What I loved at the NYIGF

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dPH3S9Du8ldwsIm4ed8HdCcn1YeN356LJ5NDgUlsTZeFDxQatC1wNjbF_ePAHlnbY8TnPoBcuCqkQiLvda0IM0RsRG6I7T3fso8BgOpeAMCzjXalvcare45iK36jVb7tfFPigxRxMxGw/s1600/duneswithduchessNYIGF.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568371641187286914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dPH3S9Du8ldwsIm4ed8HdCcn1YeN356LJ5NDgUlsTZeFDxQatC1wNjbF_ePAHlnbY8TnPoBcuCqkQiLvda0IM0RsRG6I7T3fso8BgOpeAMCzjXalvcare45iK36jVb7tfFPigxRxMxGw/s400/duneswithduchessNYIGF.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Two-talented: </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://stacystyle.wordpress.com/">Stacy Kunstel</a> (aka Duchess) and</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.michaelpartenio.com/">Michael Partenio</a> (otherwise known as Dunes)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >at their nautically-inspired booth at this week’s<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New York International Gift Fair</span></span> </div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Last night I returned home from a weekend trip to New York to scope out the <a href="http://www.nyigf.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">New York International Gift Fair</span></a>. This was my first time attending and I am so glad I went! My traveling companion (and guide) was Rosanne Palazola who pens <a href="http://thefocusondesign.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Focus On Design</span></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >,</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> shares retail space with me and others at <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/retailstore.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">New England Fine Living</span></a>, tends design clients of her own, and has been to the gift fair a number of times while working with <a href="http://www.tuttleandco.com/about.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuttle and Co.</span></a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE22krpOjshR1y18slnkrQn3Kuf9p183I0aFXqzhzDlItubRDjzeuscMvFDB87o_ljblpTSyfc3RokazLr2bb2_AWo7PxE0ElFCuGOOFaQ_s3_D_dre0at7s-XhyphenhyphenBqY7C43PkaS1lN2gLp/s1600/roseannetina.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568450044543943762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE22krpOjshR1y18slnkrQn3Kuf9p183I0aFXqzhzDlItubRDjzeuscMvFDB87o_ljblpTSyfc3RokazLr2bb2_AWo7PxE0ElFCuGOOFaQ_s3_D_dre0at7s-XhyphenhyphenBqY7C43PkaS1lN2gLp/s320/roseannetina.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Roomates Rosanne and Tina</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi028ThVTfiYAnvcVHJudafhmB2npw6mfYNtU-0tXShPibSuhneXw7Njjk2E0wwMJS0ihh5htGUB_3mK6T-JHJfprGytXr5t5RkMUVRjdDR1F-EeBHquozA7XT_jeZyG2fqNf0ETDZrOdD2/s1600/swanmuffins.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568465914285419186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi028ThVTfiYAnvcVHJudafhmB2npw6mfYNtU-0tXShPibSuhneXw7Njjk2E0wwMJS0ihh5htGUB_3mK6T-JHJfprGytXr5t5RkMUVRjdDR1F-EeBHquozA7XT_jeZyG2fqNf0ETDZrOdD2/s400/swanmuffins.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Snacks-to-go: Blueberry muffins</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />wrapped in swan-shaped tinfoil</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">We arrived in New York just before noon on Saturday and quickly hailed a cab to the NY apartment of Rosanne’s friend, Tina. The apartment was a delightful pied-a-terre with plenty of room to entertain overnight guests, and blessed with its own courtyard garden that looked charming even while blanketed beneath a white-winter snow.<br /><br />The three of us headed over to the Pier section of the gift fair on our first day and then visited the Javitz center on day two. Aisle after aisle of gorgeous home decor products and gift merchandise greeted us upon entering each section of the NYIGF. While I did not take photos of everything I saw (honestly, it would have considerably decreased the amount of goodness we could squeeze in if we stopped to photograph every booth) I did collect the cards of my favorite exhibitors for future reference (and journalistic posts!)<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OoIpE3HgSCBqLAp7vjc0ZKtwLwKSxGISI3rDDjxg8vY-OPWQ3JbhoCnftKeh3R-bqdZNL0NQp8mzAntiZmziJkyNZ1o468N2Ad1fP-teVAI44MO1xI6E5rBB-sMof3S0f5U68ntFm6gH/s1600/DandD%2540NYIGF.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568464884582293314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OoIpE3HgSCBqLAp7vjc0ZKtwLwKSxGISI3rDDjxg8vY-OPWQ3JbhoCnftKeh3R-bqdZNL0NQp8mzAntiZmziJkyNZ1o468N2Ad1fP-teVAI44MO1xI6E5rBB-sMof3S0f5U68ntFm6gH/s400/DandD%2540NYIGF.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 313px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Find the Dunes and Duchess at this well-styled space at the NYIGF</span></span> </div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />While there, we made sure to visit our Boston design friend, Stacy Kunstel at the <a href="http://dunesandduchess.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dunes & Duchess</span></a> booth located at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Pier 94, Booth #41059</span><span style="font-size:130%;">.<br /><br />On display were new products like cool mirrors and elegant sconces that were added to this stylish line of accessories that includes lamps, candelabras, and giant hurricanes.<br /><br />I finally got a chance to meet the talented and gracious Michael/Dunes in person, and he showed me a new free-standing pedestal that I know would look fabulous in the next design show that I’m working on : )<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKVRmQxcvO18ACvVUPh5w7RG1PAbAAVHtcMqeQ7rtxHdTOAsTBrtg4y35UY4gxw5Yc3mmzn2YkynXpYHoLi1byIBaPXpE6SW_h6lWiuYPWgIDjXorLqgDgbx4KvrerYGe1UeZCnc5nl6r/s1600/artecnicaNYIGF.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568480745116312530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKVRmQxcvO18ACvVUPh5w7RG1PAbAAVHtcMqeQ7rtxHdTOAsTBrtg4y35UY4gxw5Yc3mmzn2YkynXpYHoLi1byIBaPXpE6SW_h6lWiuYPWgIDjXorLqgDgbx4KvrerYGe1UeZCnc5nl6r/s400/artecnicaNYIGF.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 246px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I would love to see the eco-friendly design-conscious lighting<br />by <a href="http://www.artecnicainc.com/">Artecnica</a> offered at <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/retailstore.html">New England Fine Living</a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The energized crowds in the exhibit halls were just as stylish as the products being displayed. It was quite the fashion show! When I called home to check in with my family, one of my sons inquired whether I had seen anyone famous. No, I did not see <a href="http://www.nateberkus.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nate Berkus</span></a> this time, but I did meet Lisa from the design blog <a href="http://www.hamptontoes.blogspot.com/">Hamptontoes</a> who had a <a href="http://hamptontoes.blogspot.com/2010/10/air-date-today.html">House Proud segment</a> on his show early in the fall. I have somewhat of a photographic memory and rarely forget a face, so I noticed her right away when she was visiting the Dunes & Duchess (plus I had seen her <a href="http://stacystyle.wordpress.com/2010/09/13/the-nate-berkus-show-premiere/">on Stacy’s blog</a> after Stacy saw the Nate Show last August, so it was easy to put two-and-two together.)</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >More designer sightings ...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">While we were admiring a gorgeous room decked out in lavender and linen designed by <a href="http://www.olystudio.com/tradeshows.html">Oly Studio</a>, I noticed a woman strategically shooting best-angle photos of the space. I figured she must be with the press since many exhibitors prefer that photos are not taken. When she turned around I immediately recognized her as Heather Clawson of <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/">Habitually Chic</a>. I introduced myself as a fan of her design blog, but I could tell she was just like us, trying to see and record as much of the show as possible, so we didn’t chat long.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nDGn5hlcCGTv9xAmECnSM-6nJevtm5HkBwYV5nz2I4-_hyaAgp09f6OvXJcPyX7yYOF4dlgH1b2L9BsvMGybB70r19qMSvTBSNdGsTUThhumNouyHe0XU60zhysmPZvXI85A3d-m0aUH/s1600/littlenestKarenAlweil.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568483918304479138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nDGn5hlcCGTv9xAmECnSM-6nJevtm5HkBwYV5nz2I4-_hyaAgp09f6OvXJcPyX7yYOF4dlgH1b2L9BsvMGybB70r19qMSvTBSNdGsTUThhumNouyHe0XU60zhysmPZvXI85A3d-m0aUH/s400/littlenestKarenAlweil.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">Designer eye-candy: <a href="http://www.karenalweilstudio.com/merchant.php?id=72">Little Nest by </a><a href="http://www.karenalweilstudio.com/merchant.php?id=72">Karen Alweil Studio</a></span><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Going to the gift fair can be much like visiting an amusement park for design lovers, but it is also a work-related field trip that involves research and analysis. Designers are thinking “What does my client need?</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Store owners are wondering “What would my customer like?</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Writers are looking for products to engage their audience, and many of us are wishing we could take home all of our show favorites and not just order slips, catalogs and memories! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">When the weekend was over we were like little kids wishing we had time for one more ride on the merry-go-round. But we knew our time was up, and to be honest, all the pretty-shiny-colorful objects had left our senses overindulged (in the best way, of course!)<br /><br />As I notice posts about the show this week (it goes through February 3rd) I will add them to this list. If you post about the show, please leave your blog address with the post link in the comments. I would love to see what <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> loved about the NYIGF.<br /><br /><br />• <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2011/01/gift-show-guide.html">Habitually Chic</a>: Gift Show Guide<br /><br />• <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2011/01/nyigf-2011-jonathan-adler.html">Habitually Chic</a>: Jonathan Adler<br /><br />• <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2011/01/nyigf-2011-few-of-my-favorite-things.html">Habitually Chic</a>: Favorite Things<br /><br />• <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2011/02/nyigf-2011-ox-bow-decor.html">Habitually Chic</a>: Oxbow Decor<br /><br />• <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2011/02/nyigf-2011-for-birds.html">Habitually Chic</a>: For the Birds<br /><br />• <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-nyigf-trend-reports-for-elle-decor.html">Habitually Chic</a>: Trends Report<br /><br />• <a href="http://ishkadesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-york-international-gift-fair-part-1.html">Ishka Designs</a>: NYIGF part 1<br /><br />• <a href="http://hamptontoes.blogspot.com/2011/01/giveaway-your-tour-of-nyigf.html">Hamptontoes</a>: Tour of the NYIGF</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://hamptontoes.blogspot.com/2011/02/your-tour-of-nyigf-part-two.html">Hamptontoes</a>: NYIGF part II<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://frugalfarmhousedesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-ny-gift-show-observation.html">Frugal Farmhouse Design</a>: Gift Show Observations</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://www.prettylittlegreenthings.com/2011/01/new-york-international-gift-fair-pier-94/">Pretty Little Green Things</a>: NYIGF Pier 94</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://www.prettylittlegreenthings.com/2011/01/new-york-international-gift-fair-javits-center/">Pretty Little Green Things</a>: NYIGF Javitz Center</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://www.shelterpop.com/2011/02/01/roost/">ShelterPop</a>: Roost at NYIGF</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://www.shelterpop.com/tag/NYIGF-2011/">Shelter Pop</a>: NYIGF – Favorite Booths</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://itsyfactor.com/2011/02/01/nyigf-baby-child-2011-review/">The Itsy Factor</a>: NYIGF Baby & Child Review</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://mymomshops.blogspot.com/2011/01/nyigf-part-1-best-new-baby-child.html">My Mom Shops</a>: NYIGF – Best new baby & child</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://mymomshops.blogspot.com/2011/01/nyigf-part-2-new-melissa-doug-toys.html">My Mom Shops</a>: NYIGF – Melissa & Doug</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://www.ivillage.com/new-york-international-gift-fair-finds/7-b-319524">IVillage Home & Garden</a>: NYIGF – Favorite Finds</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://www.ivillage.com/best-kid-friendly-design/7-b-320408">IVillage Home & Garden</a>: Best Kid Friendly Designs</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://www.ivillage.com/best-pet-toys/7-b-319652">IVillage Home & Garden</a>: Amazing Finds for Pets</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://www.prettypinktulips.com/2011/02/my-first-nyigf-new-york-international.html">Pretty Pink Tulips</a>: My First NYIGF</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://thezhush.blogspot.com/2011/02/nyigfa-newbies-perspective.html">The Zhush</a>: NYIGF A Newbie’s Perspective</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />• <a href="http://www.5thjoy.com/2011/02/03/the-best-of-ny-international-gift-fair/">Fifth Joy</a>: The Best of NYIGF</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://rhballard.blogspot.com/2011/02/dolan-geiman-art-with-southern-accent.html">Maison de Ballard</a>: Dolan Geiman Art at NYIGF</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2011/02/morihata-international.html">Design Sponge</a>: Morihata International</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />• <a href="http://blog.lonnymag.com/ninas-finds-from-the-gift-fair">The Lonny Blog</a>: Nina</span><span style="font-size:130%;">’</span><span style="font-size:130%;">s Finds from the Gift Fair</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />• <a href="http://design-milk.com/new-york-international-gift-fair-2011/">Design Milk</a>: New York International Gift Fair</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And from my traveling companion ...</span><br /><br />• <a href="http://thefocusondesign.blogspot.com/2011/02/road-trip.html">Focus on Design</a>: Road Trip<br /><br />• <a href="http://thefocusondesign.blogspot.com/2011/02/road-trip-day-two.html">Focus on Design</a>: Road Trip, day 2<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcTTtslKwJ3A9AEaJm__It4idaxakU51g5LGcMtJKH0jhUQ6aVZTURcMiGpdN5AL4ZoTQ_YvScRR4-Sz8KKqrwqLyUc0l17FFMOBh7x0FNn8X4Uw03jXlsIm4C-jKg1sVFTrfe9TizDeR/s1600/swanmuffins.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCPxq7MJTEWO9-ZAr9XerTsyNTEiQFoUxdpHtyscS_nN3RdQGI2ktArq91LJOzsXAAIfaQZapa0l8Gz3aBfEyh1mvHPpqESur0mcO3vnNhD-kIkbIvQ-K2WYpNQo1ZJVQ3WzT7ABQcgHE/s1600/mirrorsD%2526D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><span></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5M3D5TLhrWgTZcxzq518i6_lmK-024ANNUJ0EIA3RcpaQbFOw1GokI5H0U8lIAQa_Kc8Q6dGYMbryt7zXhfL55OFGVm1ApaMgNgGd6B0vi5mSjjjgVgwAbNEH1t43hKvqQBm-Z9q-ncl/s1600/lampD%2526D.jpg"><span><span></span></span></a>

What I loved at the NYIGF

Two-talented: Stacy Kunstel (aka Duchess) and Michael Partenio (otherwise known as Dunes) at their nautically-inspired booth at this week’...

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How I spent my snow day

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ruemag.com/issues/issue-three/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567065826998415394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichb9nDu4coXglW-VVrvtyr_JqI1FkkbxwDOQsv1oGajTVoa216QtdmPUwfxR5fKP5_1AyiJdhluBkDBd1l4Z2MoOcjxK0Y6YGWAihks0oSRStyLhq-tkWm-yTcGgbNawgbsSvZIi2rbGu/s400/ruecoverFeb11.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Cover of <a href="http://www.ruemag.com/issues/issue-three/">Rue Magazine, Jan./Feb. 2011</a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />After waking up yesterday to 9 more inches of snow having been added over night to the four foot high snow banks that are already narrowing the streets of our little town, I had to smile knowing that there was nothing I could do but grab a cup of coffee (or two) and enjoy the latest issue of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rue Magazine</span> which was hot off the virtual presses.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwbDRTH-PmZJ_KuaPlnUlTADt-wuoFLufFI5qVrbvgUTUdpbWVd31__o_WN0anXWKS0X89d8sW18TjYcik7Y2IyWgGpHhHdS5L90dLiooK4Zd2RjcQ53-1CPZjlF22DQRFG8JzyNSmaaX/s1600/jessLC-Rue%25233.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567106648897204018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwbDRTH-PmZJ_KuaPlnUlTADt-wuoFLufFI5qVrbvgUTUdpbWVd31__o_WN0anXWKS0X89d8sW18TjYcik7Y2IyWgGpHhHdS5L90dLiooK4Zd2RjcQ53-1CPZjlF22DQRFG8JzyNSmaaX/s400/jessLC-Rue%25233.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I love the life-with-intention entrepreneurial spirit of<br /><a href="http://makeundermylife.com/">Jess Constable</a> from jewelry design company <a href="http://www.jesslc.com/">Jess LC</a></span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lO0jSjdKZ6u-oSYg_sOAI0E9TmeljoJd2c-TcFkaIP0w0ToQ3s6HnM0lv3gWmrneXTF8S3zUTIcsi4rLTv_Tm62UOMxFHNOhfrDTwmUDmOBB1U5a1yK5OYd_FNKHmoazQOVAvf2s9o6R/s1600/anishka-Rue.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567107356679518290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lO0jSjdKZ6u-oSYg_sOAI0E9TmeljoJd2c-TcFkaIP0w0ToQ3s6HnM0lv3gWmrneXTF8S3zUTIcsi4rLTv_Tm62UOMxFHNOhfrDTwmUDmOBB1U5a1yK5OYd_FNKHmoazQOVAvf2s9o6R/s400/anishka-Rue.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ae2BABxqWH-tEgxm3Z5Jgab7bcAMylk6bmUBEmWzwrbFdveyYRylHRNXWDN1VcMaP-kIbTKXIlExqRNol6Q0zomopguATxvCBCrdRbsHvwrZ0UN8qBSkFIUJTiZLtfiaB2fNjMHzG9Rc/s1600/snowbank.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://ishkadesigns.blogspot.com/">Anishka Clarke</a> of <a href="http://ishkadesigns.com/Ishka_Designs/home.html">Ishka Designs</a> and I sat in the same row in the<br />studio audience at the <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/09/mecca-to-nate-and-back.html">Nate Berkus Show</a> back in September.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhAJAPabSP9aArzzNIW_uyhMhF9fqcUYHM4IjZWxpzdquVUvl7JCcYLQW4QtlPdeE4qD46AybonKbxXUrcZHHZ1vWH3Q3jQMBurNCP6Xkyg_Mn2-6eNrv4Slm11T7MVmy5NJpxfDRR1nh/s1600/salk-vignette-Rue.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567110214882052194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhAJAPabSP9aArzzNIW_uyhMhF9fqcUYHM4IjZWxpzdquVUvl7JCcYLQW4QtlPdeE4qD46AybonKbxXUrcZHHZ1vWH3Q3jQMBurNCP6Xkyg_Mn2-6eNrv4Slm11T7MVmy5NJpxfDRR1nh/s400/salk-vignette-Rue.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >As usual, this issue of Rue is filled with stellar photography including this sunny vignette in the home of <a href="http://susannasalk.com/default.html">Susanna Salk</a> who among other creative projects is a contributing editor to one of my favorite design series, <a href="http://1stdibs.com/index.php?key=style+compass">Style Compass on 1st Dibs</a>.</span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Being able to soak up the 200+ pretty pages of stylish interiors, fashion and pure fun that is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rue</span> more than made up for missing a couple of looked-forward-to design field trips that I had to reschedule as a result of having a house full of children spending their snow day at home with me.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ae2BABxqWH-tEgxm3Z5Jgab7bcAMylk6bmUBEmWzwrbFdveyYRylHRNXWDN1VcMaP-kIbTKXIlExqRNol6Q0zomopguATxvCBCrdRbsHvwrZ0UN8qBSkFIUJTiZLtfiaB2fNjMHzG9Rc/s1600/snowbank.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567065818537828114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ae2BABxqWH-tEgxm3Z5Jgab7bcAMylk6bmUBEmWzwrbFdveyYRylHRNXWDN1VcMaP-kIbTKXIlExqRNol6Q0zomopguATxvCBCrdRbsHvwrZ0UN8qBSkFIUJTiZLtfiaB2fNjMHzG9Rc/s400/snowbank.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Although technically they spent most of their time outside with Mother Nature, while I watched from the warmth of my at-home-office window.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567104754779725154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmbrt2MWwE4eh5HU3iBXqUefFUjbhUX0m_UrR-AiuH5Y3XAB7gyO0DuhceYbtx7-ZBj7IXlClzDpjwNE7XK8lUpdyHomeUksCE4MSPTMlc5sWfhR6P3MABi4ri4KAAr0Q1GExTR9IQYsu/s400/SRT+header.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 130px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />When you have some free time, be sure to take a look at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rue</span> for yourself. And if you like <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rue</span>, you will love hearing the voices of co-founders <a href="http://plushpalate.blogspot.com/">Crystal Gentilello</a> and <a href="http://www.annesage.com/blog/">Anne Sage</a> as they share the process behind the creation of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rue</span> with the ladies of <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Skirted Roundtable</span> (<a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2011/01/chatting-with-rue-girls-crystal.html">click here for podcast</a>).<br /><br />Seeing that I am also partnering on the design of a new digital magazine with my friend <a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/aboutLinda_1.html">Linda</a> (inspired as I have mentioned before by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rue</span>, <a href="http://lonnymag.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lonny</span></a> and the others who have paved the way for social media publications) I was quite interested in hearing how Anne and Crystal took a leap of faith together in order to follow their passions and create the job of their dreams.<br /><br />Listening to them discuss candidly what it took to traject their careers to the next level, reminded me of the time when I left my steady but predictable full-time graphic design position to pursue a more varied design career as a freelancer. I was barely 25 at the time, but I figured I knew enough to make it on my own. And you know what? I did just fine.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567113143504100514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPumqZY_5zUdmMcAoZ5S0hK3vlWjx3eCvj4QSXC7DU_zlTSf0e4FqhGUNd3KWB7TPV2qb_SUb1aJ73-KCZ14o5147XqULYRNc5ci5ZayyuJo8KHY3iItChUuYh09dieTh3ThD_xjC-rN4/s400/NE_FineryMagazine_logo.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 153px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Here is to <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-creative-venture.html">taking that leap of faith</a>, Act II : )</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">x</span>

How I spent my snow day

Cover of Rue Magazine, Jan./Feb. 2011 After waking up yesterday to 9 more inches of snow having been added over night to the four foot high ...

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I am engaged ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJNNiv18Mdh3XrqxGDzark6rcKZIEcYbjIrpPYcEqfLvKQEKCizWWUeqz13NrOG3H5Nbl8BIys_Z7Rkf3iAFtqrrGAViNayc9O6PcQUmNLk88dbxfUp0ebbjplTKAsg3Ws340EedvX3nU/s1600/ringonplate%2540nefl.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565582050740382274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJNNiv18Mdh3XrqxGDzark6rcKZIEcYbjIrpPYcEqfLvKQEKCizWWUeqz13NrOG3H5Nbl8BIys_Z7Rkf3iAFtqrrGAViNayc9O6PcQUmNLk88dbxfUp0ebbjplTKAsg3Ws340EedvX3nU/s400/ringonplate%2540nefl.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Engagement “ring” available</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" > at<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/retailstore.html">New England Fine Living</a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Working on the soon-to-be launched <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/nefineryad-rates.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">New England Finery Magazine</span></a> has completely consumed my creative thoughts.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfznEOrAK_oGHJ1SSD5zE3103byRVSF01OBYnhfx589EhMFzVuAgBoibnXcu4ErS3C0fRKxVYacJ_-WicwTIMHgfSXRmjoSbuU7OYYq1drdFr9IcvQTH75vLfOjvOLuhF4WqmQ6Id-epJ/s1600/tworings%2540nefl.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNxKBcoYSEuiKNLzs4iU8TR4wQWN-AczGePvHPGPe5o5yFipfvhU-yVnjWB5vUd7W-PrABDvmi2Jt-ONBPCqNzXWdMBrpigFUDfh9Xfy7ZuFiP3ie7R3EXOGc12Xn9E3BYRV7rak3qigO/s1600/table%2540NEFL.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565582057577648626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNxKBcoYSEuiKNLzs4iU8TR4wQWN-AczGePvHPGPe5o5yFipfvhU-yVnjWB5vUd7W-PrABDvmi2Jt-ONBPCqNzXWdMBrpigFUDfh9Xfy7ZuFiP3ie7R3EXOGc12Xn9E3BYRV7rak3qigO/s400/table%2540NEFL.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Table setting by <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/aboutLinda_1.html">Linda Smith</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />of New England Fine Living</span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Linda and I have been meeting regularly at this very table to discuss page layouts and desired content for the first issue.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhiIpX_cy9pxsmgYc5GW7kN-LvJwrsNcJ2krTcfkTmNe4aYlqv0lQBBswtUHdpGkjwuiYQc6fJ9Ezk-Obq9B-L1NS_jtOYbzMi2K4zOocXC6kj4tGsYQRacm0xJvScv7ITJMmiEucxIdy/s1600/vintagemuff.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565583094987478578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhiIpX_cy9pxsmgYc5GW7kN-LvJwrsNcJ2krTcfkTmNe4aYlqv0lQBBswtUHdpGkjwuiYQc6fJ9Ezk-Obq9B-L1NS_jtOYbzMi2K4zOocXC6kj4tGsYQRacm0xJvScv7ITJMmiEucxIdy/s320/vintagemuff.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 302px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Vintage fur muff: <a href="http://www.seamstheshop.com/">Seams Couture</a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.elizabethwertzphotography.com/">Elizabeth Wertz</a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />I am completely in love with the photos that our photographer, <a href="http://www.elizabethwertzphotography.com/">Elizabeth Wertz</a>, has taken for our feature story.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LW8A46TvqYnvywp_ubhpkSNZS-MCYIKh3fr3v5n1D0UFXEcbAQKuf81tn2xI23zbjNICDXx2Cdz7X90scSxLkEIUhwn3nLFo3ZRJlvaXSuex8KtyqOO_E_kIZJ0gW3-ESt4krnP-VSWi/s1600/xoxocardsYBlacker.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565591540728206562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LW8A46TvqYnvywp_ubhpkSNZS-MCYIKh3fr3v5n1D0UFXEcbAQKuf81tn2xI23zbjNICDXx2Cdz7X90scSxLkEIUhwn3nLFo3ZRJlvaXSuex8KtyqOO_E_kIZJ0gW3-ESt4krnP-VSWi/s400/xoxocardsYBlacker.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">XOXO blank notecards<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66604544/hugs-kisses-blank-notecards-set-of-10">yvonne b. designs</a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />If you are in the area, please stop by <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/retailstore.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">New England Fine Living</span></a> for your chance to take home some of the items that will be highlighted in our February issue (say “hi</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> to Linda while you are there!)</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZVsm1v2VPlEH8LZB_R9w4hG9FRNt0tm8D3ZIq7SN9GWwYHCQ9EaZDPAG46ah1b7Ajurnx_x4XQKUrMLRunOybd_b4FjlB3v8LGhygFVzWgZ251Bzq6zaoKXAiotreuzdbFGmFj6zcQcN/s1600/newfloor.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565590268991115714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZVsm1v2VPlEH8LZB_R9w4hG9FRNt0tm8D3ZIq7SN9GWwYHCQ9EaZDPAG46ah1b7Ajurnx_x4XQKUrMLRunOybd_b4FjlB3v8LGhygFVzWgZ251Bzq6zaoKXAiotreuzdbFGmFj6zcQcN/s400/newfloor.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 323px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Refinished floors by <a href="http://candrflooring.com/">C&R Flooring</a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>The fact that my own house is finally getting some finishing touches during this exciting time is icing on the cake. But truth be told, it’s difficult to create blog posts when my house is filled with guys (the working kind that is).<br /><br />Rest assured, I will be back soon with some “before</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> photos and worth-the-wait-happily-ever “afters</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> ; )</span>

I am engaged ...

Engagement “ring” available at New England Fine Living Working on the soon-to-be launched New England Finery Magazine has completely consu...

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Everything in its place

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEy3WFaUBH6Dhw5kTDV58erUAqcQ2dqyCQqHUYcCvm29Jfp6smvRRs0lAXUKVV6fAahaEt6SuhLi32Dz8zxlxNAzIApuqvMmY0FnpK_YIZKWlgKNlnEx31fKdGv6HL86SbX-VOrxrpVpu/s1600/junkdrawerorganizerYBlacker.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563717267526089202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEy3WFaUBH6Dhw5kTDV58erUAqcQ2dqyCQqHUYcCvm29Jfp6smvRRs0lAXUKVV6fAahaEt6SuhLi32Dz8zxlxNAzIApuqvMmY0FnpK_YIZKWlgKNlnEx31fKdGv6HL86SbX-VOrxrpVpu/s400/junkdrawerorganizerYBlacker.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Getting organized:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> check out my tips on </span><a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/resolving-to-get-organized" style="font-style: italic;">Patch.com</a><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Just when I start to get organized at home, we have to move everything around again! This week we are having hardwood floors installed on the second and third floors. Only in the hallways and stair landings, but enough construction traffic to create a sense of being displaced. A bedroom floor is also being refinished which adds to the commotion.<br /><br />I can be quite the homebody (when I am not out and about) so I will be happy when this phase of construction is over and I can work peacefully at my desk in my new office and not downstairs in the living room amidst the boy chaos!<br /><br />Until the dust settles, please visit <a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/resolving-to-get-organized">my recent post for Lynnfield Patch.com</a> and see how organized I was not too long ago ...</span>

Everything in its place

Getting organized: check out my tips on Patch.com Just when I start to get organized at home, we have to move everything around again! This...

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A new creative venture ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MAAmJW_S-ZSszNGWJfFJGbMUMV3mdIQLfyccIbLZqj5rDmLhnF-mfDeNjGnjNj9UO4Lpwc8AR5bH4mpBOe8xrSnIymemTF4woIJ-nJ-8WmqCq-3mxyBT3G47ZS10V-3PCmE_-LkrV-cn/s1600/nefinerysneakpeek2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562203090723709906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MAAmJW_S-ZSszNGWJfFJGbMUMV3mdIQLfyccIbLZqj5rDmLhnF-mfDeNjGnjNj9UO4Lpwc8AR5bH4mpBOe8xrSnIymemTF4woIJ-nJ-8WmqCq-3mxyBT3G47ZS10V-3PCmE_-LkrV-cn/s400/nefinerysneakpeek2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo by Yvonne Blacker</span></span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/01/this-month-newenglandhome.html">In my last post</a>, I mentioned my love for picture books (or more specifically design magazines). I have always loved to read, and I remember when the books I read no longer had illustrations in them – it truly saddened me knowing that I could no longer turn the page and see a new picture to accompany the storyline. Even today, when I watch my son – who is just getting the hang of reading out loud – enthusiastically sneak a peek of the illustration on the next page just to see how the plot in the story is going to unfold, I am reminded of why a good picture is worth a thousand words. That is one of the reasons I love reading blogs. There are so many pretty pictures, plus there is usually an interesting story to follow as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Today I have a story for you ...<br /><br /></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UVkFGadIRus02s4kCpx0tA8os98k93qGsO7Y7MnaI7LL9iv3C2p4a9fjnQjN9CDiv_-8qj0OLyjypqDQpWWjMaQVTNMgxITqfoAz3Ppup6We7p4Ny1PYqJRq9xLt9yt0rvs9dJ2_FxPr/s1600/purseonchair.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562201835399664706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UVkFGadIRus02s4kCpx0tA8os98k93qGsO7Y7MnaI7LL9iv3C2p4a9fjnQjN9CDiv_-8qj0OLyjypqDQpWWjMaQVTNMgxITqfoAz3Ppup6We7p4Ny1PYqJRq9xLt9yt0rvs9dJ2_FxPr/s400/purseonchair.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo by Yvonne Blacker</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />After setting up some of my design items at the lifestyle boutique <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/index.html">New England Fine Living</a>, I discovered that the owner, <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/aboutLinda_1.html">Linda Smith</a>, and I have a lot in common – we both love creative design and enjoy sharing our favorite sources with others (her website provides all types of design related content and, yes, lots of great pictures, too!) She has even produced print magazines in the past. I asked her if she would be interested in having a digital magazine that represents the items and vendors in her boutique, but would also provide a lot of great creative content about life in New England. She said “God, Yes!</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyT2z7aS618cRWtD3fH8Ej8mDSkQ8On0tXm6tavzzipjC8-qX1g-kjQUygZuMzZ4Oq-pG85wjmN8B-rIaQhVaMlY8wVB4KUgVI_RcMEWz-BBodLckEqqNndpgeHtNnrky2EsBBJIHymct/s1600/elephant%253Abooks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562193455922589362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyT2z7aS618cRWtD3fH8Ej8mDSkQ8On0tXm6tavzzipjC8-qX1g-kjQUygZuMzZ4Oq-pG85wjmN8B-rIaQhVaMlY8wVB4KUgVI_RcMEWz-BBodLckEqqNndpgeHtNnrky2EsBBJIHymct/s400/elephant%253Abooks.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo by Yvonne Blacker</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">With so many traditional shelter magazines out there closing up shop, I have discovered a lot of digital magazines are taking their place, and many are actually being produced by design bloggers (see <a href="http://www.ruemag.com/issues/issue-two/">Rue</a> and <a href="http://lonnymag.com/home">Lonny</a> for example). I figured now was a good time for me to give this new technology a try. I have been blogging about design for about two years now, and while I love decorating interiors, I still enjoy putting visuals together – <a href="http://www.friendswhodesign.com/">both on paper and online</a> – to promote the many creative businesses that I come across. The fact that Linda also loves to promote other businesses as much as she enjoys designing a room or putting together a great event, made me think that we really should combine our creative efforts ...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyT2z7aS618cRWtD3fH8Ej8mDSkQ8On0tXm6tavzzipjC8-qX1g-kjQUygZuMzZ4Oq-pG85wjmN8B-rIaQhVaMlY8wVB4KUgVI_RcMEWz-BBodLckEqqNndpgeHtNnrky2EsBBJIHymct/s1600/elephant%253Abooks.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yZhxfG-pha3S7v2nUvZNg4Mk08-a67iPFHEnPEY4PDnqsPDEd7ojulGrybP3AjgHXr6Y22WGzMlV48Eg6BWkqKnusly4EVgfXLVMNRJnXqK5bVeTiVaNObjpOVT6vWZzuoUi3ISotAhd/s1600/NE+Finery+Magazine_Premiere.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562206174058057650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yZhxfG-pha3S7v2nUvZNg4Mk08-a67iPFHEnPEY4PDnqsPDEd7ojulGrybP3AjgHXr6Y22WGzMlV48Eg6BWkqKnusly4EVgfXLVMNRJnXqK5bVeTiVaNObjpOVT6vWZzuoUi3ISotAhd/s400/NE+Finery+Magazine_Premiere.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />So today, I am happy to announce that the first issue of <span style="font-weight: bold;">New England Finery Magazine</span> will premiere next month! We have already shot our cover on location with <a href="http://www.elizabethwertzphotography.com/">a professional photographer</a>, and feature stories are in the works.<br /><br />As co-founders, Linda and I are hoping to showcase all that is wonderful about New England ... places to visit, stylish events, local fashion designers, great interiors, and fine products created in or inspired by the historic charm and Yankee ingenuity of New England. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I am so excited to be working on this new creative project, and I know that it will be a great way to help other businesses to increase their exposure online.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">If you have a business or product that is unique to New England and would like to advertise, <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/contactus.html">contact us directly</a>. Or if </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> there is a New England-based story that you could imagine would be a great addition to the pages of this new online magazine, just let us know! </span><span style="font-size:130%;">We hope to share a little bit of the best of New England with each issue : )</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">P.S. The photos on this post are just a sneak peek of what will be included in the first issue! Stay tuned, there’s more to come ...</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yZhxfG-pha3S7v2nUvZNg4Mk08-a67iPFHEnPEY4PDnqsPDEd7ojulGrybP3AjgHXr6Y22WGzMlV48Eg6BWkqKnusly4EVgfXLVMNRJnXqK5bVeTiVaNObjpOVT6vWZzuoUi3ISotAhd/s1600/NE+Finery+Magazine_Premiere.jpg"><br /></a><a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/contactus.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562456410870883346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphZCGJOv2-4iDyF48U_7LT91gqg3hKE4oHo6WOA4os1MyFgpPfbqDDrLuyl6X3prVxZx1rHhtDG_XDjPmop_1FIbVlnR_TFIC5Gw7URizLd51TL1tD4a4axj7E8U_tPPJ-meuTq13OMnD/s320/fine_living_muse.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 319px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">For advertising rates and information, e-mail<br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/contactus.html">Linda@NewEnglandFineLiving.com</a></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span> </div>

A new creative venture ...

Photo by Yvonne Blacker In my last post , I mentioned my love for picture books (or more specifically design magazines). I have always loved...

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This month @NewEnglandHome

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">aaa</span><br /><a href="http://www.nehomemag.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561461296754345138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstxNoovBTI5gtM3VXeSAoFEOGeghEQF5PmPHuTkqqcrRV-Uq8A8jlow8w-LqsNe_9mctEGYDyK8gPU0NoCCjnKaqZUF2gALd_AlymL9FafQaj9bySbc493bAvQKKyGo_MgHBEwI-OcIas/s400/nehome1.2011cover.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.nehomemag.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">New England Home, Jan./Feb. 2011</span></a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Cover photo by <a href="http://www.lauramoss.com/">Laura Moss</a></span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The January/February issue of <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.nehomemag.com/">New England Home</a> </span>magazine just hit the newsstands and guess who’s in it? Actually, a lot of local talent is featured throughout, but I felt especially honored to be included in a shout-out to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Danvers Historical Society</span> <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/08/summer-nursery-design-in-detail.html">summer design show</a> (see pages 122 and 124).</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDFZWJN_vYYZkjZyiBBSznOVv8Ngy9CSt2LdpKQ5ILevdWVctBdjX-ILJ8ubGsDdGE4sy2Aj5EAqBur8_2-KGCJMQ8WaN1bpK8xrFOZ6W_vA2bciZ8S24zJIv_vcTJ-Bj0O44lyPCdsFt/s1600/dhs%25286photos%2529nehome+1.11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561461293732972770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDFZWJN_vYYZkjZyiBBSznOVv8Ngy9CSt2LdpKQ5ILevdWVctBdjX-ILJ8ubGsDdGE4sy2Aj5EAqBur8_2-KGCJMQ8WaN1bpK8xrFOZ6W_vA2bciZ8S24zJIv_vcTJ-Bj0O44lyPCdsFt/s400/dhs%25286photos%2529nehome+1.11.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">From New England Home, Jan./Feb. 2011</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />There are a lot of local design event photos in this current issue, making it easy to put a name with a face in the Boston design community. Also in the magazine, this month’s feature articles include some really neat spaces that are a twist on the traditional. In fact, <span style="font-weight: bold;">New England Home</span> seems to be on the verge of redefining itself, and is apparently catching on to the value of today’s social media driven design scene.<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://nehomemagblog.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561462704659472594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzfFBh_JyJOCOIMFGt0AhFfmjoUYp-fnLXBLKJq09A9CQyvpatB8rtPe0gRxmjU6jeiXJStKVY67tEahWkgMfJDnD3ZNgFysL6uQ6Xr1mGlUMWUaLAkopsbHn4EGYfBReapHDMNv3Pox0/s400/greytree.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 100px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I was happy to discover this week that they just launched a <a href="http://nehomemagblog.com/">daily design blog</a> that will feature behind-the-scenes glimpses of magazine features, editor design pics, designer interviews, previews of upcoming events, and much more. Today, editor <a href="http://stacystyle.wordpress.com/">Stacy Kunstel</a> wrote a post referencing the dramatic cover photo of this month’s magazine and the current trend of designing with black (check it out by <a href="http://nehomemagblog.com/2011/01/design-in-depth-back-to-black/">clicking here</a>.)<br /><br />I am particularly interested in tuning in for the “guest blogger series</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> which will begin next Tuesday. Linda Merrill of <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Skirted Roundtable</span></a> and <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Surroundings</span></a> will share this series for the month with Leslie Fine of <a href="http://blog.lesliefineinteriors.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Leslie Fine Interiors</span></a>. More bloggers will follow. Sounds like something I would be interested in ...</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIy71f9aT3GsqcDemI8QRqM1gXqqoJq1EgiXMdJMPpzspipVclmWR2lm3qgR9cKVivlZyd4-OvKKeMwZGmnVZMGu62l2D6ezR1ZfKP6NAhXLkEbLBikY1jWbjrOSqr08GsuktA-lhojrur/s1600/bookshelfYB.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561492277498437394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIy71f9aT3GsqcDemI8QRqM1gXqqoJq1EgiXMdJMPpzspipVclmWR2lm3qgR9cKVivlZyd4-OvKKeMwZGmnVZMGu62l2D6ezR1ZfKP6NAhXLkEbLBikY1jWbjrOSqr08GsuktA-lhojrur/s400/bookshelfYB.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >I am slowly transforming <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/01/making-room-for-creativity.html">my new office</a> into a<br />grown-up space. This <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/madison-3-shelf-bookrack/?pkey=e%7Cbookcases%2B%2526%2Bstorage%7C70%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C18&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">Pottery Barn bookrack</a> used to<br />hold the kids picture books and now it holds mine.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />To view the digital version of <span style="font-weight: bold;">New England Home</span> online, <a href="http://www.nehomemag.com/">visit their website</a>. This month’s issue is not up yet, so you will have to get a copy the traditional way or wait until the end of the month to view it in it’s entirety. I have one print copy of my own, but I just might have to run out and pick up a couple more copies to have on hand as keepsakes : )<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">1</span><br /><br /></span>

This month @NewEnglandHome

aaa New England Home, Jan./Feb. 2011 Cover photo by Laura Moss The January/February issue of New England Home magazine just hit the newssta...

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Secrets from a Macy’s Stylist ...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-_aCUUpdI4f5Bk9axBcR-yUaWrlVJsId5KEgEjhyphenhyphen4Q0o_AqLMJTuUpq51ggPPf1NzBYHEjrjZn2YLMXV9e0DxILWuYwhMRmjdFdeUP0ZBRqTDDAwb1Kcv7or3QXr-zfCPdSL4jaUIn45/s1600/yellowpopsofcolor%2540macys.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHT1DnrWWMjiiz8azdCvUDUFbq5L0sevpQah5sXocDtEgXLKm55Cft1fXy5X5VjdRVO3lD1pfjMs5hcaz-X2jWakoxubj0ULvLn3mwk_EvfcUTkpC_1T2B-4WcZG1gMJyo00JZy6qzOIJf/s1600/redskirtpainting%2540macys.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560582267560834866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHT1DnrWWMjiiz8azdCvUDUFbq5L0sevpQah5sXocDtEgXLKm55Cft1fXy5X5VjdRVO3lD1pfjMs5hcaz-X2jWakoxubj0ULvLn3mwk_EvfcUTkpC_1T2B-4WcZG1gMJyo00JZy6qzOIJf/s400/redskirtpainting%2540macys.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A few years ago, I was asked to come in to help style what was soon to be the new <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/for-the-home?id=22672&edge=hybrid">Macy’s</a> Furniture Gallery</span> at the North Shore Mall in Peabody. Under the direction of Jason West, the District Visual Manager, a team of us spent a few days adding finishing touches to the showroom floor. We hung artwork, set up lighting, arranged bookcases, accented with pillows, and “accessorized” where needed. The room above was one of my favorites — a combination of traditional and modern with a great mix of hot and cool colors. Isn’t that artwork great?! I think this room could still work today.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKScS8WBnTmSDxJywWwMrAUVGmOC0PTbTAtwEGs3OEp3AqSFOh3mHVypUzFIUAZKc8l4aWmybqwf5GCul_uUUdM_oQLO8aXQ69K574TZvisKtX5tcXe6_5c_NPCKoLW7iV1khRrWihPexK/s1600/treeroom%2540macys.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560582261890014594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKScS8WBnTmSDxJywWwMrAUVGmOC0PTbTAtwEGs3OEp3AqSFOh3mHVypUzFIUAZKc8l4aWmybqwf5GCul_uUUdM_oQLO8aXQ69K574TZvisKtX5tcXe6_5c_NPCKoLW7iV1khRrWihPexK/s400/treeroom%2540macys.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Back in January of 2008 when I took these pictures, the predominant colors in the showroom were red and chocolate brown. The look was heavily traditional, and many of the accent pillows featured the look of Indian textiles with bits of mirrored sparkle and lots of embroidery. My favorite piece in this room is the black metal “tree.” The other visual merchandisers had some serious stylist-envy when they saw me snag it from the stockroom first!<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-_aCUUpdI4f5Bk9axBcR-yUaWrlVJsId5KEgEjhyphenhyphen4Q0o_AqLMJTuUpq51ggPPf1NzBYHEjrjZn2YLMXV9e0DxILWuYwhMRmjdFdeUP0ZBRqTDDAwb1Kcv7or3QXr-zfCPdSL4jaUIn45/s1600/yellowpopsofcolor%2540macys.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560669808054866018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-_aCUUpdI4f5Bk9axBcR-yUaWrlVJsId5KEgEjhyphenhyphen4Q0o_AqLMJTuUpq51ggPPf1NzBYHEjrjZn2YLMXV9e0DxILWuYwhMRmjdFdeUP0ZBRqTDDAwb1Kcv7or3QXr-zfCPdSL4jaUIn45/s400/yellowpopsofcolor%2540macys.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHLYqZHHPiIxhJ73_bYDaEy-nbVpuCMDnD7GVzQdVSRfXsjvHdq_NSGENVWhI-x3bhKHgiOWrJ_46e6V0_oVa8IP83ArluDDV-LggO2tUK1agk-yXu_FZZloVpFrz8gdRH7mEshBhP7oP/s1600/macysyellowbrown.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560577097975913586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHLYqZHHPiIxhJ73_bYDaEy-nbVpuCMDnD7GVzQdVSRfXsjvHdq_NSGENVWhI-x3bhKHgiOWrJ_46e6V0_oVa8IP83ArluDDV-LggO2tUK1agk-yXu_FZZloVpFrz8gdRH7mEshBhP7oP/s400/macysyellowbrown.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 331px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I was asked to come back again this year, right before the holidays, to help implement some new design schemes from the corporate office. This time around (is it really three years later?) the colors have switched over to bright yellows mixed with neutrals like gray, black, white, cream and brown. Walls were being painted gray and large scale wallpaper patterns were scheduled to be installed. New artwork included modern images like the chandeliers above, and far less landscapes and still lifes were used than last time. Faux fur throws and pillows were added to the mix to create a look of cozy-modern. And lots of metallic finishes were seen throughout the showroom.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcSHvez0bXzSpLoHM6sjTwlj7Qq_TJ7uOhvIBdyqCJM0ZbNwq0ReBO32c9cf9aeExG_WRs0hZeoYVQKuSezanFxxPpdNeO2vPRC8kSXMUBxm2o3wGtvptXWKpJF182PUZo71IiVwgsn76/s1600/metallics%2540macys.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560666315641618466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcSHvez0bXzSpLoHM6sjTwlj7Qq_TJ7uOhvIBdyqCJM0ZbNwq0ReBO32c9cf9aeExG_WRs0hZeoYVQKuSezanFxxPpdNeO2vPRC8kSXMUBxm2o3wGtvptXWKpJF182PUZo71IiVwgsn76/s400/metallics%2540macys.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 270px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCkoybdUzEtoIIP5UaEKgQVCWLHD3WpE7Anu0PtW1hxhDggtZod54EBYg3gigPpxbuNIAkHft0VH2HoCVjtlN80t8mchV8NNe3a2k7-wgNMGJmBpSbtdmLFVqyT122djdoTtum0lg9Ory/s1600/traditionalroom%2540macys.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560577082136363074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCkoybdUzEtoIIP5UaEKgQVCWLHD3WpE7Anu0PtW1hxhDggtZod54EBYg3gigPpxbuNIAkHft0VH2HoCVjtlN80t8mchV8NNe3a2k7-wgNMGJmBpSbtdmLFVqyT122djdoTtum0lg9Ory/s400/traditionalroom%2540macys.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Greens are still popular, but in smaller quantities than a few years ago. For this room I was asked to freshen it up with some new accessories. The three glass fishing floats in the large dish on the coffee table were my contribution, along with new accent pillows, a birdcage and some rearranging of the objects in the television armoire. A lot of the accessories that I found in the stockroom looked vaguely familiar to me which made re-decorating a little challenging, but these days even big department stores will reuse and repurpose objects like the rest of us. Can you see something in this space that I used back in ’08?<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y8wRXudFBL_fdyRRSs6lBcLp7OWvy9UWfAxTrLcq34VbMRWH1q_kXQQAKe8Olmh6kZnQvFpHBhi7GXB4IN9xbBnTCOPwsh1nBvAqDjKKqP7YIX-tyflOVfs0UbvkYvWq2mxr5ANUSeZg/s1600/horseonshelf.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560577101208277442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y8wRXudFBL_fdyRRSs6lBcLp7OWvy9UWfAxTrLcq34VbMRWH1q_kXQQAKe8Olmh6kZnQvFpHBhi7GXB4IN9xbBnTCOPwsh1nBvAqDjKKqP7YIX-tyflOVfs0UbvkYvWq2mxr5ANUSeZg/s400/horseonshelf.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Books are timeless design elements. I grouped this set with spine colors that matched the rest of the room along with the horse’s saddle. I could do a whole post on horses in design ...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D4ukkm2gDvw-tEqONmhM_qzQw0SlX1DHdc5wZqO35mY7aX1gBcH7jhRZJLvg0MAhcTFdXS7_ZRBGo6vAaU9A09bL96fSn6r47WAwWBdaPd3aN53sFYt-99oaFGBuukCInbSnLp0rZb5r/s1600/bookcase%2540macys.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560577286486370498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D4ukkm2gDvw-tEqONmhM_qzQw0SlX1DHdc5wZqO35mY7aX1gBcH7jhRZJLvg0MAhcTFdXS7_ZRBGo6vAaU9A09bL96fSn6r47WAwWBdaPd3aN53sFYt-99oaFGBuukCInbSnLp0rZb5r/s400/bookcase%2540macys.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />For this bookcase I tried to fill it up with a unique assortment of “found objects</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> from the design inventory. I faced some books backward in order to see the array of pages instead of the spine. My goal was to have the objects stand out as visual texture in front of the dark wood.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y8wRXudFBL_fdyRRSs6lBcLp7OWvy9UWfAxTrLcq34VbMRWH1q_kXQQAKe8Olmh6kZnQvFpHBhi7GXB4IN9xbBnTCOPwsh1nBvAqDjKKqP7YIX-tyflOVfs0UbvkYvWq2mxr5ANUSeZg/s1600/horseonshelf.jpg"><br /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSmoeb26weOl0_3KOmFVk4WQPJml1_c-4n0CwWOXWRVPJNJj3x9JS4sjy6LqwwkTIjdUJO2NUa_Y33BVR0cDJc-jMVL265rY0MzeWXqG03S3xwLpqb7VAoTse01J-DnYOmdJs_MqNxQAI/s1600/brown%252Baqua%2540macys.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560577277422310066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSmoeb26weOl0_3KOmFVk4WQPJml1_c-4n0CwWOXWRVPJNJj3x9JS4sjy6LqwwkTIjdUJO2NUa_Y33BVR0cDJc-jMVL265rY0MzeWXqG03S3xwLpqb7VAoTse01J-DnYOmdJs_MqNxQAI/s400/brown%252Baqua%2540macys.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />A styling tip that I picked up from Jason: if you have a piece of abstract art, don’t be afraid to hang it vertically <span style="font-weight: bold;">or</span> horizontally. We turned this one on its side so that it would look better in relation to the sofa below. Why not?</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D4ukkm2gDvw-tEqONmhM_qzQw0SlX1DHdc5wZqO35mY7aX1gBcH7jhRZJLvg0MAhcTFdXS7_ZRBGo6vAaU9A09bL96fSn6r47WAwWBdaPd3aN53sFYt-99oaFGBuukCInbSnLp0rZb5r/s1600/bookcase%2540macys.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U6XRRW5z8xVlBZ4ICI1-WTy0BBr5rfL2dVzl_ABah1vc1l2qslGiOHdb-BuhisZmJi2tsYUtnTwfemsBWVI8BoPpK-qebgBvD0B7HgjGiC3WJ3DeVzkEBcU6ZY0PKwygSXnktSrUtXc7/s1600/coveredbooks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560577272455783202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U6XRRW5z8xVlBZ4ICI1-WTy0BBr5rfL2dVzl_ABah1vc1l2qslGiOHdb-BuhisZmJi2tsYUtnTwfemsBWVI8BoPpK-qebgBvD0B7HgjGiC3WJ3DeVzkEBcU6ZY0PKwygSXnktSrUtXc7/s400/coveredbooks.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Jason also had me cover a few books with paper, which is a technique that I often share with my clients. If you have a lot of photo albums on your bookshelves that all have different covers, for example, try wrapping each of them in the same solid wallpaper or kraft paper. Add a number to each and they will look less cluttered and more collected.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOh4PRCi9ZCfEPbGKf_R2iQlqgISynX-1swyS0Ujwul2WS-iHZI7Fm62cPwXmer5nmsxU1e6l9HNjyQmpKVx4OfjOejLWnFy_TEBDoksslAW3n2VBFZ3rpzZxTLvcj3kYHdvEMh_5aFA8/s1600/branchlamp.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560577280815652962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOh4PRCi9ZCfEPbGKf_R2iQlqgISynX-1swyS0Ujwul2WS-iHZI7Fm62cPwXmer5nmsxU1e6l9HNjyQmpKVx4OfjOejLWnFy_TEBDoksslAW3n2VBFZ3rpzZxTLvcj3kYHdvEMh_5aFA8/s400/branchlamp.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 345px; height: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Some new light fixtures, like this branch lamp, were a nod to one of my favorite trends – bringing the outside in. There was another table lamp that really caught my eye that I forgot to take a photo of, but luckily I just saw it recently in <a href="http://www.ruemag.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rue Magazine</span></a> as a favorite design pic of <a href="http://kellywearstler.com/">Kelly Wearstler</a> (I love her sense of style). It is the industrial looking hanging light bulb table lamp shown below. Cool, huh?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VasenzLQyaT41W_CIQSivhOdtQJNKWRtl_Z6-UTF_w1yjdLi_eU60Xz8a-QAph4JrWCGxeIx5DO5j2D0TfH-yHQRZ88dBdksRCWLopk9ijPAoGwol4L4Jierg_EHBXNjGIG6-zq9vznI/s1600/tigerrug.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://www.ruemag.com/issues/issue-two/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560584392415312834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMQwgrpCx0W0I5_7rbgy9rFbuTThvjH4R7o6PljFGPmLvUcy4RUIcTQRZqmDEE9J3X6M7n-BxKjJsgOZX_G-gTAQIwAajNQdHyIjX1p4g3CJxIP26h9BAUIFfRIcUAOHdhKHJO5LEdgpI/s400/RueIssue2-p28-29.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCkoybdUzEtoIIP5UaEKgQVCWLHD3WpE7Anu0PtW1hxhDggtZod54EBYg3gigPpxbuNIAkHft0VH2HoCVjtlN80t8mchV8NNe3a2k7-wgNMGJmBpSbtdmLFVqyT122djdoTtum0lg9Ory/s1600/traditionalroom%2540macys.jpg" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></a></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.ruemag.com/issues/issue-two/" style="font-style: italic;">Rue Issue 2 pages 28-29</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > featuring</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >design pics from Kelly Wearstler</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_hWr-yZLoUCaWXHMJq6mul3bpVrHcBVW2v-UI8UFoEXjCeyPQouxTRJmVMlsZpzkMs1a3m2LyN1otCZaPbkb6tkr1u7GtDaLH02Jz-6N1gfMC0QOUs2vNCfQByvYXC1101AVjXhCHk6n/s1600/whitedining%2540macys.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560577081048965794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_hWr-yZLoUCaWXHMJq6mul3bpVrHcBVW2v-UI8UFoEXjCeyPQouxTRJmVMlsZpzkMs1a3m2LyN1otCZaPbkb6tkr1u7GtDaLH02Jz-6N1gfMC0QOUs2vNCfQByvYXC1101AVjXhCHk6n/s400/whitedining%2540macys.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 329px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">What every vignette had in common was a large, colorful arrangement. Of course this would not work everyday when sitting a group of people around the table to eat, but for visual display it attracts attention. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VasenzLQyaT41W_CIQSivhOdtQJNKWRtl_Z6-UTF_w1yjdLi_eU60Xz8a-QAph4JrWCGxeIx5DO5j2D0TfH-yHQRZ88dBdksRCWLopk9ijPAoGwol4L4Jierg_EHBXNjGIG6-zq9vznI/s1600/tigerrug.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560577087707692194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VasenzLQyaT41W_CIQSivhOdtQJNKWRtl_Z6-UTF_w1yjdLi_eU60Xz8a-QAph4JrWCGxeIx5DO5j2D0TfH-yHQRZ88dBdksRCWLopk9ijPAoGwol4L4Jierg_EHBXNjGIG6-zq9vznI/s400/tigerrug.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_hWr-yZLoUCaWXHMJq6mul3bpVrHcBVW2v-UI8UFoEXjCeyPQouxTRJmVMlsZpzkMs1a3m2LyN1otCZaPbkb6tkr1u7GtDaLH02Jz-6N1gfMC0QOUs2vNCfQByvYXC1101AVjXhCHk6n/s1600/whitedining%2540macys.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a>I saw this guy when I was leaving on my last day. Part of me thinks he is really cute, the other feels bad for him. How do you feel about animal skin rugs (real or stylized?) Either way, animal prints are a classic trend that are forever in style.<br /><br /><br /></span>

Secrets from a Macy’s Stylist ...

A few years ago, I was asked to come in to help style what was soon to be the new Macy’s Furniture Gallery at the North Shore Mall in Peab...

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Making room for creativity

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoR2BYYRbIQ_sG7DpuMpufjRVStWewaXBm6Hf-tqxQVcqEWxyDsA67Z2NnQBnJD2xYJ8FekJIsLYeWTX4t593pbKKR6JvuIxHWf-LfnTgs-8Cv8DmFmE1w4lJf4su6e30pE6sDgYF_F_2/s1600/bunkroombefore.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558057610911894562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoR2BYYRbIQ_sG7DpuMpufjRVStWewaXBm6Hf-tqxQVcqEWxyDsA67Z2NnQBnJD2xYJ8FekJIsLYeWTX4t593pbKKR6JvuIxHWf-LfnTgs-8Cv8DmFmE1w4lJf4su6e30pE6sDgYF_F_2/s400/bunkroombefore.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Last photo taken of what used to be the boys room: beds weren’t made and a few toys were left on the floor, but at least the room was clean.</span><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIxk5bByak6mZ0q8XYQv8vSf_6Cy6-DDI9NEAhdO_cJJMErREut0CM5CINLNxdHKt-PZp-rIkaerzHyKwWJRogso8LNY4tdgK5g0lY4Lk4nHW956F0ox2fWpvd2Hcz0vEAcF7sp_IA2L8/s1600/blog%253Anewoffice.jpg"><br /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Over the holiday break, I spent a lot of time cleaning, </span><span style="font-size:130%;">getting organized, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">clearing clutter.</span> During the gift-giving season there is often more coming in than going out. Where does one put it all? This is always one of our biggest challenges as a large family. Especially considering I have a saving (hoarding?) problem, combined with a house that is always under construction, which constantly forces us to shift items from room-to-room to make way for work to get done.<br /><br />We had gotten to the point that behind every closed door there was a box of stuff that I was supposed to “get to later.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Well it was time for “later</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> to be “now</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> so I put on comfortable clothes, </span><span style="font-size:130%;">rolled up my sleeves, </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> and sent the boys outside to play in the snow for a few days (thank you, Mother Nature : )</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Meanwhile, I methodically sorted through closets, boxes, drawers, under beds – looking for items that were no longer played with or needed, could be donated to charity, or recycled. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Special items worth saving were put away for safe keeping. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">My goal for January is to redistribute the items we don’t need. I have a small problem with throwing things away ; )<br /><br />All that sorting was hard work, but well worth the effort. The end result? First, a sense of relief mixed with a tiny bit of pride. Clearing clutter is a great way to achieve home-makeover satisfaction <span style="font-weight: bold;">without actually spending any money!</span> Second, and more important, by reducing the amount of objects in each space it was that much easier to shift some rooms around again (it is just what we do around here!)<br /><br />Now that we finally moved the master bedroom up to the third floor, two of the boys are moving into our former room. I was going to turn their small vacant bedroom into a boys game room, but, you know what? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Room-Ones-Own-Virginia-Woolf/dp/0151787336/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294276867&sr=8-1">Virginia Wolf</a> must have been whispering in my ear, because I started to think about just how much work I do from home (whether I am sourcing items for decorating clients, creating graphic design, writing about design, doing paperwork, etc.) and I figured it was time for me to step up and claim some real estate for myself! Bottom line ...<br /></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihebF7oVnVRF25EE_OrFtu9epNgN55U1Iws91CQxj8uG03lx0CU2qqZHcfVKmx9a1fIwPti6OkOCwCgfgm2YA5sbQKBPWiaOOnt-2XBiC5ciQHtN5wPtBHhLIZB-zkmFHSisOLYXfw0psF/s1600/blog%253Anewoffice.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558903266962221554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihebF7oVnVRF25EE_OrFtu9epNgN55U1Iws91CQxj8uG03lx0CU2qqZHcfVKmx9a1fIwPti6OkOCwCgfgm2YA5sbQKBPWiaOOnt-2XBiC5ciQHtN5wPtBHhLIZB-zkmFHSisOLYXfw0psF/s400/blog%253Anewoffice.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);font-size:180%;" ><br />I now have a *room of my own!*</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxIQeFDMfx22cR87Hpw6GUWojBswQGU429I_rhZe1CcLArmHYelU1hrXrcNwUUQXx0wRkIYyfDlHaue5ZlLdrMvB_kYMXWE574hyphenhyphenJWNkAVc3uUPc2gsACZjDPi2ERn3VZY7wTJh1q_9WF/s1600/newofficebefore.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558054446324056946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxIQeFDMfx22cR87Hpw6GUWojBswQGU429I_rhZe1CcLArmHYelU1hrXrcNwUUQXx0wRkIYyfDlHaue5ZlLdrMvB_kYMXWE574hyphenhyphenJWNkAVc3uUPc2gsACZjDPi2ERn3VZY7wTJh1q_9WF/s400/newofficebefore.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">While it is not completely emptied of its previous owners possessions, I have moved in and made this sunny, backyard facing room <span style="font-weight: bold;">my new office!</span> Meanwhile, all four of the boys are in one bedroom (</span><span style="font-size:130%;">we were able to fit the bunk bed between a set of two twin beds)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> while we have some floor sanding done in what will be the new bedroom for two of them. Fortunately, they are all getting along pretty well, as they have come to look at this time together as an extended sleepover. </span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC3hvOoKDuArkCe6Gpi-wTqviGZqSg8NHzLpwFW2w4yAXO_Wjy8VY9cw4ZuCh2qIYmOlmYjQ2xMCZUUmaLGc_AihzAQBFRJQmMZ9kP2NduYZ5OSCg_lj7IkuZIj1xGWdTl4P4JIA-d6QA/s1600/blankwall-office.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558844647363634818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC3hvOoKDuArkCe6Gpi-wTqviGZqSg8NHzLpwFW2w4yAXO_Wjy8VY9cw4ZuCh2qIYmOlmYjQ2xMCZUUmaLGc_AihzAQBFRJQmMZ9kP2NduYZ5OSCg_lj7IkuZIj1xGWdTl4P4JIA-d6QA/s400/blankwall-office.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Unfortunately, I brought a lot of filled boxes with me into what <span style="font-style: italic;">was</span> a cleaned out space, so I will have to start the sorting and de-cluttering once again. Even so, I am very excited to finally have a room that I can decorate as girly as I want in this home I affectionately call <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Boys R Us</span>.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">”</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIxk5bByak6mZ0q8XYQv8vSf_6Cy6-DDI9NEAhdO_cJJMErREut0CM5CINLNxdHKt-PZp-rIkaerzHyKwWJRogso8LNY4tdgK5g0lY4Lk4nHW956F0ox2fWpvd2Hcz0vEAcF7sp_IA2L8/s1600/blog%253Anewoffice.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0B2Zyj_hrpE-fAbEj-WK0phWfnwqzsfXDAdrYKVFBUu0EGziKd-aAwuHlBZ79A-fdkDT-l6a-2jTC8QzjtdRuoua7wtcxmQ5mUHMnlstPpjKV2grj_0vsmAkMmwIzGDkQZkvubCNGATh/s1600/windowinoffice.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558059929515438498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0B2Zyj_hrpE-fAbEj-WK0phWfnwqzsfXDAdrYKVFBUu0EGziKd-aAwuHlBZ79A-fdkDT-l6a-2jTC8QzjtdRuoua7wtcxmQ5mUHMnlstPpjKV2grj_0vsmAkMmwIzGDkQZkvubCNGATh/s400/windowinoffice.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The view outside my window.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBRAVsHV7RRYtbRExKyG3D7PfudvdE5ZUmCVmoMDs3p7zqxPbOwHqkD1AiTYKXT65e9BaRgLFZcXtKXVuM1UJE3wsmrbNDlxrKlNbPhIuYVaNBRsuYD6GkHVGXCqeoHyNheiHJQOvqdQh/s1600/pinkoninspirationboardYB.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558064490273519794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBRAVsHV7RRYtbRExKyG3D7PfudvdE5ZUmCVmoMDs3p7zqxPbOwHqkD1AiTYKXT65e9BaRgLFZcXtKXVuM1UJE3wsmrbNDlxrKlNbPhIuYVaNBRsuYD6GkHVGXCqeoHyNheiHJQOvqdQh/s400/pinkoninspirationboardYB.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=20821&ca=4"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558872385724765810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vi-6FBohyrx_hY6-9JBaBiRac49-4mvADgLYykvz87YG288NjghSS61lc5NzioqbQ7WscYq_vzVzFQlq3Ip8hiUcP2aPkweCdlcrcbERpGcnDMvun7PokbcuWiUuGdKjskvKmDpE5GbE/s400/coty2011_header.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 155px;" /></a><a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=20821&ca=4" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Click here</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> to read why Honeysuckle</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">is<br />the chosen color of the year for 2011</span>.<br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What will the new room look like?</span> Will it include the Pantone color of the year, Honeysuckle? Hot pink has always been a decorating favorite of mine (take a look at my last three design show spaces: <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/08/summer-nursery-design-in-detail.html">The Summer Nursery</a>, <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/05/designers-before-and-after.html">A Decorators Before & After</a>, <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/05/fairy-tale-event.html">Tea for Fairy & Me</a>). Pink on the walls would certainly communicate “no boys allowed,</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> although, I have to admit, I truly enjoy the daily visits from the guys, who come in to share stories of their day and check in to see what creative project Mom is working on. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLevjXYLZnAvi6csY7_M_i9u2rll8uQ0RyosWB7L6BRrsIqIWlvcP5FgReOboJm2altmtNOIwern8-UG7EKoPmIdWIEchzuJYt8vxLrD5U41i51sRiUJA5PJWJPIl52-0lplBcbv1LFau/s1600/boystoys.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558853358549990786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLevjXYLZnAvi6csY7_M_i9u2rll8uQ0RyosWB7L6BRrsIqIWlvcP5FgReOboJm2altmtNOIwern8-UG7EKoPmIdWIEchzuJYt8vxLrD5U41i51sRiUJA5PJWJPIl52-0lplBcbv1LFau/s400/boystoys.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sometimes they still leave some toys hanging around, but I am okay with that : )</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div>

Making room for creativity

Last photo taken of what used to be the boys room: beds weren’t made and a few toys were left on the floor, but at least the room was clea...

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