I love this deep midnight blue with the splash of white and yellow to keep it fun!

Big table, little table- a high style mix!

Note the lower ottoman and smaller table- together they make a nicely sized 'cocktail' table. I love what Suzanne Kessler did behind the sofa. This is why I go to market- to learn from the best designers in the world!

Notice how the over sized pottery, twigs and corbel work so well with the large ottoman. This could serve well as a room divider or against a a focal wall. Each element is interesting and all look great on this desk that's playing as a table.

This is a fantastic way to update a young girls room- pick a color and roll with in around the room in varying hues to create a posh and classic space!

See how this fixture drooped into the room instantly warms and makes it far more conversational.

Orange is poppin! It's fun, fresh, energetic, engaging and sexy. It my fav interior color. This room would make a hip family space.

This rich purple color is a great color because you can adjust the mood the room with furnishings and accessories...sexy, fun, vibrant!

Calm tones are 'in' too...consider painting your crown moldings the wall color. Ceilings can be slightly lighter than walls...or a completely different color.

Color doesn't always have to be added to the walls.  Add color in a statement piece like this amazing yellow, tufted leather ottoman.... Man oh man!

Wonderful kelly green ottoman!!!! And check out the patten leather on those classic chairs!

See the trend of clean lines and vivid color used in easily adaptable ways....wall color, pillows bedding and the occasional piece of furniture or a rug...

Alexa Hampton of Hickory creates this inspiring, relaxing space.

If you have ever wondered what your room would look like painted a very sassy corally-pink....well, here you go....

Sort of a funky retro vibe from the wall color and the legs of the cocktail table. Old school meets new school!

Notice how even the crown is painted same as wall!

And the winner is.....I just love this room. It feels livable, soothing, comfortable and sophicated. My kind of space!

A little color can go a long ways. This rug is perfect for the play it safe room where by you purchased a lot of 'brown leather'. It opens the color palette to lavenders, purples, greens, russets, creamy yellow and blues. It's a great way to add color to any space.

Admittedly this one is not everyone's taste...but wow wee is it ever beautiful! Consider laying over a sisal rug for that unexpected bounce of color in a monochromatic room.

Again...not everyone's cup of tea but it is powerful and creates an energetic vibe....I'd like to see it in a breakfast room- especially if there is some black woodwork near by.

Warm and sensuous this one is..it's silk...you'll want to lay on it!

Saturday an episode aired of HGTV Showhouse Showdown that featured...guest who...me! 
Here is more of a inside scoop on my design!

The kitchen is a hard working space that needs to look great –it's forefront in this design- so I splurged on a beautiful leather finished granite- that really stole the show- I used the same finishes and details that I use in $1,000,000,000 +++ homes in this space. That includes upgraded cabinetry, an island that appears to expand the space, fauxed walls with an underwash of the predominate color palate of turquoises, low profile counter stools, and a glass back splash. I hid the electrical outlets under the upper cabinets and added LED tape lighting under the cabs and to the upper cabs. None of this is out of the price range of most-you just have to plan for it- and that’s what I most want viewers to see- a lot of awesome features are available – if you just have the right professional to help make that happen for you. Good design is mostly about knowledge.

The wine room was my make it or break it space since I took the dining room and used it differently. My basic premise is that you need to live in your entire home. This space was relatively small and mostly formal dining rooms are used 2-3 times per year, which is way too extravagant in this footprint. So I thought up a lounge and linger space- Purposefully beyond ear shot of the TV- I wanted to create a space where people could sit and ACTUALLY talk- without interferences of extra stuff (i.e. – TV) which I personally despise.

What was fun for my team and I was each evening we’d hang in this space under the ‘upside down chandelier, wood beamed ceiling, Venetian plaster walls and custom made furnishings! It was a chill spot and I knew it would speak volumes to guests because I liked it. We would hang out there and it was comforting. The colors soothing, the space conversational, the Art calming, and of course the wine- really- what more might you want?? Ok, for me- I need to live in my home- all of it- and I’d love a room like this!

The biggest challenge of this project was the design aesthetic. I am so happy to connect with my client and their desires- its usually a breeze to create for them. But wait, this was my design- I was the client and that proved to be a real challenge. So I had this mantra of subtle sophistication- whatever the Hell that is…haha- no I think I got it- a livable, well appointed degree of luxury that’s not off-putting, but welcoming and generous. It’s easy to care for and open and that was the goal. But, you be the judge…

To see more pictures visit my portfolio page!

HGTV Showhouse Showdown aired Saturday on HGTV where "the pressure was on for HGTV's hottest designers and carpenters who pair up to compete in the most intense design competition yet!" And guess which lovely lady wins the competition in the Houston, TX Showdown...that's right!

This has been a long time coming-Thanks to all who helped create this project and supported the dream!

Now you get the inside scoop on my design...

This family room is the heart of the home. The footprint needed to support seating for 6, TV viewing, the focal wall of the fire place and feel sophisticated. I accomplished this by adding interest with the diagonally placed zebra rug, the Asian influenced turquoise cocktail table and the tall, entertainment cabinet. The contemporary art was created on site to further the color palette found throughout the home. I used hardwood flooring throughout to unify and make for easy wear and care. Without a doubt, the crowning jewel is the spiral light fixture suspended in the space along with coordinating sconces placed on the fireplace. This room is warm, inviting, classic, functional and beautiful!

Big bang for buck…. Never skimp on lighting! The sofa and side chair came from Costco but the lighting was a well spent splurge! Also modern, up scale florals add to the look as well as the modern art. Window treatments take the edge off and help with the sound quality- the walls and ceilings share the same color for unity and to add a calming effect. Since undoubtedly this will be a very ‘hard working’ space- I wanted to ensure that I supported a state of ‘calm’ with color palette, no fuss materials and an uncluttered approach.

Sexy, sultry master bedroom retreat. Better have a good lock on the door of this very ‘grow-up’ space-
it channels Berry White!

Walls and ceiling treated as one with the glow of golden, sun-kissed luster stone. Upscale, silk bedding, a modern take on a classic ‘crock-inspired’ custom bed with nail head, lux chaise lounge and mirrored dresser all speak to the subtle sophistication vibe the room emits. The elements in this space appeal to both masculine and feminine energy. The golden modern lamps, matching mirrors and symmetry had interest. The warm tone set the mood for connection. The suspended chandelier creates instant candlelight- Warmth and connection sensation, energizing are all emotions connected with this master bedroom.

In my master bedroom- it’s seriously all about the woman. If a woman feels beautiful- then God help her man! Women should be the Goddess of their master bedroom- they should look beautiful in their space and feel completely confident and at ease. I always match the color palette to the skin tone of the lady of the house- I fully believe the saying- ‘if Momma’s happy-Everybody happy!’ .

Stay tuned for more inside my design!

This rug is one of my personal favs. It has so many colors to pull from this rug.  It is a worthy investment.

Blue is everywhere....again this would go a long ways to help a less than lively room, like a all tan interior.

This one is yum-yum-yummy!

There were so many great rugs at Market that I can't show them all in one blog so stay tuned for more greatness!

So, I've been really secretive about some awesome happenings around here. Not that I wanted to be secretive- but pages of confidentiality agreements forced me to be.

But, today it will all be revealed! Airing tomorrow is a HGTV series called Showhouse Showdown where "the pressure is on for HGTV's hottest designers and carpenters who pair up to compete in the most intense design competition yet!" And guess which lovely lady is competing in the Houston, TX Showdown...that's right!

So, tune in this Friday at 1:30pm to see me compete in the "Showhouse Showdown".

Amber, Bob the host, and me

What:
Watch this season's HGTV show "Showhouse Showdown" to see me compete against another design team to create a beautiful showhouse in Houston.

Where:
On your TV- channel HGTV

When:
Friday, April 27, 2012 at 12:30pm

Try creating more of a focal point on your front door by painting your door a bright color, or by adding a cluster of potted plants to either side of your door.  The lushes plants, unique/colorful pots and new paint will certainly brighten up your entrance.

Adding a new coat of paint to your mailbox and a unique walkway will also add interest to the front of your house.

4. Mario Buatta came up with the term "Dysfunctional Decorating" meaning decorating for style and looks and not functionality.  If interiors don't relate to people than they are no good.  The best design is functional and encourages life!

This is a hard example to find in a picture because good design is functional for the users.  You can see the quote in the picture above, "The banquette makes people want to sit down and have important conversations."  Mario Buatta suggests studying a room after a party to see if the room is functional.  This will tell you exactly how the room is being used.

5. "Just because it can be reclaimed doesn't mean it should be," say Sheila Bridges who has seen plenty of DIY concoctions.

This picture shows Rectified Porcelain Tile.  This product is great because it allows you to have grout lines as small as 1/16".  You know what that means...Less grout = less hassle = happy homeowner!

3. "I think we all have seen enough garage-sale junk sprayed in high-glass Skittles colors to last through the next century," say Mary McDonald.

But what do you think...I like bold, bright lacquer! And I've been known to dumpster dive for treasures!

2. Having furniture and accessories that all fit into one period or style can get a bit monotone. To liven up a room try incorporating furniture and accessories from different periods and styles. This will create a unique room with a bit or soul according to Richard Shapiro.

In this picture I see 2 classic and traditional head chairs mixed with 4 more sleek and modern side chairs. I also see a dining table that looks like an old country farm table and a more elaborately decorated mirror. The designer from Traditional Home has taken pieces of different styles to create a room with interest and personality.

1. Ronda Carman says that objects should be added to your home because they say something about you and your family or have some special meaning.  Objects that are placed there just to take up space will always be recognizable.

I love this picture as an example because it is clear, without knowing the home owner, that he or she has a passion for traveling and history.  Just like in this picture, your home should also tell the story about you.

I LOVE the kitchen in the movie "It's Complicated"...its the combination of the industrial look and raw materials against the pure white that really makes it spectacular for me!

So many hallways can be boring...I like this hallway because of the natural daylight that spills in the windows and the way the long hall is broken up with repeating arches to make it appear shorter.

This bright and cheerful bedroom is great with it's colorful bedding, cute headboard, soft and flowing curtains and mix of color and pattern.

This bathroom looks relaxing with the dark neutral colored tile, claw foot tub, and soft shower curtain... of course the bubble bath and candles help too! 

Stay tuned for my last movie set design!

The 1961 film, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" was and still is a great inspiration for design!

I love this chaise with it's bright pop of pink on the pillows!  How adorable would this be in a girl's bedroom!

The combination of the furniture, window treatment, sparkly of the accessories and light fixture and the texture on the walls is great, timeless design.

Only 2 March Movie Madness blogs left...which 2 will I pick?

Jon Hutman, production designer of "Something's Gotta Give" said when designing for the movie going for a "relaxed, comfortable feeling of summer at the beach," says Architectural Digest.  

I love the sophisticated cottage beach house feel that this house had. 

The wonderful layout of the big and open kitchen is great...perfect for cooking dinner and entertaining!

I'd love to sit here and relax while reading my favorite book.  
I think that is exactly the feeling that designer was going for.

Stay tuned for more March Movie Madness!

Down with Love is a romantic comedy that took place in New York in 1963.  In an interview with Don Diers and Set Decorator Society of America, Down with Love's set designer, he said that the movie set was designed to look like hollywood's version of mid century design.

I like the clean lines, bright colors and furniture chosen for the movie!

More movie set design to come this month so check back!

As an Interior Designer my goal is always to design spaces for clients so that it looks like them.  I want the spaces to look effortless, like the client through things together that just happen to work so perfectly.  This is why I like the set of Mamma Mia, it looks comfortable, effortless...not over done!

More March Movie Madness to come!

The movie "The Holiday" has several houses with some great design.  For example, in Amanda's Los Angelos House the clean lines, industrial design and pops of blue really come together to make something great! 

The cozy, shabby chic Iris' County Cottage is fantastic!  I would love to go on vacation and stay here.

The wood beams and columns, lovely looking ottoman and various other colors and patterns in the furniture add to the shabby chic cottage feel.

The variety of rustic materials, classic design, wall/ceiling angle and great use of space makes this bathroom perfect!

Are there any set designs that you love?  Share them.  I'd love to hear about them!

100 Days of Summer had a great set design!  Laure's L.A. apartment was decorated in a beautiful floral wallpaper with a great wrought iron bed.

This adorable outside area is like a little piece of heaven in the busy city of L.A.

I also love Tom's apartment because of the realism and the great use of such a small area.  It's the work of a young, frustrated architect. 

Stay tuned to see more from March Movie Madness!

This isn't a movie, but I love the set design of The Good Wife...designed by Beth Kushnick.  She has quite a list of other famous sets including National Treasure, Wanted, Fringe...

I love the blue/neutral color scheme, warm wall color, and the furniture is great too!

I like that the kitchen isn't your average kitchen...with it's unique cabinets, and shelves across windows.

In an interview on Los Angelous Times, Kushnick said that her goal was always to make the place look lived-in or worked-in...even down to the grocery list hanging on the frig, seasonings and fake food containers in the cabinet.

This painting by Vu Nguyen was selected for Alicia's office because of the color palette and image.  The designer that selected this piece for the scene said it is important to think about how the artwork will look with an actor's head in front of it...will the piece distract from the scene.  

Stayed tuned to see what movie set I pick next!

Although this is a T.V. show which aires on PBS, I wanted to include it in my March Movie Month because of the great set design.  This show works to recreate the World War I era in Britian. 

Featured above is a Windsor arm chair which Mrs. Patmore is using to look at recipes.  Highgate House makes this hand finished chair.

This locally constructed, turned leg ottoman in the photo can also be found at Highgate House. 

I love that we can find period looking pieces, from televisions shows, right in our own neighborhood!