How could you change up your outdoor living space?  Let us know, we’d love to help!

Mary Sherwood Lake Living – working with you to create your lifestyle!

The setting of this year’s event was a beautiful estate built-in 1941 in Arcadia, CA.  The show house was gracefully restored with modern amenities and conveniences with attention to details that reflected the period.

The photographs shown here were all taken from the Showcase guide.  The design firms for each area are noted on the pictures.  There were so many special spaces and so many wonderful details.  I selected the following to point out design tips that could be recreated in any setting.

Front Stairwell

The walls of the beautiful vaulted front entry stairwell were covered with winter wheat colored fabric that provided an understated neutral palette to lead the way to the incredible rooms to come. The glass chandelier was amazing!

Design tip:   The details of the stairway runner.  It was bound in leather and tacked down with larger upholstery nail heads.  The nail heads do not show in this photo.  This look could easily be re-created by binding the runner in a wide fabric binding and adding the nail heads.

Powder Room

From the designer’s perspective the powder room was designed to recall your first jewelry box full of wonder and magic.  It was wonderfully executed with the stone chevron detail of the mirror, the gold accents and the skirted vanity.

Design tip:  The chevron detail could be recreated with the use of fabric or paint.  The tailored skirt detail could be applied to any countertop surface to create a feel of elegance.

Family Room

The owners requested the space be expanded to incorporate the bar with lighted green glass details that was installed in 2000 Designer Showcase.  A wall was removed and left two different ceiling heights.

In order to draw attention away from this the ceiling was embellished with intricate patterned molding, textured wallpaper and dramatic lighting.

Design tip:  Don’t forget the ceiling.  It does not have to be this elaborate. You can achieve an amazing effect by adding some well design molding detail, texture with paint or paper and/or the right lighting… remember attention to details.

Master Bedroom

Soft, serene color palettes were used throughout the house.  Here in the master bedroom soft blues and gold set the mood.

Design tip:  Find the right color that appeals to you and create a master space that allows for restful, blissful sleep. 

Teenage Daughter’s Room

What teenage girl would not die for a room like this?  There were feminine touches everywhere with varying shades of lavender and wonderful details.

Design tip:  The existing bookcases flanking the sides of the bed were turned into creative niches to hold accessories, trinkets and baubles of any teen’s fancy.  This could be applied to any bookcase by designing a plan to convert the bookcase interior with shelving boards.

Guest Room

This guest room was designed to incorporate the eves and slopes of the ceiling.  Many built-ins provided ample storage and some hidden details.

Design tip:  The TV was recessed in the wall and hidden by a hinged piece of art. The small TV was mounted in the recessed area on a swivel-tilt wall mount so it could be positioned to suit the guest’s viewing needs.

Guest  Reading Suite

This space was originally the servant’s quarters.  It has been transformed into a space to work, converse, relax and sleep.  The textured wall, molding details, fabrics and accessories set the tone.

Design tip:  A queen size bed was turned horizontal and tuck up against the wall to create a lavish day bed.  This could be done with a twin or double bed as well.  It definitely achieved the designer’s goal of a multi use relaxing space.

Office Bath

There were many lavish baths throughout the house but this smaller scale space contained some wonderful details.   The blue painted cabinet with slab inset doors and simple but interesting hardware blends seamlessly with the white marble countertop and adjacent shower wall.  I love how the glass shower wall just seems to float on the white wall.  The tile details were very subtle but tied the entire space together.

Design tip:  Simple details like the door pulls can add so much.  The tile border place high and low is a great placement and creates a feeling of more height in the shower.  Think about creative ways to use an interesting tile accent in a different way.

Guest Room

This room included the use of lots of different textures… on the wall, bed and floor.  I love this mingle of tactile fabrics to make you want to reach out and touch every detail. The very tall headboard was a little over scaled for the space but the reading nook was very creative.

Design tip:  The reading nook was formerly a closet.  What a great adaptation of a small space.  You may not have an extra closet to give up but think outside the box when confronted with a use for a small difficult space.

Garage 
What an amazing makeover of the original three car garage!  The guys from the firm Garage Envy incorporated so many interesting details into this space.  This is certainly not your usual “man cave”.

Design tip:  You may not have that three care garage space to work with but garage organization can be done in many ways.  Take cues from the pros by including storage, entertainment, border floor detail, lighting and seating in your garage makeover.

Our outing to the Designer Showcase was so worth while.  It is something I don’t always take time to do.  Throughout this country there are so many talented designers with thousands of creative ideas.  They invest their time and talents to create beautiful show house spaces.  After writing this blog I will always take a closer look at the details.  The things that can really make the difference in the overall design.  We all can take away a piece of some of these fabulous show house rooms by taking in the details and recreating them in your home.

For more information about the Pasadena Showcase House of Design events:  http://www.pasadenashowcase.org/#

Mary

Mary Sherwood Lake Living – working with you to create your lifestyle!

“Even though my mama died over 40 years ago, when I was a new bride, I still remember her telling me how to do something (clean the floor, make a cake, help a neighbor).  Her love lives on in my memory and in my life.”  ~ Melinda Harris

“Our mother-daughter weekends, plus just about any time we spend together.”  ~ Paula Greene

“My favorite memory of my mother is when she surprised me at school with balloons on my birthday.  Then she took me out to dinner when I was 7.  I love my mom!”  ~ Victoria Fahnestock

“When my son was small, we would take him out on the boat and he would go to sleep.  So Peaceful!”  ~ Sharon Lubbers

“My daughter told my husband’s boss that I always parked in handicapped and returned milk we drank.  The truth…I had foot surgery and parked in handicapped and the milk I had bought was sour.”  ~ Linda Webb

“I loved how my mom used to dirty every pot, pan and dish in the kitchen and my sister and I always had clean-up duty!” ~ Kathy Hayes

In addition to our customer’s favorite memories, we have memorable moments of our own.

“I will always remember waiting to the last minute to do a paper or a project in school, and my mom continuously supplying a list of “howabouts” to help get me motivated!”   ~ Michelle Saunders

“There are so many amazing moments with my mom and how inspirational she has been, but a big one that comes to mind is how she broke her leg while chaperoning a school roller skating party.  I begged her to get out and skate, not thinking about how she wasn’t wearing the appropriate socks.  Panty hose and skates are not a good combo!  Thanks mom for always being there, good times and bad!”  ~ Autumn Wenger

“My mom was such an inspiration to all.  My brother would say she never met a stranger.  Even into her nineties she still made friends (i.e. flirted) with the life guard at the pool or the check out guy at the grocery store.  Everyone was her friend!  I am so lucky to have had a loving, generous, happy woman as my role model and mom.  Miss you Mom!”  ~Mary Sherwood

God bless all the moms in our lives!

Mary Sherwood Lake Living – working with you to create your lifestyle!

Pillows and Blankets - This may seem like a no-brainer, but be sure to have plenty of blankets of different weights.  You never know how cold or hot your guest may be, so give them options.  Pillow options are appreciated also.  While you’re at it, toss the pillow inserts in the dryer for a few minutes with a dryer sheet to add fluff and a fresh scent.

Robe and/or Slippers – This is especially nice when your guest bath isn’t adjoining the guest bedroom.  Even a few steps out in the hall can be an awkward jump if you forgot something in your suitcase.  This touch will remind your guests of a resort.  Make it even cushier with fluffy slippers!

“Welcome Center”

Desk/Writing Space - Although it seems so many of us primarily use our smart phones and other devises to communicate, a hand written note or card from a vacation is a classic touch.  Include a small space complete with stationary, pens/pencils, and postage.  If you don’t have room for a desk, reserve a space on a night stand/dresser/tray for your “Welcome Center” (see picture).

Water Glasses and Pitcher – This is another nice touch for the “Welcome Center”.  Give your guests this convenience so they don’t have to stumble around your kitchen in the middle of the night for a glass of water.  Especially nice if they take medications.  Depending on your space, a Coffee Bar is also very appreciate.

Personal Touches - Send the perfect message with fresh-cut flowers.  They say “Welcome”, “Good Morning”, and “Thank You!” all at once.  This soft touch really makes a stay memorable.  Books can be a nice addition.  Think about the guests and what might interest them.  I like including classic children’s books – works for kids and the young at heart.  And don’t forget the very personal items, back-up toiletry items.  It’s nice to have a toothbrush, hand lotion, etc. just in case.

Space for Luggage – Finally, baggage (whether physical or emotional) always come with guests.  Guest rooms are often the catch-all space for things you don’t use that often or just don’t have a better home.  Be careful not to consume too much storage space.  Leave a few drawers empty for your guests (complete with a scented sachet) and space in the closet for hanging.  And don’t forget the bags – a folding luggage rack takes little space and is a valuable luxury instead of having to hunch over your suitcase on the floor.

~Think about your favorite vacations and what made them special.  You can recreate those memories in your guest room with these tips.  You may love it so much, you can be a guest in your own home!

Mary Sherwood Lake Living – working with you to create your lifestyle!

We noticed quite a few trends became apparent throughout our three-day journey:

Details, Details, Details – Whether it was contrasting welts, decorative trims, tufting, or nailhead features, designers paid close attention to the details.

Grey-0logy – By now, we’ve all heard of the fifty shades of grey, but market illustrated the many shades of grey mixed with pops of color!

Flower Power – Although the weather didn’t quite hold up its end of the bargain, Spring had definitely sprung at market.  Their were florals to be seen on bedding, chairs, rugs, and in artwork.

Lacquer is Back – The presence of lacquer was evident in numerous showrooms this year!  It’s amazing how a coat of high gloss paint can reinvent a piece of furniture.

Old World Rustic – We saw color and shine in many corners of market, but it seemed one of the most predominant trends this Spring was Old World Rustic.  There were muted wood tones on traditional frames combined with neutral linens.

So whether your taste is traditional, contemporary, or even a tad eclectic, do not fear!  There is definitely something in the marketplace to appeal to you!  We can show you what’s new at Mary Sherwood Lake Living!

Michelle

Mary Sherwood Lake Living – working with you to create your lifestyle!

Can’t wait for the new?  Here are some of our October finds.

Our search begins here…

What will we find…

 Company C is always the hot spot for new color!!!

 Libby Langdon’s furniture line at Braxton Culler showroom was a great find!

 Four Seasons, our comfy slipcover line, showed off  bigger scale seating.

Global Views is one of the best merchandised showrooms at market-full of fabulous accessories.

Your market team will report it’s finds!

Mary, Autumn and Michelle- to market, to market we go!

Mary Sherwood Lake Living - working with you to create your lifestyle!

Our new Amazing Plant Stands offers a new spin on an old tradition.  With the help of this integrated system, it allows you to construct a tiered container stand.  The possibilities are endless!

The plant stand comes in two convenient sizes, one for tabletop which allows for a three tiered configuration, and the second is a larger stand with a numerous, varying sized design.

What a simple way to show off your green thumb…and your creativity!  And you don’t have to stick with the old standby terracotta pot.  Try mixing it up by painting your pots in a variety of pastel colors to breathe extra life into your creation.

You can also try utilizing different types of containers as well.  The examples below illustrate the usage of Chinese rice buckets in various sizes and textures to add interest to their plant stands.

Finally, your “plant” stand doesn’t have to be confined to merely plants.  Use the tiered structure to display a multitude of items, just like these stuffed animals for a little girl’s room.

Your plant stand design is only limited by your imagination!

Please join us on Saturday, April 27th at 11 a.m. for our “Amazing Plant Stand” demo class.  Contact us at Mary Sherwood Lake Living, 252.586.2437, to reserve your space today.  Class fee is $10 with a $5 rebate towards the purchase of your own “Amazing Plant Stand”.

How can you use one of these “Amazing Plant Stands”?

Michelle

Mary Sherwood Lake Living - working with you to create your lifestyle!

1. Take In A Breath of Fresh Air:  On warm spring days (before or after pollen season) open your windows, air out your house. Clean and repair screens to enjoy the greatest benefits from the warm breezes.
   

   Blue Porch Ceiling

2. Clean out the cobwebs:  Clean the ceiling fan blades of dust and cobwebs.   Check that the blades are rotating counter-clockwise for summer air circulation.  In years past, front porch ceilings were painted blue to keep the spiders away.  Last summer, we painted our screened porch ceiling sky blue and our spider population really decreased.  There is an interesting interview on NPR that talks about blue porch ceilings.

   http://n.pr/10PGG7v

   Folklore or not, it is worth a try.

3. 

   Comfortable Outdoor Furniture

   Comfy Furniture:  To enjoy your leisure time outdoors make sure your furniture is comfortable.  If you can’t invest in the best, start with inexpensive plastic furniture and cushions that you can easily replace when the budget allows.  I invested in our porch furniture over twenty years ago.  Every five to seven years, I have re-covered or replaced the cushions.  Most of our guests say our porch seating is the best seating in the house!

4. Prep the Grill:    Summertime is barbecue time!  Clean your grill, check the gas ports, fill the propane tank and empty the grease traps.
   

   Grow Your Own

5. Grow Your Own:  Whether you have limited space or a large plot, consider growing your own produce.  It can save money, help you eat healthy, limit the pesticides in food and help our planet.  If you are new to vegetable gardening, tomatoes, basil, herbs and lettuce are a few easy veggies to start with.
   

   Outdoor Lighting

6. Illuminate the Dark:  For safety’s sake, illuminate all outdoor paths and stairs.  There are many new LED lighting options to efficiently do the job.
7. Lighten up your Closet:  Move the heavier, darker clothes and boots of winter to the back or far side of your closet.  Make room for the sundresses, flip-flops and bathing suits.
8. Freshen Up Your Guest Rooms:  Fluff up your bedding and replace your pillows or give them a spin in the dryer on air dry with a fabric dryer sheet.  Add a value priced duvet cover or matelasse coverlet to give a fresh look to the room.
9. Pump It Up:   Inflate all the water toys and check for leaks.  It’s no fun having the kids all ready for a ride and not have use of their favorite floating vehicle.
10. Get Your Lounge On!  Put on your shorts or favorite swimsuit, head to the deck or pier and “get your lounge on”.  Enjoy!!!

What do you look forward to most about summer at the lake?  Tell us and maybe we can help you enjoy it even more!

Mary Sherwood Lake Living - working with you to create your lifestyle!

Revive Unwanted Furniture with these Great Tips!

Prep

- Remove hardware.  You may need to make note of which drawer they came off of.  If you’re replacing the hardware, be ware that some knobs leave indentations that you’ll want to cover up with the new knobs.

- Take out drawers and label them (on the inside with painter’s tape) for their locations.  Drawers often fit perfect in a specific slot.  Skipping this step will cost you time in guessing and possibly touching up paint.

- Lightly sand all surfaces to be painted, whether you are working with new or old pieces.  Any oil or dirt on the surface will prevent the paint from adhering.  Brand new pieces usually have a protective coat that seals the finish, which also prevents new paint from bonding properly.  Wipe clean.

- Think about how you plan to use the furniture when selecting paint finish.  While we often use satin or eggshell on interior walls, they usually scuff easier and show dirt more on regularly used pieces.  I usually use semi-gloss on furniture because it’s easy to clean and hold up really well.  You can also use a high gloss for a sleek, contemporary look.

At Mary Sherwood Lake Living, we believe that design is not merely your surroundings, but also your lifestyle!

In honor of Easter, we’d like to present a medley of tips….

Gingerbread houses are usually thought of as a painstaking process…stir up the gingerbread batter, roll it out, cut out the shapes, bake the individual parts, erect the house, and finally, the fun part, decorate.  The ingenious moms at The Candy Cottage have done the hard part for us and created a ready-to-decorate gingerbread house.  They simply need some candy and icing along with your imagination.  They can be decorated to celebrate any occasion, but we’re highlighting the Easter house.

The houses come individually packaged with snap together pieces that easily fit together to form the house.  Once constructed, simply adorn the house with icing and Easter candy such as jelly beans, pastel Reese’s Pieces, tiny marshmallows, and pastel M&Ms.

Another great tip is converting your everyday deviled eggs into “devilish” easter egg chicks.  Simply hard boil and cut your eggs in half crosswise.  Cut a thin sliver off the bottom half of the egg to help it stand upright.  Scoop the filling below into the bottom half of the egg, place the top on, and adorn with black peppercorns for eyes, and a triangle of carrot for the beak.  Voila!

Devilish Easter Egg Filling:

• 12 Egg Yolks
• 1/3 c. Wasabi Cucumber Dill Sauce (available at MSLL)
• 2 tsp. dijon mustard
• Salt and Pepper

Pic courtesy of Make Life Special

Lastly, why not make your easter drinks look adorable as well?  Simply push a straw lengthwise through a bunny Peep and serve with your favorite springtime beverage.  Too cute!

Pic courtesy of theautocrathaley

So however you decide to celebrate this Easter holiday, do it with style…

Michelle

Mary Sherwood Lake Living – working with you to create your lifestyle!