If I told you this bedroom was from the 80's, would you believe me?

Guess what- its from the 80's! Pretty unbelievable, huh? This is a perfect example of how classic interiors can be enduring and relevant, even decades past their "designed on" date. I came across this clip in my files and had to throw it up on Maison Classique. A few years ago, I cut this out of an old Arch Digest from either the mid or late eighties. I still remember marveling at the year of issue.

Today, perhaps you would switch out the lamps (or forego the trim), and perhaps throw the flowers in the foreground into a crystal vessel. But everything else, even the color palette, could pass for today. I love the bold stripes and the shape of the head and foot boards. I even love the fun pillow shapes. And I especially love the diamond-pane window, (but I have a feeling it was like that before the designer got there). It all works. This room and design is going on 30 years old.

Will your interiors look relevant in 30 years? Do you want them to?

To all you readers with classique tastes and households- this is what you have to look forward to. Constant style, an enduring investment, and an aesthetic sensibility that reaches beyond trends of the moment. What a way to be chic and timeless.

Lately, I have this irrational affinity towards orange which is nearly saddening. Clients are (very) hard to sway and my husband insists he hates the idea of orange in our home; therefore, I have nothing orange in my life save a few vintage Gucci scarves and the trim and monogram on my canvas "designer bag" (the bag that goes with me everywhere...tape measure, notes portfolio, client files, samples, paint decks, trace paper, pencil pouch, etc.). Oh yeah, and a small enamel frame from Z Gallerie that displays an inspiring fortune from a fortune cookie (which sits on my desk, out of the way from my husband). I have this fantasy of painting my kitchen orange. I picture cararra marble and soapstone counters, a vintage black and white checked floor and brass fittings on glossy white cabinetry. *Sigh*.

Since I can't convince my other half (yet!), and I'm still waiting on a client who wants orange- I have these gorgeous (and orange!) rooms* for satiation. Enjoy!

*Note: these clips are from my personal files, which I have maintained since I was a teenager. I have no clue who designed or photographed these rooms. If you are the designer or photographer of one of these, please let me know so I can lend the proper credit!

{As featured on Ava Living!}

I find that there are a few essential accessories that any room, regardless of style, can use as part of a total look. The top accessory? A Tray. Not only do trays look nice, they function well, too!

Trays unify and organize. They provide an opportunity to bring in an accent material, color and/or finish. Throw a tray under just about anything or a group of somethings, and it immediately looks pulled together and "finished".

As a guideline when shopping, the things to remember are the following: 1) there are many different sizes and shapes of trays (large, small, long, square, circular), and scale should be a consideration; 2) trays are made of all sorts of materials such as bamboo, silver, acrylic, copper, wood, porcelain, leather, stainless steel...the options are endless! Choose a material that will live in harmony with your interior and provide a subtle accent.

Ten ways to use a tray throughout the home:

1- Place a tray on the entry or hall table. Phone, keys, wallet, planner, mail....let the tray be the dumping ground. The tray prevents "clutter spread" by concentrating it all in one place. Plus, a tray in this location saves you time- since you know where you left your keys.

2- Place a small tray under meal necessities. Items such as the salt and pepper and the sugar bowl (I even venture to add vitamins, but place them in a glass jar for aesthetics sake, first) can be displayed nicely when not in use, and can easily be carried to and from the morning room, dining room or outdoor eating area.

3- In the dining room, a tray on the sideboard can anchor a swanky cocktail set. Or a fancy wine decanter and wine "tools". Or a collection of your grandmother's crystal...

4- In the living room, a tray can be used atop a table to showcase a small collection of whatever it is you collect. It can also showcase a mixed collection to create a tablescape- think of a small stack of books with a small bud vase and a few objects. Just lovely.

5- In the family room, a large tray can act as a table. Set it on the ottoman and you have a surface for drinks, snacks, or an area for display (see living room, #4).

6- In the bedroom, a small "valet" try can serve as a catch all for cuff links, watches, earrings, etc.

7- In the bathroom, a tray can house and display bath products on a ledge or on the vanity. Cologne and perfume look especially lovely grouped on a tray atop the vanity.

8- In the closet, several small trays can help with organizing accessories and jewelry. A bunch of small trays or tiny shallow bowls organized on one large tray looks really hip. You will want to organize your stuff if it looks that good after you do it!

9- In the office- tray it up! One linear tray can hold thumb drives, SD cards, iPods, wrapped up ear buds, etc. Its a desk lifesaver since it keeps place and is easily accessible throughout the workday. If you are into having all your supplies out on the desk, utilize #8 for your paperclips, rubber bands, sticky flags, etc.

10- In the garage or utility room, a sturdy tray can hold the dog leash, grooming tools, and plastic baggies for walks. All in one place, all the time.

You know that popular saying, "God is in the details"? Guess what...its true for great design, too. Read this editorial with "The Grande Gesutre" post from September 2007 (click here to read it).

Not only is great design derived from the Grand Gesture, (or, overall 'statement'), it is supported by the details that echo the big, broad brush strokes that are the Grande Gesture. Details can be built into the architecture and design itself, or they can be applied to an element of design. The little bits and pieces, the care of craft and design and the little extras, when done well, uplift and support the main idea. (However, when approached without restraint, they can quickly become too much!).

Designing down to the last layer, designing something unique for a client, taking something standard issue and customizing it, taking a common shape and reinventing it- all these things and more add depth and personality to a design. The details and "different-ness", either in arrangement, application of materials or actual design signal that a designers hand was in a project and that the client, therefore, values great design.

In designing timeless spaces for my clients, its sometimes challenging to walk the line of classic and current. That's where details come in. A guideline I use is to ask myself, "How can I elevate this expected shape or element into the unexpected?". In doing so, I am able to add detail and create a design that sets itself apart and also supports the Grande Gesture.

Unless you have been living in a cave for the last few years- you know what "Green" is (its been elevated out of mere colorhood). Green is literally everywhere. Its in magazines and commercials. Its slathered on every imaginable household product. Its the topic of conversation and news sources from here to high heaven (Mea culpa, by the way). Its the pet subject of the Architecture and Design field. Green is what you should be. Its what you should be buying. Its what you should be doing.

I think that Sustainability and Green platforms are very valid. However, with so much media saturation- it can be really hard for the average person to navigate this new world of green and white (rather than shades of gray, we now have shades of mint green and sea mist). What most people don't know, is that there are a lot of bona fide ways to institute green practices and purchases when building and designing a home. Here are ways that everyone can be green. These considerations are things that anyone can integrate into a construction or design project, regardless of style preferences (its not just for the modern folks!).

-Buy Quality Products. When you purchase something of great quality, you increase the longevity of that item. When you purchase an item that will become dated or wear out in a few short years, you increase waste by throwing out the old and you increase consumption by buying new again. Buying for the long term is earth friendly. In the long run, you also end up spend less on great quality because you don't have to replace it time and time again. Consider purchasing the best quality seating, carpet/rugs, and case goods your budget allows for.

-Use quality materials with longevity. When you are selecting surface materials, think longevity and quality. Use materials that are durable and will stand the test of time. Consider materials that won't look dated in the future. Not everything needs to be made from recycled materials to be considered green (in fact, a lot of the hottest "green" materials of today will look dated in the not too distant future). Using and properly maintaining natural stone for counter tops and flooring is, indeed, a green practice.

-Use Green building materials and systems. This is attainable when involved with new construction and additions. When you start a project, tell the architect or designer that you care about the siting and natural heating and cooling of your home. Also ask them to specify green materials (such as formaldehyde free plywood, recycled insulation materials, etc.) and green systems (HVAC vent placement, lighting, window planning, solar panels, etc.) . Green design features that are laid out in planning and green materials that are utilized during construction can be applied to ANY home style. Green building materials are also better for your health (one very important component to the Green movement).

-Buy a built home. When you can, strive to buy an already built home. It is estimated that for every new home, 2.5 tons of construction waste and materials are used. If you buy an already built home, you reduce waste and evade using new resources. This option is not always desirable, but its worth heavy consideration when you are planning on buying a home.

-Buy antique and vintage furnishings. This goes hand in hand with buying an already built structure. By buying vintage and antique furnishings, you prevent using new resources and also prevent the waste  associated with producing new furniture. Become familiar with local antique shops, tell them what you are looking for. If you are intimidated, hire a designer to walk you through the ins and outs of buying antiques. Its nothing to be afraid of! (Warning- it can become addicting!). Even people with modern tastes can think about integrating Bauhaus, Mid Century Modern, Art Deco or Post Modern vintage finds.

-Refrain from buying products that use endangered resources. Look for products that use reclaimed wood or other reclaimed materials. Avoid products that use endangered or rare species of wood, stone or metal. The definition of Sustainable is: "to provide for present needs without detracting from tomorrow". Use products that source not only from sustainable materials, but forests as well (contrary to popular thought, not EVERYTHING has to be bamboo!).

-Use low or no Volatile Organic Omissions (VOC) paint. Everyone uses paint. May as well use the healthiest option. See an archived blog about paint brands to learn about Benjamin Moore's line of green paint.

-Use natural cleaning products. Stop buying household brand cleaning products and laundry detergent. They are slowly degrading you and your family's health. Use basic cleaning methods and natural, fragrance-free products. Just because something has a little green logo or "seal of approval" doesn't mean its green. Read the ingredients. Do some homework. Go here for Green Cleaning tips.

-For more Green information for the home, visit these links:

U.S. Green Buliding Council

Green Building Supply

The Green Home Guide

Healthy House Institute

I grew up with a mother that loved Accent Walls. When I say "Accent Wall", I am referring to a room where only one wall is painted a color- and the other walls are left white. I'm not sure if it was the trendy thing to do back then or if she was just afraid of using color in a more liberal fashion. Usually the wall to be painted was the wall with a focal point- the fireplace wall or the wall with the bed. She was always concerned with making our home lovely, which I give her credit for, but I grew to detest Accent Walls. Even at a young age, my aesthetic intuition made me feel that it was just not enough, it was unfinished.

Now that I'm an interior designer (and, looking back to childhood...there really is no question that an interior designer is what I am in my bones!), still find accent walls at that first site meeting or initial consultation! Once I get to the root of the preference, I find its usually due to fear of color and what that color might do to a room (the biggest worry is that it will be "dark" or "make the room look smaller"). I will say that Accent Walls have their place. Contemporary, modern and eclectic interiors lend themselves very nicely to the concept of accent wall color.

While I am still not a huge fan, here are some tips for executing a room with an Accent Wall, (should you choose to do one yourself):

-No matter the space, accent walls are best achieved where all the walls are painted a light or medium neutral color and the accent wall is painted a darker color that relates to the neutral or a bold color that contrasts with the neutral. Don't leave the other walls white.

-You have to be sure that every other element in your room coordinates (but isn't "matchy-matchy"!) and carries out the accent colors hue and value. If there is no thought of coordination and balance of color throughout the room, your accent wall will look like floating, unrelated color. Think about coordinating pillows, upholstery fabric and drapery.

-Think about putting a flower arrangement in your accent color somewhere else in the room. I like the spriggy florals that are out right now- lots of little blooms on long stems that arc softly downward. Stay away from expected arrangements that can look dated. If you are using a neutral or earthy color, do a stick or grass arrangement. Flowers and natural grasses are a great way to mix that accent color around.

Check out my blog post about paint brands I personally use and specify for my clients here.

Have you thought about your coat closet lately? As you are reading this, what is the current state of your coat closet? You may even be drawing a blank, so let me remind you what the coat closet is. Its typically that small closet in or near the foyer or hall to your main living area. Its purpose is to store larger coats that you can grab on your way out of the house. More importantly, its also there to house guest's coats, jackets and sweaters when you host an evening of any sort.

To me, a small coat closet has the potential to be a real jewel box. It can be a bit of a surprise and serve as a pick me up each time you or a guest opens the coat closet in the foyer. Since its closed off, you can be wild with color, texture and pattern. You have the freedom to depart from your home's established design, or stick to the established design and be liberal with a lot of strong design elements in one place. Also, coat closets are tiny compared to other rooms in the home- so it doesn't really take much to punch it up.

Here are my guidelines for a smashing coat closet:

-The coat closet is an etiquette. Not only is it for your coats, but those of guest's when they arrive. This means keep it clear of other household junk! Leave room for your guest's stuff.

-Invest in two dozen quality hangers. Wood hangers not only look nice, but they are sturdy enough to properly hang a heavy coat or jacket. Toss the plastic. Use the wood. Be sure to leave plenty of empty hangers for your guests! As an added touch, have your monogram or family crest hand painted on the hangers.  If you purchase cedar hangers, there is no need for a cedar block.

-For your female guests, provide a safe place for their handbags. Have you ever been to a gathering where the women tuck their handbags next to a remote living room chair or pile them in a heap on the guest bed? Don't make your guests do this- its uncomfortable for a women to leave her bag in a random place. In your guest closet provide hooks or, if you entertain frequently, commission custom millwork for cubbyholes. Your female guests will marvel at your thoughtfulness and praise you as a genius. (As a tip for cubbyholes, each one should be big enough for a typical handbag or tote. You can even vary the sizes to ensure you have big enough cubbyholes for large and small bags alike).

-Paint or use a fabulous wall covering. You can be as "out there" or as conservative as you wish, but do finish the walls. Good suggestions are a dark or vivid color, a busy or textured wall covering, finished millwork or a combination of these options (for instance, wall covering on the bottom 3/4 and coordinating paint on the top 1/4 with a chair rail moulding where these two finishes meet).

-If you have the wall space, think about a pocket door. If your coat closet is gorgeous and organized, why not leave the door open? The pocket door allows you to close it off when you aren't hosting an event or when you don't want to see the inside.

-Install a flush mount or semi flush mount light fixture. Think about how you want the light to come on. Do you want to pull a chain once you open the door, or do you want the light to be on when you open it? You can create a new switch next to the outside of the door, or even think about a motion sensor or jamb switch. Either way, you need to be able to see once that door is open.

-If you need the shelf space above the rod, finish off the edge of the shelf with a moulding. Put large bins or baskets on the shelf for loose items such as hats, gloves, or over-sized bags. Or, you can remove the shelf if you want to, its up to you!

-Consider replacing the rod with a metal rod in brass, chrome, brushed nickel or a wood rod with stain. Or, paint a standard issue rod a coordinating color to mesh with the wall covering.

Knock your guests out with a highly functional and gorgeous coat closet. For a small investment in time, materials, and labor- you can create a gem of a space with fantastic design features that will receive rave reviews from your guests for years to come.

Let me preface this answer by stating that I do not think anyone should do anything because its a trend. Your home needs to work for you and your life, and reflect your style. Its perfectly okay to disregard trends and pick and choose which ones you want to adapt- but only if they reflect your style and your values.

What I do (and sugges to clients) is to incorporate trends in small doses- and in ways that are easily changeable. In other words, don't splurge on the trendy new sofa. Instead, splurge on gorgeous textiles and change up the throw pillows. Don't replace your counter with recycled blue soda-bottle terrazzo. Rather, paint the powder room or the inside of the guest coat closet that "new" shade of blue and let your tried and true mouldings balance that zing of trend.

How to successfully incorporate trends in your interior:

-Understand your style and what your designer has done. At the end of a project, I like to give my clients a few tips on how they can go about purchasing items after I am no longer on retainer. Colors, shapes, materials and retail vendors to check out (and ones to stay away from!) are used as guidelines. Understand what will and will not work in your space- that really helps to narrow down the field of choices that are out there at any given point in time.

-Keep your architectural bones and investment pieces and incorporate appropriate trends in small doses. Things like textiles, paint changes, and accessories can switch up your space and add that bit of trend without going overboard or veering too far from your established concept and style.

-Incorporate small splashes of trend all over, not just in one room. A new Blanc de Chine vase in a new playful shape can trend up the dining room. New throw pillows can liven up the parlor. New paint can liven up the powder room. Its a subtle trend lift all over, rather than lots of trend in one place.

-Don't confuse "trending" with "updating". Sometimes, its time to update even the most classic of spaces. Updates keep "Classic" current, too much trend carries Classic into a faux pas-ville.

-Know when to stop. If you think you may have a problem with this, consult a pro.

-Consider rotating art (art makes such a huge impact- changing out a traditional piece with a modern piece can do so much) and area rugs to trend up a space and lend change without truly changing anything- you are merely rotating. (Rotating area rugs is better for them, anyways! You can regularly clean them as well as reduce wear and tear at the same time!).

Living well encompasses so many aspects- more than the backdrop we designers create, more than the things we surround our clients with, its more far-reaching than that. Yes, stylish interior design and a beautiful house or a prime apartment are key components to living well- but its not everything. Living well is a daily act. Its a conscious decision to be the best you can be and live the best you can every day. Living well is maximizing what you have and striving for better when you can. Its using everything you have and everything you are at the highest level.

I was recently on site with clients that are at the tail end of a full kitchen remodel. Anyone who has ever lived through a remodel can attest to the perils of a remodel situation. Though the project is nearing completion, there is much to be done. There's still plastic on the floor in surrounding rooms, crown moulding to be installed, painting to take place and the finishing touches such as knobs and pulls to grace the gorgeous new cabinetry.

Since it was an early evening appointment, my clients offered me a light meal of sandwiches. One of my favorites is peanut butter and jelly (although they laughed to hear my humble request, they agreed that a classic PB&J is, in fact, a great sandwich!). So, in the midst of remodel chaos, in the living room at a table that is normally in the kitchen, we ate sandwiches. My favorite part, aside from their gracious hospitality, was the fact that they put the condiments in cut crystal dishes. I can honestly say that I have never put peanut butter or jelly into a crystal serving dish. This is a new high in everyday fine living. In fact, its a new high in living well under distress (remodels have been described as torturous), and I loved it! These people "get" it!

This is just one example of living well. Here are a few ways to live well each day with means you already have:

-Utilize fabulous lighting every evening. Don't just reserve it for company! Lighting creates warmth, ambiance and lends comfort- use it! Put your ambient lighting on a dimmer switch if its not already, then adjust the lighting levels according to activity. You can also place lamps on timers- honestly, there is no excuse! Its amazing how much more relaxed you can be when the lighting is dim and very warm. You will enjoy your home more when its "glowing" correctly. Good light also makes humans look incredibly attractive- so there is another bonus!

-Set your dinner table as you would for company. Use your linens and candlesticks. It takes all but two more minutes to set these items out and two more to break it down after dinner. Don't save these things for special occasions- every day should be an occasion.

-As mentioned, use your china! For morning cereal, for coffee...for pizza! Embrace it. Love it.

-Use serving pieces to serve your family their meals. Don't just scoop from the pot or the dish on the stove (so guilty of this!). Presentation counts far more than anyone truly realizes. Use the bread basket, use the platters, use the gravy boat!

-Display fresh flowers in a gorgeous vase (or recycle a San Pellegrino bottle for a casual kitchen bud vase). There is something about real flowers, aside from the fragrance, that really perks up a room and causes a smile in passing. Fresh flowers trump artificial, hands down.

-Burn your candles. Get into the ritual of lighting them upon arrival home. The scent and warmth really make you feel cozy, and candlelight adds that extra sparkle to a lighting scheme. I have a handful of scents I burn throughout the year, changing the scents with the seasons. Further distinguish your home with a hallmark of warmth and subtle fragrance.

A knockout interior design encompasses many, many different components. From the floor plan to the lighting, finishes and accessories- everything must work in unison in order to create a memorable space. Its not enough to address one aspect of design and expect to achieve that "wow" factor. Every layer must work together. Every layer must be calculated, skillfully planned and designed or positioned on purpose. Even when great interiors look effortless- there is a huge amount of thought and reason behind every aspect of a finely finished space.

Enter the Grande Gesture. The Grande Gesture of a space is very important. Its developed by the interior designer via intuition and by information gathered from the client and their lifestyle and preferences. (In commercial design, the client's target market, business culture, product or a combination of these factors determine the Grande Gesture.)

Simply put, the Grande Gesture is the style, theme or concept of a design. Everything stems from the Grande Gesture. It must be carried out to the smallest detail and tastefully integrated into the large components of a design. Its one of those "hard to put your finger on it" definitions. And, when you hit the Grande Gesture jackpot, its also one of those "when you know, you know" feelings.

Great design must speak to the Grande Gesture at every level. Whether the Grande Gesture originates from the exterior architecture, the client's personality or the established design direction- it must be present at every turn. The best example is that of a focal point. We designers use focal points to draw attention, to feature something, and, ultimately, to "wow". Everything else is supportive of that focal point, holds it up and reinforces that main feature. Its a balancing act resulting in design harmony.

Without a Grande Gesture, elements seem unrelated and choppy. Spaces may contradict themselves. A home will not flow. Styles will not blend or vibrate correctly. Lack of a Grande Gesture feels a little hollow, incomplete, and half baked.

Go for the Grande Gesture. Figure out what you want to say by helping your designer when they (hopefully) ask you tons of questions and (hopefully) take tons of notes and (hopefully) think deeply about your project (a great interior designer will do these things!). A powerful Grande Gesture should be stated boldly and quietly repeated in the details to create a truly finished "wow" space.

I predict a brass revival. I'm not sure how long this revival will last, or how huge the movement will be...but I'm pretty sure its coming. One could argue brass never really left. In certain circles- brass till signifies tradition, quality and taste. You can still find a selection of brass hardware and fittings...if you know where to look. There is some brass that looks current (think rubbed brass)...if you know where to find it and how to use it.

By and large- its the chrome, nickel, stainless, and oil rubbed bronze (the current craze) in all their incarnations that take center stage, and have done so for awhile now. All appliances became stainless steel overnight- and its still popular for the mass market. The majority of fine jewelry and bridal sets have been set in platinum and white gold for awhile now- and its still popular for the mass market. I don't think we are "done" with the cool metals yet, since gray is proving to be a big color for 2009. But something is on the horizon.

As with all trends, when there is a major shift to one side- the other usually follows. And, when the once exclusive tastes/materials/looks are attained by everyone- the opposite will come into popularity and slowly trickle down to the masses.

I am slowly starting to see more gold in jewelry and accessories for the younger set (which is a sign that tastes are slowly changing). I've been noticing more brass and "gold tone" fittings on shoes, handbags and clothes. I'm starting to see more warm metal options for fine appliances. And, most importantly, I am starting to visualize using brass as the metal accent in some of the designs that dance around my head. The key is that brass has to be updated and inserted into todays Transitional design. And, the other key is attaining a client that wants to set a president and be ahead of the curve, a client that wants to do it before everyone else starts doing it (again).

The last time brass was popular was in the 80's. Think very traditional 80's decor....forest green carpet, oak cabinets, big floral fabrics, Austrian shades, frou-frou, and, brass. Brass chandeliers, brass knobs and pulls, brass lock sets, brass switch plates, brass bed frames....you name it- it was brass.

Now, take those same brass elements. Move them from your memory of home circa 1988, and into the fresh Transitional interior of today. Brass would not only set you apart, but lend utter refinement to an interior that is tailored and clean. Mix brass with the dark woods and white moldings of today and its almost Ralph Laurenesque- very high style Americana. Taking brass and putting it into a new context of Transitional interior design is the new frontier in modern day metals.

Today I feel like writing about the most intimate and personal aspects of possessing talent as an interior designer- and that is making a home unique for each of my clients.

The word "unique"...its often so overused when talking about interior design. Because of that, I am going to refresh your memory on what the word "unique" truly means. As defined by the Oxford American Dictionary, "Unique" means: being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else. Particularly remarkable, special or unusual. Belonging or connected to one particular person, group, or place.

To have a "unique" home is part of what every savvy home dweller strives for. Aside from comfort and function- we want to live in style! We want our homes to stand out, to be hospitable and welcoming, to be different than our friends and neighbors. We want our homes to feel good, look good and perform well (meaning, hold up through daily use!).

To me, more than anything else, the inteiror of a person's home reflects who they are. More than the clothes they wear, more than the car they drive, more than the zip code or city their home is located, and certainly more than their on-paper square footage. Yes- interiors are that powerful! To each and every person, whether they realize it or not,  home is the most important place in the world. Its the epicenter of their life. Home is important, it means something to everyone, and its so enjoyable to tailor a "unique" home for each of my clients.

One of the most important parts of my role as a residential interior designer takes place at the very beginning. When I am "programming" the project. I break this up into two stages- the first is to take into consideration the needs of the project- what has to be in the project, specific elements/changes my client wants, functional requirements, code issues, etc. In the second stage, I address the style direction. The questions I have asked my clients about their lifestyle- their values, recreational activities, careers, entertaining needs, their tastes and preferences, their view on quality- all of these things dictate what I like to call their specific "Style Formula".

Its not enough for me when a client says they want a "Transitional" interior. I don't want to give them a generic, "model home" form of Transitional. I want their Transitional design to mean something to them! Its all the nook and crannies about my clients that dictate how I will design and create a distinctive style within a style for them. Color palette, major design features and the casual v. formal ratio of a design is heavily rested on the insights I skillfully gather from my clients by asking the right questions and observing other aspects of their lifestyle and mannerisms.

Its at this stage that a unique home is starting to develop. Its unique because it stemmed directly from my client. I akin interior style to multiple people writing an essay on the same topic. In writing, the topic is the same- but the thoughts, punctuation, tone and writing style is different in each essay. Its the same with interiors. The "topic" may be Transitional interior design- but the thoughtfulness, accents, formality and distinctive style is different in each Transitional interior.

In further stages of the project, mostly when the decorative objects and art are being selected, even more individual style is realized (all derived from the Style Formula, that I worked out previously). I do this by using meaningful accessories in the form of collections, heirlooms, valued objects...I bring these things to the forefront and they accent the style direction just like a good handbag accents a nice outfit. And, most importantly, these unique aspects define a home, make it special, make it different...make it, undeniably, theirs.

The importance of a guest bedroom is often overlooked. It usually receives little to no design attention (or its the very last to receive attention!). It’s the dumping ground for the desk you just can’t let yourself get rid of, an ages old bedspread, and a bedside table that is missing its counterpart. These bedrooms feel hallow and a little cold. We have all slept in a guest bedroom like this, and if you have one like this- you know who you are!

A good and proper host offers the best of everything to their guest. It’s quite a nice thing to do when you offer up your home, feed a person and entertain them free of charge. And, its quite another thing when you do this with style and grace- two aspects many homes fall short of in the overnight hosting department.

The goal is to create a guest retreat, not merely a guest bedroom. A space so wonderful that it rivals a fine hotel. A room so wonderful your guests wouldn’t mind living in it full time. The intention is not to outdo your guest’s normal digs, but to provide for them a home away from home that is truly comfortable and full of details that illustrate hospitality and, most importantly, thoughtfulness.

In short, make the guest bedroom as wonderful as your own. If you would like more details, read on:

The Room: Blend the guest room with the rest of the home. Incorporate your home's color palette and use architectural details. The furnishings should coordinate, never a mish mash of leftovers and never “matchy-matchy”, (in other words, no 5-piece sets!). This is a picky thing, but ensure the door is hung correctly and there isn’t a huge gap at the bottom- sound travels through gaps just as air does. Also, a lock on the door- especially if you have children, can do a lot to ease a guest while dressing and grooming.

The Closet: Don’t fill the closet with stuff you have no room for. The guest room closet should have an assortment of empty hangers, a luggage rack if space permits, an extra blanket, a duvet, a throw blanket, two extra pillows, and a hanging cedar block. If you must use the guest closet for storage, ensure it’s organized, tidy and boxed up. Also, if you live in a warm climate- provide a fan. If you live in an arid climate- provide a humidifier.

The Lighting: Put the overhead lighting or other ambient lighting on dimmers (such as a pair of lamps). Provide bedside reading sconces on individual switches or a reading lamp and cozy chair.

The Bedding: Use the same quality (or better!) bedding as you do for your own room. Coordinating high quality natural fiber sheets are a must. Thread count, card and twist of the fibers are all equally important. Provide pillows- but not a truckload. Two back shams or Euros (oversized squares) and two sleeping pillows are all you really need. Put the down sleeping pillows on the bed and the down alternatives in the closet, in case a guest has allergies. Make sure the mattress is in good shape and comfortable enough to get a good nights sleep (testing it out once in awhile is a good idea!).

The Personal Touches: Stock reading material such as current and/or local magazines your guests might enjoy, your favorite books or a selection of current best sellers. Stock a few pencils and some notepaper. Stock bottles of water to prevent your guest from stumbling towards the kitchen or bathroom if they need a drink in the middle of the night. Provide a tasteful alarm clock- preferably a travel size (not the tech-y looking black-box sort). Stock earplugs in case of commotion, for whatever reason (lawn mower, crying baby, surround sound from the family room, plumbing noise- you are accustomed to your noise, guests aren't!). Put fresh flowers in a bud vase or small vessel at the bedside. Ensure blackout liner is used in the drapery backing.

Media: If you’re going to provide a television, provide a TV you would be happy to watch- don’t ditch the old goliath in this room. I am a fan of small to medium flat screens since you can literally put them anywhere due to their slim profile (wall mounted, on top of the dresser, etc.). Provide a DVD player, too. Stock a few of your favorite movies, some classics and a few new releases. If there are special instructions for how to work the media or the remote, print it out and have it laminated for guest reference. Media is nice to provide since everyone has different sleeping and waking habits- early risers have something to do until the rest of your house wakes up, and night owls can quietly watch while everyone else goes to sleep. There is seldom anything worse than being the only one wide-awake in a house that isn’t yours!

The Icing (for especially savvy hosts): Monogram your linens and towels. Provide stationary with your estate name and or family crest. Obtain four bedding palettes, one for each season (by the way, its okay to store the guest linens in the guest closet!). Prior to your guest arriving, create a gift box filled with little things you know they will love- a fancy bar soap, a pair of house slippers, a small candle, a map or guidebook of your area, an extra key to the house for them to use while staying with you…and don’t forget to enclose a note wishing them a wonderful stay and how happy you are to have them! Lastly, have on hand basic toiletries that one may forget to pack. Stash this “Just In Case” basket in the closet or bathroom cabinet and let your guests know they are welcome to the contents should they need them.

I was recently asked if putting a beer tap in a kitchen remodel would be tacky. The kitchen is a modern take on history (enough to make me weak at the knees), complete with soapstone countertops, a milky white and grey Carrera marble running bond subway tile backsplash and commercial stainless steel appliances. The tap in consideration was to be a stainless steel model, to match the appliances, of course. As an interior designer, this stainless steel business would normally matter to me, especially in a kitchen this beautiful; however, my reaction shocked me a little bit. Not only did I not care what finish or brand the homeowner had in mind, but the word “no” feel right out of my mouth like a loose lug nut from my brain.

Despite quite enthusiastic beer connoisseurs, personal taps just haven’t mainstreamed their way into the kitchen like the (now) standard issue wine chiller. Sure, you may have one in the game room, but to put one in the kitchen is a profound statement. And that is exactly why I favor the idea. Design is for you and your life. It’s those personal design elements that make your home memorable for others and give the greatest satisfaction to you, the homeowner.

Now, that’s not to say there isn’t an appropriate place for it. (Take, for instance, placement by the water faucet- can you imagine what type of statement that would make?). Incorporating fun elements in non-traditional places, such as a beer tap in the kitchen, is what makes design fun and rewarding. Trends start to surface when a homeowner breaks the mold, (or, lets their designer break the mold!), and when homeowners are willing to do things a different way. I’m not saying that world-changing design goes hand in hand with beer taps in the kitchen, but it is worthwhile- and a lot of times, that’s all that really matters.

Remember these two things: one, its always more fun to discover an element of surprise; two, design is most authentic when its personal, and rich with meaning. If those two truisms are considered, it’s impossible to be tacky.