Window Treatments - A New Installation

I've shown many of my illustrations of window treatments to you all on this blog but I haven't posted many pictures of my designs. There are a couple of reasons for this. 1. I am a terrible photographer and all of my pictures come out dark, overexposed, or blurry. 2. I am a terrible stager and there is always something out of place in the photo. 3. I am so busy working that I forget to take good pictures until it's too late. Any of these sound familiar?

These photos are of a house that I am just finishing up. The draperies went in last week and they are still being tweaked. They are typical of many of my designs using layered construction and integrating unusual elements.


This treatment has an upholstered cornice base that has been embellished with a large ornate scroll made of resin and painted to match the interior of the room. This is part of a three piece wall decor arrangement by Uttermost. The matching piece is used on the other window and the center section is hung on the wall in the theater. I always try to impress on designers that they can look beyond the obvious for materials and hardware to make their designs stand out.


The raised side panels are hung over the top of the cornice at each side of the scroll work. I like to create interesting shapes in my designs that add architectural weight to the room as well as movement and variety. The key to elaborate designs like these is to create a harmonious balance that enhances the style of the room without becoming overbearing.




These treatments are in the great room and again are a typical example of my work. In this design scrolls and medallions are added to create an interesting shape to the bottom of the cornice. A large tassel hangs at the center to bring the eye into the middle of the window. Small medallions are mounted at the base of each pleat to balance the weight of the intricate scrolls below. A shirred border is placed at the top to emphasize the shape and to create a focal point at the top of the treatment.

On the other side of the great room this bay window is dressed with a more casual treatment that blends nicely with the formal cornices. This design repeats the same fabrics and elements; layered treatments, arched lines, and tassels at the center. By adding a decorative rod and rings the design is brought down a notch and it appears to be more relaxed.


Attention to detail when designing and specifying window treatments is the key to success. Small tassels wrapped around each pleat, a finished return, contrasting welting and trim - they all add up to a beautiful finished product.


Don't be afraid to try something new or unusual. Sticking to the basics can be a safe bet but sooooooo boring! Live a little!

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Tracy Porter - A New Look

Prolific home decor artist, ex model, and super mom Tracy Porter has branched out in new directions over the past year. Her new jewelry line is inspired by, among other things, decorative items she inherited from her grandmother including buttons and old fittings.


The collection has the same colorful palette as her home decor products but shows a more mature and sophisticated side to the designer.



I had expected to see frilly charms with birds and butterfly's but I was pleasantly surprised to find these classic, timeless, designs that would compliment almost any wardrobe.


Most of the pieces are over sized and chunky with dangling medallions, drops, and tassels.



These earrings are my favorite. I love classic motifs and unusual coloring.



I could see any of the main motifs in these designs as wallpaper or fabric patterns. You can really feel the influence of her experience in home decor in all of her pieces. They seem very architectural in their composition and the balance and symmetry are reminiscent of home design. Over all I think they are beautifully done and I may have to make some purchases. By the way they are all very reasonable! Christmas List - HHHHHMMMM??????

By the way be sure to check out her blog - here.

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Test Your Color IQ

My husband is on a roll and sent me this fun site that tests your color IQ. It's harder than it looks! ( I posted a perfect score - Yes!!!!)

In honor of color here are a few of the more vivid illustrations from the new book. Enjoy!

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Bedding - A Meaningful Perspective

After spending a full year designing and drawing luxury bedding I was taken aback by the pictures of this unbelievable bedding that my handsome husband emailed to me. It certainly puts the subject of bedding in a new light. While we look for beautiful ways to adorn our bed chambers there are many in the world with no place to sleep at all.


This duvet cover and pillow cases are designed to look like flattened cardboard boxes. A staple design element for those living on the street. It is part of Le Clochard Quilt Cover Project by SZN. The project hopes to assist young homeless people in The Netherlands by providing temporary housing and continuing education. Duvet Cover - $73 - $117, Pillow Cases - $22

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I'm late to the Jonathan Adler party but I heart him

Sometimes in life you fail to see the beauty that is right in front of your face. This is the case for me with designer and bon vivant Jonathan Adler. I have been to his website many times. I have admired his classic talent and sense of humor so vividly on display in his interiors but I have failed to consider the man himself.



I am not of fan of design competition shows so I don't watch him on TV ( this must change) and I did not buy his book ( this also will be remedied ). Today, following up on a post from a random home dec email showcasing a patent leather JA chair, I took another look at his website and I went past the obvious to really explore it in depth. What I found was pure, hysterical, entertainment! Am I the last to know? Probably. Have you all seen this before? Probably. But for the sake of those few who have not had the pleasure here is what I found under the heading:

Our 10 Commandments for a Happy Home

Ok, is this available on a poster or wallpaper? I think I need to read it as a mantra every morning. What a fabulous way to look at interiors and design - it's not brain surgery - it's about creating a happy and harmonious environment in which to spend your days and nights along the journey of life. I just love his take on design.

Under the heading of "Musings" Mr. Adler exstoles his new found love for country music in a hilarious tribute that makes me want to run to the store and buy a Brad Paisley album.

After this I hit the button taking me to his blog for The Hufington Post. Another glimpse into the hysterical mind of this colorful and entertaining guy.

In a world where we take things so seriously it's nice to be reminded that we are supposed to be having fun here. Life is meant to be enjoyed and we can all use a dose of humor every once in a while. Thanks, JA for making my day a bit brighter.



On an unrelated topic - Blogger has a bug up it's ass today and won't format my text correctly. Sorry for the weirdness.

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Pop the Cork - I'm Done !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hallelujah and Hazah! After an entire year of drawing and coloring illustrations 24/7 for the new book I have just finished coloring the last picture! I can't tell you what a momentous occasion this is for me. These books are so time consuming that each project literally takes over every waking hour of my life. Now don't get me wrong - I enjoy doing it and I am passionate about the subject matter but anything can get old when you're doing it every day!

All that's left to do now is to pack up my original illustrations and ship them off to the publisher tomorrow to be scanned. This is the really scary part because if "god forbid", "knock on wood", etc. something should happen to them in transit there is no back-up! So please send out your kind thoughts and prayers to the mail god''s for their safe journey.



If you've ever wondered what it takes to put together a massive 585 page illustrated book, here is a glimpse. The camera does not do these binders justice as they are 5 inches wide and weigh about 10 pounds each!

There is one binder that contains all of my original, black and white line drawings. A second binder contains all of my original color illustrations and a third that holds the printed manuscript which is essentially a rough layout of the book with text and illustrations combined.



In all it's about thirty pounds of book! This will eventually condense down to the six pound, hard cover, finished product. I still have six months ahead of me working with my wonderful editor Madge (yes, that is her real name) and the book designer to finalize the layout and text so I'm not truly "finished" but the hard part is behind me.

I can't wait to be able to show all of you the finished book when it rolls of the presses next fall. I think it is better than the first one!

I was planning on slugging back a few champagne cocktails in celebration when I finished but my handsome husband is out of town, my darling daughter is off at college and my sweet sister just left for the beach. So it's just me and the dogs. Maybe I'll just get them drunk!

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Bargain Books

Those of you who know me well can attest to my overall "cheapness" - a quality that I embrace wholeheartedly! I love to hunt for bargains and one of my favorite things to look for are inexpensive design books.

Here are three new books that I bought yesterday at Tuesday Morning, a discount store here in the West ( I'm not sure of the scope of it's territory across the country but if you have one in your town go there immediately!)

I usually buy discounted home accessories there but every once in a while they will get a shipment of books. You never know what will be in the pile but it's fun to see what you can find and how much you can save. For example, these books were priced as follows:

The House in Bloom
Sold new for $19.99 + tax
Sold on Amazon for $5.00 + shipping
Bought at Tuesday Morning for $3.99 + tax

Living with the Seasons
Sold new for $27.50 +tax
On Amazon for $18.15 + shipping
Bought at Tuesday Morning for $3.99 + tax

The Fabric Style Book
Sold new for $ 17.95
On Amazon for $14.36
Bought at Tuesday Morning for $5.99 + tax

Total cost: $13.97 + tax ( That's just two trips to Starbucks Joni!)

I also buy discounted books regularly at ROSS, TJ MAXX, & Marshall's
Borders also has a great discount section where you can find larger, more expensive volumes deeply discounted.

Tip: Always ask for an additional discount if the book cover or sleeve is damaged or torn. I have never walked away without at least an additional 10% off!

Happy Hunting!

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