Friday Five

Pantone Color of the Year for 2014 was announced yesterday - Radiant Orchid

OK, we all know purple is not my favorite color.  However, in small doses I think it can be fun.  Here are a few fabrics with Radiant Orchid inspiration - just to get you thinking!

Saw this amazing image taken by photographer Gunnar Larson.  He and his wife welcomed a new baby into their 400 square foot NYC home this past Spring.  Yelp.  I said 400 square feet.  Talk about a challenge, but I love how they managed to pull it off.  Go to Gunnar's website to see more of this amazing inclusion. 

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I'm totally crushing on this fabric at the moment by Carleton V Ltd.

 It comes in two colorways and has a crazy huge repeat of 58 inches.  So, you could use it to make some incredible draperies or pillows each with it's own completely different look!  Must work this into a design soon! 

In the November/December issue of Veranda, there is a villa in Los Angeles featuring the handy work of interior designer Daniel Cuevas.  One of the images blew me away . . . 

This art installation is 144 small graphic images in simple frames.  Each row of frames is sitting on a long shelf painted out the wall color.  For those that have worked with me you know how I love a grouping!  I could stare at this one for hours.  The artist is Allan McCollum.  So many ways to make this happen in a space - just love it.

We are having some very balmy weather here in Birmingham, but based on the forecast the chilly temps are coming our way soon.  I made this amazingly healthy stew a couple of weeks ago and the entire family had seconds (that speaks volumes with my picky crowd).   My plan is to make again this weekend. 

The version I made called for fresh basil and rosemary instead of the cilantro, but this one sounds delicious too! It's also super easy to make and quick which is what I need with all the crazy errands on my list this time of year! Enjoy your weekend.  M.

If you could . . . Change Five Things About Your House

A client recently asked me this question, "If you could make only five changes to freshen up a home, what would they be?  Your top five?" It was a bit like car ride questions with my kids to pass the time - "If you had to pick your absolute favorite holiday what would it be?" or "If you could only eat one type of dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?"  So, after some thought, I came up with what I think are the five "biggest bang for your buck" things you can do to dramatically change the feel of your home.     

1. Paint

If you have a tight budget, but still want to make a major change to your home, I always recommend painting.

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 If your walls are a dated color or even a dated wallpaper, paint is the fastest way to neutralize this and give the room fresh life.

2. Cabinet Hardware

A current style of cabinet hardware like these long pulls in a kitchen instantly makes a kitchen or bathroom feel more current.  

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Notice they used the same pull on both the drawers and cabinet doors.  I love this look.  Even though I've recommended it many times, I'm always blown away by how dramatically it changes the feel of a space.  

3. Faucets

If your budget is limited and you can't change out countertops or retile surrounds, just changing the faucets in your kitchen and bathrooms will give the space an entirely new feel.

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Since your eye tends to be drawn to the faucets in these spaces (sort of like the jewelry of a room), it sets the tone for the entire room.

4. Bed Linens

I have done a couple of designs for clients where the only thing we have changed are the bed linens.  This alone has transformed their bedrooms.

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If you create a focal point of fresh beautiful bed linens, it will take center stage and things in the room you are not crazy about (like dated furniture) will fade away.  

5. Editing
Sometimes less is more, and the best thing you can do for a space is take away the most dated element.   I find clients will say things like, "I really hate the rug, but we have to have a rug, and I'm not ready to replace it.  So, we are just going to live with it."  Why?  You can live without a rug, especially if it is so worn or dated that it's the first thing you notice when you enter the room.  Knowing what to take away is just as important as knowing what to add.

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 The trick is to think about your home as a whole and create a wish list of sorts of things you would like to do - then you can prioritize and make it happen!  Get your list ready - who knows you may have a generous relative who willing to help get you started by offering to gift you something on your list.  M.  

Monday - On the Web

True confessions - I do not shop on Black Friday.  I really hate crowds, and the few times I've ventured out, the atmosphere of desperation/determination created by the major deals led to some not so pleasant experiences.  So, you will never see me here. . .

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On the flip side, Cyber Monday is one of my favorite days of the year.  By the time you are reading this, I will have been up and shopping for hours on the computer.  Why is Cyber Monday so great?  Uuummm lets see - You get to sit in your favorite chair with a cup of something warm and yummy.

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There are tons of deals to be had and all this purchasing can be done while listening to Christmas music in your own home.  It's good, people.  So to inspire you, I thought it would be fun to share a few deals with you.

Electronics
My "go to" for the very best deals on Electronics is Amazon.  Two years ago we purchased our entire media center through them.  The deals were better than anywhere else we looked (and trust me, the hubby looked everywhere!)  The other great thing about purchasing on line was the white glove delivery.  The delivery guy, unwrapped the equipment and placed it in the exact spot we wanted it.  So, we saved money and didn't have to trek the large bulky boxes to the car and then inside.  There are so many deals to be had today for Electronics on Amazon, I can't begin to mention them all.  You just need to click here Shop Amazon - Cyber Monday Deals in Electronics if you have any electronics are on your list (and you didn't manage to snag what you needed at the sales on Friday).

Now for some cute gift ideas that I've had my eye on - I may or may not have already ordered mine today.  You'll just have to wait until Christmas to find out!

Silicone Mustache Stickers
I thought these were so fun.  You place them on your drinking glass and every time you take a sip, it looks like you're wearing a mustache!  They come in lots of options, but these were my favorite.

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Moscow Mule Copper Mugs

We were introduced to moscow mules this past summer.  They are a delicious cocktail that's traditionally served in a copper mug.  These would be a very nice gift for a special friend who is into the perfect cocktail! 

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Latest in Interior Design

This book has been on my mind since it's release in early November.  I'm dying to dig through it for some inspiration, and I have a few interior design loving friends who would appreciate getting it too. 

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Nice Kitchen Towels

I know these are very practical, but still a major indulgence.  I ask you - who buys themselves nice kitchen towels?  I know I don't.  I use them until they are completely falling apart, and then I grab what I see at the grocery.  How nice would it be to receive some matching kitchen towels?  I'm thinking these may even make my meals taste better!  I know I would at least enjoy cooking them more with a stylish towel at hand.

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Magnetic Towel Bar

OK, this may not be the gift you give, to others, but you could get it for your own kitchen.  I saw something very similar on the side of a client's refrigerator the other day and loved the idea.  She actually had rings with clips on them to hold the most recent artwork from her children.  It was a super cute way to display their art du jour. 

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Agate Coasters

Have you embraced the agate trend?  These hip coasters are the perfect way to give this trend, but in a very small dose.  They come in lots of different colors and are a fun addition to any space.

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Silver Cuff Bracelet

The cuff bracelet is huge right now.  In the winter months, I tend to wear lots of scarves, so I add a cuff for some glam rather than a necklace that will rarely been seen.

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For the Man in Your Life

Why not a pair of cashmere gloves.  For several years in a row, I splurged on a cashmere sweater for my husband.  They are very nice to the touch, but the problem is men usually wear a button down or under shirt under the sweater.  Thus, defeating the purpose of all that luscious softness next to your skin.  With gloves, he will get to enjoy the softness next to his hands all winter long.  Since the price  for cashmere gloves is a fraction of a sweater, you could give him two gifts!  Maybe it's time for a new pair in his stocking. 

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Regardless of what you are shopping for this season - Get to it and enjoy your Monday shopping without the crowds! M.

Start Shopping by clicking here - Cyber Monday Deals  

Friday Five

Here we go . . . 

I've been working on a boy's bedroom and saw these very cool leather pulls - was shocked how simple this tutorial is, but with such amazing results.

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A shameless plug (indulge me, please).  For the difficult to buy for friend/adult child/generous client/you fill in the blank consider a design consult.

 I promise they will enjoy the benefits of this gift far longer than a mani/pedi from the spa.  Also, this service is not just available to those in Birmingham as I work with clients all over the country.  I can meet with individuals in the Birmingham area, but I'm also able do virtual consults with individuals in other areas of the country.  It's a quick, easy way for me to give specific design advice to someone who may not ordinarily treat themselves to this kind of service during the year! Click here to contact me for rates.

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Such a clever idea - This website gives the public access to some interesting inventions that might not ever see the light of day due to lack of funding or support.  Now, anyone can get their invention out there!   Here's how it works.  If you like an invention, you can commit to funding it.  If the inventor reaches their target funding(which varies by product), then you are first in line to receive the product!  It's that easy.  It's also a great way for inventors to gauge interest in their products.  If you would like to check out what people are inventing - click here. 

Have you seen the latest issue of House Beautiful?  It's a show stopper - there's a feature article on Scot Meacham Wood's lovely home.  Included is this stunning image of his family room . . .

When I turned the page and saw this image, a piece of furniture from Wisteria popped into my brain (this happens to me all the time).  So, I decided to go visit it in cyberspace AND it is currently on sale - deeply discounted!  I want. 

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I saw this on Pinterest recently.  I think it is a great illustration of what I try to do in my design business.  

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I say to clients all the time - I have a good feel for your current style, but it's my job to push you a bit.  I want to show you what's current and how we can achieve it without breaking the bank.  But it does takes a leap of faith to get there!  Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't - it's all up to the client.  

Happy Black Friday!  Be careful out there - remember that TV is not worth losing a hand! M.

Shop Amazon - Entertain in Style This Holiday Season

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving.  

Today as we celebrate this day of recognizing all things we are grateful for I am reminded of you.  Thank you for taking the time to read my little slice of blog land.  I'm so blessed to get to do something I love every day I wake up, and it's such a treat to get to share it with you here. 

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Your support for this blog and my design business does not go unnoticed by me - the encouragement, excitement, and even surprise I see on your faces when I meet with you, read your comments or hear from friends when they've seen spaces I helped to create.  It means more to me than you will ever know.  So on this Thanksgiving day, my hope is that you feel love, support, excitement and will be thankful for all blessings sprinkled throughout your own life.  Lest we not forget, they are truly gifts from the Lord. M.

Neighborhood Gifts

Around this time of year, I begin to brainstorm on a special gift for our neighbors and friends.  I never reveal what I'm working on for the current year, but instead share with you the past year's gift idea.  I always try to come up with ideas that are relatively easy to make, convenient to delivery, and something a bit unique during the holidays.

Here are the items I've given in years past with links to show you how I pulled it together. 

(1.) (2.) (3.) (4.)

Last year when I started working on ideas, I realized I have a bit of an alcohol theme going!  So, I  decided to do something completely different.  I decided to give nachos!  Yelp.  I was talking to a friend about it and asked, "What is something that everybody likes and needs during the holidays?" The answer: "The ingredients for an easy, yet really yummy appetizer/snack."  So, the idea of giving nachos was hatched.  

Nachos may not be the most glamorous of gifts; but let's face, the holidays are a very busy time of year.  It's also the season for a lot of bowl games.  And yes, as unhealthy as they may be, nothing is better than some cheesy goodness with a beer during a game.  So, here's what I did to pull off this idea in a clever and gift worthy way.

1. I put the ingredients in a gift bag - I raided several stores for the blanco version of the cheese!

2. I came up with a clever label and had them printed.  I also did one for "Teachers" too.

3. Threw in some tissue paper and two different types of ribbon.

4. And delivered them to friends and family.

Done and done.  There are lots of fabulous ideas out there for easy no-bake gifts.  You just have to think about it a bit and get organized.  Then, just come up with a clever tag and wrapping to make it feel special.   I've got everything ready for this year's gift.  But you'll have to wait until next year to see it!  M. 

Friday Five

I don't know about you, but I'm thrilled it's Friday!  In addition to sharing my five favorite finds this week, I am looking forward to sleeping in this weekend.  Need to recharge and gear up for next week.  Here are my top five finds this week. 

This just rocks.
Guessing the book title is not a coincidence!

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Metallic feathers could take an ok gift to a whole new level.  There is a DIY tutorial by Lia for this clever idea - Lia Griffith

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Thinking this is the perfect thing for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day - talk about keeping you satisfied/occupied/relaxed/you fill in the blank until that massive turkey lunch begins!

I like these. A lot. 

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A friend sent me a link to this INCREDIBLE product which is launching today!  This device was invented by a Sten Kirkbak after he experienced losing his 3 year old son (Filip) for 30 minutes (count yourself lucky if you've never experience how this feels!).    This clever product is a phone/watch/GPS tracking device.

The Filip

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    So, if you're looking for a very cool gift idea for a younger child (which would benefit you too), this would be it!  You must watch this video to truly understand what this product is all about.

Happy Friday, everybody! M.