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Decorating In Tampa

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I spent all last week in Tampa, Florida with my colleague Mira MacDonald.  We were there to decorated a total of 6 model apartments at 2 senior living communities.    Having been raised in Florida, I’m always excited to visit for ANY reason.  So even though we worked long and hard, we were both excited to be there…enjoying the 70 degree weather and the Cuban food!  Plus we had a great time completing the project, all the models turned out beautifully.

This was my first property at Seminole.

I love the hibiscus in full bloom.

My first model was a one bedroom apartment with  a small sun-room, decorated in blues, creams and terracotta.

The second property too had stunning landscaping…with its Koy pond and quaint village feel.

The second apartment, also a one bedroom, decorated in greens, creams and black accents.

But, I have to say, my favorite was the 3rd…a one-room studio apartment with a built-in Murphy bed.  The challenge was to  help the prospective resident “visualize” how to create multiple, specific areas within a single space.  And this is a perfect example…the 3 specific areas being clearly identified: bedroom, living room and office/dining.

Of course half the fun of being in Florida is to take advantage of the always available Cuban food.  We found this great little restaurant, Las Teresitas.  Mira had a blast trying new dishes the 3 nights we had dinner there. As for me…my favorite continues to be the classic Bisteque De Palomilla with white rice and fried plantains.  Mmmmm!

I LOVE my job!!

Till Next Time,

Alba

Pantone’s 2012 Color Of The Year

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Tangerine Tango….is Pantone’s 2012 color of the year.

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it”, said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

“Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

From fashion and nail polish, to everything that is home decor…

To arrive at the selection, Pantone considered global color influences from areas including the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections, new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions.  Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention, according to a company release. (Article from Home Accents Today January 2012)

As you can see, it doesn’t take much Tangerine Tango to make a big statement…a pillow here, an accessory there…

When I visit Market each year, I always pay attention to the Global Views showroom.  They’re always on the cutting edge of new and upcoming trends. Above was there front-and-center display this year…Tangerine Tango!

And, in case you’re wondering, Pantone’s past colors include:

Hope I’ve inspired you to Tango this year!

Till Next Time,

Alba

Valentines Day Wreaths

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Valentine’s Day…  

…yet another wonderful reason to decorate your home.  I know what you’re thinking, “I just took down all the Christmas stuff!”  I hear you!  But when decorating for Valentines, a little can go a long way.  In fact, I love the look of a single wreath hanging on the door…Classic and Understated!  

Here are 5 gorgeous and classic wreaths you can make yourself.  Click on the pictures for instructions on how.  

I love this ball wreath.  It’s shinnny and fun and totally unexpected.  

Ball Wreath

This delicious beauty is made from peppermint candies.  Isn’t that clever?  

Pepermint Wreath

This tie wreath is a more casual interpretation.  The red fabric makes it a Valentine wreath, but you can do green for St Patrick’s or orange for Halloween, pastels for Easter…a VERY versatile design.  

Tie Wreath

Also very versatile is this burlap beauty.  

Burlap Wreath

I love this fabric wreath, made on a foam heart.  But you can use a foam circle too, and as for fabric, the sky’s the limit.  

Fabric Wreath

  Are you inspired?  

Choose the one you like and invite a friend to help.  Or better yet, make it a family project.  Happy Valentines! 

“Love isn’t love, till you give it away.” – The Sound of Music 

Till next time, 

Alba 

 

  

Dwell With Dignity

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I’ve been a part of the Interior Design Society for over 10 years.  During which time I’ve served as President, Vice President and this year, Treasurer for the Dallas / Ft Worth chapter.  I continue to devote my time to IDS due in large part because of the amazing designers, colleagues and friends that I have the pleasure of knowing.  But also, because it gives me the chance to make people happy by doing what I love!

Each year, our chapter selects an organization or charity as beneficiary of our member’s talents.  This year, it’s Dwell With Dignity.

Dwell with Dignity is a non-profit group of Interior Designers and volunteers dedicated to creating soothing, inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty. They provide and install home interiors for families including furniture, art, bedding, kitchen supplies, and food in the pantry.

Dwell was created in April 2009, and it’s growth has exploded, in part because of the support and publicity created by Nate Berkus of the Nate Berkus Show.  But mostly, due to the unwavering dedication of it’s founders, Lisa Robison and Kim Turner.  Personally, I’m honored to be involved  with this group.

Last September, our IDS chapter put together our first Vendor Showcase.  The proceeds have been reserved for Dwell.

Dwell With Dignity and IDS members at the IDS Vendor Showcase

Our members are all extremely excited, because our chapter is the first “outside” organization that Dwell has permitted to design an apartment for a recipient family.  And we’re taking that honor VERY seriously.  We’ll be decorating for a family of 6 who will be moving in at the end of February.  Members have been volunteering twice a week to paint furniture, create art, and whatever else is needed to insure a gorgeous design.

Painting children's art that will be hung in the kid's room.
Volunteering at the Dwell House in Dallas

Still, there’s a lot to be done.  So stay tuned for future updates on our progress.

If you’re not familiar with Dwell With Dignity, I encourage you to check them out and perhaps, through donations or volunteer work, you’ll be inspired to help them accomplish their mission:

“…to help families escape poverty and homelessness through design. One household at a time.”

Till next time,

Alba


New Accessories…New Look!

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Its no surprise that accessories can make a huge difference.  In fact, oftentimesall you need to do to get a fresh look…and sometimes a whole different look, is to change your accessories.

And by “acccessories” I include art, lamps, pillows, rugs, etc.  All of the “jewelry” that is not furniture.

Recently, we transformed a client’s home doing just that.  We selected key pieces to add to her existing decor.  They made all the difference! 

Before
  • New lamps.
  • New art for over the mantle.  The existing one was too small.  We custom framed a photograph that had been taken by her dad…very special.
  • New throw pillows.  We  used patterned pillows to bring in some color and solid pillows in a light tone to “lighten” up the room.
  • A floor plant was added to “soften” the “hard” lines of the leather sofa back.
  • An area rug was also added to identify the seating area and to add more color.
  • But the most dramatic, was the installation of the very large antique miror, flanked with matching candle sconces.  Big “art”, big drama! 

After
Same room, different angle.
After
In addition to accessorizing, the library also got a new coat of paint. And I don’t need to tell you what a difference paint can make! 

Before
After

In the words of my client:  “I KNEW the rooms had potential…”. 

Yes they did.  And yours do too.  Hope I’ve inspired.

Till next time,

Alba

 

My Stay at The Ritz-Carlton

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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! 🙂

Hope I’ve inspired.

Alba

A Living Room Redesign

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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!

Hope I’ve inspired,

Alba

My Upside-Down Christmas Tree 2011

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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!

From My house to Yours…

Merry Christmas!

Alba

A Holiday Home Tour in Austin

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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.

Hope I’ve inspired.

Till next time,

Alba

The Chartreuse Ottoman

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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!!!

Till Next Time,

Alba