Blog
Q&A with Billy Sproul of Slab Fab Studio
Today's artist spotlight is on talented Asheville furniture maker Billy Sproul, owner of Slab Fab Studio. Billy specializes in welded steel creations including tables, bed frames, desks and more....
Fun Finds at the Elle & Bae Pop-Up Shop
Last night I attended the launch of the new Elle & Bae pop-up shop, held at the Charlotte Trolley Museum. The shop offers an eclectic mix of vintage, up-cycled and refurbished home furnishings...
How to Prioritize Your Home Improvement To-Do List
What is it about fall that has me looking around the house thinking, hmmm...what can I change or improve next? Something about the crisp air just puts me in project mode. This year I'm eyeing the...
Party Decor: Inspired by Swan Lake
Last weekend my neighbors invited me to attend a "Swan Lake" themed birthday party for their daughter Sophie's 4th birthday. As mom to a boy who generally prefers action figure-themed events, I was...
Perfect Pairings: Six Dining Chair + Table Combos that Work
When it comes to purchasing furniture for your dining room, it's no longer a requirement to go with a matching set. Unless the set is one you've inherited from your grandmother or is of vintage...
LED Light Bulbs Save the Day
A few years ago an alarming news story was circulated about the impending government phase-out of standard incandescent light bulbs. By 2014, plans are to cease US production of bulbs 60 watts and...
The Set Designs of Mad Men Season 6
One of my favorite TV shows, Mad Men, wrapped up its sixth season this past Sunday. I've written about Mad Men's iconic mid-century design in the past, and the show's sets continue to fascinate...
Q&A with Hefner Woodworking + Sorkin Design
One of the best things about being an interior designer, for me, is the chance to work with extremely talented craftspeople to create custom furniture. There is simply nothing more gratifying than...
Visiting Greene & Greene’s Casa Barranca
Over Mother's Day weekend, I spent three days in southern California at a yoga retreat with my sister-in-law and mother-in-law. I went expecting yoga, not an architectural experience. What I didn't...
Secrets to Pet-Friendly Design
I love my pets. I love nice furnishings. Sadly, these two entities do not always co-exist peacefully, as one recent emergency visit to the rug cleaner will attest. Did you know cat urine creates...
Snapshots from Spring Furniture Market
For the past week and wrapping up yesterday, the bi-annual furniture market tradeshow was hosted up in High Point. I spent two full days scouring the showrooms, looking for just the right finds for...
I Watched This Chair Being Made. Then I Won It!
Yesterday I had the opportunity to see a chair-making demonstration by one of Kravet Furniture's master upholsterers. If you've ever wondered what secrets lie beneath the cushions of your favorite...