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I am a decorating coach – I help my clients to live very comfortably and stylishly with their taste and collected possessions, by  doing one day makeovers using what they already own, and guiding their purchases

so that they can avoid making big mistakes.  Funny how so many of us will agonize over what to cook for a party, yet buy a dining room table like a drive through meal – we take the whole package, without thought.

Ann coaches people to become effective in social media.

Ann Evanston and I, at the WEBA event

I have been guiding clients for 5 years and changing the world one room at a time. Happy, with the doing, but realizing I needed to reach more people.  The big Q was how?

Last year in October, my world view altered.   Ann Evanston gave a presentation, at a SoMe event, and everything clicked.

I could understand what Ann was saying. I connected with her on so many levels.

Suddenly I could not wait to know more, learn to do it right!  I signed up on the spot for her Social Media bootcamp*.   Best investment ever!

Social media and socializing, they have so much in common.

Its all about connecting.

Ann opened up a world of change and opportunity for me, one that I could never have imagined.  * I believe in her bootcamp so much I signed up as an affiliate.

Doing a testimonial for Ann was a tough challenge, not because I didnt know what to say, but because I have so much to say. (and I did in a number of videos LOL! )

Being a critical design focused being, I obsessed with the light, the lines on my face, the position of the camera and got it wrong anyway.

But the Director cried cut! so I am sharing one piece of a whole lot of of practice.  Every step closer to uncovering  my video comfort zone, the flip, & I.

Ann Evanston made me love Social Media.

She unlocked the key to the hidden room, in my life, my heart, my soul.  Ann helped me walk into that space.

I am growing into me.

Not only did Ann demystify SoMe, she challenged me, believed in me.  She is a consumate teacher.   I love Ann.  She is my hero.

My Ann Evanston room would be filled with her sayings on the wall. Like  ”Be who you ARE,  Not what you DO!”   It would be my Walled garden room.

A place that nurtures me and enables me.  Full of  focused passion that beats at my core.

See, Ann showed me the way, she was my guide, for SoMe knowhow and on that path she forced me to look at who I am, she pulled me into a space where I am full of joy.

I wake up in the morning with the promise, ready to step into my Warriorpreneur room.  Ann is a giver, with heart.

She has shown me social etiquette,&  taken out the sword and rapped me on the knuckles when I needed it.

Brought me to Blogger Monday, which is really like the Breakfast Club for bloggers.

I have met so many amazing people in cyberspace, who I now know deeply, because of reading their blogs & commenting.

My walls would have photographs of all the lovely powerful giving friends I have made through Ann.  All practicing the gift of Shareology.

Ann is brilliant, how she cleverly encourages us, holding up carrots, like  link  & twitter love, making us fall in love with the doing, so we do it eagerly.

Rewarding us with heady sweetness of interviews, and Fan Friday. Sharing Winepreneur magic.

I have met a band  of fools  (I mean this as a compliment- I adore  evolved fools), wise men, sexy smart woman, poets, artists, drama queens & healers,

those of you who know me know who you are,  and your work stands out in my Ann Evanston room.

Countless people have told me they love my facebook biz page, my daily posts, many have come to know my work, and some who knew me, but not my work, have hired me.

My world has shifted.  The door to possibility is wide, wide open.   I am transparent, loving the opportunity to be part of a well of power.

The truth is Ann,  I do have an Ann Evanston room,  and it is in my heart.

If you had a Warriorpreneur’s room who and what would be in it?  Mine would have sunlight,  Moonlight, rain & polished trophies of those I revere, shareologists who have emboldened me,

and a fainting couch, to put my feet up.

If you need help creating your hero’s room – after all we are sum’s of our friends and our heroes opinion’s and  knowledge – call me,  650.644.8592 I would love to help !

otherwise comment below and share your essential inner soul room with me.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

A couple of weeks ago, Ann Evanston, the Warriorpreneur, posted a challenge  to her tribe, daring us to be bold enough to fall flat.  Oprah Winfrey was gearing up for OWN  TV online channel and who amongst us was brave enough to dare?    I decided to take the plunge.  How I made my OWN show. Venturing into a place of fear.   For a long time I have been mulling over the idea of creating a show that brings simple ideas and style into everyday homes.

For people like my client’s who often want the steps and the sources to create their own delicious home style.

I have been thinking about it, but the reality of creating a show was fraught with ifs ands and buts.

Being a woman with a big but, I figured if I dont take the plunge I will have no way of knowing if I can do it.

I have discovered I cannot do a video without an audience.  The electricity isnt there.   And the video had to be 3 minutes.  I didn’t realize it could be less than 3 minutes.

I planned and prepped. Finally I found a place of no distractions.

Donned an outfit that would be camera friendly. Roped my daughter in to play cam man  and begun.   Over and Over and Over.

One time the ambulance went by, another time  (on this video) the dog barked,  sometimes I was laughing so hard I couldnt talk.  And sometimes I couldnt think what to say.

Anyway it was an adventure.   I have critically watched most of the videos and cant find the perfect one.
I did submit my video  on the last day.  It was too long.   but it was the last one.

I thought I could upload and edit. However the OWN upload was jammed with people uploading before the midnight hour.

At that point I was enjoying a drink with friends,  and I was not sure if the video took.  Do you know they had this long long questionaire you had to fill out?

Full of very personal questions about your hat size  ( I put that my head was very big)   and your favorite book.  I don’t have a favorite book. I have many.

Your favorite movie. One of my favorites is  Shirley Valentine.

I was excited and afraid.

Then I forgot about it.  and on Tuesday I got an email.  Your video is too long.

That was it.  End of the dream of being a chosen star on the OWN channel.  My hopes dashed.    Really silly.  I can still do the TV show even if Oprah rejected me.

What do you think?  Do I have a dusting of star quality or do I look and sound completely idiotic?  Don’t spare my feelings,  truth is a wonderful thing.

I am on a journey to live mine,  what about you?

I would love to hear your thoughts.   and if you want your home filled with a stylish delicious feeling, call me  Jen Duchene 650.644.8592

Balloons add color!

Makes me think of my childhood.  And all the fun things we did when we got together, all the preparations, the excitement!

My mom was a Martha Stewart Mom.   Our house was lovely. Every gathering was planned with wonderful meals, matching dishes, and flowers.

I can still hear her declaring “Set the table” as she created magic in the kitchen, planning the table from cloth to flowers.   She was a hostess with the mostest.

In order to create a magical memory with all the ingredients, the setting

Dinner outdoors in Loire Valley July 2009

and the many parties and celebrations I have enjoyed with family and friends since then.

When my folks would have hordes of friend and relatives over, for a casual lunch  BBQ  what we called braaivleis or a cold luncheon laid out in the breakfast room.   The sweetest memories

The food from grilled sausages to the most fabulous seafood

Sausages on the barbi

From casual pool parties with hotdogs to dancing and singing from lunch to past midnite

Outdoor Eating involves dancing under the sun

Dessert and cheese is really a glorious must!

What my mom taught me is that style is part of life. A simple picnic from fried chicken & crisps in a basket to a grand 6 course meal, require planning and attention to detail.

Its not about the cost but about the end result.

The result of bringing people food and happiness together to make glorious memories!

Hope your celebrations are filled with bubbles!

Cheers!

I would love to hear what makes your celebrations sing!

If you want to live a life that celebrates who you are, at home, email me, jen@lyshome.com

How anyone can make their house or apartment a home, using clever decorating tricks.

With a small budget, a little ingenuity and a whole lot of work – your living environment can speak of who you are.

It can also make your lifestyle a pleasure.

Don’t be afraid to express  yourself.  Even if your favorite objects are SHOES!

Shoes are not just for walking in.  They are vessels to pot, store, create and decorate.  Of course if you have a huge pile up of shoes in the entry a shoe cupboard will fit the bill

I did not really understand this until I dropped by for a cup of tea, a tour and a chat.

What a fascinating glimpse into an artist’s life & lifestyle:

Walking along the pathway to Corinne’s door lies a gravel bedful of shoes.  Artistically arranged and filled with succulents.  Shoes from all walks of life!

Shoe Garden

Not only a shoe garden but I love the touch of whimsy that connects all of Corinne’s creations, a tiny watering can nestles amongst the sweet succulent shapes.

Watering can

Into her living room and in pride of place  a shoe to sit on!  I tried it out and it is comfy.  Who knew you could sit in a shoe?  Check out that tassel.

Giant shoe chair

Inside Corinne’s Studio a different kind of shoe-  plastic bits and bob’s become fabulous frames to worship Shoes!  I want one of those amazing Shoe Rooms and this would be a perfect ode to shoes on the door.

If you are obsessed with shoes, as I am

Shoe Frame

Corinne encrusts real shoes in all kinds of treasure in her studio.  We stepped outside into her secret garden,  green trees and wonderful art and craft to delight the eye everywhere.

Even the studio is charming, filled with treasures, glass and tile. Ready for the current project, when the creative moment strikes her fancy.  There are vignettes with shoes, to inspire and delight.

Outdoor Studio

Shoes everywhere,  which make me smile and delight in.

From discarded to Fanciful – what a wonderful glass jewel, perhaps to fascinate guests at one’s entry,  or to hold some jewelry at the dressing table !

Creations for every taste from a clock shoe to lace and tea.  I enjoyed looking at her latest  book of shoes offering a  glimpse of her amazing creations.

One of the latest shoes:

A glass slipper

Other decorating ideas that caught my eye were shoes hanging up, in her studio, in her workroom and placed in artistic groupings  on tables and shelves.

Shoes are good for walls too

The amazing shoes!  In the studio a new shoe in the making.  Using old shoes as a frame, Corinne designs and creates with discards.

A shoe in the making

See more shoes:  in the bathroom a fabulous glam look with fluff.  I adore this cool find!  You really can build your home around your passion and collecting.  An essential ingredient is restraint.

And a sense of humor.  Don’t take yourself or your stuff too seriously.  A light hand with shoes,  or whatever your favorite collectible is, can really go far to celebrate you and infuse your personality into your home.

Bathroom Treasures

Above you see how Corinne has embraced the style of the bathroom, by following the theme of the shower curtain.  Romantic and sweet!

Shower Shoe Glam

I would love to hear all about what items you love, obsess about or sprinkle liberally throughout your home.

Post a comment below and share your Item of Intrigue!

If you want your home to embrace and express YOU, contact me for on-line or in-person consultations.

As a matter of fact I used one in early February for a client.  She has a fabulous kist (chest) carved and sturdy, handed down by family members.

It makes an outstanding coffee table.

Influenced no doubt by the Steam Punk style and the need for all of us to be on our own voyage of discovery.

If you love the idea of using something that reminds you of travels from your past or  the travels in your future, or perhaps you feel like many of us, nostalgic  for what has been.

The romance of memory in your decorating, perhaps you have a chest in your living room future.

Here are a couple to inspire you.    If you have a chest like my client’s carved and bumpy one – a glass top is a great addition.

The patina of age and life is layered with individualistic collections and pieces

Chest adds a layer of veneer to the room

This well pulled together room uses two chests  an antique pine coffee table, and a wicker side table, a relaxed pulled together look by Kelly McGuill, with  a mix of what might be inherited, found and new objects and furniture.

Found this lovely pic at MarleyandLockyer.

Chest creates a warm touch

I found this blog A Matter of Style that has a slew of pretty trunks as coffee tables bedtables sidetables and bed ends posted as Junk in the Trunk.  Which is true – who knows what you have hidden inside the the charming box

Elle Magazine glamor with Trunk

It certainly adds a sense of drama to imagine traveling on a ship in the old days with your steamer trunk, french Trunk or a Classy Louis or Hermes,  or a pile, with all your belongings or at least a pile of fabulous clothes to get you noticed.

here is a Vuitton accesorized as a table by Tommy Hilfiger found on Fashionpile.

Tommy does Louis V

To get a sense of what who and why read up and check out some old trunks at Legacy Trunks ,

They restore and sell parts to restore or recreate your own trunk

or check out  This Old Trunk

Fabulous trunks to order from Goyards – I love this picture to inspire your own trunk  – use vinyl, wallpaper fabric glue and trim to create your own stylish trunk. Add some flair to your living room or your patio.

Dont despair if you are short of funds or time  Tj Max and Target carry simple cheap decorated trunks you can use to make a statement.

Goyard Trunks

Capture your traveling senses with your own trunk of wood, leather, wicker or cardboard,  and imagine where you will go next.