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For all you collectors out there, I just broke my grandmother’s blue and white Spode dish, one of the very few things I had left of hers. Having had a wonderful relationship with my grandmother, surprisingly I was upset for only a few seconds. The shattered pieces were left on the kitchen counter until my husband got home so he could assist me with the proper burial. I was fortunate to be at my grandmother’s side when she died peacefully […]
There are plenty of upscale shopping centers all filled with the finest in home décor from all over the world. But I’m a bargain hunter, so today I’m heading to the Flea Market. With over 3,000 stalls, this market has anything you can imagine. The thrill of the search builds as I pass by the tacky trinkets, books, coins, jewelry, statues, silks, porcelains, musical instruments and enter the Tibetan and other ethnic stalls. Next, I run across trunks, artwork, bronze […]
Most everyone wants a bedroom that reminds them of a luxury hotel suite. So when I had the opportunity to tour this hotel I couldn’t wait to see what it had to offer. Built to use 40% less energy and 30% less water than a comparable hotel, the AAA Four Diamond, locally-owned Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina offers a glimpse of the future while celebrating the past. Sustainable practices, custom-designed furnishings, locally commissioned art and innovative design await the […]
Energy saving fluorescent light bulbs present a few challenges for home use. While larger fluorescent lamps have been used in commercial or institutional buildings for some time, the compact fluorescent lamp is now available in the same popular sizes as incandescent and is used as an energy-saving alternative in homes. Here are a few things to know when using them: Aesthetic Challenges: -The color of the light is the biggest challenge when doing interior design. Colored objects are perceived differently […]
What do you need to live a life of passion and purpose? Could your home be the key to success? Think about the homes you’ve lived in and the feelings they’ve evoked. What stands out about each one? Having lived under many roofs around the world, I have a unique perspective. I’ve been able to abide quite happily in many different dwellings. The one thing that stands out about all the places I’ve called home whether temporary or permanent is […]
I had a great opportunity recently to learn first-hand how furniture is constructed. It’s pretty hard to feel cool wearing safety glasses and ear protection, but it was a great way to get out of the summer heat! This lean and green furniture manufacturing plant located in Hickory, NC offers a broad selection that ranges from 18th-century mahogany reproductions to fashion-forward designer collections. The Frederica Bench shown here is part of Suzanne Kesler’s line that is based on antiques she […]
When you’re ready to relax, the lighting in your home should reflect the calm atmosphere of a fine dining establishment versus the frenetic energy of a fast food restaurant. Recently my daughter commented about my living room and its many lights: seven lamps and two lighted pieces of artwork. She thought this was pretty excessive. In defense, I explained how my varied, well-placed lights create the tranquil feeling I want. Here are a few ways you can achieve a relaxing […]
Two emerging color trends offer exciting possibilities for your home. Creating a look with either will make a bold statement. One trend is the use of vibrant colors to make a big splash and add cheer. The other trend is defining the new chic by using muted tones. Here are a few photos I snapped at the Spring 2010 High Point Furniture Market to illustrate: Can you combine these two opposite looks in the same home? Yes, definitely! My daughter […]
Do you struggle with every single decorating decision? Are your design dilemmas taking over your life? Decorating can be difficult and even scary. I’ve seen people stress for weeks, even months, over a decision about fabric for a chair. Some people just can’t visualize their desired outcome and become consumed by indecision. What are you to do? First, put decorating into perspective. For most of us, there are more important questions to worry about than choosing a wall color or […]
Though he’s most widely known for his work with TV clients on Queer Eye, Dress My Nest, and Oprah, Thom Filicia is also an ambitious businessman with some exciting new ventures. This gentle giant of the industry exemplifies classic simplicity with an unexpected modern flair. Mixes of refined details with raw edges, industrial and organic objects create a perfect balance of palettes, textures, and patterns. Here we are chatting about our favorite childhood pastimes of water and snow skiing. Memories […]
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN DÉCOR
