Historic with a Hint of Glam

Last weekend Jim, Lauren and I went to the 67th Annual Waterford Fair. There were artisans, home tours, crafts, and music. It was a beautiful day. We walked the town taking in the sites. Lauren did the children crafts.

I think we went at prime time because the lines for the home tours were very long. Too long for my 7 year old. When we were walking, I kept noticing these lovely front doors with beautiful flowers and greenery.

This one really caught my eye. I had to walk up to it to take a closer look.

Peacock feathers ~ I love this wreath. Waterford is a wonderful historic town... but it doesn't hurt to glam it up on special occasions :)

Monica Rich Kosann

Have you ever come across someone that seems to share the same values as you? I say 'seems' because I have never met Monica Rich Kosann but after finding her website via an ad in Elle Decor, I feel we share a value of family.

Why do I think that? Because of her product lines for carrying precious photos of your loved ones. I have looked long and hard to find an elegant way of carrying and wearing these mementos, in particular, of my daughter. I love the idea of a locket but none I found seemed chic... until now. Monica has gorgeous designs for carrying and wearing your special ones. Take a look...
The envelop ~ look how incredible this design is!


Monica is a celebrated designer and rightly so. I have just found the perfect gift for myself and several of my family and close friends.

I just wanted to share it with you. Enjoy!

Spectrum Radio Show October 4th

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have been busy with the LAWS Gala and work. The Gala is getting close so time on it is increasing with last minute details needing attention. I wanted to let you know that tomorrow, Sunday, October 4th, Sue Curtis, Executive Director of LAWS, and I are speaking on the Spectrum Radio Show with Tom Grooms. It will be broadcast in the morning, 8:00 AM, I believe. If you live in the DC area, it will air on 107.3 and 105.9. You may also listen to it online at 107.3. The Gala is October 16th at the lovely Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, VA. Tickets are still available so if you'd like to unite against violence, purchase your tickets by clicking here. Jazz great, Gregg Karukas, will be there along with Sharyl Attkisson of the CBS Evening News. I look forward to seeing you there!

What are the Benefits of Working with an Interior Designer?

Home & Design Magazine, the elite luxury shelter magazine in the Washington, DC area, asked me to be a "Pro" for their Sourcebook 2011. This is one my favorite magazines so it was quite an honor.

Thank you Home & Design for considering my an expert and sharing my thoughts on "What are the Benefits of Working with a Interior Designer?" Here was my full answer (in the amount of words I was able to :-)

The benefits of working with a designer are many. First, designers are trained to develop the design concept encompassing both aesthetics and functionality; to cull it from the client’s heart & mind, interpreting their vision bringing it to life. Second, costly mistakes are avoided as palettes, furnishings, fabric, etc. are specified from an organized plan; not only a space plan but an overall plan that puts all the pieces of the puzzle together. Third is the service designers provide from concept to completion. Clients are able to relax and leave the labor to the design team.

This is a question that arises time and time again and that people really do ponder. It is not just about style. It is also about luxury, comfort, security, peace of mind, quality, understanding the principles and elements of fantastic design, service... the list can go on and on.

Tell me ~ what are some of the reasons you would use or recommend using an interior designer?

Robert Allen and Dwell Studio

I received news from Robert Allen. Their partnering with Dwell Studio. The fabrics they created look wonderful. Take a look at this video. You really can see how fabulous they seem because they are shown on furniture versus a flat picture of a sample.



I really like what I'm seeing. I think I'll go to the Robert Allen Showroom in DC to see how they feel.

What do you think? Do you like them?

Gray or Nay?

contemporary family room design by toronto interior designer Jennifer Brouwer

home design

traditional bedroom design by chicago architect Gibbons, Fortman & Associates, Ltd.

eclectic living room design

I grew up with gray for a while in my home. I didn't really care for it. Looking back, I think it had more to do with the finish than the color. I'm careful using gray because of it. Eggshell or satin are paint finishes I cannot use with gray. Flat or matte for me. I found these gray rooms on Houzz that I like. I must say, I still steer towards light versus dark with this hue. A friend recently told me she painted her family room charcoal. I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach when she said it. "I committed to it and I did it." She likes it so I am happy for her. Have I been there to see it yet? Nope.

What say you ~ gray or nay?

Husband Love

Some of you may know that yesterday was my birthday. It was an ok day. A couple things happened that gave me pause ~ like my printer, copier, scanner, Susie Bake Oven combo bit the dust. It didn't just have a cold, it died. I will need to get one today! Also, my daughter hurt her foot.

She damaged some cartilage while trying to balance on a ball. Seriously ~ I am not kidding. She likes her boot. I think once the novelty has worn off, she'll be begging to take it off.

But other than those two things, the day was fine. Lauren felt the need to tell people along the way that is was my birthday. We went through Starbuck's drive through and she said "Mommy tell them its your birthday and you'll get free stuff." "No, no," I said "I don't need free stuff." Of course Lauren yells from the back seat, "Its my mom's birthday" to the young man at the window. He graciously wishes me happy birthday and then ducks back inside. Sure enough he emerges with a free doughnut. I accept and enjoy something I would typically not eat. Lauren was so proud of herself. Plus ~ it was a gorgeous day ~ sunny and warm but not hot. And no humidity so my hair looked decent all day. A good hair day on my birthday??!! A free doughnut??!! What else can a woman as for? Well......

My husband came home with the lovely deep pink roses at the top. He also gave me a gift certificate for a spa day at my favorite place! The whole family went out to dinner but on a Tuesday night, we just went to one of our local favorites. We ran into my Project Love clients there. That was fun. Lauren, of course, told them it was my birthday. My client sent me an email last night telling me there was a little something on the hall table for me (I am going there today to check on things). How lovely! But that is not all ~ Friday, hubby and I are going out for dinner and a comedy show in DC. We love comedy. Laughing together until our sides split is one of our joys in life. Who are we seeing? Lewis Black.

A very funny comedian. He prides himself on his political satire and foul language. He always makes us laugh so it should be a fun night.

Yes, I am feeling the hubby love and loving him right back!