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!

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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!