Hanging Curtains: Professional Tips You Need to Know

Long, gorgeous curtains may be my single favorite element of any room.  They instantly add drama and warmth to a space.  However, hanging them always seems to be a bigger pain-in-the butt than anticipated.  I was hanging some curtain rods for our guest bedroom this weekend and figured I’d share a few helpful tips I’ve … Continue reading →

From Cookie-Cutter to Custom: Spicing up the Kitchen with Decorative Molding

Our kitchen cabinets really aren’t half bad, but they never quite looked finished, so I wanted to add some decorative molding to spice things up a bit.  I started with a small trim around the bottom, which helps disguise the undermount LED lights I installed a while back.  I then put my compound meitering abilities … Continue reading →

Stealing from the Neighbors

Just around the corner from my house is an incredible postbellum Victorian mansion.  It was built by famed New Orleans architect James Freret circa 1869.  Sadly, due to a drawn out divorce proceeding and crappy owner, the architectural masterpiece has fallen into disrepair.  It’s been dubbed the “leaning tower of Josephine” and may soon lean … Continue reading →

It’s What’s Inside That Counts

I’m very happy to report the kitchen renovation is finally underway!  The first order of business was a rather thankless, but important one: organize the hell out of that space.  The cabinets were a mishmash of warped, ugly and in some cases, missing shelving.  I purchased all new shelves and painted the inside of my … Continue reading →

Trend Watch: Emerald Green

It’s what gave the capital city of Oz its greenish tint and Elizabeth Taylor her signature sparkle.  Now, thanks to the Pantone Color Institute, emerald is making a comeback.  Each year the color corporation polls designers and brands about color trends and chooses one color of the year.  They must have been feeling green with … Continue reading →

Cork: Beyond the Bottle

You may think of bordeaux and bulletin boards, but more and more often these days, cork is also being used in interior design.  It’s easy to see why.  The sustainable material naturally reduces noise, is resistant to water and heat and even has anti-bacterial properties!  Not to mention, it looks great.  From decor to flooring … Continue reading →

Impressions of Impressionism

If I had to choose my favorite style of art, Impressionism would easily win.  I think my mother would agree.  There’s something about the soothing brush strokes, bright colors and natural beauty that give Impressionist paintings unparalleled timelessness.  So, you can only imagine my excitement when I learned of a new Impressionism art exhibit in … Continue reading →

Commercial Kitchen Comes Home

One of the best design moves I’ve ever made is copying my wonderful cousin-in-law Daina’s idea of purchasing an industrial work table to use as an island in my own kitchen.  It’s perfect for chopping, prepping, drying and pretty much everything else!  The best part is the shelf below that creates accessible storage for pots … Continue reading →

Trend Watch: Wallpaper

Wallpaper trends have certainly come and gone throughout the years.  I remember the Southwest inspired wallpaper that covered my parents’ bedroom in the 80’s…and peeling away layers of hideous country blue paper from my grandparent’s kitchen.  We’ve seen some low points in the wallpaper world, but that’s all changing now.  New wallpapers on the market … Continue reading →

Cooler Weather Calls for Burlap

Burlap may be humble in its roots, but its design possibilities are anything but.  As I perused Perino’s Garden Center recently for fall decor inspiration, burlap seemed to be everywhere I looked.  It’s the perfect material for a lush and warm wreath to greet guests at the front door.  It can easily be modeled and … Continue reading →