July 20, 2011
There are many rules of design, most of which are meant to be broken.It is still good to know some of the basic rules though, which more often than not, are a good standard to use.
Here are just a few...
When deciding on window treatment, whether drapes or roman shades, by hanging them as close to the ceiling as possible you can actually make your ceiling appear to be higher than it is and the room look larger than it is. It's all an illusion. As you will find, most design tricks are.
A dining room chandelier should be at least 30" above the dining room table and no more than 36" to allow your dinner guests to see each other but also have a cozy intimate feel.
Sconces are usually hung at approximately 60" above the floor. They can be used over fireplace mantles, dining room buffets, and even in bathrooms. Try an industrial sconce in your bathroom for a more interesting look!
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : Design Rules
July 19, 2011
Make yourself a beautiful pair of marble lighting masterpieces.First check Craig's List and e-Bay. I found these little beauties on e-Bay and stuck with my initial bid of $25 for the pair!
Believe it or not, when you least expect it, your bid will be the high one. They arrived 10 days later in perfect condition. Now you'll need a gold base to spiff them up just a bit. It's just like adding piping to a throw pillow. Once you have received your bases, just treat them with a quick coat of gold R... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects
July 14, 2011
I'm talking about Clementine, the lovely little flower boutique on the sleepy end of College Avenue in Rockridge...not the folk ballad! Natalie, the shop owner, will be celebrating Clementine's 1-year anniversary in a few weeks, and she is happy to say that the business is doing very well. Natalie started working with flowers at the now closed Impressions in the Orinda Theater Square. If you don't already know, Impressions happened to be the most eclectic, fabulous, and unusual flower shop ... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : Flowers
July 12, 2011
I have been asked several times over the past few weeks for rug recommendations. The most important part of these requests is that the rugs need to be modern, interesting, and SNUGGLY! People want rugs that their entire family can sit on and play board games, chat, watch TV, and feel cozy.I have found the MOST snuggly rugs.Elle Decor
They are classic but modern and would fit in any setting.Ebay
These rugs are originally from the Beni Ourain and Neighboring tribes in the Northeastern Middle... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : Rugs
July 8, 2011
Lori and I recently had the pleasure to sit down with Gina Dominguez who owns Snapshot Mosaics in Montclair Village, Oakland.
Gina Dominguez in her tile mosaic shop. Janelle: How did you get started in mosaics?
Gina: I've always done art on the side, even when I was growing up, ever since I was very young. Art was a big passion for me. It was always one of my favorite subjects in school--that along with math, believe it or not. For some reason I think they go together.
Gina: I completed high s...
Posted by Janelle-Renée. Posted In : Tile Mosaics
July 4, 2011
Now that the weather is cooperating it's time to fling open the doors and start dining out...in the backyard.When the sun goes down and the warm breeze picks up you'll need some ambient light to help you see the barbecue and your food, but nothing too harsh. Perhaps something that will bring back some memories of your summer in Italy or that small European cafe.
Traditionally, in the more popular big box stores, these industrial outdoor lights can run approximately $300.
But there are a few s... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : Outdoor Lighting
July 1, 2011
Last week I visited Aaron Brothers for some great frames for kids art. At the same time, I picked up a few canvases that are also on sale through July...buy 1 get 1 for one cent. It's the perfect time to create a colorful masterpiece.
Either you or your child can do it...or you can all make a fun project out of it.
There are two easy ways to make a colorful masterpiece. The first one is the fastest and most fun. All you need to do is channel your inner Jackson Pollock!
Blick Art Supply carries... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects
June 28, 2011
Today I threw in the towel...literally. I was out looking for fabulous finds for clients and I have to say...there is so much garbage out there...new garbage! I can find more quality stuff at Urban Ore and other second hand stores!
I decided to head over to Sur La Table for some much needed cooking supplies when I spotted their fantastic sale on cotton kitchen dish towels.
So many fabulous colors at such low prices that I stocked up. I use them as napkins!
Kitchen dish towels make GREAT nap... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : Napkins
June 24, 2011
I've been asked several times over the past week "How should I frame my kids' art and where can I hang it...do you think it's good enough to hang in the back hall?" What is great about kids art is that it is natural and uninhibited. It is very difficult (if not impossible) for most adults to create the same feeling in their masterpieces. Kids really are the true masters.
Where should you hang it? I say hang it somewhere that is visible to your house guests so that they may enjoy it too! You... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : Art
June 20, 2011
If you want to make your home feel cozy and warm, interesting and unique pillows can really make it happen.
While working with a client to establish a new plan for their living room, I found a fabulous source for Kilim Pillows.
She started with a beautiful new leather couch prior to engaging my help, and what she requested was a cozy, warm, down-to-earth look, while maintaining a modern sense.
This room is meant for the whole family to pile into for lounging and playing games. I started wit...
Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : Pillows
