Imagine Design Blog - Interior Design and Decorating: February 2011

Monday Blues: Decorating with Blue

Blue has never been my favorite, but when it’s done right, it can be oh-so-pretty!

{click on image for source}

Makeover Monday: Paint the Front Door!

There is nothing more welcoming than a colorfully painted front door. Here are the steps to creating your own beautiful front door and some colors you can try!

Step 1: Prepare the Door

Remove the door before painting. Use a slot screwdriver to remove the hinge pins and then remove the other half of the hinge from the door, so that paint won’t get on the hinges. Remember the front door will be heavy once the hinges are no longer holding it in place, so get help to lift it onto some sawhorses.
Take any other hardware off the door, including the door knocker and the peephole, which is usually two snap-together pieces. Also make sure to remove the doorknob. Usually, this involves taking out four screws, two that hold in the latch and two that hold the doorknob itself.

Step 2: Prime and Sand the Door

Prime all six sides of the door, including the inside, the outside, the left and right edges and the top and bottom. Any surfaces not primed will absorb moisture.
Visually inspect the door for surface cracks and repair with a caulk gun and a putty knife. Let the caulk dry and re-prime the spot.
Use a fine-grit sandpaper, such as 180 grit, to sand the surface smooth of paint drips and the like, particularly in the crevices of the panels. Then use an old paintbrush or a tack rag to brush off the dust from sanding.

Step 3: Paint the Door

Start painting over the primer with an angled sash brush, painting the corners of the raised panels first. Work from the top panels down to the lowest. Don't use too much paint or let the paint puddle.
Use a 4-inch roller to apply the paint to the raised panels, rolling with the grain of the wood. Remember the door will need several coats.
The rails are the door boards that come across and the stiles go up and down. They meet with a diagonal seam at the corners of the door. Don't paint across that seam. Instead, paint the stiles with their grain, which will be up and down, and the rails on their grain, which will be side to side, and stop the brush stroke (and the roller) at the seam.
Paint the door with several coats, continuing to use the angle brush first and then the roller. The darker the color, the more coats that will be needed.

These colors are sure to please:

click on images for source

Smile…it’s (a glitter + gowns) kind of weekend!

Glitter is in the air. All week there has been a buzz sweeping through LA…it’s the Oscar’s this weekend! No other town celebrates this '”holiday” like we do in Los Angeles. Don’t you wish you had a reason to get all glammed up this weekend?

I wish you all a fun weekend! Even if you’re enjoying the Oscar’s in your jammies while eating a big bowl of popcorn!

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Furniture Friday

Every time I see a cool-looking bar cart I kick myself for not snagging the one in the Fargo thrift store I saw a few years back with a $15 price tag. Seriously! Ever since, I’ve had my eye out for one, but none have been able to compete with that budget friendly buy! Lately, I’ve been loving gold, but this beauty also comes in silver for those with a penchant for shiny sterling.

Name: Madeira Bar Cart Store: Plantation Price: $1,195 Dimensions: H: 33'' • W: 32'' • D: 16.5"

“This bar cart evokes old-world charm with its vintage silver frame and border of antiqued mirror on each glass-paned shelf. Coordinated wheels offer stylish portability.”

Jami Goldsmith offers Interior Design Services in La Verne, California and surrounding Foothill Communities

Jami Goldsmith Owner/Designer of Imagine

I specialize in residential design. Let me make your house a home!

Interior design, inspiration & ideas for your home! My interior design services start from concept to completion,let me design your dream home.

I also offer:
1. hourly consultations
For the person who has a sense of what they want, but needs direction & help making design decisions.
2. home shopping
Maybe all you need is help choosing a sofa, a rug, tile or some accessories. Let’s shop!
3. re-design/staging
Moving or not, give your home a fresh new look by letting me design with what you already have.
4. e-consulting
An E-Consult is a service provided to individuals who live outside the southern California area and want interiors designed by Imagine. Through online communication, you will share information, pictures, and your aspirations for your space with me, and I’ll send you a design plan for your room. Read more about e-consult services HERE.

Click HERE for more details about Imagine's design services!

I’m your source for stone, flooring, window coverings, lighting, wall coverings, furniture, fabric, counter tops & more! I work hand in hand with painters, upholsterers, contractors, electricians, cabinetry makers and installers.

Email jamigoldsmith@gmail.com

Website http://www.interiordesignbyimagine.com & http://www.imaginedesignblog.com

Facebook // Twitter

Jami Goldsmith has loved design and decorating since she was building homes with blocks, setting up dollhouses, and rearranging her parent's furniture as a child. Her enthusiasm for design and decorating hasn't changed since her days with Lincoln Logs, and Jami is passionate about sharing her talent with others.

A Minnesota native living in sunny southern California, Jami has fine-tuned her design pedigree through completion of her Interior Design degree, numerous design courses, internships, gaining her real estate license and work experience while winning honors for projects she has completed.

Jami started Imagine based on a few basic principles. First and foremost, combining her love of working with people and her eye for design, she creates beautiful spaces that exude her client's personality as well as style and functionality.

After many years in the business, Jami knows what it takes to turn a house into a home!

A Love Affair: Turquoise and Tangerine

I don’t know if it’s the lack of warmth here in Southern California (it’s been in the low 40’s at night!), but I’m wishing for rays of sunshine and flip flops! This “touch of the tropics turquoise and tangerine” color palette will have to satisfy my hankering for heat!

Here’s hoping for a heat wave! Happy Thursday!

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Thursday’s This + That

Get wild!

Step out in this pair of MIU MIU Leopard-print calf hair sandals and place that Leopard Print Lounge Chair from from First Dibs in your living room.

*as always, "Thursday's This & That", inspired by the creative Bekka from Oh Joy!

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

Anyone else longing for a tropical getaway?

Pineapple and Mango Rum Cocktail

Ingredients

Serves 6

2 1/2 small ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups), plus 1/2 mango cut into slices with skin, for garnish
4 ounces best-quality golden rum
4 cups fresh pineapple juice (from a 4 1/2-pound pineapple)
Fresh tropical fruit, such as dragon fruit and star fruit, for garnish

Directions

Puree mangoes, rum, and 1/2 cup water in a blender. Pour 2 ounces puree into each of six 12-ounce glasses. Fill glasses with ice, and top off with pineapple juice. Garnish with tropical fruit.

*Read more at Marthastewart.com: Pineapple and Mango Rum Cocktails - Martha Stewart Recipes

{Tuesday Thoughts}

When taking the leap of faith and starting my design business, I was shy, timid and really afraid to put my services out there to receive compensation in a monetary form. But after doing so, I realized without taking that risk, I would never be able to say that I do what I love and I love what I do. Sometimes when I’m strolling through Home Goods searching for that perfect rug or accessory or scouring the internet for that perfect sofa, I have to pinch myself to believe that this is actually my job! Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all pillows and pretty artwork, there is a lot of project management, budgeting, organizing and paperwork, but when you LOVE what you’re doing, it just doesn’t feel like work. I don’t mind spending hours upon hours into the late evening to finish up a floor plan on AutoCAD or complete a mood board for an E-Consult client because I really enjoy what I’m doing.

Let me ask you, if you were not afraid to lose anything and the sky was the limit, what would you be doing?

*tightrope image from here

Makeover Monday: Insider tips, tricks & expert advice

Hello Monday! How was your weekend? Most of mine was spent inside since us southern Californians (yes, I consider myself a Californian now after living here for almost 6 years) stay inside when it is raining. We went out to eat a few times and I met a couple of my clients at Joann Fabrics for some fabric selection. I’ve also been toying with the idea to pick up some hours at a part time job at a stone or furniture showroom to gain more knowledge and experience. As I was searching the classifieds, I came across an ad on Craig’s List for a position at this showroom in Anaheim, but cannot commit to the full time schedule they are needing since my priority is my own design clients. But they did have this stone dictionary on their website which I found very helpful and wanted to share with you all! I modified it with pictures to make it a little more pretty for myself and my readers. I hope you find it helpful!

Granite is an important structural and ornamental stone, and due to its high compressive strength and durability, it is used for massive structural work. It is the hardest of all natural stones, and second only to diamond. Similar to lava, granite is an igneous rock that begins as liquid magma deep within the earth. In many cases, granite originates from the underside of continents or pieces of ocean crust that are melted by intense heat. The extreme pressure in the center of the earth compresses the liquid magma, creating a very dense material with minimal pores.

Granite is composed of quartz, feldspars and micas, as well as traces of a wide variety of other minerals. These minerals contribute to the color and texture of the various granites. A broad range of elegant patterns make granite the most versatile and durable of all stones. Its tough and almost impenetrable surface makes granite the most maintenance free of all stones.

GRANITE APPLICATIONS: In the past decade, everyone wanted granite counter tops. Granite is a building stone and is used for architectural aggregate, track & trail pathways, decorative landscape stone, decorative rip rap stone and is a source of economically valuable minerals.

Marbles are basically metamorphosed limestones. It begins as a sedimentary stone consisting of seashells and the bones of sea creatures that have settled to the ocean floor. Once limestone is subjected to heat and pressure, the calcium carbonate re crystallizes into marble.

Marbles have similar characteristics to limestones and are typically used on the same applications, though, marbles are almost always more aesthetically valuable and available in much wider range of colors. Known for its eye-catching beauty and elegance, marble is a timeless classic.

MARBLE APPLICATIONS: It is mainly used for interior and exterior flooring, bathrooms, kitchens, walls, monuments and sculptures.

Comprised of 93% natural quartz, quartz countertops offer the ultimate combination of form and function, allowing for a more diverse, durable, and practical countertop surfacing material than either granite or marble. With its stain, scratch, and heat-resistant properties, quartz is the ideal choice for care-free countertops.

QUARTZ APPLICATIONS: Kitchen and bathroom countertops, shower surrounds and decorative backsplashes.

Travertine is a sedimentary rock that begins as limestone. Over time, geological shifting forces the limestone deep within the earth, the porous nature of limestone makes it a great liquid reservoir. Heated by the earth's inner core, the water evaporates, forming hot springs and geysers. If enough time transpires, mud beds consisting of limestone and other minerals cool and crystallize into solid travertine. The characteristic holes in travertine are the result of trapped gas bubbles; as the gas escapes, crystals form in the cavities. Extraordinary small holes or cavities occur in the cooling process while minerals in the stone create unique variations in color and veining. These variations contribute to travertine's natural beauty.

TRAVERTINE APPLICATIONS: Travertine is commonly used outside as cladding and pavement, as well as inside for floors, walls and countertops. Here, they use travertine as the backsplash.

Onyx, like travertine, is the result of water dissolving existing limestone and re-depositing it as a new kind of stone. In limestone caves, onyx is formed by drip water, as stalagmites and stalactites.

ONYX APPLICATIONS: Because of its translucence onyx can create an aesthetically intriguing look for several lower traffic areas such as walls, reception desks or bar areas. Look at it and enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of it.

Limestone is a sedimentary stone that consists of bones and seashells of creatures that have settled to the ocean floor. It is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, the basic structure of all limestone, marble and travertine. Limestone contains slight variations in color and veining as a result of minerals that are present during formation. These natural variations add the distinctiveness and beauty of the stone.

LIMESTONE APPLICATIONS: Limestone fireplaces are well known for their exquisite appearance and long lasting durability. Limestone can also be used as counter tops, wall applications and limestone flooring is durable and economical as well.

If you’re in need of an update to your home and would like help selecting stone or tile for your own kitchen, bathroom, living room or bedroom, let me help! I'm always available for design consultations if you're located in the Southern California area. My Interior Design office is located in La Verne, California. Please visit my website and email me for rates and more info. As a recent Interior Design graduate, I offer affordable and comparable rates. I'd love to help you make your house a home!

*Pictures: marble granite quartz onyx limestone travertine limestone

Furniture Friday

Happy Friday y’all! I don’t know where that “y’all” came from…most likely it snuck out since we attended a Sadie Hawkin’s Hoe-down last night for Nick’s work. Anyways…I think this chair has just reached the top of my list of furniture that I so wish I could have, but can’t since I have maniac dogs (and now a new kitten!). A girl can dream. I found this white beauty over at Julieann’s blog earlier this week, and I have to agree with her Rachel Zoe-ish exclamation – this chair is MAJOR!

Name: Major Chair Store: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Dimensions: 29"w x 33"d

“Base has a warm, vintage-look satin-brass finish that coordinates with the finish on Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams VanDyke Collection. Generous proportions, low sit, comfortably angled back. A complement to Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams new Woody Chair.”

Thursday’s This + That

Jailbird…

Wrap yourself in this One A Striped Tie-Front Cardigan found at Nordstrom and hang that set of black and white striped paper lanterns from ZGallerie.

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a huge fan of black and white stripes. The cardigan is a steal at under $50 and those lanterns…I NEED! Only $12.95 for the large and $6.95 for the small. What a great way to add some trendy chicness to your patio!

Last night I had the pleasure of meeting some FABULOUS design bloggers who live in the Los Angeles area. We met at Firefly in Studio City and had a bite to eat while chatting. I can’t wait to share pictures!

*as always, "Thursday's This & That", inspired by the creative Bekka from Oh Joy!

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

Hello Wednesday! Gosh, I can’t believe it’s already half way through the week! Taking a half day off in order to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Monday sure helped in making this week go by a little faster! Love it. Since it’s Wednesday, we all know what that means…only 3 days until the weekend! Well, 2.5 really if you start your weekend at 5 o’clock on Friday! So here’s a tasty treat to warm you up for the weekend and get you looking forward to your time off. I’ve shared Caipirinha Cocktail recipes before, but not like this! This one’s got me going BA-NA-NAS! I can’t wait to try it!

Banana Caipirinha
1 1/2 oz. Leblon Cachaça
3/4 oz. banana schnapps
1/2 banana
1 oz. coconut water
Splash of simple syrup
3/4 oz. lime juice
3/4 oz. pineapple juice

directions: Mix ingredients together in a shaker with ice. Strain and serve.

So how about that? Looks good, right? For those of you who also didn’t know what the heck Leblon Cachaca was, go here to check. it. out.

*recipe from Marie Claire, quote from here, I’m going bananas pic from here, banana poster here, cocktail pic here

{Tuesday Thoughts}

Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope you all had a lovely Valentine’s Day. Nick and I had the best time in Newport Beach! It’s always nice to be able to get away for a night or two and leave the monotonies of real life behind. As I was searching for this Tuesday’s thoughts, I came across this image on Pinterest. It was a popular one, since it has been pinned and re-pinned numerous times and I thought it’d be a good one to share with all my readers. It’s a nice reminder of what’s important.

Have a great Tuesday!

Makeover Monday: Insider tips, tricks & expert advice

Just for Valentines Day! A bunch of pink inspiration for your home. Not only is Honeysuckle Pink the Pantone “color of the year” for 2011, it’s always been my favorite! A girls got to have her pink! I wish you all a lovely Valentine’s Day, whether you’re spending it with your honey, throwing a singles party or enjoying a day by yourself. Nick and I are spending the afternoon and night in Newport Beach, CA at the Hyatt and made dinner reservations at the Chart House. How will you be spending yours?

Need more pink? Head over here! Need a sweet treat for your sweetie? Try this smoothie!

images from: X X X X X X X X X X X X

Furniture Friday

Love is in the chair…

Design Verner Panton, 1959
Shell with upholstery and seat cushion, brushed stainless steel base
Made in Germany by Vitra

“In the mid-1950's, Verner Panton converted a Volkswagen bus into a mobile studio and travelled across Europe. In 1958 he returned to Denmark full of unconventional ideas... one of which evolved into the iconic Heart Cone Chair. Defying gravity, the cone was both futuristic and shocking... so much so that when it was exhibited in a shop window in New York City police had to order its removal due to the traffic chaos its presence created. A comfortable club chair for everyday use, Vitra has faithfully re-issued this classic in close collaboration with the Panton estate. The Heart Cone Chair takes its name from its heart-shaped silhouette.”

Price: $3,670.00 Store: Hive Dims: 35" h | 40.5" w | 24.5" d