Jewelry for Your House

Any woman can tell you that jewelry can make an outfit.  The right accessory can completely transform the same outfit from casual to fancy. I always consider light fixtures to be the jewelry of your house.  A light fixture must be carefully chosen since it can make or break a room.  I recently perused Shades of Light's online selection of fabulous light fixtures and found some goodies!  These would all make a wonderful statement.  Take a look!

I've always had a soft spot for these Moravian stars and any Moroccan lighting ever since I designed a Moroccan themed restaurant for a project in college.

And of course I noticed the grey one below right away.  I love this style of pendant!

Images from Shades of Light

Throw Clay On Your Walls

Many interiors can benefit from the luxurious textured finish that plaster gives.  An architect introduced me to a product called American Clay.  He had used it in a previous clients home and was extremely pleased with the product so I thought I would pass on this gem of knowledge to you.
American Clay is different from other plasters.  It was brought about by a chemist and interior designer partnership seeking an environmentally friendly plaster choice that also had an element of historical value.  Clay was long used in history as an important building material.  This patented product comes in a variety of colors and textures to create the look you desire be it a residential or commercial space, contemporary or traditional look.  Find out more about this product here.  They are very happy to help design professionals since one of the co-founders is a designer herself and understands the industry from both sides.
Take a look at a few photos from their portfolio:

Images from American Clay

Who's The Fairest Of Them All?

I have been browsing Wisteria's site for mirrors for a client and I love the selection they have.  They are also reasonable priced, being under $1,000. Take a look at the mirrors, mirrors on the wall and visit Wisteria's site here:

Images from Wisteria

Happy Clients, Happy Designer

Happy clients make a happy designer.  It's so rewarding to get positive feedback!  I had two more successful presentations earlier this week but no more planned for a while so I can finally catch up on everything.  I've been busy with work lately, about which I am definitely NOT complaining.  It only means I have less time for my blog, but don't worry I haven't forgotten you, my faithful readers! In the meantime, here are some snip-its of what I have been working on this week:

Some accent tile for the "spa" bathroom from Arizona Tile

Honed Travertine for the floor and Shower walls of the "spa" bathroom from Dal Tile

Pebble Shower Floor for the "spa" bathroom from Dal Tile

New paint and a few furniture pieces for the living room of my other client

Including these two pieces of furniture

You can tell I'm having fun!

Now Presenting...

This morning I presented my design concept to my orange-loving client and it was well received.  A few tweaks here and there and then we can get everything ordered and on its way.  Here is the presentation board including my quick sketch rendering.

It's nice to have that project behind me as I get ready for two more next week.  These next two are smaller projects with entirely different needs.  One is a bathroom remodel going for the "spa look" and the other is heavily relying on accent paint color selection and art placement.  I like the variety each project brings me.  Looks like I might be busy this weekend but luckily, I love what I do!  I  wish you a happy weekend as well!

Image by Rebecca Ward

Trend Watch: Concealed Kitchens

Today I am pleased to bring you another guest blog.  Joyce Eddy is founder of Habersham which provides custom furniture and cabinetry to its clients.  Enjoy Joyce's post about concealed kitchens:
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There’s little question that the kitchen is the heart of today’s home.  It’s where we share meals and conversations with family and friends.  It’s the place guests inevitably gravitate to during any party or gathering.  And, it’s often the focal point -- and key determining factor --  many families consider when deciding to buy a home. 

The kitchen is also a trend showcase. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA – www.nkba.org) recently announced the Top 10 Design Trends from the 2010 NKBA Design Competition (http://www.nkba.org/press_releases_20100518.aspx). Topping the list at #1 was “Concealed Kitchens.”   According to the NKBA,   “Kitchen design has reached a new level of integration. The quiet incorporation of the kitchen into the home’s primary living and entertaining rooms provides homeowners with far more flexibility in their lifestyles. The incorporation of integrated and concealed appliances allows the kitchen to enhance rather than intrude into other spaces. “

Custom cabinetry designs can help you  creatively and conveniently integrate appliances into your kitchen – in a way that truly blends seamlessly into your home ….and your lifestyle . Integrated refrigeration cabinetry can easily conceal freezer drawers, split door and full door units.  Dishwasher cabinetry offers an ideal  cover for virtually any appliance brand.  And countless storage options can be designed to meet your needs. 

What’s more, with most cabinetry styles you can choose from a wide range of finish options to create kitchen looks that truly reflect your own sense of style.

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Joyce Eddy, Founder/Chairman, Habersham

Thank you Joyce for your great insight and beautiful photos!

Orange on the Side

I'm completing a design package for one of my clients.  I'm nearly finished and am pulling together some photos of the orange accents I'm sprinkling throughout the house.  My client really likes orange.  When discussing counter top possibilities with the builder's design center, I was told she considered an orange Corian for her kitchen counters which the designer quickly steered her away from toward a nice neutral.  It's so much easier to add color with accents than to deal with it as the main color in the palette.  Here are some of the fun orange pieces I've found:

Pendants for the kitchen from Lumens

Orange side table from West Elm

Orange dining chairs for the ends of the table

Lovely bedding from West Elm (West Elm has a perfectly timed orange kick going right now)

Orange desk chair

I'm having fun with all of this orange!

Images from West Elm  Lumens and Zuo Modern

Acrylic Furniture

And you may be reading that title as "Acrylic Furniture??" like I did when I saw the category listed on the One Kings Lane website.  One Kings Lane is a great site (membership required) that features great sales on many high end and luxury companies - up to 70% saving sometimes.  Well, the acrylic furniture in question is featured by Spectrum West.  They have some notable pieces and some designs that are more commonly seen in modern interiors.  I think one or two pieces in a house would be my max though so it's not too "plastic" of a look.  On the plus side, it would be great for families with children because of the easy clean up and durability! Here is a sampling of the products they have for sale on One Kings Lane:

Would you buy any of these for your own home?