Cafe DeCocco

This is more a test than a post

2012-02-28T15:56:00.000-05:00

Tough couple of weeks for the computer. Good thing my brother in law is a genius. I'm just making sure this post works and will be back with BIG news later in the week. I know, you've heard that one before. You'll see. It's very exciting and I want to tell you about it properly. Good things come to those who wait....

Jane--will there be computer problems in the future?

Ciao,
Anne

Find of the Week!

2012-02-11T11:33:00.001-05:00

To be truthful, the Find of the Week for this past week was found in the cold and flu aisle. Totally unfair to get both! But I'm going to shake it all off and move on because I did come across 2 finds to share with you.

We're doing a photo shoot this weekend on an interior project that's not quite finished. Design projects can take a very long time to really be photo ready because these are people's homes and there's no rush to be "finished." We all need to take our time and keep our eyes peeled for those pieces that truly personalize our spaces. We find some things while travelling while other items reveal themselves when we least expect it and in places we would never have thought to look. That's a long way of saying that when I'm ready to shoot some pictures, it's not unusual to have to run out and get a few things to fill a nook here, a cranny there. In that spirit, I found this table at Target:

I love it! Nice size, made of metal, very, very useful. Could be an end table or an extra seat in the room. And it would work indoors or out. $70! I tried to find a picture online, but could not. Target often carries these "global bazaar"items for a short period of time. If the client doesn't decide to keep it, I may not be able to bring myself to return it because it's just too good.

Here's my other Find for this week. The Naturalizer Granola sneaker. A girl should never be too sick to order a pair of shoes. I love this Converse/Chuck Taylor look, but cannot wear those super-flat sneaks. These may look flat, but they're not. AND they have those "gellin" pads inside. I've never tried those pads and now know that they're awesome! My feet weren't just fine by mid-day, they were happy feet.

So a good end to the week. Wash your hands a lot. Get your rest, take your vitamins and watch what you eat. Don't get sick. My Hub took great care of me, but he can't take care of everyone and now he needs a rest.

Ciao,

Anne

Make your bed!

2012-02-03T13:01:00.000-05:00

The Raleigh News & Observer's Home Section did a nice article on bedding 2 weeks ago and included me in it. I love that paper and have been a subscriber for a long, long time. It's unthinkable to me to start the day without at least skimming through the local paper. After this article came out, I received so many nice comments, but almost everyone especially liked my admonition at the end of the article to make your bed!

"Cutsom" pillowcases, aka homemade, DIY, handmade. Whatever you call them, they're fabulous on your bed!

Here's the link to the article " Linens In Winter" by Mary Beth Breckenridge (click on the title). Enjoy! And I hope you've made your bed.

Ciao,

Anne

DeCocco Design is growing!

2012-01-31T09:26:00.000-05:00

Things are really hopping in the office and I've got a couple of announcements to make. The most important one is that Gail Healy has joined DeCocco Design as a Design Associate. Sound the trumpets please. I am so glad she's here!

Gail has run my workroom for many years--that means she makes the beautiful custom window treatments that I design for my clients. She's super talented and a lot of fun to be around. Her company, "It's Curtains" is well known in our area (and beyond) for creating the best of the best. Gail trained as an interior designer, specializing in kitchen design, but just liked sewing better. I've convinced her to come on board to help me launch a related product (next announcement, coming very soon).

I know she would want me to post a very professional photo. But this one shows you the true Gail:

Her passion is water skiing. Doesn't that look like fun?

Welcome Gail!

Ciao,

Anne

Find of the Week!

2012-01-23T10:30:00.000-05:00

TJ Pappas of Soft Wind Soap makes really wonderful products. I'm sure I've told you about his soaps before--everyone in this house uses them. Grandboy uses the oatmeal soap in the tub because he has very sensitve skin. Hub likes the shampoo bar (yes, shampoo in the form of a bar of soap!) and I use the Tea Tree complexion bar for my tissue-thin little face (replaces prescription soap). Late last year TJ sent me some lotion disks to try. They are FABULOUS!

The lotion disk comes in a sweet little tin. I pull the disk out at bedtime and rub it between my hands, which warms it up and releases the rich lotion. I really work it in over my hands (you can use it on legs, arms, feet, etc. of course) and they have NEVER looked better. While it doesn't turn back the hands of time (oh, almost a pun there), it does stop it in it's tracks. It costs $4.00 a tin! One tin lasts me 5 weeks. Lots of fragrance choices, including unscented. I like the Lavendar and Gardenia best.

If you're moaning about your dry hands, contact TJ by clicking on his name and order up a couple of disks to try. You can also find Soft Wind Soap on FB. You will love them. Can you tell I've just discovered the Text Background Colour tool? Fun!

Ciao,

Anne

A Joyful Noise

2012-01-22T15:03:00.001-05:00

I'm a lifelong Roman Catholic, although am sure I'm the kind that makes the Pope roll his eyes. Yes, I'm a pick-and-choose Catholic, believing and not believing in all kinds of things my church does not. But I love the Mass, the music, the priests and the community here in my tiny part of the world. This Sunday, during Mass at St. Francis, we had a guest speaker by the name of ValLimar Jansen.

ValLimar doesn't just speak. She also sings (what a voice!) and is a performer of the highest level. It was jaw dropping and fabulous. Catholics are generally a quiet bunch. ValLimar is a Catholic like I've never seen. She is on fire with her talent and love of life. It was joyful, uplifting, entertaining and just completely awesome! She will be performing for the next couple of days at St. Francis of Assisi and I hope to see her at least one more time. ValLimar is the embodiment of a joyful noise!

Ciao,

Anne

Unplugging a bit on MLK Day

2012-01-16T21:24:00.000-05:00

I worry that the Wii that Santa brought is going to take over Grandboy's life. It is fun, we all play, he's often moving and strategizing, BUT it's still staring at the tv, which I'm not a fan of. So today I made him look in the cabinet for some of the other things that Santa brought. He pulled out the paint-by-number set.

Such a cute kid.

The masterpiece. Love it!

Ciao,

Anne

Just made me laugh

2012-01-13T19:50:00.000-05:00

West Elm's latest ad

This ad from West Elm was in my email today and when I saw the photo I had to laugh. These are all examples of end tables in the homes of friends and family members 30, 40 and 50 years ago. What goes around sure does come around! West Elm has added a couple of fun colors to freshen things up and they're all fairly affordable. They're also the kind of things many of us look for in thrift shops to buy for a song and spruce up ourselves. Either way, they've got great, classic lines and can work in just about any room.

Ciao,

Anne

Making a beautiful space takes....TIME!

2011-10-16T19:21:00.000-04:00

Whoo baby, I have been busy! One project is starting to wind down, which means that installation time is upon us. Cabinetry is being finished, walls painted, lighting installed, furnishings delivered (slowly, slowly). Still many layers to come, but I thought I'd show you a tiny peek of the progress. Here's a "before" picture in one of the rooms:

And here's a shot of the sofa with it's new slipcover and the fabulous stacked travertine wall:

This is not the final layout--wait till you see what's next. But for now, look at that lovely stone wall! That was completely my client's idea. She and her hub are very creative and a joy to work with (and they're my friends--what could be better?). If you were in the room, you would see that the stone sparkles! Makes me swoon it's so beautiful. Swoon is such an old word, but it's apt so I work to keep it alive.

Will show you more when I can. I've got pics from some other projects that I keep meaning to post. It's been a wonderful year for DeCocco Design, despite this awful economy. Clients have wanted some serious creativity and have really let me soar. To see designs coming to reality and becoming warm, inviting, liveable and beautiful homes is gratifying. It's a lot of work, and worth every minute of it, because there's no place like home.

So I've got lots going on. Fall in NC is gorgeous. Temps in the 70's and 80's with the humidity (finally) gone. Soccer games with Grandboy, still training the goofy dog. Hub is enjoying his job. Oh, we had our first tiny bonfire in the backyard last week. Let me find that picture for you.

It started as a BIG pile of sticks from the yard. Burned down quickly while we ate our dinner of gorditas on the picnic table close by. Then we roasted marshmallows--I think those were Grandboy's first. He wasn't thrilled with the taste, which made me laugh. I don't think it's the actual taste of burnt marshmallow that we all love. It's the setting and the experience and the memories of it all. We'll have to do it again!

Ciao,

Anne

A coup d'etat--and the dog is victorious

2011-09-23T19:59:00.000-04:00

A lot to catch up on. Late this summer I found this favorite treat from New England at The Fresh Market on Falls of Neuse:

Whoopie Pie! They're really good. Really good. My mom used to make these. The filling was shortening and confectioner's sugar. Seriously. Shortening.

So I mentioned that we got a dog, Dixie . Then I disappeared. While I said that I knew how much work it would be, my true memory is obviously quite dim. But one nice thing about having a new dog is that I have to take her outside A LOT. As I walk and stand in the rain, in the dark, in the early morning, in the afternoon... hopeful for some doggy drainage, I have nothing to do but stare at the beautiful tree trunks in the yard. And the beatiful "stuff" growing on the trunks is interesting. I don't know if it's called moss or lichen or what. The colors and patterns are lovely.

I've also seen quite the variety of mushrooms. All kinds of colors and shapes! Who knew? But here's the one that stopped me in my tracks and made me go get the camera:

No, I do not have a dirty mind, but come on--is this freaky or what?

Back to Dixie. We got her on Labor Day weekend, so we all had plenty of time to get to know each other. but then Tuesday came and Hub went to work (YAY!) and Grandboy went to school (YAY!) and when they both disappeared out the door together, this is Dixie looked like:

She's looking a little scared to be left with me, don't you think? I'm the one with all the treats, but I'm also the one who insists on good behavior. Bummer. Gosh, she's cute. Gosh, people with new dogs are such a bore. I don't care.

So this is what I've purchased since getting the dog from the truly fabulous folks at the Wake SPCA:

the dog (bargain priced)

pretty collar

a harness style leash (SPCA recommend)

a retractable leash (my choice)

repairs to the invisible fence (Dog Guard of Raleigh is fabulous)

a lead (the vet's choice)

a Gentle Leader (another freakin' kind of leash, works great, phew)

approx. 8 very tough toys (she's a lab, can chew up a tennis ball in 10 minutes)

a vet visit (Care First Animal Hospital, a wonderful place)

3 months worth of heartworm and flea preventatives

Benadryl (she came with an upper respiratory infection)

obedience lessons at Petco with the talented Corianna

dog food - training treats

hot dogs - training treats

chicken - you get the drift

cheese - I'll try it all

packaged treats - they see me coming

a barrier for the car (she wants to drive)

I'm sure I've missed a couple of things

So my hope to purchase a kayak this Fall will be seriously delayed. I know all those purchases may not sound necessary to you, but you're not the small woman in her 50's being dragged across the yard by an exuberant, sparkling, spirited dog who just saw a deer and then a squirrel and don't forget about the CAT!!!! It takes some serious motivation to gently break this wild pony and bring her up to our own low, but civilized standards. And Grandboy loves having her at his side. They run and tumble and the TV hasn't been turned on all week. So there.

I won't talk about the dog anymore. It's out of my system now. Well, I'll try not to.

Ciao,

Anne

Dog in the house!

2011-09-03T10:10:00.001-04:00

Her name should be Goofy, but it's Dixie (Chick). This picture is from the shelter--she hasn't stood still long enough for me to take a picture. She's about 8smonths old. Full of energy. Arrived here yesterday, don't think she's slept yet. I swear I saw the cat give me the finger this morning.

Will eventually do a post about designing around animals, but right now have to go take something out of her mouth...

Ciao,
Anne

Find of the Week

2011-09-01T10:04:00.000-04:00

My hat is off to households that get kids out the door to school every morning and then back in--then to handle all the details of getting them ready to do it all again the next day. Of course, some people struggle with getting themselves out the door! I can relate to both. My Find of the Week was seen at Target . This is helpful when packing lunches and snacks, whether for kids or yourself. It's called a Chill Pack. It's by Aladdin and the containers come in a couple of sizes, such as sandwich and snack. They're plastic containers with lids--no big deal, I know. But wait--they've got an ice pod attached under the lid! LOVE THAT! It comes right off for easy cleaning and for storing in the freezer.

Grandboy's sandwiches are cooler and safer, his grapes for snack stay nice and chilled. I couldn't find a picture of the exact ones I have, but this is from their website. They've got all kinds of things, and many of their products feature sustainable and recycled components. I think I paid just under $5 at Target for the sandwich containers and quite a bit less for the snack container. Maybe these have been on the market for years, but it's a find for me and it's brilliant!

Ciao,
Anne

Summer days

2011-08-22T17:25:00.001-04:00

This has been the fastest summer of my life. It was a great one with time spent with family and friends, plenty of design work with lovely new clients (my clients are always the nicest people, I am so lucky) two trips to the ocean, discovering the kayak, oh, the list just goes on and on. In such a turbulent time for our world, I have had nothing to complain about. That doesn't mean I don't have my challenges, but I'm always surrounded by trees and air and smiling people, so it's manageable and I feel blessed.

Here's a couple of shots of recent fun:

First and foremost, Hub had great career news, so there was a party--large and festive.

I did not take one single picture because I was busy yakking and laughing. Before it began, I took this shot of some of the lanterns that were hung on the screened porch. They look so good that I went back to Pier 1 the next day and bought some more--they're on clearance, so it wasn't a major splurge. The small and medium sizes have LED lights in them. Very magical at night, colorful and fun during the day.

Then we went to Wrightsville Beach for a couple of days at the Holiday Inn. I love that place. You can park the car and never leave the property. It's on the beach, there's an outdoor pool and an indoor pool and it's very family oriented. Plenty for the kids to do and eat. Not a cheap getaway, but it's definitely a break for everyone. Friends of ours surprised us by driving down for dinner one night. Then we watched the movie "Rio" on a big screen at the pool. Very cute.

Here's Grandboy on the beach. Isn't he getting HUGE? He can officially swim and rides a mean boogie board. He's my "barefoot boy with cheeks of tan." Ever read that poem by John Greenleaf Whittier? Click on the link and enjoy--it's very sweet.

Here's a shot of footprints left by Grandboy and a sandpiper. It's so much fun taking pictures at the beach. They all look good!

Wait--one more. Some of the shells we collected,drying off on my newest dishtowel from Crate & Barrel. You've got to know how much I love dishtowels. I think they called this one "beach." Excellent!

LOTS to talk about. I promise to be much more regular from now on. Oh, that didn't sound the way I intended it to. In posting! No, it still doesn't sound right.

Ciao,

Anne

A NYC kitchen

2011-07-21T08:21:00.000-04:00

Heather Clawson is a talented young interior designer, living and working in New York City. Her blog, Habitually Chic, is one I subscribe to. Click here so you can read it, too. She works tirelessly at it--I believe there's a new post every day (amazing). Heather writes about both interior and fashion design. Just a little blurb that's interesting and informative, accompanied by great pictures!

Anywho, Heather recently wrote about moving from one apartment to another in the big city, and she showed us a picture of her new kitchen. Made quite the impression on me. Let's see what you think:

This is the After shot. She's done a great job of polishing it up and making the most of the space. Nice colors, good organization, homey touches, orginal art that has meaning to her (my kind of girl). This is the WHOLE kitchen!

Ciao,

Anne

Want a peek inside a trade only fabric showroom?

2011-07-18T18:04:00.003-04:00

There are many reasons to hire a trained interior designer. Oh, the things we can help you with! We have access to some really special places, and one of my favorites are the "trade only" fabric showrooms. The selection is completely and totally awesome and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. There are thousands upon thousands of choices, so their help is important. Otherwise I'd have to spend much more time (at an hourly rate to my clients mind you), tracking down that perfect pattern in just the right colorway.

Karen Saks is one of our showrooms and A. Hoke is the other. And they're right across the street from each other, which is very helpful, except that the road is super busy and crossing it is life threatening, but I'll save that rant for another day.

Would you like to get a peek inside the Karen Saks showroom? I just happened to take a few pictures last week to show you!

Rows and rows of fabric manufacturers, organized by vendor, type and color.

Here's an example of one row. Nicely organized.

Fabrics, trimmings, wallpapers, furnishings and rugs are scattered throughout.

Tables down the center aisle to hold our bags, notebooks, laptops, etc. My table is always piled high with "stuff." I'll bring my camera to A. Hoke this week. Same business, super nice people, very different kind of floor plan.

Ciao,

Anne

DeCocco Design is dispensing advice!

2011-07-12T13:23:00.009-04:00

Houzz- Kitchen Design, Bathroom Design and More»

A couple of months ago, the editor at Houzz.com asked if I'd like to join their panel of experts who answer design questions on their stunning website. Of course I said "YES!" because I like nothing better than telling other people what to do. Have you taken a look at Houzz.com yet? Please do, you will LOVE it! I found this little blurb about it at shopsmartmag.org:

Houzz.com helps you design with pros

I love flipping through shelter magazines, and peering at gorgeously decorated rooms. It’s a great way to spend downtime and get ideas. But now one of my new guilty pleasures is Houzz.com (pronounced howz).

Hop on this site, where design pros download photos of their work and you’ll find thousands of drool-worthy room settings in all sorts of styles, including trad, mod, eclectic. Plus, when you see little green tags on items pictured in the rooms, you’ll find out where to get it and how much it cost.

And if you have a design question or need remodeling advice, just send in the photo of the room (or even outside area of your house) in question and you can pick up some free advice. The site also offers a new free app for iPads and iPhone." by Sue Perry, 6/28/11

When you go to Houzz, you'll see a search box. Put in something like "hardwood floors" and then click on "Ideabooks" or "Photos" or even "Products." You'll be amazed at the results. It's like a personalized magazine.

modern living room design by san francisco architect John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

You can gather photos that you want to keep and remember into your own Ideabooks. It's very simple. If I can do it, you can do it for sure. Put DeCocco Design in that search box and then click "Users," and you'll see my growing collection of ideabooks Here's an example of one: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/306398/list/great-ideas It shows photos that people have posted that I think are worth remembering for my next design dilemna.

Have fun with it.

Ciao,
Anne

The Company Men

2011-07-10T14:54:00.000-04:00

Last night Hub and I watched "The Company Men" on demand (I love on demand). As a family experiencing this very subject matter, we were amazed at how well they nailed it. Every character and situation was well played. Each person who goes through the loss of a job experiences it in a very personal and unique way, but there are (obviously) common threads, reactions and realities. The movie has a great cast--including Kevin Costner (still a hunk of a man). Not my favorite subject, that's for sure, but a very good movie. You should see it!

Ciao,

Anne

Interior design in the summer, NC style.

2011-07-07T19:16:00.000-04:00

It was SO great to take a little break and head to the beach for a long holiday weekend. To say that we had fun is an understatement. I kayaked for the first time and am officially in love with a boat. Is "kayaked" a word? I've been telling Hub for a long time that I want a boat, but had no idea what kind of boat I could manage on my own if necessary. Now I know!

Here's a picture of Grandboy in the kayak with Mr. Bill. I think he's squinting with manly exertion.

We also canoed, tubed, swam, ate ice cream and strawberry shortcake (that Claudia made--REAL biscuit shortcake), saw some fireworks, bought fish right off the dock, oh yeah, that reminds me, Grandboy caught a lovely striped bass:

I know, he's upside down. That's how I took the picture in all the excitement and it looks weird if I turn it around. Not to worry, he went right back into the sound seconds later. Everything we caught was sent right back. Twice the hook popped right out of their mouths, which was a bonus.

Seeing some of the bog fires on the way to the Outer Banks was really weird . Lots of damage. Miles and miles of blackened trees and brush.

More to come very soon. I worked like a crazy woman to be able to go to the beach--some wonderful clients have come my way this year and I had to find a point where I could freeze everything in place for just a bit. Summer is usually a slow time in my business, but so far that's not the case. I hope you're having some fun this summer. Life is short. Go to Dairy Queen.

Ciao,
Anne

Small changes add up in interior design

2011-06-19T17:52:00.000-04:00

Here's our sofa in the window. I love to sit there, especially on sunny winter days. The light makes the room sparkle and I get to see who might be driving down the road or coming down our driveway. But in the Spring, that window is filled with Annabelle hydrangeas and I want them to be the focus. So....

I moved the sofa over to the side and flanked the window with a club chair. Lovin' it, but then came up with one more change...

I took the grids out of the lower half of the windows. Now those hydrangeas are on stage the moment I enter the room Bravo hydrangeas, such a great show! When they die back, I'll probably move the sofa again. I hope you can see how small changes like these can give you a home that always makes you smile.

Ciao,

Anne

Will there be paparazzi?

2011-06-08T17:55:00.000-04:00

I've been contacted by 2 reporters for different print media in the last 24 hours. They want a designer's perspective on light bulbs and color. The word is out--I talk a lot! Did you know that when a reporter calls you and says "do you have a minute?" they don't mean they want to schedule a time to talk about their subject matter? Oh no. They ask a question, and as you answer you can hear furious typing on the other end! No time to formulate something wise or witty. You are ON.

This picture has nothing to do with anything, it's just from the yard last year and I thought you'd like to see it--kind of a break from me blabbing about my (non existent) rapport with the media.

I've had this happen several times now and should be better prepared. Couldn't I at least ask what the topic is and then say I'll call them right back? Nope. Not me. So I spout off and then wonder what the heck I'm going to sound like when it's in the paper. Luckily (I think), they don't really quote you exactly. So if I said something dumb, I have the comfort of knowing that it's not exactly what I said. Ok, small help.

If I sound wise in the article, I'll let you know about it. Otherwise, this will be our last discussion on this topic.

Ciao,
Anne

Let's Catch Up!

2011-06-01T10:01:00.001-04:00

I am determined to have some balance in my life, but it would really help if there were a couple more hours in the day. Or perhaps there are plenty of hours, but if I could stay awake for more of them--maybe that would help? That's not going to happen.

Lots of interior design work lately. The Design Direction option offered by DeCocco Design works well for many people. Sometimes it morphs into more, so then I'm on a bigger job. Sometimes clients don't need that much help and it shrinks into an hourly job. All are good by me. I continue to meet the nicest people, who love their homes and families and want their spaces to work well for them. So I've been choosing colors, cabinets, tiles, light fixtures, etc. all over town, as well as sourcing online and writing endless reports. Oh! And now DeCocco Design takes credit cards and Paypal. Very handy!

Should I be showing you this? When I've collected all kinds of samples for a job and am ready to make decisions, I lay it out on the floor in my office, in front of a big window. What a mess! But that way I can see how everything relates and, in the end, it all comes together nicely. But it has to start out looking like this! I'm not even showing you all of it. Personally, I love this part. The pieces all meet each other and definitely start to form cliques. Sometimes I have to step in to make everyone behave and introduce new possibilites.

I haven't done a Find of the Week lately, so here's one I found weeks ago. It's in Ecko on Glenwood Ave., here in Raleigh. See those 3D flowers? They're made of some sort of plasticy material, with a matte finish (looks good). You get all the flowers you see here for $30 and what a FUN idea for so many spots in a house! Kids room, for sure. High on the wall and onto the ceiling in a powder room. Behind a chair with a lamp shining up on them, as you see here, etc. I'll bet you could embellish them if you wanted to, but I like the simple color. They could look rather sophisticated or they can just be fun. Love them! I also like that lamp, but that's another topic for another day.

One more little piece of catch-up. A couple of weeks ago, on a cloudy morning, I was sitting in a club chair in our living room, being very quiet, starting my day with some silence as life was feeling stressful and I wanted to let go of useless anxiety. I looked out a front window and saw this:

The sun had broken through and was just shining down in one spot in our yard--on this bench. My mom gave us this bench as a housewarming gift for our very first house, over 25 years ago and it has followed us to every subsequent house (and there have been quite a few). The bench is now very fragile and covered with great, crusty, growing stuff and Mom has been gone for over 7 years. Seeing the sun shine on that bench felt like a message from her that all was well. It felt great.

Oh my gosh, I have been rambling! Will try to get back to more regular, shorter posts. I hope you know that in your life, too, all is well.

Ciao,

Anne

This House is Beatiful!

2011-05-25T08:01:00.000-04:00

I started flicking through the June issue of House Beautiful last night--it's a good one! Page after page of great ideas and sources and some really nice examples of stellar interior design. The resource theme of this month is the hardware store. Places like Ace, Lowe's Home Depot, etc. I am a lover of hardware stores--much more comfortable there than at the mall. The imagination can really soar in a hardware store and all kinds of wonderful solutions can be found.

So I went on the HB website to grab a few pix to show you. Please remember that you don't have to be a fan of the particular style of an interior to get great ideas out of it. Designer Ann Wolf is featured for a home she worked on in Houston. She did a spectacular job and here are some ideas for you to enjoy:

It's the ceiling I want you to notice. Love that blue!

That stone fireplace on the screened porch, with the super simple mantel is fabulous. It's the artwork of the room.

Looky here. She made a children's reading nook out of an unused space in the house. Love how the grommet curtains are hung from the ceiling. Kids space, but grown up fabric on those curtains--that's how we all coexist with each other. And don't kids just love cozy spaces where they can hide away from us?

This picture really looks better in the magazine. Look at the ceiling--isn't it a beauty? Why do we ignore ceilings? And this is a great use of gray, my least favorite color, unless you get it really right, which she did. Not cold, not depressing. Soothing, neutral and providing a great backdrop for the daffodils on the nightstands (which, you notice, do NOT MATCH).

One more. Nice office space. Roman shade on the window is gorgeous to gaze upon, cobalt blue lamp reminds me of the water, hardware on the built-in cabinetry is just lovely. And the peacock wallpaper lining the back of the bookshelves is a wonderful, deluxe look, but, if it's the wallpaper I think it is, then it's just for show and won't really stand up to books being shoved back and forth. But I love it all!

Ciao,
Anne

Really?

2011-05-23T18:59:00.000-04:00

Just saw this ad from Restoration Hardware. I'm speechless. Confused. Maybe I should just back away slowly...

We've got lots of catching up to do. This week for sure.

Ciao,

Anne

Now it's Lego computer games.

2011-05-14T19:28:00.000-04:00

Haven't been posting much because I'm really busy with design work. So this afternoon I pushed away from my desk and took Grandboy to the store to make a fun purchase. I've aleady told you in a past post how I learned which Star Wars characters to buy for Grandboy's education on popular culture. A quick update on that--he's got a number of fabulous Star Wars ~~dolls~~ characters at this point.

So today's shopping trip brought a new challenge--computer games. To be exact, Lego Indiana Jones 2, The Adventure Continues." Man, the title alone should have been a clue. The adventure continues all right.

We brought the game home and Hub put it on Grandboy's computer. I left them alone, knowing that there was going to be a learning curve, which I wanted nothing to do with. Oh dear. There was crying, yelling, stamping of feet and gnashing of teeth, and I'm not going to tell who did what.

After dinner, Hub went searching online for some help and finally figured out that he needs a game controller--an XBox 360 blabbity blab. You can buy a generic at Best Buy, so we'll head back over there tomorrow and get it. I told Grandboy to mark this day. Many years from now, when Hub is on the Senior Tour of Video gaming, we'll remember that it all started here.

Ciao,

Anne

Anne's Summer House

2011-05-08T21:23:00.000-04:00

We watched "Sarah's Summer House" on HGTV this weekend. The talented interior designer is showing the reno of her summer cottage on a tiny island on a large lake. As usual, Sarah does a beautiful job with a large budget--just the kind of thing I love to fantasize about. Anywho, not to be outdone, Hub and Grandboy gifted me with my own version of a summer cottage for Mother's Day:

It has a lovely green exterior, copper roofing and a stainless chimney. Love it! My feathered guests started to arrive within minutes of installation. At one point today I looked out and saw a bluebird sitting on the roof, a red cardinal on the perch and a ruby throated hummingbird sipping at his own feeder attached to my window. The squirrels are eyeing it, but so far haven't tried to dismantle it (they will try, in time).
Life is good.

Ciao,
Anne

Nolte Home Studio in Raleigh!

2011-05-05T15:53:00.000-04:00

I went to the Opening Event for Nolte Home Studio, a German kitchen cabinet company, on Tuesday evening. They're located in Pleasant Valley Promenade in Raleigh and have a nice showroom, displaying their cabinetry finishes, countertop choices and some really wonderful, efficient, useful shelving options that I love. What they can do with a corner cabinet is amazing and will make you scoff at the old lazy-susan design. And pantries! Soft close hinges, of course. What did we do before our cupboards and drawers quietly closed themselves? Oh yeah, we did it for them--I still do. No wonder I'm so tired at the end of the day!

Here's some pix of their kitchens:

The door is opened...

The door is closed.

Upper cabinets that open from the bottom--interior glass shelves (an option), lighting strip.

Miele appliances, too. Delish. You can do the whole kitchen with Nolte Home. They also make bedroom furnishings and wardrobes. Perfect for lovers of modern design, clean lines and gorgeous hardware.

I love this style in the older ranch homes that are being renovated all over our area. Stunning. Also in the new condos and townhomes. European design doesn't need lots of room. It shines in smaller spaces because it's so creative and efficient and it doesn't scream "KITCHEN!" I'd love to put one of their lacquered finishes in my laundry room, in a colorful hue. It could be a fabulous "before" and "after" promo for them, don't you think? Yes, we just finished the countertop project with the $3 hollow core door, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

Nolte Home Studio is currently giving a serious discount on installation, so this would be a good time to go look at the new showroom. Tell Todd, a member of their extremely nice and knowledgeable sales team, that I sent you and that you are to have a bit of a discount on the whole job because you are, after all, one of my peeps. The store phone number is 919-783-7910.

One more picture. I love a stainless sink!

Ciao,

Anne

Words to help with this world we live in

2011-05-05T08:38:00.002-04:00

No pretty pictue today. Look out your window and take in whatever you see.

I've been struggling with the events of this week and looking for help to process it. This morning two wonderful pieces of writing came to me through blogs that I want to share with you. First a poem that takes my breath away from So We Can Talk Awhile I will hang this one above my desk:

Yes We Can Talk

Having loved enough and lost enough,
I am no longer searching, just opening
.
No longer trying to make sense of pain,
but trying to be a soft and sturdy home
in which real things can land.

These are the irritations that rub into a pearl

So we can talk awhile, but then we must listen,
the way rocks listen to the sea
And we can churn at all that goes wrong
but then we must lay all distractions down,
and water every living seed.

And yes, on nights like tonight,
I too feel alone, but seldom do I face it squarely enoug
to see that it is a door into the endless breath that has no breather
into the surf that human shells call God.

- Mark Nepo

And then a link to "Osama bin Laden is dead. One Buddhist’s response." by Susan Piver. Really good stuff.

Ciao,
Anne

Such a lovely weekend!

2011-05-01T17:52:00.000-04:00

This is a shot of my back yard yesterday. It's just bursting with life--and this is before the Black Eyed Susans and Gardenias make an appearance! I love the green so very much. Always thought I'd never get a home with a view, but this house has proven me wrong. Every window looks out at something pretty--verdant and restful.

Our irises are not the big bearded variety, but a very small flower on tall, thin stems. SO pretty. I only pick the ones that fall over. We should plant more of these in the Fall. Remind me please!

I really enjoyed spending some time on Friday morning with the Royals. This is really what HDTV was invented for. The colors, the splendor, the architecture--all so sharp and vivid. Made even more fun because Hub and I have been to all of those places and it was nice to remember what a spectacular city London is. Simply brilliant!

Lastly, let me tell you that a bowling party for a 6 year old is a VERY good idea. Great value for the money, everything taken care of for the adults and so much fun to watch the kids bowl! Buffalo Lanes North in Raleigh is a wonderful place!

Ciao,

Anne

Monday's post--on Wednesday

2011-04-27T15:35:00.000-04:00

Wow. Busy, wonderful weekend and now it's Wednesday already. I extended the holiday for one extra day and spent most of it on the screened porch, reading the Sunday New York Times. One of my all-time favorite activities! Two articles in the NYT Magazine that I wanted to share with you. The Young Mother Abroad by Janny Scott is a fascinating look into the story of why Barack Obama's mother took him to Indonesia as a little boy and then sent him back to Hawaii to live with his grandparents several years later. I think every mother would find this story to be very interesting. It's not a quick read, but worth taking the time. Not a political story whatsoever.

Another story in a very different vein is The Return of Ellen Barkin by Alex Witchel. I love reading about people; their lives, their decisions, how they face challenges.

SO much going on. Not enough hours in the day right now. Grandboy is on Spring Break, he had a FABulous birthday last weekend with family but his kid-party is still coming up. Things are hopping at DeCocco Design and I'm trying to get to that bedside table project. Did I tell you that I finished reading "The Help?" Bravo to the author, Kathyrn Stockett, on a job well done. What a story. What a time in our history. Tough stuff.

Ciao,
Anne

A project for Earth Week-Reuse, Restore, Recycle!

2011-04-19T09:43:00.000-04:00

Oh dear, I'm such a bad blogger. Something else catches my attention and I'm gone. There are so many things out there that have my attention! This week I'm getting ready for out of town guests (fun!), Easter (yay!) and Grandboy's birthday (whoo hoo!). This trifecta of events is keeping me hopping. It's perfect that Earth Week is also now because it all goes together--rebirth, renewal--and today I'm adding my latest renovation project to the mix. I'll do it next week when Grandboy is off from school. When he's on vacation, I'm on vacation!

So here's what I found yesterday at the Habitat ReStore:

Nice little bedside table. Solid, clean, great potential. I paid $20. Some dovetail joinery on the drawer.

I had to get an azalea bush in the picture. They're blooming all over the place and are SO pretty! Hub puts on his Jim Nance voice and pretends we're at Augusta with the velvety grass, azaleas and dogwoods in bloom.

The plan for the table so far is to sand it down and paint it glossy white to place in the guest room. New drawer pull, of course. The top may get a different color or finish, not sure yet. We don't have to reinvent the wheel here, but need to give it a little more thought. Could put a piece of mirror on the drawer or top. It's an overdone idea these days, but so far I haven't succumbed to it and the guest room is a dark room, so some reflection would be great. A little piece of mirror carefully cut from the talented folks at CG&D Studios would make it easy peasy. Hmmmm.

Enjoy the day!

Ciao,

Anne

Wall decor that you can make yourself!

2011-04-10T15:55:00.000-04:00

Here's a very easy little art project for you to try. I've used dog photos, pulled off the web, but you can use your own photo to make it more personal.

Here's another view so you can really see what's going on:

I've got it sitting on a window. Can you see what the trick is? You print your photo out on transparency paper, and carefully attach it to the glass of any frame--I used glue dots on the edges. Then you set the glass into the frame, securing it with the little tabs that are already in the frame or with glue or another way that you think up. You're creative, you can do whatever you want! Be sure it's secure, you don't want glass falling out.

Then you hang the finished product on the wall. I printed a picture of Grandboy when he was a baby on transparency paper and didn't even frame it, just taped it on the wall near my desk. It looks like he's coming out of the wall--I love it!

If the transparency isn't showing up on your wall, you could paint a color box for more emphasis, then hang the photos inside the box. I've shown you color boxes before, but here's an example of one that I used to frame out a small accessory at the end of a hallway, giving it more of a presence:

Don't we all love easy projects?

Ciao,

Anne

6 Ways to Bring Spring into Your Home

2011-04-06T17:33:00.005-04:00

Tra la la la. We made it through another winter! While I'm not quite in the mood for a summery, hot weather decor, I definitely want all signs of winter banished from my delicate eyes. Here's what I'm doing right now:

1. Clean and edit. I know, it's a bummer. There's no getting around the fact that a good spring cleaning does wonders for your home. Put stuff away, polish everything up. There, we got through that together and now can move on.

Here I am, in my lace apron (as if).

2. Walk through every room and remove the nubby red throw, the jewel toned accent pillows, the big bowl of pine cones, the puffy comforter, etc. Send them off to the cleaner or store them away in a closet. Replace them with a lighter throw (in weight and color) and accent pillows in some fresh, lively shades. Fill the bowl with river rocks or sea shells and put a thinner coverlet on the bed.

F. Schumacher fabrics
A fresh color scheme to consider.

F. Schumacher fabrics and a Room and Board pillow

Here's a quieter palette, but still light and lively.

3. Replace some of the artwork on the walls and shelves. This really makes a nice change for me. Rotating your artwork, or family photos, means that you're really going to notice them, not just walk by them day after day. The beautiful still life painting that's been sitting on our mantel gets changed out for 3 big, matted frames featuring photos I took at the nearby lake. Super cheap and easy.

(from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, not mine)

Replace this...

With something like this.

4. Add some fresh sparkle--have you got an old mirror stowed away somewhere? Find a new place for it. How about someplace offbeat, like over a doorway, as if it were a transom? How about at the end of a hallway? Just remember to look at what it's reflecting. A mirror reflecting a window is fab, but it can reflect artwork hanging on the opposite wall or a pretty tablescape on a console or anything else that you like to look at. Don't let it reflect the kitchen! If you don't want to use a mirror, think about any metallic object. Sparkly candlesticks or a shiny picture frame can do the trick.

Sparkle Plenty (at Pottery Barn)

5. Flowers! I'm seeing lots of very inexpensive pots of flowers, even at the grocery store. I think some of them are meant to plop right into your outdoor planters, but we still have a chance of frost. I'm putting a pot of posies into a container on the kitchen island for a week or two, before sending them outside. The same could be done with those yummy herbs they've got at the big home improvment stores. A little group of them in a basket right now, next to the bathroom sink. So nice.

My little flowers from the Teeter (grocery store).

6. Fresh dish towels. I said it before, I love beautiful dish towels. Spring is a great occasion to buy a couple.

French Connections in Pittsboro.

1 or 2 will do!

Ciao,

Anne

Interior design vs. "stuff"

2011-04-04T09:03:00.001-04:00

You may not remember this post I did on my secret desire for a clothesline. I still don't have one, but it's on my agenda. Here's another somewhat embarrassing secret of mine--I don't like Stuff. It can be difficult to be in the field of interior design and not like Stuff. There's so darn much of it! So many cute, interesting, special, antique, modernist, fluffy, meaningful, artistic, useful things in the world. Stuff!

New York Times Style Magazine, 4/3/11

Above is the photo that might have started this little rant of mine. Everyone gets to have their own Stuff and opinions, but this is my blog and, when my beloved New York Times proclaimed that this is Style, my head just popped right off and rolled to the door.

Again, NY Times Stye Magazine

Really?

While admitting that, as a human being in the U.S.A., I enjoy the occasonal foray into Home Goods to pick up and admire the shiny new objects, even taking some of them home with me. It's good to have a new lamp, an updated rug, some fresh, soft sheets and pillows. I'm not saying don't furnish your home with lovely things. It's what I do for a living! A beautifully made table makes my heart beat faster, a comfy leather club chair is a BFF at the end of the day. But I think we go overboard. Look in your closets, crawl spaces, basements and garages. We're drowning in Stuff and it's making it hard to breathe (or is that the yellow slime outside?).

As an interior designer, my goal is to help you furnish and decorate your home in a way that makes you smile when you walk through your own door. I want you to have things that are easy to maintain, a place to put down your keys and the mail, lighting that's used thoughtfully, colors chosen to calm and inspire you, furnishings selected to serve you well--that's the kind of "stuff" that I think really is important. But not a lot of it. As Margaret Roach says in her new book, bask "in the quality of just enough."

Ciao,
Anne

Learning about Star Wars

2011-04-01T17:47:00.000-04:00

Have I told you that Hub and I are raising our grandson? I'm sure I have. We all have a lot of fun together, but there are things that we have to work a little harder on than the average household. Like keeping up with popular culture--especially what's popular in the world of little boys.

One day Grandboy came home from school and said that a couple of the boys on the playground didn't want him to join in their Star Wars games because he doesn't know who the characters are. It made him sad. Which of course, made me spring into action. I talked with some moms and they told me about these little Star Wars/Clone Wars figures that we could buy to learn their names. Oh, sorry, Clone Wars has something to do with Star Wars. Maybe the next generation of money making ~~crap~~ items from a movie or TV show.

So I bought these guys (above). The guy on the left is Obi Wan Kenobi, a good guy, and the guy in the middle is Anakin Skywalker, who will eventually turn to the dark side and become Darth Vader. The other ones are unknowns to me, but I believe they're good guys (the package said they're heroes, hence my assumption). There's a lot of weaponry going on, but I'm sure that's some of the allure.

BUT then I went back to store to buy some more for a birthday present and discovered that the ones above are kinda the baby edition. Oky doky. So today I bought these:

Oh yeah, now I see the difference. That's Han Solo and a Storm Trooper. I remember Han/Harrison Ford. But whether a Storm Trooper is good or bad, I do not know. But I've got the feeling I'm going to find out!

I put them in those poses, just to make you laugh. Han is saying "I think we should redecorate the entire room!" The Storm Trooper is saying "Say what?"

Ciao,

Anne

The Southern Ideal Home Show is this weekend!

2011-03-30T20:25:00.000-04:00

Just a heads up that the Southern Ideal Home Show will be at the NC State Fairgrounds this weekend, April 1-3. This is the perfect time to get some great ideas for your home and yard and that's what this show will provide. The Triangle chapter of the Interior Design Society will have a booth at the show that features our Attic Sale. Designers always seem to have a stash of things in their inventory that need to find new homes, so come on out and take a look at some fabulous finds. I'll be manning the booth on Saturday night with my fun loving colleagues, so please stop by and say "hello!"

This is me, in Kindergarten. I'll try to find that dress and wear it so you'll recognize me!

Ciao,

Anne

The leaves are back!

2011-03-28T20:59:00.002-04:00

I love trees in every season, but have to say that I get the most excited by the sight of their emerging leaves in the Spring. I am SO glad they're back! I also welcome the flowers that preceed the leaves on some of my dear friends, such as the gorgeous purple redbuds that are strutting their stuff this month.

What amazing little petals these are. And they just cover the branches of the whole tree.

And so much more. Oh, a girl from Maine never gets over Spring in North Carolina! So early! So full of flowers! So warm! Well, it wasn't warm today, that's for sure. But last week was in the 80's, so let's not get carried away with a pity party. My sister in Maine had snow.

And look at the Lambs Ears that are already up with their soft, fuzzy leaves! Mr. Turtle is lovin' them up! I put the hummingbird feeder out early last week, but so far, no one has come for a drink. Last year it was right around this week when the first tiny hummer came around, so I wanted to be sure to be ready. Will keep you posted.

If it's not quite Spring yet where you are, hang on, it's coming.

Ciao,
Anne

Find of the week is in my laundry room!

2011-03-25T18:03:00.001-04:00

Remember this hollow core lauan door that I bought a while back at the Habitat ReStore for $2.00?

It was a beauty--no hinge marks, no doorknob hole. It had a couple of marks on it, but barely visible. This is what we did:

We made it into a counter over the washer and dryer!

Here's the laundry room before:

Nothing really wrong with it, (although this shot was obviously taken on a very tidy day), other than there's no place for Grandboy's shoes, which he always takes off and tosses on his way in from the garage, nor any place to put freshly dried laundry. The basket on top is a catch-all and the little green thing is a rug where the kitty likes to sleep at night (she refuses the fancy bed I bought her).

The counter idea was from our friends, Wes and Terese. Terese is the queen of laundry room design and once she showed me her counter top--which looks just like mine because I copied her exactly--I couldn't wait to get started. Went to the ReStore, found the door, paid the $2.00. Then Hub stepped in. I'm just the instigator of projects, not the actual handyman. Hub cut the door down to the correct length. Here it is:

He cut one end for size and then cut out where the water lines need room for the washer. The inside of a hollow core door is SO interesting. Lots of cardboard! See that piece sitting on the door? That's veneer tape that will cover up all the open edges so it ends up looking like this:

Isn't that nice? I bought the veneer tape at Lowe's, for about $6.00 and there's a ton left for upcoming projects. Next, Hub put 2 coats of Ebony stain on, wiping each coat off after applying, so that we can still see the wood grain. It makes the wood look great! Then 3 coats of water based poly (much more expensive that oil based, but it's my preference). Every coat of poly makes the finish look better and better. I'm sorry I can't get a close-up picture of the wood, my camera just hates the black and looks all grainy.

The end result is a much more useful space:

Hub did such a great job! I got the little wire cart that sits between the washer and dryer at The Container Store here in Raleigh. I shopped around for it and for once, The Container Store had the best price. Now Grandboy has a place to stash his shoes when he comes in and out and they're not messy on the floor. I placed a painting that my Mom did years ago on the counter to hide the plumbing. A little LED puck light would be a great way to light it. I also bought this adorable box to use as a trash basket for lint, dryer sheets, etc.:

It picks up on the gray of the cart, and the black and white of the appliances, counter and cabinet pulls and it fits on the cart. I've got more things to do in this space--again, Terese has shown me about a dozen spacesaving laundry room ideas and I'll be implementing more of them as time allows. Here's a photo of the window treatment in that room on the opposite wall;

It's a wacky ribbon design on faux silk and pulls the black and white across the (tiny) room. I'll show you the Marmoleum floor another time when I do an update on this room, but now that the counter is finished, I've given myself permission to go back to the ReStore (they have a FABulous selection of old doors) to get started on my next project!

Ciao,

Anne

Learn About LED bulbs

2011-03-22T18:57:00.000-04:00

LED lighting is coming on fast and strong. Prices will go down (they've got to!) and the color will continue to improve, but I think what's out there right now is amazing. Raleigh's own Cree is a big player in the game. Watch this video, from the Philips website. It's a great way to learn about an LED lightbulb. It's a bit technical, but not bad, and at the end you get to build a bulb to see if you were paying attention. I loved it!

Ciao,

Anne

Interior design includes doors!

2011-03-20T17:58:00.000-04:00

http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/03/19/1060662/open-up-the-possibilities-with.html#storylink=misearch

Let's see if this link (above) works for you. I'm busy, busy these days, but am thinking about you and trying to find time to post. It will slow down in a couple of days, but in the meantime, my beloved Raleigh News & Observer had this great article in Saturday's Home Section about decorating doors. I totally agree and have some great door projects coming along that I can't wait to show you. Until then, read the N & O!

Ciao,
Anne

Find of the Week has been found! At Suzanna's Antiques

2011-03-11T15:21:00.000-05:00

I popped into Suzanna's Antiques this afternoon and found this fabulous little table just for you:

It's sitting in front of the shop that says "Ye Old Trading Post." There are so many vendors at Suzanna's that I have to really pay attention to where I see things. This table is wood, very nice lines and just needs a bit of sanding to make it ready for your next project.

What could you do with this? Well, first of all, it's a perfect coffee table. It could also be a craft table for kids. It could be a console in front of a low window, holding plants or family photos. It could sit on the front porch or the screened-in back porch. It could be painted a snappy shade like lime. Marine blue. Coral. Panetone's-color-of-the-year honeysuckle (pink). It could just be stained or even given a clear coat(or 3) of satin poly that lets the wood grain shine. Or how about having a stainless top fitted over it? Better, yet, a copper one. I'm looking for a local source to do that very thing on another old piece.

Need a creative interior designer to help you come up with ideas like this? Well, check out my website and give me a call!

Oh! Didn't I tell you the price on this? $15.00. Yes indeedy, $15. I had to take myself by the hand and walk away from it so that I could give you a fair shot at it. I was at Suzanna's for about 10 minutes when I spotted this and had already found a couple of other "finds" to show you. This one won out because it has the combination of decent quality to work with, nice versatile shape AND a price that can't be beat.

You are welcome. Enjoy the weekend.

Ciao,

Anne

Transitional interior design, Part 3, Coffee Tables and Accent Tables!

2011-03-11T09:34:00.000-05:00

If you've read Part 1 and Part 2, you know what to look for in furniture to get that "transitional" look (reminder--a little traditional, a little modern, a little eclectic) and what direction to take in fabric choices. Let's move on to the tables, both coffee and accent. Don't know why this is so daunting to so many. Maybe it's partly because there seem to be so many choices out there, yet few of them feel right (or they're cheap and cheesey and you know in your heart that they're going to look that way in your home, AND you're right!). Sorry for all the parentheses, I'll try to stop.

If you want a coffee table that can take a lot of abuse, please buy one with a stone top or maybe a woven rattan or at least put something protective on top, like glass or plexiglass or whatever. I have nothing against a nice wood surface from Pottery Barn, but that thing is going to scratch up in no time! Here are some other choices:

Ethan Allen

This one has a travertine top and if you look closely, you'll see that there are 2 nesting tables tucked underneath. Brilliant. I do love nesting tables.

Expressions Furniture, Artistica

Oh, this one (above) is SO good. The top comes in a few choices, but the marble makes me drool (sorry about the drooling).

Expressions

I call this one the Lobster Trap. Just my own interpretation of the look. Love the glass, love the wood, love the clean lines and the size. Guess I love it.

Ethan Allen

The copper top gives a glow to this piece.

Ethan Allen

Expressions

This one is a favorite. It gives you natural elements and combines texture with a smooth top. Oh baby.

So by now you get the picture; clean lines, simple design, natural materials = transitional design in the best possible sense. It's useful, beautiful and low maintenance. Buying better quality will pay off in this area. The same goes for end and accent tables. Here's a few:

all end tables found at Expressions

Did you notice that the accent tables were not all clean lines or modern leaning? Good for you! Please don't forget to mix in some other shapes. We don't want flat, one-note rooms! That table right above this paragraph would look fabulous in a more modern room because it brings such warmth to the table (get it? warmth to the table?). Have some fun with your accent tables. Don't go overboard, but you've got to have some circles, curves and swirls in a room full of straight lines. It makes it human, inviting, comfortable.

While I want you to always look for and choose really good quality in these important pieces for your room, please remember that I also LOVE it when you find a crusty old piece at the Goodwill or any thrift store, yard sale and flea market, take it home and rework it to use in your home. Many times those old pieces are in those stores because they were good quality in the first place and now just need some updating.

Oh my gosh, the next post is lighting. Lighting is the MOST important element to finishing a room, so don't skip that one!

And I haven't found a "Find of the Week" yet. But the day isn't over and I'll try to find one for you today.

Ciao,

Anne

"and I shall have some peace there" - a quick review

2011-03-08T08:32:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to tell you all how much I'm enjoying reading this book. I've been folloring Margaret Roach's blog for about a year. It's fun to read about her gardens and her life. Her photos are gorgeous and her cat is a hoot.

But the book...oh my. The writing is stunning. She's going to win every prize out there. It's thoughtful, intelligent, interesting, colorful and so descriptive that when I'm reading, I'm right there with her. The story, in a nutshell, is that Margaret was a woman with a great job (we're talking bigwig) in NYC and a tiny, old weekend home where she gardens. She leaves the big job behind and is now living full time in that tiny house, gardening and writing.

This is the kind of book that I can read at night, right before bed. It puts the busy-ness of the day out of my head. I'm only reading a couple of pages a night because I don't want it to end. For me, that's the sign of a great book. I often laugh out loud while reading and there's always something to think about. Loving' it!

Ciao,

Anne

Michael Graves signed my tea kettle

2011-03-07T08:42:00.000-05:00

Taking a short break from our transitional design series because I saw an ad in the Target flyer for items designed by the fabulous Michael Graves and so my attention is wandering.

In 1985, Alessi introduced the Michael Graves tea kettle. A friend worked for Mr. Graves in Princeton at the time, and I told her how much I loved that kettle. As a girl from New England, I had never seen a teapot that looked anything like that and I wanted one. They were pricey, I think something like $75, maybe a bit more. We were a young family with tiny children and that was not how we spent our money. But I broke down and bought one, directly from Mr. Graves office AND my friend had him sign it!

Here it is today (I mean, literally, today--I just took the picture). Not bad for an old girl. You can't see where he signed it cause I'm not that good with the camera. He scratched his signature into the front with something sharp. It's a prized possession and lives on top of the stove.

Just wanted to share that small detail of my life with you.

Ciao,
Anne

How to get transitional style in your interiors, Part 2, upholstery fabric on the sofa

2011-03-02T20:03:00.000-05:00

In my residential interior design business in Raleigh, I get to be around a lot of fabric and I get to sit on a lot of sofas. What I've learned over the years is that the best fabric for a sofa is a soft, neutral fabric in a fairly solid color with a little texture to it. Let me show you some swatches and you’ll see what I mean:

most of these fabrics are from F. Schumacher

These are just a start. There are many gorgeous textured neutral options and most stores carry a large selection, including buttery soft aniline dyed leathers. But of course you want your sofa to be special and that's what welting and trim are all about. See this little snip of a pillow I just showed you above :

The trim on this is called welting, and this welting has been done in the same fabric as the body of the cushion (it's also called self welting). But you can ask for contrasting welting on your sofa--oh, the universe opens right up and starts singing at this point because now you're starting to express yourself. Here's a chair cushion (not neutral, but chairs don't have to be neutral):

Isn't this a fab look? It's done in a menswear suiting sort of fabric--houndstooth. Masculine yet inviting. This chair has contrast welting, which gives a crisp outline. And do you see the subtle mix of color and pattern achieved with the throw? This piece would be comfortable in any room, any style. But I digress.

Now I want to be sure you know that NEUTRAL does not mean BORING. Transitional design is never boring, because it's not a one-note kind of look. You will always be able to dress up a neutral sofa, regardless of how your taste may change or what colors you want to bring into a room--that's the point of neutral choices on big pieces. Pillows and throws are available to do your bidding and transform the look in seconds.

If you already have a sofa that you want to bring into the transitional world, consider the beloved slipcover. If you don't love slipcovers, I'm betting it's because you haven't seen them done right. Tight and fitted with zippers out of sight. Find yourself a seamstress who does a beautiful slipcover and treat her well. A few years ago I wanted to bring some red into a room with a camel toned sofa so I had my slipcover lady cover the seat cushions (just the seat cushions) with a vintage red chenille from Kravet. The welting on those new red cushions was done in the original camel fabric. The result was an updated look with a shot of color that can be whipped off whenever the mood strikes. Every piece on the sofa doesn't have to be the same, but the slipcover leaves you with options for down the road. Let me find a picture of that very sofa for you...

Here it is. I could make this sofa look more transitional with a leather accent pillow and a solid, nubby throw.

Let's end with a couple of pictures of transitional sofas. Unless otherwise credited, all the photos in this blog come from my visit to Expressions Furniture in Raleigh. I told you that I enjoyed myself there!

This is a stylish sofa for anyone who doesn't want just any old sofa. It's like a nest!

American Leather makes wonderful seating, now including fabric. But their leather pieces are still among my favorites. This one, called Carson, is a handsome hunk of man. I'm told it's a great sofa for people with back problems. Sit in it and see. Isn't that color divine? Neutral, but not boring.

Nailhead trim.

Ethan Allen's Bryant. Imagine this with one of those fabrics that I've shown. Yum!

Ballard Design's Manchester. Clean lines, cushy back.

Next we'll tackle accent tables and lighting.

Ciao,

Anne

How to get transitional style in your interiors - Part 1, Furniture shapes

2011-02-28T12:00:00.005-05:00

I’m so often asked how to furnish a room in a transitional style that I thought I’d sit down and post some basic guidelines on each layer that we all encounter in decorating. Today’s layer will be the shapes to look for on upholstered furnishings: sofas and chairs.

Transitional style, to me, means not quite traditional and not quite contemporary. It’s comfortable, stylish, inviting and easy to maintain. It can handle kids, pets and parties, but still look like adults live in the space.

Shapes to look for in your furnishings:

Quiet arms. No big rolls, no arms big enough to sit on (perching might be okay). Look for understatement, like these:

Even the armless sofa is worth a lookie. Great in a tight space:

A little trim on the arm is a nice touch:

Arms with a soft sheen--oh baby. And this leather chair is a swivel, so you can face other people or the TV:

A very small rolled arm is okay, but not easy to find.

And then there’s the legs. A leg that shows is much more modern than a skirted bottom and it takes up less visual space. Very pretty.

Nail head trim is very popular right now. Just don’t go overboard. You might want to pass on that trim I’ve seen around that is a double row of super shiny chrome finish on the nail heads. Destined to be a regret. Silver is shiny enough without having to add any extra bling.

This piece (below) would also work in a transitional design. It’s more antiquey than modern, but the upholstery on the arm was done in a very clean way and the arms and legs are open AND it’s good to mix it up a bit. This piece would get a lot of attention in a transitional space.

Did you notice the colors and upholstery fabric used on many of my examples? That gives you a clue about what we'll talk about next time.

I took all these photos at Expressions Furniture in Raleigh.

Ciao,
Anne

Add some sparkle to your interiors with my Find of the Week!

2011-02-25T14:17:00.000-05:00

Expression's Furniture on Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh had 2 of these sconces on sale and they are fabulous. I'd describe the disc as hammered chrome, about 14 inches across. The candle holder is a dark metal (but I didn't touch it, so who knows?) It's a smart look that could flank a piece of furniture, add light and reflection to a dark corner, make an urban statment in a powder room, spiff up a small dining area, etc.

Here they both are, in all their glory. $59.00 each. $59! A LOT of bang for the buck. But there's just two of them, so get on over there and scoop them up!

Ciao,
Anne

Expressions Furniture in Raleigh--I could move right in

2011-02-24T16:43:00.003-05:00

I want to do a quick post about my visit to Expressions Furniture in Raleigh. I melted into this store from the first step--it's a warm, inviting, well done environment. This is not a place to find some cheap and cute stuff for your rooms. This is a place to find those pieces that you're going to fall in love with, be proud to have and design the rest of your interiors around. The prices are not palatial, they're not scary high and they're not ridiculous, but Expressions is where you go to spend a little money on some solid, well made, well designed, comfortable furnishings that have a classic sensibility (no matter what your preferred style, you need some anchoring pieces) with a modern twist. Oh, that was a long sentence.

The fabric selections are abundant. The knowledge of their product is fantastic. I spoke with Chris Melcher, a design consultant in the store, who was brimming with good info, tips and help (and she has such a great hairstyle!). Natural flooring products (sisal, sea grass, wool), fabulous leathers, the latest Sunbrella outdoor fabrics that SOFT to the touch (even velvet!).

one side of the fabric sample room

Furniture, lighting fixtures, accent tables, artwork. My favorite Holtkoetter floor lamps are sold there--there is no better lamp company for me.

I'm going to do one or two posts giving you some solid direction when decorating your rooms in different styles and will use pictures from my visit to Expressions, so you'll get a chance to see more.

Oh! And my Find of the Week is from Expressions, so I'll (try) to post it by Friday. Oh dear, that's tomorrow!

Ciao,
Anne

Find of the week--an artist across the street

2011-02-22T08:12:00.000-05:00

Diana Porter lives directly across the street from our house in Raleigh. I know her--she's a great neighbor and the loving mother of two tiny, adorable children. I knew that she was employed as a teacher before having children, so in my head her label read "teacher."

Then I discovered another label for Diana--artist. She has beautiful paintings scattered about her house; many of them lovely landscapes (my favorite paintings always seem to be landscapes), some with water views (even better). I almost fell on the floor when I learned that she had done them all. It's so much fun when you learn about another layer of a person you thought you knew. Diana Porter is an artist! Here's one of her landscapes:

Diana Porter

This landscape is 9x12 inches. It is a painting of the view from West Lake Road in Skaneateles New York. Pastel on pastel paper. Oh, this would be so pretty in a frame on your wall. Every time you pass by and glance at it, your blood pressure will drop a bit. Paintings begin at $200, depending on whether it's framed. Diana also works in acrylics.

And another

Diana Porter

Diana also makes jewelry, like this beaded cuff in gorgeous colors:

Diana Porter

One more--she makes wonderful door signs. This one is for a child and only costs $25:

Diana Porter

Something for everyone. If you click on her name, Diana Porter, it will take you to her website. Very bare bones, but it gives you contact info. It's exciting to know that she's an artist. Now when I look across the street at night and see the light on in one of the rooms upstairs, I know that she's painting yet another beautiful scene while her children sleep.

Ciao,

Anne

Find of the Week

2011-02-13T21:13:00.000-05:00

I think I've mentioned that I'm originally from Maine. I spent much of my youth in New Hampshire. Two beautiful states, filled with gorgeous trees, wonderful people and my favorite coastlines. But cold, cold,cold winters. So this amazing NC weather will never get old for me. Warm, sunny days that allow us to have big pots of pansies out on the porch all winter long (well, not our porch, we have deer, but let's not ruin the mood). I soak it up and am ever grateful to be here.

Find of the Week-- I went to Ecko, over on Glenwood Ave., in Raleigh. Neal is the top dog over there and he's very knowledgeable about his products and a dapper dresser. I was looking at kitchen chairs in particular for a lovely client. You all know how hard it is to find great kitchen chairs. They've got to take some abuse, but we want them to be stylish too. And we don't want to spend a ton on them because it's nice to change them out every now and then. Sorry, but I don't want the same chairs for a lifetime, I want to have a little fun with that part of the room. Ecko has some great choices in metal finishes and leather. These two are my favs from last week's visit:

This is the Violetta. $200. It comes in a myriad of finishes and seat fabrics. Love it! I wouldn't go with that fabric, just because of all the white, but there are plenty of other equally fun choices. That metal color is a charcoal. Fabulous.

This is the Bennet in leather. $150 each. Comfy. Nice clean lines. So handsome.

Just about everything at Ecko comes in several finishes and fabrics. And they carry a fair amount of market samples, so there are some real bargains to be found. Every lover of contemporary style can find something to take home at Ecko. My own kitchen chairs were Ecko clearance finds and everyone who walks into our kitchen says "where'd you get those chairs?"

Life is short. Have some fun chairs.

Ciao,

Anne

Gardens, cats, Spring, Winter (Free association)

2011-02-09T19:28:00.000-05:00

I'm looking forward to the publication date of Margaret Roach's "And I shall have some peace there." Margaret writes a great gardening blog, full of useful tips and beautiful pictures. Like the one above, of her cat, Jack (with the book!). Jack is one handsome cat. And then there are gorgeous floral shots. Like this one:

And many, many more. Oh, dear. Is Spring coming? Is it almost here? They're calling for a little snow tonight. Sigh. Moan. Groan. Wasn't it just recently that we were complaining about what a hot summer it was? Snap out of it! Winter is a beautiful time of year. I tell Grandboy that all the trees and plants are resting, getting ready for their big burst into Spring. So it's all good.

Ciao,

Anne

More fab finds

2011-02-05T16:30:00.001-05:00

I stopped in to TJ Maxx today. Haven't been there in such a long time! I could have taken home many things and tucked them away for clients, but you know I just can't do that. I don't have a storage unit (maybe I'll get one!) and my office would be crammed in no time. See the chair above? (phone pictures don't do my finds justice) Very Restoration Hardware (their new look). Lovely weathered finish with a hint of gray, beautiful heavy linen upholstery. $300. Let's see what RH would charge for this...

This is what I found at Restorationhardware.com. It's on special for $249! How embarrassing. At least you know I'm honest with you! Of course, you'd have to pay for shipping and I think the one I saw is a bit more generous in size. But still.... Ok! On to the next find!

This lamp is hefty, has a 3 way switch, a brushed nickel finish and a great shade--$50 (or $45.99, something like that--try not to pin me down when I'm in the thrall of the discount experience). Too bad I can't rip off the plastic covering when I photograph lampshades (don't they know who I am?). This one is brown with an ivory pin dot pattern. Very nice. You get a dark shade that will still give off some nice light (unlike black shades of olde). I will not be looking up how much it would cost at Restoration Hardware. I've learned my lesson.

Then there was this artsy retro beauty:

The shade isn't quite right, but the base has that lovely drippy fired pottery look. I like it. No price tag, so it must be free. I'd guess it to be in the $35-50 range, based on their other lamps. Aging hippies will snap it up.

Ciao,

Anne

Find of the week!

2011-02-04T19:12:00.001-05:00

Remember that the Find of the Week doesn't have to be something you can buy. Today was a cold and rainy Friday and the Grandboy had a half day of school, so it was a fast work day for me. The road to everywhere from my house takes me past this sight:

It's the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse! Ok, no, it's not. It stands in someone's yard. If you're really lucky to pass it in the evening, you might even see it with the light on. It makes me think of the beach--summer, sand, sun and ocean. It also makes me think of my very favorite lighthouse:

Nubble Light in York, Maine. Maine is a beautiful state. The ocean is very, very cold. The beach is quite rocky. My favorite beach is Moody Beach in Wells, Maine. Aren't these nice thoughts to have on a cold, rainy day in February? All because of that little lighthouse, standing in a yard that I pass by every day. That's a Find in my book.

Ciao,

Anne

Find of the week is here!

2011-01-29T16:51:00.000-05:00

So the next time I tell you that Blogger is being difficult and preventing me from posting, remind me to sign in correctly and all will be resolved. Duh.

Have you ever gone to GreenFront Interiors on Yonkers Rd. in Raleigh? Good place to poke around. Big place, lots of interesting items to consider. A whole room of rugs! Most of them are a traditional oriental sort of style, but not all. These two caught my attention;

And here's another one:

These hooked rugs are both 5'x7' and cost....$99! Nice way to put a little spice in a space on the cheap. While I'm not into florals personally, I do love a large graphic statement. This is the sort of rug that can be used in many kinds of interiors. They're playful. Fun. $99.

Ciao,
Anne

Find of the week is coming!

2011-01-29T08:56:00.001-05:00

Something is going on with Blogger, and it's preventing me from putting up pictures. I hope they get their act together this weekend because I have a find to show you! Check back soon!

Ciao,
Anne

Find of the week!

2011-01-22T16:00:00.002-05:00

Readers tell me they love the "Find of the Week" feature that I've done a couple of times, so of course I completely let it slide. It's a good thing I'm self-employed, that's all I can say. But I've got something for you this week.

A couple of weeks ago I spent some time checking out local thrift shops. Oh, what fun I had! First stop was the Habitat ReStore in Durham/Chapel Hill (on 15/501). SUCH a great place. You never know what you're going to find, but there's plenty of great salvaged building materials there to feed your creative spirit. This is what I bought:

It's a lovely luan, hollow core door, untouched by human hands. No hinges, no doorknob holes, no paint. Measures 24 x 80, your typical inside door measurement. It cost $2.00. $2.00 (bears repeating). What am I going to do with it? You'll just have to wait and see. But when it's done, you'll agree that it's easily the Find of the Week. Until that time, here's another little find from the Habitat ReStore in Pittsboro (there's one in Raleigh, too--they're all over the place);

The lamp base is a very creamy ivory and it cost $12.50. It is the kind of lamp that can be used many places in a home. I would put a shorter harp in it (the piece that holds the shade), but that's just me. The shade (which still has the plastic wrap on it but you can tell how cute it is) was also priced at $12.50. It's a lined lampshade in brown, cream, palest yellow and soft gray. They had all kind of shades that day--drums, solids, patterns. Christine put the shade on the base. She cannot stop herself from staging an area, it's a compulsion of hers and it makes me laugh so hard I often make a scene. The ReStore people weren't that amused--they put the shade back in the pile, which made me laugh even harder.

So the lamp and shade are my finds of the week, pictorially speaking. But the real find is the Habitat ReStore. It's just an amazing place with loads of creative potential in every aisle. And it supports Habitat, what more could you want? More? Ok, it's very "green" design--recycle, reuse, restore.

Ciao

Anne

Something new for the kitchen

2011-01-19T16:38:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share a few pictures that HomePortfolio.com sent me today about some new kitchen products we can ~~drool over~~ ponder.

Here's a splashy little number--a glass countertop. Oh, that blue is divine. Comes in other colors and you can even put LED lighting in it (don't ask me how, it's by ThinkGlass, ask them). What will happen when I drop a bowl on it? The same thing that will happen when I drop a french fry on my Dior Couture silk skirt silly.

Another cool sink. This one is called The Entertainer and it's by Lenova. It has inserts that transform it from a regular working sink to a wine cooler, chopping block or condiment bar. I'm assuming that your talented kitchen designer will be sure to have a cabinet nearby to hold the inserts when not in use.

And lastly, here's the Farmhouse sink by Herbeau Creations. They say that in Provence, those old farmhouse sinks aren't all white or stainless steel. They say that the color will transport you to the lavendar fields. Oky doky. This is a very pretty, rich color, that's for sure. Look at that graphite wall behind the sink. Oh baby, that's a nice look.

Ciao,

Anne

Kitchen and Bath Galleries Remodeling Expo

2011-01-17T17:58:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the fabulous Regina Tobin of Wallscapers, I went to the Remodeling Expo at Kitchen and Bath Galleries on Glenwood in Raleigh today (because she told me about it on FB). So many wonderful ideas and products! I think I touched every kind of backsplash they sell. I love the selection of finishes--glass, marble, granite, stainless, etc. They also have beautiful flooring products, appliances, tv and audio systems--and just everything you need for your kitchen and bathroom updates. Loads of pulls and knobs too, which can really add a personal touch, even if your budget isn't ready for the big time.

wouldn't this be a wonderful butler's pantry?

Kitchen and Bath Galleries

Even more importantly, I met some really nice people who can design and install all of the amazing products that I saw today. We all know how hard it is to find the right people to do the job when we're ready to roll. Let me give you a few names (if you click on them, it will bring you to their sites or emails--I'm very technologically advanced--ha!).

The Marengi's of California Closets are a delightful couple who obviously enjoy helping people organize their spaces. Gotta love that!

clean lines, a place for everything

California Closets

Scott Frey of Freys Building & Remodeling put on a seminar entitled "remodeling your bath" and really connected with the crowd because of his easy manner and experience in the subject.

love the colors and finishes

Frey

Jay Beaman is a home builder and remodeling specialist with a large and varied portfolio and he's easy to talk to. Beautiful details.

This may not be your personal style, but the workmanship tells you that this guy can do anything!

Beaman

Mark Masters of "neuwave" can help you pull together your technology in every room of your house, right down to the remote control blinds in your Home Theatre space (but also in your kitchen, bedroom, etc.) He has an office at Kitchen and Bath Galleries, so it's super easy to incorporate his services right into your project.

Mark showed me the Sonos wireless music system--the sound is SO good!

And just one more plug for Wallscapers, because Regina is so much fun to be around. You would not believe what they can do with your old cabinets, your dingy walls and your dated bookshelves!

Ciao,

Anne

Checking out the Ballard Designs catalog

2011-01-11T14:42:00.001-05:00

Oh dear, another snow day here in ~~Alaska~~ North Carolina. The up side is that it gives me time to check out the latest catalogs littering my house. Pottery Barn is always good for a look--plenty of great staging ideas and I like a couple of their ready-made drapery panels.

The catalog that I really enjoyed this morning was Ballard Designs. I've pulled out some favorites to show you on this icy day:

This is the Eldridge chandlier. It's 40" x 14". Very handsome. As lightbulb technology continues to change, you might get some crazy shapes to put in there (as long as they're dimmable), furthering the ability to make it your own.

Garden district mirrors. There are so many places these could go! They're sold in pairs and, of course, could be hung horizontally or vertically. They add interest to a wall, reflect light and views and add sparkle to a space.

These are indoor/outdoor rugs that would give a great graphic punch to any area. Today I'm loving the orange (near a green, blue or brown wall--wow!), but all the colors are excellent, and they wash off with a hose!

The Celine rug is an easy way to get an animal print into a room without much commitment. It's subtle (I'd choose the darker color), reasonably priced and soft. I'd get a big one to place in front of the living room sofa, then put the big cofee table on top, so it's just peeking out.

Here's a picture from the catalog that's just for a laugh--

Book bundles. They take old paperback books, rip the covers off and tie them together with twine--then sell them to us! Thank you, Ballard Designs, for a good laugh. Oh! You think they're serious? Oh dear.

Mr. and Mrs. pillows. These would make me smile every day. They're made of trendy burlap and the letters are just stenciled on. Yes, you can do that yourself in any number of ways. All catalogs are filled with ideas for things that you can do yourself. I saw some throw pillows on the HGTV site for their Dream Home (I'll do a post of that fabulous place that I'm going to win another day) that had words like "hike" and "bike." Fun!

Ballard Designs is an excellent source for inexpensive, ready-made curtains. Here are their burlap drapes. They're unlined (which works with burlap) and come in great lengths. I would leave off the fringed valance, not my cup of tea. These are cheap, but look great.

Confession time; these are my all-time favorite ready-made drapes. Small check, ribbon trim, attached valance, lined. They come in nice long lengths and they're VERY reasonably priced. They even come with drapery pins! There are several colors, but I want the black. The above picture shows the brown and it's looking pretty darn gracious in that room. I'm originally from New England. so the small check is in my genetic code. I don't think of it as a "country" style, but as a classic, warm, you-are-home style that would mix well. I have just the window for these drapes, but the room is currently being used for trains (as in Thomas and GeoTrax), so I'm waiting.

Lastly, I liked this piece of art. Hey, we can do this! While I think the artist did a great job on this, it's also a wonderful example of an idea that many of us could use as a jumping off point for a project of our very own. How about making dog profiles, tree shapes or houses and framing them? The list of possibilities is long. See how the artist used black and white newspaper as well as yellowed paper, and also added some solid accents? Remember those little details.

Has the ice melted yet? If not, I'm going to be forced to make some cookies. I know I'm going to regret it!

Ciao,

Anne

I like this room makeover!

2011-01-09T20:59:00.000-05:00

House Beautiful, February, 2011

I just finished reading the new issue of House Beautiful and found this great "One-Day Makeover" in it's pages. It's got lots of good ideas. Above you see the "before" room. Large but narrow space, good light coming in. What the homeowner was doing was using 2 sofas, back to back. So we're looking at the blue sofa, but there's a white one right behind it. It makes for difficult conversation and narrow aisles on each side of the room. Poor use of space. Kind of boring.

Room by Healing & Barsanti

So here's the "after" shot. Love the new floor plan. Not sure if you can tell, but there's a dining table and chairs at the far end of the room. Great use of space. Love the vibrant artwork on the left wall and the purple lamp. I like how the white coffee table gives the eye a place to rest amid all the color. Not sure I'd have chosen those drapes, but I'm quibbling. They pulled blue and purple throughout the room and that's one of my all time favorite color combinations. That tie dye rug is delicious and all the furniture looks useful and comfortable.

It's not a boring room anymore! Very liveable and attractive. This is a room that would make me smile!

Ciao,

Anne

Fads and finishes that I need a break from

2011-01-05T09:01:00.000-05:00

I like fads--they're fun, fresh and often inexpensive ways to brighten up a room temporarily. Notice I said "temporarily." Fads have a shelf life and it can be hard to tell when the expiration date has come and gone. It's the new year; a great time to take a hard look around the room to see what fads you've participated in and decide if perhaps they've done their job and need to be removed. You don't have to throw anything away. Old fads can definitely be repurposed at a later date.

1. "Keep calm and carry on." Nice little slogan that one. Inspirational, catchy. Done to death. So if you haven't already bought a pillow, framed print, apron, tray, card or T shirt with this emblazoned on it by now, I suggest you write it on a Post-It, stick it on your bulletin board and move on. I swear every magazine in the past year has featured at least one room with this on the wall. Enough!

2. Fake plants of any kind. Still have faux greenery on top of your kitchen cabinets? Please take it down today. You'll feel better (after you faint at the sight of all the dust that's on every leaf), or at least you'll breathe better. If you want one or two small, discreet little fake plants in your house, tuck them in a corner or some small place, don't make them the star. They don't have star power. Try some real plants in your home(but probably not over the cabinets). A peace lily is very easy to grow. It just needs light, not sun. There are lots of options actually like that one. And you don't have to water most of them very often. In fact, a nurseryman recently told me that overwatering is the leading cause of death in houseplants. He says a little neglect works just fine.

3. Old furniture painted white. There are other colors out there that can spiff up an old ratty bureau or cool retro end table besides bright white! First of all, please think hard before you cover up the old wood finish. Sometimes just cleaning the piece up with a mild solvent and changing out the knobs or pulls can resolve the aesthetic issues. But if it needs to be painted, or you just want a painted finish, consider some other lovely colors. Great neutrals include creams and grays and my favorite finish is still a soft gloss. I think flatter finishes look cheaper. Poppin' fresh colors like reds, blues, greens, etc. are always welcome. Maine Cottage sells spray paint in great hues. But let's give bright white a little rest.

4. Satin nickel finishes. While I like satin nickel finishes, it's becoming the brass of our time. The bronzes and black are just so pretty, warm and easy to maintain. My friend and fellow designer, Christine, just built a house with black doorknobs on all interior doors. It's fabulous. Really, really fabulous. Remember you can mix your metals now--that old style of all brass or nickel throughout the house is long dead.

5. Shiny granite. I love granite countertops, but dare I say that we've polished enough of it? I'd like to see more honed finishes on granite. It's soft and warm and doesn't cast a glare when the lights are on. Mixing polished finishes with honed ones is a nice look.

No offense to the talented artist, just to the mass marketing

6. Mass produced artwork. I'm talking the super duper mass produced stuff. There's so much great art in the world; tons of original artwork, lots of things you can do yourself, and lovely prints, giclees, etc. by both known and lesser known artists at every imaginable price point. Why would anyone choose to put the same picture on their walls that they see at the dentists office, their friend's home and anywhere else they might look? Once in a while I'll see a great piece of art (not original, but beautifully done and framed) at a big box store. But it never fails that a few months later, the same piece will suddenly show up at yet another big box, then another, then I'll see it in the catalogs. I've learned to step away!

I know, I'm opinionated and bossy. I hope I haven't offended anyone. Just think about trying something new with your future purchases. Nothing shown here is ugly or tacky. Just maybe overused and could use a break. Trust me, it will all be back in time!

Ciao,
Anne

My favorite gift from Santa

2011-01-03T09:06:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh, it's over. Lovely holiday. It was wonderful. Our family austerity program totally enhanced Christmas. While there was still lots to do and plan and shop for, it was on a smaller scale. That really took the edge off for me. We had to be more creative with our gifts to keep the costs down. That meant we had to listen more carefully to each other to know what we really wanted. There were no technological wonders on the list--things that actually tether us more closely to work and make precious time fly by more quickly. We got books and tools and warm sweaters in fresh colors, stuff like that. Of course, Grandboy got all the things on his wacky list (except for a Wii, he's 5, too young and we're not encouraging more time in front of a TV, no matter what's on it).

Here's my favorite gift. You're going to think I'm nuts, but here goes;

It's a Yankee Screwdriver!

Actually an Eazypower Isomax Contractor Push Pull Screwdriver. I've wanted one forever! SO MUCH easier than using a power drill for all kinds of small jobs. Hey, interior designers have a constant need for screwdrivers and drills (at least this one does, so maybe it's just me)! It's the size of a regular large screwdriver and comes with several different kinds of bits (the end that goes into the screws or wall or toy or hinge or many, many other things). Then you just pump the handle and it turns the screw! It's a power tool without the need for any power. A little switch on the side allows you to go forward or backward. No batteries, no bulky thing to try to finangle into tight spaces and no muscles necessary. I LOVE THIS THING! Hub got it at Burke's Hardware in Raleigh.

You're thinking that this is not a properly romantic gift for a husband to give his wife? Au contraire mes amis. It means he really listened to me and didn't pass judgements on my odd love of proper tools (which are things that make my life easier and allow me to do more things that I want to do). I think that's very romantic. I've already used my new screwdriver once and Hub has used it too. Now he's a convert to it's magic.

Ciao,

Anne

It's almost 2011!

2010-12-30T12:47:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posting, but I'm savoring the end of the year and getting ready for a brand new 2011. Are you having having fun? Taking naps? Getting ready for some really special resolutions? Me too.

See you soon!

Ciao,

Anne

All is calm, all is bright

2010-12-23T09:26:00.001-05:00

Schumacher Trees

Well, the days have been busy. Yesterday, despite my best efforts at maintaining a peaceful vibe, I had a small meltdown. While wrapping gifts, I discovered a small bag of merchandise to be totally missing. I searched high and low. No, it had obviously been left behind at the store. I called the store and they said to come with my receipt. I was SO mad, mostly at myself. It's my own responsibility to leave the store with all the bags. But when I got there, the bag had been set aside, waiting for me. Phew. BIG sigh of relief. Refinding the items would have been quite the hassle.

Grandboy's big gift is of the electronic variety and I've read in some of the reviews that we need to open it up and get it all started up so that he can play with it on Christmas. Something about using the computer and blabbity blab blab. I've assigned this chore to Hub, but you know that doesn't mean I've let go of it. Some reviewers said it's easy as pie, others have said it's quite difficult. Reading product reviews is a double edged sword! At least we know to get started on it.

I wish you all peace. I wish for a beautiful new year for our world. As tough as these times are, life is good.

Ciao,

Anne

More on the mantel

2010-12-12T22:17:00.003-05:00

I did a little more fluffing on the mantel this weekend. I like to add or tweak as the days go by and I have the time, come across an idea or stumble across a forgotten ornament or a sale in a chic little boutique (okay, in Harris Teeter, ornaments were 75% off!). If I can, I'll post an udated picture this week.

In the meantime, I wanted to show you some pictures I saw on another blog that I enjoy reading--Habitually Chic. Here's a mantel that is gorgeous, BUT it looks like a fire hazard for those of us who actually use our fireplaces. Yes, there's a roaring fire in the photo, but I just can't imagine... Anyway, pretty picture, great mantel. I'm a sucker for pine cones.

Here's another one, realistically more to my liking

Southern Accents

I'm going to try to remember this one for next year. Not a big fan of that wreath hanging on the wall, but I like the clean, quiet vibe so much. Will keep my eyes peeled on my shopping adventures for a long, narrow container for the center, and maybe can put something taller in it. Then I wouldn't need the wreath.

I liked this idea also:

Again, clean lines, simple. Looks kind of beachy to me.

Here's one more. I've put candles in old champagne glasses many times, but this is a new twist for me--a little greenery in silver chalices. Just wanted to use the word "chalices," thanks for letting me.

Have a great week. Light candles, make cookies, play with a child (or a childish adult). Breathe.

Ciao,

Anne

The Christmas mantel

2010-12-06T13:48:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I pulled out the pre-decorated garland that I bought several years ago--an excellent investment because it makes the mantel a fast and easy project. Plop down the garland, rotate the artwork, give Mr. Moose and Mr. Deer their rightful place, add the sparkly trees that look like something Tim Burton designed and I'm good to go. I like imperfection, that's why those sparkly trees are still around. They're shabby chic in the truest sense of the word. Our family room mantel now looks special, but still clean and simple. Stephanie Fracasso did the still life oil painting. It's lovely.

Ciao,
Anne

My Find of the Week--A great gift idea!

2010-12-03T15:20:00.000-05:00

Do you need gift ideas for those people who have everything? How about lovely hostess gifts? Would you like an idea that both men and women will like? Here it is--handmade soap. Once you try it, you will completely understand. It's a great way to start the day in the shower, or a lovely way to end it in the tub. It's aromantherapy and getting clean, all in one. And I think real soap is good for you, as opposed to those bars of detergents that the store calls soap. We have super sensitive skin in this house, and we're all happy when we use handmade soap from Hello Crafty.

Hello Crafty Handmade Soap is gift worthy, wonderful soap that comes in all kinds of amazing scent combinations. The beautiful Bonnie King of Durham, NC, whips these up herself and the girl knows what she's doing. The blue one, above, is called "Ocean." Isn't it pretty? It "brings the scent of an ocean breeze" into your shower (that's what she says and I believe her). It's a salt bar, meaning that it's made with lots of salt that gives it a hardness that makes it last a long time. But they're still make a creamy lather. My favorite salt bar has blood orange, lemongrass, grapefruit and bergamot essential oils in it. The smell is amazing. Hub has even told me how much he likes to use it in the shower! He has never mentioned soap in the 30 years that we've been married until I brought that one home!

This one is the lavendar citrus cold process bar. Go to her Etsy shop and read about all the different kinds of soap. Very reasonably priced--about $7 per big bar, very decadent stuff. She packages it nicely, so you'll be good to go. Oprah would make this a Favorite Thing. Martha would call it a Very Good Thing. Even better, DeCocco Design calls it the Find of the Week!

Ciao,

Anne

Easily distracted with crafts

2010-11-30T20:59:00.002-05:00

Every year at this time I try a new crafty project. Some have worked out very well, like my accent pillows (sold them all in a gallery, lah dee dah),

or my little beaded elves that adorned tags on gifts. I made mine out of glass beads, so they were a tad prettier than this picture from Parents Magazine (oh yeah, I get my ideas everywhere!).

Some not so well, like the damn garlands made by cutting very heavy foil into leaves and acorns--ouch! Very pretty Martha, but the maker ends up in bandages. This year I'm experimenting with memory wire to continue the jewelry making journey that every woman eventually, it seems, must tackle. But then today the pom pom maker arrived.

Etsy.com This is not mine, I just got the tool today!

OH. MY. GOSH. I love pom poms and this thing is really easy. But what does one do, exactly, with fancy pom poms? Oh dear.

Ciao,

Anne

Stress-free holiday decorating

2010-11-28T19:06:00.002-05:00

There will be NO stress this Christmas. We will not do that to ourselves this year. A tough year is an opportunity to be low key, quiet and mindful in our preparations for this most joyful of holidays. Now let's get started!

Here's all you need to decorate your interior spaces:

       Candles. I prefer white or cream. Find them at discount stores.
       Garland. I prefer real pine garland. Garden centers.
       Bowls. Any and all sizes. Use what you have.
       Music. All kinds. Whatever you like.

Start with a clean house. Yes, that's the catch. But a clean base makes it easier to keep up.

bhg.com

Spread the candles around the house. All sizes and shapes are welcome. Place them in votives, in candlesticks, on squat little bases, floating in wine glasses, in hurricane lanterns, sitting on saucers, etc. Put them in anything and place them everywhere. Be sure that most are in locations and holders that are safe, because you're really going to light them.

You don't have to be this ornate, but it's easy to wire on some pine cones.

Drape the garland wherever you can. Over the mantel is where I start, but winding up the banister on the stairs is also a classic. You're not reinventing the wheel here. I pull some of the garland apart and stick it in a bowl because it smells good.

bhg.com

Fill the bowls with whatever you like. Candy, ornaments, strands of beads or your collection of fake pearl necklaces (how did I get so many of those?). Baby blocks, pine cones, sea shells, favorite photos, beach glass, little stones, marbles, nuts, fake fruit.. Anything that you find when you walk around your house or look into cabinets and can amass to fill a small or large bowl (no, not laundry).

Music. Just make a commitment to play music often throughout the season. Put it on whenever you're home. You may find that you don't need the droning, depressing, stressful TV to be on so much.

That's it. You're done. If you have time, throw a pan of brownies or cookies in the oven every now and then. They make the house smell so good and you can eat them or send them to the teachers or put them in the employee lunch room. Brownies take minutes to make (I'm talking from the box of course).

So now the house looks good, smells good and sounds good. Do whatever you want with the tree. We've had a few years when all we put on the tree where lights and fake snow. They looked so pretty. You don't have to be this simple every year, but if you give it a try I bet you'll like it.

A simple year, with candles, garland, bowls of favorite objects and music can be a wonderful thing.

Ciao,
Anne

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T13:58:00.000-05:00

I'm thankful for so much: family, friends and home being my top 3. Also trees, crafts, joy, fun, laughter, books and sleep, among many other things. I hope you all enjoy Thanksgiving, are kind to each other and find some downtime this weekend.

A friend sent me this picture. It made me laugh, so I'm sharing it with you (thanks Shelley!).

Ciao,

Anne

The flavors of Fall

2010-11-20T19:56:00.002-05:00

No "Find of the week" this week. I was busy busy every day and wasn't in the stores and shops much.

BUT I did zip over to the Ornamentea parking lot this afternoon to visit the Designer's Downtown Market and pick up some soap from the fabulous TJ Pappas of Soft Wind Soap. He makes a Tea Tree Complexion bar that is such a wonderful product. I have super sensitive skin and have never been able to use soap on my face until I stumbled upon TJ's soaps. I also buy his oatmeal bars for Grandboys bath. These are real soaps, not detergents, which is what the soap you buy in the grocery store is. Very, very nice. And not an indulgence at all as they're reasonably priced, last a LONG time and have eliminated the need for me to use prescription products from my dermatologist.

While at the Market, I also stopped by the booth of Tom Kumpf of Double T Farm. I was drawn in by the sight of his beautiful little bunches of beets. Red and white striped, white and golden beets, all with their delicious greens attached. They were the star of my dinner tonight!

Two little bunches netted this bowl of sliced beets and the bigger bowl of greens. I sauteed them all in butter and they were so good.

Tom also has the prettiest heads of butter lettuce I've ever seen, so I bought one of those as well. Gently washed and dried, then torn up and tossed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. I'm drooling as I type (I know, TMI). Tom's farm does a CSA program, so go to his website and read about it. Fresh, local produce is super delicious!

Also on the menu this evening was a pork tenderloin with applesauce and rice pilaf. A Fall feast! I'm a happy girl.

Ciao,

Anne

Your Jewelry Store

2010-11-18T12:56:00.002-05:00

Everyone needs a great, local jewelry store to call their own, so let me introduce you to Vigari Jewelers. They're located on Strickland and Leesville Rd in Raleigh (in the shopping center with the Teeter). 919-870-6611.

You need your own jewelry store for many reasons. First and foremost for repairs, maintenance and sizing of jewelry that you already own. Then you need a place where you can find unique pieces, gifts, trends and, of course, those very occasional but absolutely fabulous BIG purchases marking special events. Oh! I think I hear holiday bells as I'm typing this! Who has the time to search out these things? AND you don't have to set foot in a mall. AND it's a store owned by local people.

At Vigari's, you'll find amazing customer service and vast knowledge from Michael and Travis. They are both such gems! I'm sorry--I had to say it! You can describe what you're looking for and they can pull out catalogs and find it for you. From the moment you walk into their store, you become a special customer, no matter what you buy.

Right now they have a case of these super fab ICE Watches. They come in a medium or large size, so they work for both men and women. The colors are phenomenal.

This is the one I would pick for me:

Oh, it would be highly versatile in my wardrobe. Is Hub reading this? Is he?

Ciao,

Anne

Find of the week

2010-11-13T12:13:00.001-05:00

I almost didn't find a "find" this week! It doesn't always have to be a piece of furniture. There are no rules here. It just has to be interesting, useful, a real bargain or whatever I'm in the mood for. So this week it's something very useful in home decor. But first, let me introduce to you When Pigz Fly, a lovely shop on Six Forks Rd. in North Raleigh. I've gone by it many times and have wondered about it, but finally stopped in yesterday. Loved it! Here are some pictures:

Does this look familiar? It sits, all by itself, in a residential part of Six Forks Rd. The owner, Diane, is there Wednesday through Sunday, from 11:00-7:00. Pay attention to those hours so you don't frustrate yourself.

It's a small shop, but between the areas outside and inside, there are lots of things to see and buy. This picture only shows you one corner.

Fair trade items, local artists, NC products abound. The lovely artwork above the shelf is by Susan Dahlin Bashford, a Raleigh artist. Ornaments, soap, handbags, scarfs, clothing, jewelry, food, metal art, antiquey pieces, garden sculptures, cards, oh, I've got to stop because I know I'm leaving out a ton. This is a great place for interesting pieces for the home as well as gifts for teachers, hostesses, friends, etc.

Ok, here's the Find of the Week;

See these hooks hanging from a metal basket? I believe the tag says $3 each. You know when you see those beautiful handblown glass balls in stores and galleries, or some lovely thing that you know would be perfect in your home dangling in a window, casting off light, color and interesting shadows, but you have no idea how you're going to hang it so you just pass on by? Wow, that was a long sentence. Well here's the answer.

I'm going to buy some of these to hang off the curtain rod in the living room in the big window. Then I'm going to hang vintage Christmas ornaments that I've had forever on the ends. I'll do this after Thanksgiving. That's my plan anyway. But I could think of 100 things to hang from these hooks that will look great, and not just for the holidays.

I hope Diane has lots of these in stock. While you're there, be sure to really look around and scoop up some of the other items in the store. They won't be there if you think you can come back later. She has a great eye, lots of customers, lovely, unique items for sale AND she's far from the mall, so you will totally enjoy your shopping experience.

Really, this whole store was a find.

Ciao,

Anne

Accenting a room with meaning

2010-11-10T17:04:00.000-05:00

I was looking through some boxes I have in a storage dormer at home and found these beauties. My granite eggs. I'm originally from Maine--a state of amazing natural beauty. There is a small beach in Wells, Maine, that has lots of these granite "eggs" washed up on the shore. When the waves go in and the waves go out, they gently shake the rocks and it makes the most magical clackity clackity sound, over and over. I dream of that sound often.

One summer I took home some of the rocks and every couple of years put them into a basket on the counter or a bowl on a table. Visitors gravitate to them and love to pick them up, marveling at their smoothness, colors and shape. Once in a very blue moon I'll give one or two to a friend as a gift. While I never want to run out of these special rocks, I know that their magic is meant to be shared.

Aren't they beautiful?

Ciao,
Anne

A bathroom sink to dream about

2010-11-08T08:10:00.000-05:00

I love reading my Sunday New York Times. Each and every page is caressed by my hands and read until my eyeballs are burning. Sometimes it takes me all week to get through it--not because of its' size (getting thinner like all my favorite newspapers), but because I really want to give each section my full attention. I don't have a lot of "full attention" time.

This week there was a special New York Times Style Magazine. Inside, there's an article, written by Pilar Viladas, about a home built on an island in the Pacific Northwest. Photographs by Dwight Eschliman. First I'll show you the bathroom sink:

Do you see it? The sink? Under the extended faucet? Carved into the rock? Wow! Now that's something to see! And look out the window! How does one not stand there all day, transfixed by the view?

Here's a few more pix of the house. Enjoy your day.

I feel chilly in this room, but with a fire going in the fireplace, the chandelier turned on to sparkle and a couple of thick, warm, colorful throws, I could settle right in and just look out the window.

Here's how to make a gray day seem just fine. Fire and water. So good.

Ciao,

Anne

Find of the week

2010-11-05T16:37:00.001-04:00

There's a nice antique mall once again in Cameron Village! Cheshire Cat Gallery is downstairs, right next door to Accipiter. The address is 2050 Clark Ave, Raleigh. Store phone is 919-835-9595. They have a nice mix of vendors, with new ones coming in all the time. Remember when Raleigh Antique Mall was there--it was such a good place and I've missed it terribly. AND, if that's not enough good news, it's also the latest location for hipsteria, which is a wonderful source for mid century modern finds!

Here's a photo of the hipsteria area. Ohhhh, ahhhh.

And that leads me to this week's "Find of the Week" It's in the hipsteria booth.

This is a Wieman coffee table with Italian marble top. Long and thin. My guess is that it's about 60" long by 16" wide. Lovely legs. Perfect height. Very clean lines, very beautiful top. We're always looking for a fab coffee table, are we not? Well here is a fab coffee table. $289.00 It's still in the shop as I type this, I just checked.
Ciao,
Anne

2010 Kips Bay Show House

2010-11-04T09:50:00.002-04:00

Every year, top name designers descend on a home in New York and turn it into the Kips Bay Show House, a major fundraiser for the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club. It's a fantastical event with amazing rooms. I found the following pix on the New York Times slideshow page. While the rooms can sometimes be over the top in terms of finishes for an active family, they are chock full of great ideas and design lessons. Enjoy!

Entrance by Kate Ridder

Look at the saturated color in this tiny space!

Dining Room by Cullman and Kravis

Photo from Habitually Chic

I think the drapes are what make this room. They warm it up and keep it elegant.

Eve Robinson kitchen

Large scale wallpaper pattern in purple!

Mural by Nina Helms

Mural made of rubber and plaster--wow!

Noel Jeffrey bedroom

That little bench at the foot of the bed is unexpected. Not something I would do, but I applaud the effort.

Verdi and D'Elia landing

I'll bet that ceiling is painted in a high gloss finish. Look how it reflects the light!

J. and J. Michaels room

Whisper as you read this--so quiet, so calm.

J. and J. Michaels room

This is another wall in the previous room. Keep whispering. The blood pressure is lowering...

Ciao,

Anne

Antiques & Interiors Sale

2010-11-03T20:17:00.000-04:00

Today I went to the Preview of Southern City Markets Antiques and Interiors Sale Event (quite a mouthful). They had advertised heavily in the design community; postcards, FaceBook alerts, emails, so I thought they deserved a visit because of all that effort! There's an interesting mix of items from several local vendors. While I was there, I took a picture of the bench below because it illustrates how nicely a pretty cushion finishes off a bench and wasn't I just showing you a bench last week in my Find of the Week post? Yes, I was!

Here's the bench (ok, more like a settee) from today's sale. Very pretty.

And here's the bench from last week's Find at Hunt and Gather. A cushion would polish it right up. Since there are no sides to this bench, I'd be sure to have little ties in the back to attach it safely.

The Southern City Markets sale is being held from November 4-7, at 312 W. Johnson Street in Raleigh. Have fun!

Ciao,

Anne

How much candy have you eaten today?

2010-11-01T09:08:00.000-04:00

Did you have fun? Did you get candy? Did you see a flash go by you, looking like a cross between candy corn and a witch? That was my neice--the speediest little girl in the land. My grandboy did his best to keep up with her, but she just floats through the air with the greatest of ease!

Don't take the pumpkins down quite yet. They look so pretty on doorsteps.

Ciao,

Anne

Find of the week

2010-10-29T19:12:00.002-04:00

Did I mention that I went to Hunt & Gather this week? The one at 8724 Glenwood Ave.. Always plenty of interesting things there. It's where I found the Find of the Week and here it is:

I'm so sorry I didn't note the price--I think it was something like $225. As I often look for in my Finds, it's the kind of piece that's very versatile. This would look great in many places in a home. You could paint it or you could so leave it just as it is. It's small in scale, but useful, and made out of pretty wood. I like the little turned legs with stretchers. I know, it kinda reminds me of the rocking chair that was a Find just two weeks ago. I must be lovin' sweet furniture lately. Hey, we all need sweet, homey touches in our houses.

I'd leave the finish alone, put a cushion made out of a colorful contemporary graphic fabric with contrasting welting and I'd use it to sit down and take off my sneakers when I got home from the Teeter. Then I'd kick those sneakers underneath the bench till 45 minutes later when I head out once again!

Ciao,

Anne

The Happiness Project

2010-10-28T19:13:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading "The Happiness Project, or Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean my Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle and Generally Have More Fun" by Gretchen Rubin. A much loved former client of mine recommended it and I will now and forever read any book she tells me to. This book was so much fun to read. Very thought provoking, but amusing at the same time. Ms. Rubin took a year to examine, analyze, ponder and research the topic of personal happiness. She does love the research, I have to say, and the statistics and the quoting of big brains. I just skim through that stuff, as that makes me happy!

I started out reading it before bed, as it seems light and fluffy. Then I had to stop that because it gave me too much to think about and that interfered with my sleep (nothing gets to interfere with sleep!). So I'd read it during the day when I had a bit of time here and there.

I love a good read, don't you?

Ciao,

Anne