You're Invited

If you happen to get to Chicago between now and December 18th, stop by to see the 5th anniversary DreamHome at the The Merchandise Mart  for design inspiration from local Chicago designers.

Here is just a peak at what you'll see...

I think Janet McCann did a beautiful job with color in this home office...

This bright and airy library was designed by Denise Antonucci and Jerry SanFillippo

This wonderful dining room was designed by Leslie Jones.

And last but certainly not least the sexy master bathroom was designed by Chris Michiels.

I am hoping to be there before December so I can share more inspirations with you.  If you happen to go, please let me know what you think as well.

Photos courtesy of The Merchandise Mart.

Cement Ponds

They're not just for the Beverly Hillbillies...For a more natural swimming experience consider a natural pool that is completely chemical free with a self sustaining ecosystem.  These cement ponds have a swimming zone for recreational bathing and a regeneration zone for cleaning the water, think marsh plants/water gardens.

Europeans have been using these kinds of pools for over 20 years successfully and they are now in the United States, check them out here.

So if you are tired of the chemicals and like that more natural look, you too may want to consider a cement pond.

Think Outside The Ranch

I love the unexpected lighting choice in this concept bathroom featured at Kohler's design center in Wisconsin.

I just learned something that everyone else probably already knew but me...Deer shed their antlers naturally annually as a prelude to the regrowth of new ones....News to me....So now knowing this I can promote these pieces for your home. :)

Thank you for the pictures Little Big Horns

Orange You Glad....

I love the color orange!  It's such a happy color.....Oh after I said that I just realized Clinique's "Happy" fragrance is orange isn't it?  

Jeffrey Bilhuber uses orange accents quite often and they always interject a wonderful feel to his rooms. Consider doing the same to yours.

I think orange is a great idea for baby nurseries too.  It's a fresh squeezed idea, I just had to add that.

Sherwin Williams has some beautiful oranges to consider. There is nothing like adding orange to a wall or two for a dramatic, beautiful effect!  Remember there are a lot of orange shades, so your walls don't have to look like an orange per se, think deep curry or Tuscany oranges too. 

I think the color combo for Veuve Clicquot's Rose champagne is delicious and unexpected....(My friend took this photo in his home country of Solvenia)....I love this picture and wish I was sitting there with him enjoying some champagne in those awesome chairs!

Memorial Day Sale: Decorator On Demand

Frustrated with the look of a few rooms in your home but don't know what to do about it?  Relax, I am here to help!

The response to last year's Decorator On Demand Memorial Day Weekend Sale (today thru Monday) was so strong I'm doing it again.  Here's the deal: for every room design plan you buy you get $50.00 off per room!  

Here's what you get....

*Professional Room design developed with your input

*A detailed plan for you to execute on your schedule

*Flat rate pricing, a fraction of what a local designer charges

*Online access to me, your Interior Designer coach

*Save money by not making expensive design mistakes

*Easy steps to get started and stay motivated

*Bragging rights to your newly designed room

I am limiting this to the first 10 clients.  So act now!   There is no better time than right now to tackle your design projects for your house, one room at a time.

If this service isn't for you, please pass it onto a friend, they'll thank you for it.

In case you want more....Here's a sampling of what others are saying about my services....

"I had my doubts but was desperate to improve my home office, so I gave Marie a try.  I'm so glad I did, she gave me great ideas that worked." 

Laurie, California

"I am a do it yourselfer by nature but I couldn't get my room to the next level and it was driving me crazy and my family too.  After taking a chance on Marie I was so pleased with the level of detail she provided and the process that I am not only done with 3 rooms in my house but I have turned all my family onto her as well."

Cyndy, Texas

"I love that I have plan to work with now, I haven't started my project yet but am excited to do it in pieces when I can, just knowing I have the plan has made me feel better already."

Pam, NY

Sheep Thrills

Fun Fact:  Sheep in New Zealand outnumber people 13 to 1. Their luxurious coats are a sustainable and renewable product, which makes wool carpets and rugs "green".  

Here are the great things about wool rugs that you may not know....

*Flame retardant 

*Resistant to dirt and crushing

*Absorbs contaminants in the air

*Naturally versatile

*Has excellent dyeing characteristics that assure outstanding, rich, saturated color.

*They feel great underfoot

Resource Partners is a "to the trade" resource that has a great online showroom, have your designer shop here for a great selection.

Wool rugs are versatile in style, shape, size and color...Here are just a few of the thousands to explore....

Why Should I Care About Trim?

Your indoor trim (crown moldings, baseboards, casings, etc.) can really affect the size, shape and appearance of each room in your home.  

Here are some tricks if you want to change it up a bit...

If you want to ENLARGE A ROOM.....Paint the trim the same color as the wall color or just a tad lighter to make the walls feel like they are receding.

If you want to RAISE THE ROOF.....Install crown molding around the perimeter of the ceiling and paint it a darker color than the ceiling to draw your eye upwards.  

If you want to LOWER YOUR CEILING....Install a picture rail or a chair rail molding on the walls of the room and paint the rail, and/or the wall area above it a darker color than the rest of the walls to break up the walls and draw the ceiling down.

If you want to HIGHLIGHT AN ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE....Paint the feature, whether it is a mantel, pillar or what have you, a color that contrasts with but is of equal intensity to the walls, this will guide your eye and highlight the feature.

Lastly, If you have natural high quality wood trim already in your room and you don't know what to do.....Just leave it.  Leaving the trim in its natural color plays up the beautiful texture of the wood and brings natural warmth and texture to the room.

Don't be afraid to experiment, it's just paint.

A New Look

What better time than now to inject some pillow love into your home....Here are some Jonathan Adler pillows to do just that...

Glass Tile Possibilities

The sky is the limit when it comes to using glass tile in your home.  From bathrooms (shower and tub walls) to kitchens (backsplashes) to even outdoor applications such as pools or even fountains.  Glass tile offers a beautiful alternative to other kinds of tile.  It's tough enough to withstand the elements but it adds a sparkle of light that you won't find with other tile such as ceramic or porcelain.

I hope this has inspired you to consider using glass tile for your next home project, I think you will be thrilled with the end result.  On a personal note, I have used glass tiles in 2 of my bathrooms, kitchen and next the pool.

Some Tips on Vessel Sinks

• It's a good idea to decide whether you want a vessel sink BEFORE you start planning the plumbing in your new or remodeled bathroom.  The type of sink you install will impact the placement of your pipes.

• Vessel sinks also require a different counter height than most standard bathroom sinks.  Recessed sinks sit at counter height, usually 32"-36" above the floor, which is a comfortable height for most adults for brushing teeth and washing hands. If the sink is designed to sit on top of the counter, your countertop will need to be lowered.  The height of the bowl will help determine how much lower you'll need to go with your countertop.

• Vessel sinks can sit on any type countertop, from tile, to a solid slab such as a granite , wood or concrete.

• Vessel sinks don't need to match your toilet and tub anymore.  Treat them as you would a piece of art. 

• Vessel sinks draw alot of attention so it's best to not have it compete with the countertop.  Less is more when choosing your countertop, don't fight with the vessel sink.

• The fancier finishes are higher maintenance and are best used in powder rooms unless of course you don't mind taking care of them daily.

• This is no longer a fad or trend, vessel sinks have been around too long now to worry about "dating your space".
  

DecoLav 1000T Copper Frosted Glass Bowl Bathroom Sink

DecoLav 1430 White Square Ceramic Vessel Bathroom Sink

Kohler K-14223SP Serpentine Bronze Finial Art Bathroom Sink

Porcher 15180 White Semplice Bathroom Sink

Belle Foret BFC10 Oil Rubbed Bronze Copper Sink Bathroom Sink

Kohler K-2354-8 White YinYang Bathroom Sink

DecoLav 1216 Brushed Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Vessel Bowl Bathroom Sink

St. Thomas Creations 1046.000 White Arc Bathroom Sink