Jolby ~ Lovely Illustrations

{The Mourning Balance ~ Giclée Print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Paper ~ by Jolby}

Jolby is a collaborative design and illustration studio based in Portland, Oregon. This was my favorite piece in their etsy shop. It has a nice story behind it you can read here. They also have an etsy interview here where you can get to know the creative process behind their work. It's always inspiring to see people doing what they love for a living.

The Forge ~ Amazing Miami Landmark

When deciding where to have dinner for my sister Lindsey's bachelorette party down here in Miami, my friend Reniel who grew up here in Miami said of all places to go to, take her to The Forge. New Yorkers in Miami...watch out! It was quite an interesting weekend to say the least.

We got the private room (shown above) which was absolutely amazing. Luckily I told them it was a special event, so they set aside the room for us (no extra rental room charge, I liked that very MUCHO). The chandeliers in this room and throughout the whole restaurant were to die for, and so was the food. Check out the slideshow of photos of this breathtaking restaurant here.

Also if you check out the table, the waiter said it was actually made from one whole tree trunk. I just love the masculine wood table mixed with the feminine crystal chandeliers.

Sometimes you just have to save up and spend your night somewhere fancy. It's ALWAYS worth it! :)

Design Tip of the Week (3.28.11): More is better

A series of paneled paintings can really add impact in comparison to just one. Here are some great examples of simple pieces that when placed in a series just stand out and pop.

Cherry Blossom painting by Nathalie Van on Etsy


Earthy Abstract Panel paintings from Paint All Night Studios on Etsy


Tree Branches painting also by Nathalie Van on Etsy

Curb Appeal

Here is an amazing before and after transformation on a cape cod exterior that raised the curb appeal ten fold. By adding architectual features to the front of the house, changing the door to an eye catching red, replacing the garage door, and doing some landscaping it looks like a whole new house. The transformation is truly amazing!

Check out this slide show of more home exterior makeovers from Better Homes and Gardens.

Love Your City!

Love, Love, LOVE these prints from Art Shark Designs on Etsy.

Cherry Blossoms!

The Cherry Blossom Festival is starting here in DC and there are very few designs that can really capture the beauty of these trees....until I saw this!

Check out the completely lavish and VERY expensive crystal blossom chandy from Tord Boontje. LED lights make it sparkle and shine.


Gwyneth Paltrow has onein her dining room!

Decor Board of the Week ~ My Happy Place

{click image above for larger view}

Home really can be such a nice retreat from the crazy world for all of us. We spend so much time at home (well when we are not working of course), but your home really should be a reflection of your interests/hobbies and style.

Check out this "My Happy Place" board that we did for a client who wanted a reading room to retreat to that is a mixed of victorian elegance and eastern ambiance.

If you would like us to help you with a room you want to make into your own "Happy Place," please contact us at primed4design@gmail.com, and check out our decorating services site here.

And the winner is...

...who wrote "How do I make a small kitchen more usable without remodeling it?" Congratulations Liz on winning $60 towards just about anything for your home from CSN Stores!

Thank-you for all of your entries!

LAST CHANCE TO SAVE YOUR PENNIES!

LAST CHANCE! Don't forget to enter our latest contest with CSN Stores here where you can win a $60 Gift Certificate towards just about anything for your home!

The Origami Bank from West Elm is another way to save your pennies! AND they are on sale for only $14.99 and $5 of the proceeds goes to St. Judes Children's Hospital.

A new spin on a tote bag

The spiral weave wire tote from Ballard Designs is a fun way to store odds and ends in a fashionable way. The French wire design and wood ball handles would look adorable sitting next to your favorite chair with some books or your latest project. If you want to hide whats in the tote, Ballard also sells cotton linings.

The best part is its on sale for almost 50% off!

Please don't forget to enter our latest contest with CSN Stores here where you can win $60 towards just about anything for your home!

GORGEOUS DIY Chandeliers Made of String

Wow. This is seriously the coolest/easiest DIY Project I've seen in a long time. Head over here to Shelterness and follow the directions on how to make these very pretty chandelier/lanterns made out of yarn. It doesn't look like you can put lights in them per say, but perfect decorations for a DIY wedding idea, for your home, or for a birthday party.

Don't forget to enter our latest contest with CSN Stores here where you can win a $60 Gift Certificate towards just about anything for your home!

Master Suite Retreat to Have Sweet Dreams In

{Please click on image above for larger view}

Happy Monday P4Ders! Yes Mondays can be happy, I promise.

Today we wanted to feature one of our favorite Primed4Design Decor Boards that we have done for one of our clients, the Master Suite Retreat, or also known as your bedroom. Please click on image above for larger view and description.

Even if you don't have a "Master Suite" per say, we can still help you fix up that problem room! Visit here for more information.

And please don't forget to enter our latest contest with CSN Stores here where you can win a $60 Gift Certificate towards just about anything for your home!

Integrated Space ~ Design Dilemma

P4D readers Michele and Nichole asked how they could integrate a work space into other designated spaces (like their living room or play room) to provide for a more multi-functional area.

BHG had this wonderful slide show on revamped armoires and how this versatile piece of furniture could easily blend into a room while providing a contained function when you open it up. Check out how they turned this simple wood armoire into a fun and functional work space.


Cork board panels covered with cheery fabric were used to provide an added organizational feature while providing a more pleasant and energizing space to work.



Don't forget to enter our latest contest with CSN Stores here where you can win a $60 Gift Certificate towards just about anything for your home!

Yet Another Dream Home Office Board!

{Please click on image for larger view}

Above is another example above of a Dream Home Office Chrys & I designed for a client. This home office is a modern work space with a romantic flair. Mixing function and elegance, this office is designed with the worker in mind (with lots of storage). The black and white palette accented with soft hues of grey, purple and green stimulates you to work!

Don't forget to enter our latest contest with CSN Stores here where you can win a $60 Gift Certificate towards just about anything for your home!

Visit our new Primed4Design Decor Board website here to see more boards and other fun services we offer to help you get your house in order!

Dreaming of a Home Office? Win $60 towards it!

{Please click on image for larger view}

****THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. Congratulations to the winner Liz who wrote "How do I make a small kitchen more usable without remodeling it?" ****

Hello P4Ders, we are pleased to announce our latest giveaway with CSN Stores where you can win a $60 Gift Certificate towards just about anything for your home!

Above is my personal dream home office filled with gorgeous Herman Miller and Charles and Ray Eames furniture. A designer's dream! I studied about all of these furniture designers in art school, and I love how design in all forms ~ furniture, interior, graphic, fashion all relate and are intertwined.

Office Desks are the basis of a home office, so once you choose a desk you can build your home office decor based around it. A more modern look above is my ideal dream office, but you may like something more traditional. Whatever it may be, make sure it's all about your style and personal taste!

HOW TO ENTER:
Tell us in a comment to this post about a design/decorating dilemma you are having in your home that you currently need help with.

Giveaway ends Thursday March 17, 2011 at midnight (EST). Be sure to leave your name and a valid email address. Winner will be chosen via a random number generator and announced at 9:00am on Friday March 18, 2011. Good Luck!

One day when I'm all grown-up...

...I will have a really large dining room and have the space to have this very beautiful, simple, angular table coexist with this gorgeous string lighting (both from Luminaire) and my life will be complete. Sometimes opposites attract, and it can be like fireworks!

Access to discounted home designs!

One Kings Lane is a great site for those who love a good steal on high end products for your home. Sign up for daily deals on discounted designer home furniture and decor.

Have you visited primed4design.com yet?

Happy friday everyone! Have you visited our Primed4Design decorating services website? Click here if you have a room that you have no idea how to decorate/style!

Let us help you by making a custom Primed4Design Decor board for you! Whether your budget for the room is $200 or $2,000, we will work within your budget to achieve a beautiful and functional new room.

Whether your room is completely empty or you already have furniture and need art and accessories, let us know your style and leave the rest to us!

Vintage Maps & Collages

{1938 Italy - Original Chromolithograph and Gilt Art Deco Map of Rome and the Province of Lazio Italy by Illustrator Nicouline}

A great way to decorate in your home is to use vintage maps and collages. Check out Stories Divinations etsy store here full of vintage maps from just about every state and country, and great vintage collages of people.

Florida Design Magazine ~ Miami Home & Decor

Ahhhh, flip through Florida Design Magazine's Miami Home & Decor online here and get a peek into why I moved to Miami. Even the ads in this magazine make me happy!

Outdoor Lighting for Spring

Spring is right around the corner friends!

I am so smitten with the garden string lighting that Pottery Barn has for spring. Check it out here, I promise it will make you dream of Spring!

Design Tip of the Week ~ Let the Sun Shine

Here is a little rewind post for you today on the best ways to use the color yellow ~ Enjoy!