Passport To Design Blog Tour

Just imagine having a passport with an itinerary of five style packed destinations without ever having to wait in line at the airport or suffer the consequences of jet lag!

 

Thanks to Boston Magazine,Yvonne Blacker of Designer Bath and participating showroom's, our lovely group of bloggers shared an inspiring adventure at some of North Shores finest showrooms.

 

Between the month's of October 2012 and March 2013, you too can get your tour on the road! Just register for a Passport and get it stamped at each of the participating showrooms for inspiration and have the home of your dreams! Click here...

 

 PASSPORT TO DESIGN SHOWROOM BLOG TOUR

 

Our day began at 10AM in Danvers, Ma. at Circle Furniture!

 

 1st. CIRCLE FURNITURE

 

This bench caught my eye in these deep beachy tones. Terrific seating at the table or anywhere else. Tufted details and welting with two great pillows for visual interest and added comfort.

 Love these ottomans in pink and gray fabric!!

This was one of my favorite finds of the day. Can you believe this is a recliner!!

Best recliner I have ever seen and comfortable as well. This actually made me excited about sourcing a recliner. Trust me, that's a first! P.S. Our co-host Sean William @BostonMo was fab!

 

 

 2nd. DESIGNER BATH

 

So many faucets to choose from...so little time. Many brands and varieties but this is just one of my favorites by BRIZO. The Vuelo is like a piece of sculpture!

 Doesn't this sink give you the urge to garden? Love it!

Black matte super sexy soaker by Zuchetti!

 

 

 

 3rd. TILE BY DESIGN

 

Iridescent glass = undulating beauty.

 Teak tile!! Yes, wood tile that can go anyway with the exception of a back splash or shower interior. It resist moisture and can take a beating. I loved this tile, it is really beautiful in person. There was a wide selection of wood tiles in a variety of finishes. Another favorite was the herringbone wood tile that came in a weathered grey option. Stunning!

 

 

 

 4th. LANDRY AND ARCARI
 

 Silk rugs that look like paintings line the walls and floors of Landry and Arcari. You could spend an entire day marveling at their delicious textiles. Consummate professionals are there to educate and advise you. Our group was highly impressed with the knowledge that was so generously shared on the artistry that goes into crafting a fine carpet.

I couldn't get enough but they certainly had enough!

 Loved this little spot of Suzani and Ikat textiles!

 Woven beauty!

 

5th. LUCIA LIGHTING

 

Last, but certainly not least, the final stop of our tour is Lucia Lighting. Lucia has an abundance of traditional to contemporary lighting products. Two stories of illumination with a vast variety to choose from. When you go, say hello to Lucy! I'm convinced she is the source of all the energy at Lucia!! Lucy and her staff were very accommodating and provide custom services to meet every need. I look forward to visiting again!

Thank you to Yvonne Blacker and all of the participating showrooms for their time and service.
It was especially nice to see familiar and as well as new faces. Waving hello to:
Kristina Crestin, Erin Greene, Katherine Hawkins, Danika Herrick, Linda Holt, John Kelsey, Megan Meyers, Linda Merrill.

Cheers! To a day of inspiration and great company!

Budget Friendly Before and Afters!

Thirty years ago my mother decided to update her old dining room set, so she passed the old one on to me! I happily embraced the old cabinet with all of it's peeling veneer and blemishing chips. I loved its bones and bowed glass doors that made it so special. The veneer was beyond lovingly worn. The damage was extensive enough making it difficult to repair, so I painted it! Yes, I know this upsets some, but I truly believe that paint can hide a multitude of furniture sins. Besides, why settle for a so-so finish job, when you can have a piece that makes a statement, while making you happy at the same time. Our china cabinet has sported several different shades over the past 30 years and each time it displays a new shade, I fall in love all over again. It's hard to give up on a piece that has so many memories attached to it. Recently I decided to start updating my breakfast room and the old china blue on the exterior lacked depth, so I added a little more saturation by giving it a few coats of Ben Moore "Wool Peacoat" on the exterior. 

BEFORE: The cabinet interior was too dark in this sunny breakfast room. I wanted vibrant and it was more like a black hole. So Ben Moore's "Green Hydrangea" was my pick to brighten it up a bit and give it a bit of a face lift.

AFTER: Big difference!! Don't you think? I'm very happy with the outcome! Now the space feels bright and welcoming. The deeper exterior helps to create a stronger contrast between it and the vibrant green on the interior. Even the dishes look happier!

****

Here's one more simple adjustment that made a world of difference. Changing out the old standard candle bulb to a filament tubular bulb, took this sconce from ordinary to extraordinary. Now it's current, interesting and easy on the eyes.

 

I had lots of fun making these few updates and I hope these few examples inspire you to find simple and economical ways to make anything old, new again in your home!

Happy 2013!

May this year bring you much love, growth, good health and prosperity. I'd like to think the best is yet to come as we continue to aspire and inspire! Happy 2013!

Merry Christmas!

I am feeling blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by my family and loved ones. Given the recent events, I am sure that many of you must be feeling the same way too. Continued prayers for those who are working through the grieving process over the loss of a family member or loved one. I hope the support of those around you and the addition of faith will help along your healing journey.

 

Coming together for the holiday is all about the gathering of friends and family. Simple holiday decor is one way to avoid getting stuck in holiday overload.  Try using things that you already have in different ways to spruce up your home this season.  

 

Here are just a few images from my table this Christmas. I will be giving thanks for all the many blessings of faith, good health, family and friends.

 

Silver tree branches used as a centerpiece with a few ornaments to keep it festive.

Some of you already know how much I love a faux fur stole on my wine bottles. These were gifts from close friends with a wonderful sense of humor but mostly a great sense of style.

Silver lined chandelier shades add to the theme.

Beautiful glasses are key when planning to have great spirits to bring in the New Year!

A dashing Santa rings the dinner bell as he hurries along!



We will be curing our sweet tooth by sharing a traditional Spanish Nougat "Turron"...Bueno!

 

Truffles also work really well to satisfy the chocolate lovers.

Ornamental snowflakes hang in the balance from the centerpiece.

I will be thinking of all our loved ones passed as God blesses our table.

My casual chairs felt a little sterile, so I used napkins and buttoned straps to adhere to the chairs giving them a more formal look. I also used pine cuttings and ribbons to dress picture frames that will act as place setting markers.

Simple solutions: These button strappings came with the napkins to hold them together!
Talk about a "no sew" project!

No need to guess what this gathering is all about, this napkin says it all!

SPEND MORE TIME CELEBRATING!

JUST ADD A FEW ORNAMENTAL BEAUTIES!

KEEP IT FESTIVE AND SIMPLE!

I TRULY HOPE THAT YOU SPEND YOU HOLIDAY FILLED WITH LOTS OF LOVE, LAUGHTER AND GODS BLESSING! WISHING YOU THE VERY BEST THIS HOLIDAY AND NEW YEAR!

                                                          -Michelle

TRAD HOME DESIGN Hot Spots release!

Traditional Home Magazine Feature!

When I heard the news that I was going to be included in the "TRADHOME Design Hot spots!" I was over the moon! I loved the idea of sharing one of my favorite Boston shopping destinations with the readers of Traditional Home Magazine!

My friend and "Nest" creator Tamara Matthews Stephenson wanted to know her blogger friends "Go-To Spots" for her fall feature article for Traditional Home Magazine. I was honored and so excited! So I grabbed my camera and headed for the South End of Boston! 

A page from Tamara's feature!
Click on the interactive map stars, from east to west they will take you on a different journey and hot spot with each blogger! My star is located at the most eastern-northern point on page 64.
What place did I chose to share?

I chose Mohr & McPherson for their collected global aesthetic.

I adore this inviting daybed! What a great place to cozy up with a book and your favorite cup of tea. Mohr & McPherson host a treasure chest of great finds in the South End. Beautiful rugs and imported furnishings that will make you swoon...a must stop! 

Thank you Tamara for including me in your feature article! I am so proud of you and wish you a long future with Traditional Home! Many hugs! -Michelle

 

Benjamin Moore's 2013 Color of the year!

Extended Forecast: Mostly Sunny

Like many New Englanders, we can always use a few sunnier bluebird days around here.  Well if we can’t change Mother Nature’s behavior, why not brighten up our homes with Benjamin Moore’s 2013 Color of the Year, lemon sorbet (2019-60). This pastel yellow is very subtle, yet refreshing and stimulating. Like our sun, the color yellow is very warming, uplifting, and cheerful.

To see the true color of the lemon sorbet, I went to the local Benjamin Moore store to get a sample color swatch because I know that my laptop screen probably will not render the color exactly. To experiment with the lemon sorbet, I went on Olioboard to create a 3D living room with this as a wall color. I started to notice that it makes a great ground color when complimented with neutrals and other pastel colors. These neutral tones in the wood furniture and grey sofa ensured that the yellow wall doesn’t over stimulate. I also chose multiple values of blues and subtle violets to complement the pastel yellow to create a split complimentary color scheme. These accent colors were chosen to create a sense of balance and harmony in color temperature and contrast.

As a result, I was very pleased with Benjamin Moore’s lemon sorbet. I found that this color is very dynamic in a very subtle way. For me, it can be used to stimulate a room create a warmer, more cheerful room. For others, it can also be refreshing from the saturated colors of the past.

 

    Written By: Ken Dang Certified Architectural Color Consultant & Intern at Cortizo Interiors.

DESIGNER'S CLUB 342 AT THE BOSTON DESIGN CENTER!

 

Recently I was invited to attend a champagne breakfast held during "The Look" event hosted by Cassandra LaValle, founder of Blog COCO + KELLY celebrating the opening at the Boston Design Centers new and beautiful Designer's Club 342!! Architect Marcus Gleysteen and Sanford builders created a 3500 sq. ft space to accommodate the many designers who use the BDC. The 342 Club can be used for design work and client meetings. The Club has a kitchen area to accommodate catered events as well as a two conference rooms in addition to separate work stations.

 

The 342 is sure to be a prime destination for any designer wanting to conduct business in a space that well represents the trade. It is beautiful and appropriately filled with every amenity, including WiFi. Although a large space, I found it to be warm and inviting.

 I can really appreciate all of the natural light that pours into the space. Void of  windows down the main corridor of the building, this is a wonderful spot to recharge when spending long days sourcing. It is a bonus to have a central place to pause and regroup.

The Lounge area prior to our arrival.

342 filled with Designers and Bloggers attending "The Look" event before viewing trends for 2013!! The Club will be open without membership until November 30, 2012.
For more information on 342 Designer's Club membership contact:
Lauren Young at lyoung@bostondesign.com


More on 2013 trends and "The Look" to come...
 

Boston #InStyleTour A Great Success!

What a night! Excellence in the world of art and design come together to ignite a evening of great conversation and ideas. We started our evening by indulging in a wonderful meal in Boston's, North End at Villa Francesca. Italian epicurean delights filled the room as we engaged with our fellow Designer/Bloggers, sponsors Blanco America and Giovanni Decunto.  In addition, we were introduced to more of what we love about Blanco America by the lovely Christy Emens.

Boston's North End is filled with the finest dining around!

 Let the party begin!


Host Andie Day (L-R)), Christy Emens from Blanco America and Co-host Todd Vendituoli.

 

Having fun with Elizabeth Benedict (B-L) and Andie Day (Top).
 

 The talented Mally Skok (L) and Elizabeth Benedict always put a smile on my face. They inspire me and continuously raise the spirit of any gathering...great ladies!
 

Much laughter and sharing with (L-R) Linda Merrill, Laurie Gorelick, Barbara Elza Hirsch!

NEXT!

 

 

Tupac Shakur

(artist Giovanni Decunto)



Giovanni hosts a fabulous party at his North End gallery!
 

NO WAY!!! I won a Culina Faucet from Blanco America! FANTASTICAMENTE!!
 

Laurie Gorlick dances with Giovanni after winning one of his original works!!! Now that's a reason to dance!

 

Laurie Gorelick, Rebecca Reynolds, Leanne Wood Newman...Love them!!

 
 A night to remember!!


Photos by Sidney Vendituoli