My Display stands

Looking for clever ways to incoporate jewels into you space, I stumbled up this post and love what  Kristal Leaver created.

An old brass tray takes on double duty

Pretty hooks, or a bunch of  fun  knobs on a piece of wood  can make a wonderful piece of art, that is also  functional.  You can make your own. Or add holders or hooks to a framed cork board

or create a grouping on the wall.  Or buy a custom piece

Door Knobs double as hangers

How are you hanging your jewels?   Comment below with your own tips, and solutions for displaying. If you are looking for a home that embraces you, call me  Jennifer Duchene  650.644.8592  I would be delighted to help you make it happen.

I believe that the space you live in dictates how you live.

A space made inviting with color and details taken at Anthropologie Palo Alto CA

Why do we love going to luxury hotels. when we can?  Because they make us feel good.

How can anyone reach the heights of happiness when they live in a dungy dark depressing space of little light?

I believe in it so much that I make it my mission to find  charity projects to bring some color into a life that needs it.

One such project is one I am working on, with my IRIS Chapter, in the bay area.

IRIS is organization that is for Redesigners Decorators & Stagers to Learn from and Share.  You may not have heard of us, but we are all over the nation changing rooms, changing lives.

This Charity project that found me  is a County Home, for young women, a last stop to stay with their young babies, and learn some coping skills, before either going home babes in arms or

losing their beloved children to the state.

What an incredible moment.  I love it when a plan comes together.

I visited the home, talked to the director, who graciously gave me permission to swoop in change.

Since the building is modern and new, we need only to do a little tweeking and painting to bring a real sense of home to these women and their children.

Sharing colors and pictures to build a feeling

First Stop.  Color consult.  There are two identical rooms and four of us meet to pick colors .    We decide to use the same two colors on alternate walls in each space.

Next up, I contact Sherwin Williams to donate the paint, which they very graciously do.  I cannot thank them enough for giving to our community.

The white paint looks cold and grey

Then its time to find the painter.  for free.  Not an easy task.  High High ceilings.    Two big Great rooms.

After a couple months chasing down dead end alley ways, I write in my date book  FIND PAINTER at 1.00 pm a Thursday in April.

Funny thing I was at a networking meeting, with one of my favorite groups WEBA and I  sat next to an amazing woman.  Lorrie.

She told me she painted houses. among other things. and I asked her is she would be interested in painting our project.

Without hesitation she said YES!   I could not believe my luck.  Could life be this good and this simple?

Two women painters

When I got home I checked my datebook and discovered that what I had written, and realised the time I had underlined was the exact time I found Lorrie.

A couple of weeks later Lorrie and her co painter friend painted the one room.

The result ?  Immediately the space felt happier, more embracing, more nurturing.

Color really enhances this space

Right now my Chapter members and I are involved in getting the decorations ready Sewing Pillows with donated materials, painting frames planning the spaces for the Redesign.

Donated pillows and fabric are recreated

I am so excited to see the rooms finally made over,  I cannot wait.

What do you think?  Does changing a rooms paint color make you happy ?

Please comment below to share your thoughts.

And if you would like to change your home to color, call me Jennifer Duchene  at 650.644.8592  - I would love to see you shine

Wonderful treasures to delight in at Cargo Portland

Best part?  I got to stay at my friend Ava’s home,  with her eye for design Ava has created a place to nurture and embrace.  I was inspired to share some of her innate talent with you.

Ava’s living room is a microcosm of  her style.   She has collected wonderful items throughout her travels, and daily life, and put it all together, to delight the eye and spirit.

Ava's living room is a combination of textures and colors that create visual delight

A favorite tricks is to do what Ava has done, use a rug, which is a work of art, as a way to ground the space and give inspiration and color to define the room.

Notice how the rug, the art and each accessory is unique and eye catching.  While the furniture has great lines they are definitely background to the art and detail.

Fantabulous mirror makes a stylish statement

Mirrors are wonderful accessories, and bold choices really make a space.  The mirror grouping with the art and the sconces create  a stunning tableau.

Bathrooms are fascinating spaces.  Essential rooms that need to incorporate function often in narrow space they can be difficult to really demonstrate  personal style.

People get locked into the tile look, and forget to illustrate mood.

Ava has created two stunning mood based bathrooms.

I love the use of the uniform paint all over the most of the house, and this color Straw, acts as counterfoil to the contents in the rooms including the guest bathroom.

A chinese porcelain seat adds charm and holds  items next to the tub, dont you love those wonderful fringes on the turkish towels?

Porcelain stool adds glamor and function to a bathroom

I love the beautiful Hickory wood of the cabinets, the beauty of the wood adds a decorative element. The repetition of the same colors all over the room adds a luxurious touch.

Not all the items need to be expensive.  A designer knows how to shop.

The mirror is from Ikea.  I am planning on stealing that idea for a client’s bathroom.

Bathroom cabinet looks good

Ava used the mud room idea, inspired from a travel jaunt, to recreate her  master bathroom. The mud color echoes the palette of Ava’s home.

I love how she has taken little jewel  items and focused so much whimsy and attraction to the visual tale.

Man in the Mud Room

Like the detail of the little man, the rough wood surface of the counter and the mud look on the walls. Delightful.

Design is about focus and attention to detail.  It is not about price.  This is ability is more valuable than a visa card.  It is priceless.  The gift of mixing and matching with aplomb.

Tablescape with center bud vase

I love how Ava has taken elements that reflect who she is, who her husband is (the artist that created the bud vase in the middle)

shapes colors and forms that reflect their experiences and loves, to create a tablescape that speaks volumes.

Each of the photos show design that is connected.  There is a rhythm to the way the rooms flow.

What can you learn from this?

Dont be afraid to be bold with less, and three items is quite enough to make a strong statement.

Blue and White jars look great together

Stand up for your shapes!  Sharpen your style!   Simplify.

If you need help to create a home that embraces you, call me, I would love to help  Jen 650.644.8592

Feel free to comment below and share your point of view, I love to engage.

Need: Art various sizes and shapes

A sturdy hammer

Nails, hooks assortment

Pencil

Tape measure

Level

Step stool

Patience.

Art is an important part of decorating.

It not only personalizes the space, it also adds a key element.

Art is personal.  It brings color and depth to a room.

Sometimes we take items that have meaning to us, like our children’s art, or pieces we find on our daily travels or when on holiday.

Many things can become art when they are framed.

Create Groupings.

A collection of art makes a powerful statement.

Fills a wall.

Speaks to us

Translate sensation and color

Advertising Agency has art gallery downstairs

I love how this advertising agency in Portland has taken stills from a photo shoot and created wallpaper.  Faces become art.

Pick items you love and create a wall of it

Grouping every day objects creates art

If you are going to create a grouping, lay the items on the floor to see how they look together.

Place art on floor to group

After you have created a grouping,  decide the middle point of where you are going to hang grouping and make a center mark with a pencil.

Then you need to find the center of your art work for the hook or if you have two hooks, measure  the distance between hooks, so you can determine how far apart you need to hang your picture hooks.

Measure between the hooks for distance from your wall center

Measure from the top down, to ensure that the picture will hang straight, if you are using two hook.  Most walls are not plumb. They are crooked.

If you have one hook you just need to determine height and center of art work.
Art needs to be at eye level.  A big mistake most people make is hanging the art too high.

To determine where to place art, mark the height you want it, and then measure the distance from the wire to the top of art.

Measure the height of wire from top of art

Hang your tape measure from hook to top of frame.  The distance is where you place the bottom of the hook, when hammering picture hanger in.  Use a good sturdy hammer.

Use a level to check the art work if you are not sure.

Use a level for even height on art

Once your first piece is up, move to the next piece.  Think about the distance between pieces before you start hanging.

Focus on creating a balanced feel.  The art pieces need to relate to each other and to the space around.

Avoid creating too much space between artwork. Use the spaces to guide the eye.

Many people use the paper method, cut out pieces of paper the size of art and tape on wall, to get an overall feel.  This is a great way to judge size and scale, and to find the correct hanging height.

Keep hanging till you are done, but be sure to check as you go along that the grouping feels right.

I hung this grouping at a staging, to add interest to a bare wall.

Scale, proportion and subject and our color all create a pleasing balance, that can really make your space feel great.   Great grouping power showcased in this lovely room

Love the vintage framed botanicals that fill the wall and create drama

See how this grouping above creates the impression on solid piece of art.  When hanging large groupings it is a good idea to use masking tape to guide you.  Little adhesive dots behind each frame ensure a straight picture.

You dont need to fill every space on the wall.  White space has its own magic.

What do you think?  Do you like the look of art groupings?  Comment below and share your thoughts.

If you need help making your home a haven call me, Jennifer Duchene 650.644.8592 I would love to help with your wall art and decor .

I haven’t seen the movie, yet  (still coming) or read the book, but I have been thinking about the power we hold within to celebrate life.

How much sensuous living is  essential for keeping the mind body and soul nourished.  We don’t need to travel to find our soul.  We can nourish and flourish in our own abodes.

Eat: food we enjoy, involves taste, smell look touch and savor  – while keeping our bodies energized.  A table to eat from.

Pray:  having a spiritual connection to things we believe in, and surround ourselves with, no matter what we believe in.  A shelf of dreams with spiritual  memories & moments.

Love: surrounding ourselves with people and things that enhance us. Touch.  our bodies need to celebrate  with the dance of love and life.

What connects all of these essential part of a beautiful life?  A space that  supports us.  Echoes our spiritual food and water,   a place of love laughter hope & dreams.

A home.

A place that ties all the elements like a reflection and a cushion.

I just worked on a clients living room and I moved her elements to increase harmony and healing,  to create a space that nurtures.

A special place that needs an infusion

The same corner now allows Carol to celebrate her life at home. She told me her cat wont leave this room, she loves it so much.

After the one day makeover the room invites the owner to sink into her life.

What happened to the shrine?   We flipped it, to make the room a place to Eat Pray Love…

Here is the table at the entry before we begin.

The entry table is a perfect place for a shrine

Once the makeover is in progress, I am thinking about where the altar is going to go, and decide to create it, next to the door, visible from all areas, decorative connected and  hopeful.

The altar is altered

A place she can see and delight in, no matter where she is, in the room.  I did not realize till I look at the pictures that the mirror stayed in the picture.  I love how it reflects the elephant head.

Below is the other corner,  the original set up.

Main corner for living before

Carol wanted a space where she could entertain, watch tv, eat, celebrate her life.    Carol went out to look for a dining table, on the day of the makeover, and found a really great deal which included 4 chairs, from the Consignment Store.

She did consult with me about the size. And luckily it was a great fit.

I used two existing chairs to create a more interesting mix.

My client found a great deal at the consignment store and she loves the idea that she can entertain now.

What do you think about how you live?

Do you fulfill your daily quota of sustenance for self and soul?

Post your thoughts below, I would love to know what you think of your lifestyle and Carol’s willingness to change her space to incorporate  Eat Pray & Love .

Do have a guest room, or a bedroom that needs help?  Like this one below?  A client called me to help with this guest bedroom in a complex.

This guest room needed a makeover!

The room feels so sad

Limitations. Small budget and carpet stays. The twin beds stay. as does the Armoire and the little fridge.

Before you begin a makeover, know your budget.  Make a list of the items you absolutely need to replace.  Look through the list and see if you have any pieces you can salvage with paint or by recovering.

Next do your homework.  Page through magazines to get a feel for what you want.

Do some window shopping to get an idea of what is out there and what the prices are.

Now you are probably ready to go back to your list and refine your requirements.

View from the beds

What is wrong with room? Dark and uninspiring.

The big chair needs to go.  And the bedding and drapes are past their prime.

First Step is Concept.

For this project I chose color as my concept,  Black White & a bright.  My client settled on Turquoise.

Black and white is always crisp and in style.

What is your inspiration for reinventing the bedroom?  A piece of art? a favorite pillow?

Since the concept was color I knew that I could find soft furnishings in black and white & decided to use the color pop as paint.

Back wall of bedroom and bath get color.  Paint adds drama & is a cheap change. Color chosen  Turquoise  Benjamin Moore Pool Party 2059-50

Then its time to go shopping to pull the room together.

When you are creating a room, shop the stores to find what is available before deciding what theme you are going to create.  This way you will save money & time.

Since I was working for a client who was out of town, I stuck to our original inspiration.

Room is stripped and wall is painted

Black and white  and turquoise being the theme – I was on the hunt for reasonable twin bed covers and I needed two identical ones.  Not an easy task.

Check out deals and sales on line, Pottery Barn, Overstock.com Crate and Barrel Macy’s  They all have periodic sales with excellent deals.

What are you looking for? Duvet covers? Quilt? Blankets?

Check your list and stick to it.  Adapt if you need to, keep focused on the objective.  The perfect items will fall ripe and juicy into your hands.

Since my budget was low I shopped the discounts stores  TJ Max/ Marshalls and found two bedspreads at $39.99 each and bed skirts with eyelet embroidery on sale at Sears for $19.99.

I also bought a matching pillow case $12.99 but could have chosen a mix of pillow cases on sale, if I had found some stripes or quatrefoils.

When you do shop the discount stores be ready to spend time. If you see something amazing at a great price only buy it you can make it work with your concept.

Think about the quality of the item and how hard wearing you need the item to be, before buying.

Once I had found the bedding, (we were using the white sheets and blankets the residence owned) I turned my attention to the drapes.

Hanging the drapes is the first item

This was the big ticket item. We decided to invest money in the drapes, since they needed to be good quality, lined with french pleats.

You can find wonderful choices at Ikea, Cost Plus and Pier One. Think about fullness when you buy. And the length. Drapes should touch the floor or be longer. Lift the Drapery Rod to give you more height.

Avoid blocking the window light by allowing space on the wall for the drapes to open.  Consider other window options.

The drapes we ordered were custom, from an online store. I called it in, to make sure we got the size and fullness that would work.  Be aware with custom there is no return.

Half Price Drapes have many choices you can order of the rack, and return if not suitable.

The prices are really affordable but not cheap. The quality is excellent.

Consider making your own drapes or hiring a local seamstress to fashion them for you. Sometimes ready made drapes just need a trim to edge them with style

Finally I find the perfect table

Once the drapes were chosen I could concentrate on finding the pieces of furniture.  The room needed a small round table, which I hunted for and found at Marshalls for $79.99,  above.

The big piece of art was  a $25.00  a lucky find at TJ Max, since I needed a piece to bring the turquoise to the other side of the room.  When using accent color consider bringing it in in the chair covers, pillows or art.

I also picked up a couple lamps in black and white at Tj Max that were sweet and well priced.

While shopping I spotted great deals in art, fake flowers, bathroom accessories  & some decorative pieces to give some personality to the room.  I bought fake plants & accessories from  thrift stores for a couple of dollars.

Do the rounds, check out the sales, garages sales and consignment stores or even stuff your friends are getting rid of.  Paint can change the look of anything.

Assembling the chairs

The room needed two matching chairs, which I spotted at Ikea, with a black & white print.  I wanted stripes but the budget did not run to custom, and there were no striped chairs to be found.

When creating your room at home, be prepared to wait for your perfect piece or get creative.  Woven chair, or metal chairs could work.  Canvas your home, thrift stores, garage sales and consignment stores,  for options that fit your budget.  You can paint or recover.  Lots of stores sell inexpensive chair covers that can do wonders.

The last item I needed was an inexpensive bedside table, which I found at Goodwill for $23, that and a can of black paint created the perfect piece.  You can get more creative and paint stripes or cover in a floral fabric or wallpaper.

Bedside Table gets a color makeover

The silver vase was a couple dollar thrift store find I sprayed silver, candle and lamp I picked up at Homegoods.

I spotted a really cool table that would have been perfect which was over budget.

Fun Bedside Table spotted while shopping

You could create a fun one of a kind table.

Beds are ready for covers and art backs

Made  the beds and put on the covers, and arranged the accessories.

Since we did not have the budget for the backs I decided to use the frame within a frame trick.

Spotted these Frames at Aaron brothers and luckily they were having their 1c frame sale.  Two frames for the price of one, plus 1 cent.

Frame is ready to be undone

Or buy empty frames if you can.  I trolled thrifts stores but could not find two matching frames in the size I needed.

Be creative when it comes to creating a point of interest behind the bed.  Painting it on. or putting up fabric or art

can make a huge statement. Or making your own headboard

I had found some black and white pillows to give some punch to the bed. These can easily be made if you are handy with a sewing machine.

Use a level and tape or ruler to hang art or frames.

Once the frames are up, its time to find the center and fill in with the black and white pieces I had picked up at Homegoods.

Back of Bed Art is complete

To keep art from moving place small pieces of double sided tape or dots under at least one corner.  Since this was over the bed I used a heavier duty double sided tape on each corner, to the art stays put.

The inside art piece  can be a piece of jewelry, fabric or a collection of plates.

View of  other side of the room after the Makeover.

The Armoire, chairs and table after the makeover

The room is done.  And a guest is ready to move in.   Take a moment to imagine your ideal bedroom.  Makeovers can be as easy as changing one thing. Rearranging the art, changing the bedding, or moving out the clutter.

Hope I have inspired you to lift the spirits of your bedroom.  Please comment below, I would love to hear what your favorite trick is for making your bedroom feel special.

But only temporarily…not to worry!  I will return her in one piece, safe and sound in just a bit.  For now you can find her over at my site sharing a fabulous Guest Post with my readers.  I hope you will visit her and say a little hello.  She will want to know that you are well cared for while She is gone…

Click on the banner below to see what She’s up to!  Xx Rayan – The Design Confidential

When my client Carolyn called she knew that her home needed some help.  The master bedroom was large but felt cluttered and dreary. The furniture needed a shift.

After we came  in to do a one day makeover, Caroline absolutely loved her “New Bedroom”

First we moved the bed to the wall opposite the windows.  Then we created a cozy corner with two chairs, one that had been in the bedroom. The other we found on the porch.

The rug was moved up from under the breakfast table, to create a focal point of color, and to draw the eye away from the bland carpet.  The blue shawl softened the wooden rocker.  The green pillow tied up the colors from the bed accents.

We used the little table that had been in the corner, and picked a couple hydrangeas from the garden.

The denim drapes which had looked so tired, got new life with a knot that added some volume to their shape.    A piece of art that picks up the rug colors replaced the hat.

What do you think?  Can you believe that this is the same space the same day with a couple of hours in between? Any room in the house can be transformed in a day.  Share your thoughts below.

And if you would like to live in a place that makes you feel stylishly at home, call me  Jennifer Duchene 650.644.8592

Desmond Tutu says “Africa is the Cradle of Humanity, we welcome you home”  Can you relate to the mix of art and life?

The world cup has a profound effect on design.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PyGNczhwSA
The most watched event in the world.  When millions of people are exposed to a new culture, to the fabrics, and details of of how a country lives.

Design is all around us.  The clothes people wear,  the way they gather, party and identify.  The tools we employ to celebrate.

The restaurant designs, billboard posters, souvenirs they create.

This is all part of the fabric of life.  We live and breathe through the appearance of nature, buildings, clothing.

Our lives are changed by what we see.  When stars wear label purses, we rush out to buy. China or another BRICK country creates an imitation so everyone can be “IN”

A proud moment for me as a native South African to see The 2010 World Cup play out on my mother country soil.  The soul of my being is entwined with Africa. Now living in America and loving the mix.

The people, the smells, the colors.

How can I begin to explain the joy of living in a land, rich in a mix of people so diverse, wonderful and creative?  A land that is beautiful beyond words, it takes my breath away.

A people that are artistic as their birthright?  The music, the energy, the beat?

Daily life glistens with discards that become designer must haves.

Items that  influence designers through out the world.  And the Vuvuzela?  They have changed the conversation.  We have a new world word.

Amazing Awe inspiring.  I share a video that epitomizes who I am, who my people are and links the Shofar the Vuvuzela, originally made from Kudu horn, and used to call  distant villagers to a community event and the Trumpe.

Old traditions blow triumphant!

Pay attention to the incredible beadwork of talented South Africans, including one sold at Oprah’s online store

African Beaded Coaster from Monkey Biz

.

Are you influenced by what you see happening in other places other countries though media or in real life?  Has the Vuvuzela got you talking ? Did you dance to the beat ? Comment below and share your thoughts.

If you would like to make your home a place of beauty, that reflects you and the treasures you have collected, over time, and travels contact me  jen@lyshome.com

On walk to Eiffel Tower

Since I have been with a french man for so many years, we have been celebrating both American Independence day and Bastille Day alongside each other . Two reasons to party in July and its Summer!

A couple of times we managed to be in France on July 13th, one such night we visited the Tour d’Eiffel, throngs of people everywhere,  live music in the park,  a favorite of the French singing familiar songs.

Then when the concert was done, we moved in the thousands to position ourselves for the incredible light and firework show.    Dazzling.

Fireworks Live Music Thousands of people what a night

which is the night that balls happen all over France, in the streets, at the Firehouses and in the villages. The Parisian Firehouses are buildings with courtyards.  The Fireman’s balls are a complete blast.

Dancing, Disco Music, bars.

First its dinner, in what ever form and then on to Le Bal  the balls.

You cant help but enjoy the action and get into the moment.  If you want to party at home or get ready for the 14th  pick up a pack of fireworks.  We have the hose at the ready to extinguish all used fireworks.

The kids have a blast.

Ready for Fun the pack of Fireworks awaits.

Very sensible party goers.  Party the night before, parade in the morning if you want and more parties or family leisure later.

Last year we celebrated 14th July at home with a very casual thrown together party. In fact El hubbo decided to call the party the night before and round up the troops to come on over with

a side dish.  We provided most of the eats  & a little bit of decoration strung up before the party started.

Country style decor sets the stage with flowers and lanterns

The lanterns are a holdover from a Bastille day celebration years ago.  I dont know why I didnt use a red cloth or a blue.  Flowers match the country feel and French colors.

Blue white and red are fun to use in the decor

Napkins and plates at the ready.  I used all the blue white and red I had in the plates flatware and napkins.  We didnt spend much time worrying about it.  It was a casual picnic style buffet.  Tables outside with party lights.

Wine Beer Water Soda.   So lovely to sit outside as the sun sets.  The food a mix of roasted veggies, cold cuts  and pate french style, decorated with herbs and cornichon.  Salad and cold crab and smoked whitefish with dressing on the side.

Delicious roasted veg with garlic and shallots are easy to eat hot or cold

What would  life be without french cheese?

A mix of Cheese that tantalizes the palate

If you are in the mood to decorate French style for your next buffet here is some inspiration.  Plates from Gien,  or any blue white and red mix of table linens, or be inspired by yellows reds and greens that are favorites too.

Find at European Tableware

Not party is complete without dessert and El hubbo does us proud with Crepe Suzette, flaming the crepes with orange liquer.  Totally delish.  Happy Bastille Day.

A delicious dessert to finish the meal.

I love cold food in summer,  easy to prepare and set up.  Very little cooking happened in our meal.

The cold cuts, cheese, salad  & crab were purchased.  We bought 10 Baguettes,  made a salad, dressing and roasted the veg and El hubbo prepared the crepes, the night before.

He finished cooking them and flamed while our guest watched.  Everyone loved it including me.

What do you think?  Share your ideas for a fun casual get together by commenting below.

Happy Bastille Day!

Arc de Triomphe July in Paris

Comment below and share your party prep tips.