How do I purchase designer furniture and fabrics if I am not a designer?

How do I purchase designer furniture and fabrics if I am not a designer?  This is probably one of the most often asked questions consumers have about purchasing products for their home.  And why not?  After all, they are bombarded on TV, online and in magazines with photos of beautifully styled rooms chock full of luscious accessories, exquisite fabrics and unique furniture pieces.  These items are not the typical pieces they see in their furniture, fabric and home decor stores.  And while stores like TJ Maxx, Target and HomeGoods (consumer favorites these days)provide plenty of inspiration and affordable pieces, it is rarely top quality, designer goods that will add a sophisticated and unique touch to your home.  So where do you go for those top quality, designer goods?

Fortunately for consumers and decorators alike there are plenty of sources available:

1. To begin with, many manufacturers have become wise to the desires of today’s sophisticated and informed homeowner who has developed a taste for the finer things in life, and will offer their products to those not involved in the design profession.  Keep in mind that you will most likely, not be receiving a “to the trade” price but your ultimate goal of owning a specific piece will be realized, without a designer mark-up!  So call the manufacturer or check out their website to see if it is possible to purchase directly from them.
2. There are several designers out there who specialize in procuring “to the trade” items for their clients, often at a discount.  For example, check out Jamie Herzlinger.  She has an extensive list of manufacturers to help you locate a specific item.  There are also plenty of designers who have their own on-line shops that offer designer products and competitive pricing through their site.  One of my favorites is Stacey Curran’s South Shore Decorating.
3. Sources like LA Design Concepts work exclusively for consumers, locating products, quoting a reduced price and can even arrange for delivery.  They have an amazing website with a gallery of gorgeous photos to view.
4. Most large cities have a design “mart” that features showrooms of all the top name and trade only manufacturers.  Traditionally, these marts are not open to the public, but that has changed over the years.  Many local marts now open their doors to the general public and will even provide design assistance on-site while others may have specific hours and/or days of the week when the general public is granted access.
5. Contact your designer/decorator (that would be me).  They may arrange to order an item for you without adding their own mark-up.   Keep in mind, however, that they do not work for free and will most likely charge you their hourly rate or whatever payment arrangements you have with them.  This makes it possible for you to purchase the item you have been longing for, often at a reduced rate, and your designer may have other options or ideas for you at the same time.

If you know of other reliable sources please share them with all of us.

Wardrobe changes for your home or how to dress your home for spring and summer

photo courtesy of Love or funny blog

Ok…I can hear all of your excuses now

• I can’t afford to redecorate every season
• I like my room the way it is
• I don’t have the time
• Blah, blah blah

So let me, Ms. Design Doctor ( I kinda like that!) solve your problems one by one:

• I can’t afford to redecorate my home every season either but that is not what I am suggesting.  You change your wardrobe for the season, don’t you?  Chunky wool sweaters are switched out for lightweight cardigans in summer colors; warm weather proof boots are replaced by open-toed sandals and colorful flip flops and cozy sweats are pushed to the back of the drawer while trendy colored denim and cool shorts make their way to the front of the drawers.  Well do the same with your home’s decor.  How?   1. Take those dark and wintry throw pillows that visually warm the space in the winter and put them in the closet, only to be replaced by sunny and bright florals, checks or solids with wonderful fluffy trim.  2.  Remove the quilts and heavy throws and toss a pretty and lightweight throw nearby for those air-conditioned afternoons spent relaxing with a good book.  3.  If you have silk flowers, get rid of them!  Fresh flowers are a must in every home and trust me when I say you can afford them.  A bunch of sunflowers could last a couple of weeks and set you back just a couple of dollars at the grocery store.  What could be more summery than that? 4.  If possible, remove heavy drapes and hang sheers that can blow in the breeze or roll up dark wool throw rugs and add wonderful textural rugs made from natural fibers like sisal or jute. 5.  A dark wood end table can be replaced with a wicker stool or chest–add a mirror to the top to reflect all the sunlight and you have an easy to change coffee or end table.
• I like my rooms the way they are also.  However, a little change is good for the soul ( I can’t swear by that but it sounds good)  The addition of a new trendy color in the form of a small vase, pillow or even a small painted furniture piece will not dramatically alter the look of the room but can still provide a touch of summertime.  You might enjoy the look of a new table lamp with a burlap shade, for example, and decide to keep it all year long.  Or really step out of your box and add a piece of painted furniture, very trendy right now, in a fun shade of yellow or chartreuse green if you dare!
• Time.  This is always a touch issue.  I will admit that it takes time to shop for items, make decisions etc.  But let’s be real, there is always time for shopping.  You can glance through a magazine or surf the web during a lunch break or train ride to find summer inspiration.  You already know what colors you are drawn to this season…don’t think so?  Then take a look in your closet…need I say more?

So lighten up….it is easy and even enjoyable to dress your home for warmer temps and I dare say you will be looking forward to the upcoming fall and winter season and thinking about changes you can make at that time.  Have fun!

 

The calendar says Spring has arrived and my mind agrees

While San Diego’s weather rarely gives us something to complain about, I still rejoice at the signs of springtime in San Diego that include:

• The beautiful freeway daisies that are in bloom everywhere you drive.  Bright shots of purple iceplant, orange poppies and yellow daisies actually make any drive less tedious.
• Longer days take a bit getting used to but always signal spring to me with the very soon to arrive summer.  And summer nights mean concerts in the park in Coronado, BBQ’ing with friends, sipping tea and enjoying a magazine outdoors on a sunny afternoon and, best of all, swim lessons with my grandbabies.  No, I don’t get in the pool with them.  That is my gift to everyone else in the area!  Instead, I stand on the edge and watch them and give them silent thumbs up and wrap them in a cozy towel when they get out.  Just to see the sheer joy on their face while in the water is delightful!
• Spring decorating that would include daffodils that explode in a vase.  They last just a few days but they sure bring a smile to your face when you walk into the room.  Time to get rid of the heavy bronze and brown pillows and throws and replace them with brighter colors.  For some reason I am hooked on sunny yellow this year and am trying to scatter it everywhere I can.  It looks so good with everything including my leopard print dining room chairs or my newly recovered Ikat print chairs with the mustard velvet back.

How about this touch of yellow?

Send me there now! photo courtesy of sweethomestyle.tumblr via pinterest

Not a great photo but look at those daffodils!

This little yellow bowl was a great find at Home Goods and adds just the right amount of yellow to the table

Even the jelly beans add a touch of yellow

And is there anything cuter than my Ella Bella enjoying a sunny spring day in her yellow top?!  Absolutely delicious!!  What signals springtime to you?

Stairway to heaven

One of the things I have learned about a remodel is not to be in a hurry.  That certainly held true when it came to carpeting our stairway!  We waited until all the painting, moving, demolition and handy work was done in order to protect the carpet.  That was finally completed and the new carpet was installed just last week.  Praise the lord!  It is amazing to me how we as humans adjust to things over time like stepping over the same spot on the carpet that was rough from spilled paint and felt like little needles on your bare feet or unconsciously avoiding the throw rugs that stick up in order to avoid tripping and how I still do those things even though I have cushy new carpet.  Oh well….take a look at these before and afters….pretty amazing if I do say so myself.

Before:  Stairway to hell….disgusting carpet that had survived years of renters.  Filthy Navajo White paint, beat up railing

 

After:  Stairway to heaven!  Beautiful new carpet from Lowe’s, mirror from Crate and Barrel, small stool from Horchow but I have had it for years, Wash. D>C> prints from Etsy shop that is now closed, light fixture from Pottery Barn (looks like the good witch Glenda should be arriving, doesn’t it?), leaded glass window (not shown) installed several years ago and we kept it during the remodel and glass cross bottles from referral from Velvet and Linen and I cannot remember the name of the artist to save me.  If you are in the market for those beautiful glass bottles with the cross bottle stoppers, let me know and I will try to locate this wonderful artist.  Unit at top of stairs is from Ethan Allen many years ago but I think it is still available.  (apologize for the blurry phone pics)

 

Still to do:

• Paint railings glossy black
• Hang gallery wall at top of stairs

Downstairs remodel almost done but stay tuned for the amazing backyard transformation!

 

gratuituous granddaughter pic.. scrumptious!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY and HAPPY DECORATING

PHOTO COURTESY OF Lynn at For Love or Funny blog
http://www.forloveorfunny.com/2013/02/why-valentines-day-is-stupid/

Isn’t this beautiful and so much better than red roses, I think.  Of course, anything related to snow gets me.  BTW..this photo is courtesy of the very talented Lynn at For Love or Funny blog…check it out, you will enjoy a laugh a day, I promise.

Valentine’s Day is not a big deal in my household.  Well, it is not a big deal to my husband.  He says he doesn’t like to be forced by Hallmark to express his feelings on a certain day.  And that would sound like a good excuse if he weren’t generous and thoughtful throughout the year so I consider myself lucky.  But I assure you there is always a valentine next to his bed when he awakes and I think he would miss it if I didn’t do it, but maybe not.  And, of course, valentines for my daughter and this year, for delicious Ella Bella, the best valentine gift of all!

Ella feeling very proud in her Daddy’s headphones. OMG, she is so cute!

Now, on to decorating.  Red is one of my favorite colors to decorate with and I have used it in my home since forever.  I am not a fan of painting walls red but I do like touches of red and currently it is in the form of red welting on my greige leather chairs, in photo frames and even my barstool seats are shiny red leather.  So don’t be afraid to introduce this color into your decorating even if it is just a touch here or there.

Can you spot all the red in my family room?

The top 5 things I learned during my remodel

As both a professional and a homeowner,  I am here to tell you that everything you  have ever heard about a remodel, both good and bad,  is probably true; and being a designer does not make me immune to some of the problems that can arise.  While I thought I knew it all, I learned MANY things during this remodel and  here are my top five recommendations before you begin your own remodeling project.

1. Don’t live in the house if at all possible.  I have handled remodels for clients who have moved out of the house and some even left town for the entire time.  This is ideal but not always practical.  But, if at all possible, do find someplace else to stay during the majority of the remodel.  Your sanity and your marriage will appreciate it.  I am happy to report, though, that both my sanity and my marriage are intact.
   
2. Triple the amount of dirt to expect.  While we all know that construction is a dirty job I am here to tell you that it is a lot dirtier than you think.  Be sure to insist that your contractors block off all living areas from the construction site with plastic sheets.  And don’t forget to close all the vents….dirt loves to collect in these areas only to surprise you with its presence when you turn on your air conditioning or heating unit down the road.  This simple step will save you much heartache, I promise.
3. Makeshift kitchens do not work.  You have all heard the stories and seen the pictures of toaster ovens, coffee makers and microwaves sitting on top of moving boxes in a bedroom or bathroom or dishes being washed in the bathtub.   We attempted this but it just doesn’t seem to work.  My best advice is to make sure your relationships with your friends and family are on good terms so you get invited to as many home cooked meals as possible. Eating out for three meals a day loses its appeal very quickly.  We just stopped eating breakfast and many nights we would go to bed without dinner because we didnt feel like going out yet again.  Great for the waistline but…
4. Don’t get too friendly with your contractor.  I know many of you will disagree and some of you have lovely stories about how the contractor became a member of the family.  I usually develop a close relationship with those I work with but when things start going sour it is awfully hard to “get tough” with a friend.   While he is a nice young man, our contractor ended up having less experience with a custom kitchen than we expected which resulted in many delays and some tough words from me in order to keep the job on track.  Initially it was difficult to be tough on him since he was a friend of our son’s but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.
5. Do your homework.  I had no change orders during this remodel process much to my contractor’s dismay.  (contractors make big bucks on change orders)  This was due to the fact that I knew exactly what I wanted, what could be done, the cost of items, delivery times etc.  This is due in part to my training and experience but anyone can search the web, contact suppliers, etc.   I stuck to my guns when I was told something couldn’t be done and, for the most part, completed my original design.  If you are uncomfortable making decisions in the beginning then, by all means,  don’t hesitate to call in a designer (that would be me) to help with the process.  It will be well worth the money in the long run.

The goal is to live through the process and come out with hair the same color as when you started and, of course, a beautiful home or room that exceeds your expectations.  I withheld names of those I worked with until the job was finished to make sure I did not refer someone who really wasn’t worthy.  Sadly, I would not refer my contractor to any of you but have many subs and crafts people I work with who are great referrals so call me if you need someone. Good luck and I would love to hear from you.  Share your remodel triumphs and if you are beginning a project, call or email me.  We will have fun, I promise!

What do skiing and interior design have in common?

What do skiing and interior design have in common?  In order to justify taking a week off to shush down the slopes I have been asking myself that question.  Here are the excuses, er, uh, good reasons I came up with:

• Both offer inspiration for upcoming jobs.  Are you aware of the enduring all-white trend in home decor?
• Mother Nature always comes up with some surprising color combinations and interesting textures.  (this is a really good excuse as it is so true and I often do get inspired by what she offers up)
• Mountain cabins and lodges provide plenty of inspiration for all of those ski homes I design (wish!)

Best I can do.

Now, on to the fun skiing adventure.  Did you know that your car thermostat will register below zero temperatures?  We have proof—-

Yes, dear readers, that says minus eight degrees!  MINUS EIGHT!!  Sorry, I had to shout it since it was so unbelievable.  And that was only 6:00 p.m. in the evening.  We heard it dropped to 45 below during the night.  I guess that is the only way afore-mentioned Mother Nature can make icicles like this—-

Yes, that is an icicle, not a frozen jellyfish or a clump of snow.

And did you also know that power goes out in extreme temperatures like that?  At exactly 3:30 in the afternoon the entire mountain shut down and we had no power until midnight.  Now, remember, it is already below zero outside and quickly getting there inside as well.  We spent the entire evening in the bar (:)) because they were able to light the large firepit  for some warmth and some light.  There was no food but the kitchen was able to scrounge up some cold ham and cheese sandwiches and in Utah, the only alcohol they could serve was beer and wine (no problem) so there we all stayed until there was nothing further to do but head down the long dark hallways to our rooms and snuggle under about four layers of blankets and down comforters.  Fortunately, my Paul Bunyon husband had flashlights, extra batteries and matches….made me so proud to call myself his wife!

If you know me then you know that I absolutely love to ski and be surrounded by wonderful evergreen trees, sparkling like diamonds (another favorite of mine) hillsides, fun times with good friends and warm and cozy clothing.  In fact, I am absolutely certain that this is what I look like when I step out onto the slopes

Jacket from Gorsuch

But, alas, this is reality

Hey…I told you it was cold.   There was a frost bite warning and we were advised not to allow any area of skin to be left uncovered.  I made the mistake of stopping on the slopes to add some glove liners to my already frozen fingers only to have to go inside after that run because my fingers would not warm up after being exposed for just a minute.  Do people actually live like this?  We are back in my warm and sunny San Diego and I have never been so grateful for summer like temps in the dead of winter.  Now, what was I saying about interior decorating?

If you have an interior design question you would like answered please list it in the comment section and I will get back to you immediately.  If you have a question about skiing, I am afraid I can’t help you….green is my favorite color on the slopes.

A gratuitous grandbaby pic…can you guess where Ella was while Grandma and Grandpa were skiing?