A Mirrored Wall Alternative

I love this wall of framed, antiqued mirrors by famed interior designer Kelly Wearstler for the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica, California.  It reminds me of two things: Initially it reminded me of the old mirrored walls, usually of 12"x12"mirrored tiles, found in dining rooms, typically one wall, in the 1960's, 70's, and 80's.  But after more contemplation, I realized this approach is an updated version creating so much more depth, interest, and repetition -- which brings me to my second point.  It also reminds me of a patterned wallpaper.  The positioning of all the mirrors fills the walls so completely and exactly that the overall effect is the illusion of wallpaper vs. a wall grouping.  Brilliant!

Can you think of a space in your home where this would be a good option?

Toodles!!  Susan

Green is for Money and Luck

Recently, a girlfriend and I were in Sarasota, Florida and late one night, we were driving along and happened upon this bank.  I was just floored, and I loved it!!  It was all lit up in GREEN!  The color GREEN was completely saturating this building.  It is so fabulous on so many levels, don't you agree??  Of course, now I can't remember the name of the bank but I dare to bet you it has something to do with that big, oversized neon four leaf clover at the top, huh?

Let's explore all those areas of relevance with the green/bank relationship!  In the United States, GREEN stands for money, wealth, and capitalism because that's what color is on our monetary notes.  GREEN stands for luck as in the four leaf clover at the top of the bank.  GREEN also corresponds to the Old English verb "growan" or "to grow" to explain plants of the ocean.  We all want our money "to grow" in the bank, right?  GREEN is also associated with regeneration, fertility, and rebirth for it's connections to nature.  We all want our money to flourish or be revived after a decline!

Another interesting tidbit of GREEN is its use in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  In the Emerald City, everyone wears tinted glasses which makes everything look green.  Why?  The political interpretations of the story suggest the author, L. Frank Baum, used the color GREEN for the city to depict the financial system of America which was debating the use of paper money vs. gold at the time.

Last but not least, we should all be aware of the GREEN movement of recycle, reuse, and reduce.  Hopefully by following the 3 R's approach, we should all be able to save money and have more GREENBACKS in the bank!

Stay fresh and vibrant with GREEN!!

Susan

Arts & Crafts Homes Magazine Photo Shoot

Hi All!  We recently finished doing a photo shoot at a client’s home for Arts & Crafts Homes and the Revival magazine with the ever fabulous photographer, Karen Melvin!  What a fun filled day it was, and the photos are absolutely incredible!  Karen is a genius in bringing to life the 2D media of photography and giving it as much warmth and depth as the actual 3D environment.  I’ve included just a few prepping photos from our day at my client’s home.  We brought lots of goodies for props, fillers, styling, etc.

Lots of floral, fruits (real and fake) for styling.  We actually decided the fake looked better than the real deal.  Go figure!!

Kristin, my assistant, keeping tabs on all of the lovely props, and perusing for the next item or grouping we need.

Looking out from the kitchen into the living room.  We brought lots of fun yellow and chartreuse colors to add pop to the warm wood tones.  Little glimpse of my wonderful client who let us create chaos in her home for the day!

Kristin and myself primping and rearranging.  Details, angles, and every inch is crucial in getting the right look with decor relationships.

The photography is absolutely gorgeous!  I can't wait to share it all with you; however, you'll have to be patient.  It won't come out in publication until Winter 2012/2013.  Don't worry -- I'll for sure keep you posted!

Cheers, Susan