As I'm writing this most of the country is in a deep freeze. Brrrrrr! So just in time - here are three ways to stay warm and beat the winter blahs. Your house is your refuge more than ever when it's cold outside. Use some simple tweaks to your décor to get you through those cold dark winter days by adding accessories with texture. SNUGGLE UP WITH A THROW TO KEEP YOU … [Read more...]
The Cure for Kitchen Paralysis
It's worse than FOMO - the infamous fear of missing out - let's call it FOLO, the fear of losing out. That fear of making the wrong decision in your pricey kitchen make-over that keeps you stuck. So what's the cure? WORSE THAN FOMO You know you should renovate your kitchen. You want to renovate your kitchen. You may even be totally sick of your kitchen. But FOLO is giving you renovation … [Read more...]
Meet Your Local Craftsmen
This year I exhibited at the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association Expo. It doesn't matter if your house is a bungalow or Victorian, historic or otherwise, it's a great way to meet local vendors and craftsmen. Here are just a few of the people and companies you should know. Clockwise from top left: Frank M. Glapa of FMG Designs, demonstrating how he makes Craftsman-style original designs … [Read more...]
So Why Paisley?
And what makes it a classic? Why did I pick paisley for my logo? I've always loved it but it goes beyond that. I like how universal and versatile it is. It can be masculine: Or feminine: We sleep in it and on it: We wrap it around us: It's ancient: It's retro: It can cover your walls, your windows and your chairs, whether your taste is modern, … [Read more...]
New Year, New Color
A new year is almost upon us so that means it's time for Pantone to name their new color of the year. And for 2015 it is . . . Marsala! and my reaction is . . . I'm not lovin' it, to tell you the truth. Which may be a surprise to my friends who are familiar with my fondness for wine. Per Pantone Color Institute, "Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue … [Read more...]
For the Love of Lamps
I have a little thing for lamps. Almost as bad as my thing for side tables, but at least lamps take up less space. The right lamp can totally elevate a room, just as the wrong one can look oddly out of place. So how do you choose the right one? What is the correct size? How do you pick a shade - should it be fabric or hardback? And what is hardback anyway? Then you have to know what the heck a … [Read more...]
