TODAY ON HOUZZ: PEACOCK IN HOME DECOR

With peacock hues (turquoise and green), feather motifs, and statuettes showing up in numerous showrooms at Fall 2011 High Point Market, I think it's safe to say that the peacock is the It Bird of the Season.

The rug shown in the above image is from one of my favorite vendors, Global Views. They also offer the Peacock Feather Pillow if you prefer a more subtle accent.

In today's ideabook for houzz.com, I spotlighted rooms and products that give our pleasant pheasant the admiration he deserves.

Read here to see the many reasons why you should consider dressing your nest with the peacock's style and grandeur.

DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR A BACHELOR'S DINING ROOM

Call me a design snob, but the phrase "bachelor pad" has always brought to mind tasteless wall calendars and cheap leather furniture. In my dating years I spent most of my time outside of his apartment, for reasons extending beyond his lack of design aesthetic, and thought of what I would do if he every asked for my design help.

For example, I find that most men do not use their formal dining room. Instead this area becomes a catchall space consisting of furniture from their college days, outdated media equipment, and sports paraphernalia. If your guy ever solicits your help in cleaning up his act, here are a few alternatives to make this "spare" room more conducive to his lifestyle.

photographer: joe schmelzer

Make his telecommute both functional and comfortable by creating a handsome home office space. Be sure to assess his needs regarding storage solutions so everything has its place. Here, he will be more focused and efficient while working. This equates to less overtime and more time to spend with you later!

design: kate hume

Is your guy a high achiever or a great athlete? Does he have an impressive art collection? If so, put his accomplishments on display. Create a museum of sorts displaying all of his accomplishments, trophies, photos, etc. It takes little furniture to create this space. After the installation, just add a bench or accent chair as seen in the photo above and you're done!

photographer: joe schmelzer

Score points with his family by creating a guest room. When his parents or sibs come to visit, they have a comfortable alternative to his cheap leather sofa. Again, it doesn't take much to complete the space. A bed or respectable air mattress along with a lamp and side table will do the trick. If the dining room is open to the entry, use a futon or sofa bed in lieu of a bed.

photographer: manny rodriguez

If your guys is set in his ways and rejects Options 1-3, then proceed to Option 4: Show Him How It's Done. Show him ways to add a healthy dose of testosterone by using pinstriped fabrics to recover chairs or as drapery fabric. This isn't his grandmother's dining room (no offense, Granny). The chrome chairs, rich wood tones in the table, and the rustic antler chandelier (as seen above) will make any man proud to have a proper place to wine and dine you his guests.

design: brian patrick flynn

So there, I've given you the plan of attack! Just make sure you have "creative license" before you start moving things around in his place. Hopefully the transformation will encourage him to do something about the rest of the place.

What is your biggest pet peeve regarding your guy's place? Which room needs the most help?

SMART IDEAS FOR UPGRADING YOUR KID'S ROOM

While on twitter, OnlyLaila requested the names of a few good decor blogs to read. GlossyMimi [my sister from another mister] naturally suggested that she visit my site. I picked up the conversation and continued to tweet with Laila as she requested help in redesigning her son's bedroom. She didn't want to make a huge investment in the room. She simply wanted to freshen things up a bit for under $250.

Laila's son's room is on the left. They currently own the Ikea Expedit shelves which currently lies on the other side of the room. I suggest that she gives it dual purpose as toy storage and a nightstand as seen in the inspiration image on the right.

Laila's son also loves superheros and has a few awesome posters on the wall. Let's get those babies framed to make them look like art while adding visual weight to the the wall. Ikea's Ribba Frames are very economical as well as the poster frames found at Target. Frames hung gallery-style above a newly-refinished dresser sourced from her local Craigslists list will help to stretch her decorating dollars.

If the room has generous closet space, I recommend shifting the clothes to one side and on the other side, add a few shelves and cubbies to house small toys that tend to add clutter to a room.

Here's the inspiration board...and yes, everything amounts to $250!

Often times when completing a budget decorating project a little elbow grease is necessary. Laila isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves and get the job done. Her big boy will probably be eager to assist as well!

Lastly, Laila told me her son also enjoys painting and other crafts but tends to make a mess in the process. If possible, I suggested that she set up a little workspace for him in the kitchen where clean up is a breeze. Hang a bulletin board where he can proudly display his masterpieces. Boards like these are always plentiful a your local Goodwill and thrift stores.

Kids want to be just like you. At this mini workstation, "their home office," they can draw, read, and practice their ABCs just like you do.

To further assist Laila and others who have kids making the big transition, my latest article for houzz provides more inspiration and tips on creating a space that both you and your child can enjoy.

Have a design dilemma? Contact me. I'd love to help you!

GOD + DESIGN

Carson Poetzl, Inc.

I pray you are having an enjoyable Sunday!

SHOWSTOPPING CARPETS

Most rooms can stand alone without an area rug, but with the right rug a space can go from so-so to sensational in an instant. This concept immediately brings to mind the power of a magic carpet. Its mysterious powers transports you to an enchanting place, much like the perfect rug captivates a well designed space.

Here's a design by my friend Debbie Basnett where the all popular chevron rug is a game-changer in this otherwise traditional living room. Pinch-pleated drapery panels, an aged leather club chair and tailored sectional lean toward traditional until the chevron patterned rug shakes thing up. The rug's zigzag shape relaxes the prim atmosphere and makes way for other playful accents like the fuzzy ottoman and glossy arc floor lamp.

David Scott

Susan Harris

My latest article for houzz takes a more in depth look at the mystery behind a fabulous area rug and encourages you to examine your own home to see where you can make the magic happen. No genie required!

SMITTEN BY: PAINTED KITCHEN CABINETS

Last weekend I visited a client who found my blog while preforming a google search for bungalow furniture arrangement. Interesting, right? What's even more interesting is that when she saw my photo, she realized that she already knew me via a mutual friend. I cannot say enough about what having a blog has done for me both personally and professionally. I've had the opportunity to become a part of an online design community, meet some very talented design bloggers, receive new business from blog readers and now from google searches! But I digressed...

Back to the story... She and her family recently purchased a 1930's brick bungalow in a highly sought after East Atlanta neighborhood. The purpose of the visit was to formally introduce myself, tell her about my services, and to tour her new home. The interior is quite spacious and boasts arched entryways, heavy moldings and trim, and gorgeous wood floors. It was love at first sight. I rattled off a few ideas and thoughts on updating the space. I described the space to her just as I envisioned it in my head and she too became excited. So excited that she hired me on the spot for a paint consultation. Gotta love when that happens!

My thoughts lingered in the kitchen. I wanted to paint those cabinets so bad that I had to refrain from pulling a bottle of White Out from my bag. There's something about painted cabinets that just turns me on. Don't worry, this post isn't headed into forbidden territory but you are in for some lusty kitchen design porn...

 Alice Lane

Isabella and Max Rooms

Cottage Living Magazine

Coastal Living

Coastal Living

When I first introduced the idea of painting the kitchen cabinets, I thought my client would object. Surprisingly, she was open to the suggestion. It's not that she's closed-minded in any way it's just that I encounter more people (like my husband) who want to preserve the natural wood finish.  

What are your thoughts on painted cabinets? Do you prefer the look of exposed wood or do you fancy the painted variety?

Are you looking to greatly improve the look and feel of your home? Need assistance in selecting paint colors? Contact me to schedule an online or in-home design consultation (Metro Atlanta Area  404.507.6110).

IMAN: FROM RUNWAY TO ROOM WITH IMAN HOME

Yesterday, model Iman launched the IMAN Home Spring 2011 collection during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge at The Tent at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Iman pictured with Elle Decor Editor-at-Large, Carlos Mota

This collection is an exotic, worldly series of fabrics available through Calico Corners which will later include a complete line of home furnishings. She spoke with Marshall Hayman with the Wall Street Journal back in July about the upcoming line stating that "Home is where I seduce my husband, nurture my children, entertain my friends and nourish my soul." assuming she was asked about her inspiration for the line. "I was looking for things that give you that 'Aaah' moment. It's not just available to decorators, but also to the public."

Iman draped in one of her new fabrics, Punjab Peacock.

Affordably priced between $25-$55/yd, I can't wait to see these new designs appear on the pages of my favorite mags. Here are a few of my favorites:

 

 

To view the full line of IMAN Home fabrics click here.

TASTEMAKER TUESDAY: INTERVIEW WITH JANELL BEALS

It's not often that you meet someone who has had successful careers in both fashion and interior design. Janell Beals, on the other hand, has done just that. She's parlayed her passion for design into a clothing line, Janell Beals Design, then into a career in interior design with Isabella and Max Rooms. Though she has left the fashion world behind, its influence remains in her approach to interior design.

In this interview Janell explains the parallel between the two fields. She also gives insight as to how her skills as a fashion designer became transferable in her current field of interior design.

Janell found much success as a clothing designer receiving accolades from WWD and The Chicago Tribune

When choosing fabrics for a decor project, how is your approach similar to choosing fabrics for a clothing design?
Movement, texture, pattern and colors...I love fabric, I get completely excited when shopping for fabrics especially if I find something exceptional. I love to feel it, scrunch it in my hand to see how it will "behave". I find I am frequently using my past experience with fashion to create clothing's counterpoints in interior design: drapes, pillows, bedding.

What unlikely element in fashion design, would you also consider in interior design?
Movement, flow...energy. Clothing is not static, it is always changing and moving, and while interiors are much more static, it is important to bring in a sense of movement. Drapes that move in the breeze, flowers and plants, music is very important in a space, seeing how light moves around a room as well.

As a avid reader of your blog, I'm amazed at how well and how quickly your designs come together. What is your secret?
A sharp eye. I can quickly read a space, see existing problems. It is like fitting a garment, quickly analyzing what you see and what requires adjusting to create a strong design with great lines and fit. I try to do this is a room...I'm still learning.

What two important considerations in fashion are equally important in interior design?
In clothing the proportion and lines (after fit) are everything. The same is true of many items used in decor, furniture, art, light fixtures, accessories.

Janell, I read that you received a BFA in Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. From your studies of painting and drawing can you "draw" a parallel between painting a picture and designing a space? If so, please give us a few words of advice.

1. Rather than predetermining ever aspect of the design prior to beginning, let the project evolve. Make decisions and change directions as the picture unfolds...somewhat like when working on a painting.
2. In the same way you pay attention to how your eye is drawn around a piece of art, pay attention to this characteristic in a room. Attempt to bring energy into a space that keeps your eye moving around the space and back again.
3. I find a lot of people are uncomfortable with empty areas of a room, believing each surface, wall and corner has to be filled. Instead of enhancing a room, this can often detract from its success in the end. In fine art negative or empty space is given as much attention as filled space. When making decisions about how to decorate your space, don't be afraid to leave areas empty, knowing they also play an important roll in the design of a room. 

If this is your first introduction to Janell Beals, I advise you to visit and subscribe to her blog for daily inspiration and a plethora of home decor projects. You will thank me later!

Janell, thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to indulge us in your adventures in fashion and interior design. You are truly a wonder and I look forward to seeing your "new" career skyrocket like never before!

TASTEMAKER TUESDAY: INTERVIEW WITH VANESSA DE VARGAS

Los Angeles-based furniture and interior designer, Vanessa De Vargas has received as much national press as any A-list celeb. She's not known for wild nightclub antics, but for her knack for polishing diamonds in the rough.  In addition to making the world a more beautiful place, she also unselfishly gives of her time with community efforts such as The Upward Bound House as well as the operator of the Designer Networking Group. Vanessa gives us an exclusive interview that truly defines her as a woman on a mission.

Please tell us about your firm Turquoise. Who, What, When, Where, Why…
Turquoise is a full service interior design firm located in Venice Beach, CA. I design full homes and also do consultations for clients that need less time to work on their projects. I feel like everyone should be able to afford design. I work all over the surrounding LA area and also offer virtual design called E-Decorating to help design spaces for clients that don’t live in LA. I call it E-Decorating because nothing is mailed its all emailed and its also Eco friendly! I also run and organize DNG (Designer Networking Group).

Please tell us about the success you’ve had with DNG events. Do you feel it encourages unity among the artist community? How?
DNG hosts a series of meet-ups for designers and the like to network and to hang out in a more social environment. We meet once a month at a different location could be a new showroom or art gallery. Its been very successful that people have gotten jobs, have met new vendors and made friends. Feels great giving back to the design community.

I read in an interview that you selected the name Turquoise because of your family’s vacations to New Mexico. Do you ever draw inspiration from those memories?
Its where my father is from and most of my family lives in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. I also love the color and have worn Turquoise jewelry for years. When I thought about what to name my company I knew it was not going to be my name but it had to be something the represented who I am. Turquoise fit perfectly.

Sherman Oaks Residence / photographer - Lloyd Rosen Photography

 

Were you always an interior designer? Before starting your own firm, what was the most valuable piece of advice you learned while working for others?
I was a talent agent and also worked on staff for some of the biggest commercial and music video production companies in LA, before I went into interior design.  When I did go work for other designers  I realized what NOT to do. This town is small and some working relationships can get personal with vendors and/or clients. You have to pick your battles and be clear about your emotions when it comes to being an artist. The line can get blurred so its best to ask questions and clear the air. Don’t assume and jump to conclusions.

Upward Bound House / photographer - Laure Joilet

With so many other talented interior designers in L.A., How do you distinguish yourself from the rest?
I’m not a one trick pony. I listen to my clients to guide me. All my projects are different then the next. I may use wallpaper or Lucite or pops of color but you don’t see the same “look” over and over again.

Upward Bound House / photographer - Laure Joilet

You do a wonderful job of promoting and branding yourself.  What are some of the best ways designers can create buzz for their business?
Make long lasting relationships with bloggers, store owners and editors. If you have a blog make it your own. I don’t mind looking at pretty pictures of other peoples work, but its also exciting to see what each individual is working on. A sneak peek into other peoples careers makes you different than the other blogs out there. Create a blog that’s about you, people notice.

Beverly Hills Playroom / photographer - Lloyd Rosen Photography

What are some of your favorite finishing touches when designing a room?
Artwork  and black and white photography, fun colored drapes, found objects and mix and matching pillows.


What is your ideal work environment?
ORGANIZED number one, tearsheets, fabric samples and my laptop.

When not designing I am…
Going to concerts and spending time with friends and family, listening to new music. Spending as much time as I can by going to the beach.

Heroes...
My Mom.

Highest Compliment…
My friend said “If I owned a Fortune 500 company I would want you to run it. (I was floored, such a huge compliment!) 

Lucky Break…
Oh that’s a hard one I have had so many lucky wonderful opportunities but I do feel like all my experiences in life have been lucky!

Eureka Moment…
Having my placed published for the first time in Sunset Magazine.

Looking forward to…
Learning, being creative and designing exciting spaces while thinking MORE outside the box.

Best Advice…
Go with your gut, don’t second guess. If you don’t know something always say let me get back to you on that one - don’t let anyone know that YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING!

Encino Residence / photographer - Lloyd Rosen Photography

 

...AND NOW A FREE GIFT

Vanessa was recently selected to be featured in the first edition of Crave Los Angeles, The Urban Girl's Manifesto. This comprehensive, creative lifestyle guide lists over 125 industry professionals who either design, make or sell their amazing products.  Most are shop owners or provide a one-of-a-kind service in Los Angeles.

One lucky reader will have a chance to win a copy signed by Vanessa!

Just simply leave a comment below. 

The giveaway ends Thursday, August 26th at 11:59PM PST. 

Open to U.S. residents only. 

Winner will be announced Friday morning at 8:00AM EST.

SPECIAL GUEST: COUTURE CARRIE

This week's Fashion Friday feature is all the rage this season. For my Runway to Room Challenge, blogger and fashion aficionado Couture Carrie brings to us a look I like to call the Modern Mix. Punches of fun color combined with rustic elements are a win-win in your room and on the runway. Get  a clue from today's match-up on how you can incorporate this look into your home's decor and wardrobe.

1.|Living Room Inspiration via Veranda Magazine
2.|Joie Boots / www.chicdowntown.com
3.|Oscar de la Renta gold plated bracelet / www.net-a-porter.com
4.|Stella McCartney striped cashmere scarf / www.net-a-porter.com
5.|Alice by Temperley dress / www.shopbop.com

What is your take on the "Modern Mix?" Do you plan on incorporating this look in your home or wardrobe?

A MODERN MISCONCEPTION

Yesterday's interview with Nicole Sassaman started an internal dialogue about the misconceptions of modern spaces. Amy commented that she traditionally thought of modern as being cold, but after seeing images from Nicole's portfolio she had a change of heart. How delightful is it to discover an appreciation for a style that previously left you uninterested.  This is one of the main reasons why I love blogging.

Yes, modern can be warm and here's how you get the look...Add brown tones and natural elements to your home and wardrobe to heat up an otherwise cold aesthetic. Look for items consisting of warm woods, natural fibers, galvanized metal, patina finishes and items that have variations in texture.

1.|WILD ORCHIDS Matthew Williamson's Orchid Silk Strap Dress is a flirty take on this sensual floral ($380/on sale, matthewwilliamson.com).
2.|STRANGE FRUIT West Elm's Round Coco Mirror features coconut leaves and beads bringing texture and interest to any modern space ($199, westelm.com).
3.|A CUT ABOVE THE REST Jil Sander's laser cut calfskin and wood wedges will surely bring the daredevil out of any fashionista ($1,240, jilsander.com)
4.|FOXY BROWN IN LINEN West Elm's Sphere Table Lamp is curvaceous and willing to warm up your cold space like no other lamp could ($99, westelm.com).
5.|MAN OF THE HOUSE Diptyque 's Essence John Gailliano candle is mysterious, woodsy, and warm...just how I like my man! ($68, amazon.com).
6.|PILLOW TALK Crate and Barrel's Caney Teak Pillow ($59.95,crateandbarrel.com) is like a sisal rug, but for the sofa. Adam and Viktoria's Pillow in Pomegranate and Rust (contact for pricing, lisafontanarosa.com) is a wonderfully playful handmade work of art.
7.|WELL ROUNDED If you are looking for a dining room table, this may be the deal of the week. Pier 1's Clinton Pedestal Table is a hardy piece that boasts an amazing wood finish. Perfect for your small space ($349.98/on sale, pier1.com).
8.|WELL HELLO HANDSOME Crate and Barrel scored big with their introduction of the Blake Lounge Chair. Made from espresso solid teak, handwoven natural rattan, and full aniline leather this chair is best described as a refined, aged gentleman with major sex appeal ($799, crateandbarrel.com).

SWEET PIECES...WITH ZERO FAT!

A big thanks goes out to all of you who completed the reader survey on yesterday. I've added a link in the sidebar for those of you who still need to take the survey. I greatly appreciate your feedback!

Finally, a very special thanks to Lee Kleinhelter of Pieces for sharing her thoughts with BluLabel Bungalow in the Tastemaker Tuesday series.  Visit Pieces online or in store for amazing eye candy as seen below in my "PIECES IN NEAPOLITAN" inspiration board. Inspired by cool summer treats, I've compose a few of my favorite finds in strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla. Where else can you get such decadent fare and with zero fat?

1.| Pink Zig-Zag Pillow $95
2.| Round Carved Teak Mirror $2100
3.|Chrome Tufted Chair $1400
4.| Chocolate Whippet Statue $1250
5.| Round Lucite Stool $895
6.| Asian Style Dresser $3600

Coming to BluLabel Bungalow next week is another exciting interview and there is a giveaway involved! You don't want to miss this. Have a great weekend!

TASTEMAKER TUESDAY: INTERVIEW WITH LEE KLEINHELTER

I love to hear stories of successful women in design who balance work, family, and their social lives and make it look completely effortless. Lee Kleinhelter is a perfect example.  She has been a woman on my radar even before I featured her work back in January of this year. Owner of Pieces, a high profile home boutique here in Atlanta, she has made quite a name for herself as a purveyor of vintage finds. Pieces carries a range of furniture and lighting from the 1940's through the 1980's that have been upholstered, painted, rewired, or reworked in a way that transforms them into unique treasures.

The night I finally met Lee was at a Pieces event featuring Jonathan Adler's pottery collection where I professed my love of her work and admiration for all she has accomplished.

As Part 2 of Lee's original feature, she graciously agreed to an interview with BluLabel Bungalow. In this interview, I asked about her early beginnings, personal style, family, and her greatest piece of advice. Enjoy!

How has your Southern upbringing influenced you as a designer?
Actually it's not about a region but more about a person. More than the South, I was influenced by my Southern mother.  She was always pointing out interesting Southern architecture. Growing up in Greensboro, NC her love for old homes really shaped me. Probably my first major influence (in that way) was Otto Zenke, a famous architect/designer, who built much of Irving Park. My early appreciation for the quality of work in that era has really stuck with me. I continue to love design that is built to last.

With a husband, two children, and a business that has the demands of a “third” child, how do you manage to keep it all together?
It’s a juggling act that's not easy because I like order. Kevin is an amazing husband and father and he is a huge part of keeping everything on track. Our businesses are integrated into our lives so that's not only fun...it's helpful. As a woman, we sometimes feel like we have to do everything, and of course we can't. Kevin and I are very much partners in parenting and I'm thankful for that.

Please describe an average day in your life.
Honestly, there really isn’t an average day. I'm serious about that. I think that's why I am so in love with what I do.

The blog world went bananas over your feature in Lonny Magazine and Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle Magazine. How does it feel to get instant feedback from a blog audience when reading the post comments?
The blogging community has been so supportive and it truly makes all the hard work worthwhile when people understand or appreciate what you do. I love that there is an outlet for people to express what they enjoy in design. And wow, there are some amazing bloggers out there who are extremely talented. You all inspire me!

Define your signature style.
Fresh, clean modern approach using updated vintage finds in an unexpected way. Having said that, I think that description is probably used a lot for designers. I guess what sets me apart is that I layer and I'm a ferocious editor.

With Fall’s pending arrival, what changes will you make to your home’s décor?
Our home is always changing. (an occupational hazard) I obviously keep the main pieces but I'm always rotating chairs or other finds in and out of our space.  I like our home to have little clutter. In the store we are currently having a big pillow sale (which I never do) so that I can transform the look of the store for Fall. Can't wait for the new. We are changing it up and completely inspired right now. 

 What are some of your favorite finishing touches when designing a room?
There is really no set answer or formula for me. I just know when it’s the right balance. My favorite moment is when we install the "wow" piece. (like a fabulous light fixture that anchors the room) I don’t add a lot of smalls. I think each piece needs to be incredible and make a statement.

What is your ideal work environment?
Very clean and ORDER. I cannot handle stacks or messes. I like everyone that I hire to have the same OCD qualities. It's true...

When not designing I am…
Always designing. Otherwise I am playing with Holden.

Highest Compliment…
30 pages in Lonny was extremely flattering.

Lucky Break…
Working for Dan Carithers.

Eureka Moment…
Thinking its around the corner!

Looking forward to…
What’s next...stay tuned.

Best Advice…
Don’t spend it all in one place. (However, I always seem to blow it on the shoes!)


*Thank you again Lee for sharing your passion with our readers! A special thanks to Kyle Jones Tibbs of And She Told Two Friends Communications and to Susan of Pieces.

image courtesy via Pieces, Inc, David Naugle for NaugleWorks, House Beautiful, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine, Lonny Magazine, and Erika Ward for BluLabel Bungalow