Everything listed under: interior design

“It really all started with an e-mail that I received from a source that didn’t identify themselves” says Habitar Design owner, Mitchell Newman. Consequently, when Karl was invited to do a
design TV show, no one at Habitar Design knew where in the country Karl was going or what
show he was going to do.

Newman says, “We did know that it was going to be about ten weeks and that it was a reality
show where the losers get kicked off early.” As weeks went by without hearing from Karl,
Newman assumed the best. “Karl’s very talented and very fast. Plus he’s commanding, genuine
and passionate. We could see him as a star. ”

Weeks went by and still there was no word. The contestants are not allowed to have contact with
the outside world except for their significant others on an extremely limited basis. This keeps
the designers focused and helps create a dynamic between them for the show. Finally, Karl
called. The show had completed taping and he needed a few days to recovering before being
able to talk.

“My first question to Karl was whether he was going to come back,” Newman says: “we really
needed him.” But Newman also understood Karl’s world had changed and he might never be
back. Newman says he’s glad for him. “It was a privilege having Karl around and he’s not the
kind of guy who will lose touch.” As for other talented designers at Habitar: Newman says
they’re all “Design Stars” otherwise they wouldn’t be working for him.

For more on this story, check the recent article in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Remember when you were a kid? You had that box of crayons in front of you — the one that had the sharpener built right in. And the blank piece of paper seemed, well, kind of small all of a sudden. How could you get the sun and the clouds AND the house and all that other stuff on one measly piece of paper? The wall seemed a much better canvas…

I never outgrew the urge to doodle or scribble on the wall, l but now I can do it without repercussions.

Rust-Oleum now makes tintable chalkboard paint, so you can create a writable surface in any room, in any color. But I like the old school blackboard! You might also try priming with a magnetic paint first and voila: you have a magnetic board as well! Chalk can be dusty, but there are a line of liquid chalk pens on the market that work very well. I Prefer Chalk Ink. I have seen some complaints about staining, but I have not had that experience. Just wash with water or use a lint free cloth soaked in Coca Cola (strange, but it works).

Of course, a child’s room is the first place that comes to mind. Check out this Chalkboard Barnyard Mural painted in a basement playroom!
Think of the possibilities for themed playrooms...But lets be honest...mommy wants to draw on the walls too. Here are bunches of cool and practical ways to have adult friendly designer approved chalkboard walls:

A kitchen or pantry can benefit from a wall or two for family notes, shopping lists, recipes or calendars. Do you have a home office? How about a place where you can jot down numbers, to-do lists etc…Or how about a dining room where you write the evening's menu or inspiring words. B all means, write on the wall! This time, you’re allowed.

Martha Stewart:  How to make your own custom color Chalk Board

Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.
1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.
2. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.
3. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust. IMPORTANT!!!!
4. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge. Photo Credits:
1. http://www.crayolastore.com
2. http://thekidcollective.com
3. http://flyingcatstudio.net
4. http://justimaginedesign.blogspot.com
5. http://www.kapanshipman.com/
6. http://www.faiella-design.com
7. http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com
8. http://www.marthastewart.com
9. http://www.marthastewart.com
10. http://www.lanierbb.com -KS

 

Okay...other than being a home decor person...I am also a fashion person.  Which is fine because they are not that different.  So while I was checking out some pics  and news from fashion week, I noticed the trends predictions...one of which is PATTERNS. So I was thinkin'...a lot of people I know are very scared of patterns.  Both for their clothes and their homes.  I say this is the year to conquer your fears...because  lets face it...patterns are fun! Without them the world is so boring.  You're a little boring without patterns.  I'm not saying go and cover your entire house with patterns or wear head to toe polka dots...unless you want to...Thats the thing, patterns  can be lively and bold but used in moderation, it can be subtle and sophisticated.  So try throwing a checkered scarf around your neck...maybe all your blah living room needs is a little bit of striped rug...if you're still scared...get it in a neutral tone.

 

 

Okay...I am WAAAAYYY happy with the way this bathroom turned out. I just had to post...  My clients have great taste...and expensive taste... But in this economy, it makes more sense to try to save as much as you can.   So we had to be more careful with our selections. We hunkered down and crossed a few things off of the list.  So no fancy Kohler tub...no italian faucets...no high-end Euro-cabinetry...But thanks to my boss, and Krzysztof and Artur and Javier, we did not have to sacrifice an ounce of style to keep within budget.  Yay!

After spending a long and grueling weekend at the Merchandise Mart for NCIDQ Preparation workshop, I came back to the office on Monday morning to find a postcard stating that my subscription to Metropolitan Home was going to be replaced with Elle Decor.  It may not seem like a big deal to most people.  But to me, it was another blow, right in the belly.  Why? Well...I'll tell you the sob story....

Almost exactly a year ago, my beloved magazine, Domino, folded.  It was almost unbearable, as a few months earlier, I had received a corresponsdence from none other than Ms. Tori Mellott herself.  She was interested in me as a contender for the annual Domino 10.  OMGx10!!!!! Also, a model I furnished was picked up by an international magazine.  This was right before Xmas '08.  My boss was so giddy he threw a huge holiday shin dig to mark the occasion.  We are moving up! and the future couldn't be more promising.  I was on cloud nine for most of December. But then silence...Emails unanswered...A lot of anxiety and restlessness....Then on January 28, 2009, Conde Nast made their announcement....Domino was no more....My heart sank...I 'm sure I cried.  

So, here we are, one year later...another magazine ...or 10 later... A sad reminder of how quickly things can change...