THIS FABULOUS FRIDAY, I HAVE FOUND…  THE BIG APPLE!

“It’s So Fabulous!” PERSONAL HAPPENING of the Week: As some of you may already know, I have been in New York City this week attending a design conference – Best Practices Network (BPN) – specifically created for interior designers. I receive 40 hours of training each year with this organization, and it absolutely FABULOUS!

Even more fabulous is that I was able to fly to New York a day early to do a little shoe shopping at Sak’s (Hard to believe, right?!) and….

…..to catch a theater production called A Little Night Music, starring Bernadette Peters! She left not a dry eye in the house with her rendition of “Send in the Clowns”. What an absolutely unforgettable experience!

“It’s So Fabulous!” DESIGN HOME of the Week: In honor of my trip to the Big Apple, I have chosen a FABULOUS New York City penthouse apartment as my design home of the week. It belongs to famous hairstylist, Sally Hershberger and was recently featured  in Elle Decor. If you would like to view the full article on this apartment, with details about each of the following photos, click HERE.

“It’s So Fabulous!”  FASHION FIND of the Week: For those of you who know me personally, you would say that I am anything BUT Bohemian in style. However, Harper’s Bazaar has “Bohemian Rhapsody” listed as one of the Fall 2010 fashion trends, and I am actually a bit intrigued by these designs off of the New York runway. Take a look… what do YOU think?

By Ralph Lauren

By Vera Wang

By Marchesa

By Diane von Furstenberg

Okay, okay, you’re right. I probably wouldn’t actually wear any of these designs… but I do kind think they are somewhat FAB!

“It’s So Fabulous!” GIFT IDEA of the Week: Okay, so my first choice for a gift idea is, of course….. SHOES FROM SAKS FIFTH AVENUE! And for all of you New Yorkers, run on down there and get someone a pair RIGHT NOW! Trust me, if they are half as thrilled as I was yesterday, you will receive an A+ in the gift-giving department! YAY!

However, for anyone else who is not quite as fruity about buying shoes as I am, who also happens to live in my hometown of Myrtle Beach, SC , this category should be an easy one for you to guess!  The best gift idea this week is anything from Knotting Hill Interiors’ GIANT 50% OFF SUPER SALE that began this Wednesday! The sale includes a HUGE selection of items, ranging from furniture to linens to candles to accessories…. and a whole bunch of other stuff in between! So, if you haven’t been by yet to check out the goodies, make it a priority! You are certain to find a great deal on something for yourself…. or, er, I mean something for a GIFT!

“It’s So Fabulous!” QUOTE of the Week:

“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.”

- Thomas Wolfe, American short story writer and novelist

NOW, GO HAVE AN “It’s So Fabulous!” DAY!

Every home should have a sense of comfort and warmth. Although some design styles are more comfort-oriented than others, almost all of them incorporate one or more of the following elements to add a sense of livability:

WAY #1: Add Fabrics

Upholstered pieces, slipcovers, throw pillows, and other fabric-covered components add instant comfort. They make it easy to want to “snuggle up” in a room.

These comfortable, but chic, slipcovers combine with the various throw pillows to make a lovely space. Photo from House Beautiful.

These slipcovers and window treatments make this dining room soft and inviting, yet it is still elegant and edited. Photo from House Beautiful.

WAY #2: Incorporate antique or vintage pieces

Antique or vintage pieces add a sense of history and balance. They ground the space and beckon visitors to come in and relax.

This antique chest adds a sense of depth to this already comfortable space. Photo from House Beautiful.

The 18th century desk and vintage botanicals ground this room and give it historical quality. Photo from House Beautiful.

WAY #3:  Mix up the wood!

Incorporate different colors and styles of wood in your furniture pieces. Avoiding “matchy-matchy” furniture prevents your room from becoming boring and predictable. It makes the space feel approachable and gives you permission to “kick up your feet”.

The mix of woods in this space, from walls to furniture, add to the comfortable feel. Photo from Traditional Home.

This bedroom mixes several types of wood for an unpretentious, and relaxed, presentation. Photo from Traditional Home.

WAY #4: Add photos or personal mementos

Pictures and personalized elements make a house feel like a home…. Like the homeowner truly loves it there! Visitors are welcomed into the space with a sense of understanding about the homeowners.

The unusual natural elements collected by the homeowners add personal detailing to this space. Photo from Coastal Living.

These family photos displayed in the stairwell add a sense of personalization to this home. Photo from House Beautiful.

WAY #5: Add natural elements, such as wood, plants, and shells.

Bringing a touch of nature inside a home adds a sense of unity with the outdoors. Everyone connects on some level with nature, so incorporating this universal component adds instant comfort.

Plants, such as those in this photo from House Beautiful, breathe life into a room.

These floral and wood elements bring a little of nature inside. Photo from House Beautiful.

If you would like to make your home more fabulous, then contact me for an initial consultation.

NOW, GO HAVE AN “It’s So Fabulous!” DAY!