Even though today, here in Eastern Tennessee, it feels like April, we still have about 8 more weeks to go until we can truly enjoy spring.  But already many fabric lines are introducing some wonderful new collections to brighten and warm your home.  One of my favorites is the Alizes Collection from Brunschwig & Fils named for the fabled trade winds found in the tropics.  The surface winds have, for centuries, moved ships from Europe into Asia. 

This collection is the mix of Western and Eastern cultures.

Each of these archival prints has been colored in today’s rich color palettes.

To preview the Alizes Collection in person stop by the Haskell Interiors showroom.

Q:   Haskell,

I hope you can help me!  There is a wallpaper that I absolutely love and want to use in my house, but the problem is that it cost $150 per roll!  Do you have any inexpensive wallpaper options or sources?

Your Fan, Martie, Monteagle, TN

A:    Martie,

Sure I can help!  I find that usually once you have your heart set on something it is difficult to ever settle for second choice.  The key to your dilemma is to figure out a way to incorporate your favorite choice without breaking the bank.   The key is to use wallpaper to a maximum benefit.

You will be surprised how far and just how impactful 2 – 4 rolls of paper can be.  I love to use a bold paper as an accent in many of our projects.  In a bedroom, think about your favorite paper behind the main headboard wall to give emphasis to your bed and make a simple neutral headboard really “pop”.

This same thought also works great in a living room where a bold pattern or color paper can really add drama and impact to neutral furnishings.  This is a particularly great way to add personality to the “builder beige” paint that runs through many new homes.  Instead of painting, just add paper to that one special wall.

And don’t forget the 5^th wall:  the ceiling.  You can transform a space by adding paper to a ceiling or even inside a tray ceiling: think about metallics, textures and geometrics, all of which look great on ceilings.

Finally, for the unusual, unexpected pop of color and pattern, try using a favorite wallpaper behind bookshelves.

In your closet – what a great way to add glamour and style.

Or finally, if your budget permits just one roll, spray mount on a canvas or frame as a cool, piece of art and hang it wherever your heart desires.

No matter what your budget, you really can have your favorite wallpaper – it’s all in how you use it!

A few days ago I got a sneak peek at the Stitches in Time quilt exhibit at the Museum Center at 5 Points here in Cleveland, TN.  Lisa Lutts, Executive Director of the museum, walked me through this impressive show.  If you think quilts are just for grandmothers and wintry nights, you need to educate yourself at this exhibit.  With over 120 quilts on display, there is a style, pattern and color to fit everyone’s taste. 

I was blown away at the level of detail and intricacy these quilts reveal.  One of my favorites are the Baltimore Album Quilt by Grace Garner.  This quilt took 10 years to complete and won this year’s Best of Show – Contemporary (non-antique) award.  The dimension and colors are fantastic.

At the other end of the design spectrum, for those with more modern style, Mary Keasler’s Art Quilt can best be described as “a painting made of fabric.”  This particular entry won this year’s Best of Color & Design award.  Mrs. Keasler’s quilts have won national competitions and she has been featured in many national quilt magazines.

I promise that if you take the time to view this incredible, comprehensive exhibit, you will walk away in total awe of the artistry, skill and sheer patience it takes to create these American works of art.  At this year’s show you can cast your vote for Viewer’s Choice, as well as a chance to win an antique quilt from c.1890!

The exhibit runs from January 26 – March 10.  Tickets prices are  $5 adults/$4 seniors.  The museums’ hours are Tuesday – Friday 10 – 5 and Saturday 10 – 3.

For more information go to www.museumcenter.org .

Steuben, America’s preeminent glass company has called it quits after 109 years in business.  Founded in 1903 by Frederick Cader, Steuben was a giant in the glass art, alongside Louis Comfort Tiffany and Rene Lalique.  It was bought by the Corning Company in the 1930’s and continued to flourish in creativity and exclusivity, working with great artists of the day such as Henri Matisse and Georgia O’Keefe, both who lent artist design to several collections.  From simple Art Deco barware to art sculptures that defied imagination, Steuben was among the worlds finest.

Now, Steuben production has stopped. All 70 employees and artists have lost their jobs.  This exquisite glass, often given as the official gift by U.S. presidents from Harry S. Truman to Bill Clinton to Popes, Kings and Queens will fade into existence.  Poor management, the economy and the public’s shift away from pricey artistic products signaled the end of this once revered company.

The main Manhattan flagship store will remain open until supplies are depleted.  You can also visit the website, www.steuben.com to learn more and to get incredible prices.  The one upside to all of this:  just like Tiffany glass, Steuben pieces will continue to not only hold their value, but are expected to rise over the next few years.  I, on the other hand, am still praying for a miracle and that some wealthy art patron will buy Steuben and return this American treasure to a place where it once belonged.

From Joy in Rome, GA - I want to replace my counter tops in my kitchen.  My husband and I want something besides ordinary granite and also would like to use a green product if possible.  What do you suggest?

 Dear Joy,  I applaud not only your decision to using green and sustainable products in your home, but also to break out of the normal and try something different in your kitchen.  Yes, there are 2 great counter top products out there, both of which are beautiful to the eye and easy on the environment.

 First, Vetrazzo recycled glass counter tops have been a favorite of mine for many years.  Made up of 85% or more recycled glass, each Vetrazzo slab is handmade and contains a wide range of colors from soft greens to vibrant reds.  The glass used comes from ordinary sources:  Skyy blue vodka bottles, broken windshields, Corona beer bottles, even red glass lenses from old traffic stop lights.  No wonder their slogan is “a story in every surface”.  The company and its manufacturing process is extremely sustainable and green as well.  Place a piece of Vetrazzo in your kitchen and watch the compliments flow.  www.vetrazzo.com .  

My other favorite counter top choice is a wood top from Grothouse Lumber.  Paul Grothouse and his team turn wood into masterpieces.  They are, on one hand, classical and traditional and on another totally current and on point.  They add such a warm and organic flavor to a kitchen.  With so many species, edge treatments and patterns, the choices are vast.  Grothouse Lumber not only uses FSC – certified woods and renewable woods such as Teak and Lyptus, but all their glues and finishes are formaldehyde free and Green-Guard certified.  Their manufacturing process is also very sustainable.  For a unique product, derived from nature and protecting nature, you can’t beat a Grothouse counter top!  www.glmber.com .

From Beth, in Soddy Daisy, TN – Nowadays when I go to replace a light bulb, there are so many choices.  I know fluorescents save energy but I don’t want my house to look like an office.  I also see halogen bulbs a lot.  Can you help me understand what I should choose?

Dear Beth,  Great question!  It certainly can get confusing when you are standing in the aisle faced with a wall of lighting choices.  Let me tell you the basics and the 2 most important things you need to look for.

First, fluorescent bulbs (referred to now as CFL), halogens and regular old-fashioned incandescent bulbs all have their place, as well as pros and cons.  These names refer to the construction of the bulb, the type of materials and gases contained within the bulb (referred to correctly as the lamp).  Halogens, CFL and incandescent can have various degrees of brightness (referred to as lumens), color of light (from warm yellow to cool blues) and various wattages and sizes.

Second, from an aesthetic standpoint the 2 most important things to pay attention to is light output (lumens) and the color temperature of the light.  So first you need to decide how much output you want (brightness).  Most bulb packages for CFL’s have conversions right on the package (i.e. 23w = 100w) but look closely:  not all 100 watts are equal.  That is why it is good to check out the light output (lumens) usually listed on the box.  Some of the “double life” bulbs last longer because they emit about 20% less light.  Secondly, look at the temperature of the light (kelvins) listed – hopefully, on the box.

Bulbs in the 2700K – 3000K range will be warm and yellow light.  This is typical of the incandescent bulb. For rooms with warm tones and colors this can be very flattering.  Bulbs in the 3500K – 5000K range produce a whiter and cooler light.  This is best for rooms and color schemes with blue colors, crisp whites and cooler colors. 

So, just remember:  no matter whether you select a fluorescent, a halogen or a standard incandescent, pay attention to your light output by looking at the Lumens and match the color of light – warm and yellow vs. cool and  blue – to the colors in the room for the best look.

This past week, Pantone, the world’s color authority and institute announced their color of the year for 2012:  Tangerine Tango.

      Pantone, which co-ordinates color and color trends for all design fields including fashion, interior design and home décor, brings together each year a number of leading designers and trend setters in different fields to create and formulate the color palette for the upcoming year.  Among this year’s group of fashion-forward color trends, Tangerine Tango (OT 17-1463 as she is known to her friends) stood out as the leader among the trendy colors for 2012.

     We are already seeing this as an emerging hot color in last fall’s runway collections.

      So now, we are guaranteed to see it showing up in the next 18 months as a “must have” color in home design and home fashions.

 So how can you be fashion forward and add some Tangerine Tango to your daily life?  As with any trendy color, it is best to use sparingly but deliberately.  You can paint just one wall to add drama and punch to a calm, quiet room.  This is particularly effective if your room has cool color tones.

If you don’t want to make that much of a commitment, just add some tangerine accents to your space in the form of pillows, ceramics, picture frames or a lamp. If you can add one piece of furniture – an orange fabric chair, a small table – then you really can get a punch of this exciting accent color without going overboard and without spending too much money. 

      Remember, there is always another “hot new color” every year. 

So have fun:  be fashion forward, change your décor for a while and enjoy a burst of citrus fun with

 Tangerine Tango!

 50% – 70% OFF

 ALL DESIGNER FURNITURE, UPHOLSTERY, LIGHTING, ACCESSORIES, RUGS AND ART ARE ON SALE!

WE’RE MAKING ROOM FOR NEW 2012 ARRIVALS.

HASKELL INTERIORS

85 1ST STREET, NE

CLEVELAND, TN  37311

472-6409

From Amy, in Chattanooga, TN - I have a dear friend who loves design and decorating and who is always working on her home.  Do you have any gift suggestions for the do-it-yourself decorator?

Dear Amy,  I applaud you wanting to support your friend’s passion for design.  Honestly, without knowing her style and current project, the safest and most long lasting gift would be a book on design.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am obsessed with books – and books on design and architecture in particular.  A great book can inspire your friend to find her inner creativity to motivate her for the next project and to guide her with principles of design.  For the “extra” touch, why not create a basket including your book selection and a couple of great teas or coffees so your friend can unwind one afternoon after the holidays have come and gone. 

Here are some recent purchases that I just love: 

Design Sponge at Home, written by the editors of the blog, “Design Sponge” this book focuses on a more urban look and small spaces.  Great in particular for those who are on a small budget.

Home Beautiful’s 1000 Sensational Makeovers.  This book is overflowing with inspiring photos of beautiful rooms.  Each area of the home is included and all styles are represented.  Not a lot of copy but thousands of photos for inspiration.

Chicago Space:  Inspiring Spaces.  I visit Chicago several times a year for inspiration.  I love the city’s clean modern look blended with the Midwest sensibility.  If you love a transitional clean look, this book is for you.

Sister Parish:  American Style.  Sister Parrish is the Grande dame of American style.  This book shows off her unique style that has been the source of inspiration for many designers over the last 50 years.  Here ‘American Country Style’ is both elegant and sophisticated without being pretentious.  Her most famous client and admirer was Jacqueline Kennedy: enough said!

Michael S. Smith:  Kitchens and Baths.  Voted one of Architectural Digest’s 100 top designers, Michael S. Smith’s book on kitchen and baths is full of inspiring photos and designer advice on the 2 very important rooms.  He covers every topic from faucets to countertops to wall coverings.  His clean, American style is both current and historic in style.  An inspiring book for those wanting a kitchen or bath makeover.

 All of these books are available through bookstores and Amazon.com plus you can have them in time for the 25^th!  Merry Christmas!!

One of my favorite holiday traditions is to make my Christmas list and head to the Cleveland Museum Center at 5 Points.  The museum store is filled year round with a wide assortment of all handmade items and all from local artists.  This is a great place to find that one-of-a-kind item for the special person on your list.  I love to support local businesses.  Buy unique items and support local artists all with one visit!

The shop at Christmas is particularly full with wonderful treasures.  Some of my favorites:

A)  Pottery from Roy Bamfield.  I love his colors and designs and all of his pieces are oven and microwave safe:  practical and beautiful.

B)  Jewelry from Nancy Zierenberg.  Her jewelry mixes great colors with eclectic vintage pieces that have a timeless quality.  Currently several of her pieces have a nautical theme with beautiful silver shells.  Her one-of-a-kind creations range in price from $15 – $150.

C)  Wood pieces from Ron Wheeler and Henry Cofield.  Both of these gentlemen use local woods and species to turn and create bowls, trays and sculptures that reflect nature’s inherent beauty.  Organic shapes and inlaid woods are all part of the unique designs.  Prices range from $40 – $400.

D)  Toys.  Handmade objects don’t have to be just for display – they can be for play as well.  Mike Markum’s line of handmade wood toys will bring a smile to everyone who sees them. Trains, animals and cars are some of his most popular items.  Prices range from $5. – $20.

E)   Finally, tis the season for ornaments.  David Goldhagen’s line of hand-blown glass ornaments are truly works of art.  A kaleidoscope of patterns and colors infuse his creations and add a personal touch to anyone’s tree.  Glass ornaments are $26.  Other glass sculptures from David range from $20 – $700.

The people – family and friends – on your Christmas list are all so special to you.  Why not give them a gift that reflects and celebrates their uniqueness.  Visit the store at the Museum at 5 Points.   Store hours are Tuesday – Friday 10 – 5;  Saturday 10 – 3.  For more information visit www.museumcenter.org.