Made in America

I am recently back from the New York Gift Show.  This year, I took great care in selecting new items for the shop that were either local (from Ohio) or made and designed in America.  I have bronze & silver serving pieces made by Michael Michaud, born and raised in Shaker Hts., beautiful hand painted gold & silver platters made in Southern Ohio, beeswax candles made from New York bees, and most recently, wonderfully aromatic Kobo Candles made from soy that is grown in New York State. 

Now, more than ever, it is important to support the products, people and services that support our economy and are the very future of its growth.

Stop in to see the beauty of "Made in America"!

Deb

Shop Local

There's a movement afoot that is encouraging US shoppers to consider their local merchants, rather than big box retailers, during the Holidays.  I am happy to be part of this trend and join the other merchants of Old Detroit Road by inviting you to come see the treasures we have in store this Holiday Season! 

Deco Studio makes every effort to support American businesses by offering several items created both in Ohio and the Midwest.  Even our upholstery line for sofas, chairs & beds comes from a second generation family owned mill in North Carolina.  Our candles come from bees raised locally and are hand dipped by a young man and his mother.  What could mean more this year than to give a gift made locally with heart felt craftsmanship?  Stop in.  You'll be delighted.

Super Savings for the Holidays!

FALL SALE

November 1 - November 15- take 20% off everything in the shop!**  (Special orders on fabric, furniture & lighting will also be 20% during the sale!!)

Fall is the time of year to begin planning for the holidays.  Soon you will be entertaining, dressing for parties, and attending as invited guests.  Deco Studio is the place to come for all of these events.  We carry hundreds of styles of furniture, lighting, carpets, accessories, artwork and one of a kind jewelry.  Stop in and select your own gems & pearls to complete your holiday glow. 

Stop by soon and let me help you shine for the holidays!

Modern Living on the Water

This morning I visited 11 River, with developer, Andrew Brickman.  With over 4,000 sq feet of living space, these homes provide sweeping views of Rocky River with all the bustling dock activity and passing boats.  Sweeping 14' ceilings and windows provide beautiful washes of sunlight, and each level is designed to feel as though you are hovering over the blue water below.  As a unique bonus, each offers its own door to door dock space.  Enjoy the beautiful sunsets on Lake Erie, and float right back to your home to enjoy dinner in the outdoor kitchen on your rooftop deck. 

The first units under construction are scheduled for completion mid Fall 2011, with 6 more beginning construction due to be finished Summer 2012.  (In time for the next busy boating season!)  Let me show you the design possibilities available at your fabulous new home!
http://www.11river.com/

Just Arrived!

Print Series entitled, "Waterlily".  Several new framed pieces are here, including framed landscapes, original vintage framed photos, and framed vintage children's nursery rhymes.  Hundreds of additional subjects, sizes and styles are available.

Fresh And Pretty Approach

The Gustavian Arm Chair is just one of the new furniture items we will carry at the shop.  This pretty piece is just one of many from Motif.  The collections feature a wide range of looks from Swedish & French to modern.

Stop by and take a look!

Flux Chair--Innovative Design from the Netherlands!

This is the new Flux Chair, created by founder & designer, Douwe Jacobs.  Inspired by paper sculptures, he folded a tiny piece of paper into a small scale model of a chair.  Although the little sculpture was from a single sheet of paper, it was incredibly strong, and looked like no seating had before.  In addition, his simple designed turned out to be incredibly strong.  Check out the video and other show stopping pieces from this great design team!  http://www.flexchair.com/

Christopher Guy Furniture in Paris

Twice a year, in January and September, Paris hosts the incredible design expo called, 'Maison et Object'.  In true Parisian fashion, most exhibitors are over the top in their color expression and sheer creativity...including Christopher Guy.  He is probably most well known for his work in Las Vegas at the Winn Hotel.  His furniture designs are imaginative, fresh takes on classic furniture pieces. Take a look!   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agieazOYelQ&feature=player_detailpage

When to Hire an Interior Designer

The choice to hire a professional Interior Designer is an important decision for several reasons. First, consider hiring me (the professional designer) at the start of a new construction project.  We first sit down at an informal meeting to discuss what your needs are and essentially, what do you plan to do in the new home?  Do you love to entertain?  Do you love to cook?  How many people will use the spaces?  Where do you like to spend your evenings?  Would you like a special 'retreat' room, away from the hustle & bustle of the day?  Do you require a home office?  And most recently, do you require the creation of a 'Man Cave', which usually happens in a lower level and involves sports, beverages and men.

In addition to new construction, it is important to involve me at the BEGINNING of the undertaking of a major restoration project.  I can help you avoid costly mistakes or redesigns after the fact!  So many times I am called in after the project has begun when the homeowner realizes they are completely overwhelmed and need help!

It is my job to create a Plan.  The Plan consists of construction time lines--in other words, when different phases of the job have deadlines which must be met.  The phases most often include space planning, window & door selection, appliance & lighting selection, hardware for cabinetry & doors, exterior hardware, flooring, etc.  Many times the homeowner is not aware of all the materials that are actually available--this is where having a professional designer can be the most important.  Given a specific budget, I can find you the most impressive materials that you may not have even considered, and that will fit into your budget, regardless of how big or small.

There are many ways I charge to be involved in various projects.  The most popular is cost plus, which means time, plus a small commission on material.  Call me for a custom tailored plan that would best fit your budget and job.

Romo Fabrics/Kirkby Design

Romo fabrics & wallcoverings is a British manufacturer that recently launched its more contemporary house, called Kirkby Design.  Kirkby is a full line of high performance, modern fabrics, including a full line of supple, beautiful vinyls--great for a contemporary edge when used on furniture, pillows, and fabulous as a tufted headboard.  All fabrics/vinyls come in a modern color palette of cool grays, charcoals, chocolates, and slate blues. 

The United States distributor for Romo is headquartered right here in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.   Come see the latest fabric, wallcoverings & vinyls at the shop!
http://www.kirkbydesign.com/

Florida Design

I'm just back from Ft. Myers/Naples, Florida.  Always a breath of fresh, salty, clear, blossom smelling air.

I am so intrigued by the home styles in Florida, which range from Tuscan to what I call, Florida Keys--complete with standing seam tin roof and gingerbead detail.  Here's one which I found completely charming.  It's got obvious French detailing,and looks completely charming painted a sunny color and framed with Florida's famous Royal Palm trees.  Ahhh.

Creative Energy

Sitting here looking out the window still not believing all the snow that fell last night.  It's very still and quiet, so I'm listening to my son, Kevin, who hosts a college radio show every Thursday in Chicago. It's nice to experience the creative energy, especially if it's in the form of youthful, new music!  Feels like he's here.  I really miss my boys.

The Egg Plus Chair

Featured in Hospitality World Network e-newsletter, the Egg Plus Chair by Emma Selzer is made of 110 pieces of shaped plywood and has the option to revolve 360 degrees and can also turn for complete privacy.  How cool is that?

Form and Function

Joe and I recently realized that after 6 years of living in Baltimore, our son, Chris, was not going to be living back home.  His bedroom was large with beautiful lake views, and now it stood like an empty shrine to that little boy that once lived there.  His room was adjacent to an old sliver of a closet that my husband and I both shared while bumping into each other.  We removed the wall, and voila! the closet was born. 

I hired Kathy Pietrick, the owner of Closet Factory ( www.closetfactory.com) in Cleveland, to help me create this wonderful space.  She & I worked to come up with custom paneled doors over their traditional closet "boxes".  I then added crystal knobs and a beautiful sugary granite called Thassos to cover the island. 

The most important rule of well designed space is function.  The closet works beautifully in its layout.  My dressing area has a large mirror and jewelry drawers.  My clothes are all organized and visible, with the exception of dressy evening wear  and my shoe collection, which is kept in glass covered, dust free cabinets. There are tall stacks of drawers for lingerie, and a handy pull out hamper within easy reach.  The island is incredibly useful for packing, it is designed at a comfortable 34" height.  There is plenty of recessed lighting and the chandelier adds a sense of grandeur, along with matching silk curtain panels.  The radiator bench is hidden with a Romo fabric cushion, along with a custom full length mirror, and my favorite--the famous Kartel "Ghost Chair", which Joe still doesn't understand why it is invisible. 

It's a great place to begin the day.     

Spring at Deco Studio

This weekend marks the official beginning of Spring.  It couldn't come a moment too soon!  This morning I added butterflies to the window in anticipation of days to come. 

The Parting Glass - Hill of Thieves - Cara Dillon

1st Dibs Auction Site

For the past year or two I have been enjoying the guilty pleasure of visiting this site which boasts offering "The Most Beautiful Things on Earth".  The truth is....I can't argue with them!  Once you have visited this yummy site which offers rare collectibles, vintage & antique furniture, lighting, fashion, jewelry...you too will be a devoted follower.  I have used 1st Dibs as inspiration for my own design work.  Here, you will you have the rare opportunity to view collections from shops & galleries all over the world.  In no other place will you find such a treasure trove all with one click.  Sign up for their email list, I guarantee you will become a devotee as I have.  Take a look at http://www.1stdibs.com/.

My Love for Pretty & Shiny

I just opened a box containing a new collection of fabrics from Romo called "Kirkby Design".  Romo is a European fabric company that does things that so far, no other manufacturer seems to be doing.  And, in true European fashion, the colors are fabulous and unique.  Kirby has taken design to a new level by introducing supple new vinyls with great texture, and metallic fabric that looks like shimmering silver.  I'm always surprised and excited to see a new interpretation of an old theme.  Visit www.kirkbydesign/collections/molten.html to be inspired, or stop by Deco and see the entire Kirby line.

Great Design

I was recently telling a friend of mine that it was a shame most people don't get to see what I see in manufacturer's design showrooms and at the High Point Furniture Market.  Well, yesterday, my Baker Furniture Rep, Greg, came to see me and showed me the brand new collection from Andre Arbus.  It is a throwback to the original Art Deco look and is amazing furniture.  Each piece looks like sculpted artwork.  This is something I wanted you to share with you!

Wonderfully Fresh Approach

Just arrived!  A modern version of a classic French figurine theme.  White Porcelain table lamps, titled "Boy & Girl".  (28"h x 10"w)  Each lamp has a silver shade, that when lit, becomes transparent to reveal the bulb inside.  The look creates a unique conversation piece that is a great example of form following function!