Check out my interview with HGTV designer Martin Amado!

I always like it when I get to ask the experts design questions that seem basic enough, but we tend to forget. They always leave me saying "ohhhh yeahh..." Well I was offered the opportunity to ask Martin a few questions and came up with a few that either I always seem to need help with or that I get a lot from readers. Here are my questions...


1. For those who love to rearrange and change things around in their home a lot, what’s the most cost efficient way to “change” up your décor? In other words, what décor change gets you the most bang for your buck?

2. If one can only make one purchase or change to improve the eco-friendliness or green rating of their home, what singular purchase/installment would you suggest?

3. What is the most valuable lesson learned from a renovation/redecorating “mistake” you made in the beginning of your career that others can learn from?

4. This is one I get a lot - a young family moves into an old home with great original architectural elements – for example – dark wood paneling, floors, and molding. If painting or altering the wood in anyway is 100% out of the question, what design tips and tricks do you suggest for adding some youth, funk, style, and modern flair? How do you lighten up the space and “ungrannify” it with decorating elements other than paint?

Watch to hear me ask Martin these questions and to hear his really great answers:



Thanks again to Martin for his wise words of wisdom! To see some of Martin's fab work or to learn more about him, go to his website.

A fun new book to check out

I was lucky enough to be able to review "The Big-Ass Book of Home Decor" by Mark Montano. The decorating projects are modern, always budget conscious, and I think easy enough for most of us to do. I also liked that he has a list at the end of decorating project "basics" that he always keeps around the house to have on hand as needed. Here are a few of my favorites.


A wall finish done with a rolling pin

Each project has an instruction page.

Love the sketch look of this butterfly pillow




And a super cute birdcage pillow

The book also includes templates for the projects in the back so you can photocopy them and use them as stencils. You can buy it online at places like Amazon.

Look at these luxury linens, and how you can get them cheaper!

Ankasa's gorgeous home decor is top of the line; embroidery, appliques, beading, sequins, luxury fabrics, you name it. Sadly, the prices are top of the line too. But if you really, really have your heart set on the look, I might just be able to help! All you need is a throw(s), pillow(s), or anything you want to embellish. Also, some needle and thread, a little creativity, and some sequins, appliques, beading, trim, you name it - and you got yourself an Ankasa "inspired" treasure.

The inspiration...









Images via Ankasa

So, to make your own, collect some embellishments from a craft or fabric store...


These embellishments are from Albert Zoll, the most expensive thing I found was $28, and a lot of items were cheaper.
Images via Albert Zoll


Choose a pillow or throw you like, these are from Overstock.
Then, just sew on your trim/beading/etc!
Let me know how it goes!

10% off coupon codes

Maybe this will make Monday a little better?

Grandin Road 10% off coupon code:
XXM80473

Frontgate 10% off coupon code:
XXM97563

Ralph Lauren Home: Yes, No, Maybe So?

What do you think of Mr.Lauren's home collections? Are these photos what you want your house to be, or are these looks what you try to avoid?

Modern retro design inspiration

For some reason, whenever I discover a new home decor store, it always happens to be located overseas. grr! Well, regardless, I still find the catalogs and merchandise inspiring. With that said, here's my latest find, called Graham and Green. Their look is a great mix of eclectic, modern, and retro. Does anyone know of a similar store here in the US?