My love of the week is the new Au Naturel fabric collection from F. Schumacher & Co.
In this collection, Schumacher uses a neutral color palette and natural materials such as linen, silk, and wool to create beautiful fabrics with dynamic patterns and textures. I am using these in the redesign of my dining room and they are beautiful. I especially love the amboise linen.
I think there’s something for everyone in this collection. What do you think?
Did you think I would let the Royal Wedding of Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton pass without a post here? Not so friends. I had a very early start to the day Friday morning with two excited little children sleepily rubbing their eyes, but snuggling with Mommy and Daddy as we all experienced the incredibly chic, refreshingly formal and stately ceremony.
I know all of you are hoping to sleep in on Saturday after your watching parties and limited sleep, but just thought I would post my comments here. After 5 back to back appointments Friday in which I gushed uncontrollably about the wedding to each and every client and friend…you need more!! I will keep it brief.
THE DRESS
Elegant, ravishing and sophisticated. And an Alexander McQueen design…so fitting. Loved Pippa’s dress too…let’s not forget how tragic bridesmaid’s dresses can be!
Designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Pippa's dress also designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen - gorgeous!
THE ABBEY
When they showed the first image of the red carpet and the Abbey I gasped audibly! The trees!! Did you see the trees? Surrounded by blooming white lilies and creating a park-like setting inside, I was amazed. It was stunning and truly reflected the style Kate and William will bring to the Royals.
English Field Maples lined the red carpet...WOW!
THE HATS
I LOVED the hats. Whimsical, chic and fun. I need more hats! Philip Treacy was certainly busy in the weeks leading up to the Royal Wedding.
Carole Middleton, Queen Elizabeth II and The Duchess of Cornwall all sporting fabulous hats!
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson in a gorgeous Philip Treacy creation!
Princess Michael of Kent is stunning!
So friends, catch up on your sleep and rest well. This couple will be together a long, long time. Romance still reigns supreme and I also will be recovering from my Royal Fever this weekend.
Cheerio!
WEITZ-NOT
I am loving the wall coverings from Weitzner Limited by Lori Weitzner!!! Jenny Perez with Weitzner Limited came to the studio today and gave a great presentation showcasing their beautiful and unique wall coverings.
This amazing company has created my new favorite find…..metallic backed linen wall paper that can be used as a magnetic surface! Can you imagine the possibilities? Craft rooms, office display boards (mine) and more. They also have great paintable plaster papers with large scale patterns.
I can’t wait until our metallic wall paper is installed in the conference room so we can create mood boards and presentations for our clientele. This is my new secret source and I shared it….why not?
Metallic linen wall paper that can be used as a magnetic surface!
Paintable plaster wall paper - absoulutely gorgeous!
As we embark upon our 10th year in business, I have been reflecting upon how in the world I ended up here? Remember, I have a degree in Economics, not Interior Design, but my passion truly lies here. I guess that degree came in handy during this little recession we just endured. Anyway, I thought it was time for a little celebration.
We recently hosted several clients and friends at the Dallas Auction Gallery for an evening of learning about the world of auctions.
I have often considered shopping auctions for our clients and have referred even more of our clients to sell their antiques to an auction house. But I have never bought at auction….never? In 10 years? Really?
When I realized that it was an area I didn’t know much about, I thought it was time to get educated. I bid on an auction item (ironic right?) at the Junior League of Dallas Auction and Casino Party for an evening of Cocktails and Collecting at DAG and won it! So last Thursday, we had the opportunity to learn about buying at auction and previewed the beautiful items up on the block at their upcoming auction this Wednesday evening, April 20th.
The entire family at DAG, (and I mean family literally), Scott Schuford and his wife Kathi (mom and dad), and daughters Lauren Laughry, Caroline Shuford, and Adrian Crossland, along with the auctioneer, Jerry Holley, hosted M Designs, and our friends and clients for this wonderful evening of learning. There were amazing jewelry items from an estate in Tyler, Texas…diamonds and emeralds galore! We saw several hunting trophies from mountain goats to elephant tusks, the most beautiful antique chests tables, mirrors, art, and more. Take a look at the auction catalog here.
Scott and Jerry gave an amazing lecture on how to buy at auction, including what to look for, how to bid on items and how to sell items as well. SO informative.
In my final reflection, I have decided you are never too old to learn and that after 10 years of owning an interior design firm, I have lots to learn. I also am reminded that our firm has grown through the referrals we have received from our existing clients and friends. Thank you to all of you, and stay tuned for an amazing program that will be available to you from M Designs to thank you for your referrals and loyalty all these years.
Here’s to the first 10 years and my wish for 20 more. – Denise
Lonny Magazine and Traditional Home are collaborating online…I can’t WAIT to see this tomorrow!
If you love beautiful interiors and design tips, you won’t want to miss this! Click here to subscribe!
Boy was I busy last week as I made my way around town meeting with friends, clients and seeing what’s new in fashion and design. Here are a few of the highlights from my week and proof that March is indeed Spring Event time!
TUESDAY EVENING
PoggenPohl Event – Dallas Showroom
PoggenPohl is launching the Artesio collection and Sub-Zero/Wolf partnered to host the event. D Home has a full page ad this month showing their amazing cabinetry. It was so great to see old friends Candace Evans of SecondShelters.com, and of course the always charming Angel Calderon, showroom manager at Poggenpohl. Pop over and take a look – German engineering at its finest.
THURSDAY
Ritz-Carlton Residences Luncheon Debut of Ann Sutherland designed Residence as well as the Bentley Continental GT. Gentleman, start your engines. I wasn’t able to attend the reveal of the other beautifully designed residences by Laura Hunt, Jan Showers and Carleton Varney, but I also toured those when I was there Thursday. What a great mix of talented designers and Ann’s was great. She showcased furnishings and wallpapers from the David Sutherland showroom and was a gracious host indeed.
Ann Sutherland Master Bedroom
Laura Hunt Dining Room
Carleton Varney Wine Room
THURSDAY EVENING
I attended the Veranda Event at Ceylon Et Cie welcoming new Veranda Editor Dara Caponigro, formerly of Domino Magazine.
What a party – the design elite and Michelle Nussbaumer’s closest friends and clients turned out to welcome Dara and introduce her to the Dallas community. As usual – Michelle looked stunning and was a wonderful hostess. I saw lots of old friends and enjoyed shopping while enjoying the great DJ and people watching. I am anxious to see the new Veranda, as I enjoy it much like it is today. I wonder if there will be an edgier design view similar to Domino? We shall see….
Good friend Shelly Rosenberg with her "Cleopatra" pose in a great green velvet chair.
FRIDAY
Friday was the Neiman Marcus Willow Bend – Art of Fashion Luncheon. The fabulous Jan Strimple produced a wonderful show highlighting the trends for spring…coral; white-on-white; nude pumps; bright handbags…
I also found a great necklace from Dina Mackney Designs and you will see some of her pieces on the models. What a great way to end the week!
SATURDAY
I was back at Willow Bend on Saturday for personal reasons. My little Jori (in the hot pink suit) was in the NM Children’s Fashion show. I think we may have a model in training. What do you think?
Let’s move into the heart of the home; the kitchen. One thing that both men and women agree on is appliances…top quality appliances. Women usually ask for extra work space and a place where the family or friends can sit and relax while meals are being prepared. And if the couple likes to entertain, we like to include wine refrigerators, warming drawers and double ovens for sure!
When you think of a kitchen island, does a big block of wood topped with granite come to mind? Think again! Designer Suzanne Kasler used an antique French farmhouse table and paired it with Louis XV style dining chairs to create a dining space that can double as additional work space. Image: House Beautiful
This roomy kitchen designed by Penny Drue Baird includes a huge island, Wolf range, built in microwave, oven and warming drawer; perfect for the couple that likes to entertain. The quilted stainless backsplash adds texture to the room. Image: Architectural Digest
This contemporary kitchen designed by M Designs Interiors, includes a large island and dining space. The glass tiled back splash coordinates with the marble on the island and adds an artistic touch. The hardwood floors are easy to clean and care for and add warmth to the space. Image: M Designs
I wanted to share this kitchen because it has such a clean, crisp look and I love the apple green! What a great touch to paint the inside of the cabinets with the apple green and use glass doors on a few of the cabinets to add some interest to the space. The same color scheme is carried over to the adjoining dining room creating a natural flow from one room to the next. Image: Southern Living
I love to design master baths! A master bath should be a retreat – a spa for both you and your spouse. Men always ask for a nice big shower while women love a big, deep tub to lounge in and to take a long, luxurious bubble bath. Couples usually agree on the fact that separate sinks are essential, and both want plenty of space for toiletries.
Once we design the room space wise, we add all the little perks like heated floors, towel warming drawers, lighting and don’t forget to include speakers to pipe in your relaxing music.
Take a look at some of these beautiful baths! Makes me want a bubble bath right now!
This is an interesting shower concept; partially open, partially glassed in, but includes the tub in the same space. Designer Vincente Wolf included two separate sinks and plenty of storage space underneath. The wall of windows brings in lots of natural light and makes the space appear larger and very open. Image: House Beautiful
This master bath is not very large, but Photographer Amy Neusinger manages to include most couples’ favorite things…separate shower and bath. I love the claw foot tub! The sink is one long sink with two faucets – brilliant! Image: House Beautiful
I love this space designed by Carrie Hayden. The mirrored chests used to house the lavatories are gorgeous and the antique gilt mirror in the middle is so beautiful! A great way to incorporate an antique mirror for the antique collector in the family! Image: House Beautiful
This modern bath incorporates a nice glass enclosed shower, deep tub and even a space for a piece of workout equipment! Designer Candice Olson has added lots of lighting and drawers for storage, while keeping the space clean and sleek. Image: vtinteriors.blogspot.com
This is a beautiful bath designed by Emily Summers Design Associates…a little retro and very chic! The soft color palette makes this a relaxing space, and I love the large vanity area! Image: Architectural Digest
Many times closets are overlooked when designing a home and don’t usually get much “design time”. Builders typically include “just enough space” to store a small wardrobe, and move on to bigger, better rooms.
When working with couples on the design of their home, men tell me they have about 12” of rod space to hang their clothes and their wife has the rest of the closet! Sorry guys, but we can’t help it! We need lots of room to store our wardrobes and accessories. I mean, personally, I could use a closet devoted to shoes, nothing but shoes, so help me God. Ladies, I know I’m not alone!
Here are some beautiful closets and great ideas to help you create a master closet where you can be organized, have plenty of your own space and you both could love!
If you want simple and functional, this is for you. Dressing table, lots of drawers, and plenty of shelves for storage. The rods placed at different heights accommodate pants, shirts and longer dresses. Image: California Closets
This is a beautiful closet. Ladies, you can hide your shoe collection behind these mirrored doors. There’s plenty of drawer space and light as well. Image: Cote de Texas blog
This is a fun closet/dressing area. His and her armoires, lots of drawer space and the center cabinet for additional storage. The emerald green Russian chandelier adds a little “bling” and color. Image: Architectural Digest
Sending big congratulations to Michelle Nussbaumer for being chosen by 
