Making a beautiful space takes....TIME!

Whoo baby, I have been busy!   One project is starting to wind down, which means that installation time is upon us.  Cabinetry is being finished, walls painted, lighting installed, furnishings delivered (slowly, slowly).  Still many layers to come, but I thought I'd show you a tiny peek of the progress.  Here's a "before" picture in one of the rooms:

And here's a shot of the sofa with it's new slipcover and the fabulous stacked travertine wall:

This is  not the final layout--wait till you see what's next.  But for now, look at that lovely stone wall!  That was completely my client's idea.  She and her hub are very creative and a joy to work with (and they're my friends--what could be better?).   If you were in the room, you would see that the stone sparkles!  Makes me swoon it's so beautiful.  Swoon is such an old word, but it's apt so I work to keep it alive.

Will show you more when I can.  I've got pics from some other projects that I keep meaning to post.  It's been a wonderful year for DeCocco Design, despite this awful economy.  Clients have wanted some serious creativity and have really let me soar.   To see designs coming to reality and becoming warm, inviting, liveable and beautiful homes is gratifying.  It's a lot of work, and worth every minute of it, because there's no place like home. 

So I've got lots going on.  Fall in NC is gorgeous.  Temps in the 70's and 80's with the humidity (finally) gone.  Soccer games with Grandboy, still training the goofy dog.  Hub is enjoying his job.  Oh, we had our first tiny bonfire in the backyard last week.  Let me find that picture for you.

It started as a BIG pile of sticks from the yard.  Burned down quickly while we ate our dinner of gorditas on the picnic table close by.  Then we roasted marshmallows--I think those were Grandboy's first.  He wasn't thrilled with the taste, which made me laugh.  I don't think it's the actual taste of burnt marshmallow that we all love.  It's the setting and the experience and the memories of it all.  We'll have to do it again!

Ciao,

Anne

A coup d'etat--and the dog is victorious

 A lot to catch up on.  Late this summer I found this favorite treat from New England at The Fresh Market on Falls of Neuse:

Whoopie Pie!  They're really good.  Really good.  My mom used to make these.  The filling was shortening and confectioner's sugar.  Seriously.  Shortening. 

So I mentioned that we got a dog, Dixie .  Then I disappeared.  While I said that I knew how much work it would be, my true memory is obviously quite dim.  But one nice thing about having a new dog is that I have to take her outside A LOT. As I walk and stand in the rain, in the dark, in the early morning, in the afternoon... hopeful for some doggy drainage, I have nothing to do but stare at the beautiful tree trunks in the yard.  And the beatiful "stuff" growing on the trunks is interesting.  I don't know if it's called moss or lichen or what.  The colors and patterns are lovely.

I've also seen quite the variety of mushrooms.  All kinds of colors and shapes!  Who knew?  But here's the one that stopped me in my tracks and made me go get the camera:

No, I do not have a dirty mind, but come on--is this freaky or what?

Back to Dixie.  We got her on Labor Day weekend, so we all had plenty of time to get to know each other.  but then Tuesday came and Hub went to work (YAY!) and Grandboy went to school (YAY!) and when they both disappeared out the door together, this is Dixie looked like:

She's looking a little scared to be left with me, don't you think?  I'm the one with all the treats, but I'm also the one who insists on good behavior.  Bummer.   Gosh, she's cute.  Gosh, people with new dogs are such a bore.  I don't care.

So this is what I've purchased since getting the dog from the truly fabulous folks at the Wake SPCA:

the dog (bargain priced)

pretty collar 

a harness style leash (SPCA recommend)

a retractable leash (my choice)

repairs to the invisible fence (Dog Guard of Raleigh is fabulous)

a lead (the vet's choice)

a Gentle Leader (another freakin' kind of leash, works great, phew)

approx. 8 very tough toys (she's a lab, can chew up a tennis ball in 10 minutes)

a vet visit (Care First Animal Hospital, a wonderful place)

3 months worth of heartworm and flea preventatives

Benadryl (she came with an upper respiratory infection)

obedience lessons at Petco with the talented Corianna

dog food - training treats

hot dogs - training treats

chicken - you get the drift

cheese - I'll try it all

packaged treats - they see me coming

a barrier for the car (she wants to drive)

I'm sure I've missed a couple of things

So my hope to purchase a kayak this Fall will be seriously delayed. I know all those purchases may not sound necessary to you, but you're not the small woman in her 50's being dragged across the yard by an exuberant, sparkling, spirited dog who just saw a deer and then a squirrel and don't forget about the CAT!!!!  It takes some serious motivation to gently break this wild pony and bring her up to our own low, but civilized standards. And Grandboy loves having her at his side.  They run and tumble and the TV hasn't been turned on all week.   So there.

I won't talk about the dog anymore.  It's out of my system now.  Well, I'll try not to. 

Ciao,

Anne



Dog in the house!

Her name should be Goofy, but it's Dixie (Chick).  This picture is from the shelter--she hasn't stood still long enough for me to take a picture.  She's about 8smonths old.  Full of energy.  Arrived here yesterday, don't think she's slept yet.  I swear I saw the cat give me the finger this morning.

Will  eventually do a post about designing around animals, but right now have to go take something out of her mouth...

Ciao,
Anne

Find of the Week

My hat is off to households that get kids out the door to school every morning and then back in--then to handle all the details of getting them ready to do it all again the next day.  Of course, some people struggle with getting themselves out the door!  I can relate to both. My Find of the Week was seen at Target .  This is helpful when packing lunches and snacks, whether for kids or yourself.  It's called a Chill Pack.  It's by Aladdin and the containers come in a couple of sizes, such as sandwich and snack.  They're plastic containers with lids--no big deal, I know.  But wait--they've got an ice pod attached under the lid!  LOVE THAT!  It comes right off for easy cleaning and for storing in the freezer.

 

Grandboy's sandwiches are cooler and safer, his grapes for snack stay nice and chilled.  I couldn't find a picture of the exact ones I have, but this is from their website.  They've got all kinds of things, and many of their products feature sustainable and recycled components.   I think I paid just under $5 at Target for the sandwich containers and quite a bit less for the snack container.  Maybe these have been on the market for years, but it's a find for me and it's brilliant!

Ciao,
Anne 

Summer days

This has been the fastest summer of my life.  It was a great one with time spent with family and friends, plenty of design work with lovely new clients (my clients are always the nicest people, I am so lucky) two trips to the ocean,  discovering the kayak, oh, the list just goes on and on.  In such a turbulent time for our world, I have had nothing to complain about.  That doesn't mean I don't have my challenges, but I'm always surrounded by trees and air and smiling people, so it's manageable and I feel blessed.

Here's a couple of shots of recent fun:

First and foremost, Hub had great career news, so there was a party--large and festive. 

 I did not take one single picture because I was busy yakking and laughing.  Before it began, I took this shot of some of the lanterns that were hung on the screened porch.  They look so good that I went back to Pier 1 the next day and bought some more--they're on clearance, so it wasn't a major splurge.  The small and medium sizes have LED lights in them.  Very magical at night,  colorful and fun during the day.

Then we went to Wrightsville Beach for a couple of days at the Holiday Inn.  I love that place.  You can park the car and never leave the property.  It's on the beach, there's an outdoor pool and an indoor pool and it's very family oriented.  Plenty for the kids to do and eat.   Not a cheap getaway, but it's definitely a break for everyone.  Friends of ours surprised us by driving down for dinner one night. Then we watched the movie "Rio" on a big screen at the pool.  Very cute.

Here's Grandboy on the beach.  Isn't he getting HUGE?  He can officially swim and rides a mean boogie board. He's my "barefoot boy with cheeks of tan."  Ever read that poem by John Greenleaf Whittier?   Click on the link and enjoy--it's very sweet.

Here's a shot of footprints left by Grandboy and a sandpiper.  It's so much fun taking pictures at the beach.  They all look good! 

 

Wait--one more. Some of the shells we collected,drying off on my newest dishtowel from Crate & Barrel.  You've got to know how much I love dishtowels.  I think they called this one "beach."  Excellent!

LOTS to talk about.  I promise to be much more regular from now on.  Oh, that didn't sound the way I intended it to.   In posting!  No, it still doesn't sound right. 

Ciao,

Anne

A NYC kitchen

Heather Clawson is a talented young interior designer, living and working in New York City.  Her blog, Habitually Chic,  is one I subscribe to.  Click here so you can read it, too.  She works tirelessly at it--I believe there's a new post every day (amazing).  Heather writes about both interior and fashion design.  Just a little blurb that's interesting and informative, accompanied by great pictures!

Anywho, Heather recently wrote about moving from one apartment to another in the big city, and she showed us a picture of her new kitchen.  Made quite the impression on me.  Let's see what you think:

This is the After shot.  She's done a great job of polishing it up and making the most of the space.  Nice colors,  good organization, homey touches, orginal art that has meaning to her (my kind of girl).  This is the WHOLE kitchen!    

Ciao,

Anne

Want a peek inside a trade only fabric showroom?

There are many reasons to hire a trained interior designer.  Oh, the things we can help you with!  We  have access to some really special places, and one of my favorites are the "trade only" fabric showrooms.  The selection is completely and totally awesome and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. There are thousands upon thousands of choices, so their help is important.  Otherwise I'd have to spend much more time (at an hourly rate to my clients mind you), tracking down that perfect pattern in just the right colorway.

Karen Saks is one of our showrooms and A. Hoke is the other.  And they're right across the street from each other, which is very helpful, except that the road is super busy and crossing it is life threatening, but I'll save that rant for another day.

Would you like to get a peek inside the Karen Saks showroom? I just happened to take a few pictures last week to show you!

Rows and rows of fabric manufacturers, organized by vendor, type and color.

 

Here's an example of one row.  Nicely organized.

Fabrics, trimmings, wallpapers, furnishings and rugs are scattered throughout.

Tables down the center aisle to hold our bags, notebooks, laptops, etc.  My table is always piled high with "stuff."   I'll bring my camera to A. Hoke this week.  Same business, super nice people, very different kind of floor plan.

Ciao,

Anne

DeCocco Design is dispensing advice!

Houzz- Kitchen Design, Bathroom Design and More»

Browse Bath Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bathroom Vanities And Sink Consoles · Bathroom Faucets · Bathroom Storage · Bath And Spa Accessories · Showers · Bathroom Tile · Towels · Bathtubs ·

A couple of months ago, the editor at Houzz.com asked if I'd like to join their panel of experts who answer design questions on their stunning website.  Of course I said "YES!" because I like nothing better than telling other people what to do.  Have you taken a look at Houzz.com yet?  Please do, you will LOVE it!  I found this little blurb about it at shopsmartmag.org:

Houzz.com helps you design with pros

I love flipping through shelter magazines, and peering at gorgeously decorated rooms. It’s a great way to spend downtime and get ideas. But now one of my new guilty pleasures is Houzz.com (pronounced howz).


Hop on this site, where design pros download photos of their work and you’ll find thousands of drool-worthy room settings in all sorts of styles, including trad, mod, eclectic. Plus, when you see little green tags on items pictured in the rooms, you’ll find out where to get it and how much it cost.


And if you have a design question or need remodeling advice, just send in the photo of the room (or even outside area of your house) in question and you can pick up some free advice. The site also offers a new free app for iPads and iPhone."  by Sue Perry, 6/28/11

When you go to Houzz, you'll see a search box.  Put in something like "hardwood floors" and then click on "Ideabooks" or "Photos" or even "Products."  You'll be amazed at the results.  It's like a personalized magazine.

modern living room design by san francisco architect John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

You can gather photos that you want to keep and remember into your own Ideabooks.  It's very simple.  If I can do it, you can do it for sure.  Put  DeCocco Design in that search box and then click "Users," and you'll see my growing collection of ideabooks  Here's an example of one:  http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/306398/list/great-ideas  It shows photos that people have posted that I think are worth remembering for my next design dilemna.

Have fun with it.

Ciao,
Anne

The Company Men

Last night Hub and I watched "The Company Men" on demand (I love on demand).  As a family experiencing this very subject matter, we were amazed at how well they nailed it.  Every character and situation was well played. Each person who goes through the loss of a job experiences it in a very personal and unique way, but there are (obviously) common threads,  reactions and realities.  The movie has a great cast--including Kevin Costner (still a hunk of a man).   Not my favorite subject, that's for sure, but a very good movie.  You should see it!

Ciao,

Anne

Interior design in the summer, NC style.

It was SO great to take a little break and head to the beach for a long holiday weekend.  To say that we had fun is an understatement.  I kayaked for the first time and am officially in love with a boat.  Is "kayaked" a word?  I've been telling Hub for a long time that I want a boat, but had no idea what kind of boat I could manage on my own if necessary.  Now I know!

Here's a picture of Grandboy in the kayak with Mr. Bill.  I think he's squinting with manly exertion.

We also canoed, tubed, swam, ate ice cream and strawberry shortcake (that Claudia made--REAL biscuit shortcake), saw some fireworks,  bought fish right off the dock, oh yeah, that reminds me, Grandboy caught a lovely striped bass:

I know, he's upside down.  That's how I took the picture in all the excitement and it looks weird if I turn it around.  Not to worry, he went right back into the sound seconds later.  Everything we caught was sent right back.  Twice the hook popped right out of their mouths, which was a bonus.

Seeing some of the bog fires on the way to the Outer Banks was really weird .  Lots of damage.  Miles and miles of blackened trees and brush.

More to come very soon.  I worked like a crazy woman to be able to go to the beach--some wonderful clients have come my way this year and I had to find a point where I could freeze everything in place for just a bit.  Summer is usually a slow time in my business, but so far that's not the case.  I hope you're having some fun this summer.  Life is short.  Go to Dairy Queen.

Ciao,
Anne