Favorite products to create beautiful interiors.

When you need to update your rooms and add warmth and creativity, these are the products to start with. Many are easily found at discount retailers and even in big box store like Target, Home Depot and Lowes.

Lighting. A great pendant, a shapely table lamp, and even an architectural floor lamp, can be a dramatic accessory and a focal point to a room. With one table lamp on a corner end table having the right scale and color, you can complete the decor and add function.  See our lighting blog in December

 Candlesticks: Whether you like classic turned wooden candlesticks or sleek glass ones, using real or flame less candles, nestled in the right place in your room, adds drama, softness, romance, and light

 Wreaths: Bringing a bit of color to your doors, fireplace, table, and even your cook top, with a great wreath. You can certainly bring seasonal warmth to these areas, but why not use one year-round. Boxwood, grapevine and twig and vine are some that can be dried, real or faux and look great all the time

 Orchids: Even if you don't have a green thumb, a flowering orchid plant will add an elegant feel to a room, soften a harsh corner and look refreshing. They're delicate and look expensive, and you can find them in most big box hardware stores for under $20.  Add a group in a blue and white vessel for a traditional look or a single plant in a chocolate brown cache pot for a modern feel

Vases. Empty or full, glass or ceramic, vases can add a finishing touch to any room.  Varying the scale, the shape and texture and adding a plant or leaving it empty creates focal points and add color.  The glass vases in this kitchen space bring a soft blue to a crisp white space, and the white-on-white textured vases on the table add interest

Books: While I love open space on tables, books add a lived in feel, an architectural element, and sophistication to consoles, end tables and coffee tables. Placing them at an angle, as in this small apartment, is both practical - these are study guides covered with wallpaper - and attractive

Blue and white.  In nearly all decorating styles, classic blue and white vases, bowls, lamps and urns add a wonderful, warm touch. As a collection or simply by itself, a blue and white vase looks elegant, adds a sense of antiquity, and a fresh look to a space

 Mirrors: With the ability to add light to a room, provide detail and wall art, mirrors are one of the most versatile design accessories...not to mention functional!  They can add more apparent space to a small room. Create a focal point in a dining room, an entry, or a master bathroom. By using floor mirrors you can even make a narrow hallway appear wider, and a low-ceiling room appear taller!   Be aware of what the mirror is reflecting...a drab wall or the tops of furniture, won't add to the impact of using one

 Area rugs: The ability to define or divide a space can come from an area rug. Add visual interest, scale, pattern and texture to any room. Change the perception of dimension. Enjoy the variety of materials, but get the BEST you can afford.  For neutral looks with detail, add a great border as shown here..with sisal and a crisp brown leather edge

 Panel curtains:  To add softness to any window, adding panels - even with existing blinds - will do the trick.  Have a small window? Flanking it with panels can make the window look larger.  Need a bit of texture or color? A great fabric panel curtain can add the layer to finish your space.  Of course they are functional!  Add privacy, block the cold, divide a space