Bits and Pieces of Designer Love From Last Week

It is Friday night and I am in my work out clothes contemplating getting on my treadmill (have been thinking it over for an hour).  I am so lame because I just shut my client folder at midnight.  Has been a great week though and, so much to catch up on.  Then to bed I go because I am checking out an antique show tomorrow morning at the Ice House in Bethlehem; so fun.  

I just want to share some cool things I am digging from this past week.  They are pieces of design projects I am working on, and well just fun stuff.  First and foremost is Sara Jane, who has begun working with me.  Welcome to the LYR team Sara Jana.  I will blog about her soon so you can get to know her.

I love it when a plan comes together (go A-Team), and this design plan for Michael and Christine in Saucon Valley, is looking great!  I checked on their window treatments and had to share with you two of the drapes because I am in love with the patterns, colors and textures!  

Next, I saw this blingy mouse and ear phones at Staples and had to buy them.  I did it for my daughter (yeah right)!  She was very impressed with me.

Also, I recently finished a design plan for a client looking to add some fresh whimsy to her family room.  Love these fabrics we chose for her new sectional; so yummy (like bubble gum!), and an ottoman in burgundy (so soft).  

Took a trip to IKEA and I really want to use these red chairs some where, maybe my basement......

And I was so excited to see this frame gallery at a clients' because each frame is tiny but together they look large and in charge!  We painted the walls a soft blue and added a chair rail and vertical trim.  She had all of these small hand painted works of art kept in a box.  They were so beautifully detailed and had meaning to my client so we made a tight pattern on the wall and she nailed them up.

She also had this amazing metal art piece in her home.  We placed it up front and center over the sofa.  Large works of art look great over a sofa because they balance each other out.  Don't mind the tape strips on the sofa arms, she is actually doing a genius thing-they are special tape strips used to get your cat or dog to stop trying to scratch or sit on the furniture.  And she says they are working so the strips will go soon.  She bought the strips at her local pet store.

OK, so I was called to help a client move into a brand new town home quickly; to paint and furnish it ASAP- so we did it! But when it came to finding a window treatment for her bathroom, she wanted a window treatment that allowed as much light to come thru as possible and needed it that day, so Speedy Gonzales style, I grabbed one silver grommet drape from Target, a tension rod... 

I laid the drape out then cut it four inches longer than I wanted it hang in the window.

I folded the extra four inches in, used stitch witchery to hem it (you know that I don't know how to use a sewing machine right?), and hung it up!

Took less than an hour!

And lastly, I am slowly working on P's office (hubby)........

I blogged about the changes so far (CLICK HERE).  I am adding a memory wall using all the memorable photos and awards I can get my hands on.  I really love this idea and will show you how it all looks soon!  It is a great way to take all those mismatched framed items you have in boxes, and put them together to cause a great dramatic statement.  So eclectic!


Well time to get on the treadmill, or have a glass of wine!

A Man's Master Bedroom Re-design

I was hired to re-design a master bedroom for a gentleman in Allentown PA.  This was the first man's bedroom I had done and I did not want it to be overly monochromatic, and NO BROWN! I asked him "What inspires you?"  and he mentioned the Scottish painter Jack Vettriano.  Perfect jumping off board.  The great contemporary artist Vettriano (born Jack Hoggan) is also an inspiration to me for the romance he creates in his work, and for his belief in himself and his art.  He chose art; it didn't choose him.  

Jack Vettriano left school at sixteen to become a mining engineer. For his twenty-first birthday, a girlfriend gave him a set of water color paints and, from then on, he spent much of his spare time teaching himself to paint. He put his artwork out there, and it paid off!!

-For those who dream of taking a different path in life, think of Vettriano and go for it!

MY DESIGN PLAN AND FLAWS:

I didn't let the traditionally mission style furniture he already had stop our plan for a contemporary feel. We 'contempo'd' it up with steel grey walls, lots of chrome, including three new framed Vettriano's, deep 'manly' eggplant window treatments, and of course a bit of zebra and mink.  I also added a wall tattoo to cut the squareness of all the hard edges and add 'whimsy' and interest (the decal was bigger than me).  

When I presented my ideas to my manly client, he said 'Shosh, that's not eggplant, it is purple."  I said 'eggplant is the new purple'.  Then he said "Shosh, animal print?" I said "Grrrr...don't get me mad."  And he shook his head and rolled his eyes when I showed him the decal idea.  Design should be fun; there is no right or wrong-just opinions.  He gave me the green light and I went to work.

Here is the before and after:

BEFORE

AFTER

These drapery rods were a splurge but so worth it!!  To bring the budget back down I found the pillows on sale.  Changing the doors and door hardware made a HUGE difference.

BEFORE

Bye bye blue walls and doily sheers.....

AFTER

BEFORE

"Is that the sun rising from that faux stucco sconce?

AFTER

 

A sleek Zylinder satin black with chrome wall sconce fits in like a long lost friend.

 BEFORE

This dresser was actually against the closet wall first. I recommend placing a high piece of furniture under a high window to conceal the awkwardness, then ditch the doily window treatments!  Also what you can't see is an unorganized closet that we quickly addressed. And are those doors or shutters?

AFTER

Roman shades are more functional on a high window.  And for this long and narrow window, they add height and fullness.

Bring on more glitz with this mirror and chair from Pier 1.

I found this decal at www.walltat.com and thought it was beautiful.  It is called‘Graphic Floral 3-Wall Decal’ and is 63" x 40".  I played with the positioning of it using painters tape, and I have to say, it was easy to put up (just took an hour to make sure I didn't rip it and to get all the bubbles out).

So how is my manly client enjoying his bedroom?  He chuckles and nods which is his way of saying 'he digs his new 'diggs'.  Actually we just made changes to his upstairs bathroom and he was all for more purple-

The DIY Show Off features LYR's DIY Projects

Today I had a wonderful surprise!  My little LYR blog was featured on the DIY showoff.  I love blogging and sharing fun ideas makes me so happy (yes, I am doing seal claps).   I also love visiting other bloggers who share that passion.  So big shout out to Roeshel and her readers for checking me out!!  I dig your comments!!!! And have commented back to each of you!  If you want to check out the DIY showoff CLICK HERE.  


Please come back again.  I have A LOT of DIY projects and inspirational reveals coming soon including:
-buffet turned dresser with 'whimsy'
-dollar shop faux flower art
-3 boy and girl bedroom wall treatments
-an eggplant and silver master bedroom
-How to create an inspirational gallery of awards and frames that don't match (we all have those early 90's brass, or dingy wood frames probably protecting pics of loved ones, cherished memories, certificates-you don't want to miss this one!) 


Also if you didn't know already, I am getting a much needed facelift.  My blog and website will be re launched, I am hoping, in a few weeks.  It is my fault it hasn't launched already.  I have been dragging my feet on getting some important stuff to my hot web guy.  BUT this facelift is so inspiring to me so am clicking my heels (as Dorothy says 'there's no place like a well designed home').


decadently yours,
Shosh

Please Vote For Me

Hi friends!

The Morning Call newspaper is holding a "My Choice Voice" contest to find the best blogs in the Lehigh Valley.  Please nominate my blog LOVEYOURROOM!!  Any one from any where can vote! You can enter today thru March 10.  IT IS SUPER EASY and quick to do.  Just CLICK HERE, then:

1. Look for Art category and click on 'Nominate a Blog'

2. Under Blog Categories, check these 3 categories- Art, Neighborhood, and Misfits-Defying Categorization

3. Under Blog Name, type in LOVEYOURROOM and my Blog URL- http://www.loveyourroom.blogspot.com.

THANK YOU!

After March 10, the nominees that were submitted will be published online at themorningcall.com for public voting beginning March 12 at 8:00 a.m. thru March 27.  If my blog is nominated I will send out another email to please vote for me.

Have a decadent day!!!

Shosh 

p.s. Voting is limited to one vote per person per 24-hour period per Category

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!!!