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Popular Posts
A Welcome Makeover
Happy Thanksgiving! Today, I’m pleased to announce that my work has been featured in the Thanksgiving Thursday edition of The Washington Post! You’ll see my design concept for an entry-dining room makeover in the Home Section’s very popular House Calls column.
BEFORE - photo courtesy The Washington Post.
This Bethesda, MD homeowner wanted a warm and inviting space with plenty of storage. The room also had to be functional for everyday activities, children at play and large family gatherings.
AFTER - illustration by Julius Goyanko.
The result: Using vivid colors (wall color is ‘Kumquat’ from Sherwin-Williams), stylish lighting fixtures and flexible seating that doubles as storage, I’ve created a lively, family-friendly space. Just in time for the holidays! Visit washingtonpost.com for more details and to see what all of those numbers mean.
(CLICK HERE to see my previous House Calls makeover.)
Black And Gold Christmas
Just a few days ago I was blogging about how I wanted to add pink to my Christmas color scheme. Then I went shopping around and changed my mind. It appears black is hot this season. This unlikely holiday hue is a bold, maybe even daring choice, but it looks extremely elegant when paired with gold. Just like wearing a little black dress and gold jewelry. Here, you see some of my finds from my local budget-friendly places like Michael’s, Target and Wal-Mart.
I would, however, use black Christmas decor sparingly as it can be overwhelming. Just use a few ornaments and bows; placemats and chargers for the table. I just made a wreath using the black poinsettias (below). Now if I can only figure out where to hang it…
Really Cool Bedrooms for Malia and Sasha
This week, Malia and Sasha Obama visited the White House to tour what will be their new bedrooms. This must be a very exciting time for Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, but I wonder if the soon-to-be First Kids are also a little nervous, too. Fortunately, when moving to a new place (even if it’s the White House), nothing erases a child’s jitters faster than having a new room to decorate. According to a former Chief White House Usher, the girls can decorate anyway they wish — even if they want to paint their bedroom walls fuchsia! So, of course, I’m more than happy to give my professional color advice.
Now, I don’t know the Obama sisters’ favorite colors, but I can take cues from some of the beautiful outfits they and lovely mom Michelle have worn on the campaign trail. I’m going with pink, red, black and purple. My suggestion is to begin with the bedding, such as the pink and black C’est Chic ensemble (top of page) from poshtots.com. Because the tastes of young girls change rather quickly, I would avoid ‘character or celebrity bedding’ (i.e. princess, Betty Boop, Hanna Montana, etc). Save that for accessories you can easily change. I also love the ensembles pictured below:
Gabby Bedding from poshtots.com
Butterfly Lace Bedding from macys.com
Lavender Dreams Bedding from sweetpeachesbedding.com
Below is an old photo of the East Room in the White House, which will soon belong to one of the incoming First Daughters.
With such high ceilings, I’d choose a warm, youthful wall color such as any of these selections from Sherwin Williams, from left to right: Cheery, Free Spirit, Hopeful (very appropriately named), and Valentine (great for an accent wall color).
I’m sure whatever colors and patterns that Malia and Sasha choose, their designs will be reflective of their lively personalities (and their mother’s guidance). It will be so refreshing to have these adorable girls take up residence in the White House. They remind me a lot of my sister and I when we were that age. Although my mother would say that the Obama sisters behave better than we did.
Animal Lovers Holiday
I don’t have a dog but if I did, I’d get these cute, colorful ‘Hound Buckets’ (roomservicehome.com) to gather up all of the doggie toys. After all, everything has a place in our house — at least I try to reinforce that rule around here, but it doesn’t always work — hence the reason we are ‘dog-less.’ I do, however think these buckets would make a great gift for that old faithful friend (or new Christmas puppy) in your life.
Whether you have pets or not, any animal lover can have a wild holiday party with these whimsical stockings from horchow.com (below). I must say the colors are tame, but these jungle buddies would brighten up any room!
A Very Pink Christmas
Next week, I’ll begin putting up my vast collection of Christmas decor. I wait all year for this because its one of my favorite things to do, and I feel privileged to be able to celebrate the birth of Christ — the reason for the season. This year, decorating will begin the day after my twin sons’ birthday (Nov. 17). I’ll pump Christmas music throughout the house and begin the process of putting up several custom-made wreaths, garland, ribbon, shelf displays, three Christmas trees and outdoor lights. Whew!
Each year I introduce a new color into my decor. So, this time around I’m considering fuchsia…but if only in my Christmas dreams. I live with four males who would not like the prospect of having a pink tree or anything else pink for that matter. But look at these photos. I love the “A New Twist” color theme (top of page) from Pier 1, a combo of fuchsia, purple, ruby and blue. The pink pre-lit tree (christmascentral.com) has pink and clear lights; and these sassy stockings (brightandbold.com) are hot! I’m pushing for pink! I’ll keep you posted…
Lots Of Yellow And A Bit O’ Blue
As the fall colors peaked here in the Mid-Atlantic Region, I was amazed at how quickly the Crape Myrtle trees in our backyard transformed into a brilliant shade of yellow. What also stood out was the blue wind mobile that I brought back from California this past spring. Although it’s been hanging in the tree since then, the surrounding greenery had subdued it’s vibrant, blue color — almost camouflaging it. But now, with yellow as the backdrop, the wind mobile really pops, don’t you think?
Traditionally, blue has always made a great accent color to yellow, as these photos below (from Valspar) suggest.
And lastly, I snapped a photo (below) of this adorable, cottage-style home while in Newport Beach, CA. I think this house is a true example of a classic color scheme featuring a lot of yellow and a teenie bit of blue.
THE UNITED COLORS OF BARACK
Congratulations, Barack Obama –
The 44th President of The United States of America.
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