What I am working on ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrSjFNX-Htri3npi0Bd6SbNZs5yH3OftsjvzroU7xIrv6g6rTg7MUMlQBtKFMebtE89uJ_D76kcQAS3r50PJ9WDmvijGTEmP_9a1AOTZhcqC_89KtO-BvCwfg-QrWsjM51JLgJATGrXbK/s1600/green+mudroom_yblacker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrSjFNX-Htri3npi0Bd6SbNZs5yH3OftsjvzroU7xIrv6g6rTg7MUMlQBtKFMebtE89uJ_D76kcQAS3r50PJ9WDmvijGTEmP_9a1AOTZhcqC_89KtO-BvCwfg-QrWsjM51JLgJATGrXbK/s800/green+mudroom_yblacker.jpg" width="500" /></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;"><b>Color and Design Consultations</b></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;">All of a sudden I have a lot of decorating projects that I am working on again. This mudroom above, is an after photo in a home that I color consulted on about 5 or 6 years ago. It is an historic home with lots of great architectural details and the homeowner was not afraid of mixing it up a bit by using coordinating trim colors in most of the rooms. I recently went back to choose paint colors for three more spaces. I can’</span><span style="font-size: large;">t wait to see how the dining room is going to come out with its new gray and cream color palette. Also on the agenda is choosing accessories for a teenage girl</span><span style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s room, and a complete overhaul of another client</span><span style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s pet-friendly living room. </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><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxWIiWvlfW1pXH7Hk2h0H4MWRJXYEPZAxnZrr6RweDWaD3oJiMAK5n8OazUSIRsfjcrtecnzU70W2vY4IxHWCp7c2_AdlP413dvHIsadPfteKlAaUJ5DCBPBPxm-czk_7DnM2p49_LYgj/s1600/brickwalkway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxWIiWvlfW1pXH7Hk2h0H4MWRJXYEPZAxnZrr6RweDWaD3oJiMAK5n8OazUSIRsfjcrtecnzU70W2vY4IxHWCp7c2_AdlP413dvHIsadPfteKlAaUJ5DCBPBPxm-czk_7DnM2p49_LYgj/s800/brickwalkway.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Brick walkway at the Wenham Musuem</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;"><b>North Shore Design Show at Wenham Museum</b></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;">It’s official! I am one of the participating designers once again for the <a href="http://wenhammuseum.org/adults_programs.html">Wenham Museum North Shore Design Show</a> in May. This show is a perennial favorite of mine, as I have been involved in it since it first began back in 2009. This will be my fourth “favorite space</span><span style="font-size: large;">” </span><span style="font-size: large;">and I will be including a really cool item from the <a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath</a> showroom. It will not, however, be a bathroom! Below is a sample of the <a href="http://www.circlefurniture.com/catalog/details.html?x=2528&t=rugs&p=2">carpet from Company C</a> at <a href="http://www.circlefurniture.com/">Circle Furniture</a> that will be part of my vignette.</span></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/AVvXsEh8zku_E5yyX40F5hTa_vDuA2mDwPVGMhAPCkwgs5baG3CdQqYU_ghPDcNxuRWOzfMUQv2uGAJOxFZBVG6AQTOzmzdcdbrFn9oU7QH_D7uSZoU_LJ63QSHtTU06O9qJHX1ONIELsvySA3UY/s1600/carpetsquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zku_E5yyX40F5hTa_vDuA2mDwPVGMhAPCkwgs5baG3CdQqYU_ghPDcNxuRWOzfMUQv2uGAJOxFZBVG6AQTOzmzdcdbrFn9oU7QH_D7uSZoU_LJ63QSHtTU06O9qJHX1ONIELsvySA3UY/s800/carpetsquare.jpg" width="500" /></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;"><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/AVvXsEjCm9vKn_otlu3A19gsGAY2OCQvaXRi01BCYhJto9V8LL-t1vthSPNoh0rPsopLmBttzwWmibfAMV2gSDhHp6b47mT7ZegIcPLyd3AFbo561JPF6xgPjwhECo3Zdv5WcSOQTMIJRRjOZ_Uv/s1600/DBshowroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm9vKn_otlu3A19gsGAY2OCQvaXRi01BCYhJto9V8LL-t1vthSPNoh0rPsopLmBttzwWmibfAMV2gSDhHp6b47mT7ZegIcPLyd3AFbo561JPF6xgPjwhECo3Zdv5WcSOQTMIJRRjOZ_Uv/s800/DBshowroom.jpg" width="500" /></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;"><b>Showroom Design Project</b></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;">Speaking of Designer Bath, we are in the process of changing up some of our Beverly showroom displays. This soaking tub from <a href="http://wetstyle.ca/collection/bathtubs-cube-collection">WetStyle</a> will be moved to another area and be replaced with an amazing new piece from <a href="http://www.zucchettidesign.it/">Zucchetti.</a> I won’t give it away just yet, but if you get the <a href="http://asidne.org/">New England ASID</a> newsletter, we featured it in our most recent ad (Spring 2012 – just arrived on my desk yesterday!) We recently stopped by to visit Lucy Dearborn at the <a href="http://lucialighting.com/">Lucia Lighting</a> showroom to pick out an amazing lighting fixture to go with our new look. It is going to be stunning! </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><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6celkXM2AwfDVUmEn3J2BHiI6FnheDEIJ0Ez93dYLI9sat-gQmdZUJHeqPvj7V4CZzmgqfk1Qh9ca_2VGLmJpwate8hU91yIG-9__if24z_LvGUZoRrOwd4Qqhs5qWVYIEqYOzotlKlUR/s1600/windowYB_photoEWertz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6celkXM2AwfDVUmEn3J2BHiI6FnheDEIJ0Ez93dYLI9sat-gQmdZUJHeqPvj7V4CZzmgqfk1Qh9ca_2VGLmJpwate8hU91yIG-9__if24z_LvGUZoRrOwd4Qqhs5qWVYIEqYOzotlKlUR/s800/windowYB_photoEWertz.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/08/summer-nursery-design-in-detail.html">A Summer Nursery by Yvonne Blacker</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.elizabethwertzphotography.com/">Elizabeth Wertz Photography</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;"><b>Decorator Pop-up Shop</b></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;">This weekend I am having a retail sale of my own. Visit me at <a href="http://taggartstudio.com/">TaggArt Studio</a> in Wakefield on Sunday, March 11th from 10am to 4pm. This will be a One-Day Decorator Pop-up Shop featuring dramatically reduced prices on design inventory that has been seen on the pages of <a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/">New England Finery Magazine.</a> It will be priced to sell! The magazine is scheduled to undergo a slight makeover of its own (more info later!) so I am making room for the changes to come. I will also have lots of fabric remnants, trims, vintage items and even custom window treatments from some of my past design shows for sale. As a special bonus, a friend of mine who reps a designer clothing line, will be having a sample sale. If you are sick of your winter wardrobe </span><span style="font-size: large;">like I am – </span><span style="font-size: large;">or if you want to freshen up your interiors – stop by and take home something new!</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;">Are you a magazine junkie? I will be giving away years worth of design magazines (free for the taking) and perfect for ripping out room ideas that you like, pinning them on mood boards, or filing them away for inspiration. I hate to part with them, they are almost like scrapbooks to me, but I need to clear some space in my office for new projects.</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;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV41Sr-iiskooWhCjsRDCVfBEDAUdLV7jSzi8uvKdNAyc4giV1-Z9Thd-H2EvSYw75k9pcg1Mf5pZijUnvbPHUCsJUqItyIai5halW57roFmyKbFLsWaf9XGQpeMISboOohPvgHyOMgm_S/s1600/IMG_1959+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV41Sr-iiskooWhCjsRDCVfBEDAUdLV7jSzi8uvKdNAyc4giV1-Z9Thd-H2EvSYw75k9pcg1Mf5pZijUnvbPHUCsJUqItyIai5halW57roFmyKbFLsWaf9XGQpeMISboOohPvgHyOMgm_S/s800/IMG_1959+(1).JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Laura Thomson’s window display at the Lynnfield Library for Art in Bloom</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;"><b>Art in Bloom</b></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;">And then on Monday night, March 12th, you’</span><span style="font-size: large;">ll find me relaxing at the <a href="http://www.noblenet.org/lynnfield/">Lynnfield Library</a> for the opening night of Art in Bloom. This is one of our favorite events of the year. <a href="http://designing44.blogspot.com/2012/03/art-in-bloom-is.html">Check out this post</a> by my friend, Laura Thomson, who has just finished decorating the library window in preparation for next week</span><span style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s show. I can</span><span style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">t wait to see what she does with fresh flowers!</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: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What else?</b></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;">Along with trying to keep my families schedules on track while I am completely immersed in creative projects, there are also a few design related events coming up that I am really looking forward to attending. I am sure they will provide me with lots of design content to share, and will hopefully energize me enough to keep up this pace : )</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: 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;"><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;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

What I am working on ...

Color and Design Consultations All of a sudden I have a lot of decorating projects that I am working on again. This mudroom above, is an aft...

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Decorating tips with Valentine’s Day in mind ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsuWmG4P7fhysxqxtEQ2jucYtcCSggk89mwdlo1vCs-cqJ7QPNkCN1wlYij0gHOlMbstIdPSk8xPcgfuhbDZu7hAOn9PcYZv64f7PaDPzNAxmBjPBwoZ2r7TNMp7Lfj77bYtXJcSzAbFQ/s1600/raisin+dining+room-s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsuWmG4P7fhysxqxtEQ2jucYtcCSggk89mwdlo1vCs-cqJ7QPNkCN1wlYij0gHOlMbstIdPSk8xPcgfuhbDZu7hAOn9PcYZv64f7PaDPzNAxmBjPBwoZ2r7TNMp7Lfj77bYtXJcSzAbFQ/s800/raisin+dining+room-s.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Color consultations are a big part of my design business.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is a taste of some pretty sweet spaces ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2103165842"><br /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span id="goog_2103165846"></span>On Lynnfield Patch:  D E C O R A T I N G  W I T H </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">C H O C O L A T E , </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">W I N E , </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">A N D  R O S E S<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2103165847"></span></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/decorating-with-chocolate-wine-and-roses">{click here}</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br />

Decorating tips with Valentine’s Day in mind ...

Color consultations are a big part of my design business. Here is a taste of some pretty sweet spaces ... On Lynnfield Patch:  D E C O R A T...

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A few client “Afters”

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JcTaFeUdbxM6Uu_Qm_zY8RKuZAbfV3QVuq3H6Z8so5NX5lBOBmSHjpGutyLKhd1_cYhLZAoiS6fFW3Bt-a-o4LjxgACeaUESCiJuU2hnEHqUxdLzC0S41TbnC5xN75lW5-HwuvGQEmZ_/s1600/bathtub+w%253Aart.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270840216574002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JcTaFeUdbxM6Uu_Qm_zY8RKuZAbfV3QVuq3H6Z8so5NX5lBOBmSHjpGutyLKhd1_cYhLZAoiS6fFW3Bt-a-o4LjxgACeaUESCiJuU2hnEHqUxdLzC0S41TbnC5xN75lW5-HwuvGQEmZ_/s800/bathtub+w%253Aart.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >S<span>tep one: color consultation and linen choices</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> for the bath</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Step two: find artwork to hang over the spa tub</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I forget sometimes to show what I am working on with my decorating clients, so today I am featuring a few homes that I have helped transform with fresh paint colors, new art, decorative styling or design coaching. The spa tub above needed a piece of artwork that could fill the space and still make sense with the colors in the adjacent master bedroom. The bedding, which the homeowner chose, is a multicolored small print floral (scroll down below to see entrance to bath). I found this large canvas with tall flowers bordering a sandy beach. I like how it references water (i.e. being in the tub or in the ocean) plus the flowers in the painting are shown in the same rich colors that are found on the bed. </span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBySYg_wBx0ko_ETS9pQFIsz4QYGH1ym7OB6x-RlbMHnvQFUI3ucnbGbMMjv3bb2fCMzo11t5IzZdoHCkC060y49R90eHLbkjpsdWOMDJ-pe-giVb7DQLGinRaERgUuBGu2ZKUcwRedwma/s1600/monogrammed+towels.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680275232548814610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBySYg_wBx0ko_ETS9pQFIsz4QYGH1ym7OB6x-RlbMHnvQFUI3ucnbGbMMjv3bb2fCMzo11t5IzZdoHCkC060y49R90eHLbkjpsdWOMDJ-pe-giVb7DQLGinRaERgUuBGu2ZKUcwRedwma/s800/monogrammed+towels.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I suggested monogramming “his and her</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">”</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> towels</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />to add a personal touch to the new bath.</span> </span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgOOX_zE0kF_LJig9e9LJcpS6OY6BzfOTN6i0DkYoD536SWijWamsyyt0lVKbZIBY-NsMFyg5c4Pk9lByv98MWyDRBWUbIF5VQdlJDqPVEDcDea5ZMIv-faxksLnWWvBuDceGgbKeW3tP/s1600/bedroom-tv-bath.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270852946980466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgOOX_zE0kF_LJig9e9LJcpS6OY6BzfOTN6i0DkYoD536SWijWamsyyt0lVKbZIBY-NsMFyg5c4Pk9lByv98MWyDRBWUbIF5VQdlJDqPVEDcDea5ZMIv-faxksLnWWvBuDceGgbKeW3tP/s800/bedroom-tv-bath.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A cool blue was chosen for the master bedroom walls to coordinate with the bedding and to add a contrast to the warm wood tones of the furniture and the sandy palette of the bath. On top of the dresser, I created a focal point that would also anchor the flat screen wall mounted television. I added a pair of candlesticks for a touch of romance and to help bridge the visual gap between the television and the bureau.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKPMgWcE6Q_JUDU1MLOXBCOlmEh1UlqZpleZXHilVePuexzFFmeStfENOeKIy_3A39yv568fljOgukzbE4mwGvgTmnwXUWtQDzvljgpr-ZqVTFWdc4Ly4dRoLVr2n7aXQRXQuCLNTXwPp/s1600/top+of+dresser2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680285010413061506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKPMgWcE6Q_JUDU1MLOXBCOlmEh1UlqZpleZXHilVePuexzFFmeStfENOeKIy_3A39yv568fljOgukzbE4mwGvgTmnwXUWtQDzvljgpr-ZqVTFWdc4Ly4dRoLVr2n7aXQRXQuCLNTXwPp/s800/top+of+dresser2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />For this vignette, I chose objects that were a variety of heights, finishes and textures. A painted vintage box acts as a pretty catch-all for small jewelry boxes along with the odds and ends that typically end up being emptied from pockets at night.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2iU21tybpF0RjuoVv3iMLyrxpgXQVh9-Sdjp71ltHVYQfZwla-HdSMwYg5Jev7qUNljVTzpjpiZbk7_E6v9IzgfG-WOVvebX0EshiDuXBBDmHW61lrWzdZcHBsEKeXmwtHT5a6viU5RB/s1600/inside+box.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680275222393098978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2iU21tybpF0RjuoVv3iMLyrxpgXQVh9-Sdjp71ltHVYQfZwla-HdSMwYg5Jev7qUNljVTzpjpiZbk7_E6v9IzgfG-WOVvebX0EshiDuXBBDmHW61lrWzdZcHBsEKeXmwtHT5a6viU5RB/s800/inside+box.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />HOUSE NUMBER TWO:</span><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw6WzdauRB-ufqVCKBDtuY2GGuB9fUtY6TcvOiOC9wGFclFxJs19M5KqZmysRvr35X2yjkIiEHRN8OIMOTnRNK9FCSN-RW8B-ZqOD35RHjUfxtEgsHRmg1t22UeG0A2QveBWioKuuZ8jB/s1600/blue+wall+%252B+chair.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680275455118203186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw6WzdauRB-ufqVCKBDtuY2GGuB9fUtY6TcvOiOC9wGFclFxJs19M5KqZmysRvr35X2yjkIiEHRN8OIMOTnRNK9FCSN-RW8B-ZqOD35RHjUfxtEgsHRmg1t22UeG0A2QveBWioKuuZ8jB/s800/blue+wall+%252B+chair.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">A modern light blue-gray wall color was chosen to compliment the more traditional slate covered floors.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEYXR0dN9dJ_0He24SNAGfioABvdKmyHU5eO0KPpiJvVxYcp2_SKuI6ONGztAvRKlUwf8403Es5jzbrLwh20GZZNmiMwtlllebpfPA8NdImqSKJhycvWvyKAl1qCCZolbF_zigducQQU8/s1600/long+hallway.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680271075321252562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEYXR0dN9dJ_0He24SNAGfioABvdKmyHU5eO0KPpiJvVxYcp2_SKuI6ONGztAvRKlUwf8403Es5jzbrLwh20GZZNmiMwtlllebpfPA8NdImqSKJhycvWvyKAl1qCCZolbF_zigducQQU8/s800/long+hallway.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />An extremely long hallway was given architectural interest by adding crown molding and wainscotting detail. Now the walls are ready for a gallery of family photos. By keeping the palette monochromatic, the focal point is on the master bedroom at the hall’s end, instead of drawing attention to the expanse of walls.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2pFnHSEDPKV3oT8s0f6V-4qbw1GYf4zNLckhwhoHRiEkB1aowO-TOEd5Z4i6VYKooiqHIclz7B5cTqgwn5XJf_Kthpno8br7Ism3hz4eI_TEheW4T0T0Nm93PsClZF273MWQUwBY9X25/s1600/brown+bedroom.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680271085188145538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2pFnHSEDPKV3oT8s0f6V-4qbw1GYf4zNLckhwhoHRiEkB1aowO-TOEd5Z4i6VYKooiqHIclz7B5cTqgwn5XJf_Kthpno8br7Ism3hz4eI_TEheW4T0T0Nm93PsClZF273MWQUwBY9X25/s800/brown+bedroom.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The master bedroom in this home is a<br />rich contrast of chocolates and creams.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">HOUSE NUMBER THREE: BEFORE<br /><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwy7KV5GocnRqxlQPMwVCtkPTJqxXRbmo5UFmW5G03C8zMp97D4ME2HO2PvODsRgdYlUfvFFN286qXf-YnWVofffeJavQyjf1MzeUSfmv9pYXqhyVC_EVJTbNAZuIWEzc2DfmSQZDNmk3/s1600/counter+before.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270870073310306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwy7KV5GocnRqxlQPMwVCtkPTJqxXRbmo5UFmW5G03C8zMp97D4ME2HO2PvODsRgdYlUfvFFN286qXf-YnWVofffeJavQyjf1MzeUSfmv9pYXqhyVC_EVJTbNAZuIWEzc2DfmSQZDNmk3/s800/counter+before.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Existing cabinets in this home were refinished and given new hardware to match the new stainless steel appliances. By keeping their existing cabinets, the homeowners were able to splurge on a new granite countertop and tumbled marble backsplash ...</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">AND AFTER<br /><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtP2I-KzQNc5F5TFNYcTr9x3gMrWeaoRr8ZWivTPfD01bmOmiiK7dBX9egx3cK9Hrn7zFdoCiXqI6_lhGe4fkubli2EJBBNXmal3LzL0lEIXwU1RrHvzi-zA1D8aiAYkw6oGgmI8yaZPkX/s1600/counter+after.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270855050929010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtP2I-KzQNc5F5TFNYcTr9x3gMrWeaoRr8ZWivTPfD01bmOmiiK7dBX9egx3cK9Hrn7zFdoCiXqI6_lhGe4fkubli2EJBBNXmal3LzL0lEIXwU1RrHvzi-zA1D8aiAYkw6oGgmI8yaZPkX/s800/counter+after.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />We chose a cranberry, gray and cream colored granite that would pull out the colors in the stained glass door on one of the upper cabinets. The yellow pineapple plays the same visual trick. When you work with what you have, instead of fighting it, the final design looks much more planned.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Learn my decorating tricks ...</span><br />Could your home use a little “design coaxing?” Do you have decorating questions that you would like answered? I am going to be presenting a series of evening decorating workshops at <a href="http://www.taggartstudio.com/Schedule_of_Classes.php">TaggArt Studio</a> in Wakefield starting in January. If you would like to sign up, email me at yblacker@verizon.net and I will send you info.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Special holiday shopping event ...</span><br />There will be a holiday shopping open house at <a href="http://www.taggartstudio.com/Home_Page.php">TaggArt Studio</a> on this Friday night, December 2nd from 6pm to 8pm and on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Along with <a href="http://www.taggartstudio.com/Portfolio.php">fine artwork</a> from studio owner Mary Taggart, jewelry, hostess gifts, and custom children</span><span style="font-size:130%;">’</span><span style="font-size:130%;">s</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> clothing and accessories, my friend <a href="http://www.bethhylan.com/">Beth Hylan</a> will be there with her always creative holiday trimmings so don’t miss out! For more details, <a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=g9l8wkdab&v=001750MJEUdJzMWX3_2uGLcWzCBijQl5h8OXokxA1-3TQQHZzIHhBgyP9KYwfepc9JKPxuOxHmj8D7mj71BKLjIFFJr6HAyeSF4WkP7VNUDu-oRuUwbPzg0jnWEIOGvTzJb">click here</a>. I will be sending over some fliers with the information about my upcoming classes, and you will be able to get on the class list by signing up during this weekend sale. Decorating consultations also make great gifts and I will have some discounted gift certificates available for those hard-to-buy-for someones on your list!<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JcTaFeUdbxM6Uu_Qm_zY8RKuZAbfV3QVuq3H6Z8so5NX5lBOBmSHjpGutyLKhd1_cYhLZAoiS6fFW3Bt-a-o4LjxgACeaUESCiJuU2hnEHqUxdLzC0S41TbnC5xN75lW5-HwuvGQEmZ_/s1600/bathtub+w%253Aart.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a>

A few client “Afters”

S tep one: color consultation and linen choices for the bath Step two: find artwork to hang over the spa tub I forget sometimes to show wha...

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Make design decisions with confidence

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcd6_hQVeaak8aXRpFc8o1NkXpAdOHSgK4ZnfuzmADEe8sLHRy92WelNqkrGs4v4JXyEMdTFJR33q3fKvQUTEG1kixlCZJx6zvdQTbL22XrehDck6oxZEgubBJpsSCmVXav6JGaKljQM2W/s1600/chessset%253Awhitechairs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590079580244002930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcd6_hQVeaak8aXRpFc8o1NkXpAdOHSgK4ZnfuzmADEe8sLHRy92WelNqkrGs4v4JXyEMdTFJR33q3fKvQUTEG1kixlCZJx6zvdQTbL22XrehDck6oxZEgubBJpsSCmVXav6JGaKljQM2W/s400/chessset%253Awhitechairs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />People ask design professionals a lot of questions. What paint color would you recommend? How can I make this space work better? What type of tile/furniture/window treatments should I look for? The majority of my clients are looking for design direction. They are happy to do the running around themselves, but just want to be confident that they are making the right choices.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-BJbn2-i6NXWuU1-D9lbguI8q6yb8nTkhojCPmqKVAxaJIUSsqkKs8FqE1NMrInawVKtuFpOOdgFHAvxMqP1i10Hud5-JL60wOIKhkYj3lkuRIaXLp8qAeEJnh31SAYqfV16pSx9GMM4/s1600/chessset%253Awhitechairs.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16zPLYaAXA8_48wPl3HUJuGJAQQH3NLp9p-_IIV6X0pJmA6AfIXYd8k9M1mZB8YjWqW3TQAgptEzNwxsrAWX0Eqgz2cQuwLvySQnAbGMiVJL_kG7v2sUdGf5skuwGfBi4hbct7ZxWq9mK/s1600/fireplace%253Afuton.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590060827846679666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16zPLYaAXA8_48wPl3HUJuGJAQQH3NLp9p-_IIV6X0pJmA6AfIXYd8k9M1mZB8YjWqW3TQAgptEzNwxsrAWX0Eqgz2cQuwLvySQnAbGMiVJL_kG7v2sUdGf5skuwGfBi4hbct7ZxWq9mK/s400/fireplace%253Afuton.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The above space used to be filled with toys and bright colors. The children in the home were growing up (pre-teens) so the space needed to do the same. My suggestions included painting over an existing under-the-sea mural with a more mature bluish-gray paint color, then accenting with crisp black and white pieces. Designating certain areas for down-time activities like x-box, foosball, and chess, transformed this “playroom</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> to “game room.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Time invested? About two hours of design consultation. Then the homeowners were able to take care of the details on their own time.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EkNa49Ow6pimjVnqaMxgoLYrhjld6SEjiC-VVk4-3zIX8rmLeB1wdU4HhPFq-iTR3iB4NYKESBqX1TkG1syP50dLIfvpnpaK1r-gxyyckZhLtuaGyIRkeAbRKq5S56FLnJKuPCj2uCcK/s1600/twocouches.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590060842119911090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EkNa49Ow6pimjVnqaMxgoLYrhjld6SEjiC-VVk4-3zIX8rmLeB1wdU4HhPFq-iTR3iB4NYKESBqX1TkG1syP50dLIfvpnpaK1r-gxyyckZhLtuaGyIRkeAbRKq5S56FLnJKuPCj2uCcK/s400/twocouches.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 333px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">With just blueprints for reference, these clients wanted to be prepared with new furniture choices when their home renovation was complete. I provided sketches on possible room configurations that incorporated their existing pieces with some new ones. Using these sketches along with images of “what to look for” my clients were able to go out and choose their carpet, two matching sofas and also purchased a favorite piece that I recommended, the Triple Bel Air Bench by Daryll Carter seen below. I love how this traditional piece fits right in with the modern architecture and provides additional seating without blocking the view of the lake beyond.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadSPNazl1lplntdolLUi7etJ5nxeMAIrUKzkRNMVZxAbLoYMKd3uIl46QOF7crVa9vCJbT5RsKgSit_0bo2RIdVHLCcK7iqZF2RjsKRV5MUc-PkUaCu1OY3tPHF2WG-tdZCksl2_L8Qd4/s1600/3seaterbench.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590060830841322706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadSPNazl1lplntdolLUi7etJ5nxeMAIrUKzkRNMVZxAbLoYMKd3uIl46QOF7crVa9vCJbT5RsKgSit_0bo2RIdVHLCcK7iqZF2RjsKRV5MUc-PkUaCu1OY3tPHF2WG-tdZCksl2_L8Qd4/s400/3seaterbench.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu472qPrCao6-zvjvnKbQ_E__HsNCQsarCa9i8PhfJEojukDtoqB-TocKh2ldbbNmkzI3YfD2aXM5qUTdY_xbws-JoG-WgLcap939N8jVrY-MZtvPaln0AcXwesZt1SoiRgaoXEpxoppjU/s1600/sofanewcushion.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhz77i4Ny6DwSb40PV8NPajbTNHpc4TJWfBum68xQftQI2Lg7t8bx4KEC0iDu8rwmFBpP7moCafIgks8yzlg2FHV3Jdf_bxwI798CXwFJfjkh05iPmiWKgYUrLFIqLlelrvZyfBuOH8gO/s1600/sofanewcushion.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590083251145039106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhz77i4Ny6DwSb40PV8NPajbTNHpc4TJWfBum68xQftQI2Lg7t8bx4KEC0iDu8rwmFBpP7moCafIgks8yzlg2FHV3Jdf_bxwI798CXwFJfjkh05iPmiWKgYUrLFIqLlelrvZyfBuOH8gO/s400/sofanewcushion.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">For this client, just a little freshening up was in order. She brought home some fabric books in colors that matched her existing couch which just needed a new slip cover on the seat cushion. I helped her choose a few that looked good with her chosen colors and then handed the project </span><span style="font-size:130%;">over </span><span style="font-size:130%;">to my workroom to complete. </span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86gDfSBysPt6AG4iwC4UWkZX7LLg5C_5Guj7nRETbqvBGwJoJQwZ-X09Xhy9Yc1Z2bEDOu2OScPkaVW81mGwcIgPONQ_zazR4tloSUmWEkZ0Kwm-pOFYc6zTBMPqeCEylq7SOK7zVu6Es/s1600/leatherchair%253Apillow.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590063248684189938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86gDfSBysPt6AG4iwC4UWkZX7LLg5C_5Guj7nRETbqvBGwJoJQwZ-X09Xhy9Yc1Z2bEDOu2OScPkaVW81mGwcIgPONQ_zazR4tloSUmWEkZ0Kwm-pOFYc6zTBMPqeCEylq7SOK7zVu6Es/s400/leatherchair%253Apillow.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">With the leftover fabric, we had a couple of pillows made to update additional seating areas in the room.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><span>If you need a “design coach” to steer you in the right direction, give me a call. I really enjoy teaching others how to make their design decisions with confidence!</span><br /><br /></span></span>

Make design decisions with confidence

People ask design professionals a lot of questions. What paint color would you recommend? How can I make this space work better? What type o...

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