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So many of us hate silk flowers and refuse to
decorate with them. I unfortunately wasn’t born
with a green thumb and have found some arrangements
that make fake look good.

Fill up a clear vase with shells and add
a piece of coral. If you you wanted you
could even spray paint the coral to match your decor

If you prefer a more modern decor, this organic
arrangement is a nice way of softening those
straight lines.

This wire container is great with nothing in it, but if you want to add some color and texture here is an easy way. Mix some cattail clusters and rope balls for texture.

So there you have it. Some easy ways to not have to get out your watering can. Simple is
sometimes best.

I love to use a trunk for pretty much anything besides travel.  Trunks are wonderful because they are add beauty and storage! The perfect combination of art and function. Place one at the foot of the bed; between two chairs as a table; or stacked in the corner.

These striped Vintage Linen cubes by Dan Marti Design are one of our favorite new finds.  The parchment edging is one of my favorite parts.

Tommy Hilfiger uses his Antique Louis Vuitton as the perfect coffee table.  

Goyard and Louis Vuitton trunks are some of the coolest collectors items. Depending on their condition, they can be worth a pretty penny.

At a golden globes pre-party, they Aaron Thomas placed trunks under acyrlic covers that protected the prized possessions from spills. A very innovative idea.

the astounding work of Michelle Nussbaumer

In these economic times, there aren’t too many people “throwing caution to the wind” when it comes to shopping for their home. Each purchase must be made carefully, taking into account whether or not it is a good value.

In the latest issue of Elle Décor (November 2009), they ask four women who are major players in the design world this question:  “What does value mean for you?”

Two of my favorite responses were by Josie Natori and Michelle Nussbaumer. They say,

“It’s not about doing something just to be inexpensive. It’s about craftsmanship. Our fragrance is not only a fragrance, the bottle is a collectors item.”(JN)

“I sell antiques and furniture of provenance. Something to be passed on or something that will work in a future home. It’s a onetime investment that pays innumerable dividends.”(MN)

When it comes to choosing the pieces that will define the space you reside in, its important to realize when to splurge and when to save. Its vital to think of the long-term benefits vs the drawbacks of spending a few extra bucks.

A quality piece of upholstery can cost triple the price of a piece that lacks in craftsmanship, but it will definitely outlive the latter. I say, if its going to get a lot of use, or it is going to be a focal point in the room, don’t be afraid to make the investment. Sometimes those pieces we fall in love with are worth every penny for the feeling they evoke when you walk into the room.

Jan Showers.  The metallic walls add a touch of sparkle and glam.  The light bouncing off the walls makes the space feel larger and works great in small rooms.  You can buy metallic paint from Ralph Lauren.  I do recommend having a professional painter because with the sheen you see all imperfections on the wall.

Regent Metallic Paint from Ralph Lauren

Filigree from Taibaut. There are so many different options for wall paper. I find the metallic wall paper to bounce just enough light around to make narrow spaces seem larger and glamorous.  Check out the different Taibaut wall papered rooms below.

Bedroom with a metallic wall paper gives the room a glamorous feel.

Dining Room with a casual metallic wall paper.

Gold-Metallic-Pouffe from Graham and Green. Add a touch of Moroccan to your room with this beautifully embroidered pouffe. Its also a great way to add more seating.

This melted and molded Andromeda Murano glass chandelier will make quite the statement in any room. The chandelier evokes the ” melting of wax” and is available in many different sizes and 7 different color schemes.

When I found this light on Vivre I got chills. The price tag is substantial at $37,500, but  the Swarovski crystals and Japanese pearls dripping off this Glam Rock chandelier by Erickson Beamon beckons to Glamor aficionados.

The Serena drum chandelier from Oly is such a great piece.  This fixture will be at home above a round table or as a pair above a kitchen island.
This octopus chandelier from Timothy Horn is amazing. It belongs in a modern mansion on the beach.

This season the CHICEST designs are going SAFARI. Here are some ways to give a room personality using animal prints

Some wild ideas

Ralph Lauren animal decor

A custom zebra runner

The black and white zebra pillows add some drams to this monochromatic room.

I love the SNAKE SKIN bar accessories from KIM SEYBERT.   So glamorous!!!

John Derian Decoupage AFRICA SAFARI plates.  These look great as a collage on the wall.

One of the most important pieces in your home is your sofa. A great sofa should be comfortable, well made, and stylish. With all the choices available today, take your time in finding the sofa that you love.

Rarely are trunks used for travel anymore. More often Louis Vuitton trunks, old or new, are displayed in homes as art or as coffee tables.

Beautiful natural elements bring so much to any rooms decor and coral is a trend you are seeing everywhere. Try incorporating a piece from the deep blue sea in your home.

I have loved crowns since I was a little girl. You can now find beautiful crowns in many different styles and shapes just about everywhere. Try placing a crown on a stack on books or as a display in your bookshelf.

Chandeliers are excellent for adding drama to any room. Try installing a chandelier above your bed, in your closet or over your bath tub for some added luxury.

Adding some antique influence in a home really enriches a space and adds a whole new dimension to your design.  By grouping several vintage and reproduction pieces together, you create a feeling of whimsy. Or mix ultra-modern pieces with heavily distressed pieces to create juxtaposition and drama.
If you don’t have the budget for an authentic piece, there are plenty of beautiful reproduction pieces in the market that can give you the same feel. Look for pieces that have unique imperfections that give the pieces more character.

Mixing Antique looking books covered in vellum with these shiny gold bound books creates a really fun eye-catcher for a coffee table or bookshelf.  Books are some of my favorite little piece of art to accessorize with. They are great for stacking small objects; filling empty shelf space; or setting a candle atop.

The glistening mosaic floors and the lighting are my favorite part of this jazz- era inspired kitchen.