Concrete Coffee Table And End Tables

concrete coffee table and end tables

Its hard for the camera to pick up all the detail and richness of this table...... This is a concrete coffee table and 2 end table that I built. I ...

New Online Magazine - Heart Home, and a WINNER!

Open publication - Free publishing

Online Magazine seem to be gaining in popularity, and there certainly are some great ones out there! One of the newest on the scene is 

Heart Home Magazine

.....direct from the heart of Britain. Founded by Arianna Trapani of Arianna Interiors, Carole King of Dear Designer's Blog and Daniel Nelson of Atelier Tally, Heart Home is full of Anglophilia and some more exotic stuff as well. 

A quarterly publication, Heart Home is full of interior decor, travel, fashion and all things British. It is bright, happy and creative.

A couple of articles in this debut issue are about two of my favorite bloggers, so I was excited to read all about them! Holly Becker of decor8 and Maryam of My Marrakesh are featured with beautiful photos about their homes and lifestyles.

So, just another way to get your decor fix. No need to thank me. 

In other news....

The winner of the Charles Faudree Details book from Gibbs Smith is (drumrollllllll....)

Ann from Hill Country House blog. If you haven't met Ann, hop on over and say hello! She has a wonderful blog about her adventures in the Texas Hill Country. There is always something fun, creative going on. Lots of American and Folk antiques and great vintage finds.

Congratulations Ann! I know you will love the book. It is beautiful!

"Will We Be Seeing You in London 2012?"

Alas, it is Wednesday and if you have come to my blog this Wednesday (like most other Wednesdays) you’ll know that on this day of the week I blog on relationships, providing my non-expert insight.  However, since I am now blogging with Huffington Post, I’ve decided to move some of my relationship blogs over to “The Huff,” this week included.  So, if you check back in the next day or two, I’ll have this week’s “Wednesday’s Relationship Corner Bog” posted.

Given I have now begun my training for the upcoming 2012 season, and yesterday marked 10 months to the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, I thought I’d share with you a blog I wrote exactly 3 years ago.  This will be my final year of competing as a World-Class Athlete… A moment I planned for 5 years ago.  Even if I were to jump 3 metres next year, I will still be hanging up spikes at the end of the 2012 season… to begin my next phase in life. So, from here on out, I am deeply enjoying every moment left to experience in my athletic career.

Here’s a look back at what I wrote on September 28, 2008….  And  I’m happy to say my attitude/perspective hasn’t changed: 

"If there's magic in boxing, it's the magic of fighting battles beyond endurance, beyond cracked ribs, ruptured kidneys and detached retinas. It's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you." ~from the movie Million Dollar Baby

Well, it’s been a while since my last blog. I’ve just returned home from Europe and I am still trying to catch up with some left behind work. This time of the year can be challenging for me. It requires an adjustment, after being away from home for 4 months and trying to settle into normal daily activities. And unlike New Year’s, this time of the year usually conjures up many life questions.


Athletically, the past season is reviewed and plans for the following year are thought through. However, this year I’ve also had to consider whether I will continue the high jump for another 4 year. In fact, it seems to be a question many people ask me. In fact, I think that might have been the first question asked to me as I stepped off the track in the Bird’s Nest.


Over the last month I’ve struggled with answering this question. Not because I worry that I won’t be as sharp athletically in 4 years time. (I’m counting on my physical testing’s which prove otherwise as well as my late introduction to the high jump.)


In the end I realized it was the emotional investment that another 4 years would demand, that seemed to make me indecisive. Additionally, I have other facets of life available to tempt me away from my passion for the high jump.


By emotional investment I mean believing in the unseen, with no guarantee in place and the unplanned expectancies of life. For me my ankle sprained 3 days before the qualification rounds at the Olympic Games proves this.


You ride many waves in sports and life – waves of disappointments, jubilation, frustration and satisfaction to name a few. And I needed to ask myself would I be willing to do this for another 4 years? A sort of scary question…


But, isn’t that what life is about? And isn’t it the journey that makes victory sweeter? So, in these weeks following my last competition I’ve taken time to consider this question; and I realized that the only answer that is true to the type of person I am is “Yes”! Yes, I am committing to another 4 year cycle of Athletics.


I have some unfinished business to attend to… Now if you’ll excuse me. – I have some work to do. ;)


A disciple of excellence,
Nicole

Making A T Gauge Coffee Table Model Railway Layout

Making a T Gauge Coffee Table Model Railway Layout

A sequence of images showing the building of the model railway inside my coffee table. It's Eishindo T Gauge track, around 3mm wide. There's about ...

GIVE AWAY: Michael S. Smith Kitchens and Baths

Couldn't you just spend hours here?
Photo by Francois Halard

Michael S. Smith.....the name alone conjures thoughts of design mastery....top designer lists....high style and designer brands. Michael S. Smith has "It"! Mr. Smith is the subject of previous interior design books bearing his name: Michael S. Smith Elements of Style with Diane Dorrans Saeks and Michael S. Smith Houses with Christine Pittel, both for Rizzoli. Both are in my library.

Photo by Michael Mundy

I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of his latest book: Michael S. Smith Kitchens and Baths! One of the largest segments of my own design business is the remodeling of Kitchen and Baths. I am always on the lookout for inspiration. Michael provides it in spades with this new book! Page after page of beautiful photography, stylish and functional spaces, and lots of resource information.

Beautifully done kitchen...Pendant lights by Alison Berger, hood, La Cornue Range, and I love the large marble "cutting board" on the island!
Photo by Thomas Loof

The book is organized by house project into chapters based on location rather than style. Because, as Michael says, "....it turns out that most rooms are rather hard to define in a word or two...just like most people." And so it is. 

There is a section for the Beach, Town, and Country, as well as a section for Resources. It is a great way to see how different styles can take on a sense of place. How a modern kitchen or a traditional one feels "right" at the beach or in the city.

Michael gives really in depth descriptions of the spaces and information about all of the finishes, and why they were chosen. He describes how the layouts were changed and why. The Kitchen and Bath are functional spaces first and foremost, but Michael also believes that they should provide comfort.

Fun, casual kitchen in Hawaii for a young family. Love the turquoise concrete floors, and the glass embedded terrazzo counters. The cabinet hardware is green and right out of the 30's.
Photo by Grey Crawford

Not only are there scads of fabulously designed kitchens and baths in this book, but also breakfast and dining spaces that often times are part of what has become one of the most used entertaining spaces in the home. Kitchens have become a place where people congregate and share in the preparation of meals or share a glass of wine while the hosts set out nibbles for guests and get things ready. 

Michael S. Smith understands this and Kitchens have become one of his most favorite rooms in the house to design.

The combination of Carrara marble, Venetian Glass mirror, mirrored furniture, white flowers and fresh blue pale paint is restful and very glamorous. Lovely! I do wonder who might peek over the stair railing while one is dozing in the tub though!
Photo by Michele Arnaud

And what about Bathrooms? They are a place to relax and rejuvenate. A private space that should be a pleasure. This means it must function properly and also be easy on the eyes. There are loads of beautiful examples here, from stunning Master Bathrooms to jewelry box Powder Rooms.

A more masculine Guest Bath with "pinstripe" Turkish Marble, "Asher" from Ann Sacks. As Michael Smith describes it..." you feel as if you're in a Napoleonic campaign tent made of marble instead of cloth." I love that description!
Photo by Michael Mundy

There is huge variety in Michael S. Smith designs which is what I like to see in any design book. Many designers are masters in a particular style, but Michael S. Smith shows us here, he has mastered them all. What runs through his work is design excellence through his unique use of materials and details, and an adherence to timeless beauty rather than trends. I think his work will be just as appealing and fresh 20 years from now as they are today. 

This will be a book that I will be referencing for years to come.

GIVE AWAY ALERT!

AND....one of YOU will get to have

Michael S. Smith Kitchens and Baths

  for your very own!

The publisher, Rizzoli has generously offered a copy to one lucky winner.

Here is the scoop:

1) Hop on over to the Rizzoli and take a moment to look around. See the facebook link? Go ahead and "friend" them.

2) Become a follower on the katiedid blog by clicking the google friend connect button on the right.

3) Click on the "comment" link at the bottom of this post and leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts about Kitchens and Baths, this book and what you would do if you could have any kitchen or bath you wanted!

4) Make sure I can contact you by including an email address, or make sure your username has a link to a contact email.
5) The Cut Off date to enter is October 2nd, this Sunday at 5:00PM PST. I will announce the winner the next day, October 3rd!

Good Luck and Happy Reading!

ShiftBrite Coffee Table

ShiftBrite Coffee Table

IKEA Granas side table (over 2x2 feet, big enough for coffee table) with 9x9 array of 81 ShiftBrite RGB LED modules. Currently running a simple ...

N SCALE COFFEE TABLE LAYOUT WITH CUSTOM POWERPACK

N SCALE COFFEE TABLE LAYOUT WITH CUSTOM POWERPACK

This is my n scale coffee table layout with the new powerpack I built to fit in the drawer. Entire unit including the table was built myself ...

What if God was One of Us

Sunday's Lyrics

I originally chose this song as a Sunday's Lyric last year.  These lyrics will probably always be profound to me.  It is a song I believe which is relevant to whether someone is a believer or non-believer in God... And simply a question to ponder how it is we treat others and would our actions change if it they were God?  Perhaps the real thought to consider is whether we should be striving to treat our neighbours better than we do?  

What if God was One of Us, Joan Osbourne

If God had a name, what would it be
And would you call it to his face
If you were faced with him in all his glory
What would you ask if you had just one question

And yeah yeah God is great yeah yeah God is good
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah




What if God was one of us
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Trying to make his way home

If God had a face what would it look like
And would you want to see
If seeing meant that you would have to believe
In things like heaven and in jesus and the saints and all the prophets

And yeah yeah god is great yeah yeah god is good
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

What if God was one of us
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Trying to make his way home
He's trying to make his way home
Back up to heaven all alone
Nobody calling on the phone
Except for the pope maybe in Rome

And yeah yeah God is great yeah yeah God is good
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

What if god was one of us
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Trying to make his way home
Just trying to make his way home
Like a holy rolling stone
Back up to heaven all alone
Just trying to make his way home
Nobody calling on the phone
Except for the pope maybe in Rome

Coffee Table Decorations: Organizing Coffee Table Books And Trays | Pottery Barn

Coffee Table Decorations: Organizing Coffee Table Books and Trays | Pottery Barn

www.potterybarn.com Pottery Barn Expert Stylist, Nico De Swert, demonstrates three different ways to organize your coffee table. These techniques ...

The Road Not Taken

This poem needs no introduction... but merely, a contemplation as to what road we each choose to take in life.  Sometimes daring to take that path which is not so easy at first, in the end will lead us best to what it is we truly desire... making all the difference.

The Road Not Taken  by Robert Frost


Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

5 Things Men Look for in Women

Wednesday's Relationship Corner

This was originally posted on Huffington Post.

When it comes to matters of the heart, it seems that all everyone wants is to love and to be loved in return. Yet, as simple as this shared mutual goal may seem, men and women seem to be speaking different languages. They fail to understand the other's desires, which results in amassed dating "games" and confusion. This week I thought I would take a look at what it is men really want from women. Surveying my 2,500 Facebook friends (a very reliable source) I think I might have begun to crack this code.

1. Attraction. There must be some level of attraction, which peaks a man's interest. This doesn't necessarily mean a women needs to look like a Barbie doll or an air-brushed model. Often attraction comes down to how a woman carries herself. A woman walking with confidence, while appearing approachable, can stop traffic and make the most unlikely guy a believer.

2. Independence. We have certainly entered a new era where independence is highly lauded. Men now enjoy women who have their own life going for them. Their life is so exciting and amazing, that they want to be a part of it. Gone are the days that a man wants a woman who will drop all that she's doing for him.

3. Fun. Men enjoy women who can make them smile and the time with them appear to fly by. Being fun may include being spontaneous, humorous or willing to try new things. Often the secret ingredient to being fun is to just be yourself. When you are authentic you are likely to remove any barriers or inhibition you may have, and be less concerned about how you are being perceived.

4. Sanity. Sorry ladies, apparently attributing your mood to hormones is not acceptable. Surprisingly, men do not enjoy women who may, from time to time, appear like Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest. Men enjoy women who come with minimal drama, do not overreact and have a mood which doesn't change as often as the current weather. This can be a fine line, as some men do enjoy a strong and assertive woman. But, just like Mary J. Blige's song, they want "No More Drama."

5. Support. This was overwhelmingly mentioned by the "expert" Facebook men I surveyed. It reminds me of a Maya Angelou quote, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." When it comes to relationships, how you make someone feel provides the sustenance power, which can allow a relationship to survive World War III. It is internal, trusting, lasting and provides that "Je ne sais quoi" characteristics. Never underestimate the power of providing a genuine ear to your special someone when they are having a bad day, or believing in them when their dreams may seem impossible. You, my dear, are being supportive and valued for this rare quality.

Hopefully, I've cracked the Martian language of men and have given women an inside look at what it is men want. Next week, I'll reveal what it is women want in a man, and hopefully bridge the language barrier between men and women when it comes to dating.
Your Non-Relationship Expert,
Nicole

 

Follow Nicole Forrester on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicoleforrester

Marin Designers' Showcase on You Tube!

I am so excited....the Marin Designer Showcase is on YouTube. You can catch a glimpse of what is to come. I feel honored to be a part of it!

Hop on over to the Marin Designer Showcase website for the latest!

Set Staging for Lumens Elle Decor Ad

As a designer, there is nothing more fun, and thrilling, than to put all of the finishing touches together in a room for its grand debut for a client. You work for months, sometimes years for a large project to be completed. Oftentimes, a project may never get to that final stage where art and accessories are all in place.

So....I feel very lucky to be able to be able to work with Lumens Light and Living where I get to design and stage the sets for their print ads which have been appearing in Elle Decor and Dwell magazines for about a year now. Talk a bout instant gratification! I get to choose from all of the products that Lumens offers through their online shop, including designer brands like Missoni, Tom Dixon, Dwell Studios, Jonathan Adler, Ralph Lauren, Artek, Kartell, Blu Dot and Moooi. That just names a few of the furnishings vendors (who also provide amazing lighting design as well!). Don't get me started on the Lighting vendors! Better that you hop on over to their website for the full list. 

After the design is finalized on paper, the items for the shoot are pulled together and we shoot a few weeks later. Then it appears in print about a month after that! While a timeline like this can have it challenges, it is so much fun to see results this quickly! It is just one more reason I anxiously wait for the thud of Elle Decor or Dwell as they drop through my mail slot each month. 

In this latest ad placed in Elle Decor, the focus was on a new light fixture by Kichler. I pulled together elements to create a vignette that is somewhat industrial casual, and a little bit Shaker in feeling. I pulled the Tom Dixon Screw Table with a white marble top and caste metal base. I love that the top can be raised or lowered by screwing the table to up or down. Next, I chose the Mademoiselle Lounge Chair by Artek. Designed by Ilmari Tapivaara in 1956, this chair still looks modern and fresh.... a sign of a true classic. To accessorize, I picked the Eames House Bird by Vitra. No one knows the exact origin, but this black bird is in many Eames house photos. Alessi's La Stanza Dello Scirocco Cachepot by Italian designer Mario Trimarchi is perfect for holding orchids. Raw pine paneling and simple linen curtains create the perfect backdrop.

To get the scoop on each item, you can scan the lamp at the bottom right corner of the Lumens Light and Living ad with your smart phone, or hop on over HERE.

Happy Shopping!

Monday Already?

Couldn't I just stay here a little longer?

Nope....it's time to get cracking! Lots to do this week.

To start off, don't forget to enter

  THIS GIVE AWAY!

Charles Faudree's new book is so beautiful, you will want it for your own library!

You will find that Charles Faudree is a designer that is totally OK with mixing man's best friend and  pillows.

Monday's Lyrics - COMPETITON

Competition can bring out the best in each of us.  Dare to explore another level of possibility within us.  And competition does not have to be limited to another individual, but rather the greatest competition can sometimes come from oneself. 

Competition

No one trains to fail

Nobody prepares to loose

Everyone wants to prevail

You must compete

Competition is perseverance

Competition is passion

Competition is focus

Competition is adversity

And the will to triumph

Competition is life

Live to compete

It’s on!

Round Mirror Side Table From

Round Mirror Side Table from

Personal Archaeology: John Dickinson

ar·che·ol·o·gy (är'kē-ŏl'ə-jē)n.The systematic study of past human life and culture by the recovery and examination of remaining material evidence, such as graves, buildings, tools, and pottery.

.......and "vintage" magazine articles....

....

 We have been sorting through old papers with my Mom. .....just doing our part as a family to stave off becoming another victim of the Hoarders TV show. It is tough to stay ahead of the curve sometimes when one loves to collect.

Mom came across a keeper in the piles of paper that seem to reproduce like bunnies, especially when the mail arrives everyday with another pile of catalogs and pre-approved credit card offers. An article she had torn out of the June 1967 issue of House and Garden (oh how i miss thee!) features "a young San Franciscan designer of furniture and interiors and an accomplished draftsman" who " lives with his three cats in an old firehouse".....that would be the iconic John Dickinson.

 Many of you are quite familiar with John Dickinson and his famous furniture designs, some of which you can see on Diane Dorrans Saeks' The Style Saloniste blog about Dickinson HERE.  It is a wonderful article about Diane Dorrans Saeks friendship with Mr. Dickinson, well worth a visit! (BTW, if you have not visited The Style Saloniste, there is no other blog I have read that has more beautifully informative articles on the iconic persons in the world of design! A "must read!")

Some of you might have become familiar after seeing the three legged table designed by John Dickinson being purchased at the San Francisco Fall Antique Show by Million Dollar Decorator, Jeffrey Alan Marks. 

 Looking back at this article, it is plain to see that John Dickinson was ahead of his time, truly an original thinker. His ideas have become classics....white slipcovers, a collection ironstone platters as wall decor, antique mixed with modern, important pieces mixed with the everyday....and always his own designs adding character. It is hard to think that these ideas are original to us now because they have been used so much since then, but if you think the average person would never have thought to break up a matching set of furniture in the 60's (aside from the emerging designers of the era) his ideas were progressive.

I am still waiting for a book about John Dickinson to come out. Diane Dorrans Saeks would be the perfect author.

In the mean time, I will be collecting more articles I see about him and putting them in a safe place. Hoarding them you might say. 

You never know what future archaeologists might dig up when we are all long gone. John Dickinson would be a a person well worth discovering all over again.

Have a great weekend!

Wood Mixed With White?

wood mixed with white?

Flowers for a Friend, and Music....

 One of my very good friends turned 50 a couple of weeks ago, and for her gift, I put together flowers for her party. My friend, Dorsey, always has wonderful parties. Her beautiful garden is the perfect setting. There is always delicious food, usually contributed by her numerous friends, as well as many a beverage. And there is music. Her family is one of those where music has always been important. She has a daughter who sings old jazz, a son who channels Roy Orbinson, and many friends who chip in....(more on that in a bit). 

And there are friends that have accumulated over a lifetime.....many of them.

 These friends got together to plan her party and as I said,  I did flowers. I plucked from my garden....lavender, rosemary, hydrangea foliage, and coleus. I went to the Farmers Market for Sunflowers, and the Wholesale Floral Market for berries, Peruvian Lilies, Safflowers and Kale. There is something about arranging flowers that is so satisfying. It is like decorating on a fast track....planned in one's head....elements purchased in a day...and finished in a couple of hours.

The car was full of beautiful color by the time I was done. I was ready to take it all to the party....

 I added little pots of crayons and put butcher paper on the tables for guests to leave birthday wishes....

Home again to get ready. By the time I returned....the music had begun....

 Young men playing French Gypsy Jazz....think Chocolat and you have it.... 

 They call themselves The World's Finest Apples....hop on over HERE to hear what they do...

The evening fell into night. Dorsey's daughter Molly sang with the young gents in accompaniment.....We filled ourselves with custom concocted salads....spinach, arugula, romaine, beets, mushrooms, gorgonzola, sunflower seeds, fresh corn, kalamata olives, pine nuts, grilled vegetables and so many other choices it was hard to decide.....then topped with grilled chicken, tri-tip or shrimp...and all served to our specifications....mmmmmmmm....

And there were cupcakes to celebrate..... and ice cream cones.....

Later....there was dancing.....

Such a wonderful celebration for a wonderful friend.

I Did A Little Reading Today

I did a little reading today

5 Ways to Fail with the Object of Your Affection

You were going along fine and then you stubbed your toe… This is analogous with having a girl interested in you hook, line and sinker... until you mess up with a deadly sin. Any of these mishaps can have you cast back into the flames of Bacheloritis, where your sins will also be discussed amongst friends and condemned.  Alas, I’m here to help you and save you from yourself, if you read carefully.

1.  Asking Her on a Date and Making Her Pay

I and most of my friends are liberated, independent women.  As such, when on a date I will always offer to pay.  I am of the belief a girl should always offer to pay and a guy should decline the offer.  And not just with the initial dates, but throughout the whole courting process.  It may be old fashioned but I think it may be tied into (dare I say) Darwinism and feeling provided and taken care of.  If a man takes my offer to pay for dinner, it will probably be our last date dinner for he has now been cast eternally into the friend box – where sharing the cost of dinner is acceptable.  If you are still feeling each other out and it’s not officially a date, certainly going halves on dinner is a granted exception and make sense.  But, if it’s a date….. that’s a different story

2. Not Calling When You Say You Will

This is liable to have you “Poofed! Be Gone!” and anye girl that waits around for your phone cal,l you should probably “Poof!  Be Gone!” her. This is a matter of integrity and keeping your word, as well as showing your interest.  People want someone who is excited about them, and if you are lazy with keeping you’re word you’re demonstrating you are just not that into that girl.

3. Being Selfish/Self-Absorbed

Any smart girl will stay away from this guy.  Relationships are a balancing act.  It should not be one sided.  If it is all about one person, it will inevitably end in failure.  

4. Too Many Female Friends

This can be a killer and a source of insecurity.  Some girls cannot be bothered with a guy who has too many female friends, so you might be missing out on the beginning side of dating. And if not, with time the many female friends can become a source of stress and insecurity, as your girl begins to feel in competition.  It all goes back to the age old question, whether men and women can truly be friends. 

5. Jekylle and Hyde

It’s always best to be yourself.  Too often people want someone to like them and will act a certain way with them and another way with their friends.  You cannot keep up this charade forever.  Someone who changes who they are is like a camilian.  You can never be sure if they are their real-selves with you. 

At the end of the day, it’s always best to be considerate, open and yourself.  Dating doesn’t have to be that hard.

Your relationship non-expert,

Nicole

Get A Round Coffee Table

get a round coffee table

What is Sports Day in Canada?

As a Team Visa athlete, for the last month I have been counting down and sharing my excitement for Sports Day in Canada via the various social media outlets – twitter, facebook and my website Likewise, for the last two weeks I have been blogging about the value and importance of sports in Canada. But this week I found myself wondering if my passion for this event might have overlooked explaining the obvious – what exactly is Sports Day in Canada about, and how can Canadians participate?

I thought I’d take a moment to see if I can give you a crash course on what this AMAZING day is all about. Trust me – you definitely don’t want to miss out on this event!

Sports Day in Canada is a nationwide celebration of all levels of sport. We know that the power of sports has the ability to improve academic success, create leaders, improve health, decrease risky behaviours, and the list goes on. Sports Day in Canada is about recognizing this power of sport while also promoting a healthy lifestyle. But I’ve got to warn you, only come out and join the action if you are ready to have fun!

So how can you get involved? Well, it’s very easy. You can register and find events across Canada at www.cbcsports.ca/sportsday. If you are a sport organization, team or club you can create and host your own event, like an open house, game or competition. Just be sure to register it online so you can be recognized for your involvement! And if you don’t consider yourself a jock, don’t worry - NOW has never been a better time to get out and get active! Sport is transforming lives everyday, and it can transform yours! I know, because it has for me!

If you are in the greater Toronto area, I’d really love it if you’d come out and join me in Markham at Fletcher's Field with CBC and ParticipACTION on September 17, where Canada will take on USA in rugby! GO CANADA!!!!

Feeling the power of sports,
Nicole Forrester
Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/nicoleforrester

The Simple White Shape Of The

The simple white shape of the

Give Away: Charles Faudree Details

 Tablescape - "The sophistication of crystal lamps, silver frames and orchids is a pleasing contrast to the antique French farm table...."

 Do I ever turn down an opportunity to review a new design book? Absolutely NOT!  Especially when the book is the newest by one of America's top 100 designers, Charles Faudree. Mr. Faudree's work has been published in Veranda, House Beautiful, Southern Accents (how we miss you!), Traditional Home to name but a few. 

This is not Mr. Faudree's first time around the book publishing block. His other books include the most recent Charles Faudree Interiors, Charles Faudree's Country French Florals and Interiors, Charles Faudree's Country French Living, and Charles Faudree's French Country Signature. For any of you that are French Country design lovers and even those of you who just like great design, click on over. He is a master. 

Charles Faudree has been creating beautiful interiors for 4 decades throughout the United States and Europe. He is even now in the process of designing a residence in Abu Dhabi. He also has created a line of fabrics for Vervain (which you can find on the Vervain website HERE) and maintains a retail location for antiques and interior design in Tulsa Oklahoma.

So on with the new book's "Details"........

This newest book by Mr. Faudree is all about those details:

  Charles Faudree Details , by Charles Faudree with Francesanne Tucker

As he says, " Details may seem like a small subject, but these finishing accessories are by far the most important part of decorating. People's lives are expressed by the little details. They give a room its soul." Amen! The rooms I see in magazines that are the most successful in my opinion, are the rooms that above all else, show the character, interests and loves of the inhabitant. 

".....the details of a room create its identity. The accessories we display, their color and texture, abundance or restraint, similarity or variety, combine to establish a unique personality for each room. The way we put them together is art. It's what it's all about." Hitting the nail on the head, I say.

Wall Decorations - "A wonderful collection of green majolica complements the antique Black Forest mirror..."

Charles Faudree Details is not only a beautifully turned out book with gorgeous full bleed photos by Jenifer Jordan, it is organized in a way that makes it a wonderful reference. Each chapter takes on another area where details can be arranged to make a room sing: Tablescapes, Wall Decorations, Mantels, Fabrics and Lighting.

Wall Decorations - I think this wall shelving display of white everyday dishes is just beautiful...charming and useful. And I did notice the very small depth of the base cabinet...perfect for a small space!

In each section, Mr. Faudreee takes us by the hand and shows us why each item is chosen and placed the way it is. For Tablescapes scale, contrast, color and balance all play a part. But even then there is no particular formula. Experimentation is the key. Mr Faidree does place an emphasis on adding flowers to any tablescape. Even one bud will add a bit of life to a room. Wall Decorations include not only art and mirrors, but shelving and accessory display on the shelves. The one thing Mr. Faudree emphasizes is that pedigree is not important, but "the emotional response it creates". 

Fabrics - The serene blues of the color palette and the cheerful animals on the pillows.... and on the sofa, ahem..... are the perfect reflection of this lakeside cabin

 Fabrics are as important as furniture for Mr. Faudree. "You can buy fabulous antiques, but without the magic of the right fabrics to compliment them, you've compromised their impact." Whether it is a mix of patterns or a cleaner look like the one above, Mr. Faudree creates magic. 

Mr. Faudree also gives us hints about how to light any room. From candle and firelight to the proper use of can lighting....he expresses his thoughts. Sconces, Chandeliers, table lamps and task lighting can all be functional as well as an enhancement to the decoration of a room. It is always a pleasure to learn why a designer makes the choices they do.

Mantels are also a place where character can show itself. The fireplace is always a focal point, and what's above can make or break a room. Mr. Faudree leads us through an array of beautiful rooms and explains why each mantel has been successfully composed.

Lighting - A wonderful Lantern paired with crystal candelabras are perfect for this entry table

I think you will enjoy this newest in the Charles Faudree collection of books as much as I do. To make sure you have a chance to own it for yourselves, the publisher, Gibbs Smith has kindly offered a copy for one lucky winner!

To enter this 

GIVE AWAY

of

 Charles Faudree Details

Simply follow directions:

1) Hop on over to the Gibbs Smith website and take a moment to look around. See the facebook link? Go ahead and "friend" them.

2) Click on the "comment" link at the bottom of this post and leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts about the the snippet you have seen so far!

3) Make sure I can contact you by including an email address, or make sure your username has a link to a contact email.
4) The Cut Off date to enter is September 25th at 5:00PM PST. I will announce the winner the next day, September 26th!

Good Luck and Happy reading!

I Am In Love With White Coffee

I am in love with white coffee