It’s finally here – the day we sit back and reflect on the past year and what we hope to accomplish in the next year. I have several plans in place for new content in ::Surroundings:: in the next year. Including: “Get the look!” where I will show how to break down and source items … Read more
I just love rugs and am always amazed at how intricate the patterns can be. Plus, no matter how traditional the rug – they are at home in even the most ultra modern rooms. I have the Zollanvari catalogue and have been browsing it like a coffee table artbook. It’s stunning! Their website isn’t as … Read more
BravoTV’s new reality show Top Design is starting in January. I always find it difficult to get into reality shows when I don’t know the contestants. So, I am working on a viewers guide that will be ready to download by the time the first episode airs, sometime by the end of January. To start, … Read more
From cherry woods and junipers to deer antlers and giant shells, Spaltana creates contempory, yet timeless, lighting and decorative objects that are sure to warm the home and inspire conversation!
Fill a clear glass or crystal bowl with colorful ornaments for a sparkling and easy centerpiece. This is a Tiffany bowl that was actually a corporate service award. The logo imprinted on the bottom is hidden under the ornaments. So, don’t forget that items like this can work in your decor – with a little … Read more
I find that this is the easiest way to display holiday cards. Cover a large artists canvas (available at your local arts & crafts store) with a pretty fabric. Wind florist wire or fishing line around the canvas several times and fasten in the back. And voila! An easy way to hang up cards – … Read more
I saw this in today’s Boston Globe Magazine. For a gal with no fireplace – this looks pretty tantalizing. This fireplace burns bottled ethanol and requires no ventilation. This stainless steel fireplace is by Blomus. They sell a wide range of fabulous stainless steel items for living, bath and kitchen spaces.
I found this very interesting article online about a scientist who is developing a house paint that changes color and light reflective capabilities based on outside temperature. His goal is to reduce the need for fossil fuels. Very cool, or hot, indeed! Read the article here. Buy this artprint here.
For a simple, yet elegant, holiday decoration, bring out that old silver, shine it up (or not), and fill with natural materials such as leaves, berries or fruit. Couldn’t be easier! My work is highlighted in these two photos printed in South Shore Living Magazine’s Holiday Issue, 2006. From the King Caesar Holiday Decorating Tour … Read more
Here is an interesting article on MSN money about rules of regifting. My personal opinion is that you should never regift something that you wouldn’t have purchased in the first place for that person. I think regifting is ok – it’s like recycling. But, as with recycling, you have to separate your materials. I’ve received … Read more
Valerie A. Russo, reporter for the Patriot Ledger Newspaper in Quincy, MA, included me in her article Merry Making on the value of hiring an interior decorator to deck your halls for the holidays. I also provided a list of do’s and don’ts for the sidebar: Designer’s Dozen.
Meaning “Old Bridge”, this current structure across the Arno River dates to 1334. A flood in 1333 destroyed the original wooden bridge. Filled with jewelry and gold shops today, this is one of the places to go when in Florence. Click here for more information.