Styling interiors: what the pros know

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXrdJgHL38atWC9Ii4r-LqdKHaiJGeeT8GWi7Ra3kp7FJEsWfj5nKcnh3BFj54mDUJlovAW8NN8ieyTpDoSo9TxI1ghNPCnn6IPguDD7VXACGLe1ujxnvGvfOGspftAwL4zG1vzeV7RoV/s1600/photo+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXrdJgHL38atWC9Ii4r-LqdKHaiJGeeT8GWi7Ra3kp7FJEsWfj5nKcnh3BFj54mDUJlovAW8NN8ieyTpDoSo9TxI1ghNPCnn6IPguDD7VXACGLe1ujxnvGvfOGspftAwL4zG1vzeV7RoV/s1600/photo+B.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">interior design by Thom Filicia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">styled by Raina Kattelson // photo by Eric Piasecki</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thomfilicia.com/news/american-beauty-renovating-and-decorating-a-beloved-retreat">American Beauty: Renovating and Decorating a Beloved Retreat</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndA-GVvECIpjBAygztrKFeUGZTAIxQ2qb259iYUcGSRXBVFLiobaJsJiY5LdjdGa9yjbNRQGfARQsLkJOhg95X97zeCZUQhFljUMo-78Wi4eKldkfvX9iKB1lHCGQh38DJNQ6UHPHr9Rh/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-12+at+8.35.02+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndA-GVvECIpjBAygztrKFeUGZTAIxQ2qb259iYUcGSRXBVFLiobaJsJiY5LdjdGa9yjbNRQGfARQsLkJOhg95X97zeCZUQhFljUMo-78Wi4eKldkfvX9iKB1lHCGQh38DJNQ6UHPHr9Rh/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-12+at+8.35.02+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">interior design by Katherine Hodge of Sage Interiors</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">styled by Stacy Kunstel // photo by Michael Partenio</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/ncihomedesign/docs/neh_connecticut_spring_2013?e=0">New England Home Connecticut, spring 2013</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Want to know the secrets behind the beautifully styled images found on the covers of shelter magazines and on the pages of interior design coffee table books? Check out my latest post for <a href="http://mvb.me/s/ede2e0">WSI Designer Marketplace</a> for tips and tricks from some of my favorite photo stylists. Thank you, <a href="http://stacystyle.wordpress.com/">Stacy Kunstel</a> and <a href="http://rainakattelson.com/">Raina Kattelson</a> for sharing!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27JoyLV2hHmTKuqNCq9tu9fg5BsYwNDnXm-8871NqfE94IuQ9J8mbCTi_bW5nrdsbYr5OrQp5_OgQnOnQDZ6Vt94NMzjl9QWPwfafG14gpRnfd07dGpyhiCpAh2sqs8NYQZzu68Qb6wkB/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-12+at+8.37.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27JoyLV2hHmTKuqNCq9tu9fg5BsYwNDnXm-8871NqfE94IuQ9J8mbCTi_bW5nrdsbYr5OrQp5_OgQnOnQDZ6Vt94NMzjl9QWPwfafG14gpRnfd07dGpyhiCpAh2sqs8NYQZzu68Qb6wkB/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-12+at+8.37.01+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://mvb.me/s/ede2e0">{ read the full post here }</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Styling interiors: what the pros know

interior design by Thom Filicia styled by Raina Kattelson // photo by Eric Piasecki American Beauty: Renovating and Decorating a Beloved Ret...

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Show House Good Morning!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODXHaxdfP3Ywai3fUOwa8RJcm0tZwYG8MWjtFZJO3m5vQ1QayyYG8-Tu3-ZDHi4viG4YG-KqTjqrzTVIFMT7QFrEYng073BZ7a_I8VG6GpOVC3jz1hx-5hh3sWjJvdeaVrGgFOgZu3ApR/s1600/brunch@glenmagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODXHaxdfP3Ywai3fUOwa8RJcm0tZwYG8MWjtFZJO3m5vQ1QayyYG8-Tu3-ZDHi4viG4YG-KqTjqrzTVIFMT7QFrEYng073BZ7a_I8VG6GpOVC3jz1hx-5hh3sWjJvdeaVrGgFOgZu3ApR/s800/brunch@glenmagna.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Last weekends show house brunch provided</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>by Linda Hentschel of i-Design Interiors</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is just one week left to visit the Designers Holiday Show House at Glen Magna Farms <a href="http://danversshowhouse.blogspot.com/">(ticket info here)!</a> When I was first invited to walk through the estate back in early January to imagine how it would look renovated for a design show, I knew it would need a lot of work and TLC. Once show house preparation officially began, there were many individuals – designers, volunteers, and hired contractors – behind the transformation of each room. In my three spaces alone, I worked with over two dozen people to accomplish my design goals on time (we had just one month to work on-site). When I post final photos of my rooms, I will share the pros behind the makeover. For now, take a peek at my post for Williams-Sonoma Designer Marketplace where I share advice on <a href="http://mvb.me/s/4b8ccf">“How to Have a Good Relationship with Your Contractor.</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://mvb.me/s/4b8ccf">”</a> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Because in the end, every great project is accomplished with teamwork!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9rQTEzSpXa_rY5gYUSLdTzdvGZraU6SgL5DIXzlnDy74flPDmZInuWx7D11blEdcMI7UUwdoqD2w2Bt22P9NzNkzj8zww3sUAPphVBLcNmFpu8hlj_CsPZlHqEDhxScUK_tUBPkCD10c/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-07+at+8.53.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9rQTEzSpXa_rY5gYUSLdTzdvGZraU6SgL5DIXzlnDy74flPDmZInuWx7D11blEdcMI7UUwdoqD2w2Bt22P9NzNkzj8zww3sUAPphVBLcNmFpu8hlj_CsPZlHqEDhxScUK_tUBPkCD10c/s800/Screen+shot+2013-12-07+at+8.53.59+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />

Show House Good Morning!

Last weekends show house brunch provided by Linda Hentschel of i-Design Interiors There is just one week left to visit the Designers Holiday...

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Relationships with Designers + Clients

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOdoavklP11hQ4TK6FjzVyZFt2LZcnsFXk03BpQgzJ_TtFOJD5t-ZDwRefX6gPG6OtZD0noBIl9Puppu3DP15wP1erpm-oZiVeQLEwxtdzSXcUJL_kRu4JeZ4yaF4dpNHQfcLpnAk1ECP/s1600/0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOdoavklP11hQ4TK6FjzVyZFt2LZcnsFXk03BpQgzJ_TtFOJD5t-ZDwRefX6gPG6OtZD0noBIl9Puppu3DP15wP1erpm-oZiVeQLEwxtdzSXcUJL_kRu4JeZ4yaF4dpNHQfcLpnAk1ECP/s800/0004.JPG" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>photo credit: Andrew Swaine</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every so often, I am asked to serve on a committee to assist in the promotion and marketing of an event. In September, one of those events was with the New England chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers <a href="http://asidne.org/">(ASID NE).</a> It was a two-part event that offered both a Distinguished Speaker presentation and then concluded with the Excellence in Design Awards. The event was hosted at a former Lamborghini showroom on the North Shore that is now used for catered events. It was the perfect venue for a group of designers who appreciate a unique space. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZJshh3Nwdz7Xbu5cXUgXZeCk3ZORGphq1-80lBfhQMD0Tyczf3Xt-geUEQjB9APS0s80eg1dMMNWKwE_sJM9-V6FItKRLRsVtHJgqctsYTzaz3PGq_bWnGqSOw4ZdEGrHbiN3JwvQGch/s1600/0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZJshh3Nwdz7Xbu5cXUgXZeCk3ZORGphq1-80lBfhQMD0Tyczf3Xt-geUEQjB9APS0s80eg1dMMNWKwE_sJM9-V6FItKRLRsVtHJgqctsYTzaz3PGq_bWnGqSOw4ZdEGrHbiN3JwvQGch/s800/0020.JPG" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>photo credit: Andrew Swaine</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdxk9vcgfINc8ykawBsZzL4MYxlWzPNXt-3r0Uc5_P2KGQflzA4gRKInXJJwPcc7gMV_TnJpu0qWqnTBquCruUnYTS55qi9vnNRkEIctn10X8s5ge31A_KhN70_LvwV0WYSrdD5hvDOHy/s1600/ASID+Awards+Gathering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdxk9vcgfINc8ykawBsZzL4MYxlWzPNXt-3r0Uc5_P2KGQflzA4gRKInXJJwPcc7gMV_TnJpu0qWqnTBquCruUnYTS55qi9vnNRkEIctn10X8s5ge31A_KhN70_LvwV0WYSrdD5hvDOHy/s800/ASID+Awards+Gathering.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGseZ0RsCnZJD5DON2nsiRb5D8H-OVSOLgs2dL7erfkhz89x3q_zSit2VvmxCutzfKgjNGoxFCGP-VwTG1H6OXGigJyxhDZHYXiO4yDWbsddHJiOdguQBtJwe_4NDrVbfCoQ6V2s19IMl/s1600/ASID+committee+9.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGseZ0RsCnZJD5DON2nsiRb5D8H-OVSOLgs2dL7erfkhz89x3q_zSit2VvmxCutzfKgjNGoxFCGP-VwTG1H6OXGigJyxhDZHYXiO4yDWbsddHJiOdguQBtJwe_4NDrVbfCoQ6V2s19IMl/s800/ASID+committee+9.19.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>With Katherine Hawkins, Amanda Greaves, Jill Janasiewicz, Lynda Onthank</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our committee meetings leading up to the event were so much fun! We were fortunate to have a busy group of designers involved who know how to get things done. Each of us had specific tasks (my job was event graphics) but all of us pitched in wherever needed to help make the event a success. During our meetings leading up to the event, we often shared stories about the design projects we were working on, and how we handled client needs. Since client relationships can determine how much fun one has on the job, we decided to have our guest speaker discuss this topic.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1Kr6X-x5_XKMKm3QUMil2-NPOlyNNrxnqrJ-65tTlD8Y7TwJbN9pRwOkDStg7BLsGt_32TXZNgmvUk3mKV0daGTUZ9adxpN3JmBm9LBJFT-5x_S2JgJshPXY-8KNp9LNBIFC54grHN-y/s1600/marybeth-jill-angela@ASID.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1Kr6X-x5_XKMKm3QUMil2-NPOlyNNrxnqrJ-65tTlD8Y7TwJbN9pRwOkDStg7BLsGt_32TXZNgmvUk3mKV0daGTUZ9adxpN3JmBm9LBJFT-5x_S2JgJshPXY-8KNp9LNBIFC54grHN-y/s800/marybeth-jill-angela@ASID.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Mary Beth Haggerty and Jill with guest speaker Angela Merola</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We selected <a href="http://www.angelamerola.com/speaking/">professional speaker Angela Merola,</a> a life-business-spiritual coach to present </span><span style="font-size: large;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">Client Magnetism: Tools to Attracting Clients.</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> She was very engaging, encouraged audience interaction, and shared many valuable tips on how to find perfect clients and increase profits while doing so.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VTG1EMZdjrFWtGI2d1t7lm-jEiKvY4BXVOwQX7O14MseTE5taVZZlH3k09Ene7Z2shPBVioExCLwrXLj0A4e6UnwxFuP0AO7fkGRn2Hgy3UQdekPD6DMGyWHsxwf4z9AOVnd5eQKbRR7/s1600/table+arrangement+ASID.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VTG1EMZdjrFWtGI2d1t7lm-jEiKvY4BXVOwQX7O14MseTE5taVZZlH3k09Ene7Z2shPBVioExCLwrXLj0A4e6UnwxFuP0AO7fkGRn2Hgy3UQdekPD6DMGyWHsxwf4z9AOVnd5eQKbRR7/s800/table+arrangement+ASID.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>event florals for the evening were done by Laura Thomson Design</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>photo credit: Andrew Swaine</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela actually offers confidence-boosting presentations on her website. But if you are an ASID designer and need CEU credits before the year ends, you must purchase an actual DVD and then take an online test afterwards to receive the credits. It is definitely worth the commitment either way! <a href="http://www.angelamerola.com/watch-ceu/">Details here.</a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57l3nKkMg3BCoudTYrL0OISNev8fosyHKNuXWPCC3gMUdEChGGON00Y7tikPJz1YBpDLPKYEtNJc6AFQwdElk2HW5eRPzLDOIPPkDuHIWdOXykdjM-eofOSY1xNnOluhcBP6DSYDL03iM/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-11-18+at+10.51.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57l3nKkMg3BCoudTYrL0OISNev8fosyHKNuXWPCC3gMUdEChGGON00Y7tikPJz1YBpDLPKYEtNJc6AFQwdElk2HW5eRPzLDOIPPkDuHIWdOXykdjM-eofOSY1xNnOluhcBP6DSYDL03iM/s800/Screen+shot+2013-11-18+at+10.51.08+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wrote a brief blog post for Williams-Sonoma Designer Marketplace highlighting some of the client relationship building tips that Angela shared with us back in September. <a href="http://mvb.me/s/df741c">Check it out here.</a> For this post, the Designer Marketplace team chose some great photos from Williams-Sonoma. There is actually one in the post that looks a lot like how my </span><span style="font-size: large;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">coat closet</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> for the Glen Magna Farms Designers Holiday Show House is going to look. How did they know??! Stay tuned for my own photos in a couple of weeks. Better yet, come visit me there! The mansion has been buzzing with designers and artists working their magic in preparation for the big reveal and we can’t wait to show it off! It opens December 1st. <a href="http://danversshowhouse.blogspot.com/">Ticket info here.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Relationships with Designers + Clients

photo credit: Andrew Swaine Every so often, I am asked to serve on a committee to assist in the promotion and marketing of an event. In Sept...

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Putting pen to paper ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCd1kvxoqRKdEomhGnILa_bqYatnetjnr1nHIpqeuJcDUyhPVrFwm-aUio0auXHmM7_HzaEcMRDg41m44hkgNJuvLOvrcPkK26GLt1D63nyWkAjTTynP5ShTQvQt9KRcMgkH4P7l9ZNmP/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-11-03+at+9.37.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCd1kvxoqRKdEomhGnILa_bqYatnetjnr1nHIpqeuJcDUyhPVrFwm-aUio0auXHmM7_HzaEcMRDg41m44hkgNJuvLOvrcPkK26GLt1D63nyWkAjTTynP5ShTQvQt9KRcMgkH4P7l9ZNmP/s800/Screen+shot+2013-11-03+at+9.37.50+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://store.nanowrimo.org/merchandise/nanowrimo-coffee-rings-poster">writers coffee rings poster</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(bloggers = wine rings?)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I recently discovered that November is <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">National Novel Writing Month.</a> Across the country writers are being challenged to pen 50,000 words in 30 days, and are gathering together in person and online to encourage one another to write that novel that is inside them. I have always imagined writing a novel. These days, however, my story telling is strictly blog related. My son, who is just 11, loves reading and writing. He has been actively working on character studies and plot development for the past year or so. He just might be the real writer in the family.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizc_sqoC4gHPPJnU3ngB9Yd4LplruVF9PARJJ1H1DLOFsKy8Nf3hk8_q-uDDRkz10e7rfbDqJ80KHN-adaik1Ui9u7XFTuasFqo6qWVE66YcQhEpZuRhm9kEQEtwIaBX4quokhm9nGKTS5/s1600/blogtourLA-ermitage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizc_sqoC4gHPPJnU3ngB9Yd4LplruVF9PARJJ1H1DLOFsKy8Nf3hk8_q-uDDRkz10e7rfbDqJ80KHN-adaik1Ui9u7XFTuasFqo6qWVE66YcQhEpZuRhm9kEQEtwIaBX4quokhm9nGKTS5/s800/blogtourLA-ermitage.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>#BlogTourLA designers/writers on our last night held at</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>the private rooftop club at boutique hotel <a href="http://www.petitermitage.com/private-rooftop-club-west-hollywood">Petit Emeritage</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I was in Los Angeles in early October with the dozen or so members of #BlogTourLA, we each discussed our blog writing schedules. Some of us were down to one post a week or month, while some still try to write every day. A lot of us write not just for our personal blogs, but for other online design destinations, so our own blogs sometimes get put on the back burner.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">There was a time when many bloggers felt compelled to write multiple times a day. I remember enjoying morning, noon and night updates from some of my favorite bloggers (I was home with the kids back then, so it was a great way to connect with the outside world!) Today, there seems to be much less free time to write and enjoy posts. But the need to “</span><span style="font-size: large;">tell a story</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> is still there.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am the first to admit that my blog posts tend to run long. I do a lot of research and try to fill each post with original photos and valuable links to learn more. This takes a lot of time. Sometimes I put off writing because I need a good chunk of undisturbed quiet time to finish a post. Even so, I am going to challenge myself to dedicate more time to writing this month – the posts may end up being shorter or less fine tuned – in order to share all the great design content I have experienced lately.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVplC_E9EK2O-mywWD4DJ9yi819KDfjrUi8Z-WV4g13uf4URybMJtTcQtfGdqsOoFXPR4aUqMsHGMRafIle50A4SvTcFL0k6XR0oCoz2oA_nC_bUJvoNxL-ehrobap-HBKb_T300MT9C9X/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-11-03+at+10.28.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVplC_E9EK2O-mywWD4DJ9yi819KDfjrUi8Z-WV4g13uf4URybMJtTcQtfGdqsOoFXPR4aUqMsHGMRafIle50A4SvTcFL0k6XR0oCoz2oA_nC_bUJvoNxL-ehrobap-HBKb_T300MT9C9X/s800/Screen+shot+2013-11-03+at+10.28.03+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://store.nanowrimo.org/merchandise/nanowrimo-typewriter-poster">typewriter poster</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The aspiring authors participating in National Novel Writing Month set a goal of 1,667 words a day. I may not write that many, but I will try to pen something daily as an exercise in writers solidarity!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today I am kind of cheating by sharing a post that went live this week on <a href="http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2013/10/10_ways_to_make_ade.html">Williams-Sonoma Designer Marketplace</a> where I explain the pros and cons of participating in a designer show house. Seems appropriate that this post came out the day that work began on the Danvers Historical Society <a href="http://www.danvershistory.org/events/special.html">Glen Magna Farms Designers’ Holiday Show House.</a> I was there today doing some measuring and prepping ... stay tuned for updates (see, more content to write about!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_Mi2N-CrRiidBewI-o7M0DTOhEU2G-eWlAudKLns1bfANQZtex-X5g3FkCoMdOiuqfC98EvDEa9OrQtOu72P0GZLu1XRk9vtCRvHYYYLkDZlPtGQv3BAUsAErTq6dLbWFabWoQAQ_2Fh/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-10-30+at+11.21.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_Mi2N-CrRiidBewI-o7M0DTOhEU2G-eWlAudKLns1bfANQZtex-X5g3FkCoMdOiuqfC98EvDEa9OrQtOu72P0GZLu1XRk9vtCRvHYYYLkDZlPtGQv3BAUsAErTq6dLbWFabWoQAQ_2Fh/s800/Screen+shot+2013-10-30+at+11.21.49+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>photo credit Eric Roth // interior design by Katherine Hawkins for Trio Design</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">{Read my 1,500+ word Designer Marketplace <a href="http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2013/10/10_ways_to_make_ade.html">post here.</a>}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNzvgBo6HPOlniL8SSQp0axa027gbVSLP55iYHNhyQnj1WZotAEynsHGdwRr-kY4hTlFYHl01xP3NE3-SHPTmjpK06dofD8mgY41vzHR9JSkxOdz7JVp58VxRdW16rnXqf4KJ9pAlIczo/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-11-03+at+9.31.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNzvgBo6HPOlniL8SSQp0axa027gbVSLP55iYHNhyQnj1WZotAEynsHGdwRr-kY4hTlFYHl01xP3NE3-SHPTmjpK06dofD8mgY41vzHR9JSkxOdz7JVp58VxRdW16rnXqf4KJ9pAlIczo/s320/Screen+shot+2013-11-03+at+9.31.53+PM.png" width="316" /></a></div><a href="http://instagram.com/yblacker"><i>Sneak peak of my space at Glen Magna</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>

Putting pen to paper ...

writers coffee rings poster (bloggers = wine rings?) I recently discovered that November is National Novel Writing Month. Across the countr...

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Back from #BlogTourLA!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKuEUKN2JgVsFakFa8CD4JvBHTEWbl2MJyjMCLcy7anGh9H9CadJrGaxcBMhBwd6Bygt-WHsgaoFX5R9eT9zJm9hBiqo-On-lnRPsg8DZzEPpdHfQmUyoAmm4DRLkIJCLooz3FxZrWDAK/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-10-09+at+12.11.08+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKuEUKN2JgVsFakFa8CD4JvBHTEWbl2MJyjMCLcy7anGh9H9CadJrGaxcBMhBwd6Bygt-WHsgaoFX5R9eT9zJm9hBiqo-On-lnRPsg8DZzEPpdHfQmUyoAmm4DRLkIJCLooz3FxZrWDAK/s800/Screen+shot+2013-10-09+at+12.11.08+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://instagram.com/p/fE6L_mnshJ/">#BlogTourLA Instagram photo courtesy Veronika Miller of Modenus</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am just about getting over my souvenir jet lag from my recent trip to southern California via <a href="http://www.modenus.com/blog/interiordesign/blogtour-los-angeles-meet-the-bloggers">#BlogTourLA.</a> Our exclusive tour of the LA design scene was both creatively inspiring and mentally relaxing – the ultimate laid-back West Coast get away! I arrived back in Boston late Sunday night and was surprised at home with a fresh bottle of Sauvignon Blanc chilling on the dining room table, set next to a dish piled high with Cheez-It crackers (my boys – and husband – know me so well!) While I sort through five days worth of BlogTour photos, <a href="http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2013/10/how_to_help_yourcli.html">here is a link</a> to my first guest post written for Williams-Sonoma Designer Marketplace that went online while I was away. By blogger coincidence (as in there are no coincidences?) I got to spend the week with another blog writer in the WS Designer Marketplace roster, <a href="http://www.encoredecorblog.com/">Mindy Miles Greenberg</a>, a New York based designer who pens Encore Decor (seen in the picture above with me on the left and <a href="http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/">Will Taylor</a> of the UK blog Bright.Bazaar on the right).</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWrq-GlIRwgJ6ZmAUmPV63PFN0-YfLUyFuEmR6LtwGG8p0ce8s0sCoCx2KIFaon97PArBLsfUDz9nDDXOYiKpCFC5VPxYxMoBICQWPIgoJBznh4UQcw6D18Fu9d87s0xcmcVTvH3TUff3/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-10-08+at+11.59.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWrq-GlIRwgJ6ZmAUmPV63PFN0-YfLUyFuEmR6LtwGG8p0ce8s0sCoCx2KIFaon97PArBLsfUDz9nDDXOYiKpCFC5VPxYxMoBICQWPIgoJBznh4UQcw6D18Fu9d87s0xcmcVTvH3TUff3/s800/Screen+shot+2013-10-08+at+11.59.46+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>before and after photo credits: Yvonne Blacker Interiors</i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2013/10/how_to_help_yourcli.html">– read the full post here –</a></i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bvF9-MyMCBzgIwMoLU6-FDRrAvmE6WSK451cBAxdEDrh-lAoA4RtLUCoKZ4Vkat7tUW2Mv2uy0ky3kJN9sa9vygBrr3V4_nXkADKLIHulvlHCuhGbqIOKC8f_-s5ldTOk5cBjH34kElJ/s1600/VeronikaMiller-%23blogtourLA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bvF9-MyMCBzgIwMoLU6-FDRrAvmE6WSK451cBAxdEDrh-lAoA4RtLUCoKZ4Vkat7tUW2Mv2uy0ky3kJN9sa9vygBrr3V4_nXkADKLIHulvlHCuhGbqIOKC8f_-s5ldTOk5cBjH34kElJ/s800/VeronikaMiller-%23blogtourLA.jpg" width="450" /></a><br /><i>Veronika Miller welcoming #BlogTourLA attendees</i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had so much fun getting to know my fellow design bloggers during our days together in the California sunshine. Come back soon to see photos from our visit to the <a href="http://westedgedesignfair.com/">WestEdge Design Fair</a> and many colorful design stops along the way. Special thanks goes to Veronika Miller of <a href="http://www.modenus.com/">Modenus,</a> for getting us all together for this fabulous brand-curated event, filled with memories to last a lifetime! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWEvaE-6AJQobkv78quW7oIBpFvARrjU_TQSEkcx9HX0GY-StQuYAO37cmpbT7gTRvgWkKynGO0ogj11HbzBoy608ssSH5Gm2a6NaP3i7HjATPoqhafQ_-tXX4Xof4tZI-867qIFoP98W/s1600/%23blogtourLA+tables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWEvaE-6AJQobkv78quW7oIBpFvARrjU_TQSEkcx9HX0GY-StQuYAO37cmpbT7gTRvgWkKynGO0ogj11HbzBoy608ssSH5Gm2a6NaP3i7HjATPoqhafQ_-tXX4Xof4tZI-867qIFoP98W/s800/%23blogtourLA+tables.jpg" width="450" /></a></div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div><i>The courtyard at the West Hollywood Chamberlain</i></div><div><i>photo credits: Yvonne Blacker</i><br /><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHhTOp47plgckOvtsYVrToZO0BX0vzEYjOS4nx5dc7W2CcyOLoTlwittcE5hNaA7EqqBS-ScdU-s5nR5fzsaR9dXRSXbaZCy5bOVt_Zj8FzdvEliGhz5Fh9hbOgDAzQETCc6VTXkH78rv/s1600/BlogTour+Badge+LA+%2528blue%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHhTOp47plgckOvtsYVrToZO0BX0vzEYjOS4nx5dc7W2CcyOLoTlwittcE5hNaA7EqqBS-ScdU-s5nR5fzsaR9dXRSXbaZCy5bOVt_Zj8FzdvEliGhz5Fh9hbOgDAzQETCc6VTXkH78rv/s320/BlogTour+Badge+LA+%2528blue%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div></div></div></div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Back from #BlogTourLA!

#BlogTourLA Instagram photo courtesy Veronika Miller of Modenus I am just about getting over my souvenir jet lag from my recent trip to sout...

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