What to do under the console table...

So one in one of my projects I put a super simple console table in the entry way. On top of the console table there are two teal lamps and a stunning nickel sunburst mirror. Great. Symmetrical. Colorful. Done.

Now what to do underneath? Not to say that you have to do something underneath but I feel like this space could use a little extra dimension....particularly under the table. Besides, there are two unsightly chords hanging down from those lamps....lets get shopping for under the console table!

This is a nice deep console table...and a cozy little ottoman underneath...nice option!

Contemporary Entry by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Glenn Gissler Design

Here is a slimmer console with two cubes underneath...cute and keeping the symmetry!

Contemporary Dining Room by Glasgow Interior Designers & Decorators The Couture Rooms

Now this is a very cool eclectic idea....a nice mix of vases...a bit unexpected but very pretty!

Contemporary Entry 

I'm loving this idea...a leaning piece of artwork and some sculpture. So pretty and it draws your eye to an otherwise uninteresting part of the room....love it!

Traditional Entry by Tiburon Interior Designers & Decorators Cecilie Starin Design Inc.

And how about a big ole basket underneath?

Beach Style Entry by Marblehead Interior Designers & Decorators Molly Frey Design

And of course, the most obvious choice, a sweet little pup!

 

Contemporary Living Room by San Francisco Architects & Designers Nick Noyes Architecture

Ok, now I am inspired...I have some ideas of what I'm going to propose to the client...let's see what wins!

Seek and Yee Shall Find

Thank you so much for the oodles of excitement you all shared with me yesterday over my new project. I am elated and excited to share the journey with all of you!

Right now at the shop, we are transitioning from W Antiques to Lexington Decor: the inventory, the image, the mindset. One of the biggest challenges is the overwhelming amount of inventory. Here is a shot when you walk in (these pics were taken a few months ago so some things have changed.)

 Oh yes...there is a LOT of stuff....very interesting and unique stuff...and did I mention a LOT of it? The problem is, many people can't take it all in...and they probably miss many wonderful things because there is such an abundance. Here are a few more shots....

You see what I mean....layers upon layers....of treasures!

And here is one more shot to whet your appetite!

And just to give you an idea..this is only half of the FIRST ROOM. There are THREE MORE ROOMS! Yes, people, take an hour lunch break...or two!

And that is why our motto is:

Shop. Explore. Discover

My New Project for 2014

 Good Morning! Yes, it has been months since my last blog post. I think I am realizing that I am not that good at multi-tasking once my tasks exceed about 100! The fall/winter was really very busy with clients (thankfully!) as everyone wants their projects completed or near completion by the holidays. Plus I started a brand new, very exciting project!

This new project is a business endeavor I have long dreamed about and it is so exciting (frightening) to have a shot at it. And here it is:

It is a home decor retail store!

Ok, so here is what the project entails....the store already exists. It is currently called W Antiques...but when you walk through the doors you will see it carries SO much more than antiques. The owner, Luigi, my business partner, runs high-end estate sales throughout Westchester County and from those, he acquires some amazing inventory on consignment. The pieces in the store are a mixture of antique and unique consignment  pieces. It is like a treasure hunt every time you come through the store which makes it so exciting...and quite a destination! 

However, there are a few things holding W Antiques back from being one of the most successful home decor stores in Westchester. First: the name. The store is way more than antiques and the name only attracts patrons attracted to antiques. Hence, the new name: Lexington Decor since we are located on Lexington Avenue in Mount Kisco. Do you like the new logo above? It was done by an uber-talented designer Julia Salerni. Brilliant!

The Second challenge: the interior merchandising. Due to the constant change in inventory and unique items, the merchandising has been a challenge. We have been putting in lots of work to pull the store together to make it more shopper-friendly. We are also going to start introducing some new inventory to compliment the antique/consignment pieces. It is going to be AMAZING!

Here is the current exterior...not much going to change here except signage and window displays!

So now, besides my design work and design-related posts, I'll be chronicling the exciting journey of Lexington Decor with all of you on the blog! Tomorrow I''ll be posting some shots of the interior of the store so we can track the progress......and in the meantime, if any of you are local and want to stop in, please do!

Lexington Decor, 342 Lexington Avenue in Mount Kisco, NY. 

We'd love for you to come digging for treasures!

Window treatments for Arched Windows

So last week I met with a new client....a wonderful client....an uber exciting client! These clients just moved into a beautiful new home in Westchester from NYC and have very little furniture. Yeah! They also like things slightly contemporary with clean lines... double yeah! I have to say, most of my clients are traditional/transitional in style so contemporary will be fun to do!

One of the first elements we are grappling with is window treatments. Regardless of design style, I feel like clients are always stumped when it comes to window treatments. They are expensive. They are a commitment. There are a lot of options and retail stores do the homeowner no favors by selling 84" curtains....they are not to be handled alone!

NOTE: Unless you have 7' ceilings- you should NOT be buying 84" curtains!!! 

Ok, off the topic...window treatments...new clients....did I mention arched windows? Hhmmm..this one is a dozie...especially with contemporary clients. How does one address a more traditional arched window and still keep the feeling contemporary? Well, here are some of the inspiration photos I have...which I am going to explore with my clients...

1. Clean panels hung above the arch:

Traditional Family Room by Atlanta Interior Designers & Decorators sherry hart

Contemporary Living Room by Atlanta Architects & Designers Blount Architectual and Interior Design

 2. Shutters cut to fit the arch:

Traditional Bedroom by Atlanta Architects & Designers Summerour Architects

3. Roman shade made to fit...not so contemporary...but it can work:

Eclectic Home Office by San Francisco Architects & Designers Charlie Barnett Associates

I like either the shutters or the panels...but for light control and privacy, the shutters might be better....although we can always do both:) Keep checking in to find out what we decide on!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

I know on the last post I apologized for my long hiatus and then whoops! I did it again! Actually- I didn't really take a hiatus- my computer was on the fritz...I couldn't log-on to Blogger (uggh!) and then my hard drive went and crashed! Fun stuff...really.

Anyway, I'm back! Up and running and I super busy! I have been working with some new clients along with finishing up some of the current jobs which took a slow stall in the summertime. I will have some great progress shots to share with you from one of my favorite clients since I'll be swinging by there tomorrow....yipppeee!

In the meantime, I also have lots of things I'm loving right now so let me share...my top five faves of the moment:

#1. Shut-up Schumacher! This stationary is to die for.....

 Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon

 Schumacher Birds and Butterflies

#2. Corrie Hayes...I have a place for this peacock!

 

Corrie Hayes Art on Etsy

#3. Kate Spade....you've made my Christmas list...yes...I'm working on that already:) And I resisted the re-emergence of gold but gold & pink?? Wowsa....

Kate Spade Chronograph

#4. Aww Avenue B....The color of this chest makes such a statement....LOVE it!

 

Royale Chest 

#5. Urban Decay...you've changed my life with 24/7 Glide-on eyeliner. This stuff does NOT move....finally! Where has this eyeliner been all my life?? I have Corrupt and Zero...can't get enough!

Urban Decay 24/7

And I'm hoping to be able to share some big exciting business news soon! I have a new endeavor I'm working on which I'll be able to share with you all very soon, I hope!

Sarah Richardson at Kravet

What do you get when you combine two of my favorite powerhouses? One very happy designer.....and that is because Kravet now carries a fabric line designed by one of my absolute faves (a best friend in my head) Sarah Richardson!

 

Sarah Richardson

You TV junkies may recognize her from Design Inc or Sarah's House on HGTV. I love her down-to-earth approach to design. She makes the design process seem very approachable without down-playing the value of a professional designer. And she is absolutely gifted at working with color and mixing patterns.

When I was at BlogFest 2013 a few months ago, I had the privilege of touring the Kravet offices and I had a little sneak peek at the Sarah Richardson line.....I practically broke a sweat with excitement and grilled the Kravet peeps about the behind-the-scenes deets on Ms. Richardson....word around the office is that she is super sweet and a true pleasure to work with. Glad to hear her reputation didn't disappoint!

And here are some of the fabrics available at Kravet! If you are interested in any of these fabrics, Homestyling101 can get them for you!

Brookhaven


Hazelwood


 
Highpoint





Cottingham

Thank you Sarah for these wonderful fabrics...I already ordered my samples for an upcoming project!

Summer Break

So without any planning or notice- I took a hiatus from blogging. It wasn't something I really planned or premeditated. School ended and life took over. While I do love to blog and check in with you all- when things get busy I just can't seem to muster up any creativity for the blog. And I would rather take a hiatus that put out some half thought-out posts for you all! Heck- some of you may not have even noticed my break!

Besides, in the creative field, I find that taking a mental break from things helps to stir the creative pot a bit! So this summer I had plenty of fun with my kids. We took a few trips and I worked a bit. And now...I'm ready to blog again! One of the other things I bailed on this year was the NY show...now called NY NOW at the Javits Center. It always seems to be around my hubby's birthday and we often jet out of town. So while I didn't attend in person, I am following the cool products that were introduced there....and some of my faves came from Red Egg.

 

 Wished I was swinging here this summer....LOVE!

This little lover has file drawers in the bottom...who wouldn't want this in their office?

 

And they have the most amazing chairs available in multiple beautiful finishes! 

And now that I'm back I'll continue to share my inspirations with you! Happy to be back! Hope you all enjoyed your summer and fueled your creativity!