Wednesday, August 8, 2012

North Wales visit

I'm currently in the UK visiting my parents and doing a little buying for my company...  the stores here are full of Union Jack paraphernalia...  well, we are in the thick of the Olympics and I'm loving the patriotic nature of my fellow Brits!!  

I've posted a few store finds on my Facebook page (same name as this blog) but I thought I'd share a few scenery shots as I am now in North Wales.

 Conway castle

 Llandudno Bay

Llandudno beach 

 St. Tudno's Church, Great Orme

 Llandudno Bay

 Smallest house ever!!  Conway

 Old Tudor house in Beaumaris

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Entryways

Entryways, hallways or receptions areas are the first room in your home that anyone gets to see.  Large companies pay designers a lot of money to get the look and feel of their offices just right....  first impressions really do count.  Yet in our homes the entryway tends to be forgotten....  a mere place to throw off your shoes and drop your keys.  So I thought I would inspire you today!  Here are a few of my favourites:



























My suggestions for a great hallway:

--  For oversized entryways - a round library table filled with gorgeous books and a vase of flowers

--  Great artwork - it doesn't have to be expensive - blow up a few shots and change them to sepia

--  Large mirrors really open up narrow hallways 

--  If you are feeling daring then go for a bold colour or even try wallpaper

Happy decorating!

If you don't think you can tackle a project - then feel free to contact me!

All images www.housetohome.co.uk




Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Georgian interiors and exteriors

When I was in middle school we were given a project to write about another era....  funnily enough, I chose, Great Britain in Georgian times.  It was one of the best projects ever....  I took myself off to the library and delved into the history, fashion, architecture and interiors.  

Just look at how beautiful the panelling is in this entryway:


I've always loved symmetry in design - that's what draws me to this particular period.  The front door, centrally located and then two or three equally sized windows are placed on either side.  It's just so neat and tidy.


Bath, England has some of the best Georgian architecture.  The Royal Crescent is stunning... the colours, curves and sheer grandness is a feast for the eyes!


Detailed sketches of interior panelling - so intricate.



Finally, as I was checking out images for this post, I came across this fantastic wallpaper....  doesn't it look real....  of course, it's made in the UK by Mineheart:


Images/photos from Pinterest
Last image from Mineheart

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

JV Staging - bedroom sneak peek

As well as my interior design business, I also run a staging company called JV Staging (www.jvstaging.com) with my fabulous business partner Jane.  I thought it was about time I shared a project or two... so over the next few months I promise to do just that.   

Staging can be stressful for the homeowner as sometimes our overall vision cannot be seen until the very last minute... I know that clients and agents are eager to see what we are up to and once our moving guys have delivered huge amounts of furniture it's hard to see what we are going to do with everything.  What we often don't get to explain is the level of hard work, commitment, thought and attention to detail that goes into each and every project.  Jane and I are very hands on, we are always available and should one partner be at one site then the other can cover....  plus you are getting an interior designer to stage your home and a wonderful business woman who manages the entire project.

Here's a master bedroom we recently staged in St. Francis Wood, a wonderful leafy part of San Francisco.  We wanted the bedroom to feel feminine with lots of wonderful textures.... for example the mink throw, the silk accent pillow and the gorgeous fresh white hotel linen with a brown stripe to compliment the chocolate brown accents.

I love the mock croc side tables with chrome x-frame legs - they are oversized but really add weight to the space.  On top we have antique silver table lamps:




The cream tufted headboard fits just like a glove in between the two windows....  this is what I mean about attention to detail.  I also appreciate symmetry - that's why the side tables look great in front of each window:




In the alcove window we placed a silver-leaf writing desk with a beautiful upholstered velvet chair with nail-head trim and topped that with a delicate pearl covered pillow:


A soft creamy white rug softens the room, tying everything together:




Here are two absolutely stunning slipper chairs - which are placed opposite the bed....  a delicate white flower painting and a ceramic cream floral garden stool make this whole room chic and sophisticated:


If you are looking to stage your home for resale or like any of our hand selected inventory from around the world then please do not hesitate to contact us.  Our details are on our website:

www.jvstaging.com





Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Mobile Photo Awards Exhibition at ArtHaus

My friends and ArtHaus Gallerists James Bacchi and Annette Schutz are delighted to present the premiere of the MOBILE PHOTO AWARDS Exhibition, curated by noted mobile photographer and Founder of the MOBILE PHOTO AWARDS, Daniel Berman. This Award Winners Exhibition opens with a reception for the artist on Thursday evening, April 5, 2012, from 6-9pm.


Waiting for a Limousine That Will Never Come by Anton Kawasaki


Berman designed this competition to celebrate the explosive phenomenon and growth of cell-phone photography and art. More than 2,200 submissions from 114 countries were received making it the world’s largest paid open call in the short history of mobile art and photography. The winning 25 entries are part of traveling exhibition, opening at ArtHaus, San Francisco, alongside images from the jury and select honorable mention.




Into the Wind by Deb Evans Braun


Categories included more traditional genres such as Landscapes, Self-Portraits and Street Photography as well as uniquely modern areas including Digital Art, and Software Enhanced Abstraction.





Indifference by Stefano Pesarelli


The jury was comprised of 15 of today’s most celebrated mobile photographers, and included such widely published and award-winning mobile photographers as Aik Beng Chia, Alan Kastner and Carlein van der Beek. Entries were judged based on originality, creativity and adherence to contest theme.




Ignorance by Erik Mahendra


Conflict by Emily Rose


The awards are partnered with 10 of the most popular iPhone photo apps including Filterstorm, FX PhotoStudio, CrossProcess, ShakeItPhoto, ScratchCan and Juxtaposer. Keepsy will provide complimentary photo books to the winners in three categories, and leading iPhoneography Blog LIFEINLOFI will feature showcases for three additional winners. In addition, CanvasPOP will be providing fine art canvasses for several of the gallery shows. Archival prints, limited to a signed edition of 20 will be for sale during the exhibition.



One More for the Bronx by Jordan Cortese


At Rest by Stacy Ericson


ArtHaus is located at 411 Brannan Street in San Francisco.

Gallery hours are; Tuesday – Friday, 11am-6pm and Saturday, Noon-5pm

www.arthaus-sf.com


For complete information about the MOBILE PHOTO AWARDS visit:

www.mobilephotoawards.com and www.the-mpas.com