A Look I Love

Two good examples from Reyes and Rag & Bone.

Winters in Houston are funny. Two days ago, I wore short sleeves and sandals to work. Today, I'm wearing a wool coat and boots. For a climate that isn't often cold, I love the look of a short-sleeved jacket over a long sleeved shirt. I've seen several people in our store sporting the look, and I've always told them how chic they look. One lady seemed totally surprised, claiming she hadn't been considered chic for 30 years! Chic and modest, what a lady! I, for one, fully intend to invest in a cool jacket under which I can layer a fitted long sleeve tee. I really like this one from Anthropologie:

Anticipation Jacket, $148

So pretty! And the fluttery sleeves would easily allow layering. I think I found a winner! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some shopping to do!

Cool Cribs: Part 1

The other morning my television happened to be on MTV while I was getting ready for work. Normally, this isn't part of my routine but the show "Cribs" was on and I've always enjoyed seeing what celebrities do with their homes (and their hard earned money!). The show has added two episodes called "Teen Cribs" which features the homes of a number of teenagers all over the United States. I've posted one that is my favorite but I couldn't help thinking that some of the homes had the neatest new gadgets and high-tech toys, much less fabulously decorated interiors!!

Check it out!!

MTV Cribs - MTV Shows

Will you be my Valentine??

Valentine's Day is only 17 days away and counting so I've listed a few ideas for your special someone in case you've completely wrecked your brains!!

A romantic night in is always a safe bet! Everyone loves chocolate, wine, and a long hot bath. What would this lovely situation be without candles!?A romantic fusion of the exotic spices and precious woods of His and the blend of Tahitian vanilla and spun sugar of Hers. His and Hers Blend Quickies burn for 5 hours each. $24.00

A simple cooked dinner or take-out can be just the ticket from a stressful week and a perfect get-away for your special somone so why not set the mood with simmering, soul music?

Try out one of our cd's called "Midnight Soul 3"--I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. :) $28.00

I personally find coupons for a free car wash or a movie night a really great idea to give anyone for Valentine's Day but we carry an item with a new twist on this sentimental gift.

No explanation needed. $5.95

Board games like Monopoly, Cranium or Pictionary are always fun for two or for a house full. Even a good game of cards is worth while so this next item could be something you couples might want to try out.

Truth or Dare is perfect and might bring you down memory lane (except on cards!). $16.95

Office Space

I did a little furniture rearranging this week with my husband. Since we have yet to entertain a single soul in our apartment, we repurposed the dining "room" into an office for me. I had been using a small rectangular table from Ikea as a dining table that magically transformed into a desk once I pushed it against the wall. We gave three of the four dining chairs to charity with the idea that we'll dinate the fourth once I find a cute and comfy desk chair to replace it.

With this project in mind all weekend, I thought about desk/chair combinations. I like to mix the look up a little bit- industrial with earthy, traditional with modern, you get the gist. Here are five that I came up with. I hope they inspire you!

Go-Cart Desk, $149 + Trig File Cabinet, $179 @ CB2; Pattern Bent Wood Chair in Coffee @ Brocade Home, $199

Shelby Desk @ High Fashion Home, $1595; Louis Ghost Chair in Crystal @ High Fashion Home, $410

Latham Desk @ Crate & Barrel, $599; Terai Folding Chair in Floral Stripe @ Anthropologie, $198

Mondo Compact Office Armoire @ High Fashion Home, $1749; Wireback Chair in Black @ High Fashion Home, $159

Sawhorse Worktable @ West Elm, $449; Kiki Slipcovered Side Chair @ High Fashion Home, $438

Zip Up Your Candlesticks!

Solid candle sleeves in a plethora of colors!

Here's a random little tidbit for your Monday afternoon...

Do the candlesticks in your chandelier or sconces seem a bit...blah? Want to do something fun, but not spend a ton of money? As I was flipping through House Beautiful the other day, I came across Candle Sleeves by KarrsKoker. Seriously, why didn't we think of this before? It's so simple. Plain chandelier/sconce + Candle Sleeves = Badass light fixture.

It's the toughest chandelier on the block.

This one is my favorite. No wonder it's their bestseller!

Brilliant Book of the Week: uh-oh Domino!

Yay for the new Domino: Book of Decorating!! I bought it for Sarah's birthday and now I want one for moi. Oh well. I can't rave about this book enough.

Check it out!

"Domino: The Book of Decorating," by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, and Dara Caponigro.

First of all, it's hard enough finding decorating books that present their ideas in an organized way. The editors of Domino magazine have done a fabulous job laying this book out by rooms and how to go about decorating spaces no matter how big or small.

I especially love the first chapter because it helps light a fire under your toush. As a design student, our professors always tell us we can't dive right into a project--we have to plan and organize how we are going to execute the big picture. Finding inspiration, deciding your style, determining how the room is used, what items you'll need to keep, drawing a floor plan, planning on a budget, doing research, and last, but not least, starting the room you want to decorate. There's much more to decorating than picking out paint swatches and light fixtures, as you can see.

So, if you'd like to add a book to your library that gives great tips and looks good on your coffee table, then I'd hit the bookstore and get it hot off the press!!

Happy Reading!

Getting My Hooks In

Photo from Domino

In my ongoing closet revamping project for the new year, I wanted to cover a blank wall in an eclectic variety of hooks to hang incidentals like hats, jewelry, and the occasional pair of jeans. The picture above is my inspiration. All that is left is to buy the hooks and install them. Here are some of my favorite hardware choices:

Row One: My Best China Hook at Anthropologie, $18; Dragonfly Patina Hook at Restoration Hardware, $14; Coral Hook at Anthropologie, $18.

Row Two: Carat Wall Hook at Anthropologie, $18; Flyaway Hook at Anthropologie, $24; Black & White Wall Hook at Anthopologie, $18.

Row Three: Letter Hooks at Anthropologie (These would be really cute in a kid's room or entryway spelling a name or word!), $16; Traditional Amber Glass Hook at Restoration Hardware, $24; Branch Hanger at Container Store, $20.

Wrap Star

Perfect wrapping is a snap. Heidi offers everything you need in one package for your package. It's impossible to mess up! My favorite part is the ombre ribbon.

I know, I know... It's what's on the inside that counts, right? But nice wrapping never hurts either! Part of the fun of giving gifts is making the wrapping cool and artistic- a package that the receiver almost doesn't want to open because it's so pretty. It all starts with the right paper, and you can't go wrong with these:

Inject a little street cred into your wrapping with Monster Doodle paper by Jon Burgerman at Nineteen Seventy Three.

For the "Oh crap! I forgot to wrap your present" moment. Though, you'd better know someone in the UK if you want this, because they don't yet ship to the US. Wavy Stripe Shoe Box by Paperchase.

This would really pop with a bright red ribbon tied around it! Baubles in Blu by Pikku.

For a gift with a side of cheek. You're Welcome by Fish Lips at Verde Paperie.

I love mixing different colors of the same pattern when there are multiple boxes. Play by Eieio Studio.

Now that you have the paper, what do you do with it? Count on Kate's Paperie to tutor you in the art of gift wrap. Now go forth and wrap!

Shake it like a Polaroid picture!

Thanks to my bestie, Anna, I have found the coolest image maker EVER! Better than PicNik, Photoshop, or iPhoto! It's called Poladroid. The other night amidst chips, guacamole, Mr. Goodbars, and the surround sound playing Mamma Mia, I waited for my picture to develop.

The cool thing about this program (other than the fact that it's totally free to download) is you can drag and drop your digital pictures into the Polaroid camera icon and wait for your picture to appear as an imitation of a Polaroid picture. Some come with fake fingerprints, others with scratch marks...each with it's own quirky characteristic similar to the old Polaroid. It's a shame they don't make these handy little cameras anymore because I'd totally abandon digital cameras!

Take a look at a few of our experiments....

Anna and me in Austin.

Flowers from Domino Magazine

Sarah and John--the lovely newlyweds!

Yes, We Can!

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

In case you haven't heard, we do have a new president coming into office this month. Barack Obama ran his campaign on the message of 'Change'. His first big 'Change' initiative will be to redecorate the White House. He's enlisted the help of superstar, interior decorator Michael Smith. Smith's interiors mix furniture and art from a wide range of styles and periods in a way that is harmonious and modern.

His list of celebrity clients include Steven Spielberg, Dustin Hoffman, Brian Grazer, and Cindy Crawford. For more on this breaking, home decor news, head over to Domino. Check out some of his work below:

Gimme Gimme Gimme!

If the holidays are a time for giving, then birthdays are a time for getting. Come on! We all get to be a little selfish sometimes. Well, my birthday is Tuesday and it's got me thinking about the things I'd love to receive (or at least things I'd like to get for myself over the next year). Read on, if only to get ideas about what you'd like for your birthday...

I've been salivating over a coworker's copy of this book since she brought it into the breakroom. I need to make it mine! Available at Amazon.com.

With a culinary torch from Sur la Table, Creme Brulee will finally be a possibility! And just think about how cool I'll look, apron on, torch in hand, browing the sugary crust to caramel perfection.

In February, my hubby and I will be going to another wedding and this dress would fit the bill quite nicely. Isn't it tres chic? And it's from my fave store: Banana Republic!

I've always wanted monogrammed pillowcases, but it's not exactly high on my list of needs. But for my wants list... it's up there. From Pottery Barn.

When you work in a furniture store, it's inevitable that you'll lust over some of the merchandise day in and day out. It can be painful, looking at it, sitting there in the store, not getting the love it would get in your own home. Maybe the birthday gods will hear my plea! The Cedric Coffee Table by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, available at High Fashion Home.

Bohemian Decor...Hollywood Style!

Meet Sunrise Ruffalo. She is wife to hugely underrated actor, Mark Ruffalo. Check out their beautiful home from the latest Domino. She sought to create a comfortable, bohemian home that balances sleek, cool furniture with flea market finds.

Balancing the striped chair, rug, and daybed with a circular coffee.

I really like the circular framed chairs. Great organizing shelf for all the toys.

Very clean mirror and a simple desk. It's a great way to start the day with an uncluttered space.

Some times people try too hard to spice up their bedding. White bedding is classic, timeless, and soothing.

The two facing sofas makes for a great conversational area. Nothing screams laid back like a bean bag.

The entry way features two built-in shelves where they can frequently changed out the artwork.

Zooey Deschanel

There's no one more cute and quirky than Zooey Deschanel, so you would expect the place she dwells to follow suit. Bingo! Using a spare room, she created a vibrant home studio for all things creative with style oozing from every corner. A mix of patterns and textures emphasize the royal in the blue, but simple lines keep the room liveable and comfortable. Be sure to read the full article in this month's Domino!

The soft pinks in the pillows and flowers are a perfect complement to the healthy use of blue.
An antiqued gold frame pops against the blue velvet upholstered wall. Sometimes, everyday objects make the best art, like a vintage guitar case.
There's nothing quiet in this room! Everything is bold, bold, bold!
Take an idea for yourself: Take the doors off of a closet and treat it like the rest of the room- chandelier and all!

It's a sweet room, and she knows it!

Inviting Interior Design Tips

Designer Mary McDonald's Hollywood guesthouse showcased in this month's Domino has a ton of striking imagery and trendsetting ideas for 2009.

The luxuriously draped walls add a warmth and femininity to the room. It works well with the daybed and antiqued stools.

I'm no Pantone forecaster, but I get the feeling this blue is in for 2009.

A settee in the bathroom...a brilliant idea. She used stencils to paint the pattern on the floor.

The rich blue and white combination makes for a timeless design. Notice the geometric patterns that she incorporates in several rooms.

I love the two tone drapes. The styling is very simple, yet real impactful. The Louis Chairs with the patent leather is a nice touch.

That blue is everywhere. Grey walls were hot last year, and it still be in for the foreseeable future.

No, that is not wall paper. It's actually Benjamin Moore paint. The all white, chic furniture manages to balance the striped walls.

Mary slips the blue in once again with the coverlet. The headboard is just out there in a good way.

Resolution: Organize

My goal? Not quite, but it is a beauty! Photos via Domino unless otherwise noted.

Who hasn't let out a sigh of frustration at the sight of their closet? I recently took a look at the state of mine and wanted to throw everything out and start over! Though on my budget, that's not an option. Since adding all of my new husband's clothes to my large, but full, closet, we haven't done any organizing. But now it's a new year, and I am determined to make the time. Often, we have an idea of what we'd like the end result to be: A copy of the impossibly perfect closets we see in Martha Stewart Living, but usually I can't get there because I piddle out halfway through the process lacking the necessary inspiration and direction. This time, though, I'm going in with a game plan with a little help from the masters: Domino, House Beautiful, and Martha Stewart.

A mirror or framed picture can spruce up an otherwise bland space.

Step One: Where to begin? House Beautiful had a great tip for that question (and a fantastic article that must be read in full): "Ask yourself: If all of this were gone tomorrow, what would I miss?" Refer to that answer as you clean out the overworn, the ill-fitting, and the uncomfortable pieces. It amazes me that I probably only wear about one-third of the things I own. Every time I purge I still hang on to some things that should have been donated ages ago. With that thought in mind, I can get rid of the things that are just taking up valuable space and make room for some shiny, new things I'll really wear!

Labelled baskets are a closet's best friend!

Step Two: Prepare for the New! Out with the old, in with the new, but not before the closet is prepped and ready for some much needed additions. This is the part where you get inspiration from photos and magazines! I've come up with a few goals I'd like to accomplish: First, to add shelving to the floor space for our shoes and boots. They're closer to my feet that way and easier to see, as opposed to using the over the door rack I have now. Second, I want to use baskets on the top shelf to group items like purses, gloves, hats, etc. keeping them out of sight. Third, I want to remove the extra rod we have and install several hooks to hang belts and bags. Martha Stewart has an article on her website that gives lots more great closet outfitting ideas.

Utilize floor space, because what else will you do with it?

Step Three: Get what you need. For this task, I took some guidance from The Lucky Shopping Manual, tailoring it to my needs. For instance, my job does not require me to wear suits, and I rarely don a cocktail dress, but I do need lots of comfortable flats and dressy jeans. Take a look at what you have and fill in the blanks, but be tough. Don't just buy something to fill a wardrobe hole. Buy it because it looks good on you and makes you feel great. Of course, this can't get done in one weekend. It's an ongoing process. Keeping a list of your needed items handy will make shopping easier when you can get around to it.

The shoes! Oh! The shoes!

Step Four: Organize what you have. Everyone agrees: group your clothes by item, season, and color. My husband's side will be a breeze. Dress shirts, sweaters, slacks, jackets. My wardrobe will pose more of a challenge. I figure I'll begin by separating by season, then item, then arranging by color. I love the look of a color organized closet!

A good wardrobe doesn't have to be big, just versatile.

Step Five: Maintain it! All that hard work will be for naught if I let it fall by the wayside once again. So step five is to clean, reorganize, and, if need be, purge every couple of months. The result? A beautiful closet, an easier morning routine, and a happy husband!

Top 10 Green Architecture Projects 2008: Inhabitat

Inhabitat featured the top 10 most impressive green architecture projects in 2008. I really only wanted to highlight a couple, but I really couldn't help myself. These projects are absolutely jaw-dropping feats of ingenuity and innovation.


Greenpix Zero Energy Wall


The 2008 Olympic Games in China featured several architectural marvels. The Greenpix Zero Energy Wall was definitely one of the biggest hits. It is the world's largest color LED display. The building operates as a self-sufficient organic system by harvesting solar energy during the day and using it to illuminate the screen after dark.


Cathedral of Christ the Light


This modern structure goes against the classical designs of traditional cathedrals. SOM wanted a theme of light to create a contemporary design the capture the soul of the Oakland community.


California Academy of Sciences




The Academy features an aquarium, a natural history museum, a living rain forest, a world class research facility all under a 2.5 acre green roof. The structure will house 38,000 live animals and is on track to receive LEED platinum status.


Zigguarat: Dubai Carbon Neutral Pyramid


The pyramids have inspired the latest proposed, Dubai super structure. The building will be a self sustaining metropolis that can house up to 1,000,000 people. There will be a public transportation system that will mobilize people vertically and horizontally. By running off of wind, stream, and other natural resources, the structure can operate completely off the grid. The giant, eco-pyramid is already being patented and could be the future for an overpopulated world.


The School of Art, Media, and Design in Singapore




The art school blurs the line between landscape and building. The series of roofs create great green space and helps insulate the building. It also harvests rainwater for landscape irrigation. The high performance glass façade reduces solar gain and heat load, while providing great views and loads of natural light for creative spaces.

HF Weekly Obsession: Sparkle!

I'm really into Moroccan-inspired decor and so I love these light fixtures! My absolute favorite is the turquoise teardrop shaped one below...

Pictures don't do justice to the brilliant blue, so you'll have to come see it for yourself. The brass ones would look very chic in an outdoor entertaining space, and I'd love to hang one of the blue ones over an end table in place of a table lamp. The Marrakech lamps come in four colors and several sizes ranging from $299-489.

Game On!

It all started with this: the Monopoly 1935 edition- the first released by Parker Brothers.

I got a great gift this Christmas: Monopoly. A board game will bring people together better than any video game, TV show, etc. Monopoly had us sitting together, laughing, buying, and selling for over five hours. So sit your family down this weekend with a board game and some snacks. If your family lives a thousand miles away, get your friends together! No one can resist a board game!

I think Monopoly is the ultimate in board gaming, so I took a look at what they've done since the original debuted in 1933, and I found out, they've done quite a bit. Here's a peek at my faves, all available at Amazon...

Who doesn't love the Beatles?
A Christmas Story is a classic, and look- one of the pieces is the leg lamp!

I think it's safe to say that I'm a huge Family Guy fan. Stewie is awesome!

Get your video gaming and board gaming in one with the Nintendo edition.

The latest incarnation: the Here & Now World Edition complete with credit cards. I don't about you, but I like the satisfaction of seeing piles of cashing lying around me!

Of course, there are tons more editions to choose from. Pick your favorite! If your interested in a little Monopoly history, take a look at their timeline. Have fun!

A Holiday Tidbit

Sweet little birds and tiny vintage ornaments on a wiry tabletop tree...

I know it's a bit late for holiday stuff, but I just wanted to share a little something from my Christmas with my family. On Christmas Eve, I went to my parents' house for a pre-Church meal. My mom had, once again, decorated the house simply, but beautifully. One thing in particular caught my eye. She's always puts this little Christmas tree out on a table with some of her smaller ornaments, but this year, she added some gorgeous bird ornaments that I fell in love with! She always does a fresh tree as well, embellished with her huge collection of blown glass ornaments (I love looking at them all!), but the small tree is another burst of color in an otherwise neutral hallway. It's a great idea for small apartment dwellers without room for a large tree, or if you just need a space for tiny ornaments. Well played, Mom! Thanks for passing on your style genes!