I’m clicking my heels together, closing my eyes and wishing I could be here all day…

until next time…

As seen during Spring and Summer runway shows, denim is a hot fabric trend in the fashion circuit. While that may not seem unusual, given that denim is a staple in just about everyone’s wardrobe, denim as a new, hot fabric trend in the home furnishings industry is what is taking people off guard.

Years ago, it was not unusual to see denim sofas as part of a “French Country” or “Shabby Chic” decor, but then just like so many other trends, the use of denim diminished and went by the way-side. Well, its 2010 and like the saying goes, “what goes around, comes around.”

Denim is back, and back in a refreshing and exciting way!

via design theraphy

Denim Fashions Inspire Denim Furnishing…

source unknown

Patchwork denim provides an eclectic and unexpected look for this stool.

image via ralph lauren

via pottery barn

Denim can be seen used on furniture, lighting and in decorative accent pieces.

via haverty’s

via house beautiful

The color of denim has even been interpreted into a paint color by Ralph Lauren.

via ebay

ralph lauren via apartment therapy

A refreshing way to interpret denim into an interior is my using a mix of denim stripes and patterned fabrics .

via eddie bauer

source unknown

While blue denim is the most popular choice of denim colors, the base fabric can be dyed into just about any color you want!

via specific denim

The Samantha Chair from Specific Merchandise offers a new, refreshing look for denim. I love the natural colored fibers and the red and black trim detail they’ve added.

Denim isn’t just for jeans anymore!

Photo Source: Ralph Lauren, Denim Therapy, Pottery Barn, Havertys, House Beautiful, Ebay, Denimfurniture.com, Apartment Therarpy

READING IS FUNDAMENTAL

July 16, 2010

A few months ago I attended a design seminar at SCAD Atlanta, where the panel of design experts (fashion and interior) told the audience that one of the best resources for design inspiration is international design magazines. Already a magazine addict, reading just about every major US design publication, I immediately ran to my local Barnes and Noble and picked up a few international interior design magazines.

The panel of design experts included nationally renowned and Atlanta based interior designer Suzanne Kasler, fashion icon and clothing designer Sid Mashburn, Project Runway star and fashion designer Mycheal Knight and handbag designer Jada Loveless. All of the design and business advice they shared was great, but their mention of looking to magazines beyond the US border was invaluable. Since the seminar, I have added a whole new stack of magazines to my monthly reading pile. Here are the best of the best, in my opinion.

Canada’s Style At Home

UK Living Etc.

Australian Home Beautiful

Australian Vogue Living

Canadian House & Home

UK Ideal Home

I hope I’ve given you some new titles to fill your magazine holder, but just in case this is not enough inspiration, there are also some great on-line design magazines you’ll want to check out.

LonnyMag

Lonny is such a fabulous on-line publication. Started by a former Domino editors, Lonny brings you outstanding articles covering all aspects of the design world. I especially love their designer profiles where each designer shares their sources of inspiration, favorite store and design tips. Each issue of Lonny include beautiful and inspiring room photos as well as a full listing the resources where you can find every item.

Southern Flourish

This stylish on-line magazine highlights the best of Southern Lifestyle. With editorial contributors all throughout the South, Southern Flourish covers design, fashion, events, lifestyle and food, among a wide range of topics.

RueMag

Launching in Sept. 2010, this on-line magazine promises to offer up “divine decorating ideas, tasteful tabletop tips, printable goods and exclusive videos.” The design inspiration for Rue Magazine is coming for a crop of very talented design bloggers: Anne of City Sage, Crystal of Plush Palate, Alaiha of Live Creating Yourself and Caitlin of Sacramento Street.

Ladies, I can’t wait for the first issue!

Happy Reading! What’s your favorite design magazine?

HONEY, WE’RE HAVING TWINS!

July 15, 2010

There is something so charming about bedrooms outfitted with twin beds.

via house beautiful

The color palette dressing up these twin beds in light-hearted and at the same time sophisticated.

via coastal living

Together or apart…

via house beautiful

Formal or Fun. Twin beds are so in vogue!

via house beautiful

via Walsh Design Group

How adorable are these headboards? And the chandeliers add even more style!

via Bunny Williams

via house beautiful

When decorating rooms with twin beds, the visual impact can be impressive.

via Tobi Fairley

Bedrooms with twin beds can have the same level of style as a master suite!

via verandah

via southern living

via house beautiful

And if two is not enough… how about three?

The next time you are considering a makeover for your guest bedroom, consider twin beds!

Have you created a bedroom using twin beds? I’d love to see your photos.

Photo Source: House Beautiful, Coastal Living, Walsh Design Group, Bunny Williams, Tobi Fairley, Simon Kelly, Veranda, Southern Living

WORDS TO INSPIRE

July 13, 2010

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou

DESIGN CRUSH: ERINN VALENCICH

July 12, 2010

I so admire the very talented design and lifestyle expert Erinn Valencich. Not only does Erinn posses incredible interior design skills, but she is also a style expert in the field of cooking and entertaining. Having grown up in Northern California on a horse farm, and moving with her family to Los Angeles at the age of 9, Erinn’s style aesthetic mixes the casual, comfortable feel that can be found on the farm, with the stylish, glamorous design personality of LA. I love that her designs are multi-layered and intricately stylized, while at the same time feel very attainable and real.

Erinn Valencich

As the owner of her own multi-faceted design firm, Omniarte Design, Erinn excels in designing spaces that are modern, eclectic and chic! Her ability to combine colors and patterns, gives her designs a distinct edge. I love the boldness of the red sofa and the graphic accent of the black and white throw.

I adore the mix of patters Erinn used in this space. There is such a refined, yet comfortable vibe that this space gives off. The upholstered chair, with the painted wood frame is to die for!

With a love for gardening, Erinn often incorporates beautiful fresh flowers into her room designs.

I love the button detail on this slipcover. What a unique and unexpected touch.

Classic elegance defines the accessorizing of this bookshelf. Simple and to the point!

Besides running Omniarte Design, Erinn has made regular appearances on HGTV and Entertainment Tonight, giving savvy style and decorating advice that inspires both the design novice and the design educated. Her list of celebrity clients continues to grow and includes stylish stars such as Jaime Pressly, Mischa Barton and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

The chartreuse walls give this classic black and white palette real energy.

The pattern mixing that in this space gives it an eclectic, high design feel. I love the ornately framed mirror that has been painted high gloss red. Fabulous!

A mix of BOLD (headboard, duvet cover) and DEMURE (side table and lamp) are what define the personality of this space.

There’s not much to say about this side table expect–LUSCIOUS!

Unexpected furniture additions like this ladder night stand are a trademark of Erinn’s.

A few of Erinn’s decorating principles:

Layer your Lighting–“The quality of light in a room not only affects color, texture and mood, but it can add architectural interest to a room. Having three sources of light in every room is a good rule to go by.
“When choosing a color palette for your room, decide on two main colors and a third accent color.”
“Don’t be afraid to mix styles of furniture in a room.”

Thank you Erinn for inspiring me and my design style. You make creating beautiful rooms, look so easy!

Photos: HGTV Designers Portfolio

LETTER PERFECT

July 9, 2010

Having worked in the fashion and home decor industry for over 25 years, I have seen both the best and worst of what the design industry has to offer. With so much product being mass-produced these days, it is hard to find an item that is truly unique and special, with a distinct style. While surfing on Etsy.com the other day, I came across some wonderful handmade pillows that made me stand up and take notice. While the concept of pillows themselves is not all that unique, it’s the button application that the designer Peggy creates on her pillows that makes them standout. After leaving a long career in television news production, Peggy started her hand-made pillow line, Letter Perfect Designs in 2007. Her love for fabrics and buttons comes through in her unique designs and application. Here are a few of my favorite designs from Peggy. You can check out more of Peggy’s work on Etsy.com , and contact her directly to have a custom pillow made just for you. How Splendid!

all images via letter perfect designs

A GIRL CAN DREAM, CAN’T SHE

June 29, 2010

I am one of those super organized people who always makes the bed before I leave each morning, never leaves dishes in the sink, stuffs my handbags with paper so they will hold their shape and cleans up my desk each night before I leave work. When it comes to my closet, my organization skills fall apart a bit. Not because I don’t try, but because I just don’t have enough space to hang by color, sort by style, fold beautiful stacks or see all my shoes at one time. If I won the lottery, yes, I’d pay off all my bills, but I’d also build my dream closet, inspired by these beauties…

This closet was designed by Steven Gambrel, almost like a kitchen would be…lots of function without giving up a bit of style. I love that everything is behind closed doors.

I love the painted wall in this closet. Painting your closet walls is a quick and easy way to add a bit of style.

This gorgeous closet belongs to my design crush Nate Berkus!

Super organized, stylish and chic! The hat boxes and storage bins are a classic touch.

In my dream closet, organizing my jewelry would be high on the list. And I’d sort it by color just like this.

The wallpaper in this closet is so fun and whimsical. And I love how the chandelier adds a bit of high style.

Black cabinets, or white cabinets…what’s a girl to do?

OK, THIS IS THE ULTIMATE DREAM!

This closet space was designed for Mariah Carey and is only a small section of her entire closet. The knobs on the outside of each unit allow you to hang up selected outfits and I love that each space is individually lit. The white cabinets, floor tile, crystal chandelier and stylish furniture really make this space glamorous and sophisticated. How pretty!

So, If I never win the lottery and get the chance to build out my Mariah Carey dream closet, I’ll organize my tiny space and make it as pretty as I can.