Just because it says WALLpaper it doesn't mean it won't look good on a ceiling!

I have been a huge fan of Lori Weitzner now for a while. I think that she brings such a cool fresh thought to all that she does. so I thought she was a perfect example to use for this post, because I think she would appreciate the idea of wall paper on the ceiling.

In this home we had an existing raised ceiling in the Dining Room that I wanted to find a way to highlight. I found a drawn plaster series that Lori has that is perfect for this kind of use, we installed it and then had a faux finisher add a subtle iridescent wash over it. It provided just enough sparkle to make the room feel more special, but with enough money still in the budget to buy great furniture.

The pattern we went with is called Cartouche. It was the right choice as it has a perfect blend of old and new and the spacing on the design was spread enough that it didn't get too busy.

Hope you like it.

A Few of my Favorite Things....

Anyone who knows me and knows the office I run, are not surprised to find out that one of my favorite things are sneakers. A company that I fell in love with is Clae, they are a California company but make sneakers based on men's dress shoes. That way I feel like I am dressed up enough for the office but casual that I am true to my style.

Here are a few of their newest styles,,, their color sense is great.

An App I can't Live Without

So it is no secret that I am a huge fan of my IPAD. I keep telling people that it answers all of the needs I didn't even know I had. And I found an App last night called My Measures Pro, that is now one of those things I am not sure how I lived without. Its a tool that helps with dimensioning.

I don't know about you, but when I am starting a project, whether its a powder room or a kitchen design, getting the as built dimensions right is the first step to a successful product.

Take a look at the screen shots below from their website, you can see just how easy it can make your life. No more chicken scratch for me, ( I can hear a collective sigh of relief from my office).

It allows you to organize by project etc and send right from your IPAD. My only wish was for a wider angle lens but other than that ....life changing!!

Get to know your ABC's

I am not sure if it's because my daughter started school this week or not, but at Mark Cutler Design we are big fans of the alphabet, and one of the things I like most about it is that it is something that almost anyone can do.

The lower image is of an alphabet that is an antique print and is a bit more expensive, but the one on the top is an alphabet based on everyday images, some from street signs, some from plant shapes. It is one of my favorites because not only does it teach the letters but I would like to think it makes you look at the world in a different way too.

The Countdown is on

OK. So we have been hearing about it for months, but tomorrow is the big day .......Missoni at Target.

There are a few things that I think are stand out pieces that would be a great addition to your home.

Who doesn't want this bike? I think I may have to get it and save it for Ruby.

And some great outdoor furniture.....Summer may be over,,,,, but how could you not want this.

And not all of the Missoni is crazy color,,,,these Black and White pieces are inspiring

Hickory Centennial Design Challenge

Hickory Chair is having their first ever design challenge. It is being hosted over on Facebook. It coincides with their centennial anniversary.

The competition is broken into three areas. General Public, Students and Professionals.

I decided to enter because I am a huge fan of Hickory Chair and also because I think that it is important that design professionals show the world what a creative bunch we are.

I designed a Mud Room Bench, because it is one of those pieces that I am always looking for, but never have found just the right piece. I hope that this is the one I am looking for.

If you are a Facebook member please follow the link and vote. You can only vote once so each vote is very important.

Please encourage your family and friends too,,, repost this as well.

Anyway, thanks in advance

http://apps.facebook.com/hcc-design-challenge/contests/129466/voteable_entries/30202667?order=recency&view_entries=1

As a general rule, I like to give a room more than one purpose. In order to do that effectively you have to think of ways to make the most of the space you have and plan properly. Large family rooms are supposed to be a place for the whole family to hang out and be with each other regardless of what everyone is doing. This room is one of my favorites and is without a doubt a perfect example of multiple purposes in a single room. As you can see, I used a number of seating areas to do just that. At the back of the room the desk allows someone to work while the others are relaxing. A game table in the back corner allows people to play a game or two while staying out the way. Then there is the big screen TV that works as the focal point of the entire room, and the family can lounge on the comfy couches. And after all that, the fireplace still needs to mentioned, as it brings the room together creating a warm homely touch, where you can sit and do a bit of reading. All of this purpose and functionality really comes together in a harmonious way, that lets everyone do their thing and be together as a family.