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Friday, February 10, 2012

Vintage Glam and Crappy News

I'm taking a 'me' break this a.m. Lounging about on the sofa in my recently purchased vintage fur coat made in Geneva. I'm cold and it's warm. It's got a golden sheen to it...but I've no idea what the little critters were that make up the coat. 


I've been under the weather since mid-December. I thought I'd gotten a virus which had decided to settle in to my joints. Since it's February and it has been getting worse I was thinking I should see the Doctor but I'll be honest. I still procrastinated...as per usual. 

I was more than a little surprised to find myself, this past Monday, under an x-ray machine. Turns out Rheumatoid Arthritis is the culprit not a virus. 

I'll be altering my business model till I can get back on my feet. I still have to work out the details but figure I'll focus on eBoards and consulting/designing for client's online. Lot's of one on one phone time with clients to ensure total happiness! Win win situation: clients save cash on design and I can continue working at a more joint friendly pace...in a fur...on the couch. 

Speaking of couches...LOVE Kelly Wearstler's updated blue leather de Sede sofa:



Saturday, February 4, 2012

Friday Flight of Fancy

We are just about to put hardwood in to our dining room. Unfortunate...the ceiling has  the popcorn ceiling finish. I don't have the time to strip it and refinish it so I have primed it and painted it. 


I still want the ceiling to be fabulous so I'm racking my brain for what I can do to take it to the next level. I do love a challenge!


Am I fooling myself or is this simply a flight of fancy? 
Do you think there can be anything redeeming about a popcorn ceiling? 


Until I figure it out...and I only have a day or two *gasp* here's a snippet of the room prior to ripping up the old parquet...iPhone photo :/






Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Dreaming in Monochrome

Monochromatic palettes upon first blush seem simple, using only varying shades of a single colour. To avoid the pitfall of the single colour room your guests jokingly refer to by the colour ie. "Sarah and Jake's gray room" you want to be sure to inject life...since you are not injecting much colour. 


Life, in a monochromatic scheme, is introduced through:

  • varying values (lightness/darkness and tone) of the chosen colour or edging to the right or left on the colour wheel of your chosen hue 
  • textures are key. Think felt, boucle, velvet, linen, silk, leather, fur, concrete, lacquer, etc. I'll share a secret: you want to include textures which will both absorb and reflect light...because:
  • a great lighting plan is essential but in a monochromatic design it can make or break all your great work.  
Monochromatic rooms to dream about and be inspired by:





Leslie Fine's sensational work:



Kitchen's look great in a monochrome.
Source: decorpad.com via Dane on Pinterest


Bobby McAlpine's work makes my knees weak. Use you're wildest imagination...that's what I'd do to live in a home designed by Bobby. Just look at the legs on those islands! 




Queen of monochromatic design, Barbara Barry: