Tag: residential design

Countertops: The Workhorse of the Kitchen

Remember the days when laminate, a pressed plastic over particle board, was the only countertop option for the average American? Today more than a dozen products are available including pressed paper and recycled glass, but it is important to consider not only beauty and price but durability, maintenance, lifestyle, and return on investment before you… Continue reading Countertops: The Workhorse of the Kitchen

Say Goodbye to Master Bedrooms, Other Outdated Terms

For the same reasons we now say mail carrier or postal worker instead of mailman, words have social impact. Like many other fields, the real estate and home design industries have also moved to replace sexist, racist, and otherwise inappropriate language with more sensitive and inclusive terms. According to a New York Times article on… Continue reading Say Goodbye to Master Bedrooms, Other Outdated Terms

Top Ten Decorating Tips

I’m often asked abut my top decorating tips. It’s about time I wrote them down! Tip#1: Plan. Of course, I do believe in the serendipitous thrill of finding something great at a flea market, while on vacation, or when you go to Home Goods to buy sheets and come home with a lamp, but in… Continue reading Top Ten Decorating Tips

Travel-inspired Interiors

Vacations are an opportunity to find appealing and unique treasures from your travels to decorate your home.  As I have mentioned many times, your home’s interior should tell a story. How do you add visual interest with vacation finds? Follow my three simple rules and you will be filling your suitcases with beautiful finds.  First,… Continue reading Travel-inspired Interiors

Peel and Stick Wallpaper: Simple or Simply Vexing?

Thinking of trying temporary wallpaper as a spring spruce up? As long as you apply it correctly and to the proper surface, you will enjoy your new wallcovering for many years to come. Yet, it might not be the right choice for you. Like its traditional counterpart, removable wallpaper comes in many designs, colors, and styles… Continue reading Peel and Stick Wallpaper: Simple or Simply Vexing?

More Golden Rules of Decorating

In my last blog, I began to share some of the golden rules of decorating I have collected and want to give you some more tried and true tips that can guide any novice or seasoned decorator.  Enjoy! I’ve never seen elegance go out of style. — Unknown Adding a touch of luxury (brings) …… Continue reading More Golden Rules of Decorating

Life is Too Short For Ugly

I am often asked, “What are some of the golden rules of decorating?” Here is my favorite; the title of this column comes from a quote from interior designer David Fuller, “Design because life is too short for ugly.” Over the years, I have collected some quotes from famous decorators and authors and blogger to… Continue reading Life is Too Short For Ugly

Flights of Fancy: Reinventing the Space Under Your Stairs

Need some ideas on how to take advantage of the space under your stairs? Potential abounds in this often-unused area in many homes.  As I begin all projects with a new client, I ask lots of questions. In this case, “Do you need more storage (or specialized storage), more living space, or other dedicated zones… Continue reading Flights of Fancy: Reinventing the Space Under Your Stairs

Memories of Mid-century Modern

I was recently asked if you can mimic mid-century modern in any home style. Sure, why not? Even if you don’t have a flat roof like the iconic houses built from 1945 to 1969, you can certainly mimic this architectural style, furniture, and accessories which are trending again today. As a grade school kid, I fell in love,… Continue reading Memories of Mid-century Modern