Here are a couple of ideas for tackling a large wall in your home that could use some interest.  In this picture, I used a narrow mirror and then flushed out the rest of the wall with brackets and decorative plates.  It was actually very easy to hang.  I just eyeballed the plates and came pretty close.  Start with the mirror, then hang the brackets, and finish with the plates.  I started with the plate below the bracket and worked up. 

In this picture, I used a group of 9 pictures, hung tightly, to give the impression of one large piece of artwork.  You could purchase a full set, like this, or cut down and reframe a single large scale print.

Both of these examples feature a more traditional style, but could easily transition to something more modern.  For instance, in the example above, you could paint the wall in a bold color and use a white chest and white plates to create a fresh, contemporary look. 

Check out even more holiday decorating tips, including some great last minute ideas, in this article on mint.com.  I'm listed along with a few other designers with some easy tips to get your home looking great for holiday guests.

Today's tip is for the fashion forward type who aspires to have the latest look in anything they do--from the shoes they wear to their holiday decor.  One of the biggest color trends this season was peacock and turquoise blue.  For a pretty minimal investment, you can easily pull it off. 

The basic plan is to stick to one or two colors and repeat them with several different elements.  For instance, here we wrapped gifts in blue paper with sparkly blue ribbon and tucked them into containers for a lovely (and practical) pop of color.  Wreath picks, tucked into a floral arrangment are another layer.  You'll see I used butterflies for a more whimsical look (and something that more easily transitions through New Year's).  Remember to choose things that repeat your color and theme (turquoise, silver and sparkly in our examples) to create strong focal points in your home.

Over the next week or so, I'll share some holiday decorating ideas that you can quickly and easily pull together in your home.  I organize a workshop every year as part of the day job to help inspire clients.  The pictures are all from the workshops. 

Today's tip: use functional items, like this lazy susan, in a decorative way.  Some candy canes and small gift wrapped boxes are one idea.

Another idea would be to use a larger basket to corral gifts and display them in an attractive way.  The tree is fancy enough, spread that holiday goodness around and tuck a basket full of presents under an entry table.  It's a perfect place to stash gifts for neighbors, mail or newspaper carriers.

Check back for more holiday decorating ideas.

Here is a recent client project I worked on for a redesigned bedroom.  I've worked with this couple before (their living and dining room mood boards were posted a while back). 

They were looking for a "rustic modern" feel to the room.  The two terms are not mutually exclusive.  It is possible to create a clean, modern look using lots of textured woods, calf hair accents and a nature inspired palatte.  I started with the beautiful bed that the couple already owned and was inspired by some pillows I found online.

The clients will purchase the items on their own but I'll be available to answer any questions along the way.  If you'd like a custom room design plan from CSD, click the contact link above.

A few weeks ago I found myself at ComiCon.  My sister was on a panel there and invited me as her guest.  Honestly, it's a spectacle like none other.  The Halloween parade in the Village has nothing on these folks.

But since I'm neither a gamer nor a huge sci-fi fan (I know, I totally wasn't worthy), would there be anything (other than the launch of Just Dance 3) for me?  Well, imagine my surprise when one of the first booths I walked up to featured beautifully made and functional furniture--specifically for gamers.

Geek Chic furniture features beautifully hand-crafted, solid wood tables (harvested from sustainable forests), storage pieces and accessories.  There are a nice variety of items available, but you can also have a custom designed piece.  Is it cheap?  No, but any furniture of this quality will come with a price that reflects it.
So get your game on, but don't lose your style along the way.

As part of the day job, I merchandise two locations.  For the smaller location, I knew the lobby needed a little extra something to dress the space but still needed to be useful.  I found some inspiration in an issue of Traditional Home a while back that provided the perfect solution.  

I used a 48" round (though a 36" or 30" round would also work well) table and some ottomans tucked underneath to create a welcoming entry table.  Some tall accessories draw the eye up and add some drama.  If you live in an apartment, a table like this, especially if it comes with leaves would be great for entertaining.  Pull some attractive folding chairs out of the closet and dine in style. 

Normally each item in the mood board is labelled with all the necessary information noted so the client can recreate the look.  A great mix of textures and pops of color makes the it all come together.

As part of the ongoing eLocal blog off series, this round featured a question about the influx of technology in home design--the convenience, the cost, the new uses and the need to sometimes get away from it.  I was recognized with the most insightful comment for this round.  Click on the link above to read what i had to say.

I'm still thinking about the peacocks from my visit a few weeks ago to Grounds for Sculpture.  Perhaps it's because a peahen just fled the Bronx Zoo to go enjoy springtime in NYC.  More likely, I can't get the sight of that stunning plummage out of my head.  You've got to love a creature that knows just how fabulous it is and isn't afraid to show it.  And I really love when it provides some design inspiration.

Whether you want to take a literal translation of peacock design, with some of these pieces here, or go the more sutbtle route, is up to you.  Maybe the color combination in the feathers alone are just the right amount of inspiration. 
Remeber to keep those eyes open, especially this time of year, for inspiration!