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If you're looking for multifunctional furniture, ottomans are an easy way to go.  They can live in nearly every room of the house and serve as a coffee table, extra seating or a footrest.  In most projects, I include at least one ottoman to interject some interest in a room.
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I will be doing a special workshop on Sunday, August 15, 2010 discussing how to decorate your walls with mirrors, artwork and other accessories.  The workshop runs from 1:30-3:30pm and will take place at the Ethan Allen Design Center in Stamford, CT.  If you'd like to come, please RSVP at 203-352-2888 and be sure to bring pictures of your rooms for advice.
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If you flip through design magazines these days, you'll notice a lot more bedrooms featuring upholstered headboards.  They're comfy and can easily transition between design styles.  Even better, we've moved far beyond the hideous pastel nightmares that assaulted our good design sensibilities in the early 90s.  If you're longing for a "Golden Girls" moment, eat some cheesecake.  Don't do a pink and aqua ruched headboard.  There are lots of affordable options if you're looking for something simple and neutral.  You can find upholstered headboards anywhere from Target to Crate and Barrel.  But what if you'd like something a little more custom?
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I received this question from a reader about how to dress an awkwardly shaped window in her home.  Can you tell me what is the best way to dress a window that is pointed at the top and rectangular down to the sill?  I find that dressing a window is a lot like dressing a person.  No, stay with me on this, it really does make sense. 
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Rockin' design 07/14/2010
 
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I found this picture in a back issue of Traditional Home magazine and wanted to share it.  Look at those pillows!  What a fantastic way to use some collected t-shirts from past concerts.  I love how most of the room is more conservative and then you have the iconic Rolling Stones tongue on a pillow.  I think the pattern on the draperies do a great job of bridging the furnishings and the accessories.  If you don't have your own collection of vintage rock t-shirts, you can always search eBay and thrift stores.
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Brooklyn Flea at One Hanson Place
Sunday I took a trip to the Brooklyn Flea Market at the former Williamsburg Savings Bank to check out their wares.  Brooklyn Flea runs 2 markets-one on Saturday in DUMBO and the indoor one at One Hanson Place on Sunday (and both days during the winter).  First off, the space is amazing.  It reminded me of Grand Central Station in that it was such a lovely space to have such a common sort of activity.  Second, the layout made it a little complicated to browse as you incongruously flowed from one set of wares to the next.
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I received this question a little while back from a reader who needed some help figuring out what type of area rug to buy for her living room. 
I hope you dont mind but I have a question for you.  I just did my floor in my family room (wood) until we get a sectional we have two couches (black) that meet and a corner table. In the middle of the room we have a round coffee table! My boyfriend wants a round inexpensive rug because next year we are going to get new couches, so he doesnt want to invest in an expensive rug if we will be replacing it. Anyway, does it need to be round if the table is or can it be a rectangle and do we need to have black in the rug just because the couch is black? I am sorry, but you are the only one that I know that would be able to help me! I appreciate any guidance! By the way, everything you do is stunning! 
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