TxDesignerChic-ka

Decorating for the Holidays..Fa La ..oh wait..it's still Thanksgiving!

2011-11-18T12:58:00.001-06:00

Yes it is!!! Oh yes it is...go check your calender...see, I told you! Thanksgiving is next week and the official start of the Holidays! Make your home festive for Thanksgiving..it is soooo easy. Trust me, your guests will feel so comfortable in your home and tell you they had a fabulous time. But they won't realize why...want to know the secret? Ok, I'll tell you..was that a please?? Lol..I'm teasing you I know..sorry. If you make your home just a little festive it will affect the mood of your guests, they will feel special and in turn really enjoy themselves. Just a few easy steps I use every Holiday.

Start outside. Add a few pumpkins along the path leading to your front door. Better to group in small clusters than just to use one. I prefer to mix colors. Orange, bright red/orange, white and the blueish gray ones. Put a few large ones on either side of the doorway. You've just set the mood...
The foyer or entryway need a punches of Fall. Drape a Fall garland over that mirror, or wrap around your coat tree, or drape over a table and add a few small pumpkins. Better things await around the corner now..
Strip off everything off your dining table and buffet. Only using Fall table settings, runners, and don't forget a few items from nature. Twigs in a large glass vase, handfuls of branches cut from your trees places upright in large containers. Go ahead...add a few small pumpkins sprinkled on your buffet and table. You're doing great so far...but let's go further..
Go to your guest bath...add some Fall themed finger towels...not too cutsey. Fall leaves or pumpkins will do. Go ahead..sprinkle a small pumpkin or two on the sink, cabinet or tank of the toilet. Now your guests are getting impressed at your attention to detail...
Remove some items off your mantel and cocktail table...replace with more greenery and twigs and yep...pumpkins..lol. Oh..don't forget to replace your candles with rich fall colored ones instead. Let's keep that same theme going through the house...It's looking good!
The kitchen. Clear the counters just a bit, you probably already did this since you need the space to cook....pull out your beautiful Fall dishes. Stack them up off to the side...stand up a plate or two on a plate stand along your backsplash. Replace the candles, add a vase or two of the greenery...and do I even need to say it??? Go get more if you need to! Pumpkins...now even you are impressed at how festive your home looks..right? I knew you could do it!

Keep it simple, it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. The secret is to remove existing items and keep from adding to your clutter. If you just add to it, it begins looking disheveled and over decorated. We can't ever, I mean must not ever "over decorate"!!

Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy yourself...relax and put your feet up. The dishes can wait, because they are adding to the decor!! lolol

Blessings to you and yours..Candace:)

Fall Back?... why yes it is!

2011-10-10T15:49:00.000-05:00

Well my designing friends...it is that time again. It is time to start moving things back...the time, the summer pillows, the lawn cushions, the summer florals etc. Pack em up and move em out!
It is time to get cozy! Oh how I have missed you soft faux fur throw...and soft down pillows in darker, muted colors...come to Momma...I've so missed your soft texture and warmth. You are just as loved as my fluffy bathrobe and soft furry slippers...mmmm.
As you pull out the sweaters in preparation for cooler weather, you too must prepare your home for the cooler weather as well. Get that fireplace in good working order, bring out the pumpkin and cinnamon candles. Soft pillows, throws and a stack full of books and favorite unread magazines piled high because you were hanging out at the pool...it's time to Fall Back...fall back into that comfy chair, warm your tootsies by the fire, light a yummy scented candle and snuggle up....now relax...because the countdown is on for the madness to begin...the Holidays! :) Sorry..I ruined the mood didn't I? You're stressed aren't you? Oops..sorry..:) Happy Falling!

Love Where You Live

2011-07-21T12:11:00.000-05:00

I just read this somewhere, from a really unexpected place actually. But it hit a nerve in me..or tugged at a heart string I should say. We all do things we love, we live to love...but true happiness comes from loving yourself. From loving those around you. Loving everything around you..loving your surroundings. I can honestly tell you that I LOVE where I live. Not the fun weird city of Austin, Texas..but more specific. I truly LOVE my newly built home...I designed my office in my home to inspire me each and every day. I love starting my day in my beautiful office. Why wouldn't I ? I chose a wall color in a pale shimmery aqua that I have always loved, my handscraped dark wood floors, I have my antique Spanish trestle table as my work space, I love my cabinet and it's glass windows so I can actually see what I'm looking for. I have my beautifully embellished mirror with aqua and copper beads. I have my small carved cross collection...and an antique print of a french desk that inspires me. My space is simple...yet bold by having my few truly favorite objects. My objects of desire you might say... I LOVE Where I LIVE.....and I want that for you too!
Peace out, Candace

Fireplaces, How to decorate??

2011-05-17T10:12:00.000-05:00

I think the mantle itself is very important to a fireplace. I love to see large rustic pieces of wood or large blocks of stone, carved corbels, etc. The mantel adds architectural elements to the space. I always make my Client's fireplaces the focal point of the room by taking stone or tile up to the ceiling. I then like to decorate them with architectural elements. Old windows, doors or iron etc. Unique Art...and a must is to highlight with light! I use the fireplace and it's decor as a whole to add the wow factor to the room.

Check out these tips! How-to-Decorate-a-Fireplace-Wall

Granite/Stone Yards are my Playgrounds!

2011-05-10T18:44:00.000-05:00

The coolness to the touch, the rock hard strength, the durability that lasts eternity, the exquisite beauty...no, I am not talking about "Edward Cullen"..:) I am referring to the uniqueness of stone and granite!!
The correct use of stone and the right level of granite in the design of your home can make one look like a Prince instead of a Pauper. Then myself being in Texas and near the Granite Capital of the World...I must use granite in every situation possible...while it's an oath I had to take, written in bold letters in the textbook Designing 101 Texas style!
Funny how something naturally found all around this area is also the most expensive choice in designing your home. When building a home going with the level 4 granite and not the level 1 can add $8k to the cost of your home, or building an all upgraded stone two story home added $26k to my bottom line too!..I mean it can to yours! It's crazy talk....but oh so worth it....As long as there is never a mutation of rock eating termites that is:)
Happy Blogging! Candace:)

Adding some Oomphf to your Walls

2011-02-19T07:50:00.006-06:00

Ok, we all know I am crazy for unique decor and wall hangings and well, ok ok the actual walls themselves. Arches and niches, mosaics, murals all excite me!! Moving on...Yes, we've all heard wallpaper is back, and you're still scared of that fact and so am I a wee bit....and yes faux finishing your walls is so last year. But...and I strongly emphasize this BUT....there are options and new technologies that can turn your walls themselves into fabulous works of art and still be contemporary and cutting edge, modern whatever your choice word is of being current and in style.
I recently painted my own dining room a pale, muted aqua blue. To add some wow factor I used a shimmery pale, muted aqua blue glaze of it. It's not over the top, or too much ( I know what you're thinking, like me..lol )...it's just a little oomphf to a nice muted serene color. I'm all about glitz and glam and my little shimmery wall satisfies my needs perfectly.
What are your needs? Did you know that you can take your favorite baby photo in black and white and enlarge it to a whole wall covering? That really cool fabric on that awesome blouse you own can be transformed to your walls! Pretty much anything you like can be transferred to your walls these days very easily! As I see it, wallpaper, faux painting, glazing can still be done...it's what you do that transforms it to modern times. Add some shimmer in glazes, some flocking in your wallpaper, some texture added to your paint, use faux stones, glass tiles...whatever tickles your fancy...fancy walls that is! Add a little Oomphf into your home! Happy Creating!
Candace:)

Going a rug shoppin??

2010-09-08T16:04:00.002-05:00

So you've decided something is missing? Something really important...but you just can't put your finger on it...hmm...well, how about putting your toe on it?

Ah ha...that's it!! The anchor for your room! Yes...the RUG! Now...I prefer not to build the room around the rug. I mean you can get a rug in any size and it's a whole lot easier to start everywhere else other than the rug. But, because I save it for last does not mean it is NOT important!

If the curtains are the earrings of the room then the rug are the shoes! We don't necessarily say..." wow...rockin shoes" but we would notice if there was a scuff or blemish on the shoe....and we would judge that whole outfit on that itty bitty scuff.

Sooo...you must make sure those shoes fit! My advice...if you are able to...take home on approval several rugs in varying sizes and try them on. If you are unable to do this then use what you have...a blanket...tape out the area, you get the idea. There are no specific rules on rug sizes...it all depends on the room, the walkways, the size of the furniture, etc etc etc...(which is why hiring a professional decorator pays for itself). It needs to pull the room together and make it complete....you should not walk in and say.."wow..a rug"..you should walk into the room and say..."wow, what a great room".

Happy Rug-ging!

2010-08-03T14:28:00.002-05:00

Yes you can! You can have an updated modern space!

Who says you can't use that one color that makes you feel AWESOME..that one color that puts a smile on your face everytime you walk into a room!!?? Just do it..go for it...I mean within reason of course. We went with such a bright color because is was a color that

made my Client feel good. It was also a color that was in a few pieces of artwork already in the room. Now we could have gone a few different directions here..we could have embraced it and chose all sorts of bright colors and ran with it. But to keep my Client from saying..what was I thinking?? We brought in her traditional leather furniture from the game room and added some modern style store bought drapery panels with many existing colors in the room. Now what pops is this room...the walls...and guess what else? The Artwork! And now, can you guess what my Client asked for the first time she saw me? Yep...to accentuate her artwork in the room..:) Job done..Client happy!

Modernizing Antiques

2010-05-10T16:03:00.003-05:00

I love taking odd pieces and mixing them together...I love mixing wood and brushed metal, gold leaf and sterling silver, light with dark and best of all...old with the new...this chair was my Client's Great-Grandmother's chair. Talk about making it her own...my Client wanted a more modern space but wanted to keep the old chair from her past. With some trendy peacock fabric we breathed new life into this baby. To make sure we did not lose the orginal allure we kept the contrasting welt. I think it's a beauty that can last 2 more generations!

Peace out! Candace

2009-12-15T10:44:00.002-06:00

This is a Townhome project I had. My Client was new to town and would have lots of out of town guests and needed a space for some private R&R. The room is small but we made the most of the space to give her the soothing, calming comfy space she needed. I accomplished that with the calming color palette, plush bedding and chaise and large rich furniture pieces.

Pillow Talk

2009-09-17T17:22:00.003-05:00

Hi, I am famous for collecting beautiful fabrics, scarves, napkins, dishtowels and then never using them! I keep them hidden away for a special use...then my special use might damage them and I won't have them anymore. It's a vicious cycle I know and I need serious help!..:)
I suspect the moths may come before the day I break out my treasures.
So I decided that if I love my little pretties so much that I should be able to see them everyday and enjoy them. Now, I am not talking about the quilt I plan to make someday...and no you do not need to know any fancy sewing skills. I have decided to make pillows! Yes! I bought several pillow forms and plans to take my pretty dishtowels and sew them together and make a lumbar pillow...and the pretty scarf can be the front side of a special pillow on my favorite chair!
You can do it too! Watch the clearance bins for sale napkins and dishtowels, or the bargain bin in your favorite fabric store! These can be the back sides of the pillows to the lovelies you have collected like me!
I will be the envy of my house guests! No way does this house own a $300 pillow..no way no how...but I will use my $25 fancy dishtowel..no one but us will be the wise..:)
Happy Pillow making!

New "Drapes" Room Transformation

2009-08-05T15:12:00.003-05:00

Wow....I am very grateful to say I have been so busy with work that I have neglected my blog...please forgive me! ( actually, work and my grand daughter Bella..)

I am amazed at the transformation to a room that new drapes bring. I mean, the nice well made custom drapes are the elite icing on a cake! Store made will do just fine, particularly if you just need some sheers or some simple color. But if you want to bring in a unique elegance to the room..custom make some draperies...quick!

Now, don't think of the $$$ flying out the window...there are ways to successfully achieve this "custom" process without busting your budget!

First as I always suggest...talk to a professional! (This is where budgets are broken...repeating work you thought you could do on your own...mhhmm, I see those of you.) Hire a decorator for an hour, it's worth it! But be up front at what information you need and that you just want a consultation! Take advantage of your resources, talk to the staff at your favorite fabric store, they are a wealth of knowledge! You will need to know what style of draperies you want in order to determine what fabric weight you should be shopping for.

Shop fabric store outlets, sales, Ebay, online fabric outlets...you can get great deals this way. I refuse to pay over $20 a yard for fabric if I can get away with it..in fact $12 is my comfort zone. I just finished a job where we purchased clearance fabric for only $5.99 a yard..woohoo.

Next you need to find your workroom to build your drapes..most only work with the "Trade"...hiring that Decorator brings benefits! Be wary of Design Showrooms without visiting several and get lots of quotes...ask if you can bring in your own fabric! Design Showrooms are awesome because it's one stop shopping..but you are paying their markups and for their Decorators...see you hired one anyway..lol. Ask your fabric stores who they use, ask your friends, neighbors..we have a whole generation of lovely ladies who sewed everything themselves! Just ask for samples of their work!

I could go on and on with all the information you need...I still love to see beautiful drapes in lovely fabrics that are the correct size for your windows. Have fun and enjoy!
Candace:)

Hiring Contractors

2009-03-19T19:58:00.002-05:00

I must share my thoughts on this subject..and I am speaking from experience!

Be ever so careful when hiring Contractors to do work in your home...painters, cabinet makers, floor installers..etc. Always get references and follow up with them. It does not matter how "nice" they are. Do your homework! The internet is a valuable tool these days. One little google search and waa-laa...you have either "Praise" or "Dirt"..lol

My first tip and I am sure there are many...do not let them tell you what they want to do! Also, if they walk in and begin talking down to you and criticizing your choices..show them the door! I cannot stress this enough!!They are not in control..you as the Client are! When they pack and leave you are left with the finished product...and the last thing you need to look at that beautiful living room floor and have bad memories associated with it.

My second tip of when to flee is...if they talk more about what they have previously done than what they want to do for you! Now, I am quiet on my first visit with a Client..first because I'm soaking it in...we do have to go back to our offices and work up a design plan for you..taking everything into consideration...and second..in all honesty, our expertise is our trade and what we get paid for...we can't throw it all out there in the first five minutes and never see you again...it's ok for them to tell you of something they did in the past because it is in direct correlation with what they can do for you...it's kind of like when you meet someone new and they begin namedropping..you just want to run. No need to hear them trying to validate themselves..lol. So, smile and thank them if they do this just a wee bit too much.

Third tip! Never let them set the schedule! It is not acceptable for them to cancel or no show...you call to follow up and they beg you to let them come another day..and they are so nice and you are so nice so you let them..acckk. Big NO-NO..you just set the stage for future troubles in scheduling.

Like I said..there are so many things, I could go on forever..but I recently witnessed these three tasks and became infuriated!

Now..take a deep cleansing breath and call your friends, hire a Designer, read reviews...contact the Better Business Bureau..lol. Your time and money is precious..:) Settle for no less that ideal!

Buying Used Furniture

2009-01-15T12:15:00.002-06:00

Hi, I want to share a thought I have...with our tough economic times we can all use a great "deal" to save our family $$. Now, this is not new to me as I love shopping second hand. I also coordinate my Clients to sell each other furniture..lol. Seriously, I keep a list of what they want to sell and share it with all my other Client's...I have many satisfied Client's because of it! I have found many treasures in my favorite consignment and used furniture stores. But with big retailers and chain stores suffering...I predict our consignment and second hand stores are going to be flooded with furniture and furnishings for your home very soon.

The best way to stay informed is..go to your local second hand store or consignment shop and ask to be on their email list. They will gladly email you to notify you of their new deliveries. My local consignment store receives brand new furniture weekly from stores across the Country...all at or below cost! So many stores are closing, or have to move their old merchandise...they have to send their items to consignment shops or sell to resale shops...now the consignment shops are also seeing a lot of their Clients cleaning out attics and getting rid of their unwanted pieces and making a few $$ in the process.

Trust me, there are going to be bargains galore...but shop wisely...make sure it's clean, does not have strong odors(stains ok..you can reupholster). Keep an open mind and bring your wallet and your bargaining hat!..Oh yes bargain away! They expect it...and their merchandise has a small shelf life on the sales floor...usually only 30-45 days before they begin to discount heavily! Space is $$ to them...and if it's not moving it has to go!

Happy saving $$!! Candace

New Year New Color Trends

2009-01-05T12:58:00.006-06:00

Happy New Year!

My first New Year's resolution...wait, no..my first would be to lose 15lbs..my second New Year's resolution is..to update my blog on a more regular basis. But I have a great excuse..honest!
I have been blessed with a busy holiday season working...and talk about a varied schedule. I decorated several homes, staged a few homes, rennovated and decorated commercial projects, worked as a color consultant on several homes...I've been all over the place. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment..I love what I do..:)

I'm seeing a trend change in my Client's styles....no longer am I doing cozy traditional knick knacky tuscan style decor'...everything is more clean and streamlined..the less is more approach. A style I love to do...I usually do a modern style room and find the quirkiest piece I can find and highlight it...talk about showcasing Art! It's fun. I'm seeing lots of purples,oranges, bright greens, blue-grays and accents in black..and chocolate brown ceilings....

Yes, I said chocolate brown ceilings! Think of it this way...if you paint with dark colors it will warm up a space and make it more cozy by closing in a large room or toning down tall walls and vaulted ceilings..but if you paint a room or ceiling black or dark brown you have created "infinity"...example...go outside when the sky is jet black, what is the feeling you get? Infinity...you cannot tell how high that sky is, just like you will not know when a dark wall begins or ends...infinity...:)

Have a blessed 2009...
Candace

Fabulous Fun of Decorating Bookshelves

2008-09-18T17:18:00.002-05:00

Ok..it's simple right?...well then why do I have so many Client's that pay me to do the dirty work?..I'll tell you. Bookcases are HARD..lol...or for some...hahaha. Ok, ok I will be nice. Actually there is an art of design in decorating bookshelves. It's all about balance and symmetry. There is a lot to consider. How many books do you have to display. Do you want to display all of your collectibles, picture frames and every little trinket the kids made in school...and sometimes the papers that don't have a home..or photographs you have yet to frame or put in an album...and lest we forget the albums..lol.

First take it ALL off ...and after the dustballs have settled around into new places in the room...start adding books. A couple on each shelf...group like items together, arrange them by size. Then start adding the things you love...framed photos...and don't be afraid to hang them within a shelf...but be careful and keep the balance of the shelves as a whole...step back and start filling in the bare spots with pretty trinkets and treasures...and when your left with the pile of items without a home...get baskets and small trunks and fill them and promise never to clutter the shelves again and let them become a catch all.

Happy Decorating! Candace

New trends..keep up!

2008-07-30T12:22:00.002-05:00

Ok, I am in love with the new trends right now...it is about time that the decorating world was shaken up a little bit. I actually heard a Famous TV Designer say that the new beige is......you won't believe it...Lavender....yup....now I promise not to paint all my Client's homes lavender..lol...so don't be scared...:) But it is one of those colors that 10 years from now someone will say..Oh..this home is from the 08's....what were they thinking.

What, I AM loving about the new trends are the bright bold graphics patterns in bedding and pillows and upholstered furniture....now it would be overkill if you did your whole room in these bold graphics...but a few pillows, or new curtains...yummy...you'll instantly be updated and all the young people will actually think you are hip. So don't be afraid....run to your local Pottery Barn or Target and pick up a few! They will make you feel so happy inside to see them on your bed or sofa everyday, I promise!

The other trend I am loving is the Asian theme...talk about classy! Now this trend you have to be careful on how you do it...get some expert advice first....that ranch theme just migh not work with a beautiful silk kimono inspired pillow...but maybe an asian bamboo basket just might...have fun and happy decorating! Candace:)

A little added spice to your room..

2008-07-09T15:07:00.002-05:00

Ok, sometimes we all need it....a little spice. I am not referring to dinner...or your love life...haha..I am referring to your home. Our homes need a little mood lift sometimes...just as we do...that's why we go catch a movie on the spur of the moment or out to dinner at the new Bistro on the corner or as my husband and I like to do.. out for a late night dessert and a glass of wine....it's not the movie, or the dinner..or in my case..the dessert and wine...it's the change of scenery...that simple. I feel 100% improved if I get out and am placed in a new comfortable and calming setting. It's like in the evenings sometimes...I keep off all the lights and only have candlelight in our home..it just changes things...my comfortable surroundings but with a new twist. It is also why I love new seasons...not only does my home decor change slightly for the seasons..but so does my outdoor world. Ever notice how we long for summer..then it's too hot..we then long for fall for the cooler air and the leaves changing colors, etc etc...we need constant change...as ever subtle as it may be we as humans thrive on it.

I walk into Client's homes and they are just not happy even though their room is beautifully decorated. I move a round a little furniture or change out their accessories and they're satisfied. One Client I have now just needed a little fix, tweeking as they say...we installed red drapery panels...bold color but it is exactly what the room needed..just a boost. It actually enhanced her gorgeous rug....we also added color to her brand new sofa by recovering her existing pillows in a variety of shades...the room is now fresh with little bits of color..how easy is that? To test my theory, walk around your house and gather some of your colorful favorite things and put them in a new completely different room...see the difference?..amazing huh?

Now go forth....add some spice...and have fun and then relax and enjoy..:)
Happy Decorating, Candace

TxDesignerChic-ka: Accessories

2008-06-19T00:06:00.000-05:00

TxDesignerChic-ka: Accessories

TxDesignerChic-ka: What is Redesigning?

2008-06-19T00:05:00.000-05:00

TxDesignerChic-ka: What is Redesigning?

Home Staging

2008-06-17T12:08:00.000-05:00

Ok..what is home staging?...Let's say you are selling your car...what is the first thing you do?..You clean it from top to bottom, spic and span shiny clean...then you toss out at the old water bottles, ATM receipts, dirty gym sneakers....then you remove all your personal belongings and make sure everything is in its place..the Owner's manual is in the glove compartment and the crow bar and jack are in the trunk...right?.......Well, then why do we not take those same principles and use them when we sell our house?...Yep, I said it, keyword, house not home. It is no longer yours when you put your house on the Market....it is now the potential buyer's.

When you put your house on the market to see you must do four things:

1. Clean- I mean like you never have before..best to hire a professional or better yet...ask your Mother to help..:) Another set of eyes will see the lint buildup on the door frames and the baseboards. My Mother taught me to make a room look clean....start with the floor and dusting...the pile of mail and old magazines and even the pile of shoes will not look unclean..untidy maybe..lived in...but not unclean.

2. Declutter- Ok, now here is this step you can get rid of the old magazines and the pile of mail overflowing the collection box on your kitchen counter. If it doesn't belong there...get rid of it. Your lack of organizational skills or should I say unique organizational skills will only look like clutter to the untrained eye..lol.

3. Simplify- For heavens sake, pack away the faded dusty silk houseplants. Remove 90% of the books on your shelves, leave only two lamps in a room. Remove all collections of anything...and yes, do I dare say it?...your beloved 10,000 photographs. Potential buyers will only be looking at your cute baby pics not at your house.

4. Organize- Everything has a place in your house...put it there. If you shoes lined up even neatly in your foyer then you are telling the potential buyer that you do not have enough closet space. Old Christmas decorations need to be put in the attic not escaping from the hall closet..trust me..every door and cabinet will be opened when your house is shown..remember what I said up above..the house is no longer your home.

With todays very competitive real estate market you cannot afford to be passed up by one potential buyer. I suggest you enlist professional help...you can pay me hundreds for a return of thousands when your house sells at a higher rate.

What do our Mothers always say..." you only get one chance at a first impression"...make yours a positive one..:)

Happy Staging, Candace

What is Redesigning?

2008-06-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

I love to Redesign...in fact I began doing this for Clients on a limited budget way before it was all over TV and the "in" thing to do! It began with my Clients either not wanting to spend thousands of $$$ or them just not needing to. It was a creative way..or so I thought...to keep me employed by my Clients even when not designing a new room or home. It was simple..before the big party I would go in and tidy things up...just spruce up the bookshelves or the top of the kitchen cabinets.

It is amazing what a fresh set of eyes can see. I love to take everything out of the room. Down to the basics. Rearrange the furniture and angle the rug. Then from there...I have my Clients take me into their secret storage places...all the crammed full of knick knack cabinets, the stuffed full armoires, the backs of closets, attics and garages. It is so fun to see their eyes light up when you actually find a special place for Granny's pink ceramic poodle collection.

I actually think I save my Client's bookoos of their hard earned $$$ by redesigning for them. Just last week I was at a Client's and as we were working on redesigning her new home...she had her notepad out taking notes everytime I said something like.."oh, do you know what would be fabulous here......". As it turned out at the end of the day....our list was very doable and very well within her small budget of new items. Like with so many Clients...you have a $ amount you feel comfortable spending...after a few hours of redesigning...you will be pleasantly surprised at how little you can spend on getting a whole new design....it just starts with a new set of eyes.

Happy Redesigning!
Candace:)

After Christmas Decorating Blues

2007-12-28T12:40:00.000-06:00

Ok..IT"S OVER...it took you two months of preparations and now it's over..it's finally over. By now your feet ache..your pants are too snug and your wallet is empty....and now the good part..you get to take down all your Christmas Decorations...Yeeeaaahhhhh!!!!

I actually try really hard to hold off until New Year's Day-ish to take down my decorations...Outside is a breeze..but inside..ooohhh my..why in the world did I think more was better this year?..Why do I keep adding more to my collections of ornaments and Christmas Decor..why?..The early in the season shopping gets me excited to add new styles and colors...and then the after Christmas sales are just too good to pass up...I am out of control.

But, there is one great thing about it! I get to dismantle my whole house and start decorating anew! My Spring Cleaning is actually Winter Cleaning..it is amazing how dusty in got in just a month ..or technically it might have been a month and a half..:)

So, as you dread the dismantling of your once beautiful now dusty, disheveled Holiday Decorations think of this....it is a good thing...you get to bring out all your beautiful treasures you use to decorate your home throughout the year...it's a fresh start for the new year. I hope for you as it is with me..that it will inspire you to possibly clean out other areas of your home as well....I am quickly rummaging through closets and grabbing clothing and shoes and toys and games...and donating to the local shelters.

May you be truly inspired and blessed this coming New Year!
God Bless You!
Candace:)

Holiday Decorating..(The REAL Scoop)

2007-11-28T11:41:00.000-06:00

Has it been 2 months since my last post...yikes! But aren't you impressed that I am blogging when there is still 27 days left until Christmas??...no brownie points? Huh?..:(

Ok..I wanted to share my idea of decorating your home for the holidays...you can relate I am sure...Ok, you are pumped and excited about the holidays...Thanksgiving dinner is barely settling in your belly and you can only think about..."I have to get those Christmas decorations put up!"..so you begin the plan, the design and then the shopping to add new life to last years decorations...C'mon now...you know you secretly want to have the best decorated house on your street..oh wait..in your whole subdivision..lol. You want everyone oohing and aahhing over YOUR house...all the while the compliments roll in you are thinking and speaking two completely different responses...lol.

So you begin the outdoor decorating....it's for the kids you say....and you go all out....you stand back in awe and pat yourself on the back and say wow....then comes the "other" part..the inside decorating...

You have your husband spend all afternoon bringing down everything that resembled Christmas from up in the attic....you begin opening all the containers..get excited...and say to yourself , wait.."I have to pack up all the pumpkins and fall decor"...then drag those boxes up to the attic...then you notice how dusty your house has become...there are bald clean spots where all those pumpkins were you just packed up...The Cleaning Lady is still out of town...you must now clean. Ok...by now...you probably have enough energy to get the wreath on the door...and quite possibly ( for those of you really ambitious people) to actually assemble the tree. After a day or two you decide it at least needs lights to make the tall furry thing now planted in the middle of your living room pleasant to the eye...you are seriously now considering that a tree with ONLY lights is actually quite attractive..lol. After another few days you are either...closing your eyes and just tossing them on ..and where they land is actually your creative idea of decorating....or giving the kids..EVERY last decoration to put on while you relax with a cup of hot cider and rest your feet...and if they break the treasured family glass ornaments..no worries..we can start a new collection next year!

I am a Granny for the first time!

2007-09-25T13:21:00.000-05:00

Hi, I am so very sorry for being out of commission for so long...but as you can see to the left.....I have been a wee bit busy welcoming my first Grandbaby to the world..:)

This is Isabella Skye....and she is an absolute Princess.

Bella has our whole family at her beck and call...would anyone expect anything else?

I have also been working hard with a few new Clients...yeah! I have some new fun ideas and stories to share..I promise to be more prompt in the future!

Blessings!

Candace

Custom painted gift for the man who has everything!

2007-08-10T10:59:00.000-05:00

Ok...what do you give a man in your life who has everything?.....and this is not my only dilemma..I have a few other issues here. First of all he is my Husband..my new Husband of only 9 1/2 months...the one who lavishes me with gifts..the man who expects nothing in return..yet loves the "wow" factor in our marriage..I surprise him around every corner..I keep him mysteriously guessing at what I will do next...and to top it off... I am an Interior Decorator!!! Yikes..I am supposed to be the creative one...the only gadgets he likes are ultra expensive high tech toys that I have no idea about...I am clueless on how to select the best HD DVD entertainment system and Plasma versus High Def T.V's before football season...too much pressure that it is not the best picture or system...we are talking about a man who has researched for many months the new Toyota Tundra All Road Package truck with a 50 in its description I think somewhere, 8 point something engine etc etc etc....on weekends we stop by the Dealership to poll which color looks best in different lights and weather conditions...this is serious stuff buying for this man...

So I decided to go with something personal...so I went Antiquing...I was thinking of a CD cabinet because he is an avid Music lover and Musician in his free time...well I searched high and low and nothing caught me eye..nothing was colorful enough for his tastes and our home...:(

Then strolling through one store..I saw this table..very unusual looking...hidden under boxes. when I approached it I heard a voice from behind.."$10 and it's yours"...well, he obviously did not know what he had..and I all I knew was.."this was it"!!...so I gave the man his $$ and rushed home with my treasure...I hid it in my son's room for a few days...thinking..did I make the wrong decision?? But everytime I pulled it out I loved it even more...but "what do I do with it???" kept plaguing my thoughts.

The weekend before my Husband had worn one of his many Carlos Santana tshirts. I suddenly remembered it and grabbed it out of the closet...OMG..that was it..my inspiration! That afternoon the kids and I went to work painting our own creations. The rest is history...my Husband LOVED it!!!

Do you think Carlos Santana might be interested in the furniture business?..:)

Decorating 101: South Columbian

2007-07-25T23:35:00.000-05:00

I was invited over to a friend's for lunch this week. Before lunch she asked my "professional" opinion on where to hang a new wall iron candelabra and two carved stone wall plaques. ..simple question for me....but...ahhh..not really...you see. Her living area in question was very formal and the pieces in question did not fit in with the style. But I looked beyond all of that as I could tell she was in dire need of a change and really wanted them to be the focus of the room. So I simply removed some wall art from above the fireplace and said this is it...and suggested a few clusters of drieds or twigs to complete that small area above the fireplace. I saw the excitement on her face..yet I had not given her that fulfilling feeling of a completion to the project. But I can easlily get carried away with my opinions on design and next thing you know I have just convinced you to paint and buy new furniture...so I knew this was not the right thing to do so I mosied into the dining area and thankfully we realized lunch was burning..lol.

She managed to rescue our lunch and we had a delightful time...at the conclusion when I would have normally thanked her for her hospitality and grabbed my handbag and headed for the door..she got a gleam in her eye and said..."let's have a glass of wine and go finish playing in the living room"....yikes...she wanted more...lol. I knew I couldn't hold back..and the rest was an amazing transformation. My friend is from South Columbia and her husband from Lebanon....yet their home lacks who they really are...fun, vivacious, well traveled people who love life and entertaining and catering to their guests...so I ask for a ladder and a hammer...and for her to bring me her "treasures"..her collectibles of her travels and who she really is. My teenage Daughter was with me that afternoon..she and I giggled at the sight of my dear friend running down the stairs with arms overflowing of the most colorful works of art I have ever seen...Three hours later we had turned her once beautiful modestly decorated room into a rainbow of the most brilliant colors of her homeland. Now home treasures from both her home and that of her husband's too...and works of art that dear friends and family had made for her.

I can honestly say...I have never brought so much joy to a home before with my decorating...she has called me three times in 24 hours..and has repeatedly said.."Candace, have I told you how much I LOVE my house?"...I did more than just decorate a room...I brought joy back into a friend's house...her home..:)

My search for the perfect Candle Sconces

2007-07-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

Happy belated 4th of July America! Our big plans consisted of staying home and cooking on the BBQ grille..and of course trekking down to Zilker Park with our blankets and folding chairs to watch the fireworks and listen to the Austin Symphony Orchestra...it was a perfect end to a beautiful day!

I am one of those people who can be made happy with the simplest things...and my Husband loves to shop with me...he said when I see something I like..I mean I really just LOVE...I run to it with as he says.."the little kid running to the Christmas tree on Christmas morning look.."..hahaha..well I amused him just recently while at our local Home Improvement Store.

I have been working on our Dining Room for about 10 months now...I slowly found the right color for the walls...I chose a paint we loved and then could find nothing that looked great with it...no fabric for the drapes or chairs..so I chalked it up as a mistake. I found the perfect fabrics and rug, wall art..everything was going along beautifully, even found the perfect paint color on th opposite end of the color spectrum... to complete the room I wanted Iron Wall Sconces for our Upscale Hacienda look...I searched and searched..found some beatiful large Iron Gothic Sconces online at a place in Dallas. Problem, they only had two and both were different finishes and different sizes..they just would not work! I also needed 4 of them. I have had them backordered from Mexico for 7 months ... I even tried to buy those two and add two more for an eclectic look..but nothing coordinated..even in an eclectic way.

Then last week...I was walking through the HI store..and I had one of those "moments"..you know where the thought pops in your head..and you feel foolish for not having thought of it before?? I had seen many beautiful electric wall scones...could I be so lucky as to find the right style and incorporate them into my dream candle sconces?? No it couldn't be that easy...but..ohhhh yes it was!! Two days later after minor searching I found them!...I took my DYI husband and he gave me the go ahead..he could do it..yeaaahh. No one will ever be the wiser that my beautiful candle sconces are light sconces turned upside down with the most exquisite glow from the globes when lit..:)

My Dining Room is perfect! ..I can rest now...one room down..just the rest of the house to go..lol.

Accessories

2007-06-29T12:52:00.001-05:00

Ok, here we go...I must confess..I am addicted to Accessories. I moderately to heavily accessorize..I can't help it. I have heavily accessorized my spanish inspired home...I like to surround myself with items that make me happy! It can be the ashtray/bowl/blob my son made my in pre-school to my favorite intricately beaded scarf. I am naturally a very visual person and I love to see my treasures everyday. I want my home decorated beautifully and I want it to say..yoohoo!! "The Lambert's live here"..lol.

I am a very Eclectic person...anyone who knows me knows that I am "Me"...my own unique person. I dress in my own style..I mix jeans and beaded tops to flowing skirts topped with tshirts..but my signature style is in my Accessories...I can build a whole outfit around an amazing pair of earrings...I top everything with the proper balance and the right mix of accessories...bracelets, and scarves are two of my favorites!..and of course how can I forget..big earrings..:)...ahh..makes me feel vibrant and alive...so why not do the same in my home? I want to be happy in my surroundings...I want my guests to feel relaxed...I want cozy and comfortable with a twist of "wow"...I love the Wow-Factor. I have included my favorite scarves as table runners and my husband's guitars as wall art. Every tabletop, counter or niche in my home is its own art alcove..lol..you never know what is around each corner..:)

Of course when working with a Client I always design according to their wants, but..I am always amazed...I think I inspire them to do more than they normally would. I always ask my Clients to show me their own treasures when designing the Interior of a home...the smiles they reveal tell me just how special it is...so if possible I include them in my design...or create a little niche for them to display them accordingly.

I designed an eight room guest area once...out of everything I did...I saw the tears flow when my Client saw I had used something from of Grandfathers in the decorating.

Ahhh...Accessories....we just wouldn't be "us" without them.