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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Master bedroom preview, part 1

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdJjNjZwAiSEQYdm-TjT9hq8iLV8HUy2lZSF9GsmDY5uoWWrmw6Et0eeLDT3P2ba2bbYxQQCLn44BizjNyzvhjc9uawC2BP2Vg9vBDHECXZDbzaoO_7mR3qubplp4HOcVHItS8xBUz2I/s1600-h/boom.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426411028918715522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdJjNjZwAiSEQYdm-TjT9hq8iLV8HUy2lZSF9GsmDY5uoWWrmw6Et0eeLDT3P2ba2bbYxQQCLn44BizjNyzvhjc9uawC2BP2Vg9vBDHECXZDbzaoO_7mR3qubplp4HOcVHItS8xBUz2I/s400/boom.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />As I pulled in to my driveway early this week, I came upon this mesmerizing sight. There is nothing like a huge boom truck delivering a bunch of blue board to bring a smile to this decorator’s face! I will now show you a series of before and after pics from this project ...<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyiABL9LbBk-G7nEkygLO2zaDGAil_GytVcW_aNlEvAX1ouMlpRVrusYugPR4ylQST-9nL-mqmcfiYwLHgzDYCs2-tAwajWArOzfLwQSpflJML4SY1wS2wpsO7NO_D1OqfIKwVuuetYw/s1600-h/masterphase1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426416360028597474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyiABL9LbBk-G7nEkygLO2zaDGAil_GytVcW_aNlEvAX1ouMlpRVrusYugPR4ylQST-9nL-mqmcfiYwLHgzDYCs2-tAwajWArOzfLwQSpflJML4SY1wS2wpsO7NO_D1OqfIKwVuuetYw/s400/masterphase1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />Master phase 1:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> new floor boards are put down over newly insulated and framed floors. What I don’t have a picture of is the </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >true</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> before, when there was a chimney surrounding this black vent pipe and the access to this space was a pull-down ladder that was situated in a 2nd floor bedroom closet! My I’ll-never-forget-memories from the day the chimney came down is a story for another post!</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXn15ivj8SOvDh2SiXtc6viKavKPWmXjJr0c3r5ZVJTk4nDW5v5PPACgGRK5AKlzv-Ok1xfqlPd_hz-SMWbwh_4Hq8mz0oSs9AYck10ttpKRJDQYjZ9gNPGMIti_FNUuOBc3Ve_PaS9w/s1600-h/masterphase2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426416362240862002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXn15ivj8SOvDh2SiXtc6viKavKPWmXjJr0c3r5ZVJTk4nDW5v5PPACgGRK5AKlzv-Ok1xfqlPd_hz-SMWbwh_4Hq8mz0oSs9AYck10ttpKRJDQYjZ9gNPGMIti_FNUuOBc3Ve_PaS9w/s400/masterphase2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />Master phase 2:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> framing of the new room has begun! What happened next was Thanksgiving and Christmas, so we did not get back to this project till the new year (and the day I created our at-home-projects timeline calendar!)</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1f_LuIEGAkFxNv5bB2-RFil06RwTt3y5g7BZ4vfpXOIc0CX-e4Q-mjIlEaPkwG0icQO20fMz7g9bdLEwErw3lOsMgYQ8xHDbV9F6gDSv4QtYQIAyqgjN31Ft8hF0yOa2LXxeo3f1xvg/s1600-h/sprayfoam.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426411026095779106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1f_LuIEGAkFxNv5bB2-RFil06RwTt3y5g7BZ4vfpXOIc0CX-e4Q-mjIlEaPkwG0icQO20fMz7g9bdLEwErw3lOsMgYQ8xHDbV9F6gDSv4QtYQIAyqgjN31Ft8hF0yOa2LXxeo3f1xvg/s400/sprayfoam.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Master phase 3:</span> insulation!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> We are</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> now </span><span style="font-size:130%;">fully insulated. Doesn’t this space just look warmer?? A crew showed up last week and created this sci-fi like scene. Spray foam insulation is the latest energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly technique used to achieve a completely air-tight insulation application. Here is a close up of under the eaves (which will be a great area for long-term storage) ...<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBYyvQvl4i5oXMYZ1rRC5HyEcWuN4anDgBV8hZmlTIW0zc8-LXLSNkf1ufAkug29DQ6U6A9iAuHsNXzJDgxjH08pteKw9gml8uyIGs3Yum6GILsk-awxJzFdV4lh2fmZPms-YiQEQ9mE/s1600-h/eaves.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426425986969609394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBYyvQvl4i5oXMYZ1rRC5HyEcWuN4anDgBV8hZmlTIW0zc8-LXLSNkf1ufAkug29DQ6U6A9iAuHsNXzJDgxjH08pteKw9gml8uyIGs3Yum6GILsk-awxJzFdV4lh2fmZPms-YiQEQ9mE/s400/eaves.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The difference in the overall temperature in our house was noticeable right away. Before, heat was going through the slate roof which would cause landslides of snow to come crashing off the roof during the winter months. When my kids would go out to play, I used to fear that they would be caught in a mini-avalanche if they walked too close to the sides of the house! Now, the snow stays on the roof like a blanket. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">With the added insulation, it is also a lot quieter in the space. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Bonus: we are expecting to cut our heating bill almost in half which is something to look forward to!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeruzWPnX-jdMbZxq9JJSTeoGZfC0fjOZ_NpA8yes8Og8WXAMk8ENC9W6lo0CwJ2lhf_X_19ldHKwPuTy78nG8nZneNih9n-kDY9aG2HWi6P6Mune8HUUrUl2AgYFKs9RpdMhliahvfP4/s1600-h/blueboard.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426952567989889058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeruzWPnX-jdMbZxq9JJSTeoGZfC0fjOZ_NpA8yes8Og8WXAMk8ENC9W6lo0CwJ2lhf_X_19ldHKwPuTy78nG8nZneNih9n-kDY9aG2HWi6P6Mune8HUUrUl2AgYFKs9RpdMhliahvfP4/s400/blueboard.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Master phase 4:</span> the walls are up! </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Yesterday the boarders did their magic. A dream is starting to look like a reality! This dormer will soon be my mini-office. There is actually room for a good-sized desk and file cabinet in this little nook </span><span style="font-size:130%;">(see my sketch below)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">. Now all we need is an energy-efficient double pane window to replace the ancient single-pane ... the only window in the main house that was never changed by the previous owner (we will replace this in the spring). </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_42iXBR94tbuEvFvJ4fNWwcHTm1jOuW24FvgV4R4ViAx7C_83CN7CnlggFjXoqnNyFjYPm3a2TxLKkMrJHn7hOhDwWoKSqrLJP8ytvFxRta5i5bbVjEM-5xbSWAa3mcTxCopXAwT9n3U/s1600-h/masterbrfloorplan.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426411021110785154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_42iXBR94tbuEvFvJ4fNWwcHTm1jOuW24FvgV4R4ViAx7C_83CN7CnlggFjXoqnNyFjYPm3a2TxLKkMrJHn7hOhDwWoKSqrLJP8ytvFxRta5i5bbVjEM-5xbSWAa3mcTxCopXAwT9n3U/s400/masterbrfloorplan.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 273px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I used a neat online tool, <a href="http://www.icovia.com/design/">icovia</a> to sketch out the plan for our new room. I first discovered this resource while reading the blog of <a href="http://www.chameleon-interiors.com/Chameleon_Interiors/PrivateClientPageLMKitchen0709.html">Linda Merrill</a>. I asked her about it, and she walked me through a couple of her projects (virtually). The software offers a lot of options, although the monthly fee certainly will add up. The offset value to the monthly fee is that program updates are received automatically (without having to purchase a new version). Plus, if I were to sign up I could cancel at any time. I have already tried it out for a couple of spaces, however I cannot save my project work until I become a member.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YqWss0uopXQVYqASvvhwG6EgOHCpBDH2ZoyodWkS55KSknLf0A9XRpBqHYJcFYBduA3YB9ZziGsylHIrtNlEcFxU_KYCycvQN8HzaglHoONJ5SWnrLftSdXNJLlRDOntMKfsX1XqFEY/s1600-h/hanger.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426988065081443522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YqWss0uopXQVYqASvvhwG6EgOHCpBDH2ZoyodWkS55KSknLf0A9XRpBqHYJcFYBduA3YB9ZziGsylHIrtNlEcFxU_KYCycvQN8HzaglHoONJ5SWnrLftSdXNJLlRDOntMKfsX1XqFEY/s400/hanger.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">What you can’t see in the above drawing is the future master bath (just framed for now) and the walk-in closet. Both of these will be just outside of the room and to the right. I will be very happy to finally have space to hang all of my clothes in the same spot instead of stashing them in various closets like I am doing now (old homes like this one are notorious for their lack of closet space!) I also like the idea of having our clothing storage located outside of our room – it will be much more serene. To check out some inspiring walk-in closets, visit Heather Clawson at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Habitually Chic</span> who <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-years-resolution-1-clean-out-closet.html">recently posted</a> some enviable spaces!</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmosmeGRug8_qmrfLJn8jo0wPDv34iNRX07d7hoyZHaRXB_2fWBaCjWzi9ezjaN8pLOGlduZ9Trwo7ZLga7DYiBL0nsmaL3mCMHNmfrrAKqBKS72X2FpCisp4NOrVkDaKiRx1sUmKbwc/s1600-h/birdfabric.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426972433131837746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmosmeGRug8_qmrfLJn8jo0wPDv34iNRX07d7hoyZHaRXB_2fWBaCjWzi9ezjaN8pLOGlduZ9Trwo7ZLga7DYiBL0nsmaL3mCMHNmfrrAKqBKS72X2FpCisp4NOrVkDaKiRx1sUmKbwc/s400/birdfabric.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 333px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Come back next week to see the completely plastered room along with my color and fabric choices. I am off now to make some final decisions on the flooring ...</span><br /><br /><br /></div>

Master bedroom preview, part 1

As I pulled in to my driveway early this week, I came upon this mesmerizing sight. There is nothing like a huge boom truck delivering a bunc...

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Dressing and interiors ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifc-86fAegPZ6sVIewECj5oKJcZ-HPLNzjDXuxtU__dQqQMqa976swp-WNMTIeA9xkC1fWYO4CH2v2kffONs0Elp8OEgafkJcE7jw8983CCpISTwxf4ybyBwTJZLZhmJjtEpAYVld5GZM/s1600-h/PEMpursebooklamp.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411772026778120018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifc-86fAegPZ6sVIewECj5oKJcZ-HPLNzjDXuxtU__dQqQMqa976swp-WNMTIeA9xkC1fWYO4CH2v2kffONs0Elp8OEgafkJcE7jw8983CCpISTwxf4ybyBwTJZLZhmJjtEpAYVld5GZM/s400/PEMpursebooklamp.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A side table vignette from <a href="http://www.pemshop.com/">the shop</a> at<br />the <a href="http://www.pem.org/collections/">Peabody Essex Museum</a>.</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Last night I attended the <a href="http://www.pem.org/exhibitions/21-rare_bird_of_fashion_the_irreverent_iris_apfel">The Irreverent Iris Apfel: Rare Bird of Fashion</a> exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum. It included a special Iris inspired fashion show presented by the Salem vintage clothing boutique <a href="http://modernmillieshop.com/">Modern Millie</a>. I met some very stylish attendees after the event, who I will post about early next week. In the meantime, check out these behind-the-scenes images from the <a href="http://milliegirl.tumblr.com/">Modern Millie blog.</a><br /><br />And if you are looking for something fun to do today with a girlfriend-daughter-or-mother, the museum is hosting </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.pem.org/exhibitions/21-rare_bird_of_fashion_the_irreverent_iris_apfel#Atrium%20Alive:%20The%20Art%20of%20Fashion%20with%20Iris%20Apfel">Atrium Alive: the Art of Fashion</a><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">(December 5th from 11am to 5pm). </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF0iNP5iq38KEfrCERKNcV-VZndGUGC6udKSv3DtjqXoZa7XlVffBiAFtsZ07hvThlnmRo4Kjs-1ZeVPNuLp61Y21TjhqEbx-aSTBsxKGuaOJ_YqUU6QAhlMNMWdpxukblx1DCDsc3sc/s1600-h/HolidayWindowPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411792670290746610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF0iNP5iq38KEfrCERKNcV-VZndGUGC6udKSv3DtjqXoZa7XlVffBiAFtsZ07hvThlnmRo4Kjs-1ZeVPNuLp61Y21TjhqEbx-aSTBsxKGuaOJ_YqUU6QAhlMNMWdpxukblx1DCDsc3sc/s400/HolidayWindowPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Holiday window dressing at PEM.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />If you can’t make it to the North Shore, here is a great example of over-the-top dressing of the interior kind as posted by New York designer Heather Clawson, of the design blog <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/">Habitually Chic</a>. Today she posted images from <a href="http://www.holidayhouse2009.com/www.holidayhouse2009.com/Home.html"><span>Holiday House 2</span><span>009</span></a> featuring designer table settings inspired by a year of holidays (not just those in December). Plumage in many forms seemed to be a recurring design theme ... see how many birds-of-a-feather you can spot. Enjoy!</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2009/12/holiday-house-2009.html#links">Habitually Chic™: Holiday House 2009</a></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypkCICX6ZNYLwCgzcTKU1LpPab4J7PrQBJ2jqd4WJmQJLXQ6r7SmGYeVX2MS_nVceoo6qYW4EFdwMVeRqnFse7pPLZzdWIxqbdxb1K_UE97VrFgdG_bA-gLaz-Na9ED633YzPEGdqDgg/s1600-h/feathervignetteYB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411802404104556642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypkCICX6ZNYLwCgzcTKU1LpPab4J7PrQBJ2jqd4WJmQJLXQ6r7SmGYeVX2MS_nVceoo6qYW4EFdwMVeRqnFse7pPLZzdWIxqbdxb1K_UE97VrFgdG_bA-gLaz-Na9ED633YzPEGdqDgg/s320/feathervignetteYB.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 268px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A small feathery vignette of my own currently on</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />display at</span><a href="http://www.bethhylan.com/Guest_Designers.html" style="font-style: italic;"> the Studio</a><span style="font-style: italic;">. Felted acorns by </span><a href="http://truluxe.blogspot.com/" style="font-style: italic;">TruLuxe</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span></span><br /><br /></div>

Dressing and interiors ...

A side table vignette from the shop at the Peabody Essex Museum . Last night I attended the The Irreverent Iris Apfel: Rare Bird of Fashion...

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