Don't miss this!!! My 2010 Fave-O-Fave Design Ideas and Décor Finds tomorrow, Wednesday, on WFMZ-TV's 69 News at Sunrise at 8:40 am. If you miss it go to my blog Wednesday afternoon for a rundown and the video of my news segment. I am so excited!!!

decadently yours,

Shosh

Busy Since Gobbling

I just finished off a bag of chocolate covered pretzels and had a moment of depression.  When does diet season begin?  January 1^st is the classic pledge date right?  On New Years Eve we hold our champagne glass high and pledge that beginning tomorrow we will lose the ten pounds we packed on between Halloween and now. This is totally unfair because it is directly after presents stop coming and ferocious sales expire in the stores.  Sales should actually begin when the dieting starts and there should be a gift waiting for us when we drop the pledged weight.  Just a thought.

So what is going on with LoveYourRoom designs?

Glad you asked.  We are working on some new fantabulous projects and amazing clients, including a living room reno adding a new contemporary fireplace design (see above for initial plans and materials). We have been busy with an eighty year old home reno.  We are helping another couple change their Santa Fe style to a more contemporary design. We just completed three projects I will blog about in the new year and nearing completion on a few more.  With great excitement we are also nearing completion on our new website and blog that is not just getting a facial, but a total make-over!!!!  I am doing the moonwalk over it!   And Wednesday of this week at 8:40 am I will be appearing on WFMZ-TV 69 News at Sunrise to divulge my Fave-O-Fave design ideas this year and décor pieces so I am right now narrowing down my list.

Re-cap of Turkey Day

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.  I shared turkey and my favorite Riesling wine from Clover Hill in Long Island with Becks, my sister, and her family.  I made my Mom's recipe 'Elaine's Yam and Apple Casserole' and received so many thumbs up (no left overs!). Since blogging about it previously (click here) I have received requests for the recipe so I listed it below (Mom would be blushing with joy).  P.S. Becks made the most delish corn muffins made from a simple Trader Joe's corn muffin mix.  I am hooked on it now; there were real corn kernels in it (Trader Joe's, if you read this please, please open a store in the Lehigh Valley of PA!).

Elaine's Yam and Apple Casserole

8 medium sweet potatoes

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 stick melted margarine

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 cups apples sliced paper thin

1/8 tsp. pepper

Dash cinnamon

Mini marshmallows (buy a bag and place as many as you want on top)

Boil the sweet potatoes until tender.

Remove skin (should come right off) and mash.

Melt margarine and remove 4Tbs. for Yams later.

To margarine add brown sugar and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon in a large bowl.

Place apples over the sugar mixture and drench them.

Place the drenched apples in bottom of 9"x13" pan.

Add 4Tbs margarine, dash of cinnamon and pepper to mashed sweet potatoes.

Place over apples in pan.

Bake - 350° for 40minutes covered.

Top with some mini marshmallows and brown under broiler (watch closely).

Enjoy!

Come on back to my blog Wednesday for my list of my Fave-O-Faves of 2010

Working With Your Rooms Body Type

After answering two viewer questions on WFMZ 69 News (click here to see the video) this morning, I thought I would share them with you since they are GREAT questions:

Q: My living room is long and narrow.  What would you suggest to make it feel less like a runway?  I want to create a warm welcoming space. 

A: The secret to designing a fabulous space is to understand its body type.  That’s right-body type.  Don’t you choose your clothing, hair cut, and accessories, to compliment your body type?  I mean how many different cuts of jeans alone are there for you to choose from?   Well, once you understand your rooms’ ‘body type’, you will be able to layout your furniture and style it up to look fabulous!

For a long and narrow body type, the key is to concentrate on the wall farthest away.  That is your focal point and where you place your boldest color.  This will pull that wall towards you so it doesn’t feel like a runway. 

Here is an example of how to deal with a long and narrow room:

Look at the photo and find its focal point.  You would think the focal point should be the fireplace for its architectural interest, large scale and beauty, BUT for this rooms' body type, building that wall up with decor, color, etc. will only make the room feel narrower.  Instead our focal wall to work on is actually the wall farthest away.  We want to build it up with color and texture so it feels closer to you when you walk in.  

First position your furniture into a nice conversation area.  For this space I moved the sofa off the back wall and pushed it about three feet into the space because it was too far away to enjoy a conversation.  I took that opportunity to place two tall lamps behind it on a sofa table to brighten up the back wall and give it more life, again creating that pull into the room.

Try out a few colors on your wall.  See how your lighting affects it before committing to one, just like you would try on those jean options in the dressing room. 

AFTER:

Once your paint is up on this wall layer it with interest.  Use a gallery of photos and an inviting sofa to create an amazing focal point. 

Q: My home is broken up into small rooms.  I am so afraid of using color on the walls because I don’t want them to feel even smaller.  What can I do? 

A: For a small room body type, you want to push the walls away from you.  You can’t knock them down physically so here are some tricks.  You want to wrap the entire room in the same color so it equals the walls out.  But that doesn’t mean you should keep the room feeling sleepy.  Play with texture and pattern.  I love using horizontal stripes.  

In fashion, for many of us, thick horizontal stripes are a big no-no because they make us look wider.  BUT that is exactly what you want to achieve in small spaces.  Try large horizontal stripes (remember I did not say vertical-no no) all around the room like this one: 

Use two shades of a neutral airy color, or use the same color but play with the sheen.  Add an oversized mirror to reflect light and again create the illusion of a larger space, a large piece of artwork, an open and airy furniture with glass, high legs-not heavy feeling pieces, and a lightly dressed window.  Lighting is key but this time make sure you have tall lamps so the space feels tall.  The higher the lamp base the more light shines through.  Here is my rhyme to remember this:  ‘Between the shade and the base, there is more space.’ 

Don’t clutter up small spaces because complicated walls create confusion in the head in a small space and you may end up having queezy house guests.  They will be so dizzy from looking at everything going on and having no where to go with it.  Keep this in mind in bathrooms.


As part of my news segment I also discussed a DIY project I just completed-I will blog about it later today.

Don't Miss Me on WFMZ 69 News at Sunrise Tomorrow

Hi friends,


Tomorrow morning at 8:40 am I will once again be on WFMZ 69 News at Sunrise chatting it up with Eve Tannery about home design and decorating.   This time I will be answering two viewer questions- How to make the most of a long narrow space and how to work with a small space.  


I will also show you how I turned a second hand buffet into a fun new bedroom dresser.  If you miss the segment please come on back to my blog and I will have the details, and the video of the news segment.  


If you are not a follower of this blog, become one and you won't have to worry about coming back to get ideas, they will come to you via email!


I can't wait!!!!!!!!!


Shosh

Thanksgiving Memories & Hot Kitchen Stools

Three things I don't do - shop at Wal-Mart in my pajama bottoms, bedazzle my shoes, and have the ability to whip up an artistic edible meal on a wing and a prayer.  Yet I am home today cookin’ up a storm!!  I love food and I do make dinner most nights but when I am in the kitchen I am like an ape throwing it all together, then dancing on the island while it bubbles in the oven.

So why am I slaving over one recipe?  Because it is Elaine's Yam and Apple Casserole that I am so honored to make.  Elaine is my mother and we have been re-creating this sweet dish every Thanksgiving since I was a true brunette (and that was a long time ago my friends).  I am testing out a few variations so I get it right on Thanksgiving.

 For me Thanksgiving is a holiday that hands down, is my favorite because my mother rocked it every year.  Growing up on Long Island, she introduced my sister and I to the NYC Macy's Day parade, and simultaneously created the ultimate feast we all gathered for and enjoyed with our extended family (and anyone else because my Mom had an open arms policy).  My memories of Thanksgiving are leg warmers, the smell of my Dads turkey, and my Mother humming to the jazz playing on the radio while cooking.  My task was always to make my Mom’s Yam and Apple Casserole because that was my favorite, and to set the table which I loved doing.  It was an all day affair ending with watching my sister scientifically pull apart her slice of the Mrs. Smiths custard pumpkin pie (per my sister, only this particular pie will do) crust, then pound the pumpkin part down with a fork before gobbling it up.  There was a lot of sitting around, laughing, and, as usual, watching my Mom fiddle with her coffee cup as she sweetly hung onto every word we would say.

Three years and four months ago my Mom passed away from cancer.  

(My Mom holding my daughter right after she was born)

My Mom and I were really close.  Losing this incredibly remarkable woman in my life, who was my biggest fan, conspirator of fun, and, favorite person hands down, still hurts.  And I find myself pondering daily life, asking an invisible person how my jeans look, humming out of no where, and enjoying coffee suddenly-something I never liked before.  And when I make Elaine's Yam and Apple Casserole, those glorious Turkey Day memories with her come flooding back.  So let me tell you what is so amazing about this casserole....It is filled with ingredients that make me happy....sweet potatoes, apples, brown sugar, and marshmallows!  Thanks for letting me share a little about me.                      Happy Thanksgiving!!

__________________________________

Let's Talk Turkey about Hot Kitchen Stools

Make room for more family in style using one of these hot stools! Since Thanksgiving is all about gathering together, I made a little list of kitchen stools that would add some character and fun this holiday season. Some are on the high end and some are good buys.  Just click on the captions below the pictures to go to the product link.

For a more traditional look the curvy detail in the legs are lovely.

Start your engines!

Love the natural feel with woven rattan seat.

A sleek style that looks comfy.

This modern square back will make a big statement in this yummy hydra blue colored leather.

Add a bit of animal! 

This stool has that modern appeal we are seeing a lot of.

Funky!

Like sitting in a little egg.

I definitely have a 'thing' for this blue color.

Hi Mickey Mouse!

And for those of you who have an upholstered stool already but looking to give it a new life, re-upholster the seat.  Now you may think this would be a big job so to prove how easy it is check out Transforming Home blog who shows you her step by step process.

Remember to catch my news segment this Wednesday on WFMZ-TV's 69 News at Sunrise at 8:40 am.  I will answering two viewer questions and sharing a DIY dresser project I recently completed.

Fresh Fabric Color Palettes I Am Using

I can't believe another week has gone by; I am a hot mess in three inch red pumps. I just walked in from my last presentation for the week and as I unhook my coffee IV I realize I meant to blog about something, anything, since Monday, but way too fast it turned into Saturday! Now I have whip flash and a need to share a tiny bit about the projects I am working on that have kept me busy.  So below are the color palettes I put together for each client because, well, I love 'em and maybe you will too! 

 Blue and tweed with touches of pink for a fresh, young and fun family room.

 Dramatic copper and large print wallpaper for an elegant and definitely eye catching dining room!

 Tailored hues of yellow, green and rich soft chocolate is a good choice for a grown up family room.

Tribal print and ice blue for a bold glam dining room!

(took the wing back chair you see above and covered it in the red and orange vine print to the left)

Rust orange, cappuccino browns and patterns for a family room with a kick!

Cool gray blues and bright white tiles on the wall and flat river rock under your feet create a calming master bath.

I accomplished a lot this week.  I also had some good finds along the way......

Tuesday I purchased this fabulously large necklace from Kohls for under $9.  I never realized they had a fun selection of jewels.

Wednesday I fell head over heels for these funky pillows from Target......goes great with my necklace!!

Thursday I had 2 epiphanies: 

1. After going through Dunkin Donuts drive thru two times I said "Shosh, just get the larger size coffee-you know you will miss it when it is all gone."

2. At midnight, after finishing off a box of cereal and still salivating, I decided I am no longer allowed to watch Just Desserts, Chopped or Iron Chef while working late.

Friday I  re-arranged a bookcase for a client:

BEFORE

AFTER

I did nothing except re-arrange their sentimental collection of photos and books.  Took just a few hours of moving things around, adding a few decor items from around the house, and now the shelves tells a story of where this family has been and what they are about.  

 CLOSE UP OF RIGHT SIDE

Have a great Monday everyone!!!!

Want To Be On TLC's New Home Decorating Show & Live In The LA Area?

The Casting Producer for TLC's new show "Our House" asked me to pass along this info.  If you try out, good luck!!!!!!!

TLC SEEKING COUPLES FOR $25,000 HOME MAKEOVER

The TLC network is looking for fun, outgoing couples who live together in the Los Angeles area for their new home makeover show “Our House.”

The concept: We give you $25,000 and three weeks to do whatever you want to your home’s interior. You can re-floor, re-furnish, break down walls, install extreme fixtures and make it your dream house! And you have to do it all YOURSELF! (with a little help from your friends and the occasional plumber).

We're looking for married couples, dating couples, new home owners, long-time residents, couples who are strapped for cash and couples who just need a change. Whatever your story -- as long as you own your house and want TLC to pay you to re-invent it -- we want to hear from you!

Please send an email to OurHouseCasting@gmail.com with both of your names and ages, a phone number, your house’s location, photos of you both and a brief explanation of why you want to makeover your home.

EMAIL PRODUCERS TODAY!

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