Oct 31, 2007

Books to Buy!


Vogue Living, we hear, is another one of the "it" books for design that comes out this fall. I don't know about you, but I love any and all coffee table books and I absolutely love to read. We compiled a list of the new must have design/fashion/art books for the holidays along with a few classics that any design enthusiast should own. Any of these books would make perfect Christmas gifts!





















WS Home now open in Plano!











William Sonoma branched off to form William Sonoma Home. The Plano store opened up this fall and is in fact, the only store in Texas!!

Address:

The Shops at LegacyOpening Fall 2007 -->
7300 North Dallas Parkway
Building A, Suite 100
Plano, TX 75024
Phone: 972-673-0229

Oct 28, 2007

Partner's Card-'07


The Family Place Partners Card is proudly celebrating 15 years of success in North Texas. As one of fall’s hottest “must-have” items, the 2007 Partners Card presented by Chase offers a unique opportunity to receive a 20 percent discount at more than 650 of your favorite stores and restaurants while at the same time contributing to a worthwhile cause. To date, Partners Card has raised more than $7.5 million for The Family Place.
Some of the great home stores on the Partner's Card this year:
-Anthropologie
-Armoires and More
-Cantoni
-Capel Rugs
-City View Antique Mall
-The Container Store
-Copper Lamp
-Country Garden Antiques
-Crate and Barrel
-Elliott's Hardware
-Forestwood Antique Mall
-The Iron Bed
-Lakeside Rug Gallery
-Lights Fantastic
-Lovers Lane Antique Market
-Oriental Rug Gallery of Texas
-Pottery Barn/ Pottery Barn Kids
-Quatrine
-Restoration Hardware
-Room Service by Ann Fox
-Rutherford's
-Sample House and Candle Shop
-Smith and Hawken
-Uptown Country Home
-West Elm
-White Elephant Antiques
-Williams Sonoma Home
-Z Gallerie
Partner's Card ends 11/4!! Enjoy nine days of 20% off each purchase from the stores listed above while supporting a good cause!

Kitchen Inspirations


There is something so 80's glam about this kitchen that I just can't resist (featured in Luxe Magazine). Ever since I laid eyes on Kelly Wearstler's all black kitchen I have been intrigued by this look. All black is daring and sophisticated.


Kelly Wearstler Kitchen


This kitchen designed by Michael S. Smith boasts a custom metal hood with a pewter finish. Pewter is an up and coming surface that is emerging on hoods and countertops. Beware: it is gorgeous, irresistible, and VERY pricey.


This kitchen graced the cover of House Beautiful. At first, I wasn't so sure, but as I have studied it I have grown to love its individuality. What I am drawn to the most is the wallpapered ceiling, and those bar stools!


This kitchen caught me eye in the Fall Issue of Luxe, and really, what's not to love? What I like especially is that the granite on the countertops is also run up the wall. Keep the back-splash simple but beautiful. It should compliment, not fight the other elements going on in the kitchen.

Oct 26, 2007

High/ Low


^SPLURGE:A giant clam shell tops my Christmas List this year. This real clam shell from 1stdibbs.com is… wait for it…. $1,650.00! This is not terribly abnormal. I have seen them range from $500-2500.00.



^SAVE: So this clam shell is not legit, but it is only $119.00. Thank you Ballard Designs.


^SPLURGE: God Bless Williams-Sonoma Home. LOVE it, but seriously, this Queen headboard STARTS at $1250.00.



^SAVE: Even though a headboard is not necessarily a “trendy item”, for $401 you can upholster the “Stevenson” from Ballard Designs in a funky apple green velvet. Gwyneth Paltrow used this headboard in little Apple’s room.



^SPLURGE: Faux deer head set from Horchow.com will set you back $815.00 (I do love them though).


^SAVE: Antler Trio from Tracy Porter a steal at only $135.00.
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Great design is all about balance and you’ve got to know when to splurge, when to save.
These few “trendy” items above are a great place to save some dough.

Event Planner to the stars..coming to a home near you!























Cowie has long been the mastermind behind celeb parties such as Oprah's Legends Ball and Elton John's Oscar Party. His latest book gives insight on how to throw celeb worthy parties in your own home (and on your own budget)!

Colin Cowie- "The secret to elegant entertaining is surprisingly simple: Create a relaxed, friendly, atmosphere where you and your guests feel welcome."
Book will be on sale December 31, 2007! Pre-order your copy now at Amazon.com for only $20!

Come Rain or Shine

With all the rain we have been having lately, it wouldn't be such a bad idea to purchase an umbrella stand to hold all those fabulous umbrellas you own that you might need at a moment's notice! This pretty lattice-patterned cream stand is $100 at //www.ballarddesigns.com/

Aside from storing umbrellas, this stand can be used as

- a decorative element left empty

- a vase to hold decorative reeds, canes, or artificial flowers

- a holder for wallpaper/fabric rolls/art supplies such as rolled up tracing paper, etc.


Seat Chic

These cotton cushions from Anthropologie look adorable tied on to a kitchen, desk, or dining room chair! They instantly up the comfy AND chic factor through their various floral prints. The great news is that they are only $28!

















Oct 24, 2007

Let's talk tile!

One of my very favorite things is subway tile. This is referring to the shape of the tile (originating from the tile used in subway stations), and it can come in all shapes and sizes!

A fresh approach to the traditional white subway tile is this metallic mosaic run vertically.


I love the clean, classic, yet very glamorous lines of this bathroom.

Instead of opting with the basic, budget friendly 4” x 4” white field tile, mix it up and go with the stylish (yet still economical) alternative – SUBWAY!

Oct 21, 2007

Halloween: Decorating and Entertaining



Pottery Barn Kids- Clock



Target Berry Wreath


Horchow Halloween Witch


Z Gallerie Beaded Pumpkins



Z Gallerie Skull and Bones Dinnerware

Z Gallerie Candelabra


Pottery Barn Spider Tealights

Pottery Barn Twig Sconce

Pottery Barn Pumpkin Candles

Pottery Barn Malta Lanterns

Halloween will soon be upon us and if you haven't already filled your house with fun and creative holiday decor, here are a few ideas and an assortment of fall accessories to set the spooky stage for the 31st!

Oct 20, 2007

Bench Warmers!


Target- Houndstooth Storage Bench- $189




Donghia- To the Trade


Room and Board- Nelson Bench- $829


Design within Reach- Jellyfish Ottoman- $230

William Sonoma Home- Wilshire Settee- $2400
William Sonoma Home- Victoria Bench- $950


Pottery Barn- Savannah Ottoman- $499.99- Comes in variety of colors


Pottery Barn Blakely Bench- $199- Medium Bench
Restoration Hardware- Tate Bench- $530-919 (can pick from a plethora of fabrics)


West Elm Ottoman- $299- comes in gold or silver leather

Z Gallerie- Issy Ottoman- $229.99 on sale!

As the weather gets colder, what better way to usher in a new season with cozy fall seating!
Just some of the places these accent benches and ottomans can be used are at the top of a stair landing, next to a warm fire, or even as foyer seating. Some are solely aesthetically pleasing while others serve a storage purpose!

Oct 19, 2007

Get a lot of zang for your buck!



Walker Zanger has come out with a new line of leather tiles called Matouche. These Art Deco tiles with a modern twist come in faux croc, elephant, and reptile skins and are available in black, brown, and ivory. Their leatherlike appearance looks so realistic you won't be able to resist!

The great news about these Italian crafted porcelain tiles is that they can stick virtually anywhere- from a lonely white wall to a bathroom backsplash and has a maintenance free durability!

Oct 14, 2007

Kim Parker Home










Artist Kim Parker is now on to designing dishes!

Her Kim Parker Home Collection by Spode (launched in April 2007) is adorable and these mugs prove to be the perfect accessory for you this winter!
Her dishes were also on Elle Decoration U.K.'s hot list for this season! Apparently they are a must have.
Along with designing dishware, Kim also designs rugs, wall hangings, pillows, and creates her own art work. You can purchase her artwork at World Market in Dallas.
Visit her website //www.kimparker.tv/index.html to get more information on this fabulous textile designer and artist!

Cook for the Cure!




Help out a good cause for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Better Homes and Garden created a Limited Edition pink cookbook sold on Amazon- $19.77
Don't forget your pink measuring spoons also! Amazon- $9.99

Oct 8, 2007

10 Great gifts for under $100


William Sonoma- Cloud Dessert Plates- $58- set of four

Designer's Guild- Waterleaf Guest Soaps- $18

Kate Spade Frame- $50

Neiman Marcus Chocolate Fountain- $70
Chanel Coffee Table Book- Amazon.com $26.37
Horchow- Travel Alarm Clock- $85
World Market- Set of 2 Kim Parker prints- $99.98
Pottery Barn Engraved Decanters, Set of 2 $49
Pottery Barn Wedding Keepsake Box $59

West Elm bowls- $9-32
It might seem early to start thinking about Christmas gifts but the holidays are almost upon us!
Above are ten great gifts that you won't have to spend a fortune on!
Two of my favorite gift stores in Dallas are Swoozies in Preston Center and Sample House on Oak Lawn.
You are bound to find something for everyone at these two places!

Fall Lighting Sale





Restoration Hardware's once a year famous lighting sale is here!
It ends Oct. 21st- until then, you can save as much as thirty percent off!

DWR SALE




Design Within Reach is having their Semi-Annual 10% off sale! They have some great things to choose from online or you can visit their Dallas studio off of McKinney.
The pink chair is from their Junior collection (only $27!) and the Ghost Chair is what is topping my Christmas list this year!

Pink Passion Decorating Contest



This might be a fun activity for those of you living in Dallas. It lets you show off your creative side while at the same time helping a really good cause (and not to mention the winner will receive a shoe shopping spree at Saks!)

Pink Passion - Shoe Design and Decorating ContestContest Rules
Contest runs from Friday, Sept. 28 until Monday, Oct. 22, 2007 at 9 p.m.
Decorate a new shoe with a bit of pink flair to show your passion for fashion and battling breast cancer. The color pink should be visible on the outside of the shoe (soles will not be considered as part of the decoration).
Submit right shoe only.
Entries must be submitted in a shoe box.
Complete and securely affix entry form to shoe box and place a copy on the inside of the shoe box.
Design or decorate your shoe on your own or attend Decoration Day at Saks Fifth Avenue Galleria Dallas on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 from noon until 4 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, makeovers and additional fun. Contest Submissions
Contest Deadline: Monday, October 22, 2007 at 9 p.m.

Drop off locations: Saks Fifth Avenue at Galleria Dallas 'ServiceFirst' Desk on first floor (IH 635 and Dallas North Tollway). Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon to 6 p.m. Baylor Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas, Ernie's Appearance Center, 3535 Worth Street, 1st floor Lobby, Dallas, TX. Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Shoes will be on display at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and Saks Fifth Avenue Galleria through Nov. 4, 2007. Entries will be available for pick up through Nov. 10, at the Saks Fifth Avenue Galleria.

Judging & Prizes
Judging will be completed by Oct. 25, 2007.
Based upon category of entry, the judges will select the 1st place winners for: "Most Creative", "Most Fashion Forward", and "Most Creative Design - Kids 12 and under"
1st place winners in "Most Creative" and "Most Fashion Forward" categories will win a shoe shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue Galleria Dallas valued at $750.
1st place winner in "Most Creative Design - Kids 12 and under" will win a special prize.
Winners will be contacted and announced on Friday, Oct. 26.

Oct 3, 2007

Hammered Metals



The new hammered look on home accessories and furniture adds some real glitz and glamour to a room. With all of the metallic hype in the air, what better way to customize your accessories than with some texture and sparkle!

Outlet sales!



There is a sale at Crate & Barrel Outlet!

If you haven't been, the outlet is off of Inwood and Industrial in Dallas. They have some great stuff- some of which was at the regular C&B just a few months ago but now for half the price!
Also, CB2 has an online outlet (which is also having a sale) CB2 can be thought of as Crate and Barrel's long lost, more affordable cousin- a lot of people have never heard of it. They only have a few locations in Chicago and New York. Hoping one day CB2 will land in Dallas!

Check out their Rumba Vase above (on sale at the outlet). Love it!

Oct 2, 2007

"Perfect Pieces"

















One of my favorite designers for Target is Victoria Hagan. New additions to her "Perfect Pieces" collection will be available on Oct. 4th.

Above are some of our favorite pieces from her current Target collection. Her style seems to be both classic and modern. We are loving how everything is so affordable!

The first photo is a peek at her new collection which will be here in just a few days!