Pantone's Color of the Year: Emerald Green

As far as trends go, I'm usually a few steps behind, so here I am now reporting last week's big announcement.  This year's color of the year from Pantone is EMERALD GREEN.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors."

I love how the idea of green has so many layers of meaning.  On the kinder gentler side, green can be a way of life, a way to embrace nature and a lifestyle intended to honor it. On the flipside, there's no denying that green is the color of money. Greenbacks anyone? So it makes sense that GREEN has a universal appeal.

Trend setting aside, take a look at some fun ways to add the shade into (or outside) your home this year.

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No fear of commitment here. I love the glossy finish on these green subway tiles, as well as the variation in the positioning that frames the sink.

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A front door doesn't have to be a long term commitment. That's the type of trend I like to follow.

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Bright pops of color in an otherwise neutral space seems to be rather popular as of late.

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Here's a very doable DIY project that reinvents and transforms an antique into a modern, functional piece. Rather "green" don't you think?

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Would my daughters stop fighting about sharing a room if it looked like this? If only, but I do love the height and luxe factor on these headboards.

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If this bedroom is too over the top for you, then consider these simple ideas to keep you on trend without overextending your green.

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If you'd like to incorporate your favorite color into your home, please contact me. I'd love to help!

Finding meaning in the fluff

I've been having a hard time coming back to blogging after the Sandy Hook story occurred. That tragedy hit us all so hard, as it should have, and every time I started to write something about my holiday decor or parties or presents, I just felt wrong, as if I was ignoring something that really was far more important.

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Although tragic events are never well-timed, my kids only had four days of school left before winter break, so I have spent the last few weeks at home with them savoring their energy and holiday excitement. And yes, there were lots of decorations and table settings and entertaining going on, but as I scan my camera roll the only pictures I took are of my kids....sleeping, being goofy, finishing a 5K on New Year's Day.

The Sandy Hook tragedy and my lack of desire to write about the topics I'm usually really crazy about (i.e., my house, your house, someone else's beautiful house) brought to a head something that I struggle with in this job of home decor.  Even though I don't necessarily agree, I often realize that sometimes this line of work can be construed as fluffy.

I've been thinking about this "fluff factor" a lot and it made me recall a conversation I had with a client that I ran into at a party last year. We had worked together on remodeling her family room, and in the process we decided she needed to paint and spruce up her closet and master bath. It was really just a simple project consisting of paint and replacing a few light fixtures and cabinet knobs, but she gushed about how happy she was in her new spaces. I confessed about my fear of fluff on the job front, and she completely disagreed.  She said, "I'm the CFO of a company, and I can tell you that I very rarely make people happy at my work. What you do is meaningful and helpful. I wish I could get paid to make people happy!"

This is something I really want to focus on in 2013. And it's something I truly believe. Your surroundings should inspire you and make you feel good. This gives meaning, depth and substance to the fluff factor.

From what I understand, the students from Sandy Hook will begin school next Monday, January 12 at another school within the district.  I have heard from other bloggers that their school PTA is planning to create a Winter Wonderland at the school by decorating the hallways with snowflakes made by children from all over the world.

{source and DIY directions -- if you need them!}

My kids made some over break, and it's not too late if you and/or your family would like to make some and send them out.

Send all snowflakes and donations to:  
Connecticut PTSA 
60 Connolly Parkway 
Building 12, Suite 103 
Hamden, CT 06514

For me, this project is the perfect blend of using beautiful decor to make people feel comforted and welcome. And that is meaningful fluff for sure.

Last minute gift ideas

If you're like me, you're probably entering panic mode about the remaining items that need to be checked off your list this time of year. To lend a hand, here are some of my favorite Etsy ideas. With these affordable and creative gifts, instead of coming across as frazzled and panicky (like me!), your gift reflects your composed, thoughtful and meaningful gesture.

For the Dog Lover

These adorable 5" x 7" cards from TerraDeiFarm come in a package of 6. Perfect for post holiday thank you notes!

For the Griller

We've got the World Tour Grill Master Set here from DenverSpice. 

For your dad

This cool key chain from Cjohannesen commemorates a special location with its longitude and latitude. 

For your mom

This pretty clutch by CreationsbyAngel is the perfect evening bag she never knew she needed.

For your bff

These adorable preppy wine totes from LibbieandWinston are the perfect way to say to your best friend, 

"I love you more than wine!"

Hope this helps! Remember, it's the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! ;)

Virtual Decorating Client Project in Boston

Technology is changing the way we stay connected so much that the pace just baffles me sometimes. As someone who has moved to different cities over the course of my adult life, I love that I can connect with friends of old and keep in touch besides just an annual Christmas card. (Although I LOOOOVE getting those, so keep 'em coming!)

One thing I've really enjoyed in business is being able to help friends with their decorating projects even if they live elsewhere. For example, right now I'm working on my high school friend's ginormous house in northern Virginia. She has a son with special needs, and it has been such a wonderful experience to help her make his room match his feisty and delightful personality. It's a great way for us to stay connected, too. I'll ask her to send pictures soon, because I'm hoping she's hanging the curtains we just ordered this weekend, (right, Theo?)

{Pottery Barn Kids}

Recently, my dear friend, Laura, moved from Denver to the Boston area. She bought the most amazing house and asked me to be her virtual decorator. We FaceTimed, and it was a great way for me to receive the grand tour, and then to focus on a few areas where she needed help. The house is new construction, but it fits right in with the architecture of her adorable New England town. The finishes are deeeevine..dark hardwood floors, thick chunky white trim, lots of windows and natural light, coffered ceilings. All the style and charm of an older home, but the modern conveniences of NEW! Her builder, Rob Ticktin, (Laura calls him Rob the Builder) did an amazing job. He only builds one home a year, and you can tell because of the attention to detail.

Laura took me on a FaceTime tour, and I easily got the lay of the land. She wanted to focus on getting her main living space finished. It's in the back of the house where there is a gorgeous kitchen with an eating area opening to a family room/living room.  Laura was ready to spring for some new furniture in the family room, window treatments, and a new rug. I did a little online shopping, we talked some more, and she did the rest!

One of the things we discussed was sofa positioning and overall furniture placement.  Her fireplace is opposite the sofa, with TV above the mantle, so luckily just one focal point. Her husband is TALL, so the double chaise configuration is perfect for their family. To make the room conversation friendly, we placed 2 custom swivel armchairs in a charcoal gray on either side of the fireplace. (sorry there isn't a picture of those) Laura's red console table is a colorful backdrop for the large sofa, so it's backside isn't too overwhelming when you enter the room from the front of the house. To offset the angles, we went with a round cocktail table with a bone inlay top and open, leggy base. The pair of end tables introduce a smooth, shiny surface and tuck nicely into the wide arms of the sofa. We found an indigo striped rug with red, gray and mustardy yellow stripes to pull the subtle palette together. I love how the ikat pillows bring a new pattern into the room.

Back in May, before Laura moved, her talented photographer cousin, Anne, had her home featured on the popular blog, Little Green Notebook.  Laura and I were both inspired by how Anne created gallery walls with seemingly disparate, but meaningful collections. (Read more about that project here.) We especially loved this enlarged old family photo.

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Laura selected a photo she loves of her grandfather with his three brothers and had it blown up on canvas. We decided it would look great hung next to the new curtain panels in the eating nook. (Grandpa is 2nd to left.)

Laura's husband and daughters all play the piano, so we thought it would be fun to frame the piano with a gallery wall. Their collection includes a framed album cover, their Colorado license plate, a large Chinese watercolor from when Laura played volleyball in China, art by their children, and to add dimension and whimsy, a steel steer's head, an homage to Laura's grandfather's dairy farm. I suggested that Laura lay everything out on the floor and mix the shapes up to give it a collected but not too contrived look. I think she did a great job! Don't you?

Laura, thanks so much for sharing these fabulous after pictures. Your home is a beauty, just like you. 

If you'd like some design help, virtual or local, please contact me.

The Christmas Tree Art of Compromise

In our house, the tree is the ultimate symbol of compromise. We all have our issues...meaning our preferences on how the tree is procured, how it is decorated, and how long it hangs around. And then there is the reality of how it shakes out every year.

On the day after Thanksgiving, my kids long to be the family in this car. They want a tree that we chop down in the woods, while drinking hot cocoa and singing carols. Sounds fun, so we tried this approach one year. We headed for the foothills, but got horribly lost on the way to the magical Christmas tree filled forest. By the time we agreed on where to park and set out on our quest for the tree of perfection, the kids were starving and cold as was the hot cocoa we brought along. We soon realized that every tree looked like it had auditioned for a Charlie Brown Christmas. Yes, whining ensued, and a lot of it was coming from me. None of the trees was quite right. Disillusioned and freezing, we left the magical forest, probably the only car leaving without a tree tied to its roof. We drove straight to Big Lots in suburbia, and paid $45 for a tree that met our (my) stringent requirements. We got it home and in the stand. In the light of day a friend remarked on our tree's bluish green color. We soon discovered it had been spray painted! Really? Does the pursuit of the perfect Christmas tree have to be this complicated?

So for the kids, it has less to do with what the tree looks like and more about how soon it goes up (Black Friday preferred), and the seasonal beverages we are enjoying. (Can you relate?) In fact, as long as they can drink egg nog while we're decorating it, they don't really care about the tree's overall vision. Lesson learned: keep the kids happy with hot chocolate and egg nog. Done.

Now for my husband, I do believe he was tortured in some past life during the holiday season. He totally embraces the spirit of the season with charitable acts and a festive demeanor, but when the boxes of decorations are brought up from storage, the complaining begins. He loathes the Christmas decor. I learned early on in our marriage that I can count on him for lighting and for spiking my egg nog on the night we decorate the tree. So it probably comes as no surprise that his preferred Christmas tree comes in a box, is pre-lit, gets set up on December 23rd, and taken down on December 26th.

As you can imagine, I'm a bit more particular. While I'm not eager to jump in the car on the hunt for the perfect tree on Black Friday (I'd rather be eating leftover pie), regarding the tree, I do have issues. They involve height paired with fullness and now, after the Big Lots debacle, I can add natural color to my list of criteria. As for decor, I would love a tree that has an overall style and color palette. Something like the one on this cover...

Or these...

I realize these are depersonalized with more emphasis on matching the decor of the room than imbuing the spirit of the season. Am I that shallow? Well, maybe a little, but don't judge me too harshly because our tree usually ends up looking something like this.

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This tree is live, and it's decorated with love, and that's a happy compromise. I'll post pictures of our tree (when we finally get it up!)

What are your Christmas tree preferences in your family?

If you want to truly love where you live, please contact me about design services.

Happy Thanksgiving

Steve and I have been hosting Thanksgiving at our house almost every year since we got married which makes this the 16th year. It started as an orphan type Thanksgiving and has evolved over the years to include single friends, newlyweds, babies, cousins, grandparents. It's never the same guest list twice, and we always have tons of food (leftovers...yum!). Many guests are wise to the fact that we always have at least 2 turkeys. One in the oven to "smell" like Thanksgiving, and the other in the deep fryer outside. This year, we threw a third in the mix, a smoked bird. Every guest has their preferred flavor of cooked bird, and each style has its fan base. So it's most likely that our smoked style will make a comeback next year alongside the roasted and fried varieties.

While Steve is busy preparing his birds, my mind is wandering to table setting. This year, we had a mix of cousins, grandparents and aunts and uncles, so we decided to bring some whimsy to the table with this little turkey pinecone craft which was the brainchild of Steve's sister.

We had ladylike turkeys...

Turkeys with goatees and Saturday bed head...

And turkeys at the kids' table...

We have lots to be thankful for, and are happy to celebrate with family, friends, delicious food and a cranberry mojito.  

Cheers, and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving too!

easy Thanksgiving centerpieces

It's a Chicago weather day here in Denver. The freezing rain is keeping everyone indoors and cozy which is a novelty in this town. So my mind is wandering to Thanksgiving and how I will "decorate" the table this year.

You'd think I'd be all over this project with elaborate displays and hours of crafting prep, but I am too busy (and impatient) for this type of work. I'm in search of EASY centerpiece ideas that are creative, cheap and doable. Here are a few images I found. You can find the links on my Pinterest page if you want more information on a particular idea and even directions on what to do. Now for the eye candy. :)

I love the beauty and simplicity of this greenery in the canning jars over a chocolate brown tablecloth.

Source: bhg.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Running mini pumpkins and ribbon down the center of the table seems pretty easy.

Source: bhg.com via Lisa on Pinterest

How cute is this simple pear placecard?

Source: countryliving.com via Lisa on Pinterest

These stacked pumpkins seem easy to accomplish with a cakeplate or pedestal bowl that I already own.

Source: diylife.com via Lisa on Pinterest

I love the collected look of this display. The varying heights and autumnal colors are simple and elegant.

Source: midwestliving.com via Lisa on Pinterest

It's time to take stock of what I have and give one of these a try. I'll take pictures and let you know what I come up with.  Hope this gives you some holiday inspiration. Stay warm.

If you want to truly love where you live, please contact me about design services.