The New Old South

October 14, 2009 Places & Things To See

Did you know that there’s a shift towards doing a lot in less space? That as a society we are finding we are happier with fewer possessions? That more and more people are cooking and growing their own food, and wellness is more important to most Americans? These are just a few of the topics [...]

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Georgia On My Mind

October 2, 2009 The Interior Redecorators Network

I’m off to Atlanta to attend the annual Interior Refiners Network Conference and I’m excited that I’ll be seeing lots of friends and colleagues from across the country.
Every conference the IRN has ever had has been truly unforgettable, thanks in large part to our Conference Coordinator extraordinaire, Kathleen Dutka – she rocks.
As always, there [...]

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No, Really. Where Is Your Desk?

September 28, 2009 Home Office

When I was a little girl I had a walnut desk in my bedroom where I did my homework every night. It held an old-fashioned metal pencil sharpener, which was screwed into the desktop, and it had a great leather blotter and matching pencil cup. If I close my eyes right now, I can [...]

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Choosing To Do

September 25, 2009 Organization

I don’t know about you, but I can’t be productive without keeping a daily list. Every night, before bed, I write out my “To Do” list for the next day, which also helps me sleep better. A Post-It note works well for me because it can be slapped on the dashboard of my car or [...]

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Artwork With No Hang-Ups

September 21, 2009 Art

Whether you rent or own your home an easy way to display your artwork and collectibles and also avoid making holes in many of your walls is to install an art ledge where you can simply prop up one or more pieces against the wall.
One or two simple wooden shelves, painted or stained to match [...]

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Everybody Must Get Green

September 17, 2009 Going Green

Since my last blog, I’ve received email from eco-conscious people who are trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Here are some of the steps they are taking:
1. Using recycling bins
2. Switching to compact florescent bulbs
3. Buying bamboo products – flooring, bedding and accessories
4. Using zero VOC paint
5. Seeking out natural fabrics
6. Keeping thermostats set [...]

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A Greener New York Is Up To You

September 9, 2009 Going Green

Last week my daughter Tracy and I came across an appealing new shop called Green Depot, tucked in between the many lighting stores lining the Bowery on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

Lighting fixtures with blackboard shades and chalk messages hung from the ceiling.  There were walls full of colorful zero VOC paints, easy-care, safe [...]

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To Sconce Or Not To Sconce

August 28, 2009 Lighting

They’re pretty, they’re ubiquitous and they come in hundreds of styles and a number of finishes. What are they? Why, sconces, of course.
So many of my clients are confused about what to do with these electrical wall fixtures. Should they keep them when they come with the home they’ve bought? Not necessarily. Should they install [...]

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The End of End Tables?

August 14, 2009 Furniture & Arrangement

When I first started working as an interior designer I was frustrated by the limited number of coffee table styles that were on the market. Most were made of metal and glass-topped, with dangerous sharp corners, or delicate and made from fruitwood or walnut. There were very few styles or practical tables to choose from.
Yet, [...]

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Look, Look, Pull Over!

August 10, 2009 Tag Sales

Do you love junking?  Me, too. I really need a bumper sticker that says, “I Brake For Consignment Shoppes.”  And tag sales – the good ones – just make my little heart go pitter, patter.
When it comes to trolling for treasures, my buddy and fellow decorator, Rita, and I, are dangerous together. Fine old silver, [...]

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Standing Room Only

August 4, 2009 Furniture & Arrangement

As I walked into my client’s family room a couple of weeks ago, I noticed that the space had a long counter between the kitchen and the den but no stools. When I questioned her she said, “I thought about buying some when I first moved in but never got to it.”
Aside from the fact [...]

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Tuft Love

July 29, 2009 Accessories

I love tufting.
It’s classic, it’s elegant and it can add personality to even plain furnishings.
Tufted chairs, tufted headboards, tufted ottomans and tufted daybeds, to name a few: tufting works wonders on almost any upholstered or leather piece when it comes to upping its chic quotient. Whether it has a lot of covered buttons, just a [...]

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In The Pink

July 24, 2009 Color

For me, pale pink is the new black.
Recently, I’ve noticed that I’ve been recommending the palest shade of pink  – almost white – to lots of clients. I’ve been pairing pale pink with chocolate brown, pale pink with orange, pale pink with navy, pale pink with buttery yellow, pale pink with lime; even pale pink [...]

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Just One

July 21, 2009 In Memory Of

The other night my sister-in-law, Sherry, mentioned that she was surprised I hadn’t blogged about Michael Jackson after his death. I told her that because the media had been bombarding the public with coverage about his life, and comedians had even started joking that he’s “still” dead, I’d been hesitant to offer my own MJ [...]

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Up Front

July 17, 2009 Curb Appeal

Today, after I finished redecorating several rooms on the first floor of my client’s home, she walked me out to my car. As we strolled down the front path I stopped to look around and noticed that the exterior of the house needed a bit of help, too.
When she saw my expression she said, [...]

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Quick Pick-You-Ups

July 14, 2009 Quick & Easy Tips

Perhaps it’s because of the recession that, more than ever, I’ve been focusing on very inexpensive changes that can instantly freshen up my clients’ homes. Here are some of the things I’ve suggested, recently:

Buy one or two sets of pretty pillowcases.
This can improve the way your bed looks without the expense of new sheets [...]

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It’s The Little Things

July 9, 2009 Quick & Easy Tips

Even when I am swamped with work or family duties, I find that accomplishing a small home improvement project makes me feel good.
Last week I took an hour to reorganize my pantry and threw out a bunch of things I haven’t used in a while, some that had actually expired. I’ve been clearing my [...]

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True Blue

June 30, 2009 Places & Things To See

Joe and I marked our big 3-0 anniversary a couple of weeks ago by taking a trip to San Salvador to celebrate the milestone.  What a beautiful, romantic island. Everywhere we turned there was vivid color; nowhere more than the sea. With miles and miles of turquoise water, I returned home itching to decorate a [...]

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Fluffy Duvets Keep Uninviting Beds Away

June 24, 2009 Quick & Easy Tips

You may have read my blog last August 11th (’No More Casual Flings’) when I gave you the steps to making any bed look prettier and more comfortable. If so, I hope you’ve been enjoying your bedroom more, since these details don’t cost a penny and they can make your entire room look a lot [...]

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Measure Twice, Cut Once

June 19, 2009 Quick & Easy Tips

If you are considering a redecorating project, small or large, it’s important to analyze your priorities before you begin. This can help you establish the appropriate budget, in advance, and also save you from making expensive mistakes.
Factors such as how much storage you have or need, whether or not you have children or pets, if [...]

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