How To Design A Ladies Lounge; A Retreat For Us Girls

For the last few years you can't get away from hearing the term ‘Man Cave’ (now repeat in a deep low voice).  A Man Cave is a place for guys to get solitude from the rest of the home and do ‘manly things’.  This might include a jumbotron screen with a sweet sound system, home bar, dartboard, a drink in hand and usually a recliner.   I get it.  Life can be stressful and having a happy place to take a break from the rest of the world in your own home is important.  It is so important that there have been books, websites, even television shows dedicated to creating these ‘Man Cave’ spaces. 

So I went on television today (click here to watch my segment) and lobbied for the female......................

I said "what about us girls?"  If a guy can have a special place of his own then surely the ladies deserve their own haven as well.   So I am getting out my megaphone and calling all women to what I call 'the LADIES LOUNGE'!  So when your roommate, spouse, children, pets, or Aunt Edith stretch you thin, you can hide yourself away to recharge your batteries in a peaceful space of your own.  We need to take care of our needs too. 

Doesn't this space look relaxing?  This would be the perfect Ladies Lounge for me!!

Find the Perfect Spot.  Create a Ladies Lounge in an extra bedroom, part of the basement, a rarely used office, a large closet, or if you live in a home with a bedroom that has a sitting area, close it off completely with a door or use a room divider. Even a deck in warmer climates can be outfitted with comfy outdoor furniture and storage to hold books, paper, etc.  Just make sure the windows are shut from the inside for privacy. 

In my own home I redesigned a guest bedroom into a home office for myself that includes a comfy sofa, my fave art books, and a closet I tricked out into a storage center for all my craft supplies.  

I also have another teeny but havenous area in my home that is my ‘minute meditation spot’; My walk-in closet.  I keep my guitar, and some paper and a pen in it.  When I need a few minutes to recharge I excuse myself and hang in my closet to play.  It relaxes me (until someone finds me).  It is a small closet so I hung a large mirror in both the back and front walls so I don’t’ feel like my clothing is going to’ jump me’.

Regardless of the size of your Ladies Lounge, the most important part of having a space to yourself is to create a quiet haven that is filled with comfort, inspiration and relaxation for your mind and body. 

Make sure everyone knows this is your special space and they are not allowed to disturb you (a lock on the door helps).

If you have the room you could find your Zen crafting up a storm in this Ladies Lounge!

Outfit your Ladies Room with hobbies that relax you.  Reading, crafting, sewing, drawing, writing, watching your fave shows on TV, doing yoga, catching up on the web, or getting jiggy to your favorite tunes; Anything that makes you happy!   Just don’t forget the Do Not Disturb Sign and box of chocolates. 

Add your personality:

• Cheerful paint color or wallpaper
• Colorful bold Accents (try using Pantone color pick of 2011 Honeysuckle 18-2120; it is very pink)
• A comfy chaise or daybed, chair with ottoman
• Funky or glam lighting
• Snuggly throw
• Scented Candles
• Tons of books and magazines you enjoy
• Crafts you like organized in boxes on shelves
• Table to spread your ‘stuff’ out on
• BIG mirror so even the smallest room feels larger
• Secret stash of sweet or salty snack
• Bottles of water
• Display your cherished collectibles (I collect and  hang necklaces on vintage hooks)

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on your Ladies Lounge.  Part of the fun of having a Ladies Lounge is creating it so take your time and use your imagination.  Re-purpose, re-paint an old piece of furniture, add new knobs. 

Here are a few fun do-it-yourself projects for a fun Ladies Lounge:

Get this look using the DIY projects below-so fun!!!

Create a custom cork board using an old frame.  
"I was inspired to make this project after I broke the glass from a large black frame." 
You will need:
frame (no glass)
natural cork roll
foam board (can get from Dollar Store or craft store)
Scissors or cutting knife
Hot glue gun
Glazier Points (can get from any framing store)

STEP 1

Get out your frame, foam board and rolled cork.

STEP 2 

  

Cut foam board to fit in frame opening.  I suggest scoring it with a scissor or cutting knife, then bending it back to cut.

STEP 3

Cut the cork roll the same size as foam board and hot glue it to one side of the foam board.

STEP 4

With the frame facing down place the cork board side face down into the frame.  It should fit snug.

STEP 5

With frame face down push the pointed edge of the glazier point into the side wall of the frame (you may need to use a flat head screw driver if the wood is too hard). 

Ta Da!!!

Turn ordinary push pins into cute adornments.

You will need:

push pin

felt shapes or anything else you would like (you can get at a craft store)

hot glue gun

STEP 1

Place some hot glue on the head of the push pin and glue backside of the felt piece to it

Ta Da!!!

You can also do this same technique with larger weightless cute pieces like this flower from a craft store:

Paper Balls.
'I was inspired by those expensive shell balls you find at decor stores."

You will need:
Styrofoam balls (I used 2-1 / 2" 6 / Pkg-White balls from a craft store)
scrapbook paper (you will need one square sheet per ball)

STEP 1

Rip up a sheet of scrapbook paper into small pieces.

STEP 2

Crumple it up with your fingers.

STEP 3

Hot glue each crumpled piece around the entire ball.

STEP 4

"You're halfway there!"

Ta Da!!!

Use different color scrap paper with various patterns to create different looks then group them together in a bowl.

I really love the way these balls came out!!

Cover old books with pretty paper to add style to your Ladies Lounge.
You will need:

Large paper that will fit the books you want to cover (I suggest using wrapping paper or wallpaper roll)

Scissors

Labels (if you want to add the title info on the book)

STEP 1

Place the paper horizontally on a flat work surface Set your book on top of the paper. Center the book and use a pencil to mark the paper along the top and bottom edges of the book.

Remove the book from the paper and fold the top and bottom edges toward the center of the paper from the marked lines. Your book cover will now be the same height as your book

STEP 2

Set the book, open, back on the paper, aligning it with the folds. Center the book and fold the left and right edges of the paper over the front and back covers of the book.  

STEP 3

 STEP 4

Add a label to identify book info.

Ta Da!!!

Create clip canvas instant art that can be changed out as many times as your inspiration changes.
What you will need:
2 1/2" Bulldog Clip (you can get this at any craft or office supply store)
9"x12" Artist Canvas Panel (you can get at any craft or art supply store)
Nails (to hang on wall)
Hammer

STEP 1

This is the easiest project EVER!!  Simply use the clip to attach your fave artwork to the canvas panel and hang on wall using a nail.  Change the artwork any time!

These projects are very easy because, well, I don't like hard DIY projects :)  If you try any I would love to hear about it!  


p.s. I designed the Ladies Lounges above using Olioboard.

Shosh Demonstrates 'The Lady Lounge' on 69 News at Sunrise Tomorrow Morning

Hi Friends!

Catch me tomorrow on WFMZ-TV 69 News at Sunrise at 8:40 am.  I will be talking about the Lady Lounge!  There has been so much hype over the Man Cave, but women need a retreat of their own also.  I will share ideas and fun DIY projects.  If you miss it, there will be a link on my loveyourroom blog (click here) to view the video, as well as step by step instructions on the DIY projects I discussed during the segment.  I can't wait!  

 "Here's to Lady Lounges and Man Caves" 

(I am holding up my coffee cup; feel free to click yours to the computer screen).

Remember to check back at my blog after for the DIY projects!

How to Make a Striped Wall in Your Kitchen

When you think of your kitchen, does the word 'FUN' come to mind?  Probably not.  Well why not?  Try a wall treatment like this easy horizontal stripe and bring something special to the table!

This works especially well in small kitchens because it brings your eye in and people will notice the wall over the small size of the space.  This kitchen that I re-designed below was a tight space.

Kitchen looked like this:

Here is how we added the stripes----

ONE measure the wall length and height;

TWO choose paint colors.  For this wall I used Sherwin William "Analytical Gray", "Nebulous White", "Pool House" and "Cityscape";

THREE plan out on paper like this:

FOUR Paint the wall using the lightest color first, then using painter's masking tape, tape off the other stripes per your design (tip: on the painters tape, above each stripe, write the name of that stripe color to stay organized).

Now one side of this kitchen makes the meals and the other side enjoys them in style!

                    left side                                                                      right side                                         

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!