When designers, decorators or furniture retailers talk about ‘market,’ they aren’t talking about their local farmer’s market or grocery store. They’re referring to High Point Furniture Market in High Point, North Carolina. Earlier this month, when I journeyed to High Point, I had a shopping list for current projects, and I wanted to find new vendors […]
You’ve got problems and we’ve got solutions
I just booked my flight for High Point, North Carolina. For those of you unfamiliar with High Point (often referred to as ‘Market’ by those of us in the industry), the town that hosts the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the WORLD. It is over 10 million square feet and has roughly 2000 vendors. […]
Why ‘European’ is synonymous with good-quality
People frequently ask me what HGTV show(s) I watch for inspiration. I don’t. WHY not, you ask? HGTV has only one job: to entertain. My design colleagues and I are frustrated by the propagation of unrealistic budgets, free labor, bad design, absurdly short timelines and the proliferation of the belief that ‘cheap is good.’ So, what […]
Equestrian Decorating
It’s DERBY DAY! While my husband is reading about the horses and picking his favorites, I’m adding equestrian decor for a little our Derby fete this evening. My mind has been focused on the equestrian-look all week. I’m working with clients who want to update their family room. The home is a ski chalet and […]
Art
I don’t know what I love more…..the oil painting of the dog above the bed or the children’s silhouettes. Have a well-designed day, Photo: Design New England
Signs that you’re a decorating ‘maximalist’
My husband jokes (frequently) that if a minimalist says “less is more” than I’m a maximilist because I say “If less is more, imagine how much more, MORE would be!” Here are some signs that YOU might be a maximalist: 1. You love animal print and try to sneak a little in every room. 2. […]
Selecting the RIGHT paint color
Did you know that 40% of the paint sold in the United States is to correct PREVIOUS color mistakes? Yep. It’s true. A common error people make is selecting the paint color first and then making decisions about the remainder of the room. Although I ALWAYS recommend paint color last, this isn’t always possible. For […]
Equestrian Style Chair in Vermont
My husband and I are settling in to watch the 140th Kentucky Derby race on TV and I thought I’d share a chair that would be PERFECT for a room with a Ralph Lauren feel. Equestrian details dovetail with Vermont mountain decor very well. This chair comes in FIRST PLACE. My friend and fellow […]
A kitchen renovation ends with a new living room
I just returned from an installation at a client’s home. Late last fall they decided to renovate their kitchen. They have a busy household and their dated kitchen was no no longer serving their needs. So, they gutted it and added a large island which serves as a spot for informal dining, homework and a […]
Decorating with buffalo check part 2
Here are some more great buffalo check images. As I mentioned in my last post, this large check can be used in a variety of ways – window treatments, upholstery and even wall-coverings. How about using it as a vanity or sink skirt? Do you see the lucite chair by the vanity? You know I LOVE […]