Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend
When I got engaged a few years ago one of my closest friends Amanda took me out to dinner to celebrate. Along with a huge bottle of Veuve, a perfectly wrapped gift filled with a baby toothbrush and a container of Dawn dish soap sat on the table between us. I was immediately intrigued. What was I supposed to do with these two random items? She quickly told me that the best advice for taking care of her diamond when she got engaged was to gently scrub it, as needed, with a soft bristled toothbrush and a grease fighting soap. She passed along this gem to me and let me tell you, it works like a charm!
Boston Design Center: Elle Decor Event
This past week I attend a truly delightful and inspiring seminar hosted by the Boston Design Center. It was a talk given by Margaret Russell, editor in chief of Elle Decor magazine, on her new book Style and Substance.
What I enjoyed most about the event was being able to sit in a darkened room, surrounding by fellow designers, and have image after image of stunning residential interiors wash over me. Typically I only get to view other designer’s work by visiting fellow design blogs or flipping through design magazines. So seldom do I get to experience these places in person. It was a nice balance to be able to see the images at such a large scale and have my attention undivided. It was also a treat that Margaret had a personal story to accompany each image. The stories ranged from why Elle Decor had selected that particular room or home to feature to tips on flowers or photography. I felt as if she was letting us all behind the curtain to view the inner workings of Elle Decor.
The other part of the event that I enjoyed was getting to meet Margaret. It was only for a moment when she signed my book, but in that brief moment she was utterly charming and effortlessly chic.
I look forward to many more years of enjoying by copy of Style and Substance and the monthly issues of Elle Decor.
The ever lovely Margaret Russell, image from Coutorture.
The Beauty of Pink
It’s been way to long since I painted my nails with a bright color. I’ve been enjoy the more natural treatment of buffing my nails. Last week something made me step out of my comfort zone and paint my nails a wild fuschia color. It was a blast.
After spending a week with my nails I started to think a lot about the color pink in design. The majority of people believe that pink is only appropriate for a little girl’s bedrooms, but I believe if done right they can be beautiful and sophisticated.
A special thanks to Raru from 79 Ideas for find some of these great images!
If you’re looking for a recommendation of pink polishes with a pop I would trip OPI’s Dim Sum Plum or Essie’s Bermuda Shorts.
Inspired: A Dreamy Bedroom
It’s rainy and chilly in Boston today, yuck! It’s one of those days that you just want to pull the covers over your head and snuggle in for the day with a good book. For a little bit of extra motivation for the day I wanted to share one of the bedroom images that make me happy and full of energy. It’s a bit on the feminine side, but it could make a lovely master bedroom for a single gal or a fabulous guest bedroom.
Design Library: Lifting the Curtain…
When oh when will this gem find it’s way to my library?!? I already have Vicente’s first two books in my library, “Learning to See: Bringing the World Around You Into Your Home” and “Crossing Boundaries: A Global Vision of Design” and they are getting worn from my constant reading. Wouldn’t you agree that this designers needs to own the trifecta!
Inspired: David Hicks
Who wouldn’t fall in love with David Hick’s light and airy sitting room. It is the perfect blend of neutrals and pastels with just a pop of color from the chocolate brown in the ottoman and sharp grass green of the sofa to balance out the design. Typically I try to steer clear of too much symmetry in a space, but the matching side tables just work for me in this room. Utterly chic, utterly divine, utterly pretty.
Break Free Of Your Reader
I will be the first to admit that I love my Google Reader. It is a perfect tool to save all the links to my favorite blogs. It organizes them so neatly in one little row, letting me know when and how many new posts I have to enjoy. It even allows me to further organized them in custom named folders. Just in case you’re curious some of my folder names are “The Boys”, “Pure Silliness”, “Design Inspiration”, “Fashion” and “The Squeakers”.
Recently I was given some sage advice to occasionally break free of my Google Reader and visit the Blogs I enjoy so much as they were originally intended to be viewed. Especially as a designer it is important to see the design of these sites, from the layout to the colors and graphics. It will give a deeper appreciation for the content you enjoy every day. So go on and give it a try.
Erin Hofer-ShallMy name is Erin. I'm an Interior Designer that recently relocated to Portland, Maine from Boston. I love all elements of design, exploring the world of cooking and fabulous statement necklaces. This is my space to share all the pretty things I find with you. |
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