Sometimes a no-brainer is nice. Like my fit-and-flare navy cotton frock with its matching skinny belt. Or if I’m going to get the fries with my protein-style burger at In-N-Out (one glance through the window at the hypnotic potato-julienning aerobics, and it’s a given). And even a set of matching bed linens can be just fine. Or NOT. Maybe it’s the drummer in my head, […] Read more »

I am thrilled to share this Designer Insights feature that Terrys Fabrics did on my work. It’s one big image—just click on it to zip over to Terrys and read the feature! Terrys Fabrics, a well-known UK fabric and home decor retailer, is profiling 500 designers from around the world in this FAB part of its blog. In addition to discussing my textile work, I […] Read more »

“So I want to knit beadboard,” I said to a friend in my machine knitters group. Her eyes moved up and to the side like you do when you are trying to remember that math formula from ninth grade. “You know, that white-painted wainscoting that you see in beach cottages? I want to knit that.” The look of vague recollection inched across her face. “Hmmm,” […] Read more »

Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective. I remember my sister Anne, the photography teacher, telling me about the ‘worm’s eye view,’ the name for perspective I captured while lying flat across the snow, peering through the icy driftwood, and focusing across the water. The Lake looked massive, yet grounded—I still love that shot. And as a textile designer, my eyes are always open […] Read more »

Quilts aren’t only calico triangles and hexagons anymore. Interested in quilting since I was a teen, I’ve always especially favored the bold, graphic color play of Amish designs. Having created some art wall quilts myself, I appreciate the effort and artwork involved in making any quilt. But early on, I felt as though we needed an updated idea of the quilt as art. Though beautiful, […] Read more »

I often find artistic vision in everyday life close to home. Even so, I believe it’s essential to hit the road, dive into the culture of cities near and far, and soak in inspiration . Plus it helps to get away from your own work, and gain a fresh perspective. Museum exhibits enthrall me, especially those related to art, design and, of course, textiles. So […] Read more »

Ready to immerse yourself in Design Deliciousness? In a home overlooking the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge? And did I mention said home was designed by architect Julia Morgan, of Hearst Castle Fame? Well, hop the BART and the 38R, and stroll over to 3630 Jackson Street for the 38th Annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase! A fundraiser for San Francisco University High School, the […] Read more »

The virtual café is back! So sit with me a spell, and drink in some tips from our expert, interior-designer friends. Today we chat with: Peggy Berk, of Area Aesthetics in New York, NY DeAnna Mackensen, of REDesign Interiors in Yuba City, California Toni Sabatino, of Toni Sabatino Style in the Greater New York Area HomeWorkshop: When creating a color scheme for a space, do […] Read more »

Over the past week I augmented my design quiver with some seriously geeky techniques. Neighboring Silicon Valley, and having my share of nerdy tendencies, this was inevitable. First off—take cover people—I’m workin’ a laser! Wednesday night, I headed up river to the best little maker lab I could find, and got schooled in using the laser cutter! Design considerations, software, safety, all culminating in controlling […] Read more »

It is mind-blowing the color palettes you’ll find in nature. Think that’s a daring combo in the fabric you just found? Go outside and I bet you’ll see something even more fearless. I regularly hike the hills surrounding our local reservoir, with camera (or at least iPhone) in my pack. (Okay and some pepper spray in case the local coyotes get too friendly.) A bird […] Read more »

Salivating for a feast of design? The tables are set and the pillows are plumped for the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2012, opening this weekend. More than 30 talented West Coast designers have breathtakingly transformed the historic and stately mansion at 2020 Jackson Street, for this 35th annual Showcase—a benefit for San Francisco University High School’s financial aid program. I was privy to a peek […] Read more »

Watch Sherri on The Cake Boss Baby Special! I don’t know about yours, but our family (especially our 10-year-old daughter) is in love with The Cake Boss. Buddy and his passionate fondant-rolling, frosting-piping New Jersey clan have us riveted, hungry and chuckling every week. So as you can imagine, we were over-the-moon excited to learn that our own Nursery and Kid’s Room Design Contributor, Sherri […] Read more »

Side tables are functional furniture – a home to your coffee, a table lamp, your ever-lengthening to-do list. But rather then only function, how about choosing a side table that accents your design with a playful shape, a shot of color, on unexpected material? Enjoy these fun and funky choices: West Elm’s Martini Side Table is a like a sweet, little bon-bon for the room, […] Read more »

by Mari Robeson Everyday can be special, when you welcome friends and family around your table. Mari Robeson—Interior Design expert and Contributor—helps us do so with style and function. Mari takes us inside the world of design, and helps us bring beauty and color to the places we call home.   I love entertaining. The way you set your table and present your entrees can […] Read more »

by GraceAnn Simoni Let’s give ourselves a sweet design treat, with Contributor GraceAnn Simoni. An Interior Redesign and Staging Specialist and Instructor from the Chicagoland area, GraceAnn shares with us budget tips and advice for decorating with your existing furniture and accessories. — Are you aware that you will spend 1/3 of your life on average sleeping? Your environment for sleeping should be of great […] Read more »