Decorating Chit Chat

Five Guest Room Must-Haves

2011-11-11T08:00:00.140-05:00

Theres no denying it, the Holidays are right around the corner!

With Holidays and Holiday parties, comes planned out of town guests and sometimes spontaneous visitors. Whether you are fortunate enough to have a designated guestroom or not, these five guestroom essentials will make even the most impromptu guest feel special:

1. A little Privacy please: Even in the smallest of spaces a little privacy can go a long way. Create it with a stylish screen like this one to designate "Guest Space". When not in use it's a stylish corner accent.

Pier 1

2. Thirsty? No one wants to wake up thirsty in an unfamiliar place, and you probably don't want guests fumbleing around in search of the kitchen anyway. Keep a crystal water pitcher next to the bed or sofa is an essential that adds instant luxury!

Kate Decanter

3. Baby it's cold. Keeping an extra blanket close at hand will invite your guests to cozy up with a book and ensure feet stay toasty warm.

Faux-Sheepskin Throw

4. Scented candle. There's something instantly calming within the sent of a luxurious candle. Get in the spirit with this light HOLIDAY candle from Seda France.

Holiday Toile

5. Does anyone have a light? Good lighting is essential in any space. But it's particularly important for guests. Who wants to feel like they are sleeping in a dungeon? Providing a lamp with a 3way switch like this one, allows guests to determine the amount of light that's right for them. And don't forget to plug in a nightlight in a hall or bath to illuminate the path unexpected midnight callings.

Joile Table Lamp

Check back on the Blog next week for my top five luxuries to kick your guestroom to the next level!

Have a Great Weekend!

2011 DC Design Center Dream Home

2011-11-09T08:00:00.003-05:00

If you missed the Autumn flurrie of Designer Show Houses, there's still time for one more! I just returned from an event at the DC Design Center today and was able to pop into the Jewel Tones of Design.

Love the Club Room!

I think the bedroom Suite is my FAVORITE!

So Comfy Family Room!

Inspired by one of kind pieces of jewelry, each room is dazzling.

The Dream Home is open through December 9th, so if you're downtown do stop in!

2011 DreamHome: Jewel Tones of Design

Washington DC Design Center

300 D Street SW

5th Floor

Washington DC 20024

Are you Ready for Holiday Guests?

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

In anticipation of overnight Holiday guests, I thought a little inspiration of some of my favorite guestrooms was in order. Enjoy!

Images: House Beautiful, WS Home, ElleDecor, unknown

Check back later this week for my updated list of Top 10 Essentials Every Guest Room Needs. Whether staying in a designated guestroom, or tucked into a corner, your guests are sure to feel special!

Fall Into Antiquing- Kensington, MD

2011-11-04T08:05:00.001-04:00

Looking for something fun to do tonight?

Join Stacy and Kate of Flotsam&Jetsam and The Hope Chest, for a fun evening of entertaining, lectures and treasure hunting tonight on Kensington's Antique Row!

Other shops are joining in the fun too and are open special hours from 6-8pm.

Enjoy lite refreshments as you discover unique collectibles and curiosities, rare finds, vintage handbags, rare linens and more!

I can't EVER walk out of their without finding something Fabulous!

See you tonight~

Flotsam & Jetsam

and

The Hope Chest

3730 Howard Ave., Kensington MD 20895

Fall Into Antiquing

Friday, November 4th

6-8pm

Kensington, MD

Black and White Bath Inspiration

2011-11-02T01:15:00.000-04:00

Because I get to help clients create the home of their dreams every day (I have the best job in the whole world!), I often don't have an opportunity to do anything to my own space.

Our small condo bath had been crying for an update since the day we moved in! White subway tile covers the walls from the floor to mid wall height and a bad patch job hides a miscalculated color behind the door. The classic black and white porcelain floor tile has to stay.

So I've been perusing some of my favorite blogs and sites for design inspiration.

Images: BHG.com, Moth-Design, HgTV.com, various

Check back soon for before and after pictures! What projects are you looking for inspiration for?

2011-10-31T11:55:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween!

Images: Country Living

Discover Your Home's Hidden Potential ~ The Washington Post!

2011-01-19T21:47:00.071-05:00

Have you ever noticed how dull a house can look after the holidays? It seems that the time between New Years and Groundhog Day is the most depressing time in a home's life. But it doesn't have to be.

In today's issue of The Washington Post, see how we helped a recent client transform her catch-all spare room into a warm, inviting guestroom with our One Day Redesign Service.

Read Discovering your Home's Hidden Potential, to see how we transformed this room from drab to fab in just a few hours.

Then join me at 11am for a live Web Chat as we discuss all things home related!

See you there!

Images property of One Pretty House Interiors

A Bounty of Blue

2011-01-03T21:40:00.000-05:00

There's something about Blue and White that always seems fresh, never goes out of style and always makes me smile. So I almost skipped from the mailbox when the newest issue of Veranda Magazine arrived!

This Beverly Hills vacation home, photographed by Max Kim-Bee is a fabulous example of how Blue and White can be casual, warm and kid friendly while still being stylish and elegant enough to entertain in.

One of my favorite things about this kind of design is how easy it is to create a fresh look in your own home by using Blue & White fabrics in a variety of solids and patterns with a balanced mixture of finishes and textures.

Images by Max Kim-Bee for Veranda Magazine

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T13:41:00.000-05:00

Here's wishing you a beautiful home

filled with

love, peace and joy.

Flotsam & Jestam Antiques

2010-06-16T16:51:00.001-04:00

Every so often, I am fortunate enough to meet someone I immediately know I will be friends with for a long, long time. Stacey Newton is owner of Flotsam & Jetsam Antiques in Kensington, Maryland. We were introduced by a mutual friend who knows each of our creative and entrepreneurial spirits. Stacey needed some help with the window display for her two month old store, and I am always looking for new creative outlets.

Flotsam & Jetsam is a fabulous little store of trinkets and treasures and all things vintage!

You'll love the store and Stacy too.

Flotsam & Jetsam Antiques

3804 Howard Ave

Kengsington, MD

919*889*5553

hrs: Tu-Sat 10:30am-5:30pm

Sun 1-6pm

Closed Monday

Not able to visit the store in person?

Visit Flotsam & Jetsam via Stacy's blog at http://tinselandtreasure.blogspot.com/

picture property of One Pretty House Interiors

Spring Centerpieces and Table Decorations

2010-04-29T16:33:00.001-04:00

I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR EASY WAYS TO MAKE A TABLE SETTING SPECIAL. With Mother's Day just around the corner, why not try one of these simple ideas from Country Living to let mom know just how special she is.

Print the menu on a napkin. Type the menu on your computer into a word document as you would a printable invitation. Print it out using white iron-on transfer paper. Iron on to your selected napkin. (The transfer will work best on 100% cotton fabric).

Spring Nest. How about this for a fresh centerpiece? Start with dampened moss in a medium size bowl (think Ice cream or cereal), then tuck small flowers around the edge. Next, place a smaller bowl filled with speckled candy eggs in the center, make sure the rim is well camouflaged with moss and flowers.

Picture Vase. Photocopy favorite family photos, glue them on solid sheets of paper and attach to the inside of a glass vase or cylinder with colorful clothes pins. Fit a plastic container inside the vase for flowers in water.

pictures courtesy of Country Living

A Winter Tea- Tablescape Thursday

2010-02-03T22:46:00.000-05:00

I am an old fashioned girl at heart. I love pink cashmere cardigans, pearl earrings, my mother's English China and high tea. So when I was recently asked to host a ladies luncheon, I jumped at the chance to have a tea. Because there were more ladies on the invite list then I can accommodate around my table, I opted for a more casual tea/buffet. Thanks for joining me as we join Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for this week's Tablescape Thursday.

The menu was adapted from The Barefoot Contessa Parties Cookbook:

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches

Lemon Bars

Carrot Cake Cupcakes w/ Cream Cheese frosting

Chocolate Ganache cake

Shortbread cookies with Silver Dragees

Lemon honey poundcake w/ fresh strawberries

Assorted hot or Peach ice tea

Sparking Water

Assorted cake pedestals collected over the years from Potterybarn, Crate and Barrel and Ebay, create an easy, yet stunning display. The most frequent mistake hosts make when arranging a buffet is creating a "flat" table. Remember that presentation is key. Keeping an assortment of glass or white porcelain pedestals on hand will guarantee you'll have a beautiful table, no matter what you're serving. Another trick is to keep a few sturdy, but shallow boxes or books that can be easily wrapped in a matching cloth napkin to use as a riser. Think anyone will notice if I sneak a cupcake?

Even paper napkins can be pretty if they are displayed in a pretty container. This one is the bottom if a decorative shell box. Don't forget to set out a few extra plates for second helpings.

My mother collected this china each time she and my dad would visit England. As a child I fantasized about entertaining with it in my own house.

The final touch is always votive candles and fresh flowers. I chose white and pink roses that echo the colors in the china in a simple cylinder with smooth rocks at the bottom.

Thanks for having us Susan, and thank you readers for joining me for Afternoon Tea.

All pictures property of One Pretty House Interiors

A Passion for Blue & White of My Own

2010-01-27T15:43:00.002-05:00

Inspired by a Christmas present from my daughter of Carolyn Roehm's book "A Passion for Blue & White" and the tableware found at Home Goods in last week's tablesetting,

I am reminded of a rediscovered love of mine.

My own affair began years ago with blue rimmed glass blown tumblers purchased at Pottery Barn

(before it was cool to shop there) and

I've been in heaven these last days pouring over the glossy pages of Roehm's book.

What I love about Blue and White is its design flexibility. Think about it: when you think of Blue and White, do you think deep blue glass and natural canvas reminiscent of summer vacations by the ocean, or traditional Chinese porcelian, Deft Pottery, and Chintz covered upholstered occasional chairs?

No matter the season, your geographical location or style, blue and white will work for you.

How do you love Blue and White?

pictures courtesy of http://www.carolynroehmn.com/ and http://www.housebeautiful.com/

An Inspired Valentine's Day Celebration- Tablescape Thursday

2010-01-21T16:26:00.002-05:00

Inspired by my new favorite move Julie and Julia, we've time traveled to a 1950's Valentine's Dinner party for six at The Child's Paris flat. Although the setting itself is simple and uncomplicated, it's warm, fun and made a fabulous setting in my own dining room. Thanks again to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting us for today's Tablescape Thursday.

I began with my grandmother's white lace tablecloth over a plain hotel cloth.

Handmade construction paper hearts, place cards and decorative chain garland add to the charm and nostalgia.

Long stem red roses in a turquoise clay vase and taper candles completes this lovely table.

Whether you're inviting five friends over for a girls night or hosting couples to celebrate your great love for each other - like Julia and Paul - this tablescape is just the right blend of whimsy and elegance to capture the true spirit of Valentine's Day.

New Year' Resolution #1 Get Organized: Start in your Closet

2010-01-14T11:57:00.000-05:00

Ask most anyone and they will agree that organization is the key to a home that runs like a well oiled machine. But don't confuse organized with scheduled, that's a whole other ballgame - and blog post! With the start of a new year comes inspiration to organize in some way, shape or form. I immediately start in the closet.

Now I am one of the fortunate blessed with a lovely, spacious walk-in closet. Unfortunately, I am also cursed with a bursting at the seams, overladen with the trendy, the outdated or the very ill fitting closet. Call it the shopaholic syndrome. Consequently I too must start 2010 with not only resolutions - "I will not shop for any more clothes" - but more importantly, solutions to purge, organize and reorganize my closet.

Luckily, there is a four step method to the "organize your closet" madness which I confess to having borrowed from Tim Gunn - fashion guru extraordinaire. In his book A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style he states that "a closet is a catalog of the different personas we have auditioned and discarded." With that in mind, it is time to discard the clothes that go along with some of those discarded personas that really didn't fit your style.

1. Throw it away. This should really be self-explanatory. Over worn (and it looks it), faded, torn, snags, holes - these equal throw away. It really is that simple; very black and white. It's old so get rid of it. Thank it for its usefulness and move on.

2. Give it away. This can be trickier especially since emotions are bound to get involved. Rule of thumb, if you haven't worn it in a year, give it away. Seriously, what are you waiting for? It hasn't stirred your emotions enough to wear it for at least 365 days so trust me, it's not going to any time soon. Someone else will love it and wear it. Be strong. Put it in the give away pile. Free up some of that valuable closet space!

3. Repair it. Every one of us has items that never quite fit, have some kind of odd boxy feel or is just too snug. If you really can't part with it and it is stylish, find a good, reliable tailor or seamstress and have these items taken-in, restyled a bit or repaired. Stick to classic items for this pile - clothes you'll wear for years to come if they just fit correctly. Who knows? You just might find a brand new outfit in the mix.

4. The Keepers or Soul Stirrers. This is the pile we can all relate to. Not only is it the stuff we love, but it's the clothes that make us feel confident, beautiful and often invincible. It's the comfortable sweater that makes you feel safe, the perfect fitting jeans that make you feel sexy, the gorgeous blouse that makes you glow. These are the staples of your wardrobe - the classic, chic pieces that transcend time and look good no matter what kind of mood you're in. Go ahead and set these aside. Some may be oldies, but as long as they're in good shape, they are definitely goodies and worth wearing over and over again.

Remember, no matter what size closet you have, every one of us has a few fashion mistakes that need purging and we could all definitely use a little reorganizing in our everyday lives. Good luck!

Mariela Murphy

http://NotesofftheCuff.blogspot.com

My Dream Kitchen - Almost

2010-01-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

Anyone who knows me even just a little, knows that one of my many loves is to cook and entertain. Although I have yet to have my "dream kitchen", I have founds ways to "improve" whatever kitchen space I do have to make it my almost dream kitchen. Take a look:

Even the most ordinary tools can be decorative if they are organized and placed in pretty containers.

I am not a "natural cook", so I take culinary inspiration from Ina and Julia, who are always my first choice for companions in the kitchen. (A good bottle of wine always helps too.)

Since my dream kitchen has many of the same elements as the House Beautiful Kitchen of Year and Ina Garten's own Barn Kitchen, I removed some of the cabinet doors to create a more open feel to my small space. My dream kitchen also includes a 6 burner gas stove with multiple ovens, double dishwasher drawers, twin french door refrigerators all in stainless steel and a large island.

A Winter Dinner for Two - Tablescape Thursday

2010-01-06T20:41:00.002-05:00

With the Holidays over and the house guests gone, it’s time for a little quality time with your significant other. This week, as we join Susan of Between Naps On The Porch for another Tablescape Thursday, we've set the table for Date Night. Send the kids to your mother-in-law or to a friend and start the New Year right.

Because we don't think you need to have twenty different sets of china to create something special, we've anchored the table with good quality classic white everyday dinnerware atop simple, inexpensive chocolate brown, paisley embroidered placemats.

I love blue and white and found open stock tableware at Home Goods just for two. I used the matching saucer only as a bread plate and simple white Apilco ramekins from Williams-Sonoma as individual butter dishes. Hotel beaded flatware surround the place setting, and of course stemware for a good Pinot or Shiraz. A sturdy highball for water and Hotel white cloth napkin with a simple silver napkin ring finish it off.

For the centerpiece a simple arrangement of white or cream roses are just perfect.

Surprise him with a small vignette of destination suggestions (or airplane tickets) for a grown ups only get away.

Thanks again Susan, for having us back for Tablescape Thursday.

All photos by and property of One Pretty House Interiors

The White Kitchen

2010-01-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Not long after this fabulous kitchen appeared in the movie Something's Gotta Give in 2003, white kitchens began popping up in design magazines and showrooms everywhere. This particular kitchen happens to be one of my favorites!

One of the reasons for its popularity is its ability to transcend styles. The white kitchen is country, modern, contemporary, traditional, transitional and even rustic. Although each kitchen is unique to its owner, most of them share a few common elements: glass front cabinets, subway tile and a combination of pendant and recessed lighting. Although you are not able to see it in the view above, the espresso wide plank hard wood floors mimics the dark silestone countertops making this a truly stunning space. This is one trend that is not likely to go away anytime soon as versions of the white kitchen continue to dominate homes across the country.

Below are more versions to inspire and to love.

(All pictures courtesy of House Beautiful, BHG.com & Country Living)

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T08:00:00.003-05:00

Warm wishes for a

Happy & Prosperous

New Year!!

Cheers!

One Pretty House Interiors

Holiday Storage

2009-12-29T10:12:00.000-05:00

If it took more than ten minutes to find all your Christmas decor this year, you're in need of a holiday storage makeover! This year, instead of throwing everything back into the mismatched and different sized assortment of rubber tubs and cardboard boxes, why not make things easier for yourself and initiate a personalized holiday storage system. Here are two of my favorites:

This Red Holiday Storage Box from The Container Store measures 15"x20"x11 3/8", is an easy to assemble, reasonably priced foundation to start you off. Customize your "system" with the optional inserts: white standard sized ornament tray, large and/or small ornament trays in red (each sold separately). You'll need about about 8-10 of these boxes, some with tray inserts, some without.

Another nice Holiday Storage "system" is this one from FrontGate: This collection features soft fabric and fully adjustable interior compartments in an array of sizes to suite your needs.

Whichever storage system you choose, don't forget to protect your breakable ornaments with acid-free packing shred and label the front of each box so you know exactly what is in them. Stack boxes together, preferably on designated shelves in your garage, basement or attic.

You'll be glad next year that you took the extra effort now and you can congratulate yourself on starting your New Years Resolution to "Get Organized" early!

Happy 2010 and Happy Organizing!

A New Years Eve Buffet - Tablescape Thursday

2009-12-24T15:46:00.000-05:00

New Years Eve is just around the corner and since we are having our traditional quiet Christmas eve of Chinese take out and A Christmas Story on DVD, I thought I would get a head start on the New Years eve table. We are also joining Susan from Between Naps on the Porch for our first Tablescape Thursday- Thanks for having us Susan!

I’m an avid believer in the New Years Hors d'oeuvre buffet table. I have a standard menu and then add one or two new items depending on the response to the previous year's "new item" and how many guests are expected. There should be enough food so that each guest may enjoy two to three pieces of each offering. Desserts should be lite on the palette, almost an afterthought of taste like chocolate dipped strawberries and lemon tartlets. I generally serve a selection of 9-10 savory dishes for about 30 people and keep desserts to a selection of 3 or 4 and always have after dinner mints in small bowls around the table.

A collection of mismatched cake pedestals arranged at varying heights not only allows for easy food access, but really creates a beautiful table.

Champagne flutes sparkle with bubbly on an heirloom silver tray and simple white appetizer plates rimmed with silver.

The finishing touch: The menu, framed in a 5x7 Mother of Pearl Frame (PotteryBarn), a classic mask and large glass vase with fresh long stemmed white roses. White Orchards also work well on this table. And of course - don't forget candles! A mixture of tea lights and silver/metallic taper candles add extra sparkle.

If putting a New Years Eve party together seems all too overwhelming, why not call my friend Teresa Lee at Rex and Regina to lend a hand. Her Firm specializes in home entertaining and event planning. Check out her blog at rexandregina.com/blog for more New Years Eve entertaining tips.

Our best wishes to you and yours for a fabulous Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!

The Christmas Table

2009-12-21T18:14:00.001-05:00

This year, instead of the traditional formal china, I opted for a table setting that really coordinated with my color theme of red and silver.

I began by layering a crimson table cloth with a table runner. Look closely, it has a special Christmas story scripted on it!

Then each place setting is 5 layers: silver charger, white dinner plate, crimson napkin, white salad plate and special appetizer plate.
I love white tableware, it's SO versatile!

I prefer low simple centerpieces on my dinning table. It makes it much easier to keep the centerpiece on the table throughout the meal, because guests aren't stretching to see around it. I used my favorite vase (an incredible find at Home Goods)with white faux Hydrangeas.

A few simple touches to make the table really sparkle.

I think I've created a new traditional table setting.

(items collected through the years from PotteryBarn)

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas

2009-12-19T12:49:00.002-05:00

Washington D.C. got another early Christmas gift today in the form of over 10inches of snow. And it's still coming down! It's beautiful and makes my outdoor decor look idyllic.

I like to keep outdoor decorating simple. A teak bench purchased at Target at the end of the summer anchors this arrangement. A vintage sleigh - a gift from my sister years ago is tucked behind it.

A Coca Cola wood tray (purchased on EBay) holds oversized outdoor ornaments and left over pieces of garland from around the front door. A lantern with red candle and pinecones....

The final touch: a pair of children's skates (also purchased on ebay) embellished with handmade yarn pompons.

White, Red and Sparkle Holiday Decorating

2009-12-18T09:58:00.000-05:00

We live in a small house, so harmonizing my love of elegant and formal with the reality of functional and comfortable decorating is always a consideration. Naturally, holiday decorating is no exception. Inspired by a Country red and white theme, I've adapted my holiday decorating over the years to reflect my changing style. This year, the goal was to create a glitzy, sparkly space that's always ready for Santa and Holiday guests! Happy Decorating!

If you read my previous post of the 6 layer Christmas tree, you'll know that since this is a little over a five foot tree, I would use 500 lights. Actually, I used well OVER 800 lights on this little tree!

I started with garland - of two inch shiny red ribbon, then a few over-sized round silver ornaments, an endless number of red, silver and white shiny and frosted glass spheres in a variety of sizes and "candied" red berries attached with more silky ribbon for depth and texture.

A treasured collection of frame ornaments with snapshots marking the growth of my daughter each holiday and finally, a bright silver star, purchased from Pottery Barn years ago, finishes this year's tree.
I think it's the best tree ever!

The mantle is the one area of our home that is in constant decorating motion. I generally don't have a traditional mirror there but find that for Christmas, it works great for its candle light reflecting qualities. The cylinders on either side were inspired by "The Busy Girl's Guide..." class, and I have adapted them here to add height and interest.

This easy arrangement was made with jingle bells as vase-filler, faux flowers and stars in a square vase. A matching one sits on the other side of the bar for balance as well as beauty. A similar arrangement could be made by replacing the jingle bells with fresh cranberries and white roses or your favorite white flowers.

Holiday Inspiration - The 6 Layer Christmas Tree

2009-12-14T06:15:00.000-05:00

Because everyone needs a little inspiration, I recently attended a Webinar on "Simply Stunning Designs for the Holidays". It was incredibly informative and full of great ideas! My favorite was a little thing called the 6 Layer Christmas Tree by my new friend, Anne Kelly owner of Anne Kelly & Company (annekellycompany.com).

Anne is an incredibly talented Floral Designer who has taken the Christmas Tree to whole new level! Her idea of tree "stuffing" instead of tree "trimming" inspired me to create six idea trees of my own. Here are a few of my favorites:

Stuffed full of round pink and lime-green shiny stripped or frosted glass ornaments, embellished with bejeweled pink butterflies and green dragonflies and lavishly adorned with white boa feathers and pink polka ribbons for garland, this tree is the preppy girl in me's favorite!

This magnificent tree begins with red, silver and navy glass ornaments of different shapes, embellished with small parade-sized American flags and completed with my own Official White House Ornaments lovingly collected since I moved to Washington. This gorgeous tree truly honors our country as well as celebrates the season.

This beautiful tree began with two-inch wide red and white checked ribbon for garland and oversized MacKenzie-Childs courtly checked and stripped ball ornaments (courtesy of my friends at Urban Country in Bethesda). I then stuffed the trees with additional silver and red glass ornaments of different finishes and beautifully embellished red glass birds. To add a little holiday sparkle, silver stars are tucked into the branches at varying levels. This idea tree is so elegant and is the one that mostly resembles the actual tree in my own home!

Need a little inspiration of your own or a little help in putting it together? One Pretty House Interiors can help!

Webinar can be purchased at http://%28www.thesdp.com%29/

Official White House Christmas Ornaments can be purchased at http://www.whitehousehistory.org/

Urban Country - Bethesda

2009-12-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

Last weekend, Bethesa Urban Partnership kicked off the Holiday Season with it's annual Winter Wonderland. The weekend was filled with concerts, ice sculpting presentations and a surprise visit by Mother Nature in the form of a few inches of snow.

To continue the merriment throughout the month, Thursdays are thee day on "the ROW" with special events hosted by select vendors each week. My friends at Urban Country invited me kick things off with a special holiday decorating class. Attendees learned how to decorate their homes in five easy steps, decorate their trees using the 6 layer technique and got to shop for holiday gifts at a special and generous discount.

Local Photographer and Artist Sandi Wilson and others were also on-hand to showcase their artistic talents. It was an evening filled with holiday fun and inspiration.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, Thursday, December 10th Urban Country hosted an "Epicurean Holiday" event with discounts off all dinnerware, barware and just about anything, and everything, you would need for the perfect holiday dinner party.

Need a little more Fa La La?
Join them again Thursday, December 17th and receive 30% off all their in-stock accessories and gifts. plus 30% off furniture special orders...

Thanks so much to Cassandra Keys and the entire gang at Urban Country for a great night! See you again Thursday!

Not Your Usual Hostess Gifts

2009-12-10T12:25:00.000-05:00

This year, it seems as though most of the usual large-scaled, over the top, corporate holiday soirees have been reallocated to intimate, elegant at-home parties. Frankly, I like these gatherings better anyway!
But instead of arriving with the usual bottle of wine, why not really let your hostess know how much you appreciate their efforts? Surprise them with one of these well thought-out and memorable little gifts. They will last well beyond the party and serve as a lovely reminder of your appreciation. Happy Holidays!

http://www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com/

http://www.sedafrance.com/

http://www.target.com/

The Busy Girl's Guide to Holiday Decorating Event- December 3rd

2009-11-22T09:26:00.000-05:00

If your life is anything like mine, the time between Halloween and New Year's is a whirlwind of trips to the airport, parties, table settings, menu planning, gift wrapping... well, you get the idea. Before things get too out of control, why not join me for an evening of holiday decorating, shopping and cocktails at Urban Country (http://www.urban-country.com/) in Bethesda?

It'll be a fun night of Holiday Inspiration! Urban Country's top 10 hostess gifts will be wrapped and ready to go with you to your holiday event and Urban Country is offering discounts on lots of items in the store!

So if you're in Bethesda on Thursday, December 3rd between 7 and 9 p.m., why not join us - and bring a friend! Let me know you're coming by registering at http://www.1prettyhouse.com/.

2009-10-16T19:23:00.001-04:00

If you live anywhere near the Washington DC area, you know that autumn has arrived! The temperatures have not topped 50 degrees in two days, it's been raining since yesterday and Weather.com is calling for more rain and cooler temperatures all around. Leaves have already begun their transformation to gold and orange, littering my lawn with colorful hues and every roadside Farmer's Stand is overflowing with pumpkins and Mumms. I LOVE living on the East Coast!

I spent last weekend gleefully transitioning my closets from summer Capri's and sundresses to argyle pullovers and cashmere cardigans and my living room from summer cool and airy to comfy and cozy. Because the months from September to January can get pretty hectic around my place, I like to create calm and welcoming spaces with texture, pattern and color that only need a few additional "touches" for the upcoming holiday season.

Want to learn how to create cozy spaces in your home? Join me tommorrow, Saturday, October 17th at 1pm at The Great Indoors in Gaithersburg, MD. Click here to register or just show up and don't forget to bring a friend!

7815 Oracle Place

2009-10-09T11:34:00.002-04:00

Whether staging or decorating, placement is as important as the furnishings themselves.

Case in point: Last week I had the opportunity to help an agent and her clients prepare this 4 level, 2300+sq ft, 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, 2 car garage, Potomac, MD townhouse for listing.

I must say, these clients have excellent taste! They made great choices when COMPLETELY renovating the kitchen just a few years ago, as well as adding other great upgrades throughout, plus most of the furnishings were beautiful antique pieces. Unfortunately, the furniture arrangement did nothing show off the great open floorplan.

Luckily, my team and I were able to make an emergency visit.

With literally seconds to spare before the photographer arrived, we rearranged, repurposed, and reused to showcase the abundance of amazing space, beautiful architecture and overall fabulous property!

I won't even add my pathetic attempt at photography here just visit: http://www.7815oracleplace.com/ for the virtual tour or call Lilla Hammond at 301-468-0606 for an appointment. Don't forget to let her know that One Pretty House Interiors sent you!

Cozy Fall Decorating

2009-09-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

If you've recently visited your local home decor store, you may have been overwhelmed with the number of "Goulish", "Cutesy" or overly "Crafty" decorations. Don't get caught up in "seasonal" decorating if it's not your thing. Fall decorating is really about filling your home with colors that evoke a sense of comfort and warmth. With the help of color, fabric and accents, it's easy to create a cozy yet elegant autumn retreat.

Develop a color scheme throughout the shared public spaces of your home with inspiration taken right from your own back yard. The tress are changing and fresh green leaves are transforming into rustic oranges, deep reds and brilliant gold. Why not bring some of those hues inside?
Change pillow covers and drapery from light and airy summer fabrics to heavier velvets and silks that reflect the changing outdoor palette.
Bring the best of nature indoors with pottery and branches. They provide texture and depth while giving a comfy, rustic feel.

Although Autumn can sometimes be considered a transitional season, it's filled with wonderful rich colors and preparations for the coming season. If you're looking for more inspiration on easy fall decorating, why not join us on Saturday, October 17th at The Great Indoors for a Fall Decorating Class? Visit http://www.1prettyhouse.com/ to register.

Happy decorating!

2638 Salford Drive

2009-09-28T08:00:00.004-04:00

I consider myself pretty blessed as far as people go.
Every day I meet new fantastic people and get to "Play" in their homes whether it's staging for sale or updating their decor through redesign.

Last week, I helped a lovely couple prepare their five year-young, 2 bedroom with office, 2.5 bath, 2,814 square foot home in Crofton Maryland for sale. They bought it in 2004 brand new and paid extra for this fabulous premium lot! This fantastic home has a HUGE first floor Master Suite with large windows, boasts plenty of storage and a spacious two car garage. Properties like this one are huge fun to stage and I'll bet even better to live in!

My favorite has to be the safari powder room!

Call Cathy Surlis Gress for more information or a viewing at (410) 721-9616 or visit the website http://www.teamsurlis.com/ and click on property.

3510 Hamlet Place

2009-09-25T08:30:00.002-04:00

Over the last couple of weeks I've been working with a client to prepare their property for "re-entry" to the Fall Housing Market. We had all the hardwood floors refinished, did a mostly complete renovation to a main floor powder room, updated fixtures and appliances, stripped wall paper and repainted just about every wall in this 3 bedroom, 2 full-baths, 2 half-baths with finished basement, 2400 square foot townhome in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Once the "major" work was done, my team and I installed a little "lite-staging" to finish the job. The house went from outdated to up to date and from just another house to a welcoming home that any buyer would love.

Are you looking to move to the Chevy Chase area? This is a fabulous place!

My amatuer photography skills don't do it justice, so contact Realtor Ashton Gonella with Coldwell Banker at (301)718-0010 for more info and a viewing, and tell her One Pretty House Interiors sent you.

Fall Tag Sale

2009-09-23T21:33:00.000-04:00

Although the calender declares that it's nearly the end of September, it's hard to believe that today is actually the first full day of Fall. Don't let the weather fool you - eighty degree temperatures, sixty-five percent humidity, lots of sunshine and just a few clouds that barely threaten an afternoon thunderstorm resemble a mid-summer afternoon not the change of the season. Despite this Indian summer climate, potted mums, carving pumpkins, roasting turkeys and even Menorahs or Christmas trees are sure to be on your mind in the days ahead. Now that the kids are back in full swing at school, it's the perfect time to take stock and begin preparations for the upcoming season.

To keep stress levels at a minimum start now by decluttering and organizing. There is no point in keeping items (unless they are seasonal) that you have not used in the last six months or that don't have familial value. But what to do with all the stuff that you've accumulated? If you have a little extra time and a free Saturday morning, why not hold a Fall Tag Sale? It's a great way to purge those unnecessary items and make a little extra cash. I've averaged $500-$700 per tag sale.

If you've never held a Fall Tag Sale, there are a few things you should know. And although it does require a little work and planning, the results can be quite lucrative. The key to a successful sale? Foot traffic, Presentation and Fun. Here are my top 5 steps to the perfect Fall Tag Sale:

Set the Time and the Date. Give yourself one month to gather all the items you'll be selling. Hold the sale rain or shine.
Advertise! You won't sell anything if no one knows you're selling. Use free on-line ads and post large easy to read signs around your neighborhood.
Presentation. Categorize and group cleaned and repaired items and sets together by room. Kitchen: table ware, glassware; Family Room: DVDs, games, etc. Display items on a table covered with a crisp white tablecloth. This will make your inventory sparkle and will make it easier for your buyers to shop.
Pricing. Price your items clearly and appropriately. Be prepared to negotiate, but don't give the stuff away. Remember, the point is it to make money!
Clean Up & Donate. Schedule a pick-up to have all left over items donated. Once the items leaves your house do not let them back in!

It may be a good idea to invite a couple of friends to help out. Supply coffee and danishes and be prepared to buy lunch if they are willing to stay that long. Talk to your buyers, be realistic and be flexible. Remember although you won't be getting full retail value for your items, you will be gaining valuable storage space and a little extra cash for your wallet!

Read more at Real Simple: the ultimate tag sale

Happy Selling!

2009 Kitchen of the Year

2009-09-14T08:13:00.004-04:00

Ina Garten is one of my favorite women in the world. In 1978, this East Coast native and then White House Nuclear Policy Analyst took a drive up to West Hampton Beach New York with her husband and purchased a 400 square foot specialty store without any formal education in either retail store ownership or cooking. By 1985 she had relocated the store to East Hampton and had developed "The Barefoot Contessa" as you and I know it.

Her beautifully photographed cookbooks are filled with easy to follow fool-proof recipes that make entertaining friends and family uncomplicated and enjoyable for everyone. Her entertaining philosophy: " The simplest meals are the best". So it's no surprise that when it came to the design of her new East Hampton barn kitchen, simplicity and comfort would be the main ingredients.

Ina's own kitchen first debuted in the November 2008 issue of House Beautiful Magazine. We get another great look at the now famous kitchen in October's issue as House Beautiful reconstructed it right in the middle of Rockefeller Center and awarded it The 2009 Kitchen of the Year. With the help of designer Robert Stilin, Ina created the "perfect" kitchen that combines both function and beauty. In following with her recipes, she starts with the basics, kept it simple and added a dash of "just enough" to make it fabulous.

Whether you are about to embark on your own kitchen renovation or just looking to refresh the space there are some great ideas (50 in fact) that will work in any space. Here are five of my favorites that will not only work great in a kitchen, but ring true in any space of your house:

Balancing elements both old and new will give your space a fresh modern, but real look.
Choose colors that make you happy with fabrics and textures that make you feel comfortable.
Don't worry about having the latest, shiniest gadget. Invest in high quality, multifunctional tools and only keep items that you use often.
We all have rooms that serve multiple functions, using smart design to keep things organized and clutter free, even in the smallet of spaces will yeild a fantastic room.
Don't forget comfortable seating; you and your guests should want to sit down and never leave.

If you were not able to get to Rockefeller Center this summer pick up the October issue of House Beautiful Magazine or go to http://www.housebeautiful.com/kitchens/kitchen-of-the-year-photos. Below is a picture of Ina's kitchen (left) and The 2009 Kitchen of Year (right).

(photos courtesy of House Beautiful Magazine.com)

Washington DC Design Center

2009-09-09T09:26:00.001-04:00

I love visiting the The Washington Design Center! At the corner of 3rd and D Streets SW stands eight carpeted floors of showroom after showroom of the most wonderful home furnishings and accessories known to man, woman or child! I had my first visit as an "official" trade member early this summer and it was like nothing I had ever experienced before.
The morning started out with one of my best girl friends, my sister and me flitting from gallery to gallery as we ooh'd and aah'd at this piece or that. We climbed staircases, took elevators and explored hallways collecting brochures and samples from almost every vendor we visited. I was like a kid in a candy store! Each fabric, paint and wallpaper sample brought a smile to my face. Traditional, contemporary, modern or antique piece - each seemed better then the previous and the floors seemed never ending. It was a fabulous experience.
By midday my tired and surely overwhelmed, but very good-natured companions allowed me to drag them along to "just one more" floor until even I was dizzy with the sweet, sweet sensations of everything I had seen and touched.

If you have the opportunity to visit The Washington Design Center, I HIGHLY recommend it. Mark your calenders as this year's Fall Design House Potomac Fever opens Friday, September 25th and continues through December 12th. This year, The Center has partnered with Southern Living Magazine and a number of talented designers to create a design house that celebrates all that is Washington DC! Admission is free and the center will be open to the public Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm and Saturdays, 10am- 3pm. See you there - I'll be the one with the childlike grin on my face!

photos courtesy of The Washington Design Center

Welcome

2009-09-07T16:58:00.001-04:00

Dear Loyal Newsletter Readers,

You may have noticed that The Decorating News became Decorating Chit Chat a few issues back.

Chit Chat by its very definition is: (noun) light informal conversation for social occasions.

Anyone who knows me knows that among the many things in life I love, three in the top ten are decorating, social occasions and conversation.

So it's appropriate that the newsletter evolve into a blog. Pull up your favorite upholstered chair and cup of coffee, or top off your martini and join me.

Welcome to Decorating Chit Chat.