Magnificent Nail Head Trims

Aren't these the most stunning nail heads you've ever seen? I recently used them to create a WOW trim for this otherwise very serious looking custom ottoman. They are available in a number of center stone colors, from the clear "diamond" look to gorgeous iridescent. I used them in a black diamond to keep the effect ultra-sophisticated for this project. My upholsterer had no problems using them and we all love the finished piece. See their website for some other sensational photos and start imagining where you can add this bling! www.diamondheadut.com

High Style in a Dog Crate?

"Stylish" rarely describes dog crates, those large, looming, often ill-colored and industrial looking necessities for dog owners. I am all-too aware of the limited options available in the regular retail outlets for our four-legged family members because I've shopped for many hours for a solution to fit my own Jack Russell terriers that isn't going to make me cringe every time I enter the room... well check out these extraordinary solutions at http://www.denhaus.com/den/b/build.asp?page=Home&src=TNa0. Denhaus has come up with a chic, albeit odd, way of housing our creatures. Whether you like this solution or not, at least we can say it's nice to see someone thinking outside the crate!

Paint your way to a great mood!

PAINT - as we all know, that $25 can of liquid will completely change a room...did you know the color of what's in that can will affect your mood and even your physiology? The color RED, for example will actually increase your rate of breathing and pulse. Blues take us to a place of daydreaming and calm (think about laying on your back, staring at the vast blue sky). Have a room in your home you don't like spending time in because it feels dull / depressing / uninspiring? Get to your local paint store and pick up your paint, brush and MOOD!

And let's not forget the possibilities of creating fabulous designs within the realm of paint too - check out this sensational design I saw in Paris and start imagining what YOU can do your artistic skills (and remember: stencils can provide a lot of "fake talent"!).

Decorative Pillows: custom or ready-made?

I am very often asked this question by family and friends when we are down to those details of our decor that include pillows. My clients mostly prefer custom made designs for the exclusivity, the endless options of incredible trims and fabrics, and to ensure an overall "one of a kind" look. Family and friends often have less budget to work with and therefore try to get these accent pieces ready-made so they are more affordable but will often ask me "if that's okay". Of course the infinite possibilities and richness that comes with anything "custom made" make them the more desirable choice in my opinion, but let's not discount the great options market-ready these days either. It comes down to budget and the look you desire. Whichever you choose, pillows can add killer color, special sparkle, and cozy comfort to your sofa or bed.

READY FOR SPRING?

Although I do realize that most parts of the northern hemisphere are still experiencing a TRUE winter, with snow, sleet and cold (and in California last week we had our own share of "winter" with a week of rain and grey skies), but as soon as the sun comes out again I want to close up the fireplace doors and surround myself with COLOR AND FLOWERS! I want signs of LIFE, which is exactly what plants and flowers to for our interiors when we use them in our decor.

Adding life through plants and florals cannot be underestimated in the value they bring to a room, so when you visit your local market to pick up your Sunday roast beef dinner fixings, don't forget to to pick up a bright little plant or bouquet of spring tulips to brighten your space (and your mood!).

I LOVE this decorating project - teenage girl's room

In case you haven't figured it out by now, I LOVE what I do! This project for a client's daughter's bedroom has been so much fun. It's not often I can inject a jolt of raspberry paint, hot pink damask with Swarovski adornments and the Hollywood Regency / Glamor look... so many projects require a more refined, controlled use of color and seriousness. I am so excited to see the completely finished project (patience is a tough virtue for me to practice!). I'll post more photos once the remaining pieces are ordered & installed for you to see.

Small Pillow, Big Style, Great Color

Talk about inspiration - what could you do with a room when you have this gorgeous pillow to start with? Absolutely anything! Fantastic graphics, a vivid collection of bright colors, framed by a band of sparkle and some neutral "grown up" silver; it adds up to spectacular! I found this in France last summer and was completely taken with it's fabulousness. Inspiration for a whole room can come from the smallest accessory or piece of art sometimes, or from the people, animals and nature all around us... next time you see something that really grabs your attention, consider how it can inspire the wall color, the furniture textures or patterns, and the whole "feel" of your space.

THE COLOR OF TRANQUIL, TROPICAL SEAS - COLOR OF THE YR 2010

Did you know that Pantone's color of the year for 2010 is Turquoise? It's healing, inviting, flattering on men and women and looks startling beautiful next to any other color. Just look at how it pops against the rich coral-reds in these draperies and pillows - talk about "wow" factor. Maybe it's just because I'm blue-eyed that I'm always drawn to this color anyway (afterall whose ego doesn't enjoy the shameless inflation at being told "your eyes look incredible in that color"), but I've been collecting things in this color for a few months now, including gorgeous new bedding for my own master room.

Look around for a beautiful ceramic vase, a great accent pillow or throw for your environment to bring a hit of this color of ocean and sky to your indoor environment.

Paris light fixtures - amazing

These light fixtures are ones I found at a gorgeous little shop on the left bank of Paris last summer... truly gorgeous. Their fine but strong structural elements balanced with fragile, sparkling crystals remind me of watching a ballerina dance in her tutu - a lot of twirling, fluid movement along with some animated shimmer; appearing delicate but definitely a powerful show-stopper. What do you think?