I was finishing up a bench this morning, using one of my favorite tools: spray paint.  As I was working, I was going back over all of your emails that you’ve sent to me asking questions about spray paint, expressing your fear or relaying your love for the aerosol can. 

In my humble opinion, these are the top ten pros and cons when it comes to the use of spray paint.

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We have a row of fine dining restaurants in the downtown area of my hometown.  Years ago, we made friends with Marco, the owner of a Zagat rated Italian restaurant called Risibisi (meaning ‘rice and peas’ in Italian).  A few weeks ago, Marco hired me redo his front window.  My task was to inject some style, texture, and romance into his window display without spending a fortune.  I was delighted to be entrusted with the task. 

Let me give you a brief tour of the inside of the restaurant before I show you the upgraded window decor.  His menu features rustic Italian cuisine, with an elegant presentation.  Handmade gnocchi, risotto, beef carpaccio, osso bucco, cioppino, seasonal specials, with wines from Italy – and all made with fresh, local, sustainable products.  Our meals are simply scrumptious every time we dine.   

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Perhaps you saw my tweet a few days ago where I mentioned the peacock feathers I purchased at Pier One. J’adore les plumes de paon. They’re an exotic, distinctive ornament – there is no mistaking it. But like any animal print, one must exercise restraint. Less is always more.

I have long been in love with the color peacock blue. Deeper than turquoise, fairer than indigo. It is bold by day, sultry by night. Paired with cream and golden bronze tones, it makes a daring design statement. So please indulge me in my latest fixation.

Where to begin?

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Hello friends.  This weekend, I am pleased to showcase the oh so chic, oh so talented Alexandra Ferguson and her gorgeous line of decorative pillows. 

Alexandra works in the fashion industry in NYC, so she is well versed in patterns, sewing, and serious style. 

Featured several times on Apartment Therapy here, here, and here, Alexandra is known for her super stylish designs created from 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles.  Did you know that every pound of felt is the equivalent of 10 water bottles?  So instead of ending up in the landfill, those plastic bottles get turned into this loveliness. 

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A few weeks ago, I picked up a mini ottoman at a thrift store for $5 dollars.  It was a beige patterned fabric that was ordinary, but nothing special.  I dreamed of a perch in my office for my feet and my morning coffee, so I set my sights on reupholstering it in a pale blue silky fabric. 

Here’s a peek at the end result:

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