Designer Secrets

I swear it takes me the whole month to read a magazine.  I love shelter mags because they can be a source of inspiration and entertainment.  Tonight I'm reading the latest issue of House Beautiful. "101 Designer Secrets" by Lisa Cregan caught my eye.  I'm often asked what the "rules" of home decoration are and people seem happiest with answers involving numbers.  I'm not saying whether I agree or disagree with any of the following, but the article was full of such answers, so I'll share some with you:

Hang artwork 63" on center above the floor for perfect viewing height.


When framing artwork, specify a mat with 8-ply thickness to create an impressive bevel.


A bed should be no higher than 23" off the floor.


A bench at the foot of a bed should be at least 2" shorter than the width of the mattress.


No more than 6 pillows on the bed.


Mount 5 robe hooks 68" high instead of a towel bar.


Dining room chandeliers should hang 60"-66" above the floor.


End tables should be no less than 30" high.


Bedside tables should be 36-38" high


A rectangular table should be 36" wide.


Give yourself at least 36" of space between the dining table and wall to pull out chairs comfortably.


Wall sconces in a bathroom should be installed 66" above the floor to the center of the fixture.


Drapery panels should have a 1/2" break at the floor.


Put light switches 36" off the floor and 1 1/2" - 2" off the door trim.


When ordering fabric, add 2 yards so that you never run out and you can replace a ruined cushion.


15 watt bulbs simulate candlelight.


Sofas should be 6.5'-7' long.


Install an outlet 28" high behind a console table to allow a lamp to be plugged in with no unsightly cords dripping off the top.

Hope you enjoyed those numbers.  Read the whole article in the May 2012 issue of House Beautiful;

Ciao,
Anne

More fab finds

I stopped in to TJ Maxx today.  Haven't been there in such a long time!  I could have taken home many things and tucked them away for clients, but you know I just can't do that.  I don't have a storage unit (maybe I'll get one!) and my office would be crammed in no time.  See the chair above? (phone pictures don't do my finds justice)  Very Restoration Hardware (their new look).  Lovely weathered finish with a hint of gray, beautiful heavy linen upholstery.  $300.  Let's see what RH would charge for this...

This is what I found at Restorationhardware.com.  It's on special for $249! How embarrassing. At least you know I'm honest with you!  Of course, you'd have to pay for shipping  and I think the one I saw is a bit more generous in size.  But still....  Ok!  On to the next find!

This lamp is hefty, has a 3 way switch, a brushed nickel finish and a great shade--$50 (or $45.99, something like that--try not to pin me down when I'm in the thrall of the discount experience).  Too bad I can't rip off the plastic covering when I photograph lampshades (don't they know who I am?).  This one is brown with an ivory pin dot pattern.  Very nice.  You get a dark shade that will still give off some nice light (unlike black shades of olde).  I will not be looking up how much it would cost at Restoration Hardware.  I've learned my lesson. 

Then there was this artsy retro  beauty:

The shade isn't quite right, but the base has that lovely drippy fired pottery look. I like it.  No price tag, so it must be free.  I'd guess it to be in the $35-50 range, based on their other lamps.  Aging hippies will snap it up.

Ciao,

Anne

Fashion Alert!

Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

Fashion and I have a difficult relationship.  I love great style, but cling to the classics and scowl when I see anything that makes life more difficult, never mind downright dangerous.  In the picture above, you see the fabulous and accomplished Sofia Coppola.  She's holding a Louis Vuitton handbag.  I often love L. Vuitton bags, but come on, this one is SUCH a bad idea!  Maybe as a carry-on when travelling, but look at how big it is on that tiny woman!  And do you see the shoulder strap, dangling near the dirty sidewalk and ready to trip her up at some point?  Now I'm sure Sofia Coppola never trips on her shoulder strap.  I, however, would trip, or at the least manage to drag that strap through a puddle or two on my way to meet the queen.  Let's pass on that bag.

I feel better.  I've saved the world in my own little way. 

I'm taking a client to Ikea for some shopping next week. Want me to check anything out for you?  Sit on a chair to see how it feels?  I'm going to remember to check out the quality of their leather furnishings (I always forget) and will report back.  With those prices, my expectations are low, but you never know.

Ciao,

Anne

SuzAnna's Antiques in Raleigh

Oh my gosh, this place is SO GOOD.  Suzanna's Antiques on Durant Road in Raleigh is chock full of stuff!  I've only been visiting this store for a little over a year, but every time I go, they've grown again, switched things around and added more vendors.  Now they've gone and added another building!  This new addition means that most of the store is now totally indoors (used to be very opened up and no heat, no air conditioning), so it's a much more comfortable place.  I could easily furnish much of an entire house here, regardless of the owner's style.  There's a lot of architectural salvage, loads of dressers chairs, table, lamps and accessories.  Many things could be repurposed in all sorts of ways.  Truly the epitome of Green Design.  Nothing is "new."  Great prices.  Some things need elbow grease and imagination--my favorite tools.

I know, I sound like a commercial. Don't mean to, but I so enjoy places like this.  There's even a guy who sells fresh veggies and fruits.  Just take a look at SuzAnna's blog and then head over there. 

This is just a small slice of the place.

Ciao,

Anne