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

Renovation Inspirations from Pros

Hi Girlfriends,

Did you know that both designers and architects seek websites for renovation inspirations for information, specs and shopping?

Cheryl Katz, designer

"I love hivemodern.com, which is a great siter classical modern, and I use eboniste.com for lighting.  Generally, I use the Web to order things from lines I have already seen in person, so there's no question about quality."

_____________________

Eric Cohler, designer

"1stdibs.com is the one resource that links us to almost every reputable antiques dealer in the trade.  We can do our research online and see the piece right there, and we can send the link to our clients, so that they can view the piece as well."

___________________________

John O'Connor, architect

"Inhabitat.com is about forward-thinking, sustainable design.  It promotes the substance behind the stylistic aspects of modern design."

_______________________________________

Darryl Carter, designer

" Rejunvenation.com is a fantastic website.  They carry antique lighting as well as reproductions, and on theor website, you can pick a fixture and move a different globe or shade or hurrican onto it, so you are basically designing your own fixture.  I also rely on homeannex.com.  they sell everything under the sun from plumbing fixtures and fittings to door hardware,.  Because a website can show you how something looks but not how it feels.  I often order just one faucet or fixture as a sample when I'm shopping online--especially if there is a reshelving fee on returns."

________________________________________

Jamie Drake, designer

"One of my favorite sites now is flavorleague.com, site of Flavor wallpaper company, which has the pop-psychedelic papers we love to use, with custom capability and the whole swinging '70's vibe."

______________________________

Denise: Eve Robins, designer finds "one-stop shopping" at waterworks.com for bathroom renovation and erbutler.com for amazing hardware and door handles.

Gwen:  If you are planning a kitchen, Jordan Goldstein uses ikea.com.  Just drag and drop the different units into your layouts.  The really great feature is you can see things in 3-D-!!"

Denise: Here's another fabulous site the David Jameson, architect, speaks highly about if you are interested in "how materials that have been designed for one use can be rethought for other uses.  Materialconnection.com. shows products that were designed for the space shuttle......that can be used in home building and renovation." 

Gwen:  Finally, I would like to include a site Lisa Piper Gilbert, architect relies on......for all those into the field of green building, buildinggreen.com.

____________________________

 Information taken from Met Home September 2006

Talk again,

Denise & Gwen

Updating on Confessions of A CF Husband

Adorable Gwyneth at home.

  

Nate and Tricia are a timeless lovestory that I have been following for several months.  This is what he has to say on his blog:

"My name is Nathan.  My wife, Tricia has Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and had been preparing for a double lung transplant until we discovered we were pregnant.

Tricia is the most incredible person I've ever met.  She keeps me humble and in love.

Gwyneth is our beautiful, new baby girl, born 15+ weeks early. 

Tricia is now breathing with the help of donated lungs, and Gwyneth is on her way out of th NICU and into our hearts." 

Talk again,

Denise

ELEGANT HOMES Window Treatments #2

Hi Girlfriends,  

This is a test..........for it is my first attempt to try Adobe Elements in scanning a magazine photo, instead of scanning to Printmaster and uploading from there.  I am on a MAC and learning all the time.  

One EXTREMELY  helpful websites for 101 learning to blog, has been All Things Bright And Beautiful.  I highly recommend this website for learning the in's and out's from this A+ mentorship blogging.  If I feel this 'test' is what I am seeking, expect all my photos to be clearer in the future.

Elegant Homes

Fall/Winter 2008

Designers Jean Turcotte and Louis Pepin

Montreal

"Hospitality begins at the entry, where red Italian marble flooring glistens in the sunshine and red, pink, and gold striped silk-and-velvet draperies puddle theatrically a the base of golden pedestals with red antique vases."

Talk again,

Denise 

ELEGANT HOMES Window Treatments

Hi Girlfriends,

WE're baaaaaaaaack-!!  Vacations are wonderful distractions from day to day life of home, but.......there's no place like home.  Settling back into a routine is even welcoming.  One pleasure is pouring through all the newly arrived decorator magazines.  

This August edition of Elegant Homes,  I am excited about some creative methods on saving cost on rods, brackets and finials, but still have beautiful window treatments.  All three window treatments featured have the same concept from  the prestigious Pink Ribbon show house (built to raises money for breast cancer awareness and research at the Baylor College of Medicine) Houston, TX.  to Lexington, MA.  

If you have difficulty seeing how resourceful these interior designers were, please, pick up Elegant Homes the next time you are at your local Borders

Interior Designer, Tricia Dobson, decided upon "panels hung simply on iron backets.....thus, preventing a heavy look."  Still, it oozes all the charm and elegance of a traditional living room.

Interior Designer, Edwina Alexis, used decorative drapery tacks to hold flowing silk draperies...... which gives a hint of drama to this small intimate library area.  By using ivory fabric for this treatment,  the room remains quiet for reading, sipping wine or a game of chess.

The kitchen curtain, by designer Betsy Speert, was hung with decorative black ceiling hooks which can be purchased at any hardware store like a ma & pa, Home Depot or Lowes.  I really like this idea for its light and airy effect and without the hassle of cumbersome hardware in such a small area.

Talk again,

Denise & Gwen

discountdesignerfabricsonline.com

Window Treatements

Schumacher Wallpaper Book 1995

Hi Girlfriends,

Now is the time to begin thinking of indoors for window treatments. 

 Right now, the workrooms are slow (many take vacations in August for this very reason ).  

By the time one begins to think of entertaining during the holidays

 you have wisely gotten a most important project completed.

One of our greatest resources of window treatments

comes from o discontinued wallpaper books.  

Most places that sell wallpaper

 have stacks of discontinued books 

in their back.

By asking they are thrilled to get rid of them.

So, don't be shy when asking.........

  

This particular window treatment we have repeated over and over.  

WARNING

 you will need a really good workroom to execute this design for it is all in the mechanism of the construction. 

 Once up 

the design compliments any room.  

GWEN: "For us, using this design in dining rooms have been most successful."  

The secret to any attractive Window Treatment is "Trade-only" fabrics.  

Remember

 "You get what you pay for."

  

Denise: "Ooooooooh so true.  

Pick a room

spoil yourself

use Trade Only designer fabrics

and

gradually

in stages

 spoil yourself

again, again and again

 on your remaining rooms.

By the time you have completed

your stages........why

the first room fabrics

are still 

wonderful."

Gwen and Denise: 

"Yes, it's all about quality."

Talk again,

Denise and Gwen

Remember, you can buy designer fabrics at fabulously pricing through us

discountdesignerfabricsonline.com

A CLASSIC TRASH TREASURE

Simplicity Sewing Book, 1957

Hi Girlfriends,

A client asked me to drive by a house she and family had just put a bid on............What luck-!!  There on the parkway was the current owners "Trash".  

When I spotted this "Simplicity Sewing Book" 1957, I had to have it.........and hoped no one knew me--as I went into my "Trash Picking" mode.

This cover speaks volumns of a classic look:  

From the hair style, to the circle pin, to the gold charm bracelet, 

big gold earrings and painted nails.  

So, what's new?

Talk again,

Denise and Gwen

Jackie O's Dining Room

Hi Girlfriends,

The following is what both Caroline and John Kennedy wrote in the Sotheby's, " The Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis" catalog, April 1996.

"In deciding what to do with our mother's possessions, we were guided first and foremost by her deep knowledge and love of history.  She was proud to have played a part in the history of our country, and in accordance with her wishes, we have given objects and documents which help chronicle the Kennedy Administration and her role as First Lady to the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation which will make them available to the public.

Beyond that, our mother believed in individuals more than in institutions.  She was able to evoke the lives and people of other times and places, describing to us the ancient pharaohs, court society at Versailles, or life on a Nantucket whaling ship so vividly that we felt we had visited these wondrous places.  For our mother, history came alive through objects and paintings, as well as books.  Because the things she collected link her with history, and because she cared about them, they represent more than just a record of her life and travels.  As they go out into the world, we hope that they bring with them not only their own beauty and spirit, but some of hers as well."

"Caroline Kennedy                                                                                                         John Kennedy"

The Dining Room of

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis'

New York City Apartment

Item # 332

"A Set of Four Louis XVI Style 

- Grey and Blue -

Painted

Fauteuils en Cabriolet

"Each with a molded oval upholstered

backrest, the padded armrests, raised

on voluted supports, the bow-fronted

seat raised on circular tapered, fluted legs."

 The Red Room 

and one of four state reception rooms 

in the White House

 Jackie restored this room and loaned her own 

pair of French obelisks.

Item # 323

"A Pair of Louis XVI Ormolu Mounted 

Black and White Marble Obelisks

last Quarter 18th Century"

History note:

Surprisingly, or maybe not, at the time of Jackie "O's" estate sell, Sotheby's did not have a ".com" account in 1996-!!  Think of it, 12 years ago..............no internet for many, many, many.

Talk again,

Denise and Gwen

L.A. Bloggers

Dear L.A. Bloggers,

Know we are thinking of you

and

 please

after calling your love ones

report...in due time 

to all of your favorite sites,
so we can
link and link and link
to know you are
all safe.

Denise & Gwen

Designing Window Treatments With Shades

Blinds and Shades, Southern Accents, by Garrett Lane
Photography by Tria Giovan

Hi Girlfriends,

Our motto:

A room is never complete without window treatments.


IN THIS PHOTO, windows are decorated in yards of beautiful olive-brown chenille created by Stanley Ellis, Atlanta, and finished off with more yards of tassels. Alone, this treatment makes a statement in any bay window. But, when it comes to privacy, the added blinds give this look preference and practicality. Why? Because they provide light control, helps with the room proportions and screens out unwanted views.

Two of the best companies to keep in mind when you decide to buy shades made out of natural green materials; reeds, bamboo, rattan and grasses are:
high-end, high-end, high-end
Conrad Shades
and
more affordable
Hunter Douglas
Provenance line.

Architectural Digest

I love the light and graceful window treatment done for this room.
I am sure hidden under is a shade for privacy.

Talk again,
Denise and Gwen

A+ Roster

Hi Girlfriends,

We are not quiet two months old (meaning our blog) and know we still have "growing pains." Both of us have much to share and far to go in our presenting to you.........and, we have been learning about blogging from so many sites...... Now, seems like a good time to begin our link list. This list will continue to grow and grow, but, for starters, we would like to take the time to thank a few and begin our "A+ Roster List" today.

Early on, we 'saw' how short and catchy titles hold an interest. Thus, we changed our name to "Decor etc." Then, looking into our "History," we realized we visited certain sites over and over and over. As we gathered notes from each one........We know we still have some out there for our A+ Roster, but, our notes are a M-E-S-S-!! But, know this, you all are A+ bloggers; young, bright, gifted and beautiful in both appearances and style. We can't get enough of you.......(sigh)

We want to give special thanks to two unique blogs: First to Alkemie for her aggressive investigation "behind the scenes" and then having the confidence in our website and listing us in her upholstery section. Next, we can't say enough from All Things Bright and Beautiful and her generous wealth of information on Blogging Tips. These tips keep us going back time and time again. From these two sites, we have clicked links to learn about......more blogging information, new artists, new designers, shopping, salvitating still for Lauduree macarons and clicking the links they all suggest into an infinity of blogs in cyberspace. Sometimes it takes us two days to get back to Alkemie and All Things Bright and Beautiful. In a day, the wealth of talent shared from our ventures into new links, we know we could never have discovered them otherwise....in such a short amount of time without the help of these two sites. Girlfriends, what we have "seen" is not only energy and love for discovering and sharing new products, etc. on the market, but how much fun they are all having in their careers, married lives, nesting, or raising a young family too. It's all soooooo wonderful-!!

Please note we are impressed with each blog we have visited. One silly question that pops up for us is: "Does Cote De Texas ever sleep?" Her talent and time is incredible too-!! From Texas French decorating to writing her own blog. But, she really rocks as an Interior Designer activist fighting a very worthy cause against ASID. Added to all this is her boundless comments she leaves on all the blogs she visits.....we-ll she deserves the "Energized Bunny Award" from us-!! Remarkable gal.........and she maintains a good sense of humor, especially noted when another blogsite commented on her being an older blogger (LOL, Cote De Texas is just 37-!!)

Lastly, our love and prays is still for Nate as he writes his blog, " The Confessions Of A CF Husband." We recommend every girlfriend visit this site and soon you will realize how small your problems are.....................amen.

Thank You one and all
and
as we add to our
A+
we will be commenting
on what makes your blog
so special
to us.

Have a nice Sunday.

Oooh, the whimsical big yellow bow drapery treatment by Dorothy Draper for The Greenbrier Resort suggests
perhaps a good Mint Julep
was had
just before this design was conceived.

Talk again,
Denise and Gwen