Archive for Design
Bedrooms for sweet dreamin’….
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I love everything a bedroom represents- comfort, relaxation, rejuvenation, sweet dreams, intimacy, and restoration. It is a place all our own that allows us to restore our bodies and souls each night.
Here are a few very inspiring bedrooms that I wanted to share with you- to inspire some sweet dreams of your own.
This antique filled bedroom is rich in color and art. A masculine feel with the darker color palette, but some feminine details in the fabrics to balance it all out.
I love this canopied bed- the updated dream of every little girl. Not too sweet, but definately dreamy. A simple bed covering, some sheers all set to a rich backdrop.
This bedroom is quiet in color, but feminine in style. It’s neutral color-scheme creates a quiet oasis for the homeowners. The creamy touches in the chandelier, the mirror and the wood trim all contrast nicely with the richer wall color.
This brightly flavored bedroom is inspired by vintage fabrics and pieces. I love the mix of fabrics and the quirkiness of the art. Not a mass-produced bedroom!
Lastly, this pink bedroom is 
girly, yet not overwhelmingly so. (A great place for a gal to daydream.) The almost all white bed makes it work. The extra height on the headboard is key as well.
The key to all of these inspiring bedrooms is one thing- they are all personal spaces created with the restorative qualities every bedroom should have. Color, style, and even design, take a backseat to the mood the spaces have created for that homeowner.
So, if your bedroom is lacking personality and restorative qualities- do some sweet dreamin’ of your own to create your haven from the world!
Interview Series: Alicia Danzig of Lulu Painting
Posted by: | CommentsAlicia Danzig of Lulu Painting is with us today as the first Creative Entrepreneur in our Interview Series. As a business owner, artist, and instructor, I welcome Alicia today, as we find out more about her, her passions and inspirations, and how they translate to her work and home life.
I have had the pleasure of working with you on several occasions Alicia, and you bring so much creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail to every project. Can you share with us how your business evolved and some of the projects that you have worked on?
It has been an evolution indeed! LULU began as a painting business. As we’ve evolved, we’ve become a fully encompassing decorative finish business as well. We tackle anything and everything that our clients dare to dream up from Foil and Metallic Plasters to Furniture and Concrete. When I started LULU I had a deep respect for the sanctity of clients allowing me into their homes to better their space. I still hold onto that passion for painting now, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that over time there has been a lot of “learning” about what I don’t want for my clients and what I do. I pride myself on having a great clientele. I don’t know where they come from sometimes but it seems like every client I have is equally as wonderful as the last. I’ve learned through my business growth and various projects that the most important voice comes from within and that I have to do what I think is best for LULU Painting and its clients. When the work is pouring in, it’s hard to remember to stop, take a deep breath, and make sure you are doing things for the right reasons. I’m so proud to say that I have learned from every one of my clients a way to better LULU Painting, and each project brings a whole new sense of gratification to me, for bettering peoples lives by simply painting in their homes.
You are so creative; your artistry is evident even in a traditional paint project. In addition to running your company, you are an instructor at the Minneapolis Institute of Fine Finishes. Can you tell us more about this part of your life?
MIFF has been such a wonderful opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and share with my fellow painters and DIY homeowners. I do not consider myself to be an instructor, but rather a peer who has experience doing something that others want to know about. I hold myself in the studio as a laid back artist having fun with the gang…wow that sounds so: “I’m the cool Mom.” My presence at MIFF has brought in quite a few fun new products in the past year, including Wood Icing, Foils, Architectural Enhancements, Wallover Stencils, Royal Design Stencils, and a place for our monthly meeting for NTA. Drew is the owner and he is a master Plaster Applicator with knowledge to boot. He welcomed me into the space with open arms and has had a great deal of patience with me and my terribly busy schedule (whose isn’t?). I Love what I do, and so I want to share that with as many folks as I possibly can.
For those readers who would like to learn more about those techniques and finishes, what is the first step to taking instruction at MIFF??
The first step would be to check the schedule at http://plastercenter.com/ . I have an upcoming FOIL class that I’m teaching this April!
Here is a link to it: http://lulupainting.com/2010/03/foil-yourself-silly-with-my-new-class/
To sign up people can email me at lulupainting@gmail.com or call the Plaster Center at (612) 374-0221. It’s a fun and laid back class. The class includes lunch and the boards vary from Glass beads to stain and seals and glazes.
You have such a depth of paint and finish knowledge, where does that passion come from and how do you keep up on the new trends and products?
Oh passion, I think if I had the answer to where passion came from I’d be a millionaire. All I know is that it’s in there. I know when I start to get off track because the passion starts to dwindle…I’ll find myself having trouble sleeping or worrying too much. I keep my body and mind strong and rested by doing Yoga regularly and getting massages when feasible. Keeping up on trends is a little overwhelming. In the painting industry there are SO MANY products, and gadgets, and methods it’s impossible to follow them all. Mostly I look through magazines to stay current. Did I mention what a magazine whore I am? I have more subscriptions than Sarah Jessica Parker has shoes. I see what speaks to me…rip out pages, and then try to recreate what I see using the resources I have available. One thing I know for sure is that you cannot know it all, it’s better to dabble lightly in those which do not really feed your fire and to delve fully into that which strikes you most. This way you can keep the passion part of you happily inspired and also maintain a healthy level of industry knowledge to satiate your clients should they need your help.
I am so excited for you, as you will be studying in Morocco soon. Can you tell us how this trip evolved and what you look forward to most?
It all began last year actually. I stumbled upon the trip when it was too late for me to pull my schedule and finances together to make it a reality. Unfortunately for me it was supposed to be the last Moroccan trip of the Peacock Painters so I was crushed to miss out on the opportunity. When I noticed the trip was happening again this year I took it as a sign that my time had come and registered immediately. It is a study/work abroad program where you travel with 8 other painters to Marrakesh and work painting a Pavilion with the very talented Melany Royals. I’ll be there for two weeks of painting and sightseeing and falling in love with a whole new culture. Is it May 7th yet? I’m beyond thrilled for this adventure to start.
When we work together, you are such an asset to the overall project and the paint looks so stunning when you are done, you thrill the client. Will you share with our readers a few “take-away” tips on how to hire a paint and finish professional?
Here is my best advice for you homeowners out there looking to hire a paint crew to help in your home. Nothing beats a word of mouth referral. Ask your friends, your neighbors who they use and then see if they will come out to do a FREE estimate. For regular painting you want to make sure that the crew you hire is going to set drop cloths to protect your floors and cover any furniture they may be working over. They should be reasonably priced, timely, and treat your home with respect and love.
Thank you Alicia for sharing more about yourself and Lulu Painting with all of us. I am so excited to have been able to share you with my readers. Your talents and passions are evident and inspiring. To learn more about Alicia or Lulu Painting, please visit www.lulupainting.com
Gorgeous Closets to Inspire
Posted by: | CommentsI am always inspired by lovely, organized closets. I particularly like the ones that are large enough to have a dressing area and one that has it’s own window. A closet should be organized enough to allow it to function with ease and pretty enough to make us happy. To start the day’s routine in a pretty personal space is a perk we should all have.
Here are a few closets that particularly inspire me…
This one is particularly beautiful with the light and airy wallpaper, large framed mirror, and lady-like chandelier. I love the colors and all of the white. A good place to start the day! (photo from My Home Ideas)
How about this one? I like the baskets, closed storage with glass doors, creamy yellow walls, personal touches, and wood floors. (photo from Progressive Farmer)
One last one to leave you dreamin’… How about this walk-in wonder? A very simple set-up, not tons of shelving, etc. I am fond of the ottoman, dressing area, ladder for scarves, and the wallpaper wrapped around the ceiling.
It isn’t always necessary to have tons of space, loads of closet organizers, or high-end products to make a functional, pretty space. (photo from Cottage Living)
I encourage you to think about making your closet all it can be.
Have fun with the process!
Shining the light on lighting options….
Posted by: | CommentsI have noticed an abundance of really cool lighting options lately. Some I’ve found at mass retailers, others some more unique shops. 
Inadequate lighting is one of the most common mistakes most homeowners make. Not having enough lighting, the proper size and proportion, and not really choosing lighting for it’s functionality or how it compliments the room.
Here are some tips for choosing lighting:
1. Have at least 3 types of light per room. Ambient (Overall), Task, and Accent.
2. Have up to 5 sources of light in most rooms. Remember, lighting is done in layers and not all lights are on at the same time.
3. Position lighting around room to avoid dark areas.
4. I prefer to have the main light sources similar in color and style, with the last one or two having a bit more pizazz and style.
5. Lamps should be in proportion to the room, ex: no wimpy stick lamps in a large family room, no tiny chandeliers over a full dining table.
A few of the fun options that I have seen lately:
Wouldn’t this trellis linen drum shade be fabulous over a kitchen island? I can see the room coming together with white painted cabinets, pale green walls, stainless appliances, and wood flooring…
This red coral stone chandelier is so much fun, it would be quite a statement in an entryway, with some khaki walls, checkerboard painted floors, and some turquoise and red fabric on a cushioned bench seat.
Love the simplicity of these tapered crystal lamps. I can see them in a more masculine style den with chocolate brown walls, olive-colored upholstery, and some ikat printed drapery panels.
I can just see the light coming through this unique leaf-patterned shade as it lights up the bedroom before turning in. It has an almost organic, vintage feel to it. I would do some layers of neutral creams and grays on the bed, dark wood furniture, and some wispy linen sheers at the window.
Now that I’ve shared some lighting inspiration with you, can you find a space in your home that needs to shine a little? Replacing a lighting source can dramatically update a room. Look around your home for a worthy candidate… the results may surprise you!
Inviting Entries…
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Does the entryway to your home draw visitors in and tell them your home story? When you come through the door at the end of a long day, does your home invite you in? Does your entry speak to the seasons? Is your entry an organized and functional space that still represents you and your personal style?
Let’s look at some enticing and beautiful entries…. 
I love the wood floors, use of stone and brick, tons of natural lighting, beautiful storage, the welcoming color palettes, and the originality of each space. No cookie-cutter entries here!
Whether your entry is grand and gorgeous, small and inviting, or organized and stylish, it is the first impression you and your visitors have to your home. It should speak with confidence and style, all while subtly telling your story of home.
Use some of today’s inspiration to get a jump start on telling your home story. Start with organization and function, then add in some style and personalization. If you n
eed further assistance, give me a call, I’d love to help. You won’t believe how the changes will effect your entire home.
Welcome home.
(All Photos from My Home Ideas)
