| February
2009 November 2008 |
The Design Diva Dishes!
Design Trends and Lifestyle Tips |
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Greetings!
What were you doing in February 1992? As for me, I was starting my business in Simsbury, Connecticut. Just like I said last month about time passing too quickly, I can't believe I have been helping people beautify their homes and businesses for so long. I would like to thank everyone who has allowed me to live my dream and follow my passion. My wish is that each of you can find what it is in life that you love to do and make that your life's work.
This month we will focus on the bedroom. I will share tips to decorate for more romance in the bedroom. Guys, you can thank me later ;) Our trend report will share what's new in bedroom decor. The color of the month is Pink, in honor of Valentine's Day. Green design will educate you on the new organic products that will make your bedroom healthier. Continuing the Valentine and bedroom theme, I offer a delicious recipe for a romantic breakfast in bed.
Barbara Green
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Bedroom Decorating |
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How many of you would like to go away this weekend for a romantic getaway? You don't need to go any farther than your own bedroom if you follow these 5 easy steps:
1. Reclaim your room! Clear out the treadmill/clothes hanger, the toys, the dirty laundry, the bills, the kids, and the pets. Your bedroom is not another family room! It should be your sanctuary where you can get away from all the clutter, pressures, and demanding little ones (both two- and four-legged kind) of everyday life.
2. Think about the best vacation you've ever been on. What were the accommodations like? Was your room monochromatic and spa-like? Did it have an exotic or tropical feel? Was it in a historic inn filled with antiques, or a cozy bed and breakfast adorned with flowers? That room should serve as your inspiration, so you can recapture the relaxing and romantic feeling of being on vacation every day of the year.
3. The bed is the focal point of the room, so first pick out bedding that coordinates with your design inspiration. Now choose one color from that fabric and paint your walls with it. Trust me, it is easier to pick the bedding first, since there are thousands of paint colors to choose from. You might get frustrated if you paint first and then try to find something to match your walls. Complete furnishing the room according to your personal needs. Most people, at a minimum, will need a dresser with a mirror, and two nightstands. A reading chair or chaise lounge is a nice addition if your space can accomodate it. If you like to read in bed, make sure your bedside lamps have 100 watt bulbs and are at the right height to illuminate the book, not shine in your eyes. Those who like to watch TV in bed will need to include an entertainment unit in their decorating plan.
4. Window treatments are next. You want them to be functional for privacy and to keep the sun from rousing you out of bed too early, but still allow the room to be bright during the daytime hours. I prefer draperies over blinds, because they give a softer feel to the room. Another soft option would be roman shades.
5. Finally you want to accessorize, but not clutter. A few large yet distinctive pieces are far better than a bunch of small knick knacks. Artwork should be used to further integrate your design inspiration into the room. Don't forget to stock up on candles. They are the most important romantic accessory of all. Don't put them near the draperies or your evening of romance might be interrupted by a visit from the fire department! If you must have a TV in your bedroom, make sure it can be closed off in an armoire for nights when you don't want the distraction.
Make a commitment to maintain this one little clutter-free oasis, hidden away from the rest of the world. Keep it private, keep it tranquil, and enjoy! |
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Trend Report |
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There are three big trends right now in bedroom decor that I don't see ever going away. The first trend is the escape from the "bedroom package." Furniture stores will still try to sell it to you, but don't buy it! Your room should look as if it has evolved over time, rather than being purchased as a suite at your local furniture store. Notice in the room below that the furniture finishes include wood, laquer, mirror, chrome, and glass. The upholstered pieces are covered in a myriad of fabrics.
The second trend right now for bedrooms is the upholstered headboard. They are perfect for both reading in bed and watching television. It is totally customizable by changing the height, the shape, and the fabric. You can have it tufted or not.You can add wood trim, as shown below, or keep it solely made out of fabric. The choices are limitless. It is the centerpiece of the "acquired bedroom."
The third trend is making your bedroom your sanctuary. This trend began after the terrorist attacks of September 11, but has continued to grow stronger as people try to deal with these tumultuous economic times. The rooms combine serene colors with understated luxury giving its residents a haven for retreat after a long, stressful day.
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Color of the Month |
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This month's color of the month is Pink. All you need is just one look at this E-zine and you can see how much I love pink. Pink is a color that is most often associated with romance, love, friendship, delicacy, and femininity. That is why I believe it to be the perfect color for February, the month of Valentine's Day and romance.
Technically, the bright pink of which I am most enamored is called Magenta. According to Dewey Sadka, developer of the Dewey Color System, the color Magenta is inspiring. It enthusiastically inspires you to start something new. Those of us who are drawn to Magenta are open to the world, and the world will be open to us. Like a magnet, we will gain the power to attract a new opportunity. Magenta can add drama and sophistication to a room, as illustrated in the loft below. It is certainly not for the faint of heart!
Pink is versatile, no longer relegated to the baby nursery. You can use it to evoke a retro feel in the kitchen:
or give a complementary glow to all skin types in the bathroom:
There are so many beautiful shades of pink, from the lightest shade of cotton candy to azalea, rose, fuschia, and the warmer salmon pink. I hope I've inspired you to find your own, personal, perfect pink!
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Green Design |
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WOW! I am so excited about this month's green design. In keeping with the bedroom theme, I am introducing a new line of pillows and bedding from the company Ingeo. Ingeo literally means "Ingredients from the Earth." It is a
balance of humanity, nature, and technology.
It has taken 10 years to develop the sophisticated process that creates fiber
from agricultural resources like corn instead of using petroleum. Ingeo is made from renewable raw materials without using harsh chemicals and solvents and
even reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Products that are now available are:
bed pillows, decorator pillow inserts, fiber bed (Ingeo's answer to the featherbed), waterproof mattress covers, mattress pads, and comforters. These products are hypoallergenic, flame retardant, and UV and stain resistant. They have a luxurious high loft and insulating warmth.
So how long has it been since you replaced your bed pillows or your comforter? Wouldn't you like to update your bed in an environmentally friendly fashion? When you choose organic fabrics for your comforter cover and pillow cases you've done right by your bed and by Mother Earth! The photo below shows an Ingeo pillow covered in organically grown and milled linen with beautiful organic trim.
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Quote of the Month |
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"It is better to have a love affair in a tent on the beach than to live in a mansion all by yourself."
Jim Rohn, Author of 7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness |
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Recipe of the Month |
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Now that you've got your bedroom ready for romance, how about serving breakfast in bed? What I like about this recipe (besides the taste) is that you prepare it the day before and then pop it in the oven when you wake up. This serves 6 to 8, so you will have leftovers. Keep this recipe in mind when you want to serve a delicious breakfast to overnight guests.
Creme Brulee French Toast
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 loaf French bread
5 eggs (or equivalent egg substitute)
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon Grand Marnier (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Mix in brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Slice bread into 1 inch slices and arrange tightly in the baking dish in a single layer. Do not use ends.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla extract, Grand Marnier, and salt. Pour over the bread. Cover, and chill at least 8 hours, or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove the dish from the refrigerator, and bring to room temperature.
5. Bake uncovered 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until puffed and lightly browned.
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| Save 17% |
To celebrate Bedroom Month and our 17th year in business,
Save 17% on all products and services for the bedroom!!!!
Mention Promo Code: DDDF0917 at time of scheduling.
Forward this newsletter to friends and family so that they may benefit from the promotion, too.
*offer not applicable on orders placed before 2/1/09 |
| Offer Expires: FEBRUARY 28, 2009 | | |
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Thank you for reading "The Design Diva Dishes." See you next month!
Sensibly Chic Interior Design
Phone: (704) 987-0277
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