I'm Back With A Lot Of Ideas

Hello friends!

Sorry I was gone for April.  It has been one of those fly by night months, gone faster than a speeding bullet.  I missed blogging so much so I am christening this post with a glass of champagne!  I can't wait to share with you all the projects I am working on and the fantastic people I have met!  I have been all over the place.  I wish I could get car mile points like the airlines give out.  Sadly no, just spending lots of dough on gas which goes up so fast; it is up five cents as I write this-now ten cents!!

For this blog post I am attempting to recap all the bits of fun design info I have been involved in since my last post.  I have a before and after to show you that made me so happy because it has been a year since I did the design; Also I included articles from some amazing print publications I have been involved in for March and April that are full of great tips on some timely topics.  And have you heard of Houzz.com?  It's a great place to get detailed ideas on every design and decor dilemna you can think of.  I am writing featured ideabooks for them now (so fun!!).  Below I have shared a DIY that was featured today.  

April wasn't all work and no play for me.  I also flew to Florida for some family time (first vacation in a year!).  That is my cool Dad in the blue hat.  This was the first photo taken of me without a drink in my hand!

1. THIS JUST IN!

I was just told by Roeshel, creator of DIY Showoff, a wonderful and popular blog all about renovations, before and after home improvements, DIY design and decor on a budget, that she will be including a link to my how-to create a photo gallery in tomorrow's post!  Thank you Roeshel! And thank you to all those DIY lovers who stop by!!  CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW TO CREATE A PHOTO GALLERY POST.

2. IT'S DIY TIME

If you ever wondered the wall of circles in my home office was created, or just want to know how to re-use a pizza box, you can see step by step instructions featured on Houzz.  

3. Publications I Was Featured In Recently

Get all my tricks and tips on how to make A SMALL ROOM FEEL LARGER published in the Hakol Newspaper March 2011- CLICK HERE to read it (pg 2-3)!

Get my easy to add ideas on HOW TO CREATE A MEMORABLE GUEST ROOM published in the Hakol Newspaper March 2011- CLICK HERE to read it (pg 8-9)!

Care For Your Outdoor Furniture- Refurbish And Replacement Options

As the days get longer, it¹s getting on time to pull the patio furniture out of storage and plant it next to the garden for the spring and summer. If it’s looking worn, you have a choice: refurbish or replace it. Read what to do in The Morning Call Newspaper Sunday Feature April 11, 2011 edition- CLICK HERE.

4. A designs by Shoshana Room Transformation

A Master Bedroom Transforms From A Bare Space To A Deep Rich Tuscan Getaway

My clients Kelly and Wayne wanted to create a haven that mixed their taste of a simple natural feel and their love of Italy.  They also had a major request to incorporate a sentimental quilt and pillows hand made by Kelly's mom.  This was a challenge for me because I wanted to use the rich warm colors found in Tuscan style.  The beautifully made quilt was crisp white with soft green and bits of yellow in it.  My solution was to use the quilt at the end of the bed as an accent throw and tie it in with the walls through the soft green.  

Here is the beautiful quilt-

Here is the BEFORE and AFTER 
taken with my new iphone

AFTER

The changes made were cosmetic-easy to achieve! To add the richness that the Tuscan style is soaked in, we added tons of golden Mediterranean colors in brilliant golds, dark bronze (the chandelier and lamps) and rich reds.  We kept the furniture, because heavy warm chunky wood works well with a Tuscan feel.   We used a lighter tone of green on the ceiling and man does it bring up the comfy level in the room!

The focal point became the space above the bed.  As soon as you walk in, it pulls you in.  All we did was find a calendar that had gorgeous pictures of Italy.  They were framed and hung in a tight grouping.

We played up the embellishments, true to Tuscan style, by using fringe on the pillows, layering the window treatments with a creamy diamond patterned sheers, and tassels on the armoire, and beaded trim add to a multi-layered look.

BEFORE

AFTER

5. PROJECT I AM FINISHING UP TOMORROW WITH SJ

If you recall I went on television in March talking about my design for a little boy and a little girls bedroom CLICK HERE to see the news segment.  SJ, Designs by Shoshana's amazingly talented coordinator, and I, have been hard at work executing the plan.  Here is a peek into the DIY pillow solutions for the bedrooms.  Stop by again May 18 to see the bedrooms come to life and the DIY ideas, step by step! - and I can't wait for you to meet SJ.  Soon.  Very soon!!! 

Yes it is vinyl and so fun!!!!!!

6. PRODUCT I AM SO DIGGIN'

I know this is not a design recommendation but this is a new love of mine that I want to share:

Would you like a coffee that packs a powerful packet of hot chocolate in it?  Then welcome to my K-cup Cafe Mocha addiction - who would have thought that something so small could make me so happy!

Shoshana Speaks to Kutztown University Students Tomorrow

I just finished getting my hand outs ready for tomorrows' presentation at Kutztown University.  I am listening to Sugarland and drinking from my giant San Francisco mug that my friend Lori gave me when she left me in NYC to move to gorgeous CA six years ago.  She is back in Hoboken now so I lift my mug to you today Lori because I missed you!

I am excited to share my thoughts with the KU students on how to grow a career in the arts field.  As I was thinking about what to say I realized I am old because the world wide web was just taking off when I began, and now we are suction cupped to it which has had a huge impact on how we all do business.  I will be breaking out my new four inch creamy patent leather wedges for the occasion (although more chance of tripping)..........

ALSO, only 5 more days of voting allowed-Please vote for my blog again and again!! You can tell how well my blog is doing by the number it is ranked on the voting website (currently in second place).     


Thanks, 
Shosh

To vote for my blog CLICK HERE, then-

1. You will need to register first (be sure to follow their directions-Easy);

2. Sign back in with your registered login and password;

2. Then, scroll down to the categories listed below and press 'vote'! - THAT'S IT!!

-under ART, find LOVEYOURROOM and click 'vote'

-under Misfits; Defying Categorization, find LOVEYOURROOM and click 'vote'

-under Neighborhood, find LOVEYOURROOM and click 'vote'

Once you are registered you will be able to go the website and simply click 'vote' each time.You may vote every day thru March 27.  If you are wondering why my blog is categorized in 3 places, it is because there is no 'home' or 'decorating' category.  :)

2 Kids Bedrooms Get an Inexpensive Makeover: The Design Plan

As seen on my design segment this morning on WFMZ-TV 69 news (CLICK HERE to see the segment) I have big plans for a little girl who is about 4 and young man age almost 6.  Their bedrooms are getting re-designed in a very BIG way on a SMALL budget.  With a budget of less than $500 per room, I plan on making the most of LOL.

What does 'Laughing Out Loud' have to do with this???  Nothing! LOL stands for Layout, Operation and Lighting.   Before you spend a dime, create your Layout keeping in mind that this space will be used differently as your child grows.  Think about how the room will Operate for your child now and in a few years.  And where will overhead and task Lighting be, for today, and as they grow in the room?  Want to save tons of money and headaches down the road?   Know your LOL. 

Now comes the THEME-I am working with pint sized clients that have a definite idea of what they want in their room-princesses and cars of course.  If you are working on a bedroom redesign for your little one, you might get similar responses.  So when thinking about their theme, incorporate it using a conceptual approach, instead of literal.  In other words, translate their ideas through colors, shapes, and imaginative ways that won't keep you 'stuck' in Barbie World, or Tonka Truck Land.

Save money using your secret weapon-paint.  Create big impact with it on the walls and the ceiling; try a pattern or mural- you will have no need to spend money on any artwork.  Keep well made furniture pieces and simply change out knobs, or if handy, re-finish pieces using paint or spray paint.  My $500 budget will be going toward bookcases, lighting and window treatments.  Items that will be there for years to come.

   

Taking into consideration everything above, I created the 2 design plans:

GIRLS BEDROOM

BEFORE:

The LOL needs to change but the furniture and bedding is in great shape so we will keep it.

DESIGN PLAN:

With new LOL, we will use paint to create a dramatic theme up onto the ceiling creating a faux tray.  We will spend most of our budget on storage around the window, and add a dollar store DIY artwork idea above the bed.

DIY artwork preview (this is one cool easy project!!)

BOYS BEDROOM

BEFORE:

The LOL does not work but will keep the furniture and bedding. 

DESIGN PLAN:

Using a grey palette, I will add my interpretation of 'the love of cars' with a zig zag pattern in yellow and white, and red accents, all the colors you would see on the road.  We will spend most of our budget on a large bookcase, window treatments and lighting.

I created the pattern using the paint colors on a canvas board to show my client.  

We both went 'oohhhhh!'

I can't wait to reveal the two bedrooms to you!!  I will include how to do a lot of it, costs, and how the kids reacted to their new cool rooms!

STAY TUNED FOR THE REVEAL!!

Please Vote For My Decorating Blog

Friends,

Thank you for nominating me for the 'Best Blogs of the Lehigh Valley' contest that The Morning Call is having.  

Now comes the VERY IMPORTANT part-the public votes for their favorite of all the nominated blogs! The blogs that receive the most votes in each category will win in that category, and one blog that receives the most overall votes will be named the Best Lehigh Valley Blog at a special "My Choice Voice Awards" event.  Winners will be announced March 31 and each will receive a certificate of recognition. All nominees will be considered to be included in the Morning Call's Blogosphere.

I would love to win under a category so my decorating voice is heard (believe it or not, there is not 'home design' category so I was nominated under 3 categories that sort of fit-listed below).  

Anyone, anywhere, can vote, every single day, and it takes seconds to do!  And you can vote every day if you like! Here is how to do it:

To vote for my blog CLICK HERE, then-

1. You will need to register first (be sure to follow their directions-easy/you can login with gmail, facebook or twitter account.  Makes it super easy);


2. Sign back in with your registered login and password;

3. Then, scroll down to the categories listed below and press 'vote'! - THATS IT!!

-under ART, find LOVEYOURROOM and click 'vote'

-under Misfits; Defying Categorization, find LOVEYOURROOM and click 'vote'

-under Neighborhood, find LOVEYOURROOM and click 'vote'

You may vote from March 12 thru March 27 (once you register you will be able to simply click 'vote' every day!).

Watch Shosh Disclose Her Design Plan For 2 Kid Bedrooms Tuesday

Hi friends,

This Tuesday at 8:40 a.m. I will once again be a guest on  WFMZ-TV 69 News at Sunrise.  This time I am letting viewers in on a design project I am currently working on.  I will show my plans for re-designing a boy and a girl bedroom.  

Eve Tannery and I will talk about LOL (no, I don't mean Laugh Out Loud) and my designer weapons of choice for keeping the budget way down.   These 'youngins' won't stay small forever so we will also address how to make good design choices.  If you don't get that station, don't fret!  I will have it on my blog after 1 pm!!!!  It is always a fun time and chock full of good info. so don't miss out!!

decadently yours,
Shosh

Bits and Pieces of Designer Love From Last Week

It is Friday night and I am in my work out clothes contemplating getting on my treadmill (have been thinking it over for an hour).  I am so lame because I just shut my client folder at midnight.  Has been a great week though and, so much to catch up on.  Then to bed I go because I am checking out an antique show tomorrow morning at the Ice House in Bethlehem; so fun.  

I just want to share some cool things I am digging from this past week.  They are pieces of design projects I am working on, and well just fun stuff.  First and foremost is Sara Jane, who has begun working with me.  Welcome to the LYR team Sara Jana.  I will blog about her soon so you can get to know her.

I love it when a plan comes together (go A-Team), and this design plan for Michael and Christine in Saucon Valley, is looking great!  I checked on their window treatments and had to share with you two of the drapes because I am in love with the patterns, colors and textures!  

Next, I saw this blingy mouse and ear phones at Staples and had to buy them.  I did it for my daughter (yeah right)!  She was very impressed with me.

Also, I recently finished a design plan for a client looking to add some fresh whimsy to her family room.  Love these fabrics we chose for her new sectional; so yummy (like bubble gum!), and an ottoman in burgundy (so soft).  

Took a trip to IKEA and I really want to use these red chairs some where, maybe my basement......

And I was so excited to see this frame gallery at a clients' because each frame is tiny but together they look large and in charge!  We painted the walls a soft blue and added a chair rail and vertical trim.  She had all of these small hand painted works of art kept in a box.  They were so beautifully detailed and had meaning to my client so we made a tight pattern on the wall and she nailed them up.

She also had this amazing metal art piece in her home.  We placed it up front and center over the sofa.  Large works of art look great over a sofa because they balance each other out.  Don't mind the tape strips on the sofa arms, she is actually doing a genius thing-they are special tape strips used to get your cat or dog to stop trying to scratch or sit on the furniture.  And she says they are working so the strips will go soon.  She bought the strips at her local pet store.

OK, so I was called to help a client move into a brand new town home quickly; to paint and furnish it ASAP- so we did it! But when it came to finding a window treatment for her bathroom, she wanted a window treatment that allowed as much light to come thru as possible and needed it that day, so Speedy Gonzales style, I grabbed one silver grommet drape from Target, a tension rod... 

I laid the drape out then cut it four inches longer than I wanted it hang in the window.

I folded the extra four inches in, used stitch witchery to hem it (you know that I don't know how to use a sewing machine right?), and hung it up!

Took less than an hour!

And lastly, I am slowly working on P's office (hubby)........

I blogged about the changes so far (CLICK HERE).  I am adding a memory wall using all the memorable photos and awards I can get my hands on.  I really love this idea and will show you how it all looks soon!  It is a great way to take all those mismatched framed items you have in boxes, and put them together to cause a great dramatic statement.  So eclectic!


Well time to get on the treadmill, or have a glass of wine!

A Man's Master Bedroom Re-design

I was hired to re-design a master bedroom for a gentleman in Allentown PA.  This was the first man's bedroom I had done and I did not want it to be overly monochromatic, and NO BROWN! I asked him "What inspires you?"  and he mentioned the Scottish painter Jack Vettriano.  Perfect jumping off board.  The great contemporary artist Vettriano (born Jack Hoggan) is also an inspiration to me for the romance he creates in his work, and for his belief in himself and his art.  He chose art; it didn't choose him.  

Jack Vettriano left school at sixteen to become a mining engineer. For his twenty-first birthday, a girlfriend gave him a set of water color paints and, from then on, he spent much of his spare time teaching himself to paint. He put his artwork out there, and it paid off!!

-For those who dream of taking a different path in life, think of Vettriano and go for it!

MY DESIGN PLAN AND FLAWS:

I didn't let the traditionally mission style furniture he already had stop our plan for a contemporary feel. We 'contempo'd' it up with steel grey walls, lots of chrome, including three new framed Vettriano's, deep 'manly' eggplant window treatments, and of course a bit of zebra and mink.  I also added a wall tattoo to cut the squareness of all the hard edges and add 'whimsy' and interest (the decal was bigger than me).  

When I presented my ideas to my manly client, he said 'Shosh, that's not eggplant, it is purple."  I said 'eggplant is the new purple'.  Then he said "Shosh, animal print?" I said "Grrrr...don't get me mad."  And he shook his head and rolled his eyes when I showed him the decal idea.  Design should be fun; there is no right or wrong-just opinions.  He gave me the green light and I went to work.

Here is the before and after:

BEFORE

AFTER

These drapery rods were a splurge but so worth it!!  To bring the budget back down I found the pillows on sale.  Changing the doors and door hardware made a HUGE difference.

BEFORE

Bye bye blue walls and doily sheers.....

AFTER

BEFORE

"Is that the sun rising from that faux stucco sconce?

AFTER

 

A sleek Zylinder satin black with chrome wall sconce fits in like a long lost friend.

 BEFORE

This dresser was actually against the closet wall first. I recommend placing a high piece of furniture under a high window to conceal the awkwardness, then ditch the doily window treatments!  Also what you can't see is an unorganized closet that we quickly addressed. And are those doors or shutters?

AFTER

Roman shades are more functional on a high window.  And for this long and narrow window, they add height and fullness.

Bring on more glitz with this mirror and chair from Pier 1.

I found this decal at www.walltat.com and thought it was beautiful.  It is called‘Graphic Floral 3-Wall Decal’ and is 63" x 40".  I played with the positioning of it using painters tape, and I have to say, it was easy to put up (just took an hour to make sure I didn't rip it and to get all the bubbles out).

So how is my manly client enjoying his bedroom?  He chuckles and nods which is his way of saying 'he digs his new 'diggs'.  Actually we just made changes to his upstairs bathroom and he was all for more purple-

The DIY Show Off features LYR's DIY Projects

Today I had a wonderful surprise!  My little LYR blog was featured on the DIY showoff.  I love blogging and sharing fun ideas makes me so happy (yes, I am doing seal claps).   I also love visiting other bloggers who share that passion.  So big shout out to Roeshel and her readers for checking me out!!  I dig your comments!!!! And have commented back to each of you!  If you want to check out the DIY showoff CLICK HERE.  


Please come back again.  I have A LOT of DIY projects and inspirational reveals coming soon including:
-buffet turned dresser with 'whimsy'
-dollar shop faux flower art
-3 boy and girl bedroom wall treatments
-an eggplant and silver master bedroom
-How to create an inspirational gallery of awards and frames that don't match (we all have those early 90's brass, or dingy wood frames probably protecting pics of loved ones, cherished memories, certificates-you don't want to miss this one!) 


Also if you didn't know already, I am getting a much needed facelift.  My blog and website will be re launched, I am hoping, in a few weeks.  It is my fault it hasn't launched already.  I have been dragging my feet on getting some important stuff to my hot web guy.  BUT this facelift is so inspiring to me so am clicking my heels (as Dorothy says 'there's no place like a well designed home').


decadently yours,
Shosh