

Adderley Bed King - $1,299.00 sale

Normandie Daybed - $719 sale

Studio One Platform Full Bed - $530 sale

Trend Watch 2008-2009 - update

2008-09-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

Back in October 2007 I posted trends we should expect to see for 2008-2009. Here's an update on that topic as viewed at the summer Vegas World Market Show.

Warming Trend
This is not to say silver is going away, but the spotlight is on gold, copper and other warm-tone metals. Metallics-rich marketplace. Don't forget ethnic spicy colors too. (West Elm)

Imperfect Finishes
Look for livable furniture that is upscale & distressed with gold undertones or highlights. As well, Eco-looks continue to deliver with natural distressed imperfections such as reclaimed woods. (French Heritage)

Home Media
TV and media needs are quickly changing and retailers need to catch up and offer home electronic solutions. Las Vegas Market exhibitors delivered solutions in a variety of styles, sizes and configurations. (Aspen Home)

Take note: we are in a mode of infatuation with the flat screen TV and no longer NEED big armories to hide them; however, displaying your flat screen TV as a feature is just a trend and we most certainly will move towards units that hide your TV when not in use.

Lodge Living
Plenty of products to support this trend can be found from rustic cabin to luxe lodge. As with any "theme" a little goes a long way. (Charles Forge )

Dark Espresso
Espresso wood tones still going strong. (Laurier Furniture)

Painted Furniture

2008-09-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing loads of painted furniture. Check out some examples and ideas.

Voltaire Dressoir - $1490 (special rubber coating). If you don't need it for outside or heavy use look at craiglist for a good find, spray out yourself or take it to an auto body shop to be sprayed with a high gloss finish.

Daniella Chest, Pottery Barn

Curvee Shelf, from House Eclectic $371

Next two photos from Knack Studios. Great reuse of furniture. Check out her site for before and afters. Love how she incorporated fabric or wall paper on the drawer fronts of the side table.

If you are up for a DIY project, check out this craislist posting that has many inexpensive pieces that are great in shape/form.

Stylish Home Office Supplies

2008-09-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

See Jane Work is a fantastic site for ordering all things stylish, hip, fun, & functional for your home office! Also check out their section for Pulling It Together for lots of tips and ideas for organizing and managing.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Rococo Oval Chalkboard - $36

Eco-Chic Calendar - $23

Large Document Boxes - $18

Fabric Trend

2008-09-15T13:47:00.001-07:00

I think it's good to let you know what the Trade Only fabric showrooms are promoting and adding to their lines. Here's an example of Robert Allen/Beacon Hill both in fabric and furniture. This will help you recognize the trends while you are out planning and implementing your personal decor projects.

Bookcase of the Day

2008-09-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Need bookcase inspiration or wondering what to do with all those books??? I Suwanne has it covered! Check out this blog for loads of ideas, from colorful to unique to clever.

Not All Corporate Offices Are Boring

2008-09-12T01:17:00.001-07:00

I thought this small company in San Ramon was very innovative in their desire to provide a real lounge their employees could relax in, watch TV, eat or have meetings. I've heard they've even had a few Wii game-offs.

How did I do it? Here are five basic steps that anyone could follow.

1) Define Style: Cozy, comfortable, clean lined, interesting, appealing to employees and durable materials.

2) Floor Plan & Budget: What did they need? Dining area, TV, sitting area & some outdoor seating. I created a couple layouts with furniture options, which helps determine scale and size of each piece. As well, a budget was in order. Honestly a budget helps the client take a realistic look at their needs, priorities and plan of action.

3) Select Furniture: These dining room chairs were my first find at a Palecek sample sale at the Palecek warehouse in Richmond. The texture and color of the rattan chairs combined with the golden leather end-chairs set the direction for my color palette. Combining different dining chairs gave a homey, eclectic feel to an office environment. From there I kept the wood tones similiar to keep a unified feel, repeated the leather in a dark leather sofa, and softened the seating area with cozy chair. Take note that the flat screen TV could have been hung on the wall; however, I chose a media console which anchors the TV and prevents the TV from "floating" on the wall. Plus the TV console actually balances the dining table.

4) Create Color Palette: This picture captures the essence of the color palette. Dark woods, soothing blues, golds and greens with pops of aqua blue, plus texture from the rug, pillows & dining chairs. As well notice, how I pulled the gold from the leather dining chair into this side of the room in the art and vases. It's all about creating balance.

5) Accessories & Art: Accessories and art are the last layer that finishes a room. It was important (especially since this was an office environment) to include little touches to create a feeling of comfort & coziness. This was achieved by incorporating throw pillows, vases, magazines and natural elements such as orchids on the dining room. As well, this last layer allows for a balance of color throughout the room.

Do you know what's missing? What's missing is lighting. If I had my preference I would have added a chandelier of sorts over the dining room table and a table and floor lamp. Lighting is an often over looked opportunity to add... light! Surprisingly homes are often missing basic lighting. However, in this case there is plenty of natural light with a whole wall of windows and plenty of florescent light. So even though we didn't add it here light fixtures can balance and create scale to a room as well as incorporate accessories & sculptural elements.

This was a fun project! It worked in an office but it would just as easily fit into someone's home.

2008-09-11T13:25:00.001-07:00

Fabulous design team of Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams have a great upholstery sale going on now through 10/13/08. Check out their website for a location near you and in the SF Bay Area you can find their product:

Ruby Living Design
180 Townsend St, SF
415.541.9206

Your largest canvas...your floors

2008-09-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

As described on their website, FLOR allows people to create their own unique floor coverings and change their minds, and their floors, as often as they like. Available in a diverse array of fashion-forward color palettes, patterns and unique textures, FLOR empowers consumers to have creative control over the largest canvas in their homes — their floors. From checkerboards to stripes to bordered rugs, FLOR’s multiple patterns can change the look of a room to fit any style, season or mood. You'll also find lines from Martha Stewart, Alexander Girard, & Disney.
The colors and options are endless. Great online design tool too!

Here's sample pricing for Tonal Vision ™ area rugs:
$74.99 ~ 6 tile rug
$149.99 ~ 12 tile rug or runner
$359.99 ~ 30 tile rug

I want to hear from you!

2008-09-03T15:50:00.001-07:00

I have loads of ideas for posts... some fall into my lap so I post on them, I see something online, I read a magazine, I see something in a client's house or a client dilemma that inspires a post. However, I'd rather post on burning issues that come from readers.

Let me know what topics you'd like see!!!

Purple is HOT this Fall

2008-09-02T13:13:00.001-07:00

Here are some picks of what high-end designers have available to the Trade. These are high-end products with prices tags to match. The products below can only be ordered through the Trade, but let these serve as examples during your own shopping trips.
Ramjata - Lilac by Peter Dunham

Deep Purple Porcelain Onion Lamp by Allan Knight

Samara fabric by Pierre Frey

Kimono fabric by Alpha Workshops

Commode LXV by Cote France

Tom Dixon...Sample Sale, London

2008-09-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

Calling all collectors and enthusiasts of great design.....British design company, Tom Dixon is having their first ever sample sale! If you are in London or happen to be in London don't miss this sale! Tom Dixon is one of the most talked about avant-garde designers. Completely self-taught he is always trying out new materials and applying industrial ideas/techniques to high-end design such as cast glass, cast iron and wood thus creating innovative products with a timeless approach.

Friday 26th September 10-5pm
Saturday 27th September 10-4pm

For further information:
Tel: 0207 400 0500 Web:www.tomdixon.net
5 Cromwell Place
London SW7 2JB

Sale includes upholstery, lighting and furniture, such as Cone Lights, Slouch Sofa, Copper Shades, Twist, Pipe Lights, and Mirror Balls. Up to 70% off selected items. Cash and Cheques only.

Global Antiques & Salvage Finds

2008-08-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

Located in Sonoma, A rtefact Design & Salvage offers carefully selected architectural antiques, large scale garden ornaments and unique finds from around the globe. They have a four thousand square foot showroom and extensive outdoor show space which house these unique pieces of odd gift items, rusty relics, a dash of modern design and some industrial stuff for a shopping experience like no other.

Constantly changing and always fresh, their showroom has earned a reputation in the design community for uncompromising, quirky originality. They are located at 23562 Highway 121, Sonoma CA 95476 - At Cornerstone Gardens. 707-933-0660

Sign up on their website to receive emails with updates, new container info, events, etc.

Upcoming container arrivals:
Due September 10 - From Italy Italian carved stone, fountains, gazebo
Due September 20 - French iron table bases
Due September 30 - Carved stone urns, columns, troughs, contemporary styles.

To the trade:
Special Sales Event for trade professionals and resellers only
Sept 25, 16, 27, 11am-7pm

Alameda Estate Sale Aug 22nd, 23rd & 24th

2008-08-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

If you love shopping flea markets, garage sales or estate sales get on www.lynnsofalameda.com mailing list for regular email updates of upcoming estate sales. They also have a shop at 2807 Encinal, Alameda.

Here's info on an upcoming estate sale this weekend:

622 Valle Vista, Oakland
Off Elwood and Grand by the Coffee Mill
August 22th , 23th, 24th
Friday noon-5pm
Sat. & Sun 10am4pm

A Gardeners Dream House! Very Large Collection of Plants, Pots, Soil, Statuary, Outdoor Patio Furniture, Decorative Mirror, Old Cameras, Photography Books, Crafts, Massive Iron 1900's Water Boiler, Professional PFAFF 335 Sewing Machine, Beautiful Bolts of Fabric, Cool Blonde Vintage Modern Eames Era Furniture: Credenza, Coffee Table, Corner Lamp Table & Dining Room Chairs Vintage Christmas, Danish Teak Tile Nesting Tables, Modern Side Table, Pair of Wing Chairs, Frames, Old Luggage, Vintage 60's Clothing, Shoes and Purses, Plant Stands, Collection of Costume Jewelry, Kennel Club Photo's & Ephemera, Kitchen Items, Pots, Pans, Glassware, Painted Antique Furniture, Framed Fabric Room Divider, Desk, Meito China, Sewing Patterns, Newer Vacuum Cleaner, Mask Collection, Cleaning Supplies, Upholstery Tools, Gardening Tools, Hand Tools, Paints & Solvents, Building Supplies.

SUNDAY noon everything is HALF OFF! Don't miss this one if you're an artist or a crafter! You'll kick yourself on Monday... No Early Sales.

Target and Dwell Studio Team Up

2008-08-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

Target now offers a whole line of Dwell Studio. Mostly infant bedding as well as furniture and accessories, but they also offer adult bedding as well.

The Shade Store and Dwell Sudio Team Up

2008-08-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Shade Store and modern fabrics from Dwell Studio partnered together to make some fun window treatments in some groovy fabrics. Check out Dwell Studio to finding matching bedding.

Tile Tatoos

2008-08-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

2Jane gives your kitchen or bathroom a stylish makeover with these Tile Tattoos by Mibo. Impervious to water and moisture, these heavy duty stickers will add life to the wettest walls of the house. Completely opaque coverage hides any unwanted tiles. No glue required for application and no sticky residue if they're removed! Say good bye to blue and mauve, flower accent tiles from the 80's!!!

House Salvage Sale...What a Score!

2008-08-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Wholehouse Building Supply & Salvage offers quality building materials that have been donated or salvaged from area homes and businesses. They also conduct house salvage sales at homes that are slated for demolition. Call 650-856-0634 or go to their website for more details.
The pictures below shows one of two salvage sales this weekend. I'm highlighting this one in particular because it truly has nice windows, doors and cabinetry. See specific details below or go to their website for more details.

30 Cove Rd., Belvederre
Saturday & Sunday, August 9 & 10
10:00 to 5:00

Best quality Cabinets and Appliances, French Doors, True Divided Light Windows, Great Built-In Office & Entertainment Center

Built in the 1930's, the 2200 square foot house has been extensively remodeled. It features the highest quality windows and doors including some new Marvin windows, unusual multi-pane doors, wood casement windows and true divided light French doors. There are plenty of glass door knobs in this home as well.

You will find a free-standing fireplace with screen and gas stove. The modern bathrooms have oak vanities, Kohler sinks, solid brass towel bars, and cool lighting. Other goodies include a pull down attic staircase, nice oak flooring, copper light fixtures, vintage lights, a large (100 gallon?) water heater, oak columns and posts, and some furniture. Look at this great entertainment center and built in office!

The kitchen is the best of all. Natural wood cabinetry is complemented by leaded glass doors on the upper cabinets. It features a high-end gas cook top and fancy ceramic sink with brass gooseneck faucet.

Eco Shiek - Furniture Sources Vol. 2

2008-07-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

Vivaterra or living earth is inspired by their dedication to living in harmony with nature - for a healthier life now and for future generations. All products reflect a commitment to: ecology and elegance; organic, sustainable sources; earth and people friendly;handcrafted by artisans; and celebrating life. (see example picture on right)

Nathan Anthony - classic furniture from beds to sofas

Madera Furniture - Fairfax, CA
All pieces are made out of recycled local wood and are finished with earth friendly top coats. Functional and one of a kind....Always. (see example on left)

Metro Furniture - They begin with recyclable or antique wood frames that would otherwise end up in a landfill. They make the piece new again. Carefully choosing paints, fabrics, cushions and finishes with green production and manufacturing in mind. You would never know these were reclaimed pieces. They make the old look new and hip with paint and modern fabrics. (see example at bottom). Additionally, check out Metro Shed, Cabin, Playhouse and Art for some interesting ideas and maybe a change in the way you think about things.

Other sources for finding green furniture makers:
Sustainable Furniture Council

Craigslist find, $60. DIY green project. Follow the concept of Metro Furniture above...a little paint and some groovy fabric...off you go!

Art Inspiration at Your Finger Tips

2008-07-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

I'm constantly astounded by the creative talent out there! If you are looking for fun art for a room or wanting to give your hand at creating your own check out these resources. Also, think about using items in alternate ways, such as framing wrapping paper or using it as a back drop for a picture. Today I'm highlighting a few places to either buy art or get inspiration.

My Daughter's Wish - an art, paper, studio in Pleasant Hill, CA. This store is kind of tucked away and a bit of a 'best kept secret'. NOT just a scrapbooking store, but rather a very artsy store with lots of creative products, ideas, & classes. Their sight also has has loads of resources, ideas and class info. I just finished up a short summer watercolor class with a great watercolorist, Colleen L Gianatiempo. It was a beginner's class, a small group of 8 and I learned a ton. I also learned painting with watercolors is hard! I had a great time and can't wait to sign up again.

How about family photos? OK, don't get me wrong. I love my kids and love pictures of other kids too, but that doesn't mean you have to display every photo ever taken of your child. As a matter of fact, if you over display the eye no longer knows where to stop and look. Keep it simple by either displaying one or two photos in a vignette or if you plan to do a grouping then simplify by keeping the frames the same or at least the same color. Pick the best of the best and save the rest for the photo albums. I think this subject requires it's own topic of discussion. Laura Cottril is a local Bay Area, award-winning photographer. Her work is stunning, check her out! She's also teaching some basic photography classes at My Daughter's Wish (mentioned above.) I'm going to take both classes! Hey when you have a chance to learn from the best of the best it's a no brainer. I selected a couple of her photos and especially the one on left because it incorporated an interior as well as a child. What a wonderful way to catch MY attention! It made me think in a new and different way...interiors and portraits together as art. This could be a whole new way to bring in the right colors and feel into your decor.

Etsy a sight I've mentioned before and will mention again I'm sure! I love this site because it's an outlet for artist/artisans and consumers to sell and buy all things hand-made. This is an amazing site for ideas, inspiration, and to buy original creative art work at very affordable prices. I've highlighted three examples: Suzanna Anna, RozArt, and BS Art Studios.

Condé Nast’s iconic magazines--from Vogue and Vanity Fair to Gourmet and Golf Digest -- are known not only for the excellence of their editorial content but also for the high quality of their visual images. Reprints are not cheap, but wow a collection of these vintage prints...Fab-U-Lous!!! I like to look at them for color ideas, art inspiration, etc. This particular image is the April 1949 House & Garden, taken by Haanel Cassidy. Who looked at this and thought it could be a magazine cover today??? This image could be a decor today with it's hip & now bright yellow walls and the Asian influences. I'm reminded by this image to mention that we should all remember to include sculptural pieces as art too. Art isn't just what hangs on the wall.

Crafty Synergy is a collection of interviews with inspiring artists by Patricia Zapata a writer, artist & graphic designer. What a nice sight to highlight independent artist and small businesses as well as inspire artists, art lovers, and creative wannabes alike.

Here an interesting concept, short stories...every picture tells your story, original art etchings by Laura Zec.

Wallpaper Menagerie - Chimp #72, $79. Made by Inke Heiland in the Netherlands this chimp will bring any wall to life with a modern twist and retro charm. Hand-cut from vintage and reprinted wallpapers, each animal is available in several different patterns per animal. Mix and match to create your own zoo! Comes with wallpaper paste and brush for easy application!

Eco-Shiek...Green Decorating Vol. 1

2008-07-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to decorate green? Well this is a complicated question but first I would say your first step should be the basic three R's - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Recycle - donate, give it away, or use Craigs List to sell or give away. Keep useful goods out of over-flowing garbage dumps with Excess Access which links donations of business and household items with the wish lists of nearby nonprofits. This is one of many ways to recycle. Refer to Martha Stewart's list of 100 Reasons to Get Rid of It for anything from recycling furniture to cell phones.

Reuse - can you reuse it in a different room, for a different purpose, paint it or say reface? Buy from a salvage yard or products made out of reclaimed wood, metal, plastic. Anything antique is green. Shop consignment stores, which aren't just used furniture. Consignment stores also get model home furniture and samples from furniture shows or showroom floors. Don't throw away small amounts of paint. Look at the colors you have and mix them to come up with a different shade of paint. OR, use small amounts to do color blocking, paint designs, or paint an accent wall or trim. Basically, keep it out of the landfills.

Reduce - "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." -William Morris. If you don't love it, don't buy it. Keep it simple and make wise decisions. Do you have loads of stuff that you don't love or don't need? Are you saying to your self...it was gift, my kids made it or won it, or I inherited it from grandma? I personally have a one year rule...if 'I don't believe it to be beautiful or useful' it's OK to get rid of it after a year and let if go to a new home. Or let's face it...sometimes it's just time to "retire" it.

All in all, don't be wasteful, teach your children to do the same and be a role model to others.

WHAT ELSE???
Shop Locally
Choose products for your home that can be bought local or buy products manufactured within 500 miles or less. If it comes from China, you're using a lot more energy getting it to your house than if you chose something made just down the road.

Shop Smart
Many companies offer green products from carpet and paint to furniture and tchotchkes that are made from recycled products. Be a smart shopper and be aware.

More Resources
Domino Magazine 2008 Green List
Suite 101 - Green Decorating Articles
Reduce Reuse Recycle
Wholehoue Building Suppy & Salavage
The Furniture Man - Santa Cruz
Low Impact Living

Look for future articles on Eco Shiek. There's so much to tackle.

Cute, Clever Storage Options

2008-07-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

West Elm does it again with cute and clever storage.

studded lacquer boxes

Wall Tiles, Green Friendly Too

2008-07-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

Fun, inexpensive, simple, modern, paintable and a goof-proof product for decorating your walls. These wall flats from Inhabit are designed to expand in any direction, with easy peel-and-stick adhesive tabs and an automatic pattern repeat. You can cover a existing wall, help disguise a not-so-smooth wall or add a modern pattern to any room setting. They are made of 100% bamboo pulp so a thumbs up for being a green product.

If this concept is a little much for you to pull off in your living room try them in a kid's room, laundry room, as a headboard or pair with something more traditional to create an eclectic look.

These tiles can be found on many sites by doing a search on Inhabit wall tiles. I, however, found these on Treehugger.

....

Go for the Gold!

2007-10-17T13:29:00.001-07:00

West Elem

As mentioned in a previous post, gold is a hot, hot trend. You can't go wrong with gold, so pull out those gold pieces that you haven't been using and add some new sparkle to Fall, Winter and the holidays.

Crate & Barrel, Piazza Nesting Tables, $399. A stunning trio of mirror-topped triangles, poised on elegantly tapered legs and handpainted in shimmering tones of copper, gold and silver. I especially like the combination of metal tones that allow you to easily incorporate into any decor regardless of your primary metal tone.

I know most of us love Target, but I also find Target a great resource for affordable and often designer inspired lamps and shades. In particular I found a ceramic gold lamp which has a nice designer quality in the shape and texture, and even a decent linen lamp shade - only $59.99 and when I checked online shipping was free.

Lamp tips:
1) I'm often shocked at how often homes are missing basic lighting such lamps. Each room needs at least one lamp and 3 depending on the size of the room. They offer the obvious...LIGHT!
2) They balance tables with height and sculptural detail.
3) Update an old lamp with an updated shade for a new look
4) If you find a lamp but hate the shade buy a new one. Lamp shades are inexpensive
5) Think of lamps as a pair of shoes for a room.

How can you go for the gold???

Curtain Panels

2007-10-11T16:22:00.000-07:00

Today I'm discussing options for soft window treatments - curtain panels. What you can get out there in the world of retail and how does that compare to semi-custom or custom window treatments?

Prepackaged window treatments can be found for great prices at Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Target, JC Penny's, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Z Gallery and a host of other places. Curtain panels typically come in lengths of 84" or 96" and sometime up to 108-120"; however they tend to be quite narrow and range from 23-50" wide.

Linen's n Things: silk, lined with cotton, 42x96", $89.99/ea. or $179.98/pair

Pottery Barn: silk, lined with cotton, 50x96", $169ea. or $338/pair

For semi-custom treatments you can try options such as Smith & Noble, JC Penny's, Shades of Light, Silk Trading Co., etc.

Smith & Noble 24x96" (very narrow), silk, privacy lining, casual pleat, $498/pair.

Shades of Light: silk, cotton lining with inner fleece lining for insulation and added body, 23x96" (very narrow), $428/pair.
Silk Trading Co: "Out of the box" drapery, 47x96", silk taffeta, lined (not interlined), $782/pair. This fabric is high quality silk taffeta and better then anything you would get in a department store. Fabric may be comparable to Shades of Light above, but the above Shades of Light example is only 23 inches wide.

Custom curtain panels will depend largely on the cost of your fabric which could be any where from $10-150 per yard. Here is a sample break down of pricing I recently quoted a client for standard panels, 54" width fabric by 92" long. Other embellishments such as banding, buttons, or trim is extra labor & material costs.

Two panels (one width of standard 54" fabric) = $310 (or $620 for double width panels)

Fabric 6 yds @ $25 = $150
Labor & lining = $160 (or ~ $80 per panel)
Plus sales tax

Good luck finding window treatments!

Trend Watch 2008-2009

2007-10-03T09:54:00.002-07:00

Here's what the experts at Las Vegas Furniture Market had to say about upcoming trends.

There will be no one or two hot colors to watch for in the 2008-2009 color forecast. Look for a more varied approach featuring color families. As we embrace more color in everyday lives, we are becoming more adventurous about color combinations and unusual color effects.

A cool, clean, Asian-influenced aesthetic is inherent in the forecast. Watch for blackened hues with a new alternative to black and whites in indigos, deep plums and purples on more fashionable, high-end products mixed with whites, off whites and browns. Yellow has been a rising color in many variations, including mango and wheat hues.

· Far East. Watch for “eastern cool” and aged neutrals from the landscape — stone gray, moss green, deep indigo — accented with lacquer red and sky blue. A continued interest in metallics, particularly with special finishes such as blackened patina or hammering. Also look for natural forms and materials. Consumers love the traditional black and red lacquer, but new, unexpected colors such as white, aqua, coral and lemon are giving the trend a fresh look.

· Indian Market. An earthy, saturated palette is reflected in the emerging Indian market, with vibrant colors related to fresh fruits and vegetables, showing the growing strength of the natural food movement. Look for ethnic prints, modernized either through bright colors or oversized scales.

· African. Rocks, fossils, horns can be high-end with a metallic coat. Leopard and tiger skin patterns are paired with unnatural colors to make them feel new. Moroccan motifs, such as grillwork, stars and paisley, work well in sheer and lustrous tapestries. Tapestries are coming back in a very different way. We’ll see other architectural elements being used on products. Add in exotic grasses and metal and lacquered wood to round out the look, and you have an African trend to reenergize the global mood for the balance of the decade.

· New England Shores. A sophisticated take on preppy, with moody mid-tones suchas classic camel in the luxury market. Look for beachy, dreamy hues out of an Edward Hopper painting. Sandy taupes punctuated by barn red, salmon pink and grass green. This color palette reflects a rustic, worn feel.

· Blues are taking off in new directions - through 2010 we expect many more blues in an upcycle than we have had in years, all of them exciting. Water-based and saturated midvalues of blue have the potential to be best-sellers in everything from bed and bath to upholstery and even Christmas and holiday. Navy blues are being pushed to the red side along with denim-inspired blues.

· Purple. Purple with red casts, pale and midtone purples, and fuscia-inspired purple. Pinks will stay cool, with the exception of a hot coral.

· Browns & Oranges. Will stay the same course for 2008,

· Greens & Yellows. Get ready for a very different green-cast yellow to pop. We will also see neon-flavored yellows in 2009. This is going to be a parallel trend with ready-to-wear. It also looks great with gray and silver.

· Metallics. Biggest trends are metallics. Gold is the freshest way to tell that metallic story. Gold is showing up in all sorts of thicknesses. Think of those little threads of gold in the fabric and then contrast that with something that is nearly viscous. There is no wrong way to do metallics right now.

· Warm grays. Look for a mixture of warm-temperature grays in 2009.

· Skin-tone neutrals. The transition will be made from shades of pinks and peaches to desert neutrals, such as khakhi browns and gold grays, perhaps accented with white and black.

· Paisley is back. Bohemian or Morrocan themes update this traditional pattern.

· Crowns. This icon can be a little edgy, from the counter-culture point of view.

· Stripes. They’ve been off the trend-radar for several seasons. New combinations of colors and thicknesses energize stripes in a new way.

· Art nouveau. In the coming years, art nouveau will have the potential to be a replacement for glamour looks.

· Fabric & Pattern. intricate weaves, fine and elaborate textures, and lustrous overtones in fabrics. Visual and textural variety are important. Look for patterns in décor and tableware. New interpretations of fine point illustrations are decidedly decorative. Patterns such as Greek keys, camphor leaves, medallions, iron work patterns, scallops and architectural elements are making their way onto tableware and accessories.

· Wood. Remains the leader in materials, which is great for the eco-chic trend. Expect all newness of the green movement to become the new normal. There is also going to be shift to lighter finishes that is really going to keep this category going. Look for gray wood. Dark is not done, but we’re evolving.

· Glass. Glass also fits into the eco-chic trend. Be on the lookout for bumpy textures, or textures that are reminiscent of water or ice. There is a shift away from plain, smooth glass toward glass with facets, scoring, and hand carvings.

Eclectic Living Room

2007-09-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

An eclectic mix living room in a Walnut Creek project. The key here was mixing both the old with new. Sometimes you have to work with things you don't love such as the off-white side chair in the corner, but we made it work by accessorizing around it and creating an attractive niche. A future buy will be two clean-lined contemporary side chairs.

Some things we did: custom curtains, new carpeting, new area rug, accessorizing, new gold sofa, balanced the sofa by touches of gold in the vase and the throw pillow & inexpensive art.

We needed to fill some expansive walls, one of which was done with collection of Ikea frames which we filled with pictures from magazines. I found a whole stack of Asian Art News magazines in a thrift store and they had fantastic pictures of great works of art.

Tired of Vertical Blinds???

2007-07-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

Window treatments for sliding glass doors and extra wide windows can be difficult to dress. Fortunately the sliding panel track system is now hitting the market and you can create panels in natural fibers, synthetics and fabrics that create a clean, simple, up-to-date window treatment solution. Finally something fresh and new!
Below is an interesting option from JC Penny's. Fun, hip and inexpensive for those on a TIGHT budget. My only warning is you get what you pay for, so know this treatment won't last forever. When choosing your window treatment and brand, keep in mind the level of day-to-day wear and tear on the window treatment. For heavy traffic flow consider investing a little more in a quality brand and quality hardware for everyday use. Having said that this is still a very affordable option.

Another consideration is size. If you buy from a department store you will be limited in height and width. I've just ordered a set for a client's house and we chose to select a version that will got to the ceiling in a typical 8ft ceiling room. This will carry the eye up and create the illusion of more height. Also we are carrying the treatment to the edge of the wall which is about 18" from the window jam. Therefore when the panel system is open the panels will stack to the side without interrupting the backyard view. The panels should be installed in about 3 weeks at which time I'll post a picture.

Public Sample Sales & Trade Only Events

2007-07-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

I added two new sections today. Public samples sales and trade only events. Two of the best sample sales for the public are at the SF Design Center and SF Furniture Mart. These two "Trade Only" resources have 1-2 sample sales per year that are open to the public (consumer). Where the consumer can buy at or below wholesale prices (often below wholesale prices). If you go, make a day event out of it. This isn't something you can zip in and out. For example the SF Mart has 5 floors with showrooms. The SF Design Center has quite of few buildings with multiple floors.

Both the SF Design Center and SF Furn Mart have sample sales throughout the year. Usually when a showroom is moving product off their floor to bring in new products. There are amazing deals to be had when product needs to be moved off the floor but you'll have to work with a designer to purchase product (outside of the sample sales).

West Elm Bargain

2007-07-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

West Elm has a great candle holder the branch tripod floor pillar standing at about 52" high. It was $69 and can now be found on sale on the website for $49 but the Corte Madera store had it on sale for $19.99! If this one is too big there are a couple smaller branch candle holders that are just as nice. I used it in a bathroom.

Coming this fall you'll be able to find the same form in a table and standing lamp. I'd love to see it as a table leg too. If you are handy you might consider making a plant stand or high table with the candle holder. Let me know if you have any other creative ideas.

Best Bay Area Resources

2007-07-13T16:17:00.001-07:00

I added a new section today called Best Bay Area Resouces, which are resources I use regularly or refer clients to for best selections or best deals. I wanted to highlight a couple recommendations.

Tradeway Stores: packed full of furniture some high-end and some ho-hum. This "outlet" gets furniture from lots of manufactures like Thomasville, Broyhill, Lexington, Bassett, Drexel-Heritage and so on. When furniture isn’t delivered to a retailer for whatever reason, the manufacture avoids shipping it back across country by redirecting to Tradeway. Sometimes pieces have minor damage that they will fix (ie. a scratch or ding). 10860 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, 510.529.2360.

Z Gallery: always has the best trendy items and very affordable prices. This is the type of store that allows you to easily bring in trendy colors or items without breaking the bank. I'll see a $40 item here that would sell for $500 at the SF Design Center. Granted not the same quality and not a designer name associated but honestly does it really matter?

San Francisco Design Center: You may not know this but the SF Design Center is open to the public. You are welcome to check out furniture and fabric there but you need a designer to buy on your behalf. The Design Center ranges from mid-range to very high-end, so even if it is out of your price range you might consider window shopping for inspiration.

Original Art - Blend the New & Old

2007-07-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a couple shots from a client's house where we very successfully incorporated some contemporary, original art pieces with her charming California ranch house.

We wanted to give this entry way the "wow" factor with a pop of color by pairing a vibrant painting by a local artist with some more traditional pieces from an inherited entry console to a thrift store chair. What initially lacked any "umph" now greeted guests with a powerful welcome.

The Bay Area has a great art community and loads of wonderful artists. It's impossible for me to stay on top of all of this which is why I'm fortunate to have my very own art consultant Shelley Barry of Artful Solutions. She was able to recommend talented and affordable local artists including everything from paintings, mixed media to photography.

From the entry way to the living room we go to the main focal point the fireplace; however, the fireplace it somewhat non-descriptive. We weren't ready to invest in a new mantel or overhaul the fireplace, so the next best thing was to enhance the space around the fireplace. We did this by installing custom window treatments and again by adding unique original art work. These three pieces are very sculptural and clearly not something you would find at a local departments store. Of course the picture doesn't do any of these pieces justice, but clearly you can see how they pull your eye from the fireplace and command their own presences.

This isn't grandma's quilt....

2007-06-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong, I love grandma's quilts. Quilts in general are great works of art. However, I stumbled on some fabulous quilts with a modern flair. They aren't cheap but if you are looking for something special and unique check out Denyse Schmidt Quilts. "Work" quilts are around $300 for a queen which is very reasonable but if you want something from the Couture line expect to pay upwards of $5000.

How to achieve decorating success?

2007-06-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we look around at the rooms in our homes and we want to change them…NOW! We just want to start somewhere! So we buy paint to repaint the entire living room. Or we buy a new bedroom set without a thought of the final product: a space we can love. Taking a slapdash approach to decorating lends to mistakes, added costs, and the frustration of not knowing where to go next.

That is why the first step you SHOULD take is to create a P-L-A-N. It's a nasty, four letter word, but yes you need a PLAN if you want your decorating adventures to be a success.

Start with an idea file. I assure you, if you write down your ideas and clip magazine pictures you love, you will see trends in your taste and your decorating style will come to life. Use these pictures to understand furniture arrangements, lighting, color combinations, and accessorizing.

Create a home decorating notebook, album or folder for each room in your home. It will serve as your decorating road map. Include at least the following information:

Note the function(s) of a room.

Include room dimensions.
Note the location of doors, windows, electrical outlets and switches, as well as other architectural elements.
Add sample paint chips
Insert fabric swatches
Note furniture items and their dimensions
Take photographs of each room

If you are struggling with a particular room, find an inspiration piece such as a picture, rug, pillow, vase or theme.

Simple tips to keep you on track:

Don’t be caught without your decorating road map. Keep it with you or in your car. You never know when you will need it!
Create cozy seating arrangements.
Avoid the temptation of placing furniture on the perimeter of a room or leaving lots of space in the middle of your room.
You do not need to use every piece of furniture or accessory you own. If it doesn't work, don't use it. Rotate accessories throughout the year.
Clutter and piles? Eliminate them. Period.
Periodically take a look around and ask yourself what do my guests see when they come over.
It's OK to get help from a professional decorator. Our lives are too busy be an expert at everything

Happy Decorating!!!

The New Brocade Home

2007-06-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

I just discovered Brocade Home!

Very affordable and very hip & fun. I can picture pieces from Brocade with a lavender lamp and black & white toile to create a beautiful & sophisticated girls room.

Instyle Interiors New Blog

2007-05-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

I'm consistently coming across ideas, trends, inspiration, products, pictures and so forth which help generate ideas for my interior decorating projects, so I thought I might as well start blogging some of them. I hope my friends, family and clients will find these post as an opportunity to keep up on trends and some fun ideas.

I'm in the process of looking for products (both decor and purse/totes) that are fun, stylish and bring that designer element to our everyday living. I'm hosting an event for friends, family and clients in the beginning of June and plan to represent a number of accessories, art and bags for purchase.

Anyhow on to my favorite find today - www.alenahennessy.com. Alena Hennessy is an artist that captures a simple, whimsical, fun, nature inspired style that can be found in her art, prints, totes and apparel.