One way to ensure your Memorial Day event is fabulous is to make sure your backyard is lit and ready to keep the party going. Amazing lighting is one of my top priorities when I entertain outdoors. That way when dusk hits, people don’t pack up and leave. And just like in any interior space, the key to great outdoor lighting is layering.
Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby is dripping in diamond-drop style from its swaying chandeliers to its mirror-like marble floors. You can practically smell the glamour in the air, thanks to the savvy, vintage sensibilities of Oscar-winning production designer (and Mr. Luhrmann’s wife) Catherine Martin. You must see Catherine Martin L.A. Times interview and the stunning production design photo galleries.
Though all of tinsel town has been going gaga over Art Deco glitz lately, I realize that sometimes you might want just the suggestion of a certain style.
I’ve got a few tips, most of them wallet-friendly, on how best to achieve that chic, crisp, black and white elegance that’s in right now:
“For Sale” sign posted on your front lawn. Check. Open House scheduled. Check. Cleaned the place from top to bottom. Check. Scented candles, and fresh flowers. Check. Conduct voodoo-like ritual. Ch… what?
Yep. It’s a fact. Normal, completely sane and stable home sellers and realtors have been praying to St. Joseph and burying him in effigy for good luck, for years. Centuries, actually. The tradition dates back to St. Teresa of Avila (A.D. 1515 – 1582), a nun who buried St. Joseph medals on some property she wanted to buy, and voila! it came up for sale.
In the U.S., a resurgence of this practice took root in the 1970s, and again in the 90s, and it continues to this day.
It’s no urban legend. You can actually buy a spell kit, along with detailed instructions and prayer; just look around online. Read How It’s Done
As you know, I like peeking in other people’s windows. I’m not creepy, just curious. When I spotted Myers Constructs’ tasteful kitchen remodel in Main Line Philadelphia, I had to find out more. Myers co-founders Tamara Myers and Diane Menke were kind enough to tell me more.
What were the main items on the project wish list?
Diane: The clients wanted to maintain the vintage charm and scale of this modest home while making big improvements. Very high-quality custom cherry cabinets and high-end Wolf appliances and finishes were at the top of their list.
What would you say were the biggest obstacles?
Diane: Staging this project was tough because the house is small, and there is no garage. We literally took up the entire first floor with materials and products to be installed into the kitchen. We maintained the client’s privacy using plastic dust barriers and having workers use a separate entrance.
Cathy in Texas asks, “My decorator stated that grass cloth paper in my den, “dated” the house. Is this true? She wants to texturize the walls. Thanks!”
My thoughts…
People discover design trends at all different times. For instance, my little sister Katie is gleefully discovering the 1970′s and all the browns, oranges, mustard and avocado – they all feel new, fresh and fun to her. Good luck telling her the 1970′s have come and gone!
How do YOU feel about your grasscloth den? Is it in good shape? Do you still like the color and look of it?
Trends are funny things. Some people are attracted to them and really crave change in their homes constantly. Other people look for classic profiles, colors, and materials to decorate and design their spaces with, requiring less frequent updating. Grasscloth as a design trend has as much traction today as it ever had – so I wouldn’t worry about it being dated.
Kim Smart Designs, Photograph by Cynthia MacDonald
In design, the word ‘dated’ can mean two things. It refers to being able to identify the time period that something was installed – like a glittering mirrored refrigerator likely happened in the 1960′s – 1970′s. Dated can also mean that something looks tired or out of style. While it’s a tiny distinction, I think it’s an important one. Just because something hails from another era, does not mean it should be replaced.
If your walls are in good shape, and you like the color for your home, consider gently reminding your decorator you’re still fond of the grasscloth, and asking him or her to help brainstorm ways to refresh the space without touching the walls. I’m sure your decorator will have some neat ideas.
Never be afraid to communicate to a decorator or designer what you like about your home, especially early on in a relationship. You and your decorator don’t have to have the same taste – just a common language.
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