Need that pouf!

Open a design or decor magazine and you will most likely come across the must have little pouf.  They come in all colors and fabric options they come in leather embellished or not.  The pouf is the latest addition to any room (has for awhile) and it seems to be here to stay.  The thing is that a little pouf can make a room feel cozy and comfortable with its immediate -"put your feet up"- attitude.  The pouf is always welcoming and can be bunched in a little gathering or stand alone near a chair or fireplace. Its compact shape will never overwhelm a space.  Practical, comfortable, and stylish!  Love the pouf!

The magic of textiles

Oh No!  Look at the date I totally missed putting anything down for early March.  As it turns out I was busy playing with textiles!  First I attended A fascinating lecture.  It was offered by the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts in Melbourne Florida.  (FIT)  Yes, an engineering school with a textile gallery!  They also have a great textile production program and have plans for a state of the art textile department.  I also received my John Robshaw pillows that I had ordered at the NYIGF.  WOW! Talk about transforming a room. The power of a beautiful fabric is amazing.  Yes it is possible to transform a whole room with a few great fabrics properly placed and draped in a desirable place.  The room will immediately come to life.   The best thing is that unlike furniture you can rotate pillows and throws according to the season.  My advise is not to skimp on price tag . A well made throw pillow is worth the money.  It is all in the details.  Finally as of March 12 the world of interior decor has been abuzz with the news that Duralee will be producing John Robshaw fabrics.  LOVE!  Think about the possibilities!!!  Dining chairs, benches, ottomans, curtain panels... Can't wait!

The buzz is...

Just got back from the NYIGF.  I have to tell you that it was BIG!  Tons of interesting products.  Lots of color for the little kids but what is really ticking is sleek graphic items to pop your rooms.  I still perceived a like for black and white and lots of contrast. Black and white, shiny and organic, smooth and textured.  Chunky knitted blankets and delicious alpaca throws. Global awareness and artisan quality products are part of the coming trends.  It is definitely a great time to express your style!

Have a plan and carry on.

Happy New Year 2012!  While everybody is busy talking about resolutions and weight loss I have finally attacked one of my many pending projects.  You see the thing is that a resolution is nothing but an idea suspended in your brain.  Without a plan its going no where.  Through the years I have amassed an exorbitant amount of design and trade magazines.  They sat in pretty little towers in the floor of my home office.  Each tower had its own distinct personality.  There was the Architecture tower and the travel to exotic places tower and the someday I will become a gourmet chef tower.  They kept me company and were very helpful every time I was in need of a pretty glossy visual to get inspired.  I knew they were getting out of hand and contemplated various ways I should dispose of them.  I never had the heart to do it.  I never had a plan.
Two days after Christmas while I was away visiting a friend the hose to the washer decided to explode.  You get the picture.  Suddenly all those pretty little towers found their way to the trash.  It took me a few days and some planning but I finally did it.
The lesson here is that making and executing a plan is better than having a plan come to you.  So to all my friends making new year's resolution I need to say:  No resolution! What is your plan for 2012?

the tree

This year I decided to be true to the idea of less is more.  We all talk about it.  However, how many are true to the concept?  So, I brought home a tree and dressed it up with beautiful lights, white lights, nothing more.  The tree sits in one of our rooms and adorns the living space with a tranquil spirit.  Surprisingly enough my children love it and are drawn to its peaceful stillness.  The tree is regal, beautiful, elegant and stoic.  It is peaceful and easy to look at. It offers the perfect balance between nature and decoration.  It fills the room with harmony and a still reminder.  A simple reminder that the true spirit of Christmas is about love,  simple.

small bites

Now that the Holiday Season is here lets talk bite size.  Soon our schedules are going to explode with parties and gatherings and some of us might be brave enough to host a party of our own.  Consider what you offer to bite and what you choose to nibble on.  Size is important when preparing hors d' oeuvres remember it means appetizer.   I have to say that the portion should be one or two bites.  Because we all know that hanging phyllo from our chin is not a fashion statement.  Crunchy should go in one bite. Keep the two biter soft.  Bread, cream topping, compact design.  One more thing to keep in mind for the comfort of your guests... shrimp tails.  If you have to offer shrimp present it in such a way that there is no wrestling involved.  Same goes for any other delicacy you might be planning to offer this Holiday Season.  Enjoy!

When bling is a good thing.

There is a time when you can toss all rules and decorating regulations...if you follow any... and enjoy the extravagant art of more is more is more and I like it!  It is the Holidays!  Indulge in the things you like and make you happy.  Decorate to your heart's desire.  Make bling your must have accessory.  Take it with you, share it with friends, allow it to invade your house, bling is a good thing.  It reflects light so rooms look like they are smiling.  It makes you look happier especially if you smile.  It has the ability to create an instant party mood.  When mixed with candle light bling dances the night away.  Go ahead shop some bling (in good taste of course) and smile all the way home!