Are my walls glowing?

Oh my gosh - just when I think 'we' have thought of everything, some brillant new person comes out of nowhere and floors (or in this case - walls) me!

Jonas Samson, super cute Dutch designer, has invented a light-emitting wallpaper, that uses light emitting diodes (LEDs). The paper can be 'turned on' to emit light. When turned off, the paper looks like regular wallpaper. The wallpaper is not yet available to consumers - but undoubtedly coming to a store near you soon. http://www.jonassamson.com/

Shining a little light on the subject...

http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=811&catid=30&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D30

A pendant light so spectacular, I wish I could buy two and wear them as earrings!

It is from Arteriors Home (http://www.arteriorshome.com/shop.aspx) designer Mark Moussa's home accents company. You can find Arteriors' collections in stores and online -- one of my favorite online outlets for Arterior Home products is Tonic Home: http://www.tonichome.com/index.php.

While there, check out Tonic's sale section which also has serious markdowns on seriously-great stuff.

Miles of lush greens...

So, in honor of my birthday week, I humbly suggest the perfect gift for my friends and family to consider. Jonathan Adler (my design hero) has done it again. His new Lambert sectional is exactly what my living room is screaming for! It's a bit pricey - $6,400 - but maybe if a few of you go in together it will be doable. I am available to meet the delivery guy next Wednesday, if that works for you ;) http://www.jonathanadler.com/shop/home.php?cat=360

Flat walls? Wall flats!

Inhabit - the super-chic, super-accessible design house (brainchild of husband and wife designers, Jennifer and Mike Tuttle) is having a great online sale - visit:(http://www.inhabitliving.com/)

The Tuttles developed one of the most ingenious wall coverings I have ever seen - you've probably seen them too in every design magazine the past few years. Wall flats are embossed, 3-dimensional, lightweight tiles constructed from 100% bamboo - 100% natural, 100% environmentally-responsible, 100% biodegradable, and 110% cool!

Wall flats typically come in a set of 10, 18" x 18" panels - enough to cover 22.5 sq. ft. - for $86. But, during the online sale, you can purchase 2nd quality panels individually for $4.50 a piece (that's 55% off, if you're doing the math). I think I just discovered an easy do-it-yourself art project.

Pick up 3, 6, or 9 of these wall flats:

The Web site says these 'seconds' may have bent corners - but that's easy to fix. Just trim the panel to 16" x 16" (the next closest standard frame size) and pop them into the frames. Extra easy and extra swanky framed in a simple black frame like this one:

available on Amazon.com for $13.50 each:

http://www.amazon.com/Rounded-Wrapped-Picture-Finish-inches/dp/B001U2XYI2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1241492417&sr=1-3

Feel like being a little more creative?

Paint the wall flats - they are ready-to-paint; what could be an easier way to customize art to compliment your decor? Pull three colors from your rug, pillows, or furniture and go to town!

Art: the heart of the home

Perhaps my biggest shopping weakness is art - I simply cannot seem to have enough of it. Upon viewing one empty wall in my new office someone actually said to me "well, you don't have to have every space covered". The words were so shocking to me it almost did not compute - my fantasy is actually to have every square inch of wall space covered by beautiful, challenging, soul-warming art! And so, in honor of my obsession, here are a few new pieces to covet: Rex Ray's Sao Paulo Two (there is also a companion piece - Sao Paulo One). Ray is a stunning artist who lives in San Francisco in a fantabulous studio and produces multi-media fine art rich with texture and vibrant in character and tone. (He also is a favorite of my hero Jonathan Adler). http://www.globalgallery.com/canvas/61720/ Looking for the perfect zen decor for your spa bath? This 6-panel design by Randy Hibberd is it! Actually two pictures cut into six panels, looking at it is like peeking out of the windows of a beach house at dusk. http://www.art.com/products/p13200502-sa-i2320220/randy-hibberd-beauty-in-blue.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=0&ui=35fb90be9bd4427d8adb82e1508cd961 Here's a quick way to make an impact without serious impact to your wallet: http://www.worldmarket.com/wall-art/Alternative-Wall-Decor/Circles-Wood-Wall-Plaque-Set-of-2/lev/4/productId/6999/Ne/1100001/Ns/TOP_SELLER_INDEX%7C1%7C%7CCATEGORY_SEQ_3317%7C0/N/1100556/Nty/1/view/10000/perpage/0/index.pro Paint a 36" wide by 26" tall square on your wall - prime first and then use a vibrant color that compliments your decor. Hang the top, lefthand picture 4 inches in from the top, left corner of the painted square. Hang the 2nd picture 2" from the first and the 3rd picture 2" from the 2nd. For the 2nd row, hang the first picture 2" lower than the picture above, and so on. There, you have a great statement wall for under $75. This look works particularly well over a console in the foyer, a buffet in the dining room, a low-slung dresser, or living room sideboard.

Patio $500 - summer fun? Priceless.

Summer is right around the corner and it has me thinking about getting my outdoor spaces entertainment-ready. Here in Texas, the harsh summers usually mean replacing outdoor accessories each year. One of my favorite annual activities is planning the new year's outdoor theme. This year? I am going with 'Acapulco Breeze'. That means fresh, crisp colors, beachy fabrics, and a laid-back attitude.

The launching pad for my idea this year (as it so often is) is a new Jonathan Adler design. If you don't know Adler - get to know him fast. He is the best designer EVER! His retro-mod, whimsical but refined designs tipped the design world. How he manages to achieve perfection so effortlessly is beyond me. One of the first guest designers for Target, Adler showed other designers how to remain faithful to their high standards of design and quality while producing products that are accessible to the general public.

OK, back to the patio...so, the inspiration for my outdoor space design this year are these fantastic Adler plates:

http://www.jonathanadler.com/shop/home.php?cat=496

(click on the link above for a larger view - you have to see the detail of the animal-themed plate)

Next up - a market umbrella of course. Online merchant lovemypatio.com has a good selection of basic market umbrellas at unbeatable prices. This 9 ft. wood pole number is only $59!

http://www.lovemypatio.com/-strse-35/Wood-Market-Umbrella-with/Detail.bok

You have to add these hanging candle lanterns to your umbrella - light and breezy, they are the perfect romantic lighting for dinner alfresco for two: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4408428 Love My Patio also offers these perfect adirondack lounge chairs ($85 per chair) that look like they have been weathered by years of sun and salty breezes: http://www.lovemypatio.com/-strse-197/%22Scallopine%22-Adirondack-Chair--dsh-/Detail.bok Add these outdoor throw pillows for a little color and comfort: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10910349 Ground your table with a handmade outdoor rug - for less than $15! World Market has natural fiber beach mats that are 35" x 75". Take two (2), flip over the mats to the back, align the mats along the long side (75" edges), tape the seams together with outdoor carpet tape, flip over and you have a nearly 6 foot x 6 foot outdoor rug. I recommend you pull the rug in when not in use as the summer sun can be hard on the natural fiber. Bonus? The mats come with a carrying strap attached for easy portability. http://www.worldmarket.com/Outdoor/Outdoor-Rugs/Natural-Fiber-Beach-/productId/10484/Ne/1100001/sectionId/3103/N/1100630/categoryId/1100630/pCategoryId/1100203/Ns/TOP_SELLER_INDEX%7C1%7C%7CCATEGORY_SEQ_3131%7C0/index.pro What beach scene would be complete without fish? Add these adorable glasses to your tabletop for a little whimsy: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=150&f=31649 So, what's the damage if you purchase everything I have recommended?

• 4 Jonathan Adler dinner plates $48
• 4 Jonathan Adler salad plates $40
• 4 Jonathan Adler bowls $40
• 1 Jonathan Adler serving tray $28
• 1 market umbrella $59
• Set of 2 candle lanterns $29
• 2 adirondack lounge chairs $170
• Set of 2 throw pillows $22.11
• 2 outdoor beach mats $13.98
• Carpet tape $5.41 **
• 4 Crate and Barrel $27.80

GRAND TOTAL: $483.30

Less than $500 for an outdoor space you can enjoy all summer long (that's an average cost of $4.03 per day for 120 days of summer fun!).

** available online at http://underbid.com/action/display/item/20640-187374/sku/587313.html or your local home improvement store

Ricami Stool

A light-as-air table that is actually rock solid. Made entirely of laser-cut steel, this stool/side table is also 100% recyclable. Bonus? The manufacturer (Arktura) uses a zero-VOC powder coat finish that is nearly indestructible but 100% earth-friendly. Available from online merchant Zwello http://yhst-37542584897213.stores.yahoo.net/ark-ricami-stool.html in white or black finish.

Repurpose a pigeon's home - for your home

Looking for a wow piece for your living room? How about this chat-worthy cocktail table from Bobo Intriguing Objects (available through online merchant Wild Flower Organics). http://www.wildflowerorganics.com/product.php?productid=563

OK - it's pricey ($1,125), but how do you put a price on a good conversation starter? The basket is a recycled French pigeon basket - that's right - a pigeon basket! The rough edges have been refined with the addition of a glass top but the cool work-a-day vibe is preserved by (a) a trap door that opens to allow for storage and (b) the tables' oversized casters.

For Pete's sake...use this fabric!

How wonderful is this Marimekko fabric - doesn't it make you want to take a nature hike?

http://www.finnstyle.com/latvassa.html

I would love this fabric as a sliding panel or room divider. Pair it with a curtain ceiling track to make a sliding panel to cover the laundry area, a messy closet, or a sliding patio door. You can find do-it-yourself components for curtain track at Riley Designs online:(http://www.shop.curtaintrax.com/product.sc?productId=5.

An excellent addition to the track, particularly if used as a room divider in a loft or open-concept space, is a bottom rail. The bottom rail provides more weight and keeps the fabric hanging straight. PosterHanger is a simple solution - just slide the finished bottom edge of the fabric into the hanger: http://www.posterhanger.com/

Neglected corner no more!

You know that neglected corner in the living room/ study/ bedroom/ sunroom that you keep meaning to address. Well here's a quick fix:

A canary print orange chair (courtesy of our friends at Target) http://www.target.com/Canary-Print-Armless-Chair-Orange/dp/B001L5HKH4/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=048V72SGK00JGCTNRDHA&pf_rd_p=447415501&pf_rd_i=B0012W8OH6&pf_rd_s=left-5&pf_rd_m=A1VC38T7YXB528&pf_rd_t=201

Shine some light on the gorgeous print with a versatile floor lamp (like this one, also available online from Target)

http://www.target.com/Swivel-Mount-Floor-Lamp-Silver/dp/B0012W8OH6/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=1Q2N4BKJF47NRT19VT06&pf_rd_p=447415501&pf_rd_i=B001L5HKH4&pf_rd_s=left-5&pf_rd_m=A1VC38T7YXB528&pf_rd_t=201

and add this tongue-in-cheek pillow (available at PillowDecor.com) for a wonderful contrast and you are ready to curl up with your favorite book.

http://www.pillowdecor.com/Bergere-Chair-on-Deep-Silk-LT-Throw-Pillow-p/lb1-0016-01-16.htm

My kind of floral display!

Striking silver stems of phalaenopsis orchid blooms (available online from Burke Decor) coupled with a dramatic floor vase (found online at The Travelled Home) are a perfect compliment to today's contemporary living spaces. And the best part - no watering!

http://www.burkedecor.com/Set_of_Six_Silver_Philaenopsis_Flowers_p/twosil009-a.htm http://www.thetravelledhome.com/tall-wood-floor-vase.html

Retro mod end table

Can you believe this retro mod end table is only $110? Urban Outfitters offers the table online in orange, lime, and white. Want to bump the wow up a notch? Just drill a hole in the center bottom, thread the cord of a puck light through the hole, and glue the puck light in place. Now you have a groovy, glowing table that would even make Austin Powers proud!

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/index.jsp

Shelter from the storm

Aren't we all looking for a little shelter from the storm? This extraordinary sofa - that looks so 'now' - is from a 1971 design by Danish designer Børge Mogensen.

Remember yesterday when I talked about investment pieces? Well, this is truly an investment piece with a price tag of $21,900 at the online Danish Design Store:

http://www.danishdesignstore.com/products/borge-mogensen-2192-sofa-1

But here's an idea...take a picture to your local furniture upholsterer or high-fabric/design store. Many shops can build furniture and replicate your favorite design. Save even more money by purchasing the fabric yourself at a fabric outlet store. Odds are, you can get the same look for 1/10th of the price!

A sideboard to slobber over...

Don't you think this sideboard looks like an 'investment piece'? Want the good news - it does not come at an 'investment' price - it's priced at $499 for the hand-finished beauty. Want better news? Wisteria's online store is offering 20% off every online purchase over $200 (hurry - sale ends 4/30/09). Wisteria, one of my favorite online merchants and a locally-owned company, has the exclusive design. http://www.wisteria.com/Stacked-Sideboard/productinfo/W2264/ . Lovely table - let me count your many uses...

• in a dining room as a buffet. toss in a few banana leaf or sea grass baskets to hold tableware, linens, and wine bottles, and you are organized and stylish. this basket from White Harvest Trading Company would be perfect:

https://whiteharvesttradingco.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=152&zenid=q2m1jabpkkk89cj5894d1aaig5tpbin7main_page=product_info&products_id=152&zenid=q2m1jabpkkk89cj5894d1aaig5tpbin7

in a mud room for shoe and bag storage. how about adding galvanized steel bins to corral wayward backpacks, sports equipment, and Fido's leash? These bins can be purchased separately at Pottery Barn and come with label holders to really help you get organized.

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p12600/index.cfm?pkey=chome%2Doffice%2Dorganization

1. in a sunroom as a sofa table
2. in a home office for storage and extra work space
3. in a spa bath for towels and "jams and jellies" (as Candice Olson says)

What I think is particularly wonderful about the design is that the sideboard would be equally at home in a modern loft, mid-century ranch, french country cottage, or transitional townhome. One thing for sure - wherever you place it, it will be perfect!

The Ultimate Cat Bed

Looking for great home design for your - pets?

Check out this beautiful and (even better!) green product, from Marmalade. The cat chaise lounge is made from natural materials (at least 35% recycled post consumer) that are good for kitty and the environment. And when your furry friend tires of the cat bed (or you redecorate the room) the bed is 100% recyclable.

One giant scratch post in the form of modern art. Talk about sublime - pamper your pet while beautifying your home. Does it get any better than that?

The chaise lounge is available at online merchant Exclusively Home at:

http://www.exclusivelyhome.com/cheeky-chaise-scratcher-p-3169.html

You can also find two versions on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Marmalade-Pet-Sweet-Lounge-Cat/dp/B000RLAM0A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1240447294&sr=1-1

-and-

http://www.amazon.com/Marmalade-Pet-Cheeky-Chaise-Cat/dp/B000RLAM1O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1240447294&sr=1-2