Completed Projects Sneak Peek

It seems whenever I return home from a vacation I suddenly am re-energized and ready to tackle all the projects I have had on my mind but have yet to complete.  I usually make a list while riding in the car on my return trip home and then once back, I go, go, go until most of the items are done.  (Does anybody else do this?)

Unfortunately, however, while I have been very busy getting lots of things accomplished, I have not been quite as diligent about writing posts about them.  So my plan this weekend is to get caught up on all the details of what I have been up to lately.

In the meantime, here is a little sneak peek of what I have been working on.

Look for all these projects and more soon!

August RDH Blog of the Month – Velvet and Linen

Today I am thrilled and honored to be featuring Velvet and Linen as the August Red Door Home blog of the month!

Velvet and Linen is written by Brooke Giannetti – a talented designer whose decorating style favors Belgian and Swedish antiques mixed with industrial and outdoor elements.  

via Velvet and Linen

via Velvet and Linen

Her beautiful and unique aesthetic has been showcased in The New York Times, HGTV, numerous publications – including the most recent article in Veranda magazine – as well as in the just released book, Patina Style, she co-wrote with her husband, architect Steve Giannetti.

Pink Bathroom featured in The New York Times

Veranda photo featuring paintings by Steve Giannetti

The book features beautiful photographs and wonderfully written text which delve into the Giannettis’ philosophy of “life isn’t about the things you own but about the experiences you have with them.”

Patina Style introduction via Velvet and Linen

I read Patina Style from cover to cover and truly enjoyed learning about the various elements which define Patina Style as well as studying the fabulous pictures - discovering new design inspirations each time.  If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, I highly recommend you do.

via Velvet and Linen

One of the projects I am most looking forward to following on Velvet and Linen is the construction of the Giannettis’ new dream home, Patina Farm.  Not too long ago, Brooke and Steve purchased a piece of property in Ojai, California.  Brooke has graciously been sharing the process of this exciting venture including the house plans shown below and details of a recent trip she took to with her family Belgian.

Patina Farm drawing by Steve Giannetti

Model of Patina Farm

Besides all of the above, Brooke and Steve have also collaborated on many celebrated design projects, own a store called Giannetti Home, and design their own line of custom furniture.  Add in the fact Steve is an accomplished painter and you can see why this duo has gained such national attention in the design world.

Fifi Chair by Giannetti Home Furniture

Finally, I could not end this feature without mentioning the chickens.  I, along with many other Velvet and Linen followers, have been captivated by them ever since they arrived at the Giannettis’ home nearly six months ago.

via Velvet and Linen

The Giannettis created a chicken garden complete with the coop shown below to house the latest addition to their family.

via Velvet and Linen

Thank you, Brooke for allowing me to feature your wonderful blog.  I honestly think I could have devoted two or three more posts to Velvet and Linen and I still would not have been able to include all the honors and projects the Giannettis have received and completed.

Be sure to stop by Velvet and Linen to see more fabulous design inspiration!

Are Two Better than One?

When it comes to decorating I tend to favor pairs of items in symmetrical arrangements– two lamps on my buffet, two potted plants on the mantel, pairs of pillows on my sofa, pairs of candle sticks on my dining room table, and matching footstools tucked under a console table.   I could go on and on but you get the point.

Recently, however, I came across this ad by Hickory Chair and was captivated by the asymmetrical placement of a single large mirror.

It reminded me of another favorite photo – this one by designer Lauren Liess of Pure Style Home – featuring a large piece of art placed slightly off-center.

Pure Style Home

The asymmetrical arrangement in these two photos really has me thinking about how I approach design.  Perhaps two is not always better than one?

I would love to know what you think.  Do you decorate in symmetrical pairs or do you prefer a more asymmetrical look with a single large focal point like the photos above?

Balloon Sandals

Yes, the following post is a bit out of the ordinary for RDH – no home ideas here - but this project is so cute and simple I just had to share!

While on vacation, I spied a friend of my mother wearing a pair of sandals she had created using water balloons and inexpensive flip flops.  My daughter immediately wanted a pair so off to the Dollar Store (balloons) and CVS (sandals) we went.

As you can see from the picture above, the sandals we purchased had beads along the straps, so the first step was to remove them.  Once the beads were cut-off, we simply tied the balloons – one at a time – around the straps until they were completely covered.

Helpful tips:

- The balloons work better if they are stretched slightly before tying.

- Once you tie the balloon on the strap pull it tight so the balloons appear fluffy.

- Alternate directions of the balloons as you tie so that you don’t end up with all tops on one side and ends on the other.

- Push the balloons close together as you work so that they are nice and tight.

- Although this is a simple project, younger kids might have a hard time tying and pulling the balloons tight.

Hope you enjoyed this simple project.  My daughter has been wearing these sandals non-stop and lots of people have asked her where she bought them!