design for living

Client wall design installation

2011-08-08T20:10:00.010-04:00

Tomorrow photographer Mary Gardella and I are installing the winning design plan (plan #1!) into our client's living room. I can't wait to show you the "after" pictures. Here's the plan, the wall and sneak peek at the room's new design. Check back later this week for "after" pictures! {Winning design plan, #2, to be installed tomorrow} {This is the wall now, waiting for its new, wonderful

As the TV pilot turns, more from behind the camera

2011-07-27T10:57:00.005-04:00

I enjoyed another day on the TV set yesterday. I love that this "set" is a house that is under renovation (click here to read about my TV pilot gig) because I get to participate in a transformation and be on film. Very cool.Yesterday I was filmed working on a top-secret project for the show (don't worry, when the show is wrapped I'll share details). The project was an idea I presented during my

My first tv moment!

2011-07-25T15:35:00.003-04:00

Where has the month gone? As July comes to an end, I have exciting news to share with you. Last week I began working on a home renovation TV pilot!I'm used to my design work being on the other side of the camera, but not me. One cool thing about running your own business is you experience a lot of "firsts." First client, first big job, first referral, first moment in print...but I never really

And the winner is...

2011-07-06T14:32:00.008-04:00

Thank you to everyone who voted in our second wall design challenge. The client thought about this one for a while, but finally selected plan #1. Judy is the lucky winner of the blog contest (congratulations, Judy!), now I just need your contact information. Please email me with your mailing address so I can send you your stationary pack. {Winning plan!}We are ordering these box frames for

Design challenge #2 - vote to win!

2011-06-23T20:28:00.044-04:00

I'm excited to share my second "design challenge" collaboration with photographer Mary Gardella of Love Life Images. I'll explain the project, show you the design plans and then you can comment and vote on your favorite plan. Everyone who votes for the client's selected plan will be entered into a drawing to win a beautiful stationary set!Mary came up with the idea for the design challenge when

Design challenge #1 - completed!

2011-06-06T20:11:00.011-04:00

Did you know that there are people out there who don't hang photos or art on their walls because they are afraid to do it wrong, or they just don't know where to begin? You know someone like that, right? Maybe you are one of those people and if so, you'll love this post!I recently completed the first design challenge with Mary Gardella, photographer with Love Life Images. What is the design

A great mix of fabrics & style

2011-05-23T14:52:00.010-04:00

I am working with a client in Catonsville, MD to redecorate her family room. She's artistic, has a great eye and has many treasures she wants to better display. This family of 5 wants to make over their family room for optimal chill time. It's a lovely, light-filled room and is painted a burnt sienna color. They have a red television cabinet that is staying and everything else is being updated.{

6 outdoor pillows I love!

2011-05-11T09:22:00.009-04:00

It's finally happening here in Maryland — the warm, hang-out-on-the-deck weather is here!I'm always impressed with how far outdoor fabrics have come. We are no longer stuck with just solids and stripes to pick from and the color options are broad too! Both high and low end retailers are offering a variety that can fit any decor.Here are a few faves I found online. Enjoy!{Fun, traditional and

What's it like to work with me?

2011-04-28T20:05:00.003-04:00

It's been a busy month! I'm sorry I haven't been sharing design wisdom with you this last month. Between many wonderful clients and spring break, I've been enjoying life.I have something fun to share though, to make up for my absence — a video!A fabulous client of mine did a video testimonial for me after we wrapped up her design projects. I added some before and after pictures of her family and

Drumroll please...

2011-03-11T09:05:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who voted for our first design challenge wall design. We have a winning plan and a winning commenter!The client selected plan two as her favorite. {The client selected plan two}The lucky winning commenter, randomly picked from everyone who voted for number two, is Phyllis.Phyllis, if you are reading this please email me your address so I can send you your stationery gift!

Design challenge ~ vote to win!

2011-03-08T11:20:00.025-05:00

I'm excited to share my latest project with you, a "design challenge" collaboration with photographer Mary Gardella of Love Life Images. I'm going to explain the project, show you the design plans and then you can comment and vote on your favorite plan. Everyone who votes for the client's selected plan will be entered into a drawing to win a beautiful stationery set!Mary found that many of her

A reader's window - redesigned!

2011-02-24T19:30:00.000-05:00

I'm so happy today because a blog reader (and under full disclosure, a friend and past Butchers Hill neighbor) sent me an email about a decorating challenge she is having in her bedroom. I'm happy because I always ask for photos of your challenges, but I don't often get any. Now it's time to help solve her problem. My recent newsletter (click here to sign up to receive my free monthly newsletter)

Biggest mistake in designing a room

2011-02-21T10:17:00.008-05:00

@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }h3 { margin: 10pt 0in 0.0001pt; page-break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(79, 129, 189); }span.Heading3Char { font-family: Calibri; color: rgb(79, 129, 189);

New adventure, "your life: designed"

2011-02-18T14:18:00.004-05:00

I am excited to announce that I am now working with Mary Gardella, photographer with Love, Life Images, as a guest blogger on a series we're calling "your life: designed." You can see her blog, and my first post, here. Visit her site to see her beautiful photography and stay tuned for some on-the-job projects we'll be working on with her clients, beginning next week in Federal Hill. If you like

fabric inspiration - practicing what I preach

2011-02-17T19:00:00.000-05:00

Hi design lovers. It's a sunny and warm day here in MD so I thought it was a perfect day to share the sunny new fabric roman shades in my home office.I've been working on redesigning my office for a few months, starting with a paint job in November (Benjamin Moore's Nimbus, 1465, Classic Color). But, before the paint went on the wall I fell in love with this Thomas Paul fabric, which inspired

How fashionable is your art?

2011-01-27T19:44:00.000-05:00

I have been redecorating my home office (when I get the final window treatments I'll post pictures!) and that included adding art. To me, an office is just like any other room in your home—it's should be filled with things you love to see every day. I like it to feel less like an office and more like a welcoming room with pretty things!I enjoy fashion and when I found these 3 ladies I was

Color or neutral decor—which do you prefer?

2011-01-25T19:09:00.001-05:00

Every year Pantone, "the world-renowned authority on color," declares a color of the year. You may have already seen this year's color, Honeysuckle, on TV, blogs and in home and fashion items.Pink was a big color at this year's Golden Globes and since fashion often leads home decor, you can now find a pink food processor for your kitchen!{Pantone's "it" color of 2011, Honeysuckle}{Using

Rustic kitchen tile ~ final detail

2011-01-23T19:09:00.000-05:00

Last May I posted about a kitchen back splash I was creating with a Columbia, MD, client (creating finishing details). She and her husband are creating colorful kitchen, living and dining room spaces.We completed the tile installation at the end of last year, so I am finally sharing the final results with you. {Kitchen & back splash before tile...the orange walls are crying out for color on the

Mixing fabric patterns

2011-01-12T19:10:00.000-05:00

Mixing fabric patterns in your home is a great way to add interest, texture and life to your decor. Many people shy away from it though because while it looks great when done well, it seems difficult to actually pull off. I'll share a few tips to make it easier on you, with some pretty examples from a recently completed design project.{This family room uses 5 different fabrics, not counting the

First thing?

2011-01-03T19:41:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!What is the first thing you plan to update in your home's decor in 2011?

family art - making your rooms happy!

2010-12-22T19:30:00.000-05:00

I firmly believe you should surround yourself with things you love —and that includes art. Art doesn't have to be expensive, it just has to make you smile or remember a special time in your life.If you have kids what could be more special than showcasing their art? They are so proud when they bring home a new piece from school so show it off! Kitchens and family rooms are great locations for

my home for the holidays

2010-12-20T19:30:00.002-05:00

One of the first things that gets me in the Christmas spirit is decorating my home. Here are a few pictures of what I surround myself with this time of year! Fresh greens, pine cones, home made stockings, ornaments, ribbon and garland and I'm set for a festive feeling!{Our fireplace isn't currently functioning, so I fill it with fresh greens}{Our mantle holds are home made stockings and some

holiday decor pictures I love

2010-12-06T16:04:00.003-05:00

Just seemed like a good day to post some pretty and inspiring pictures! Enjoy.

huemor me: decorating with purple, plum & lavendar

2010-10-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

Purples and plums have been on my mind lately as I spend time in my decorator show house room, accented with pops of plum. As people tour my room they often ask about "hot" colors and wonder if purple is a hot color now. I think purple (and the various shades of purple, like lavender & plum) are always hot! If you like those colors, there's a shade out there for you. {My room in the Historic

Pretty, pretty fabric!

2010-10-07T15:28:00.005-04:00

Today I found a new online decorating magazine, Rue. I was going to finish reading it and then share it with you, but on page 19 I found an ad with a familiar site -- the fabrics I used in my decorator show house room!So now I can share the zine link AND pictures of the ad and my fabric. It's nice to share, right?Here's the ad, for Duralee's Thomas Paul fabrics...And here's a picture of my room -

"I can't think about this now. I'll go crazy if I do. I'll think about it tomorrow."

2010-09-30T10:56:00.005-04:00

Scarlett O'Hara said that line in Gone with the Wind, one of my client's favorite movies. You are wondering what that has to do with design, right?Well, when I began working with this wonderful client she told me she wanted to include a movie poster of Gone with the Wind in her family room make over. This line reminds me of how many of my clients feel when they call me -- I can't think about

Restoration Hardware - new look

2010-08-31T08:14:00.010-04:00

I do a lot of shopping. Mostly for my wonderful clients, but sometimes for me! I went to the Columbia, MD Restoration Hardware store this week to look at some barstools that I am ordering for our house and I was shocked to walk into the store (which I was in one month ago) and see a whole new look with grey walls and ceilings and lots of distressed wood and dark leather furniture.{RH Madeleine

Ballard Designs -- looking GOOD

2010-08-26T16:32:00.002-04:00

The Washington Post thinks, and I happen to agree, that Ballard Designs catalog is looking very nice lately.I've always liked their look, but they are making their catalogs more like a magazine, full of beautiful rooms you can sink your teeth into!Check it out and let me know what you think. What are your other favorite home furniture catalogs?

behind the scenes - decorating the show house!

2010-08-23T16:21:00.008-04:00

Where has the summer gone? It might have flown by for me because I've been spending a lot of time at the Historic Ellicott City decorator show house in my "Creative Corner" space. (See past blog posts for pictures of the show house room and items I'm bringing in!) I began working on the room in June and we're not finished yet.The show house, when complete, will offer beautiful spaces, showcasing

Great color & happy client

2010-08-11T11:13:00.003-04:00

Don't you love before and after pictures? I thought so! I have a few new ones here -- with a twist! For this Columbia, MD client, who I worked with to select exterior paint colors, I did a computer-generated color sample for them to review before they picked their final colors.Now you get to see how all three - before, sample & after - came together to create what their mail carried called "the

Dark paint = ?

2010-08-02T08:48:00.002-04:00

"If I paint my room a dark color will it make it look smaller?" I hear this question a lot. The answer is "no." Really!Here's the deal. Contrast between colors (light sofa, dark walls) makes a room appear/feel smaller because your eye stops and starts instead of continuing through the room as it would with a dark sofa and dark walls.Do you know what dark paint does to a room? Makes it dark! Just

HEC decorator show house finds!

2010-07-14T09:37:00.006-04:00

I've been happily busy shopping for furnishings and accessories for the home office I'm designing in this year's Historic Ellicott City (HEC) decorator's show house, open Sept. 18 - Oct. 17.I don't want to give everything away, but here's a peek at some of the items I've found...as they are now. Look for them to change and be used in new ways in my room!My first great "find" is the Simon chair

paying for peace of mind...and the right color

2010-07-07T21:26:00.006-04:00

We're having a 100 degree heat wave in Maryland this week, so what have I been doing? Exterior color consults! The timing is funny considering that we had unseasonably cool weather (windows open and cool breezes blowing) LAST week and I had no exterior color consults that week!On Monday I stopped by this great house with vertical wood siding, on a pretty tree-filled lot. The owners want to apply

3 items you need to hang art perfectly!

2010-06-29T11:30:00.009-04:00

I've written a few posts on hanging pictures. The one about hanging pictures above your stairs is especially popular. So, when I recently hung 3 pictures above my own stairs, I made note of what made it easy and I took pictures to share with you.{Three pictures, 3 holes, up in minutes}Three things you'll need to hang your art perfectly (the first time) are craft paper, your floor and heavy duty

design board is ready!

2010-06-28T14:39:00.005-04:00

As I continue to take you through my first decorator show house experience (Historic Ellicott City show house) at Witching Hour Farm, we've come to the design board presentation portion of the event!I was happy to present my design board - with the visual details of my room plan - to the design committee yesterday. The will review it and hopefully give me their stamp of approval to move forward

make your room YOURS

2010-06-25T15:25:00.001-04:00

I had a consultation with a new client Wed. and as we discussed a complete overhaul of her living room I saw a beautiful painting sitting on an easel in her family room. When I asked about it she said her husband painted it (of a boat from a romantic trip they took years ago). The colors were exactly what she wanted in the living room and it was a special piece that meant a lot to them both,

Sneak peek at my decorator show house room!

2010-06-15T15:45:00.004-04:00

I was happy to receive the news yesterday that I was selected as a designer for this year's Historic Ellicott City Witching Hour Farm 26th Annual Decorator Show House. (That's a mouth full!) It's open Sept. 18 - Oct. 17, in Woodbine, MD.{Exterior view of the house...my room is inside the top left window!}{Can you say "view?"}{I heart this old yellow barn -- I have a great view of it from my room}

Outdoor pillows add a pop!

2010-06-10T11:09:00.002-04:00

Tis the season of outdoor living and entertaining. We've been creating outdoor spaces that have many of the comfort elements of our indoor rooms — sofas, lighting, rugs, artwork and pillows all give our spaces that added comfort.I recently worked with a client to add custom pillows to her outdoor covered porch. This porch is so peaceful. It has a beautiful stone floor and overlooks a lovely

Colorful Chicago

2010-06-01T10:21:00.014-04:00

I just spent 5 relaxing days in Chicago. I had my camera in hand every day and loved all of the colorful flowers that filled downtown. I know, Chicago is known for their architecture (and I have pictures of that too!), but the flowers that lined the streets at my every turn amazed me.{Me on Navy Pier, a tourist trap, but we had a fun ride with amazing views, from the Ferris wheel}Instead of

Another great vintage-hip Lucketts Store event!

2010-05-19T16:18:00.003-04:00

Lucketts is having their Spring market this weekend -- May 22 - 23, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.I can't make it (we're having my husband's 40th birthday bash!), so you have to go and buy great pieces and tell me ALL about it! Jealous already.Have fun if you check it out.

Master bedroom in The Washington Post

2010-05-14T10:18:00.013-04:00

House Calls is one of my favorite features in Thursday's Washington Post, so I was honored to redesign a master bedroom in yesterday's paper. Click here to see the before and after images and my solutions to this great space. Do you want a little peek behind the scenes of this project? I thought so! The Post connects homeowners and designers and the two never communicate directly to each other,

custom cushion completes room

2010-05-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Like my previous post, this design solution is also all about details. I guess I'm in a detail-oriented mood this week, or it's the joy of seeing the details in a room finally come together.This client started with a blank slate in her guest garage apartment, but over time we filled it with beautiful and function pieces that any guest would love. (See the room's full design process here.)The

creating finishing details

2010-05-05T09:08:00.007-04:00

Good design is in the details. Connecting your rooms through details is a great way to create a cohesive look and an easy way to help you make design decisions. I'm working on a few design projects for a client in Columbia, MD right now that showcase how to use the details in your space to create a unique and complete look. The projects are not finished yet, but we began by selecting a paint

decorating dilemmas - feedback from blogging friends!

2010-04-21T10:14:00.002-04:00

Do you have a blog and a decorating dilemma? If so, you should visit this site today for directions on how to participate! You post your problem on your blog, link to this blog and will receive some solutions to your design challenges!Have fun!

design tip - it's all in the shapes

2010-04-06T13:48:00.009-04:00

Here's an easy decorating tip for you on this beautiful Spring day (at least it is here in Maryland)!When accessorizing it's all about the shape of the objects, not the actual objects (although you should love the objects in your home).When I accessorize a space I look for shapes to fill the space. If you are stuck accessorizing a side table, look at what you already have and see what shape is

blue and white & shells!

2010-03-24T17:00:00.013-04:00

Blue and white together always evoke nautical images to me. Water, beach and sand instantly come to mind. These are classic color combos that I never tire of.I fell in love with this display in the Kravet showroom at the Washington Design Center (yeah, I'm still bringing out pictures from that trip!).See for yourself! These are from Barclay Batera for Kravet Collections.{The mix of patterns and

pretty, pretty books

2010-03-22T13:02:00.001-04:00

Using books to decorate is an easy and quick way to add color and class to your room.Check out these great books that my friend Sarah posted on her couture and cupcakes blog!Happy decorating!

mixing pillow patterns

2010-03-12T14:35:00.005-05:00

I was very camera happy on my recent visit to The Washington Design Center. (See the lobby pictures here). I'm taking my time sharing my pictures so you'll keep coming back (there are more where these came from!).We visited the Fabricut showroom and the daybed display in the entry was a happy gathering of beautiful pillows. The colors, the textures, the fringe, the shapes, the FABRICS...I had to

black, white and red all over!

2010-03-08T16:49:00.003-05:00

I took a trip to the Washington Design Center today and was stopped in tracks upon entering the lobby! See for yourself. Design by Kelly Proximire.The full view - contrasting fabrics and textures and the pretty goes up, up, up!The details were amazing!Happy decorating!

making sofas happy

2010-02-24T16:16:00.003-05:00

Some living rooms just cry out for layers, mixed patterns and intimate furniture arrangements...this shabby chic/Victorian living room is one of them!This client had one sofa against the only wall in the room and the other facing it. Seems like a good idea, right? But the other half of the room wasn't being used and the focal point - the window, wasn't being showcased.(Room before redesign, with

moving sofas all around

2010-02-24T15:43:00.003-05:00

In honor of the last week of "pull your sofa off the wall" month, I'm sharing another great redesign where I pulled a sofa off of a wall to make better use of the space.A common misconception about moving your sofa off the wall (IF that is the best position in your room -- not all spaces are created equally) is that you will lose the valuable space behind the sofa. What usually happens is that

2010-02-18T09:29:00.000-05:00

Another great reason to pull your sofa off the wall is so you can use the space behind the sofa for stuff!A sofa table with lighting and accessories is a great addition to what could be an otherwise empty space.Here's another great idea -- bookcases behind your sofa. Instant art, a place for your books and a sofa all on one wall? Pretty great use of space!I love how they color coded their book

moving sofa = more space

2010-02-16T20:20:00.008-05:00

I love a great room transformation when I see one. I'm sharing this one from February's Better Homes and Garden magazine...pretty paint color, stylish furnishings and a great floor plan -- with one sofa (and a chaise) off the wall!This is a great example of how you can divide a large, long room into "zones," based on the room's functions. In this case there's an area for kid's homework, watching

pull your sofa OFF the wall!

2010-02-08T13:30:00.024-05:00

In honor of "pull your sofa off the wall month" I'm sharing some of my favorite client transformations with you.Moving the furniture around in your rooms can transform a space in ways you cannot imagine until you do it (or hire somebody to do it!).This wonderful client hired me to help with color, window treatments, accessories, flooring and while we were at it, we rearranged the furniture in

Oprah says...

2010-02-02T16:08:00.005-05:00

Well, her magazine says (and isn't it filled with her ideas?) that if you force yourself to be creative you can have fun redecorating your living room!In her Jan. issue, Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us, writes about "How to Break FREE," and mentions redecorating your living room."Getting unstuck requires serious innovation.Here's a snazzy little trick

where is your sofa?

2010-01-31T20:41:00.011-05:00

Happy February!I've declared February "pull your sofa off the wall" month (yes, you can name a month!) because there are so many sofas out there that have been pushed aside, backed against the wall and not allowed to shine in the way they can and should!(BEFORE - this furniture arrangement didn't allow the family to maximize the functions of the rectangle-shaped room)I understand that deciding

Ground hog sale @ the Old Lucketts Store

2010-01-27T13:19:00.006-05:00

I love a great find! Combine a great find with musical ground hogs and an appealing sale promotion and I'm there.The Old Lucketts Store, in Leesburg, VA, is holding their 14th Annual Ground Hog Sale Feb 5 - 7."Killer deals on one-of-a-kind items will make you want to sing and dance likea rock star — you can't miss it." If you've never been to their store and Design House you should make the trip

HUEmor me: decorating with ivory & cream

2010-01-06T13:25:00.013-05:00

Happy New Year! I took some time off from blogging, but now it's time to get back to sharing my decorating thoughts with you (aren't you lucky?).What better way to start the year than with a look at color? I have been in love with cream and ivory lately. It's so clean and fresh and makes any other color pop. A great way to help your favorite colors to shine is to pair them with a great neutral

faux snow - my 13th favorite holiday decorating item!

2009-12-22T16:39:00.007-05:00

I am surrounded by about 2 feet of snow here in Elkridge, MD. A blizzard blew through here Saturday and we had a ball playing in the snow all weekend. So, it's funny that my final favorite holiday decorating item is faux snow!Snow is so pretty, why wouldn't you want to bring some indoors for the holidays?!(Faux snow from Pottery Barn.)(The snow grounds this lovely holiday decor.)Toss some on your

bells & mirrors - my 11th & 12th favorite holiday decorating items

2009-12-20T09:00:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure why I'm combining bells & mirrors, but why not? My next two favorite holiday decorating items are bells & mirrors.Bells are somewhat obvious with their jingle sound, but their shine and shape also appeal to me. My grandmother used to hang a garland of silver bells over a door way in her house and now I have that strand. I use it in different ways each year, but it always says "

sparkly garland - my 10th favorite holiday decorating item

2009-12-18T07:30:00.003-05:00