Summer Time

The words to the old classic song read, "summer time and the living is easy...". I absolutely believe that's the way it's supposed to be... Don't let the price of gas or the price increases in the airline industry stop you. But if you do, there's lots you can do to turn your back or front yard into a perfectly wonderful get away. Call it the perfect staycation!...Isn't that the new buzz word for not taking a get out of town vacation? Before I head to California where I intend to immerse myself in green design... I'll leave you with some ideas on making your outdoor space a spot to relax and have a good time.

The patio off the dining and living rooms extend entertaining onto the patio. The casual red chairs are from Design Within Reach and the Montego table is from Room and Board. Plant life always softens hard surfaces.
With this lush atrium the homeowners created an indoor space that rivals the tropics. Plantings include palms, ferns, and lilies set against Chinese slate tiles. The wicker chairs add to the tropical aesthetic.
I've always loved the non conventional style of Berkeley, California. That's what attracts me to this outdoor space. The front yard grass has been replace with bluestone pavers. Although you can't see it, there is a water feature included in this design. The design team of Huettl-Thuilot Associates created the perfect courtyard staycation spot.
With gravel under foot, glazed clay pots and the deep green foliage of an espaliered fig
combine to create an organic feel to this space. The dark exterior wall adds the drama... love it!

Bring on the night! I could staycation here with my friends any summer night.

Sources: Coastal Living, Sunset, Cottage Living

Candace Olson Fabrics

I absolutely love the easy never fussy contemporary feel of a Candace Olson design. She's a fantastic sketcher and I love to see how she brings them to life on her HGTV show Devine Design. I'm always impressed. Now, we can share in the feel of her design aesthetic with her collection of designer fabrics by Kravet. Colors are rich and versatile...can be used on window treatments and upholstery. They will definitely bring life to a reclaimed chair or sofa. They also work well with Ms. Olson' upholstery furniture line. Candace is a designer after my own heart... How divine ...






Images: Kravet

Eco Chic

As Americans become more eco minded we will continue to look for products and materials that are friendly to ourselves and the environment. While we have moved away from lead based paints, oil, and improve latex, interior paints have now evolved to low and non-VOC, it's a work in progress. Most fabric vendors for the home have incorporated environmentally friendly lines that include organic cottons and less chemically treated fabrics. Looking for ways to incorporate eco products into decor is becoming easier and more stylish. I'm always excited to find new ways to use recycled items. I hope you get busy incorporating some of these ideas into your space and thinking of new ones. Please don't hesitate to share your green ideas and products with me. There's only one earth, and ...we're all in it together.

Eco Glass - Chandelier of recycled champagne bottles that use low wattage bulbs add ambient lighting in this space. Recycled glass bulbs from Mexico hung from a ceiling.

Eco Chic - Use natural fabrics and earth tones to recreate this style.
Eco Bohemian - Natural fabrics, wicker lamp,and a few cacti

Eco Cotton- Slip covered sofas can be custom made in organic fabrics tt are washable.

Eco Urban- Kitchen cabinets made of straw board, amber bamboo ceiling, porcelain tile floors and a sheet metal wall add elegance and style to this urban setting.

Eco Cute - River rocks provide a home for a cute little ceramic frog...add cut foliage for an organic look.

Images: LA Times, NY Times, Red River Interiors, Traditional Home

Small Space Design

I'm one who appreciates an imaginative table scape. This setting is especially cleaver because the green frosted glass table top opens up this small space. There is an ethereal feel about this space. Everything on top of the table seems to float. It brings light and a sense of calm to this lovely dining area as it looks down on the living room below.

images: Red River Interiors

From the dining area above the eye rest on the coordinating colors in this living space and the views out side the triple Palladium windows.

click on photo to enlarge

Custom Sofas

Finding the perfect sofa isn't always an easy task. It's a place I like to start when putting together a living or family room. Once I determine how the occupants will use a room I then search for the most accommodating sofa style. Going custom allows for options. The sofa frames featured here come in more than one length. You're not boxed into one particular size. If your space is especially large there will be a length to meet its proportions. There are also options in seat cushions, welting, trims and fabric options are unending. Most vendors allow for COM(customer own materials) meaning you are not limited to the vendor's fabrics....you can find something elsewhere. Custom will cost a bit more than stock sofas but don't be afraid of that. You will have a piece that will last a lifetime and all you will ever need to do is reupholster when your color pallet changes... try it! You won't be disappointed.

Kravet -Andante Recamier

Kravet - Thornton

Kravet - Sausalito

Kraet - Tiberio

Kravet - Prelude

Duralee - Isle of Capri

Duralee - Monaco

Duralee - Westport

Duralee - Westside

French Antique

Wallpaper Talks

Wallpaper always has and always will have a place in the world of decor. It changes the entire complexion of a room. Patterns can be subtle or rich and bold. Can you imagine this bathroom without the deep wine color and floral motif on the walls? I can... and I wouldn't feel invited to spend a lot of time in this space. Yet with this time trusted pattern and updated color scheme I'm drawn in. The room beckons me to join in...sit a spell and stay a while....

Image: Red River Interiors

Khimani Plaid wallpaper from Thibaut's Cypress collection pulls this room together. It's classic and adds just the right amount of color. It's a companion to the linen/cotton blend fabric Haleema also from the Cypress collection. Cypress is inspired by the traditional block printing techniques in India. It has an old world feel in its paisley and plaid prints. The various colors in this group are subdued. These prints can be used in almost any room in the home. Anytime you want a classic, old world feel with an updated touch, update your space with wallpaper and beautiful fabrics.

Images: Thibaut

Khimani Plaid - Wallpaper

Mumbai Ikat

Haleema - Fabric

Cypress Collection - Green

Mizoram – Wallpaper