Market Profile - Mad Imports bags

Though Summer is almost over, the good thing are the end of Summer sales! MadImports.org is currently having a sale on select bags and offering $20 off full priced bags (just enter "SEPTEMBER" at checkout. Stock up for next Spring, or gifts for Christmas. No one ever said you can't give presents for an upcoming season!

Style Story - My desk!

So I was recently asked by Whitney English, a stationery designer, to be a part of her new blog. She wanted to feature the desks of her favorite design bloggers. I was flattered and so I obliged her with an honest photo of my desk, as is (really had to contemplate the idea of that!) So for all of MY readers, here's a glimpse into my world. This is what Whitney wrote in her blog:

"We loved Dose of Design's transparent twist on desk. 'Dose' is an interior designer, graphic designer and magazine editor, and from this image, you can immediately pick up on the breakneck pace her career keeps her on. In her words:

'Here is a pic of my office/desk exactly as it is, I did not change it, prop it, or clean it up for the sake of a "prettier" pic. It is an honest view of my desk and sadly how I work!'

Not sad, just realistic! Design is found in the crevices of everyday life. You will quickly determine where chic exists: the yellow roses (print or painting?) on the top left corner of the bulletin board; Chippendale chairs on the inspiration board; warm yellow upholstery on darling French chair; Lucite lamp and sunburst mirror."

Project - DIY Spray painted Regency mirror

I bought this classic faux bamboo mirror on EBay for $97, but it was in need of a serious face lift. I wanted a look that was a bit more modern and dramatic. I considered a modern light-blue, but ultimately decided on a neutral chocolate-brown that would match any future decor change. Step one was taping and covering the glass mirror and priming the frame white. I then used Montana matte brown spray paint. Last was Montana glossy lacquer which sprays on very wet, but eventually dries into a nice glossy shell and voila! Jonathan Adler - watch out!







NOTE: Always spray paint outdoors in a well ventilated area and use a mask or cover your mouth and nose with a cloth. The odor is VERY toxic and children should NOT be in the vicinity.

Love it! - Eclectic chic

The best part about decorating is mixing styles and themes. Skip the "one note" design in favor of combining and layering colors, motifs, silhouettes and patterns for a more dynamic space! Find these great products at www.BurkeDecor.com





All available through www.BurkeDecor.com
Free shipping on all orders over $50

Project - DIY Hermes Art

Are original paintings too expensive for you? Are you perplexed when trying to pick out art? Well think outside the box and try something different. Just remember, art is anything you want it to be - any medium, any price point. So I love horses and was looking for an eye-catching art piece. I searched for paintings and prints of horses, but none that made the statement I was looking for, or afford for that matter. Then it hit me - HERMES! Originally an equestrian equipment store decades ago, it is now a luxury accessories brand, but still remain true to their equestrian roots. Often using horse motifs and patterns, especially on their signature silk scarfs. I knew I couldn't afford a new one, so I searched eBay until I found the perfect vintage Hermes scarf and won it for $100. I then bought a simple 30"x30" painter's canvas and wrapped the 35"x35" scarf around it, using packing tape to secure it in the back. I went to a custom frame shop and chose a Jonathan Adler, green faux-bamboo lacquered sample. A week later I had the custom sized frame to slip over my canvas, no glass. For a total cost under $300, I now have the art piece I dreamed of!

Love it! - ModernDose.com SALE

ModernDose.com, a great online retailer just sent me news of their new pieces for fall, plus 10% off to anyone that uses code "AUTUMN" during checkout ... just thought I would pass it along!

Love it! - Blue & White bath accessories

Inspired by Asian Ming design, I haven't seen bath accessories this stylish in a long time. Made of porcelain, Williams Sonoma Home is synonymous with hi-end style and reasonable prices for the masses. But why limit this collection to just the bath - the tissue holder would be perfect on my bedroom end table and the toothbrush holder would make such a statement as a pencil cup on my desk!


www.WSHome.com

Love it! - Greentea Design

For the perfect piece to add a little ethnic flair to your home, GreenteaDesign.com is the online destination of choice. You don't need to turn your entire space into an Asian temple, but even adding one or two pieces can add huge design interest - and your guests will be thinking you're quite the world traveler! Greentea Design is currently having a Summer Sale and free shipping on select pieces - so act fast!







www.GreenteaDesign.com

Love it - Aged leather club chair

When it comes to leather club chairs, I've noticed wherever you're shopping, they all start to look the same. The purpose of "design" is to not only be functional and create relatability for the buyer, but it should also push boundaries and present a unique vision of the classics. Crate & Barrel accomplishes this with one of the most beautiful yet unexpected leather chairs I've seen in a long time. Inspired by a 1930's Parisian Club chair, they aged and recreated a look that is classic yet dynamic. With large nail head detailing, leather aged to perfection and a contrasting mohair upholstered seat with leather welting, this chair gives you a multitude of textures, materials and historical throw backs. For me, that's what design is all about!



Metropole Chair $1,999 - Crate & Barrel

Love it! - Burke Decor

If you didn't need a screen before, doesn't this Greek Key room divider from BurkeDecor.com make you want to find a need for it?! With a diverse selection of chic furniture and accessories, you'll be a kid in a candy store going through their website!






www.BurkeDecor.com

Love it! - Tonic Home

TonicHome.com is one of my favorite online retailers. Just take a look at the mix of styles and silhouettes you can find there. Apparently you don't need to have style, when you can just buy it!








www.TonicHome.com

Love it! - Side tables

What I love about ModernDose.com is their variety of styles. A side table is one of the most versatile pieces you can add or subtract from a space. Unlike a larger piece of furniture, you can move it around to different areas of any room to fit your needs. They're decorative yet purposeful and they come in every style imaginable - rustic, modern, traditional and traditional with a twist. Bring them out for dinner parties so guests have extra places to sit their drinks, but they're still small enough to store in a closet. Check out these diverse styles, I dare you to pick your favorite!









www.ModernDose.com

Love it! - Faux Bois Wing Chair

This coming season, faux bois is going to be everywhere. This Wing Chair by Williams Sonoma Home is an ideal example of how chic wood grain can be incorporated into your space - and I don't mean your wood floors!


Williams Sonoma Home - www.WShome.com
Chelsea Wing Chair