Whether it’s something going on “Around the Casa” or an adventure further afield–there’s always lots to share!
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By Your Side
Wildon Home Snack Table $58
Wayfair (www.wayfair.com)
Lucida Side Table $229
Crate and Barrel (www.crateandbarrel.com)
Monarch 2 piece nesting tables/Natural $175.37
Amazon (www.amazon.com)
Small side tables, placed strategically around a room, can provide just the right spot for a guest’s cup of coffee (glass of wine, plate of appetizers, etc.) not to mention an interesting design element. Move them around the room or around the house as needed. A stool that functions as an end table does double duty and look for nesting tables that can be stored in a nesting position then separated when the need arises. These little treasures serve a functional purpose and a decorative one as well. From simple and stately to whimsical works of art, they are right there, by your side!
Olivia Flower Accent Table $66.65
World Market (www.worldmarket.com)
Ceramic garden stools–side table and stool in one! This one has a distinct barrel cactus look. $143.95 at KMart (www.kmart.com)
Cosmopolitan End Table $178
All Modern (www.allmodern.com)
Timber end table $499
Birch Lane (wwwbirchlane.com)
Get Into the Great Outdoors
It’s a beautiful time of year to be outdoors, whether you love gardening, DIY landscape projects, picnicking, or lounging around the pool. Here are some great ideas and products to help you enjoy your outdoor time.
Do you have a weathered wooden bench that’s been sitting around the yard? Why not give it a fresh new look with a coat of primer and a bright colored paint?
Solar spotlights have vastly improved over the past few years. Pick up a few and place them strategically around the yard to highlight plants or trees at night. To add to the drama of night- lighting your yard or garden, string some Edison lights overhead.
Here’s a “handy” way to keep your hands from tiring out while watering: The Dramm One-Touch Fan Nozzle $15-$49 from Amazon.com in lots of fun colors
One of my favorite gardening tools is a trusty Trug tote. I’ve had mine for years and use it almost every day. Crate and Barrel has a red 10.5 gallon Trug for $9.95.
Add some whimsy to your yard or garden with beautiful planters, fountains, and statuary from the Charleston Gardens collection (www.charlestongardens.com).
Serena Pool Floats in lots of gorgeous colors and patterns ($139) and solar glowing pool balls ($29-$129) at Grandin Road (www.grandinroad.com).
Serve well-chilled wine in this summery sea-grass beverage tub from World Market. And what better wine to serve than Kim Crawford’s Marlborough New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc? It’s a wonderfully refreshing hot-weather wine.
Take time out for a picnic with family and friends. And try this recipe for Muffaletta sandwiches–they won’t get soggy, and WOW, they are “honestly yum”! http://honestlyyum.com/3734/muffaletta-sandwich/
Instant Pendant!
Do you have lots of recessed lighting in your home? Would you like to change things up a bit? Why not try an “Instant Pendant” lighting solution. These great little adapter kits turn a “ho-hum” recessed can light into a beautiful hanging pendant light and transform the look of a room in minutes! Simply install the adapter in place of the bulb. The decorative ceiling plate covers the recessed can. There are a variety of styles to choose from. Use wherever you currently have recessed lighting–over a kitchen island, a bathroom countertop, nightstands, a desk, even a bathtub…so many possibilities!
Available at Ballard Designs (www.ballarddesigns.com) and Home Decorators Collection (homedecorators.com).
From This…
…To This!
Radiant Orchid: The 2014 Pantone Color of the Year
Since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute has been designating a color of the year. A color that will “resonate around the world.” This is not necessarily the hot fashion color trending at the moment, but rather a color that crosses all areas of design. The Institute looks at everything from emerging artists to emerging trends in technology, travel, films, etc. The 2014 color of the year is Radiant Orchid–fuchsia with purple and pink undertones. According to PCI, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and its rosy undertones emanate great joy, love, and health.
This gorgeous color will be finding its way into home and fashion design, fabrics, weddings, artwork, jewelry, food–you name it, everything will be coming up “Radiant Orchid.” Whether you use a touch here and there or go all out, this color certainly makes a statement!
Thinking Clearly: Acrylic Trend
Acrylic brings a light, bright, “airiness” to a room. By using either an accent piece like a lamp or a larger piece like a table or chair, touches of acrylic can beautify and freshen any space. The setting does not need to be modern, just use acrylic pieces sparingly. I’ve added a couple of touches to my design studio and I love the look (photos of the studio are coming soon!) Here are a few examples of some gorgeous acrylic designs:
Beautiful works of art: Sander Mulder Clear Acrylic Lamps ($500-$5000)
Acrylic Desk Set from Horchow ($28-$68)
Add a ghost chair to a desk or vanity ($110 at Amazon.com). Lowe’s and IKEA both have a version of the stacked acrylic ball lamp at a very reasonable price.
Glass top acrylic coffee table from Wisteria ($899)
Acrylic is right at home in this kitchen. The contrasting design elements create interesting detail taking “eclectic” to a new level! Casper Bar stools available at Amazon. ($205 for a set of 2)
Acrylic Tobias Chairs from IKEA ($79) echo the airy outdoor feel of this windowed dining space
Just a touch of acrylic on the bench legs lightens up this beautiful sheepskin bench from Horchow ($1889)
Painting Pointers
As winter days move into the freshness of spring, a new coat of paint is sometimes in order. Whether you choose from a palette of soft colors, found in the 2014 Sherwin Williams “Reasoned” or “Diaphanous” collections, or something more vibrant as featured in their “Curiosity” and “Intrinsic” lines, a new color on the walls can dramatically change your outlook!
Sherwin Williams carries both the West Elm and Pottery Barn paint collections and their website has a variety of color selection tools to help you choose one that is just right for you (http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/color-selection-tools/).
West Elm Paint Palette
Pick up some Frog Tape before you begin painting–the only painter’s tape treated with a special micro-barrier that seals the edges of the tape to prevent bleeding. Their website contains tutorials on applying and removing the tape as well as techniques for painting walls and other special projects using various Frog Tape products. Three special “Shape- Tapes” (wave, chevron, and scallop) can be used to create designs on anything from a wall to a waste can!
Visit the Benjamin Moore website for some insight into “Your Shades of Life” (http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/shades-of-life). The website also includes a handy paint calculator to help determine how much paint will be needed for a project (http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/paint-calculator).
Keep in mind that as the day progresses and natural light shifts in a room, the paint color can alter dramatically. Check your room throughout the day and in the evening under artificial light. Morning sunlight gives off a yellowish cast in a room and midday sunlight develops a cool, bluish cast. Also be sure that the lighting in the room is finalized–don’t choose a paint color before changing light fixtures.
Sample Size Paints
It is definitely worth the investment to paint several colors on the wall before you make a final decision. Small sample sizes can be purchased that will allow you to test various colors. Try to live with the test colors on the walls for a few days to give yourself time to reflect on the various factors that change the shade and tone of the colors. Ask a friend or two over to give their input–it never hurts to have a second or third opinion!
Once the painting project is finished, consider investing in some paint pens to keep your design fresh by touching up dings, dents, and scratches. Try these 5″ paint pens from Slob Proof (http://www.slobproof.com/). They come in sets of two.
An Extraordinary Artist!
Artist Patti Georgas
As we look around our homes, many of us would have to admit that much of our artwork is (1) sorely lacking, (2) uninspiring, or (3) both (1) and (2). It may be that you’ve never considered the idea of having an original painting or portrait commissioned by an artist. While working on a decorating project a couple of years ago, I found that I was unable to locate artwork that was within the homeowners budget and that she really loved. So we decided to explore the idea of having some paintings commissioned. Enter Patti Georgas–an accomplished and extremely talented artist.
Patti Georgas studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and learned early on that she loved drawing and painting people. Her studies continued as she relocated to Arizona and she began adding a Southwest focus to many of her paintings. A juried member of the Arizona Artist’s Guild, Patti has won several awards for her paintings, including a Merit Award at the Arizona Portrait Artists’ Fine Art Show.
Patti’s talents are quite varied–from illustrating a children’s book to residential and commercial murals to painting a commissioned 30″x 40″ portrait for Curt Schilling after the Diamondbacks won the World Series in 2001! (See her website link below to check out the D-Backs painting).
With our projects, Patti was an absolute pleasure to work with, dedicating time to research subjects thoroughly to ensure accuracy of the detail in each painting, submitting initial drafts of her drawings for approval, and checking in frequently to let the homeowner know the status of the work. The whole process was really very inspiring and a lot of fun!
See http://pattigeorgas.yolasite.com/ to learn more about Patti and her wonderful work. And definitely consider having a family or child portrait commissioned or even a scene painted of a place that’s special to you or your loved ones. There are endless possibilities with a commissioned piece of art and it will certainly be something that you will treasure for many years to come.
Keeping the Green in Christmas
It’s difficult to get your daily quota of green veggies during the holidays. There are so many goodies around the house and it’s easy to find yourself munching Christmas cookies or fudge with your morning coffee! The day can only go downhill from there.
Here are some great side dish recipes we’ve recently tried and enjoyed. Get some “green” back into the Christmas season! Bon appétit!
KALE-AND-COLLARDS SALAD
When making this bracing salad, dress the kale and collards in advance to tenderize them.
1 bunch fresh collard greens (about 8 oz)
1 bunch Tuscan Kale (about 8 oz)
3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
Lemon Dressing
3 Bartlett pears, sliced
2 avocados, peeled and diced
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 small head radicchio, shredded
3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
6 cooked bacon slices, crumbled
1. Trim and discard tough stalks from centers of collard and kale leaves; stack leaves, and roll up, starting at 1 long side. Cut into 1/4 inch thick slices. Toss collards and kale with cranberries and Lemon Dressing in a large bowl. Cover and chill 1 hour.
2. Toss together pears and next 2 ingredients just before serving. Toss pear mixture, radicchio, pecans, and bacon with collard mixture. Serve immediately.
Lemon Dressing
Whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp. Dijon mustard; 1 tsp. kosher salt; and 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl; add 1/2 cup olive oil in a slow steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth. Makes about 1 cup.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS with BALSAMIC and CRANBERRIES
3 pounds Brussels Sprouts
1/2 cup Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
1 cup Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 cup Sugar
1 cup Dried Cranberries
1. Trim/clean Brussels sprouts, then cut them in half if desired (or you can leave them whole).
2. Arrange on two baking sheets and toss with olive oil. Sprinkle with plenty of salt and pepper and roast at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, or until brown.
3. Combine balsamic vinegar and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and reduce until very thick, about 15 to 20 minutes (careful not to over-reduce).
4. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the roasted sprouts, then sprinkle on dried cranberries. Toss and serve immediately.
What to Bring the Hostess
Holiday parties abound! Don’t forget to honor the hosts with a token of your thanks for their hospitality. Fresh flowers are pretty, but keep in mind that your hosts (not to mention other guests) may have allergies and, when you arrive with a bunch of fresh blooms in hand, they will have to take time out from other important hosting duties to search for the right-sized vase and arrange the flowers, which can be an inconvenience. Instead, try some longer-lasting, fun, and creative ideas your hosts are sure to enjoy:
For the wine lover: Art Glass Wine Bottle Stoppers (You can always bring along a bottle!)
$7.99 each Bed Bath & Beyond http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com
Keep them warm and toasty through the holidays!
Threshold Woven Plaid Throw, 50×60
$24.99 Target http://www.target.com
Do your hosts enjoy cooking?
Kitchen Spice Trio: Garlicky Lemon Pepper, Roasted Garlic
Celery Salt, and Carmelized Onion Powder.
$14.95 Crate and Barrel http://www.crateandbarrel.com
A game that can be enjoyed with friends and family:
Rory’s Story Cubes–an imaginative game for all ages
$7.15 Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com
For the beer lover!
Two’s Company Antler Bottle Opener (bring along six bottles!)
$17.50 Amazon http://www.amazon.com
Personalized and filled with tea or chocolates:
Homegrown Monogram Mug
$8.00 Anthropologie http://www.anthropologie.com
May Your Days Be Merry and Bright!
During the Christmas Season, reds and greens abound. Why not try something a bit different to add an unexpected dash of “bright” to your Christmas palette of colors?
Felted Winterberry Wreath
Clementine, fuschia and winterberries, handmade from wool felt with a red satin ribbon for hanging. Comes gift-wrapped. ($128) http://www.oliveandcocoa.com/product/felted-winterberry-wreath/all-gifts.
Blown Glass Truffle Bowl
Design your own custom gift bowl filled with truffles. Many bright colors to choose from; handcrafted by artisans at Ballard’s Glass Eye Studio. (from $49.99).
https://www.madeinwashington.com/gift-bowls.cfm?basket=18530
Featherlight Down Parka:
Show up for Christmas caroling in this fuschia-plum colored coat. Be merry and bright and stay toasty warm! ($119).
http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-featherlight-down-parka/id_258754