Catching Up

It's been a busy week, so I've neglected all of my blog friends. Sorry. So I'll catch you up on a few of the doings.

First, there's been a lot of talk about a bill being introduced in the Texas legislature. As I understand it they are trying to tighten the restrictions for designers working on commercial projects by allowing only licensed interior designers for a commercial project. For a long time there has been a bit of friction between interior designers and decorators. In order to call oneself an interior designer, one must have a degree and state license which is renewed each year. They are qualified to work on projects that include changing walls, electrical, etc. A decorator is not licensed and can work on space planning, color ways, furniture placement etc. Typically an interior designer charges slightly more than a decorator because of the higher level of education. But a license does not necessarily make one a good designer when it comes to the aesthetics of a room. The emotional feel of a room is often from the color palette, type and style of furniture and its placement, the judicious use of accessories, window treatments and floor coverings.

Locally there has always been a peace between the two camps. We are careful not to refer to Pamela as an interior designer. She is a decorator with 14 years of experience. She is quite happy to leave any structural changes that a client wants in the hands of an architect and she has worked with many of the local builders and architects to incorporate her client's needs and wants. Her forte is in listening to a client and helping them get the home that function well for them and be aesthetically pleasing. She wants a client to enjoy going into the spaces they have worked on together. She is good at this and has many satisfied customers.

To change the law may be fixing a problem which is not there. (And we all know that can just create a whole bunch of new problems.) Keep the distinction between interior designers and decorators as it is now. Punish anyone who claims to be an interior designer but is not licensed. But allow a decorator to work with architects as a consultant for chosing fixtures, flooring, colors, placement of electrical outlets etc. Don't stand in the way of a decorator from working with the aesthetics of homes. There is a need for both of them in the world of design.

On a final note, at Annarella Home we encourage potential clients to ask for references and talk to people who have used Pamela for their design projects. We are proud of her talents and think she is special. She doesn't want to have to go through the licensing process because she doesn't want to know how to move walls. She would rather leave that to the architect. Her passion lies with the furniture, colors and textures of fabrics, the challenge of space planning, and accessorizing to create a mood.

See picture below for an example of what she can do.

If I have mispoke about the intent of the bill, it is my fault and lack of understanding, not Pamela's or anyone else. Feel free to set me straight.

Ellie

A touch of sunshine

On a blah day I love to jumpy on etsy and see what pretties the handcrafted world is showing. If you've never been on etsy, it has goods of all kinds from jewelry to baked goods to clothes to art. It is a fun place to visit. And it is a very good thing to support artisans.

Today I was just noodling around looking for things with a spot of yellow in continuation of my theme this week of chasing away winter. Here are some things that intrigued and pleased me.

A print to brighten your little one's room from Modern Pop. I believe in surrounding children with interesting prints on their walls. This one will become a family treasure to be passed to future grandchildren.

This stoneware bowl by glentypottery will make a sunny way to eat your morning cereal. I love the smooth, sensual gleam of the bowl. Pottery is a low cost way to give your table interest.

This charming art print, "Quail," comes from studio lyon. Matte it and add a simple frame for a pop of color anywhere. (Keep the frame simple so that the print is the focus.)

How about a splash of personal sunshine. Coryell Designs? The stone is oro-verde quartz. Looks like lemon chiffon.Last, a splash of red on a butter colored pillow by Insaneity. A bit of pizazz for a chair or on the bed. This is handpainted so it costs slightly more than anything else I've shown. But it is unique, and I love it!

So if you're looking for a way to brighten your spaces, browse etsy. Suppot the hand=made community.

Get out of the winter blahs

There's the period after we take down the holiday decor, pack away those special dishes and store the red, gold or green candles, when the nesting instinct cries out for a change. The skies are gray, the trees are brown. The outside is a symphony in muted whites, browns and blacks. Inside the house we are ready for something new - something different - something with color. The easiest quick but satisfying trick is to add some color with new pillows.

Imagine this combination of colors in a mix of large to small. square and rectangular pillows on a sofa and a chair.

Mixing a pattern and stripe with solids; smooth with textured; a sheen with a matte finish will brighten your spirit and add so much interest to your room.

Just pick a color palette and chose the different patterns and textures. If you're afraid of making a mistake or the choices become overwhelming, call or email Pamela at Annarella Home. You'll love the difference a few pillows will make and your pocketbook will love the low cost.

Ready for the Holidays

Well, we're gussied up here at the store. We've kept our airy, open look but incorporated our new gift items, glitter trees and spots of red everywhere. As promised from a previous post below are some pictures. Hope you enjoy.

Front room. We've kept it simple with some woodland trees, red pillows and throw, and red candles. Uncomplicated and uncluttered but cosy and warm.
Next pictures are of the second room. This room has suffered from a bit of an identity crises this year, but now it's back to being our gift area - full of kitchen items and gadgets, fabulous Murval bags, Caldrea, teapots and teas. A fun room to poke around in to discover the perfect gift. (And at a reasonable price.)

Lastly are pictures of our atrium. This special, serene space holds most of our furniture along with art, throws and some table top decor.Our approach this year is understated. We want to show that it doesn't take a lot of money or time to incorporate a seasonal feel. A runner on a dining table or coffee table is an easy spot of color to add. For some shine fill a bowl with the mercury glass ornaments that we have spotlighted on our big tree. Put some red leaves in a gold glass vase to play with Christmas colors.
Next post will include the rest of my pictures which feature the special items in our front room. My thanks to Emily for taking most of the pictures.

Sid Dickens Have Arrived

It's always a big event when we receive a shipment of Sid Dickens tiles. If you're familiar with these hand-crafted plaster wall tiles, you'll know why we are excited. Little pieces of art inspired by ancient manuscripts, myths and relics of the past - they are memory blocks. Below I share a few images from his latest series. On the back they are titled and printed with a few lines about their inspiration.

Regale

Abundant beauty,

Joy in such a measure,

Hearts feast.

Each memory block incorporates a unique chunk of history in a very modern way. Some designs are finished to a porcelain like quality and others are cracked with the look of weathered stone for an aged look. They project a timeless quality which is beloved by collectors.

Epistle

Words we parted for,

Tenuous waits; days long.

Know my only allegiance is to you.

Out of his studio in Vancouver Sid Dickens tells the story of his journey to creating the 6"x8" blocks. Read it on his website. He says, "People like to feel they are an integral part of the story of humanity, and my tiles have the weight and feel of another era, a time when things were more permanent and longlasting."Heraldry

Protector of dominions,

Nature's stalwart lance.

Each year the artist designs a new collection. Spring of 2008 is the Empire, designs "to remind us of our place in history and those who have shared it."

Naturlich

This beauty; solemn twig.

Nature's oracle,

Hearkening tomorrow's bloom.

Some people like to display a tile singly on a small wall or propped on a stand on a table Others like to group them together which makes a dramatic art installation. See what Pamela did in a showcse home several years ago.

Our order is going fast. We will order again in two weeks to accomodate everyone's wants. The next order will be received in mid-November so now is the time to place Christmas requests.

PS. Sorry about the erratic line spacing. I continue to be blog challenged!

A Little Show and Tell with Pamela

I asked Pamela to tell this audience a little about her design perspecive. Those who know Pamela realize that by asking her to verbalize her vision, I'm pushing her outside her comfort zone. So if you enjoy this post, please let her know.

Nine years ago I approached my children about my idea to open a retail gallery. After discussing the idea and the possibilities my daughter-in-law,Pamela, agreed to be my partner in my dream. She had experience in retail and design from being a manager of Expressions Furniture in Austin; so we combined my love of art and crafts with her knowledge of furniture and eye for design to create Annarella Home. Now 8 years and two children later we are still partners, still enjoying our store and still following our dream.

Design projects have become a huge part of our business. Pamela's reputation as a talented designer keeps her busy. She is creative, innovative and most importantly responsive to her client's needs. Enjoy her words along with some pictures from several of her projects.

Do you have favorite elements of design that you enjoy the most? My favorite thing is putting it all together at the end. After the client chooses their big pieces of furniture, I get to shop for surprise accessories, pillows, art and rugs. I usually kick the homeowners out of their house for the day of the install. When they come back the look on their faces is priceless! That is my favorite part!!!How do you stay up with new trends and products? New products...Market and TV. New trends...in design they come shortly after fashion. Whatever the new colors are in the fashion world, you know that they will be out in home interior styles shortly. I do have to say that I don't like "trendy" though. My goal is to create something the client will enjoy living in for a long time...not just until the "trend" is over. Also I work with so many families that I think listening to what is functional for them and then making it beautiful is the most important trend of all.What designers do you admire? I like quite a few, but my favorite is probably Candice Olsen. We don't get to do a lot of modern design here in Texas so I love watching her put together her modern or classic contemporary rooms! Are there any home and design magazines that you recommend? Not really. I usually tell clients to look through them all and pull out pages of things that really speak to them, There might be one thing in a picture that they like, such as a window treatment or a sofa. It really helps to have a magazine portfolio to show the designer so we can all be on the same page and create the dream room they want.What style is your home? A bit eclectic but mostly comfy and kid friendly!!! I love neutrals punched with color and a lot of texture in everything.

Sweet Smells of Luxe

Creme Brulee

French vanilla with a touch of caramel

Doesn't that sound delicious? Well, it smells as good as it sounds! Annarella Home just unpacked some Lux Candles which is always a sweet smelling treat. If you like candles for your home or business and aren't familiar with these, you are missing a real treat. This central Texas company produces the best candles at reasonable prices. (We're so proud when we can spotlight a local product that is made with such care and quality.) They are great for your home and make perfect hostess or "whatever" gifts.

Amber d"Luxe

warm sultry oriental vanilla with resonous woods

Made from a blend of highy refined paraffin and vegetable waxes and scented with essential oils, they burn for up to 100 hours in the beautifully embellished glass container. (Essential oils do not effect a lot of people who react to synthetic or chemical scents.)

Bourdeau Blanc

rich, robust mulled grapes

They choose not to use soy wax because it has such a distinctive natural odor which is difficult to disguise. Also soy wax tends not to hold fragrance well. But if you keep your wick trimmed to 1/4 inch, this candle does not throw off a lot of smoke.

Pictured here are 3 of our favorite scents. stop in with your nose and pick out your favorite.

We will let you know when we receive the special holiday scents.

New vases and bowls

New in the store, Annarela Home.

Feast your eyes on some new vases and bowls we just received. We love this time of year when after making room with our BIG SALE, we begin to receive our fall orders. These are from a new vendor and we love them! They have timeless classic lines mixed with color or texture for interest.

Won't some of these look great on bookshelves or mantles as accent pieces?

Or this vase with some fall dried grasses or berry branches on a console table?These bowls can even go into the holiday season with gourds for fall or shiny balls for Christmas.

Come in to see all the new treasures. Some of these won't last long.