"Quick....I Need a Tablecloth!"

 What does one do when one needs a tablecloth and has a particular thing in mind.... no time and no funds? One idea.....make it oneself!

I have a different table in the Dining Room this year than last....the old one was a rectangle, and now it is round. This new (old) table may not be permanent since I think it is too small, but it is doing for now. I had a table cloth in mind....one with bold dark grey stripes. But I certainly did not have time to find it or have one made for the Holidays!

What to do in a pinch? Take out a trusty paint drop cloth....they are huge and very inexpensive....

 Buy some paint and a 9" roller from Home Depot. The 9" size was just about the right size for my stripes.....

 Spread out the drop cloth on top of another drop cloth....don't forget! The paint does seep through....

 If you would like things to be perfect, use painter's tape for making the lines straight. I chose to go a more casual route that ended up being a bit modern looking and "imperfect"...much less stressful! 

 And in one afternoon....I had the effect I was going for....I draped the table and tucked the extra edges underneath....

 Then the real fun of setting the table began! I have a pair of hand blown glass candelabras from Mexico...I used one for the center. I added gold chargers and my vintage Tiffany gold edged plates....I kind of liked the simplicity and was thinking to just stop here....but I kept on going.

 I added some Chinese green glazed plates and my new La Rochere Jacques Coeur wine and water glasses, white hotel napkins and silver....

 I made a boxwood "ball" using boxwood from the yard to put on the candelabra and some little mercury glass votive holders held more boxwood....

A few brass horns and pine cones from my Holiday stash....

Some votive candles, and Mother of Pearl salt dishes.....

All done!



Dinner at 8:00!

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday!

Here's to a Joyful and Prosperous New Year!

Monday''s Music Lyrics -- Today (by Smashing Pumpkins)

This is a GREAT song... The lyrics are so simple and real. TODAY is the greatest day... It's so easy to get caught up in the tomorrows and the someday outlook of life. And that's not living... That's not experiencing the greatness that exists each and everyday including TODAY... As we enter 2011, I hope you will take the time to remember each day, that "Today is the greatest day you've ever known...and that you can't live for tomorrow." Happy New Year!!



Today is the greatest
Day I've ever known
Can't live for tomorrow,
Tomorrow's much too long
I'll burn my eyes out
Before I get out

I wanted more
Than life could ever grant me
Bored by the chore
Of saving face

Today is the greatest
Day I've never known
Can't wait for tomorrow
I might not have that long
I'll tear my heart out
Before I get out

Pink ribbon scars
That never forget
I tried so hard
To cleanse these regrets
My angel wings
Were bruised and restrained
My belly stings

Today is
Today is
Today is
The greatest day

I want to turn you on
I want to turn you on
I want to turn you on
I want to turn you

Today is the greatest
Today is the greatest day
Today is the greatest day
That I have ever really known

Season's Greetings -- MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

As I've said before, Christmas is certainly my most favourite time of the year. Yes, because of my own personal faith... but also because it is the season of giving; a time for family to come together and a time to share love. As we are on the brink of a new year and the eve of the true spirit of giving, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and for your interest in my idle thoughts. :)

But, mostly I want to wish you a truly amazing and wonderful CHRISTMAS!!! May you be enshrouded by love, family and goodness!

Merry Christmas!
Nicole

Why I Love Track & Field....

I am in love… I am in love with the idea of self-actualizing…. I am in love with the idea of achieving your highest self, given your abilities, resources, opportunity and resiliency. In any endeavor one chooses to truly pursue you will be tried, rebuffed and refined. As the saying goes “if it was easy, everyone would do it.” And it is for this reason I LOVE the sport of Track & Field (properly known as Athletics). To me it synonymously and ubiquitously defines the pursuit of self-actualizing.

It is a sport that forces an individual to constantly push their upper limit... literally. Not to take away from any other sport (as I am certainly a sports fan and believe every sport offers their own beauty), Track & Field is the Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, and Stronger.” Literally, every time an athlete steps out on the track to compete it’s an exploration of one’s body to see how fast, how far or how high it physically can go. WOW!!!! Maximal force and maximal velocity can lead to supreme performances or extreme injuries. In a single jump, I’ve managed to tear my patellar off the bone, shred the ligaments in my ankle and tear my hamstring muscle from its insertion… And I KNOW I’m not unique to this experience. Injury and peak performance walk a close line… The taste of victory is sweetened by the ability to get back up every time you’ve been knocked down. This is life on the track…. But it is also mirroring REAL life.

Track & Field is the oldest sport in the world! EVERY other sport uses some element of track & field in their training. Indeed it is a fundamental sport. And although it is only the 2nd most popular sport in the world (behind soccer), it is the MOST participated sport in the world!!! If you ask me, that’s pretty impressive. Because of this depth of competition, arguably, it could be said to be the most competitive sport in the world. Thus, if you manage to be a World Champion in Track and Field, you are LITERALLY a WORLD CHAMPION! Incredible…

Additionally, it is a sport that constantly redefines what is possible. A simple, surprising performance can make an athlete go from obscurity to a legend - rewriting history and the definition of the human body’s ability. Roger Bannister breaking the 4-minute mile barrier and doing what was said to be “humanly impossible,” or Bob Beamon said to have leaped over the moon with a world record performance that lasted 23 years are examples of this.

As I enter the last 2 years of my athletic career, I have nothing but gratitude for this sport AND continued curiosity of my own maximal ability. Track & field teaches me the power of resiliency and dares me to explore new depths of myself – an invaluable experience. This sport I came by chance on that fateful day I was discovered working at McDonald’s, has forever changed my life - on and off the track. I am in love! I am in love with achieving self-actualization in everything I do.

Thank you Track & Field,
Nicole

Bob Beamon - Redefining what is possible

Monday's Music Lyrics -- The Christmas Song -- Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire... (Nat King Cole)

This is certainly my FAVOURITE Christmas song... And no other version is sweeter than Nat King Cole's. I can't deny that outside the holiday season and even during the summer months I'll still listen to this song. There is certainly a romantic element to it, with Nat's unique voice and style. But, the song also paints the picture of an ideal Christmas scene. Oh,how I enjoy Christmas!!! And as we enter the week of Christmas, and as it is spoken so elequently in this song, I leave you with "Although it's been said many times, many ways - Merry Christmas to you!" I wish you and your family all the love and enjoyment this holiday season can bring!

The Christmas Song -- Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire...
(written by vocalist Mel Tormé and Bob Wells)




Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey
and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys
and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer
really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said
many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you.

Holiday Decor at the Denham House

 The Holidays are about sharing and being with Family and Friends, right? So I wanted to share a little of what's been going on at our house. In between moving Mom in, working, and spending time with my daughter who is home for the Holidays from her first year at college, we have been decking the halls just a little bit.

Last year I made some stockings for the mantle using white burlap, trimming them with a little left over green linen I had from a local Showhouse I had worked on years ago. I added wooden letters to each stocking for each family member's initials. I made them with carved wood letters that I found at Michael's, which I painted black, then added gilding on top of that. I rubbed through the gilt so some of the black paint showed through. Cost for each stocking, about $6. 

My Mom brought some very fun things with her when she moved it! She had the vintage wire basket (I think it looks like a crown!) and we filled it with crystal bunches of grapes, decanter stoppers, and huge crystal chandelier drops. She also has been collecting crystal balls and spheres for some time, which we scattered across the mantle. I put up a Flea Market painting I found and a copper float that has faded to a beautiful grey-green atop a white ironstone footed bowl. Glass hhurricane lanterns and small glass votive holders, Cedar and Fir garland complete the mantle. Family memories, new and old make it special to all of us.

Our tree is not very "designer-y". There are so many beautiful takes on designer trees out there, my mind is boggled every year with all of the creativity out there! But our tree remains pretty much the same from year to year. Our kids love to put up ornaments we have collected over the years, many of which I had when I was growing up, some of which my Mom has had since her early marriage since the 50's! All of them hold Christmas stories for us....even the gold paper stars that have been on our tree ever since I was little. It may not be the chic-est...but it is perfection to us!

I hope you all have wonderful memories of Christmas past and joyful plans for Christmas present!

* Happy Weekend! *

Ding!Ding!Ding! We Have A Winner!!!

Thank you all so much for entering the Bodmer Throw Holiday Give Away! The response was wonderful! I and the Bodmers much appreciate all of the enthusiastic comments. Bodmer products really are soft, luxurious and beautiful !

As a special treat, the Bodmers have very kindly extended a very nice discount for all of you on their website. Just use the code: KATIEDID for an extra 20% off any purchase you make...just in time for Christmas!

Now......drum roll please!

The Winner is....

NANCY!!

Congratulations Nancy. I know you will have many cozy moments with your new throw!

Thank you all again for entering, and

* Happy Holidays! *

Last Chance to Enter Holiday Give Away!

Tonight is the night! I will be picking the winner of the Bodmer Throw Give Away first thing in the morning!

Click HERE for rules on how to enter!

Good Luck!!!

And

 Happy Holidays

What Once Was Old.....

 Our household has been going through some major changes of late. As families grow and change, so do lifestyles and priorities. Recently, it became apparent that my mother needed to make a change in her lifestyle. She was needing a little help managing, and her home was no longer working for her. We decided the best thing was for her to move in with us. When we remodeled our home, we dug out a basement with exterior access, bathroom, laundry room and large open space which became my office. We decided to consolidate my office and split the space in two so Mom could have a little studio and her own bathroom. The Laundry Room will eventually become a kitchenette for her....but one step at a time.

Every day, I thank the powers that be for my husband, Tim. Not every husband would welcome their MIL into their home with open arms. Not only that, he built a wall to separate the space in the basement, complete with French door. He moved box after box of books and household "stuff". He emptied her garage and gave up his parking space in our garage so we could store her things there. He made sure the SureWest guys wired her new room for TV and phone. He was there when the glass shower door was installed in the bathroom. He painted and cleaned. Now that Mom is here, he makes her dinner and lets her do the crossword puzzle....formerly his territory. Sometimes they do it together. All of this he does in addition to all of the other things he does, large and small, for our family. (Last night he brought home poinsettias for the front porch). It is a rare thing to hear any peep of impatience. It is a rare thing to have a husband like this.

So.....this Holiday Season, I feel overwhelmed with appreciation for my husband. He is better than any present I could wish for. He is better than any vacation, car or house. He is better than diamonds. Let me rephrase.....he IS my diamond. There is an abundance in his care for us. 

When Tim and I were moving my mother's things out of her garage, we discovered a little table. It was a bit forlorn, covered in cobwebs and water stained, but it charmed me none the less. The top had come off and had broken in two, but  the rest was in pretty solid shape. Someone had lovingly built this table and I decided it was time to put it back to good use. A few finish nails to put the top back on, and a couple of coats of paint, and it is a wonderful little perch for a drink and a book. It may go through more changes.... A different color, or removal of the paint for a lime wash effect. I haven't decided yet. It will evolve over time....like our family....like us.

I wish you all a

 Very Joyous and Abundant Holiday Season

P.S........Only a couple of days left to enter the Holiday Give Away:

Click on over HERE for the rules and to enter!

Good Luck!!

Monday's Music Lyrics -- Happy Christmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon

Christmas is by far my favourite holiday of the year... For what it stands for... For nostalgic reasons... And for the future of positive possibilities it presents...

There are certainly a few songs at Christmas that are my favourite. The song "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" by John Lennon is actually a melancholy one, but with lyrics so true that I immensely enjoy it. I like it because it begs the question "Another year over, and what have you done;" while wishing "A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year. Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear."

It's crazy that 30 years after his death the words of John Lennon are as profound and applicable now as they were then. During this incredible holiday season, we should think about how each one of us 'can be the change in the world we'd like to see,' as stated by Gandhi. A better tomorrow starts with the person in the mirror.

(Don't forget to check out my NEW Official Facebook Page!)

Monday's Music Lyrics -- Happy Christmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon



So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
War is over over
If you want it
War is over
Now...


Please note the video version below includes difficult viewing images.

We are back in the wood shop

Making something special for homecoming!

Shopping for the Holidays? One Kings Lane Weekend Line Up



Barry Dixon, the very first designer featured on OKL's Tastemaker series

  This Saturday One Kings Lane has a Tastemaker Tag Sale line up that couldn't be more perfect for Holiday Shopping Season! Three of my favorite designers are set to offer items from their own private collections to us lucky shoppers at prices up to 70% off retail! Washington DC designer Barry Dixon is on board, as is LA's own Nathan Turner and New York City's design duo, Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke.

Here are just some of the goodies for sale:

Barry Dixon's collection features items large and small, all classic, and all definite conversation starters!



Nathan Turner, star of upcoming Bravo TV Series, "Million Dollar Decorators"...Can you even wait for this to come on?!

 

Nathan Turner's collection.....what can I say? I am all over it! I've got dibs on the ottoman, leather chair, and busts. Stand back.



Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke, fun and fierce design duo from New York



Fresh, fun and fabulous, the collection from Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke would fit into any decor.

And there you have it!

Hop on over to One Kings Lane this Saturday, December 11th to join in the fun. The Tastemaker Tag sale opens 11:00 am ET and 8:00 am PT. And for more information about the sale click on over HERE.

Happy Hunting!!!

The (Dating) GAME...

Any single person engaging in flirting, conversation and dating is all too familiar with the term “the game.” It involves a series of indiscriminate actions of appearing interested, yet not overly interested in the other person. Participants may wait a long time before calling, fail to return calls/texts immediately, or appear busier than they actually are with a possible sense of disinterest. To me this basically means, "I’m going to pretend that I don’t like you and by so doing gain your interest."

This never works for me!

I guess players of “the game” subscribes to the thrill of the chase. They may even believe that if they let that other person know how interested they truly are, they may appear desperate or less appealing. Personally, I HATE “the game” and I don’t play it!

I am incredibly impatient and too much of a straight shooter. Usually, when the game is played on me I interpret it to mean “you’re not really interested in me.” I’m also shamefully naïve, so unless someone spells out their interest to me, I’ll totally overlook them. And while I’ve never played “the game” I can’t deny I do envy those who’ve crafted an art out of it. But, it would appear that anything that begins in game must end in game.

Personally, playing “the game” on me doesn’t work. It does the opposite. Time is one of my most valuable possessions and I’m not about to waste it playing games. There are too many amazing people out there to wrongfully fill up your dating card with a dud… “The game” prolongs your effort of being discriminate and may provide a false sense of attraction. Attraction based on a cat and mouse game, with no true understanding of that person.

If a man has managed to peak my interests, why would I want to engage in “the game” knowing my time of getting to know him better will be delayed??? That’s wasting my time! For all I know, he can be attractive under the guise of the game, but a dud without it!

The texts/calls scenario is an interesting one concerning “the game.” I always respond to my texts/calls (whoever it may be) ASAP… However, in “the game” this can be confused with appearing overly interested. So a true player of “the game” should exercise caution in response time…. WHAT!!!! I’m sorry, that’s not me. If a guy wants to become delusional with interpreting my quick responses as being more than just being polite, that’s his problem. It takes more than a text message to gain my interest.

There are so many random rules in “the game” that it can end up looking like the unofficial rule book for Monopoly…. I think the whole dating scene should be one without rules and one where people are just themselves, honest and direct. Like I said and I’m witnessing there are so many amazing, attractive people out there. WOW! It’s a good time to be single. “The game” eats up your time of exploring this infinite abyss and finding someone who is ultimately RIGHT for you!

And, while, I present my arguments against “the game” I must admit I am no master of dating or Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex in the City.” I’ve had my fair share of dating woes that maybe my “straight shooter” approach isn’t the best option. Perhaps, I shouldn’t knock “the game” until I try it…

Dangerously Single,
Nicole

Project Peek

 I have been finishing up some projects recently and thought I would give you a peek!

This home is in the Prairie style in an historical neighborhood of Sacramento. The owners had moved here from Georgia and had brought all of their Federal style furniture with them, as well as an extensive art collection. We decided that the furniture was not a good fit for the home and began fresh. Art is a horse of a different color however. If it is good, it always works.  

 The house had been painted in colors more befitting a Victorian palette....lots of bold trim colors that contrasted with the wall colors. The first thing I did was to calm the wall colors so the art would be highlighted. I used a soft putty color for the trim and a warm ivory for the walls.

We wanted furnishings that paid tribute to the Prairie style aesthetic with a bit more modern edge. I designed a table for the Entry in a blackened iron with a grey limestone top. In the Living Room I found beautiful lamps from Aesthetic that were modeled after the block forms used by Frank Lloyd Wright at the Millard house in Pasadena, California. I also had leather armchairs made similar to Wright's armchairs from the Imperial Hotel. A mocha sisal area rug from Merida Meridian added texture and unified the space. (BTW...if you click on Merida's website...you can see some amazing photos of the Elle Decor Showhouse....Merida was a sponsor ya know!)

So......a little peek! Hope you enjoy.

I am very lucky to have wonderful clients. They make a project like this a pleasure. A big thanks to them both.

And I have to credit Peter Medilek for his beautiful photos! Thanks Peter!

***********

P.S...........Do not forget to enter my

HOLIDAY GIVE AWAY!

***********

Click on over HERE for a chance to win this beautiful baby alpaca throw from Bodmer:

The DASH

I was just introduced to this poem and found it poignant.... Life can be and is really incredible... But, you have to be hungry and really go after it. Leave nothing off the table. Sure you may have some bumps and bruises along the way, or maybe not have things always go your way, but that just adds to your rarity & shine. We are all awesome and partaking in "The Dash." Please enjoy this poem and pass it on....

THE DASH
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone from beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth and spoke the following with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth…
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own; the cars… the house… the cash.
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard… are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left. (You could be at “dash mid-range.")

If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,And always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation moreAnd love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile…Remembering that this special dash might only last a while.
So, when your eulogy's being read, with your life's actions to rehash…Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?

- Anonymous

The Holidays are Here, and so is Rustic Elegance

If there is one thing I always associate with the Holiday Season, it has to be snow. And why not? The Holidays are smack in the middle of snow season, at least up here north of the 40th parallel. 'Tis the Season for swooshing down the mountains on skis, or boards...whatever works for you. Whatever you choose, there is always the anticipation of a warm fire and a mug of something hot waiting at the end of the day.

When I received a copy of the new book, Rustic Elegance, written and photographed by Ralph Kylloe, I knew I was in for an armchair getaway to some of the most perfect Winter settings in North America. And what perfect timing! I could curl up in front of my own fireplace, Chai Latte in hand and dream a little snowbound dream.

Rustic Elegance is a collection of beautiful log cabins, all creations of Larry Pearson AIA, set in gorgeous country in states ranging from Montana and Wyoming to Colorado and California, and everywhere with snow in between. Larry Pearson has been recognized a a leader in rustic design for some time. Small wonder when one first sees the almost fairytale character (when I say "fairytale, I am talking Tolkien's splendor) of the log cabins...and when one ventures inside to stone fireplaces blazing, candles burning, and cozy down comforters calling.

What I liked about this beautifully put together book, besides the obvious full bleed gorgeous photography and heft of the 12"x11" 256 pg. thing, was the way the chapters were organized. Each chapter shows a different house, inside and out, every room including kitchens and baths. It is full of wonderful ideas ....for example, built-in bunks are a popular way to bring in more guests to share the fun.

If you are looking for a perfect armchair travel book for that mountain loving friend or family member, Rustic Elegance would be the one. Who knows, it might even inspire them to get out of that armchair and hit the slopes! Or at least don a pair of snowshoes and a backpack full of cheese, bread and a bottle of wine. It all sounds good.

All photographs from Rustic Elegance, written and photographed by Ralph Kylloe. Reprinted with permission of Gibbs Smith 

.........

and don't forget to enter my Holiday Give Away for another little something to keep you warm!

Monday's Music Lyrics -- Why Don't You Love Me? (Beyonce)

I don't know any woman who has never found themselves twisted over a guy... God knows I've been there before, but certainly not now, or ever again, for that matter. The truth is if someone can't recognize your beauty (inside & out), they aren't right for you!

I absolutely love this song, because it speaks to this point exactly. In fact, it starts off appearing that she is begging this man to love her, but in the end she realizes:

"There's nothing not to love about me
There's nothing not to need about me
Maybe you're just not the one
Or maybe you're just plain....... DUMB"

For any woman (or even man for that matter) who finds themselves lamenting over unrequited love, this needs to be your song!!! The truth is there are WAY TOO MANY attractive, phenomenal people out there who want to make you their world. But, as long you are in a headspace over someone less deserving you are unavailable to the greatness that awaits you! Why settle for someone who doesn't make you shine??? Cause really, there's nothing not to love about you! Feel it, Know it and Own it!!! ;)


"Why Don't You Love Me?" (Beyonce)
Songwriters: Beyince, Angela; Caine; Knowles, Beyonce Gisselle; Knowles, Solange; Rankins, Jesse J; Smith, Eddie Iii; Wells, Jonathan Dennard;



Now, now, now, honey
You better sit down and look around
Cause you must've bumped yo' head
And I love you enough to talk some sense back into you, baby
I'd hate to see you come home, me the kids
And the dog is gone
Check my credentials...
I give you everything you want everything you need
Even your friends say I'm a good woman
All I need to know is why?

Why don't you love me?
Tell me, baby, why don't you love me
When I make me so damn easy to love?
And why don't you need me?
Tell me, baby, why don't you need me
When I make me so damn easy to need?

I got beauty, I got class
I got style, and I got @ss
And you don't even care to care
Looka here
I even put money in the bank account
Don't have to ask no one to help me out
You don't even notice that

Why don't you love me?
Tell me, baby, why don't you love me
When I make me so damn easy to love?
Why don't you need me?
Tell me, baby, why don't you need me
When I make me so damn easy to need?

I got beauty, I got heart
Keep my head in them books, I'm sharp
But you don't care to know I'm smart
Now, now now now now now now
I got moves in your bedroom
Keep you happy with the nasty things I do
But you don't seem to be in tune
Ooh.....

Why don't you love me?
Tell me, baby, why don't you love me
When I make me so damn easy to love?
Why don't you need me?
Tell me, baby, why don't you need me
When I make me so damn easy to need?

There's nothing not to love about me
No, no, there's nothing not to love about me
I'm lovely
There's nothing not to need about me
No, no, there's nothing not to need about me
Maybe you're just not the one
Or maybe you're just plain....... DUMB

Elle Decor Showhouse 2010: Master Bedroom by Jay Jeffers

 What can one say about Jay Jeffers?! Great style, always a sense of humor, elegance, and wit.....in his own terms, "sophisticated fun". Jay manages to brighten up a space just like his smile can brighten any mood.

Jay's Master Bedroom at the Elle Decor Showhouse is no exception. Jay used a backdrop of soothing dove grey in this room and added touches of color to add a bit of drama. Notice all of the details: the gilt nightstands with the hanging lamps above....

The dramatic marble fireplace surround softened with luxurious curtains on either side....the fantastic geometric patterned ottoman with the modern ivory covered chairs...

... Jay even mirrors the ottoman fabric pattern with the tile in the Master Bath. Always thinking, always thinking.

Sigh....I am a fan, it's true. So of course I hopped over to the Elle Decor Website to get every bit of information. You can see a virtual tour of each room, the designers' inspiration sketches, and lots of other fun Showhouse "stuff".

For example,here is a virtual tour with Editor-in-Chief, Michael Boodro:



I hope you have a chance to hop over yourselves!

Oh! And do not forget to enter my fantastic

HOLIDAY GIVE AWAY

HERE!


For a Beautiful Bodmer Baby Alpaca Throw.
I will be announcing a winner December 16th!


Good Luck!!