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Decor Pad

I confess…it is not over for me.  I love the heartfelt messages from my oldest brother, our daughters, and hearing that our son liked his edible fruit bouquet. I thought that he would mock but he and his roommates dug in. Healthy choice, no?.  Thank you boyfriend’s of my girlz that you provided amazing flowers and dinners and gifts:)

What better way to perpetuate and  to celebrate the holiday of love than by featuring red and pink interiors?  As seen from the photos below, red and pink can be used in virtually any space, from a small scale to a large scale.  Floors, walls, doors…you name it, red and pink have got it covered. Did I mention that my gift of choice was a bevy of Lush bath bombs? I am addicted!

Pairing red and pink with white or black are traditional combinations, but I love the unexpected color combinations- pink + gold, red + yellow, red + light blue, pink + blue, pink + yellow.

Take a look at some of my Valentine’s Day inspired picks below! I am hoping that we can keep the day going for awhile here…..

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Decor Pad

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Decor Pad

My very own kitchen.  Images from Rue Magazine .

Photographer Werner Straube

Photo via Freshome

A holiday that revolves around decorating?  Of course I love Christmas!  Oh yes….there is that gift giving aspect too The ways to trim your Christmas tree are endless.  Of course, little children love their fun, colorful ornaments, but for a more adult look monochromatic ornaments and white lights are very sophisticated.  Big tree, small tree, multiple trees, to even wild and crazy trees…got to love them all!

Check out some of my favorite Christmas tree ideas from around the blogosphere.  These trees show that there really is no right or wrong way to trim your tree!

Photo via Freshome

Photo via Freshome

Photo via Freshome

Photo via Freshome

Photo via Freshome

Photo via Freshome

Photo via Freshome

Photo via Better Homes and Gardens

Photo via Better Homes and Gardens

Photo via Homedit

Photo via Homedit

Photo via Homedit

Photo via Homedit

Photo via Homedit

Photo via Homedit

Photo via Homedit

Santa inspired tree!  Photo via Better Homes and Gardens

Snowman inspired tree! Photo via Better Homes and Gardens

{Set of 50 Fretwork Coasters, $29 from One Kings Lane}

Now that the turkey coma is starting the wear off, the holiday spirit is really starting to set in.  While I have never been one to rush out to stores at the crack of dawn on Black Friday, the “cyber” Black Friday movement is right up my alley.  I could really do all of my holiday shopping with the click of a mouse.  Deals and steals without even leaving the settee!  Ok, I guess the turkey coma hasn’t totally worn off just yet…

Check out some of my favorite Black Friday finds from around the web…you just have saved yourself from undue stress this season.  Imagine having the shopping for all of your friends and family finished early this year?!   That spa day that you always envisioned (and rightfully so) around the middle of December may actually be possible this year

{Black + Blum Fruit Loop Bowl, $40 from Swirl}

{Black + Blum Loop Candlestick, $28 from Swirl}

{Menu Pourer and Stopper Set, $32 from Swirl}

{Joseph Joseph Food Preparation Set, $50 from Swirl}

{Thomas Paul Ornithology Coaster Set, $16 from Swirl}

{Thomas Paul Ornithology Tray, $26 from Swirl}

{Orange Mod Acrylic Tray, $49 from One Kings Lane}

{Holiday Lucite Tray, $69 from One Kings Lane}

{Lunares Round Bamboo Platter, $39 from One Kings Lane}

{Quilt Beaded Glass Tray, $29 from One Kings Lane}

{Artland Splash Champagne Flutes, $28 from Open Sky}

{Zodiac Mugs, $6 from West Elm}

{Square Lacquer Trays, $22-24 from West Elm}

{Honeycomb Tassel Hand Towels, $10 from West Elm}

{Shane Powers Hanging Glass Bubble Collection, $9-$24 from West Elm}

{Square Desk Clock, $10 from West Elm}

{Perpetual Calendar, $29 from West Elm}

{Scott Lifshutz Appetizer Plates, $24 from West Elm}

{Dip Dye Throw, $39 from West Elm}

I was wrapping Christmas presents today, and it dawned on me…I absolutely love wrapping paper and all the accessories that accompany the gift wrapping process.  I’m pretty picky about what I choose to wrap my gifts in, and no place has a better assortment of fun and unique wrapping goods than Paper Source.  I don’t believe that holiday presents have to be covered with Christmas trees, snow men and candy canes…plenty of room to get creative using the unexpected!  With innovative touches, your gift recipient is sure to appreciate the wrapping as much as the gift itself.  From start (scissors, tape) to finish (ribbon, gift bags, tissue paper), they’ve got you covered (pun intended).

Here are several start to finish combinations for wrapping presents.  Who knows, maybe gifts wrapped like this may end up under your tree! And remember, if you are “wrapping challenged” Paper Source does provide a wrapping service

Very Merry and Happy Holidays to all MG readers and their special ones…..

All items available at Paper Source.

{Ikat Bowls, Anthropologie, $14…featured these back in September of 2009!}

It’s most definitely that time of year again, but doesn’t it seem like last Christmas was just yesterday? Where did 2010 go?!  Beats me!  Anyway, Elle Decor is featuring a Best of 2010 gift guide (all under $100), all great ideas for that design junkie in your life.  But what really caught my eye were the Ikat bowls from Anthropologie, a cool find that I had previously featured (all the way back in September of last year, I guess we were ahead of the curve!).  It really was the year of Ikat, wasn’t it?

Take a look at what else you might be placing under the tree this year…

{Rwandan Baskets, Trading4Treasures, $48-90}

{Nautical Print Hammer, $26, Alice Supply Co.}

Postcards from Penguin, Penguin, $25}

{Patterned Books, Victoria and Albert Museum, $13 each $48 boxed set of 4}

{Grapefruit Muguet Scented Candle, Belle Fleur, $48}

{Postcard Holder, $48, Jayson Home and Garden}

{Cream Mugs, Ancient Industries, $22}

…And everyone is shopping the sales!  Almost a bigger event than Christmas itself these days is the sales that start the following day.  My daughters and I will most likely be out and about looking for that extra something that just didn’t seem to make it under the Christmas tree.  Many of my favorite names in interiors will be marking down their products as well!  Here are some of my favorite markdowns.

Crate and Barrel

Breck Table Lamp

Was: $79.95, Now: $59.95

Leaves Mirror-Candleplate

Was: $89.95, Now: $49.95

Jayson Home & Garden

Driftwood Vase

Was: $125, Now: $75

Vintage Chaise

Was: $4,495. Now: $2,999

Remington Chair

Was: $1,795. Now: $899

Design Within Reach

American Modern Daybed

Was: $2,100. Now: $1,050

Bottega Armchair

Was: $1,200. Now: $1,020

How did your post holiday shopping go?  Any good finds?  If so, let us other MG’s know!

The One of a Kind Show and Sale, celebrated in Toronto, Vancouver, New York and the Windy City is back. Our very own Merchandise Mart has opened it’s doors to over 500 unique artists and artisans and has asked Buckingham Interiors + Design to celebrate the 9 year tradition by crafting a truly “One of a Kind Design Living Space” for all to enjoy.  Blending furnishings from sensational Mart showrooms (including Holly Hunt, Farrow & Ball, Interior Crafts, Boyd Lighting/Donghia and Atelier Lapchi) with exclusive pieces from artists exhibiting at the show, we have put together one show-stopping space and had so much fun unveiling and celebrating it amid unparalleled company and design last night.

Stop in this weekend and and enjoy the most “ONEderful” time of the year with us amongst exceptional art, gourmet goodies and holiday inspiration galore… For those of you who can’t make it to the Mart, check out more of our space in today’s issue of the Examiner Chicago.

Thanksgiving is here and what better time to extend my thanks and appreciation to each of you for reading, commenting and simply sharing your love for all things design with me. Big B.I.D. thanks to you!

Absolutely adoring these endearing thank yous by Wiley Valentine and The Happy Envelope.

There’s truly a place in my heart for a little letter press love and amid hustle and bustle, e-mails and texts, voicemails and memos, there aren’t many treats that compare to a crisp card, sealed with a stamp.

Local favorites Paper Doll and Elizabeth Grace, always do a brilliant job filling their shelves with both vintage and modern finds…  Stop in, stock up and reconnect with a little snail mail.

Tis the season to give thanks…

Erin go Bragh!  I forgot to wear any green today (hoping not to be pinched) , so I decided to try and redeem myself by posting some of my favorite images using green as an accent color. This sofa is fabulously antique french yet with a strikingly modern shade of green velvet.  Love the combination!

Below, the ottoman is a rich jewel toned green lost in a  sea of other jewel tones.  Nanette Lepore sure knows how to mix colors.  From fashion straight into her own home.  Image courtesy of Elle Decor.

Love the wall color and the hint on green in the lamp below.  The art is graceful and subtle. Black and white always looks great on a green wall.  Image pulled from House Beautiful.

Many fun things happening here in my town this day….Have you heard that our Chicago River has turned green?  ;)

The response to MG Abby in NYC was so great that I thought it might be fitting to add some Valentines Day furniture options for all of the fabulous pillows that she discovered and passed along to us…Numero Uno has got to be this “Red Lips Sofa by Bocca.  Do you think that it is too late to order for delivery on the 14th?

Maybe you feel like being alone on Valentines Day for a change…less stress….but still great pillow choices as company….

This combo red hot seating includes your very own musical accompaniment!  Bring on the bubbly.

Cozy two seater aka “Love Seat”

Although these chairs seem a bit “cool” they look as if they could actually connect in some sort of way…share a pillow anyone???

Could use a bunch of your favorites here.  Call some peeps and have a cosmo par-tay!

This chair is just screaming for a comfy pillow!  Best if used as part of a set.  Look stackable for last minute guests.

Happy Valentines Day to one and all…however you may decide to celebrate!