Looking Forward To A Golden 2011

Eggs sunny side up? OR a shaggy place to wiggle your toesies in?

Happy 2011!

I hope 2011 goes eggs-actly the way you want.  I just returned from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, ringing in the new year with good friends.  Here is a recap of our trip:

1. Three days of "Wasting away in Fondueville; Searching for our lost chocolate banana pop";

2. i-phone scrabble addiction that turned to word abuse;

3. and My Booky Wook (Russell Brand is nuttily adorable) self indulgence.

For me there were no resolutions this year because that only leads to guilt ridden distrust between me and my big mouth by year end. For example, first day of 2010 I promised to curse less but there I was on the last day of the year, turning into a swearing sailor.  I had good reason of course.  It was 7:30 am.  I had just completed the dreaded morning routine- take shower, put on make-up, get dressed, and dry hair. I stopped and stared at myself in the bathroom mirror for a while, thinking "something is off, not right and downright greasy."  Then it hit me like a 200 lb elephant with a perm.  "I FORGOT TO WASH THE CONDITIONER OUT OF MY HAIR!"  After cursing in six different languages I undid the last twenty minutes and hopped back in the shower to wash that (blank) conditioner out.

No resolutions, just cravings.  A few of my new addictions for 2011 include:

1. Thomas Paul.  I have blogged about him before (click here) but have to again because his vintage inspired pillows are so adorable.  He took classic designs and added fresh watery color.  Great for a nursery or any kids space.  Also these matryoshka doll pillows.  You might know of them as a babushka doll. 

It is a Russian nesting doll made of wood that when opened, contains other dolls, one inside the next, decreasing in size.  

My mother, in her very early twenties, was a hairstylist on a cruise ship and visited many countries, including Russia, where she picked up a matryoshka doll.  As a kid, I used to play with it a lot.

Paul is a textile designer guru, completely changing his look and feel, but keeping to the bright beautiful colors I really enjoy.    I have created drapes for clients using his eye candy patterns.  I also framed them for a client because they brought so much colorful beauty into the room.

2.  Pink and Yellow to make pink lemonade.  Pantone named its color of 2011 (drum roll please).....

Per Pantone "Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life."

Now imagine that pink paired with a golden yellow!

Can you feel the warmth and happiness?

Here are some great ways to fuse the colors in one room:

I would sit here for hours with a cup of tea and some friends!

Betsey Johnson's dining room is a showstopper in  pink and yellow!

I think pink covered books would be the perfect additions to this space designed by Kelly Wearstler for the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica.

Ruthie Sommers, whom I am mad about, brings pairs them nicely through chair upholstery.  

The large yellow wallpaper piece brings life to this eclectic space. 
I am also hot for the lattice upholstered ottoman.

The deep gray paint, flooring and sofa make the yellow and pink glow.

In this airy white space, the punches of pink and yellow instantly add bright fun. 

3. Frugal Family Fun.  OK, I have one last addiction.  It is not about interior design but it is noteworthy and you can definitely find inspiration in it.  It is a blog chock full of great inexpensive and easy crafts to do with children, as well as so many money saving ideas.  I was really blown away by it!  Valerie, who is the mad genius behind the blog recycles everything! My daughter and I ran around the house looking for used TP rolls and made our version of The Owl Family Play Set.

Shoshana Will Be Featured In The Morning Call Home Plus section Christmas Day Demonstrating How to Reinvent Rooms in Your Home

Look for me in the Home Plus Section Saturday, Xmas day!

Look around your home and ask yourself if you are using every square footage in a useful way?  There is a fabulous trend going on, taking traditional living spaces and reinventing them into functional stylish destinations.  You are giving your space a new life full of purpose and panache.  

 The Morning Call newspaper  is running a story on this very topic, and will use, as an example, a living room turned library I designed for a couple in Allentown PA.   I go into detail about all the changes that were made. It will be in the Home Plus section.  Check it out and get ideas for your own home!

In 2011 I will be taking this message of functional space, to heart.  I looked around my own home and it occurred to me that my dining room has seen more dust than any other action lately.  So I will be turning it into a home office.  An office with style! My dining room is rarely used but it is fully furnished with beautiful cherry hand made pieces from Vermont.  I could never get rid of the furniture but I am tired of staring into the room that tends to be a dumping ground.  I tried to use the space more than once, but guests always ends up in the kitchen.  Meanwhile I have outgrown my current home office located in a guest room. So I have put a plan together to incorporate my dining room pieces into a chic functional office that I can really get serious in.  Stay tuned because I will blog about it.  

Here is the BEFORE:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Voted One of the Top Bedrooms by Houzz Readers & My Headboard/Canopy Ideas Are On HGTV.com

Thank you Houzz readers for voting my master bedroom one of your 16 Top Bedrooms of 2010!  Houzz is a great interior design site to get ideas from.  It is filled with photos taken by designers, decorators, architects, contractors, builders, and anyone else who wants to share a room they created with people all around the world.  To read what went into creating my 'bedroom retreat' CLICK HERE.

And thank you HGTV.com for featuring two of my bed canopy designs on your “Decorating With Bed Crowns” photo gallery. CLICK HERE to see this gallery.  And  for also featuring my headboard idea in your “Budget-Friendly Headboards” photo gallery. CLICK HERE to see this gallery.  These galleries are live on HGTV.com and will be the main galleries on the page when the headboard package launches in early 2011.

To see step by step instructions on how I created the budget friendly guest room headboard CLICK HERE. 

I have more designed spaces that will be published and will blog about them soon.  It is an honor to share my take on design and decor, and almost cooler than the pink, orange, purple, yellow, and blue outfit my 6 year old dressed herself in today (almost every bright color was represented).  You go girl (snap snap)!

Also if you missed my Fave-O-Fave list, CLICK HERE to watch my news segment.  It is jam packed with decorating and decor product ideas! I have  received a lot of positive feedback from viewers and readers.

Ok, time to get down off this high and do the vacuuming that I have been putting off, then back to the office.  I have a living room presentation in two days and I have been too busy getting side-tracked with wrapping gifts, baking cookies and finishing a 500 piece puzzle.  Hope you have a great day!!  


-decadently yours, Shosh

Its time to share my 2010 list of Fave-O-Fave Décor Finds and Design Ideas!  

If you missed me today on WFMZ-TV's 69 News at Sunrise at 8:40 am, below is 'THE' list.  TO WATCH THE SEGMENT CLICK HERE  (when watching the segment, if you want to view the video larger, there is a little button in the bottom right corner).  We had so much fun!!!

My list is made up of design ideas and decor products that have had an effect on me this year. Some are simply creative ideas that I use time and time again, and some are the hottest trends that I am diggin'.

So sit back and enjoy my personal 'fave-o-faves'!

"Hello blue-eyed red head!"

Traditional wingback chairs given a modern kick of color and design. This is one of my fave-o-fave chair designs I created for a client.  The traditional wingback chair becomes an original statement with this playful bold modern tribal fabric.  You have to see this fabric close up to truly appreciate it because the colors are rich and there are details that make me smile.

"Gotta have it!"

Knock knock..Whose there? Who cares, it’s the knocker that I came to see!!  I have been on the lookout for a door knocker since I painted my door red in the fall.  I finally found it!  Pottery Barns Aviary Door Knocker is a new item that won’t last long.  I was told by PB that they have just a few left.  BUT will get 360 more mid January then the item will be gone for good.  Birds are the hottest décor theme of 2010 yet this classic piece will always be in style.

"A classic cozy look."

What is better than wrapping yourself in faux mink with a classic black and white houndstooth check pattern? I adore this SONOMA life + style® Houndstooth Sherpa Micromink Throw Blanket at Kohls.

This bench is feisty- "Sit bench sit!"

If you follow my blog you know what a find this was!  I picked it up at Big Lots months ago for $169 and it is my top fave-o-fave pieces of furniture.  It has all the bells and whistles that I love-a bit of animal print, nail heads, turned leg, and on casters.

"Life is better with bling options."

I love having everything at my fingertips in my closet.  This hanging jewelry box from Kohls does just that.  Measuring 14 1/2" x 20" it is large enough to hold enough jewelry options to be placed on my list.  And if it is in your closet, instead of placing photos in the front, insert cut-outs from magazines of outfit looks you like, or words of wisdom.  It comes in black-brown or white.  ONE PROBLEM-I couldn't find it on Kohls website so I think it is a special item you have to go the store for and I don't know how many they have left. The code on the box 727 10 16.

"This lamp had me at 'hello'"

My seashell lamps with its silver leaf body in a shell shape and black tuxedo drum shades are sexy and elegant.  I digg the feel of coastal style but in a more sophisticated way with mixes of wood, wicker, silver and warm lighting.  Beach style doesn't have to be casual.  Make it shine! (I don't believe you can get this lamp any longer, but if looking for this high end style, consider a tall lamp (30") that has a metallic finish and adding silver shell accents along side it, or go with a capiz lamp).  

"Go big or go home." 

Big, bold and bad fabric rocks my world!  These fabrics make me so happy.  I have been using them to cover windows, furniture, pillows and framing them!!  Get a big bang for your buck using fabric as art; frame it or wrap it around a giant canvas.  It has wonderful texture that flat paper doesn’t and since it comes by the yard, you have size options.

"Burlap is having a moment."

I have gone soft for upholstered headboards.  They look luxurious and soften a bed in a bedroom full of wood dressers, armoires, and end tables.  I have also joined the burlap train everyone is jumping on. Fabric that has the look of a potato sac is a huge trend- but not a new one.  It has been big in the fashion industry for a few years.  Remember Lauren Bush’s Feed bag  http://www.feedprojects.com/?  Now a days this look with a large print pattern can be seen everywhere in home decor.  This one is from Fabrics by Allan in Allentown.  I love it because it looks worn, like it has a history.  It is very Shabby Chic and Parisian Flea Market style.  I also like the throw pillows ON THIS WEBSITE.

 "The Outside-In wreath."

I was so wowed by my client Sue’s idea of hanging her wreath on her door inside her home, that I just had to copy it and share it with everyone!  It’s genius because now you can enjoy it all the time.  This wreath the Smith & Hawken Cranberry Wreath

 from Target.

"This tote is genius!"

This is the best gift I ever gave myself.  I can't say enough about this tote.  It is so handy, easy to organize, has lots of room, has a drawer, and a magnetic turntable so I can safely set it down and spin it!!  It is the mother of all craft travel totes! It is meant to hold crafts (and a very crafty person obviously made it) but I use it to hold my design tools including hammer, nails, measuring tape, etc. I purchased it at Tuesday Morning but because their merchandise comes and go, I found variations of it on-line thru different sites-just click here. 

"Check out her curves."

Inspired by the hotels we have stayed at and by my husband's constant begging, I bought a curved shower rod.  Fave-O-fave!!  It makes the normally cramped shower feel larger.  I love mine.  I recommend using a light waffle woven shower curtain with it so you get the total spa affect. This rod is from Moen.

 "Check the kitchen dept. for bathroom hand towels."

 A fave-o-fave of mine are fun and colorful hand towels. I picked up  this cute towel at Tuesday Morning.  Psst....look in the kitchen department of the store for more selection!

"Come stay at hotel My House-we will pamper you!"

I love free stuff!  That definitely includes complimentary travel size soaps at hotels. And house guests will love them too when you bring them home and put them out for your guests to pamper themselves with during their next visit.   Then they just toss it.  In the photo above I used a silver tray from Target and some coral I have collected on vacations in Aruba for that personal touch.  I also love including a small shiny candy dish of mints in my powder room.  Make sure your mints are individually wrapped.  A friend of mine in Hoboken keeps all sorts of travel size stuff in her powder room.  You could find everything from tooth picks to a razor!

"Wrap up your table in fun, shiny colors!"

1. Black tablecloths show off everything on the table. Start with this midnight color stain resistant micro-fiber tablecloth by Apt. 9® from Kohls for a luxe feel.  I dig its geometric shapes and modern feel.

2. Add drama and surprise with a table runner made of one roll of wrapping paper.  It is available in so many patterns, colors, textures, is inexpensive and you can get your hands on it any where.  For large rolls, simply fold it in half width wise and roll it out!  After dinner, toss it.

"Express your inner diva through your table setting."

3. Add these shiny place mats in place of chargers. This silver Apt. Apt. 9® Reversible Vinyl Placemat from Kohls can be used in the most upscale settings and wipe down quicker than wrapping up leftovers!  And for a completely different look, flip them over for a jet black wet look that looks great against a colorful tablecloth.

4. Be a rebel and get out the good china for meals at home.   Frozen pizza night becomes a meal at a 4 star restaurant!

5. Table jewelry that sparkles and shine! These rhinestone napkin holders from Kohls (get them while they last) make even a McDonald’s napkin shine. My fave-o-fave!

You've been great 2010; can't wait to begin my new list in 2011!

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