So Sylvie

Instant Chic!

I've added a new twist to my design repertoire. I've started doing interior redesigns, where for $350 - for a standard size room - I envision a complete design plan. The goal is to minimize spending by using existing furnishings, and if necessary make suggestions for new paint colors, window and floor treatments.

No contractors, no falling plaster or power tools. Just a simple revamping of spaces that need some new life breathed into them...with a little color, rearranging, and organizing. It's so much fun to work on these projects because I get to see clients enjoying their fresh new space in such a short time. It's really quite energizing for everyone.

And...as a bonus, with all of the money that they've saved, they're able to go to the flea markets in Paris!

Merci & More

I'm overdue in thanking Courtney, over at Style Court, for posting my latest room design. A big merci beaucoup! Below is a glimpse of Courtney's living room. She has exquisite taste and a keen eye for details. See for yourself by visiting her blog.

After three months of near soild rain, we went straight into full-on sun and temps in the 90's. Too much, too soon. So this weekend I'm grateful for a little rain, and I've seized the moment to do some artwork with Marcel. Here he is painting his version of Monet's Poplars on the Epte (1891).

Marcel has journeyed to the site where the original was painted at Giverny. It's a truly magical place.

Amazing Grace!

My latest re-do is on design*sponge today! (Sorry Grace, I couldn't resist the title.) Truly, Grace is one of the hardest working bloggers around. She darts between design shows, sifts through hundreds (thousands) of images, posts several times a day, and writes a column for House & Garden! I really do appreciate her efforts.

Browsing Lovely Things

I've been taking inspiration lately from these makers of lovely children's clothing. Petit Pan have their clothes made in Shandong Province, China using fabrics from the region. The site is quite beautiful too.

BOdeBO is another fun one. They take their cue from children's antique clothing and hand-dye fabrics in a new palette for each season. I love their whimsical use of ribbons; even adorning cloth diapers!

La fée Victoire (LFV) is enchanting. They have a summer collection with delicate cotton prints...

Take a look at the sweet little tunics on les 4 rats...

I'd like to see more boy's frocks though. Well, I guess that leaves me...better get stitching!

Before & After

Here's a table that a neighbor was sending to the dump. I forgot to take the before shot, so I replicated the look in Photoshop. It had a really bad stain on it, similar to what you see on the left:

Before                                 After

Here is a little footstool that I got for $4 at a thrift shop in Santa Cruz:

Before

After

I recovered it with a cloth napkin that was on clearance for $2.

More to come...

Mama Magpie

The Magpie and the Wardrobe is one of my favorite daydreaming sites. Currently they have some Mothers Day necklaces in their shop:

Owner Sam McKechnie also creates these delicate fairy dolls: