Style Points: Forts and other Play Spaces

When I was much younger, I spent most of my time outdoors running and racing. I was a real tomboy. My friends and I stayed out at night until the dinner bell rang throughout the neighborhood. We played really juvenile neighborhood games, built tree forts, and sometimes played a random game of tetherball. I can remember spending the most time on the fort. In fact, the fort building lasted for multiple years, until a group of boys decided to claim our home base. (imagine that!) For many hours during those years we would drag wood and other scraps over to our tree to build another stage of our project. It wasn't the Taj Mahal, but we were fiercely proud of our outdoor getaway. Unknowingly, we were fulfilling what I believe is a basic human desire, to be creative. And we were. We created a magical place for us to play and dream, all out of building scraps and other found objects.

My wish is that every child (and adult) take the time to build a play space from their own imagination. Preferably outside in the fresh air and wide open spaces where they can play scavenger, pirate, hunter and protector of the fort; for years on end.

Our fort was of course, the girls-only variety. Our hideaway. We would venture out, tease the boys, run back, climb up the 40 foot tree, pull up the rope and laugh ourselves silly. Hmm. I could use a bit more of this type of adventure in my life today.

Anyway - take some time, tap your imagination, build your own fort and protect it from intruders.

Be Creative,

Lise

Style Points: Thoughts on Purchasing Quality Furniture

Periodically, we feel the need to share another writer's perspective about home design, furniture, or other creative industries. Today, we feature the article of James Rusch. He shares his insight about how furniture is made and how long you can expect it to last.

Enjoy!
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You get what you pay for.

We are living in a disposable society. Our description of forever is different than our parents and dramatically different than our grandparents. Forever, to many of us, is some amount of time less than 20 years, to others less than 5 years and sadly, for some it is measured in days.

Computers are, by design, out of date usually within 6 months of when you buy them. Most things are made to be obsolete in a very short period of time. Automobiles are marketed to consumers to be replaced every 2-3 years (24-36 month lease) even though their usable life is much longer. Why? Because it is in the interest of the manufacturer to do so.

Some things may need to be discarded. Technology is advancing faster than we can keep up. Some people think this is good. Mostly, these are the people who profit by our current lifestyle.

Are there things we can do to cut down on the costs of living in this throw away society? Definitely!

When you are looking to purchase something, don’t look just at the immediate price. My parents and grandparents always said, “You get what you pay for”. If you buy something cheap, most times, you will need to replace it in a relatively short period of time. If you buy a $2000.00 used car, you don’t expect it to last as long as a $10,000.00 car unless you put more money into maintenance.

Another example is furniture. Have you ever seen a piece of furniture in an antique shop that was made out of particleboard with a veneer over it? NO. The reason: it doesn’t last long enough to qualify as an antique. I’ll admit that when you are looking to purchase a piece of furniture, you are not thinking about where it will be in 100 years. But the concept is the same. The manufacturers of these “throwaway” products have come up with all kinds of euphemisms for particleboard. They will say things like “made with solid wood products” (translation: this used to be solid wood until we ground it up into sawdust and made our products with it) or “made with wood solids and veneers (translation: a little wood around the edges to make it look like real wood, but mostly veneer).

Now as far as the cost of “throw away” verses quality. Here is an example: you buy a piece of “particleboard” furniture for $200.00, and maybe spend a few hours putting it together. In a few years, it starts to wobble or the veneer starts to peel off and you want to replace it. Let’s say it lasts 5 years. In that time, with inflation, the replacement piece has gone up to $250.00. You have, in essence, spent $450.00 and in a few more years, you will need to replace it again. If you would have bought a quality piece of furniture made out of solid wood, it might have cost $400.00 right away but it will be with you for years and then you can pass it down to your children. Which is the better deal for you?

All would agree that it costs a lot more to throw something away and buy new than to keep the old one. Sometimes it has to be done, but sometimes it can be avoided by just figuring the “true cost” of something before you make the purchase.


James Rusch is a 6th generation cabinetmaker and the president of The Wood Shed, maker of Solid Oak storage systems for CD’s, DVD’s, VHS tapes, audio cassettes, bookcases, etc. You can see their products at their website.
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Be Creative -

Lise

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: A Creative Costume

So this weekend, while at the mall with my daughter, we discovered this adorable lion costume at Pottery Barn Kids. I thought it would be adorable on my son Ethan (on the right).

But I decided not to buy it. I am determined to make one instead. And now, with that decision made, I'm doing research for a quick and easy costume idea, for a sewing novice. It doesn't look too difficult to make, but I would appreciate any pointers/ideas. If you have any patterns or ideas you can recommend for a simple lion costume, please post them or send them to me. Ethan and I thank you!

Be Creative!

Lise

Style Points: Make your Statement

In addition to paint, one of the easiest way to make a bold statement is by adding words to your walls.

I love the idea of having words on walls. In my last home, I chose to add a simple reminder to my wall. It read, "When you dream, dream big." This was before I knew about Wonderful Grafitti and other wall word companies. So, I made my own wall words by hand. Here are the very easy instructions:

1. Think about what you want to say. Quotes, recipes, names, ideas. They all have a place somewhere.
2. On your computer, choose a font in the size of your choice. Type up your quote and print it out.
3. Choose a good location for your words.
4. With transfer paper behind your paper, trace the outline of the letters onto your wall. (Make sure the words are even!)
5. Fill in the outline with paint. I use paint pens and small brushes for this project.

This technique can also be used to transfer more than words. Try adding your doodles and other drawings to the wall. Combine design elements to create a custom mural.

If you'd prefer the simplest method visit Wonderful Grafitti for inspiration and order directly from the company or your designer.


Either way...

Be Creative!


Lise

Style Points: Creative Home Project Files

In my last post, I talked about taking certain aspects of your lifestyle with you when you're traveling. I guess it should be no surprise that part of my traveling arsenal would include my creativity kit. I can't go anywhere without a way to doodle, sketch or take notes about something. Though my Moleskines are full of new design ideas, this is nothing in comparison to my style project files I keep at home. Actually, files are an understatement. Library seems more accurate.

So what's in my project files? Well, they can be classified narrowly by home and garden design; art and workshop design projects; and food and event plans. However, each area naturally bleeds over into the next. So that when I plan a party for my friends, I may sketch out the seating arrangements, traffic patterns and table scapes. And when I do a new art project, I also map out the steps for how to transform it into a workshop.

At a minimum, my project files always contain journal sketches, product lists, material specifications, room layouts, resource names/addresses, color/material swatches and inspiration/wishlist type comments for functional and emotional considerations.

In our October Artistic Lifestyling newsletter, I disclose how you can plan, organize and consult your own portfolio so that you can begin to articulate your ideas for creative home projects. If you'd like to subscribe, the link can be found on our website.

Be creative!

Lise

Style Points: Living Away from Home

I do a fair bit of traveling for my job. After my first several business trips, I discovered that when I am on the road it is important to treat myself well. A night spent alone in a nice hotel, with room service and a good movie or book can be a real blessing. An extended stay, however, can really start to bring on homesickness. So, here are my tips for taking your 'lifestyle' on the road:

• Stay connected - Time stands still for no one, and I don't want to miss important events and deadlines. Organizing and planning allow me to easily keep in touch with what's going on at home when I am away. My favorite is a blank notebook, but you can choose from engagement calendars, phonebooks, notebooks, or electronic devices/PDAs. All the important details stay with you and make it easy to stay in touch.
  
• Photos - In the back of my planner I have pictures of my family. This used to be sufficient, but now with the latest round of baggage restrictions I left the large planner and my photos behind. But no bother what with all the online photo storage providers; I can access family pictures where ever I am in the world through my internet connection. Luckily you don't even need to lug a laptop through security as my phone gets me connected to the internet in a snap. I guess this is a new twist on the "picture phone"!
  
• Scents - Have you ever stayed in a non-smoking room that reeked of smoke anyway? I have! And trust me when I tell you it's no fun for a non-smoker. So now, if I am staying overnight anywhere, I always bring scented travel candles to freshen the hotel room. Even when there is no stale air, the candles familiar scent helps me relax in the new environment.
  
• Portable creativity - Any seasoned traveler spends a great deal of time waiting around in an airport or between meetings. My portable creativity "kit" includes a moleskine journal, markers, and pens. I can take it out and sketch my surroundings; plan an event; doodle or dream journal. Making the wait in the airport - well, bearable.
  
• Bring a good book - My girlfriend and I were discussing a few new books she began reading on her last business trip. A week-long convention allowed her to finish an exciting new novel in a few nights time; a feat that may not have been completed if she had been at home. Traveling allows for many reading opportunities, so I don't travel without having something good in my bag. Check out our gift shop, where we feature our recommended books and products related to our blog posts. You might find a good book for your next trip!
  

Enjoy your time away!

Lise

Home Arts Inspiration

I thought I would share a recent email I received from my friend Valarie Jean Bailey. She writes:


Dear Lise Richards

Your Artistic Lifestyling Blog Site is ever so inspiring. The green color scheme of your
graphics is cooling to the eyes and adds tranquility to one's vision.
I especially want to comment on your Family Collage Workshop, it did indeed inspire
me.

I was designing wall pockets for a commission from a NC children's museum, when I came upon your workshop. Using family & friends photos & pix from my backyard bird sanctury, I made the attached wall pocket.

Thank you so much for your wonderful creative & inspiring ideas.

Valarie Jean Art Quiltz

Valarie Jean, you've taken the collage project to a new level. This is amazing!

Thank you for sharing!!

Lise

Style Points: Fall Front Door Decor

Each September, my mother used to drag out a well-loved, (but kind of tired looking) bundle of Indian corn to hang on the front door. This usually heralded the start of the Fall season. While my mother had a decent artistic flair, I'm kind of shaking my head in wonder at why she would want to use the same display. (Especially when the Indian corn was missing a few more kernels each year!)

Nevertheless, adding a seasonal touch makes our house more inviting, but it's always a good idea to shake things up a bit. So to that end, here are some changes you can make to your entrance that help create a wonderful first impression!

• Start at the curb - If you happen to have a rural post, you can dress your mailbox with festive fall decorations, stencil, paint or just use elegant weather-resistant stick-ons. The curb is also a great place to add those beautiful mums!
  
• Dress the door - Unless you live in a Victorian style home, the general rule of thumb on painting the exterior of your home is to use no more than three colors . This might show up in trim colors around windows, a color for shutters and one for the door. If you've got only two colors on the outside of your home, it might be time to choose a new stand out color of paint or stain for your front door. See how the door in the photo really stands out?
  
• Create and hang your beautiful fall wreath and make sure it is completely secured. There is nothing worse than thinking someone has come for a visit, only to find out it's that wreath a-knockin'. Wreath projects are a wonderful tradition to start with your kids. Don't limit yourself to what you see in the craft store customize it. Ask your kids to paint something and add it to your wreath.
  
• If your harvest decor usually includes the requisite pumpkins and gourds, consider something new. A great project for kids are decorative luminaria. Usually luminaria are brought out for the winter holidays, but there is no reason I can think of to wait. Draw vivid pictures on white paper sacks, secure them by pouring sand in the bottom, and add a votive candle. A simple and beautiful project. Luminaria are a wonderful way to light up the night; a thoughtful touch for visiting guests; and this creative lighting plan certainly doesn't look like a runway for circling airplanes!
  
• Finally, ensure your garden beds are tidy, walkways are clear of debris, cracks, dents or chips. Consider resurfacing, adding a new stone or brick veneers or using commercial concrete stains for walkways that have seen better days.

I hope to post some of our own luminaria photos. I'd love to share your photos here and on our website too. Be sure to email me photos of all your projects!

Be Creative!

Lise

Garden Style

Before the cold weather sets in, you'll notice new plants showing up in front of your farmer's market or food store which signals that it's time to plant your Fall flowers and bulbs and make something creative!


Two of my Fall favorites are mums and marigolds. Both of these plants prefer full sun, rich soil and good drainage.

Mums come in a variety of different colors including yellow, white, purple, orange, and pink. For the best design, I find that they make a bold statement when grouped together as a border plant or in combination with existing shrubs.

Marigolds are wonderful when planted in mass and give a wonderful pop of color to your garden beds.

Here is a quick list of last minute gardening tasks before Winter:

• Plan your Spring bulb garden. It's usually safe to plant hardy bulbs in late October or early November after the soil has cooled. Hardy bulbs flower in the Spring and include tulips, irises, daffodils and hyacinths.
  
• Plant shrubs and trees now. Be sure to water and mulch well.
  
• Divide any of the perennials that seem to have leveled out on their growth or flowering habits. Though not all varieties should be divided in the fall; it's safe to divide your hostas, daylilies, iris and geraniums.
  
• Rake those leaves and fill your compost pile. Compost from fall leaves doesn't attract as many pests as compost piles filled with kitchen scraps. A good tip for those who don't like furry surprises :-)
  
• Be sure to celebrate with an end of season outdoor gathering. Plan a project for everyone to take part in. Maybe it's a sculpture for your backyard, or stepping stones to keep your feet out of the mud. Whatever the project, make it fun and memorable.
  
• Light up the chiminea, relax and take in the beautiful color of the Fall season.

Enjoy!

Lise

Style Points: Color Trends

Every year, Pantone creates a list of the top fashion colors for the coming year. This year the company has forecasted 72 standalone colors and wonderful combinations. These color choices will dictate home and fashion products in the next several months. They will appear in pillows, wallpaper, appliances, and now Pantone has even created a delicious line of paints.

For anyone considering a new paint color for their environment, please ask your designer to show you the expanded collection of palettes!

Here are the Pantone Color Institute's top 10 modernized colors for next year:

SILVER PEONY
TARRAGON
OPAL GRAY
GOLDEN APRICOT
HOLLYHOCK
GREEN SHEEN
GRAPEMIST
CAFE CREME
STRAWBERRY ICE
SKY BLUE

If you're interested in taking your color selections a bit further, I am conducting a complimentary online color workshop in the next few months. Send me an email and I'll add you to the participant list.

Enjoy!

Lise

Style Points: Sharing Your Kitchen

As I was looking through some of our recent photos I came across this one. If you don't already know about Gevonne (left), she is the Artistic Lifestyling 'foodie'; and she has a remarkable talent for combining flavors and ingredients to create a truly unique meal. I've captured Gevonne sharing her gift of food preparation and planning with my daughter Kristen.

Gevonne has some great recipes at her blog. Be sure to stop by and say hello to her!

For those of you who are interested in custom menu planning, please email Gevonne directly.

So this week - be sure to spend time in the kitchen and share your cooking gifts with others.

Enjoy!

Lise

Style Points: Household Emergencies

The very idea of home should make you think of safety and security. But it occurred to me while watching Spike Lee's new documentary WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE: A REQUIEM IN FOUR ACTS that at some point we may all be faced with having to leave our homes without much warning. That thought doesn't leave me feeling secure or safe.

So what are we to do? No matter where we live, we are vulnerable to something, so we should take time to prepare an action or response plan. The HOPE Coalition of America offers a comprehensive guide to help outline your basic financial, medical, and contact information in a disaster situation.

Not only should we plan for the major events like hurricanes, but we should have an organized and accessible area of our home that allows us to respond appropriately to life's everyday emergencies. This is part of good design too - allowing our homes to function for all facets of our lives.

Be well,


Lise
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Style Points: Making your Home Ready for Resale

I have been in no less than 15 houses on my quest to find my next home. While this journey has been fascinating, I bet many of these homeowners would like some information on why the average buyer would not be interested in forking over top dollar for their homes.

Here is my top 10 list of reasons why your house may not sell for what you want:

10. I love color! But strong wall colors do not make buyers happy. White is safe, but also a bit boring. Choose a beautiful and sophisticated wall color that makes even a small older home warm, inviting, and ready to sell. Neutrals are safe, but they don't have to be boring. Check out the Farrow & Ball designer paints. My favorites are Bone, Light Stone and String with a crisp white trim. And speaking of trim:

9. Many older homes have stained trim. I know some people are afraid to paint stain-grade wood, however most homes I've seen lately would do better by having the trim painted in a lighter and brighter color (white, off white, shell white). It really helps visually heighten the ceilings.

8. Mirrors. I'm thinking here of one particular home that was really very lovely except for a wall of mirrors in the dining room. Forget the 80's mantra that mirrors extend the living space. Unless you are selling a dance studio, take the mirrors down, paint the wall, and hang art instead.

7. Carpet issues. If your carpet is old and worn out, replace it before you list your home. In some cases, having your carpet cleaned will do wonders, but be careful of the ring around the room. (Yes, carpet rings will appear on lightly-colored carpets where the carpet cleaner can't reach.) Also, bubbles and lumps, frayed, worn or just unsightly won't help your cause either.

6. Popcorn ceilings. A personal pet peeve. Popcorn ceilings are great for builders, but lousy for sellers. This foamy paint mixture is simply sprayed on the ceiling. Quick, easy, cheap - and if that's what you intend for your home sale - great.

5. Mess. This includes messy yards, rooms, furniture, closets and kitchens. Especially kitchens. Pare down and remove clutter.

4. Inconvenience. Hey seller, if you actually want to sell your home, make it convenient for the buyer to see it. A motivated buyer in this market may be difficult to find at a time that works for you. Consider that many buyers are in town for the weekend, or have many houses on their list. This isn't about you or your family, if you don't want to sell, don't list the property. Ouch.

3. Finishes. Nothing dates a home like the finish on light fixtures and hardware. Brass hardware screams old. For an instant update, consider switching out your light fixtures in key rooms to a more updated oil rubbed bronze or brushed steel. Definitely change lighting in the master bedroom and bath, kitchen and dining room. Fixtures are found at many price points, so this is not an expensive change. It's well worth it. While you're at it, add a few chandelier shades for an opulent touch.

2. Cracked or scratched vinyl floors. Replace individual tiles or vinyl that has seen better days. A current look is better than a worn one, so if the makeover budget is small, you're still ok with the numerous choices on the market today.

And now my #1 reason your home may not sell for what you want - Smell. The first home I visited was at the top of my list given the realtor's description. But I nearly ran out of the home because of the horrible scent of dog and mildew that permeated every square inch of the space. If you live with pets and can't detect a problem, call an honest friend for a sniff test.

Well I've got to run and get back to staging my own home!

Be Inspired,

Lise

Style Points: Our Homes Begin as Simple Ideas

I believe the often-made distinction between house and home is essential. Why? Because a house is simply a shell for us to act out our lives. But a home is the manifestation of our ongoing thoughts and choices, plans and ideas.

We may have passing ideas related to our homes that may include safety, security, family, togetherness, legacy, aesthetics, spaces, breathing room, ideas, creativity. But our homes are simply the reflection of who we are and why we're here - a product of our imagination, wishes, dreams, and experiences. Yes, your home says all that about you. And that can be mind boggling if you've never taken time to think about it. Consider for a moment what a chaotic space says about how you're thinking or feeling. Contrast that with a space where you feel relaxed, comfortable and secure.

Our homes allow us the space in the world to nurture, begin, refresh, renew, replenish, energize, spark, relax, resist, and rethink. Home is where we can reflect, replace, retry, refrain, regroup and re-approach. What better place to connect to the ideas resident within our souls?

For our children especially, home is a learning environment. It's where we are able to teach what, who, when, where, why and how. We learn planning & timing; menus and recipes; mending & crafting; joys and triumphs; patterns and behaviors (both good and bad).

When I was 21, I was ready to take on my life outside the home, only to discover the importance of coming back home. At a certain age I recognized that it's not about the parties and hanging out at the restaurants until 3 am. It's about your own bed, and comfortable pillows; the scent of your linens and the sheer pleasure of your collective accomplishments. I can simply look around to see the things I've done that I'm proud of.

When we realize that our home is the manifestation of all of our thoughts - we need to make sure we actively choose the right ones.

Welcome home.

Lise

Our Place in the World

Today wraps up yet another tumultuous day in our collective history; and for obvious reasons; I feel disingenuous in writing about the comforts of home. When for so many in the way of peril - the ideas of home, style, and comfort are entirely irrelevant.

Today my thoughts dwell on:

• The reporters who are embedded alongside the military; stuffed into cramped vehicles, covering stories in the middle of the night from putrid hotels having long ago dispensed with anything remotely called an "amenity".
  
• The travelers. Inconvenienced, stranded, uncomfortable, harried... Traveling throughout the world and calling the cold tile floors in random airports - "bed".
  
• The places. Where people once gathered. Places called home which no longer exist in these war-ravaged areas. Places where hopes are lost and despair has set in.
  
• Being thankful. For a home; health; peace; silence; safety; room to breathe and stretch; and for time to reflect and say prayers for those who are not as fortunate.

Be well,

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

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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

Style Points: Just for the girls

Ladies,

Just when the weather starts to cool off, and before the school days leave us harried and hectic - is a perfect time to start planning a party for your girlfriends.

I think it's important to spend bonding time with your girls. So here are a few tips to start your plans with:

• Make it memorable - Friends are an important part of our lives. We should make our surroundings comfortable and a bit more special for their arrival at this particular event.
• Make your guests feel like VIPs - We all celebrate birthdays, but how often do we come together to celebrate significant life changes like a new college degree, promotion on the job, mastery of a new skill, or conquering an illness? Your guests will really appreciate you for your thoughtfulness.
• Celebrate someplace different - When I have company we're usually found between the family room and the kitchen. Inviting guests into my backyard for a garden party would be an unexpected surprise. Forget the dining or kitchen tables, just changing the height of your eating surface makes gives your party a surprising twist as well.
• Create something - You can spend time on the menu and preparation of food, and that would be a gift in itself. But if you would rather forget the cooking - have the event catered and decide to give another type of gift that you've created from your own hands. This could be a photo collage or a small painting. My wonderful friend Valarie Jean makes hand-crafted quilts, a mini version of her quilt would be a wonderful keepsake for an event like this!
• Repeat! Expand on your first event, and decide to continue, every month, quarter, year. Change locations, but don't get so carried away that you forget the reason for the event; to stay connected with your girlfriends!

Enjoy!

Lise

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Creative Popping - Brainstorming for Imaginative People

Last weekend I hosted a group of women for a Creative Popping session. Creative Popping is my term for the next level in brainstorming. It seems to happen best in a group, where ideas are allowed to bubble up, join forces and explode into new ventures that change the world. Really. It works. On the simplest level it is just pure popping and bubbling energy, buoyed by excitement, anticipation and dedication to the projects at hand. I like to use this technique when I’m collaborating with other businesses, expanding my services or joint ventures and working with my clients. There are so many benefits, but for me, the best part is that each session provides me with ongoing inspiration and motivation. Read the rest of the article here...

Enjoy!

Lise

Insider Secrets

I'm not sure why exactly. But I see big cities differently than most. Especially New York.

Living in the South as a damn Yankee (Yes, I have been called that; as if you have a choice on where you're born?? :-) - I am constantly reminded of how negative Northern cities are. There are the issues with overcrowding; long commutes; less space to move about; violent crime and the list goes on. I can't disagree that there are ills that plague all areas. Including the South. *gasp*.

But what visitors don't often see are the times when the city is at its most peaceful. A New York City with no cars driving down the streets. Right around 4:30 am with a hint of sun rising in the distance. You are the only person outside and feel alone in a city with millions of people. Coming across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan there are no horns, no blaring music, just a peacefulness about the city that makes you think people here are warm, safe, and protected by the other people in their community.

And how about further South to D.C.? Where a stroll through Georgetown leads you down a shady side street, where you catch a glimpse of a lush garden oasis in the midst of a busy metro area. The cozy lounge chairs are just calling you off your path for a cool Mojito. Divine.

I believe that we should all strive to create minature versions of these ideals. Well known places indeed. But still with hidden and sublime secrets. Secret knowledge that will keep you smiling on the inside when people say discouraging words about a place you happen to really love.

Inside, our homes can be places that nurture and surprise us. Places that allow us to breathe, relax and create. Whether in a big city or a small country town far away from Macy's Herald Square. Carve out a place for yourself and make it your own. And by all means, remember that you're allowed to keep what you really hold dear - a secret!

Be inspired...

Lise
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Workshops just about ready to launch! Whooo Hooo!

Our wonderful art and style workshops will be available for licensing shortly. Please be patient as we get ready to roll out something really wonderful for you.

Stay tuned and as always,

be creative!

Lise

If you're ready to teach an exciting new workshop and share new artful ideas please email us directly and ask to be added to our exclusive instructors mailing list!

Style Points: Sharing your Home with the Younger Set.

I have always been fond of having visitors ever since I was very young. My parents and grandparents were effortless entertainers and I learned a lot about how to make guests feel at home from them. I know I spent hours lingering in the hallway just outside the kitchen listening to grown-up conversation and the sound of ice clinking in the bottom of the glasses. Just as a stream of visitors were always at my grandparents and my childhood home, I grew up wanting to have a home that people would want to return to over and over again. I've said before that lifestyle design is about styling homes around a style of life. Included in my genes is a love of entertaining, and therefore my home is designed for this purpose.

But while I have mastered many ideas on signature drinks and dinner menus for adults, I think there is a finer art for keeping children entertained, engaged, and comfortable in your home while you balance your time with your adult guests. Since you never know who may be dropping by your home, here are five tips to help you share your home with the youngsters...

• First, when you design your home and garden, design for all ages. This idea may sound strange for those who don't have school-aged children living at home. And you may understandably be less concerned about child-proofing, but that doesn't mean that childhood concerns should go out the window! For example, many beautiful gardens I have visited were at the homes of people without children. The gardens contained special plants and creative water features that were safe for kids to explore; and brought childhood whimsy and wonder to the adults too!
  
• Keep a supply of things that are safe for children to use. Save the crystal glasses for another time, and instead use colorful dishes and glasses that can stand some abuse. I love the melamine dishes and plastic glasses readily available during the summer months. When they go on sale, I buy them in loads, and use them year round.
  
• Make a game, puzzle, and art supply treasure chest that kids will love to explore. Certain games will always hold up better over time, like building blocks. But also include other crafty items, card games, watercolors paints, and paintbrush. These games can keep kids occupied for a good long while.
  
• Though my Aunt Belle's kids were all grown up when I used to visit her, I never complained about being bored knowing that she always had a pint of ice cream in her freezer for milk shakes. YUM. Take a tip from my Aunt and be sure to stock your pantry or freezer with a few snacks kids will love. (You may end up being the favorite aunt after all!) I can always count on ice pops, cookies, marshmallows and fresh fruit. Kids will usually like one or more, but when time allows, check with parents to address any allergy concerns. For meals, you may want to serve the same thing, or make a simpler version of what's on the adult menu.
  
• Overnight stays and vacationing guests present a new concern. What do you do to fill their time? Make their trip memorable by offering to do things that their busy parents don't have time to do. This summer, my visitors will be attending First Friday art openings; reading new books; exploring maps, local zoos, aquariums and museums; and taking all sorts of pictures. All things they can't readily duplicate at home.
  

Be Inspired,

Lise

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Style Points: What is a lifestyle service?

I recently received a note from a woman that had a few questions about lifestyling. I thought it would be a nice idea to share them here.

What are lifestyle services?

Lifestyle services are fairly new, but the ideas behind the services are not. Think of a lifestyle provider as one who has experience in a wide variety of areas. (My specialties are home and garden design and creative ventures. I partner with people who have expertise in food and event planning.) Generally, Lifestyle companies will provide project planning and project management for your activities for a fee. Since we specialize in home, garden and all the events that take place there, we allow you immediate access to products and services for these activities at a lower overall cost. For example, we provide access to trade lines that are normally available only through interior designers, contractors, or architects. We also work with a portfolio of artists and other professionals that are available for almost any reason your heart desires.

Are these services expensive?

They can be. But ours are not. I know some lifestyle providers charging upwards of $250 per hour for their services.

How do you work with clients?

Since our services are uniquely positioned, so are our projects. As an example, we have provided long-term client consultation for new home construction, event planning, and private art installation services. Each project is unique, but we have a process for executing the details that allow the process to run smoothly and quickly. We don't waste your time or money.

Who normally contracts with you?

Our clients are busy, professionals who don't want to waste time searching for products and service providers for their surroundings and events.

Karis here, is a client we've featured before. She is a dynamic young woman who is set to make her transition from her post-college lifestyle to her new stylish-yet-affordable surroundings.

She is an excellent example of the type of client we provide services for.


If you ever have any more questions about our services. Please feel free to contact me! I would love to hear from you.

Be Inspired,

Lise
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Artistic Lifestyling Design Team is Growing!

Artistic Lifestyling is growing by leaps and bounds! The design team has expanded, please join me in welcoming Leslie Warner, and Gevonne Anatol!

Leslie is a creative event designer who has planned a number of very exciting parties and creative gatherings. She will be working on our October 7th event (shhh, details are all under wraps right now - but email me if you want an e-vite). Leslie will also be sharing her tips on this blog for how to plan and host some fabulous parties.

Gevonne is the official Artisitic Lifestyling foodie! She is heading up all things food, and will be sharing recipes and presentation ideas with you. When she talks (or writes) about food you can really tell it is her passion. Her West Indian heritage and passionate spirit really combine to create something very unique and we're pleased to have her with us!

Can't wait for all the creative ideas to spring forth!!!

Be inspired,

Lise
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p.s. We are also in the process of interviewing workshop leaders. One spot is still open. If you're interested please drop me a line! Art & style workshops are ideal for those in lifestyle professions. If you are seen as the expert in your field (or want to be seen as one), and you want to infuse fun and activity in into your business all while generating multiple streams of income, send me an email to get started today!

Photos from the Family Collage Workshop

Here are some photo's from this past Sunday's workshop. For more information on the upcoming workshops, please send me an email.

Be Creative!

Lise 

Style Points: Art of the Family Collage Workshop

Over the last several weeks I've been asked to teach a different art technique or project to friends or casual acquaintances. So today I'm prepping for a new workshop and hosting an afternoon on family collage on canvas art techniques that were recently featured in the Raleigh News & Observer. This afternoon is also the test phase for a new event planning service rolling out this Fall. (more about that later).

The project I'm featuring today couldn't be any easier, but gives fabulous results in an afternoon. It's one that I've made several times over the past year, four of them feature my children, one of my brother in my art journal. All you need are gallery-wrapped canvas, artist gel medium, acrylic paint for the background and photocopies of your photographs. I'll be posting photos of the finished projects later this week, so stay tuned and enjoy!

Be Creative!

Lise
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Style Points: On Hanging Art...

Today I recalled a time, just before I opened my art gallery, when a woman told me and my business partner that art must be hung on stark white walls; large walls in fact. Nothing else would do. I've always been one to embrace change, so I balked at her suggestion and never looked back. Until today... As I was looking through several paint company swatch selections it occurred to me that people might really assume this is correct. But I can assure you that art can be hung on just about any color wall and look fabulous.

In fact, I believe that many galleries go for white walls because we are constantly having to patch holes and repaint once the show comes down off the walls. It makes things much easier not to have a color up there. However, I can tell you that in my house I have many wall colors, including a gorgeous red accent wall where I have a very colorful piece of art. The color of the wall accents it perfectly.

Now you can find a ton of different opinions about how to hang art, where you'll have to measure and map and plan to the nth degree. But I'm not a big fan of the complex. I choose to go the simple route and measure with things I have readily available, like my hand or fingers! Then I look at each piece, hammer, hang and I'm ready to go.

Be brave, hang art!

Enjoy!

Lise

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Coloring Books for Big Kids Workshop

Look for my new workshop: Coloring Books for Big Kids. This is for those who still love to color - due out this October 2006.

Also, be sure to read my latest article at Creativity Portal this month.

Enjoy!

Lise

Style Points: Choosing Chairs

Hi all,

I was asked recently by a good friend to define the one item I can't pass up in the furniture store. My answer - a good chair (especially if it's on sale!). Why? Because the various chairs & small ottomans in my home find great uses in various rooms. When shopping, I look for a chair with interesting lines - like this sketch of a chair I found on a random shopping trip. The lines on this chair definitely stand independently from the rest of my dining chairs. Right now I'm using it in the bedroom.

My good friend Karis is always hunting out furniture at yard sales, no doubt you can find very good one of a kind chairs that have curved figure-eight type details on the back or cute curved legs. Chairs like these will give you many moments of sheer pleasure, especially when you've run out of chairs when the game is on in the family room and one more guest arrives!

A few years back, kids from the local high school painted some cast off chairs in very funky patterns for an auction. They each went for about $100 - but imagine the detail and playfulness you're getting, while supporting a great cause. If students in your area haven't offered these up, you can paint your own chairs. This is a great weekend project for you to tackle and art chairs are the epitome of fabulousness!

Be Inspired!

Lise

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More chair links:


Miss Natalie's workshop chairs

Jonathan Fong

The chair as art

I highly recommend this book by Mariette Himes Gomez:

Creative Professionals & Workshop Leaders

I have several teaching opportunities available locally to teach my workshops. If you are already a workshop leader or creative professional that would benefit from licensing a creative workshop please email me!

I'm looking for 4 people that want to add another service to their business portfolios but don't have any time or desire to develop something new.

Art & style workshops are ideal for those in lifestyle professions. If you are seen as the expert in your field (or want to be seen as one), and you want to infuse fun and activity in into your business all while generating multiple streams of income, send me an email to get started today!

Nesting

When I come home, I want to stay home. Almost everything I enjoy doing, I can do from home. I've learned the art of nesting pretty well. In fact, when I do go out, it's usually only to a special event - something I can't, or don't wish to duplicate at home. You might think this is some special trend, but I don't think so. People, but women in particular, have long been responsible for feathering their nests to make homes comfortable and functional. So this is nothing new. However what has changed over the last several years are the products and services designed to encourage these activities. You can just about find anything your little heart (and nest) desires. Think about all the little extras that are becoming more commonplace...


- Private Screening Rooms
- Breakfast bars in the master bedroom
- Posh bathrooms fit for a queen and her king
- Craft, sewing, and art rooms or studios
- Sharp outdoor spaces that include glam porches, tropical patio retreats, snazzy deck spaces & artsy gardens
- theme rooms of all sorts
- gourmet indoor and outdoor kitchens, makes even the novice cook look pretty impressive

This short list shows the trend towards investing in making a house a home. And investing in the idea of having a self-indulgent lifestyle. Not self-indulgent in a bad way - but in a way that shows that your needs and wishes, though they may change, can be fulfilled - at any budget.

Be inspired!

Lise

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Style Points: Great Rooms at any Cost

We can all be wowed by a big home with a big price tag, and a lot of expensive furniture and accessories. It's fairly easy to write a check and buy what you want when cost is not a concern. But is it just as easy to find style on a budget? I think so. When working on a budget, check out a few places I always haunt when I'm looking for a bargain...

- Discount fabric stores - I have two near me that sell fabric for 8 bucks a yard or less. I can find fabric in wider sizes, perfect for draperies and upholstery projects. Silk fabrics are usually slightly more expensive, but then I rarely buy a lot of silk fabric for windows as it tends to fade without a liner. I do buy silk for pillows and other areas where I want a small punch of opulence.

- Discount shopping - Ok, this area is a bit tricky, because as with outlet shopping, sometimes a bargain is not really a bargain. (Outlet stores sometimes carry a cheaper line than what is carried at the retail stores at the mall). My favorites are Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Target, and Home Goods. I recently found beautiful ready to hang drapes for under $10 a panel that look like they would cost at least $80 - $100. You may have to be a diligent shopper, but you can definitely find beautiful pieces for your home. I strongly recommend checking Home Goods for inexpensive but beautiful glassware, dinnerware, and pillows.

- Furniture finds - In a previous post I talked about unfinished furniture projects. I still love this option for people watching the bottom line. Not only does this approach allow you to punch up the piece with your own artistic flair (something I strongly encourage), but you are able to match the color of the piece to anything in the room.

- Design Lines - All designers have access to various trade-only lines. A fair amount of trade accounts are for high-end products, but an equal amount are affordable for most people. Especially when you compare what the designer is able to offer to retail prices. Even when furniture is on sale, a designer may be able to save you more money.

While price is certainly a consideration, make sure you don't sacrifice quality by seeking only the cheapest or trendiest products. An interesting room is often built around quality furniture and a great mix of trendy accessories, antiques, cherished heirlooms, meaningful art and keepsakes.

Be Inspired!

Lise
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Style Points: Forget Design Perfection, go for Design Reality!

So I'm talking with a friend the other day, who tells me that she wants to live in a home that looks like it came from the pages of "Pick any upscale Design" magazine. Which immediately sparks the question in my mind... "Do you really?" Because, though the homes in those magazines are really beautiful, most aren't a realistic depiction of how people live. There are no cookie crumbs, or dust bunnies, or sneakers left at the door. Homes in magazines are styled professionally - often to the point of sterility. So why bother to live up to that standard unless you want to hire your very own professional stylist?

Anyway - I say save the styling for special events and parties. But allow your design and lifestyle to be centered around a few artistic lifestyling design basics..

• Good bones - When selecting furniture, choose neutral colors, classic lines, then accessorize by season.
• Add color.
• Make it interesting - Some of the most beautiful and comfortable environments have interesting people living there. So don't hide your personality - live with what you love! Hang and display art, artifacts, photos, plates, mosaics, quilts and other eye catching details that make you smile, and other people inquire.
• Make clean up easy - When friends call to say they're in the area, do you have a place to put the every day clutter away? Quickly?? If not, storage bins, mail trays, and other totes are lifesavers. If you want clutter to really disappear, opt for storage with covers that do double duty (think ottomans, side tables and trunks).

Good home design is not about perfection, it's about reality. There is really no reason to go overboard trying to create a picture perfect, idyllic environment. Maybe this is the goal of all magazine stylists and editors. Similar to the way fashion magazines feature beautiful, airbrushed photos. They want you to see yourself in the picture - but maybe they want to keep their advertisers happy too...

Be creative,


Lise
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Creativity @ home – outdoors™

Are there design workshops for the outdoors too? You bet. You can enjoy the warmer months of the year in a space infused with meaningful, artful style.

This summer, I'm conducting live workshops and teleclasses where we'll discuss your outside living areas, trees and other plantings, private outdoor spaces, hardscapes, meditation areas, trees and what they mean to you, art in the garden, nourishment from your land, soul gardening, kitchen gardens, as well as child and child-like uses for the garden.

Together we'll use drawing, collage, and visualization techniques to produce a lifestyle workbook for the outdoors & creative space portfolio.

Email me for updated teleclass schedules or to book a workshop for your group.

All my workshops are featured here.

Design Themes & How to break away from them..

I've noticed this theme across all interior design publications. But this theme is not blatantly communicated. In any given month I can pick up 5 magazines that are all touting the next new product; the next design trend you should follow. And there are similar topics to be sure...

• color
• comfort
• earth friendliness
• accessibility
• openness
• country vs. Urban
• chicness
• elegance
• modernity
• nostalgia
• freshness

You name it really, there is a trend out there that will fit your viewpoint. And so we effectively skirt around the issue of individualism in design. We rely not on our own history to tell us how to live more comfortably and how to design our spaces, but on the latest design trend or sales circular.

So here's my plea to the journalists out there... We need more information on individualistic lifestyle designs. More examples of how to find courage and break away from the norm to live the way we truly desire, according to our values and our intuitive insights. We want more ideas on how to move away from trendiness towards feelings...

We want to decide how to move in our spaces

and dance

and interact

and feel comfortable

and entertain

and rest

...because really - we should think about how we want to live and exercise our options. Experiment, be inspired, choose and change.

I trust that we have our own answers in the design process. Although professional designers facilitate the birth of your ideas - you are still the artist.

Be inspired!

Lise

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Happy Mother's Day!

I hope you are enjoying your Mother's Day!

We are taking the day to be creative. Download the picture and be sure to color outside the lines!

Lise
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Telling Our Own Stories, Creatively!

My mom was the sort of person that really had fun with life. Among many other things, I learned to paint and draw from her, and I have always marveled at her gift for playing the piano - something I've never come close to mastering. I miss her creative spark. She never had a chance to meet my youngest two children and she missed out on a lot of special (and not so special) times in our lives. But I don't doubt that she would have thoroughly enjoyed most of the time over the last 9 years with her family. And I sometimes wonder what creative talent she would have encouraged my children to pursue. Although I work from my memories now, one way to keep her spirit going is through our family traditions - an oral history. I truly value these traditions passed on to me from my mother's and grandmother's generations.

So I shouldn't be amazed when everything comes full circle right? While I was busy working on my new suite of workshops, I really touched on this idea of a creative living history journal. In addition to inspiring people to live creatively, the workshop will help people capture those thoughts and feelings that aren't conveyed by scrapbooks and photo albums. This is an opportunity to make the time and pass on your ethics, values, your take on the meaning of life to your family - and do it creatively. If you don't write your story, who will?

Here's an excerpt about my new workshop from my website:

Creative Birthrights(tm) is designed to encourage families to slow down and participate in authentic dialogue and powerful creativity about your family history. It is attended by mothers and daughters; fathers and sons; sisters and brothers - any combination will do. In fact, it really doesn't matter if people are connected by lineage or lifelong friendships. I find that whatever the bond, you simply need to have a strong desire to share your life history through creative story-telling and artful activity. This is a transformative workshop. You will not leave unchanged. This fantastic workshop will lead you though several creative exercises where you will produce an heirloom-quality pictorial of your personal & family history which you will want to share with the people you love. You will leave the workshop with a journal full of funny, and poignant illustrations and witty text. But more importantly you will also be inspired to reconnect with the people you love and share ideas for an even richer family legacy.

So today, I encourage you to live creatively and share your knowledge so that when an old person dies, a library won't have to burn down completely.

Be Inspired & Be Well,

Lise

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Are you a workshop leader or creative professional that would benefit from licensing a creative workshop? Want to add another service to your business portfolio but don't have any time or desire to develop something new? My workshops are ideal for those in lifestyle professions. If you are seen as the expert in your field (or want to be seen as one), and you want to infuse fun and activity in into your business all while generating multiple streams of income at a low start up cost, send me an email to get started today!

Style Points: Living Artistically Outdoors

I didn't realize how much I was longing for this beautiful Spring weather. I have spent nearly every weekend outside thinking about ways to encourage artful living in the garden.

When it's raining and I'm kept inside, I pour through magazines and online resources for products. During my shopping trips I've noticed that big-box retailers have started to offer more products designed for outdoor living. Whether it's kitchens, (complete with dishwashers and ice makers) or huge stainless steel grills - there are a lot of products to choose from. However, when I'm outside, I just want to relax and get away. Beyond a grill, I don't want to move my kitchen outdoors. I'm really just particularly fond of the natural settings, with a few special artistic touches to draw the eye further into the garden.

I have seen a couple of ideas for creating paintings using exterior latex paints that will withstand the elements, but I'm really talking about the kind of art that is displayed between the green leaves of my garden. This weekend, if the kids are planning mother's day gifts... What I'd really like are painted rocks for the garden! (Hopefully something with a scary face to keep the deer from eating my Hostas!!)

If I don't get what I'm hoping for Mother's day, I'll be shopping online next weekend. I discovered a nice selection of garden art. Here's a link for you to visit Garden Art & Accessories online. They have uniquely hand sculpted wall hangings, lanterns & garden lighting, stepping stones, masks/faces, bird feeders/baths & houses, whirlygigs, planters & hanging baskets, garden stakes, compasses, garden sculptures and many other accessories for home/ garden/ patio.

Enjoy being creative outdoors!

Lise

Creative Play

  

The Thieving Magpie - Love that Name, Love the Art!

Meet Richard Dunbrack

Richard creates furniture and folk art sculpture. His work brings to life the very idea of living creatively in artistically designed spaces.

Enjoy!


Lise

Free Gift for Y.O.U.

pssss. hey - you... While the blog has my favorite design and art ideas, to really stay abreast of all the new workshops, classes, surprise gifts, and events, please feel free to email me and join the newsletter list.

As a special thank you, I will send you a link immediately to a free gift.

Just send an email to me with Subscribe in the subject line. Email me here.

QT314

ENR
Originally uploaded by Lise Richards.

Natural Home & Garden looking for your green home or garden!

Natural Home & Garden features 10 to 12 houses (about two per issue) each year. They are looking for homes that are built or remodeled using cutting-edge, sustainable building methods and are tastefully decorated using natural, organic products.

If your home is chosen for a feature article, they will send out a professional photographer to make sure your home is beautifully represented.

Please note that you'll need a few things like:

• A description of the home and a comprehensive list of what makes the home green.
• Photos of the home, completely finished and completely furnished.

Click here for submission guidelines.

Can I just say something about customer service?

I forgot to mention, a couple of weeks ago - I'm re-reading Home Companion for like the zillionth or so time. I'm looking of course for a mention of paper covered floors - but that's another story.

Anyway, by the time I get to my desk in the morning, I have actually remembered that I want to do some research on a particular company - Wonderful Graffiti. Turns out they have free color sample kits that designers love. It's like a mini present. So I pick a few colors I'm interested in for a project I'm working on and send in my order. They arrive with a hand-written card.

Thank you to whoever wrote this card! I was so impressed by your customer service and absolutely adorable website with lots of beautiful projects.

You now have a fan for life. Wishing you every success!

Lise

Beautiful Patios

Love these for the patio. These are made by artist Bonnie Pringle.

Wonderful... beautiful...

Found here

~>O<~

~>O<~

Style Points: Eye Candy

Creature comforts - so important in my book.

In my online travels today, I discovered a wonderful website - Magnolia Casual, Inc. I love the fabrics featured here. This company makes it easy for a girl to live with bright graphic details and vibrant colors.

I envision these colors on my back porch or in my family room. I am especially fond of the Iris Garden, and Fine and Dandy patterns. For whatever reason they make me connect back to my childhood summers at my grandparents house. I think of vintage lawn chairs and dappled sunlight through big oak trees.

Magnolia Casual - this line definitely wins my style points for the week!

Be Well & Be Creative,

Lise

High Priced Art

So today, I'm randomly surfing the net, and happen upon a very trendy type of online art gallery. Of course I can't resist clicking through to some of the featured pieces. I spot an abstract that appeals to me. The price... 3200. Now I won't mention the name of the artist or the site, unless you want to ask me privately. I won't because I'm strictly talking about price, and how it relates to your motivation to create art.

The price for this gouache piece is high for most budgets, and frankly - it's not that complicated that you wouldn't be able to produce a wonderful piece yourself, using the same or related media/technique.

I want to stomp my feet and yell loudly that you can do this yourself!!! Ok, again, not to take anything away from the millions of artists out there. I'm proud of you too. I just want others to experiment with art. Remove the fear and confidently claim the title of artist.

I don't particularly care if you start with fingerpainting as a technique. What you produce is not as important as the act of being creative. Then - when you think you're done, honor your piece of artwork by having it framed professionally, and then hang it on the wall.

I've got some upcoming workshops planned for those who want me to take them through the rough spots. Email me for details (or leave feedback below with your email address) - you don't have to be local to my studio... I've got detailed written instructions, more book recommendations, and material lists too.

Go ahead...

Be creative,


Lise

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Trouble choosing color?

I have friends that are so afraid to choose wall colors that they will live with white walls forever. And really, I'm all for taking your time and choosing carefully. But there comes a time when you really need to stand up straight, take a deep breath, and choose a color or two.

Here are some ways to take the fear out of selecting your wall colors:


- Forget pictures

Look for inspiration in real life. Go outside to choose colors from nature. Prefer the color red? Look in your kitchen or at the grocery store. Search for tomatoes, beets, cherries, spices, pomegranates. You name it - just BE CREATIVE! The more samples you collect, the more confidence you gain. The process - well, it's fun - I promise. And the benefit in choosing colors this way is that you won't be at all intimidated by a piece of fruit. Though you might be by some very posh designs depicted in the pages of a magazine.

- Forget perfection

What may happen during this process of selection, is that you purchase a can of paint, put it up on the wall and find out that you hate it. Aside from the cost of the paint and your time, you can always start over. But please live with it for a few days though before you repaint and decide what you don't like about the color, as well as what you do like about it. This will help you tremendously when you decide to fix things. If you don't want to make a commitment of time or money, choose a company that offers small paint samples and paint one or many samples in a large area on your wall, and then decide.

- Forget the rules

Trim does not have to match from room to room. Wall color doesn't either. Please experiment, and make it your own.

Creatively yours,

Lise
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Creating Artistic Style in Your New Office

I moved out. Yes, a few years back I made the leap and moved out of my home office. I needed to lease space for my art gallery and education center. But now, I’m back! And frankly, I don’t relish the idea that one day I may have to move from the cozy confines of my home office and art studio, back out into a leased office space again. But having done it before, if you’re planning to move out of your home office, I still know a few ways to artistically enhance your workspace on a budget.

• Some high tech companies can benefit from the loft look. Think exposed brick, high ceilings, rough-hewn wood or concrete floors and minimal furniture investment! Not only does it give your company a cool image, warehouse space in an up-and-coming area may still be found at a good rate; especially when you do some of the prep work yourself.

• Hang art in your office and lobby. And get in good with local artists in your community. If you offer to hold an after-hours art exhibit featuring emerging artists, it not only puts free art on your walls, it also gives you another way to promote your business!

• Even when you can afford to purchase a nice private art collection for your company, it’s also important to encourage your employees to create a sense of individuality with personal art that appeals to them. Because selecting art can be a bit tricky in cubicle spaces, guidelines or policies created for the company help people keep their art selections appropriate for the workspace.

• In open waiting rooms or wider hallways, you might select a small water fountain to help keep competing noises down.

• For an impressive focal point in a lobby, a small sculpture can bring instant interest. Your choices will range from classic Greek revival sculpture to modern art. I personally love the look of tall metal sculpture in a lobby or just outside the front door of an office building. Working with a designer often allows you access to a wider selection of choices appropriate to your type of business.

• Finally, you can commission murals, or faux finishes to add creative and artistic touches to your workspaces. Remember there is no need to over do it at work, but do consider the feeling you want to express. If you are in a hectic work environment choose art that makes you feel instantly calm in the midst of chaos.

Be Creative,

Lise
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Quality Architecture

Last post, I referred to the New Urbanist trend. Where developers are creating neighborhoods centered on community. I had a chance to visit a new model home recently and took some notes on quality touches. I say, when it makes sense for you to build small, do so - but be thoughtful and build well.

There are some builders that give you space, but no detail. Less expensive materials are economical in the short-term, but as replacement or upgrade becomes necessary, watch out for your budget.

When calculating cost based on square footage, our primary focus is on the size of the home, not necessarily on what's in the home when you're done. So in some cases, I advise you to scale back on the size of the home and add better materials, for example, tile or hardwood instead of laminate floors. This way you can really focus on artistic touches after you move in.

In the end, even if you don't splurge on quality materials for your new home, you can add touches that fit your lifestyle.

Be creative!

Lise
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New Urbanism vs. McMansions - Are we at odds here?

Let's talk about the upcoming trend to stop building larger homes in favor of New Urbanism. New Urbanism promotes building complete communities that contain housing, offices, boutiques and shops, entertainment outlets, education centers, playgrounds, and other facilities that are essential to residents. Some of these new neighborhoods are built on the footprint of older historic urban centers. These neighborhoods are smart, well designed and encourage neighborly interaction. I love the idea that we are looking back to the past for great ideas and using them with a modern twist. The modern twist in this case is when new urbanist plans are combined with "green living" ideas. Green Living is essentially housing that promotes wellness, better use of land resources, sustainable building resources, and overall energy savings.




New Urbanism and Green Building seems like a direct contrast to the recent "McMansions" building frenzy (homes over 4000 square feet). But I think a viable, livable community can use a dose of all of these ideas. They are not mutually exclusive.

The key, in my opinion, is to consider options that maximize what you have to work with. Living in a large home doesn't automatically mean that you are somehow against the environment or that you detest the idea of green living, wellness or new urbanism, as some would suggest.

Your quality of life increases exponentially when you refuse to limit your potential in how you build, furnish, and design your home. Of course making these types of changes requires your thoughtful presence. It requires that you look beyond mass retailers into new ideas and new providers. This can be scary, and a little unusual to navigate. But you can do it. Consider it a learning experience.

My goal is to infuse your living space with your personality and consider all the new options available to you as you create your "artistic lifestyle."

Consider all your possibilities!

Creatively yours,


Lise

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Garden Spaces

So in my last post about garden designs for kids. I talked about the plans for the children's garden.

Here's what we've done so far...

- We were pretty eager about getting started, so everyone joined in and planted seeds indoors for the outside garden
- We've got squash growing pretty rapidly, along with lots of tomato plants and a few peppers. My son is quite proud.
- We've also taken a few photos and we're pretty excited that it will be in the 80's nearly every day this week. Lots of sun, lots o' flowers hopefully.




Here's the gems I have on working with children:

- Give them a say so about what goes in the garden;
- Limit the time outside so it's not overwhelming;
- Get good sunscreen!
- Let go of all the rules for what's right and let them explore. Mistakes are ok, even if it means they've stepped on a few plants along the way;
- Every garden trip is a learning experience in some small way;
- Watering the garden is a good task for children, especially 5-year olds that have boundaries (mom has control of the water source!);
- While you're being patient and watching the garden grow, be creative in other areas of your home;
- Love being around your family.

Creatively yours,

Lise
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