I love Shagreen and during our most recent visit to High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina we saw a lot of it. From light to dark, it's being used in a fashions. For those of you that are not familiar with shagreen, it's the skin of small sharks and stingrays in it's natural state. It's highly labor intensive and the exquisitely constructed furniture and accessories will show in cost. If the cost has deterred you from purchasing an authentic shagreen find in the past, there's no longer a need to worry. You can thank modern day technology for developing faux shagreen. Now we can all have a little piece of luxury in our homes, which is a good thing for the sharks and rays too! During the reign of Louis XIV, hides were used for inlay work on pillboxes, scientific instruments and sward hilts. Shagreen became very popular again in the 1890's. The Duke of Windsor started a new fascination when he commissioned humidors and the most sumptious furniture out of shagreen.Shagreen is in vogue today and you'll continue to see this luxurious material stay strong in 2016 . It's pattern is delicate in nature and defines what makes up great design. Shagreen's granular surface gives it an incredibly striking look and feel. It's durability make for great furniture.Below are a few snap shots of this luxurious trend we saw at High Point this month.
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Color
The days of sun kissed skin and pool side cocktails are becoming a distant memory, as we embrace the first week of Fall. Today we welcome dewy mornings and colorful landscapes with a verse from the talented poet, John Clare; "And I do love the varied hue, And I do love the browning plain:; And I do love each scene to view, That's mark'd with beauties of her reign." This particular verse inspired me to look deeper into the colors of Fall and how they can be incorporated into your home décor. I'd like to show you how to echo the blaze of colors that comes with Fall. The rich layers of orange, brown, and green can be part of our homes story. Whether they play the leading roll or stand quietly as an extra, their presence can be felt.
Bits of Fall's colors can be placed throughout your home with the use of a table lamp, throw blanket or accent pillow. It's easy to bring in natural elements such as a wooden stool, coffee table or occasional chair. If your feeling a bit bold, an accent wall of bright green is an excellent way to bring Fall into your home. Bring the colors of fall into your space with a vibrant oil painting.It can add just the right amount of warmth your home needs.
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Winters's icy grip has loosened, releasing it's hold of plants and flowers. Trees preparing to place on their spring dresses of emerald. I have always looked forward to Springs wardrobe of vibrant colors of beauty and romance. A rebirth of the awaking eye that brings a familiar feeling of joy. The many scents of Spring bring familiar memories that only Spring can bring.
My many perceptions of Spring have brought me to write this particular blog. It's a beautiful season that can be gracefully translated into your home décor. The many colors of Spring can pop up in your pillows, area rugs, accessories, bedding and wallpaper. It doesn't have to overpower a room, but like the ever so delicate orchid it can place a smile on your space.
Painting your foyer a vibrant, but welcoming color can create that dramatic entrance you've been looking for. I love the spirited pink foyer below, which comes from the ever evolving and inspirational House Beautiful magazine.
The beauty of botanical pieces of art are appealing to me. I am a huge fan of super realism, which is a painting that resembles a high resolution photograph. Owning this type of painting can lift a room in the most gorgeous way. It says "Spring I am here" all year long.
The flower below is painted by the very talented Polish Canadian artist, Grazyna Wolski. The beauty of her work reflects her deep emotional connection with flowers. Grazyna is a story teller, a speaker of joy and memories. She has been quoted saying "they are my infinite source of inspiration standing as a metaphor for how I feel about life and people." She sees the beauty in nature and I am a huge fan of her work!
A spring time arrangement ushers the season into a lively living space. It's a fast and easy pick me up that can be placed on a rotation of delight. Nothing says luxury like fresh flowers and can be placed in any room.
This unique bouquet below is called the "Bento Box". It's a unique interpretation of a spring arrangement. It has a modern spring time feel that I am really enjoying.
Inject color into your home décor by adding a brightly colored throw pillow, vase or area rug that brim with juicy citrus colors.
Your home may have the look and feel you've desired, but there's something's that can be reflected upon, in a mindful manner. There may be a few design ideas that can be improved upon. I have noticed barriers that people struggle with and I would like to share a few ways you can break through them. Below are the top five decorating faux pas committed in so many homes today and ways to fix them.
1. Hanging Artwork To High Or To Low
Art should be hung approximately 58" from the floor. It is important that your pieces are near eye level. Scale and proportion are important for the art to work well in a room. You want your eyes to rest, so you don't have to hang a piece on every wall. If you are using a piece of art as the focal point in a room, make it count.
2. Poorly Painted Walls
Paint is one of the most immediate and easiest design fix. Poor or old paint can ruin a homes look. After you have freshly painted a space, I encourage you to keep extra paint and brushes on hand. They will come in handy when it's time for touchups. It's important to keep your space feeling fresh and clean, at all times.
3. Furniture Overload
You may have fallen in love with a gorgeous antique Edwardian bowfront sideboard, but when placed in your dining room it takes over the space or doesn't fit. Similar to artwork, scale and proportion are crucial when you are purchasing furniture. You want you pieces to have similar proportions and too many pieces of furniture in a room doesn't allow the space to breathe. You must pre-plan any space before purchasing the pieces to fill it. It will save you time and money if you bring your rooms measurements when you are selecting your furniture. . 
4. Displaying An Over Abundance Of Knickknacks
After you have displayed a couple of accessories, take a few steps back and look at the room as a whole. Count the number of framed photos, objects on the coffee table and knickknacks on the mantel. If there is an overabundance of accessories in one spot, you must edit! You may need to take away a few items or group similar items together. Take your favorite pieces and make them the focal point of the space. Allow them to shine without competing with an overabundance of meaningless accessories.
5: Skipping Window Treatments
Window treatments are the shoes to your outfit. Their practical and functional properties add style, color and texture to a space. Without window treatments, windows feel visually disruptive and the space incomplete. There should always be some kind of treatment on every window. The big question you should ask yourself before selecting your window treatment is weather you are looking for privacy or light. You may want both and with proper selections you can achieve it. I love when sheer curtains or shades are also used to soften up a room. They can filter light in the most elegant ways.
Valentine's Day is just a week away and it's brought the color red to the forefront. It's an auspicious color of marriage in India, Japan and Nepal. The color of love and adventure symbolizes super-human heroism to the Greeks and good luck in Asia. This Valentine's day I will reflect on all the qualities this confident color possesses, what comes to my mind when I think of red and how you can use it in your everyday life.
How can you incorporate this awaking and powerful color into your home décor? A red and white hammock that's draped along statuesque trees in plush surroundings, sound perfect to me. It's an uncomplicated way to bring in a pop of color, without it being overpowering.
Did you know Cherokee red was the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wrights signature color? It wasn't an exact color, but a whole range of reddish hues, some dark and some more vivid. He called his architecture “organic” and described it as that “great living creative spirit which from generation to generation, from age to age, proceeds, persists, creates, according to the nature of man and his circumstances as they both change.”
Taliesin West was Mr. Wright's winter home. It's now a school for architects. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona the setting is magnificent and a testament of his life and work. This living memorial is open for tours as well. It's certainly a place I would love to visit one day.
Nothing brightens up a room like a red flowering plant. Their expressive and powerful qualities speak for themselves. The eye catching Lipstick plants showy flowers dangle from its branch. It's an easy to grow plant and is closely related to African Violets. Their flowering buds actually resemble a tube of lipstick, how fun!
When I think of the color red I also think of the red doors in Scotland. The homeowners would paint their front door red to signify that they had paid off their mortgage. Their sanctuary is now complete with a warm and welcoming entrance. I feel it's a small celebration and token of many years of hard work. It's a proud moment for homeowners. Their sanctuary is now complete with a warm and welcoming entrance. Their stylish entrances shout hospitality, happiness and positivity. I am certainly a fan.
The air is crisp and darkness falls upon us sooner in these winter months. Bare branches as outward fingers freeze in the breeze. Visions of the warm sun glistening off the oceans horizon seem to be a faint memory. The anticipation and excitement for the holidays have long gone. Our steadfast motivations and resolutions may have lost their momentum. A slight feeling of the blues may have crept into your thoughts like a cold wet blanket. You may need a little light in your life and I know a great way to do it! That light can come from color. Yes, colors can add simple pleasures that make you happier and brighter if you include them in your home. Adding a vibrant color to your home décor can be just as satisfying as listening to your favorite song or running that extra mile. Making a commitment to brining color into your home is a great start to a new year. Here are 5 simple ways you can do so.
1. Adding A Pop Of Color To Your Bed Pillows
Your bedroom is your sanctuary and a place for solace and reflection. Your bedroom can easily take on a place that inspires original thought and inquisitiveness. This feng shui color of sunlight should be used in small dosages, but when strategically placed it can awaken a room, in the most uplifting way. It's a come hither color with its cozy and welcoming feeling.
2: Accessorize With Color!
Adding a pop of color into a home accessory is fun and easy. A touch of something bright can add style and flare to any room in the home. 
3. An Area Rug With A Punch Of Color
Accent rugs are a great way to alter the décor of your home with hints of color. You can spice up your space with a dramatic effect using bold colors and patterns. They not only anchor a room, but add style and depth. If your not bold enough to use a vibrant area rug in your living room, you can incorporate one in your outdoor space, entryway or bathroom.
4. Bring Color Into Your Window Treatment
Window treatments are a great way to add color to your home. There are a plethora of styles and colors that will brighten any room. It's crucial to consider the type of fabric, lining and length when selecting your custom made or off-the-shelf curtains.
5. Bring Color Into Your Artwork
Don't be shy to incorporate bright colors into your artwork. Artwork can cheer up a room and keep it from looking boring and feeling cold. Bright pieces have an uncanny way of breathing life into a room. They often serve as a focal point, so allow that piece to bring joy color to your life! 
Luxury Meets A Touch Of Black
The ever so versatile color black can give a room an undeniable touch of elegance. It can effortlessly intermingle with almost any color, while commanding attention in a room. It's a confident and deep color that says "hello darling I'm home". Black can play many roles in a space unlike its counterparts. According to Color Psychology "the color black gives protection from external emotional stress. It creates a barrier between itself and the outside world, providing comfort while protecting its emotions and feelings, and hiding its vulnerabilities, insecurities and lack of self confidence." When we incorporated black furniture into our home designs we look for one or two pieces that will pull the room together. Black cocktail tables, occasional chairs, buffets, dressers, nightstands and beds are just a few pieces we have incorporated into our designs.
If you want to make a bold statement try painting the walls of a room in your house. Black walls are most desirable in small spaces, such as a powder bath, entry way or hallway. They are places where you can indulge in an adventurous way. This modern approach works best with contrasting furniture, high ceilings and natural light. They all will soften the impact of the dark color. If the idea of painting your walls black intimidates you, start with painting small architectural details in your home, such as the interior of a bookshelf or your interior doors.
If you have low ceilings simple additions such as replacing your brown or gold drapery rods to black, draws the eye to the ceiling. The strong horizontal line will command attention in a room. This simple change instantly gives the illusion of taller ceilings as well.
The crisp feeling of mixing white with black is one of my favorite color combinations. The colors create a timeless dance of elegance. The colors thrill me with the way they can create a multitude of statements. Together they can transform a space that is both classic and modern and dramatic and understated all at once.
Incorporating black accessories to your home can add a touch of refined elegance to the space. You can work with your existing furniture while adding touches of new expression. Ornamental concepts make a space feel harmonious and fashionable. They make a room feel balanced. With thoughtful execution the results can be both sleek and delightful.
Accessories- The Jewelry to Your Home
There once was a beautiful woman who wore the most exquisite emerald green dress. The fit was flawless, draping across her perfectly manicured toes. Her hair swept up in an undeniably chic chignon. Her long neck and ears yearned for that perfect adornment, but none was had. As elegant and timeless as the dress was, as picturesque as she was, her look wasn’t complete in all its entirety. Jewelry was absent, the accessories that would of completed her look.. I imagined that emerald dress paired with Harry Winston’s Holly Wreath necklace. The necklace would have been the violin to her orchestra. It would have completed her look, her presence, what she wanted to say to the world.
My feelings are parallel when it comes to home design. The accessories in a room bring the room to life. They have a powerful voice and presence in a home. They can bring color, warmth, uniqueness and an air of sophistication to a room. An interior designer can also bring out their clients personal style, interests and passions with accessories. Accessories should be well thought out in choice and placement. They shouldn’t overwhelm a room or take away from any architectural details. They should complement the room, just as a piece of jewelry complements an outfit.
In the beginning phases of design I like to ask my clients their interests. Are they world travelers? Do they like fashion or are they interested in architecture? I use this information in many aspects of the design of the home. I enjoy adding books to their décor. Displaying beautiful books for my clients to enjoy is like unveiling a buffet of delicately constructed desserts. I want them to peak the interest of their guests. Their multi functional purpose is very appealing to me. Two of my favorite coffee table books are, Collections and Creations by Daniele Bolt (Chanel) and The Most Beautiful Villages of Tuscany by James Bentley & Hugh Palmer.
Mirrors bring light, and depth into a room. They can be used to create dramatic focal points to the room. They can make a statement and can be the perfect centerpiece. They have great reflective properties. If a space is lacking in windows, mirrors can mimic the look of them. They are like magicians, magically making a room appear larger than it actually is. Large floor mirrors can give a dramatic feel to the room. Decorative mirrors can also replace a piece of artwork.
You can go bold by adding a pop of color with accent pillows. It’s a great way to throw an unexpected color into a room. You can also add texture and patterns to a room, with the addition of a few custom pillows. I like to add funky pillows that are geared to a clients playful side.
Coffee table accessories can range from fresh flowers, vases and candles to books. I love adding a floral to the table. Not only are they visually appealing they bring a scents of beauty and luxury to the space. I love the look of a monochromatic arrangement coupled with a simple vase.Photo frames can be the most personal and symbolic accessory to your home. They speak of who you are and where you have been. We ask our clients what message do they want to convey in each room. Every room tells a different story and it’s our job to make sure their story is well received. I enjoy cultivating a habitat that reflects each homeowners life.
I believe a home should have personality. Incorporating a sculpture is a great way of elevating the appeal to a room. They can be used to add a little surprise and pop to the space. Small sculptures can be placed a clients foyer table, welcoming their guests or on a console table. Larger, more statuesque sculptures can add a bit more drama to a room.
Welcome To My Dinner Party
The guest list has been made, the invites are out, now what? I’ve been known for throwing great parties with 30 or more people, but somehow dinner for 8 is really tough. With an intimate gathering as this, I choose not to hire my favorite caterer who can whip up perfectly toasted brioche rounds with crème fraiche and caviar. Every morsel of food that had been selected with such care. Every bite and sip, tip the party from just another fun evening to the conversational topics of discussions. This time I will try to recreate those magical evenings on my own. Luxury with an air of easiness, is my goal for this evening. I will take my interior design knowledge and melt it ever so delicately with music, food, and the love of good company. I figured I would start with the entertainment and work my way up. Music, oh yes the music will play a significant role in my party. I have hired DJ’s in the past, but not for a dinner party of 8. The music will set the ambience, putting my guests in a great frame of mind. It’s also a great way of filling in any awkward silences. While carefully scanning through my iPod I have to think of the purpose of the dinner party and my guests. I want to keep the party at a level of sophistication with a touch of flair and interest. Maybe I could play songs from the soundtrack of The Great Gatsby or songs from the latest James Bond film, Skyfall. I move onto the accents and tableware. I need cloth napkins, dinner plates, silverware, candles and fresh flowers, or course! Using a serving drink tray instantly elevates the party, keeping it polished, refined and an ease of luxury. I choose a color scheme and use it continuously throughout the décor. To many colors on the table will take away from my magical endeavor. If I have the time I will meticulously fold the linen napkins into a French pleat. I can get creative with my centerpieces. Flowers in a vase are is always a go to choice, but what about dandelions scattered alone a wood plank. Instead of using the classic glass vase, blending flowers with asparagus is a idiosyncratic and beautiful way to add color to the table.
I feel there is a huge difference between eating and dining. Eating is the act of consuming, something we have to do to survive. Dining, however, refers to the cultural aspect of eating. Dining is the art and the experience of eating. It's like reading a non-fiction novel through the eyes of the main character.
The meal should contain nothing overpowering or heavy. I like incorporating fresh and simple ingredients. Just a hint of this and a hint of that. A tomato and avocado salad with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper, is a great start. My main course would be a baked lemon chicken with a side of green beans and mushroom risotto rice.
I want to create an experience at my dining party. I want the scents and flavors of my food to speak for themselves. I will never know what each palate experiences, but when there is laughter and joy, I will know I have created the perfect dinner party.
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I was pleasantly surprised when I came across this trend not too long ago and have found myself noticing different backsplash designs in kitchens recently. It's an area of the kitchen you can easily add excitement to. To add the element of color in a kitchen, the backsplash is the perfect solution. Look for interesting patterns as well as colorful hues. It's best to keep the rest of the kitchen minimalistic in design.
Blue hues
The tile pattern and blue hues of this backsplash are a great focal point of the kitchen. The grey countertop is a great neutral accent to the playful tiles.
www.freshome.com
Green Diamond
Subtle yet striking, the diamond pattern of these tiles shy away from the usual square and rectangle shapes.
www.imactoy.com
Artistic
Instead of geometric shaped tiles you could opt for something more artistic. Turn your backsplash into a work of art!
www.imactoy.com
Bohemian Vibe
There are so many materials being used in this space that blend together so well it doesn't distract you from the main focal element, the backsplash.
www.in7colors.com
How do you feel about adding some color to your backsplash? My favorite was the green diamond pattern. The style is timeless and the color was subdued enough that it would never become overwhelming. What a beautiful kitchen!