They practically don't exist.  Super elusive, expensive and annoying to buy.

But we need them to conquer our gallery wall fantasies and our family photo sharing dreams.  

I can't wait to make my millions with my attractive and affordable ready-made, LARGE SCALE frames. BILLIONS EVEN. Move over Donald Trump. Sionara, Bill Gates.  It'll be the facebook of framing. The 'skinny girl margarita' of wall decor.  

But until then i'm sharing what i use for ready-made frames that are the best for the price.  The ones that look expensive but aren't - ish. 

Be prepared to spend some money - perhaps even more than what you are framing. It sucks, but not framing things isn't an option for me anymore - its become an addiction.  

it's like not wearing makeup. Sure i can go without it; its physically possible but its not pretty.  Put simply, i'll look 1 thousand times better with it on.  It just takes some effort, time and money. Like framing. 

1. Framatic Fineline frames in white or black

This picture does NOTHING for them, but they are really really great in person.  They look really high end and gallery-like but are under $50 including the mat. And they have this patented 'framelock' corner joining system on the back which makes is extremely easy to install the photos (as opposed to the Nielsen brand where you have to unscrew 8 screws....).  

Hands down my favorite.  The mats look high end, the frames themselves look expensive and they aren't.  The largest one they have is 16x20 which has a mat for an 11x14 piece of art.  But all the sizes are great.  They range from $15 - $30 From A.I. Friedman in New York.  Order online HERE.

See? The double matting looks great and the frame is thin and smart. I'm not the biggest fan or really wide frames - i like them deep but not wide.  Unless they are large scale and then they can be deep and wide.  

That's what she said.  

(Welcome back to 2008.)

I wish i could find a picture of the back, its so genius.  

2. Framatic Woodworks Frames.

I love the blonde wood frames. They have more texture and dimension than just white, but are still light and look Way more high quality than the ikea natural frames. 

They range from $18 - $30 (for the 16x20 - frame, not mat opening) From A.I. Friedman as well (and maybe other places but i have yet to find in Los Angeles...although i haven't tried Blick yet.) Order HERE. 

3. Nielsen 'Photography' Frames (that's the line that i like) 

These pictures don't do them justice AT ALL either:

In person they are very pretty and simple, with a good deep profile and a really thin metal frame with thick archival matting and uv protectant glass.  These are higher quality than the Framatic fineline, BUT they don't come in white (its like TV's - someone is under the impression that we actually want to 'see' the frames and the TV, when really I want it to disappear and let the art pop - and the tv image....unless you have a dark wall, obviously, or a lot of black accents in your house.....)

These range from $25 - $31 (cheaper online than in the store, but then you have to pay for shipping).  You can order here. 

Also don't be afraid to paint the frames - that is why god invented white and gold spray paint.

4. Pottery Barn Wood Gallery oversized mat frames.

Sometimes i think that the size of the mat is out of control. BUT sometimes you have something that is important to you that is small and you want to give it more importance so these are a good option. Also mixed in with thinner matted frames and they look really good.  

Plus they come in three finishes. 

They range from $47 - $55 which will add up, but way cheaper than custom framing.  Link HERE. 

5. Pottery Barn Lee Gallery silver frames

For the more traditional look, these are still modern and elegant; albeit even more expensive.  

They look expensive and high end.  I hate that i keep using that phrase like its so important that something look 'expensive', but i just hate when something that is cheap looks cheap - some thing that is well designed can look expensive but not be inexpensive.  Cheap looking frames look like a dorm-room and instantly dumb down an entire collection. 

6. West Elm Gallery frames.

They come in three different finishes and range from $!2 - $44.  I don't see them at the store very often so you might have to order online.    These aren't as deep as i like them, but they are great to mix in with others.  The frames and mats are good proportions. 

7. Ikea 'Ribba' line. 

These suckers are super cheap and good.  The have a good deep profile that feels modern and simple and when mixed in with say the framatic frames they don't look cheap.  

I particularly love this square ones (i think its 20x20) for $19.99  I've even had a mat cut for 4 polaroids and i floated them in the middle.  It looked totally custom and expensive.

All the other sizes are good. The mat is yellower than i want it to be, but its totally fine. And the super large one (above) that holds is 28x40  is a good 'i'm super desperate' solution for $25, but its kinda a piece of crap so don't think its going to live out your framing fantasies. But often it can be 'Meh, (shrug) good enough.' 

I love this size, too:

5x5 (i think) for $9.99.  The squares are great to mix in with rectangles - the collected look is all about contrast in shape size and finish, so these are a good cheap way to get that look.  

The natural wood is good too, but mix it in - it looks kinda cheap so if you do a whole wall it will scream 'ikea' and as much as we all love ikea, we don't want our homes to scream it.  Plus nobody will understand what they are saying because they say weird things like 'roplenploo' and 'nolfblaterson'. 

8. Nielsen Cosmopolitan frame in 'Gold' and 'Satin Black'

The finish is great. Its brushed gold, not the crazy shiny brassy gold that looks super cheap. These have slightly a more traditional bent because they curve in, but they are still simple and modern.  The 16x20's are still only $31.  HERE. 

9. Photo mounting via bumblejax.com

Now i feel weird saying this is a good option when i haven't done it myself. But i think that if you have the right photo (something more interesting and personal than say a yellow taxi-cab, but not so much a posed family photo) then it could be awesome - especially in a custom-size and with the acrylic frame option - so its all high gloss and pretty.  

These can be expensive so choose your photo wisely.  And go big so it looks more like a piece of high end art..  They give you a 30x40 option, which is $400 for the acrylic.  And they do square options as well which means that you can upload your instagrams. 

Be a bit careful choosing the photo - make sure its timeless and not too hipster because i'm afraid these could be the next 'canvas wrapped photo' which are kinda done.  A beautiful photograph or a sentimental photograph is always a good choice and is timeless, but something that just 'looks cool' could end up just looking like you are trying to be artsy which you might get sick of in a couple years. And they are too expensive to be something you get sick of fast. 

But this option is still way less expensive than framing a 30x40 photograph.  And they do custom sizes and other finishes.

I'm going to try it and see what i think....just trying to find the right photo.  I'm thinking one of the bear...in the moonlight....

Here are some additional tips and secrets:

1. If you buy a vintage frame from the flea market you can take it to a framers and have them add matting and glass and backing.  It wont' be cheap, but it will look custom and unique, and cheaper than the entire custom framing job.  I would say it could be around $100 but there are a lot of variables.  

2. if you buy a ready made cheap frame and you want to make it look more high end, take it to a framers and have them cut you a linen or silk mat instead of a paper one. it looks immediately more high end.  I do this all the time.  For the most impact get a colored linen mat - the paper ones look cheap but a colored one can be really beautiful and then you see the texture of the fabric more.  

Make sure that its working with the colors in the piece, you don't want the mat to stand out, you want it to compliment the art or photo.  

3. Art supply stores have a million different color and finishes of mats and if you don't care about it being archival then they can be as cheap as $5.  Then you ask them to cut it for you - and often they'll do it for like $10.  Sometimes they won't, i'm not guaranteeing it, but if you ask nicely they might - it just takes them a second. The framing stores probably wo't' do this for you but the bigger art supply stores are more likely to.  I've done it a bunch.  

4. If you don't want to get the mat cut, don't be afraid to simply float the piece in front of the mat. I don't always love this look but sometimes when the edges of a watercolor for instance are really pretty then i like to show it.  

5. Double matting can be tricky and over-decorative. But double white mat, or tone on tone can look way more special - just don't get too nutty or it goes 80's decorator really fast. 

6. You can spray paint any frame. Hell you can spray paint anything.  Montana has the best colors and finishes. You can get a gold that looks like brass - its dope.  Just tape it off with blue tape, stay 10 inches back and do even strokes, back and forth - probably 2 coats. 

7. Most framing stores have a price code system - like a - z on the back of the frame that corresponds with how expensive it is.  So ask what their system is so you aren't falling in love with something that is $1000 for an 8x10, because they exist.  They'll tell you to stay between A-D and then you'll know your parameters.  

8. Frame for the piece not for your home.  As a designer or decorator or stylist, whatever i am, of course i want it to look the best in the house, but make sure the frame looks perfect for the piece no matter what house its in.  You are investing in the framing to enhance the piece, so 'Frame for the art, not your house' and you'll be happy with it no matter how and what your home style changes to.  I've made this mistake before.  If a piece is an aged old oil painting i get it in an old world frame - it just belongs it in.  I once got one in a modern frame and i dont' love it - it looks like i was trying to make it hip and it is way less interesting and has less integrity now.  But i was trying to be cheap.....

My resources for framing in Los Angeles:

1. Hotel De Ville.  I've mentioned this store before because Dana the owner has very good and creative taste and will give you strong opinions with both inexpensive and expensive options.  It is not CHEAP, i don't want you going int there thinking you are going to spend $50. Custom anything is expensive and these companies need to get paid especially when they do a stand out job. Know that since you are spending money you are also getting an expert whereas if you go to Aaron Brothers they don't care what you do and won't help make decisions.  At least that's been my experience.  Dana ways in and gives you options and makes it totally fun.  I'm absolutely addicted to going there.  

2. Quick Frames, 2904 Los Feliz Blvd.  Not amazing, but reasonable prices for the quality.  Well, 'competetive' prices and fast.  I go there when i have a mass amount and want them cheaply done (like for a shoot, less for myself) and he normally gives a good deal.  I would highly recommend Hotel De ville over here, but if you just want fast and cheap, then this is a good option.

3. Best Picture Framing company. 

This one isn't for everybody. The frames are NOT amazing and they don't have a huge selection.  There are only 2 mats to choose from - white and beige.  But 2-3 of their 20 frame options are kinda good. 

It's downtown and in a pretty sketchy neighborhood. You have to pay cash. And don't mention my name. And they may or may not speak English. And its not really a store, more like a weird warehouse with a weird door. 

Not a good sell, right?

But its CHEAP.  Like crazy crazy crazy crazy cheap.  You get what you pay for.  I go here if i have a large custom piece and can't find anything ready made..... and on a budget.  OR if i have a huge lot of pieces to get framed fast - because their turn around is pretty fast.  If those are your needs then you can get something really large framed for $80 (or way less, depending on who rings you up).  Their prices may have gone up, i went there a lot during the show but don't go there for myself normally.  Some of their frames are huge and gaudy but if they were spray painted could be kinda awesome......

 Beyond the readymade choices i recommend above, i would say if you are going custom framing to do it in person. I've never used one of the online choices, like pictureframing.com but i feel like it would be like buying upholstered furntiure online - it might be fine but its a risk.   I need to sit in it, feel the foam, look at the finish of the fabric in person in order to buy.  You'll spend more in person at a store, but i think its worth it. 

Plus going online limits your options a TON, and these things are particular - a frame that looks gaudy and crazy online might just look amazing once you get it next to your piece with the right mat and you can't experiment online. You just get it in the mail and have to make do.

PLEASE if anyone knows a good online resource for framing large items in modern frames PLEASE share. Ikea is really the only go to for cheap big frames.  

Anybody have any secrets we should know?  PLEASE share......please....

So Jessica from the blog Design Seeds helped me.  Well, not personally, she doesn't even know me, but her blog totally saved me at times frankly from searching for hours for new color inspiration.  

She posts a million different color palettes inspired from EVERYTHING - nature, architecture, art, photography, travelling, history, bearcat.  Everything.

So when you are stuck or just looking for new inspiration, maybe this will help.  
 

My favorite ones tend to be inspired by nature because that mother knows what she is doing. 

\

It's so beautifully done, and so simple. Everyday its a new photograph with a new color palette.  Boom.

I often take out one of the colors - sometimes i feel like they can get cuckoo, but its such a good starting point that is so well curated.  

Had to share. And have to run.  

Nice job, Jessica.  Check it www.design-seeds.com

THE QUESTION ISN'T ABOUT THROWING AWAY, ITS ABOUT EXACTO-KNIFING OUT ALL THE REAL CONTENT....GETTING RID OF THE ADS.....

I could have a whole binder for DIY.  A whole binder for 'Tabletop inspiration'.  My own 'Entertaining' inspiration binder......it all sounds so good.  

Yet something feels wrong about doing it. I remember suggesting to my old boss when she moved that she get rid of them and she looked at me as if all of a sudden she had me pegged all wrong - such an absurd suggestion.  And then i remember shooting at the Sara Costell's house (the style editor at Domino) and seeing her row and row of magazine in awe thinking, 'god she must just love design'.  In a good way.  It's like a trophy;  Proof of your devotion.

But, I'm afraid it might also be the same reason why i feel like i can't get rid of all my Thomas Pynchon books even though i have no intention of reading them again. 

Is keeping every single design/decor magazine (as a whole) actually just for looks?

Will i regret cutting them up? I'm overloaded by magazines and i haven't looked at A LOT of them for years - i just keep moving them around, house to house just to be in pretty boxes in an office.  BUT, if I actually go through them and pull out inspirational shots then i might actually get use out of them in the future.

But i need help decidiing.....

Vote, please.....

UPDATE:

Thanks for the permission. I'm so excited to start this project.  I'm keeping the Domino's - the enitre magazine is normally great.  Then all the rest i'm ripping and putting in binders.  I may scan a ton, too, but i still like looking through something physical so i love the idea of flipping throug them.  

Plus this gives me something to do whilst watching all of the TV that i've become addicted to (we started Game of Thrones last night...oh dear). 

Thanks so much for all the imput.  And some of you had really good digital ideas, too, which i might do as well (the one where you take pictures of them and it automatically files by subject is a genius think that i didn't know existed.)

xx

I want my socks knocked off like Todd Davis did 4 years ago:

But its a LOT harder than you think.  Being 'conceptual' really fast with limited EVERYTHING is hard, trust me.....But 'thats why they call it a challenge'.  (i came to despise that response)

Our year we only had 1 day to start and finish the challenge - it started around 2pm and ended at 8pm (...i think, might have been 7, maybe 9) but on this show they get two full days so hopefully they are turning out amazing stuff.  

The winner wins $10,000 each week.  That is a lot of dollar, dollar bills y'all.  

Let's all cheer Rebecca on, please.  

Read her blog and then hire her if you are in the Vegas area, and if you don't live in that area she does digital design as well.   

Plus she's pretty and has my dream hair.  

Go REBECCA!!!!!!!!!

Tonight at 9pm EST, on HGTV.  

And you can audition HERE. 

In other White Room challenge news:  I'm doing it again, and the first one (DS season 5) didn't go well.  AT ALL.

Oh dear.  Just look at that look of utter despair on my face.  If i could have snuck out and put myself on a plane home i would have.  THANK GOD I DIDN'T.  Not my best moment. 

HGTV has asked me, Meg and Antonio to do the challenge again live (but not televised), in Nashville during the CMA fanfest the weekend of June 8-10).  I questioned whether they meant to call 'me' but they said they did.  

When someone says 'Nashville and CMA Fanfest' i say 'yes' and reach for my boots. But then when they say 'white box challenge' a teeny bit of acid falls from my throat into my stomach and flashes of an 'prison cell for a Monk' (Vern's infamous critique of mine) start floating around in my head.  'prison cell for a monk, prison cell for a monk, prison cell for a monk....'

But i at least have mental preparation this time....

I don't know what i'm allowed to tell you except the design has to be based on a country song (i'll tell you mine as soon as i know its ok to reveal), and we have 3 hours to do it (but with some  prep time).  You can watch the whole thing live if you are free June 9th in Nashville (and are a sadist.) Kidding....i've started planning and i think i might be fine this time.  BUT i'm under promising. Don't get too excited..... Antonio is a conceptual killer - he worked for David LaChapelle for years, so that dude can bring a game that i've never played...i mean, i worked for Martha....

Anyway, maybe i just need some closure.... (says my therapist)

SO please....if you are coming to Fan Fest in Nashville that weekend come and say 'hi' on June 9th at the HGTV barn.  I'm not sure where it is but i think its going to be huge and well publicized.

Once i have more information i'll post about it.  

But watch Rebecca tonight.  Pretty pretty please.  HGTV 9pm EST

What. He's from Canada so he really appreciates the sophisticated yet understated power of this multi-toned neutral. It's nuanced. It's both masculine and feminine.  It's thought provoking, intellectual and yet totally simple.  

But, paint colors are incredibly tricky, truly, and i'm not an expert on picking the perfect color the first time, AT ALL.  But i have painted around 50 rooms in the last two years so i've definitely made some mistakes and learned a few things.  

For instance:  what looks good in a picture can look different in a can, different on your walls, different at night and then different when a blue sofa is next to it.   It can be 100% baffling.  I'm sure if i had gone to art school i would be better at it, but I didn't so it was a lot of trial and error (and instinct) for me. And i'm finally getting the hang of it.  

But its a lot like finding the right guy for you:

Some are great to party with, some perfect for your family, some that just feel like 'home', some that make you look really good when you are next to them and some that you have a super unhealthy addiction to and you really don't want to see them anymore but you can't help the attraction and you try again and again to make it work and then you swear them off forever but end up slipping up and trying them out again only to be disappointed AGAIN...(this is me with 'teal'....i am always so attracted to it, but i can't seem to ever actually live with it on my own walls.)

So here are my favorite go-to's for GRAY paint colors, a la Ryan. Some of these i've used only once and LOVE them so much, and some i've used 3 - 4 times and can't get enough of them.  

1. Benjamin Moore Gray Owl. 

This gray can do no wrong. Ever.  It's my favorite and best go-to gray of all time.    

It's like this Ryan:

Super classic and sophisticated, but not boring AT ALL.  It's a very, very warm gray - meaning that its still a cool tone because its gray, but has more yellow in it than blue so it doesn't feel crazy blue.  Most of you who have experimented with gray's know that they go blue very, very fast - often you think you are choosing a blue-ish gray and then when its up on your walls it looks like you are welcoming your first son. In 1992. It goes so 'baby'.  

Its totally bazaar and happened to me a few times before i learned my lesson of erring on the side of a warmer gray (or just going darker and steering clear of anything that is even close to a pastel).

I painted Ian's living room in gray owl:

And then i just painted the bedroom of the lake house that same color:

They are both like warm cozy gray hugs and i couldn't be happier with them/him. 

2. Benjamin Moore Oyster Shell:

This one is blue-r but its not ever 'baby'.  It is just a happy, light, soothing, calming, and fresh neutral.  Like him:

My office and master bedrooms are both in this color.  And then i also painted a room in the Lake House and room in a client in LA's house this color as well.  Everybody has loved it.  

See? It's blue without being too blue.  And the light reflects off it perfectly.  

3. Farrow and Ball 'Lamp Room Gray'.  More sophisticated than the first two - and a bit moodier:

I don't remember when i used this but i remember loving it.  

They look different, but they aren't.  

DO NOT look at me like they, R, you scare me. So intense yet elegant.  Sensual yet approachable.  It's a good color....but its not playful or fun, definitely more dramatic and sophisticated.  

Farrow and Ball paints are expensive but they are also very complicated paints - meaning there are a ton of different pigments in each color so they are never 'flat' and instead have a lot of 'movement'.  That sounded crazy 'decorator-y' but basically the more colors in a paint the more subtly interesting it is - its like secret texture.  You can't stare at it and see the different colors, but instead you'll notice that it looks different in the mornings than it does in the evening, and it changes so much based on what colors you put next to it.    

4. Sherwin Williams, Silver Mist

This one is beachier and greener than the other grays.  It has a frenchy-country thing happening with it that i love.  Such a good neutral for a fresh all white kinda house.  

There is a good chance Ryan and I will use this in our french cottage. With white shutters...and an art studio for me that he has cut out like 100 paper arrows and put them on the floor to show me where it is. He wakes up at 3am to do it every day.  It's weird that i can't just find it, that i hadn't already stumbled into it, but the house must be just enormous.  

5. Benjamin Moore, Gray Timber Wolf:

This one is a darker and definitely 'cooler.'  It's a dudes' 'gray', for sure.  Masculine and intense...but still with some youth.

If you put this in your living room make sure to combine it with warm woods or warmer colors because it can feel cold. But, it is also super masculine and modern - very little yellow in it, so when done right it is beautiful. I've painted three rooms this color and i've loved them all - just add 'wood'. 

6. Serious Gray by Sherwin Williams (for HGTV).

This one has a slight purple tint to it.  I guess if you had gone to design school you might say it has more 'red' in it.  It is definitely very cool, but also very interesting and way darker than the others. 

This shot is totally awesome. 

And so is this one:

That was when we were in Oregon together.....Meeting my parents...oh those rainy nights.  We played a duet on the baby grand, drank some diet coke, and watched some early 'Waiting for Guffman' style family dinner theater performances.  He fit right in. 

And Yes, The Notebook was on ABC family last night and i might have watched it.  Again. It wasn't my fault. The TV was on and the remote was 6 feet away.  I couldn't change it even if i wanted to.  And i didn't.

So those are my (our) favorite grays.  

And if these aren't enough than the blog 'A Perfect Gray' has a whole list of favorites.  Click HERE.

Now tell me (us) yours..... What grays have you used that you love? Or not?

Every day stylist do this, over and over:

From geek to chic.  From scrappy to sassy.  From disgust to 'I trust'.    

Satisfying to do, satisfying to watch.  It's why we watch makeover shows - we, as human racial human being peoples, love us some 'before and afters'.  

But whoever 'they' are that deemed stylist and construction workers with the most satisfaction never renovated a house in 4 months.  

To go from this:

To this:

From crappy to happy. (it took Orlando, Dan and me about 15 minutes to come up with that one and it is totally mediocre i know.  'dirty to perdy' came in second with 'nasty to rynoplasty' a close but totally non-sensical third).

Dunzo.

We started the installation of all the furniture decor yesterday and by friday we will be about 80% done.

But for now, here are some shots of the clean renovation.  It looks soooooooooooo good. Fresh, white, airy, modern yet classic; casual, yet elegant.  It's kinda my dream house already - and its still empty. 

The master bedroom.  Where i'm sleeping right now.  (Gray Owl, Ben Moore on the wall, by the way).

Why yes there is a clawfoot tub in the bedroom.  Because these people are into stuff like 'relaxing' and 'calming down' and staring out the window whilst reading and drinking wine.  You have no idea how hard it is not to christen this tub.  Its all, 'Hey E, ya tired? oh...ya want to rest your muscles? ya want to secretly soak for 1/2 hour while Orlando is on his 3rd trip to Home Depot?...No one will know...' And i don't do it. I don't. But i want to.  I do.  

But that beautiful Victoria and Albert tub is theirs to de-flower.  And de-flower. And de-flower.

You see we are already sleeping here.  Sounds weird, i know.  We have the week to install and there really aren't any hotels within 20 miles to stay at so our gracious clients have invited us to stay here whilst working in order to get a ton of work done in a small amount of time.  And in a way this is totally genius and is soon to be a new protocol in Emily Henderson Designs, LLC, INC, ESQ....LOL..

Here's why:

When you actually live in the space you realize what works and what doesn't.  For instance, this morning i didn't have a towel hook to hang my post shower towel on so that went on my list of 'forgetten things' to purchase. 

Lets face it 'door hooks' aren't the most sexy way to spend the client's money so it was kinda pushed aside in favor of flea market art and throw pillows. But in two weeks i would have had to buy the door hooks because they were necessary so in a way i'm making my life easier by solving the problems now.

Then i got dressed and realized that there wasn't a full legnth mirror anywhere for me to admire my totally trashy paint clothes in.  That went on the list.  I noticed some light bulbs were too bright while others were too dim. I noticed that we don't really need blackout drapery in the master bedroom because even though it has crazy big windows, it faces south and never gets as much light as early as you'd think - so i can return those kinda expensive (and kinda unattractive and thick) drapes and get pretty simple lined white ones.  

The list goes on and on.  But the process is actually really interesting.  We stocked their kitchen with their old stuff and after using it for a couple days realized that things needed to shift.  

It's like we are having a test run of their future life.  Can't tell if its creepy, but its happening. 

Ebay nautical lights ($50 each, spray painted...although we weren't finished with them when the electrician showed up so they are now all white and gold and touched up) and blue stairs never hurt anybody.  This greets you the second you walk into the house.

I've got a pretty sweet cast of characters with me:

First off is series regular, Orlando Soria.  The Orlando-myster. The Orlandonnaker.  He's Orlandoriffic. The guy who i don't let leave my side and probably wants to shove a pillow over my face at night because we are sleeping in the same bed and i have crazy spring New York allergies.  

And Lana, who is a recurring character and was the project manager on this job and helped coordinated every single thing that happened and was installed here while i was 3000 miles away (although she is sick today :( )

Guest starring this week is Dan Faires (my friend from Design Star and now real life) that is solving every problem that might involve electrical, hanging of very heavy mirrors and/or chairs, painting, staining, cutting, and just overall giving good advice whilst looking hot.

Things like this are happening:

Why yes, we are painting at 10:30pm.  NOT SMART because you can't see sh*t. But we touched them up the next day. Look how Orlando and Lana LOOK so happy.  I swear i didn't make them pose - they simply love painting in the rain and the dark (i was out there, too, don't worry). 

And if you are wondering it absolutely KILLED me to paint that amazing tole chandelier, but it was just not happening for them (or Orlando or Lana or anybody who doesn't love 'grandma chic' as much as i do) - so all kelly green high gloss it is.  Some people (read almost everyone) can't handle multi-color floral metal chandeliers.  But  I can.  You can count on me. 

Back to doing something designer-y inappropriately late at night.  

xx

E

Plus i think i'm getting to be that age (the time to grow up and grow a baby age) and every time i see a baby, like the one i just saw in Starbucks, i get the urge to do extremely awkward faces at them that usually involve some sort of weird request to, 'Give me a smile, come on, give me a smile' and then i usually comment on their outfit saying 'i love your sequin Toms, yes i do, i love your sequin Toms' and its just over all weird and inappropriate but not suprising.  Perhaps we need a junior in our lives soon.  A miniature human all our own.......question: can we name him/her just 'junior'?

'Junior' Henderson.  Not bad. Very Indiana Jones, which Brian would LOVE. I'm actually terrified of what we might name our kids since our cats names are 'Bearcat' and 'General Meow'. (inspired more by the Chinese-american delicious spicy yet sweet dish, than by the Communist/fascist Chinese leader).  It would be very me and Brian to name our kid 'Adorable-face' or 'Little Pumpkin'.  Terrifying.  

Anyway, The Lake House boy's room is shaping up and we are installing it all on monday.  Here's the general plan:

The twin beds were from Pottery Barn which they already had (and a dresser to match...i think the set was a hand me down from friends, but they are totally cute), so that kinda started the color palette - as if its torture to force me to use blue.  I want it to be super playful and fun and alive, but not toooooo baby, but 'kid' enough that they walk in and know its their room and bright enough that they'll remember it when they are older and get nastalgic for it. I'm manipulative that way.  These two (they are 2) love rockets and monsters and space and anything that has a mechanical anything...also they love baby anything (especially bunnies). 

Here are the resources for this room so far:

CB2 Sofa -  $1299.  I've wanted to use this guy for a while. Its sooooo crazy comfortable and deep, PLUS when you take off the back cushion its as deep as a twin bed - which is great for when other kids come stay the weekend.  

DWELL STUDIO RUG: 8x10 $495 Link HERE.  It's the perfect 'not too orange' orange - persimmon at its best.  

Roman shaes: These guys are from Country Curtains for $149 each (for 48"). They have a ton of different widths and legnths that are readymade so we have found them consistently a good affordable option. (this is the 5th time i've used them...still waiting for my 'frequent shopper' punch card or some sort of discount....)  Very similar ones at Potterybarn Teen are $250.  

Plane chandelier - This adorableness is vintaget that i got on ETSY and is super super cute. This guy takes vintage wooden toy planes (that are 24" wide) and turns them into chandelier.  He has two more that he is selling. $350 which isn't cheap, but for the amount of character and impact it will bring to the space, its totally worth it.  You can buy another one HERE.  

Rocket ship bedding:  From GARNET HILL  Ridiculously cute.  $28-$108  The boys are going to love this and the pattern works perfectly with the rug.  

Elephant Hamper.  Homedecorators.com  for $59.  It will make laundry time a total joy, no?  They'll be begging to do the laundry, trust me. 

Car pillow:  Dwell Studio, $34

Elephant pillow: i can't find the source for this, sorry.

Whale Pillow:  ETSY, $55 but this store is 'on vacation' and i don't think i ended up buying it, but its real cute.  

Naturally since they like baby bunnies and they are twins i'm splurging on this Sharon Montrose photograph, for $350 (but they have smaller and less expensive prints), Link HERE

We have A LOT of adorable artwork and lighting coming in, too, (vintage skyrocket lamp, framed 'We landed on the moon' newspapers, fun string lights....) but i need to leave some surprises for them.  i will give all sources as soon as the after pictures are out.  

AND there will be tents around the two twin beds - Permenant FORTS!!  I'm putting denim colored linen ($9 a yard from Grey Lines Linen in New York, 39th between 7-8th)) on hospital tracks on the cieling and they are going to totally enclose the beds, if they want....with thick rope tie backs.  I'm so excited.  

Off to squeeze a stranger's baby....and hopefully not get arrested.  Nat, i'm coming for your baby soon.   

If you win, you get yerself a new life.  It's a  job that leads to crazy oppportunities, endless fun, and an opportunity to reach, nay, effect many, many people.  

Plus, just now i got to use the bathroom on the plane when the seat belt sign was obviously lit because the flight attendants are fans. (oh just for you, Emily) 'sright.  Ask Princess Diana if she got to do that. Breaking FAA regulation for a design star.

But you have to win.

....or else you die a bloody, painful public death.   Kidding.  Truthfully don't worry, it will only be good for your career and the people that like you will always like you.  Remember Casey Noble (Design on a Dime) and, Michael and Nina (Clean Sweep New York) all from my year have all had shows from it (and Todd Davis from the 1st year, it hink has 'house crashers).  So if you don't win this show, things could very well still happen for you on TV, your business will probably grown and people don't really remember the bad stuff.  

It starts May 29th, my friends.  

Meanwhile the portfolios and names have been released. And they are ready for our review.

I always struggle during Design Star because obviously the contestants could read this and i don't want to say anything that will make them feel really bad - they already feel vulnerable enough and as long as they aren't dicks (which hopefully a couple of them will end up being) then they don't deserve to wake up, check my blog and then feel bad.  I've been there, so i get it.  

HOWEVER, it is a competition and they have voluntarily shared their portfolios (that supposedly represent them) with the world, and as a designer with blog who has been through this process,  it just seems crazy to not simply share my opinions about their work. 

Here are some things to think about while looking at their portfolios:

1. It may not represent their real potential completley because they could have assisted for a long time and have very little work of their own to submit.

2. If they didn't splurge on a good photographer than most likely their portfolio will not be good EVEN if their work is interesting.  Please note this if you want to apply. Although, you should have good photos anyway to get new, better and richer clients, but if you are serious about getting on design star, then hire someone to help you. 

3. Clients styles and tastes help control the design but they don't 100% dictate it.  Nobody can force a designer to do something really tacky - you can always find a tasteful version of what they want.  HOWEVER, yes, sometimes you are out of time and money (and maybe you stop caring because you just want it to be finally over) and the client is like 'what about using this porcupine vagina as art above the bed' and you are too tired to argue another piece.  Then in that case, you should simply NOT include it in your portfolio.  Quality over quantity.  I promise. Except that maybe a porcupine vagina could be awesome.   

Ultimately, your portfolio does represent you when you aren't there to represent yourself, so until we see Episode 1 and a see what they are actually like in person then then we only have these to go by.  

Here are my pics of the strongest portfolios.  

AGAIN, i'm not talking about their design skills, or their style, or their personality - just how strong their portfolios are.  I'm sure so much will change as soon as we meet them.  

HERE.

WE.

GO.

1. Danielle Colding: Danielle lives in New York. She's a former modern dancer and she looks classy and smart.  

Great.  Airy and light and i love that chair. 

Pretty pretty settee, near a very pretty rug.  

 Sure, a great masculine office for a hip dude.  My bachelors would love this.

Totally tasteful.  I like her work.  Its not breaking a lot of rules, but just enough to be interesting.  No red flags, and those first two pictures i think are super pretty and show a lot of style. 

2. Jordan Capella 

Dapper, no?  He is from Australia originally and lives in Venice.  

Totally pretty.  Regency meets old man club. Sophisticated and smart.  

Its interesting.  

3. Kris Swift:

Cute. He's from Austin (originally canada) and he says his motto is 'Risk equals reward' which i like.  His portfolio was big and there were a lot that didn't grab me, but he seems like he has breadth.  The three pics that i liked were very different from each other and that gives me hope that each week he might do something different.

I'm down. It's definitely strong, and it has a point of view.  I don't think i have the balls to paint that much orange on the walls, so kudos to big balled Kris.

It's a store, obvi. But its cool, no doubt.  I love how the shoes just float there.

And then we have classic and sophisticated with a whimsical squirrel on top.  All three different, all three tasteful.  

4. Miera Melba....say that 6 times.

She's had a firm for 28 years and her portfolio is strong.  Very Candace Olsen - totally pulled together, nothing too out of place or unexpected. A lot of women would kill for these spaces. And she has great photographers and very high budget clients. She's obviously a pro at her style for her clients.  

See? Portfolio wise? She has a good one and will get more clients with this - whether or not it is my style.

4. Britany Simons  

She's 28 and from Phoenix.  Her style is ecletic and edgy with a touch of 'Glam Chic' 

Very on trend and totally cute.   i do love thos black and chrome vintage chairs.  

It looks good.  Its fun, colorful and pulled together.  Totally approachable for TV and no big red flags. 

6. Hilary Younger.  

Cute, bright outfit. I appreciate that.  

Yes, It's cuckoo. But it also has a strong point of view. You know David Bromstad would love this space. 

I'm also pro framing a vintage scarf.  

Finally:

7. Bex Hale.  

Bex Hale is originally from Portland, so she is already in with me.  And her name is 'Bex' which is kinda awesome.  Her style is 'Art Eco' which i think sounds interesting and she wears hats and cute rockabilly dresses.  Her portfolio has weak spots but i really like this shot below:

This is my favorite shot from her portfolio.  I'm not sure if that is a mural or wallpaper or stone, but its interesting for sure. And with the blue chairs? i like. It at least has a point of view and an interesting color combination. 

So those what i think are the strongest portfolios.  The other 5? One of them could definitely be the winner, and i'm super excited to find out.  

Let me be very clear:  these are not necessarily the best designers and CERTAINLY not necessarily the best personalities as we haven't even met them yet, but simply they have the  best work represented through the best photography in their portfolios. 

ITS ANYBODY'S GAME.

I think the portfolios are better than last year and the year before (my year).  It looks to me like the producers are looking for really established designers, and people who have a lot of experience. And it also looks to me like people are finally realizing the incredible importance of good photography.  

Meg's portfolio last year wasn't necessarily the best, and she was a favorite and won. And Casey Noble (who came in 3rd my year who has very good taste and is super talented) barely had a portfolio at the time (because she had worked at a huge firm) and she made it super far and now has her own show, Design on a Dime.

So while the portfolios do help to get you cast, they really don't matter once the competition starts.  You never know how much help these people had designing the spaces in their portfolios, so its still any one's game. 

It's also my opinion that 60% of the game is personality, maybe even more.  An unengaging host will never keep a show whereas a great host - with mediocre design skills, can have help and keep a show forever.  Believe me.  Lets take Martha Stewart for instance.  She is an insanely incredible, smart, talented, creative, established design maven and yet her personality drains every ounce of entertainment out of her show. 

I can't wait to find out which of the 5 weaker portfolios (NOT designers necessarily) are actually going to kill it in the competition. One of the 5 is an ex-intern of mine.  It was short lived (maybe a couple weeks) because he got a job doing set design for Jerseylicious and had to move.  But during that time i really liked him and he went out of his way to help, engage and ask questions and learn.  But i think he was an assistant before that so his portfolio is mainly the set of Jerseylicious which obviously, ahem, is not awesome (which i'm sure he's the first one to admit).  

See, that is NOT his fault.  Look at how he dresses - stylish, classy, cool.  He's a victim of these ladies...aren't we all?  

He did have this one shot in there, though, that i think is pretty:

AHHH much better.  

The other 4 just have less than good photography.  They could be GREAT designers.  I'm excited to see what they do and how they turn out. 

If i were all of them i would start a blog to explain the behind the scenes.  Its 3 days of challenges that get widdled down to 44 minutes of footage so the editing might not show that you literally didn't have a hammer or nails and only had a massive-crazy-looking-very-dangerous nail gun (which was the case in my white box challenge).  Of course you'll have to ask them, as there are some big old secrets to be kept.

And you know i love a secret.  

I don't have a prediction yet, and i was wrong about last year when i first guessed from the portfolios.  After the first episode we'll all have a MUCH better feel for their personalities and that's when the real opinions can start.  Remember - yes they are edited, but NOBODY can force anybody to say anything that they don't want to.  You can be honest without being mean - but editing can be a beast.  

I'm bummed we have to wait a month. 

So who are you rooting for?

First off, another OH JOY wallpaper from Hygge and West.  Its always one of my favorites.  Its graphic, yet floral and this color way makes it less feminine (which i love how feminine it is, but this office is shared both by husband and wife so the darker color way made more sense. Previously it looked like this:

And now:

Not styled yet, obviously, but its going to look SOOOO good. That is the West Elm chair next to it, that was limited edition so no longer available.  We had our contractor build floating shelves to create more storage and to engage the space more. The shelving cost was $600, the wallpaper installation was $300 (i think, maybe $250) and the wallpaper itself i think was 3 rolls.  Click here to see the other color ways or to purchase   Hygge and West   

Speaking of Hygge and West, we are also using this wallpaper in The Lake House in the downstairs 1/2 bathroom.  Remember the house is a relaxed country house with kids and a very playful, unpretentious vibe, so this wallpaper BELONGED in the bathroom.  

So happy. 

We are doing the first color way (the blue and yellow), but i wanted to show you the scale of it which is soooo big and airy, and we are doing all four walls. 

It's designed by Julie Rothman, and i love love love love love it.  Click HERE for more color ways or to purchase. 

Here's a theory of mine that nobody seems to agree with much - i find that only doing one wall in a way can make the room MORE busy then doing all four walls. If you do one wall then you have really struggle to balance out the rest of the walls.  Obviously it  depends on the architecture, and sometimes its the perfect chance for an accent wall (like the first picture - it just wants to be wallpapered and easily looks like its own nook).  But i love wallpapering all four walls in a room if you have the budget.  Like in Joy's house - it just looked like a big floral hug.  I guess the key to this is having a wallpaper who's pattern isn't too small or busy.  You know, so you don't get vertigo coming home every night.  

See what i mean? It doesn't look busy, it looks balanced, and warm.   We should have painted that beam white.  Sorry, Joy. My bad.  

Also this is why i have often just done the top half of the room and painted the bottom half - it saves money on wallpaper and installation but the room feels more complete, intentional and balanced, not one big wall that has all the attention and then the other three trying to compete.  

The key is to pick something that can be an easy background to furniture and accessories.  Gold is neutral, which is why it worked at Joys - the contrast was soft. But the black and white 'people' wallpaper was very busy, so by only doing it on the top half i gave the eye time to rest on the bottom half, and yet by doing it on all four walls it actually softens the busy-ness. This actually is such a great wallpaper for an accent wall, by the way - still one of my absolute favorites.  I'm DYING to use it in a kids play room where they can color in all the people however they want with markers and crayons and eventually (after years) they'd have the entire thing done.  Its' called 'All of us together' by Pottok Prints. Check it out HERE.  And I know you can purchase it through Walnut Wallpaper. 

Finally, we are trying to get our newest client to go for this Farrow and Ball wallpaper that i've been wanting to use forever:

So pretty.  And i love it in this larger scale and darker colorway, too:

It may not happen for this client, they are on the fence.  But i still love it and wanted to share. Check out all the colorways, HERE. 

Off to NY, friends. Expect some New York themed posts coming up the next couple weeks.  

Modern Family

Malcolm in the Middle

Desperate Housewives

Big Bang Theory

How i met your Mother

The Good Wife

I didn't have much to do with it, just hosted it. But it was super fun. Please watch or DVR and tweet this post if you love me.