Inspired Design

I have an old slip collection that I have gathered over the years. I often find them in old thrift stores or at a local flea market. I wear them out in the summer with a little cardigan. I love the detail of the edges and straps. They are the latest inspiration for my new Romantic Lace collection of sheets and duvets. For the long summer nights slip into our new sheet collection. I love the feminine touch in the soft pastels like a sorbet icy; cool mint, crèmes and pinks, crisp cool whites with lace details and light summer khaki’s.

Summer Is Here

June 20^th seems to be the start date of summer for my four kids. Every summer I have a camp at my house in the front yard. A couple of teachers who have the off summer hold court with about 15 children ages 4-9. I have come to admire their innovation and skills at adapting found objects, old wood, fabrics and other odds and ends into magical spaces for the children. This summer I made some tee pees out of our Little House fabrics for the kids to play in. They often set up little houses inside, collect their favorite rocks and leaves and even made an imaginary camp fire. They roll around and giggle endlessly. You can create fun spaces for your kids too. Take some PVC piping that you can purchase from your local hardware store. Get some rope or string to attach three pieces together at the top. Cut the poles to about 8-10 feet. You can then sew a rod pocket to cover each pole. Or if sewing is too much just tie the fabric to each pole end... The result is a hand made tee pee for everyone. Throw in some old blankets, serve lunch outside, your children will love it - easy to clean up. Just close the poles with the fabric on... set up again the next day and enjoy the sunshine while in the shade of your tee pee. To add a one-of-a-kind touch make your tee pee out of white canvas and let the kids paint the wall of your tee pee. Happy Summer Vacation!

Here I made a summer pillow. I made it extra large so that my kids and their friends can all lounge together

My son Joe and friend at camp.

be inspired by your child's rainbows!

In The Press

One of our favorite French inspired headboard made its appearance in the June/July issue of Domino magazine (www.dominomag.com ). This rose-colored tufted headboard is on the list of great headboard suggestions. They are on page 52 in the magazine and online in the Domino photo galleries. I always love each issue of Domino. Whether in the check-out line at the store or in Barnes & Noble, it is a definite MUST ADD to your monthly magazine buys.

If you are ever in the Santa Monica area, come by the store on Montana Ave. We have this headboard and tons of other fun vintage pieces with a French flair.

In The Press

I was so ecstatic when Country Living wanted to do a spread about the relationship between fashion and decor. These images from my home are shown in the May issue and online under the House Tours (www.countryliving.com ). Country Living is great because they provide design ideas that are always so easy for anyone to customize themselves.

Finding inspiration for your home doesn't have to be difficult. Some of my favorite work simply comes from looking at gorgeous vintage dresses or even favorite outfits from my own closet! Instead of thinking that decorating is a once-a-year thing, start looking at it like your wardrobe. Fashion is always seasonal and so fun to experiment with and change...why shouldn't our homes be just as fun?