Let's start from the beginning... a very good place to start.

School's back in session homies! Did you miss me? Now that our summer recess is officially over, it's time to get back to work. Whenever people come to me, the self proclaimed GURU of design (hey lay off me, I'm using The Secret here, cant you tell?), it never fails that I hear the same thing over and over again: "I wouldn't even know where to start!".

As I was sitting on the beach, sipping a margarita this summer, I got to thinking. By the way, "sitting on the beach, sipping a margarita is code for slaving away at my desk, losing countless hours of sleep and depriving myself of all young human social rights. Nonetheless, as we begin our journey into the crisp, earth tone adventure that is Autumn, I've decided to start this homeboy semester with a 5 step process to keep you from collapsing into the center of your living room, mid anxiety attack, holding design magazines and fabric swatches. It's very simple. So simple, in fact, that I've made it even more simple by drawing a nifty diagram. Drum roll please...

My back-to-school gift to you, homies: the 5 basic steps to launching a successful design!

In case you don't feel like reading the fine print, I'll break it down for you. It basically goes as follows:

1. Start with a concept. Research it.
2. Collect you thoughts. Use a mood board or scrapbook of some kind. Grab anything that pertains to you concept and stick it in your collection.
3. Address your staple pieces. These are pieces who's function is mandatory in the room, i.e. seating, shelving, storage. Also, the time has come to decide on a color palate. Just rip off the Band-Aid. It's not that bad.
4. Break out your wallet and update your big ticket items. I'm all about mixing old and new, but as a general rule of thumb if you cannot show some of your furniture to a person on the first date for fear of complete rejection, it's time to go.
5. Play Debbie Decorator. Now you get to go in and finish it off with those great clearance finds at Target, or that set of throw pillows you've been eyeing at Pottery Barn. These are the not-so-subtle interest points in your space, so utilize them! These items should also be changeable. Ya heard?

And what kind of teacher would I be if I didn't provide an example right? Here's a quick one:

Concept: I'm channeling my last trip to Vegas (or what I remember of it) and rolling my design dice! Take notes, you're going to be seeing a lot of these babies this year. Two random words: Rustic Urban. I can deal with this.

Ideas: Here's my mood board. This can be as big or small as you need it to be.

Staple Items: Bookcase, end tables, accent chair, paint
Big Ticket Items: Sofa, Coffee table, Mirrors
Décor: Lamps, Books, Draperies, Misc.

Finished Design:

Do you feel a little more comfortable now? Just remember: even if you don't have one design bone in your body, there are countless inspiration photos out there to get the juices flowing. Take it step by step, even if it takes 3 or 4 months. You can do this!

homeboy.

What's so great about Gatsby?

If you're anything like me, you've been perseverating thoughts of glamour from the 1930's lately due to the latest incarnation of The Great Gatsby. That's right, I'm hooked and there are a few reasons for why: First of all, Baz Lurman. duh. Secondly, an epic tale of unrequited love (I'm very familiar with this concept). Last but not least, I've always had an obsession with the interior stylings and architectural details of the early art deco period.

 

Naturally, I had my tickets to see Leo- I mean the film, opening night in the theater. Before I go into my usual rant, let me take you on a little adventure and describe to you what it's like to see a movie with me. I come prepared: we're stopping at CVS before to stock up on high-calorie provisions and stuffing them into my "movie theater sweatshirt". After getting comfortable in our seats I like to talk about every preview that shows before the feature presentation stating whether or not I think it will be "really good" or "meh", you know because I'm a seasoned film critic with a very sophisticated cinematic palate (see my review of the classic south American feature Rio). Anyways, I usually spend my time picking out things that have nothing to do with the subject matter at hand. For example, in the latest Oz film, who wasn't thinking about Mila Kunis's floppy red hat the whole time? The night usually ends with me dissecting a film to a point I have n business going to, but it makes me feel good.

 

In the case of Gatsby, my design dreams were coming true before my very eyes. The decadent details of the Deco period were magnificently replicated and got me thinking: how would one tastefully compose a Deco inspired living space that doesn't come off as tacky or dated? To answer this question, I think you should know a little bit about what Deco actually is. Many people are confined to the South Beach style of Art Deco. It's not all pastels, though. Art Deco actually started in France during the 1920's and went through a few incarnations over the next 30 years or so. It started off as the ever-opulent styles we saw in Gatsby, and slowly morphed into the neon and chrome version that Miami is known for.

 

Now the question is, how can we get the Great Gatsby look in our own spaces, without making our loved ones think we've gone off the deep end? Lucky for you, I went shopping for vintage pieces online and found a collection, both old and new, that will give you a modern-Gatsby look. Items like the ones I'm showing you can absolutely be found at your local antique stores, estate sales or auctions.

 

Here are a few key elements to look for when trying to put a tasteful, Deco spin on things:
1.Geometry. No, I'm not talking about your favorite high school math class. Art Deco was all about geometry and repeating patterns, both hard and soft.

2. Animal prints. Personally, I never need an excuse to use prints, but I can understand your trepidation. Both prints and animals themselves were a huge part of Art Deco décor and design. leopard, giraffe and zebra are just a few of the options you have to choose from. Did you see that leopard chaise? Did you die? You did.

3. Heavy Metal. keeping your scheme within a metallic color story will have your space screaming with deco delight. Black, gold, silver and white have the starring roles here, with supporting players like blush pinks and dusty khakis. Also, don't be afraid to find pieces with chrome accents. think streamlined.

4. Girls Girls Girls. This period of design really embraced the female form. everything from lamps to artwork showcased the most luxurious ladies wearing your fantasy wardrobe. this is a really fin way to infuse some vintage flare in an unexpected way.

The day after my trip to the theater resulted in this sketch above, of a fantasy Gatsby-inspired living room. The 19' high ceiling may be a stretch, but who doesn't love a good work of fiction?

 

homeboy.

Mini Blog: So... I bought a sofa.

Apparently I was living in an alternate universe. Somewhere in the deep recesses of my brain I somehow justified the purchase of a stark white sofa. Don't get me wrong, the thought of a crisp, white sofa nestled amongst the trappings of a stylish, urban apartment is mouthwatering to me, as a designer. Then reality took her glove off and smacked me in the face. My love of dogs and wine quickly shattered the fragile, lacey dream of an ivory multi-seater. Sofas go through a lot: guests, spills, you know... college. Think about all of the questionable things your sofa has seen over the years, including an up close view of your ass, your mom's ass, that random guy's ass and whatever other ass has passed through your place.

I've come to the conclusion that I need to stop subjecting my seating to the atrocities of life as a twenty-something (and yes, I am still a twenty-something). I came to said conclusion while standing in front of my white sofa last week and having an inner battle as to whether or not I actually wanted to sit on it. You see, my white, [semi]virginal sofa has tolerated things like this:

 

An infinite amount of stains, whose origins are totally untraceable, now mark her from head to toe as well as a previous cushion dismemberment thanks to one of my beloved four legged children, white sofa's days were numbered, and I knew it.

So.... I bought a sofa. Meet Henry. Dove Grey, performance velvet, mid- century realness.



 

My 3 tips before making such a purpose:

1. Scale- Make sure it fits. You really want to make sure it's not too big, or too small. Oh, and make sure you can get it up the stairs and through the front door.

2. Function- Select an upholstery that will suit your lifestyle. Henry is a "performance velvet", which is a fancy term for polyester. make sure the upholstery you select will clean and wear well. you'll thank me later.

3. Maintenance- First thing I did after carrying Henry over the threshold? Scotch Guarded the shit out of him. Preventative measures, homies.

Homeboy.

Shaken, not stirred: Mix it up!

As we go down this design road, we're often faced with many crossroads, decisions and dilemmas that make us question our own personal aesthetics. So often, when consulting on a residential project I'm confronted with a client who is afraid to not follow "the rules". Granted, there are widely known interior design guidelines that make it really easy for even the most design-challenged individual to put together a room with some resemblance to style. It's kind of like using the FOIL method in high school algebra. By using a fool-proof method, like buying an entire prefab living room set or choosing colors that "go together", you too can play it safe. Well I' here to push you out of your comfort zone, whether you like it or not.

It's my humble opinion that the eclectic nature of life is the basis to a fantastic living space. We go through life collecting fantastic things that are just screaming to be used and admired. Funny story: My other half recently had a death in the family. Sad face. However, after collecting the belongings of said family member (sad face) a large chalk portrait of a young boy appeared on our wall. Amongst the many thought produced by the constant inner monologue inside my head, I thought that the young boy looked familiar, but paid no mind. I figured that the portrait was of some sentimental value, and even though it disturbed the carefully arranged, OCD level of décor in our apartment, I would let it stay. For now. Two weeks later it was revealed to me that it the portrait is actually of my other half. I cried (sad face) and now I'm obsessed with the portrait. Seriously, though. Once the emotional attachment was unearthed, the portrait became SO chic. like, kind of amazing.

Can you believe I was going to secretly put this in the closet in hopes he wouldn't notice? Don't judge me.

 Whether they be furniture pieces, dishware or even that old chair from Grandma's house that you shoved so ruthlessly into the storage unit, look at them with a new set of eyes even if they don't "go together". Keep your eye out at estate sales for vintage pieces to go along with you super modern bed, or classic light fixtures to go above your transitional dining table. I love mixing things that seem unexpected, so I decided to challenge myself for your amusement and also to show you that stepping outside of the box is both not scary and fruitful.

Challenge: A clusterf*ck of design Genres.
Contenders: Transitional, Louis XI, Vintage, Modern, Contemporary, Tribal, Abstract and Moorish.

It was with this menagerie I decided to sketch my design feelings into a harmonious, balanced little apartment to show you how these things, though you may not think so at first fit together seamlessly.

Pretty good right? By arranging each piece appropriately, things kind of just blend and mix, creating a very eclectic and tasteful mix. So the moral of the story is to not be afraid of things that don't quite "go together". Your space is a reflection of you, your life and the experiences you've had.

 

Now let's all hold hands.

 

Homeboy.













Bringing the Outdoors In: Whatever that means.

It turns out that those countless hours spent in a high school biology class weren’t a waste after all. Through the natural wonder that is chlorophyll and root systems, plant life has grown like weeds, right into our interior environments. How many times have you found yourself desperate for design advice, furiously flipping through design articles online and seen the cryptic mantra: “bring the outdoors in”? Well thanks HGTV online, but what in God’s name does that actually mean? Are you suggesting I replace my area rug with freshly laid sod squares? Or maybe take a shower with the hose? Let me clear something up for you, homies: bringing the outdoors in simply refers to referencing outdoor elements within your living space, specifically with plant life. Tip: Using plants is seriously the easiest way to breathe sophistication and life into your space. Whether it be the bedroom, bathroom or communal areas, a vase of fresh flowers instantly makes your interiors feel finished and more put together.

Inserting plant life into your interior scheme has its benefits. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, adding texture and color, but plant life increases the indoor air quality of a space too. It’s a win-win situation right? There are plenty of options when it comes to fusing in your foliage, so buckle up it’s going to be a wild ride… if you’re an old lady.

The fastest, easiest way to liven up your place is to simply run to the corner flower market, or even Trader Joe’s really, grand some fresh flowers and stuff them in a vase. So you’re not endowed with a green thumb. Neither am I. best part about the whole flowers-in-vase idea: you just have to add water. OK and maybe that packet of poison that comes with them. Having fresh flowers set out instantly makes it seem like you have it all together. No matter if your place is a mismatched crack house (that’s my terminology for anything I, homeboy., have not personally touched with my little design fingers) for some reason when flowers are on the counter, everything seems like it’s supposed to be that way. It makes people think “well if they have flowers out, they must really know their sh*t, and they probably feel really comfortable here”. Isn’t that amazing? This little theory of mine explains the endless amount of fresh flowers during my college years.

Blooming flowers aren’t the only option, however. Try thinking vertically. With so much focus these days on the sustainable movement and green design, a new application for plant life has been born and can make a killer impact in your place. Introducing: Living walls. By planting small, leafy green plants in a vertical fashion, living walls or plant walls are giving your Grandma’s wallpaper a run for its money. In a recent restaurant project, I even applied herbs vertically, to much success. Get creative! So how do you go about hanging plants vertically? So simple y’all. There are many manufacturers who actually sell living wall systems that you can purchase and install yourself. This is such a cool and modern way to add interest to your place, and really green of you, too.

My favorite trend when it comes to interior plants is terrariums. These glass encasements are so chic, while maintaining a natural touch. Terrariums are great for showcasing low-maintenance succulents and air plants, which are so easy to take care of. Between you and me, I love the look of succulents, which are a member of the cacti family. I kind of love their architectural shapes, and also the fact that they remind me of my childhood obsession: Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors. Since I can’t have an Audrey II of my own (can you imagine trying to feed that thing?) the strangely beautiful succulents will have to do. So to put my publicly humiliating DIY skills to the test, I have created this terrarium out of an old candle jar, rocks, moss, soil and of course a few succulents.

 

After cleaning out the wax from the jar, I simply built the layers upon one another. It really doesn’t matter the order as long as the rocks stay on the bottom for draining purposes. My thumb is turning green as we speak. I should probably get that checked out.

There are some no-nos when it comes to using plants as décor, however. Nothing rubs me the wrong way quite like fake plants. That’s right, I said it. Fake plants are not acceptable at any point. FYI, when smoking in your car with the windows became passé, so did decorating with fake plants. First of all, they look fake. I hate to burst your bubble, but if you think you’re going to make us believe that lush, green ivy can survive for years on end above the bulkhead in your kitchen, you’ve got another thing coming. Also, they gather dust. My inner nerd and allergy sufferer is trying to tell you that all that collected dust can actually affect your comfort level.

Another foliage faux-pas that worries me is when I see dead (or “dried” as hoarders call them) flowers hanging upside down in a home. Though I appreciate you trying to channel your inner Moriticia Adams, hanging dead plants on the wall gives me the heebie jeebies. It’s sort of morbid, really dated and overall bad feng shui. According to the ancient Chinese art of placement, you always want life in your interior space. Not, um… death. Oh and avoid bonsai trees. you can store them with your old bong and lava lamp from college. Nice Try though.

Now go, be one with nature, homies. But take off your shoes before you walk on the carpet.

Mini Blog: 5 things I own that you should own.

So many people ask me what my own home looks like. When people hear the title "interior designer", they assume I live in Martha Stewart's guest house. Not to burst your bubbles, but that's not necessarily the case. Dont get me wrong, I'm not living in Buffalo Bill's murder hole from Silence of the Lambs, but my place probably isn't too different from yours.

This week we're keeping it short and sweet. I'm going to share 5 things I actually own that I love, love, love in my home. Feel free to grab these little gems yourselves and add to your own space. Oh, and dont forget the homeboy shrine in the corner.

1.

The Nate Berkus Collection from Target is like, the best thing to hit affordable home decor in a long time. Stylish, tailored accessories float effortlessly between masculine and feminine. I seriously have 10+ pieces from this collection in my house.

2.

The overlapping squares headboard from West Elm. I have had this headboard and bedframe for 5 years and still get compliments on it. OK that sounded bad. Compliments from houseguests. Aesthetically light, but still geometric and interesting. With a headboard like this, you instantly have a feature in your bedroom, so you can put the stripper pole in the storage unit now.

3.

This Bansas area rug from IKEA gives a plush wool look for not a lot of dough. It's varying grey color scheme is also great if you have pets or keep it in a high traffic area because it hides more. Also, the pilling isn't bad at all compared to most rugs.

 

4.

 



Last winter, Target and Neiman Marcus teamed up to produce a capsule collection featuring a number of famous designers and some "affordable"  pieces of home decor and fashion. This tumbler set from designer Altuzarra has become one of my most prized posessions! so chic and kind of 80's. It's a good idea to keep your eye out for capsule collections like these as more and more retailers are trying their hand at this.

5.

 

Last but not least, the Serena lamp from Pier 1 Imports. Simple and elegant, this table lamp plays on the concept of geometry and negative space. What i love about this piece is that you can totally change the lampshade whenever and it becomes a completely different lamp.

These items are in your right at your fingertips and affordable too! Tell the homeboy sent you.



Special Delivery: A chic, tasteful baby! (Part 2)

It's not everyday you get to pick the brain of an interior designer, and get truly inspired design solutions from a professional in the industry. Well, not for free anyways. And since you all probably need a break from my ramblings and how my brain relates the twisted adventures of my dating life to interior design, I figured I would enlist the help of New York interior designer Lindsay Macrae to walk us through part two of this "Special Delivery" edition of homeboy.

 
                                                              Lindsay Macrae (www.lindsaymacraeinteriordesign.com),


Lindsay seen here, being fabulous.

a veteran designer with experience in both high-end residential design as well as commercial applications has worked for some of the most renowned design firms in the country, including Marc Michaels Interior Design and Gensler. I was lucky enough to snag a walk through of a recent nurseryproject she completed, to give you a professional perspective of how a soon-to-be bedroom comes to life. This particular project, located in a shoebox-sized nursery in Manhattan, is a perfect prototype for space saving solutions as well as overall scheme inspiration. Tres Chic!

 



What is the name, location and s/f of the project? A nursery for Bailey, New York City, 105 SF

 



What types of wants and needs, if any, did the clients have pertaining to this particular room?  Bailey was my clients’ first born so they did not know what they needed for their nursery.  I had no clue myself.  I did some nursery research online and interviewed several new mothers to get an idea of what we needed.  My clients were my dream clients.  They did not have any preconceived ideas for the overall design scheme.  They only told me that their daughter was going to be very sophisticated and they wanted the room to be calm.  I used that info to develop a couple of design schemes for them to choose from. 

Where do you normally take your inspiration from when you approach a design project, and where did it come from for this one?  My inspiration depends on the type of project.  For a retail project, for example, I may be inspired by the location of the store or the merchandise itself.  For a workplace project, my inspiration might be the heritage of the company.  For this nursery project, we wanted to create a calm and elegant space.  I was inspired by the softness of clouds and the muted blues and lavenders of an evening sky. (<-- Love that)

What considerations did you specifically have to focus on for this project (Colors? Storage? Etc)  This project was in a true Manhattan apartment so space and storage was a big concern.  I needed to make sure that I didn’t fill the room with anything that wasn’t functional.  I searched high and low to find a glider that wasn’t oversized.  This room did not have a closet so I used a towel bar mounted on the underside of a wall shelf to create a clothing rod.

 

What was your overall goal for the project? My main goal was to have a happy client and relieve some of the stress associated with preparing for a new baby.  As an Etsy shop owner, I also wanted to support fellow shop owners by furnishing as much of the nursery as possible with items from Etsy.com.

 If you could colonize and design any of the planets in our solar system, which one would it be? What would be the design concept be? Venus – because it’s warmer there!  I would juxtapose futuristic furniture with old paintings of the Greek goddess, Venus. (<-- Obvi.)

Were there any challenges to this project?  The room was small, there was no closet, and there was a large free-standing air conditioning unit in the corner.  The A/C unit had to stay so I had to find a way to disguise it without blocking the flow of air.  I ended up using a folding screen/room divider which added to the charm of the room.  Also, My client’s due date got pushed up by 3 weeks so time was a concern.  I was in a mad rush at the end to get everything installed by the time my client returned home from the hospital. 

What tips do you have, as a professional, when it comes to clients who would like to design their own spaces like this one?  Don’t limit yourselves to standard children’s furniture and furnishings.  Think outside of the box.  Turn to local flea markets, antiques stores, and sites like etsy.com for one-of-a-kind furnishings.  If you’re on a budget, check ebay.com and craigslist.com first for nursery items – there’s a lot out there. (So true! Design is accessible, people!) Don’t limit yourself to a blue scheme for a boy or a pink scheme for a girl.  This is your baby’s first impression on the world.  Don’t be afraid to make a sophisticated, artsy, or wacky room.  Chose whatever colors and inspiration you like and have fun with your project!  (I love her.)
 

  What is your favorite color, pattern or feature you like to try and implement into a space to give it your signature?  A Louis Ghost Chair (by Philppe Starck for Kartell).  It’s the perfect mix of historical style and modern materials. (Fab.)  For this project I got to use a child-sized Louis Ghost Chair. (Baby fab.)

 What is your favorite candy? Chewy Nerds.  Hands down. (Bet you didn't see that one coming.)
 
By using cool greys, whites and touches of antique shimmer, Lindsay has concieved a really sophisticated baby room, hands down. This is also a great example of how you may think that your space doesnt have the square footage you need to properly execute a design this flawless, but it's all about proper planning. Good luck on your new adventures future mommies and daddies, and make sure to check out Lindsay Macrae's website at www.lindsaymacraeinteriordesign.com for a more detailed glimpse into her portfolio!

homeboy.
 

Special Delivery: A chic, tasteful baby! (Part 1)

So here you are, 8 months pregnant. Your feet hurt, your back hurts and even your boobs hurt. You can’t put your rings on, your ankles resemble a freshly fed pet python and o top it all off, you can’t even dye your roots for some reason. If dealing with daily phone calls from your mother in-law wasn’t enough, the constant pressure of finally getting around to the baby’s new room is looming overhead like some generic pink or blue cloud. It’s easy, right? Depending on whether the stork drops off a little Jane or John, simply dump is much cute princess or baseball junk in a small room, make it as obnoxious as possible and live with it for the next 3+ years.  Well I’m here to tell you, Mommy or Daddy, that it doesn’t have to end like this! Let me break it down for you: A baby room doesn’t have to be some expectation or cookie cutter version of what Grandma wants it to be. Designing for babies is perhaps your only chance to design a pure fantasy room. This room will serve as your new addition’s portal to another world, full of personality and fun. That being said, there are ways to incorporate baby’s room as a part of the parent-pad in a chic and sophisticated way.



 

 

 Let’s start with some inspiration rooms I’ve found for you. Notice the muted color schemes and the graphic nature of each space. By incorporating a large graphic or pattern along one (and I mean ONE) wall, you get all that bang for your buck in one sitting. Also, in little Aiden’s case, an amazing light fixture serves as the feature of his muted room. What do I mean by muted? Here’s the deal: Color selection is really imperative when it comes to baby rooms. The days of Pepto pink and Smurf blue are over. You want to make sure that the colors selected are toned down, so baby can find his or her new out-of-womb digs relaxing and comfortable. Infusing more saturated tones of greens and yellows is fine, but keep it to a minimum as these hues have proven to be irritating and unsettling to our little ones.

 

Speaking of that ONE wall, perhaps the most chic and trendy way to put your bundle of joy above the rest is to apply a large scale pattern, print or graphic to the space. Let your imagination run wild here, with chevrons (tres chic), polka dots, tribals or even large-scale prints of old fairy tale illustrations. A wall treatment like this is super easy and instantly sets the tone for the room.

 

For your Jane:

 

For this little Princess, we’re putting her up in the perfect princess tower. Start off with some classically lined furniture like this crib and changing table from Pottery Barn Kids. These pieces give off a traditionally girly feeling. Keeping them white makes things light and airy, and compliments the overall Color palette of lavender, White and cream. Another piece of important furniture is the comfy chair for mom or dad. This is another piece that can stand on its own and really make a statement. In this case, I’ve selected a Horchow piece with beautiful feminine arms and a contemporary scroll pattern in shades of cream and ivory. These pieces are all set against a lilac chevron wall pattern and a large art piece from an antique Grimm’s fairy tale book. The piece I’ve chosen is a beautifully chic portrait of Sleeping Beauty, a perfect fit for your little Sleeping Beauty (see what I did there?). Top it all off with a fabulous light fixture made of glass flower blossoms, like this one from Eurofase, and she’ll be dripping in sophistication before she can even say “feed me”.

 

For your John:

 

 

This space ranger is going to be the envy of all of his friends, as soon as they learn to understand what’s going on. Muted tones of teal and grass provided a fun alternative to powder blue. Colors like these give a fun punch to a boy’s room along with a large wall graphic of the rings of Saturn. Along with the wall graphic, add a fun UFO-meets-ice cream print, like this one from Love, Ashley Designs. The crib and changing table, both from Kalon Studios, are a mixture of natural wood tones and a hint of lime green. These piece also have some mid-century modern lines that give a space-age feel. Add in a fluid armchair, like this one from Horchow, to class it up a bit. This is all going to look amazing underneath the neato, spacey light fixture which emits light shapes like stars and suns. What a perfect alternative to a traditional mobile, right? I got your back.

 All in all it's not too hard to prep your soon to be kid for design greatness. Don't forget to think outside of the box when it comes to the whimsically chic world of Bay room design, and make sure to check out part 2 of my Special Delivery design study next week, where we get an exclusive walk through or a recent nursery project from New York based Interior Designer, Lindsay Bishop Macrae!

 

Homeboy.

 

 

To check out more fun prints from Love, Ashley Designs, check out the Etsy Shop here: (http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveAshleyDesigns).

 



15 Minutes of Fame

Admit it: Just like me, you’ve fantasized about sitting in the kitchen with Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia, eating cheesecake and reminiscing on time gone by with the aid of whirly flashbacks. In your mind, you’ve taken an imaginary tour of their matriarchal beehive, checking out the terra cotta entryway and sipping iced tea on the lanai. Thanks to the silver screen, the living spaces of our favorite TGIF characters have become commonplace in our minds. Over the years we’ve become so familiar with these pads that it’s totally normal to picture yourself strumming the guitar with Uncle Jessie in his basement apartment… Or was that just me? But before you decide to bust out your Dynasty décor, tread lightly. Remember: it’s totally cool to use eclectic inspiration from the Friends pad; after all, these interiors are strategically designed to reflect the inner psyche of our favorite characters. But if your friends, family or other half all of a sudden walk over your threshold and onto the set of Star Trek, we may have a problem.

 Either way if you’re feeling a bit nostalgic these days and looking to infuse some TV magic into your space, here’s your chance. For you, homies, I have amassed four famous floor plans from artist Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde, and put together a few things to help you evoke the feeling of these super-cool TV interiors.

 

Who doesn’t love the bachelorette pad of Carrie Bradshaw? If those walls could talk, right? The sort of amazing thing about Carrie’s apartment is the balance between masculine and feminine.  Soft greys and blues wash the walls, while masculine leather furniture sits in the living area. Add some gallery frames above your plush bedding and maybe even take the doors off of your closet for an exposed look. Before you know it, you’ll be living in an unrealistically large apartment, rent free, in the middle of Manhattan!

 

 

Remember the zany antics of our old friends Will & Grace? How about their fabulous upper-east side apartment? This 2/1 split boasted an eclectic yet sleek aesthetic, showing off a lived-in and styled living space. Obviously, the place was the brainchild of Will (again, obviously) and wouldn’t be too hard for you to emulate, granted you include a few design keystones. A tailored sofa, mimicking a men’s suit, set next to a hearty leather lounge chair sets the mood. Putting those pieces with a collection of décor like an antique telescope or a bust of some philosopher and the addition of a subtle paint mixed with a vibrant one makes you a compulsive gay man and a manic straight woman all rolled into one.

 

So you feel a little dangerous. But at the same time you love the tropics. You’re also a serial killer. OK maybe not the serial killer part, but you love Dexter! Invoke the vibes of this hit show (sans the sharp objects and bloody tarps) by taking it to Miami. Use fresh, minty greens and blues along with some mid-century modern furniture to start. Add in a cool, geometric bookcase and a masculine, modern office chair with your desk and you’re really giving that old-school casual Miami feel that Dexter’s murder mansion is known for.

 

Let’s take it way back with some I Love Lucy styling! This doesn’t mean that you need to put your partner in a separate twin bed, it just means that you need some traditional vintage furniture, a muted paint scheme and an exposed brick wall. The Ricardo household was somewhat minimal, but that doesn’t meant that you couldn’t jazz up that Frank Lloyd Wright inspired chair with a funky plaid upholstery to give your space a kick.

So next time you're watching the tube and you see an interior that speaks to you, Remember what the first rule of casting is: pick out key elements that stand out to you and go with it.

Homeboy. 



Swag: Not Everyone's Got It.

There are few things in life that are negotiable. Aside from the obvious clean fingernails or must-have little black dress, window treatments are also at the top the list. How hard can it be, right? Just buy whatever drapery panels are in the sale bin and molest your window with them. It’s like forcing your poor windows to wear some ill-fitting outfit, condemning them to a life of ridicule and looks that say “something just isn’t quite right in here”. Well homies, it’s high time you took a good look at your windows and asked yourself: Is this really the look I’m going for?  Any windows located in your area should be thought of as subconscious points of interest. No matter how large or small, these panels of glass break up the monotony of the wall while most times, letting in natural daylight. It’s important to dress these windows appropriately, and to understand that treating your windows like an afterthought could make you the laughing stock of your next dinner shindig. OK, maybe that’s dramatic, but you get it.

My theory on Window treatments? I’m glad you asked. Here it is: you don’t want to be that girl. You know, the girl that everyone’s met. The one who’s makeup just isn’t quite right. You know what I’m talking about. Her eyeliner is always a little wonky, her powder line is clearly visible or her eye shadow is just a little much. Your window treatments add to the cosmetic nature of your room, and when things are off, it’s like a bad makeup job. However, there are some key basics when dealing with draperies and window treatments which, if followed, can keep you ready for your close-up.

So first, let’s point out some common mistakes made when it comes to window treatments. These  design devils usually appear in the form of vertical blinds, incorrect length, dated and overdone embellishments or poor care.

 

1. When it comes to vertical blinds, enough is enough people. If possible, avoid these at all costs. They will basically add about 10 + years onto the face of your pad. I know what you’re thinking: what about privacy? Well if you don’t want your neighbor to see you vacuuming in the buff, don’t worry. A perfect alternative to vertical blinds would be trying screen panels. These panels, usually sold with track systems, offer just the right amount of opaque privacy, with a contemporary, graphic edge. Super sleek, super now.

2. Another window woe is the ever-puzzling length dilemma. Ask yourself this: would you ever intentionally walk out of the house with slacks that were 8” too short? Didn’t think so. I’ve highlighted here for you the area in which I like to refer to as “the vortex”. This expanse of baron wall, much like the Bermuda Triangle, is an area of mystery to me. For the record, your drapery panels should always hit the floor. If you think I’m being mean for saying so, just know that I had to break the news to my mother 2 weeks ago. Panels are readily available in 3 common sizes (84”, 96” or 108”) to suit standard window frame heights. In a nutshell, always think it’s better to go longer than shorter. Ideally, your panels should brush the floor, however a little pooling never hurt anyone. Pooling, or when the panels gather on the floor, offers more of a luxurious look. So ditch the highwaters and wade on over to the deep end of the design pool[ing].

 

3. Let’s say you feel like your windows need a little something extra. Or perhaps you’re just really into ancient mythology. Well before you try to dress your window up like a Greek goddess, take a moment to reconsider. The “swag” as it’s become affectionately known as, is one of my least favorites. This styling technique is dated and dreary, while in the meantime a major dust collector. Though it’s sad to say that the Dynasty days are one, if you feel the need to cap you windows off, I get it. A well-done valence can add great dimension and a hint of added architecture to any space. My advice is to try and get your hands on a piece of reclaimed wood that you can fashion into a shallow valence. Pair your new find with some fitted micro shades for an awesome rustic-contemporary combo. Can you say conversation piece?

 

4. Broken blinds? Get it together! Nothing says “dorm room” like some crack house blinds. Horizontal blinds are more often than not a stock choice and come with most houses or apartments. Furthermore, these babies are really hard to keep looking, um, nice. Take those suckers down and replace them with some luxurious, yet sleek Roman shades. Roman shades will instantly up the ante of your space.

So next time you go to address your waning windows think of this: They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul, right? Well wouldn't that make windows the eyes to your living room...? *Mind Blown*

Homeboy.

D.I.Why?

With influences from mediums like Pinterest and HGTV expanding like a sponge dinosaur, the concept of improving your space all on your own has become an institution of interior design in and of itself. The idea that you, Joe Schmoe, can make one swift trip to your local craft store and within an afternoon have created some masterpiece has become commonplace. Well with this notion, a nasty little acronym has been birthed. It’s name is DIY. Obviously this stands for the phrase “do it yourself”. I’m going to be completely honest with you: I have yet to meet an interior designer worth their weight in salt who would spend hours upon hours whittling some weirdo coffee table in their garage that ends up leaning to one side and eventually collapsing.

Personally, if someone told me to “do it myself” I’d actually be offended. The temptation to simply purchase your latest home wants and needs via the internet while you watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is just too strong sometimes. However my at-home creative types need not fear. Though I have not the time or the patience level to hot glue 3,000 corks to a plywood substrate in an effort to create “art”, I do believe that there are some really cool things that can add a super chic sheen you your space, for not a lot of dough. My whole mantra on the DIY movement is as follows: more power to you. If you can muster up the time and endless supplies to fabricate your next conversation piece, then be my guest. My role, as your Homeboy, is to tell you to be realistic about the end result. Set yourself up for success. These DIY projects are easy, affordable and sure to inject a dose of zest into your living space.

1.

An easy way to add some super glam to your place is to take that old-ass mirror that’s either stuffed into your closet or hanging awkwardly on your wall and give it the Midas touch.

Step 1: Get some good gold spray paint (or crackle paint) and go to town.

Step 2: Let it dry. Apply another coat if needed.

What are you looking at? You’re done with the mirror. Insta-chic. Believe in yourself! You did it!

2.

 

Let there be light… switches. This is about as DIY as it gets for me, if I’m being honest. A really cool way to add detail to your space is to find a neat light switch panel cover, and replace that boring white one. Simply unscrew the 2 or 4 screws that hold the old panel on. You can use that screwdriver thingy. And then put the new panel on. Repeat screwing. TAH-DAH! Instant, fun wall accent.

3.

Throw shade. Yeah, that’s right. It’s about time you took that boring table lamp that mom and dad gave you ten years ago, and dress her up. Buy a fun and stylish lamp shade and let her have it. Adding this updated look will take your lighting selections to the next level. Even if you don’t think that the base matches, don’t worry: Eclectic is electric.

4.



Make contact with contact paper. I know it seems strange, but this age-old household item is good for more than just lining Grandma’s kitchen cabinets. Be warned, this DIY project is a little more time- intensive than the previous, but I figure if you, my little homie, have mastered the art of the previous, you can handle this one as well. So the point here is to give that unsightly sliding glass door, or any transparent surface for that matter, a touch of class with a chic nesting pattern.

Step 1: Determine your pattern and cut one shape to the desired scale of your pattern.

Step 2: Trace your shapes by using your newly cut template (kudos, you. You made a template. Mom would be so proud!) onto your frosted clear contact paper. Make multiple tracings as you’ll have to fill up the window.

Step 3: Turn on the tube and cut out the multitudes of shapes you’ve created while watching that Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marathon. You didn’t think I would skip it, did you? You’ll probably get through, like, two episodes. Just enough to watch Kim crash and burn, yet again.

So with a splash of vibrant paint, some cute pillow covers from IKEA and the quick projects I've spelled out for you above, adding spice to your space all by yourself is indeed possible. And why DIY? Because it can actually be easy! Even if you (or me) don’t have the time or patience to string a macaroni necklace, these suggestions can really save time, while making an impact.

Homeboy.