Home Ideas - Modern Home Design

Connecting with creatives ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnU7_6aJ4LSoya_pSHf3IEW0G2vkutPQ7pVmaVisxPq_Rkby0SXnYOquohJUgRlq0Z8eS8I64IgCOFNRY457-O1M2KjiyB9t2SuwwAw-g9jKKwiAg3zf8DXffXJLYb6GmZxn8FSWJT_6mf/s1600/AlexaHampton%253Abooksigning%2540bdc.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541067503324666690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnU7_6aJ4LSoya_pSHf3IEW0G2vkutPQ7pVmaVisxPq_Rkby0SXnYOquohJUgRlq0Z8eS8I64IgCOFNRY457-O1M2KjiyB9t2SuwwAw-g9jKKwiAg3zf8DXffXJLYb6GmZxn8FSWJT_6mf/s400/AlexaHampton%253Abooksigning%2540bdc.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 338px;" /></a> About once a month, the <a href="http://www.bostondesign.com/events/#-1">Boston Design Center</a> hosts lecture series featuring celebrity designers. And yes they are celebrities to us! This past Tuesday, <a href="http://markhampton.com/">Alexa Hampton </a>presented a retrospective of interior design scenes from her childhood homes to her current residence. This was one of my favorite presentations that I have seen at the BDC for awhile. <a href="http://www.markhampton.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541378447312703362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_fVm2RsQ-pk0DrmqrbIt9rTPSIn_Hfanh5uqVdSnxjF2XsTFbp_Cd54BtZcOrj5VoS_Nrzj5ioLZLUSHtKqlEtld4Z0twJdFlvGSzad9Oi_9JR3IkvLqLHE-aO4Od7xrW95zOtWOtiQ6/s400/alexa-markhamptoninc.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 267px;" /></a><a href="http://www.markhampton.com/">{Photo from Mark Hampton, LLC website}</a> Alexa is intelligent, humorous, warm and so down to earth. She is the kind of person who can easily connect with others and make them feel at ease even though she lives a really big life and has worked on amazing projects, beginning her career as a young teen at the side of her talented architect/designer father, Mark Hampton. In 1998 Alexa took over her father’s interior design firm after his passing. She has made quite a name for herself and has proven that while her talent may be inherited, it can also stand on its own. She has designed interiors all over the globe and her portfolio includes product lines for a number of quality design manufacturers, making her signature style available to the rest of us. <a href="http://www.hickorychair.com/product_detail.aspx?i=4562"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541379226576442594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioR9Ii1vJs-83_uMo5EHyh-QafFfQYoBqQmtOfAivUy_auGzKQEdom0x4cygrf3QnnhqFlmiHmhCPSIbdK5rdxDnhANZaZ1xAPXz_RxjTvm7kCk-c3VUsQp1T4T9rz0N8V23U7PVGVx1T/s400/alexahamptonHickoryChair.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 397px;" /></a>Alexa Hampton for <a href="http://www.hickorychair.com/product_detail.aspx?i=4562">Hickory Chair</a> <a href="http://www.kravet.com/search/fabdetail.asp?Code=FAB&roy=AH0-Alexa+Hampton&Price=All&mill=&Page=1&pat=25338&clr=16"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541079526120969618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLl3rUB5ZzcgouiScGOTsl3jF4TXw_cJVtoAQg_M7s1c1jNvX74u8SIKFY6CX4Byu7xH0kLIvp9bULA1-AmzFgcrMiedg56t3QwXEq2aws89BidHFDDyt-XU8IrHYiiVPD1Is-mzJrcwOo/s320/alexahampton-greekkey-kravet.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" /></a>Alexa Hampton for <a href="http://www.kravet.com/fabrics/collections/hampton.htm">Kravet</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikhDpx05vWXWjKogU2ga68jiDNEFd4rOiivB3RXQVDRpQmZPuctvt942rAQBDvKS8Ev2_87cqEyMTE6ZPt5cJ6WdEDnMvasHPEnum8X6VQgvjp0Vg2940ljOi7r4nPdUgVtTursKQpdUo/s1600/alexahampton_kravet.JPG"> </a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikhDpx05vWXWjKogU2ga68jiDNEFd4rOiivB3RXQVDRpQmZPuctvt942rAQBDvKS8Ev2_87cqEyMTE6ZPt5cJ6WdEDnMvasHPEnum8X6VQgvjp0Vg2940ljOi7r4nPdUgVtTursKQpdUo/s1600/alexahampton_kravet.JPG"> </a> <a href="http://www.circalighting.com/details.aspx?pid=1292"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541081584171203714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9TGyoGKzluuwzZLSSzVDmnxt1fpzLgNRPILI-hZxr-cuXPKeH9g7OoCBSazt6oZX9M6vkqm38Ob-XXiyi9B_9J-gslxncc8-KLPf89xBd76O0F8sZUlfOOr98BNzhY7x58Ly8_LYTKfM/s320/katetablelamp-AlexaHampton-circa.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J5_dTQKB2lUJfcrxgCJ4M91zvR1grNuaGX-UaU4LgglK_cGh4NO0ZvmPbtXW2YskacYqKi14rnbIbYMvZLCWCebpaBEJtDQtOUDdV080Bn6UcUVflx6Jt_a3Ey2K_vcktD3ulYyXXjw2/s1600/alexahamptonforhickorychair"> </a> <div style="text-align: center;">Alexa Hampton for <a href="http://www.circalighting.com/details.aspx?pid=1292">Circa Lighting</a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ppK4y0dVE1TWc3cm9EthpXflEGG0yhHEwTQXTmb5b53XbGeccO9sWuNp-Ku9bX3XfGwOQuO5dK0WcoequkWA4hGUAoJbl-zEhlzGF9kBpIrOTLTHgnCWqq4GS83ZBhB-O_D80XDVfYPP/s1600/frankflushmountAlexaHamptonCirca.jpg"> </a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.markhampton.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541106051493222354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLCVT53f6dChimZYwrLPVh9Y71RXInHXtwUGDJPy0iJ4GwfuWOn0VUxjmYNp7lWvWvz3b4iQdCVyL2u_ExafIXxjpAHBxKOb8GF23yq0D40tJVVlI458KykY3k4Sirg5sDO1qOqUFtprH/s400/alexahamptonMBR.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 312px;" /></a>{<a href="http://www.markhampton.com/">Photo from Mark Hampton LLC website</a>} </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Side note: Alexa said she prefers wall-to-wall carpet in bedrooms (she also designs for <a href="http://www.starkcarpet.com/default.cfm">Stark</a>). Good to know! Our new master bedroom carpet is scheduled to be installed within the next 2 weeks! </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLG9iokOXL7cFerawWevaUTxnWBvt-9HG19Ew8ALpcCKzVoUnoGO0esz7F__RqRUoG9-16FlqPPZo6NSoBs0BD0Fd7nLWXb6ZcRdkdcbcWmGnYTsbFpNslUYHHnDz7wxpz4W22z-h6k2q/s1600/JumpStartYourNurseryDesignFinal.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> </a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307460533/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1HE1TCT7S71WFGR22R7G&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541066950016455314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_aGCS_rGIyRi5LBzTHX4t2YPyvY9eJmRhjicEYnnR28MYVMUnaf-V-AnDW8CTd9f8QcZqctgTUyMpKVUyRPM5NKF7wbRdX7YQE4YXWcWyYEKuDriiqMQKNF_YMlqs1cCBqU68hsO_-fw/s400/AlexaHamptonLangofIntDesign.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 224px;" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307460533/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1HE1TCT7S71WFGR22R7G&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846">The Language of Interior Design</a> by Alexa Hampton After showcasing dozens of opulent interiors and classic design treatments, with funny side stories of design snafus and their graceful resolutions, Alexa was available to sign her book titled Alexa Hampton, The Language of Interior Design. I regret to say that I did not purchase a copy, but I will put it on my holiday wish list! Alexa offers just as much useful information as she offers pretty pictures and I am sure I would enjoy reading her take on design. Even more I would love to talk with her about her life as a designer and young mom. She shared some entertaining stories that I could definitely relate to! Along with being an incredible designer, Alexa was named one of the top twelve “Fun Fearless Females” by Cosmopolitan magazine and the title suits her : ) Here are some interesting degrees of separation from Tuesday’s event ... </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-BmvO5QBZzXUaT4CZ6YcV3xw8Sx4BVdf3qN0tazZs_tRobX6-UulenQ9yRKBceT9wLhUjSVo9a1UbgeabVig2yHD0Et7AZAW51yO0ns85mG8TDYYK9iPGioFcN3CXwvTtD011kHTy5ro/s1600/melissagulley%253Aalexahampton%2540bdc.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541059675590438866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-BmvO5QBZzXUaT4CZ6YcV3xw8Sx4BVdf3qN0tazZs_tRobX6-UulenQ9yRKBceT9wLhUjSVo9a1UbgeabVig2yHD0Et7AZAW51yO0ns85mG8TDYYK9iPGioFcN3CXwvTtD011kHTy5ro/s400/melissagulley%253Aalexahampton%2540bdc.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 354px; height: 400px;" /></a>Designers Melissa Gulley and Alexa Hampton I finally met interior designer <a href="http://melissagulley.com/">Melissa Gulley</a> at this event. Melissa writes a blog titled <a href="http://www.designtrackmind.com/">Design Track Mind</a>. When I was at the<a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/05/designers-before-and-after.html"> North Shore Design Show</a> this May, <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/05/north-shore-design-show-preview.html">the space next to mine</a> was designed by Nanette Chandler who happens to be a good friend of Melissa. I had been following Melissa’s blog for some time and Nanette confirmed that Melissa was as nice as she was talented. After meeting her in person, I agree! <a href="http://www.designtrackmind.com/2010/11/guest-post-rocking-this-old-house.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541062066640714978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmMyB-1fu0rRH2XMPbhcOsZIWqXyZJ00TELpkKYDBupR9WCpEHg1ya5oAs7xi7z-D7LQBxcj2XFJM03ECcJ3K1Uv1c49mbStpSt-u4YXPuTjSUSaCSEcPN7wPd05iG8WzNzjhTocp739E/s400/Melissa-Gulley-Designer-This-Old-House-Newton-MA.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> Recently Melissa was recruited by non-other than <a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/">This Old House</a> to be the interior designer for a <a href="http://oldhousemyhouse.thisoldhouse.com/2010/09/design-time.html">local renovation project in Auburndale</a>, Massachusetts. This new series will air this Saturday (<a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/info/0,,20058777,00.html">check your local listings</a>). Kevin O’Connor was actually the honorary chair of the North Shore Design Show: Favorite Spaces and I had a chance to meet him last May. By coincidence, Alexa Hampton has also been a <a href="http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,687959,00.html">senior design consultant for This Old House</a> and was the first woman who was a regular on the show. Small world getting smaller! </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7UkLBeqXzQ7Id5c499YnU2brWctdrNxgdtZak4V4RAVtUz2j6DQRhUwNAOQVb-fRZFx7EJAKpDkeilbU0EprQFxmNXpx0NJZtdrx4tRzkQzNgHlMv4eEdxkeu6l5ZAG8NURDXXK4MA7g/s1600/julieanncovino%253Aalexahampton%2540bdc.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541059670726374642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7UkLBeqXzQ7Id5c499YnU2brWctdrNxgdtZak4V4RAVtUz2j6DQRhUwNAOQVb-fRZFx7EJAKpDkeilbU0EprQFxmNXpx0NJZtdrx4tRzkQzNgHlMv4eEdxkeu6l5ZAG8NURDXXK4MA7g/s400/julieanncovino%253Aalexahampton%2540bdc.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> Also enjoying the event was one of my favorite online design friends, Julieann Covino of <a href="http://www.jaceinteriors.com/">Jace Interiors</a> and the design blog <a href="http://creategirl.blogspot.com/">Create Girl</a>. When you work mostly on your own or one-on-one with clients, it is nice to connect with others in the design field at these types of professional gatherings (even when the meeting is a tweet-up online ... still valuable!) Whenever I see Julieann we have these great conversations about social media and how it has enhanced our creative careers. I wish our paths crossed more often because I always enjoy running into her. She is extremely smart, super energetic, and very positive. <a href="http://creategirl.blogspot.com/2010/11/jump-start-series-nursery-design.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541062704256962722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLG9iokOXL7cFerawWevaUTxnWBvt-9HG19Ew8ALpcCKzVoUnoGO0esz7F__RqRUoG9-16FlqPPZo6NSoBs0BD0Fd7nLWXb6ZcRdkdcbcWmGnYTsbFpNslUYHHnDz7wxpz4W22z-h6k2q/s400/JumpStartYourNurseryDesignFinal.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" /></a> We talked about her upcoming series of design seminars which she will be kicking off this Sunday with a presentation on how to make choices when decorating a nursery. If you are in the area and have a “baby bump” that you are designing for, I would highly recommend registering for what I am sure will be a fun and informative discussion. <a href="http://creategirl.blogspot.com/2010/11/jump-start-series-nursery-design.html">Click here for event details</a>. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvl1eCFSkbJK9uqTCdo7H74E5FDKyTzFrBDTW0xuk7c2eepGpnaXsc8dMQ-7qLffVJSYOBposczeWjHemhz8YxTLzVzqwjDY3hQ8-JuEq3zITJSFhLa3bO5Z8r5VAg47VJulYHsJN9bKH/s1600/White-Dunes-and-Duchess-Candelabra1.jpg"> </a><a href="http://www.abcddesign.com/archives/2010/11/10/living-with-what-you-love-dunes-duchess-giveaway/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541100068539785602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3_B_DnyKpUtemQ5jrsScmXWEDDRbUFaLIDVYLYWvK4fEUq0GvV8HcD1F30_fbkHVcw2fophwjZturGA05kLZnogmDRCQDlUDBRd-_K-p-Lx1wwc5_7Igx0zA6T_KewK3d7vpICY-eXk3/s400/White-Dunes-and-Duchess-Candelabra1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.abcddesign.com/archives/2010/11/10/living-with-what-you-love-dunes-duchess-giveaway/">{Photo from ABCDdesign blog}</a> <a href="http://dunesandduchess.com/?page_id=54"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541370681755624898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP10reyiIUOgHJxD3v0wla1gULBRX4EoGv9V_s5CriVDBReF5YJaCBMBH7p7dRl7rPusnFdwlf5A6bGVJh62fFexeE7Gbnfp9LJohE_APzzQiEQHdS1zhpwUT2X4EvA9mnh1luBjvUHEv/s400/stacywcandelabra.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 220px;" /></a><a href="http://dunesandduchess.com/?page_id=54">{Photo from Dunes & Duchess website}</a> Also at the BDC on Tuesday was the talented stylist, writer, and editor <a href="http://stacystyle.wordpress.com/">Stacy Kunstel</a> of <a href="http://www.nehomemag.com/">New England Home Magazine</a>. I haven’t had a chance to feature the beautiful new collection of candelabras from her <a href="http://dunesandduchess.com/">Dunes and Duchess</a> product line yet, so today is the day! One was recently featured in the <a href="http://dunesandduchess.com/?p=383">Shippan Showhouse</a> in Connecticut and another was just raffled off to a lucky attendee at a <a href="http://www.abcddesign.com/archives/2010/11/19/living-with-what-you-love-designtvtnt/">Living with What You Love</a> event at <a href="http://thenewtraditionalists.com/index.php">The New Traditionalists</a> showroom in NYC hosted by a couple of designer/bloggers who I met at the taping of the <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/09/mecca-to-nate-and-back.html">Nate Berkus Show:</a> <a href="http://www.jonathanlegate.com/">Jonathan Legate</a> and <a href="http://www.abcddesign.com/">Amy Dragoo</a>. Can you just imagine how beautiful this piece would look on a Thanksgiving or holiday table?! Click here for <a href="http://dunesandduchess.com/">retail locations</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlvcXD59VJz9pfzgm6cNY4ArpR7rFv3Nmn0CkMn5wPmbMHaC1Fuc_v18gClNNVPyH36NW6SwAixgyQmGSYPsg7MTcOqFYWXGegyJWIVKBYiTKCFLuxnmRXyMa_WDGzV8zXbfZD_MhFLNI/s1600/StylePIC%2540NEFL.jpg"> </a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCWP37NRM-yAqn3YJ0zpD8ErN8bHgdzViJXSuxsZACMPO-zNgeqcHB6iMV6vp520wDGsTkzVp1W-6k1zzh3Adi9KuYTfiy-w94JmVP8-vAF7ywrjqwmejUmiFOQjFnsPeYUihMFv3V5qr/s1600/StylePIC_tops.jpg"> </a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztnfiEz5-wF2w-noLLqjUj-cY2hxkO6-4bjFdK_QU8chRVYeoC6BopZfFUJHYzoPb7bdBFxL95gG618IUaTfUuscdhPTOl6FtWhjCr757pMkLD0AcP-ZsQ3ICY5YVnw845JdmWTaqP272/s1600/StylePICscarves.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541349778807840466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztnfiEz5-wF2w-noLLqjUj-cY2hxkO6-4bjFdK_QU8chRVYeoC6BopZfFUJHYzoPb7bdBFxL95gG618IUaTfUuscdhPTOl6FtWhjCr757pMkLD0AcP-ZsQ3ICY5YVnw845JdmWTaqP272/s400/StylePICscarves.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCWP37NRM-yAqn3YJ0zpD8ErN8bHgdzViJXSuxsZACMPO-zNgeqcHB6iMV6vp520wDGsTkzVp1W-6k1zzh3Adi9KuYTfiy-w94JmVP8-vAF7ywrjqwmejUmiFOQjFnsPeYUihMFv3V5qr/s1600/StylePIC_tops.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541348682270214002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCWP37NRM-yAqn3YJ0zpD8ErN8bHgdzViJXSuxsZACMPO-zNgeqcHB6iMV6vp520wDGsTkzVp1W-6k1zzh3Adi9KuYTfiy-w94JmVP8-vAF7ywrjqwmejUmiFOQjFnsPeYUihMFv3V5qr/s400/StylePIC_tops.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztnfiEz5-wF2w-noLLqjUj-cY2hxkO6-4bjFdK_QU8chRVYeoC6BopZfFUJHYzoPb7bdBFxL95gG618IUaTfUuscdhPTOl6FtWhjCr757pMkLD0AcP-ZsQ3ICY5YVnw845JdmWTaqP272/s1600/StylePICscarves.jpg"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlvcXD59VJz9pfzgm6cNY4ArpR7rFv3Nmn0CkMn5wPmbMHaC1Fuc_v18gClNNVPyH36NW6SwAixgyQmGSYPsg7MTcOqFYWXGegyJWIVKBYiTKCFLuxnmRXyMa_WDGzV8zXbfZD_MhFLNI/s1600/StylePIC%2540NEFL.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541113354946989810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlvcXD59VJz9pfzgm6cNY4ArpR7rFv3Nmn0CkMn5wPmbMHaC1Fuc_v18gClNNVPyH36NW6SwAixgyQmGSYPsg7MTcOqFYWXGegyJWIVKBYiTKCFLuxnmRXyMa_WDGzV8zXbfZD_MhFLNI/s400/StylePIC%2540NEFL.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" /></a> Final shout out for the week ... This Saturday at <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/retailstore.html">New England Fine Living</a> my friend (and in-real-life next door neighbor) Jenny Scala, will be hosting a <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/StylePIC.html">Style PIC</a> trunk show from 10am to 2pm. She will have all kinds of fashion accessories, bags and on-trend wardrobe choices that she has selected from her designer sources. She will be offering some special discounts on in-store merchandise and will be taking custom orders as well. Jenny’s items always go fast, so come early and don’t miss out on this one-day event! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3phOC-LH7Wv757E5UgEelvbPxC9RjL5MS6DvqY7ERlO41SpzRN44Nm0vHkdvGUxVEes6_rxZV2WKS9obylD3mLn_Cb-EIRzjuE6dSokP420Zgri9E30fU9HW3Muo5y_5SeF5s08vu3VM/s1600/NEFLsilverleopard.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541369441653914658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3phOC-LH7Wv757E5UgEelvbPxC9RjL5MS6DvqY7ERlO41SpzRN44Nm0vHkdvGUxVEes6_rxZV2WKS9obylD3mLn_Cb-EIRzjuE6dSokP420Zgri9E30fU9HW3Muo5y_5SeF5s08vu3VM/s400/NEFLsilverleopard.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> There will also be red tag sale items throughout New England Fine Living including one-of-a-kind pieces from <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/AntiquesDisplayed.html">Antiques Displayed</a> at incredible prices! Have a great weekend, get out there, and connect! </div>

Connecting with creatives ...

About once a month, the Boston Design Center hosts lecture series featuring celebrity designers. And yes they are celebrities to us! This p...

1:30 PM

Shopping, sipping and networking

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisUTk5o6gs2CfOjXT3ULoiAqP0pa50S_FLcaNnk2TbACtzIO-lnUJEm0_eYAzO-NhkdcrY-H-jr_8sAhGdd87AFcepkVB1xuyDGfP18TvOgp2LgKS_Oei9Eia5-xHm_8XFsMu1s2lR_lT/s1600/lizw%253Afriends%2540burtons.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540309746899373746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisUTk5o6gs2CfOjXT3ULoiAqP0pa50S_FLcaNnk2TbACtzIO-lnUJEm0_eYAzO-NhkdcrY-H-jr_8sAhGdd87AFcepkVB1xuyDGfP18TvOgp2LgKS_Oei9Eia5-xHm_8XFsMu1s2lR_lT/s400/lizw%253Afriends%2540burtons.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 393px;" /></a>Liz White, owner of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/masonandmadison" style="font-style: italic;">Mason & Madison</a> with friends Janeen, Michelle, Shannon, and Nicole Mitsakis of <a href="http://www.beecustom.blogspot.com/" style="font-style: italic;">Bee Custom</a> Last Thursday night I attended a fun event at the new <a href="http://www.burtonsgrill.com/index.html">Burton’s Grill</a> in Peabody. We were invited to enjoy complimentary cocktails, sample dishes off the Burton’s menu and do some shopping while mingling with a number of North Shore businesses. A couple of Middleton business owners that I know were there, so I was happy to have an evening to chat with them about work, business and life! </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF3mhcZwXligCMPtOsinFa0seoMU_U4L8rJrGR_jkMLw2zCmq09b2NADm9FayBSPt4ZLWihyphenhyphenty5fM5iKLq6uiA3U1PlGl8vCb8-9O6lO0ROui0_XHATc0CglV0HKJhF62Z0xVov_lPPfS/s1600/yvonne%253Aheidi%2540burtons.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540309792666408594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF3mhcZwXligCMPtOsinFa0seoMU_U4L8rJrGR_jkMLw2zCmq09b2NADm9FayBSPt4ZLWihyphenhyphenty5fM5iKLq6uiA3U1PlGl8vCb8-9O6lO0ROui0_XHATc0CglV0HKJhF62Z0xVov_lPPfS/s400/yvonne%253Aheidi%2540burtons.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2HsX9BwAP7Er_qeXK92k6pJb5EOjfQBQcnKdqNZ795wbcaB7Dh9-51mSWWT4DUnAMX_r1Iv3GiUUEzq_lwcB8II8xBvhdR_b4keD0jQqf03KdrvSbQ6NvF5HpKhPb4_Ih2JTm0cm0kqJ/s1600/julie%253Anicole%253Aliz%2540burtons.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> </a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/retailstore.html">New England Fine Living</a> representatives enjoying our Harvest martinis (joining me is Heidi Bond, owner of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Topsfield-MA/The-Dazzling-Dot/269126280000?v=wall">The Dazzling Dot</a> which specializes in gourmet gifts). </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO50r3cRl0byLRQKe5UeAvgzmGjo6Kl3LvDnBHSxFV4xrVwYmMq9jMiZfMIot5zxDwhDtyFveZ1vu6gifehatkRnsjw5qvWVaA3jbq-pXJn8_f_DpXw0XvHvFNSt9x6ndhttEsAsWpNuNX/s1600/mason%2526madison%2540burtons.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540309772836015266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO50r3cRl0byLRQKe5UeAvgzmGjo6Kl3LvDnBHSxFV4xrVwYmMq9jMiZfMIot5zxDwhDtyFveZ1vu6gifehatkRnsjw5qvWVaA3jbq-pXJn8_f_DpXw0XvHvFNSt9x6ndhttEsAsWpNuNX/s400/mason%2526madison%2540burtons.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" /></a> On display: A table full of unique gift items available at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/masonandmadison">Mason & Madison</a> ... </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuo9_-KYcwnuEOwhvuziSwRA2EZ3JWtkfWTj5xE-yeQZg1wCEi5T7STgTkx1v0PC84QdqdKLRwBx-G1bZ7TKuXQq_tN1FsfgkOZgbUAM6WKytBFFpNw8_7B3j2_ssmjkBnEKPqs-jX5LU/s1600/Beecustom%2540Burtons.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540309766204619186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuo9_-KYcwnuEOwhvuziSwRA2EZ3JWtkfWTj5xE-yeQZg1wCEi5T7STgTkx1v0PC84QdqdKLRwBx-G1bZ7TKuXQq_tN1FsfgkOZgbUAM6WKytBFFpNw8_7B3j2_ssmjkBnEKPqs-jX5LU/s400/Beecustom%2540Burtons.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFtvbwOno-nKPcZ2qZF-Uy9DSoJ-L2afOodK5BZlghUFbE_qrLdn3mTLC2SOf_DnpN3ShW7KR3w8W2iNRICCEqCuxWm5KsJ1R3TPoDLGCJwZKxoaRRgZL00egYfdn19vm3OcjaRYxWSXI/s1600/BurtonsWinePour.jpg"> </a><div style="text-align: center;">along with just a sample of the custom stationery and gift items designed by Nicole Mitsakis of <a href="http://www.beecustom.blogspot.com/">Bee Custom</a>. </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF3mhcZwXligCMPtOsinFa0seoMU_U4L8rJrGR_jkMLw2zCmq09b2NADm9FayBSPt4ZLWihyphenhyphenty5fM5iKLq6uiA3U1PlGl8vCb8-9O6lO0ROui0_XHATc0CglV0HKJhF62Z0xVov_lPPfS/s1600/yvonne%253Aheidi%2540burtons.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2HsX9BwAP7Er_qeXK92k6pJb5EOjfQBQcnKdqNZ795wbcaB7Dh9-51mSWWT4DUnAMX_r1Iv3GiUUEzq_lwcB8II8xBvhdR_b4keD0jQqf03KdrvSbQ6NvF5HpKhPb4_Ih2JTm0cm0kqJ/s1600/julie%253Anicole%253Aliz%2540burtons.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540309787352411794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2HsX9BwAP7Er_qeXK92k6pJb5EOjfQBQcnKdqNZ795wbcaB7Dh9-51mSWWT4DUnAMX_r1Iv3GiUUEzq_lwcB8II8xBvhdR_b4keD0jQqf03KdrvSbQ6NvF5HpKhPb4_Ih2JTm0cm0kqJ/s400/julie%253Anicole%253Aliz%2540burtons.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" /></a> This fun event was coordinated by <a href="http://www.infullforce.com/2.13.julie-o-brien-fairweather/">Julie Fairweather</a> of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wakefield-MA/In-Full-Force/120369390009#%21/pages/Wakefield-MA/In-Full-Force/120369390009">In Full Force</a> pictured here with Nicole and Liz. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wakefield-MA/In-Full-Force/120369390009#%21/pages/Wakefield-MA/In-Full-Force/120369390009"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540334327565187106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTUrheqxOuXcZ5-c3cO3fLf82n5giP3OdZ4gSe-cTWNunrsD4Y1ov9f4YMS5UReIlq9cRNckOMfXsXJrong_2URXt6TuCAPPIwZ_ZsrOhObuT8dCC_6fJYSDXJBlJHnkXSajqAO-58HKA/s400/infullforceart.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 176px;" /></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/masonandmadison#%21/pages/Wakefield-MA/In-Full-Force/120369390009">Get on the list: follow</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/masonandmadison#%21/pages/Wakefield-MA/In-Full-Force/120369390009">IFF on Facebook!</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTbgVJ482Ld1oc2ihAOuF0DdfKixyvDSgeRjeljFhU3QNbdLkDdf4LrZOiAyBS_ZY2tpUny1UB9xa4gi-27jaiT-ZJ0S8eVsOO4YMW6EIz0NJsSaTRcZVZfMw7QfqQDV66CLafDJ3rTRX/s1600/northshoremag.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540333584946518898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTbgVJ482Ld1oc2ihAOuF0DdfKixyvDSgeRjeljFhU3QNbdLkDdf4LrZOiAyBS_ZY2tpUny1UB9xa4gi-27jaiT-ZJ0S8eVsOO4YMW6EIz0NJsSaTRcZVZfMw7QfqQDV66CLafDJ3rTRX/s400/northshoremag.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="http://nshoremag.com/">Northshore Magazine</a> was the media sponsor and had representatives at the event. I happily noticed an ad for <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/retailstore.html">New England Fine Living</a> is in the December issue (page 86). After looking at the two issues I left with, I still think they could use more content featuring North Shore home design (I may have even offered to help with that ...) and I also put in a request for a digital version to be made available online. Wouldn’t that be nice? I was happy to see some familiar faces in the Oct./Nov. issue (Liz is on page 44 and the home of furniture designer and architect <a href="http://www.sebastiancarpenter.com/">Sebastian Carpenter</a> was featured on pages 118-121). To read my posts on Sebastian’s work and to see photos that I took while visiting his home <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/06/modern-love-sebastian-carpenter-designs.html">click here</a> and <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/10/sdc-fine-furniture-on-road-to-ri.html">here</a>. To see my post on Liz at Mason & Madison <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/12/liz-white-owner-and-creative-force.html">click here</a>. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wakefield-MA/In-Full-Force/120369390009#%21/pages/Lifestyle-Blitz-at-Burtons-Grill/169061619772042"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540341782931086466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14EaMA4-D-XmKzzlpFIsfGEOfzAcmVF_w8p-EUZXUlNqQOg1qG888x_wg-M-Ev0wkOZRYk8whfgLrGTQopaSD8BHPYG_MUFSIjNnsHd8Sucsu7liHQCbboWD0sKdBO0uZywYjd3mYrbfL/s320/lifestyleblitz.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 286px;" /></a> Check out the Lifestyle Blitz Facebook page for future events by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wakefield-MA/In-Full-Force/120369390009#%21/pages/Lifestyle-Blitz-at-Burtons-Grill/169061619772042">clicking here</a>. Perhaps I will see you at the next one ; ) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI9VDciQLfWswpJJfWHSJcpj5LeAvN9eL7Xj7syQz1hsaO8f0NT1MKJbwsBRUXuiNc_Q3NoMH6zjJn0Unm0Z2oLIho5S0lqTI7-8PChCI0GtMSrFrF48rhMJUCdKWd8ipyd_NpjllX1bB/s1600/cookiebasketDazzlingDot.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540361875898272098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI9VDciQLfWswpJJfWHSJcpj5LeAvN9eL7Xj7syQz1hsaO8f0NT1MKJbwsBRUXuiNc_Q3NoMH6zjJn0Unm0Z2oLIho5S0lqTI7-8PChCI0GtMSrFrF48rhMJUCdKWd8ipyd_NpjllX1bB/s400/cookiebasketDazzlingDot.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 230px;" /></a> FYI: Save now on holiday treats ... <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Topsfield-MA/The-Dazzling-Dot/269126280000">The Dazzling Dot</a> (my friend Heidi’s business) is offering $5.00 off all Thanksgiving cookie and brownie gift boxes. Act quick, offers ends November 24th! <a href="http://thedazzlingdot.com/">Click here for online ordering info</a>. If you would like to network on the Northshore, mark your calendar and plan to combine business with pleasure on Thursday, December 2nd for a Women in Business Holiday Networking Event that will take place at New England Fine Living at 106 South Main St. in Middleton from 5pm to 7pm. <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/womeninbusinessnetworkingevent.html">Click here for RSVP details</a>. </div>

Shopping, sipping and networking

Liz White, owner of Mason & Madison with friends Janeen, Michelle, Shannon, and Nicole Mitsakis of Bee Custom Last Thursday night I att...

9:10 PM

Preparing for the holiday season

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5n2vBK4FHXmv2tgi3w7K2D-Zotud_ShS5avS3Cq81c6xUvndx2pi9L7Qc4LZRzxxCSX9g5TswbAiUwzBwtTekY5trFeCpnRREZjLLEOS05DjSsEdQZLJTsJ0wxZwKIs8Cu_J0hyphenhyphenHhT5N/s1600/anne+chapdelaine+for+dhs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538350006386404722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5n2vBK4FHXmv2tgi3w7K2D-Zotud_ShS5avS3Cq81c6xUvndx2pi9L7Qc4LZRzxxCSX9g5TswbAiUwzBwtTekY5trFeCpnRREZjLLEOS05DjSsEdQZLJTsJ0wxZwKIs8Cu_J0hyphenhyphenHhT5N/s400/anne+chapdelaine+for+dhs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>Vignette by <a href="http://interiorsforliving.biz/">Ann Chapdelaine</a> for a recent design show “<a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/07/weekend-update-design-show-sneak-peek.html">Reflecting on Danvers History</a> <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/07/weekend-update-design-show-sneak-peek.html">through Interior Design</a>” As many of us enjoy the day off in honor of our Veteran’s, I figured it would be a good time to start thinking about those just-around-the-corner holidays! With this in mind, I will be presenting some weekly posts that focus on traditions, unique gifts for giving, and how to enjoy the holidays with the least amount of stress so that we may get the most out of our cherished time with family and friends. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwmYIDovDCmbe9rm07qPg-rW6nb2Fts2OHFaN53RRd9BNOVwfBcNfu0LqlUvmVKAI91XgAqLZmZ7F4Yq8p4SWnXp8JmXmosMT3diL55PLuxBORQ8SP3jszGB6bbyxGzJeQCQMcKkIWKVD/s1600/dhs+painting.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538350210904220114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwmYIDovDCmbe9rm07qPg-rW6nb2Fts2OHFaN53RRd9BNOVwfBcNfu0LqlUvmVKAI91XgAqLZmZ7F4Yq8p4SWnXp8JmXmosMT3diL55PLuxBORQ8SP3jszGB6bbyxGzJeQCQMcKkIWKVD/s400/dhs+painting.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 342px; height: 400px;" /></a>Original art by Mark Grundig of <a href="http://bostonartist.com/">bostonartist.com</a> Arrangement by <a href="http://fiddlehead-flowers.com/index2.php?v=v1" style="font-style: italic;">Fiddlehead Flowers</a> of Salem Pottery by sculpter <a href="http://www.guadagnosculptures.com/">Michael A. Guadagno</a> of Danvers </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> Today’s tip involves shopping at unexpected places and I am featuring <a href="http://www.danvershistory.org/store.html">the boutique at the Danvers Historical Society</a> (which also has items for sale online). As many of you know, this summer <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/08/summer-nursery-design-in-detail.html">I participated</a> in a design show to benefit DHS, and many items from the numerous vignettes are now for sale in the shop, along with a variety of designed objects from local artisans. If you live in or close to the North Shore area, this is a great way to shop local and support the talented artists that are in our neighborhoods. </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Below are just some of the items being offered ... </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOmnpi-pQ0q_agcI4k-PClxd14i5mMnbfcvjcAKssEdnRoKjMywgTo-ltKm0hxbXKMxOzjz-TDGTL2XWTkvoY9BPgcuBmXXs73WIBs1Tf_DsPfUUZp6HaCJ0KA9Ij04gDZjdZhAXNLbQz/s1600/dhs+linen%253Afabric+prints.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538350018890215138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOmnpi-pQ0q_agcI4k-PClxd14i5mMnbfcvjcAKssEdnRoKjMywgTo-ltKm0hxbXKMxOzjz-TDGTL2XWTkvoY9BPgcuBmXXs73WIBs1Tf_DsPfUUZp6HaCJ0KA9Ij04gDZjdZhAXNLbQz/s400/dhs+linen%253Afabric+prints.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" /></a>From my design collection: Nursery toile fabric art in linen adorned wooden frames Modern floral arrangement from Sandra Biondo Interiors of Danvers (seen below in design show vignette) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjJ4u7xPpvX4kv8_MY7FHeeHnWAULpPYIJTiDZrh0pgJE4zzar5ziLVF7-Fq3aCbHYm_Ja2Or8F8LkXMc2pEp2v06FcYQIRxpdMhyphenhyphenV6kH2sYwiTqG1U_jwAvZxii0q1jET9Lx3m_x4ge9/s1600/sandrabiondo+for+dhs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538350220672198706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjJ4u7xPpvX4kv8_MY7FHeeHnWAULpPYIJTiDZrh0pgJE4zzar5ziLVF7-Fq3aCbHYm_Ja2Or8F8LkXMc2pEp2v06FcYQIRxpdMhyphenhyphenV6kH2sYwiTqG1U_jwAvZxii0q1jET9Lx3m_x4ge9/s400/sandrabiondo+for+dhs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X1uvIOqfUv8tD-E4g_UGSJaG1Ydbwz4-ckoyiw36kxFjow9lxq46P0OjzK-qmqqKyXjHjw7dJeVaO-dtaJO-golFAMXEu17ZPiEFexC8zr0e3-O-IQlXivHGkYBugsfkM7bHY4jk7kiO/s1600/dhs+rugs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538350209482256274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X1uvIOqfUv8tD-E4g_UGSJaG1Ydbwz4-ckoyiw36kxFjow9lxq46P0OjzK-qmqqKyXjHjw7dJeVaO-dtaJO-golFAMXEu17ZPiEFexC8zr0e3-O-IQlXivHGkYBugsfkM7bHY4jk7kiO/s400/dhs+rugs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 373px;" /></a>More arrangements from Fiddlehead Flowers paired <div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">with carpets from <a href="http://firstrugs.com/html/about_us.html">First Oriental Rugs</a> of Danvers</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAObF21HWpmOQ6nBvFbnwrFfjexI9MJkJvEmeIGMlM9biDnaJcZDoyZIeHnEbOjo7SJa4BifWTCwtlIY3uJ9vEM58EoRaxdCtNjYSKgVc82RN6WKJZEreIy8-6I1Q8POJ3ZD2JF135p1Ep/s1600/dhs+arrangements.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538350008728629538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAObF21HWpmOQ6nBvFbnwrFfjexI9MJkJvEmeIGMlM9biDnaJcZDoyZIeHnEbOjo7SJa4BifWTCwtlIY3uJ9vEM58EoRaxdCtNjYSKgVc82RN6WKJZEreIy8-6I1Q8POJ3ZD2JF135p1Ep/s400/dhs+arrangements.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px;" /></a> Permanent flowers are a thoughtful hostess gift that will last long after the holidays. </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheQVeH2LfbuinGrWDlnWIRjeDQ5xqLXESBjQKXuQOF8ILLfXnaYMNmTF89uQ1mMZk4PEjEf4OcMfe6UJswkNGSSlWA6p_sGoENkLWDU8zO9tk_2Jc7MCKfMLOGg75p0Hu4ODK0YixpNIx/s1600/TapleyHallwreath.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538394516035421810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheQVeH2LfbuinGrWDlnWIRjeDQ5xqLXESBjQKXuQOF8ILLfXnaYMNmTF89uQ1mMZk4PEjEf4OcMfe6UJswkNGSSlWA6p_sGoENkLWDU8zO9tk_2Jc7MCKfMLOGg75p0Hu4ODK0YixpNIx/s400/TapleyHallwreath.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 305px; height: 400px;" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;">This large organic wreath would add a subtle and sophisticated touch to winter decorating. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsuUiJIF8jlfIYJhr7hNQEgDyR3N1fHTH4vCfrXOkon5w4XrrfkUdFF_zn-ILaYUG8SByslVbahd9tjsIAH7I2Ll8basXs675S-aZ3YVe-tc9i5HFV_FDJnMXOcl_OXBozxPbTVrbVznT/s1600/dhs+wreath%253Aprice.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538350214224173826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsuUiJIF8jlfIYJhr7hNQEgDyR3N1fHTH4vCfrXOkon5w4XrrfkUdFF_zn-ILaYUG8SByslVbahd9tjsIAH7I2Ll8basXs675S-aZ3YVe-tc9i5HFV_FDJnMXOcl_OXBozxPbTVrbVznT/s400/dhs+wreath%253Aprice.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 233px;" /></a> </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAObF21HWpmOQ6nBvFbnwrFfjexI9MJkJvEmeIGMlM9biDnaJcZDoyZIeHnEbOjo7SJa4BifWTCwtlIY3uJ9vEM58EoRaxdCtNjYSKgVc82RN6WKJZEreIy8-6I1Q8POJ3ZD2JF135p1Ep/s1600/dhs+arrangements.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs2genBCUFcZ9fjrj7v4x0qH2Lf6iHQjf1rZH4MvSxAoUPPgRKIwawUvnXAuS_B5krqaPGOX8SuluT6eQYViX6Fy1kRHU1MuNyLXLozEkRrN8Q9ygluuLX9Bt9sRUvsmrlMeiwQ9uGutl/s1600/dhs+ornaments.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538350207837552082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs2genBCUFcZ9fjrj7v4x0qH2Lf6iHQjf1rZH4MvSxAoUPPgRKIwawUvnXAuS_B5krqaPGOX8SuluT6eQYViX6Fy1kRHU1MuNyLXLozEkRrN8Q9ygluuLX9Bt9sRUvsmrlMeiwQ9uGutl/s400/dhs+ornaments.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 391px; height: 400px;" /></a> Offering old-world-style blown-glass holiday ornaments designed by<a href="http://www.oldworldchristmas.com/about.html"> The Merck Family</a> is an annual tradition at the DHS boutique. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2L1WZGMEW1Hl9JIXW-RuiFljOnscazIbQwc5nTGNKjOZA01joxJ-HfccbgU-LcFlJJpyagRA4kXm4bhFUTa1EtwOmw9JijdAWcd5Q_rizQSstbxH0nRbq27cS_QaOFDkoSFUmCCvG9pb/s1600/dhs+mushroom+ornament.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538364089507729362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2L1WZGMEW1Hl9JIXW-RuiFljOnscazIbQwc5nTGNKjOZA01joxJ-HfccbgU-LcFlJJpyagRA4kXm4bhFUTa1EtwOmw9JijdAWcd5Q_rizQSstbxH0nRbq27cS_QaOFDkoSFUmCCvG9pb/s400/dhs+mushroom+ornament.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 389px;" /></a> This year’s ornament is the “lucky” Double Mushroom in honor of The New England Mushroom Company which provided this “versatile vegetable” to the Boston and Salem markets back in the mid-20’s to mid-30’s. Ornaments from years past are still available for purchase. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnfaWQ90wKMjb7Dfja89vq9hyFejDlbBCR40xn5D2QFqS4T8mBgRVPKclfJ642iuuUT3avv5SiOVkeHerjINxI71apxYDCOMCuOC1sSueieDCnAnZUb-yDAO62V2-XEVZNYTYoe6vXOqf/s1600/patriotic+ornament+dhs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538368269022625906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnfaWQ90wKMjb7Dfja89vq9hyFejDlbBCR40xn5D2QFqS4T8mBgRVPKclfJ642iuuUT3avv5SiOVkeHerjINxI71apxYDCOMCuOC1sSueieDCnAnZUb-yDAO62V2-XEVZNYTYoe6vXOqf/s400/patriotic+ornament+dhs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 138px;" /></a> From 2009: Patriotic Remembrance Heart </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtF9lb-pI4mPmlKxKl4nkCk_XL_SadIwL9QXto7PxniBKDr_YO0rmAM1n5EWY2STRaZGOjj6Cdi_bmAAfeUxQ6b-Uj7VOvsoHZRLd5dkSQ9gFmhPg726xj8KWP4Y-0U0a-2FZmMhx39og/s1600/dhs+mugs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538350029753258450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtF9lb-pI4mPmlKxKl4nkCk_XL_SadIwL9QXto7PxniBKDr_YO0rmAM1n5EWY2STRaZGOjj6Cdi_bmAAfeUxQ6b-Uj7VOvsoHZRLd5dkSQ9gFmhPg726xj8KWP4Y-0U0a-2FZmMhx39og/s400/dhs+mugs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" /></a> The Danvers Historical Society boutique is located at 11 Page Street in Danvers and is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 1pm or shop online by <a href="http://www.danvershistory.org/store.html">clicking here</a>. Danvers Historical Society upcoming events ... Parade of Trees at <a href="http://www.danvershistory.org/buildings/tapley.html">Tapley Hall</a> November 27th and 28th from 2pm till 6pm December 2nd from 3pm to 7pm December 3rd from 10am to 5pm All donated and decorated trees will be raffled off to benefit the <a href="http://www.danversbipeds.org/">Danvers Bi-Peds</a>. Raffle tickets are available for purchase through the <a href="http://www.danvershistory.org/about/contact.html">Danvers Historical Society</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTDVkz2JvIY4LQ18kEX5ulslqyNA3RHOfpjRAuN3-EqVS-3J-SF6JsiXg0AIsVve346Yy95HOSrCJ-So-o5l-DNdpQUZMK1c62_Ck7tRnrt84crZomwYcA6PXhy2HImzkMW324SeMaGb9/s1600/flowers+at+Glen+Magna.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538407199640854562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTDVkz2JvIY4LQ18kEX5ulslqyNA3RHOfpjRAuN3-EqVS-3J-SF6JsiXg0AIsVve346Yy95HOSrCJ-So-o5l-DNdpQUZMK1c62_Ck7tRnrt84crZomwYcA6PXhy2HImzkMW324SeMaGb9/s400/flowers+at+Glen+Magna.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> The Annual Holiday Soiree at the Endicott Mansion at <a href="http://www.glenmagnafarms.org/index.html">Glen Magna Farms</a> December 3rd from 6pm to 10pm For event information and tickets, <a href="http://eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=DHS">click here</a>. </div>

Preparing for the holiday season

Vignette by Ann Chapdelaine for a recent design show “ Reflecting on Danvers History through Interior Design ” As many of us enjoy the day o...

1:30 PM

Refreshing a Master Bedroom

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9UWavpGY7c1nLB5S3jMSy7sqKpvHgq10bqoielkqeoY-zgB5viLN_ASh6htKlXqnpY0qTMoPSVBvxkJapDZJE5kd2KGre7hO9IgS5ihoVqmLo-2G8bzJRGVXcPeKOz4rxuTRgSEwWkG1/s1600/chair:pillow:km.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537318726228410610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9UWavpGY7c1nLB5S3jMSy7sqKpvHgq10bqoielkqeoY-zgB5viLN_ASh6htKlXqnpY0qTMoPSVBvxkJapDZJE5kd2KGre7hO9IgS5ihoVqmLo-2G8bzJRGVXcPeKOz4rxuTRgSEwWkG1/s400/chair:pillow:km.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>AFTER: soft spring green combines with plum, yellow, white and gray to create a fresh color palette for a master bedroom. Recently I made it back to check on the end result of a decorating project that I planned for one of my clients. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Fd7nyGyajtvp_SZ8DCs9HPjRHWIqx1V9ZbT5O27fot6jf9q4ODNptJbVc2onSLXhx9xTtfTkkGmvqsW02JQSP7iAJla80mF2Wzb3K3bPCdQFBZBKbvqBYh3zf1C7AsFiySM8Ae5-ZzO-/s1600/twochairs-km-1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537318715126501730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Fd7nyGyajtvp_SZ8DCs9HPjRHWIqx1V9ZbT5O27fot6jf9q4ODNptJbVc2onSLXhx9xTtfTkkGmvqsW02JQSP7iAJla80mF2Wzb3K3bPCdQFBZBKbvqBYh3zf1C7AsFiySM8Ae5-ZzO-/s400/twochairs-km-1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> Her decorating goal was to freshen up her master bedroom by painting the walls, adding fabrics in cheerful colors, and at the same time improve the layout while reusing the existing furniture. I was happy to help! </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuVXZRgt-b5rE2SKhGZA55vqCQjn4_x-nhXpnmL32Wk8y5wsNIRnS1Ga24tRlrTZNiRrUumasa8p_OvSDpeAox2qPvk0YBHsnOvvvcM9NAQ4ONlZqsE33GR3a_kGxGEN_B2ZZOCyuC6OX/s1600/toileMBR-b4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537318523141718322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuVXZRgt-b5rE2SKhGZA55vqCQjn4_x-nhXpnmL32Wk8y5wsNIRnS1Ga24tRlrTZNiRrUumasa8p_OvSDpeAox2qPvk0YBHsnOvvvcM9NAQ4ONlZqsE33GR3a_kGxGEN_B2ZZOCyuC6OX/s400/toileMBR-b4.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 363px; height: 400px;" /></a> Here is the before shot of the room: lots of traditional fabrics in neutral colors – black and white toile combined with a tan plaid and medium sized check – nice enough, but she was tired of the look. Accessories seemed to be all in the same color resulting in little to no contrast. The gray walls seemed drab next to the warm color of the furnishings, and the decorative painting over the arched window and doorways did not help to create a sense of calm in this area of rest. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Fd7nyGyajtvp_SZ8DCs9HPjRHWIqx1V9ZbT5O27fot6jf9q4ODNptJbVc2onSLXhx9xTtfTkkGmvqsW02JQSP7iAJla80mF2Wzb3K3bPCdQFBZBKbvqBYh3zf1C7AsFiySM8Ae5-ZzO-/s1600/twochairs-km-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynH95KRna8QEPj9cGWG0SSHyUJMM4MkLK-_06aDmCBksNifCT_SEUczgX84gxjGCROg0VcuSl57TceOjcBkp9FbPinj0CAm7fcylFkK-wg5HKL1rs9x3acoRGI201O67NrPOWOscn0xvb/s1600/toileroommakeover.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537323997126724770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynH95KRna8QEPj9cGWG0SSHyUJMM4MkLK-_06aDmCBksNifCT_SEUczgX84gxjGCROg0VcuSl57TceOjcBkp9FbPinj0CAm7fcylFkK-wg5HKL1rs9x3acoRGI201O67NrPOWOscn0xvb/s400/toileroommakeover.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;">First we addressed the layout. By rotating the bed to the left-hand wall in front of the smallest window, we were able to open up the room considerably. The pair of chairs with ottomans were moved over to the corner making a more intimate seating area positioned by the window for natural light. We moved the television onto a corner unit stand that could now be viewed both from the chairs or from the bed. Two dressers and a favorite curio cabinet also were repositioned along walls more suited to their sizes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteovYA6gPyZbaBGci58RQ7gQsXFo-P5gwisdXqeW0sKv33eHpJO2pJavrfzsO0cfp_kcnbUrA-PVYkIHeGucLRVZ6rlyJPDJ9BBiIECnUrcAn7nkS7ZXvMURa9SUwzT3kNdvcisezBD3G/s1600/toileroom:mirror:b4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537325497260973378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteovYA6gPyZbaBGci58RQ7gQsXFo-P5gwisdXqeW0sKv33eHpJO2pJavrfzsO0cfp_kcnbUrA-PVYkIHeGucLRVZ6rlyJPDJ9BBiIECnUrcAn7nkS7ZXvMURa9SUwzT3kNdvcisezBD3G/s400/toileroom:mirror:b4.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>BEFORE: This corner was under-utilized and the view outside the window was not as good as the blocked view outside the palladian window behind the bed. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzuCQtI90CssL758N1BCSoGZphSHHBvnvHsDD_08jiNXGeTe4zfbQbJI6l_zEBfGtqQzka47PAmEPN__3CCfuwcZs83ZOb24-QyFDr0hyphenhyphenFMIBDyF3psruWd9o0zeBXDROighK_QUnnU0J/s1600/bed:pillows:lamps-km.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537318711547531922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzuCQtI90CssL758N1BCSoGZphSHHBvnvHsDD_08jiNXGeTe4zfbQbJI6l_zEBfGtqQzka47PAmEPN__3CCfuwcZs83ZOb24-QyFDr0hyphenhyphenFMIBDyF3psruWd9o0zeBXDROighK_QUnnU0J/s400/bed:pillows:lamps-km.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" /></a>AFTER: Switching the bed to this side opens up the space while being much cozier. </div> <div style="text-align: center;">In the end, only a handful of new pieces were added to the room including a shapely pair of lamps with the perfect colored shade that I found at HomeGoods, a white ceramic garden stool was brought in to add shine and contrast to the warm woods, and the TV stand is also new (sorry, I did not get a shot of it). Items that were taken out included a basket collection, a small painted table, and the candlestick lamps with toile shades. We also incorporated some larger more graphic works of art on the walls to replace the many small framed prints that we edited out. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgty2j8O8m93GLcx9UY9qJBTX9gp8f80SScvO9sFTeizEbZFdzOuZ4kSpyGt2jyDnCl7xp8dOrUBKnOy_JHQPHU9G8_MkN4DlRhp0mrHCbusafzUZdS8A-CA8EQ4ENqK748rE-rhksZrdMS/s1600/grayishlavendarpair-km.jpg"></a> </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PYwG5wQPoIUSF03wK12I14rwxtydotjFpRDLGSF3i1Ee5IM96c-oL1R2O3CbGh6AivIOAKlVOQJI5BtbOuwsSdQBJIYx0c6OsYhV1obXh4Ie1AzqDBeN1h3Dybc4xG8uFn69thBDxvh5/s1600/toileMBR-b4-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537318511315631714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PYwG5wQPoIUSF03wK12I14rwxtydotjFpRDLGSF3i1Ee5IM96c-oL1R2O3CbGh6AivIOAKlVOQJI5BtbOuwsSdQBJIYx0c6OsYhV1obXh4Ie1AzqDBeN1h3Dybc4xG8uFn69thBDxvh5/s400/toileMBR-b4-1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGToUgcsPt6SCHm3aFKJc5VlgB5TqnmDs8eXM5-7AZta6QdudiGCwxDaCzH6aQQIUa5983QyEoVt8kS-UoVurM0XiIDJIEFQN1LWptv0fQOlueT_O0YZjroFLEyB91-2kF3R59EnmQkWrU/s1600/bedskirt-km.jpg"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynH95KRna8QEPj9cGWG0SSHyUJMM4MkLK-_06aDmCBksNifCT_SEUczgX84gxjGCROg0VcuSl57TceOjcBkp9FbPinj0CAm7fcylFkK-wg5HKL1rs9x3acoRGI201O67NrPOWOscn0xvb/s1600/toileroommakeover.jpg"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW5063Bioycoy5GTys2Id-iRq4BQsnDkNsOz8hRtwLWhhJTVa9XWvP10QKVzfNRZCUCUtDusyQ0aCJTdup8y9rwqXYkQShxDoe9cAkk1UnZXHroU3QdTmY_3EjGDJjB0xDYcH3zTwBR_W/s1600/room-km-after.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537318525863485810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW5063Bioycoy5GTys2Id-iRq4BQsnDkNsOz8hRtwLWhhJTVa9XWvP10QKVzfNRZCUCUtDusyQ0aCJTdup8y9rwqXYkQShxDoe9cAkk1UnZXHroU3QdTmY_3EjGDJjB0xDYcH3zTwBR_W/s400/room-km-after.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zcYrq1YgQ0UoIXyfQEHufzVK6qXGUTnXZQ9CnlSlyfQNKmHTVt02AJSP1mD05JRRNq-5-VaX-rkapZJuRK6YYm_mijCkOFE4LyJsddnlNPJf2otg-3PPmTlgo3vJ_hXqesAC-Kip4WAc/s1600/endofbed-km.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVP7_TpcLdReJwGh1xA6C2YSRozWfAnXOEvYyiCWhPi1kbnBluf-ZfzYR8tKbfULN0twe_xVssN9ijOFm1vcm6rNQJSNd3QQUaS9HvbCumIPCSnilD8cvjYkeWnN4A_Yf8LAzLUn-iJURv/s1600/endofbed-km.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537559696127152770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVP7_TpcLdReJwGh1xA6C2YSRozWfAnXOEvYyiCWhPi1kbnBluf-ZfzYR8tKbfULN0twe_xVssN9ijOFm1vcm6rNQJSNd3QQUaS9HvbCumIPCSnilD8cvjYkeWnN4A_Yf8LAzLUn-iJURv/s400/endofbed-km.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGToUgcsPt6SCHm3aFKJc5VlgB5TqnmDs8eXM5-7AZta6QdudiGCwxDaCzH6aQQIUa5983QyEoVt8kS-UoVurM0XiIDJIEFQN1LWptv0fQOlueT_O0YZjroFLEyB91-2kF3R59EnmQkWrU/s1600/bedskirt-km.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537417488006997586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGToUgcsPt6SCHm3aFKJc5VlgB5TqnmDs8eXM5-7AZta6QdudiGCwxDaCzH6aQQIUa5983QyEoVt8kS-UoVurM0XiIDJIEFQN1LWptv0fQOlueT_O0YZjroFLEyB91-2kF3R59EnmQkWrU/s400/bedskirt-km.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDuYbpIvHmDP24RaNghyphenhyphensC8BZ2-ZuI2GKRczgyLJBWpcfUPTga1KxsKMqjy5Olot1ECQRjvx7jdlc1ghUGu6y5vyZNjC7Dz0_TCTPz-77VT31CBCPHb28Tcl4ZxX4LD_Fio5XpFU_6VyU/s1600/pillows-side-km.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537318503650040338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDuYbpIvHmDP24RaNghyphenhyphensC8BZ2-ZuI2GKRczgyLJBWpcfUPTga1KxsKMqjy5Olot1ECQRjvx7jdlc1ghUGu6y5vyZNjC7Dz0_TCTPz-77VT31CBCPHb28Tcl4ZxX4LD_Fio5XpFU_6VyU/s400/pillows-side-km.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 400px;" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;">During the process, I gave my client a few different options on fabric choices and I was glad she chose this modern twist on traditional. By using a confident mix of bold patterns with predominantly solid fabric choices the end result still has personality, but in a more subdued way. I was also happy to see her “go green” by re-dressing her existing furnishings instead of completely starting over, creating a new look while honoring pieces collected over time. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TO1dtK379Jfd4sSwwB6i4E6TLnosIg0DQk9T61myi8-ttA34HJwISX66CV9YnZ4oyVFzot0SBDSX5f04R7dFhXWU-OKaf5txfNt_zz-IW3g36wV7pmQBV3hWlE-_ZhE10EPDtG1q6EtI/s1600/sidetable-km.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537418723989822738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TO1dtK379Jfd4sSwwB6i4E6TLnosIg0DQk9T61myi8-ttA34HJwISX66CV9YnZ4oyVFzot0SBDSX5f04R7dFhXWU-OKaf5txfNt_zz-IW3g36wV7pmQBV3hWlE-_ZhE10EPDtG1q6EtI/s400/sidetable-km.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 400px;" /></a> </div>

Refreshing a Master Bedroom

AFTER: soft spring green combines with plum, yellow, white and gray to create a fresh color palette for a master bedroom. Recently I made it...

9:30 PM

Giving away the good stuff ...

<a href="http://www.friendswhodesign.com/Graphic_Design_Portfolio.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536225053538150530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83-N_l11I42o58p777JCm-cfV4mtMc3JCgXkZCGndf1oGciZ9iRqJO6HDGWl-xGLN9IKkMOcWtbgn5zFeLzDml2pPpLLsLAkSexXrFUIL3Uw88BHuyPFAGXTiBQmuegXI6GoZtTtAKPR_/s400/birthannouncement-blue_YB.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy1ugEfyJ5AzDWcVAN-0dq-Ms_lsWQptXwaWIJceA6VGWW2Qa9x2tmq-rLukExSrU2qVb2-DHdpw9rlFxePxnJf8XRv9TwDqqP5FudnTUFoKIBx7-fPDO5RHUeW04FePAZyEylci-zZl0/s1600/tummytimeblanketYB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536225048337115522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy1ugEfyJ5AzDWcVAN-0dq-Ms_lsWQptXwaWIJceA6VGWW2Qa9x2tmq-rLukExSrU2qVb2-DHdpw9rlFxePxnJf8XRv9TwDqqP5FudnTUFoKIBx7-fPDO5RHUeW04FePAZyEylci-zZl0/s400/tummytimeblanketYB.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> SATURDAY: RAFFLE </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Enter to win one birth announcement (designed by yours truly) printed on canvas and designed to match a chosen nursery theme plus a matching “tummy time” blanket (see samples above) at this Saturday’s Open House held at <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/retailstore.html">New England Fine Living</a> in Middleton. Many more raffle items and vendor discounts will be offered so be sure to visit on Saturday between 10am and 4pm or 7pm to 9pm for your chance to win (<a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Holiday-Open-House-and-Gathering.html?soid=1101210809150&aid=ryyp6RKzEFw">click here for event details.</a>) I will be there in the morning and definitely will be back for the evening festivities which will include a NEFLtini cocktail (while they last) ... </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.friendswhodesign.com/Graphic_Design_Portfolio.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536220469653884210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjvjLJLMUV5KlWzidnw9VD1pqCtDAsCGBSeNpv3L1c-4qaNWiJmAmiltzQLV-49bAIGvsnifcqm_mG6n2e5nlHE7L2ELNIrVjDbOeTtOL8g0m1u29J4lec_XJbdYfy_SfKJeXkjQxKhie/s400/twonotecardsYB.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" /></a>Introducing my new line of icon-graphic note cards available exclusively at New England Fine Living SUNDAY: AUCTION Modern Smiley Face Note Cards (set of 10) and Hugs & Kisses Note Cards (set of 10) One set of each will be auctioned off along with a custom designed butterfly accent pillow, apple green cork board and a few other items in my donated “Girl’s Room Gift Basket” to benefit the <a href="http://lynnfieldeducationaltrust.org/?cat=3">Lynnfield Educational Trust</a> at Sunday night’s Taste of Lynnfield event at the Peabody Marriott. This almost-yearly fund-raising event is a great night out and offers a taste of many fine food establishments in our local area plus a chance to take home some great donated items by way of silent auction. All proceeds go towards educational enrichment programs and a soon-to-be established scholarship fund. Tickets are still available. <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/955597217?ref=elink">Click here for details</a> ... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9V0sOB8lC623wYJ6Hn2_hBzOeEpAot0lIID8SWDZ0k_SGGMnzOYDg0ixkM3WGxHq3QwCEco-T8iQsRafwiZUgqNUQ7jP16LlQze_wBLb7SN2hWJFg9o_5h1cUQnmNvbz0L-2VOVVNHb7/s1600/butterflypaperweight.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536246421923385090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9V0sOB8lC623wYJ6Hn2_hBzOeEpAot0lIID8SWDZ0k_SGGMnzOYDg0ixkM3WGxHq3QwCEco-T8iQsRafwiZUgqNUQ7jP16LlQze_wBLb7SN2hWJFg9o_5h1cUQnmNvbz0L-2VOVVNHb7/s320/butterflypaperweight.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 295px;" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrejgBxlfUphlh3fQ5Npu6ABbVwCiwmUi4diux7YCDeTkVupz1GBkXDXpWwlqPenioMU37nPLn8C3DDGDODF4UuxOwhd7emSEFoibTe2PC5ucLq6QIqVHzT4Impb80WTb9pL5J5oikynGP/s1600/butterflypillow:grassYB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536216179420959970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrejgBxlfUphlh3fQ5Npu6ABbVwCiwmUi4diux7YCDeTkVupz1GBkXDXpWwlqPenioMU37nPLn8C3DDGDODF4UuxOwhd7emSEFoibTe2PC5ucLq6QIqVHzT4Impb80WTb9pL5J5oikynGP/s400/butterflypillow:grassYB.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;" /></a> </div><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/955597217?ref=elink"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536226898852777378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UA5cPDBZYJsbpb-mONtqKjyNeEu8lmJ-c0KzhDV99ApNOvE5iSoyFPGrgEFJAMX5c5hK9zzEbBgPmkBvefOTzy50MXbieLBjnAt7DSVgN8y_hd7EH_Til_Z1KdDP9XLtorWYlDEJD-Wm/s400/tastelogo.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 164px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzedAjbYyleyuuEsYoIfwFQoUVb32B8xr9GQeCmyaES34j2f9Nl7odMV66eblWfruGJZ2-VImd5d6Qp_G4unTiw1PvvIwla-CjhViudvaw-g9LyGn5pJ3HvAu3QyfO9ipF-LSRpL7_EWk/s1600/OpenHouseInvite_NEFL.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> </a> <div style="text-align: center;"> And if you are interested in having any of these items designed for yourself or someone on your holiday shopping list, email me at yblacker@verizon.net Have a great weekend, xoxo yvonne </div>

Giving away the good stuff ...

SATURDAY: RAFFLE Enter to win one birth announcement (designed by yours truly) printed on canvas and designed to match a chosen nursery the...

7:00 PM

Where do you look for inspiration?

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVdMTZs72R-WLji_7FBzZs-lqjWUkGdUMIOD39VFWuokFKkqGQvwP3tGn0AzIjOUW7botgUvmhTDVWoLz8_Vrm7SPdqVJBmhBT_91l3AueTuGiPag6rAmVYn2mFbVa4TIazhomSa3WfC9/s1600/inspirationjarNSDS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535368669213411538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVdMTZs72R-WLji_7FBzZs-lqjWUkGdUMIOD39VFWuokFKkqGQvwP3tGn0AzIjOUW7botgUvmhTDVWoLz8_Vrm7SPdqVJBmhBT_91l3AueTuGiPag6rAmVYn2mFbVa4TIazhomSa3WfC9/s400/inspirationjarNSDS.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>My jar of inspired objects includes green glass knobs, paint samples, pretty threads, gold keys, a silhouette of a little boy on a rocking horse, and a celebratory cork from a bottle of bubbly opened in honor of <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/05/fairy-tale-event.html">my first design show</a>. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLmmLfvlMMTaP2F_gr7atRMWudo37p4kGLl1kj3APPN0D3_pA9AdaxMGyZ5fBMM2BqDOq-T3-uVJYal6Y9CymCNnRPuNhDbSZUMv9ctgoLCemVlCpB7PFjuCo3rnkOADqIeFQb4INWKqS/s1600/hotelrecamier.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> </a> <div style="text-align: left;">Last week I mentioned that I was chosen as one of the top 100 entries for the Design Sherpa “<a href="http://design-sherpa.com/contest/">What Inspires You</a>?”contest based on my submission of a chosen photo accompanied by a 100 word post explaining how the image inspires me. My photo? Glinda the good witch from the Wizard of Oz. What does Glinda have to do with interior decorating and good design? When we base our choices on what we love, and surround ourselves with the people and memories that are important to us, we are being authentic – and good design always comes out of authenticity. <a href="http://www.google.com/images?q=glinda&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=VnXKTJyDOcL38AbYhJm8AQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=2&ved=0CD4QsAQwAQ&biw=1860&bih=1051"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535362216038986098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BK-H9GG4hoLp-yB-gS6o-6jLt_Fkk0Fy3gRR59c_YVw9wJZ_Iq17SYWrV7S8Fs5s-yXzj-oMaZu_eVqeZdL3eyvHBoh-VyqogvAMtaAE53nFXYE1xb5j3zDbzqZYLXpWhcgY7fR2V_tw/s400/glinda.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 333px;" /></a>Well <a href="http://design-sherpa.com/featured/what-inspires-yvonne-blacker-of-yvonne-blacker-interiors/">this entry</a> qualified me to move on to the second round of judging! Phase Two required a 350 word post “on an interior or architectural design topic that communicates both your unique passion for design and writing style.” And guess what? <a href="http://design-sherpa.com/featured/meet-the-what-inspires-you-judging-panel/">The judges</a> (who include talented design-industry professionals Diane Carroll, <a href="http://tobifairley.com/blog/">Tobi Fairley</a>, Michael Fink, Elaine Griffin, Marcia Sherrill and Clinton Smith) liked my post enough to qualify me to be one of the top 10 entries! I am not sure if they plan to share the 350-word posts we submitted or not, but I will let you know if they do. In the meantime, this week on the <a href="http://design-sherpa.com/">Design Sherpa</a> blog, our 3-minute video submissions required for Phase Three are up for *everyone* to see! <a href="http://design-sherpa.com/contest-updates/part-2-of-our-top-10-what-inspires-you-contest-video-entries/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535360347886246882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WX9eoW0_Kmvd44NIXrDukX3L4g9KWvVeJapznLZ_c6O8c1UtBAXPWc5Y3V657Oa7FBhzD8ZvNFbZ7IJGwr4iN_UHhhW-VcokQyhAqtpip1I8_hdBZpOLG9BMA5AddheadLyV3nfhT3ZT/s400/YB_youtube_DesignSherpa.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" /></a> We were asked to provide a video that was “both entertaining and informative about some element of home design.” It is harder than it looks to be both entertaining and informative in a mere 3 minutes (all without the aid of a teleprompter or video crew -- I give those <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-design-star/show/index.html">Design Star</a> contestants a lot of credit!) Plus we were required to condense our .mpeg video to less than 10 MB in size so the end result of the submitted versions appears pretty grainy. When I was “filming” this video, shortly after <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/09/mecca-to-nate-and-back.html">my trip to see The Nate Berkus Show</a> and just a day before <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/10/saturday-shopping.html">New England Fine Living opened</a>, I had no idea my video would actually make it online. <a href="http://networkedblogs.com/a17tF">But here it is.</a> So far, six videos have been shown and the remainder will be aired in the next couple of days (I am guessing). The winner will be announced on or around November 7th so I am thinking it may be as early as this Friday! <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hotelrecamier.com/hotel-paris.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535172412076536370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLmmLfvlMMTaP2F_gr7atRMWudo37p4kGLl1kj3APPN0D3_pA9AdaxMGyZ5fBMM2BqDOq-T3-uVJYal6Y9CymCNnRPuNhDbSZUMv9ctgoLCemVlCpB7PFjuCo3rnkOADqIeFQb4INWKqS/s400/hotelrecamier.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 400px;" /></a>{Photo from the <a href="http://www.hotelrecamier.com/hotel-paris.html">Hotel Recamier</a> website} </div> Did I mention what the winner of this <a href="http://design-sherpa.com/social-media-and-design/">social media driven</a> contest will receive? Just a 10-day trip to PARIS, hotel accommodations at <a href="http://www.hotelrecamier.com/hotel-paris.html">Hotel Recamier</a>, and a 4-day VIP pass to the <a href="http://www.maison-objet.com/en/index.php?page=maison-objet">Maison & Object</a> trade show, PLUS $10,000 (!!!!!) and the opportunity to blog as part of the Design Sherpa site! (<a href="http://design-sherpa.com/contest/rules/">click here</a> for all the fine print) <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.maison-objet.com/en/index.php"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535373137182259858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujvRi1vji5i176GINL63dqifO3GHcRZ-uActl6mC41PfM_igelRcvd48f5QSaun_5L4E3EYJ6XnGXuk3AlCXrPqsoc52MS2z8XPrw4Z6WDqX8RigzrTyF2j6rjZWsO-Ee8XW6Z9hZYB04/s400/maisonobjectimage.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 329px;" /></a>{Image from the <a href="http://www.maison-objet.com/en/index.php">Maison & Objet </a>website} </div> If you know me at all, you know I am good at keeping a secret. All I am going to say for now is that I would love to put the six years of French that I took to good use, and would love even more to discover the amazing home fashions that will be on display at <a href="http://www.maison-objet.com/en/index.php">Maison & Objet</a>. Just to walk the streets of Paris would be a dream! And who couldn’t use an unexpected 10 grand these days? “Hello” <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/10/10-weeks-10-projects.html">unfinished design projects</a>! <a href="http://dailyfix.interiordesign.net/industry/designers-architects/2554/scad-student-wins-project-udesign-competition"></a> <a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/10/prweb4664134.htm"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535379508483993122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRxjdSLmRsrgyH9IS4vgBwksVLttzQ9-rhO_K9e1WB63NzKEeiwIla6_UdvJXGEvJPw3L_i1jEoGC4_e6UhOtdItXemq2yZmQJg9evcsZMFPdFYUJkbBCgRGI8igMEppLB2ZhdlzuBGVl/s400/gI_0_Alifair2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 224px;" /></a> And speaking of winners, I would like to properly introduce you to <a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/10/prweb4664134.htm">the winning eco-friendly chair from Project UDesign</a>: the Alifair designed by Savannah College of Art and Design student Ryland Quillen. Even though <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/10/kona-chair-at-high-point-market.html">my posts featured the Kona chair</a> by Emily Carpenter, I thought each of the designs had style and merit. The well-tailored Alifair almost looks a little French to me ... Congratulations, Ryland, and to everyone who participated in and organized this inspiring competition. A little competition certainly goes a long way in raising the bar on good design! </div>

Where do you look for inspiration?

My jar of inspired objects includes green glass knobs, paint samples, pretty threads, gold keys, a silhouette of a little boy on a rocking h...

11:00 AM