Pink Living Room Becomes a Classic Library

I am sitting back on my sofa with my computer on my lap.  Next to me is a giant slice of pumpkin pie that I made  earlier tonight with my daughter (we used the easy recipe on the back of a can of Farmers Market Organic Canned Pumpkin I picked up at Walmart while getting Halloween candy (p.s. i used a pre-made graham cracker crust-mmmm & easy).  I am blogging and catching up on all the Nate Berkus Show segments I missed.  Nate is my long time crush and I am so impressed with how many wonderful ideas and creative designs he showcases through fellow designers, decorators, and DIYers everyday.  If you haven't seen his show, it deserves your attention.   Even if it is just to check out his 'sweet as sugar' smile.

Speaking of grins, I wrapped up a living room renovation for a client, transforming it into a library that makes me so happy.  This room has been through so much.  This wasn't just a face lift; it was a head to toe surgery going from a traditional front living room that was never used, into a room that feels the love everyday!  If you don't have a purpose for a room it becomes a dumping ground-poor room.  

I had so much fun working with Linda and Wayne on this project.  Afterward Linda and I sat in the library and chatted for a long time.  The comfy seating, the glow of the fireplace and the ambient lighting made me want to stay, perched in the wing chair, then the leather sofa, all day.  During the reno process I blogged about the materials used- click here to see the materials used "We Are So Over Our Living Room".  

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

The inspiration for the room became the oversized wingback chair floral fabric.  When it came to designing the window treatments, I did not want to use anything that would compete with them.  So we brought in these gorgeous powder blue criss cross chanille pattern fabric drapes with medallion fringe dot embellishments.  Then pulled them back with 14" jeweled tassle tie backs.

A giant personal touch in the library is the display of beautiful plants photographed by Linda and Waynes' daughter.

This space needed to be fitted for the gas fireplace so it was really important to add architectural detail around it so it felt like it had always been there.  When it arrived it was long and had a 2' mantle BUT the niche we created above it fills in the emptiness and adds drama.  The water feature was something Linda and Wayne always wanted.  It is all the little soothing touches like this, the variety of lighting, the warm tones of the wood, and softness of the furniture, that makes you want to be in this room......and feel mmmmmmmm.

Dior, Decor Questions & My Dads Disbelief

Friday!! Friday!! Hows your Friday!  Mine is so much better now that I have breathed in John Galliano's fall-winter line for Christian Dior.  I am blown away by the bright color, beauty and light weight feel of his line.  And I have fever for his new shoes!  

I am not working this weekend (well, not seeing any clients at least).  I am going to sleep late, have breakfast in bed, and then be told I won the lottery and that Dior wants to donate their 2011 line of shoes to my closet (size 6 please)-:)  Check out more of from the Dior runway by clicking here. 

So you know that monthly segment I do on WFMZ ch 69 News at Sunrise?  I forgot to tell you last week that through WFMZ I will be giving advice on any home decorating/design questions during my future segments.  So if you have a question, please email it to sunrise@wfmz.com, along with any photos, and who knows, I may use your question on air.  I am excited about this and I think I will blog about the people I answer to share the results because lets face it, someone else out there is or will be going through the same dilemma.  

Also I am writing a new blog entry that will show you how I recently turned that room in the house that never gets used-the living room- into a classic warm library.  I am always blabbing on and on about re-using a space traditionally meant for something that doesn't fit your lifestyle and re-designing it into a room that does.  

Wow, this week has been jam packed for me with late into the night appointments. Last nite I was on my way home at 10 pm, pitch dark on the highway, and barely missed a van that had hit a deer and spun around into the guard rail, then I barely missed the deer they hit-it really shook me up.  

So Dad, who still tells how surprised he was that I passed my drivers' test on the first try-take it back man!!!!

xo

Decadently Yours,

Shosh

Shosh's 3 Favorite Tips For a Happy Office

Today I spent my morning with Eve Tannery and the super smashing team at the WFMZ-TV station.  If you missed it click here to see the 2 part video. I have been looking forward to sharing my take on creating a happy office.  In todays business world, we can spend as much time if not more, in our office, as we do in our home.  And it doesn't matter whether you commute out side of your home or down the hallway in your fuzzy slippers, the office environment can really impact the value and volume of work you do.  An inviting and personal office creates a desire to be at that office and a functional one lets your mind concentrate on the task at hand.  

And for all the employers out there, studies show that a well designed office is one of the easiest and cost effective ways to retain workers and make them more productive.

My Secret- As shameful as it is, below is an an example of a very unhappy office, my office way back in the day, before I became an Interior Decorator. I could have been the leader of the Dysfunctional Office Association. I suffered from stock piling, lack of order, and blahness. 

I worked in NYC at a beautiful building in midtown in a nice sized office, but it became so unorganized, so chaotic from paperwork build up, using the wrong office organizers and situating furniture wrong.  I lost so much work time just trying to find what I needed to get moving on my projects.  And I literally drove me out-And it was such a shame because look at the beautiful view of Park Ave.

Time to break bad habits! I want to share my three favorite ways to create a Happy Office:

Tip #1 – Reinforce your Brand

Tip #2 – Don’t Think Horizontally; Think Vertically

Tip #3. – Express Yourself

Tip #1 – Reinforce your Brand

You know that saying ‘dress for the job you want not the job you have’?  Same goes for your office.  Your office should be the face of your company demonstrating the spirit of your work.  The color, comfort and style will motivate you and anyone visiting your office. 

Here is an example of Reinforcing the Brand using an office I just redesigned for the Associate Head of the Cherry Blossom Montessori School in Flagtown NJ to reinforce their brand.    This was the office before.

This office works hard as a place to do important work in, and as a gathering space for meetings with multiple parents and staff.  A wall of windows showcase the office to the open hallway.

To Reinforce the brand of the school I wanted to create a warm welcoming environment that showcased what the school is; where everyone who looks in and enters the office feels relaxed, welcome and connected to the school.

AFTER

  To achieve this we chose relaxing colors on the wall and added a new carpet. Re-arrange the furniture and choosing pieces that functionally worked better, was key.  The back wall that looks into the open hallway is now filled with a growing gallery of fun student memories.  

Here is another view of the office before:

The position of the desk does not allow any privacy for the person working in this office because it faces a large group of windows that look out into the hallway. This can  really be distracting for anyone.

 AFTER

The furniture was old and not as stable as it used to be so we replaced it and repositioned it to give more privacy.  We added a few touches that again, reinforce that welcoming friendly environment. 

TIP #2 – Don’t Think Horizontally; Think Vertically

The more desk space you have the more you put on it.  So to keep organized and uncluttered, utilize wall storage so everything is put up and away without crowding your working area. This is also a smart tip for small offices.  Bookcases, wall shelves, filing cabinets and wall mounted file organizers are great space savers.  Another great space saver is converting a closet into a mini home office. 

I was hired to create a hard working office out of this basement space.  Part of my plan included turning this closet into more useful space.

AFTER

By adding cabinets, shelves and a counter top for more working space including a fax machine, right in the closet, we have a clean desktop.  Yeah for vertical space!

TIP #3 – Express Yourself

Add personal touches that inspire you; show off your achievements-Trophies and awards, photos of and by your children, an artful chair, colorful artwork.   By infusing into your office, a bit of you, you form that connection with it and look forward to being there.  This also tells visitors that you are well rounded.  

Speaking of well rounded, I love circles (they are a symbol of infinity and have no sharp edges which is soothing to me).  So I expressed myself on one wall in my home office  using another love of mine, turquoise.  Its a fun place for me to work and get inspired, and of course, I get a lot of comments about. 

Here’s the story behind it-My friend Tracy came over with the biggest pizza I had ever seen.  We were joking about all the things we could do with the box.

That night I was in my home office staring at my wall and like deciding to go to blonde, I just leaped into it.  To see step by step instructions click here. I cut it into a giant circle and traced it over and over again on my wall.  And painted it.  It was actually very therapeutic. 

To sum up, you are a rock star and your office should represent how you rock!!!

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Make Your Outdoor Entry Eye Candy In One Day

Firstly, thank you changeofaddress.org for including my blog as one of your top 30 Interior Decorating Blogs For Your New Home. And also thank you to Jabbour Linens for including my blog as one of your favorite places to go for inspirational home decor.  It feels really wonderful to get positive feedback and know that ideas you share are valued!  I am blowing kisses right now.

OK, now I'd like to spend a moment talking about my new eye candy-my front outdoor entry! 


I am excited to talk about it because it is really a crime that I, a professional Interior Decorator, let this go for so long.  My outdoor entry way is so blah. The lack of dazzle has been creeping up on me like grey hairs.   My home is shaped like a box and in the four years that I have lived here I have yet to unwrap the contractor grade elements it came with. I have grand ideas of what it could be BUT until I hit the lottery and find the time and energy to really blow it up, I need to make some quick and easy changes. 

Steps to Turn Your Front Yard Into Eye Candy In One Day:
-Paint door
-Change door hardware
-Change outdoor lighting
-Add light post
-Add door 'jewelry' like a door knocker
-Add big pots of flowers
-Add border to cement walkway
-Choose a worthy welcome mat

BEFORE

AFTER

I can't tell you enough how much this small facelift has meant to me.  As little as it was to do it has made such an impact on me emotionally; it welcomes me home every evening; and the other elements add much needed charm.

BEFORE

I used to try out new wreaths like they were tic-tacs but I was never happy.

AFTER

 Now I love my door! The new coat of Sherwin Williams Sundried Tomato looks so warm and inviting.  And red is a lucky color.  And after changing out my welcome mat to a larger one my home shouts 'Welcome!' (more inviting and more room to wipe your feet).

I found my new Hampton Bay Classic Collection light fixture with flemish copper finish and venetian bronze Kwikset handleset at Home Depot.  The light cost $39.97 and the door hardware cost $89.

The lights that came with the house were so flat and dark.

 The finish on my new handleset befits the door and the shape and texture of the seeded glass and crackle of the finish adds character. 

Even the walkway looks great by simply adding a border of pavers on either side.  And I am still working on adding a light post, copper window box and door knocker.  So many knockers to choose from for whatever sport or hobby you are into from horse back riding, tennis, gardening to crabbing!  I am thinking about these-whimsical vs. classic.  

Isn't this squirrel oil rubbed door knocker adorable?!

I love this Baldwin S shaped one also.

Those will be the finishing touches to complete my low-cost face lift.  Until then though I have to say I feel so much happier now; I love leaving and coming home.   

Tip-if you are considering spray painting your outdoor hardware I don't recommend it.  I thought of that, did research, and found there were way too many people telling me it didn't hold up.  Instead, look for sales, look to Craigslist, E-bay.  You never know if a contractor is looking to get rid of some door handles, knobs, etc.

My Bedding Picks-Comforter vs. Duvet

IT's always a great day when I meet a new client.  Today I headed out to Nazareth PA to talk about putting some 'OMMPPPHHH' into a four year old home for a family of three.  One of the spaces I will be working on is the master bedroom and that got us talking about bedding.  'So which should I use-a comforter or a duvet?'  There is no right or wrong answer....just preference.  There is a lot of thought that goes into making that decision so kick off your shoes and get on your jammies.

A comforter is a blanket filled with natural or synthetic insulative material and encased in a shell/covering. It gives a cleaner look because it isn't as bulky as a duvet.  You can use your comforter all year round but may wish to add a blanket at the end of your bed if you want more warmth.  If you are looking for an affordable quick bedding purchase, you can find a 'Bed In A Bag' in bedding stores everywhere.  The downside is that washing it is difficult because it is bulky; may require a professional dry cleaning.

A duvet is a soft flat bag traditionally filled with down or feathers, or a combination of both, and used on a bed as a blanket.   It is usually placed in a duvet cover to keep it clean (like a giant pillow case!).  This combination gives an overall fluffier look.  Makes me want to dive right into it. Two great advantages of this bedding is that you can change the duvet cover to suit your decor and you can wash the cover  real easily (without all that pounding and pushing of a comforter into a washer and dryer).  Disadvantage is that it can get hot under that cover (you may want to put it away for the summer).  They also require a little extra fussing when making your bed.

Here are a few bedding looks I put together that I adore:


For a luxe coastal hotel suite look, this coral bedding from R. Jabbour & Sons is crisp and chic.  Looks fabulous with dark wood toned furniture.  Use a creamy white paint like Benjamin Moore™ OC-17 White Dove or wrap the room in a hug from a teddy bear using Behr PMD-51 Cardamom and add beachy accents (buy some hurricane vases and fill them with seashells & coral you pick up on vacations).  Can you smell the ocean?

 click here to go to bedding product page        click here to go to sham product page

 

click here to go to throw pillow product page

For a bedroom with feminine flair try this Urban Outfitters look. I love the ruffled bedding because it reminds me of a wedding dress.  And the wiener dog pillowcases keep it fun and young.  The Sherwin William Calico paint will keep the space relaxing and calm.

click here to go to Waterfall ruffled duvet product pg        

click here to go to Weiner Dog Pillowcase product pg

This look is fun and flirty.  I dig it against the black.  Its from Target.  You can liven it up by painting Valspar 253-6 Still Tidewater on the wall behind the bed.

click here to go to the bedding product page

Want a spa-in-a-box complete bedroom makeover with one click? Try this new Athena 10pc. Comforter Set with Bonus Ottoman from JCPenney (for an extra $10 get a brand new master bathroom-just kidding!).  Paint this mushroom Benjamin Moore™ HC-125 Cushing Green color on the walls for an earthy soothing feeling.

click here to go to this bedding product page


And if you are looking for over-the-top, cotton candy-meets-leopard bedding for Teresa Giudice of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, this would be it!! Its from Horchow.

'Is this pink and frou-frou enough for you Teresa?'

 

click here to go to bedding product page

______________________________________

R. Jabbour & Sons has a great selection of luxurious bedding. They first opened its doors in New York City over 80 years ago.  Passed through four generations of family, R. Jabbour & Sons continues to be a trusted and highly knowledgeable resource for the finest bed, bath, and table linens.  Its loyal following of customers rely on the utmost attention to detail and service.

My Favorite Pumpkins This Fall

"Rock-a-bye pumpkin, on the tree top.."  

I skipped as I left the pumpkin patch today with the hottest green pumpkin! I love the look and taste of granny smith apples and this one looks like one on steroids.  Pumpkins can make a fun statement and dress up the outside and inside of your home.  They can have brilliant color, fun imperfections, and last longer than a bouquet of flowers (try bringing a bouquet of gourds to your next dinner party).  

This blog entry is dedicated to pumpkins, the squash-like fruit that range in size from less than 1 pound to over 1,000 pounds. To all the people and pumpkins out there, I hope the weather is grand by you.  It has been raining cats and dogs the last two days around here.  I have been going bananas with all the rain. Then the sun came out today, I felt a slight breeze, and smelt that autumn air. I am finally getting into the Fall season! Seems like everyone has--except for my mail carrier who is rockin' shorts (you go girl!).  

So after checking on the progress of a reno project I am working on in Easton PA I  pulled on a purple tweed sweater and headed to Grim's in Breinigsville.  I wanted to see what pumps besides the classic orange were all the rage this year. Grim's is a great place for pickin' pumpkins and they have a giant corn maze that is carved out differently each yr.     

Orange, orange on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?  At this pumpkin patch, about a million.  I asked if I could win a prize if I guessed how many could turn into Cinderella's stage coach.  

I fell in love with an enormous albino White Pumpkin and slipped it my phone number;

Then I did a double take on some pumpkins covered in peanut shells.  These pumpkins looked like they were painted the most gorgeous water colors, then dreadfully drowned with the shells like warts. They are appropriately called Peanut Pumpkins.  

I filled a cute little red wagon with my pumpkins, downed some honey sticks, and headed home.  I couldn't wait to place my pumps all around my house.  It is so much fun.  Here are some great sites with ideas of how to decorate with pumpkins this fall: 

• BHG (love the window box display and potted pumpkins)
• Martha Stewart
• Today Show video (ideas from Southern Living from 2009)
• Good Housekeeping (using pumpkins without carving them)

I added pumpkins to my front door, in my front mulch, and to my bird bath.  I am waiting for my homeowners association to approve some minor cosmetic changes to the front of my home, so until then, it's all about the pumps. 

Get creative with where you place your pumpkins.  Happy October!!