Designer Ideas on a Budget

Your home can look fabulous whether you spend an enormous amount of money or you decide to work within a minimal budget.  Sure, those with an unlimited cash flow may have really cool upgrades and expensive bling, but an elegant space can still be created without thinning your wallet to the last dollar bill.

An enriching color scheme can make all the difference.  Take a look at the room below.  I found it on HGTV.

Notice how rich the gray and the red appear.  The design is simple.  The couch and the print hanging above it are inexpensive.  Not much had to be done to create this look.  A sleek coat of paint mixed with tone on tone coloring and a splash of red will make any room pop.  Of course, the white flowers give the room just enough glamour to make the room elegantly perfect!

Glamour In A Man's Cave 2nd Edition

Yes, it's true.  Men love mood lighting as much as women do!  This Emporium Home sconce is the perfect find for the man who wants to create a unique atmosphere while exuding masculinity.

Complimented in the dining room by this chandelier, our glamorous man is sure to impress!

Men don't have to have a fru-fru look to show off their tastes.  Mix a little chocolate leather and a furry white rug like the one pictured below and he'll have it made. Simple, yet glamorously cool.

Emporium Home Furniture & Accessories

I am loving this new furniture company!  Emporium Home opened doors in April to a sleek suite of contemporary designs. This type of interior design creates a clean look that is also soothing.

Decorating a room with soft, light colors leaves guests feeling welcomed and refreshed. 

 The above sconce is beautiful!  Unique lighting can change the entire look of a room.  Although odd numbers are usually preferred in Interior Design, sconces work well in pairs.

Aside from it's originality in design concepts, Emporium Home has amazing jewelery!

Save the Date for a New York Extravaganza!

I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine, Jennifer Gilbert, owner of  Save the Date® , an amazing event company based in New York where the motto is "Consider your event planned.^TM"    Fifteen years experience has landed  her planning events for Fortune 500 companies, celebrities and brides.  The fabulous Marilyn you see photographed above is from one of Jennifer's events. I wonder how long the model had to pose like that!

You may recognize Jennifer from Real Housewives of New York,Working Woman Magazine's Top 500 list,The Wall Street Journal or maybe even Cosmopolitan.  I am looking forward to a collaboration of our friendship and our businesses.  Be sure to visit her blog!

Interior Design isn't always about the home.  Similar design concepts and proportions are used when planning for events as well, something Jennifer Gilbert can do in her sleep!

Glamour in A Man's Cave 1st Edition

It doesn't take a woman to notice classiness in a home.  Men like the feeling of glamour too!  The perfect bachelor pad is home to strong leathers, clean lines and hidden treasures that men NEVER want to leave behind.  All can be encompassed into the glamour of a man cave with the comforts of home.

First, a man has to determine his style.  Is it a rugged ranch style or a contemporary, clean design?  This is essential because it will lay the groundwork for surrounding your home with the things you love while making it special with the elements of design.

The key to the man cave is to have masculinity blended with usefulness.  I love this "designer" tool chest...

It's definitely a must for the male in terms of usefulness, yet it can sit in the corner of a den or game room and portray a unique presence in the room.

Stay tuned next week for more tips on Glamour in A Man's Cave.

I like a unique design of old mixed with new to create the perfect piece of Everyday Glamour. Why throw out your old furniture when you can make it special with a touch of paint or a creative blend of stain.

The above chair was at one time cherry wood.  I refurbished the finish and added a designer fabric and pillow to design an exclusive work of art.

I personally refurbish furniture for my clients, giving them a treasure that is one-of-a-kind AND something they love!

American Society of Interior Designers Meets Alexis Hunter & Associates

Condo at One Arts Plaza - What a view!

What a thrill to be a part of a special evening with the American Society of Interior Designers located in One Arts Plaza!  This gorgeous interior is part of a unique boutique of condos.  It's minimalistic and clean design boasts a modern work of art.  We had the privilege to tour the developer's available condo during a design event hosted by Knoll Furniture and the condo boutique - both located in the same building.

The condominiums are part of a downtown revitalization effort speared by the Dallas Museum of Arts. One Arts Plaza is home to both residential and commercial.  Massive, automatic opening doors welcome you into the lobby with a design that softly says, "Hello!  Come on in."

Incredible view from condo

"The" Patio 

Condo Lobby

Knoll Furniture, established in the 1950's, is a cummulation of modern works of art.  Their fine furnishings are very detailed, yet clean and modern.

Knoll Bench

Hans and Florence Knoll founded the uniquely high-end furniture company and have been creating quality works of art ever since.  Not only do they design interior furniture, they were the first to revolutionize outdoor furniture to stand the test of outdoor weather errosion.  Designer, Richard Schultz, carefully constructed the weather resistent furniture over a three year time period.  Introduced in 1966, it is known as the "1966 Luxury Collection."  He specifically designed the timeless pieces in an effort to meet the request of Florence Knoll to provide patio furniture that wouldn't rust.  Meeting Shultz's works of art was the best part of the night!

The Knoll's don't just specialize in furniture.  They have also designed specialized products used in both residential and commercial real estate.  "filzfelt" is a 100% wool designed felt with a comfortable feel.  It is used mostly for flooring, but also serves as a room divider.  It's multipurpose capabilities allow the unique German design to serve as draperies, sound barriers and insulation as well.

"Spinnybeck" is their latest invention and consists of all types of leather - distressed, hair hides, embossed, metalics, etc. - creating incredible wall panels. 

I am so privileged to have the opportunity to attend events like these!

American Society of Interior Design Meets Alexis Hunter & Associates

Condo at One Arts Plaza - What a view!

What a thrill to be a part of a special evening with the American Society of Interior Designers located in One Arts Plaza!  This gorgeous interior is part of a unique boutique of condos.  It's minimalistic and clean design boasts a modern work of art.  We had the privilege to tour the developer's available condo during a design event hosted by Knoll Furniture and the condo boutique - both located in the same building.

The condominiums are part of a downtown revitalization effort speared by the Dallas Museum of Arts. One Arts Plaza is home to both residential and commercial.  Massive, automatic opening doors welcome you into the lobby with a design that softly says, "Hello!  Come on in."

Incredible view from condo

"The" Patio 

Condo Lobby

Knoll Furniture, established in the 1950's, is a cummulation of modern works of art.  Their fine furnishings are very detailed, yet clean and modern.

Knoll Bench

Hans and Florence Knoll founded the uniquely high-end furniture company and have been creating quality works of art ever since.  Not only do they design interior furniture, they were the first to revolutionize outdoor furniture to stand the test of outdoor weather errosion.  Designer, Richard Schultz, carefully constructed the weather resistent furniture over a three year time period. Introduced in 1966, it is known as the "1966 Collection."  He specifically designed the timeless pieces in an effort to meet the request of Florence Knoll to provide patio furniture that wouldn't rust.  Meeting Shultz's works of art was the best part of the night!

The Knoll's don't just specialize in furniture.  They have also designed specialized products used in both residential and commercial real estate.  "filzfelt" is a 100% wool designed felt with a comfortable feel.  It is used mostly for flooring, but also serves as a room divider.  It's multipurpose capabilities allow the unique German design to serve as draperies, sound barriers and insulation as well.

"Spinnybeck" is their latest invention and consists of all types of leather - distressed, hair hides, embossed, metalics, etc. - creating incredible wall panels. 

I am so privileged to have the opportunity to attend events like these!

Veranda Magazine Event



Attending designer events is not only fun, it's educational.  Being able to spend time visiting with designers as well as Veranda Magazine contributors made for a great day.  Design expert panelists shared their stories and ideas.  They also encouraged audience participation allowing us to gain additional insight into the design world.  One of the most important lessons I learned was that every designer goes through a "rebirth."  Age and years in the designer business isn't the most important asset of a designer.  It's their ability to adapt to an ever evolving environment and consistently change their design approach to meet the needs of their clients.

In the above photo, I had the opportunity to take a snapshot with Windsor Smith from Windsor Smith Home.  She's pictured in the brown dress right next to me!  Meeting Windsor was the highlight of my day.  She is not only talented, she is genuinely someone I can relate to - a true gem.

Veranda Magazine publisher Jennifer Levene Bruno and I posed for the camera in a picture framed by amazing fabrics. 



Panelists were happy to answer our inquiries.  I now have a new wealth of knowledge to take back to my clients!