It's a lot less green out there, even here in sunny California. And so I find myself drawn to things that remind me of spring, like these amazing tropical leaf prints. They're wild and fecund and altogether fun. This boldness makes them a bit tricky to work with, though. But fear not: I've got tips for you on how to use them. Read on for some leafy inspiration and education.
Read MoreA delicious new year
Homemade hot sauce: my gift of choice for 2013. It doesn’t work for long distance friends, as it needs to remain refrigerated. But for your locals, it’s genius. And it makes a great present in any season.
Read MorePerfect party plates and glasses
If you’re like me, you’ve hosted more than one party in the last few weeks. And, if you’re like me, you want your gatherings to be as stylish as possible. Here are the glasses and plates that will help you do that, without breaking the bank.
Read MorePreviously Owned By A Gay Man
There are a lot of positives that come from buying gently used goods. But it’s not always pleasant to shop for them. So what if there were a way to streamline the process? Enter Previously Owned By A Gay Man, a new type of consignment store that makes shopping for the home easier than ever.
Read MoreHow to make the best kids rooms
Designing a space for children is about more than using their favorite color or letting them pick their bedding. It’s about creating a room that takes into account their size, their mobility, and their interests. It gives them space to express themselves, and a place to feel both comfortable and inspired. Here’s how to do that.
Read MoreHow to pick a durable sofa
Many of my clients have kids, or pets, or both. My own family falls into this camp, so I’m very familiar with the struggle to keep things neat and clean. Or cleanable, at least. (With a toddler in the house, sometimes neat flies out the window.) There are varying degrees of cleanability when it comes to furniture, and you can make your life a lot easier by selecting the right fabric for your living situation.
Read MorePersian rugs are ideal for a family home
I’ve written before about the wonders of indoor/outdoor rugs for spaces with kids. They’re durable, extremely easy to clean, inexpensive and green. They are not the only good choice for a family household, though. A wool Persian rug is an excellent alternative. It offers a sophisticated look and soft hand, and can take pretty much anything you can dish out.
Read MorePoufs: pretty perfect
I resisted their charms for years, but this was a mistake. I confess: I was a bit turned off by their ubiquity. For awhile it seemed you couldn't open a shelter mag without seeing one of these guys in every spread. But there's a reason for this. Poufs are not only adorable; they're also really versatile. A footrest, a seat, a plaything for children and a perch for pets, they're pretty indispensable. Here's a roundup of some of my favorites on the market right now.
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