Personalize with Accessories

Accessories can make all the difference in your space to personalize it. Whether small space... large space. Put your stamp on it to reflect your personal style, especially if you're a renter and can't make physical changes. When I was single and renting I always loaded up on lots of accessories. I put my money in things that I could take with me. 
Baskets have many purposes and they hold any and everything.  I love these hand woven baskets made in Rwanda, sold at Macy's, for their craftmanship, and color.These baskets have changed the lives of the Rwandan women that weave them. Not only do they earn money to support their families but the weaving project has helped them heal after the genocide that devastated the central African country in 1994.
 

Harvest Bowl - $46

 

 Spirit Bowl

 

 sisal and sea grass, natural dye

Aluminum Vases - Bo Concept

 Great accessories for a contemporary space. Buy as a single or in a collection.

Antique sunburst tin mirror...Direct from Mexico.$120

A shield back chair is timeless and is generally a traditional piece.  But, I would use this chair as an accent piece in almost any decor.  

 Bel Aire Chair - Currey and Company

Sheer Privacy

If you're an apartment or condo dweller and want to personalize your space I have an idea for you.  Most apartments come equipped with those vinyl mini blinds. They're always in some shade of white and their primary use is privacy.  I like what my friend Mary, of The Drapery Shop in Manassas, VA did for a DC client to solve their mini problem. She fabricated a beaded sheer for the client's dining room window that overlooks a busy NW street. It softens the blinds...almost hides it and adds a great accent to the room... loving it. 

Small Space Living

Life in a small space can be a challenge. I get a lot of inquiries on what to do for small space seating. Planning is a must to fashionably maximize small space living. What can get complicated is finding the right sofa. I always recommend an armless sofa in an apartment or condo. Armless sofas allow for more versatility in placement. They can be pushed flush against a corner wall or placed at an angle against adjacent walls.  Check out these three selections I found and let me know what works for you.

DWR armless sofa in turquoise makes a  fashion forward statement in a contemporary space. 

Try a small space sectional when lots of seating is needed.

 

When working in a traditional space a tufted armless sofa updates the space.

Sunday Snow Day

As most of the country knows...The Washington, DC metro area has been hit hard by a blizzard that dumped more than 30 inches of snow in most areas.  The big storm started Friday afternoon. It snowed all day Saturday and by Sunday I had to get out of the house.  The main roads were still in the process of being plowed. My husband and I set out to DC to see what was happening in the city. He had to stop by a construction site and I picked up my camera and we hit the road.  We had a great time and ventured to   Capitol Hill where I shot some of my favorite houses... 

This red brick row of townhouses is elegant trimmed in snow.

 

I love the stone fence in  front of this stucco facade.

 

What a picture perfect corner...love the red door on taupe.

Old world charm in these pastel brick Victorians.

 

 Girls out for a snow stroll.

 At the corner of Independence and 8th Streets NE. The cars on 8th street are almost buried.

Street scene....These trees speak to me.

 

It's getting late....One more stop to make before leaving the city....Off to the fish market.

Whenever it snows a lot...Who feeds the birds?...My husband...I call him the bird man. Here he is at the DC fish market feeding the seagulls and sparrows.

 The only way to get this close to the birds is to feed them.

California Casual - It's Complicated

I love the look and feel of what I call California Casual.  That's what I call the set design in the Christmas movie  It's Complicated. OK, I know it's early February and we're buried in 24" of snow. I admit I'm a little late but I'm finally putting together this post... I've been thinking about it for more than a month.
Open spaces that merge interior and exterior speak to me. Kitchen gardens, herb gardens or any edible garden inspires me to spend more time in the kitchen.... Yet, most of all I absolutely love any design opportunity that gives me the chance to work with natural fabrics, linen drapes, cashmere throws, wool carpet and introduce elements of green decor into a space.