Totally Hooked

I just came to the realization that my new favorite color is Raisin! It's not too purple, not too brown- it's just so perfect. Tones of this warm color has been popping up all over. Raisins remind me of  grapes, and grapes of wine! What's not to like! Hold on while a take a sip.... gulp.. ok. This color plays well with grey, beige, green- you name it.  It is not too feminine thanks to the earthy, tone so go ahead and add a few pillows around.

West Elm Origami Pillow

Rum Raisin from Pantone

Inspire yourself.

Dawn

Morning in Brooklyn

One of my favorite places to go during the weekend is the Brooklyn Flea. The food is innovative and delicious. The vendors are colorful and creative.  And the surrounding area of Saturday's Flea, Fort Greene, is architecturally rich and just plain fun. 


Check out this awesome map of Brooklyn called "Tillie's Community Mural" on the side of a building done as a community art project.

I had breakfast at "The General Greene" on the corner of Dekalb & Clermont. I love the fact that the food is seasonal and they have a definite vibe to the place and the hour I spent there showed they have a following. It might have been a coincidence but I think all 'Brooklynite' men are sporting a mustache. Hipster cult thing?  I ordered the omelette and found it delicious.  As for the cinnamon butter- out of this world- true you can't make butter taste bad but they had the right combo.  I do feel like I spent a little too much for what I got, keeping in mind I am a foodie and living in Northern Bergen County I am used to paying high prices. But I am eager to go back to try their salted caramel ice cream.  Check them out at www.thegeneralgreene.com.


The best part of the day is the flea! All the "junk", vintage clothing and the creative options you will find made from reclaimed pieces.  Mostly you will be hit by the entrepreneurial spirit.  Tons of products made in Brooklyn and produced by local Brooklyn residents. You will be amazed at what you will find- local mustard, donuts, yogurt, ceramics, art, jewelry and the list goes on.  Go to their website, www.brooklynflea.com/, to get directions to the flea, info on vendors, etc.


So spoil your senses and take a few hours to indulge your spirited side.




Inspire yourself.
Dawn

Terrarium for the Not-So-Green Thumb

It is hard not to notice a trend in all things green, for example, terrariums. I do love the look of them, especially those with moss and succulents, but truth be told, I have caused the demise of many of these touted "easy to care for plants" one too many times. [It is down right embarrassing- I mean they must of heard of me and just do themselves in on their own, not wanting to give me any satisfaction and/or enjoyment.]  So, I opted for the next best thing- faux, artificial and/or wanna-be-greenery. You know- it is like having a stuffed dog instead of the real thing- you can still pet it, talk to it and cuddle with it, but no drool, poop or late night walks! Am I right?... huh?.. come on- you all wish you could sell that to the family!!  On a serious note- artifical greenery has come a long way and looks so real.  In many cases you need to touch it to be sure that it's not.  And the truth of the matter is I would rather see a good imitation then nothing at all. So started my afternoon project. I was able to find a great glass container that worked with my aesthetic and this is the how to....

The materials needed.

The perfect addition to a room!

Inspire yourself.

Dawn

Learn More About Hue

We may not admit it, but we all have been awed by color in some way. The Grand Canyon, spring flowers, a sunset, 4th of July fireworks, and who can forget our first box of Crayola crayons. Colors have meaning to us.  They stimulate our senses and evoke memories.  Why then are we so cautious when it comes to putting it on our walls? I guess the fear is that you can't push it to the back of your closet as you would when that pink shirt wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Have you seen the colors in fashion right now?  And the patterns? Missoni is the rage now with their zig-zags and prints that have stepped into the home market. Mario Buatta, the world renowned "prince of chintz", has never been accused of being afraid of color (read more on him in Elle Decor- Mario Buatta's Color Secrets). In fact he uses color and pattern to wild abandon: and it is nothing short of fabulous. Pantone's color of the year is Tangerine Tango, a appealing reddish orange. But according to myperfectcolor.com, Benjamin Moore's most popular living room color is Powell Buff, a comforting neutral.  Not to fear though- I am seeing my clients using color more easily. They are allowing themselves to be nudged towards 'the bright side'. I encourage clients to take their neutral backdrops and infuse color into their space with accent chairs, tables, pillows and accessories. The idea is to create some contrast and excitement.  It is easy to incorporate color and pattern in doses. You may not want to live in one of Buatta's rooms or wear a maxi dress with a chevron rainbow, but you know that color strikes a cord and pulls your mouth up in the corners a little. Here's my suggestions to inject a little color into your life: Dare to wear some colorful jeans. Check out the ones at the Gap.   Decorate your shelves or mantels with colorful books.  Go to SorryThankYou79's Etsy shop to purchase the ones below. Try fabrics like snappy stripes in vibrant hues at Clarence House.                    Color of the Year                    Green & Blue                        Try orange cookbooks in the kitchen                                                                                                                             Neutral walls and window treatments lend nicely to pops of blue and green. Seen on Houzz.com Inspire yourself. Dawn

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

Diamonds, diamonds everywhere.  You really can't look around and not see the "diamond" shape in every aspect of design.  It pops up in fabric, furniture, lighting, and of course, your iconic cut diamond shape.  Most of my clients who say they are afraid of pattern will find themselves drawn to fabrics and/or carpets with the diamond design because it really is an easy pattern to live with. (I could share my house with unlimited amounts of diamonds!)

 

Diamond Paperweight from Amazon 

This would make a hell of a cocktail ring!





Outdoor Pillow from Crate and Barrel

This graphic print is youthful and fun.

 

Diamond Ceiling Pendant from Capitol Lighting

I always believe a room needs a little black and a little bling.  I love the use of crystals in this lighting fixture.

Diamond Art Print from Society 6

This is a affordable way to have a collection of diamonds.

I love how this print looks vintage.

Diamond Pattern Stool from Wisteria

Not as expensive as the rare blue diamonds.

Just remember diamonds are always easy on the eyes- and every woman (and home) deserves some!

Inspire yourself.

Dawn