Designing with these ...

 

All for same client. None will go in same room.

Confused? Don't be ...

Because what I love is that they all could. 

She could run around her house like a frenzied contestant from the Price is Right with each piece and place it in a different room (remember that game?).

Result? All elements would fit in perfectly.

Go on ... mix it up ... don't get caught in a design rut! Who knows? Maybe you'll make it all the way to the showcase showdown or at least get a chance to spin the big wheel:)

Random Thoughts

Ok, have been reluctant to share this with you but it's just so good I can't help myself ...

Are you ready?

You can buy it here. It is a true-blue miracle for dry damaged hair and it's Chaz's passion in life. Was recommended to me by a fancy-schmancy hairdresser (not my current one -- one that I quit --- but boy does she know her stuff!).

Have a great holiday! 

If you'd like to take a chance and mix it up at your house contact me at kraussteph@yahoo.com.

Need inspiration from somewhere other than Pinterest?

Running out of shelter magazines to read during spring break?

Well, lock yourself up in a bedroom with an ipad and read your online shelter magazines for inspiration and ideas.

These are two of my faves:

 

Matchbook

 

All images above via Matchbook Magazine you can read it here at

http://www.matchbookmag.com/

and Lonny

All images above via from Lonny magazine. You can read it here.

 

There are many more I'd like to discuss but am afraid this post will get too lengthy and I'll loose you (or maybe it's my attention span I'm worried about?)

So we'll discuss the below magazines at a later date, shall we?

From our mates down under:

ADORE Magazine

 

Ivy & Piper

 

 

And my local fave .... GRAYS LANE. 

Adore this magazine. These women do their job with such grace and style I look forward to each and every issue. Check out their latest Spring issue hot off the press!

Random Thoughts

I heart NARS.

I'm not sure if it's hip or not to love this makeup line but I do. My favorite lipstick that lasts forever?

Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

Lasts all day long. Can't go wrong with Bahama for everyday and Belle de Jour for the nude lip. You can buy them here.

Keepin' it Realz

Tired of getting the same thing over and over again when you go food shopping?

Jealous of the people who have every store staked out and always buy the perfect thing?

well, I have just solved your weekly grocery-trip conundrum.

I found a chick who's gonna spell out exactly what we should buy at Trader Joe's!  I know, I know ... riveting stuff, isn't it?   

Check out her site here.

By the way, did you know this goes down at Trader Joe's?...

"Spot Timmy the Turtle! If kids find the Timmy the Turtle plush toy hiding in the store, they can pick out a prize from the Treasure Chest at the checkout. Tip: Look up, he’s often above the aisles where shoppers can’t mess with him or move him"

Neither did I. Right under my nose and didn't even notice.


I just need someone to breakdown the new Wegman's for me. Any takers?

Have a great holiday and will see you next week!

 

It's official -- I've gone Mad in March!

Crazy stuff happening here during March Madness!

And it has nothing to do with basketball.

Or this absurd snow storm.

My favorite Etsy seller Elegant Touch is offering the readers of my blog 10% off all pillow covers!

You need to share this deal with friends, family, frenemies  and whoever will listen.

What a great way to freshen your house for spring!!

The price of these pillow covers? between $40 and $90. Uh-huh, that's right. GREAT prices for Schumacher, Trina Turk and Lee Jofa to name a few.

Here are some of my favorite selections:

Orange you glad I didn't say banana:

CELERIE KEMBLE Betwixt

SCHUMACHER

When skies are gray...


SCHUMACHER

WINDSOR SMITH for Kravet



SCHUMACHER

How about this combo?


TRINA TURK

WINDSOR SMITH for Kravet

Some others:

QUADRILLE ALAN CAMPBELL

JOHNATHON ADLER for KRAVET

DAVID HICKS for  LEE JOFA

There are many more on the site. You can buy them here. Please enter the code DISCOUNT10 to get the discounted price.You must sign up for an account with Etsy first -- you can  do that here.

Which is your favorite? I'd love to hear from you.

Random Thoughts

Have you ever wondered how to get that fresh from the hair salon blow dry?

Well, the wait is over people. I found a great how-to on the fabulous Camille Styles website. Check it out here.

Two things I've had learned in pursuit of a good blow-dry:
1. Be patient and take your time
2.  Separate your hair into small easily workable sections 
Hope you enjoy your day!

Need help selecting new pillows or fabric for your home for spring? Contact me at kraussteph@yahoo.com

Go With the Classics!

Traditional Home

Design by Suzanne Kassler



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You'll never go wrong in fashion or in your home with classic patterns/pieces. Speaking of....

You'll never guess. I received another reader's pics!!

Hey pretty runner, why so blue?

Ohhhhhhh, you've been replaced by this handsome devil:

Spectacular, isn't she? A classic herringbone pattern will always stand the test of time. Maintenance of this runner? Laughable. Any dirt from the kids and dogs will never be seen in this glorious pattern. 

And did you notice how bossy that blue runner was being ? All up in our face trying to steal the show... now you notice the beauty of the entry hall and the staircase.

Ironically, these pics were sent to me by another real estate mogul with impeccable taste and style. Girl doesn't mess around.

Random Thoughts

Did anyone like the highlighting and contouring video I blogged about before? If so, you will love this one even more. It's all about losing those dark circles under the eyes.

Check it out here.

This is a must-read. This Cara girl is so amazingly talented with makeup I just can not comprehend.

Taking a different angle:

Dear Winter,
We've had a great season. But really, it's time to move on ... trust me... it's not you it's me. You really must leave, just go. What are you waiting for?
Sincerely,
Everyone on this planet


Design services needed?  Check out the tabs on the upper hand right side of this blog. Don't want to miss a post? Subscribe via email!

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

The Devil is in the Details

Just picked up this trim on sale.

Love it. It's almost 2 1/2 inches wide. Substantial--that's how I like my trim. I'm gonna add it to a plain pair of panels for WAY less than $100. I found it here.

Have you ever wondered who makes the best ready-made AND inexpensive drapery panels? Of course you have. This is the best article I've ever read on the subject. Evah. Read it here. It's a long one -- so skim it. It's written by the adorable Emily Henderson of HGTV.


emily henderson
ADORABLE isn't she???

Purchase the ready-made panels add some trim detail and voila custom made draperies!

Seriously, these curtains from Serena and Lilly are screaming DIY.

Purchase the ready-made panels and add this trim.

 

.

 

 

They probably have the exact trim on this site I just grabbed the first picture I saw because my kids are screaming in the background. Am afraid to go down stairs now.

 

Ok all is well. Just a bag of potato chips thrown all around the room and my sofa is now a castle/fort. Could have been a LOT worse.


Don't have mad sewing skills? Use this to attach.  Pour a bit on a paper plate and use a small paint brush to apply a generous amount of the glue to the trim and then to your curtains. Don't worry if you get any extra glue on the panel it dries undetectable. Perfect for a little girl or teens room.

Before and After from a reader!

I am so excited I received some before and after pics from a reader. Not sure if I was more excited over the pictures or that someone is reading my blog other than my mom:)

Here is the before picture of her beautiful interior french doors:

Now here is the after:

Did you just hear that???? That was three snaps in a Z formation.

Stunning, right?

This gal has some serious style. And she's a busy realtor to boot!   She's successful and has great taste... gotta love it!

Just a simple detail like painting a french door high gloss black will make your interior feel rich and glam. Here are some other doors sporting the high gloss black thing...



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Random Thoughts

For all you gals going on spring break. Best bathing suite EVER. You can buy it here. So flattering and feels comfortable. Trust me on this. I have seen everyone from 16 to 60 in this. EVERYONE looks good. Worth every red cent you will pay.

Looking for a new scent? I haven't used this in forever but just rediscovered it and it is so fresh and clean. It has to be the Magnolia version. You can buy it here.

Now let's get back to keeping it real...

Before you head to Target again check out this site. These pillows and rugs were featured there. Don't love all of her fashion picks (she's mighty young so the fashion is not for me) but its worth a looksy.

Picking up any of these for your Easter table?

Well here is an article from Whole Foods (yep I said Whole Foods) on how to get the most out of your tulips!

Dear Spring,
If you don't get here very soon I may just loose my marbles. Please hurry.
Sincerely,
Your number one fan

If you'd like a design consult please contact me at kraussteph@yahoo.com.