All Posts in "Pro Tips"

Ask Laurie: Is Grasscloth Dated?

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!

kitchen cabinets

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.

Make a Statement: Unique Pendant Lighting Worth Talking About

What’s pendant lighting? It’s the chandelier alternative – sleeker, smaller, and sexier, pendant lighting hangs from the ceiling typically on long stalks or delicate chains.

 

It’s one of my favorite types of lighting because you can combine different styles in a unique bouquet, space out fixtures of a like type, or arrange however the spirit moves you. There are so many options these days, there’s no excuse to go with the tried and true.

A pendant with panache set above your dining room tables and islands can encompass anything from steampunk, industrial, elegant, quirky, traditional, mercury glass, antlers… You name it. There’s probably even fuzzy dice available, if you want them!

Before you go crazy, there are a few things to keep in mind.

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Go Vertical in Your Garden

The famous columnist Doug Larson once wrote, “A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows.”

 

They say new gardeners learn by trial and error, but learning from an online community like HGTVGardens is one of my favorite ways to get the best tips and tricks to getting plants, flowers, and all things green to grow where you want them.

 

The surest way to help your garden soar to new heights is to add some structure. I’m not talking about building a full-on gazebo or a cabana or anything like that.  There is something to be said for keeping it simple, and affordable. Anybody can erect a trellis, and still easier, raised garden beds to spruce up and beautify the backyard.

 

Here are my top three faves:

Pergola

A pergola is a shade structure that you can incidentally grow climber plants along. Basically, this arbor forms a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting area using vertical posts or pillars that support an open lattice. Woody vines and bougainvillea are especially nice on pergolas. They’re also great for grape vines or other veggies and fruits.

If you don’t have the coveted thumb of green, fake it with lights, Chinese lanterns, or all-weather streamers. DIY Network has an amazing array of imagery and projects you can tackle. Learn how to make one yourself, thanks to HGTV Gardens.  Hunky carpenter not included…

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What Paint Sheen Should I Choose?

Choosing a paint color can be difficult, but choosing a paint’s sheen is just plain confusing.

 

Here’s how I think of it…

A paint’s sheen will determine how reflective the surface will be. The higher the level of gloss in the paint, the more light will be reflected and the more vivid your paint color will appear. Although some companies create special names for them, here’s my quick guide to the most popular sheens.

Read Post…

Cool Carrera Countertops: Marvelous Marble

If you think you might lose your marbles over taking care of a fancy Carrera  countertop, think again. Obviously there is more to it than your standard Formica, quartz or laminate, but it’s a timeless classic for a reason.

 

This delicious stone comes from a pit in Carrera, Italy, and is universally considered the finest marble in the world. While Michelangelo used it to carve his famous statues, today it’s used in tile floors, walls, backsplashes, countertops, fireplaces, kitchens, entryways, and pretty much anywhere else marble can be incorporated in the home.

In many situations, marble gets better with age. It is heat-resistant and exudes a natural coolness from its surface that’s ideal for rolling dough and doing other food prep. It’s an ever-changing organic, living stone. It’s soft and has character. Its patina shows the fact that you’ve worked on it and becomes unique to your kitchen. No one else has the same etches as you do, or the same stains and nicks. That said, if you’re fussy about everything looking perfect and pristine then maybe the Carrera goods aren’t for you in every application.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of Carrerra.

Carrera Marble is marvelous because…

• Beauty: It features the most gorgeous creamy, white and gray veining, swirls and patterns.

• Swank: Carrera’s been a big hit in most high-end remodels and brings real panache to any room.

• Temp: It’s always cool as a cucumber.

Carrera Marble is the pits because…

• Porous: A slice of lemon left on a countertop overnight can leave a mark in the shape of the citrus, duller than the surface around it. Same goes for un-wiped red wine spills and orange juice. Though, with varied results, you can apply a poultice to suck stains out.

• Scratches: This marble can scratch easily, especially if you don’t use a cutting board or a trivet. Nicks and chips are also possible, if you’re wildly frisky in the kitchen.

• Needy: Polished Carrera always needs attention, and honed Carrera is even worse. If you feel a need for perfection, you must keep it wiped up, cleaned, and cleared, constantly.

So what’s the verdict? It’s up to you, but I adore it. The extra attention it takes to keep it pretty is well worth the effort. Complemented with warm wood tones, taupes and grays, and lined with an under-floor heating system,  I would tile an entire house with it, if I could, and call it the Carrera Casa!

 

What do you think?  Is it worth the trouble?

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