Are You Feeling Lucky? Enter to Win Our First Give-a-way!

Our first GIVE-A-WAY!! We are excited to let you in on the big news.... you can now enter for a chance to win: either $100 Gift Certificate to be used toward any fabric or trim in our shop OR a $50 Visa Gift Card, your choice.

How to play along and get your name in the drawing? It's easy:

1) Sign in and "like" our Facebook biz page at www.facebook.com/storibookdesigns

2) Next, browse through the fabrics in our online shop here: http://www.storibookdesigns.com/shop_storibook_c365697.html

3) Finally, confirm that you've done #1 & #2 and tell us in a comment area, (either here or Facebook), which fabric you liked best!

One Lucky Winner will be selected through random generator, Friday, August 20th at 5pm EST!

Good luck!

Interior Inspirations from My Web Favs: Material Girls

Need to add a little punch to the spaces in your house? Whatever your style, whatever you're looking for to add that something extra to your home, Material Girls has it covered.

They've received much acclaim and working together, they continue to keep readers coming back for more.  Some of the things that have me listing their blog as one of my top picks include the following:

Cross-Country Coverage. How nice is it to have 5 super-savvy designers out there hunting down the fabulous for us?  Click on a specific metro - Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York - and you will be delighted with what each area has to offer.   

From Dallas:

Source: Made Goods

From Houston:  Lauren really got my attention with this pick!

Photo Source: Southern Accents

                      
From Los Angeles: Jill highlights some of the stunning finds from Calypso Home

Source: Calypso Home

From New York: a tour of the Rustic-chic restaurants of our favorite city! .... the slipcovered stools have great vintage charm

Photo Source: L'artusi Restaurant

From Chicago: Julia shares her new home (work-home that is)... wouldn't you love reporting to work here?

Latest & Greatest. This blog is recognized for introducing readers to up and coming designers, whether it be showcasing their work in a post or talking about the new designers they have met at events. We all enjoy being in-the-know and able to watch the rise of our future design stars! Well, this one below is not so new.... it's a design from the much adored Nate Berkus... but, they were hot on his trail right from the beginning! Keep checking out their blog and you are sure to stay on top of new designers and/or products that are on their way to reaching the same kind of recognition.

 

Furniture Friday. I love this feature! If you already know what type of furniture piece you want to see images of, click on the Furniture Friday tab to get a list of all different pieces. Once you've decided if you're looking for an ottoman, coffee table, wing chair, or any of the other possibilities, browse through the images to find furniture that speaks to you and inspires you.

Photo Source: Mecox

Filters:  If searching by metro is not enough of a filter, jump on over to categories and filter to your hearts content.  No doubt about it, Material Girls has great ideas for styling your home. Here are some things that caught our eye while browsing the site via their simple search feature (upper left) and category search features.

Simple search = "bedrooms"

Photo Source: www.decorpad.com

Category Search = "Furniture Friday", Dining Tables

Photo Source: Summer Design Studio

Category Search = Dallas, Bed & Bath

Photo Source: Jonathan Adler

So what do you think of Material Girls?  Have I introduced you to a great new source of design inspiration or were you already a fan?   As you can tell, I think they are doing a pretty great job.  Of course, I would like to see some Boston coverage too... ahem... hint, hint..... but even with out Beantown beauty as a regular feature, the gals are always keeping us in-the-know with great design and finds!

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Making the Bed: A Guide to the Basics of a Comfortable Rest

With all of our busy schedules and running from place to place, we're lucky to find a night where we get a full 8 hours of sleep.  Are you making the best of the sleep hours you do get by ensuring your bed is designed to be the most comfortable, sleep-friendly bed possible?

 Photo: Real Simple

When designing, our primary focus tends to be directed toward the "stylish" aspect of the bed: the headboard, the duvet, the shams, the bedskirt, and so on.  It makes sense, as these are the things that make our bed and rooms lovely to look at.  But, hidden beneath the fabric and pattern, are the things that make the bed heavenly to sink into at the end of the day.  Lets talk a bit about the often-unrecognized components behind a good night's sleep: 

• Thread count: Many assume that the highest thread count must be the best quality sheet, and while this is one element, it's actually the make up of the fiber that is most important in selecting sheets.  Most often you will see cotton and cotton/polyester blend.  The advantages to buying the blend are that the sheets will be less likely to wrinkle and less expensive, however, cotton sheets will be softer, cooler, and easier to clean.  And as we all know, particularly with the heat of this summer, cooler can be a very important characteristic! (Do you find yourself flipping your pillow to the "cool" side?)  

• Fibers: Cotton sheets are available in several different kinds of cotton; those with longest fibers are the softest and most comfortable, such as Egyptian and Pima cotton.  Also pay attention to the weave of the fabric as it affects texture and price.  Percale is a plain weave with a higher thread count.  Sateen weaves are extremely soft, but are also more prone to pilling than a plain weave. And then there is silk...ahhhh!  Silk sheets provide natural comfort in response to your own body temperature.  They keep you cool in the summer and warmer in the winter.  Some claim other magical qualities from silk sheets, such as anti-aging and healthy hair but I have to be honest... can't really say I believe that!  Silk sheets are a little different, in addition to thread count you need to consider momme weight (measure of the silk fibers).   You want to look for weights between 12 and 20 to ensure long-lasting durability.
  

 Photo: Elle Decor

• Size: Another important element, particularly with today's mattresses, is the depth of the pocket.  For most mattresses, you want to be sure it will fit the mattress depth. Be sure to check that the sheet will accommodate that measure because there is nothing more aggravating than sheets that don't quite fit and continuously pop off.

• Mattress Pad: When choosing a mattress pad, also look for 100% cotton content.  It will be more comfortable and more durable than its cotton/polyester blend counterparts.  Pay attention to whether a thread count is noted.  A higher thread count can mean a mattress pad that is able to stand up to more wear and tear.  A down-alternative fill in the quilting of a mattress pad will be the thickest, most comfortable option, however most mattress pads will have a polyester fill (which is better for ease of laundering).  As long as the mattress pad has substantial thickness, a polyester fill is a good option.

 Photo: Google Images

• Feather Topper (or Down Alternative): Feather toppers are sometimes grouped with mattress pads, however, they can be placed either in lieu of a mattress pad or on top of the mattress pad, but below the fitted sheet, for added cushion.  Feather toppers can be made out of down, a mixture of down and feathers, or down alternative.  Down is the longest lasting and softest choice, however for allergy sufferers, down alternative is an excellent option.  Pay attention to how the feather topper is quilted.  Most will have stitching in either a channel or box pattern.  Box quilting allows for a more even spread of the down as it keeps in smaller sections and prevents it from concentrating in one area.

 Photo: Pure Living Collection

• Pillows: Did you know that experts say pillows should be selected based on the type of sleeper you are?  I admit, this is another one of those "gray" areas... not sure I'm convinced; I just go for whats most comfortable.  That aside, experts advise that if you sleep on your stomach, you'll want to use a soft pillow.  Back sleeper? Try a medium pillow.  For side sleepers, a firm pillow is your best bet.  Whether you opt for synthetic fiber-fill, foam or down will depend on your budget and allergies.  Synthetic pillows are obviously much less expensive, but also last only a couple years.  Down pillows can last five to ten years, though make sure you find a down with a high fill, meaning the volume that one ounce of down takes up within the pillow.  There are also memory foam pillows which are extremely firm, and great for those with neck or spine issues.

 Photo: Real Simple

Now you should be armed with the knowledge necessary to put together the best night's sleep you've ever had.  Beneath the layers of beautiful bedding, you'll have the bedding basics that will make every night unbelievably comfortable.

Photo: My Home Ideas

Your Guide to Decorating without Color: All-White, Done Right!

An all white room sounds so easy.

It's all one color, so how could you go wrong...right? 
Wrong.

Photo: Country Living

Creating a successful all white room requires a little more thought and effort than just painting the walls white and making sure all of the furniture and accessories are the same. You still need to give the room some life; to achieve elegance such as you see below, you will have "mixed it up a bit" with varying shades of white, textures, finishes, and accessories.

Photo: Decor Pad

My husband always tells me I should never even wear white; inevitably I end up with paint or coffee on it - I'd like to play defense and say he exaggerates but shamefully, I must admit, its true - either that or I end up looking like confetti, covered with tiny shots of color and threads from all the fabric samples I lug around and projects I am working on that day.  So when it comes to my suggestion for white in our living room, you can imagine his response.  Still, I love all-white done right and admire those who are able to keep it looking just so...

Photo: Kelly Giesen

So how about you? Can you handle it... can you maintain the pristine elegance and dare to decorate in the absence of color?  If yes and going all white is in the cards for you, here are a few tips to guide you in doing it right!

 Photo: Country Living

 

Think beyond white as a simple color.  Within this one color there are a variety of shades and hues.  There are grayish whites, yellowed whites, blue whites, and beige whites.  There are cool whites and warm whites.  White has the same diversity that any other color has.  Think about the range from light pink to crimson red... white has that same range, albeit in a more subtle way. 

Photo: The Lennoxx 

Use these different whites in everything from the walls to the bedding to the upholstery.  Imagine that the distinctions amongst the different whites is the same as the distinction between a yellow and a blue, for example, and use your whites accordingly.  Two different tones of white mix beautifully when combined in a tone on tone stripe or damask wallpaper.  Add interest to your walls by using these different whites in paint and wallpaper.

Photo: Channel 4

Texture is possibly the most important aspect in putting together an all white room!  The fabrics, linens, upholstery, and window treatments in an all white room must be different enough that it does not look as if you have draped the entire room in a white sheet. 

 Photo: Color me Happy

Texture is the key to achieving a different look in every piece.  A knubby knit throw on the sofa, voile sheers on the windows, a rugged leather on an ottoman... each piece represents a different textural element in the room that will distinguish all of the whites from each other. 

Photo: Brooke and Steve Giannetti

A white matelasse or textured coverlet is the perfect foil to a sea of embroidered and ruffled accent pillows.  

Photo: Country Living

A textural linen blend upholstery on a sofa contrasts beautifully with smooth silk accent pillows. Use the different characteristics of fabrics and materials to create a landscape of textures.

Photo: Veranda

The finishes you choose to use in the furnishings and accessories in an all white room will also bring an element of interest and diversity to the sea of white.  A glass lamp base, a lucite chair, a metallic coffee table... these clear and silver or gold elements add a touch of glamor and contemporary style. 

 Photo: Kelly Giesen

Add a romantic, cottage look with whitewashed wood and crystal accessories.  White porcelain sculptures of quirky animals (think Jonathan Adler) or handmade white pottery adds a youthful touch.  Incorporate finishes and moldings into your woodwork.  Bead board, wide plank flooring, and driftwood all look beachy and natural when done in white or whitewash. 

Photo: Country Living via Apartment Therapy

Use light woods to create an airy look and dark wood to tone down the starkness of a pure white, glossy, white lacquer on chairs or tables or a mirrored chest or nightstand to add elegance.   Remember, its all about creating depth and interest. Vary your shades, shapes and textures to add visual interest, personality, and style to your all-white, done right room.  

 

Photo: Elle Decor

 

I continue to dream that one day - perhaps upon retirement when I drink less coffee and am less likely to be covered with threads - that I too will be enjoying an all-white room of my own!

Bringing Harmony Into Your Home

“Is there anywhere in your home that brings you a sense of harmony and peace?”   I just asked a client this question.  It really caused him to stop and think.  The answer, after thoughtful consideration, was “no”.  There was not one single space in the home that provided a sense of comfort or contentment.  He could pick a favorite room, but even with that there were things that really bothered him.

Ted

Think about it.  Your home is your haven, right? So when you go home at night, are you thrilled to be there or do you find yourself going through a mental laundry list of the things that annoy you or you want to change?

 Beth

Your happy life - the things that bring you joy and make you smile - should infuse the design and décor of your home; let it shine through everywhere you look.  Think I’ve been sucking on too many lollipops?  I haven’t... it's true, really.  Take a look at these expressionist environments.  They just scream of personality and joy, don't you agree?

Photo: Holly Dymant Interior Design

Photo: HGTV


Your style and what makes you happy might not be so bold and colorful though.  Thinking about Ted, he likes clean lines, hates prints... no paisley or spheres or really much of any pattern at all.  He's an engineer, likes simplicity and the color blue.  A space like this would work well for his personality and taste:

Photo: Elle Decor

Beth, on the other hand, wants a space that feels, in her words, "complete".  She wants it to show her feminine side, without being too "girly".  Her favorite color is pink.  She wants a place she and her husband can retire to, after a long day of carpool, work, dinner-making and getting the kids ready and off to bed.  The color pink is her biggest concern... is there a way to satisfy her desire and taste without creating a space her husband defiantly objects to?  Mmmhh, I think something on this idea might do the trick, though I might suggest switching out the two white chairs to a shade of mocha and adding some darker pillows on the sofa:

 Photo: Country Living

If I asked 100 random people if they had peace and harmony in their homes, how many do you thing would say yes?  For those who would respond, “no”, I can guarantee that some of the reasons for their discontent would include disorganization, walls that needed to be painted, furniture that they didn’t like, not enough space and/or rooms that just didn’t work because they had no idea how to put them together.

If I went on to ask, “Why?” – which I have on many occasions in my day-to-day work,    “It just wasn’t in the budget”, "I have no sense of style" and “I just don’t have the time” - life’s number one reason for everything that is not working or never happened, by the way - would be (and have been) among some of the replies I would receive.

They say the first step is the hardest, right?  You need to just make the decision that you are going to do what it takes to create your harmonious home. Figure out where you want to start and take the step.  You can make some changes now and have fun in the process too.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

Project Homework
Several years ago, I held an event at my home that I called “Project Homework”.  I sent out invitations with a list of what needed to be done.  In return, we had a full buffet (that was quite amazing I might add.... more like a feast)… and bottomless beverages.  We stripped wallpaper, spackled walls, moved furniture, built worktables for our basement and garage!  It was amazing.  It was overwhelming to think about doing it ourselves, but with added muscle, energy and comedic input from our friends we tackled and completed projects that would have taken my husband and I months to finish on our own.

Hire a Decorator or Designer
Yes, you knew that was coming didn’t you?  Seriously though, when your car needs to be fixed, do you do the repair on your own?  When you have plumbing issues don’t you call in the professionals?   A professional can save you time, lead you in new directions and help you in creating a manageable plan.  If you ever thought working with a designer was not for you because your family never did, your friends don’t or you have a perception that it can not be afforded, its time to shift that mindset.  Sure I could call upon my friends to help with our "handy-man" list and grunt work, but I certainly wasn't relying on them for the overall design of my home! (sorry, no offense intended.. love ya'll!)

Do Some Homework
You may still however decide that DIY is the route you want to take and/or you just don’t see yourself working with a decorator or designer at this time.  If that is the case, start collecting and planning on your own.  I have a series on this blog, Interior Inspirations on the Web, that I started in order to provide clients and readers with great sources of design ideas.  Check them out.  Start collecting images that you love.  If you do this for a period of time you will undoubtedly begin to see patterns emerging and the natural style you are drawn to will reveal itself.  With that you can begin to map out a plan, budget and time line. 

Do it.  What are you waiting for?
I kept thinking about that question, “Is there anywhere in your home that brings you a sense of harmony and peace?”, for several hours after my client meeting and wondered why we allow ourselves to live in spaces that not only DO NOT provide a sense of peace; worse, ..... they make us crazy!! It's time to fix that.  Don't go home feeling like Ted & Beth; think about what you want and choose to make it happen.

Now, tell me, what changes will you make to bring harmony to your home?