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Decorating Dealbreakers: From Dolphin Art to Litter Boxes

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Love is patient, love is kind, love is ... accepting another person's bad taste in decor? Not always.

Check out this story from our friends at HowAboutWe.com's The Date Report!




When I walk into a guy's apartment for the first time I feel a bit like an anthropologist; uncovering mysteries about a life I'm just getting to know. I'll see photos of a trip to the pyramids, and I'll want to know why he went there. A discarded guitar makes me curious about his musical proficiency. And his books! I could spend hours looking at a boy's bookshelf, comparing his favorites to mine.

But then there are the other men. The ones whose apartments are not an invitation to find out more, but rather a warning sign that something about them may be a little... off.

Just a few months after I graduated college I was set up on a date with a coworker's friend. The date was nice, the guy was funny and I wanted to know more. When he brought me back to his place I was excited, curious and ready to explore.

To celebrate, we found some non-awful dolphin art on Etsy. Clockwise from top left: Berkley Illustration, TypePosters, Vintage by the Shore and Vintage Dictionary Art.



The first thing I saw was a photo of a dolphin. Not some National Geographic artistic kind of photo, but rather something he likely took while vacationing at Sea World. The first dolphin photo was sweet and charming. I started to wonder when he went to Sea World, if he took his little nephews, what it was like. Then I saw the next photo. And the one after that. From the framed photo on his coffee table to the one of him with Flipper hanging above his bed, his entire apartment was decorated in dolphin photos. There was even a series of them hanging in his bathroom. I counted at least 30 photos, but I'm sure I missed some. When I asked him more about his decorating choices, he simply replied, "How can you not want to be a dolphin?"

How indeed.

A few years later, I was on a date with a guy I'd been seeing off and on for about a month. He invited me back to his place for a drink, but asked me to wait outside for a moment while he quickly straightened up. 20 minutes of standing on the street in the Tenderloin (and two calls to friends asking about how odd this was), he finally let me in.

There is honestly no way to describe his apartment in a way that will do it justice. Filthy dishes were piled on his desk, clothes covered the floor, papers and mail were strewn from every corner. Mold covered the wall. There was a dirty cat box with (seemingly) no cat. And the bathroom. Sometimes I still have nightmares about that bathroom. In short, the man's apartment looked like the inside of Charlie Sheen's mind. I had no idea how to act. Or where to sit. Or even how to make eye contact with him (what in the world did this place look like BEFORE you spent twenty minutes fixing it up!? WHERE IS THE CAT?). Or even how to explain why I didn't want to see him again.

As I reminisce about past terrors (and I didn't even mention the boyfriend who thought he only had to wash his sheets twice a year), I wonder if there is a support group of some kind. Or if there is a girl that is willing to look past these "cosmetic issues" for the right man. Or if perhaps I'm just being too picky. So please, share! Consider this your bad apartment safe space.

Looking for more decorating dealbreakers? Our writer rounded up some of the wortst offenders. Or head over to The Date Report to read about making the bed (and other post-hook-up etiquette) and dating someone to take advantage of their air conditioning.

HowAboutWe.com writer Joy Engel lives and works in Portland, Maine where she tweets far too much and solves the occasional murder-mystery while riding around on a bicycle. Everything she writes is her personal opinion and does not necessarily represent the views of her employer or its clients.

 

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Green Spotlight: Red Hook's Pier 44

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Like any great room, a great garden needs to balance style and substance. Here, the spaces that do it right.

Pier 44 Waterfront Garden, Red Hook, Brooklyn. Photo: Marie Viljoen


The right plants for the right place: Perfection. This long, narrow waterfront garden looking out over an inlet on New York Harbor must survive biting winter winds and desiccating salt spray off the nearby water. As the seasons progress, the plants must withstand the high temperatures and humidity of the city at its tropical worst. So to see lush growth in early summer is to realize that plant choice has everything to do with successful gardens in tough environments.

Creamy yucca flowers stand four feet tall, regularly punctuating the two parallel planting beds, acting as striking focal points amongst the sprawling blue catnip, purple berberis bushes, silver-leafed perovskia (Russian sage) and chartreuse spirea. Sturdy wooden benches nestled within the foliage and flowers give visitors the chance to settle and watch the passing water traffic.

Word has it that while Lynden B. Miller, the renowned public garden designer responsible for this garden's layout, loves the form of yucca's spiky grey-blue leaves, he loathes the conspicuous flowers. See, when the flower stems die, new leaves form at an angle from the stem, throwing off their original symmetry. Until I saw these specimens I had held yucca off at an arm's length for this reason. Now i see its softer side. And if it can make it here, it can make it anywhere.

 

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Daily Clean-Up: Get Organized With Cleaning Supplies

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Keep cleaning supplies neat and organized by storing them in the rooms they are used (toilet bowl cleaner and tile spray in the bathroom, stove cleaner in the kitchen.) And invest in a cleaning caddy so you can carry around any all-purpose products from room to room.

Have a cleaning tip to share? Let us know at Twitter.com/ShelterPop.

Getty; Corbis

 

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Can't Stop Clicking: Here's Looking At Hue

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Expand your list of must-read sites with our weekly site spotlight. Today, take a mesmerizing visual tour at the coolly color-coordinated web page Here's Looking at Hue.

The Site: Here's Looking At Hue
The Draw: Captivating photographs and images bursting with color make this an inspiring virtual mood board.
Who's Behind It: Anonymous. But he was pinned down for an interview by the folks here. We'd love to know who the mastermind behind the site is. Drop us a tip if you do!

According to the creator, the site was originally started as a way to catalog inspiring images found around the web. Eventually the images were organized by color for easier searching, and with infinite scroll for each of the color pages, new images are added on constantly. Simple and stunning, it's just our style.

here's looking at hueHere's Looking At Hue

here's looking at hueHere's Looking At Hue

here's looking at hueHere's Looking At Hue


We're always looking for sites that amuse and inspire us. Have one to nominate? Leave us a comment here or let us know on Facebook!

 

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Summer-ize Your Fireplace

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Don't be a fairweather friend to your fireplace -- instead show it some love this summer with fun decorating ideas.

Check out this great story from our friends at CasaSugar!

h&m home

Since most of us won't be using our fireplaces this Summer, why not take advantage of them and use them for decorating instead of fire-building? From collections of glassware to shells and beachy souvenirs, I've got plenty ideas for giving your fireplace a facelift this Summer.



Place vases of flowers on top of and in front of the fireplace to bring Summer into this space.




Make a mini art display in your fireplace with sculptural and natural objects. I love the complementary shapes of the coral and the bust in this photo!



Jeff Benroth makes these very cool glass logs. Originally used in the 2006 Sunset Idea House, they're made by impressing a real piece of wood into a specially bound casting sand, then pouring 2,300 degree F molten glass into the cavity left behind!




A strategically placed chair looks perfectly framed here. Absolutely charming!

Cordon off the fireplace altogether with a matching-colored furniture piece, such as this white wicker panel.

Looking for more fun fireplace decorating ideas? Check out the rest over on CasaSugar! And check out more of their stories like:
10 Chic Steps to a Stand-Out Front Entry

11 Ways to Get Succulents on (and in!) Your Table

 

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Genevieve Gorder On The Power Of Color, New Valspar+ Paint

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Designer Genevieve Gorder talks to us about how color and paint are the most powerful tools in transforming a home.

Designer Genevieve Gorder is a very busy bee. Not only is she traveling all the time to decorate homes, she's also just wrapped up filming the newest season of HGTV's Design Star, which airs tonight!

On top of all that she's also recently teamed with the innovative paint company Valspar as color expert for their new Valspar+ paint line. We love the summery shades and tones in this new paint collection, and what's more is that the paint is certified allergy- and asthma-friendly and already available at Lowe's around the country.

Despite her overbooked schedule, we were able to catch up with Genevieve for a few quick questions about the new paint line and her thoughts on the positive powers of color in the home. Scroll down to see the Q&A.

genevieve gorder how to paint Portrait and Organic Garden paint: Courtesy of Valspar.


1. How was working with Valspar and their new Valspar+ line of paint?
Color is a designer's most powerful tool, so pairing up with Valspar, a company that celebrates this as well as the well-being of their customers, goes hand-in-hand with my personal mission as a designer. On a more personal note, I grew up with asthma and allergies, so I think it's wonderful that Valspar has introduced Valspar+, which is the first asthma and allergy-friendly paint that's certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. It's a new and very kind approach to the painting process.

2. Do you have a favorite color from the line?
My favorite paint colors change constantly as it's my job to keep it new and interesting. I'm dying over pinks right now, but one must be very careful in this color family as we all know it can go to a very questionable place quickly. Pressed Blossoms is money! Love it, love it, love it! And a pale calamine is timeless and ethereal.

3. What are your foolproof Valspar color pairings for each room in the home?
Cool Gray for the living room and Blizzard Fog for the kitchen. Use Lime Kiss in the bedroom and Lilac Buds in the bathroom. Woodlawn Sterling Blue is good for a children's room.

4. Do you believe in painting each room a different color?
Paint is one of the boldest ways to express color and set the whole mood of a space. That being said, I don't believe you have to paint every room a different color, it's about bridging color--bold pops in transitional spaces like hallways and bathrooms, calmer neutrals in common areas and personal favorites in bedrooms and the office. Color should make sense and create movement, and this happens when a palette is fully realized.

genevieve gorder how to paintPaint colors, clockwise from top left: Indigo Steamer, Organic Garden, Plumberry, Safari Sun; and paint can: Courtesy of Valspar.


5. Are there colors that you think people write off easily but should give more of a chance?
I think people write off almost every color group beyond beige. There is nothing "safe" about a monochromatic environment, beige on beige is absolutely dull and I know that no one truly wants to say that they are a "beige" personality. Every color has a neutral version of itself. Dive into the grays, smoky lilacs and watery blues, they don't bite.

6. What's your own living room/kitchen/bedroom/bathroom color?
My living room is Valspar's Cool Gray, which is a very light gray. I like using buttery neutrals in open layouts--the walls become an oyster shell of sorts and all of the powerhouse colors enter in the contents. I'm a sleeper, so I thought a little sunshine on my walls would help ease me into morning. Grounded with blacks, grays and creamy whites, Lime Kiss is a delight!

7. Is there an interesting color experience that's changed you personally?
I've been scared of blues for a very long time. It took a trip to Scandinavia for me to finally embrace it as a color. I've flirted with blue in accessories, but to own the color as a room, on a wall, or the floor was difficult for me. Understanding a color means stepping out of what you're familiar with. I use blues in almost every room I do now.

 

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Home Remedy: Be Productive

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Feel like you need to squeeze more hours into your day to get everything done? Here's a more realistic solution: Follow these tips for making your time at home more productive.

In our latest bid to show you how your home can help solve your problems, we're exploring how it can help you be productive. We reached out to the New York Design Center's new Access to Design designers to get their thoughts and tips on how your home can inspire you to get more creative. (You can also get great advice and find a designer at accesstodesign@nydc.com.)


Lisa Frantz and Lydia Marks of Marks & Frantz Design and Decoration say start with the right storage and the rest will fall into place.
"One of the first things we always ask clients is how they envision using their space? If you decorate so there is functionality along with beauty you will be more productive at home. Design your room to suit your needs -- a great example of this is using cabinetry to create spaces that are specific to what needs to be stored (books, clutter or other odds and ends) so you can stay organized. If there is not room for a home office then cabinets can be added into the bedroom that could function as both bedroom storage and a place to keep all the paperwork organized. We gave this client a large built-in in their bedroom that functions as a multi-use space -- part work area/office, part storage, and it even holds the TV, cable box and wires out of sight."


be-productiveCourtesy of John Loecke Inc.; Courtesy of Thomas M. Burak Interiors.



Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke of John Loecke, Inc. are all about making productivity fun.
"Jason looked up the word 'productive' in the dictionary and fell in love with its colorful synonyms. He is currently scampering about the house peppering his conversation with bon mots such as 'fruitful', 'fecund', and 'prolific'. To wit: 'I was especially prolific today, let's make cocktails to celebrate.'" To create instant fecundity for yourself, Jason and John suggest crafting a work nook that brims over with color and energy. After all, who wants to work in a space that is beige and boring? "Our office looks like a piñata at Punky Brewster's birthday soiree," notes John. "It inspires colorful thoughts and buckets of creativity and reminds us that margarita hour starts at 5pm sharp." Here's an especially fertile space that we 'did up' a few years back with a jaunty John Loecke, Inc.-crafted wallpaper, green grosgrain ribbon trim, a color-blocked carpet, and loads of artwork. This space makes me want to be especially fruitful and fabulous and tackle heaps of paperwork," chortles Jason as the sounds of a margarita-making blender echo in the background.

Thomas Burak of Thomas M. Burak Interiors suggests multitasking furniture.
"To be more productive in the home why not place a desk next to your bed? You can turn those sleepless nights into a quick work session with a handy pad and pen or your computer. And when you're finished, your bed is right there, awaiting your return."


And John Chadwick of Interiors by John Chadwick wants you to file, file, file!
"I have a special book shelf in my office lined with beautiful leather file boxes. Each box is organized with specific subjects. For example, one box is filled with ideas for curtains, another with unusual furniture arrangements, another with meaningful quotes from famous designers, etc. When I am meditating and looking for inspirations, I frequently look through these files to observe what other designers have done and said. It is a well-known fact that good design inspires good design. These files are invaluable to me. After having ruminated for awhile on these good solutions to difficult or unusual conditions, I find that inspiration always comes to me in the most welcome and inspired ways."

 

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Daily Sampling: One Kings Lane's Stylish Round Mirrors

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Don't have time to browse all the online sample sales everyday? You're in luck: We searched them all and brought back the best.

Editor's Pick: Clockwise from top left: Apollo, Cassara, Elina, and Welsh mirrors by Bailey Street, $35-$80, One Kings Lane.


A classic looking round mirror is the perfect accessory to elevate a drab room. Although these champagne-color round mirrors have a seemingly gilded quality to them, they're actually made of resin so they're extremely affordable. A tip for easy elegance: Hang a couple of these with their varying frames together-they'll immediately enliven a blank wall.


Want to snap this up? Move quickly. Sale ends Thursday, 11am. Check back tomorrow for the next Daily Sampling!

 

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Just In: Courteney Cox's New Gig as a Home Editor

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The actress/design enthusiast signs up as xoJane.com's Home Editor.

xoJane


It's well-known that home editors have the best-looking houses (not to brag or anything) but the newest editor to join our humble tribe is none other than the stunning (and stunning house inhabitant) Courteney Cox. Over at the already too-much-fun xoJane.com, they've announced that Ms. Cox will share her decorating (and, bonus: beauty) advice.

Her first column's all about beauty products, so we'll have to be patient and wait for her to tackle home. We're hoping there's lots of bargain decor and gossip on her friends' houses. And oh yeah, tons of cleaning advice because we like to pretend she actually is Monica Geller and therefore truly anal-retentive about cleaning.

 

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Daily Clean-Up: Sort Your Clothes For Laundry

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Whenever possible, it's always best to keep the lights separate from the darks when doing laundry. And it's also good to separate a load for the whites only, naturally.

But don't stop there. Don't mix delicates with havey fabrics, put really dirty and grimy clothes like your gardening gears in one load, and keep new wash towels separate from everything so that lint doesn't end up getting on to everything.

Have a cleaning tip to share? Let us know at Twitter.com/ShelterPop.

Getty; Corbis

 

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Blank Canvas: CanvasPop (Plus! A Special Discount)

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What's more intimidating than a big empty wall? The endless options of photographs, drawings, screenprints and shadowboxes out there. We're making it a little easier by zeroing in on our favorites.

The best part about curated art sites: They have great taste so you don't have to. But there's something just a little more special -- and a lot more personal -- about hanging custom-for-you artwork.

Enter CanvasPop. They're set up to turn your Facebook photos, phone photos or scanned family photos into art. And when they invited me to try it for myself, I had the perfect challenge. I needed a piece to transform the back corner of my living room: A big empty wall that I've never done anything with except hang a small photo by my brilliant photographer friend Jordan Levie.

My big blank wall, before and after CanvasPop. Photos: ShelterPop


I took their generous offer as a chance to experiment with scale -- and test out how well they handle the details of a photo on a larger-than-life print. As anyone who's ever experimented with blowing up a photo on a scanner knows, images can easily appear grainy and blurry once you enlarge them. Definitely not the look I was going for.

But the site is way more prepared than I gave them credit for: A personal technician emailed me a proof of the photo I chose -- again, another Jordan Levie shot, this time a hyper-colorful, slightly-mysterious shot of a claw machine filled with candy and dollar-wrapped cigarettes. And while the resolution on the shot was big enough to survive perfectly, they have special filters they can play with to pump up a lower resolution shot, ones that even turn your photo into a comic book-style piece.

Some of my favorite pieces on CanvasPop.


When my canvas arrived, I was floored: The image is vibrant and the overall quality is incredible -- thick canvas, perfectly folded corners and it comes ready to hang. I was so obsessed with the piece I picked up an art light to give it even more attention. Doesn't the wall look so much ... happier? It also draws the eye to the back of the room as soon as you walk in, which helps make my living room look enormous.

Jealous? I've got good news: The kind people at CanvasPop want you to try the site, too. From now until the end of July, you can use the promo code ShelterPop15 to get 15% off your order (this cannot be used with any other coupon or discount). And if you're jealous of the photo, you can email Jordan.

Looking for more ideas for jazzing up a boring wall check out the rest of our Blank Canvas columns!

 

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House of Worship: Pierre Cardin's Lacoste

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After tackling fashion, homewares, cigarettes and toilets, Pierre Cardin sets his sights on Lacoste, a tiny village in Provence.

pierre-cardin-lacosteAdrian Gaut for WSJ.


In the latest issue of WSJ., iconic designer and licensing pioneer Pierre Cardin shares his biggest project yet: Reconstructing over 40 buildings in Lacoste, France. And in the process, reimagining the entire small village.

pierre-cardin-lacosteAdrian Gaut for WSJ


Rather than trying to match or recreate the grand, historic architecture of the buildings, Cardin is offering a modern, dynamic counterpoint to the exteriors. Writer Tony Perrottet, who toured many of the locations, describes the finished interiors as a bright escape: "Each room had a different color theme -- vibrantly bright orange, purple, green -- and was filled with [Cardin's] furniture in bold, lacquered shapes."

pierre-cardin-lacosteAdrian Gaut for WSJ

The goal? To turn Lacoste -- which is already home to a satellite campus of the terrific Savannah College of Art & Design -- into a "Saint-Tropez of culture" (those are Cardin's words, not Perrottet's) with galleries, cafes, grocery stores and an annual arts fair, the Lacoste Festival.

Unsurprisingly, Cardin has met with some naysayers -- many locals boycott his shops and cafes and in a coup, convinced him to cancel one of his large projects for the town, a large golf course. Still, we're fascinated by the new-meets-old approach from the now-89-year-old designer. And we can't wait to see what's next.

 

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Daily Sampling: Fab.com's Modern Flower Pots

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Don't have time to browse all the online sample sales everyday? You're in luck: We searched them all and brought back the best.

Editor's Pick: Storm flower pots by Julie Storm for Normann Copenhagen, $20-$28, Fab.com.


Even if you're a hardcore traditionalist with it comes to home design and gardening, these black aluminum modern flower pots will have you thinking outside the box. With sleek curves, these streamlined flower pots come in two sizes (medium and large) and can be used indoors or out...a simple way to bring a slightly pared-down look into your home.


Want to snap this up? Move quickly. Sale ends Friday, 10am. Check back tomorrow for the next Daily Sampling!

 

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Crazy/Sexy/Cool? A Cloud You Can Live In

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What's better than vacationing in the South of France? Vacationing in the South of France ... in a cloud.

live-on-a-cloudBruit du frigo




Every so often I come across a house that's so amazing the only thing that comes to mind is the Liz Lemon quote: "I want to go to there". Case in point, this cloud house in Lormont, found through If It's Hip It's Here.

On the outside, it looks like a dreamy, adorable cloud. But inside? A neat vacation spot that sleeps 7. The wood and plexiglass interiors are warm, modern and perfect for holing up with your favorite books and bottle of wine.


live-on-a-cloudBruit du frigo




And: Bunkbeds! Brilliant. Let's say it one more time: I want to go to there.


Bruit du frigo



Now, it's clear I think this pod is super cool but I want to know what you think: Crazy? Sexy? Or Cool? Originally created by Le Bruit de Frigo and Zébra3/Buy-sellf for last October's la biennale d'art en parcs urbains panOramas 2010, "Le Nuage", that darling cloud pod, is now available to rent out nightly from now through October through the Lormont Tourism office.

Bruit du frigo

 

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Daily Clean-Up: Ask For Help Organizing

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Sometimes there's just too much organizing for you to tackle all alone, so be realistic. If it's more work than you can handle, don't be afraid to ask a relative, close friend, or a professional organizer for help.

A second opinion from an outsider never hurts since they'll most likely be more objective than you about the clothing and objects you should keep and the ones that should be donated. You'll be surprised to find out how much of your stuff can be donated.

Have a cleaning tip to share? Let us know at Twitter.com/ShelterPop.

Getty; Corbis

 

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The 'Housewives'-Approved 15-Minute Clean-Up

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When you only have 15 minutes to clean, how do you spend them? Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen from "Real Housewives of New York" share their trusty get-clean-quick tips.



Last week when I visited the McCord-Van Kempen home for their amazing backyard makeover, I was impressed at how clean they keep their place. Especially with two adorable, rambunctious kids. So I asked Alex & Simon to share their favorite tips on how to clean up the kitchen when in a tight 15 minute window. Maybe you've got surprise guests on the way, maybe you're just running 15 minutes early in the morning and want to whip your place into shape -- no matter what you'll love their easy ideas on what to clean ... and what you can skip.

What are some of your favorite ways to clean things up in a short period of time? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

 

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Boutique of the Week: Palm Avenue Lilly Pulitzer Lifestyle

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Don't let yourself fall into a shopping rut. Instead, explore some of the best boutiques around the country. This week: Palm Avenue Lilly Pulitzer Lifestyle, 2015 Cameron Street, Raleigh, NC.

This cheery-happy shop recently reopened after a huge move and revamp. Along with its new look, Palm Avenue, Lilly Pulitzer Lifestyle now carries Lilly Pulitzer clothing as well as the brand's new home furnishings collection, which include upholstery featuring its signature flowery patterns in bright pinks, blues, and yellows. We spoke to shopowner Rebecca Byrd to find out how she pulled it all together.


1. What was the inspiration for this store?
Our inspiration for the store was truly Lilly Pulitzer herself. We've had the pleasure of visiting Lilly Pulitzer's Palm Beach home and we loved the eclectic mix of bought and found treasures and the unpretentious feel of her home--nothing "matches" and everything goes. On one table a hula lamp found at a yard sale and on another a priceless Tiffany lamp. She even hung a Picasso over her kitty litter box. Her home is about fun, comfort, and value in things that make you happy.

2. Are there any new pieces that are specific to this store?
In addition to our beloved Lilly Pulitzer fashions and new home collections and upholstery, we've added bundles of accessories for a special treat around every corner, including tortoise dinner plates, a two-foot hanging monkey, great barware, sea glass vases, and hilarious hostess books. We've also just received the Lilly Pulitzer fabric which we sell by the yard.

3. What's been most popular with visitors at the store?
The shoe pouf. Every girl needs a place to store more shoes.


4. What keeps visitors coming back?
We try to constantly keep our inventory fresh. Fashions are received every 2 weeks and we have new accessories every day. But at the end of the day it's our fabulous, friendly staff that keeps them coming back for more.

5. Do you have a favorite item in this store?
I am personally obsessed with the brass bar cart, of course! (A close second being the vintage Persian rugs, which come vat-dyed in fuchsia, turquoise, or lime green.)


6. What do you like most about this store?
Fun, cool, laid-back vibe. It's like a treasure hunt every time you enter.

7. Fun fact:
We are the first store in the country to carry the Lilly Pulitzer Home collection and the first to sell the Lilly Pulitzer fabric. And turquoise is my favorite color, NOT pink!

On ShelterPop's wishlist: Dessert plates, $5/set of 8, lillypulitzer.com and shoppalmavenue.com.

Lilly Pulitzer dessert plate

 

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Plant of the Week: Bayberry

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Each week, bring something new to your garden/windowsill/favorite vase -- and impress your friends with your ahead-of-the-curve picks.

Northern bayberry and its fruit. Photo: Marie Viljoen


Northern bayberry -- Myrica pensylvanica -- is a low-maintenance, native herb. A low-growing stalwart of dunes and coastal vegetation, it withstands dry conditions and salt spray. Crush its leaves and the scent talks of the seaside. A semi evergreen shrub, most people recognize its attractive dusky purple berries, hard as BB pellets. Recently I started to cook with its aromatic leaves and discovered in them a fresh alternative to bay leaf. The shrubs grow in sand, on dry roof tops and resist the onslaught of deer.

Learn more about bayberry.

 

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Daily Sampling: One Kings Lane's Hanging Metal Birdcages

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Don't have time to browse all the online sample sales everyday? You're in luck: We searched them all and brought back the best.

Editor's Pick: Hanging metal birdcages from Evergreen, $49/set of 2 (left) and $89/set of 2, One Kings Lane.


Calling all collectors and gardeners! Outdoor furnishings were the highlight from today's sample sale batch, and we were immediately drawn to these attractive 19th-century style hanging metal birdcages. They make beautiful accents as is under a pergola or even indoors, and we're envisioning them with pots of overgrown ivy nestled inside for a verdant touch.


Want to snap this up? Move quickly. Sale ends Saturday, 11am. Check back tomorrow for the next Daily Sampling!

 

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House of Worship: Veranda's House of Windsor

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Veranda magazine presents a designer showhouse with a charitable bent.





Perhaps the best part of this "House of Worship": Lucky LA-based readers can visit it and get a firsthand look. VerandaUnVeils: The House of Windsor takes Veranda magazine's perspective on gracious living to the next level, presenting the abstract idea in a tangible, lovely house. Designer Windsor Smith worked with fellow LA designers like "Million Dollar Decorators"'s Martyn Lawrence Bullard and Inner Gardens' Stephen Block.





The house will be open through this Sunday, July 17th, and tickets are available online for $30 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Children's Action Network and P.S. ARTS. As for that horse? We can't promise it will still be there but we really hope so.



But we can promise you'll come away with a major case of kitchen envy. Oh, to have such neat open shelves!


But that's enough out of us -- check out this video from Editor at Large to see what the designers, their clients and celebrity guests have to say about the house:




TKTKKT

 

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