+ CKID = Candice Kelber Interior Design +

Happy 2012

2011-12-20T20:09:00.000-05:00

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Color Block

2011-06-28T09:43:00.003-04:00

Lola Chair by Shine Home

I get the question a lot: "What are the current color trends?" Now, usually this is a precursor to, "What color should I paint my walls?" In which case I usually go into my speech about using what you love and what makes you feel good instead of trying to follow a "trend". Number one, I'm not one to "follow", I do, of course, like to play the Black Sheep and break the rules and number two, if you are unsure about a color, why spend a great deal of time, $$ and effort painting a room bright purple only to decide you want to change in six months. But using color trends as accents, this I do applaude. A splash of color can create a focal point, make a boring neutral piece bright and lively, and can bring life where none existed previously. With all this said, after seeing what was shown in April's International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC, I can tell you two colors stand out: Turquoise and Pink - and I mean these colors in their boldest most beautiful shades!

Blue Glass Bulb Vases from Global Views

And with the trend crossover between the fashion industry and the furniture industry, legendary Palm Beach fashion label Lilly Pulitzer has joined the pack with a new range of home furnishings including a furniture line for Hotel Maison, fabrics by Lee Jofa, as well as accessories and a bedding line. Bright colors make a splash per the traditional look of the line.

Lilly Pulitzer fabrics for Lee Jofa

Bright patterns, bold stripes and fresh summer colors are the norm at Lilly Pulitzer and the fabrics and furnishings are no exception. I've been a Lilly fan for years and I love the tropical, seaside patterns. Trivia: did you know 'Lilly' is incorporated into every pattern somewhere - look for it, its there! And I love the furnishings line. Pretty lines, not too trendy, very transitional. Could be used in a variety of settings. So get ready for summer and grab some color, throw it on a pillow on the sofa, an accessory on the coffee table or cover a quirky chair in a fun print!

Lilly Pulitzer furnishings by Hotel Maison

Upcoming Events

2011-03-29T12:01:00.001-04:00

Candice Kelber Interior Design will be participating in a tabletop design event presented by the South Florida chapter of ASID and Miromar Design Center. It will be held in the main atrium of the MDC in Estero, Florida on Thursday, April 14th with a champagne preview of the tabletops on Wednesday April 13th. Tickets are only $45 and there will be beautiful themed tabletop settings to bid on, as well as a variety of vendor tables set up to purchase a variety of boutique items. Proceeds benefit the ASID education programs. Should be a fun event, hope you can join us!

Bed Fit for a Queen

2010-11-16T08:41:00.002-05:00

I've blogged about beautiful beds several times recently and this just came across my desk, had to add it to the collection. This is yet another piece of beautiful decoration done Disney-style. It is the new Fairytale suite at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. I've also blogged about Disney design before as well as they are the leader in "setting a scene" and creating an environment to make guests feel as though they've traveled to another time and place. And the bed in this room does the trick and is to die for! Gorgeous and luxurious, exactly the way one should feel when they lay down for the perfect night's sleep. I'm a huge fan of the canopy beds of old and love the upholstery and drapes shown here. I also love the coloration of the fabrics and wallcoverings, soothing, inviting and peaceful. And notice how they have thrown in the dark wood on the bedframe to contrast all of the light color = perfect balance. This is definitely a bed fit for a queen!

Greeting Guests for the Holidays

2010-11-01T10:25:00.000-04:00

It's November 1st, Halloween has come and gone, and many of us are looking forward to the upcoming holidays and the fun, frivolity and family this time of year brings. A time to put the worries and stress of everyday living aside and spend time with the one's we love. And this often means holiday guests.
Preparing for out-of-town company can sometimes cause undue stress but it isn't necessary. With a little planning (and this overnight guest checklist), your guest rooms and guests will be perfectly comfy (and may never want to leave) and you can be perpetually prepped to receive just about anyone.

Interior by Mary McDonald photo from veranda.com

First of all, think of the things you look for when you, yourself, are an overnight visitor. Clean linens, clean towels, and possibly some overnight items you may have forgotten are some things that immediately come to mind. Personally I also like to have reading material, bottled water, and an extra blanket in case of frigid temps. I think the interior shown above by one of my favorite sources for inspirations, designer Mary McDonald, is ideal with a bed so inviting you want to crawl right in.

Here's a thorough checklist to go by:

clean/fresh bedding - nothing is cozier than a bed made up of fresh sheets, fluffy pillows and comfy bed coverings. A nice fluffy duvet cover is a great way to top off a bed for added comfort.
clean/fresh bath towels - there is nothing better than thick, fresh bath towels. A good rule of thumb is to reserve a few sets of towels to use exclusively when guests come, this way you always have a like-new set of towels for your visitors.
powder room linens - the powder room is a room every visitor to your home is likely to use and though possibly the smallest room in the house, use the greatest detail for that all important Wow Factor. Linen hand towels is a good way to achieve this and today you can find beautifully embroidered towels to compliment the decor in your powder room. **as a side note for decorating powder rooms, I like to use beautiful and often elaborate wallcoverings, an interesting piece of furniture to house the sink and an elegant decorative mirror to top it off for a truly exquisite impression in the smallest amount of time and space.**
scents - intriguing all five senses is important any time you are trying to make an impression and scents are all important in accomplishing this task. Set out candles or other fragrant items in the guest room and complimentary scents in the guest bath but be aware of your guests sensitivity to these. Avoid overpowering scents by using light fragrances.
extras - make it easy for guests to help themselves and find things easily without having to bother you. Place extra items like pillows, blankets and additional towels in an easy to access closet or even in the top shelf of the guest closet.
added comfort - other things that make your guests stay more comfortable could be a shelf or basket of books or magazines placed in their room, travel toiletries in the bathroom (which comes in handy if they've forgotten something) and refreshments like small bottles of water placed on the nightstand for late night thirst.

To add a little EXTRA super-elegance to your guest room, check out this article by one of my favorite stylista's, Carolyne Roehm, she is the epitome of all things tasteful, she even leaves sterling silver pens in her guest rooms! All of these items will insure your guests are at their utmost comfort and you will be hostess of the year!

Holiday House

2010-10-25T20:17:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again, time to pull out the countless bins loaded with every holiday decoration imaginable. And at our house we love to decorate for just about any reason, but none is more fun than Halloween. What other time of year is it acceptable to have cobwebs dangling from your light fixtures, bugs crawling on your tables and scary creatures living in the middle of your living room?

Holiday decorating has become a big business and we contribute willingly to the cause - much to my husband's chagrin. Most of our holiday decorations are a conglomeration of pieces we've collected over the years. And I like to use day to day vignettes in and around the house and mix in a spooky touch here and there to create our own version of a "haunted house". Pumpkins on the patio, spiders in the silk flowers and this year we have our own lifesize Warrior Queen Boudica who lost her head in a bloody battle!

Here's wishing you Happy Haunts and Tricks with better Treats!

My Favorite Rooms

2010-10-19T09:49:00.000-04:00

Through out the years I have been working in Interior Design, there are always rooms I have created that are lasting favorites of mine. I thought I would do a weekly post of those rooms - one by one. This first one was a home in Fiddler's Creek located in Naples, Florida. Originally created as a model home, I also worked with the lovely couple who purchased the home just a short while later. This was a great home to work on, spacious and open with beautiful pool and golf course views. My favorite room in this particular house was the master bedroom. To this day I still think the furniture, fabrics and furnishings I used here are some of my all time favorite items. Also, I work with an impeccable workroom. She is a jewel and I am happy to be one of only a handful of designers/clients she works with. Her details and quality are without competition. It goes to show a designer is only as good as the support team they have working for them!

Beautiful Beds

2010-10-11T09:11:00.001-04:00

photo courtesy Oly Studio

It is a known fact the decor in your bedroom can effect your psyche in a variety of ways. A beautiful, peaceful setting in the bedroom is important to a healthy mental outlook and good night's rest, for without a full 8 hours, the mind can never be in a healthy state.

In my home, the master bedroom is my favorite room in the house. I love the softness of the colors and the cozy, enveloping feeling my bed has. Fortunately my husband doesn't mind a "pretty" room, some men want nothing to do with the idea. But our bedroom is not frilly by any means. I have used muted colors and soft lines to create a serene oasis in a world that I often find stressful and disturbing. Sharp angles and harsh or dark colors make me feel the weight of the world immediately and in my opinion, those particular design attributes should be avoided in the bedroom especially.

The most important piece of furniture is absolutely the bed. Your bed, as I said above, should be a haven from the day's stresses. The largest piece in the room, it should take on a peaceful quality and if you share it with a spouse or significant other, it should be a romantic place as well. It should make you feel good to be yourself and to be with the one you love. And again, that doesn't necessarily mean girly. The bed shown above is a perfect example of this. From Oly Studio, this bed is beautiful yet neutral. Though it does have straight lines, the mirrored quality creates an effect of soft reflection, and mixed with the proper color scheme, has a very soothing effect.

Some other elements to keep in mind when decorating your bedroom are: always keep the bed on a solid sturdy wall containing no windows if at all possible and never put a bed directly in front of a window. In the practice of Feng Shui this an important aspect for strength and confidence. Also, if you share the bedroom with a spouse or significant other, avoid using too many photos of anyone other than yourselves. Leave the photos of extended family to the family room. Keep it a couple's place and set a romantic tone for the two of you!

More French Fantasy

2010-09-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

Just picked up this line, LOVE IT!!!

French Burlap Pillows

French Shoes Pillow

French Grainsack Tea Towel

French Grainsack inspired Euro shams

French Grainsack Pillow

Designs for Life

2010-09-15T16:24:00.000-04:00

Many times I find it difficult to juggle all the things I have going on in my life: family, work, home, work, friends and work. I often wonder what happened to the carefree days when my house was always clean, I was always organized and things were all right in the world. What was it that I did different then? Have things really changed that much? And the answer is, yes - mostly for the better but much more complicated. So, I try to find items which make it a little easier to be ahead of the game or take a little torment out of the day. After considering the subject, I discovered there are several items I use EVERY SINGLE DAY and without these things, well, you might as well cut off my right arm.

First thing is first, I recently read a sparkling review about the Clarisonic skin cleansers and my interested was piqued enough to go and purchase one. It was a bit of an investment but I am glad I did. This little thing is AWESOME! I use this every morning and evening and what a difference it has made in my skin. Clearer, cleaner and smoother. This will never leave my side!

These next items are all must haves for preparing for and making it thru the day as glamourously as one can in 95 degree heat in a Florida summer. I love a little bling but I also like simplicity and my Juicy Couture crown drop earrings are great with just about any outfit. To keep on track of where I need to be and get there on time, I have to have a watch on at all times. I purchased my stainless steel Nixon watch a few years ago in a surf shop while on a visit to Kauai, Hawaii and love, love, love it. It looks good, it's reliable, and I can wear it for work or to the beach - a versatile little piece. And of course all girl's want to smell good - my all time favorite perfume is Chanel No. 5. Who doesn't agree??

If you've read other articles here on the blog, you may have come across my spread on our trip to New Orleans earlier this year. We absolutely loved it there and my husband became very fond of Cafe au Lait. We've never been huge coffee drinkers, I personally cannot drink black coffee. However, I do like coffee "spruced up" and since our return, every morning - well, pretty much every morning - my husband has taken to making Cafe au Lait for us. Can't beat that! We were introduced to Community Coffee in New Orleans and now I'm not sure I could make it thru the day without my morning cuppa.

Technology is a wonderous thing, as we are all aware. How we got by without the various gadgets we use in daily life in the 21st century is incomprehensible. I remember how excited I was to receive my first mobile phone back in the mid-90's and what a behemouth it was. Not to mention the fact that all it did was make phone calls. Now I use my mobile phone - currently the Samsung Instinct - for taking notes, keeping up on email throughout the day, following social media outlets, and, oh yeah, for making phone calls (or text messages, as the case may be). If, God forbid, my phone dies, I feel like I'm stranded on a desserted island! This is also true for my laptop. I have just about everything but the kitchen sink in my laptop. Gone are the days of being strapped to a desk in a lonely office, now I can take my work with me, give presentations on site to clients, or even entertain my seven year old - who is already a computer whiz - on long trips. And entertainment is important. I love music and with the invention of the iPod I never have to listen to the obnoxious ads on the radio, I can hear the music I want to hear, when I want to hear it!

Despite all the technology though, sometimes I have to resort to the old fashioned tricks of organization. I find it is more helpful for me to remember appointments if I actually write them down and I love the daily planners Barnes & Noble carries by Gallery Leather. I especially like the plaid covers - very stylish - and the smaller version is small enough to carry in my bag but large enough to make notes and things. As an interior designer, notes and paper trails are a fact of life. As are fabric remnants and wallpaper samples, and I have to have a safe, convenient place to store these items. At any given time I have between five and fifteen projects going on, so organization is key. These red rose felt file totes are from one of my favorite home furnishings vendors, Global Views. What a cute and classy way to do business! And without any or all of these things, I wouldn't be able to do any of it............

Wonderful Weekend

2010-08-02T11:53:00.000-04:00

Well, my family and I had quite a nice weekend: paddleboarding, relaxing, dinner with the family, new artwork......all what a weekend should be. I just had to share some photos. As I've said in past posts, I love French cooking and now I've gotten my husband hooked. Last Christmas I received a copy of Ripailles by Stephane Reynaud which is a fantastic French book of feasts. Everything we have attempted from this book is FANTASTIC! My husband has made the Roast Pork with Vegetables several times now and it is simply DELISH! And look how beautiful it looks just out of the oven! He used turnips and carrots this time but you can add a variety, just be careful not to include something too strong like peppers, it takes away from the flavorful taste of the pork........Those are roasted sweet potatoes on the side. Yummy!!

And with my recent love of all things New Orleans and French Market, I was recently enamoured with the market style street sign art and now have my own version! This is hanging in an odd space over my dining room - fits perfectly! Love it!

Refined Rusticity

2010-07-16T12:35:00.000-04:00

I love when I get a new manufacturer catalogue in the mail, it's like getting gifts, you can't wait to tear it open to see what's inside. With that said, I just received a new catalogue from a favorite line last week and was, as usual, pleasantly surprised and totally inspired by what was inside. These are some of the items I loved and all of them make me salivate! I'm totally into this flooring, I would love this in my studio. Being from Texas - at least I assume this is the reason - I have a love of the rusticly refined. I think that is the best way to describe these beautiful wood tiles. The top photo is the smaller version, measuring out at about 16" square and the bottom is much larger at around 32" square. Love, love, love these.

This manufacturer, which is one of my favorite trade resources, also has great rustic furniture items. I'm loving this screen.

And this butcher block would fit into any old (or new) chateau's kitchen VERY nicely!

As would these burlap printed chairs - who wouldn't feel like a king (or queen) sitting in these??

And to top it all off, don't forget the jewlery - oops, I mean lighting......

Again, this light fixture is looking for a home in a chateau somewhere romantic!

And these sconces would HAVE to accompany the chandelier - with purple silk shades no less! You can't get anymore regal than that.........

Now for the perfect project to use all of the above in........takers anyone??

(**all of the items shown above may be purchased thru Candice Kelber Interior Design, please contact us via email at csebring_kelber@hotmail.com if you need assistance**)

French Market Fantasies

2010-06-26T22:51:00.000-04:00

As trends go, I try not to get too carried away when designing the interior of a client's home - unless of course the client specifically asks for it. The 'Tommy Bahama' look took it's toll on me. If I never see a monkey again, it will be too soon. But recently a "trend" has come on the scene that I think, done right - a piece here and there, the use of natural colors and materials - is FABULOUS - enter, the French Market.

This trend has been slowly creeping into being for several months now, I noticed it come onto my "radar" last year. I was predicting nine months ago the color "French Grey" would be huge for interior design - now here we are. And I'm here to tell you, grey is not as boring as Grampa's suit, I just painted the walls in all the main area's of a client's home in a Porter Paint color called "Ashen" and it is beautiful. Those photos to follow when the job is complete, but I digress.....

The French Market look, which seems to me, as a designer, is everywhere now, takes traditional pieces with French influences - furniture, mirrors, accessories - and paints them in a nice, neutral light, without being loud or obnoxious. Distinct features include white wash woods or "lime wash" as they are currently calling it, textured fabrics like raw silk, rustic linens and even burlap. Furniture has an exposed feeling with antiqued finishes, antique brass nail heads and fabrics with little to no dye, instead they are used in their natural state of grey, creme, taupe, eggshell, beige, greige, etc.

For contrast against a French Grey wall, accessories like picture frames and mirrors are painted in fresh antiqued whites or pale golds or bold, dark browns and bronzes - yes, a bit of chocolate brown is still in. And, as you see in the photo below, concrete and plaster accessories in their natural grey state and heavy texture, fit in with perfect harmony. To counterbalance the whole thing, you throw in a bronze and crystal chandelier for the jewel in the crown and voila! Subtle elegance in it's purest form.

Another distinct feature is the market label prints which show up on everything from lampshades to furniture to fabrics and accessories. Most of these mimic a label off of a French produce cart, wine label or grain sack. I've even seen actual grain sacks used to upholster small pieces and one of my favorite market resources even carries a variety of grain sack rugs, which I absolutely love, love, love. The accessories shown below all came from Aidan Gray, a new favorite resource of mine.

But the true beauty of custom interior design is the ability to design original pieces of your own. The chair, shown below, is on the showroom floor at Angela Fine Furnishings in Miromar Design Center in Estero, Florida. Angela customized the chair below to coordinate with the French Market look using a supple taupe leather and brass nail heads on the back, a textured, durable fabric with a metallic sheen on the seat and the wood finish even sounds apropos - "dry antique". Great game chair and imagine the possibilities........ French Market is most definitely not for everyone, but for those of us who happen to be Francophiles or love relaxed elegance, it's most definitely just the thing!

Childhood Fantasies

2010-06-07T19:13:00.000-04:00

As a child I remember visiting furniture stores with my parents and desperately wanting the French provincial canopy bed and frilly white painted furniture of which my architect father was having no part of. My parents would always say, "Oh, you're going to get bored of it." Famous last words. This is, I'm sure, why I am now obsessed by all things antique, French and beautiful - I was denied my pleasure as a child. Today's kids are much luckier - or at least mine and a few others - for they are fortunate enough to be indulged in fantastical rooms fit for any little prince or princess. And though I live in the Land of the Retiree and don't get a great deal of opportunity to design children's rooms, I have had the pleasure to be called upon to work on a few of these rare species here in Naples and these photos are from those projects.

The room above was designed using vintage and antique furniture with some modern accoutrements. The bed is an antique purchased at an estate sale and reupholstered to cooridnate with the vanity table skirt. The nightstands are vintage and the mirrors are actually former windows. The toile fabric is from Robert Allen and the gorgeous monogram plaque is from one of my favorite companies, Marie Ricci designs and the tole bed crown is from another favorite, World's Away.

This bedroom and bathroom also used some vintage pieces mixed in with new. We found the bed with the bunny finials first and worked from there, incorporating the bunny theme further with the drapery hardware. The tole lamps are also from Worlds Away and are handpainted with grass for the bunnies to frolick in. I custom designed all of the bedding and window treatments in both of these bedrooms and had my local workroom fabricate the pieces.

The bathroom was designed to coordinate with the bedroom above and the painting is an adorable Frog Princess painted by Renditions by Reesa, an artist coincidentally located in my hometown in Texas.

Some good tips for children's rooms: laminate wood flooring is fantastic and practically indestructible and for smaller bedrooms, loft beds can double the given space where the bed is. My daughter has her 'Princess & the Pea' loft bed with her "club" underneath, which makes for a fun play space - now if I can just get her to pick up her toys........

Viva la Vignettes

2010-05-24T13:51:00.000-04:00

As a member of the Design Referral Services at Miromar Design Center, I have been fortunate enough to participate in the various events they sponsor.

Last year I participated in the Designer Showcase event held in the building, showcasing local design talent in a "showhouse" style space. For the past two years, I've been the very willing participant in the Fashion Obsession event, where local designers design couture garments from design materials and showcase them in a professional fashion show which is held in the atrium of the building. And this year I was also lucky enough to be included in a group of very well-known, talented local designers to design a "room" for the Designer Vignettes which are located in a store front display at Miromar Outlets, located directly across Corkscrew Road from the design center.

We were each assigned a "room" to design. I designed a dining room vignette, with influences from Asia and transitional furnishings provided by Angela's Fine Furnishings, a showroom located in Miromar Design Center. I love the fun banquette style seating pieces and due to the space requirements, I found the 6' round dining table perfectly suited to the space. It is my opinion round dining tables are ideal for entertaining, that way no one is left out of the conversation. The luscious chocolate brown rug was provided by the Kravet showroom. Porter Paints were kind enough to donate paint for the walls and floors - which I kept neutral and simple. Too many focal points spoil the soup.

The shot above was taken from inside the vignette facing toward another space - an outdoor space - I was lucky enough to design this space as well, assisted by interior design students from The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College, which is located in Miromar Design Center. We were requested to give it a feeling of being on a balcony overlooking the Meditterranean. I think the rustic stone, sunwashed color, wrought iron furnishings and giant Bisazza shell mosaic accomplished this request. The tile came from Ann Sacks and the accessories came from Jardin de Ville, the furniture is from Sifas.

As I stated above, there were several other great local designers who participated - this is just a taste of the unique vignette "rooms". So if you find yourself in Estero, Florida, stop by and take a look, they are a great source for inspiration, ideas, and introduction to a variety of designers. They are located directly across from Neiman Marcus Last Call.

Big Easy Smitten

2010-04-19T14:45:00.000-04:00

As a 40th birthday gift, my husband surprised me with a trip to New Orleans. I had never had a real burning desire to go to New Orleans, having heard stories of a city filled with mostly seedy bars - if I want that I can go to South Beach. But after a pass thru the city shortly after Hurricane Katrina in 2006 - oddly enough - and a discovery of family history in the city, my interest was peaked.

We were a bit trepadacious about our trip. My husband, a guy who loves to travel, made most of the plans and did most of the research on the area. He made me pretty nervous on the plane with stories of high crime but we plunged on, with the idea in our head of being aware and alert. But I have to say, as we began our short weekend trip, my fears began to melt and I became smitten with a city I cannot believe has such a bad reputation. And everywhere we went, I was enamoured by the historic architecture, the history and the details of a bygone era.

Our stay started as we arrived at our hotel, the historic Melrose Mansion, built in the Victorian Gothic style by noted architect James Freret in 1884 for the Lanaux family. It has been restored, though I do not think recently, but it definitely added an authentic resonance to our stay. Located on Esplanade Avenue, a quiet, tree-lined street on the outer edge of the French Quarter. It was a perfect location for our stay, away from the noise and bustle of the all night party in the heart of the Quarter.

The front of Melrose Mansion.

The lobby of Melrose Mansion.

We gave ourselves only enough time to check in, drop off our luggage, freshen up a bit and then we headed out into the city; me armed with my MapEasy Guidemap to New Orleans, much to my husband's chagrin - he hates looking like a tourist.

We had somewhat of an itinerary for the day which ended with a Ghost Tour of the French Quarter but since it was midday and right around lunch time, our first priority was food. We stumbled upon the Gumbo Shop, a restaurant my husband had read good things about in one of his various travel books on New Orleans and since there was no long line to wait, we went for it.

The restaurant is located on Rue Saint-Pierre and the food was spectacular but so was the ambience. Situated in one of the various historic buildings, we were seated in the outdoor courtyard, which in these buildings is always behind the main, street front area. The cast iron tables were squeezed in tight, but no one seemed to mind. Behind the courtyard, adjacent to where we were seated, was another dining area, shown below, which looked like I imagine it must have in the 19th century. There was just so much character to it and this is where, I think, my love affair with New Orleans began.

After a very agreeable lunch of jambalaya, red beans and rice, and shrimp Creole, we headed into the heart of the French Quarter. Jackson Square is at the center and acts as the hub. It is full of life: street vendors sell their wares from original artwork to individuals practicing all sorts of divination, tourists and admirers wander aimlessly in awe of their surroundings and traffic buzzes down Decatur Street past a line of horse drawn carriages. Andrew Jackson sits boldly in the center of the square, gazing thru history upon the city he defended in the Battle of New Orleans. St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States, dominates the skyline with it's massive steeple and is flanked by the historic Cabildo to it's left and the Presbytere to it's right. These buildings are a blend of both the Spanish and French influence which occupied early New Orleans and house the Louisiana State Museum.

And flanking Jackson Square to the east and west, lies the historic Pontalba Buildings. Matching red-brick, four story buildings built in the 1840's by the Baroness Micaela Almonester Pontalba. If you look closely you will see the signet of the Baroness repeated in the detail of the iron railings surrounding the upper floors of the buildings.

We spent the majority of our time wandering the streets of the French Quarter, visiting the various shops and museums, and everywhere you turn there is great detail. I was taking photos of all sorts of things from rainspouts to roofs with passersby staring quizzically in the direction of my lens - am I the only one that appreciates architectural detail? I think not....

Door detail from a random townhouse in the French Quarter.

Dolphin rainspout detail in the French Quarter.

Window detail from the Ursuline Convent in the French Quarter.

Stairwell in the 1850 House located in the Lower Pontalba Building.

Another infamous building in the French Quarter is Napoleon House. The story goes that this building got its name from the fact it was intended to be the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte after his exile. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) the plot to bring Napoleon to the U.S. was halted with the news of his death. The building was home to Nicholas Girod, Mayor of New Orleans in the early 19th century and has been since the end of Prohibition a bar and restaurant known as "Napoleon House". The bar is known for serving the Pimms Cup but I was disappointed, we attempted to go there but alas they are closed on Sunday!

Another infamous bar and historic building, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop was built sometime prior to 1772 and is said to have once been owned by the notorious pirateer Jean Lafitte. Today the building is used as a "tavern" located on the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Philip Street.

We also made our way into the business district on the other side of Canal Street and down Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue into the Garden District where we found more fascinating architecture, eateries and shops, as well as Lafayette Cemetery. The multiple above ground cemeteries in New Orleans are an awesome sight.

I especially wanted to check out Sucre on Magazine Street for their Parisian macarons, and though not as big as the one's at Paul's here in South Florida, they were still delectable. Magazine Street has many great antique shops and unusual boutiques but again, Sunday is the day most of them are closed, so best to go during the week or on Saturday. Definitely use the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar - takes you from Canal Street to the Garden District for a whopping $1.25!

All in all our trip to New Orleans left me wanting more. We were there for a long weekend only - Friday to Monday - and though we crammed a lot of sightseeing in, there were still things to be seen. As for the fears we felt prior to our arrival, New Orleans is a big city and with that comes crime. I lived in Miami for two years and it was no different. Just be on your guard, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid obvious mistakes like flashing money around or going places alone. Common sense, really. I think I can say confidently, I will be returning to New Orleans in the not-so-distant future - I'm smitten.

Sense & Sensibility

2010-04-06T15:14:00.001-04:00

I found the little game below via American Duchess, a new blog I found intriguing and RIGHT up my alley and so, like the Duchess, I'm going to try it. I like the idea of making note of how I'm feeling at this given moment - for no other reason than posterities sake I suppose. So, here goes.........

Senses, Today, Tuesday, April 6th, 2010...

Tasting: diet Dr. Pepper and peanut butter Easter egg - thankfully, they're all gone and we won't have to be tormented by them any longer!

Hearing: My daughter telling me Mary Shelley was a 19th century author, who wrote 'Frankenstein' but she is also, a vampire, amongst her other achievements.....

Smelling: Fortunately, I smell nothing currently, though last night when you stepped out the front door, the scent of orange blossoms blowing in on the breeze from the East was overwhelming and beautiful.....

Seeing: the computer screen and my "vision board" with some things that make me happy).......

Feeling: creative, anxious, frustrated, excited, melancholy, motivated and hopeful that the future is what I want it to be and not what some bureaucrat or the media tell me it will be!

So, that's me in a nutshell at this very moment! Ask yourself what you're tasting, hearing, smelling, seeing, and feeling and post it on your blog or email it to your friends and family, to have a wistful look at how your day is going! Hope it's grand........

Off with Her Head

2010-04-01T13:15:00.000-04:00

Like poor Marie, I have a tendency to lose my head. Fortunately for me this is metaphorically and not due to throngs of revolting peasants. My head usually goes astray when I get sidetracked by fanciful new finds like this one my friend just turned me onto. She sent me a link to the Tartx website, run by artist Tiffini Elektra X, http://www.tartx.com/, where you can find the tea towels shown above, but also so much more! Fascinating accoutrements for the home and clever fashionable wearable art. I personally have a Marie thing and love, love, love these tea towels - especially the "rebele" wording....very much how I feel these days!

Tartx also has a clever blog here: http://www.tartx.com/blog/ and an Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/tartx - I'm digging the Josephine ring! Thanks Robin for the find....

Client Confidence

2010-03-18T10:49:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, a designer is lucky enough to get one of those really great clients who, by the grace of the powers that be, returns to us for every project they have. I happen to be lucky enough to have several of these clients, who, through the years of working together have become friends and regular fixtures in my life.

This particular project is the secondary residence and extra fun side project of one of these client's.

Now we all know, girl's just wanna have fun, AND we need fun projects to keep us busy and interested. And this project has been both fun and interesting. The home, located in Sarasota, Florida, is a fifties ranch style home, complete with original terrazzo floors, richly colored tile in the bathroom, low ceilings and an original '50's mod light fixture in the breakfast room. And I have to say, I live and work in what most consider one of the most luxurious areas of Florida, full of pristine beauty, well appointed homes and perfectly manicured lawns, where most "historic" homes - if located in desirable area - are mowed down to make way for giant concrete monstrosities, creating an artificial coccoon of non-reality, but visiting Sarasota for this job and seeing the historic neighborhoods in the area is a breath of fresh air. There is something to be said for preserving and appreciating the past.

Being a second home, we needed to complete the project on a budget and I think we've done a great job. A common misconception for most is that Interior Designer's want to sell you only the most expensive furnishings and charge an arm and a leg but that isn't true. Yes, the ideal project is a glossy, designer project in the most expensive neighborhood but isn't always the case. And I, as a designer, should be able to make ANY dwelling attractive and appealing, and that being said, I will have you know the majority of this home was furnished via consignment furniture stores and discount retail shops. Oh, I did throw in the odd necessary objet d'art found only through my precious resources and some custom bedding and window treatments, which cannot be bought ready made in a store, but all-in-all we shopped locally, fate seeming to step in with THE perfect piece every time we went looking.

Glamour Girl

2010-02-28T21:12:00.000-05:00

This shot is from a current project I am working on for a couple from Canada. Their daughter, a 20-something college student, requested a "bit of glamour" for her bedroom, in addition to pink walls. I designed this custom upholstered headboard for her. It is covered in Snow White ultrasuede and highlighted with shiny chrome nailheads. It turned out GORGEOUS in a very ala Joan Crawford kind of old Hollywood glamour sort of way. Custom designing furniture (and having a world class fabricator to fabricate it) is such a satisfying experience!

Fashion Obsession

2010-02-04T21:25:00.000-05:00

Fashion truly is an obsession for me. I'm not sure what genetic makeup creates such a zealous reaction in some people - including myself - to fine fashion. I quite literally become giddy at beautiful, well made, haute couture clothing. Maybe it's the fabrics, maybe it's the construction or maybe it's a combination of several things. For most - including my husband - this is unfathomable. I am fortunately lucky enough to get to indulge my "hobby" - isn't that what a college degree is? - again this year for the Fashion Obsession event to be held this coming Saturday, February 6th at the Miromar Design Center right here in Southwest Florida. I may not get to go to New York Fashion Week but I can pretend.........

Below is one of my designs for the show, which includes 24 one-of-a-kind couture creations by local designers which are to be auctioned off at the event. I will have 5 original creations in the show: 3 red silk dresses, 1 pink velvet evening gown and 1 adorable little girl's fancy dress done in pink toile by Ralph Lauren fabrics. And the color palette is no coincidence - not only is it coming up on Valentine's Day but we are doing the event in conjunction with the Go Red for Women Campaign benefitting the American Heart Association. Anyone need a dress for the Heart Ball?

Illustration of Design

Photo of the actual dress

photo by Adrien Ged

Please come out to support a good cause and participate in a truly exciting and fun event! Event starts at 1:30pm in the main atrium of the Miromar Design Center on Corkscrew Road in Estero, Florida.

Bespoken Backyard

2010-01-27T17:17:00.000-05:00

My fondest wish is for an English country backyard complete with a conservatory. This one is from one of my all time favorite companies - Barreveld Int'l - and I really want this, only problem is (other than the Florida weather taking it's toll on it) - my thumb is not green..... But it sure would be idyllic!

Happy Holiday

2009-11-06T08:09:00.000-05:00

Every year the Philharmonic Center in Naples puts on a Christmas Tree Auction where local businesses and organizations donate decorated trees, wreaths and other decorations to be auctioned off for charity. This year CKID is excited to be decorating a tree in conjunction with Ikebana International of Naples. Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging and thus the theme of the tree will be a representation of this complete with fans, geishas, buddhas, butterflies, lanterns and other Asian delights. The trees will be on display the week of Thanksgiving at the Naples Philharmonic so please come out and show your support! It's a great time to get into the holiday spirit!~

Posh Pillows

2009-11-04T20:11:00.000-05:00

Found these treasures the other day for the Boutique at the Home & Garden Mall. I love these pillows. They are made with document botanicals presumably from natural history books and printed onto antique velvet. I love the dragon fly most of all, the detail is beautiful. I've purchased these before at market and still find them so intriguing, just had to have them for the store!

Fab Family

2009-11-04T13:55:00.000-05:00

As a family history buff I flipped when I came across these genealogy charts yesterday via Design Sponge. What a great way to bring new interest to a historic hobby! To see other cool designs from My Tree and Me go to http://www.mytreeandme.com/ - I love the flower tree as well. These are just beautiful and would make a great gift or addition to your own walls with a personal flair. My only problem is they only hold up to 7 generations!

Difficult Windows

2009-10-26T17:28:00.000-04:00

Window treatments can be a difficult aspect of design. Some clients prefer the drama of an elaborately dressed window and some simple sophistication. It is the designers job to find a balance between the two. Having a fashion background I do like creating somewhat more interesting window treatments but don't like getting too over the top. I like the theory of simple sophistication with just an ounce more style added in for good measure. Here in South Florida we often have gorgeous views of the natural elements outside and I like to create a picture frame effect and not take away from those beautiful scenes. And often times the construction and location of a window will dictate the style. I had one such challenge in this condominium I did here in Pelican Bay in Naples where the wall space above the windows was essentially less than two inches (not much), though it varied from one end to the other, but after a few sketches I came up with one of my all time favorite treatments. It's really a very traditional, simple design which I tweaked slightly and the fabric - a Manuel Canovas print - is really what creates the drama here.

As a side note in addition to the design of a window treatment, there are some other important factors to be aware of when purchasing custom window treatments. 1. Your designer (or you if you're a diy'er) should have a good workroom - go for quality, not cost for the ideal end product. The workroom I use is sometimes slightly higher in price but what I explain to clients is this - I know my workroom is concentrating on the details from fabrication to using the most appropriate fabrication materials, I know I am going to get the same excellent quality EVERY time and I know they can produce practically anything I come up with that same quality. You truly get what you pay for. 2. Know that window treatments are one of the bigger investments in a design project. This is something I find many clients don't understand and, especially first-time clients (clients who have never bought custom before), they are often shocked when the proposed price is more than they expect. You have to keep in mind: quality, craftsmanship, fabric and fiber content and manufacturer and intricacy of design - the more elaborate a treatment, the more it will cost. But always remember that a window treatment can make or break the design of a room, so do it well whatever you do!

Charming Chairs

2009-10-14T14:15:00.001-04:00

One of my all time favorite chairs - is and always will be - the French Canopy chair from Artistic Frame. I just love the whimsical style of this chair - though the original theory was more practical - but put a bold, funky fabric on it and you have a conversational piece of artwork. And then, just when I thought I'd filled my favorite spot, today whilst looking at the Global Views website - another of my all time favorite vendors - I came across their new "Bonnet Chair"! Tres Jolie!!! Mademoisselle French Canopy now has a contender for my affections.......Monsieur Bonnet

Wild West

2009-09-30T15:59:00.001-04:00

Being a fifth-generation Texan - yes, I still consider myself a Texan even though I haven't lived there in a while, once a Texan always a Texan - I have a soft spot for the West. And I was thrilled to have the opportunity to design a home in a western setting with a western theme.

This 4000+ square foot home in Wyoming is set alongside the North Platte River on a sprawling piece of land loaded with deer, turkey, pheasant and various other local wildlife. There are cactus, tumbleweeds, enormous cottonwood trees and a sense of peace that can only be found in the country.

On a recent visit to the property my husband commented that things "are just bigger in the West" and he's right and this house fits right in. The house and it's rooms are large and spacious with colors plucked from the landscape; rustic browns, golds, and terra cottas. We also used lots of texture: leather sofas and barstools, wool dhurries on the floor, woven shades on the windows, stucco on the fireplace and rustic iron tables. And no "Old West Saloon" is complete without a massive mahogany clawfoot pool table or a Fredrick Remington bronze!

This project was a nice break from the traditional design jobs I usually do and I look forward to pursuing other projects like this which allow me to go out of my comfort zone and routine and into something fun and laid back.

Westwood Wallpaper

2009-09-30T15:12:00.000-04:00

I've died and gone to Heaven. Vivienne Westwood, Grand Dame of Punk Rock Fashion and one of my favorite fashion designers, now has a collection of wallpaper with Cole & Sons. This is my fave - it's called 'Trompe l'oeil Drape' and it shows the well-known tartan pattern fabric Westwood is famous for using in her designs. Once again, fashion and interiors collide with a glorious result! Now, I need a client to use this on - anyone, anyone?

Beating Boredom

2009-09-14T10:56:00.004-04:00

So, I have a tendency to get bored with the same ol', same ol' and have to mix things up a little. I'm referring to my habit of rearranging and restyling my own home - it drives my husband crazy - but hey, I'm a designer, what can I say? So this weekend I "restyled" my living room into what I consider quite a lovely little salon. The rug - a great hooked zebra print from West Elm - had previously lived in the master bedroom so I flip-flopped and put the rugs from the living room into the bedroom (which I'm very happy with and will follow-up with pics from that room soon) and put my super-stylish zebra rug in the living room. I love the bold, attention grabbing pattern it brings to the room. My other favorite pieces in this room: my ratchet style gold velvet settee, my painting of Napoleon, my 2 striped fauteuil chairs and my baby grand which was one of those Ebay finds too good to be true! All in all I'm pleased with the outcome. Next, putting my new Ralph Lauren zebra stripe velvet on the dining room chairs! Did I mention I love animal prints? Hey - what designer doesn't?

Wishing Wellies

2009-09-11T10:35:00.004-04:00

OMG! I love these Wellies! Lace-up Wellingtons from Burberry.... These are great! They look like patent leather riding boots. Funny, you'd think because it rains so much in Florida we would have cause to use these but sadly the fashion just hasn't caught on - maybe now with such fabulous looking style, these will??? One can hope....

Sumptuous Storage

2009-09-09T10:07:00.006-04:00

I'm a lover of cool antiques - pieces that have character, uniqueness and some clever function - and I also love details - little things to make life just a little sweeter. And as I flipped through the newest Pierre Deux catalogue yesterday, which was waiting patiently in my mailbox, I found one such piece. Last season Pierre Deux had the antique wine jugs - which I coveted - and this season it's these antique wine crates. They are just so gorgeous! Yes, they are rather mundane I suppose in the fact that they are just a crate and really any old box/crate could hold your wine bottles - or your average dull circular metal contraption - but at least these crates have character and beauty - and can't you just imagine this in the cellar of some ancient French chateau, calling from a bigone era??? I can...... *le sigh*

Tarte tatin aux courgettes

2009-09-03T12:16:00.002-04:00

More French cooking fun - this time I used www.easy-french-food.com 's Zucchini Pie recipe or as the French would say Tarte Tatin aux courgettes - though I substituted the goat cheese with Gruyere. It was delish! And ever-so-simple. The recipe is here: http://www.easy-french-food.com/zucchini-pie-recipe.html but in short you saute out the zucchini and chopped onions with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and dried thyme, then layout the zucchini slices in concentric circles in a tart pan (I used a pie plate), put the onions on top then place a sheet of puff pastry over it, trim and tuck at the edge of the pan, bake and VOILA! Nom, nom, nom........

Inspiration

2009-08-25T08:21:00.004-04:00

So I discovered something last night - Fashion TV - and I wish I had it 24/7 - I guess one simple call would do the trick. I used to love watching Elsa Klensch every Saturday morning. I was at my parents home and discovered it in their programming lineup and needless to say I had to watch so my 6 year old and I sat enthralled, watching clips of several Fall/Winter 09 shows including Lacroix (may have been his last), Giorgio Armani Prive and Dior, which said 6 year old just LOVED..... Anyhow, I was overwhelmed by inspiration - so much so that I think I've designed all of the outfits I will be creating for the Fashion Obsession benefit show in November. I busted out sketch after sketch as I sat dreaming of being in Paris.....

And this morning more inspiration came in the form of my weekly net-a-porter suggestions. This outfit doesn't really work for my upcoming trip to Wyoming but I love, love, love Alexander McQueen (I seem to get a lot of his pieces in my "suggestions") and I think the bias cut top of this dress and the mixing directions of the pattern intriguing. One thing I noticed from most of the Fall/Winter shows is ladylike, pretty fashion is in. It reminded me of Christian Dior back in the 50's - beautiful..... I can't explain my love of fashion design - all I can say is, as frivolous as some may think it is, it's a feeling........

Daily Desire

2009-08-20T10:16:00.004-04:00

So we just made reservations to go to Wyoming at the end of September. We're very excited to be visiting a new addition to our family. The problem is living in South Florida we are not equipped wardrobe wise for the change in weather when you leave the Sunshine State, much less go anywhere North! And in Wyoming the weather can change on a dime - I've been there when it snowed in July! So, as I pondered my fashion dilemmas this morning, I opened my email updates for "my selections" from www.net-a-porter.com this morning and found some GOODIES! Two of the above items were in my selections for today (when you set up an account with net-a-porter you can specify your tastes and they will send suggestions based on the info). In the email I found the Alexander McQueen hand-knitted sweater and the Jimmy Choo motorcycle boots - which I love, love, love - and of course, I had to shop for more which led me to the above outfit. Check out those uber-awesome jeans from Current/Elliott! Yummy!

So that settles one outfit - now what to wear for the next five days of the trip............

Design Detective

2009-08-17T11:15:00.004-04:00

Found it! I fell in love with this at first sight - an indoor/outdoor rug covered with a French poem - and had to have it. However, I'd initially discovered it in a mailorder catalogue and in my infinite Designer stubborness I was determined to find it at the source - not thru some retailer - and I found it through one of my favorite rug sources! It's hand-knotted in a synthetic blend, comes in two colors (black or brown), a variety of sizes and is suitable for outdoors but nice enough for indoors, meaning, it is kid & husband friendly! I've been searching for a well-priced rug for my family room - I'm glad to say I found it finally!

On the subject of goodies

2009-08-04T16:39:00.003-04:00

While I'm on the subject of sweet things, check out this item I found on Etsy - it's super sweet garland (the artist calls it 'La Patisserie') and its made from none other than pink stained glass! The artist, Pamela Angus, is located in France and she has lots of other things to ooh and aah over. Her store is www.PamelaAngus.etsy.com. I have to say, I'm hard pressed to find things that make me giddy but this sure did the trick! What fun for a little girl's room or tres fancy party decor! If my six year old sees this I'll never hear the end of it.

2009-08-04T16:18:00.002-04:00

How yummy is this? Laduree, the fabulous French maker of Parisian macarons (among other goodies) has teamed up with iconic shoe designer Christian Louboutin for some pretty packaging. Louboutin has designed gift boxes for the beautiful and delicious delicacies. The boxes feature Louboutin's shoes and bags and have a trompe l'oeil effect on the tops to give a glimpse of what goodies lie inside. The treats which will be available from September 11 will feature macarons created by patisserie chef Philippe Andrieu with "Mediterranean" flavors. Two of the yummiest items on planet earth - Louboutin shoes & Laduree macarons.........le sigh.........

Wearable Home, Livable Wardrobe

2009-07-27T20:13:00.004-04:00

So, I had a busy week last week and this week is going to be more of the same - probably even more so. But no complaints, busy is good! And as I posted previously, last Saturday I ventured into territory that terrifies me - speaking in public to a crowd. I was one of the shyest people ever in high school and I cringed at the very thought of performing solo to a crowd but in the name of the things I love (and marketing my design biz) I've participated in two Saturday Seminars at the International Design Center now and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the crowd this past Saturday. The guests were mostly made up of women but I have to say I was impressed to see a few men as well and the crowd was great. I met some nice people who share my love of fashion and design and I thank everyone that attended! For those of you who couldn't make it - here are a few of my favorite items I discussed...(the topic was the crossover influences between Fashion & Interiors) -

From the Fall 2009 Dolce & Gabbana collection - love the drama.......is that a chair tie on her waist?

This Viktor & Rolf suede bag is the perfect handbag for a designer that loves luscious window treatments..........it feels a bit Scarlett O'Hara!

From the Fall 2009 Burberry Prorsum show - this is a personal favorite.......its so ethereal... There are several pieces in this collection with the art and I loved every one of them! The bag below is another artwork transfer - a Roberto Cavalli leather bag imprinted with an antique vase - LOVE it!

The Union Jack is a huge trend in both the fashion realm and interior design (see my previous post on the subject) and I found this little girl's dress I promptly fell in love with - think Cam might have to have a version of this......for an anglophile this is too cute!

FYI - if you missed this event I will probably do it again (with current trends) in "season".......as always I will keep you posted...

Inspiration

2009-07-23T16:08:00.005-04:00

Studio 465

So I came across something AWESOME this morning. I have to say I haven't been inspired by much of anything design-wise lately but I am glad to report there was a break through this morning (thanks Carla). I just loved this collection of wallpaper and simply had to share. And as much as I loved the wallpaper, the MURALS are what sent me over the edge. The manufacturer is Studio 465 (available to the trade) and though I loved every one of the books I looked thru, I have to say 'LONDON' was the coolest. It's a collection of mod, trendy, rockin', fashionista coordinating papers and murals and I oohed and ahhhed every time I turned the page. I especially liked the Union Jack mural, the Rocker wallpaper and the Big Ben mural with it's coordinating 'Parliament Windows' paper, the Medallion Paper, the chandelier paper and the Heart mural. This covers pretty much the whole book but seriously, I must say, everything in the book was cool! If only I had the project to use it on.............Any rock stars needing a designer??

Fashionista VS Interiornista

2009-07-20T13:26:00.002-04:00

I just invented a new word - "Interiornista" - wonder if I can copyright that?

As anyone who knows me is aware I fall into both of these categories: Fashionista & Interiornista (as I will now be referring to myself). And this upcoming Saturday, July 25th, I will be giving another Saturday Seminar at the International Design Center in Estero, Florida. The seminar is about the relation between Fashion & Interior Design - you really can't have one without the other. It is a known fact - fashion influences our tastes in interiors and vice versa. And these days all the top fashion houses have lines for the home - coincidence? I think not.

We will discuss trends in color and style and how to enhance your home with these without having to change every season (of course it isn't as easy to change your home as your clothing). And just like the little black dress, I will discuss anchor pieces for your home's wardrobe just like you have anchor pieces of clothing.

The seminar starts at 2pm and will be held in the Pierre Deux showroom (to add that French haute couture feel to the seminar). It is of course located in the International Design Center in Estero just east of I-75 on Corkscrew Road. You can find more information here: www.idcfl.com and if you're interested in attending please RSVP to myself or the IDC at 239.390.8207

Hope to see you there!

Nom Nom Nom

2009-07-20T11:42:00.006-04:00

I've recently become addicted to French cooking. I'd purchased the Paris cookbook at Williams-Sonoma from their Foods of the World Collection. It sat for several weeks before I opened it - I have a tendency to purchase cookbooks with pretty pictures but never do anything with them - but I finally decided to take a stab (no pun intended) at one of the recipes - Poulet au Riesling. It involves a whole chicken, and for those of you that know me personally, my cooking experience has been limited. But the recipe sounded fairly easy so I gave it a try and I have to say - trying not to break my arm from patting myself on the back - that chicken ROCKED!!! Since that time about 8 months ago I have been cooking one of these French-y meals at least once a week (my husband is thrilled...) and everything I've made so far has been AWESOME..... So I of course ventured out into other sources for recipes and found Kim over at http://www.easy-french-food.com/ - I'd initially tried out her Coq au Vin recipe which was wonderful - but in the past few weeks I've had the craving for quiche. I came across her recipe for Spinach Quiche, whipped it up (it literally took minutes to prepare) and voila! It was spectacular! The thing didn't last the afternoon....but I managed to take a picture of it (it was just so pretty - I made it in layers instead of blending all the ingredients) before my husband consumed the remains....

This is my favorite cookbook to use........

And I came across this cookbook as well which has some very nice recipes as well (the Ragout de Champignon is TO DIE FOR) - this cookbook is also by Williams-Sonoma but is older and as I discovered not as easy to find...

One of My Favorite Places

2009-07-06T19:28:00.003-04:00

I love this cafe! The Paul chain of French cafes originated in Lille, France and unfortunately the only locations here in the States are located in the Miami area. Whenever we make a trip to Sawgrass or SoBe, Paul's is definitely on the itinerary. My favorite item - the Pistachio Macarons! They are to die for........ www.paulusa.com

Tout Sweet

2009-07-06T18:35:00.002-04:00

I am definitely going to have to have these! Just look at the colors! Who wouldn't want to receive a gift adorned with one of these little beauties! There are such clever things on Etsy - this is from fabulousfinds.etsy.com - I also like her hydrangea paper petals and the crown & tiara cards. You know how I like my tiaras and crowns.... ;)

Textile Artisan-ista

2009-06-15T21:08:00.003-04:00

So I really should learn not to give away ALL of my secrets but I never learn my lessons. My girlfriend Celia is a true gem and she's branched out with a new project. Celia is the main cog behind C.M.Pavich, Inc. - a to-the-trade workroom for all things textile related in interior design. I've known Celia since I started out in interior design and I always rave about her work - she truly is the most skilled of her trade but now she's taken on a new craft. She's using vintage, new and antique needlepoint panels, combining them with new fabrics, trims and - as with the pillow she showed me recently and I just fell in love with, uses her talents with her new embroidery machine to create beautiful works like the pillow shown here. She has also been incorporating these treasures into furniture and other accessories for the home. You really have to see them in person to appreciate the detail and the craftsmanship she puts into them. You can check out Celia's new blog here: http://cmpavich.blogspot.com/ and you can find Celia's products now at the Home & Garden Mall on Tamiami Trail in Naples (where the Outback is located). Check her out, you'll fall in love I promise!

Hollywood Regency

2009-06-15T12:21:00.004-04:00

As a designer I love a variety of styles -Egyptian, most all things French, English Regency and most recently on the design radar (not to mention the trendiest) Hollywood Regency. And though I do hesitate at an overly eclectic mixture of furnishings - after all one doesn't want to look like they are having a junk sale in their living room - I do like the idea of mixing the odd piece here and there. I especially love the fluid, organic lines of this cocktail table called the "Nina". It is most definitely in the Hollywood Regency style but I could see this plopped in the midst of a Parisian setting or a Neoclassical room. I especially love the finish - in my opinion the more gilding the merrier! This table also comes in a dining height as well and is from one of my all time favorite vendors. It is currently on special (1/2 off) so if you're interested drop me a line........

The Black Apple

2009-06-14T21:49:00.005-04:00

So I love Etsy - for those of you still unaware www.etsy.com is a website devoted to handmade crafts of all kinds where artists can sell their wares. It is a great place to find the unique & interesting - and I am all about the unique & interesting.

One of my very favorite artists on Etsy is The Black Apple (aka Emily) who has the most intriguing artwork and paper goods. Most of her pieces feature her characteristic large-eyed little ladies & gents in pretty, fantasy scenes. Something about them fascinates me and draws me in. I especially love the sweetness mixed with the edge of 'Joy Division Girl' here. I'm definitely going to have to order some of these precious pieces for my own walls - it's just so hard to decide which ones!

Check out her store at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=991

Saturday May 23rd

2009-05-20T16:40:00.002-04:00

I've already mentioned this but here goes another shameless plug...

If you are going to be in the Naples/Ft. Myers area (specifically Estero) then please swing by the International Design Center (pictured) and show your support by taking in a program I am doing with my contractor friend, Steve Jaron from Renovate & Restore, LLC. The subject will be Renovating & Redecorating in a Recession - with the current economic situation I'm hoping for a good turnout.

Details:

Location - International Design Center, Estero, FL (corner of Corkscrew Road & I-75)

Time - 2pm-3pm

By the way - it's FREE.....can't beat that!

Reserve a seat by calling (239) 390-8207

And don't forget....while you're at the IDC you can also check out the 2009 Designer Showcase where I designed the Wine Cellar and Study - great place to get ideas!

Fabulosity

2009-05-12T19:02:00.000-04:00

Okay so I HAVE to give this girl KUDOS! If you want some fabulous, cool, unique and - did I say fabulous - custom designed jewelry you have to check out http://www.ajaron.com/ - all these precious items are designed and created by my girlfriend and fellow fashionista Amanda Jaron - she, quite literally, ROCKS!

I received a piece of her jewelry for Christmas from my hubby but I'm feeling the need for MORE, MORE, MORE! The picture above shows her new gold items - Amanda was just selected as this years "face" for the Gold Council - way to go Amanda!!

Check out her website and if you're on facebook become a fan of hers - there is a link on my page.

2009-05-12T18:00:00.000-04:00

Here's another article about the 2009 Designer Showcase at the International Design Center which benefitted the Southwest Florida Symphony. Unfortunately this article didn't include any pictures......

http://m.naplesnews.com/news/2009/Feb/06/home-dual-personality/

2009-05-12T17:49:00.001-04:00

I love, love, love fashion and all things to do with the Fashion Industry - well, most things, even the catty 'diva' behavior has a soft place in my heart - guess you have to have worked in it to understand. Anyhow, I've recently been given the opportunity to play "fashion" again. In November of 2008 I took part in 'Fashion Obsession' - a fashion show presented by the International Design Center. They asked the Design Referral Service members (made up entirely of local Interior Designers and Decorators) to design and create fashions to be featured in the show and at the end of the show these 'Couture' fashions were auctioned off with proceeds benefitting the Harry Chapin Food Bank. I am proud to say that my four designs went for the most auction dollars! It was a great time and I am looking forward to participating in this year's show!

This is a link to the article featured in Florida Weekly about the show:

http://fortmyers.floridaweekly.com/news/2008/1105/homescapes/084.html

2009-05-12T17:37:00.000-04:00

If you live in South Florida and you haven't already done so please go by the International Design Center in Estero and check out the 2009 Designer Showcase located on the 3rd floor of the IDC. I designed two rooms located in this year's Showcase - the Wine Cellar and the Study.

Here's the link for the website where you can find details and directions:

http://www.idcfl.com/page.php?page=showcase

My inspiration for these rooms was a (mental) trip to France......!!

2009-05-12T17:33:00.000-04:00

If you're in the Estero area on Saturday, May 23rd come by the International Design Center where I will be co-hosting a seminar with my contractor friend Steve Jaron.

Here's the link with the details for the event as seen in the Ft. Myers News Press:

http://www.news-press.com/article/20090506/NEWS0108/90506047/1075

We will be discussing remodeling and redesign in a recession - so come on out and show us your support!

2009-05-12T17:25:00.000-04:00

I'm back!!!! For those of you that don't know I had a previous blog on Typepad but my time became consumed and I let it go - but I couldn't stand it so I'M BACK! I love discovering new things, I love sharing things that excite me and that is my intention here. You can usually find the most unexpected, cool things on blogs - and hopefully I can keep up!

Check out my business website at http://www.candicekelberinteriordesigns.com/ too for a few examples of past projects.

Talk soon! C