Paint & Wallpaper

I have always loved wallpaper and a good paint job. Every decorator knows that a quality paint job is the most inexpensive way to change the dynamics of a room. It's the oldest trick in the book!! I also believe wall paper adds just as much drama...If you just paper an accent wall and paint the remaining three walls spaces are renewed... Today I'll share a few of my favorite paint and wallpapered rooms with you. We don't live in a beige world, so.....don't be afraid of color.... If you're uncertain about color combinations... call a decorator, get a color consultation!

Purples and plums

Add bold stripes in colors of bedding or drapes....can't go wrong with color choices that way

A wallpapered accent wall is the perfect way to warm up a chilly bedroom

Chocolate Walls! ... Is there any better way to add intimacy to a dinning room?

If you're no artist...hire one....You're little camper might keep his room tidy.


Wallpaper can be subtle ... OR

Dramatic

The Way It Makes Me Feel

The dusty pink in these rooms is soft and feline...yet, some were designed by men. With a hint of beige, pink doesn't have to be just for the ladies.
This shade of pink has resolution to it. It's calming while still being sophisticated... It feels good.
A London town house from the portfolio of Veere Grenney.







Alexandria Abramian dining room.

Another Veere Grenney
























Sources: House Beautiful, Veere Grenney

Use What You Have

In this time of cutting back and frugal living for many of us, I purposed I would not spend one dime on decorating for an afternoon tea for a few ladies. I would simply...

use what I have.

After all, I know I can really make a room or any event happen with a fairly reasonable budget...but how about no budget? The only funds to be spent would be for food. Isn't that the most important part when a few long time girlfriends get together?

...good food...good company.

I started looking around and found a few items in the living room and transfered them to the buffet. As you can see I'm not a girl that's shy about color so everything works well for the Christmas season and my chili red dining room walls.... now what am I going to do for the food?

Most of these items I've collected over the years and haven't spent a lot of money doing it.

I decided to get daring this summer and paint the walls red

Monterey Sunset

Growing up in northern California, Sunset Magazine became one of my favorite magazines. It still is today. I absolutely love the Sunset Magazine Idea House. It's better than a show house as it not only focuses on the interior design but the entire structure.

You will love Monterey Sunset as I call it:... Three connected buildings that make up the house are set on a hillside overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay. The area is evergreen with magnificent views. The house contains all the green elements you can think of and more. Above all the home takes advantage of its natural setting by bringing the outside in...high ceilings, outdoor living spaces, and plenty of views. If you missed it....catch it here.

This home incorporates leading practices in sustainable construction, including solar electricity, reclaimed lumber for framing and siding, tankless hot water, and a 20,000 gallon-capacity water reclamation system.

Reclaimed redwood is used for the siding on this porch...
The weathered copper lanterns are from Sea Gull Lighting

Wake up to warm floors with radiant heating. Don't you feel outside in this bathroom? Cherry blossom.. tile by Ann Sacks

Kohler’s elegant Serpentine Bronze vessel sink and Purist faucet

Organic pendant lamps add night light to a natural setting... are we outside or are we in?

Don't we all love open air dining, any time of year?

The kitchen combines sapele (an exotic African hardwood) veneers with textured resin inserts and stainless steel appliances.... black granite counter tops complement the wood to create warmth in a contemporary kitchen.

The circular island holds lots of storage space ... it's quartz counter tops are non porous

What a beautiful way to display wine... love the backlit cabinet and the black brushed granite counter

A curved wall, covered with gilded, hand-painted parchment paper makes a great place for a secret lounge

images: Sunset Magazine

Idea House Team:

Architect
Thomas Bateman Hood Architects
831-644-9490
thomasbatemanhood.com
Builder
Travis Construction
831-521-6646
travisconstruction.biz
Interior Designer
Joseph Hittinger Designs
650-855-9898
josephhittingerdesigns.com
La ndscape Architect
Bernard Trainor + Associates
831-655-1414
bernardtrainor.com
charity partner
CASA of Monterey County
831-455-6800
casamonterey.org

More Holiday Style

images: Horchow, Country Living

Holiday Style

I love the idea of decorating for the holidays. I hope these images inspire you to do something a little more stylish this holiday season.... all it takes is a plan.... Sketch it out on paper and then implement. Even in these budget minded times it won't take much to bring flair and glamour to a room.

The monochromatic tones by candle light add a contemporary feel to this otherwise traditional setting. Bring in a mirror from another room, stagger the height of your candles in the same color and finish off the mantel with an evergreen garland.

I would say this room is steep in old world tradition. You can take a walk in the woods to find pine cones, add garlands left from last year and spice it up with red touches of berries.

Add a little Ho, Ho, Ho to your mantel... kids love it!!



I'm dreaming of a white Christmas... simplicity reins.

Photos: House Beautiful

Eco Holidays

The holiday season is upon us. If you're looking for ideas to add an eco element to your celebrations here are a few ideas:

These Haitian recycled glass hand blown hurricane candleholders will be stunning on any fireplace mantle. Find them at Gaiam.com

Try recycled glass votive candle holders in lots of festive colors. See them at Rosanna.

How about serving your favorite merlot in eco chic glasses made of recycled wine bottles? You can find them on greenglass.com

If green is not your color and wine is....then add wine colored recycled etched glasses from NOVICA to your holiday table setting.

1 Observatory Circle

The official Vice Presidential residence was designated by Congress in 1974. It's official name is the Queen Anne House and the property is still owned by the Navy. The 9,000 sq ft structure was built in 1893 as the official resident for the Superintendent of the Naval Observatory. The compound sits on 13 acres and staff is supplied by the Navy. The Observatory still operates as a research facility where scientist make observations of the sun, moon and planets.

One Observatory Circle, the home Joe and Jill Biden will soon occupy is in the Embassy Row area of DC. The house is painted white brick with a hip roof.

I love the all American Lenox white china and "Tuscan Classics" crystal, used in the Vice Presidential Maison. White linen napkins are embroidered with the vice presidential seal.

The 2nd family has a tradition of borrowing art and various items from museums, the dining table is on loan from the State Department.

Monochromatic furniture and window treatments bring focus to artwork. This piece is by artist Helen Frankenthaler.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone !

We have much to be thankful for in America. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect. This season is also a time of gratitude and renewal for our country. We've just elected a new President and although there is much adversity in the economy, there is much to be hopeful for. I've decided to embrace the message of hope this year and strive to bring out the best in others and myself. I believe we will again prosper as a nation but it won't be without sacrifice. There will be uncharted paths that must be taken and at times it may hurt but we will get there. When we do, we'll know what it looks like, feels like, we'll cherish it... hold on to it. I look forward to that.

The Best is Yet to Come.

These Four Walls

Whenever I visit historic Richmond,VA I don't normally think of interior design other than southern traditional but now, I'm beginning to . While traveling with my husband on business and with lots of time on my hands I discovered the most wonderful shop you would love to find anywhere....it is, "These Four Walls". Located on E. Cary St. These Four Walls is the type of home furnishings store you would expect to see in a contemporary urban city. My perception of Richmond's design aesthetic is changing. This shop is more international than most. The owners are world travelers and I discovered beautiful cabinets and tables from India, Indonesia, Mexico and China. Many of the accessories are crafted by local artist. I found Indian pieces made of reclaimed wood and teak harvested responsibly from plantations. This store has a very earthy and organic feel. You don't have to decorate your entire space with imported or sustainable items but a few pieces in a room certainly add visual interest and an eco-consciousness to your decor..... Next time you're in Richmond, do stop by.

Rob Cline - Manager/Design Consultant

How Beautiful !

Love this painted distressed cabinet.

Can't you see this periwinkle settee in a foyer?

Red high gloss Mexican chairs are great with this colorful table.