Wu Wu!

I'm a little jealous of Jason Wu's workspace. The Ochre chandelier. My favorite dining chairs.

from Elle Decor.

New Mag

Does anyone subscribe to this new design/lifestyle magazine, Anthology? Any reviews? They show some snipets online and there are some sweet interiors...

PRODUCT REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Simple Fit Custom Window Treatment by Redi Shade

A few weeks back the folks at Redi Shade contacted me to see if I'd been interested in testing out their Simple Fit custom shade. As it turns out, I was helping a client select fabric for window treatments and bench seating in their kitchen nook. The window above the main sink {image below} gets direct morning sunlight, was blinding my clients and was still in need of a window covering. The homeowners opted not to have a custom fabric Roman shade, but instead wanted a simple cellular shade.

Redi Shade's Simple Fit light filtering cellular shade in ivory seemed like the perfect solution and my clients were on board. Once the window measurements were taken, I ordered the shade and it arrived in three days! 

Redi Shade claims that their custom shade can be installed securely in seconds without the need for a drill, screws, or traditional brackets, making it a fast and easy. So with the clock ticking, we {my client I should say} started installing the shade...

The shade arrived safely and was wrapped carefully in bubble wrap. It took only a minute or two to unwrap.

The homeowner quickly read the directions.

Then the homeowner removed adhesive strips and installed the shade with a push of one button. It really was that simple and only took ten minutes! The shade has some weight to it, so hangs beautifully. It goes up and down {no cords or pulls} smoothly too. The ivory color was a perfect complement to the subway tile design backsplash.

 

Do you have a window in need of a custom shade? Redi Shade is offering a Simplified Bee reader the chance to win a new custom shade. The value of each shade is between $99 and $253, depending upon the size and type. Due to shipping restrictions, the giveaway is  available to US readers only.  

To enter to win a custom shade by Redi Shade, simply leave a comment {include your email if I don't have a way to contact you}. For extra entries:

• Become a new follower of Simplified Bee's Blog, Networked Blogs, Twitter or Facebook Page.

• Mention this giveaway in a post or tweet, then leave a comment letting me know.

Please post a separate comment for each extra entry. Entry period closes at midnight PST, Friday, October 8, 2010.

 

Also, visit Redi Shade to learn more about their window covering solutions. 

Happy decorating and good luck!

*all images property of Simplified Bee

The Look for Less...

Loving these Missoni Home bowls I saw in Elle Decor.

But they are out of my budget for a little decorative bowl, so I'm glad I recently read Little Green Notebook (one of my favorite blogs), where she blogged on some gorgeous goodies from Nate Berkus for sale on HSN.

I bought this bowl for a client (it came today and looks FAB!)




And this tray for another client!
Love a bargain shopping day!

Orange & Aqua Nursery Inspiration

Here are a few images inspiring me today. Clockwise from left: (1) Blueprint's modern baby shower; (2) Amy Atlas's orange & aqua dessert bar; (3) orange staircase from Canadian House & Home; (4) Binth Alphabet poster; (5) Leslie Klotz's serene coastal bedroom (and that awesome quilt); (6) fabrics: Serena & Lily's orange seersucker, Thomas Paul's zinnia in turquoise and Thomas Paul's Aviary in tangerine; (7) Miss James's darling baby girl (and that orange & white striped outfit and sheet!); (8) Massucco Warner Miller's cozy reading nook; and (10) Kristen Hutchins's nursery.

"And the Oscar goes to . . . "

Greetings,

Well, I'm sure if you've been shopping on Madison Avenue any time in the last few months - or read more that one blog posting in the last 60 days - you're most like aware that Oscar de la Renta has launched a new collection of textiles with Lee Jofa.  And to celebrate and publicize the new fabric line - a collection of skirts were made from a small selection of the textiles.

Seriously beautiful.  

Seriously dreamy.

Seriously couture.  

And NOW, they're being auctioned off for charity!  With all proceeds going to Casa del Niño.

Casa del Niño

"Founded in 1982 by Ziomara Menendez and Oscar de la Renta, Casa del Nino is regarded as the most complete project of child assistance in the Dominican Republic, and is considered to be a model of efficiency and quality care. At Casa del Nino every child receives food, full dental and medical care, and vocational training for the age appropriate - all in hopes of a better tomorrow for the youth of the community.  Today, this worthwhile organization cares for more than 14500 children, from newborns to young adults. "

"Custom designs created by Oscar de la Renta for the launch of his exclusive collections of fabrics with Lee Jofa will be auctioned for charity. The items were created by hand in the atelier of Mr. de la Renta, and feature the hallmarks of his superb quality and workmanship.

Each skirt is fully lined, women's designer size 4, and created from fabrics from Oscar de la Renta's Home collection. There are nine floor length skirts and one caftan made from various patterns from Mr. de la Renta's collection. Each item is exquisite and a one of a kind collector's item. Bidding will be hosted online from September 7, 2010 through November 30, 2010 at biddingforgood.com with an opening bid of $750 for each item."

To see the complete collection, and to get involved with the bidding - go to biddingforgood.com - and see which one might be perfect first those upcoming holiday parties.  Remember, it's only 88 days until Christmas!

Which one is YOUR favourite?

tartanscot

PS. and seriously, if anyone from my little blogging world bids on and ends up WINNING one of these beautiful pieces - you HAVE to let me know - and pictures WILL be posted here.  lol.

Make Up my House to Look Like This...

As I've bitched recently, I'm jealous that actors have the most gorgeous homes. A combination of cash and creativity brings us these fabulous homes. When you add a wife who is a makeup artist, it all gets bumped up a notch. This is the home of actor Anthony Edwards and his wife Jeanine Lobell (the Stila makeup genius) from Elle Decor. Jealous!

Bright green kitchen cabinetry + Louis dining table = Genius Mix.



So daring to paint a hot pink foyer. It works!


Like in the home of Megan Mullally, they chose to go with a bold pattern in the powder room.

I never tire of these gallery walls!

How to Design an Organized & Stylish Kids' Playroom

{image via Design*Sponge & Our Labor of Love} 

A dedicated playroom may not be necessary if you live in a moderate climate year-around.  But for those that have to endure long cold winters or heat wave summers,  designing a playroom where kids can "shake their sillies out" is a good idea - not only for them, but you! Here are some tips on  how to design  an organized and stylish playroom:

Design with Your Child in Mind.

This may seem obvious, but it is really important to determine what your child likes to do before anything else. Does he enjoy legos, trucks or books? Does she love to paint, sing or play dress-up? Then select items for the space such as an easel, train table or cozy reading chair that will promote their interests. 

This fun & funky playroom {above} designed by Little Crown Interiors includes a mini black and white laminate dance floor and working disco ball for the future Broadway star. The aqua wall mirror mimics the checkered pattern in the dance floor nicely.  Whimsical custom cabinets are beautifully built to store and organize all those toys.

{image from Feldman Architecture via Houzz}

Go Vertical.

Floor to ceiling shelving helps maximize storage and helps balance a space visually. Check Ikea, Pottery Barn Kids and Room & Board for some great options. Organize the toys in stylish baskets & bins to keep clutter-free and easier to maintain. Favorite age appropriate toys should be kept within reach and on lower shelves to accommodate little ones.

San Francisco based, Feldman Architecture designed this practical, yet stylish playroom. The floor to ceiling built-in shelves and bench not only maximize storage, but frame the windows beautifully.

{image from Ore Studios via Design*Sponge}

Look Down.

Selecting the right flooring for your playroom is also important. If you have wooden, cement or carpet flooring, layering it with an easy to clean area rug is a good idea. The playroom above designed by Ore Studios showcases colorful carpet tiles from FLOR {child table & chairs from Room & Board}. I have recommended FLOR tiles to clients before and love them because they are washable, interchangeable and are available in a vast array of colors. No nails, glue or padding necessary. Gotta love that.

{image via Dash & Albert via Posh Tots}

I am also a hug fan of Dash & Albert woven cotton rugs. They offer tons of colorful patterns including preppy stripes in just about every hue and color combination. Although not used in a playroom, we have a  3' x 5' Dash & Albert rug in a high traffic area and cleans up beautifully in the washing machine. 

{image via Rosenberry Rooms}

Select Petite Furnishings.

Purchasing the right "kid" size furniture for a playroom is important. Because kids grow up so fast, and pieces may not be used more than a few years, first hit local consignment stores,  flea markets and yard sales for used kid's furniture. Ebay and Craigslist are also favorite resources for finding inexpensive furniture. Also, don't be afraid to purchase pieces even if a little beat up. A fresh coat of paint in a color coordinating with the room may be all that is needed.

Retail stores such as Pottery Barn Kids, Land of Nod and Rosenberry Rooms are also great resources for child's size furnishings.

 {image via Houzz & Affordable Closet Systems}

Add Color.

A playroom by nature is supposed be fun. The colors you select will either energize or calm. Determine how you want the room to feel: Calming or cool colors are often hues blues, greens and violets {most grays included}. Energizing or warm colors are often hues of  red, orange and yellow {browns and tans included}.

In this playroom above by Affordable Closet Systems horizontal stripes are painted on a slanted wall/ceiling in a cooling blue and green hues. The wide stripe combined with the narrow striping above the custom bookcase creates visual interest and draws our eyes up.

{image from Allison Cosmos via Houzz}

Personalize the Space.

Decorating the walls with framed family photos, vacation spots or pieces of your child's own artwork is a wonderful way to personalize the space in a playroom.  For those with a particular theme {i.e. jungle, princess, western, etc.} a custom mural or monogram wall decal are also great options.

Artist, Allison Cosmos recreated the Mad Hatter tea party from Alice in Wonderland in this closet turned playroom. So sweet.

Bottom line, designing a playroom should be fun, so enjoy the process! 

Do you have a playroom for your kids or one when you were growing up?

Chichester!

When I first saw this ad for Julian Chichester, I knew I had to check out the website, and I'm SO glad I did.

a) I found this nightstand, which in dark walnut could be PERFECT for a client.
b) another client once showed me this dresser, which I LOVE and am glad to know the source now!


c. in love with this whole "Anna" line, including this gorgeous screen.


d. another great nightstand.

e. I have been excited about high-backed settee/loveseats for YEARS.

f. these benches bring the glamour.
Thanks Julian!

"Weekend in Scotland . . . "

Greetings,

Just a little something lush and romantic for your weekend pleasure.  Castle Forter in Perthshire (North of Edinburgh) is a excellent example of Scotch Baronial design - and also a stunning example of the work of London interior designer Katharine Pooley.

Enjoy . . .

Originally built in 1560, Forter Castle lay as a ruin for over 300 years before being restored in 1980. Katharine took on the challenge of decorating and designing this exceptionally beautiful, historic castle in a style which would successfully combine the demands of contemporary living and entertaining, but not detract from the heritage of the building. 

Thank heavens I've found my passport - who wants to join me,
tartanscot

Dreaming of Puppies

http://dreamingofpuppies.com/

Dreaming of Puppies focuses on caring and training dogs and puppies, pet supplies and pet health care info to ensure your pets are well looked after and are treated like kings.

"One For the Money, Two for the . . . "

Greetings,

Let's hop back on the "Love Letters" Express . . . and continue are little trip through the alphabet of all the things I love.

And let me tell you.  I.  Love.  Shopping.  Both the strategic 'I need to find this specific thing in the next 10 minutes' kinda shopping, and the more general (and somewhat less cardio-centric) 'I've got all day to wander and shop' kinda shopping.

As I've said on several occasions, I firmly believe that there is a shopping gene.  And I know that I came by this genetically from my mother's side of the family.  I think I've been out for a good long shop with almost every relative on the Willis and Meacham side of the family.  We also all seem to genetically have very tiny wrists.  I've always wondered if there is any connection there . . . lol.

So for shopping - and appropriately on a weekend - "O' is for . . . 

"One Kings Lane"

Every weekend a collection of online tag sales -

featuring items from the homes of an amazing collection of

some of our most important designers. 

This weekend with Madeline Stuart and Steven Sclaroff.

Happy shopping,
tartanscot