April 29 2012

Welcome back!

For those of you who cherished the much loved decorating magazine, Domino, you'll want to pick up the recently released 128-page glossy Domino "Quick Fixes".  If features some of Domino's most popular tips and beautiful interiors.  Available through July 16.  Keep your eye out for the fall/winter edition coming available September 2012.  Happy decorating!

February 29 2012

Dreamy Gulf of Mexico Home

COCOCOZY posted these gorgeous photos of where I would like to be for spring break 2012!!  I can imagine waking up to beautiful ocean views, making an amazing breakfast in this pretty, pretty kitchen.  Wanna join me!

August 06 2011

Fresh, Crisp & Clean

The dreary days of winter are approaching.  One easy way to brighten your surroundings is to put a fresh coat of paint on your walls.  I tend to stick with bright, crisp, clean colors that remind of...beach resorts!  Here are the latest shades that help make my home feel light and airy all year long.  Fog by Porter Paint is my favorite "light gray" (thanks A.J. and her decorator for sharing this color with me).  It looks beautiful in every room!  White walls are not for everyone, particularly those with little ones, but there is nothing more beautiful than a super "clean" white wall.  My kitchen, powder room and new master bath are Super White by Benjamin Moore.  I use Super White on all trim and doors.  Last but not least, I searched for the perfect cream for my master bedroom.  Maritime White by Benjamin Moore is soft and soothing.  Love it!  

Note: Decorator's White by Benjamin is another popular white. It has a hint of gray if you don't like the Super "bright" White.  

Tip: Magic Erasers are a must-have for all walls, especially WHITE WALLS!

Rule of thumb: Matte or Satin on walls and semi-gloss or gloss on trim and doors.

Secret: I have Home Depot color match my swatches so I can afford to freshen up as often as needed.  

June 02 2011

Old Door, New Table, etc…

Okay, so I know people have been repurposing old doors for years and I have finally jumped on the bandwagon!  I just recently changed out all of the 1950's doors in my house and just so happened to be in need of a new outdoor dining table.  I love it!  What I love most is that it was FREE (in a relative sense) and because it was free, I am FREE to paint it any color I want as often as I would like.  You never know, it might be red, white and blue for the 4th of July!  But for now, I am enjoying my pristine hi-gloss white "vintage door" table.  

How to make your own table, headboard, wall art, or desk.  Be creative with your choice of legs.  Great resources: Ikea, Home Depot, restaurant supply warehouse...

April 19 2011

Govino

While dining in a little cafe in Santa Monica last weekend, I fell in love with these light weight, polymer, ergonomic glasses.  Much to my delight, when I asked where I could get them, the server responded, "we sell them here!"  My kind of place!  I bought several sets of Govino "go anywhere wine glass" for friends and myself.  The timing is perfect for alfresco dining and poolside cocktails.  They are intended for wine but mine was used for fresh squeezed juice and I'm sure they'll find their way into the hands of my little ones (and no worries since they're shatterproof!)

Other features:

-made from a proprietary, food-safe/pharmaceutical grade polymer "aka" PETG

-reflects a wine's color and projects it's aromatics much like crystal

-BPA-free

-reusable

-recyclable

-designed to swirl

March 15 2011

Art Form

Introducing the New Age light bulb by European company, Plumen.  It's the first "designer" bulb that you just might want to show off.  It uses up to 80% less energy and lasts up to 8 times longer than the standard incandescent...eco-friendly and stylish.  Available late April in the U.S.

It radiates a warm (non-blinding) white light.  What do you think? Will you be one of the first to lose the shade?  

February 27 2011

More than just a place mat

One of everything, please!

Chilewich woven vinyl flooring and accessories are made of a durable signature textile bonded with a flexible commercial-grade backing. They are perfect for high-traffic areas that require a clean, sophisticated look.  Take a look at their sleek woven floor mats (bamboo, my favorite), their roller shades are exclusively designed by The Shade Store, they even have a line of iphone cases and pet mats.  I love them all.  Made in USA.