For those who haven't discovered the heavenly design blog Pure Style Home you are in for a fabulous treat this month. In the latest installment of "Mission: Design" I am sitting down with Lauren Liess, the founder of Lauren Liess Interiors and the author of the insanely popular blog, Pure Style Home.
As you will learn, Lauren's self-described design philosophy of "pure style" is based on keeping things simple, happy and beautiful. She believes that the best way to do this is to weed out all of the unnecessary things and keep & seek out only what you love. Lauren doesn't just pay lip service to her motto "pure, style" rather she lives it and shares it with her clients and blog
[...]
Most parents will agree that the average child can devastate your property in less time than it takes to grab a sippy cup from the kitchen cabinet. It always amazes me how quickly, swiftly and efficiently a child can destroy a treasured object.
Rugs, paintings, lamps, walls, end tables and a coffee table are just a few of the items that my little one has targeted at one time or another. Mind you most times it is truly an accident when she annihilates yet another piece of furniture. I mean who knew that twirling could wreak such havoc on a lamp!
I have made my peace with the fact that children are more important than things, but it still doesn't take the sting away. I do my best
[...]
Saturday, August 14, 2010 10 am ~ 6 pm (individual retailer hours may vary)
Old Town Alexandria Merchants to hold first-ever Summer Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, August 14
Alexandria, VA - August 4, 2010 --The brick sidewalks of Old Town Alexandria, VA will be buzzing with shoppers on Saturday, August 14. Participating merchants from the river to the Metro, on King Street and the side streets, will be showcasing their products in the first Old Town-wide Summer Sidewalk Sale. The hours are 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (individual store hours vary).
Each participating retailer will host a unique event or promotion--some retailers will be offering deeply-discounted summer merchandise, some will be holding
[...]
The latest installment of "Mission: Design" brought me to Vienna, VA. I first discovered Fabulous Finds on a local design blog. I was immediately taken with the beautiful furniture, and in all truth, the attractive prices. When I noticed that the venue was a mere two miles from my house, I had to find out more.
The owner of Fabulous Finds, Sharon Hayden, was immediately open to sharing the story of her business. When we met, I was instantly enamored with the antiques in her barn as well as her lovely home and property. I also could not believe that I had passed Sharon's home a 1,000 times in my travels! Fabulous Finds is truly a hidden gem.
As I learned more, it became clear
[...]
Finding a home in the DC Metro area can be a daunting task. The majority of perspective homebuyers are faced with some tough lifestyle and financial choices. Most of the decisions center on that critical real estate need for the right location, location, location! And so begins the questions. What can I afford? What will my commute be? What is the reputation of the local school system?
Do you go with a new home and strap on a heavier commute or do you lower your housing expectations in favor of a desirable school system? Most of my friends, as well as myself, have asked and answered that question.
My husband and I picked a smaller, older home that put us within striking distance of
[...]
After becoming an instant fan of Ekster Antiques at the recent Luckett's Antique Fair, I decided I needed to learn more about this wildly successful business. Since so many of my favorite items were being sold out from under me, I quickly asked the owner, Caroline Verschoor, if she had any additional inventory. I was then told about the Ekster Antique Barn Sale, held on June 19 - 20, 2010. It was a wonderful day that included furniture, fun and an interview with one amazing lady.
I initially thought that the Ekster Antique Barn Sale would be a perfect story for my new "Design Bug" section. After interviewing Caroline for my series "Mission: Design", I quickly discovered her story
[...]
I have long loved the work of local photographer Johanna Waisley from Simply Create. She is a genius with photography and children. Her latest venture focuses on children's artwork.
The Simple Create Masterpiece Collage is a collection of your child's artwork formed into an amazing keepsake. Your little one's artwork will adorn your wall and provide a wonderful memory for years to come. Johanna was kind enough to make a Simple Create Masterpiece Collage for me. It was just amazing. It made me stop and appreciate the bounty of art my daughter had lovely created over the past year at preschool. The mandatory tears followed. Why must children grow so quickly? I have to buy more for
[...]
Oh how fun, Pottery Barn Kids is having a colossal sale on a number of PBKids most popular items. I couldn't resist the opportunity to update my daughter's bedroom with a new quilt. I just purchased the Amy Romantic Floral Quilt. It works beautifully with a bold sheet pattern.
Another favorite, the Catalina Bed, has temporarily been reduced to $399.00 (Reg $599.00).
For more details on sale items and pricing, visit this
[...]
When seeking out a local designer to kick off my series "Mission: Design", I wanted to find a local Interior Designer that could inspire readers with design ideas, both big and small. DC Metro area Interior Designer Hillary Staats immediately came to mind.
Hillary Staats signature style is both classic and romantic with an emphasis on pure sophistication. Staats adds her creative and innovative decorating style to every design endeavor. Her rooms come to life with rich fabrics, beautiful window treatments and thoughtful furnishings that are mindful of design form and family function.
Staats, who had been an Interior Designer for over 20 years, has had a few reincarnations in the
[...]
This is it...the event that we've been waiting for all year...The Lucketts Store Spring Market!!! The fair will be bigger and better than ever this year - dealers are coming in from all over the country and more are still signing up as we speak! The Old Lucketts Store will be chock-full, and The Design House will be open, too.
The weather looks like it's gonna be good - a 30% chance of rain means a 70% chance of sun!! (throw a raincoat in the car just in case)...and seriously, bring the trailer!
Lucketts 11th Annual Spring Market, Saturday May 22 & Sunday May 23
10am til 5pm
$7 admission, children 12 and under FREE
703-779-0268
LINK:
[...]
Posted by: Claudine in Home Design, DC Metro Mommy on
Apr 12, 2010
What a great giveaway. One of my favorite bloggers, La Dolce Vita, is running a contest between today and Sunday, April 18th, 2010. Enter to win a 5x7 rug from http://www.flor.com/. For all the details visit this LINK.
[...]
Posted by: Claudine in Home Design, DC Metro Mommy on
Mar 29, 2010
The experts at Moss Building & Design tell us why this is the best time to remodel! Moss Building & Design owner, Jason Hampel, has words of advice for those that might be considering the timing of a remodel. See the full article below.
Improve Your Odds For Buying Low And Selling High
Every homeowner has remodeling projects bouncing around in their minds. Some of them actually make it to a discussion on what we call at home a ‘need to know' basis. I personally have come to learn that the projects my wife and I actually discuss are just the tip of the iceberg. And what I ‘need to know' is not very much.
Nevertheless, there are forces at work that make timing a very relevant and
[...]
Posted by: Claudine in Home Design, DC Metro Mommy on
Mar 25, 2010
I am a slave to design. If you put me in a room with a design magazine, I could easily get lost for hours. My idea of fun would be to tour sample homes for an entire day. I am constantly looking for inspiration both big and small. And...truthfully, I seldom look at little boy rooms. I have a little girl and I am more than happy to get caught up in the rapture of lilac and pink.
Bottom line, it takes a lot to get my attention for a boys room. I was so excited about my recent Pottery Barn Kids find, that I decided to share it with my readers.
The Star Quilted comforters are stylish and functional for a boy's bedroom, a guest room or a beach house bedroom. Happy shopping.
[...]
Posted by: Claudine in Home Design, DC Metro Mommy on
Feb 24, 2010
Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, run a small business or just want to share a beautiful calling card with a new friend, I have the perfect answer for you.
I recently purchased a set of dreamy calling cards from a wonderful vendor on Etsy. If you haven't heard of Etsy, well that will require another blog. Long story short, Etsy is website that sells home crafted items like art, clothes, candles, furniture, paper goods and more.
When looking for my new business/calling cards I had array of choices on Etsy. I landed on a gorgeous selection on Happy Girl Greetings. I put my request in and within hours got a "Thank You" note for my purchase and a sample JPG of my new card. Happy Girl
[...]
Posted by: Claudine in Home Design, DC Metro Mommy on
Feb 24, 2010
Ok, so it is a bit shameless to pimp out John Gidding to get your attention, but please the man is beyond handsome and he will be @ The Capital Home And Garden Show at the Dulles Expo Center this weekend! For all the less than salacious details about this great design event, take a peak below.
CAPITAL HOME AND GARDEN SHOW RETURNS TO THE DC AREA FEATURING
HGTV STAR DESIGNER JOHN GIDDING
WHEN:
Thursday, February 25th 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday, February 26th 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, February 27th 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday, February 28th 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
WHERE:
Tickets are on sale now at
http://www.capitalhomeshow.com/ME2/Sites/.
$3 OFF discount
[...]
