Welcome Weston Wear

I can't think of a better time to introduce my newest sponsor, Weston Wear. Julienne has created a feminine line with a bit of an edge of beautiful pieces that will work perfectly for all your holiday fetes and winter get togethers. If you're anything like me you're always searching for that perfect piece to wear out at night whether it be a flattering, little black dress or a gorgeous top that you can wear from office to dinner. The Weston Wear collection is made in San Francisco, be sure to peruse their site for all the amazing pieces.

Julienne's vision board

"Julienne’s design aesthetic resonates with the sophisticated, urban woman.  Inspired by her travels, and her love of music, art, and dance, Weston’s pieces are not only versatile but an essential part of every woman’s wardrobe.  Each collection proudly features feminine party frocks, must-have separates, and contemporary day-to-evening pieces in beautiful European prints and novelties."

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Trend Spotting - Bag O' Beans

OK, now for something fun!  I asked the talented Sophie Tardiff if she would put together some thoughts on a trend she is seeing in the interior design world.  Sophie is a writer and marketing guru, and she really has her finger on the pulse of cutting edge trends.  Sophie take it away . . . 

Hello Musers.  I am thrilled to be with you today talking about trend spotting.  When Mandi ask me what trends I was seeing in the interior design world, the first thought that came to mind was bean bag chairs.  While we all know they are amazingly comfortable, the bean bag chair is making a huge come back.  

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They’re soft and conform uniquely to your posture in any way you want to sit or lie on them. They’re like no other piece of furniture. 

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Comfort aside though, it can be easy to think of them as only for the playroom or child's bedroom.  What isn’t obvious is how chic they can be in the right setting.  They also come in so many different forms making them really versatile. Traditionally, bean bag chairs only came in spherical shapes which could be quite limiting. Nowadays, this is no longer the case.

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Square bean bag chairs can be morphed into body pillows, armchairs, or stools. Bean bag ottomans can be sprawled out to create sofas for several people to lounge on. Teardrop bean bags give more back support to emulate an armchair style.

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Different styles of bean bag chairs allow you to emulate existing furniture, which can eliminate an awkward juxtaposition if you intend to put them into a room with actual sofas and armchairs. Again, this is important for obtaining a chic result.

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The other thing to consider is colour and fabric choices. Stark black and white rooms work well with bean bag chairs in a solid bright color to create major impact in a space.  Flat fabric textures work with subdued leather couches, while bold glossy faux leathers can work in a retro 60’s style décor. Warm colours and rough spun fabrics give off a bohemian vibe. 

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You simply have to think outside the box and consider making an old favorite part of your current decor.  

Thanks Sophie for sharing your insight on a current trend!  Now let's get out there and take charge of our Monday!  M.

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Sponsor Welcome: Shades of Light!

I love Shades of Light. They are my "go to" for everything from chandeliers to table lamps. They also have great furniture pieces and rugs! Be sure to see their entire site for more amazing pieces. Here's a small sample of their diverse selection.

I'm dying to use this chandelier on a project.

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Sponsor Welcome - The Pink Pagoda

I'm excited to share the gorgeous giclee prints from The Pink Pagoda shop. Who couldn't use a little colorful Chinoiserie in their lives? The Pink Pagoda has an adorable and affordable selection of asian inspired prints, which include depictions of chinese chippendale furniture, ming jars and more! Happy Shopping.

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New Sponsor - 2dplan

OK, I first want to thank you for all the comments yesterday on the "top sheet" debate.  I loved reading them all and had no idea that many of you were already doing this.  I am not sure I want to give mine up yet, but the comments certainly gave me lots of food for thought!

Now, for today's post . . .

Please say Hello to my newest blog sponsor - 2dplan.  When I came across this website over the summer, I immediately wanted to share it with you.  If you love redesigning your spaces.  Or if you would like to redesign your spaces, but don't know where to start, you need to check out this product. 

It's called 2dplan and provides the graphic tools necessary to create a totally new furniture layout for your space.  What's great is you can create the space without moving a single piece of furniture to determine if you will like the new design.  Then, once you're satisfied with the layout, you can call in the hubby to give you a hand on moving everything. 

  When I first started working as an interior designer, I quickly realized it was so much easier for my clients to understand my vision for their space, if I included a diagram of the new furniture placement.  It isn't enough to show a client fabrics and new furniture pieces if they don't understand what you would do with the pieces.  Also, I find that once I go over the plan and the client has time to sit down and look at the new layout out and how the pieces relate to each other,  they begin to get comfortable with my vision for the space.  So, I always to include a diagram in every design plan I complete for a client. 

So, if you are like me, a small business owner who works from home but insists on producing a professional product at an affordable price, you should consider this software.  But, 2dplan isn't just for interior designers.  They have software that would be very useful to architects, landscape architects, and those in the construction business who are looking to market their properties in an effective way.  

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Also, this would be the perfect Christmas gift for any young person who is considering going into a design field - as well as those who are just graduating with a degree in the same.  

The software is super simple to navigate, and there are programs designed specifically for each category of design.  There are also tutorials on each software program for you to "try before you buy."  Additionally, 2dplan gives you a free downloadable sample of a few of their symbols all of which are very professional.  If you have time this week, please go on their website and take a look.  At the very least, it might inspire you to re-arrange your space!!  

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Find of the Week - Custom Canvas Artwork

Look what came in the mail yesterday!!  Megan at Easy Canvas Prints asked me to do a product review of a custom canvas. I loved the idea and decided to focus on creating something for my son's bathroom.  He has a couple of pieces of original artwork from school; but the space really needed something to pull it all together.  

So, I started by finding a picture of him doing something he loves - skim boarding.  He does this for hours at the beach.  In fact, this past summer, I looked up from my book to see him surround by a dozen little boys.  He was teaching them all his tricks.  Too cute.  So, I snapped this picture.  

When I showed him the picture, he said, "Whaaaat?! Nooo Mommmmm.  That is totally uncool to have a picture of yourself in your bathroom!"  Well, he IS 11 years old and it's all about being cool these days.

   So, here's what I did to make it work (for both of us).  I took the original photograph and using photo editing software came up with this Andy Warhol like effect.  There are lots of free photo editing websites to make any picture look like this with the click of a button.  

The result - a piece of artwork that has some sentimental value.

  

I also think it makes his bathroom feel more grown up and not as cutesy as it once was when he was really small.  As for Easy Canvas, their website is so user friendly.  They walk you through each step to create your canvas, and then it ships super fast.  As a friend of mine once said about Zappos, "I clicked 'Order' on the computer and like Chinese take out, the doorbell rang!"  OK, maybe not that fast, but it was less than a week.

There are endless possibilities with this great product.  Here are a few images to get your brain thinking about the perfect spot in your house for a photo canvas.

I love the ferris wheel in the grouping.  Very different and eye catching.

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Love a really huge Andy Warhol too.

Here they have combined a series of small canvases to give more impact.

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And my favorite.  I saw this a couple of days ago and was totally smitten.  I have to confess, I am usually not a pink person, but it works so well in this space (along with those photographs).  It feels like such a modern take on portraits.  

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If you have time, please click over and check out Easy Canvas.  They are my newest sponsor, so please show them some love!!!  Have a marvelous weekend.  See you Monday. M.

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