Suitable subsitutes 01/14/2011
 One of my favorite pieces from Ethan Allen is this coral bowl. I've had my eye on it from the day we introduced it. I love the detail and workmanship. It's elegant, interesting and would work beautifully in a variety of style of rooms. It's also generously sized (18" or so in diameter). Alas, at $659 it is pretty well out of my price range.
Add Comment Your dishes are trying to tell you something 01/11/2011
 Perhaps you've heard the phrase, "the signs are everywhere if you just take the time to look," or some version of that? For those of us not so in tune with our spirituality, we may need something a little more obvious. Especially if you're trying to keep that New Year's Resolution to eat a little better. Thankfully, the good folks at Fishs Eddy have anticipated this need by creating their "Intervention" pattern.
 So Friday, after leaving the day job, I took myself on over to Ikea and Target to check out some frames for the art wall project. I knew I wanted 12 frames total, but I forgot one very important detail: I didn't measure the book plates before heading out to do my shopping. Oh, you mean you've done that, too? Gotten so excited about a project that you forgot to do a simple thing like measure? Yeah, it happens. But the good news is I've found even better deals at Michaels and AC Moore for the types of frames I'd like to use. And that trip to Ikea and Target wasn't a complete waste. I got some excellent deals on storage containers to organize my closets. So while my walls are still a little boring, my closets are looking excellent. The Good Wife-wall decor inspiration 01/07/2011
 On many a Tuesday night at 10pm you can find me watching "The Good Wife" on CBS. I enjoy a good legal drama, especially when it comes with a side of excellent set design. The picture here is of the dining room featured on the program. Not much action takes place in this room, but the grid of botanical artwork on the right pops up frequently as the backdrop. I've added another shot to give a better idea.
Ralph Lauren's new(ish) NYC flagship 01/01/2011
 A few months back, I received a random Ralph Lauren catalogue at work. Okay fine, it was really for someone else who didn't work there anymore. No harm, no foul, right? Anyway, the images featured in that catalogue were so beautiful and inspiring, I still find myself paging through them for ideas. And the one idea that keeps coming to me is, "I've gotta get me to that new flagship!"
It will be retro soon enough 12/21/2010
 I have what some may call an odd sense of humor. My most favorite quality in another person, after loyalty, is cleverness. Oh, how I love me some clever. So imagine my delight to find these hilarious ads while trolling the internet. We definitely live in a world where what's new and fresh today will seem out of date in about 6 months (thanks Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg). But let's celebrate that fact with some good humor.
Tabletop decor for the holidays 12/17/2010
 Pretty beaded napkin rings dress up simple glass candlesticks. This trick would work on chandeliers, too. Last weekend we had our annual workshop to give customers some great ideas for stylish and easy holiday decorating. I pulled a few looks together for the workshop focusing on ideas that would be simple to shop for and put together. I bought everything I needed at the local garden center, craft store and grocery store. I paired them with items we had here at the store--similar to items you may have around the house. I found a ton of inspiration on Eddie Ross's site. If you're looking for some new ideas for tabletop decoration and working in some thrifty finds, definitely check it out.
Mea Culpa 12/16/2010
Do forgive my extended absence. It's been a hectic time of transition as I get settled into my new position on Long Island. I've actually had to turn down some business as I get it all together! I have several questions from readers that will be answered in upcoming entries in the near future. So please visit regularly and I promise to have some good things waiting. Shady Lady indeed 10/20/2010
 Custom Roman shade featuring Dwell Studio fabric My good friend and talented designer Brooke just landed herself a new job with The Shade Store. I wasn't too familiar with their product offerings and decided to find out more. I talked to some people and dug around on their site and am happy to share some excellent information. If you're someone who has a good idea about the look they want to achieve, but need a little guidance, read on.
Project-arranging shelves 10/15/2010
 As promised, here's some more information about the project I posted last week. If you look through the before and after shots, you'll see two different issues in place. The first set of built-ins (living room) is clearly a case of not enough accessories to adequately dress the space. It is a formal room, so leather bound books, family photos and decorative boxes are appropriate. But I also added some shine and sparkle to keep it from feeling to heavy. You'll note the crystal spheres and the peacocks (aren't they awesome?!) The family room had the opposite problem--too much stuff! The basic idea, however, is still the same. Here are some things to keep in mind: *Make the items appropriate to the space *Keep heavy items (visually and literally) on the lower shelves *Use a variety of shapes and textures to create interest *Repeat certain elements to create some unity | AuthorChristine Schwalm is an Interior Designer and Visual Merchandiser based in NYC. This space will keep you updated on what's going on with CSD along with some ideas to inspire you. Go here for more information about pricing and services and here to make an appointment. ArchivesMarch 2012 CategoriesAll |
RSS Feed