DUNN there

Think about YOU !

2011-08-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

As we hopefully approach the end of a very long,very hot,very intense summer and the fall season nears it is usually the time folks start thinking about ways to create magic in their homes for the holidays or it's just a time when new energy evolves with the advent of cooler weather and a time to feed the soul--both visually and spiritually.
Just changing paint colors can give us a lift and new spunk!
Just a word to the wise-especially now days with the changes in how much manufactors are willing to warehouse--it is not too early and soon will be borderline too late to get those intended decorative facelifts done for the holidays !
As is the rest of our world changing so quickly so is what's new on the design horizon. Your choices are limitless (almost!) and the stampede to buy product made in the good old USA and with great design at an affordable price are factors impacting the globe and our lives...
Not to say that their is any less truth in that very old adage "You get what you pay for!" because truer words were never ever spoken.Cut corners on those places that feel right but don't cheat on your home and your heart--because--(OK here comes another one!) "Home is where the heart is"!
Help our economy hire a REALLY good designer!(It could be the wisest investment for your life..)

COLOR

2011-02-19T08:46:00.000-08:00

I think our design world is very intriguing, amazing and damn funny! In a recent interview the question was poised to me "What did I think was the new color?" WELL to my knowledge there are no NEW colors--just the same ones that have been around for years and now recycled in a new way! Usually these are ordained by some mysterious design team/designer,fashion designer,or seemly visionary publication. And oddly enough the entire design industry is convinced that they must follow suit--from the fabric companies to the wallpaper folks to the accessory world.
It is my philosophy that the client should love the color/colors that are to surround them --"in" or NOT! Making it look fresh,current and timeless would be up to the designer!
So until purple passes and taupe tarnishes--color my world PEACH!!

A New Year to Create!!

2011-01-16T05:08:00.000-08:00

WOW 2011!! And is it starting off with a design shot in the arm!!
Historically the beginning of a new year is cause to celebrate,look at our lives, AND get inspired by our surroundings and what we can do to give them some new energy.
The people I have started this year off with are certainly in that proverbial boat! They are excited,fun,ready to rock and roll and looking to have a home that not only is the epitome of comfort but that they are proud to share with others.
It is also a time when I am inspired by all of the new product being introduced--the MOST beautiful fabrics ever AND revisiting some classic lines--like Clarence House and Lee Jofa, new lines of incredible paint colors from Restoration Hardware and Farrow & Ball and God knows who can wait to see what Phillip Starck and Christian Legere have up their "creative" sleeves this year!
I know I'm very excited that Rutherfords on Lovers Lane here in Dallas just installed a pair of my new cornice board designs in the front window along with the full line that is currently represented in the store.
So don't just sit there---move some furniture around,paint a room, but before you do any of that--call the designer of your choice! It's better than therapy (and hey we can throw in a little of that!) AND it is worth every dime (well maybe dollar!) that you spend......
Let's start this new year off Happy and Creative!!

Christmas--by design

2010-12-11T05:37:00.000-08:00

There is definitely the"feel" of the holidays in the air--the music,Christmas decor everywhere, and the abundance of traffic! Where do all of those folks come from!!
Had a REALLY fun experience this week when I got a call from the folks at HGTV requesting that I audition for their show!! (they found me on DHome's best designers in Dallas list) They conducted a short interview on camera--which was fun because they requested that I repeat the question as I answered because the interviewer's part would be edited from the dialogue--that provided somewhat of a challenge to be creating answers AND remembering to repeat the question!! Then I was to do a presentation of my own creation which I chose to do a holiday table setting (which I do for very special clients) in this case using inventory from my own personal collection. That was also great fun to use elements from Pier One,to Neiman Marcus,to Crate and Barrel!! Actually it was very similar to the tablescape we have created at home when entertaining those that we love and want to spend holiday time with! SO we will see if the folks at HG are interested in a seasoned proffessional!!
Que Sera, Sera!!

love CHRISTMAS!!

2010-12-07T04:37:00.000-08:00

Holiday cheer!! Does it get any better than spending an evening listening to the incredibly talented Highland Park High School choir sing their hearts out in the Spirit of Christmas!! SO young and so beautiful--that is the present for this season!!

With our home being themed in Black and White it needed that one punch of tradition and what better than RED! In our transitional/contemporary space editing is the key to that "perfect" amount of color and trimmings.With the decision on crimson we introduced 2 velvet 20" pillows from Pottery Barn (sorry gang I think I got next to the last 2 at the Knox/Henderson spot!) and on the coffee table in a cool wire sculptural bowl (purchased in--are you ready?--Estes Park,CO.!!-never know where the perfect treasure will be found!) filled with about 5-6 dozen assorted size silver balls is ONE red ornament! (found at ZGallerie--another treasure trove if you have a very discerning eye for the unique and definitely cost friendly!) Also around the neck of our lounging one-of-the-few-antiques-left bronze deer is a flowing ribbon "scarf" of vermillion.
WELL--"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" fa lalala-lalala!!!

holiday dining

2010-12-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

Decided it was time to launch my BLOG!! And interestingly this one is not totally about design!
Dined last evening at Dish on Cedar Springs--it is a very cosmopolitan mix of really good food (great presentation!) fascinating mix of folks and a very creative,fun,clever interior! Not to mention the wait staff are not only attractive but give exemplary service. Try to request a booth--they're a little more conducive to conversation
--IF you want to talk to whoever you came with!! Bon Appetite!!
OMG!! It's almost Christmas!! hohoho!

Can't wait to start our journey!

2010-09-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

Design is an amazing world and I'm thrilled to be sharing it with you by way of this blog. I look forward to future posts that bring design, lifestyle, and special moments to life!