September 11, 2019

Seeing Red

September 11, 2019/ Meryl

I recently saw an image of a red room that got my juices flowing… so I thought a-ha yes, I need to share a piece dedicated to this amazing hue! Let’s take a peek at Red in design.

RED: a color whose hue resembles that of blood or of the ruby or is that of the long-wave extreme of the visible spectrum. Merriam-Webster

We all know what an incredible impact color has on our emotions. Red is the color of blood and fire. It is tied to love, passion as well as anger and danger. It never fails to pop when used in design.

**Alessandra Branca Hamptons Show House via habitually chic blog**

Other words that represent the color red: blood red, brick, burgundy, crimson, cinnabar, fire engine red, flame, Indian red, maroon, rouge, rose, ruby, russet, rust, scarlet, tomato red, vermilion.

The color red is highly visible and grabs attention quickly; enabling the eye to focus. It’s the reason it’s associated with danger and why fire trucks, stop signs and flashing lights are red.

Red has different meanings in other cultures. In China red is used for good luck and represents happiness and prosperity. You are presented with a Red Envelope (filled with money) for special occasions.

In South Africa red is the color of mourning.

A Ruby gemstone is traditionally red and symbolizes courage, life force and passion.

Here are some phrases associated with red.

“red eye” is an overnight airline flight.
“red flag” something that attracts negative attention or cause for concern.
“red herring” is something that distracts attention from the main issue. A diversion.
“in the red” means loss of money.
to “paint the town red” means to celebrate.
“seeing red” means anger.
“red carpet treatment” to treat someone exceptionally well. a VIP.

**Grand Hotel via Habitually Chic Blog**

Do you use the color red in your decor? The next time you’re thinking about your space try adding a touch of this brilliant hue!

Til next time!

August 07, 2019

Beachy Bungalows

August 07, 2019/ Meryl

Here we are in August - the time of year we always vacationed when I was a kiddo. Which got me thinking about a summer long ago - my folks rented a lovely little shingled bungalow with a private beach for a few weeks in Dennisport, MA - which started me on this piece. Let’s take a look at some of these lovely gems.

“shingle: a small thin piece of building material often with one end thicker than the other for laying in overlapping rows as a covering for the roof or sides of a building ”

— Merriam - Webster

This is my Grandparents church Sacred Heart in Bay Head NJ, so pretty.

There are two vastly different beach towns that my family love. Ocean City, NJ with its Board Walk- filled with rides and yummy treats from Shrivers Candy Store and Manco & Manco Pizza and the beatific Chatham, MA located on the elbow of Cape Cod with it’s pretty shoreline and delightful downtown filled with shops and eateries.

Steven and I celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary with a stay at Chatham Bars Inn.

This sweet cottage above once belonged to my Mother-In-Law Marge and her husband Jack. The home below we rented with good friends on Main Street, Chatham in 2006.

Is there are style of architecture that really speaks to you? Let me know what it is!

Til next time!

July 17, 2019

Deck Refresh

July 17, 2019/ Meryl

Recently I had a ton of fun helping a client with the redesign of the massive deck she shares with her husband and three small children. This is where we started. They had the furniture we just needed to get busy bringing this space to life!

The client and I are IG friends. When she posted the above image - I sent a message suggesting she reorient one of the couches and pull in the two chairs to make a cozy lounge area. The next day she told me she and her husband had sat out there the previous evening and how much they enjoyed the new vibe.

May 28, 2019 Just having pulled the lounge area together

We kept chatting about the design - the different zones. The lounge, the dining, grilling and kid zone and that’s when she hired me. The next steps included making a plan, a shopping list and then getting a date to meet at the At Home Store in Wayne, NJ.

It’s important when working with a client that I keep their design sensibility and budget in mind. As I mentioned my client already had the furniture she just needed my help to finish the space. She is a lover of a classic aesthetic - and wanted this area to be grounded in neutrals.

As we chatted I asked: do you need cushions? do you need an umbrella and base? do you have a large tray for the table? do you have lanterns? do you have battery operated candles? do you have real candles? do you have melamine dishes and glasses? Remember this is a room that just happens to be outside - you need all the same things you need for inside!

I wish I had thought to take the cover off of the grill but, you all get the idea…the grill now has it’s own area instead of being next to the seating area. It’s actually closer to the kitchen door. now.

I suggested an AstroTurf rug for under the kiddos play table which is behind the lounge area. Something fun to do is to fill a large plastic bin with bubbles and water pistols. This way the kiddos have access to them and Mom and Dad will know where they are too! You want to enjoy your deck and your children do too - so set them up to have fun so you can relax!

For less than $400.00 we purchased:

One 7 x 10 Rug
A 7-1/2 foot Crank Umbrella
Umbrella Base
Three Throw Pillows
Two Chair Cushions
Three Decorative Bowls in various designs and material all good for Outdoor Use.