… or sweet… or tranquil… or sophisticated… or cheerful… or sporty… (felt like I was naming off Spice Girls or the 7 Dwarfs for a second there…)

Summer is an awesome time to paint. But when contemplating the options feels a bit like counting stars in the night sky, it’s no wonder that many are overwhelmed with the thought of it. Regardless of whether you love or hate to paint, color can have a remarkable affect on us - not just psychologically but physiologically.

Few people realize that color affects our mood, our appetite, even how well we are able to concentrate or relax in a space. Literally, color can make or break a room. Need I also mention that 1 in 10 men are also color blind?

Because color can be so complicated, and because I know the difference the right color can make, a color consultation is one of my favorite services I offer. I love being able to work with someone for what could be as little as an hour, and be able to provide them with peace of mind and confidence that they will love their color selection.

Is there a painting project on your To Do list this summer? Call or write today to schedule your consultation.

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Stair systems can be pretty standard. Rise, run, railing - end of story. But that doesn’t have to be the case. The following images illustrate how a staircase can contribute to the interest and character of a home.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Some projects are small, some projects are large. Some projects are fast, some projects take years.

As you will recall from previous posts (here and here), I have had the fortunate opportunity to participate in the Endicott Hotel renovation for the last year or so. At long last, our chapter has closed on this project and the happy tenants have moved in.

The images below capture the large unit (blues/green), the smaller unit (reds/orange), and the common areas we furnished/staged.

In case I haven’t mentioned it before, I have a MAJOR thing for Ikat fabrics. They are graphic, they are colorful, they are exotic, and simply sensational. Ikat (pronounced e-cot) is a dying technique utilizing a resist dyeing process (sorta like using rubber bands in tie dyeing). The yarns are strategically dyed prior to being woven, resulting in a fabulous striated pattern. This design has been known to various cultures for centuries, and it’s a hot trend you’re likely to see more of in 2013. Absolutely love it!

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 6

Have you checked out Surya lately? They truly have some gorgeous finds. Below is just a smattering of some rugs I was recently drooling over. These include outdoor and handwoven tufted wool. Gorgeous!

Chevron. Honestly, it is everywhere! Chevron must seriously be on trend right now because I am bumping into it left and right. Just see for yourself.

As a woman in her early 30s, it should come as no surprise that many of my friends/ acquaintances are taking the next step in adulthood and becoming parents. Very exciting!

One benefit to working with a designer, is having a friend to see you through life’s many changes. A relationship that may start with a nursery can develop into finishing off the basement to create a playroom, or adding a bathroom to manage a house full of teenagers.

Here’s a super cute kid’s room I just whipped up

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!