Thursday, September 30, 2010

Gaining Momentum

In the October issue of Traditional Home there is a wonderful article about Suzanne Kasler.  The article follows Suzanne through one of her typical days.  
It's a very interesting article, and I would encourage you to pick it up (almost like reading reality TV)!

But what really got me was when writer Jennifer Wilson mentioned that Suzanne had this quote above her desk, 
"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" . . .

Wow!  


After reading this, I thought, "This is how I want to live my life.  This is how I want my children to live their lives." How often, as adults, do we really think about this?  I feel like the daily stresses of life attempt to squeeze this mindset out of us as we grow up.  

To say the least, the article sparked my interest.  So, I went to Suzanne's website.  Wow, again! There is no question that she lives her life with this attitude.  Otherwise, how could she create this kind of magic?











photos courtesy of http://www.suzannekasler.com
















Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Trend setting - Yellow

A close friend asked me to help her with fabrics for her formal living room.  She really wanted to freshen up the space and make it feel current but she said that we would have to work around her yellow sofa.  

Work around?  Are you kidding - yellow is the hottest color of the season.  That very day, I got my September issue of Veranda in the mail. 


You guessed it!  Yellow.  It is everywhere - and this is not the yellow of the 1980's mixed only with blue.  This is a hip yellow mixed in with mainly gray, but lots of other colors as well.  The key is to use it sparingly to create punch.
My personal style is to use neutral fabrics for all the large upholstered pieces.  Then you have the flexibility to add yellow with accent pillows and throws.



This color trend is not reserved for summer (which is the traditional time of year that we think of yellow).    When mixed with gray, it's cozy and warm.




Talk about impact.  Those doors are fantastic.

If you are not so sure about yellow, go with a subtle shade like the picture above.  If you are fearless, pair the yellow with black and white and make a huge statement. 






Another option is to purchase accessories in yellow (like these modern table lamps).  This will give you the look without a huge commitment. 





If you look closely at the picture below, you will see that select books (not all of them) have been wrapped in yellow paper.  Again, a quick inexpensive way to embrace yellow.  Also love the artwork that has been hung and propped on the bookshelves.  

I love the idea behind this photograph (not loving the filing cabinet side table, but that is for another day) The homeowner has taken a yellow floral wallpaper to create artwork.  This is a great way to get a large piece of art on a small budget and zero commitment.  


If you love yellow, a great abstract with lots of yellow hues does the trick.


Lastly, this is an example of how the smallest amount of bright yellow can change the feel of a room.  


Think about injecting some sunshine yellow into your interiors this fall.  















  

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

All Lacquered Up!

lac·quer n.

1. Any of various clear or colored synthetic coatings made by dissolving nitrocellulose or other cellulose derivatives together with plasticizers and pigments in a mixture of volatile solvents and used to impart a high gloss to surfaces.
2. A glossy, resinous material, such as the exudation of the lacquer tree, used as a surface coating.
3. A finish that is baked onto the inside of food and beverage cans. 


tr.v. lac·queredlac·quer·inglac·quers
1. To coat with lacquer.
2. To give a sleek, glossy finish to.


What is this obsession we have for all things lacquered?  Now listen, I am not being critical.  Mind you - I love the stuff - the sheen and sparkle it adds to a room, the slick feel of a lacquered item under your fingertips, and the pure glam it gives a space.  Truly, I don't know what we did before we had it?!  

But, just asking . . .  have we taken it too far? (Or as far as it will go?)  I mean, really, what have we not slapped a coat of this stuff on?

Lacquered Walls







In every color imaginable. 




Lacquered Ceilings


My fav. I just go "Ahhhh" when I see a lacquered ceiling.  How could you not like it?!?


Even with an antler chandelier! (for heaven's sake)

This one is so well done, that I can see the reflection of the art on the ceiling!  You could lie on your back on that sofa and put your makeup on!

Lacquered Furniture
Not only is it hollywood glamorous, it is kid proof to the 10th degree and never seems to go out of style. 

Putting lacquer with mirrors (oh my) like peanut butter and jelly - a match made in heaven. 

And from the King of lacquer himself . . . Mr. Adler.

Lacquered Lamps
 Did I mention that lacquer has been taken in the modern direction and in traditional venues as well.  Like this lamp.



Lacquered Accessories
These are especially great.  They give you the look for a lot less than a large furniture piece.  




Lacquered Fabrics?(you ask?)

Oh yes.  It has already been done. 







Lacquered Pets & Children

Just kidding . . . As far as I know this has not yet been done.  But, at any moment I am guessing?!