Design for a creative lifestyle

Room Design Tools

Interior and Exterior Design is one way to help you fall in love with your own home again. (And yes, you can do it yourself.) Many people live in one house for years, and can't see all the potential in your own space that is offered through change by rearranging, reorganizing and purging your stuff. The crazy housing market of late, makes it that much more important to take another look at your home and consider remaking the space rather than selling up to a larger home with the possibility of more risk.

This is one reason I love the Room Design Tools we feature from Canvas Home Basics. First, they're inexpensive, and when you are ready to spend money on paint, furnishings, and materials, this is one way to ensure that they all will fit in as planned. The other reason is that they are easy to use and bring out your creativity in ways you can't even imagine. Finally, some of the designs I have seen of late are so worthy of framing and hanging on a few walls as art pieces.

We have already sent out a few as gifts to some of our Etsy shoppers - We have a few more to give away as surprises with purchases. I love surprises.

Hope you do too...

Lise

Designer Bling

This weekend I was invited to see my friend Karis' collection of vintage jewelry. The snapshots on this post don't really do this collection any justice. Karis began collecting these pieces at a very young age. So these vintage jewels are gorgeously exquisite. I was in awe of this YUMMY stuff. When people say that they just don't make it like they used to - there is a reason.

Because we love re-use in design, we are lucky that some of these jewels and a few of her vintage buttons will make their way onto our own line of one-of-a-kind handmade pillows and other linens.

We we be sharing these with you in the weeks to come, so stay with us for more vintage glam for your home.

Enjoy!

Lise

I Heart Embellishments - New Listings on our Shop

I have literally been dreaming about ribbons and other embellishments. I'm not kidding about waking up with new projects and ideas in mind with my hands flying about as I sleep... and I wonder if this is normal? Anyone? Anyone? I have a friend who adores furniture and always says she can eat the furniture because it's so delicious. I have always found this to be an odd statement - but somehow I can now relate with all of this creative deliciousness.

These are some of the newest additions to our shop at Etsy. I'll be interested to see what you all create with the latest embellishments!

Enjoy!

Lise

Batik & Ink...

The photo included on this post is of a hand carved ink and batik stamp imported from Asia for our Global Collection. These stamps have been used for centuries to create designs on textiles. You can use ink to dye the fabric directly or melted wax for a batik resist.

I just think these are so cool as design elements for your shelf, desk or table. I could even envision these as a wall grouping in large square pattern.

The three patterns we have in stock are listed on our website - I am so excited to see how you use these! We are buying more designs too so bookmark that page!

Enjoy!

Lise

Jump off Design - Tween Color

Inspiration Palette for Jump Off Design Box. This is for teens who prefer brights plus modern touches of unique storage and wall art that changes easily.

Trends for 2008

I have been looking at the design "trends" for 2008 while we source new products. I've tracked the "hot news" from Europe back to the states. What I find really interesting is how the new products are presented - it's a treat to take a look at what's coming next. Since I love color and furniture I do like to see what's new; but I still prefer to do my own creative thinking; so I am using the list of trends for a creative jump start instead of fully embracing and copying them. So here's a glimpse of what I have seen for design and color in 2008.

Expect more color

We're seeing products that run the color spectrum - these are more vivid colors than we've seen in 2007. In fact, 2007 was all about neutrals, so the industry has almost done a complete revamp when it comes to colors. In a trade preview, we noticed that Pottery Barn has completely dispensed with the darker neutrals and features a rainbow of bright and bold color in their 2008 product line, using white and ivory as the backdrop to let the colors pop. We've also noticed a trend to use color in combination with greys and silvers.

Benjamin Moore has a paint line that corresponds with the Pottery Barn Products. So if you're interested in doing a feature wall in a bold shade, check them out. They still have more blues and greens, than they have reds and yellows; so don't worry about going with a color that is too overwhelmingly bold for your space. The greens and blues are still relaxing colors to use. I am anxiously waiting for the Yolo Colorhouse 2008 color collection to see what they are up to.

Graphics

Ok, so if you haven't noticed in 2007 there were a lot of graphic patterns everywhere. This continues into 2008. They are lovely, but this is an area that I think has the potential to be compared with the Avocado Green and Harvest Gold kitchen appliances from the 70's. So, because I do like the graphic patterns, I may invest. But not in a carpet - I'd go for the wall decals in a bold but removable graphic.

Eco-Friendly Design

This isn't going anywhere, at least as long as there is a threat of global warming - so I'm not sure it can be called trendy. Still I thought we should highlight this here as it is a growing segment of interior design. To highlight, we should be demanding that our products are:

1. from sustainable, reclaimed or recycled sources
2. energy efficient
3. chemical and pesticide free
4. fairly traded
5. comfortable and beautiful

Eclectic Looks

When we hear the word "eclectic" in design we may think of a collection of unmatched furniture, and personal decorative items which are brought together to create a stylish room. Though I think it also encompasses global fusion and the melding of design styles like country and urban. This is the preferred way to design in my book - turn things around and make a personal statement; so I am glad it's being highlighted in 2008.

Ok so back to my remark about the Avocado Green and Harvest Gold kitchens. At one time or another someone decided this was trendy. hmmm. I'll just wrap by reminding you that there are no rules, do what you love!

Happy New Year!

Lise

updated photo...

So after (too) much discussion this is the photo she chose to go with, instead of the one where she's doing her favorite thing in the world - chatting on the phone...

I think she even bought into the idea of making the pillows; so this weekend we'll troll the fabric stores for some suitable fabric and start using my new sewing machine!

Yay!

Have a creative evening!

Doodles and files and pillows oh my...

This afternoon I spent some time combining doodles with photos for a signature file for my daughter's email.

I have to experiment with the text and layout a bit more and she really doesn't like this photo so I'll have to change that too - but I wanted to give her an idea of what it would look like.

Once I am ok with the final design, my plan is to transfer it to some material and make a pillow out of it for her bed.

Come to think of it, the mini pillows might be a fun Christmas gift for her friends. If we started tomorrow we might get them all finished.

Enjoy!

House to Home & Home to House - Which design approach is right for you?

An email arrived today asking for some advice about a new home. The home in question had immediate appeal; which is why made an offer within hours of her first visit. However, the owner is contemplating a sale just six months after moving because it doesn't seem like a good fit for her anymore. She essentially wanted to know how it could be possible to fall out of love so quickly when "there is nothing really wrong with the house."

Without seeing the house I immediately wondered if she had made her house a home. Here is the gist of my reply:

Home to House Design Phase

The Home to House design phase occurs before you put your house on the market. Not planning for this phase may negatively affect your marketing efforts. Home to House Design is normally characterized by the terms neutralizing, staging, show home, model home, and market ready. The space is usually missing family pictures, and custom touches (and by custom I mean any choices having a strong personal appeal that very few will appreciate).

Also missing are shocking colors, anything that will offend the average person, clutter, dirt, and most traces of family life. All the spaces within the house have an obvious function. You may decide to hire a home or real estate staging professional, or a redesign expert to help you with this phase. I don't necessarily recommend looking for an interior designer at this time unless they offer a (lower cost) redesign or staging service. Generally, interior design services are more expensive and normally selected when you want to make a place feel like home. Save the interior design for later. What you want is for people looking at the house to feel like they can turn this stylish model home into their home... which usually brings a quick sale and the new owner now focused on the...

House to Home Design Phase (or, where my caller needs to be today)

Characterized as breathing personality into the space, making yourself at home, and leaving your mark. It also means assessing your space and making changes to suit your personal taste and functional needs. Hiring an interior or creative designer at this stage if you need help is a good move. Also helpful during this phase are organization specialists, painters, faux finishers, closet designers, and artists. But if the Home to House phase looms anywhere on the horizon, I caution you about making extensive and costly changes you'll need to correct later for a quick sale.

Of course, these are only a few general considerations I would use to determine the best approach. (Haven't we have all heard exception stories of a-dog-of-a-home selling quickly simply because it is located in a fabulous area or offered at a great price??)

So - here's hoping that with whatever phase you happen to find yourself in you will...

Be creative.

Lise

Creative Dorm Rooms

So my oldest son is off to college this year. I had forgotten how small, and shall we say, unadorned a dorm room can be.


Now of all my children Chris is the least interested in design; but even he had to admit that he wouldn't mind sprucing up his room. Ah, the last convert....




One of the biggest and least expensive changes we can make is to the walls. Since we're not allowed to paint anything in the room; the next option is to cover the walls and cabinets with removable things. Here are a few ideas:

• Big flags and multiple pennants. Ok this is a standard dorm decoration. You can find a ginormous flag or pennant sets; hang up on the wall with duct tape or velcro, and you're ready for class



• King size (light-weight) quilts and sheets offer a quick fix for drab walls. If the room has those cork hang strips you hang from there with T-pins. If not, attach the fabric with heavy duty velcro strips.





• Shower curtains - WHAT? Yes. Hang a shower curtain with a cool design from those sticky-but-removable wall hangers.





• Paper - This is a really inexpensive option but you need to think creatively. Try your hand with patterns made from post-it notes. Or forget the tedious hanging job and buy several pages (or a pack) of beautiful scrapbook paper. There is a pattern to please everyone. This option is also great for those with allergies, as fabric options may collect dust.



• Fun prints - Convert your photos to wallpaper. Print black and white photos on legal size (or larger) paper and hang with double-sided tape.




• Fabric - You can use fabric as a background or a foreground. There are plenty of discount fabric stores offering great bargains for your quick fix. I love the look of burlap - it offers a natural texture, low cost, and functional camouflage.

• Wall decals - Since we can't do traditional wallpaper; try the large removable decals. blik makes some that are really fun. Including this from the late artist Keith Haring... How's that for unique dorms?


• Plywood - painted of course. Get a big piece of wood and a can of chalkboard paint. Paint a few coats and lean the board against the wall. This is more of a hassle to move at the end of the year than the other options, but can be cool for leaving personal notes and fun drawings throughout the semester.
  
• And of course, you can always make your own art...

I love that I can put many of these elements into the first care package I send off to school. But since Chris is just over an hour away from home; I may pop in one Friday afternoon to hang some wall adornments myself :-)

Enjoy,

Lise

Wanna be on HGTV?

I am an HGTV fan. In fact, between Grey's Anatomy and Brothers and Sisters (and an occasional ANTM episode), HGTV is pretty much all I watch.

I KNOW I have some creative readers, and if any of you are saying "I wanna be an HGTV designer", then click here for the application.

Good luck!

be creative

Sensualist Design

Everyone uses their five senses to hear, touch, taste, smell and see. However, if one finds that they are keenly aware of tactile surfaces, harmonious colors, delightful scents, and remarkable flavors they are probably a Sensualist.

For a Sensualist, all surroundings are extremely important. To feel truly comfortable in a space they will likely insist on soft fabrics, correct lighting, scented candles, beautiful art, and some use of color. The absence of any one of these elements will leave them feeling like a piece of the design puzzle is missing – even if they are not able to put this feeling into words.

Here are some more clues to help you determine if you may be a Sensualist:

- Shopping for your home is high on your priority list;

- You find it frustrating to shop online for certain products, especially products you will use, touch and see daily, if you can't actually see, touch or smell them;

- When shopping for sheets, you find yourself opening the package to see how the material feels to you;- You have strong reactions to color and have probably spent some time figuring out which colors appeal to you;

- If a space is messy or otherwise unappealing you would prefer to change it or leave;

- Your landscape is just as important as the inside of your home and you spend time inside and outside your home;

- You can fondly recall all aspects of a spectacular meal - from the taste and texture of the food to the wine and ambience in the room;

- You feel that your home is a manifestation of your thoughts, feelings and creative ideas.

If two or more of these categories describes you, you will likely benefit from a sensualist approach to design.

Unpacking My Life

I am living amongst a sea of boxes. (A good illustration of how I feel (including the wine) can be found on Penelope Dullaghan's website.) Unpacking has been an exercise in organized chaos. Meaning that boxes were labeled so they've landed in the right room; but sometimes it is difficult to know just what to do with the contents! I love my new home but I'm finding that some of my art which I created for specific rooms in my other home feels a little out of place here. I suppose that is why my sister Toni told me that I should purge while I pack. This was a good suggestion - I was just too overwhelmed to follow her sage advice. I am still waiting for her bill. (She's the organization queen).

Anyhow in addition to finding some renewed energy and an urge to begin a new garden, I'm also feeling like building more book shelves and painting things in funky color palettes.

It's also time to plan a new manifesting change collage project - as soon as I unpack my art supplies. I wonder where those are.....

Have a wonderful and creative week.

Lise

New Workshop Leader

I meant to tell you all about a newly licensed Artistic Lifestyling instructor. In addition to design services, Marja Chapman will be teaching Fear of Color Workshops in the Washington DC/Northern VA area. You can reach Marja at her website for information on her schedule.

Cheers!

Lise

Style Points: Creative Holiday Décor

It seems like it starts earlier every year. The holiday season appears, marked by special edition magazines on newsstands, brimming with ideas for new holiday decorations. Breathtaking interior design photos illustrating holiday décor from the White House, to your neighbor's house, accompany these ideas. It can make you feel a bit overwhelmed; especially if you're brand new to designing your home for the holidays or if you want to make changes to bring new life to your home and you're not quite sure where to start. Here are some tips you may not have thought of to help you add more sparkling pizzazz to your holiday décor.

Inspired Color Schemes

A fabulous way to make a change to your holiday décor is by being imaginative with your color selections. Although I have a good set of holiday basics, each year I add a bit more to my collection of ornaments by incorporating a new color. So in future years, I am able to combine different elements together to create a new look. Every year I change the focus of color on my tree. Last year I tried non-traditional shades of celadon green and cream. It was unexpected and the colors were just gorgeous together. Adding to my collection allows me to increase the number of trees I decorate this year. Although I have one focal point tree, I love the idea of having a tree in the foyer, and in the dining room as well. I won't stop at trees either; I change the color of table settings, holiday ribbons, wreath picks and lights.

Tablescapes for holiday entertaining

A tablescape is a planned design for your table using various elements that make a unique statement. Tablescapes are fun to plan and are uniquely suited to your holiday table. Most often the table is set in preparation for a meal. However, you can certainly leave the table decorated all season long. Combine the color used throughout the house in your napkins, tablecloth, placemats and centerpieces. To create an inexpensive and eye-catching centerpiece layer fruit over greenery snipped from your back yard. Or taking a cue from my celadon green and cream color scheme I talked about earlier, use a fresh green apple to hold the place setting cards. At parties I have attended, I taken home place cards and menus which have been hand-beaded, stenciled, painted, and hand-lettered using calligraphy. These cards are a wonderful way to show off your creativity.

Being Creative without the Pressure

The primary reason I love the holiday season is because I get to spend more time with family and friends than I normally do throughout the year. I really think this is the best part of it all. I believe that decorating my home encourages togetherness and helps create new traditions, and special memories for all that pass through my door. With so many things to prepare for the weeks seem to fly by a little faster than normal at this time of the year. One way to simplify my life and make a bit more time for myself is by hiring an interior designer or decorator who specializes in holiday décor. I have found that interior designers can do as little or as much as you need them to do. Another great thing is that they offer a change of perspective that you may not have thought of. So if you enjoy taking part in the decorating of your home like I do, but feel as though it may be too much work, hiring a designer can help ease the holiday pressure and make your home beautiful. Be sure to book early though, good designers are quite busy around the holidays too.

Holiday Art Details

Did you know that your artwork could definitely be at odds with the rest of your holiday décor? This happens when summer art subjects or more abstract art is paired with holiday decorations. Surprisingly, it is an often-overlooked element when planning a change for the holidays. Your artwork should reflect who you are, your feelings and moods, and when you're in the mood to celebrate or appreciate time with your family, make sure that you think about how to change your artwork. It is ok to change your artwork around. A change to your foyer or mantle during the holidays will make a dramatic impact, without much cost. Removing or rotating art throughout your home at other times of the year creates new interest. Art is also available for short-term lease so the cost to you is kept to a minimum.

Cleanup

After the enjoyable dinners and visits from friends and family, it's easy to feel stressed by the mere thought of having to remove your decorations and put them away for another year. The key to making this a painless process, is through careful planning and organization. You may not have started last year, but it's never to late to plan for storage of your decorations safely and effectively. Choose clear and sturdy plastic boxes to store your light strings, ornaments, small wreaths and tableware. Wreath boxes are created especially for wreath storage but be warned that cardboard boxes may become damaged throughout the year depending on the storage conditions they encounter. Best to keep all holiday decorations in a temperature controlled area away from intense heat, cold or water. Wreaths can also be wrapped in plastic and hung in your garage, attic or basement. Finally be sure to label all the boxes on at least three sides so that no matter which way you place the box you can always see what is inside.

Best wishes to you as you plan your creative holiday décor!

____________________

Style Points: Surprise Passageways

I had one of those recurring dreams this morning. No surprise that it was about an old house that I seem to own. The intriguing part of this dream seems to be the need to explore the home. It was not designed using a conventional floorplan as there are various hidden staircases all around that lead to rooms you might not stumble upon for years at a time.

So this "dream" house prompted me to look for ways to incorporate secret doors into home design. I was amazed to find a few companies that provide faux bookshelves that are really a passage to another room. There are also movable stairs, furniture and fireplaces. That panic room you saw in the Jodie Foster movie is indeed doable.

This design element sparks a lot of creativity. You can make a hideaway art studio, office, storage for valuables, or even a 'secret' passageway linking children's bedrooms; small enough for children to climb inside and dream up lots of fun. Or like me, you can just dream about it, literally.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Lise

Style Points: Year Round Decor

While I love the Summer, I do look forward to the cooler months. When thoughts of summer entertaining, cool drinks, and pleasant conversation give way to baking, crafting, and for me, decorating. I can curl up with my design catalogs and imagine a new way of styling all of my rooms.

If I had to guess, I'd say about 1/3 of everyone I know has at least two "looks" for their home. By look, I mean a style that changes at certain times of the year - usually one for the warmer months, and one for the cooler months. These changes may be subtle enough; like hanging a Fall wreath at the front door. Or it may mean a complete overhaul by changing all the draperies in your public and private spaces, and adding pillows, slipcovers and tablecloths in darker shades.

But what if you don't want to change the look of your home? Well here are some suggestions.

• Choose timeless patterns. Ask yourself if you'd want to see this in your home for the next several years, and if you think it will be out of style. If you're unsure, get a second opinion;
  
• Buy the best fabrics - Not all fabrics are constructed with the same level of quality. Some fabrics will drape, launder and feel better than others. If you're making an investment to live with this year round (and year after year), choose better quality - you won't regret it;
  
• Use a sophisticated palette of colors - combine darker shades and lighter ones together. Stay away from colors associated with the holidays. They may seem out of place in the summer; and unless you live in a tropical or beach setting, avoid using all light colors without any texture to add balance and visual interest.
  
• Layer. An obvious example I can give you is for layering the windows - if for example you choose a grass shade or blind, a sheer, and a heavier curtain you've just given yourself a lot more options for changing the look in the future. If there ever comes a time when you tire of the look you've chosen you'll be happy you purchased products to layer over another.
  
• Expect to spend a little on the trend. To keep your look fresh, think about using inexpensive fabrics for pillows or using trendy trims. When you tire of them you can recover or use them in a recreation room.

I've chosen two looks I love. Both of these are from Smith & Noble. An excellent resource for windows & fabrics.

First is the Classique selection. A neutral palette like this is great for year round. These fabrics have a great balance of both darker and lighter tones, it will appeal to both men and women. Plus, the patterns are timeless.

The second look is Canali. This is decidedly less serious because it's got brown detailing instead of black, and slightly more whimsical patterns; but wonderful nonetheless. Although the Filiale fabric in this line leans more towards the trendy side, it is not as trendy as the Deco Daisy in the Loft Living line.

Grab your design books now and enjoy the rest of your summer days!

Lise

_______________________

Style Points: Passionate Design

Your bedroom is considered a private space in your home. An area that typically isn't exposed to most of your guests. Even though it is a private space, it still has many functions including:

• Rest
• Reading
• Relaxing
• Watching TV
• Play areas for kids and adults alike
• Eating
• Exercise
• Work
• Convalenscence
• Romance

Romance? What? Isn't it funny that when discussing bedroom design functionality we will often skirt over the idea of the bedroom as an area for romance? Not only in design, but in product offerings - companies consistently skirt around this issue. When was the last time you watched a design program and saw someone designing their bedrooms for romance? Can you pick up a set of sheets or comforter and actually see the description come anywhere close to talk about sex? Designers obviously realize that bedrooms are private areas, used for private things. The history of American designs points to our somewhat passionless Puritan sensibilities. Of course our society has changed in some areas - and yes, we have sometimes gone a bit too far... But this doesn't change the reality one bit.

So, when you're working with a designer, or designing your bedroom on your own, consider all the functions. Here are some tips for making your bedroom into the boudoir you never thought you wanted:

• If you are building - be sure to use solid doors and extra insulation in bedroom walls for sound masking. This holds true for all types of plans, but especially where the master bedroom is on the first floor near public areas;
• Consider both softer wall colors that promote relaxation, healing and sensuality; and romantic tones like red and pink. Clients are requesting blues with a hint of grey because it is so soothing - but you'd be surprised at how many men are amenable to the idea of using pink on walls and in accessories, especially since this often signals that you're thinking about romance (it's an easy sell :-);
• The bed is the focal point of a bedroom. Spend your money here on high quality pillows, and linens. When choosing sheets, buy the highest quality you can afford and make your bed luxuriously inviting, choose down or down-like comforters and duvets for easy laundering;
• Add a round ottoman. Functionally, this piece of furniture is great for resting your clothes for the next day or having a place to sit to put on your shoes or socks. But romantically speaking, it is also a great place to add a breakfast or dinner tray. You and yours can sit on the floor for a quiet and romantic dinner or Sunday brunch.
• When choosing your accessories, be sure to add candles, room darkening draperies, extra pillows for bed and floor and storage for the inevitable bedroom clutter (and to hide your *ahem*... toys);
• Choose art that would be considered more racy, edgy or private for this area of the house;
• Include a few fun games, and other conversation/activity starters. This can be anything from an adult game to journals that hold special thoughts or small notebooks that allow you to leave a romantic thought on a pillow.

Whatever you decide to include, I hope these suggestions inspire you to think about romance in your overall design.

Cheers!

Lise