Delanooooooo

For my grand finale in Miami I’d like to show you a little glimpse of my very favorite hotel.  I’ve never actually been a paying guest there (although I’m hopeful) but I have spent a somewhat embarrassing amount of time in their lobby imagining I am.  The hotel in question is none other than the world famous Delano- I’ve never seen anything like it!  Miami has a million-and-one things to offer, but this little gem always ranks high on my list of places I want to be when I’m here.  It opened in South Beach in 1995 and has since become one of the iconic hot spot for celebrities, Miami’s elite, and posers such as myself.  Designed by Philippe Starck, the Delano has a jaw dropping collection of furniture and objects including pieces by Antonio Gaudi, Man Ray, Charles and Ray Eames, Salvador Dali and Mark Newson.  All I can tell you is it’s an imaginary world brought to life and I’m blown away by the creativity of it’s designer.  I read up on Philippe Starck and discovered not only is he a world class interior designer, he’s also designed lines of toothbrushes, windmills, motorcycles, watches and had a line of inflatable objects alongside Piere Cardin.  I mean seriously…you can’t make that stuff up.  This guy is either a genius or a total nut.  Check out these pictures of the Delano lobby and decide for yourself.

Breeding Creativity

If there’s one thing I can say about my former Miami co-workers, it’s that they may very well be the most creative people I’ve ever met in my life.  One of the ways they foster creativity is by creating a physical office environment that encourages it.  Here are just a few of the boosters I always enjoyed about our office that you may want to consider for yours!

Chalkboard Wall

Benjamin Moore has a fantastic paint that transforms any wall into a chalkboard- it’s a great area to brainstorm, write to-lists, calendars, idea boards or even inspirational quotes.  

Inspiration Board

I’m all about inspiration boards…they’re a great way to keep track of pictures that motivate you.  You may have ideas that aren’t exactly achievable at the present, but it’s good to keep them in front of you!  No matter what your profession is, it’s always good to cultivate creativity in any way you can.  While inspiration boards are especially effective for artistic professions, you can put anything that symbolizes your goals.  And to top it off, they’re extremely fun to make.  

When you think about creativity, the first name that comes to mind is probably Google, so I did some research (through google-ing, ironically) on what their office looks like.  Check out these awesome pictures.

Moving On

Well…I made it to Miami in one piece!  I lived here for a little over two years, so it feels good to be back in my old stomping grounds.  I’ll spare you the details of my many cross-country moves for now, but I will tell you that one of the reasons I’m back is to ensure the remainder of my personal belongings make it onto a Nashville bound moving truck this Wednesday.  As I’ve discovered many times over the past few years, moving takes a whole lot of preparation and work.  If you’ve got a move coming up soon or know someone that does, then we hope you get some use out of the following words of wisdom.

Give yourself enough time to pack

The sooner you can start the packing process the better.  Don’t wait until you wake up and feel the urge to pack…it may never happen.  Estimate how much time you think it’ll take.  Now double it.   The truth is, packing will always take you longer than you think.  I read that it takes about five hours to pack up an average dorm.  How much bigger is your house than that?  How much more stuff have you accumulated than what can be gathered in a semester?  It may seem like a crazy long time, but ideally you should try to give yourself a month to pack everything up.  It’s a classic ‘better safe than sorry’ scenario, plus it will give you time to really get organized.  The last thing you want to do is simply transfer your mess- take the time to make this move a time you can start over fresh in a new space.  

Pick a good mover

If Joe Schmo’s moving company isn’t insured, licensed, or can’t provide you with good references be prepared to run like the wind.  Check with a real estate agent or friends in the area, they should be able to give you a good recommendation for someone they know or have done business with.  You can also consult the U.S. Department of Transportation, MovingScam.com and the Better Business Bureau.  It’s smart to get quotes from about three moving companies, although beware of the movers that give you a drastically different price than the others (higher or lower).  The key to getting an accurate quote is detailed communication with your potential movers.  Some companies have hidden fees, so make sure you’ve got a good understanding of what your estimate is based on (Weight?  Volume?  Mileage?  All three?).  Tell your movers if you have stairs, as some charge extra for this inconvenience.  Also, make sure you communicate any particularly heavy equipment or boxes that need to be moved.  The clearer the picture you can give your movers on what to expect, the better.

Pack Room by Room

Try and focus on one room at a time to simplify the unpacking process.  You may even want to consider color coordinating boxes or tape on boxes to differentiate between boxes for different rooms.  One thing you should definitely do, however, is label the boxes on at least two sides.  Don’t be afraid to ask your movers to stack the boxes labels out, they’ll more than likely be happy to help and it will absolutely lighten the unloading process.  Keep boxes below thirty pounds if possible, but absolutely below 50 pounds.  It doesn’t matter how many books you were able to stuff into a box if it takes the Power Team to lift it up.  

Keep Important Documents with You

In your purse or bag keep

1)You and your family’s birth certificates and passports

2)School Records

3)Mover Estimates

4)New Job Contacts

5)Utility Company Numbers

6)Recent Bank Records

7)Current Bills

8)Closing Papers

9)Realator Info

10)  Maps

And any other important document or valuable item you can think of!  You do not want to risk any of these getting lost or stolen.  Anything irreplaceable should be kept under a watchful eye.

Real Simple to the Rescue

Sometimes we’re given unique opportunities to have a good attitude despite bad circumstances.  For me, right now is one of those times.  Although I’ll more than likely be posting this from Miami (due to some particularly frustrating issues with public WiFi), I’m writing it from the Philadelphia airport where I’ve been sitting for the last three hours.  In case I haven’t had enough time to gather my thoughts, Southwest has given me another hour or so before my flight will actually take off.  About 45 minutes after finding out I’d be spending an indefinite amount of my night here my phone’s battery miraculously died, leaving me without a way to alert anyone of the ever changing status of my flight.  Never one to miss an opportunity to eat my feelings, I took a deep breath and ordered a Cheesesteak from the Chickie and Pete’s kiosk.  A few bites in, I realized I may be able to buy an overpriced charger from one of the shops in the terminal- it was the most eager I’ve ever been to knowingly get ripped off.  Thankfully I found one and bought it, as well as the heap of magazines that called out “You’ll be here for hours! You need me!”.  And I’m glad I listened.  I have so thoroughly enjoyed the June issue of Real Simple magazine that I may just have to credit it with turning this outrageous night into something to smile about.  If you happen to notice it beckoning you at your local Walgreens, pick up a copy for yourself!  Their Gift Guides alone make it well worth the $5 price tag…take advantage of a few of their suggestions and no one, I mean no one, will be able to top your gift.  Here are a few of my faves.  

Stainless Steel Fusti: $115 

     Summer is coming, and that means you’re going to need an efficient way to distribute lemonade and you’re gonna need it fast.  This Stainless Steel Fusti from Reform School Rules is the Italian way (read: the best way) to dispense lemonade, olive oil, wine and more.  And, as ‘Real Simple’ puts it, “it looks molto sleek on a countertop”. 

Dessert Mug: $21 

This is a coffee mug with a built-in-slot for cookies.  Need I say more?  Just when I thought this mug and I couldn’t possibly be more made for each other, I found out it comes in both left and right handed versions!  In case you’ve never noticed, we live in a world designed for tall, right handed people.  As a left hander who’s been known to respond to nicknames like “itty bitty”, I can tell you with confidence that I am neither.  I see any product willing to accommodate either of these special attributes as a necessary part of my collection (and a small victory for left-handers everywhere).  

Magnetic Vase: $98 

This adjustable centerpiece allows you to tilt each of the four tubes in the direction of your choice through the use of powerful magnets.  It’s a fun and easily changeable way to display your flowers- you can mix things up everyday if you want!

Silhouette Mugs: $65

These Mugs from Brooklyn Rehab don’t have just any silhouette on them- they have YOURS (or the profile of your favorite newlyweds, parents, siblings, etc.).  

Yes, they’re expensive, but what a cool idea!  It’s so unique and the type of present people will talk about for many moons.

Know-It-All Pencils: $10

       

This set of pencils is imprinted with “oft-forgotten information” so the recipient of your gift will never have to waste valuable writing time wondering about water’s boiling point again.  And while they may not actually need a pencil that lists the first 20 digits of Pi are, they’re guaranteed to think of you and smile whenever they use it.  As well as avoid that tricky “I before E except after C” business. 

All Things Audrey

I’ve always been positively enamored with Audrey Hepburn and the way she epitomized class.  Everything from her clothes and hair to her body type and eyebrows set lasting trends, now her image is a bonified icon and a design element in and of itself.  I was surprised at myself when I discovered that, as much as I adore her style, I’ve never looked up a single fact about her home.  That all changed today.  I was hoping to find more information (and definitely more pictures) but here’s what I did discover.

Audrey Hepburn’s home for the last 30 years of her life was an 18thcentury farmhouse in Tolochenaz, Switzerland, a remote village in the foothills of the Alps.  She called the house “La Paisible” which means ‘the place of peace’, and enjoyed a garden where she grew white country roses.  Because she was a private individual she made sure pictures of the inside were kept from the public, which leaves my imagination free to run wild.  Her design aesthetic must have represented her style- timeless, beautiful and unique.  It just had to!....at least thats what I really want to believe.    

I suppose it was only a matter of time before I addressed something Audrey Hepburn-esque.  Not only is she one of my favorite actresses, the focal point of my room at my parent’s house is a giant 6’x4’ framed photo of a scene from Breakfast at Tiffany’s (my favorite).  Here are some other classic Audrey shots you may enjoy, she’s simply marvelous, darling, 

Truce

There are few people who have the luxury of full reign as it relates to the design of their home.  Those that do, typically won’t have it for long.  We’re built for companionship…and with that comes the opportunity to share space and eventually the need for compromise.  I learned this lesson the hard way my Sophomore year of college when I moved into an apartment with three of my closest friends.  The two of us that arrived first had visions of transforming our living room into a Moroccan paradise, complete with areas for ground seating and netted canopies hanging from the ceiling.  And that’s just what we did.  In our defense, we thought it would be a great surprise for our roommates to walk into a fully decorated apartment, but unfortunately what we failed to realize was they had entirely different ideas of what the space should look like.  They were looking forward to a more typical college living experience with vintage couches and “conversation pieces” whereas we wanted a perfectly coordinated tribute to Pier 1.  For the most part they were good sports about it, in fact it took awhile before we realized they didn’t love it as much as we did.  After a few weeks, they lashed out in the form of a two foot wooden Asian figurine they affectionately named “Unagi”.  Unagi was, hands down, the ugliest thing I’d ever seen and our roommates loved him for it.  In fact, they tried to justify his presence in our house by saying just that- “He’s so ugly!  We just had to buy him”.  It was all pretty much down hill from there.  We’ve all remained close friends and can laugh about the whole ordeal now, but at the time our decorating woes caused serious issues in our home.  Your experience decorating a shared space may not be so theatrical (as there are few groups of people more dramatic than college age girls) but don’t be too naïve to assume that the potential for decorating drama can’t exist in your home (or that you’re not harboring a silent sufferer).  What I didn’t understand back in college was that no matter how much you have in common with someone as a person, it doesn’t guarantee you’re going to be comfortable in the same type of space.  We wanted to explore a couple situations where you may need to compromise in your decorating (or encourage someone to compromise in theirs), and offer some advice for how it can be done as painlessly as possible.  

Roommates

Here’s the advice I’ve given an umpteen amount of times on Design Muse already- make a plan!  Obviously if a person owns a house and rents it out they hold the trump card, but when you’re renting as a group everyone paying their fair share gets an opinion.  If you’re just starting out you may all be making a lot of large purchases, it’s much easier to come to peaceful agreements before you buy than after.  The trickiest part of this situation is balancing the idea of appeasing someone you won’t be living with forever without spending your hard earned money on something you don’t love.  If you really adore a piece you know your roommate will hate it doesn’t mean you can’t buy it, it’s just common courtesy to keep it out of your house’s common areas.  If your roommate is guilty of making particularly ugly contributions to your living space you can do one of a few things 1) Quietly stew 2) Forward them the link to this post and hope they get the hint (somewhat passive aggressive, but effective) or 3) “Accidently” break it.  (Just kidding, although you may be tempted).  In all seriousness, a simple conversation will do.  There’s no need to be insulting or angry, just let them know you’d like to make some changes in the space.  Don’t just complain for the sake of getting it off your chest- if you’re not in a place to financially contribute to changes you may want to rethink taking your grievance public.  If you’re old enough to be renting you’re mature enough to work through the uncomfortable situations that may arise through this process.  

Spouse

Marriage is a game changer for a million reasons.  There are two permanent players involved so the need for compromise is higher, essentially all area is common area and peace is invaluable.  If you’re about to get married and you’ve both previously lived on your own you’re going to have to quite a lot to sort through.  Before you find yourself ready to go to battle for an item you feel you can’t live without determine why you’re so unwilling to part with it.  Marriage is about choosing your battles, but if it’s an heirloom piece you may have reason to expend energy on the matter.  How acceptable is the item’s condition?  Can it be changed (painted, reupholstered, fixed) be acceptable to both parties?  It may require some creativity but there are so many unique ways to combine styles and pieces.  Take the time to sit down together, just look at magazines and just be honest with each other.  You may have to endure many “I like that, I don’t’” moments but you’ll eventually find a type of look that’s not too feminine, not too masculine, and totally you.  If you’re still engaged, use your registry thoughtfully to achieve your newfound look or to fill in the gaps in your design.  If you’ve been married a long time than I’m sure decorating issues are the least of the things you’ve worked through together.  Keep each other’s needs and wants at the forefront of any renovation decision just like you would in any other area.  When you’re both looking out for each other, everyone’s back is covered and your space can be filled with more than just beautiful things- it can know love!

Flower Lovers, Brace Yourselves

There are few things on our planet more intrinsically lovely than flowers.  As the paradise that is my parents’ back yard continues to blossom I get excited just thinking about some of the flower arrangements that will soon decorate their home.  From Peonies and Hydrangea to Magnolias and roses of every variety, I’m floored year after year by just how magnificent the flowers are.  I was looking for some floral inspiration while I wait for peak season outside and I sure did find it in Moda Botanica, a collaborative venture by Judith Campbell, Bailey Hale and Armas Koehler.  They bring together over thirty years combined experience in floral, horticulture and event industries and it more than shows.  I came across their company a few years ago at the Philadelphia Flower Show (where their exhibit has won best of show two years running) and never quite forgot their amazing work.  Here are a few of my very favorite floral displays from their vast portfolio.  They are, in a word, A-MA-ZING.