This is one of those times where I see a product and I shout out 'What took them so long!!
IdeaPaint have come up with an ingenious clear paint that transforms nearly any surface into a WHITE BOARD, isn't that just great?
I'm guessing its a clear lacquer of sorts.....lets investigate further~ According to IdeaPaint it's a clear top coat that can be applied to any dry paint surface or even wood, transforming any surface into a white board, or green board or an ORANGE wall if you fancy, or even your board room table!
Is it just me! Or do I hear the church bells ringing? My husband is giving me the "only you would get so excited about this" look... But I beg to differ, there are many did I say MILLIONS of design junkies out there who just like me will be placing an order for this revolutionary stuff.
For the hefty price of $225.00 which covers 50sq ft, it can be yours... here's the link
http://www.ideapaint.com/work/shop
Send in your pics!
~D~
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Introducing Ottaviani at CELLINI
Cellini is our family run businesses on the lovely island of Malta.
Located in the heart of downtown Sliema also know as 'The Ferries', Cellini is at the center of anything shopping. You will inevitably pass our shop if you visit or live in Malta!
Please stop in and take a peek!
Cellini is now stocking OTTAVIANI, an elegant and timeless Italian manufacturer of gifts and home decor.
Ottaviani
In order to remain interesting and unique you will only find one or two of each item, so hurry in!
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| Candle Holder by Ottaviani at Cellini |
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| Fruit Bowl by Ottaviani at Cellini |
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| Portachiavi by Ottaviani at Cellini |
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| iPad cover with zipper in leather by Ottaviani available at Cellini |
To see more Ottaviani products and to join in the conversation please Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CelliniSliema
~D~
Cellini
11 Tower Rd (The Ferries)
Sliema Malta
Tel 21331867
email cellinitrading@gmail.com
Sunday, May 20, 2012
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Monday, May 14, 2012
HOMEMINT by Justin Timberlake & Estee Stanley
Our favorite singer, songwriter & and hilarious SNL star Justin Timberlake has teamed up with West Coast fashion & interior designer Estee Stanley to create a line of vintage furnishings and artwork.
HomeMint is an interesting concept, you can become a member and by doing so get may perks including 50% off furnishings decor & art, first look at new creations & special invitations to HomeMint events.
In his own words Justin explains the creation of HomeMint.
"HomeMint merges my love for interior design with my passion for innovation to create a personalized home collection -- it's like having your very own interior designer. A home should be inspiring and a reflection of you and HomeMint brings your individual style to your space."
Whilst his partner Estee explains how it works.
"My home design process is very much like fashion styling -- I accessorize and layer to bring a space together the way I would style a look. For HomeMint, Justin and I curate and design a versatile, eclectic collection of pieces we love for our members every month."
First you figure out your Home Style by choosing images that most appeal to you, for example 'Which living room best reflects your taste?' and so on.. And whilst you are enjoying figuring out your style the questions cleverly end up being a survey, and you having to part with your email... yet again. However this does give you the benefits of becoming a member.
Your Top Items are then selected based on your answers and I must say they did choose a nice throw pillow for me!
Check out the webiste for yourselves at http://www.homemint.com/ to find your style>
I think the fun part will be checking back each month for new additions to their collections!
Have a great week :)
~D~
HomeMint is an interesting concept, you can become a member and by doing so get may perks including 50% off furnishings decor & art, first look at new creations & special invitations to HomeMint events.
In his own words Justin explains the creation of HomeMint.
"HomeMint merges my love for interior design with my passion for innovation to create a personalized home collection -- it's like having your very own interior designer. A home should be inspiring and a reflection of you and HomeMint brings your individual style to your space."
Whilst his partner Estee explains how it works.
"My home design process is very much like fashion styling -- I accessorize and layer to bring a space together the way I would style a look. For HomeMint, Justin and I curate and design a versatile, eclectic collection of pieces we love for our members every month."
First you figure out your Home Style by choosing images that most appeal to you, for example 'Which living room best reflects your taste?' and so on.. And whilst you are enjoying figuring out your style the questions cleverly end up being a survey, and you having to part with your email... yet again. However this does give you the benefits of becoming a member.
Your Top Items are then selected based on your answers and I must say they did choose a nice throw pillow for me!
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| From their Private Collection ~ Jacobean Print $39.99 for Members |
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| In Collaboration with Canvas |
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| Unique Finds |
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| ART by Justin Timberlake |
I think the fun part will be checking back each month for new additions to their collections!
Have a great week :)
~D~
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Renovating a Family Space
This is the 3rd and last post in the Design Dilemma series, I hope you have enjoyed the first two posts, TO SEE PART 1 CLICK HERE and TO SEE PART 2 CLICK HERE . Answering these questions takes time and care, just the same as preparing for a design project installation.
I must say I've had a lot of fun! So thank you for your questions. For those who did not make it on the blog, I will continue to answer via email.
Jamie's kitchen, breakfast room and family room is my final Design Dilemma, here is her dilemma.
Design inspiration: we have a rectangular space that our Kitchen and Family room occupy. Between these spaces is a large island which contains our fireplace. I am looking for inspiration for an updated kitchen dinette area (cabinets are cherry and table is currently a matchy-matchy cherry) to integrate into (also) a refreshed FR area. I wanted to freshen up the space for my young family of 4: darker/lighter table, fun chairs (maybe a couple upholstered?) So lost and would love your thoughts!
What a gorgeous home!
The first thing I see is the fab ceiling and classic architectural details, the room has great bones, it seems weird to me that with all the windows, high ceilings and open concept that the room looks so dark and dull. This is not a reflection of your young family!
As in most projects lets begin with 'demo'. The TV cabinet, both rugs and the dining set need to go.... Budget permitting, we can look at new sofas.
First off the walls are too dark, the grey is just bringing in a rainy day. We need to choose a light and bright wall color, lets bring in a clear blue sky...carry the paint through into the kitchen and include the island.
I adore Willard White, it is a soft neutral with a hint of sky! You may choose to dd a little more color...
I would also paint the ceiling in the same color as the wall and leave the coffers white, here is an example on how to emphasize the great architectural details you already have!
I was discussing this post on Twitter with @ShelleyHolmes Follow Shelley HERE and @FifthWallDesign Follow Diana HERE . Diana who is an Interior Designer based in Virginia mentioned linking the dividing wall to the ceiling, after a few back & forth this is the very sketchy sketch of the result, I think it grounds the wall, which otherwise looks detached, do you agree?
Replacing the wood media unit in the family room with a built in arrangement similar to the image below will totally transform the area and create good storage, with plenty of charm.
Back to the kitchen area where the breakfast area is somewhat tight. Chairs actually take up a lot of space, so my idea for seating would be to design a bench which will back to the dividing wall! The tiles would be covered with a paneled back and adding cushions will make a comfy place to hang out. There is no doubt that kids love banquettes (and so do I! Check out over 70 different Banquettes here: http://pinterest.com/dionnetrifiro/kitchen-banquettes-benches/ ;)
Here is a freestanding bench idea: Love the rattan chair too!
Or a fitted bench.
It would be lovely if the table was a washed out pine farmhouse style or a simple white one which would carry the white through the space.
I think this table would look great and I love the 2 upholstered chairs and the white lantern.
The living room needs a new rug, and a hard wearing one in order to keep up with a busy family of 5! A wool mix sisal will be a great option, the great thing about it is that it can be bought off a roll and cut to any size. I recently saw these at Worldwide Flooring. I would go for a light color to brighten the space and also to contrast with your existing sofas.
Last but not least, lets introduce some fabrics in the form of curtains, the bench seat cushion and upholstered chairs will be chosen in tandem with the curtains.
I saw a fantastic curtain today which inspired me to choose these fabrics. The family room really needs softening and whereas we do not want to have the curtains close off the light, some panels in between each window will make a huge difference!
Jamie, hopefully I have inspired you and my readers today to make something beautiful!
~D~
For info on any of the above products contact me on dionnetrifirodesignllc@gmail.com
I must say I've had a lot of fun! So thank you for your questions. For those who did not make it on the blog, I will continue to answer via email.
Jamie's kitchen, breakfast room and family room is my final Design Dilemma, here is her dilemma.
Design inspiration: we have a rectangular space that our Kitchen and Family room occupy. Between these spaces is a large island which contains our fireplace. I am looking for inspiration for an updated kitchen dinette area (cabinets are cherry and table is currently a matchy-matchy cherry) to integrate into (also) a refreshed FR area. I wanted to freshen up the space for my young family of 4: darker/lighter table, fun chairs (maybe a couple upholstered?) So lost and would love your thoughts!
What a gorgeous home!
The first thing I see is the fab ceiling and classic architectural details, the room has great bones, it seems weird to me that with all the windows, high ceilings and open concept that the room looks so dark and dull. This is not a reflection of your young family!
As in most projects lets begin with 'demo'. The TV cabinet, both rugs and the dining set need to go.... Budget permitting, we can look at new sofas.
First off the walls are too dark, the grey is just bringing in a rainy day. We need to choose a light and bright wall color, lets bring in a clear blue sky...carry the paint through into the kitchen and include the island.
 |
| Willard White by Benjamin Moore |
I adore Willard White, it is a soft neutral with a hint of sky! You may choose to dd a little more color...
 |
| Grantham Blue by Benjamin Moore |
I was discussing this post on Twitter with @ShelleyHolmes Follow Shelley HERE and @FifthWallDesign Follow Diana HERE . Diana who is an Interior Designer based in Virginia mentioned linking the dividing wall to the ceiling, after a few back & forth this is the very sketchy sketch of the result, I think it grounds the wall, which otherwise looks detached, do you agree?
Replacing the wood media unit in the family room with a built in arrangement similar to the image below will totally transform the area and create good storage, with plenty of charm.
 |
| Via DecorPad |
Back to the kitchen area where the breakfast area is somewhat tight. Chairs actually take up a lot of space, so my idea for seating would be to design a bench which will back to the dividing wall! The tiles would be covered with a paneled back and adding cushions will make a comfy place to hang out. There is no doubt that kids love banquettes (and so do I! Check out over 70 different Banquettes here: http://pinterest.com/dionnetrifiro/kitchen-banquettes-benches/ ;)
Here is a freestanding bench idea: Love the rattan chair too!
 |
| http://pinterest.com/pin/234750199296739491/ |
 |
| http://pinterest.com/pin/234750199297007806/ |
It would be lovely if the table was a washed out pine farmhouse style or a simple white one which would carry the white through the space.
 |
| http://pinterest.com/pin/234750199296908478/ |
I think this table would look great and I love the 2 upholstered chairs and the white lantern.
 |
| http://pinterest.com/pin/220746819205576773/ |
 |
| Worldwide Wholesale Floor Coverings |
I saw a fantastic curtain today which inspired me to choose these fabrics. The family room really needs softening and whereas we do not want to have the curtains close off the light, some panels in between each window will make a huge difference!
 |
 |
| All fabrics available at Calico Corners |
Jamie, hopefully I have inspired you and my readers today to make something beautiful!
~D~
For info on any of the above products contact me on dionnetrifirodesignllc@gmail.com
Monday, May 7, 2012
Design Dilemma Part 2
My final choice for your 'Design Dilemma's' was sent to me by Andrea! I couldn't resist her bright bedroom full of design opportunities!
"Hi there,
I saw your blog post about featuring our design dilemmas, and appreciate you taking a look at mine!
It's my master bedroom. The rest of the house has been very well attended to. But our bedroom? Not so spectacular. The furniture is dated, and the walls uninspired. Due to the doors and windows, we are pretty trapped in the furniture arrangement with the bed being where it is. We love modern linear design mixed with original pieces from our travels. The rest of the house follows that design point of view with high ceilings, concrete floors, and is very open and airy.
The bedroom has great bones with tons of light. Any suggestions for bringing this space into 2012? Oh, and by the way, we've just finished a major overhaul/remodel in another part of the house, so our budget is very limited at the moment."
Andrea has a fantastic home which has recently been redecorated in neutrals with gorgeous living space. They ran out of steam and her master bedroom was left behind, not unusual in this type of renovation.
The room itself has great bones, 3 french doors and a large feature window all to an outside space. The ceilings are decent and there is even a fireplace.
I am really feeling a neutral palette for this space, and having peeked into the living areas that have been redecorated, I know that this will work for Andrea and her husband.
The downsides that I saw were few architectural finishes, base and ceiling mouldings need to be added and the doors could be upgraded with some architrave detailing.
The walls could be painted in a warm neutral, leaving the woodwork as is in white. You could even go so far as to wallpaper the wall behind the bed in something organic and textural.
Or patterned in the very popular Imperial Trellis.
The floor is concrete, that although sounds contemporary and neat, is not feet friendly and leave me cold. Wood flooring could easily be installed on top of the existing floor and some rugs will bring in warmth. If this is beyond the intended budget a very large wool mix sisal rug could cover most of the floor space.
Although I absolutely adore all the light and windows, I don't think it makes for a good night sleep! The introduction of fabrics here would be great! Wall to wall drapes in a soft pattern will not only block the early morning light but will also introduce color and pattern which is seriously lacking in this bedroom.
Or patterned, this drapery is by Coco Cozy
The existing bed is okay, although not master bedroom material. I would envision a high comfy bed with an upholstered headboard and a dozen throw pillows, making you want to jump into bed and snuggle! Two odd bedside tables with large lamps will add layers.
I would probably relocate the contemporary chair and ottoman to the living room and in place add an upholstered tufted chair and round ottoman, with a small side table with lamp for reading and enjoying the fireplace. Again, I would remove the armoire and instead add a low chest of drawers or writing desk with artwork above and accessorize with family photos and other decorative pieces.
With the budget in mind I would not do anything to the fireplace, filling it with different size candles would draw your eye to it and provide ambiance. I suggest adding some color to the accessories on the mantel.
A black mirror will provide contrast and interest, I would extend the use of black to the window treatments in the form of curtain rods.
I truly hope this has provided some tips and inspiration to Andrea and to anyone trying to create a a relaxing atmosphere in their own bedroom. It needs to be a place where you leave all your day time activities behind and get some well deserved rest.
~D~
"Hi there,
I saw your blog post about featuring our design dilemmas, and appreciate you taking a look at mine!
It's my master bedroom. The rest of the house has been very well attended to. But our bedroom? Not so spectacular. The furniture is dated, and the walls uninspired. Due to the doors and windows, we are pretty trapped in the furniture arrangement with the bed being where it is. We love modern linear design mixed with original pieces from our travels. The rest of the house follows that design point of view with high ceilings, concrete floors, and is very open and airy.
The bedroom has great bones with tons of light. Any suggestions for bringing this space into 2012? Oh, and by the way, we've just finished a major overhaul/remodel in another part of the house, so our budget is very limited at the moment."
Andrea has a fantastic home which has recently been redecorated in neutrals with gorgeous living space. They ran out of steam and her master bedroom was left behind, not unusual in this type of renovation.
The room itself has great bones, 3 french doors and a large feature window all to an outside space. The ceilings are decent and there is even a fireplace.
I am really feeling a neutral palette for this space, and having peeked into the living areas that have been redecorated, I know that this will work for Andrea and her husband.
 |
| Inspiration ~ Kelly Wearstler via Veranda |
The downsides that I saw were few architectural finishes, base and ceiling mouldings need to be added and the doors could be upgraded with some architrave detailing.
The walls could be painted in a warm neutral, leaving the woodwork as is in white. You could even go so far as to wallpaper the wall behind the bed in something organic and textural.
 |
| Ralph Lauren Home http://bit.ly/JbD326 |
 |
| By Schumacher |
 |
| Benjamin Moore Shaker Beige |
The floor is concrete, that although sounds contemporary and neat, is not feet friendly and leave me cold. Wood flooring could easily be installed on top of the existing floor and some rugs will bring in warmth. If this is beyond the intended budget a very large wool mix sisal rug could cover most of the floor space.
Although I absolutely adore all the light and windows, I don't think it makes for a good night sleep! The introduction of fabrics here would be great! Wall to wall drapes in a soft pattern will not only block the early morning light but will also introduce color and pattern which is seriously lacking in this bedroom.
Or patterned, this drapery is by Coco Cozy
 |
| Quatro Foil |
The existing bed is okay, although not master bedroom material. I would envision a high comfy bed with an upholstered headboard and a dozen throw pillows, making you want to jump into bed and snuggle! Two odd bedside tables with large lamps will add layers.
 |
| West Elm |
 |
| Pottery Barn |
Geometric Design Throw pillows by Deborah Main Designs
  |
| Bedside Table |
I would probably relocate the contemporary chair and ottoman to the living room and in place add an upholstered tufted chair and round ottoman, with a small side table with lamp for reading and enjoying the fireplace. Again, I would remove the armoire and instead add a low chest of drawers or writing desk with artwork above and accessorize with family photos and other decorative pieces.
 |
| Metal Drum side table~ Pottery Barn |
With the budget in mind I would not do anything to the fireplace, filling it with different size candles would draw your eye to it and provide ambiance. I suggest adding some color to the accessories on the mantel.
A black mirror will provide contrast and interest, I would extend the use of black to the window treatments in the form of curtain rods.
I truly hope this has provided some tips and inspiration to Andrea and to anyone trying to create a a relaxing atmosphere in their own bedroom. It needs to be a place where you leave all your day time activities behind and get some well deserved rest.
~D~
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