CHECK OUT FOCAL POINT ON FACEBOOK

Even though I may not be posting five days a week as I was this past year, I am still keeping the Facebook FOCAL POINT blog community page current with links to finds like DIY projects, new product designs or inspirational rooms & blogs I spot while sourcing on the net. With the new schedule, it has been easier to keep the FB page current and it tweets!! I would like to dedicate Tuesday's to Shop Tours Tuesday. Last week it was A Bella Casa. This week.... hmmm... stayed tuned...

Like FOCAL POINT on Facebook.

And tweet me @nyclq.



FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING 2011

A new year means time to rethink new color combinations around the home. Although I see my own pattern of routinely leaning towards cool colors - greens and blues - I am actually toying with the idea of playing with pinks. When I told mom this, she nearly fell to the floor - she knows for many years how pink to me was the equivalent of nails running down a chalk board.  Now here I am talking about having some of it in our home.

Maybe it's a representation of my personal growth (in other words - age lol). Or maybe it's simply just the fact that I'm more aware of my femininity vs. wearing balls all the time. I'm even finding myself drawn to roses even more than ever before. But rather than run right out and buy a boat load of pink spray paint, or window treatments, I've been testing living with subtle pops of pink by using the pink roses. And since I had two Pier One gift certificates, I used them to pick up two velvet & linen clearance pillows I had spotted on line. They pair well with the winter whites and greys I added after holiday. 

Speaking of holiday, above pics are a look back at what I had done for New Year's Eve. This year, I had actually taken down the tree before NYE, and utilized that space to set our table for two. Although I did remove most Christmas decor to de-clutter before New Years Eve, I did use some of the more glam decorations (like more mercury and mirrors) paired with gold and added black for new years. I'll post more details about the New Years Eve tablescape during holiday 2011.

CS STUDIO BEFORE

CS STUDIO BEFORE

CS STUDIO BEFORE

Can't share after pics until the space has been revealed to David.

He's been on the west coast at various guest appearances, doing interviews and now is headed to the frigid cold up north for some upcoming specials.



As for now, along with still getting adjusted to the new schedule, trying to maintain blog posts, a studio makeover last week and sourcing details for David's designs, I'm also looking around for some new inspiration to try new looks around here. Many of the fabrics I've been spotting have been a great source of inspiration - more so than stores (and even some magazines). Stores haven't yet received all their "pink" goods, and those that have, like Homegoods, I've already seen sold out. Below are some shots I've captured while out sourcing... and have become my inspirations for this year...

2011 PALETTE INSPIRATIONS:

IKAT PRINTS

especially in greens or pinks

GREEN

and natural elements

(always my fave!)

GRAPHIC PRINTS

 like trellis, fret, and chevron patterns

STUDDED DETAILS

which I'd like to attempt to do to my white sofa.

How has your year been going so far? Any new adventures or projects?

What is inspiring you?

Stay tuned for the studio makeover reveal, upcoming spring table styling, new projects to tackle, new thrifted finds and more home makeovers...

LINKING POST TO:

My Romantic Home - Show & Tell

Between Naps On The Porch - Metamorphosis Monday 

House In Roses - Show Off Your Cottage Monday 

A Stroll Thru Life - Tabletop Tuesday

A DAY AT THE DCOTA's WINTER MARKET

Bloggers & designers united yesterday for a panel discussion by Elle Decor at the DCOTA's 2011 Winter Market. A panel of bloggers discussed how they began blogging and the ever so supportive blogging community. From a design perspective, the panel also discussed how the Internet has changed the world of design by creating more 'access' of information to potential clients and how blogging has helped to 'humanize' designers.

Some of the scheduled panel were unable to attend do to treacherous winter weather - however, of those attending I had the pleasure of meeting: Jennifer Boles of The Peak of Chic,  Stefan Bureau of Architect Design, and the lovely Brooke Giannetti of Velvet & Linen. Part of their discussion also included connecting beyond the blog - not only via facebook and twitter - but subscribing to blogs.



Subscribing makes it easier to keep current with your favorite blogs... which, thankfully because I do subscribe to Velvet & Linen, I had learned of this event and was able to attend.

Jennifer Boles and Stefan Bureau

Brook Giannetti



Other events are also happening at the DCOTA (like the The 2011 Design House opening to the public today!!) along with a tour of the showrooms, which is sure to inspire (and also picked up some additional sources for the team!). I'll be posting pics and info shortly... so stay tuned!





SHOP TOUR TUESDAY: A BELLA CASA

While out and about hunting for new finds for the Color Splash team, I'm not only discovering some great little shops, I'm also meeting some wonderful people along the way. Case in point: down south at the Bird Road Arts District is a glamorous little home decor shop called A Bella Casa. The stylish, fun, and  energetic owner has made great use of the volume in the space by creating full-height merchandised vignettes by color in the space. To further emphasize the height as well as create dividers - without construction - she used simple but dramatic floor to ceiling panels...



If you're in Miami, stop by and say hi to Mariaelena Garcell and also post your comments on her facebook page. The shop as only been open for about two months (along with the facebook page). These types of shops are great to shop to pair with your big-box finds, but help take away that "catalog" look by creating a look that has been gathered over time.

A BELLA CASA

7265 SW 48th Street

Miami, FL 33155

305.661.6965

Meeting today at the studio to group brainstorm an updated studio layout and then heading to the Elle Decor Panel Discussion on Redesigning Design happening this afternoon at the DCOTA.

Have a great day!

COLORBLOCKS ON THE RED CARPET

You can bet you'll be seeing these colors in big box stores not only for prom, but inspiring home decor products as well. Although the Pantone 2011 Color Of The Year is Honeysuckle, several shades and tones of pink made an appearance on the red carpet - from bright to pale. Other popular colors - along with classic black gowns were pale golds and the richest and beautiful hues in emerald green...

My faves...

I've only color blocked some of my faves, but you can ready more about the designers, stars and also "get the look" from visiting Just Jared ... along with (I'm sure) so many other blog-post recaps that will be flooding the Internet this week. I'm looking forward to seeing E! recap the best and the worst.... which BY FAR the worst has to be ...

Helena Bonham Carter - WORST Dressed - EVAHHH!!!!

Most adorable was Lea Michele from Glee and

Olivia Wilde looked beautiful too....

Which gowns were your faves?

Thanks for stopping by!