Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice of organizing a space to create a harmonious living environment.  To be quite honest with you, it is not a service I often mention.  Reason being:  of those who have shown interest in the practice, I have met an equal number of skeptics. 

Regardless of whether or not you are a believer, principles such as harmony, variety, balance, and awareness to the flow of energy thread Feng Shui into what I consider simply good design.   

Potential candidates for Feng Shui include those who:

• have read/watched “The Secret”;
• enjoy authors such as Napoleon Hill or Paulo Coelho;
• believe in abundance, recognize energy, or have studied Tai Chi; and
• are looking for a catalyst for change.

From the interested individual to the hard-core enthusiasts, Lavender & Lotus Interior Design would love to be part of your next project.

Where do I begin?  Just the thought of writing this post has my mind racing with excitement!!!  That, or perhaps I’ve had too much coffee.  Either way, Target is a fantastic resource for just about everything.  Rather than walking you through, aisle by aisle, I will do my best to focus on that which is most relevant.

The images below reflect a lot of my own personal style.  Aren’t they fabulous?!  If you happen to disagree, don’t count them out alltogether.  Between their retail stores and online, Target has a huge selection of bedding, lighting, window treatments, home decor, tableware, and the list goes on…

After what has been nearly a lifetime (I’ve been known to exaggerate), I am finally graduating!  The past 4-years studying Interior Design at NH Institute of Art has been nothing less than sensational.  My path to higher education took a slight detour before I realized the artistic direction I wanted to take in life.  NHIA provided a challenging opportunity to study Interior Design in New Hampshire while continuing to work full-time.  I encourage anyone and everyone to consider NHIA for pursuing their own creative interests.

For the “senior” project, we were given a general footprint of a house and required to either use Universal (handicap accessible) or Green design principles.  Being the green enthusiast that I am, you can guess which option I went for. 

My concept for the project was “A Walk In Nature”.  Elements of nature and New England landscape served as inspiration for each room of the house.  In other words, the living room used colors, textures, and patterns found in the forest.  The kitchen, a field of tall grasses.  The bathroom, a flowing stream.  The bedroom, sunset in the mountains…

Visit www.nhia.edu for more information.  (ID is available through the Continuing Education Dept).

There is no doubt about it — I’m crazy for furniture, chairs especially.  The form, color, and texture of a beautiful design is enough to elicit a reaction most women may experience with chocolate or shoes.  In order to achieve my daily fix, I save delicious, to-die-for designs as my desktop wallpaper.  This morning I thought I would share the joy of my current display with you.  I LOVE IT!

Colorful arrangement of Executive Chairs (designed by Eero Saarinen, produced by Knoll). 

Stay tuned… more fantastic furnishings are on their way!

What a find!  Located at 57 North Main Street (lower level) in Concord, many of you have probably passed this store countless times.  Peggy Anne carries a fantastic selection of colorful textiles you simply can’t find elsewhere.  The geometric and modern floral patterns top the list of my favorites, but the batiks and vintage designs are great too. 

Whether you are looking for materials to sew a sensational quilt or spruce up a space with new pillows, be sure to stop by Peggy Anne’s shop for unbelievable fabrics.

To be honest, the excitement of Christmas hasn’t been the same since I outgrew my one-piece “feetie” pajamas.  If you are like me, one way to nourish holiday cheer is to decorate your home.

Families and traditions come in all shapes and sizes.  Your style of choice may be the classic red, white, and green combo, or blue and white for Hanukah.   If so, I am here to encourage you to step out of the box!  The possibilities for decking the halls are endless, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. 

As an alternative to the classic red, play things up with pink or orange.  Purple, green, blue, turquoise, brown, silver, gold, etc. all have potential to create dazzling displays individually or in combinations.  The inspiration behind a theme can come from anywhere:  a hobby, rural/farming, urban/modern, retro, Adirondack, tropical, winter solstice…  Your favorite holiday book or movie are other sources for decorating ideas.  Silver bells can represent “The Polar Express” or a thin, somewhat pathetic secondary tree lends a nod to “Merry Christmas Charlie Brown”.

Have fun –  it’s time to celebrate!

(Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens)