Last week, I got the opportunity to spend the night in one of the guest suites at The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas. A dear friend and client is thinking of purchasing a residence there and asked me to join her to view the available floor plans.
I absolutely LOVED looking at all the different floor plans and walking through the decorated models. I probably should have taken more pictures, but at the time, I just wanted to enjoy the moment. I DID, however, noted a few details of the suite we stayed in…a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath appartment on the 15th floor.
Immediately, you are greeted by a stunning striped wallpaper that leads you from the foyer to a breathtaking view of downtown Dallas.
The stripes empty into the dining area where they are replaced with a soft tropical print. Even though the both patterns were dramatic, they were done in soft neutrals, so the space still felt calming and relaxing.
Of course, as you would expect from the Ritz, DETAILS play a big role….
Another detail…area rugs, custom cut and bounded to fit the room. The rugs create a soft surface over the gorgeous hardwood floors in all the bedrooms.
I loved the acrylic hardware used throughout. Its a fresh alternative to the more traditional “heavy” rods. They almost disappear into the wall, allowing the panels to take center stage.
The covered outdoor space. The building next door is the Ritz Hotel, which is “attached” to the Ritz Residences by a connecting hallway on the 2nd floor.
And of course, one of the best reasons to live in a downtown high-rise…the view!
No decisions were made that weekend, but that’s ok…maybe we’ll just have to do it again! 🙂
I have a very dear friend that I met 10 years ago when I first arrived in Dallas. For years, I’ve told her that, if she let me, I could make a big difference by simply rearranging her furniture, art and accessories in her family room. But, although the reasons have always been valid, the answer has always been no. Until last month! You can imagine how excited I was.
Before
The goal: To spruce up and refresh the room using the existing furnishings and a limited budget for essential items that would give the biggest impact.
The execution:
First, we added an area rug. I’ve said it a million times,…they make a huge difference in how a room looks and feels.
The furniture was rearranged and placed around the perimeter of the area rug, creating a warmer, more cozy conversation area.
New art was added…a great way to bring a big change to the decor.
New throw pillows.
Other than that, it was just a matter of proper placement.
After
The room looks great, and although you can’t really tell from the pictures, it feels larger too. The rug makes it feel warmer and more comfortable. Best of all, my friend loves it.
After
Another example that…its not what you have the matters… it’s how you place everything that makes the biggest difference!
Once again, for the 3rd year, I’ve hung my Christmas tree.
I think I’ve started a tradition! 🙂 …and it’s a great tradition, cause no matter how “un-traditional” a hanging tree is, it always brings a smile to all who see it! And THAT, is what the holiday’s are about.
This year, I’ve introduce the color chartreuse to the mix. I was inspired by one of my projects…You may remember the “Chartreuse Ottoman”? I had such a great time with that project that I fell in love with the color chartreuse. So this year, instead of decorating in only silver and white, I splashed on the green!
The challenge, however, was to do it on a budget. After all, next year I’m sure to splash on a different color! So I gave myself a minimal budget ($150) and started the creative process. Ten or 12 boxes of green balls (in varying sizes) should do it for the tree…
…my 2009 Hallmark commemorative Cessna ornament is on prominent display.
For the table, I found these chartreuse-colored glass vases at Garden Ridge for $1 each. I just couldn’t pass them up, so I turned them upside down and used them as candle holders. They look fantastic!
The place mats I found at Ross for a mere $5 for a set of 4. They’re simple bamboo mats that came with the matching coaster, and the colors are perfect for my decor. I placed a glittery leaf on each plate, which I found on sale at Hobby Lobby.
I wrapped 2 white candles using the same glittery leaves…
…and found this Poinsettia bush…in Chartreuse!
Of course I added green balls and ribbon bow to the wreath.
As you can see, decorations were kept to a minimum…allowing the tree to be the star of the show!
Did I mention it twirls?!
As we wrap-up 2011, I can’t help but to look back at all the magnificent friends, times and opportunities this year has brought me. I am indeed fortunate!
Especially, I am grateful to all of you, my client and friends. Without you, I would have missed many sources for fun and love. Thank you! I have the BEST clients in the world!
Last Friday I drove to Austin to spend the weekend with my good friend. While there, we visited a Holiday Home Tour. It was a fundraiser event for a local elementary school.
The house was filled with very interesting details, like this niche in the master bath. It’s covered with a gorgeous piece of onyx then back-lit to enhance its beauty and translucency.
Below is the view of the niche from the shower side.
The same onyx treatment was used for the bar’s counter top, which is also back-lit. Absolutely stunning!
The house was decorated for Christmas including a different tree in almost every room. The home owner’s collection of nut crackers are displayed on the high moldings.
I just love this cow hide valance! Particularly for this boy’s room which is decorated with a Texan decor.
This faux deer runner is exquisite!
The guest bath has just the right amount of river rock in the shower floor…
…and how clever is this!…the transition between the bath floor and hall is done with the same river rock.
The outdoor living is unbelievable! The infinity pool appears to overflow into Lake Travis. I really like that the Adirondack chairs are painted a bright turquoise. It’s that pop of color that makes it more fun and casual.
Here’s something you don’t see everyday…a personal concrete slide, with a constant water flow.
The house was built by Sendero Homes. It was decorated by designer Kayce Geer of Geer Design.
I recently completed a family room that I had SO much fun designing. Of course, I can honestly say that I love ALL of my projects, but very now and then, I get the opportunity to work with someone who is not affraid to be bold…and I get a chance to step outside the box.
That was the case with Mrs. A, who did not disappoint me when she agreed to this amazing chartreuse ottoman that I found at the Dallas World Trade Center. I just knew she would love it. Isn’t it fun! It’s a beautiful chartreuse leather, tufted to perfection. It serves as the coffee table and it’s definitely the room’s “wow” factor.
Before, the room felt dark and didn’t look cohesive. That needed to be remedied, in addition to a handful of requirements necessary for better function. One such requirement was adequate seating to accommodate frequent entertaining.
The 2 upholstered chairs are recliners (facing the tv for comfortable veiwing), but also perfect for reading and relaxing.
This family loves to travel, and they have special connections to Dallas, San Francisco, New York and London. A clock for each city/time zone was hung over the bar. The 5th clock is labeled “Somewhere” with the hands permanently at 5:00 pm.
Pictures of family travels were enlarged and hung behind the bar, providing for great memories.
Between the 3 dogs, the large family and frequent entertaining, it was important to find an area rug that could be easily cleaned when soiled. The perfect product was FLOR carpet tiles. I used 2 different tiles to create an interesting pattern, one solid and one with a loose stripe.
So here’s the bottom line…Mrs A’s favorite part of the entire room?…the chartreuse ottoman! Yaaaeee!!!
Recently, Craig Favors of Inside Expressions did this amazing faux technique for a client of mine. It’s gorgeous!
Lusterstone ® from Faux Effects, is a decorative architectural trowel-on coating, which produces a numer of beautifully dimensional but smooth finishes.
Its a shimmery plaster finish that can be manipulated to provide specific dimensional patterns. It’s very durable and shows VERY rich and elegant. It comes in a variety of colors that can be used alone or layered on a wall to create a truly unique and impressive finish. When you look at it from afar, the matte parts look like velvet. It’s exquisitely textural with lots of depth and movement.
My clients absolutely love it…as do I. Craig does a fantastic job and takes amazing pride in his work.
We brought the same technique into the master bedroom, where a single accent wall transforms the entire room…
…making it a favorite spot for the ENTIRE household!
Recently, I’ve been thinking about changing my bedroom decor. I’m thinking that I want an all white room. It’s a daring decision…living void of color, but I love the way I feel when I see a room decorated predominantly in white: soft, tranquil, peaceful, clean, crisp, calm, zen.
These are some of the images that are inspiring me….
I especially love the contrast of black or dark woods against the white pallette.
Of course, there are many shades of white. Plus, you can also infuse tones of tan and gray while still maintaining that “white” look and feel.
Although I’m thinking about my bedroom, you can decorate ANY room in white. This office/sitting area below captures the same “feel” .
Often, thoughts of a “white” room conjure up images of Shabby Chic. But here’s a great example of how a white pallet is perfectly executed in a contemporary design.
I think every white room should have a little crystal! Don’t you?
I was inspired by this room because, although it is predominantly white, it still feels warm and homey…not at all sterile and cold.
Finally, I love this room designed by Sarah Richardson…by far one of my favorit designers.
Right now I’m in the planning stages, but be assured, as soon as I get it done, I’ll share the pictures. And if YOU should venture into the world of “white”, I encourage you to share yours as well.
As the weather starts to cool outside, we begin our gradual migration to the inside…and we start getting ready for the beginning of the holiday season. This is the time of year when decorating your home is the norm…Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas… But sometimes, all you need is a few simple, yet elegant pops of decorations to bring the season inside.
Here are a few elegant and timeless ideas that will delight you through the entire holiday season.
Ruffled Fall Felt Garland
This garland is such a simple idea, yet elegantly classic. Decorate your mantle with this easy-to-make felt garland. You can use any color felt…orange, brown and/or gold are perfect for the fall. Follow the easy tutorial from Myra at My Blessed Life. Source: Fall Felt Garland – My Blessed Life
Decoupage Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a symbol of fall…not just for Halloween. And there are hundreds of things you can do with them, but here’s an idea you don’t see every day. These pumpkins have been decoupaged beautifully for a classic, almost country look. However, the same process can be used to decoupage with a multitude of paper patterns and colors for ANY decor style. Fun and unexpected! You can find detail instructions from Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict. Source: Decoupage Pumpkins – Confessions of a Plate Addict
Apple Tea Lights
This idea is so simple and can be used year-round. Carefully carve a hole on top of the apple, insert the tea light, and you’re done! You can find tea lights in lots of colors and apples will last several days. That makes this project a beautiful and natural way to decorate ANY tabletop…your coffee table, foyers and dining. Source: Apple Candles – Holiday with Matthew Mead
Nature's Foliage
What can be lovelier than this gorgeous arrangement of nature’s foliage? And it doesn’t even matter if they’re real or silk. Plus, an arrangement like this is incredibly versatile…place it on your coffee table, then use it as your dinner centerpiece, then to the guest bedroom to welcome family and friends. It is sure to evoke holiday charm. Source: HGTV
Custom Fabric Tablecloth
If you’re entertaining buffet style this year, consider making your own custom tablecloth. All fabric stores will have fabrics that have “fall” inspired patterns. Find one that fits your color scheme and create your own tablecloth. You don’t even have to sew…binding tape (the type you iron) will do the trick for hemming all 4 sides. I LOVE the way this one drapes long to the floor.
Wreath Hung By Ribbon
Wreaths are universal when it comes to holidays. You can use them to decorate for ANY season. And while traditionally we hang them on doors, here’s a simple and elegant way to display a wreath, hung from a ribbon…in front of a mirror. I LOVE this idea, and we all have mirrors! This wreath is made of corn husks! Instructions on how to make it are provided by Martha Stewart. Source: Harvest Wreath – Martha Stewart
White Pumpkins
I’m totally partial to white pumpkins! I Love them. They’re so classic and vintage. And they’re right at home in any season. These are painted white…which is perfectly acceptable to do. This arrangement of pumpkins and urns works for any holiday and can be embellished with ornaments appropriate to each.
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
Since 1903, it has come to epitomize laid-back days, and comfortable summers.
It was only a matter of time before they came inside! Barb and Jan of Scotia Blue Design have not only brought a favorite chair inside but have transformed its appearance with their unique ‘fabricising’ process.
Aren’t these amazing! Each chair is individually handmade to the client’s specifications. Prices start around $875 and go up depending on size and fabrics chosen. And the turn-around time is usually only 15 business days.
Scotia Blue begins with a solid, traditional Adirondack, expertly crafted from locally sourced Nova Scotia timber then artfully covered in beautiful designer fabric.
The fabricising process ensures durability together with stain and spill protection.
I’m allways looking for classic pieces that can be used in ALL styles of decor…and this chair fits the bill. I can think of at least a dozen fabrics I’d love to see it in! Hope I’ve inspired.
After over 40 years of serving the Architect, Designer, Home Center, and Home Builder customers, Natural Selections has developed the most extensive offering of Natural Stone and Resin products available in the marketplace. They specializes in glass tile, travertine tile, and unique tiles.
“Unique” being the operative word!
It was SO exciting to see SO MANY different products and applications that are available to offer my clients. Here are 2 examples of “wall murals” made with inlaid tile and stones: Cherry Blossoms and Zebra Zen
Check out this inlaid work of art. A fun, unique, one-of-a-kind application for a bathroom or ANY room!
More unique products… I LOVE the sporatic little intricate detail squares in this traditional tile.
…and the gold leaf inlaid on this one.
But it’s not just tile. They have unique items in everything they carry…from square door knobs to assorted sinks…
…and a huge sellection of beautiful hardware.
But they’re biggest asset is their staff. Thank you Natural Selections for a great presentation and tour.
(L to R) Jessica Sparks, Andrea Miranda, Kyle Pate, Leslie Lee and Matt Cawthon
