You Can Decorate!

2010-08-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

2010-08-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

2010-08-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

My daughters room is finally coming to an end....my small child is turning into a young teenager, and her tastes are quite different from my own. Its a hard thing to watch your children growup and now with her being my youngest...I knew that someday she would have her own voice, opinion and style, so this is my daughters room an expression of her style and taste~

2010-08-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

2010-07-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

I think that I have gotten my loft to a comfortable place for all of my teens and there friends to hangout and enjoy movies, video games and just hanging out in general.
The couch features a pullout bed, the entertainment center has a large t.v. and all of the boys video games. there is a small desk for writing or small projects, and an ottoman that is a storage bin for warm cozy blankets, and a view from the window to the lake across the street~
It is a place for quiet reading and just relaxing or napping in general~

2010-07-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Purple mohair, soon to be upholstered to the vintage french chair which has been sprayed in an automotive grey lacquer~ and double welted in a lavendar velvet from Scalamandre~

2010-07-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Mirror that once had splashes of pinks and creams ...now is painted in dove grey~

2010-07-16T18:59:00.001-07:00

I havent posted anything for quite some time, but summer has our family busy and full of activities. One of mine is redecorating my daughters room. I had fought it for approxiamately 3 years, and finally caved into the fact that she is turning into a young woman. Her choice of purple threw me for quite a loop...not that I dont like it, however, I have only small accents of it in the loft off of her bedroom and nowhere else.... Hmmmmm, had me thinking for awhile.

Well after much debating and lots of browsing ideas...I believe we have come to a happy agreement! :)
Packing up all of her "Shabby Chic" and ridding of pinks, blues and sea mist greens, I was fortunate enough to come across a client and friend that was more then happy to purchase the linens, blankets and treasured finds~
A great fabric source of mine happened to have some FABULOUS purple mohair left over from a rather intresting client... ( famous basketball player), which got my juices flowing, 3 yards of this and some beautiful Scalamandre lavendar velvet and I am on my way to the finish line!
I admit I have been doing this a little backwards, being that the lamps and some of the accessories were the first to be found and purchased...but this really put all into place.
My daughters few request were zebra rug and purple..... I agreed with her as long a we could make it elegant and European feeling~ So let me bring you along on our journey.. however long it might take! I will post the beginnings of our finds~ Hope you will enjoy!

2010-04-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

Mirrors, mirrors what can I say! They are one of the most fabulous tools next to painting a room. They widen a space and add visual interest, and there are SOOOOO many beautiful ones out there to choose from~So if you want to expand a room or highlight something spectacular...use a mirror~

2010-03-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

when organizing drawers such as night stands and bureaus, look for leather boxes with compartments or pretty linings to set inside and establish areas for change, paper notes, extra cards ( credit ect.) and lip chap~ That way when opening the drawer, there is some order and ability to easily see the contents... this makes for a clean and orderly space...plus it makes you feel good~

2010-03-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Where you live, how you live, and who you hang out with...all these things set your mood, how you act in life, and how you feel each day~ Decorating your home in a comforting way, surrounding your self with people you love, and keeping your heart and mind positive makes for a life well lived~ My tip for the day

2010-02-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

French green toile, and luscious tassels embellish the room~

This french commode started out completely black, very dull and basic. I added several layers of color, and glazes, distressing and detailing to complete a dreamy heavenly framed window~

2010-02-13T08:16:00.000-08:00

2010-02-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

This is the cake from the baby shower, which had been made previous, and then I added simple foam/ glitter initials and plastic polka dots. The intials are that of the baby to come!

2010-02-13T08:10:00.000-08:00

This is a topiary I created for a baby shower, it is simple and playful...the table hold several etched green glasses with voitive candles inside, along with several pink glass scented ones to add a soft aroma. There are little glass holders which have porcelain balls with the intials of the family members and the baby to come! sprinkled on the table is confetti with a baby theme~ and the table is dressed with a soft pink matelasse from bedding.

2010-01-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of myself and Betty Lou Phillips, one of my favorite decorators! I had the great fortune of meeting her a few years back at "Le Tissue Colbert" she was so sweet, and it was so nice to talk to her. She is a fabulous designer and author, and she inspires me all the time! :)

2010-01-29T08:07:00.001-08:00

2010-01-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

2010-01-29T08:02:00.000-08:00

Just had to post a pic of my 2cnd oldest son who is currently taking modeling and acting class in Chicago. He has been picked up by an agency rescently~ :)

2010-01-29T08:01:00.000-08:00

One of our 2 papillions~

Bella Mia, peeking out from my daughters pillows~

2010-01-29T08:00:00.001-08:00

2010-01-29T07:56:00.000-08:00

my modest kitchen~

When we purchased the home, it was VERY basic, my husband added some trim and glass windows, I fauxed the cabinets with several layers of color, the counters were switched out for maple and granite at the breakfast bar, I salvaged a few old chairs for feet beneath, added some new knobs and now I have a homey space to cook in~

2010-01-29T07:54:00.000-08:00

Apothacary jars in my kitchen that I seasonally decorated~

2010-01-26T10:11:00.000-08:00

One of MANY homes that my husband built and I painted~

They are happily located all over Illinois and the United States in many gardens~ :)

2010-01-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

a friendly inhabitant of our Old English bird house~

2010-01-26T10:09:00.001-08:00

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and of course the ever dependable daffodil for Spring cheer~

2010-01-26T10:07:00.000-08:00

2010-01-26T10:06:00.000-08:00

2010-01-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite flowers! Helleborus~

Which is been so wonderful to grow!

2010-01-26T10:02:00.000-08:00

2010-01-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

One of the many decorating sales over the Spring and Summer, located in my back yard~

2010-01-26T09:59:00.000-08:00

Grand opening of "Walter E. Smith" in Vernon Hills~ Candice was as nice as could be!

2010-01-25T17:57:00.000-08:00

2010-01-25T17:55:00.000-08:00

My collection of Turkish pots, and the mirror that I fauxed when i worked at a gallery in Naperville some years back~

2010-01-25T17:54:00.000-08:00

2010-01-25T17:53:00.000-08:00

2010-01-25T17:49:00.000-08:00

My secret garden entrance, still covered in star clematis from the spring and summer~

2010-01-25T17:48:00.000-08:00

salvaged carved plaques repurposed for art in my hallway~

2010-01-25T17:47:00.000-08:00

darling vintage french clock purchased at a flea market~

2010-01-25T17:46:00.000-08:00

cornices I designed, my husband made, I fauxed, and a french aubusson rug that I cut up and trimmed out along with country white panels beneath~

2010-01-25T17:45:00.000-08:00

botanicals from the 1800's displayed in weathered frames with embossed leaf matting~

2010-01-25T17:43:00.000-08:00

My precious papillion Bella Mia resting on one of my diminutive wing chairs used in our kitchen~

2010-01-25T17:42:00.000-08:00

Yes I only paid $3- for this FABULOUS plate holde....I found it in a ditch at a garage sale, and negotiated the price! ;) How delicious!

2010-01-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

vintage french barometer~

2010-01-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

2010-01-25T17:39:00.000-08:00

another image of playhouse from inside my home~

2010-01-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

copper turkish mold used for decorations~

2010-01-25T17:37:00.000-08:00

handcrafted box in my kitchen which displays hand painted french creamers, and inside box, daughters colored bands, wine tags, and corn knobs~

2010-01-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

Kitchen bovine with a french award plaque beneath, dating from the year I was born~

2010-01-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

5 dollar chair, auction find.... My husband and I got creative and designed and made a basket stand for my kitchen.

2010-01-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

My childrens playhouse which my husband labored over for months. I have adopted it as my new get away in the summer, with all 5 windows open, it makes for a very relaxing breezy retreat~

2010-01-25T17:30:00.000-08:00

Sons armoire, 1920's french design from Argentina~

2010-01-25T17:29:00.000-08:00

1920's guest bed which was purchased from a dealer in France~

2010-01-25T17:28:00.000-08:00

military amo boxes which house my boys legos and other small toys~

2010-01-25T17:27:00.000-08:00

Salvaged Black Forest piece~

2010-01-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Boys shadow box collection of bug from Thailand~

2010-01-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

My boys walk in closet, which also houses many of there military collection from earlier years~

2010-01-25T17:23:00.000-08:00

French antique chair used by one of my sons for his computer~

2010-01-25T17:22:00.000-08:00

black forest plaques and antiques adorn my sons English retreat~

2010-01-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

My bedroom which has since changed, but the venitian plaster will always stay...love it!

2010-01-25T17:19:00.000-08:00

my bathroom, and fauxed walls done in plaster of paris roses, and layered fresco stenciling~

2010-01-25T17:18:00.000-08:00

auction find turned into vanity~

2010-01-25T17:16:00.000-08:00

bathroom ceiling in boys bathroom~

2010-01-25T17:15:00.000-08:00

thrift find~

2010-01-25T17:13:00.000-08:00

Our family friends~

Isabella Mia, and Papi ( Jimmy )

2010-01-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

2010-01-25T17:10:00.000-08:00

My designs~ Inside and out

2010-01-25T17:07:00.001-08:00

Meson Sabika~ Fundraiser for Haiti

2010-01-25T17:05:00.000-08:00

Refreshing Your Home For The 2010~

2010-01-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

I always feel as if I have cleared out the clutter of my very being each time the end of Christmas and the New Year rolls around. The taking down of the decor for the season and reorganizing bins of old for new, and placing back the space to an clean slate. I dont know but something about that process makes me want to declutterize and refresh my home in anticipation of the Spring.

Being realistic is the first step in beginning this process and not puting rediculous expectations on yourself! Take it section by section and start with an achievable goal that will set you in the right frame of mind to tackle the rest.

I find that making a short list of things to achieve and things that I would like to aventually do is the first step in this endeavor.

Write a down all of the things that you love about your space, the things you can do without and the things you would like to see in the future.

I like to light scented candles and listen to motivating music in order to put myself in the right frame of mind! This makes it a bit more enjoyable while proceeding with the task at hand~

Another good motivating tool is to watch a show that sparks your imagination, or purchase a book or magazine that can give you some fresh ideas to add to your home.

Whatever you do, take lots of breaks and take time to enjoy the accomplishments you make, this will help you strive to continue with your organization and projects without burning out. Working on a closet and placing functional bins and clearing out clutter for resale, donation or to a friend can be a great start!

Lets Begin~

2009-01-16T09:34:00.004-08:00

Now that you have compiled some pics from magazines, and chosen some books that best describe your style, lets begin.

I find that if you determine what room in your home is the hub for everyone, and start at that point, the other rooms will fall into place nicely once you have completed this area.

Remember I had told you inspiration usually comes from art, a rug, or fabric? Well if you do not already have this to start with, go out and get that great rug, or purchase that awesome chair that really makes you smile, or find that piece of art that speaks to your soul, or just makes you happy! Now from this point, take a picture of the item you have been inspired to start with, and bring that with you to the paint store, and I would suggest that any color chip you choose, should stay light to medium in color, and also remember that you will have to live with this day in and day out, so choose colors, that you will not tire of. I am not opposed to color in fact on the contrary, however I like to keep more bold or saturated color to the powder room, bathroom, or bedrooms, this way you can enjoy them, but not be with them constantly.

If you have chosen a neurtral rug, remember that there are many shades of beiges, whites and creams. It is a good idea to refer to your magazines and books again to see the application of color in a main room. Another couple of good tips are to go to Benjamin Moore web site, and put in pics of your room, and apply the colors you have chosen to see how they might look , remember, this is not 100% accurate, but it does give you a good idea. If you would like a more realistic representation of this, by a large core board, or drywall piece, and purchase a quart of your chosen paints, then paint those surfaces, and set them in the area you are going to paint(setting on a fireplace mantle is a good area) and view this from day until evening watching how the light affects the color, and see if it still works for you.

Just a note: If you have chosen an area rug for your inspiration piece, do remember that larger is better... You dont want too small of a rug leaving your furniture floating....chose something that will define the area of furniture and make it feel grounded, the legs of most of the pieces, should at least touch the rug. Also remember that a rug can be angled , and does not need to stay in line with the room, this adds for more interest. Okay, that's quite a lot to try to tackle, so take your time, and have fun, and I will write more soon!

Determining Your Style~

2009-01-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

Sometimes choosing a style is the hardest thing to determine, however I have found that for my clients, a simple question or two usually can be a helpful tool in this process.

It's a good idea if you have absolutely no clue at all; to take a field trip to the book store, pickup several appealing decorating magazines and thumb through to see if the general mood is one that evokes a sense of comfort to you, and is something you feel would fit your life style. If magazines are not helping you determine this, go to the decorating book section, and do the same. I find that if a client can keep a folder with ideas in it, such as color chips from the paint store, and magazine cut outs, that is a good basis for following a path. If you have a favorite piece of art, or a great rug or fabric with a range of colors, this can also help make a statement in determining the rest of the rooms. If your life style is laid back & uncomplicated, maybe country or contemporary can work for you. The casual feel of country pieces, make for a cozy and enjoyable setting, on the other hand, contemporary can also do this. The clean lines and up to date crispness of contemporary, usually paired with less clutter, can make for a no fuss look, that keeps everyday living more calming. Take the time to do these first steps, and you will be well on your way to making your home your personal story!

Getting Started & Picking Your Style~

2009-01-15T06:31:00.000-08:00

How exciting! I am now one of millions of people sharing there personal view on whatever there expertise may be! Mine happens to be decorating, and I do love to decorate!!! I have found that European has proved to be the most classic, and one my heart stays close to. In using the basics of European design, it is easy to add your personal flair, and not blow the budget, or find yourself changing every six months~ This is all new to me, so I will do my best to bring you the most informative ideas, to help you to make your space(s) a wonderful haven for your everyday!!!