They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but I say chocolate, red wine, flowers and furs are also high on the list. But can a girl’s favorite things inspire design? Of course they can! Here are some fabulous rooms inspired by all those things loved by women everywhere.
Cascading crystals hang from a chandelier in a bedroom befitting the Queen of Diamonds. A white color palette and glimmering silver and crystal accents complete the look.
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Tweet! Tweet! Trends are always fun to try, but the latest trend is especially joyous. Birds are flocking to home décor and bringing cheer to everyday items. What a way to welcome spring! Here are some of my favorite finds inspired by our fine-feathered friends.
Bird Embroidered Pillow Covers. Priced at $39.50 each; www.potterybarn.com.
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Iron furniture has a long history, dating back to Roman times.* The durable metal lends a look of luxury, and comes in designs ranging from contemporary to traditional. Iron furniture comes in two forms: wrought and cast.
Wrought iron is constructed from solid half-inch round bars formed into timeless designs – simple or ornate. Cast iron is produced by pouring molten iron into molds and then allowing it to cool. Cast iron weighs three times more than an identical piece in cast aluminum, making it a popular choice for public areas to prevent pilfering.
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Aluminum was discovered in 1825 and is the third most abundant element of the earth’s crust, behind that of oxygen and silicon.* This highly versatile and durable metal has many amazing qualities, including the fact it does not rust, making it an ideal material for outdoor furniture.
Aluminum is also a green material, making the metal especially appealing in today’s marketplace. Its use has a low impact on the environment, and it is both recyclable and sustainable. Those seeking a green product can even purchase patio sets made from recycled aluminum.
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Versatile wicker has been documented as far back as ancient Egypt and is the first known natural material to be used for furniture. Archaeologists discovered dozens of wicker furniture items made from reed and swamp grasses while working to uncover the civilizations of the Pharaohs.* The use of wicker furniture soon spread from Egypt to Rome and throughout Europe as sea traders carried the materials throughout the ancient world.
Today, there are two types of wicker furniture available, natural and synthetic, and the furniture can be used indoors and out. The term “wicker” does not refer to the material itself, but rather the method of weaving a variety of materials.
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It happens every year. Summer approaches and excited homeowners, eager to enjoy sunny days and outdoor celebrations, go shopping for new patio furniture, only to be stopped in their tracks two feet inside the store by the sea of furniture before them. Options are great! But the questions and decisions they require? Not so much.
Shopping for outdoor furniture can be just as daunting as buying indoor furniture. That’s why I’ve decided to do a blog series on the most popular options in outdoor furniture. I’ll discuss the pros and cons of each option, and help you decide which option is best for you. Of course, if you’re still unsure, I’m always just a phone call away to offer further assistance! First up is traditional wood.
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The vibrant, cheerful colors of spring are everywhere! Add a pop of color to your home décor and celebrate spring in style. Here are some fabulous finds in the season’s most beautiful and freshest hues.
Woven Pitcher in red or turquoise. Priced at $19.00; www.westelm.com.
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It’s that time of year again! HGTV is giving away an eco-chic Green Home, a modern Southern farmhouse located in the Atlanta community of Serenbe, plus a new 2012 GMC® Terrain® and $100,000. Starting Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. ET, you can enter twice online per day – once on HGTV.com and once on HGTVRemodels.com – for your chance to win.
As the following pictures show, the house is spectacular. Of course, I wouldn’t mind the car or cash either. Good luck!
The exterior of the home was designed to mirror a Southern farmhouse. Locally sourced sandstone is stacked to resemble a traditional farmhouse foundation; and a bioswale, designed to draw rainwater away from the foundation, terminates in a rain pond in the front yard.
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Paint can freshen a space and transform a room, but its power isn’t limited to walls. Adding a unique, painted piece of furniture to a world of stained wood is one of the quickest and easiest ways to alter the mood of a room. From quirky and whimsical to stately and elegant, painted furniture is full of personality and adds an interesting twist to home furnishings.
Surrounded by elegant gold accents, an exquisite purple chest serves as the focal point in this entryway. What a welcome to come home to each day!
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I had the honor recently of assisting with an amazing project performed in partnership by Dwell with Dignity and the Interior Design Society, Dallas-Fort Worth chapter.
If you’re not familiar with Dwell with Dignity, it’s a non-profit group of interior designers and volunteers that create soothing, inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty. Their mission is to help families escape their current circumstances by transforming their environments and thus, their outlook on life. The Dallas-based foundation was created by Lisa Robison in 2009, and has since helped scores of families and spurred the creation of similar organizations throughout the country.
As a member and current Vice President of the Interior Design Society (IDS), I’ve helped with past Dwell with Dignity projects through our organization, but never on this scale. IDS was recently charged with the complete design and installation of a three bedroom apartment at Family Gateway for a family of six.
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