What's in a Name?

I tend to not like to wear a lot of initials on my clothing, unless they're my own, or Chanel.  Whether it's a holiday gift, a hostess gift, or an any time of year gift, I think a monogramed something is a lovely way to say, "You're special!"

                                                                           Goyard


I can't tell you how many times I have had these made up.  You cannot go wrong with a monogrammed RL polo.

Ralph Lauren

Anything from iomoi.  I especially love the lucite trays, but they have everything from coasters to carry- ons.

Often times I will incorporate a monogramed or personalized item into a job.  Jonathan Adler has a customizing option for pillows and rugs.

William Sonoma Home has cashmere blankets in wonderfully soft, assorted colors.

LOVE this brass table lamp from Roll and Hill.  It is perfect in a cozy office.

The ultimate in personalization is painting or using decal monograms in any room of your home.  I can see it used in a nursery, master bedroom, or really graphic and large as a focal point in a living room.  The application of this easy technique could really be a "wow" factor.

Sunny's Good Time Paints has a plethora of options. 

photo via~ materialgirls

Trendspotting~ Peacock Feathers

I have been seeing Peacock feathers everywhere.  The trend started over a year ago. Visionaries "create a buzz", then the trend (whatever it may be) trickles down and trickles down until the market becomes over saturated.  That is the nature of a trend.  We're just about there.

Peacock Feathers symbolize decadence and pride.  The jewel tone color combination IS timelessly beautiful.  

Ragland Hill Social

Matthew Williamson 

The Greek's believed Peacock feathers symbolize all knowing, all seeing because the Greek God Hera placed "eyes" on their feathers. The Hindu's associate Peacock feathers with the God Lakshmie.  The feathers represent kindness, patience and good fortune.  The Buddhist's believe that when the birds display their feathers, it is a sign of openness.  And because the birds can eat poisonous plants with no ill effects, that represents immortality.

Matthew Williamson

Elle Decor

Duralee

Robert Verdi for Kips Bay

Decor Arts Now

Sculpture via 1st Dibs

I will never get tired of seeing those beautiful birds or the lovely color combination of their feather display, but everything in moderation!

photos not captioned~credit unknown.  

If it's yours, tell me & I'll post it.

Be Thankful

Vivre

FYI... It's SNOWING in Philadelphia this morning. I was wishing for a white Thanksgiving!

Tips for Thanksgiving Entertaining

Keeping it simple is the theme.  If you are like a lot of people who feel overwhelmed or just not that interested in making a big fuss, here are a few more SUBTLE, EASY ideas that your guests will notice

Zinke Design

Create a self serve bar

  Create layered lighting; from candles, sconces, table lamps, chandeliers and DIM the overheads.

Tip~ freeze your tapers a couple days ahead and it will prevent them from dripping all over.  No scented candles!

Pink lightbulbs cast a nice glow and the color looks good on everyone.

Add flowers or a plant in different parts the house, not just as the centerpiece.  They really add life to a room.

For example, the powder room, at the bar, near the entrance.

Rod Winter for Kips Bay Show House

Warm, cozy scents make people feel welcome. Cinnamon is great, pinecones work well or mulling spices on the stove.

One of my personal favorites is to turn Yule Log on the TV. I find it very relaxing and isn't that the goal when family gets together? 

If you prefer, Artscreen will turn your TV into a beautifully framed rotating art gallery.

Gather similar items and arrange them on a tray or in apothecary jars.  It elevates their importance.  The same can be said for disjointed items.  If you arrange them on a tray it immediately creates a meaningful collection. 

The point is to arouse all your guests senses.  No matter what happens they will remember the house felt inviting!  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Wishing you a White Thanksgiving

Paint some pumpkins, pick some branches, grab a dozen white candles, white flowers or fresh linens. It doesn't have to be complicated to be beautiful!

Monique Lhuillier

DigsDigs

Preston Bailey. This was literally his Thanksgiving table. Can you imagine?

Dwell Studio

Home...be inspired

unknown

REALITY BITES

I don't know about you but I am tired of the DIY decorating shows.  They are very unrealistic and I don't need to see 1 more light fixture made out of paper cups or a table made from a discarded piece of wood.  I want to be WOWED.   I want to see the ugly truth and the magnificent results that take your breath away.  So, I will be buckling up for Bravo's new show:

And HGTV's show:

These shows will explore the personal and professional lives of Uber decorators as they navigate their fast paced, multi~million dollar projects around the world while placating clients with massive egos 

(or so they say).

That's a recipe for DESIGN DRAMA!!

Stay tuned for details

photos:sohaute

Clever Idea #1: Black Board Paint

Rooms for Children

This is an oldie but a goody!   When I was researching this idea for a child's room, I was impressed by the sophisticated rooms designers had created.  They elevated the black board; made it more than an after thought hung on the wall.  It is an integral design element.   The paint now comes in several colors.

Rooms for Children 

Remodelista

Isabella and Max Rooms

I couldn't help but include this picture.  This simple technique in a relaxed Living Room has now elevated the framed black board to high art and for low cost.   It really works anywhere, love it!

If your not enthusiastic about the possibility of fingernails on the black board or you're more of a color purist, try:

A do it yourself dry erase board.  It comes in 5 shades of white and works with markers from

Blick

That's Clever!

I'm Lovin it...Malachite

Jim Thompson Silk

I love everything about the little gem.  The color is one of my favorites and with the irregular black banding, it is so visually exciting.  I love it for its organic nature and it seems to sooth me, which is one of the believed properties of malachite.  It supposedly slows down the nervous system.  If you believe in that sort of thing.

Eduardo Garza

Michael Kors

R & Y Augousti

Kelly Wearstler

Elle Decor

Kelly Wearstler

Peacock Feathers