Year: 2009
2010 Color of the Year
I know in my last post I was dreaming of a White Christmas. Who knew that was going to equate to several inches a few days later. How…
I'm Dreaming of a White... and Black Christmas
I'm not going to lie. I'm seriously in the weeds with holiday tasks. The gift shopping is only half done. The cards…
Where do the extra guests sleep?
Are you gearing up for visitor's arrival in the next few days? I know I am. This is the first house I've lived in since…
Holiday Tables... Which one do you like Best?
We are in the thick of it now. Decorating, entertaining, attending holiday parties, gift shopping, and card sending are all in high…
Peacock Decor Everywhere
Lately, I've noticed that Peacock stuff is popping up more and more in my vendor catalogs. Here is a sampling. Peacock Rug from…
Attention Bloggers! Do you get stuff for FREE?
Man, I do not like returning from vacations. I did not do any work for six days including checking email. It was really nice while it…
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm headed off to Florida to spend Thanksgiving with my parents and brother. I'm feeling very thankful these days. We are…
Free Advice Friday...How to Pick Good Upholstery
I so often get asked why one sofa is $995 and another $3500. Well there is a reason. Fortunately, I will be able to…
Boulevard Interior Design In the Press
Okay, it is almost 10PM, and I've been on my computer over 8 hours today. I wanted to complete a post, so I headed…
Hickory Chair University..More Evidence of Blue
It has been so crazy lately. I'm still recovering from my trip last week to Northern Va and North Carolina. I have tons to…
More High Lights
I have so much going on right now and there is so much to write about from Market. Tonight, I have several dozen clients of a local realty…
New Before and After
As promised here is a project I recently finished in Va. I want to point out that even with a modest budget you can get completely custom…
High Lights continued...
In addition, to the Gray and Orange combo there were a lot of neutrals. Out of the sea of neutrals I saw a "new" Blue…
Highpoint High Lights...Gray and Orange was the Most Ubiquitous Color Combo
Ashley, nailed it a full 18 minutes before Melanie. Send me your info so I can send you the book. Congrats! Yes, Gray with a pop…
High Point Highlights 1 & Margaret Russell signed Elle Decor Book Give Away
Well, I'm back. It has been quite the trip. After spending Sunday through Wednesday at High Point, I then headed to Northern…
Free Advice Friday... Mixing Kitchen Cabinetry
Before I get down to the post I want to thank Kristi at Addicted to Design for the free Premier Listing in their Interior Designer Directory. …
Pantone's Color Forecast 2010
I recently received Pantone's color report for 2010. Although, I don't decorate according to color trends, I still find the…
Free Advice Friday - Working With an Interior Designer or Decorator
I frequently get asked about how hiring an Interior Designer/Decorator works. Since there isn't an industry standard, it must…
Curtains or Drapes... According to Miles Redd, it's curtains
Recently, I've noticed in both the shelter mags and my trade mags the deliberate use of curtains instead of drapes when referring to window…
Free Advice Friday window valances
Stephanie, over at A Fine House recently blogged about finally obtaining some new fabric for some window valances. Here is her story.……
Gearing Up for High Point Market
I can't believe it is time again for our semi-annual buying trip to High Point, NC in a couple of weeks. I received my buyers pass…
Free Advice Updating Chests and Chairs
These days I have a hard time keeping up with all the blogs I enjoy reading. I really like it when other designers have enough…
6 Things That Make Me Happy
I was tagged by my friend Paula Grace, of Paula Grace Designs to write a post about six things that make me happy. I have to tell you that…
Free Advice Friday - Arranging Artwork and Pictures
I had a reader email with a question on how to arrange her artwork and pictures. She had recently moved (can totally relate)…
Design Star- Winging it Gets the Win
I know I predicted that Antonio would win but that wasn't because I thought he should. I think HGTV needs to stop calling…
Sneak Peak - Before and Afters
Today I'm participating in Blue Monday at Smiling Sally since the pics contain one of my colors, Blue and Met Monday at Between Naps on the…
Free Advice - Difficult Drapery
This reader wrote: Pictures for you! Hi! We emailed last week. Thank you so much for agreeing to help me with my…
Design Star... Didn't see that coming
My family and I have just returned from a much needed vacay to Cape Cod. We were finally able to catch our breaths and get some R &…
Free Advice Friday - Kitchen advice
I recently received this request I had a flood in my home and now have zero time to make decisions on my kitchen. I am getting new kitchen cabinets…
Design Star... Now they're landscapers?
Caught up with my DVR'd Design Star last night. Okay, I have a bit stronger opinion about this episode. First, are you kidding me…
The House is done...
It has been a crazy last few days. Thursday, the next batch of prototypes for my eco friendly line of upholstery were delivered. They…
Free Advice Friday...finishing what the reader started in their Master
Okay, I have to admit the poll from last week's Free Advice was really interesting. I had tallied up the master bedrooms I'd done for…
Design Star...Is anyone watching?
I finally got around to watching the latest installment of Design Star, the "Design" competition on HGTV. Every show I watch, is now…
ReStyled - Chests... from Flea market to Fab
Before I show you my Bedside chest makeover I need to thank Julia, from Hooked on Houses. Last weekend she did a post on my Free Advice…
Free Advice Friday-TV in the Master Yes or No?
The timing of this question is ironic. This reader writes: I'd like to know what your thoughts are on having a TV in the…
The O List from O Magazine
So, I got my new O Mag in the mail the other day and inside was the O List for September. This is a list of things that Oprah considers "just…
Martini Monday - Key Lime Martini
I haven't done a Martini recipe and the room you'd drink it in awhile. This very hot and humid weather we've been having in the…
Free Advice Friday: Tutorial on Book Shelf Organization
I hesitate to even answer this question. Several people have asked about accessorizing/organizing book shelves. The reason…
Tribute to my 100 yr old Grandma
I'm feeling some big time guilt today. Tomorrow, my Grandma turns 100. With our move this summer I simply could not get back to…
Lucite Chairs
When I was in Paris this April visiting my Sister-in-law and her family (they have lived in Paris for the past four years on a government…
Free Advice Follow Up
A few weeks ago a reader had submitted the following for free advice: This Mom sent in this picture of her sons' bedroom. They are ready…
Funky Art and Quirky Lighting
I visited this showroom last spring at High Point and haven't had a chance to post these pictures. This showroom has repurposed…
Arlington, Va Eco Friendly Before and Afters Continued...
Thought I'd throw in a picture of the outside of the house for context. You can see the Craftsman details in the exterior and that makes…