Shosh's Top Decor Finds Airs Today

Watch my once a year Fave-O-Fave TV News Segment that aired today with Eve Tannery on 69 News At Sunrise, and see what decor I am hot for this year, and how I use them CLICK HERE TO SEE THIS VIDEO

After watching the video, if you see something you love, go to LOVE YOURROOM to get all the info on where to get it!!


Have fun!! 

Tomorrow: Fave-O-Fave List is Available!

Available December 21st at LOVEYOURROOM

It's time to share my list of fave-o-faves again!  I am so excited to share a few of my favorite finds and designs from this year.  I will be showcasing them tomorrow on WFMZ-TV 69 News At Sunrise at 8:40 a.m.  It was a big hit last year so don't miss it! 

I will have every juicy detail available at LOVEYOURROOM after the show airs. 

Happy Holidays!

-Shosh

My First Floor Is Getting A Facelift

After five years of living in our home, P and I have finally started the renovation on our first floor!  This is the longest we have lived at the same address and think that it is about time to change out the flooring, tackle the kitchen, and create a new entrance to our family room.  I am taking advantage of P's mad home improvement skills, and the contractors I work with.  It has been chaotic because year end is very busy for both of us, but we just crave chaos!!  Here is the progress so far since Thanksgiving:

 P tore out the carpet quickly.  Then the hallway wood floor.

Princess of Darkness napped during the hauling out process and when she woke up she was confused about where the carpet went. Don't worry cat, flooring came back, but in the form of beautiful five inch plank hand scraped engineered birch with a warm chestnut stain.

Next, we tackled the kitchen.  This is what it looked like. We are saying 'adios' to the linoleum flooring, cabinet finish and hardware, black appliances, and this small island 'situation'.

We are also giving a big farewell kiss to the long pony wall (aka 'the balance beam' because my daughter would walk across it all the time) separating our family room from the kitchen. 

 We had our long pony wall removed, and created a smaller version on the left side of the room.  This will open up our kitchen access, and allow more light in because our furniture will be moved away from the window in the family room.  Thanks Trevor!

 We moved the island and appliances out of the way to make room for the new flooring.  'Push P, push!'

 Next came more of the new wood flooring. 

 A quick sketch from me for the new columns and Steve, the wood master, built them.

 'Ok, who put the frig doors in the family room?' Ha ha...not funny.

 We are working on painting the columns now, and I need to get moving on the wall paint palette.

New appliances came in and this past weekend we had our cabinets painted a soft tan gray (Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore).  Thanks Jim!  It is super important to let the cabinets breathe for as long as possible so the doors will be off for a week.

Next up is to get the doors back, add our new hardware, and work on the island -add more storage, seating, a new counter top and moldings.  I still have to figure out wall paint colors, and furniture placement, but that will be after the new year.  

Stay tuned!!!

P.S. The Designs By Shoshana Studio will be closed December 21 thru January 4, 2012.  

Happy Holidays and A Healthy New Year Friends!!!

Live In The Lehigh Valley? Donate Food To The Peannut Man!

Make this season happier for families in our community by donating to this years food drive.  The food pantry at Jefferson School in Allentown is seriously lacking protein items to hand out to needy kids and their families. Let's bulk it up!

Donate non-refrigerated milk, peanut butter, beans and lentils, and canned meats and fish.

You can drop it off at any of the following locations between Dec 5 thru Dec 16:   Just look for this sign and donate!! 

Shosh Talks Paint On TV This Wednesday

Hi friends,

Catch me on WFMZ-TV 69 News At Sunrise this Wednesday, November 16th at 8:40 am!! If you are thinking about painting your homes' interior walls you will want to tune in because I will discuss the most common questions and dilemmas homeowners come across.  I will also share HGTV's new line of paint that could not only save you from stressing over color choices, but can save you money as well!  Check out my WEBSITE after for a re-cap of my news segment later in the day.

Decadently Yours,

Shosh

Make A Dream Tree For Luck & Beauty

Dream Tree

 You have heard of a 'vision board', 

but what about a 'vision tree' called a Dream Tree!  

Sit it by the fireplace, the foyer, or create a smaller version for a table top centerpiece.

A Dream Tree is meant to add a sweet natural warm feel to a space, while being a constant reminder of all the dreams you hope come true.  Every leaf on each branch will contain a dream (a wish) that is hand written by you.  It is an easy and inexpensive DIY project you can do in one day!  It can be a small centerpiece on a table top, or a large focal point on the ground.  Once you create it,  you will see it every day and envision your dreams coming true!

This is a kid friendly project too!! 

SUPPLIES YOU NEED:

Felt paper

Scissors

Clear tape

Double sided tape

Jute twine

Branches

Leaves

Vase to place the branches in

(You will also need white copy paper, a Sharpie with a fine tip and double sided tape for writing your dreams on the leaves.)

*You can find the branches and leaves outside your home or at a park, and the rest can be found at a craft store.  Choose a vase that is deep-can be small and placed on a table top, or larger and placed on the ground.

STEP 1

Decide how big you want your Dream Tree to be then find an appropriate sized vase for it.  

Then gather and arrange your branches in it.

*once they are in your vase you can cut them to the size you want.

STEP 2

Time to create your leaves!

Using a pen, trace one of the leaves on your felt paper and cut it out.

STEP 3

Using your scissors, cut a little hole toward the top of the leaf.  Then loop a piece of jute twine through the leaf, tie it in a knot, leave three inches then make another knot, and cut the excess off.

STEP 4

Grab a Sharpie with a fine tip, white copy paper, and tape.

Write as many wishes as you want on the white paper using the Sharpie (the height of your words should be shorter than the height of a piece of tape).  

Cut around each written wish like the photo above with scissors.  

Cut a piece of tape long enough to over each cut piece, place over the piece of written wish, and cut the excess off. 

STEP 5

Grab your double sided tape.

Place a piece on the back side of your wish paper.

Then press the back side down on a felt leaf.  

STEP 6

Hang your leaves on the branches!

IDEA TIP -

*Use this project as a learning tool for kids by renaming it 'The Thankful Tree' and instead of writing your wishes, have everyone write what they are thankful for!!  This is a great idea to do on a rainy day or as a project during Thanksgiving.

Follow the same step by step instructions as above.

"I am thankful for the Earth!" 

Happy Fall Everyone!!!

For more ideas on hot Fall home decor trends and inexpensive ideas CLICK HERE.   

Working On Wednesday's TV Show Feeling A Chill

Fall is at our doorstep.  The weather is chilling up, the leaves will be turning, and falling off the trees.  It is a perfect time to share ideas on adding fall touches to our home decor.  I am working on Wednesday's WFMZ-TV 69 News at Sunrise TV news segment having a blast putting together simple ideas on how to incorporate fall seasonal accents into center pieces, displays, and fireplace mantel ideas; PLUS, these ideas will transition to the winter season holidays! I hope you can tune in!!!!!  Create a warm and inviting home.  1 -2 -3 EASY!!


The segment will air Wednesday, September 21 at 8:40 am.  


If you miss it, I will share a link to it here once it has aired.

Here are some more topics you might like:

No Room For A Coffee Table?  Think Again!

The Classic Slipper Chair: A Handy Accent for Any Room

Throw Blankets: How to Use These Snuggly and Stylish Stylemakers

Smart Back-to-School Storage: Wicker Baskets  

Shosh Demonstrates Easy Ways To Add Color To Neutral Room

                                          BEFORE                            AFTER


Watch this video to see how Shosh adds delicious citrus colors to a bland neutral area.  Get lots of tips!!!!    CLICK HERE


Then stop by LOVEYOURROOM to get info on the products I used, including info on the DIY upholstered chair!

Un-Neutralize Your Room - Shosh Shows You How Wednesday A.M.

Hello fellow lovers of all things fun and creative!


Is your room too neutral for you?  Get that color back into your space with simple tips I will share on WFMZ TV 69 News At Sunrise this Wednesday at 8:40 am.  And of course I will share cool DIY ideas.  If you miss it, check back with LOVEYOURROOM at the end of the day to watch the video and get a break down of where to get the products I used.  I will have 3 surprise guests.  .........and let me know what you think of my new haircut and color.  


In the meantime, check out these timely trends in interior design and decor topics I wrote for Houzz recently (just click on the title below) :


Color: Dressing Up With Navy Blue
 - Add Sophistication to Upholstery and Walls With This Seductive Hue

Mixing & Matching Bedding 
- 10 Tips on How To Outfit Your Bed With Contrasting Patterns

Hang A Tapestry 
- Add Warmth and Drama to a Room With a Beautiful Fabric Wall Hanging


Check Out This Series On Creating Rooms That Showcase Your Style & Not What Is 'In Style'
Dining Rooms With A Personal Stamp Of Style 
- Let Loose With Favorite Colors and Finds On and Around the Table



Living Rooms With A Personal Stamp Of Style
- Get Inspired to GIve Your Main Hangout Space a Look That's Yours Alone
Bedrooms With A Personal Stamp Of Style
- Connect With Your Space With Color, Collections and Accessories With a Story

The NEW LYR Studio is shaping up nicely!  This is a peek at our progress (the chandelier above the table is causing some shadows to appear on the stripe treatment).  The rest of the space is currently filled with boxes, catalogs, samples, and tons of this and that EVERYWHERE.  Want to see a little more?  CLICK HERE.


It has been a slow renovation because of the traveling our team has been doing.  I should have a t-shirt made up that reads "Please bear with us as we renovate."  In the meantime, if you are looking for some brilliantly bold decor ideas and advice, I highly recommend this little cute book Jonathan Adler wrote:

It is not expensive either.  I am a huge fan of Jonathan's because he infuses fun with chicness into every space he designs.  I hope Jonathan would agree with the series of idea books I just completed for Houzz that centers around the belief that homes should be decorated with looks that applaud not our good taste, but our personal, creative take on design.  You can view the features here- BEDROOMS and LIVING ROOMS (DINING ROOMS will be published soon).


There has been a great deal of positive comments from Houzz readers agreeing with this approach to design.  Of course, as I just found out today, along with a positive force of creativity, comes negative spirits.


I just received a 'not so nice' comment to a post idea I had on my LYR blog.  At first I was as sad as the cats whiskers as David Bowie says (who wouldn't be).  Whenever you have the guts to put yourself out there, there is the chance some one will voice a negative opinion.  BUT it means they took notice, so to the negative 'commenter', I want to say thanks for visiting my blog and reading it.

This comes on the heels of a crazy day that began with gum on the shoe in the mall parking lot, and ended with this.  My poor Pilot:

After carrying my car home over my shoulder (because Honda never gave me the special key tool needed to unlock my lug nut). I am throwing salt over my shoulder and moving on.  


Safety Tip- look at the lug nuts on your cars' wheels.  If one looks like this 

that means it requires a special key tool to remove it.  This type of locked lug nut keeps your wheels and tires from getting stolen, BUT also keeps you from being able to fix a flat tire.  MAKE SURE you have this key tool with you when driving.


Let your imagination rule today!

Shoshana Shows You 4 Coffee Table Looks

Hi friends!!

We had so much in the news station today creating 4 coffee table looks using 2 basic formulas.  CLICK HERE to read more and see the video!

Decadently Yours,
Shosh

Tomorrows News Segment-Create An Inspiring Coffee Table Look

Hi Friends,

Don't miss watching my decorating segment tomorrow morning on WFMZ-TV 69 News At Sunrise with Eve Tannery at 8:40 a.m.  If you have wondered how to display accents on your coffee table and keep the clutter off, I will have some helpful tips.  Meanwhile I need tips on what to make for dinner tonight.  Cooking is not my strong point, but I can set a mean table!

p.s. remember to check out my website LOVEYOURROOM for tips on proper foyer and dining room rug size to use, to decor to hang above your bed that is not a framed poster or mirror.

Decadently Yours,

Shosh

Want Ideas For Getting Parisian Style Into Your Home?

Paris is on the top of my list as the most romantic place I have ever been.  I left there with a new found love of Parisian style. I am not talking about French Country style, or the latest trends happening in Paris; I fell for the authentic Parisian feel incorporating Baroque and Rococo style (elaborate and ornamental design).  The kind of look you find at the Ritz in Paris.  Watch my TV segment on Ways to Get Parisian Style Into Your Home and I will share a very personal love story about myself, review photos of the Ritz, and how you can get this look in your own home inexpensively.  


Here is a DIY project I explain in the segment:

Bring in the opulence you would see in an old chateau by adding a gilded effect.  Using gold metallic paint and a stencil (fleur de lis is a popular French symbol), create a gilded look on walls, trim work, and crown molding.  Add gold metallic paint to the carved in areas of woodwork and furniture.  CLICK HERE to see this video.

My Website Gets A NEW Look

It's June so it is warm, but not as HOT as the makeover my website received!  LYR received a major face lift.  Along with many important changes, I have also now incorporated a blog into my new site where I will be posting journal entries and media information.  I will still use this blog for all my DIY interior design projects, and won't forget to give it hugs and kisses.  Check it out- CLICK HERE!

And don't forget to tune into WFMZ-TV 69 News Wednesday, June 15 at 8:40 am for tips on creating a Parisian styled room.  Oh la la!!

Kids Outdoor Paint Project

Meanwhile, I have a fun idea to do outdoors with your kids!  Painting still life!  Still life painting simply means using inanimate subject matter, like an arrangement of flowers, a bowl of fruit, or anything that you can set up, and paint.  The painter can give a straight forward representation of the object(s) or interpret it into something imaginative!  You and your child can study their shape, where the light falls and the shadows the objects in relation to the other objects being used.  Some of the most famous artists have used still life art including Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh!

I introduced my daughter to still life painting last weekend and was taken back by her imagination.  We used stuffed animals and a shoe.  Below is my mini Van Gogh finishing up her still life interpretation of her shoe.

All you need for this project is a canvas board, pencil, paint, paint brush, paper plates to mix your paints, and a cup filled with water.  Set up your still life, sketch it on the canvas board, then paint!  We did a series of 6 that I will hang together in my kids' playroom.

Boys Zig Zag Blvd. Bedroom Revealed

The assignment was to create two bedrooms- one fit for a sweet little four year old girl who has a love of flowers, of the perfect color pink, and of books, that are ever growing in her room.  And another bedroom for a very cool and charming six year old boy looking for a more rockin' room that ignites his creativity.

The budget was minimal, about $1,000 for both rooms, purchasing items that would make the biggest difference, and having fun with DIY projects to sweeten the space!

The reaction raised the roof!  We completed both bedrooms while the family vacationed.  Through a lot laughter, creative dizziness, and inspiration drawn from two little kids, the family came home to two fun designer destinations.  The kids ran right up to their rooms.  All that was heard was a high pitched scream 'Oh my gosh!' 'Oh my gosh!' 'Oh my gosh!'  There was a lot of jumping on the bed and rolling around with a giant smile.  My favorite part was when the little boy looked at the zig zag wall and asked "How does Shoshana think of this cool stuff? She is so smart!"  And kids don't lie :)

 Enjoy!

Watch the video of this reveal. I will share all my secrets and give tips CLICK HERE

Zig Zag Blvd.

A cool kids Bedroom

THE DESIGN

 THE REVEAL

BEFORE

 AFTER

The Paint.  We used Sherwin Williams 'Anew Gray' on the walls and 'Gray Area' on the ceiling. For the Zig zag wall we used Sherwin Williams 'Classic Light Buff' and 'Decisive Yellow'.

The Lighting.  Plug in wall sconces from IKEA were added above either side of the bed for more direct and accessible reading light.

 BEFORE

 AFTER

The Wall Treatment.  See below for how it was done.

Big Bold Initial Pillows.  To create a fun focal point on the bed we added DIY pillows we embellished ourselves.

 BEFORE

 AFTER

Window Treatments.  We added a DIY valance over each window using yellow cotton fabric and a 2 inch white ribbon.  After sewing a rod pocket seam and hemming the edges we just added the ribbon using 'no sew' fabric glue.

Add Shelving.  Displaying achievements is a great confidence builder for kids!  Shelves are excellent places to hang light weight awards because they do not take up any floor space.

BEFORE

AFTER

Work Station. We added a desk and chair from IKEA for reading and writing.  It is near the window so it will get more natural light during the day.

The Wall Treatment. The room definitely gets its superstar feel from the new wall treatment.  And although the yellow color is bold, it is used just enough to make this little boy excited enough to think that I am cool.

Below are the steps we took to create the Zig Zag wall. 

1. Using graph paper, we plotted out the design based on the dimensions of the wall.  

Tip - To make it feel like an ongoing zig zag we began our first yellow stripe 1 foot down the wall.  For the same reason we made sure our zig zag started with a downward line and ended with an upturned line.

2. After painting the wall Sherwin Williams 'Classic Light Buff', using a measuring tape  pieces of painters tape were placed at every point in our pattern design. 

3. The dots were connected by long strips of painters tape, always making sure the tape was straight as it went on.  

 4. The edges were cleaned up using a blade lightly on the wall.

5. Using Sherwin Williams Decisive Yellow, the paint was rolled on and the painters tape came off!

To see how to create Personalized Initial Pillows CLICK here

To see how to create DIY Fake Flower Head Art CLICK here

To see how to create a Stationary Stagecoach CLICK here