My Week On The Road

"The dog ate my homework" is my excuse for not blogging at all last week.  I love 'frying up some blog' but this week I was on the road so much that my bottom is numb.  So to get me back in the groove I thought this entry would be all about my week on the road, what I saw, what I laughed at, and what made my heart go 'boom boom'.  

The doggie in the  photo above is Moe.  His mommy and daddy, Jane and Al, are clients of mine and own a pretty popular tile store in Allentown called Creative Tile.  For some reason Moe loves to hang around me.  He followed me every where last week as I looked for bathroom tile, so I hired him as my assistant.  He is very cheap labor and has very good taste.

Next I went to the first of a number of window installations for my client Deena in Nazareth. Creating a design plan is just the beginning, the fun part begins when the 'pretty' stuff like the window treatments are ready to be installed.  This was a great first step with much more to come. 

We added a beauty of a swag held up by large knobs above the kitchen sink (there was so much light coming through that these pics are not very clear-sorry).  Hanging window treatments from a medallion knob in place of a curtain rod is a very unique look-I have been using them quite a bit. For this type of swag, it was amazing to see how the genius sewer created the swag to make sure it would lay correctly.  They are very heavy.  The swag is actually two pieces sewn together; She used special loops you can't see that could be loosened and tightened.  

Check out this fearless installer willing to go to great lengths to get the job done.  The team I work with take their work seriously, as do I , so with pom poms in hand, I cheered 'go team' then jumped into a split mid air -ouch!

It's the little details that can make a room feel designer, like upholstering the counter stools in the fabric you are using for the windows or a complimentary one.

I also started a few more projects, including one for Patricia in Easton.  She made my day by showing me some love with a big hug on my way out.  I was at her place so long she must have warmed up my coffee four times.  I look forward to sharing this project with you because it is a fun one.  Her atrium alone has 12' high and 30' wide windows. 

On my home I passed some horses and stopped to get a closer look at a colt I saw.

 Well that was no colt.  A donkey! Actually 2 donkeys! Then I read the sign (see below).

Perfect pet for Housewives on Bravo!

Next stop was presenting my design plan to Francine and Butch in Jim Thorpe.  This is a large reno for me with various contractors doing everything from the flooring to the ceiling.  My contractor Mike B (aka Mike B Right because I always tell him he better be right) and I hit the road for an hour drive through a mountain to get to Francine and Butch's home; I had coffee coming out my nose from all the humor on our trip.

This was part of my visual for the overall feel of the spaces.  I talked my clients through the plan as Mike B Right stuck his hands and head up into the drop down ceiling and walls.  I didn't get a hug from this client BUT Butch handed me a yellow rose on my way out.  It matched perfectly with my yellow Boho bag and yellow coat.  

I stopped by another clients home, Mike and Christine, in Saucon Valley, to check on the progress of their project and fell in love with Mike B Right's carpentry.  This fireplace looked like this before.  

Now it is smokin'!  I can't wait to share the project with you detailing the before and after.  There are many creative touches you will love!  And I adore Mike and Christine.  They are young and hip, and were up for a purple dining room!  We also designed their living room around a framed Hermes scarf!

I am also doing my seal claps because someone finally shared with me a pic using my trick of visualizing the length of a light over a counter top.  Thank you thank you for sharing this with me Jen!!!!!!!!!  I would love to share the AFTER so send me the photos!

Friday, I made a pit stop at Applebees to meet a possibly GREAT new employee for LYR.  Her name is Sara Jane and we get along like a match to a flame!  We met over drinks and she wasted no time coming up with great ideas and wrote them down.  I am a true believer in carrying a notepad with you at all times to jot down all your brilliant thoughts because our minds can only hold so much before they pop!

Lastly, I want to show you my 'yes, it is the weekend' dance!  Here goes.....wasn't that great!  I loved the back flip part.  Have a great day friends!!

How To Choose the Size, Hanging Height & Style of Your Din Rm or Kitchen Chandelier

The chandelier can be a magnificent focal point in any dining room or kitchen.  There are so many to choose from.  Are you looking for one now?  Before you do any shopping for a light, know the size you need first.   Below are great tips on how to determine size, hanging height and the look to use.  CLICK HERE to view the live WFMZ 69 News at Sunrise segment I did this morning about this topic and it will include lamps as well (was cracking up at the end bcse a news crew played All Of The Lights by Kanye West and Rihanna-SO BEFITTING!).  Thank you WFMZ and especially Eve Tannery:

Choose The Right Size:

You don’t want your tall guests bumping their heads on your chandelier as they get up from their seats.  And do not want to have to get out a magnifying glass to see your chandelier.  So lets get the size right.  Get a measuring tape.  Measure the width table and minus one foot.  For example, if your dining table is 38” wide, you will be looking for a chandelier that is 26”.  The reason for this is so you don’t end up with a light that looks too small or too large over your table.  As you know, I say ‘go big or go home’ so keep in mind that if you fall for a light that is a few inches larger than the calculated size, go for it; just hang it a bit higher.

How Low It Should Hang From The Ceiling:

You never want to hear a guest across your table say “I can hear you but can only see crystal droplets in front of me”.  This means the light was hung too low.

There should be 30 to 36” from table top to bottom of your light fixture if you have an 8 foot ceiling.  For each additional foot of ceiling height add 3 inches to the light height (i.e. for 9 foot ceiling the light should hang down 33 to 39”).

I have a trick that I always use to make sure my light height will work.  It is a great visual tool.  You will need measuring tape, string and painters tape.  

Grab a ladder or if sturdy enough, climb up on your table and tape one end of the string to the spot where the light will hang from.   Now let the string hang down to the table.  Climb down the ladder or table.  Using the measuring tape, determine the 30-36” from table top to bottom of light fixture.  Cut the string at that height.

KEEP THIS TRICK IN MIND if you are using lights that include stems instead of a chain (i.e. pendants).  Calculating the height based on the length of the stems you are given is VERY IMPORTANT.  Below is an example of a light I chose for a client that uses stems.  I loved the look of it but really needed to make sure it would not hang too low.  The ‘string test’ above was very helpful.

Choosing The Right Style:

Glance around your space.  What are the finishes on the hardware in the room?  The light you choose could have a complimentary finish.  What style are you trying to capture?  Cut down on lighting choices by going after a particular style.  Pick up on details like squares, circles, swirls and look for a chandelier that incorporates the same.  Look to your dining table shape for inspiration.  If it is round use a round chandelier to balance it. 

Are there a lot of heavy furniture pieces? Choose an airy large light with glam factor to keep up with the boldness of the furniture without weighing it down.  Below is a good example of adding a big beautiful chandelier to a small dining room that is filled with heavy ornate furniture.  We chose this light because it is large but not heavy looking due to the chrome finish with the round glass balls and candle lights.  It is like a big piece of sparkle floating in the air.

Also think about the functions you will be doing in the space.  If you need good lighting use a down light, think about opting out of shades so the bulbs are exposed; also find a chandelier with more arms for more light.  In the photo below we turned a traditional dining space into a game room and lounging area.  A smaller table was used, so a smaller chandelier was installed; one with five arms so it would give off good lighting for card night and cozy reading on the chaise.

Remember to use the appropriate bulbs and add a dimmer to vary brightness because chandeliers are not just pretty to look at, they are so you can see your food and enjoy your wine with friends!!

Shoshana Explains Lighting on the News tomorrow morning

Hi Friends!

If you have questions about dining room and kitchen overhead lighting, watch me tomorrow on WFMZ-TV 69 News at Sunrise at 8:40 am.  I will review how to find the right size, how low it should hang to your table, and give you lots of tips on what style to choose.  Then I will talk about lamp options and functions.  If you miss it, I will have the info on my blog SO COME BACK HERE TOMORROW!!  

Decadently Yours,
Shosh

Valentines Surprise-Speaking At Kutztown University March 23

Happy Valentines Day!  Today is a day to shout  'I LOVE RED!!'  Red has to be my fave classic color.  It has so much energy.  I use red often in my fashion and home decor.  I own three pairs of red shoes, countless necklaces, even my iphone case is red.  And this weekend I began incorporating it into my hubby Paul's home office.  Again because of the energizing effect warm colors like red has, it is a great place to use it.   Here is a tiny preview of the progress-

AND Happy Valentines Day to Kutztown University students!  I will have the pleasure of speaking at Kutztown University as part of the First Steps Speakers Series. This is VERY exciting for me.

The Series is aimed at connecting working professionals from various fields with KU students who are interested in careers in those fields.  I will share my knowledge and experience with students who want to turn their creative passions into a career.  What a wonderful idea!  All the women involved in this Series are amazing.  I wish I had something like this when I was in college.  The press release was just sent out to the media.   It will take place Wednesday, March 23, at 4:30pm. 

A Harry Potter Tween Bedroom Design Plan And A Funny Phone Call

I thought you would get a 'hoot' out of a space I am designing for a tween age girl who is hot for Harry Potter!  Kids bedrooms are so much fun for me because I get to think loudly and colorfully!!  I adore what these little clients have to say when I consult with them (Oh yes, they are very much involved in the process because it is so much fun for them).  I bought this little guy above as my inspiration for the project.  Below is part of my idea board:

When designing a tween's bedroom you have to keep in mind his or her needs and wants now; and at the same time think about how the room will work in future years.  This is very helpful when investing money in furniture.  What will the room be used for besides sleeping? Homework & studying, reading, hang out zone with friends? Think about the layout and function of the furniture pieces, for example, for this tween I will turn her full size bed into a sofa by turning it lengthwise against the wall and adding a sofa like padded headboard along the back.  Her bed is now multi-purposed as a lounging sofa for her and her friends.  I have added a mobile laptop table instead of a traditional night stand on one side of the bed so she can pull it up to any part of the room and study or write on it with ease and comfort.  The tabletop can be lowered or increased in height.  This is a multi purpose piece that is inexpensive!  

On either side of the bed I opted for wall sconce lighting that can swivel vs. table lighting that would remain stationary and take up tabletop space.  And think about bookcases as a great place to keep small items your child creates or collects.  For this tween I have designed built-ins on either side of a double window, with a window seat in between that opens for further storage.  

When it comes to the theme of any space, I like to add it simply and organically, especially in a kids space, because too much theme gets old quick.  For this tween bedroom I will incorporate decor accents and fabrics that remind me of the Harry Potter movies.  Owls are great accents, and fabrics with patterns that look like mazes, magic wands, stars, swirls, etc.  And as a wall treatment I will use a similar diagonal stripe pattern that incorporates the burnt orange and red from the tie as part of the uniform at Hogwarts.  I will also use furniture hardware that is colorful and again has that magical fun look and feel. 

Someone must have cast a magical spell on the weather in PA because I have been able to actually leave the house and get a lot done!!  I have been busy at window installations, client consults, and well......prank phone calls it seems:

Oh yes she did!!  This week has been full of surprises.  First, I had one of those classic miscommunicated phone calls that left me blushing.  As part of my brand spanking new website relaunch (coming very soon), my clever web designer told me to get some photos taken of myself for my site doing different design-y things like holding a vase, measuring something, etc.  I called a photography studio and said "Hi,I would like photos taken of me in different poses, wearing different outfits; my husband will direct me and I have props I will be bringing with me." There was silence on the other end of the line then the woman cleared her throat and said "We don't do that kind of photography here." I was red in the face and laughed for ten minutes in embarrassment.  I called back and explained what they were for and we both chuckled.

So I did not strip down for the photo shoot BUT I did strip down a piece of furniture that I was reluctant to do but then swayed by my clients sentimentality toward the piece.  I have been designing multiple spaces in a beautiful home in Nazareth.  One of those spaces is my clients master bedroom.  We are taking it from white chalky walls with little excitement to a big- 'O-WOW' with an exclamation point.  In the room she has a chair and a half with big rolled arms and a short back.  My plan was to replace the chair with a chaise that would take up less space in width but after hearing that it was her mother's chair and meant a lot to her, we opted for slipcovering it.  We had a custom ottoman built to go with it.  It came out so gorgeous that I wanted to share it with you:

BEFORE

AFTER - we increased the height of the back cushion for neck support and changed out the chair skirt to a tight tucked look.

I want to give a big shout out to the genius who created the slipcover because as you can see, she managed to line up the pattern between the welting which is not easy.

My next blog will include the before and after of a contemporary plum color infused master bedroom I recently completed for a gentleman in Allentown.  Have a great day friends!

Apology Poem to My Home

My home life is a mess right now-physically!  Many of my own rooms are in transition and the physical complete changes can't keep up with my brain.  Has this happened to you?  I have begun SO many home projects but not finished any of them.  I have drawings, laid out plans, and am ready to go, yet stuck in mid gear.  For good reasons thankfully, my hubby Paul and I have been very busy with our own businesses, but I need to own up to my poor disheveled home so here is my apology to my house:

Ode To My Lovely Disheveled Home

To my dining room that has become a dumping ground

For the unpainted crown molding that has crept all around;

To my bedroom closet that weeps for a new wood floor

That covers the rest of the room but sadly I ignore;

And to my office that I can barely step into these days

The only room that my husband curses me to save;

Oh and I can not forget my basement that I love best

I still need to paint the trim and finish the rest.

I am so sorry to you all dear rooms

I love you much and my good intentions will resume;

I just need a good night sleep and finish one thing or two

And I promise, tomorrow, I will get right back to you!

xoxo,

Shosh

To prove my words are true, I finished one project-adding wood flooring in my closet. I am sorry about the poor picture quality.  

I took everything out of my closet.

My bed looked like my closet threw up on it.  It is actually an episode of Hoarders (just kidding!).

Since everything was out I went through purses I have not opened in years.  It was a wonderful trip down memory lane.  I found all sorts of stuff like my plane tix from my trip to Australia back in 2002; receipts from my trip to San Fran which was the last 'girls weekend' for me and my two bestest college buds; and my Long Island Railroad schedule from my daily commuting days to the big apple when I lived on Long Island.

To be truthful, after cleaning up the tears, I left my mess on my bed and went ice skating with my daughter leaving my handy hubby to install the flooring (I got the better end of the deal).-Nice job P!

Click here to see how I originally designed this closet to work for me VERY INEXPENSIVELY.

Ok now changing the subject to tell you I will be blogging about my new client in Jim Thorpe.  This is a big project, sweet client, and I can not wait to get started.  I also can't wait to bring my contractors in to this beautiful area (it's an hour away from us).  Below is a pic I took leaving Jim Thorpe Friday.  Isn't it beautiful!  It is located at the base of a steep valley carved by the Lehigh River.  

Enjoy your day!!!

My Morning Slip Cover Chair Project Using Remnant Fabric (no sewing needed!)

It snowed this morning so I had to cancel my client appointments, but I got to eat frosted flakes and make a chair cover in my owl pjs.  It was a grrrrreat (per Tony the Tiger)!!!

I didn't mean to do a DIY project but when I came across some Thomas Paul remnant fabric in my office a light bulb went off (bing!).  I have 2 parson chairs that I was going to get slipcovered professionally but as I held the remnant pieces up and stared out the window at the snow I decided to see if I could have some fun doing it myself.  I have never done this before.  

IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW- I don't know how to use a sewing machine (that is one of my goals for 2011).  This was a 'very creative' project (say it like John Wayne would). I used only what I had at my home.  I documented it below.  If you are up for it, give it a try!  There are a million variations of how to do this I am sure, but here is mine:

For this project you need:
-Enough remnant fabric to cover the parts of the chair you want to cover
-parson chair
-Scissors
-push pins
-Stitch Witchery (click here to see what this is)
-Nail heads (can still do project if you don't have it)
-Fabric glue
-Staple gun or small nails
-Hammer
The project took 2 1/2 hours (and I had no idea what I was doing!).

START WITH:

Here is a pic of the remnant and the parsons chair I used. 

STEP ONE

Drape the fabric over the chair.  Play with the fabric to find the best way it will work.  Use pins to hold it in place to work with it better.  

Mine worked best cutting it into two pieces, one for the seat that would be tucked underneath, keeping the legs exposed; and one to drape over the front and back of the chair back, leaving the sides open because I didn't have enough fabric to cover them. 

STEP TWO

 Cut your fabric to include an extra four inches (or slightly less if you don't have enough fabric) on all sides (like the picture above). I needed the extra inches to to fold in the sides of the chair back fabric (step three), adhere the chair back and seat fabric together and tuck in into the seat (step four), and to nail it underneath the chair (step five).

STEP THREE

Iron the fabric (I like to sing a Roxette song while doing this-give it a try "oooh just a little bit dangerous").

Using the fabric that will be placed on the chair back (not the seat fabric), you want to hide the cut edges along the sides of the chair by folding them over.  I placed the fabric print side down and using the extra four inches (or less if you didn't have enough fabric), I folded the edges, ironing it with stitch witchery so they stayed folded.  Make sure that with your folded edges your fabric still covers the width of the chair end to end like above.

STEP FOUR

I placed the chair back fabric and the seat fabric back on the chair.  I used stitch witchery to adhere the seat fabric to the chair back fabric; Then to hide the seam, I tucked the seam down into the chair as shown above.

STEP FIVE

 

Lye chair down on its back and begin pulling the seat fabric tight, hammering tiny nails in  underneath chair (a staple gun works also).  For the corners, pull and wrap the fabric like you are wrapping a gift. *I found that standing over the chair kept the nails straight as I hammered them.

STEP SIX

On the back of the chair, I ran a line of fabric glue down the sides to adhere it to the chair. Instead of fabric glue you can use nail heads (like the front side in step seven).

STEP SEVEN

Turn front of chair towards you.  Add nail heads down front sides of chair back (you can use them down the backside also instead of fabric glue in step six).  I placed them 3" apart but use more if you like the nail head look.

You are done!!  This chair looks good from all angles!

 There are so many variations you can come up with for this project.  You can use velcro to hold the fabric on underneath, you don't need the nail heads, you can use ties on the sides so it can slip on and off easily, etc. 


p.s. - I hope my steps are clear because I didn't have much time to write them.  My daughter came home early due to the snow.

BEFORE                                                                  AFTER

I am working on the other parson chair I have using another Thomas Paul remnant.  I love the way it looks at my kitchen table.  Can't wait to see how the other looks!!

"Hey Thomas Paul, what do you think?"

If you try this project or have done one similar, please let me know and I will post your pics.