The entertaining season is upon us and the idea of it strikes fear and trepidation in the hearts of many. However, I am one of those crazy people who look forward to it. For me, entertaining is another creative outlet, and although I enjoy cooking, I thrive on the whole process of entertaining. I love creating… Read more »
2015
Vendor Spotlight – Currey & Company
I first discovered Currey & Company in 1989 when they were mostly in the business of making reproductions of historic garden furniture (I still have the cutest iron chair from their Winterthur collection sitting at my vanity). At that time, they also offered a few key lighting pieces. At first sight, I knew Currey &… Read more »
Vendor Spotlight – Fall High Point Furniture Market
Why do I love the High Point Furniture Market? Every 6 months my heart skips a beat as I drive down I-85 to attend the High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina. I find the October Market particularly exciting as our vendors roll out their new fall lines and we see trends that will shape… Read more »
Fashion and Interior Design
I was recently standing in the grocery checkout line when I could not help but notice all the magazines touting the latest fall fashions. Wasn’t it only August??? I was not ready to get rid of my shorts and tank tops, but there it was…tweed, leather and suede staring me in the face. I guess… Read more »
Trends: Fashion and Interior Design
This fall there are many fabulous fashion trends and several of them align with the trends we are seeing in the interior design community. Here are a few that are worth considering for a fashionable fall: “Metallic” Nothing shimmers like gold…except maybe silver, brass or copper! Metallic sheen is a big fashion trend this… Read more »
Vendor Spotlight – Jaipur Rugs
Several years ago one of our favorite sales representatives called to share a new rug line with us. She was excited about the rugs, but was even more enthusiastic about the company and their mission. We were intrigued and promised to visit the showroom at the next High Point Market. When we walked into the… Read more »
The Basics of Rugs
When working on a design project, I am often asked, “Do we start with the rug or end with the rug?” My answer is “It depends.” If you have a rug that you love, that is a great place to start. If not, I usually prefer to select the rug later in the project. If… Read more »
How to Stage Your Home
By now, most of us have heard about the concept of “staging” a home. Staging a home for the real estate market is all about making it as attractive as possible to potential buyers. A thoughtfully staged home can give you an edge in the competitive world of real estate. It is well worth establishing… Read more »
Vendor Spotlight – Eastern Accents
In the world of Interior Design, “soft goods” are a key element to a well-designed room. Most people think of pillows when they consider soft goods, but really, it goes way beyond that. For me, soft goods include pillows, bed linens, window treatments, throws and bolsters. When layered properly, these pieces add texture and… Read more »
Designing an Outdoor Living Space
This time of year we all think about being outside as much as possible. One way to achieve that goal is to extend our living environment beyond the confines of our four walls. Here in the mid-Atlantic region, we are lucky. Functional and comfortable outdoor living is possible for approximately six months of the… Read more »