The Pursuit of Style

Summer's Winning Color Trio

2009-05-31T20:32:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been loving color. Specifically, three colors, all of which seem to shine with summer vibrance. They are canary yellow, camelia pink and fresh (not deep) turquoise.

I first noticed yellow popping up everywhere and one day felt inspired to purchase a giant bouquet of yellow lilies for a Sunday barbeque. My friend Trish showed up to said barbeque with a sunny yellow purse (paired perfectly with a white sundress, in case you we wondering...).

Then Chrissy and I set out to add punchy color to a girls' room in one of our staged homes. Everywhere we looked, we saw the most fabulous bedding and accessories in turquoise. So we gave in.

And finally, I found myself drawn to this shade of pink I had only recently seen on the retail scene: not berry pink, not baby pink, not hot pink. But this fabulous camelia punch-pink. It looks happy, grown-up and fun. I bought a few tops in this color, my favorite of which is this one from Victoria's Secret, which proudly displays my alma mater, UC Berkeley.

I love these colors on their own, paired with neutrals or as a trio together. I love them on clothes. I love them at parties. I love them as home decor accents. And this summer, you will love them, too.

Have a great, colorful week!

Staged Oakland Hills home for sale by Ed Marshall, Prudential Oakland: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4624-Belfast-Ave-Oakland-CA-94619/24785093_zpid/

Victoria's Secret Collegiate Collection T-Shirt: http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=CP-245973&page=1&cgname=OSPNKCLIUCB&rfnbr=5098

Deco House 2009

2009-05-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

Last week our team at ROI attended our favorite annual event, the San Francisco Design Showcase house. Every year, an impressive, stately house is selected, and top area designers are given the opportunity to have their way with one room, leading to a house tour which inspires, educates, forecasts and above all, dreams BIG (ie the stairwell/foyer featured a giant hanging, oh let's just call it a "nest" woven from flowers and other botanicals, from the ceiling of the top floor, down to a tapered bottom suspended at eye level on the first floor).

Some trends to note as you peruse the slideshow of my snapshots at the link below: grey-based neutrals, dulled lavendar in unexpected places (like sisal carpet!), lots of moss and white laquer, tailored/slipcovered comfort, sizable scale, muted European flair. My favorite room of the tour (and perhaps of all time...) was the living room, the first in the slideshow.

Click the link below for the full show, but the designs are truly meant to be experienced in person. I strongly suggest you attend. All proceeds benefit The Financial Aid Program of San Francisco University High School. Ths showcase is open now through May 25. Design credits and more info at: http://www.decoratorshowcase.org/showcase/home.htm, or 415-447-5830.

Until then, enjoy!

Snapshot Slideshow of Decorator Showcase 2009: http://www.kodakgallery.com/ViewSlideshow.action?&collidparam=25786695307.738126918307.1242017086210

Have a great week!

W Hotel Event, The Modern Man's Space

2009-04-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the pleasure of attending an event at the W Hotel in San Francisco, "The Styling of the Modern Man". In my opinion, the most stylish little slice of the evening was a room created by David Mast of David Mast Design (furniture provided by Tammy Tran, NuImage Furniture), featured in the upper echelons of the swank hotel's lobby. It was a space ideal for the modern man, indeed, with a very loungy Italian cream leather sofa smothered in ravioli-shaped pillows. Behind the sofa was a focal wall of trompe l' oleil sepia-toned bookshelf wallpaper. A thick shag rug and details such as an alabaster lamp by Thomas Pheasant and perfectly lounging tulips made it a space that was organic yet polished, rugged yet sleek and an all around confection of lovely machismo. Learn more about this annual event through Shaun Saunders, Graffiti PR (link below).

David Mast Design: david@davidmastdesign.com
NuImage Furniture: http://www.nuimagefurniture.com/
Images from the event, courtesy 944.com: http://www.944.com/nightsites/gallery/styling-of-the-modern-man/
Graffiti PR: www.graffitipr.net

Kitchen Geek Chic

2009-03-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

Do you want to know a secret? Even design professionals get a little bit intimidated by the ever-flowing font of newer, chicer and more efficient kitchen gadgetry. Every time I begin a new kitchen project, I am amazed at how much has changed since the last one--there is always so much to learn. That's why I rely on my appliance expert (and secret staging weapon), Dave West at Friedman's Appliance in Pleasant Hill, CA.

Besides the sheer coolness of being a company with a long and storied history, Friedman's Appliance is also the newest go-to showroom for chic, high-design appliances you won't find anywhere else on display. I stopped by last week for a visit and asked Dave to show me his favorite new kitchen toys. After painfully narrowing it down, we decided on five showroom stars that are designer-, chef- and gadget-geek-approved.

1. "Single" Double Oven. Talk about adding modern features to an older kitchen! This oven is a stager's dream! The magicians over at GE have found a way to fit two ovens into the space of one (that's Dave in the photo). My realtor clients will love that I can add a feature line-item "double oven" to their listings' flyers without tearing out any walls or cabinets. Can't wait to use it.

2. Shirestone Countertop, as seen in Friedman's SubZero's "Living Kitchen". The Sub-Zero Living Kitchen is incredibly sleek and impressive. All appliances are live and active, ready for cooking demonstrations. And while I love the plethora of refrigerators (like shoes, a girl can never have too many), the most interesting element of this space is the giant plateau of a countertop island. It's made of Shirestone, which is basically poured concrete, except better. It never needs to be sealed, is 15 times as strong as cement, and comes in limitless colors. As in, match your countertop to your wife's eye color, your car color, or even the color of the sky at sunset in Hawaii. Dave can't wait to accept your color challenge....

3. Liebherr Wine Refrigerator. I L.O.V.E. this refrigerator. It's not that there is anything functionally better about a wine refrigerator within a regular refrigerator. It's just something about containing all of your refrigeration needs into a single, beautifully designed rectangle that makes my little designer heart just flutter. Don't you just love those Germans?

4. Miele Steam Oven. Yes, steam. Quickly, conveniently and impressively (party trick, anyone?) steam your chicken, fish and veggies. Or serve the most elegantly fluffy hot dog buns ever.

5. The La Cornue. I suppose technically it is a "range", but don't dare to call it that inside the Friedman's showroom. There, it is referred to simply as "the La Cornue". And truly, it is in a class all its own. Entirely handmade in France, this lovely kitchen centerpiece starts at $29,000 for you penny-pinchers and goes all the way up to $150,000 for the uber-fabulous version. Stop by the showroom to take it for a test drive.

I'd like to invite all of you to stop by the showroom sometime soon and see the many, many truly cutting-edge (sometimes mind-blowing) displays. Email Dave ahead of time (below) and he'll be thrilled to show you around. Also email him to inquire about any of the products you see here.

Have a great week!

Email Dave West @ Friedman's Appliance: west.david.m@gmail.com

As Seen on TV!

2009-03-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

Lately, it's been exciting, if a bit surreal, for me to see how home staging has seeped into the mainstream entertainment market. New clients increasingly impress me with their familiarity with my profession. I can't tell you how many times a day I hear, "We LOVE watching those staging shows on TV". It's so refreshing to me that people are interested in what I do, and I love that I entertain them while doing it!

Our website, http://www.roihomeservices.com/, has a plethora of info about home staging including Chrissy & Ashley's "Must Do" List (link below) and a Portfolio of houses (link below) with explanations about why we make the decisions we make. If you are interested in learning more about home staging, it's a fun place to poke around and learn a little something more about staging to sell. On each of these pages, we offer a little anecdote called "This Works" ('cause it does!), which boils it all down to a basic principle of staging or design. Read them all here and in the link below, and browse through our staging portfolio to see the houses they describe.

This Works:

“It’s not just about making pretty. It’s about making money.”

“When space is limited, use vertical space such as art or drapes to visually enlarge a room.”

“Knowing what’s hot and what’s not can be the difference between a home that feels modern and one that feels dated.”

“Buyers need to feel that they are in their home, not your home. Removing personal items and bold colors helps achieve this.”

“Good staging showcases the style of the community and the house”

“Lifestyles sell. Stage dinner parties, art galleries, movie nights and romantic retreats.”

“Work with what works. Store what doesn’t.”

“When it comes to rehabs, keep it clean, keep it simple, keep it profitable.”

“Drapes make rooms feel bigger and cozier.”

“Limit your palette to 3 colors when possible to unite the home and keep buyers focused on features.”

“Diplomacy and flexibility are key when helping a client adjust for a sale—accomodating works. Judging doesn’t.”

“Rich silhouettes, materials and color palettes can lend architectural interest to a simple property.”

“Use color and texture to warm up a space with clean, modern lines.”

“Layers add character to a vacant space.”

“Creating a purpose-driven space, like a breakfast area, gives buyers an extra bonus.”

“To highlight great features such as flooring or cabinetry, use similar-toned colors in art and furnishings.”

“Everyone knows mirrors can make a space look bigger, but correct placement can also reflect a great view, add natural light or mimic an extra window.”

“Balance is more important than abundance. Rooms should feel consistent.”

“Features are valuable real estate. Show them off with staged ‘activities’”

“Buyers will remember feelings. Make a house feel fun and make it memorable.”

“Good staging shows buyers how challenging floor-plans can work for them, not against them.”

“Draw attention to valuable views.”

“A well-placed rug can anchor a room.”

Still need help? Give us a call--estimates are free and consultations start at just $175.

Have a great week!

ROI Home Services Staging Home Page: http://www.roihomeservices.com/roi_staging/staging-1.html

Staging Portfolio: http://www.roihomeservices.com/roi_staging/portfolio-main.html

This Works: http://www.roihomeservices.com/roi_staging/this_works.html

Chrissy & Ashley's Must-Do List: http://www.roihomeservices.com/roi_staging/must_do_list.html

Natural Fantasies

2009-02-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

Someone once told me that Jose Canseco used to keep live giant turtles on the fenced-in front lawn of his home in the posh gated community of Blackhawk, near my hometown. Ever since then, whenever I see or hear of semi-wild animals kept exotically in regular-old homes, I find myself lusting over such a fantastical lifestyle. Wouldn't it be amazing to see not just a garden sculpture of a swan, but an actual swan, in an actual garden? I love the idea of it.

That's why I was so excited and inspired by a recent spread in C magazine (above and far below). What? No staff on hand to clean up after the swans? Here's how I would add a bit of fantasy to my house and garden in a practical way. Like anything, this lifestyle is kept stylish, not tacky, by limiting the elements to one or two per space.

Swoon over swans. Swan sculpture (like this one from Mecox Gardens, right) is best when combined with water features--sculpture near a swimming pool or carved into a fountain filled with waterlilies.

Really row your boat. I love the playful way a real canoe is brought into the swimming pool in the C shoot (right). I would love to add a real polished-wood canoe to a corner of a client's childrens' play room, filled with pillows or books, with oars hung criss-crossed on the wall above.

Up, up and away! As a little girl, my favorite thing on the playground was always the swings. Even the motion of it feels magical, fantastical and carefree. Like a little bit of an escape. Pamela Anderson famously had one hung above Tommy Lee's piano (!). I would love a tall, authentic swing with an oversized plank seat hung from thick rope on a giant tree. For a more unique and fun take, hang one inside your home, in a childrens' play room or even as a bold statement in an entry hall. Or be like Pam and hang a feminine swing in a special place (cover ropes with pastel silk chandelier chain-covers to replace rusticity with romance).

However you choose to play, I hope you bring a bit of youthful, outdoorsy joie d'vivre fantasy to your week.

Mecox Gardens Swan Sculpture: http://www.mecoxgardens.com/pageItemDetail.asp?RECORDID=6166

Old Town Classic Wood Canoes: http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/canoes/

Luxurious Living

2009-02-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

Luxury is one of those underrated concepts that is often dismissed as something reserved for the lazy, the bourgeoisie, and worse, the snob. But luxury is simply a way of living comfortably, allowing oneself indulgences which take a bit more effort but in the end make life a lot more enjoyable.

Luxury is:

Thin, delicate wine glasses

A perfectly ergonomic desk chair (like the classic Aeron in titanium, below)

Sand between your toes at least once a year.

Everything you need, neatly organized and at the ready in beautiful containers (pencils, paper, snacks, remote controls, throw blankets, magazines, etc.)

Materials that feel good to the touch—faux fur, silk, real hardwood, down-filled pillows

Al fresco living and dining

Thick, matching bath towels (perfectly heated, of course, by this wall-mounted towel heater, below)

A comfortable chaise in the sun

Filtered light in the mornings (try sheer drapes or blinds layered under solids)

Candles at unexpected, casual moments—cooking in the kitchen, showering in the morning

Have a great, luxurious week!

Aeron chair from Room & Board: http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=19053&category=rm_workspaces&subcategory=wks_chair

Towel Warmer: http://www.towelwarmerstore.com/HardwireTowel/Electric-Heated-Towel-Warmers_2900499.html

Bali Rustic Teak Chaise from Pottery Barn: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p8689/index.cfm?pkey=xsrd0m1%7C20%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7Cchaise&cm%5Fsrc=SCH

The New Americana

2009-01-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

Last week, I was even more inspired than I expected to be watching our new President, Mr. Barack Obama, be sworn in on the Capitol steps while 2 million people on the mall and countless viewers at home across the world watched, cried and looked toward a future, filled with inspiration and hope. "Inspiration", in case you haven't noticed, is my absolute favorite word in the english language, seconded by "style". And despite the latter's unfair history of being connoted with materialism, snobbery and fashion, when you consider the literal meaning of the word, "style", I think it goes hand-in-hand with not only "inspiration", but everything intrinsically American: personality, individualism, pride, diversity, ambition, bravery. It's a way of being, and it's worth celebrating.

This week I'd like to indulge the patriot in all of us and showcase my favorite in classic Americana. Talking about a bunch of stuff in a house at a historic time like this might seem silly at first, but I am of the belief that what you surround yourself with helps to contribute to who you are and how you feel. Decor can serve as a reminder in our daily lives of who we are, what we stand for, where we have been, and where we want to go. So, in hopes that I will continue to be inspired in the coming weeks, months and years as much if not more than I am today, I plan to inject a bit of good old fashioned Americana into my own home this week. I hope you will, too.

Here's how to do it without sacrificing the chic (never!):

Show literal or classic statements in unexpected ways. I love the idea of framing this postcard of Jasper Johns's famous painting (right) in a large, elaborate frame with a thick white matte (6" or more). Playing with scale and decoration keeps it fresh and funky.

Kick it like the Kennedys. I have always been drawn to American-style-as-done-by-the-Kennedys. Look for traditional silhouettes coupled with natural, textural materials like nubby linen or striated silk dupioni. Be sure to keep it fresh and always personalized with modern monograms, collections of books or seashells and items you love in muted, rich tones. And you know Jackie would never let a home go without art--choose art that speaks to you and inspires you, and I don't just mean the art on the walls--Jackie saw all of the arts as a part of one's environment, including music, sculpture, etc. In my own home, I have these coffee table books out to set the tone of classic American imagery.

Know your History: Family photos are classic Americana to me. I don't like to stress too much about matching frames or creating a tableau of all black and white or all color. I like the good ole' authentic, lived-in look of a collection of framed photographs from different periods of the family's history all grouped together in one location. Hang them on a wall painted an accent color to really feature them, and show some respect to your ancestors' images and the childhood photos your mother took the time to capture by framing them in high-quality materials such as silver, wood, crystal, glass, and leather. In other words, skip the plastic souvenir frame you picked up at Disneyland and frame that memorable photo (Mickey Mouse ears and all) in an elegant, simple white wood frame.

I also love to frame an inspiring quote and throw it into the compilation. My suggestion? These words of encouragement from President Obama, which I predict will go down in history with the best of them: "...there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task." That, my friends, is not about politics, not about left or right. It's pure America at its best. For the full transcript, see the link below.

Utilize a classic American theme (in a subtle way, or course): Nautical, Equestrian, Country-Western, Prairie, Californian. Patriotism in design is a form of nostalgia which can be incredibly comforting. Select a few items from one of these themes which carry meaning for you (such as these oh-so-Californian photos of palm trees in the bedroom of my first college apartment, right [don't judge my budding design sense too harshly--I was just 18!]). Keep everything else simple and use complimentary tones and textures. For further instructions, see Mr. Ralph Lauren.

Colors: Americana, like America, is not just red white and blue. It's turquoise like the ocean, golden like the hills (amber waves of grain, anyone?), and green like crisp lawns and our famous evergreens. If you love red white and blue, keep it crisp and clean against light-toned neutrals like white and tan. If not, use items and colors that say "America" to you.

Have a great, inspired week!

Jasper Johns Flag Art Postcard: http://www.sensual-world.com/us48stunstfl.html

President Obama's Inauguration Speech Transcript: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/us/politics/20text-obama.html

Ralph Lauren Home: http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/default.asp

Cozy up your View

2009-01-11T20:50:00.000-08:00

Baby, it's cold outside. Well, not so much here in California. But most places are experiencing cold, gray winter. It's a great time to think about fabulous window treatmets, which both keep the warmth in (saving on your heating bills!) and cozy up the view of the winter wonderland outside. Here, a few of my favorite trends in window treatments:

Match, then layer, curtains and roman shades. This look--mounting a roman shade inside the window, then a curtain on a rod outside the window in the same color and material--is incredibly polished, elegant and restrained without looking sparse (these are from Pottery Barn's Silk Dupioni collection).

Wood shutters. You can't beat white, thick (3 1/2" is ideal) shutters, either on a full window or just the bottom portion for privacy (these are by Smith & Noble). For a budget route, my partner Chrissy and I sometimes fake it with Home Depot's 2" white faux-wood blinds. They are especially effective on the interiors of front windows of a home, adding finish and modernity to even the most dated of exteriors.

Thicker rods. I love Restoration Hardware's 1 3/4" diameter rods (this one is from their Estate Crystal collection). Thick rods require thick finials and curtains made from substantial material, like linen, silk or heavy-woven cotton. Hang them a bit higher above and further out from a window than you would a narrower rod. A thicker rod means a stronger design statement, which means it needs a bit of air to show itself off.

Natural-fiber shades layered under elegant silk curtains. I love this high-low look in an ecclectic, sophisticated home. The key to this look is to allow each item to stand as their own piece, ie don't try to 'match' them. I actually love the idea of Cost Plus' simple, classic matchstick blinds (link below) under elaborate, embroidered silk drapes like Pottery Barn's (link below).

Upholstered cornice boards. Yes, cornice boards. A padded, simple cornice board over a blind (or two) is modern again when seen in an elegant urban apartment or young suburban home. To keep it from coming off as your grandma's cornice boards, stay away from florals, pastels and any lace, and instead choose bold borders, silhouettes and luxurious fabrics (these are by Smith & Noble).

Have a great week!

Pottery Barn Window Treatments: http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/windows/index.cfm?cm%5Ftype=gnav

Smith & Noble: http://www.smithandnoble.com/sn/home.jsp

Home Depot Window Treatments: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigation?storeId=10051&N=10000003+90457+500921&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&cs=500921&Ntk=AllProps&cm_sp=Navigation-_-GlobalHeader-_-TopNav-_-Doors_Windows

Restoration Hardware Estate Crystal Rod: http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1156225&navCount=1

Cost Plus Java Matchstick Blinds: http://www.worldmarket.com/window-coverings/Window-Coverings/blinds/Java-Matchstick-Blind-with-Valance/lev/4/productId/7617/Ne/1100001/sectionId/2872/N/1100333/categoryId/1100333/pCategoryId/1100325/gpCategoryId/1100111/Ns/TOP_SELLER_INDEX1CATEGORY_SEQ_30680/index.pro

Pottery Barn Embroidered Silk Drape: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p11309/index.cfm?pkey=cdrapes

Smith & Noble Cornice Board: http://www.smithandnoble.com/sn/photo_gallery.jsp?search=search&selSuperProduct=-17965&selCategory=-17990&selProduct=0&filterHide=true

Thanks a Million!

2008-11-17T22:33:00.000-08:00

My company, ROI HomeServices hosted our annual Thank You Luncheon last week. This year we selected the theme of “abundance” to put focus on the things we are thankful to have (opportunity for growth, deepened relationships, loyal clients), especially in these changing times.

We demonstrated the theme with bounteous food as décor (artichokes and berries included in centerpieces, petit champagne bottles as favors), and lushly layered accents (succulents, dahlias and hydrangeas nestled into overflowing vines; gift tags layered with textured paper and a vellum overlay, then tied with woven, metallic ribbon).

The color palette was kept tight and current: a sophisticated brown-plum, a nod to the current color of the season--purple, organic greenery and bursts of chartreuse, black and burnished gold as accents.

This week, give some thought to what is abundant in your own life (and who you have to thank for it)! Have a great, abundant, week!

Put a Fork in it

2008-11-10T21:11:00.000-08:00

Feel that chill outside? It's officially fall--almost Thanksgiving--and that means not only more cozy-winter cooking but more formal entertaining. For impromptu dinner parties, flatware is the easiest decoration--it is like jewelry for your table, lending polish to each setting. Lately I have seen some inspired (and inspiring) alternatives to the classic forms. Here are my top five faves of the season:

1. Quill Flatware by Pottery Barn While it wasn't exactly love at first sight for me and these unique pieces when I saw them in the store, as I browsed the rest of the store, I couldn't stop thinking about them. At home, setting the dinner table, I found myself coveting pairing them with rich, regal colors like eggplant and peacock-blue (black dahlias would be divine) as well as a few organic elements such as nautilus shells or branches for a dark, enchanted, natural table that's a little bit proper, a little bit unexpected.

2. Hampton Flatware by Tiffany & Co. This flatware collection is simple yet speaks to so many styles--crisp, preppy, strong, masculine, feminine, traditional, modern. If you have the budget, this is a great classic collection for all occasions.

3. Wave Flatware by Cost Plus "Nuvo-modern" is what I like to call a softer brand of modernism. This lovely clean-lined set blends the right amount of youthful joie d'vivre and adult sophistication for a flowy, beachy elegance.

4. Kyoto Flatware by Crate and Barrel Don't get caught up in Bamboo's asian connotations--bamboo-pattern has been around for ages and has been paired with a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern, lavishly decadent to light and simple. Although it may not be your first thought, I love them with cream linens, white plates and peach roses. A single note of intricacy at a warm, traditional table.

5. Orleans (Plastic!) Flatware by Z Gallerie If you live in a warm climate like I do in California, some evenings are still warm enough for al fresco dining but summer style seems a bit out of place in autumn months. I love the baroque style of these plastic flatware. Separate by type and serve in decorative glass or silver cups. Pair with premium-quality white (or pink!) paper plates and napkins, and stemmed plastic wine goblets...even if you aren't serving wine.

Remember as you shop to handle all flatware before purchasing. Everything should feel great in hand. Note the weight, form and texture. What seems like a slight annoyance now will grow to gnaw at you mid-meal in the future.

Have a great week!

Quill Flatware by Pottery Barn: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p11479/index.cfm?pkey=cplace%2Dsettings

Hampton Flatware by Tiffany & Co.: http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?sku=GRP00283&mcat=148209&cid=297597&search_params=s+5-p+1-c+297597-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+

Wave Flatware by Cost Plus: http://www.worldmarket.com/kitchen-tabletop/flatware/Wave-Flatware-Sets-of-4/lev/4/productId/9194/No/0/Ne/1100001/Nao/0/pCategoryId/1100137/sectionId/2866/Ns/TOP_SELLER_INDEX1CATEGORY_SEQ_29830/N/1100140/Nty/1/categoryId/1100140/gpCategoryId/1100135/index.pro

Kyoto Flatware by Crate and Barrel: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=100&f=675

Black Plastic Flatware by Z Gallerie: http://www.zgallerie.com/pc-7166-28-orleans-flatware-set-of-4-place-settings.aspx

Feel Better About Your Space

2008-11-03T21:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Halloween! Hope you had a great time trick-or-treating. I was this close to being a nurse this year, but at the last minute couldn’t pull all the costume details together. Instead, I was a French maid (who doesn’t have a feather duster lying around?) But my almost-nurse momentum left me feeling ready for another installment of common style afflictions and Nurse Ashley’s prescriptions. Take two of these to start feeling better about your space by morning:

Thematrosis: The abuse of a theme or style.

Rx: Make one bold thematic statement or three more minor thematic statements. Then stop. For instance, to achieve a safari theme, go with bold zebra bedding or two zebra-patterned pillows and one painting. Then make sure that everything else is relatively neutral. As in, no theme, simple or no pattern. This will keep the overall message understated and authentic.
The liberal use of a stunning zebra rug in Domino Magazine's re-creation of a room designed in the 1920's shows how a bold (even over-the-top) use of a single, simple, strong item is enough to create a statement in a room.

Handmedownsis: A genetic disease, this condition consists of the inability to turn down or discard home furnishings given by family members and friends, resulting in a mis-matched furniture family tree.

Rx: Focus on function and scale. What does your space need? What does your lifestyle require? Depending on your space, the key is often to select only a few large pieces and forgo any smaller pieces. Then make the selected piece(s) the focal point of its room. With upholstered pieces, consider reupholstering and adding decorative elements, like nailheads. With wood pieces, consider painting or refinishing. Most important, use the pieces to create the style you envision; don’t base your style on what you’ve been stuck with. Note how a coat of black paint not only ties this spindle-framed armchair to other black elements in the room, but also focuses the eye on its interesting silhouette.

Rug and Art Disease: The fear of walls and floors, and the desire to insulate oneself from them.

Rx: Stick to a strict regimen of one rug per room and at least one art-free wall per room. Also, break up your regular art-and-rug routine with unexpected alternatives. If you have mainly rich wool rugs, consider placing natural fiber rugs in some rooms to lighten the mood. On walls, try a metal wall sculpture, wall sconces or a lovely framed mirror to keep it fresh. The negative space on this paneled wall adds to the drama of a beautifully-lit dining experience while the bare floor lends rusticity.

Have a great, healthy week!

Images courtesy of (top to bottom) Domino Magazine, Point Click Home, and Pottery Barn.

Anatomy of a Staging

2008-10-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

Not all staging is glamourous. It's not always million-dollar homes and it's certainly not as simple as tossing fabulous furniture into a blank canvas. Around the office, we have a saying “It’s not just about making pretty. It’s about making money.”

Which is to say, most of the time, staging is about troubleshooting—assessing the best and worst features of a property and maximizing or minimizing accordingly. It is, in its essence, merchandising. Quality staging helps buyers dream… of what they could create with the home and what their life could become there.

Here is a recent home (perfect for a first-time buyer!) for sale in Benicia through Eileen Stern of Remax Gold (see link below). It is a perfect example of how staging can show a home’s potential.

Living Room: This long, narrow room is rounded out by an angled sofa vignette. Staging here focused on a single grouping of larger-scaled furnishings, showing buyers how easily character can be injected into even a smaller home.

Kitchen Nook: As the house does not have a formal dining room, we focused on showing how the eat-in kitchen could work for entertaining. Knowing our potential buyers would likely be first-time buyers or investors considering rental appeal, we aimed to design a youthful, cocktail-party atmosphere with a tall table, wine glasses and fun, fresh herbs. The art we selected is bold enough to neutralize the wallpaper yet itself neutral enough not to clash—that’s always a toughie!

Kitchen: The most impactful improve-
ment we made in the kitchen was to move the refrigerator from one side of the stove to the other (betcha didn’t know you could do that…) It opened up the entrance to the room, which is always key to making buyers feel welcomed in. It also takes the subconscious narrative from “What’s that dark hole to the right of the stove?” to “I wonder what we could do with this wall space—a bench? Storage? A bar? A desk area?”

The rest of the kitchen picked up where the nook’s entertaining theme left off, with bread ready to be served, a fabulous cookbook and wine rack. An urn of hydrangeas camouflages the exposed crevice behind the stove.

Bathroom: The only bathroom in the house is full of cottage charm. We replaced the vanity and flooring, then focused staging on opening up the small space. Towels and a textured shower curtain soften the space; a large scallop shell adds beachy polish while leaving the shower curtain half open, not closed, keeps the space from closing up. Coordinating shell paintings hung above the shower surround lift the eye up and out, making the room feel larger while taking pink tile from
“pepto-bismol retro” to “beachy-chic shell pink”.

Guest Bedroom: Working with the pink walls instead of fighting them, we installed a vignette that softly implies potential for many uses—a nursery, guest room or feminine home office. Once again, an oversized item—in this case the mirror—makes the room feel larger and more substantial than smaller items would have.

Master Bedroom: Youthful colors like lime, warm textures like rattan and fun
angles (the rug, throw, pillows and bed are all set at varying angles) create a space that feels larger and cozier—a space full of potential.

As in with all design, selection and placement are all about minimizing flaws, maximizing features, inspiring and comforting.

Have a great week!

ROI Staging Portfolio: http://www.roihomeservices.com/roi_staging/portfolio-main.html

228 Hillcrest, Benicia, featured by Eileen Stern: http://www.redfin.com/CA/Benicia/228-Hillcrest-Ave-94510/home/2373724

Recession-smession!

2008-10-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

A recession you say? How can that be when life is just so good?! Even a girl on a budget can live well and love life with all the options available now. You just have to know where to shop. Here are my top five most fabulous budget finds for the season:

Synthetic or cotton rugs. I L.O.V.E. my heavenly-soft, machine-washable cream shag rugs from Target (right). I have one on each side of my bed. Just $29.99 for a 30 X 48”. (There are more sizes in the store than online.)

Sheets. Have you tired of me saying it yet? Jersey sheets are my favorite things ever. Many different labels now offer them everywhere from Macy’s to Bloomingdale’s, but mine are these, $19.99 from Target.

Throw pillows. While I appreciate a well-designed focal point, I also love to change up a room’s look quite often, which is easier when throw pillows are $30 than when they are $100. When looking for a discount-priced pillow, I often purchase silk square-, euro- and lumbar-sized pillows from Marshall’s, combining pattern with solid for a richer, layered look. Look for natural fibers and down inserts and no one will guess they're from a discount store. I also love Pottery Barn’s system of selling inserts separate from covers, so changing the look is less expensive since one need only purchase a new cover for a change (usually around $20-40).

Accent tables. I’m a big fan of accent tables with character. Nothing is more boring than two matching wood boxes on either side of a sofa. I like a drawer with a beautiful handle, or a piece with some texture or history. I also love “creating” accent tables out of (work with me here) stools, chairs, ottomans, dressers, even piles of books. I placed two of these woven stools ($119 each from Crate and Barrel) in front of an L-shaped sectional to form a casual "coffee table" at a client's house.

Candles. While nothing can compare to a fantastically scented triple-wick candle, you can still find a lovely zen moment with a budget version. I love Tocca’s $16 travel candles for a powder room or desktop (right).

But even if Wall Street is getting you down, be sure to keep certain standards up. Know when to skip the bargain-hunt and buy the well-made version. Never skimp on these items:

Upholstered Furniture, especially anything leather. Accessories come and go but a well-made sofa will last you years. Look for sinuous steel springs or eight-way hand-tied construction. Frames should always be double-dowelled. Cheap leather will crack and scratch; cheap fabrics will fade, sometimes unevenly. Look for analine-dyed leather and brand-name fabrics. Always ask for a few swatches before ordering, take them home, spill marinara on them, rub them with sandpaper, see if you can get your puppy to chew on them. It's the fastest way to tell the difference between fabrics. None will survive, but one may stand out as the swatch most likely to succeed daily torture in your household!

Wool Rugs. Cheap wool will shed, fuzz, fade and, worst of all, itch the bottoms of your feet!

Beds/Mattresses. Nothing is worse than a bad mattress. Nothing.

Structural Improvements. Countertops, cabinetry, flooring, paneling, fixtures, tile, etc. These things are a permanent investment in a property and so should be of the same quality as the home itself (if not better). Look for neutral, classic styles for the best investment.

Lamps. For safety reasons—always look for URL-listed lamps and avoid cheap halogen uplights in particular (you know, the ones so commonly placed in dorm rooms—the worst place ever for an unsafe lamp). I like Pottery Barn's lamp selection, specifically their classic Chelsea collection. You will rarely pay less than $100 for a Pottery Barn lamp, but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Home Services. What’s the point of investing in your home only to negate said investment with a poor DIY job? Quality servicepeople are like insurance for your home improvements. Also, don’t be shy about milking your selected improvements for all they’re worth. For instance, white paint costs the same as a gorgeous designer color, so you may as well select a fabulous color if you’re going to paint...right? PS Email ROIHS at the link below if you need help with that color or setting up a quality home service.

Have a great week!

Email ROIHS: http://www.roihomeservices.com/contact.html

Target Shag Rug: http://www.target.com/Room-Essentials-Allure-Cream-30x48/dp/B000NGJ5T8/qid=1223263576/ref=br_1_5/601-1038609-2120136?ie=UTF8&node=10497651&frombrowse=1&index=tgt-mf-mv&rank=price&rh=&page=1

Target Jersey Sheet: http://www.target.com/Jersey-Sheet-Set-True-White/dp/B000O1TODO/sr=1-12/qid=1223263968/ref=sr_1_12/601-1038609-2120136?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Ajersey&page=1

Pottery Barn Throw Pillows: http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/rugs-pillows-windows/decorative-pillows-throws/index.cfm?cm%5Ftype=gnav

Crate and Barrel Side Table: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=982&f=11528&m=taf&taf=1

Tocca Candles: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P42934&categoryId=B70

Pottery Barn Chelsea Lamp: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p8047/index.cfm?pkey=call%2Dtable%2Dfloor%2Dlamps

East Meets West (Conversations in Boston)

2008-09-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I am posting from Boston, where I am visiting two of my most stylish friends, Jen (of New York) and Andria (of Boston). Both have spent quite a bit of time on the east coast, and are thoroughly interested in style--in particular, why things are the way that they are, i.e. the history, culture and essence of style. Over the long weekend, the three of us spent quite a bit of time musing over the differences between Califonia's casual, cool style and the east coast's formal yet cozy panache. Here, some notes I took from our favorite conversations:

Cars vs. Shoes and Bags (the difference that got us talking in the first place)

Me: There aren't as many luxury cars here. There are a few here and there, but it's not the sea of Mercedes, BMWs and Lexus ("Lexi?") that you see in every downtown in California.

Jen: You wear your money on the east coast. You drive your money on the west coast.

Me: Is it a status thing? Why do we do that?

Andria: Fewer people per capita have cars on the east coast, so what you're wearing becomes more of a statement about who you are.

Jen: Personal style comes out in the items that are practical and available. In Manhattan, it's all about really nice shoes and really nice bags. No one cares about cars because no one is really in them.

Darker Colors vs. Lighter Colors

Jen: I always think of the east coast as darker than California. You see more dark colors and fewer light colors--buildings, clothes, furniture... {like this Boston boathouse, right}

Andria: I think it has to do with the amount of sunlight. With a lot of sunlight, like in California, dark colors can be overstated, but in cloudy or rainy weather, darker colors are perfect while lighter colors blend.

Jen: It's more serious here. It's a faster-paced culture and that comes out in the style. Black is always in here, and I rarely wear black in California.

Loose vs. Tailored

Me: Whenever I come out here, I always finding myself packing my most tight, tailored clothes. On the other hand, if I'm going somewhere on the west coast, even if it's a place with east-coast weather, like Seattle, I pack more loose, easy-fitting clothing. Is it just me?

Andria: I definitely see that difference. I think it has to do with the European influence on the east coast."

Jen: It is definitely more European here. I also think it has to do with weather--California just calls for more of an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, so pieces are loose and easy to go with that. Also, in New York, fashion follows art--not so much museum art but what's happening in the underground galleries. And that can lead to a more tailored look because everything is tightly executed.

Andria: That reminds me of how Louis Vuitton did all those graffiti bags a few years ago. Now it seems like fashion is becoming more architecturally-driven, like Balenciaga's freestanding dresses. I agree that that direct influence makes it seem more tailored here.

Me: It's not just clothes--in interiors, there is an abundance of slipcovered sofas, sectionals, giant ottomans and kitchen islands in California, but in Boston, you see upholstered loveseats and trim cocktail tables.

Andria: I also think space has a lot to do with it. There's less space here--everything is older, so buildings, streets, and then cars, property lines, houses, closets are all tighter. In California there's so much space. It's like a goldfish--put him in a small bowl and he'll stay small; put him in a big bowl and he'll grow. That's also my theory as to why Texans are so tall. They are some big people!

Layered & Collected vs. Single, Substantial Pieces

Jen: When I moved to New York, I bought winter pieces for the first time. In California, layers do the job.

Me: Does that theory apply to all elements of style or just fashion? I definitely notice more homes with the personal, collected, almost shabby-chic look at home, whereas here things seem more "placed" and matchy.

Andria: It applies to everything. In New York, it's about a single investment piece. In California, it's more capricious. My roommate has a relatively small wardrobe, but her one coat is Prada, her one bag is Goyard. In California it's more capricious and fun. On the east coast, less is more. On the west coast, more is more.

Location vs. Quality

Andria: One huge difference I have noticed is that, while to an extent location matters everywhere, out here it trumps everything else. Sometimes it seems more important where something is than what it is.

Me: So it's all about the address?

Jen: Completely. For better or for worse.

Me: Well I guess that you could look at that as a good thing--people being more in touch with their communities and such. So I don't need personal style as long as I have a great address?

Both: Basically!

Have a great week!

Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Pump at Saks Fifth Avenue: http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446193582&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492709417&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474399545537&bmUID=1222662965140&ev19=3:6

Interior Image courtesy PointClickHome.com.

Burberry Coat: http://uk.burberry.com/fcp/product/clothing-and-accessories/Coats/CASHMERE-TRENCH-WITH-SATIN-TRIM/10000002625

Look Good, Feel Good, Be Good

2008-09-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

Style is not just about fashion or interior design. The whole point of style—looking at it, talking about it, cultivating it, aspiring toward it—is to feel good.

You may have noticed that I have a new photo up this week. Last time I had a professional photo taken, I didn’t feel great. Standing in front of a camera doesn’t come naturally to me and I didn’t prepare myself appropriately for that discomfort. Instead of taking care to surround myself with the things that would help me feel calm and confident, I went with denial, faux-nonchalance and finally, inevitably, a little bit of panic. The results were photos that, although presentable, just weren’t me. Nothing stylish about that.

This time around, I did it differently. A good photographer helps--I used Ken Larson of Waterfront Creative. He keeps it casual and comfortable so it's easier to be yourself. I also thought about the things (clothes, music, ambience, even beverages—caffeinated, not alcoholic, of course) which would help me feel great, and thus bring out the best in me. They are the things I have learned to rely on for those moments in life when I can use a little extra confidence: preparing for an important meeting, recovering after a long and stressful day, and of course, smiling for the cameras. The difference is in confidence and relaxation, two things that style can and should help to bring you.

See a slideshow of my entire photo shoot here: http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?Uc=bugqdfv.95bche3v&Uy=-551fl1&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=665955065731_307809483307&mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1

This week I thought I would ask my most stylish friends what elements of style help them feel most confident. Here’s what they said:

Chrissy Bovo
ROIHS Principal and Creative Director, my business partner and lifelong style mentor
“Anything crisp, clean and white. Like my Michael Kors white linen jacket.”

Jenna Pachucki
New Yorker, Museum Historian, had the "Katie Holmes bob" before Katie Holmes did
“Wearing my grandmother’s jewelry. It’s different and fun and unique to me. It connects me to her—just knowing how thrilled she’d be that I’m wearing it gives me an inner sense of confidence.”

Stephen Goularte
Nightclub Impresario, Man about town, Owner of EOS in Santa Barbara
“Something over the top. Maybe an ascot. Maybe a puff collar. Maybe an all-white suit. Something that will 'bling it to the table'. ”

Mimi Marinchak
ROIHS Decorator, Fabulous mom of three, purveyor of preppy style
“Fresh flowers {tulips, hydrangeas, orchids} and scented candles {Diptyque, Votivo, and even Pottery Barn and Target}”.

Kristin Burk (on left)
Restaurant Biz Wiz, my best friend, luxury label lover
“Hair is important. If my hair looks good, I feel put-together. It frames your face, so it’s more important that what your wearing.”

Kim DiPaola
ROIHS Sales Rep, gardening enthusiast, perfect hostess
“Jogging or going to the gym and running on the treadmill. I go for a short jog in the morning and I am like Superwoman.”

Prim Eisemann

Aveda Beauty Expert, Beach girl, true domestic goddess

"My diamond pendant from Tiffany's, Kai oil perfume, and a clean, organized home. I cannot survive, or imagine doing so happily, without these."

Brooke Bovo
ROIHS Principal, genious Corporate Facilitator, ROIHS “Team Mom”
“Wearing my favorite color, green, always makes me feel good. Also, the view out my back balcony gives me confidence. I stand there and think ‘whatever happens, this river will still flow, the ships will continue to pass by, the world will go on.”

And my top five confidence boosters {including the ones that helped me stay cool and calm in front of the camera}?

1. A soundtrack. Kanye West in the car, Coldplay at home on the weekends. Don’t underestimate the potency of a great soundtrack. In college, my best friend and roommate, Kristin, and I used to listen to the same song whenever we were getting ready to go out for the evening. It was our “going out” song, and to this day it reminds me to relax and enjoy life whenever I hear it. The other day, Kristin texted me the following words: “What was the name of that song? You know, that song we like?” I knew exactly the one.

2. A nice watch. Everyone needs a simple, good accessory that can polish off any given outfit. I find that the best, easiest one is a good watch. Skip gold and go for silver.

3. A decent haircut. I know, it feels a bit obvious to include this, but this is a seriously underrated possession. As you can see from my photo, above, I believe in working with what God gave you, in my case very curly hair, making a good cut and style of the utmost importance.

4. A signature scent—NEVER tell. Mine is a closely-guarded secret. {I’ll give you a hint—I’m not the first to be closed-lipped about this scent. Scent was so personal to it's creator that she wore it exclusively herself for years before decreeing that it be unveiled and released by her company upon her death.}

5. An important memento. When I managed my first design project on my own, Chrissy left me a note on a paint chip that said “Good luck Ash. You’ll do great!” It’s still on my bulletin board in my home office.

This week, give some thought to the things in your life that bring out the best in you.

Have a great, confident week!

Waterfront Creative Photography: http://waterfrontcreative.com/

Slip Into Something a Little More Comfortable

2008-09-01T22:49:00.000-07:00

Someone recently said to me that holidays are throw-out-the-rules days. I instantly fell in love with that idea. So in observance of Labor Day, I skipped the Monday morning musings this week (you weren’t on a computer anyway, right?) and here is my first-ever Tuesday morning blog post.

When I first started decorating, in my early twenties, I coveted cutting-edge design. I loved things that were unique, witty and glamorous. While I still love drama, the older I get, the more I crave a sense of peace and comfort. The desire to be smartest has been replaced by the desire to be at ease. Here are my top ten quickest ways to inject comfort into your home and life.

1) Use soft materials wherever possible. Try to buy upholstered or woven ottomans instead of wood or metal tables wherever possible to maximize comfort. Just be careful not to cross over into an unintentional Moroccan-theme.

2) Love your lighting. The single most effective way to make a space feel more (or less) comfortable. Pay attention to the way light diffuses through the window (I like to filter through a shutter or sheer drape), the bulb (soft white is my preference), and where lights are positioned throughout the room. For maximum comfort, aim for indirect when lighting is not task-oriented.

3) Organize. There is no comfort like everything you need being right at your fingertips. Think through your organizational systems. My rule is, out of sight, out of mind. As in, you’ll go out of your mind looking for things all the time. Landing spots like trays and bowls help kids (and spouses) remember to put things where they go. Keep daily necessities like dish soap, CDs, pens/pencils, magazines, etc. close at hand in beautiful containers.

4) Pay attention to the scents in your home. Open windows whenever possible. Burn candles. I love BURN’s line (link below). In the bathroom, I stick to a clean, powdery scent, in the kitchen I go for a fresh citrus like grapefruit or trangerine to cut food odors and in living spaces I like earthy scents like fig. Something musky and sleepy is always good for the bedroom.

5) Well-made linens, obviously. As I have said before, my sheet of preference is the cheap $20 jersey sheets from Target. They feel better to me than any expensive hotel sheet I’ve ever slept on. And although they don’t age well, who cares? It’s $20. Invest a little or a lot in linens that feel great to you—cashmere throw blankets, plush pillows, linen table runners, and silk quilts and everyone will feel instantly relaxed in your home.

6) Live plants/Fresh flowers. Everyone has the time and money for a bouquet of fresh flowers each week. Everyone. Unless I’m feeling particularly inspired, I don’t stress about creating the perfect arrangement anymore. Most of the time, I grab a dozen roses in a pretty color, cut them straight and plop them in a vase on the dining table. Invest in a great vase that compliments a variety of your favorite flower types. I love how my roses are complimented by these footed vases (above).

7) Softness underfoot, especially at entry thresholds and under furniture to ease transitions. This is a subtle way to subconsciously cue relaxation and comfort. Just stay away from solid white, which will do the opposite.

8) Personal photos. I am loyal to Pottery Barn’s wood and silver frames. On a photo wall, I like to vary sizes (matte and frame) but match materials and colors. I prefer my wall-hung personal photos to be simple, classic and fun.

9) Just think about comfort. I know this sounds odd and way too easy, but just taking a few minutes each day to think about feeling comfortable, to take a deep breath and stretch--you can call it meditation if you want--improves the quality of everything for the rest of that day.

10) Music! My favorite thing right now is the mostly-french soundtrack from the movie “Something’s Gotta Give” but whatever your preference, keep a few playlists at the ready.

Have a great, comfortable week!

All photos by Pottery Barn.

Burn Candles: http://www.brownesbeauty.com/Burn+candles-prod-198.phtml

Target Jersey Sheets: http://www.target.com/Jersey-Sheet-Set-True-White/dp/B000O1TODO/sr=1-6/qid=1220338372/ref=sr_1_6/602-4068958-1272657?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Ajersey%20sheets&page=1

Pottery Barn Vases: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p3326/index.cfm?pkey=cvases%2Dbowls

Pottery Barn Frames: http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/accessories-decor/frames/frames-albums/index.cfm?page=1

The New Classics

2008-08-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have something to confess. I’ve been spying on all of you. Well, sort of. This website has a mechanism which tells me a bit about all of you—how many of you there are, where you live and how you heard about The Pursuit of Style.

This week, I’m ecstatic to say, the number of visitors to this site passed the 1,000 mark. In the 3 months I have been writing this blog, readers from 74 cities in 11 countries have visited. Sure, some of them found it through Google keywords, but the vast majority of them typed the URL in themselves. Which means they heard about it from you forwarding emails and telling your friends. And I would just like to say thank you for helping to make what began as my little "just-for-fun" project into something I now consider a success in its own right. I hope the styles and items I feature inspire and empower you to think more about not just what we do in our daily lives, but how we do it, and how it expresses our personal style and enriches the quality of our lives. So, thank you again. And please keep forwarding those emails!

Back to Basics: In honor of the 1,000 visitor milestone, I thought we should take a moment to get back to basics. Everyone who knows me knows that while I periodically have a schoolgirl crush on a trend, like spin art shirts in the ’80s, Seven jeans in college (I still love their fit, but would never wear the signature squiggle again) and ruffled blouses lately, nothing gets me worked up like my first love, the classics--big, plastic sunglasses, trenchcoats, black cashmere turtlenecks, and black stiletto pumps.

And while a classic is, by definition, something that never goes out of style, a classic can come into style. These are "new classics", items which have recently arrived on the design scene but which you can feel comfortable investing in because they'll be around for a while. Read on for my favorite oldies but (still very much) goodies, followed by the new classics which are not-quite-replacing them so much as adding to the canon.

Objet d' art: Obelisks / Seashells

(Designers in the '60s used obelisks extensively. I recently saw two giant crystal obelisks guarding an entry on a console table--still as gorgeous as ever. I also love how the shape is interpreted as a lamp by Circa Lighting, below.)

Sofa: Upholstered lawson / Tailored & Slipcovered in white

(The Lawson sofa is characterized by arms which are lower than the back and loose cushions.)

Dining Table: Mohagony, rectangular (w/turned-wood or cabriole legs) / Mohagony, round (pedastal)

My solid mohagony dining table has truly withstood the test of time--I'm the fourth generation in a family of design addicts to love mine!

Window Treatment: Silk drapes / Roman shades

Al Fresco Dining: Poolside patio / Walled-in courtyard

Flooring: 3" plank wood / 5" plank wood

Flowers: Roses / Orchids

(A dozen pastel-colored roses will always epitomize chic romance, but don't write off potted orchids as a passing trend--I have both in my house right now.)

Glasses: Martini / Stemless wine

Cabinets: Painted, white / Painted, earthtones

(Wood tones du jour come and go, but painted cabinets never go out of style.)

Living Room Centerpiece: Glass cocktail table on a metal base / Fabric ottoman on a wood base (like in Allegra Hicks' home, below.)

Scent: Lavendar / Citrus

Front Door: Red with brass hardware / Black with brushed nickel hardware

(Like this ROI-refurbished home, below. BTW this home will be for sale in Spring 2009 through Jim Colhoun of Prudential.)

Accent Print: Stripes / Animal

Throw Blanket: Cashmere in camel / Quality faux-fur in ivory

Neutral: Tan, Black, Ivory / Chocolate brown, gold, greige

Have a great week!

Pottery Barn Slipcovered Sofa: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p4283/index.cfm?pkey=cslipcovered%2Dsofas

Jim Colhoun's Website: http://www.prurealty.com/jimcolhoun/default.aspx

Allegra Hicks Living Room photo courtesy Domino Magazine

Obelisk Lamp at Circa Lighting: http://www.circalighting.com/item.asp?idProduct=1456

Party on the Strip

2008-08-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Not everyone has access to a team of pro-partiers for every single event. You know, caterers, florists, pastry chefs, event stylists? …No?

So many aspects of our modern lifestyles inhibit the fancy, perfectly executed parties of yore. With schedules so busy we require Blackberrys, and a recession that is allowing for fewer and fewer stay-at-home parents, gatherings with friends are being squeezed out by the other necessities of life, like picking up the drycleaning and going by the post office... glamourous. Who has the time or money to sit around musing over a party with the event planner?

But (...you knew there would be a “but”...) I think that if the people during the depression could find the time to enjoy one another’s company, we certainly can too, especially with all the modern-day conveniences at our disposal. We’re Americans, after all, a country founded on the ideas of breaking bread, corn and other cornucopia fare with one another. So set aside a few hours and a few bucks this week to have some friends over for a good old fashioned dinner party. That’s all you’ll need for a stylish, fun evening. How can that be achieved, you ask? Through that other American staple, the strip mall. Of course.

Everything listed below can be found at typical strip-mall stores: the grocery store, craft store, and your neighborhood Walmart/K-mart/Target. Oh yeah, and around your house. Seriously.

If you are able to plan a few days in advance, I’d advise you to utilize the floral department at your local grocery store. I have found that a few helpful hints will get you far in this game. Read on…

Tip for using floral departments at grocery stores:

· Use what’s in season—it will be fresher, prettier, and easier to obtain. If you must use out-of-season flowers, order them through a professional florist.
· Call ahead to reserve bunches for the day of your event (my local Safeway reserved these orchids, right, for my Dad's 60th birthday party. I arranged them myself at home in vases out of my mother's cupboard).
· Have a Plan B flower in mind in case the order is mixed up or the wrong color comes in. For instance, roses and lilies are almost always available and are a great back-up plan. (Lilies have a heavy scent so should be kept away from the dinner table itself. I once gave a sensitive friend a headache and will never make that mistake again.)
· Work with one associate and get their name. If the order is large or complex, make sure he/she will be there the day of your event when you pick up your order.
· Pick up your order in the morning if possible. If there is a mix-up with your order, you will still have a good selection to choose from early in the day.
· If the event requires more than a single bouquet, have a friend on hand to arrange the flowers the day of the event. Trust me, you will not have the time.
· Limit your use of grocery store florists to casual parties of 30 or under. For major events or larger parties, stick to a quality professional florist.
(Click here for more on modern floral arrangements: http://www.thepursuitofstyle.com/2008/06/fresh-floral-favorites.html)

Devise a Theme Look to the season for inspiration. Some of my favorite themes of past parties:

Provencal: Herbs in baby terra cotta pots (from the nursery and the craft store, respectively); or (not and) tealights in baby terra cotta pots; nice rustic dishtowels as placemats or napkins. Keep it simple and casual with good bread and olive oil (see below), and entrees with simple, fresh ingredients.

Cuban: This was the theme of Matt’s 30th birthday dinner (at right). It was held at Havana, a local Cuban-fusion restaurant. (Note the heavily-scented, headache-inducing lilies mentioned above). Not all restaurants will allow you to reserve a table for 30 with no minimum, but Havana will. And they’ll seat you in the main dining room, which I prefer to a private room.

At parties of 20 or more, I like to use more than one large centerpiece. The pewter banana leaf trays were the inspiration for the tablescape. I set 2 large pillar candles in sand in them for a beachy feel. So simple, yet so dramatic. The sand ended up being an interactive conversation starter, as people wrote funny things in it with their fingers all night. Stargazer lilies (just a few per vase) were set in $3 glass fishbowls from the craft store. Glass votives are also from the craft store. Cigars were the obvious party favor and added to the atmosphere.

Wine tasting: It’s so simple—just buy a bunch of different wines (half as many bottles as guests should be more than enough...right?), line them up down the center of the table, with beautifully displayed glasses, and you have yourself a beautiful party. Now, imbibe.

Tip: You’ve probably already done this or at least heard of it, but I do love the old “cover the label” blind tasting thing. Skip pretentious label covers and go for office supply adhesive labels or brown paper bags with numbers or fun pseudonyms written on them.

A Note on Supplementary Elements: I avoid candles when the food will be plated at the table—the risk of injury is too high. Instead, lay sprigs of foliage, or create tiny bouquets out of 3-6 bud vases and a dozen blooms. Feel free to light candles on a buffet away from reaching arms.

Use Dishes as Décor: Pull all your (matching) sets of dishes out of the cabinets and place them on tables. Stack and line them up for a casual party; set them into place settings for a more formal one. Also, few things are easier or inject more instant style than wrapping silverware sets with a napkin (even a nice paper one is okay in summer), then tying with some sort of textural material—twine, raffia, ribbon, wire or string where the style is appropriate, like country-chic. These (above) are tied with ivory cording. Just between us, in their previous life, they were handles on a gift bag. {And of course there are always napkin rings, which I own but never use. The situation never feels right, and they always come off as fussy. I predict napkin rings are on their way out…pretty as they are.} Then, either place silverware sets on the plates or in a container on the table (tray, bucket, vase, etc).

Music: Although I find the fact that non-music-based stores carry moody, city-and-drink-themed soundtracks a bit cheesy, hypocritically, I enjoy reaping the benefits. Honestly, they are great party soundtracks. Also try movie soundtracks. My personal favorite is "Something's Gotta Give", full of fabulous French songs.

Own appetizer plates. Okay, so this isn’t exactly something you can just pick up at every strip mall. But you shouldn’t have to. Because you should already own them. Appetizer plates allow you to do so much with so little, so easily.

…And use them. You need something to feed your guests while they wait for the meal to be served. I love taking a big loaf of artisinal bread and plopping it down in the center of the table, either on a big wood cutting board or in its pretty white paper, with the paper torn open on top, so guests can pull off pieces. It’s a great, casual way to start the evening, not to mention an insta-centerpiece, perfect for my family's big Sunday-night dinners (above). Give each table setting its own appetizer plate with oil and balsamic. With flavored or infused oil or balsalmic, serve simple, wholesome pugliese bread. With fancy breads, serve simple E.V.O.O. and balsalmic.

Divide and Conquer. Set up separate tables for drinks, serving and dining. Create one decorative statement on each table for a casual party, a few in different sizes when you want people to know you put in some effort.

If you have an even slightly stylish home, you can pull things from other parts of the house for this. I can just hear you thinking “yeah right”, but seriously, take a good look at your:

· Houseplants in nice containers (like the one freshening up this bar, right). A rustic alternative to flowers in a vase.

· Kitchen Cupboards. Trays, platters, compotes, cups, plates, bowls, vases. Set these out and fill them with snacks, party favors, candies, or decorative objects pertaining to your theme (like the sand and candle in a tray at Matt’s birthday, above.)

· Fabrics and paper. Tread lightly on this one, but I have seen quilts, curtains, wrapping paper, tissue paper, throw blankets and even thin cotton rugs (unused, I hope) used as table linens and actually work. I’ll repeat—tread lightly.

· Decorative accessories like sculpture, seashells, etc. These make a strong statement so use them in moderation, and place them next to something large and neutral, like a vase or houseplant.

· Photos. Got a guest of honor? Frame, mount, or stand photos from their life as part of your decoration. For my dad’s 60th birthday party (above), we placed the best, funniest photos from his life as centerpieces (and conversation pieces) on each table. Mounting them on brown cardstock gave cohesion to the semi-formal event. The nice thing about photos is they are neutral enough to supplement another theme (my Dad’s party was jazz-themed). For a last-minute party, use your already-framed photos decoratively alongside food & bev in your serving area.

· Food. Fruit, bread, etc make great decorative statements when only one type of food is placed in a bowl. My personal faves are apples, plums and artichokes. A word to the wise--if it is decorative only (as in, "please don't eat my centerpiece"), keep it far away from the serving or dining areas. It's more like coffee table decor.

Best served chilled: Ever noticed how the easiest, fastest, cheapest foods are cold ones? The best grocery-store desserts are always ice-cream based. I like to type “ice cream” into foodtv.com to find the latest concoctions and toppings. Chilling glasses and bowls is a simple touch that makes the meal just a little bit better than what you eat every day.

Have a great, entertaining week!

Dinner party and bar photos courtesy Domino Magazine

Havana Restaurant: http://www.havanarestaurant.net/

A Filthy Gorgeous Home

2008-08-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

August is my favorite month to shop in Walnut Creek. For the benefit of my long-distance readers, Walnut Creek is somewhat of a shopping destination for people in the East Bay Area. It’s also where I was raised, so I suppose it’s no coincidence I grew up to be a professional shopper.

These days, Walnut Creek has become a bustling center of consumerism, which can be a bit uncomfortable to those of us who remember Walnut Creek back when CPK was a mere valet parking lot. But in August, everyone goes out of town, and for four glorious weeks, I can wait for my Peet’s coffee on Sunday mornings in a line of five people rather than 30, find a parking space within a matter of minutes, and actually browse boutiques the way they were meant to be seen, views unobstructed, displays unmolested. It’s a quieter, gentler, more stylish Walnut Creek, in my opinion.

One store I never, ever miss when shopping downtown (August or not) is the relatively new Filthy Gorgeous on N. Main next to Tomatina. The home and lifestyle store is owned by my friends Tirzah and Jonathan, and it is unlike any other store in the area.

It is, in a word, transporting. It’s a glimpse into their fabulous world: organic, slightly gothic, highly refined and a bit magical. Like a French apothecary with a bit of southern soul.

And it’s all about the mix--what I love about their aesthetic is that although it can be rich and a bit dark, it never feels heavy. Everything always feels light and fresh and delicate and beautiful. They have a truly original sense of style, a great compliment to the more tame styles of the big stores across the street, making them a welcome addition to our shopping enclave.

It is more than just a store, it is a visit. When you enter, you are met with dramatic footed birdcages inhabited by real canaries, tweeting away. Candles are always burning some earthy, calming scent. But what really pulls you in are the vintage and antique items--they are carefully selected, dramatic yet neutral pieces which anchor the filthy gorgeous style and are the perfect backdrop for accessories such as crystal votive holders, mercury glass canisters and silver-backed seashells. It is perhaps the best place in the area to find gorgeous religious symbols such as Buddhas and Virgin Marys. They also carry lovely bath products, bed linens, children’s gifts, art, dishes, and jewelry. And don't miss their selection of upholstery for the lines of custom furniture they offer.

I can always count on them for high-class hostess gifts, unique accessories and lots of inspiration. Next time you find yourself overwhelmed by the hubbub of downtown Walnut Creek shopping, stop by Filthy Gorgeous to be instantly transported to a much more calming, inspiring place. Until then, check out my five favorite items in the store right now, and click the link below to shop their website...

Rectangluar Monogrammed Burlap Throw Pillows

(click here for rules on monogramming: http://www.thepursuitofstyle.com/2008/05/to-monogram-or-not-to-monogram.html )

Footed Stone Compotes

Vintage Crowns (stacked, front right)

I'd set wild-growing potted plants in them, one in each, for punctuation in a lush garden.

Cream and Gray Striped Throw Blanket

(A slightly equestrian feel. Click here for more on Equestrian Style: http://www.thepursuitofstyle.com/2008_07_01_archive.html)

"Postcard" Sachets

(Go ahead, write on them!)

Have a great, filthy gorgeous week!

Filthy Gorgeous Website: http://www.filthygorgeoushome.com/Home.html

ROI HomeServices’ Top Ten Most Common {Budget-Friendly} Updates

2008-08-04T00:20:00.000-07:00

A major part of my job at ROI HomeServices is to advise home sellers and realtors of the best way to improve their homes to sell them. I evaluate the property, research comparables, consider the budget and the listing price, and put together a smart design plan for their home that will help sell it faster, for more money. (I know what you’re thinking, “Just like on TV!” I hear that a lot. Not exactly, but similar...we’ll save that topic for another blog.)

After my partner Chrissy and I decide on a design plan, we start the project and the real fun begins. I love my job. Every day feels like I’ve been “dared” (kid-style) to see how much I can update a house within a client's budget. To see how far I can blow the competition out of the water. To see what construction conundrums I can navigate. To see how much I can surprise a seller by showing them how great their home could have looked all along.

Every home is different, and they all stand to benefit from different improvements. But there are a few tried-and-true’s that help improve almost any home. They are the items that end up on the clipboard to-do list almost every week. Read on for ROIHS’s most commonly used home improvements (you don’t have to be selling your home to use them!) and give us a call for help with your home. All photos below are from ROI HomeServices’ portfolio. See more at the link below.

1. Change fixtures and hardware. Light fixtures, towel bars, cabinet knobs/pulls, address numbers, door hardware and faucets. These are the keys to an updated home. They are like jewelry for your space. Take care to realistically flatter the home—overly ornate fixtures on a tiny condo won’t do it any favors. Likewise, don’t install cheap fixtures in a home with expensive surfaces. It’s just like in fashion—flatter your age and body type. Notice how the swagged chain in this dated before pic (below) calls attention to the swirls of the poorly DIY’d wall texture. The updated pendant we replaced it with (far below) makes the space feel clean, cozy and polished. My apologies for the opposing angles...

2. Move the bathroom floor threshold. Got a dated bathroom with a carpeted vanity? Most bathrooms stand to benefit from moving the threshold, which involves removing the flooring from both the water closet and vanity area, then laying new, matching flooring in both areas. See the before and after, below. Doesn’t even look like the same house, does it? PS This Lafayette condo is available for sale through Lisa Hoctor of Prudential Lafayette. See link at bottom.

3. Clean carpets (and every other surface)! It never fails to amaze me how underrated cleaning is as a home improvement. It instantly makes any home look ten times better, not to mention worth ten times as much...okay maybe not ten.

4. Paint trim, doors and cabinets. In cases where painting the whole house seems unnecessary, but the house could use a brush-up, painting interior and exterior paint on trim and doors will make the space feel fresher. We also often recommend adding exterior shutters, which can be purchased inexpensively from many home improvement stores, painted and screwed on. On the right style home, you’ll never believe the difference. When in doubt, match the shutters to the front door color and paint the rest of the trim white. Don’t forget the mailbox. I also never hesitate to paint old, poor quality wood cabinets. Done well, this inexpensive improvement can change an entire home. Note this kitchen, below. This Lafayette home (same house as above) is available for sale through Lisa Hoctor of Prudential Lafayette. See link below.

5. Bark beds. Go for natural cedar bark if your house has warm exterior tones or is more traditional in style. Use black-ish bark if your house has cooler exterior tones or is more modern in style. Use only one style of bark on the entire property. This is not a place for mixing and matching.

6. Add baseboards, crown molding or a chair rail. Thick baseboards are always a good idea (I even saw 12” tall ones recently on an old bungalow—they looked great!) Unfortunately, there is no formula for knowing when crown molding is right for your home, or when a chair rail is right for a room. But when it is right--and a good designer or stager can tell you--the effect it has is magnificent. And the benefit is so great that the cost seems like pennies. You can do baseboards without crown molding, but never the other way around. Use chair rails sparingly in “focal rooms” like a dining room to add formality. On the wall underneath the chair rail, I like to use a color a few shades darker than the color above it, like we did in this model home's dining room, below.

7. Replace window treatments. Install 2” white vinyl treatments and instantly (inexpensively) update almost any room. ROIHS’ handyman, Ken, does this so often he can practically do it in his sleep.

8. Caulk and Grout. This will make all tile look better, newer, fresher, cleaner. That’s a promise. If the tile is neutral, grout should match the tile or be slightly lighter. If the tile is colored, look for a taupe or beige and consult your grouter. Ask to see a sample. Check out the huge difference re-grouting made in this entry--same tile!

9. Replace sinks, toilets and faucets. This is a surprisingly inexpensive way to update powder rooms if you have a great designer or stager who knows how to choose well. Check out this simple yet elegant powder room we did for a model home, below.

10. Think about paint color. Really, really think about it. I can’t stress enough how difficult or important proper color selection is. I have noticed that many people seem to have misconceptions about how color selection works. There seems to be an idea that it is methodical and simple. Not so. I have been asked what my highly scientific “formula” is (there isn’t one—if there were, I’d market it and sell it!) I have been asked to select a color over the phone, without seeing the house (sorry, no can do.) I have put together a palette of colors for a house only to have the client change one color without consulting me, not realizing that the whole scheme would be thrown off. (Colors work in combinations, like entrees and side dishes. Imagine ordering steak and potatoes and receiving steak and fruit salad instead? One wrong dish throws the whole meal off.) Color is also quite dependent on light. The direction of light, the way it changes throughout the day, bouncing off neighboring buildings and foliage and reflecting their colors, determines quite a bit about the color a given room needs (sorry, but I can’t pick a color for you at night).

Always call in a professional--our color consultations are just a few hundred bucks--and speak up about your preferences. A professional will see more than just a deck of options. She will truly evaluate the home (Chrissy likes to call it "house whispering") and locate its perfect colors.

I hope I've given you some inspiring ideas for your own home. At ROIHS, we do this stuff every day, so give us a call if you'd like some help improving your space. Just click the link at the bottom.

Have a great week!

ROIHS Staging Portfolio: http://www.roihomeservices.com/roi_staging/portfolio-main.html

Lisa Hoctor Website: http://www.prurealty.com/LisaHoctor/default.aspx

ROIHS Contact Us: http://www.roihomeservices.com/contact.html

Divine Equine

2008-07-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that fashion and design follow a different calendar than the rest of us? Christmas is in stores in October, summer is upon them as soon as March, and back-to-school apparently began a month ago. Quite frankly, I’m of the opinion that fall style belongs in the actual fall, not “retail fall” a.k.a. summer. But with everyone asking me about about fall trends, and with all the stores and magazines full of next season’s wares, I’ve lately found myself giving in to temptation and occasionally veering away from the fun and fresh looks of summer toward the cozy security blanket of autumnal colors and textures, despite the season being months off.

Fall to me means equestrian style. Like most girls, I am a sucker for anything to do with horses. Here’s how I do equestrian-chic...even in summer.

Crop it! Like most things, equestrian-chic is best done with subtlety. The best rooms start with an idea and end with a mood. Look for items which hint at equestrian staples instead of reproducing them too literally. This is best achieved when icons such as a horse, bridle or saddle are portioned out or cropped to hone in on a single design element. I can’t get enough of Ray Hartl's photographs, right, which are cropped to show the abstract form of the horse’s body. So much more moving, modern and fresh than a full-body shot.

Think thoroughbred. Equestrian is not a look that should be done on the cheap. Hold out for quality materials and craftsmanship for all equestrian-inspired pieces. I love how Gucci uses the horse bit, classically considered an icon of ruggedness, in fine materials as part of their luxury collection. Stainless steel, the most unique looking mother of pearl I've ever seen (it looks like abalone shell!) and a bracelet-type band make this gorgeous watch a success (it will definitely be on my Christmas list this year...).

More mare than filly. Adult sophistication, not youthful exuberance is the key to equestrian style. Take care to avoid the girlish horse theme so often seen in twelve-year-old’s bedrooms by aiming for a more serious, sophisticated mood than a fun, or silly one. In art, avoid paintings or drawings that are cartoonish, or comical photography such as a horse showing its gums (this type of photography has its place in greeting cards, but will instantly overwhelm any room in your home as wall art). Avoid cartoonish or youthful colors as well--primaries and pastels can be successful when paired with equestrian items but it's a rare occassion. Pink and baby blue will almost always take the look back to seventh grade. If you really like red, try crimson or burgundy with this look instead. When in doubt, go with the neutral white-to-tan spectrum.

Also Ralph Lauren has done some amazing things with equestrian style and the color black, an idea Madonna and photographer Steven Klein took to the next (contraversial) level with this W magazine photo shoot, right (see the link below for the more scandalous photos). Love it or hate it, the photos are beautiful and stylishly original. That, to me, is inspiring on a design level.

Allow space to roam. Limit your equestrian-style pieces to one or two elements per room. Take care to avoid a “theme room”. This Hermes silverware, right, would make a striking statement on a table when paired with neutral dishes, glassware and linens. Anything more would be overkill.

Tip: A set of identical items is considered a single design element. This is because the eye treats it as one large thing to look at. Because all flatware pieces are the same, the eye rests on the set as a whole, rather than needing to look at each individual fork and spoon. This allows you to use many items of a single design without worrying about the room looking "cluttered". This rule applies to all sets of identical or very similar items. Bear in mind that the more items in your design element, the larger the statement you will make, and the more neutral its surroundings should be.

Have a great week!

Ray Hartl Photography: http://www.rayhartl.com/

Gucci Watch: http://www.gucci.com/us/us-english/us/fall-winter-08/timepieces/#0-528866-208833I16101461

Madonna in W Magazine: http://www.wmagazine.com/celebrities/archive/madonna_klein?showall=true

Hermes "Attelage" silver-plated flatware: http://www.hermes.com/

The Weekenders

2008-07-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for eagerly anticipated (and sometimes unexpected) houseguests. I always think of summer much like that classic lemonade commercial--full of lazy afternoon naps on the porch. In reality, my summers are nothing like that. They are frenzied, calendar-clogged months. In addition to being ROIHS's high season for staging, it is also what I have come to call "vacation and wedding season".

On weekends when I am not attending a wedding (and some when I am) I often have the pleasure of having friends stay with me from out of town. As I write this, I have a friend from Europe staying with me, and the last two weekends in a row I myself have been a houseguest at friends' houses. This seasonal social schedule has been the case every summer, dating back to dorm days, and I learned early on that even with nothing but a futon and a sleeping bag, a good hostess can find little ways of making his/her guests comfortable and show them a great time.

Start with style: Aim for comfortable drama. This is where a lot of people veer off the proverbial tracks--if a guest room is all drama, it may create an impression, but it also often sets the tone for a very, um, formal visit; if a room is all comfort, it can take away from the fun of being on vacation and leave your guests wishing they'd just stayed in the comforts of their own home.

The key is in the balance. Start with one or two dramatic pieces, like this canopy bed, right, or a striking bath etagere. Then, surround it with comfy, cozy luxe fabrics in a rich yet passive color palette--nothing too bright or offensive. Focus on easy.

Budget Tip: If you are working with Mom and Dad's hand-me-downs and struggling to create a stylish space for guests, try this. Center the best, largest piece of art you own over the bed (or pull-out sofa), with a matching pair of lamps on either side to frame it. Old lamps? Switch out the shades for updated ones. Then use the softest sheets and towels you can find in either the color palette of that art or the neutral white-to-tan spectrum. Voila! Comfortable drama.

Keep a culinary cache:
* Ask about allergies & dietary needs ahead of time, but....
* Always keep a few classic condiments around. Nothing kills morning excitement faster than waking up to decaf coffee and splenda with no cream in sight.
* Prep the coffee maker so guests can hit the button on their own if they wake up first.
* Leave a few self-serve snacks around, like a bowl of nuts or fruit.
* Have paper napkins readily available.

No bath salts, please: Instead of covering the guest bath's countertops with foofy bath products that will only gather dust, think of what your guests really need.

* A basket under the sink with shampoo, conditioner, facial cleanser, makeup remover, toothpaste, a few pre-wrapped toothbrushes, q-tips, cotton balls, sunscreen, tylenol and hand lotion
* A blowdryer
* Air freshener
* Extra toilet paper
* Fresh bar soap in the shower (how welcoming!)
* Antibacterial hand soap
* A toilet plunger-gross, but a guest's saving grace in an emergency. Get one with a floor tray and keep it hidden.
* Stack towels on a stool or shelf so your guests know they're fresh. I always wonder how long towels on towel bars have been sitting there.
* Above all, a clean bathroom is a must.

Slumber Party: Stock your guest bedroom with the softest materials you can find and ask your guest what they need to achieve that elusive weekend necessity--a good night's sleep.

* Soft sheets--not itchy! I actually love Target's $20 jersey sheets more than any expensive hotel sheets I've ever slept on.
* An extra blanket
* A fan
* A lovely water pitcher and glass.
* Skip the decorative shams--some guests have a hard time knowing which are the "sleeping pillows" so keep it easy for them by using only sleep-able pillowcases. Double-row them and place one smaller throw pillow in front. Done.

Create a casa concierge: Nothing will keep 'em coming back for more like easy extras (nothing fussy!) Here, some of my faves I've found in friends' fabulous guest rooms.

* An "entertainment library" (mine's a dresser drawer) full of DVDs, CDs, books and magazines
* A street map of the area, along with maps/schedules of local transportation where appropriate
* A house key
* A luggage rack or bench that can substitute as one
* Unisex rubber flip-flops in a few sizes (6, 8,10, 12) for impromptu beach trips. Get them for $3 each at Old Navy. You'll get so much bang out of those bucks.
* A small tray for jewelry and keys
* Disposable cameras
* If you live in an urban area with parking restrictions, take the time to get a permanent visitor parking pass and make your guest's visits stress-free. Also keep a clamp jar with coins for meters.
* A notebook and pens
* A covered bulletin board to "sign" with a photo from their visit
* And my favorite all-time guest bait--a chic container of pretty candy, like pink jelly beans in a footed glass canister. You'll be an instant vacation destination!

Tip: Keep it all aesthetically pleasing yet accessible in an armoire like this Pottery Barn one, right. Just be sure to show your guests what's behind the doors! Unless they're snoopy, they'll never find it on their own.

On Sunday evening, what your guests will have appreciated is consideration, comfort and fun...not pretension. Don't spend so much time trying to impress your guests that you forget to think of what they will actually like. More than anything, they're coming to see you, so be sure to provide that above all else.

Have a great week (and weekend)!

Interior Design, Bedroom, by Erinn Valencich.

Anthropologie Canopy Bed: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=5782635763627682008&id=56501&parentid=LIVE_FURNITURE_BED_FRAMES&pushId=LIVE_FURNITURE_BED_FRAMES&popId=LIVE_FURNITURE&sortProperties=%2BmarketingPriority%2C-startDate&navCount=6&navAction=poppushpush&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=one

Interior Design, Bathroom, courtesy of dominomag.com. Photo by Jason Penney.

Old Navy Flip-flops: www.oldnavy.com

Pottery Barn Armoire: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p8332/index.cfm?pkey=xsrd0m1%7C20%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7Carmoire&cm%5Fsrc=SCH

2008-07-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

The Pursuit of Style will be on vacation for the week of July 14. Please check back next week for more Monday morning musings. And have a great, relaxing week off!

Feel Better about your Space

2008-07-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July, everyone! The fourth is my favorite holiday. One thing that never goes out of style—patriotism. Like all of us, this weekend I took some time to appreciate the freedoms that are afforded us as Americans. Like personal style. What is more American than the freedom to express one’s personal style?

Unfortunately, in our quest to express ourselves, we so often get caught up in our chronic bad habits, nagging fears and insecurities, all of which can prevent us from achieving our vision, making the result neither personal nor stylish. Here, a few of the more common style afflictions and Nurse Ashley’s prescriptions. Take two of these to start feeling better about your space by morning:

Collectionitis, aka The Clutter Bug: The constant accumulation of items paired with the inability to throw items away, resulting in an un-stylish heap of stuff.

RX: Trays! Trays perform a myraid of miracles: they transform utilitarian necessities into aesthetically-pleasing displays; they gather collections (of mail, paperwork, decorative objects, whatever) into a single footprint, transforming what were many items into one, single visual item; they make it easier to move stuff out of the way when necessary, making the space more functional and allowing you to periodically (gasp!) use your countertop! Added bonus—trays are something you can collect! For intensive care, have all trays in the same room match.

Collectionphobia: The opposite of collectionitis, victims suffer from a fear of accumulating any items at all, leaving them with a clinically sparse environment lacking in warmth and comfort.

RX: The best treatment for this is to focus on numbers. For a sofa, find one lumbar throw pillow. On a console, dresser or mantle, place three taller objects of varying heights, like candlesticks or sculptures. On a coffee table, stack three books (easy to dust--I know you'll like that). If you determine the number of accessories ahead of time, it makes it easier to face your fears and shop.

Rainbowphoria: The overdose of multiple bright colors, creating an environment resembling a hallucinogenic episode.

RX: Take a cue from ROIHS’ own Mimi Marinchak. Mimi knows the difference between color use and color abuse. Select one color you really, truly love for the walls. Then layer in neutrals and toned-down complimentary colors. In Mimi’s own home, at right, bright yellow walls create atmosphere, not dizziness, when paired with classic black and white, organic elements like wood, seagrass and topiary, and grown-up versions of primaries like deep parisian red. To see the rest of Mimi's house, click on the ROIHS site link at bottom.

Colorphobia: The fear of color. Often accompanied by a love of all things beige, resulting in the inability to tell the difference between furniture, walls and floors. Victims can often be seen bumping into sofas.

It is well known amongst my friends that I suffer from chronic colorphobia. I have had a long battle with this affliction, sometimes able to medicate with a single element of color in the house—a floral bouquet, perhaps, sometimes overdosing into poorly thought-out color schemes out of insecurity, the worst source of inspiration. Fortunately for me, I have a job that affords me color rehab on a regular basis in the form of working with “people of color”, or clients who love to live with colorful décor.

RX: There are two schools of thought on the best treatment for this condition. One is to paint the walls a color, giving neutral furnishings more personality. Look for “non-color” color. It is easier to get on board with colors that are not quite yellow, not quite green, not quite tan, but something in between (like the color ROIHS selected for this model home's dining room, above). The inability to describe it translates to a lack of distraction, leaving more of an abstract feeling or mood in the room than a color. This is a technique we use often at ROIHS. The other approach to treatment is to start with neutral surfaces and furniture, then layer in colorful accessories. Added bonus—easily switch to a new color whenever you want!

Fabricphobia: A fear of fabrics, often due to the existence of children or pets in the home.

RX: The retail community is finally catching up to this widespread affliction! Look for microfibers, outdoor fabrics and washable, tailored slipcovers. Try roman shades and cornices instead of drapes to keep fabric out of reach of little ones. Put down all-weather sisal-style rugs for the kitchen, bath, kids’ rooms and entry (I love Pottery Barn’s Herringbone Mat, above). I’m doing this in my bathroom when I get around to it. And I’ll layer white bathmats over it in strategic places. Focus on washable items and you too can have a beautifully-decorated home.

Have a great, healthy week!

Mimi's House on ROI HomeServices: http://www.roihomeservices.com/roi_decorating/movies_decorating/movie_a_happy_home/a_happy_home.swf

Pottery Barn's Outdoor Rugs: http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/prw/prwrug/prwrugsyn/index.cfm?cm%5Ftype=lnav

Rapt Paper Tray: http://www.raptdirect.com/table-and-desk-top-1/paper-trays-and-desk-tidy/rattan-desk-accessories/a4-paper-tray-5.html