"An extraordinary Shopping Experience"...

I couldn't help sharing an extraordinary shopping experience at the world's largest Barbie Store in Shanghai, China. The result of the hard work of architectural firm Slade, the 35,000 sq-ft barbie store is an genius fantasy made to reality.

With the holiday season just around the corner, think pink, think Barbie...

Happy Cyber Monday!

"Decorating for Thanksgiving"...

1. Getting real pumpkins for Floral Arrangements could be great. Use coordinating flowers which will accentuate the strong yellow tones of the pumpkins.

2. Try to do a nice place setting. Plates do not have to match but it is important to use a color as sort of a base, like orange and yellow.

3. Lighting is important, use inexpensive candle votive or see shown square flower vase filled with corn and a candle in the middle.

The most important thing is to have a good time with friends and family and enjoy the unexpected!

images from hg

"A Jungle Mural"

My sister Raquel decorated and painted her own baby's room with a theme in mind, a modern jungle. I love the way it turn out, specially the large Tree Mural. Non-toxic acrylic paint was used in the free hand drawn mural. The tree and barks were painted with a brush, giving different textures of brown tones and imperfections real trees have. The leaves, she cut out 3 different stencils. Stencils were sponged in three shades of green for dimension. A black cat was added with huge eyes over looking two cute birds in a funny way!

Enjoy Baby Saul...

baby bedding by Kenneth Brown (vine monkey)

"Pillow Talk", Painting Fabric...

Here is a great do it yourself project!

Get plain white or cream 100% natural cotton bed sheets. A local craft store will carry stamps or stencils with sort of fall motifs. Do not forget to buy non-toxic fabric paint that is washable.

Apply stencils in a random pattern to pillow cases or free style. This can be done with any pillows but consider the fabric choices. If any questions, just ask me.

Wonderful WK - END...

"Light Drop"

"Light Drop" by Wever & Ducre, sounds like a book title...is the pure image of lighting design innovation. The inspiration is a faucet that is controlled by the tap, the more you twist, the more light you get. This light is dimmable with a led bulb. I love the curves and shine of metal finish.

Wish I could try this product in a project!

"Fall Flower Arrangements"

Lots of times I decorate kitchens upper cabinets with very rustic Jars. Whether jars are made in Italy or Mexico, it's the worn look that is most attractive. Take pots to a new level and use them as your Fall Flower Arrangements. Attached photo shows them in a grouping with fresh branches from the backyard.

I wonder if anyone knows what type of greens these are?

"Denim Playroom"

A small project for a 5 year old boy turned out to be a Denim Fun...

The inspiration was an existing denim futon. Textiles such as Denim are great for children's rooms. This fabric wears pretty good, just like our favorite pair of jeans. I took a strong grasshopper green to accent the custom arched cornices. A green piping was also used for a couple of pillows. This playroom is simple and design for kids that play in it everyday!

Have a great denim day!

"Paper Lanterns"

Just love these Paper Lanterns!

From a beautiful Oriental motif design, to an elegant traditional Floral, to a brightly and happy French Country globe to a simple chic modern one! Paper Lanterns have made a strong come back in today's design world. Instead of a table lamp, switch to one of the above.

Enjoy!

"Pillow Talk", Linen...

What's nice about Linen is the elegance and simplicity of the weaving. Attached photo shows a great example of different ideas for new pillows. Simply by adding small grommets and tied them with a ribbon makes such a statement. Also, notice how a 20 x 20 pillow was constructed with upholstery strapping as an accent ribbon.

Have a wonderful relaxing Friday!

"French Coasters"

What a cute way of protecting our coffee tables! Using this adorable French Coasters will give something to talk about. Not only they serve a good purpose but they are so shabby...

Happy Thursday!

"No Office Space"...

You are lucky if you have an office space in your house! If you don't, make it a mission to find a spot in a room and convert it into an visual organizational station. This image is a good example, a dark wood console table was chosen and simple wicker letter organizers were purchase. Make sure you buy nice linen style stationary and notes. Keep your household bills in order, may be hidden in a cute painted box! You get the idea...Oh and lighting is also very important. Check out the formal lampshade.

Good Wednesday!

"Nature, Inspiration, Design"...

De

sign is an expression of all about what's around us...

One can take a natural inspiration and end up with this stunning Bombay Chest. I love this furniture simply because it is a timeless piece. I may use it in a modern setting or even in a traditional design.

Once, I remember a colleague saying "a house should always have a painted piece"...

image of a real zebra, fabric from my site DMS, Bombay Chest from Lane available @ Nichols & Bauer

"A Round Crib"...

A round crib, yes why not!!!

Cribs have come a long way from the old rustic styles. Now days, we may find a large variation of round cribs which offer the same safety standards as regular cribs. Round cribs come in beautiful wood, metal and mixed organic materials. Round cribs offer a complete 360 degree view, any baby I'm sure would love!

Enjoy your bundle of joy!

Please always inquire and check for safety points such as finishes applied to the bed (toxins), or may be what organic materials are being used.

"Pillow Talk" fall colors...

Every Season I love to make small changes around my house. I simply change things such as pillows and throws or banquets in each room. Sometimes, just simply exchanging items between room makes the trick. A close friend of mine said, but maria where do you store so many pillows? My answer is simple, I normally have only the covers fabricated. I use same size pillows and the excess is folded in the linen closet.


Pillow Talk will be posted every Friday with the purpose of appreciating beautiful fabrics and trims.

TRENDY COLORS FOR FALL

Orange, Reds, Dijon, Coffee Brown, Rust. See more next week.

Have a Fantastic Friday!

"Space Savings Solutions", a shelf

I absolutely love this idea...
This space savings solution can be adapted even if your small bathroom is completed. It is a simple additional shelf which will give extra room for toiletry items. What makes it more elegant and important are the brackets made out of the same Italian Marble.

Enjoy the day!

"Traditional with a Modern Twist"

This is a good example of a project with a design idea in mind, "Traditional with a Modern Twist". Starting from the Italian marble floors, laid out very geometrically to the custom arched window treatment using soft sheer textiles to let the light inside. The entrance is divided by a very small open wall with column, leaving ample room. All the furniture is in dark mahogany with a touch of modern. Lighting is also very art deco and at the entrance a sort of Moroccan feel lantern was introduced. Walls are a bright yellow that makes you feel alive...

Simplicity is the key!

"Embroidered Textiles"

Today the world of Textiles is so ample in the sense of new product ideas. Embroidered Textiles are not only beautiful but can be utilized in so many ways. I like to combined color and texture such as the window treatment shown. The combination of a soft Pink-Salmon drapes with a Chocolate Brown floral valance balances itself, producing an elegant shimmering look. Also, do not be afraid to use this fabric Pattern on furniture as you can see in this French Chair.

We can find embroidered textiles from traditional to contemporary fabrics. Shown on photo is a 100% Polyester 3" circle fabric that would be fun to use as accent pillows or drapery panels. I personally use this technique on my lampshades (embroidered silk fabric with a small frog pattern).

Enjoy the day!

"My Favorite"...Showroom

@ the Market definitely was Global Views...

I love their entire visual effects on all of the creative displays. I have always loved their merchandise for being so eclectic and trendy. The creative team behind this art consist of Rick Janecek, Gregg Lovell, Erin Davis and Seth Vaungh. They are just awesome designers.

As you can see the color orange is very strong this year. This tangerine was mixed with reds, apple green, turquoise, browns and black-n-white. I have attached some of my favorite accessories.

Have a great Monday!

items available @ the shop.