I couldn’t agree more, David Hicks is spot ON about the power of great art against white walls… which allows for the perfect opportunity to introduce a very talented photographer, Joe Horner, a Dallas native who just had a fabulous show. Here is the artist in front of some of the must-have works from his latest series:
“I love photography intimate details of nature that show the intricate colors, texture and shapes in the natural world that is so often unnoticed in our daily lives” -Joe Horner
These images are available as 8″x10″ photographic prints with a wrapped edge on a wooden block. They are ready to hang and include a wood wall cleat hanger.
The wrapped edge on these images is very clean and sharp. The colors are so incredibly vibrant that I had to share details of some of my favorite Joe Horner flower photos:
Prints are metallic photographic prints protected with a laminate.
These prints provide for vibrant saturated colors, and the beautiful clean edge finishing makes for a stunning presentation.
I would recommend buying more than one so you can create a grouping for maximum visual effect, blending color and texture into an impressive pop of color for home or office. What a wonderful way to always have fresh flowers in your room!
2) Make your shelves drawer-like for better access. What a brilliant idea to maximize space and keep things organized. No need to call in the professionals, this can be an easy DIY project.
Interesting Artist: John Baldessari – Lives and works in Santa Monica, California.
Was Professor of Art at University of California, Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA. (how cool to have the opportunity to learn from such a creative mind!) Many exhibitions and many awards.
History: The Lampe Berger was created in 1898 to purify the air in hospital wards. The French began to stylize the lampe berger into chic accessories in the 1930s, making them collectors items. They come in many different styles and make beautiful table top accessories. Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso were the first “well-known people” to appreciate lampe bergers.
To this day, lampe bergers are used to eliminate unwanted odors and to purify the air. The refill liquids come in a wide range of fragrances to make a room smell instantly wonderful while killing airborne pathogens or odors. They also offer a pleasant way to promote wellness if somebody in the house gets sick.
Do already you have lampe bergers in your home? If so, please comment and share your fragrance recommendations or any lampe berger pointers you might have.
Sherle Wagner products have a distinct luxurious look that can be identified across a room. Well worth the Hollywood dollars, search no further for the finest most over the top bathroom sinks and fixtures. Sherle Wagner is the answer to your wildest interior design dreams:
This sink is 24ct gold and the counter is malachite. If you love malachite, check this out.
Rose quartz carved sink on pedestal. They find the finest specimens to carve. 24 ct gold and rose quartz handles.
Handles can be made from any stone you desire, see above. The gold is actual gold, not a finish. Arent these handsome? If you would like to see more high-end bling for the bathroom, see more Sherle Wagner here.
If you could have sinks and hardware made of any of the stones, which would you chose for yourself? Let us know!
Celebrate fresh seasonal produce with this easy Strawberry Souffle recipe which uses ingredients you are sure to have on hand. Perfect for spring and summer entertaining, from www.bakingbites.com.
Fresh Strawberry Souffles 12 oz trimmed, fresh strawberries 2 tsp lemon or lime juice (optional) 1/2 cup sugar, divided 1 tbsp cornstarch 4 large egg whites, room temperature pinch salt
Preheat oven to 400F. Butter and sugar six 6-oz ramekins (or four 8-oz ramekins). In the bowl of a food processor, combine strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar and cornstarch. Whizz until mixture is very smooth. In a large bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually blend in the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and a pinch of salt and continue beating to stiff peaks. Whisk 1/3 of strawberry mixture into the egg whites. Gradually fold in remaining strawberry puree until everything is evenly combined. Fill all ramekins to the top and level with the back of a butter knife. There may be some batter left over (just discard remaining batter unless you have enough to fill an additional ramekin). Bake for 14-17 minutes, until the tops of the souffles are golden brown. Remove from oven and serve immediately. Souffles are still good at room temperature, but they will sink down a bit as they cool. Makes 6.
I had an appliance repairman named Danny over to fix my dryer today. He was a wealth of knowledge. What started out as idle chat quickly turned into an interview. Here are a few thought-provoking things that I learned.
Where to buy appliances: At a certified appliance store. Only. “You wouldn’t buy your car at a grocery store as you shouldnt buy your appliances at a ‘lumber’ store” (I won’t name names here, but we all know the large stores that this term implies…). For a few reasons- if the appliance breaks, the large “lumber” stores will direct you to handle it yourself with the manufacturer. Also, even though you may think you are buying best of the brand you trust the most at one of these large “lumber” stores or wholesale superstores, you are actually buying a version made specifically for those stores to carry (usually a lesser model than they otherwise manufacture to sell). So, if you want the quality you anticipate from a specific brand, buy from the appliance stores. Who knew? The appliance stores want your repeat business so they will gladly help you if you need repairs.
How to choose appliances that will last: This is where it gets interesting all over again: avoid the new high-tech computer panels and touch screens. They have a short life expectancy and will cost you routine repairs and early replacement. My repairman went so far as to even suggest that these high-tech models are planned revenue generators for the manufacturers because of their higher replacement cycle. Hmmm. Opt for knob controls over touch screens whenever possible. Another pointer from Danny- buy from US-based companies rather than foreign competition if you want easy to repair appliances with accessible parts.
Decoding the brand choices: Did you know that: KitchenAid, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Estate and Roper are all owned by Whirlpool? Or that Whirlpool now manufactures the Kenmore brand for Sears? News to me.
Deciding which brand to buy: Be careful who you ask. To quote Danny, “if you really want to know what the most reliable car to buy is, you should ask a mechanic, not a car dealer for x,y or z brand car — same goes for appliances”. If you ask a hardware superstore or your favorite wholesale club, the answer will of course be one of their in-stock items. If you want a legitimate answer, ask an appliance repair specialist or go to an actual appliance store who has equal loyalty to a wide range of brands.
His most highly recommended brand: I had to ask. Whirlpool brand, it will be the best of the best in the way of parts, technology and lifespan. Sounds good to me.
Danny certainly knew what he was talking about. I appreciated his appliance buying advice, as I’m sure you do. We can all think of more fun things to spend money on than repairs or replacements. If any of you in the Dallas area ever need a repairman, let me know.
There are some great side table finds this season. Here is a preview of stylish side tables from the latest High Point Market and various showrooms around the country:
17″ diam X 18.25″ h Marble Top
16.5″DIA x 21.5″H Granite Top
23″w x 22.5″h x 22″d, with antiqued mirror, Finishes: gilt, alder or lacquer
16″h x 20″diam, Finishes: gold or silver
26″w x 26″d x 24″h Finishes: Lacquer or Alder
Any of these tables would look great used as side tables OR as a pair in front of a sofa. Which is your favorite?
Pricing and information available upon request.
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I have the pleasure of helping a creative 11 year old girl redo her room. Let’s start with the fact that the parents are unbelievably cool to give her such a voice in her room upgrade! We are headed towards a look of hollywood glam. Think this general look:
She will have a zebra carpet and a white tufted headboard with white bedding. She has chosen to have a soothing neutral color on the walls. That is a great choice because this girl is wildly creative, so a soothing color ought to make the room a good blank canvas for her ideas to flow. We have made most decisions but need to chose a desk. which one do you think would go best?
Any of the desks would be great but the last two could double as a vanity for future use. Which one do you like the best? Please comment with your thoughts on this important decision.
All three desks are to the trade only. Pricing available upon request.
