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Thanks to Napoleon, bee’s are very celebrated in the world of Interior Design. It is the architectural element of the honeycomb that has enticed designers and architects alike in design, pattern & structures. The geometric shape is loved by designers as a memorable pattern for use in textiles, accessories, lamps and furniture. Whether modern or traditional, I will let you decide.  The honeycomb motif is a classic.

David Hicks & Mark Hampton championed the honeycomb pattern in the 1960′s.  See the fabric application below:

David Hicks

A more subtle interpretation is found on this shiny white vase available from West Elm.  This goes with everything.

West Elm Honeycomb Cylinder

Even fabric trims display the honeycomb motif as seen in this trim by Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa

Honeycomb Trim

I love this chandelier or lantern.  Call it the queen bee of light fixtures with colored glass panes and metal geometric forming the honeycomb pattern.

Chandelier or Lantern

A simple statement is made with these graduated units in honeycomb shapes.  In sets of three, you can hang or stack in multiple configurations.

Shelves from Plushpod

Tags: Accessories, bee motif, honeycomb motif
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Do you want to add some zing to your home this spring? I have 6 tips that you can readily use to update your space.  Ready to begin?

1. Rotate Your Accessories  – you can change seasons with fresh colors and patterns. Choose 1 0r 2 accents colors that boost your mood and add them in vases, throws, pillows and other accessories.
2. Get Cagey in the Kitchen – can’t afford new cabinets right now?  Why not paint or replace the fronts.  Even replacing the hardware will provide a fresh look.
3. First Impressions Count – why not paint your front door?  You will enjoy this change immensely.  Test a few colors first but don’t be shy.
4. Give Open Shelves a Color Boost – check out Crate and Barrel for colorful bowls, mugs and other serving dishes.
5. Add Some Attitude on the Floor – rugs are affordable and today’s rugs colorful, graphic and fun.
6. Make Your Entry Standout – hallways often are neglected but with a strong color, a bright hallway runner, a stunning mirror you add glamour and pizazz.

Ikea PS Stuga Rug

Colorful Vases from Crate and Barrel

Orange Front Door

Bright colored tabletop

Tags: Accessories, color, redecorate, season, spring
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In the photo below is a guest room I designed with a wonderful client, Dee. She frequently has visitors to her home on Lake Union in Seattle. Her warm, engaging personality and stunning home is like a 5 diamond hotel experience.

Here are some of the details that make this guest room special:

• a bench at the foot of the bed
• custom bedcoverings in soothing blues
• wonderful bed linens, extra pillows
• carefully selected accessories (less is more)
• upholstered headboard for comfortable reading
• good bedside lighting and tables nearby
• privacy and light control with custom draperies
• a comfy place to sit and look at the view
• drawer and closet storage nearby
• artwork that complements the room setting

Please comment and share thoughts about guest rooms you love.  Plus, sign up for my weekly newsletter and receive a free report and more advice and tips.  Faith

Tags: Accessories, artwork, bedside lighting, design, guest room, windowcovering
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As High Point Market enters the final days, some conclusions appear front and center.  In this post I share them and also have a request.

Please subscribe to my weekly newsletter and comment here on my blog.  Tell me what you want to know or learn about decorating or trends; what solutions I can share.  Here are some areas to consider:

• wall finishes
• furniture
• layout
• art, accessories, rugs, lamps
• fabrics
• window treatments
• floors

Now for the High Point summary. Timeless, as in ‘everything old is new again’ tells the story.  Take classic designs, either traditional or modern, that are essentially timeless and revamp them. Simple elegance, clean forms that are sophisticated endure so no obviously trendy elements.

Some bright happy colors emerge and are certainly welcome, like orange, vivid pink and blue.  Neutrals are the steady counterpart and appeal day in and out.  There are some interpretations such as: smoky, ashy gray tones with a hint of lilac. But the most trend-forward is a return to black, in itself a classic.

The downsizing trend appears in smaller, petite lamps and low to the ground seats, clean lines with new cigarette tables a recurring theme.

Tags: Accessories, decorating, High Point Market
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Today’s symbol of living well and a way to express personal style and creativity is the monogram. They are everywhere–totes, napkins, linens, towels, stemware, tableware, chairs. 

Seen as a nostalgic gesture to grandparents and family heirlooms, the revival of monograms suggests a return to acknowledging identity, our past and present.  Some contend that monograms are a Southern obsession but I see this customization as everywhere but especially appreciated in that region of the US. Monograms are a way to touch the past.  You can scour the flea markets and find a treasure or start your own collection.

Here are 5 tips to consider about monograms:

1. Select a letter style that suits the object. By this I mean linen napkins are more formal than plaid so choose accordingly. Towels, with their thickness, often are better with a single letter.
2. Restrain yourself as you add monograms to your interior. I love chair backs but not every chair; but on a simple china plate, yes.
3. Monograms make great gifts. Recently, for my daughter’s birthday, I sent monogrammed cocktail napkins. Guest towels are another option.
4. Surround a monogram in a symbol.  This is a classic detail for a throw pillow, like a wreath or outline of a house.
5. Consider monograms an investment. Remember the flea market comment and know monogrammed napkins last a long time. “Ivory hemstitched dinner napkins with a gold monogram are the little black dress of tabletop”, Jane Scott Hodges of Leontime Linens.

Tags: Accessories, decorating, Faith Sheridan, interior design, monograms, Portland, Seattle
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