Maison21

"Borrowed" (LOL) from the blog post by cmay @ Maison21.com


Hi Girlfriends,

I love what two California male decorators from Maison21 have done to this Entrance treatment for many reasons: It's simple, but yet, a "hint" busy........... a punch of bright color and "movement" in the background*, subdued by the graceful reminder of a deer with just the right POP of zebra fabric.

*To learn how the wall treatment was custom made, a visit to their blog tells all.

Enjoy winter by thinking of what you can do for your Entrance-!!




Oh..............did everyone receive their last issue of "domino" ? I did and I couldn't have been more disappointed.....they sent me February again-!! RATS. I have all their issues beginning with the very first issue and was hoping to put their last one, along with all my others, in wall frames for a special wall in my office. I am looking at my local stores and have yet to find the March issue.

Talk again,

Denise
discountdesignerfabricsonline.com

Kravet Bedding

Hi Girlfriends,

I love Valentine's Day when it comes and goes...........with all the reds, hearts, roses, and chocolate available to the eye from magazines to blogs, to stores. It stimulates me to want to begin fresh AFTERWARDS with new inspirations of fresh paint and fabrics for clients or myself-!! " Color is the key" to the cutting-edge that compliments the decor trends and taste of today.

If you have lingering doubts as to whether this is the right time to remodel, decorate or wait, the timing is now. Despite the prevailing pessimism, you are inspired from the many magazines you are leafing through over this long winter.

It is time...........one good place to begin is your master bedroom. Change the wall coloring? New bedding? New window treatments?


Kravet Headboard and Fabrics:
Product Id's:
Madrigal bed: 37Q/N02
Headboard Fabric: Tranquil in Mineral - #27962 - 635
Pillows:
Top pillow:
Top-Calm Place in Mineral-#27757-615
Bottom: Clarity in Aqua-#27831-35
Trim: Petite Piping in Spa-#T30305-135
Middle pillow:
Top: Rhythm in Blue Stone-#27773-635

HERE IS A GREAT OFFER FROM KRAVET:

FREE FABRIC

Use any fabric from the Kravet Basics Textures - Performance Colors four book set and apply it to a piece of Kravet upholstery and you will only be charged for the price of the frame.

FABRICS FROM THIS COLLECTION ARE FREE WHEN APPLED TO KRAVET UPUPHOLSTERED FURNITURE.

*FREE FABRIC PROMOTION only applies to fabrics included in the collection - 5748 Domno, 5749 Surf, 5750 Pompeii, 5751 Acorn.

*All fabrics in this collection are at a Grade 3 (Grade 3 is the frame-only price)

*Any manufacturing upgrades will be charged accordingly.

If you are "Optimistic" about the value of this fabulous offer, post your comment below. If you are remotely interested, become a client.

Talk again,
Denise
discountdesignerfabricsonline.com

Happy Valentine's Day-!!

Hi Girlfriends,

If you are a looking for both a romantic and economic centerpiece this Valentine's Day, look no further........."this classic romantic, Valentine's Day can not be complete without candlelight and roses. You can combine the two in a glowing centerpiece that will warm any heart".

How to look:
Place a tealight, along with a holder, in the center of any type of a larger container. Raise it up so that the top of the holder sits highter than the rim of the larger container. Fill the empty space in the box with rose petals. Petals can be purchased at florists or paper ones at a party store. Simple, simple.........elegant.



Can't forget the sweetest of littlest hearts in your life.................I love this charming little girl's pink sleeping area. The corner twin bed and still have a canopy by attaching any type of straight rod to the middle of the wall and draping soft pink floral fabric from Osborne & Little. Add futher color acccents such as a rug and a Laura Ashley chandelier. Sweet, sweet..........sweet dreams.



WHY DO WE CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY?

Did you know that Valentine's Day actually began with a prison ministry?

In the year A.D. 320, the early church set aside February 14th to remember the heroic death of one man named Valentine, who was beheaded on a pagan altar because he refused to renounce JESUS CHRIST!

According to historic traditions, Valentine was born into a wealthy Roman family, and converted to CHRISTIANITY as a young man, sometime around the year A.D. 240.

It was an era when the church was being severely persecuted by the degenerate Roman emperor, Claudius II. Thousands of Christians were imprisoned in the dark, tomb-like jails of Rome.

Wealthy Romans of the time considered it "entertainment" to visit the prisons and watch as Christians were tortured and put to death.

Valentine took advantage of his family connections to visit the prisons, too....BUT he made it his mission to smuggle in small gifts of food to those facing martyrdom, always accompanied by a short note expressing love and encouragement. Valentine, a devout and strong' hearted Christian, was eventually arrested himself and was martyred in Rome about A.D. 270.

Though the roots of this holiday are largely forgotten, St. Valentine's ministry of love and caring is still commemorated today, more then 1.700 years later.

On Valentine's Day, share this important history with your children...and enjoy a little "ministering" together by delivering Valentine's Day treats to a local nursing home or hospital. Children are never to young to show love and generosity.

Happy Valentine's Day and Talk again,
Denise
discountdesignerfabricsonline.com

photos from housetohome.co.uk

Custom Bedding Measurements

Hi Girlfriends,

Here is an email I sent to an "Online client" regarding how she go about measuring for her custom bedding.




Talk again,
Denise

OBAMA: January 20, 2009

HI GIRLFRIENDS, WHAT A DAY it was yesterday.........

We Have a Dream:

I came across this clever, clever graffiti, WE HAVE A DREAM, from The Paris Apartment blog today and just wanted to spread the art. Sorry, girlfriends, but, no information was given, but, someone did a great job in capturing the body language of our 44th President. It would be interesting if the artist continues to "study" President Obama on walls, as the weight of the job begins to shift his body language.

God Bless our President Obama, our new First Lady and their children.

Talk again,

Denise

domino magazine for online shopping

Hi Girlfriends,

"A MUST-!!"is the Febuary issue of "domino" magazine. We still have their first issue and it just keeps on getting better and better. We believe it has to do with their working energy together..........for this is the "voice" we hear from their combination of editors and writers...........individually......young, creative and talented. AND, collectively, they know how to put out a fabulous monthly magazine.

A hint of what we are saying on page 25:


Can be purchased on Amazon.com for $40.95. There are two collectible copies left beginning at $360.00.

Wonder revues from Glamorous, The New York Times Book Review, Daniel Okrent, Fortune,The New Yorker and O, The Oprah Magazine.

And then................WHAT AMAZON HAS TO SAY:
"Few books published survey the fascinating moments of the 20th century the way VANITY FAIR PORTRAITS: A CENTURY OF ICONIC IMAGES does. This hefty, handsome volume contains the photographic works of some of the world's most important photographers whose images have graced the pages to Vanity Fair in the two periods of its publication - the beginning and the ending of the 20th century. This is a photographic collection that gives generous full page (and at time double page ) spreads of brilliant photographs by artists who gained permission to enter the lives of movie starts, artists, writers, government personalities, royalty, stage personas, the wealthy and the significant poor - they are all here in both lush color and black and white reproductions.

Not only is it fascinating to leaf through the 300 odd photographs of this book, but it is also rewarding to read the several introductory notes and essays by Graydon Carter, David Friend, and Christopher Hitchens - each of whom lends appreciation for not only the publication that influenced art and fashion and politics and world affairs, but also gave readers a tasteful and solidly informative way to view the world as the characters displayed here influenced our times. This is a collection of art and history married in a way that allows the reader time and contrasts to re-live the past and appreciate the developments that graced the years from 1900 to 2000. Well worth the price!"

Going backwards, domino "scounting", pg. 23-24, features 3 online shopping pioneers. This article lets your fingers do the walking for you.............."Consider them retail curators. Their innovative sites combine boutique--worthy taste filters with the come-one, come-all access of the Internet. By putting the best of the best at our fingertips, they're revolutionizing how we buy and collect." So true-!! From high-end antiques to retail wall coverings to affordable art to finding the best priced fabrics, shopping cannot be easier for decorating your home.

Just for fun, do a "just looking" by going to 1stdibs.com, walnutwallpaper.com, 20x200.com and, let us add, discountdesignerfabricsonline.com and browse. Then, when the time comes, return and begin shopping. Many outstanding designers use 1stdibs, like Interior Designers Eric Cohler (September 2008 we posted this information), Michael Smith and Nate Berkus all the time. For the rest of us, great prices are there......and, if you don't think so, just ask.

After reading and reading "domino" another winter read is Phillippa Gregory, "The Other Queen"...........will Gregory ever run out of queens? We think not.


Talk again,
Denise and Gwen

THE SKINNY ON GRAY

Hi Girlfriends,

In this economy of "downsizing" (i.e. closing) businesses, it feels so good, to be encouraged, by those who are creative enough to re-think how to keep their doors open. Please take the time to read my latest email from this wonderful little "gem" in my hometown of Winnetka, Illinois, The Gray Boutique.

I loved their The Gray Boutique's 2008 July 4th window so much I took pictures of it on this day.

THE SKINNY ON GRAY
Okay, the rumors are flying so here's the 411:
 
 We started as a great little neighborhood boutique (8 years ago) that had unique items and lines that no one else had.  We were a welcomed change in an historically preppy burb.  Gray was the hot spot... AND THEN IT HAPPENED - my little mind started thinking BIG - BIG mistake!  AND THEN IT REALLY HAPPENED - the fall of the great little neighborhood boutique.  Everyone was clamoring for the same designers  - Tory, Nanette, Trina, Kate, Diane, Michael, Milly, Tibi so every store started to look the same and every shopper started to look the same and OH YUCK how BORING. And then, if things couldn't get worse, THE ECONOMY CRASHES and everyone starts freaking out.
 
DON'T FREAK OUT!  Gray is staying open in Winnetka and better yet - we're going back to being a small little neighborhood boutique that has unique items and superior service.  We're not going to carry department store lines so if you want them - head out to the MALL for some mass shopping and an Aunt Annie's!
   And So It Goes...
January
MAJOR clearance in both stores - watch for e-mails with details
Old Town Boutique closes on January 17th -
(the lease expires in March - we just couldn't renew now)
Gray Winnetka gets a spruce up and stocked for Spring 
  February
The great little neighborhood boutique is back-
come in for unique items and gifts to celebrate
 
  thanks for your support
Laura Schoch




Hmmmmmmmm, I think I should see if The Gray Boutique is interested in stocking the wonderful red Ballywood ribbon hobo bag I have on my "Must Have" list I fell in love with on Couture Carrie blog today. Of course, I must give special credit to All Things Bright and Beautiful who alerted me to this blog.


Talk again,
Denise and Gwen

Info on:
The Gray Boutique
Winnetka, Illinois
grayboutique@comcast.net

LUCINDA SYMONS

LUCINDA SYMONS

After the fuss of Christmas decorating has been stored away for another year, Symons photo is not only welcoming but captures a sleeplike state without response to stimuli....so calming. We are still debating if it is the color on the walls or the painting on the mantle or just the "sound" of a crackling fire that makes this picture so utterly hypnotic.


The bed is the 'heart of the room' and the two different comfort designs in solid colors proves the point even more-!!


Take a busy wallpaper pattern and combine it with a wild fern fabric on a contemporary sofa and throw in a hint of purple and it's a success for many years to come..............we love it-!!


Wouldn't you just love to curl up under these blankets this January with the sensational international best-selling mystery, "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson in this stunning and simple combo of turquoise and a hint of red?


Hi Girlfriends,

Here is one resolution we hope to keep in 2009.....................expose as many new creative bloggers for their timeless energy in their sharing of gifted artists. Today, we discovered Lucinda Symons, UK photographer, from the blog site, House of Turquoise via another blog, Creative Flair Chic.

Lucinda Symons clients include: Osborne and Little, Laura Ashley, Country Homes and Interiors, Good Housekeeping, The English Home, S Magazine, Delicious, Health and Fitness and so many more............

Talk again,
Denise and Gwen

Happy New Year 2009-!!

Vintage Scarf Chair

Hi Girlfriends,

Thanksgiving is behind us........but not the leftovers. The flavors just seem to get better and better too.

I was given the Chicago issue of LUXE Magazine, Vol 2 Issue 4 from our Kravet showroom and it shows the following chair done in vintage designer scarves. This chair can be seen at Susan Fellman Showroom, Los Angeles. Very unique concept.

Here is what Luxe has to say about Susan Fellman:

"For as long as she can remember, Los Angeles - based designer Susan Fellman has been collecting vintage desginer scarves. Evolving form a signature accessory to the creation of pllows, the idea has since taken on a life of its own, most recently in the form of her Reserved Seating collection. Each one-of-a-kind chair is engineered to fit three scarves -- which come form such labels as YSL, Channel and Hermes -- and is fitted with tapered Lucite legs."



Susan Fellman says: "In coordinating the scarves, I am playing with patterns, colors, and eras. Putting three scarves together--that's the magic."

It is understandable why Susan's Los Angeles showroom has become a style destination-!!

Talk again,
Denise & Gwen

Kravet Fabrics Blog w/ Barbara Berry

Hi Girlfriends.

Kravet fabrics has a blog, INSPIRED.TALK, by Steve Noble. He is very knowledgeable and I read him all the time. Right now he is featuring our all time creative fabric girl, Barbara Berry. Not only is she creative with her furniture, accessories and fabrics, but she is tall, thin and BEAUTIFUL...........sigh-!

The following is Steve Noble and his interview with Barbara Berry.



INSPIRED.Barbara Barry

Barbara Barry is enchanting. During our recent conversation about all matters design, marketing and philosophy, I was admittedly “Barbara-ized.” Her spell is effortlessly charming – you will understand why, as you read on...

SN: How do you describe the essence of your brand?
BB: The essence of my brand is truly American…free to synthesize all I have learned and to bring that to a way of living with ease and grace. I design around the rituals of daily life – the physical, emotional and sensual – and strive to awaken in my clients the appreciation of these acts which, when supported with good design, can be transformative. My clients then experience the world in a different way and come back for more.

SN: Who is your typical client?
BB: My clients have intense full lives and they want their homes to support and nurture them; even if they are in them for a night or two. They are global. They generally have more than one residence and each residence is designed to serve them in this way wherever they are. They are accustomed to a certain level of comfort and luxury, which is revealed as much in the small details as the large. We provide an intimate service to our clients; one that touches every part of their lives and once they experience this, they want it throughout their lives.

SN: How did you build your brand?
BB: One step at a time… and loving each step. I put all I have into each step. I believe you either are a brand or you are not. It is in everything you do.

SN: What did you do to establish the reputation of your brand and keep it?
BB: 1. Care. Taking care of all relationships; with clients and with companies.
2. Standards. Working from a strong ethical stance.
3. Giving. 110%, whatever the budget.

SN: What business practices support the success of your brand?
BB: Always telling the truth. My opinion as a designer is the most valuable virtue that I have, and I strive to know it and own it. Believing in the essence of my brand – my philosophy – gives authenticity to my voice.

SN: How do you balance professional life with personal life?
BB: I strive to think right and by that I mean always coming from a place of gratitude. No complaining is allowed. I try to see obstacles as opportunities. I take time away. I rest. I eat right. I try to be in nature as nature renews me.

SN: What do you see as you look ahead to '09?
BB: I look forward to going deeper in the relationships that I have built. I am fortunate to have been asked to do a new collection with almost every licensee I have, even the longest standing ones, which, for me, is a great definition of success. So, for me now, it is all about how I do what I do (with care, standards and giving). I would love to author a book to share with others my journey. And there is nothing better than the philosophy of your life to guide your work and therefore your future. Thank you so much for thinking of me for this interview.

We thank Kravet Fabrics, Steve Noble and Barbara Berry for giving us the opportunity to read about their fabrics, and having such notable and gifted guests...........which we will share with you all from time to time.

TALK AGAIN,
DENISE & GWEN

Bay Window Treatments

Hi Girlfriends,
As we are now into November, it is time to begin thinking about what we want to do for window treatments after the Holidays. When doing Bay Window treatments, the secret to success is to look at the window as a whole, and not as a series of seperate windows.





The Curtain Book, A Sourcebook for Distinctive Curtains, Drapes and Shades for Your Home.
Caroline Clifton-Mogg and Melanie Faine
Photography by Fritz von er Schulenburg

This formal treatment works very well for this Bay Window with the apartment grand piano. We love the idea of the caned loveseat in place of a piano bench-!! The swags and tails of this Bay Window composition hang directly from the ceiling moldings. The symmetrical double tails in the center are toped with rosettes, while the longer and broader outer tails have rosettes on the corners. The draperies themselves are each caught by a simple rope secured behind the tails. The mushroom lning and darkers brown trim work well with the cream.



Denise: If the wooden frames are narrow, it might be appropriate to use just a single pair of draperies, one at each side.

Gwen: HOWEVER, a large window with wide, heavy looking wooden bverticals at each division would look better hung with intermediate draperies that would serve to cover the unseemly expanse of wood and corrrect the overall proportions.

Talk again,
Denise and Gwen

Candice Olson On INTIMATE GATHERINGS

Hi Girlfriends, "One of North America's most well-known interior designers, Candice Olson, studied interior design at Ryerson University in Toronto. She worked with some of Canada's top interior design firms before opening her own residential and commercial design practice, Candice Olson Design, 1994. In the Fall 2002, she made her television debut with Divine Design, which is now one of the top-rated shows on cable television."

Imagine the "Before" picture being your own home.......as you can see, sparse furnishings make this large combination Living Room and Dining Room unwelcoming.


Candice Olson: "THIS ROOM SHOULD HAVE BEEN PARTY CENTRAL....with generous space for conversation and dining, it easily could accommodate a large crowd. But the sparse furnishings and bland color scheme made it feel cavernous and stark. The goal here is to make this space live up to its potential, to be both grand and intimate.....and personal."

Candice Olson: "To establish intimacy, I started with the shell of the room: Out went the broadloom carpeting, and in its place we installed dark, prefinished hardwood flooring. To shrink the room visually, I chose a metallic-blue striated finish for the walls. Dark floors and dark walls accented by crisp white woodwork successfully evoke a formal look that also feels warm and inviting"

Gwen: I love the color scheme and it introduces a rich mix of chocolate brown, blue, bronze and teal.

Denise: The new fabrics play up the scheme very nicely too-!! From the luxurious bronze draperies at the windows to the two blue upholstered French dining chair with that deep bronze glaze on the wood frames is very refreshing.

Gwen: And, these fabrics repeat themselves on throw pillows in the living room. Plus, the dark oval cocktail table with a stylish pendant fixture hung low over the table draws the eye to the center of the conversational grouping too.




Finished product-!!


Talk again,
Denise and Gwen

BOOK: Candice Olson on design
Photographs by Brandon Barre

Updating on Confessions of A CF Husband

Hi Girlfriends, 

Today is not about fabrics or decor, it is about Nate, Tricia and Baby Gwyneth Rose.

From time to time, we have been following one courageous blog and have shared the blogger's incredible brave 'happenings' with you. 

"Confessions of a CF Husband," instantly, draws you into the captivating true life story about a devoted 27 year old husband, Nate, to a beautiful, but, sick, wife, Tricia.  Tricia has serious CF (Cystic Fibrosis).  They live at Nags Head, NC. when Tricia is not at Duke Medical Hospital.  During all what they have been through, and waiting for a new set of lungs for Tricia, a miracle began to grow within the two of them.  A baby.  Tricia disregarded all the doctors concerns and had a premie over the winter. A beautiful baby girl, Gwyneth Rose.  Next came the much awaited "borrowed" lungs for Tricia. Finally, Nate brought his wife and newborn back to Nags Head.  This was after months of calling Duke Medical Hospital and a hotel room, HOME.

At some point life took on a "normal" life for the three, until Tricia began to not eat and knew she had an infection somewhere in her body.  Tricia has lymphoma.  As Tricia struggles with chemo, ventilators and all the trappings that go with her condition, she needs our prayers too.

The following is taken from Nate's blog and we am sharing it with you:

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Latest

Tricia's PET Scan (Monday morning) shows that the chemo has done very little to affect her PTLD, and, in fact, some of the spots in her lungs have grown, and the lymphoma has possibly spread to a lymph node in her chest (outside of her lungs). They are stopping the current R-CHOP treatment, since it is obviously not doing her any good, and performed another biopsy on Tuesday morning.

That is literally all we know at this point. We arrived home late last night. We should hear back from Duke later this week about what the biopsy shows and what they recommend next.

We are very discouraged as we very distinctly recall the cancer doc telling us a few months ago, "If this treatment doesn't work, Tricia is in serious trouble..."

Nate

Nate, Tricia and Gwyneth Rose 

Know that we are thinking of you and send our prayers and love.

Talk again,

Denise and Gwen

Round Tablecloths

Hi Girlfriend,

NO home is ever finally, completely, finished.  The building may be done and the furniture bought, the color schemes set and the draperies hung, but all this is actually background.  The things you search for, discover and collect as long as you live give a home it's heart and its feeling.

What better way to display the pleasures you find in the objects you care for then to display them on a skirted round table. 

Denise: If you want a rich look to your room, remember to add interlining, then a lining.

Gwen:  Keeping this in mind, remember that their is a lot of waste to the fabric upon cutting, but so worth the completed look.

Denise: For a 54" fabric width most round tables will run you 5 to 6 yards.

Gwen: Yes, and if you want a 4" ruffle add extra yardage anywhere from 2 to 3 1/2 yards.

Denise:  Breakdown for  this 4" ruffle added extra yardage:

               Fabric width over 0" to 52" dia. is 2yds

                                               52" to 75" dia. is 2 1/2yds

                                               75" to 90" dia. is 3yds

                                               90" to 105" dia. is 3 1/2yds

Gwen: Now, for corded bottom, it less, but do add: 

               Fabric width over 0" to 52" dia. is 1yd

                                               52" to 90" dia. is 1 1/2yds

                                               90" to 105" dia. is 2yds

                     

      Summer Hill Ltd.

"...soft, rich, and luxurious to the touch." 

Colefax and Fowler

The Best In English Interior Decoration

Chester Jones

pg. 108

A striped round skirted tablecloth w/ square table topper.

A design I repeated have used for many of my clients 

A gathered tablecloth with a glass top makes for an inviting cleaning experience.

After all those legs showing in this room, the round silk tablecloth is pleasing to the eye.

With the right entrance, this quilted material and it's accent of trimming compliments the accented square table topper.

The richness in the interlining and lining is embellished with bottom fringe work so nicely together.

Talk again,

Denise and Gwen

Are living rooms slowly dying?

Hi Girlfriends,

Have you noticed more and more Interior Design books and upscale magazines are showing mostly dining rooms, family rooms, kitchens and bedrooms, but, not living rooms?  Do we need to begin writing an obituary for American living rooms?  O we hope not.  

Living Rooms can be adjusted to any lifestyle, but, they must not be written off in the future. A woman wearing a jeans paired with a white silk blouse are just as welcomed as one standing next to her wearing a Prada dress and pointy shoes.  Both chatting together by a welcome fire sipping a wine.  Living rooms hold heirlooms of our past......from casegoods, to a fine French loveseat, to decorative lamps, a wonderful accent chair, antique rugs to fine oil paintings..and so much more.  Let's not write off Living Rooms yet.  We seem to recall it was dining rooms about 25 years ago, so we believe designers like Cote De Texas, will still have her job of being a fabulous French designer for all concerns.........right down to Gwen and I who love to do homes in our area too.

Take a look at three living rooms that are all from "SPECTACULAR HOMES of Chicago."  This book is "an exclusive showcase of Chicago's finest designers" from a melding of people, culture and design.

Gwen:  From traditional decor, to clean lines of contemporary design, or a mixture of styles, these designers are dedicated to designing spaces that echo their clients and taste.

Denise: True, true, true.  We who live here know that there is a profusion of creativity and this book shows the "beautiful work of the designers" and through breathtaking photography.

Marsha Jones, Marsha Jones Interior Design LTD

Photograph by Jesse Walker

Two matching settees covered in taupe silk with wood accents invite conversation , while bamboo iron mirrors flank the fireplace to add light and depth to the room.

Molly McGinness, Molly McGinnes Interior Design

Photograph by Casey Sills

Molly McGinness infused this room's sunlight, with rich colors, and  custom draperies to accentuate the casually elegant living room's architecture.  The window seat, adorned with luxurious pillows, serves as a focal point while the "beautiful Oriental rug unites the space."

Lastly, 

I gush

 every time I see this designer's work.  

Tracy Hickman. 

Her layering techniques and exquisite application of texture 

reflects her ability

 to meet

 the unique needs of 

her clients.

Tracy Hickman, Hickman Design Associates, LTD

Photograph by Nathan Kirkman

"An antique Aubusson rug was the springboard for this living room.  The buttercream paneled walls highlight the massive chinoisserie secretary.  Silk striped goblet pleated draperies frame views to a parterre garden beyond."

Guess we can all agree..............living rooms aren't dead after all..........they are just going through an adjustment phase.

Talk again,

Denise & Gwen

Sarah Palin & Her Alaskan Office Decor

How refreshing-!!

Decor etc. predicts.......Sarah Palin is going turn Washington into a bunch of animals.

We love the giant crab.  

Talk again,

Denise & Gwen 

Bedding for Little Girls

Neiman Marcus

HI GIRLFRIENDS,

Isn't this a "sweet sophistication" for a bedding ensemble? It's all mixed with white, pink and chocolate.  We love it all-!!  What pops the eye is the soft pink Duvet Cover.........but oooooh those chocolate dots for sheets and pillow cases are the finishing touch to any little girl wanting to go to bed. Did anyone notice the astonishing chandelier?

Gwen:  I love the fact the headboard matches the Duvet Cover.

Denise:  I think adding wainscoting is a great concept to plain walls too.

Gwen:  Except for the sheets and pillow cases, anyone can have custom made Duvet Cover, Dust              Skirt, and Shams from their own choice of fabrics.

Denise:  Hmmmmmmmm, and, of courses, we can do that for anyone who visits our website.

TALK AGAIN,

Denise and Gwen

Think Shades for Window Treatments

Hi Girlfriends,

Before introducing you to the rest of the window treatments of shades, WE love this treatment and we can't wait to suggest this to a client this week.  As we all know, "Less is best" and this treatment truly proves it.  Both in looks and budget.  If you study the treatment, look in the mirror to see how graceful the folds fall.  Isn't it amazing how light helps neutrals speak in clear tones too?

Elegant Homes Fall/Winter 2008

Jann Jaffe, Interior Designer

Light.    It can reflect your mood......................or change it.

Whether your new home or current home is a blank canvas or reflects the tastes of previous owners, you can give it your personal decorating touch with Hunter Douglas, Conrad Shades, or custom fabric made.  Window coverings make an enormous difference in the enjoyment of your home.  They add beauty, enhance light quality and provide privacy.  They can even reduce utility bills.  Blinds, shades, sheers and shutters are classic treatments that bring style into a room without overpowering it.  They'll last and be valued as long as you own your home!

Denise:  It can energize or calm.

Gwen:  It can be soothing..........glowing.........penisive.......or mysterious.

Denise:  The secret is in light control.

Hunter Douglas:  "Ask any decorator, any photographer, or, for that matter, any real estate agent what makes a room beautiful and desirable and they'll say it's all a matter of light."

We are posting some great looks in shades and study them to see how they all work and come together for each project:

Elegant Homes Fall/Winter 2008

Lee Bierly and Chris Drake, ASID

Elegant Homes Fall/Winter 2008

Marc Reusser, Reusser/Bergstrom Associates

Debra Bergstrom, Interior Designer, Reusser / Bergstrom Associates

Architectural Digest

Charles Allem, ASID

Nancy Collins, Text by

Billy Cunningham, Before Photography

Peter Aaron/Esto, After Photography

Elegant Homes Fall/Winter 2008

Marc Reusser, Reusser/ Bergstrom Associates

Debra Bergstron, Interior Designer, Reussesr/Bergstrom Associates

Charles Allem, ASID

Nancy Collins, Text by

Billy Cunningham, Before Photography

Peter Asron/Esto, After Photography

Elegant Homes Fall/Winter 2008

Eubanks Group Architects

Cherie Hassenflu, Savant Design Group, LLC

Talk Again,

Denise & Gwen

To-the-trade designer fabrics.......only

Elegant Homes Fall/Winter 2008

Vintage Manor

Julie Dodson, designer

Dodson & Daughter Interior Designs

Hi Girlfriends:

 Gwen and I had an unusual experience we wish to share with you....................

Today, Pindler and Pindler called to inform us that a client, called them with an "APPROVAL" for the fabric we had on "RESERVE" for this client and requested the yardage be sent to her.

Here is how WE work.........

and

 every other 

ProForma client"

Gwen:  That is not how it works.  Clients are supposed to tell us.......only.

Denise:  Yes, FIRST, we take 100% deposit for fabric, tax and shipping from our clients.

Gwen: Upon receiving the money, we send a check to the show room.

Denise: Once a show room recieves  OUR check,  To-the-trade show rooms begins the process of shipping OUR order to OUR client's home or work room.

Gwen: Like all designers, we have built up a reputation of good standards, and any good show room will call us first.  

Denise: NEVER will a To-the-trade take a call from our client and send out.  Never.

Gwen:  That is the reason for "Sidemark".

Denise: What Gwen is saying, "Sidemark" has the client's name........not our name.

ThankYouThankYouThankYouThankYouThankYouThankYouThankYou

Talk again

Denise and Gwen