Archive for May, 2011

Looking for a new Sofa?

I thought these sofa’s from Jayson Home & Garden in Chicago have a great look. Their selection of sofas and chairs are unique and detailed. Looking for a comfortable sofa isn’t as easy as you think it might be….many look great but are very uncomfortable. I love the many designs to choose from this company…www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com . They have free shipping and returns till the end on the month on all furniture, accessories and gifts. So if you don’t like something it can be returned at no charge. I really don’t like companies who charge a restocking fee as you never sometimes how a piece will look and feel in a room…but then that is why you need me!

Only the French!

I had to share this beautiful French menu card from 1900. It is absolutely gorgeous die-cut card and raised gilt serpent motif on the handle of the mirror or is it a fan?? Not sure but wish I was a guest at that dinner! The French make everything so beautiful.

Gracie!

If you have ever stepped into a room that has Gracie wallpaper you will never forget that moment. Many of their wallpapers have silver, pewter or gold hand leafed background that glow and shimmer. The handpainted wallpapers are Gracie’s signature product line and their attraction lies as much in the patina and texture as in the exotic designs hand painted on them custom for your room. Gracie was founded in 1898 by Charles R. Gracie and continues to be in the family to this day. The company has expanded into collecting and dealing in antique Chinese and Japanese furniture, screems and porcelian. They carry an impressive inventory of 18th and 19th century antique wallpapers which were originally produced in France or China. Please go to www.graciestudio.com to see more of their amazing designs.

Classic Glossy Enamel Signs!

These old fashion, hand stenciled signs are such a classic design. The blue enamel signs were widely used throughhout Europe in the 1800’s. You can now get nameplates and door signs to coordinate with your house numbers. I have an excellent source for these and they aren’t expensive and the look is beautiful! It just goes to show that true great design is timeless!

Mysterious Pewter!

Pewter is an alloy of mostly tin with a little copper, antimony and sometimes lead. It is characterized by a muted, silvery-gray color and a mottled surface that is far less showy than silver or gold. It is now becoming quite a collectors item and seeing all the different applications
it can be used I can see why. Pewter does take a little more care, in fact that is why years ago I gave my flatware away because it couldn’t go in the dishwasher…I have always regretted doing that. You can polish pewter and it will gleam like silver…but for only a matter of days as it will once again turn gray…which is the natural state of pewter and it is very happy to be gray!

I love the counters and the table top …so different and beautiful! The top photo of the large rectangle was used as a headboard. For sources e-mail me.

Creative Range Hoods

Looking for something original and creative for your new kitchen? Thought these ideas are very interesting and you realize that nothing is impossible…your idea can be made into reality!

Free Gift with a Consultation!

When you give me a call for a design or wedding/event consultation or a referral I will give you this savvy, quality, lifestyle book devoted to the best local businesses owned by women. CRAVE will direct you to more that 150 local spots and introduce you to these amazing, talented, dedicated women. CRAVE is a directory for those who value what is happening throughout town and who have contributed to our city!

So don’t be shy, let’s get together and see what I can do to help make your world beautiful!

susanmspindler@gmail.com or 214-405-0118

Dutch Doors!


Ahhh…the dutch door…first used in the Netherlands hence it’s name just is the most charming and inviting door. In the spring when we are ready to view our gardens of tulips and breathe some fresh air opening up the top of a dutch door is perfect. It lets the fresh air, the aroma of the flowers and trees in while keeping the animals out. Dutch doors are also the style of stable doors and also on trains as they are very functional in both applications. These doors can be used on the interior as well from a kitchen overlooking a childs playroom for example instead of gates everywhere! The quaint, country charm of the dutch door is one of my favorite designs. When strolling through Carmel, California you will see these on most doors of residential and business. Use them if they work in your locale, you will love it!

Beach House Style!


Everyone doesn’t have a beach house but many love the look. You can change out your city home with just a few different accents to make it have the feel of being by the water for the summer months. Beach style is clean, breezy, clutter free, relaxed. The colors that are used to decorate with are soft blues, greens, corals, whites and sand. Paint is the least expensive way to change up a room so don’t be afraid to make a focus wall or change a color for the season. Textures are an important part of the beach look. Use the texture through wicker, shells, corals and rugs. Painted floors, bead board, shutters are all part of the look as well.

Several months ago while walking on the the beach in South Carolina my girlfriend and I collected oyster shells. These were glue gunned onto juice size glasses and made great votives and also on the stem of a lamp that was simple in design and totally changed the look.

A website you might want to check is www.ourboathouse.com to see some other great decorating ideas! I think the more I write about summer the sooner it will get here!!