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Showing posts from 2012

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY FOR THE PEEPS

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY FOR THE PEEPS : imagebrunomahlman BRING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A BANG, BANG, BANG AT AGORA, WASHINGTON DC (www.agoradc.net) DINNER, CHAMPAGNE, BELLY-DA...

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY FOR THE PEEPS

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imagebrunomahlman BRING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A BANG, BANG, BANG AT AGORA, WASHINGTON DC (www.agoradc.net) DINNER, CHAMPAGNE, BELLY-DANCING AND MUSIC BY YURIY OGALTSEV PARTY STARTS AT 9 AND CONTINUES THRU MORNING!! (reservations suggested at 202 332 6767) * * *

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2012

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imagecourtesydesiretoinspireblog Our blog wishes everyone a wonderful holiday.

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS AND MORE / DAY 8 -- RICHARD KEITH LANG...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS AND MORE / DAY 8 -- RICHARD KEITH LANG... : imagesourceunknown I get bored without color in a room.  Interesting, strong, clear colors are easier to live with in the long run than pa...

DESIGN TIPS AND MORE / DAY 8 -- RICHARD KEITH LANGHAM

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imagesourceunknown I get bored without color in a room.  Interesting, strong, clear colors are easier to live with in the long run than pale colors.  People always think that it's the opposite, but in actuality soft colors get boring much quicker. RICHARD KEITH LANGHAM (interviewed by Lisa Cregan for House Beautiful )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP-SHOW presents THE BEST OF 2012

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP-SHOW presents THE BEST OF 2012 : imagecourtesyjjjjoundblog Before heading down south for basking on the golden sands of South Beach,  I promised to share the best...

The PEEP-SHOW presents THE BEST OF 2012

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imagecourtesyjjjjoundblog Before heading down south for endless days of basking on the golden sands of South Beach,  I promised to share the best blogs, interiors, art, objects (of beauty), gardens and architecture of this year.  So, please stay tuned for next week's list of  THE BEST OF 2012 .

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS AND MORE / DAY 8 -- BENJAMIN DHONG

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS AND MORE / DAY 8 -- BENJAMIN DHONG : imagecourtesyluxesource.com Use the precious for everyday purposes.  We'll rummage through clients' closets and find loads of precio...

DESIGN TIPS AND MORE / DAY 8 -- BENJAMIN DHONG

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imagecourtesyluxesource.com Use the precious for everyday purposes.  We'll rummage through clients' closets and find loads of precious hand-me-downs like porcelain vases and crystal that are a bit out of vogue.  We'll use them for completely ordinary purposes--a vase becomes a chic pencil holder, a crystal bowl holds makeup brushes.  Turn the ordinary into a special moment! Benjamin Dhong (interviewed by Lisa Cregan for House Beautiful )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS AND MORE / DAY 7 -- VICENTE WOLF

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS AND MORE / DAY 7 -- VICENTE WOLF : imagecourtesyveranda viamarkdsykesblog When doing curtains or shades, take them all the way up to the ceiling--it will increase the h...

DESIGN TIPS AND MORE / DAY 7 -- VICENTE WOLF

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imagecourtesyveranda viamarkdsykesblog When doing curtains or shades, take them all the way up to the ceiling--it will increase the height of a room. Vicente Wolf (interviewed by Lisa Cregan for House Beautiful )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents BITS + PIECES #9 / Day 4

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents BITS + PIECES #9 / Day 4 : designchinesejesus imagecourtesydesiretoinspireblog Cool California chic seems the perfect counterpoint to today's grey skies.  It see...

The PEEPSHOW presents BITS + PIECES #9 / Day 4

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designchinesejesus imagecourtesydesiretoinspireblog Cool California chic: a perfect counterpoint to today's grey skies.  Today's soundtrack is CLEAR BLUE's Heart Sutra  ( http://soundcloud.com/clearblue/heart-sutra )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents BITS + PIECES #9 / Day 3

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents BITS + PIECES #9 / Day 3 : imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog Certainly less shocking than hung on (or from) the ceiling, large paintings are quite ...

The PEEPSHOW presents BITS + PIECES #9 / Day 3

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imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog Certainly less shocking than hung on (or from) the ceiling, large paintings are quite stunning when placed against book-shelves.  Particularly where space is a premium, or the collection of books keeps expanding, artwork can be propped in front of books or leaned casually while a more permanent place is considered. Today's soundtrack is TEMPORAL's We Are One  ( http://soundcloud.com/temporal-1/temporal-we-are-one )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents BITS + PIECES #9 / Day 2

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents BITS + PIECES #9 / Day 2 : imagecourtesy79ideasblog For folks who chafe at the anticipated resurrection of memories of too-long visits to grandma's wallpapered ...

The PEEPSHOW presents BITS + PIECES #9 / Day 2

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imagecourtesy79ideasblog For folks who chafe at the anticipated resurrection of memories of too-long visits to grandma's wallpapered enclave, today's visual treat should more than aptly dispel any (and all) fears of any such happening(s).  Enough can never be said (or written) about the virtues of wall-paper, which when carefully selected and skillfully applied, can more than transport any guest (or resident) to magical lands or mystical places; or, on occasion, transform a room from blah to Bam to WOW!! Today's soundtrack is DUQUENUQUEM's Violet Skies ( http://soundcloud.com/duquenuquem/violet-skies )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents BITS + PIECES #9 / Day 1

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents BITS + PIECES #9 / Day 1 : imagecourtesydesiretoinspireblog Everyone dreams of that light-filled, spacious apartment in a historic building overlooking a tree-...

The PEEPSHOW presents BITS + PIECES #9 / Day 1

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imagecourtesydesiretoinspireblog Everyone dreams of that light-filled, spacious apartment in a pre-war building overlooking a tree-filled boulevard in which the drama of work and play appears almost magical.  Everyone dreams of urban (and urbane) living in any of the world's thriving metropolitan centers such as Paris, London, Budapest, Rio or Buenos Aires.  It appears that folks there seem to live lives more akin to the scenes or narratives portrayed in flicks found at the Angelika (or the little movie-house in Shirlington, VA from which I've observed patrons emerge almost trance-like back into the unfiltered reality of present-day America).  I've always wondered if it's the historic backdrop of antiquity, or a certain laissez-faire, or just a difference in perspective that allows them--the natives elsewhere--to so bravely accept the contradictions and paradox of our existence.  Whatever it is, it is most attractive . . . Today's soundtrack is RAVIV

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS + MORE / DAY 6-- SUSAN FERRIER

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS + MORE / DAY 6-- SUSAN FERRIER : imagecourtesydesignlilyblogspot A few very, very large-scale pieces make a room appear bigger.  It's kind of counterintuitive, but it...

DESIGN TIPS + MORE / DAY 6-- SUSAN FERRIER

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imagecourtesydesignlilyblogspot A few very, very large-scale pieces make a room appear bigger.  It's kind of counterintuitive, but it works.  Here's another thing that's counterintuitive.  Paint a small space a dark color.  Just go for it.  I had a small room in a house once with one tiny, tiny window.  I painted it chocolate brown, and it came alive.  It was so sexy! Susan Ferrier (Interviewed by Lisa Cregan for House Beautiful )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS AND MORE / DAY 5 -- BARBARA BARRY

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS AND MORE / DAY 5 -- BARBARA BARRY : imagecourtesyhabitualchicblogspot Mood is everything and who wants to dine in bright light? 60 watts for the dining room.  I want it b...

DESIGN TIPS AND MORE / DAY 5 -- BARBARA BARRY

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imagecourtesyhabitualchicblogspot Mood is everything and who wants to dine in bright light? 60 watts for the dining room.  I want it bright when reading, so 75 to 100 watts for the living room.  It's nice to have options--if you don't have dimmers, then have some variety from 40 to 100 watts, so you change the mood for the occasion.  The bathroom needs overhead as well as side lighting.  Keep the overhead to 75 watts, with 60 watts on each side.  The best lighting is at eye level, not overhead, which creates shadows.  And the best light is diffused light from a white or off-white lampshade. Barbara Barry (interviewed by Lisa Cregan for House Beautiful )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DAY WITHOUT ART/WORLD AIDS DAY 2012

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DAY WITHOUT ART/WORLD AIDS DAY 2012 : imagecourtesymuumuse.com Remembering our losses, Bravely, the beat goes on and on  .  .  .

DAY WITHOUT ART/WORLD AIDS DAY 2012

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imagecourtesymuumuse.com Remembering our losses. Bravely, the beat goes on and on  .  .  .

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS + MORE / DAY 4 -- J. RANDALL POWERS

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS + MORE / DAY 4 -- J. RANDALL POWERS : imagecourtesy homeandfurnitureaccessoriesblogspot When it comes to bookcases, stick to books.  Nothing is more visually chaotic the...

DESIGN TIPS + MORE / DAY 4 -- J. RANDALL POWERS

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imagecourtesy homeandfurnitureaccessoriesblogspot When it comes to bookcases, stick to books.  Nothing is more visually chaotic then 46 shelves of random stuff. J. Randall Powers (interviewed by Lisa Cregan for House Beautiful )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS + MORE / DAY 3 -- DAVID NETTO

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS + MORE / DAY 3 -- DAVID NETTO : imagecourtesymimi+megblog Stop at 6 pillows on a bed.  You need 2 soft extra-long pillows, 2 European squares, an, if you want, you c...

DESIGN TIPS + MORE / DAY 3 -- DAVID NETTO

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imagecourtesymimi+megblog Stop at 6 pillows on a bed.  You need 2 soft extra-long pillows, 2 European squares, an, if you want, you can do 2 more European squares.  But those Pekingese-size small pillows all over the bed are vulgar.  And you have so much to throw on the floor when you get into bed. David Netto (interviewed by Lisa Cregan for House Beautiful )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS + MORE / Day 2 -- PETER DUNHAM

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS + MORE / Day 2 -- PETER DUNHAM : imagecourtesyaestheticallythinkingblog While looking at one of my first New York apartments,  David Hicks told me diplomatically...

DESIGN TIPS + MORE / Day 2 -- PETER DUNHAM

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imagecourtesyaestheticallythinkingblog While looking at one of my first New York apartments,  David Hicks told me diplomatically,  'Dear Boy, if you're going to paint the walls white, you need art.' Peter Dunham (interviewed by Lisa Cregan for House Beautiful )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: LATE NIGHT TREAT (AURAL) by YURIY OGALTSEV

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: LATE NIGHT TREAT (AURAL) by YURIY OGALTSEV : photoalexdacosta viaindigenousdialogues NOVEMBER TRIBEcast http://soundcloud.com/yuriyogaltsev/tamerlans-november-tribecast...

LATE NIGHT TREAT (AURAL) by YURIY OGALTSEV

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photoalexdacosta viaindigenousdialogues NOVEMBER TRIBEcast http://soundcloud.com/yuriyogaltsev/tamerlans-november-tribecast

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS + MORE / Day 1 - CAREY MALONEY of M (...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: DESIGN TIPS + MORE / Day 1 - CAREY MALONEY of M (... : imagecourtesymgroup Don't hang a mirror between windows.  The spatial void it creates distracts from the view.  And don't fall pr...

DESIGN TIPS + MORE / Day 1 - CAREY MALONEY of M (Group)

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imagecourtesymgroup Don't hang a mirror between windows.  The spatial void it creates distracts from the view.  And don't fall prey to using mirrors in every room or over every mantel.  Mirrors are not art, and a room needs art. Carey Maloney (interviewed by Lisa Cregan for House Beautiful )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 5

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 5 : imagetriagiovan viaathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps It's Monday morning and collectively we survived the trip back home to see ...

The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 5

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imagetriagiovan viaathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps It's Monday morning and collectively we survived the trip back home to see the folks, as well as getting through any discomfort from probably eating too much holiday fare.  Still, getting away from the usual pace of our life allows to more fully appreciate what we do have, as well as enables a clearer understanding of the small, tiny steps that must be taken to achieve the goals we've set for ourselves at the start of this year, and just might have fallen short of completing.  If I could just stay clear of the anxieties which accompany the rush to get it all done perfectly before Santa gets here, I'll be just fine. And nothing comes close to the bliss of being stress-free, especially during the holiday season when expectations lurk behind every holly bush.  Hope everyone is just as excited as I am in getting to the close of what has been quite a challenging year, as well as looking forward to the pleasant surp

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: LATE NIGHT VISUAL CANDY (AURAL MIX)

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: LATE NIGHT VISUAL CANDY (AURAL MIX) : imagecourtesyjjjjoundblog Tonight's soundtrack is ( http://soundcloud.com/sergej-s/sets/deep-house-deep-house )

LATE NIGHT VISUAL CANDY (AURAL MIX)

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imagecourtesyjjjjoundblog Tonight's soundtrack is ( http://soundcloud.com/sergej-s/sets/deep-house-deep-house )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 4

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 4 : designstevengambrel viacoloroutidethelinesblog Peeps, It's Black Friday and I intend to stay clear of any and every sh...

The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 4

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designstevengambrel viacoloroutidethelinesblog Peeps, It's Black Friday and I intend to stay clear of any and every shopping mall(s).  I'm still trying to figure out what it is that I need so desperately that I would be willing to brave the traffic and crowds in order to get it--the this and that which ostensibly can fill a hole in my psyche--and still those items elude my wish or want list.  At least for now, I'm satisfied that recently purchased bags of paper-white bulbs have been installed on beds of decorative rocks in glass vases, and amaryllis bulbs prepped in iron urns for their expected seasonal glory, have been completed.  Today after lunch, I'll sneak into Barnes and Noble where the shelves of interior-design books offer unlimited tips and inspiration for even more visual beauty.  Have a wonderful day, and please remember to support small shops everywhere. Thanks, Shane Today's soundtrack is BINGZHU's Fly Away ( http://

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: THE PEEPSHOW Celebrates THANKSGIVING DAY 2012

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: THE PEEPSHOW Celebrates THANKSGIVING DAY 2012 : imagecatrinwelz-stein viaindigenousdialogues Peeps, I want to take this opportunity to thank all the blog readers, friends and famil...

THE PEEPSHOW Celebrates THANKSGIVING DAY 2012

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imagecatrinwelz-stein viaindigenousdialogues Peeps, I want to take this opportunity to thank all the blog readers, friends and family for your continued interest and participation in this little creative endeavor, as well as wish you a Happy Thanksgiving 2012. Sincerely, Shane Today's soundtrack is JOYMBACK's Africa Lies  ( http://soundcloud.com/joymback/joymback-africa-lies-original )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 3

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 3 : designraulmartins viamynottinghillblog Peeps, There's no mistaking that it's Thanksgiving time, and in a day or so all across ...

The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 3

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designraulmartins viamynottinghillblog Peeps, There's no mistaking that it's Thanksgiving time, and in a day or so all across America tables will groan under the weight of enormous platters of food, fixings, and fare, generously served to the expectant with plenty of opportunities for second helpings and thirds.  It seems that on this occasion, friends and strangers, perhaps enemies or the estranged, will put aside differences, prejudices or past hostilities in order to ensure that everyone partakes in the abundance of this blessed land.  Sounds almost corny, doesn't it?  Truthfully, our elected officials on both sides (as well as Independents and Tea-baggers) have left the hallowed halls (of the Capitol) for feasting and smooching back home, and the cliff as well as other important issues still loom--on the near horizon.  And while food still remains relatively cheap when compared to other nations, no one at the dinner-table wants to linger after pie and coff

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 2

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 2 : designjeffreybilhuber Peeps, With missiles traversing borders and the number of casualties mounting, it's a little hard to stay star...

The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 2

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designjeffreybilhuber Peeps, With missiles traversing borders and the number of casualties mounting, it's a little hard to stay starry-eyed and bubbly today.  I wish that all the concerned parties could sit down and just work it out, but this I know is wishful thinking on my part.  Until some sort of agreement is reached, the TV screen looms large and burns bright, and the sound of explosions can be heard clear across oceans.  Wishing the best (of luck) to our blog readers in Jerusalem who have every right to fear for their safety, as well as question the reasons (for the blood-shed) which still continues . . . Sincerely, Shane Today's soundtrack is OUTLIER.'s Colorblind ( http://soundcloud.com/outlierla/colorblind )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 1

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 1 : imagecourtesynotesondesigntumblr Peeps, Imagine my surprise, and delight, at finding the latest  House Beautiful in the mail bas...

The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY #2 / Day 1

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imagecourtesynotesondesigntumblr Peeps, Imagine my surprise, and delight, at finding the latest  House Beautiful in the mail basket this morning.  As usual the featured interiors were noteworthy for being both accessible and inspirational, and this issue in particular left me with a new appreciation for the color grey and all its permutations.  There's only a few more days before the shopping season peaks in a burst of black, and I intend to head out early today for the plant-nursery where I intend to purchase countless bags of paper-whites bulbs which when in blossom, can transform the ordinary into sublime--through pure scent.  I hope that everyone has made plans to spend Thanksgiving Day doing something memorable, or thoroughly satisfying.  If all goes as planned, back-to-back movies and Chinese take-out tops my list, followed by an hour or two searching though Ebay for yet another collectible probably destined as a stocking-stuffer.  Love to take this opportunity to

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The BLACK + WHITE Of It All / Day 5

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The BLACK + WHITE Of It All / Day 5 : designcandacecavanaugh Peeps, Yippee, it's the weekend!  Can't wait to hit the thrift shops tomorrow and Georgetown flea-mar...

The BLACK + WHITE Of It All / Day 5

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designcandacecavanaugh Peeps, Yippee, it's the weekend!  Can't wait to hit the thrift shops tomorrow and Georgetown flea-market on Sunday morning.  Nothing is really needed, yet the thrill of the hunt keeps me, as well as any design-addicted peep on the move and one never knows what the kill may be.  Whether large or small or precious, or, merely some trifle that touches something deep inside, the gods that govern luck or chance must be invoked at dawn's break.  And if nothing is bagged this time, there are always coffee-table books (on sale at the used-book store) which allow for lazy hours of dreaming.  Happy weekend to all. Sincerely, Shane Today's soundtrack is RAVIV GAZIT's Pr 12 ( http://soundcloud.com/ravivgazit/pr12 )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The BLACK + WHITE Of It All / Day 4

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The BLACK + WHITE Of It All / Day 4 : photodebracronin via79ideasblog Peeps, Whenever I hear home-owners recite the long list of the things missing or wrong with their new...

The BLACK + WHITE Of It All / Day 4

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photodebracronin via79ideasblog Peeps, Whenever I hear home-owners recite the long list of the things missing or wrong with their newly-bought property, inwardly I cringe and outwardly I urge caution and emphasize restraint.  Fueled by photos of expansive kitchen layouts or luxurious baths featured in the glossies, little thought is given to how one actually lives, or the budget(s) realistically needed to finance the transformation from what is perceived as inadequate to the wow factor(s) designed to elicit hand-shakes and back-slaps from friends, neighbors, and shy family members from back home.  Better to move in, and slowly, carefully with the help of a professional develop the grand-plan with successive steps along the way to achieving nirvana.  After the movers have departed, and the last box unpacked, nothing is more pleasant than Earl Grey, stacks of magazines, and time to think it through.  And what makes it even more enjoyable is the 'ever-so-patient-and-knowledgeab

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The BLACK + WHITE Of It All / Day 3

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The BLACK + WHITE Of It All / Day 3 : imagecourtesynotesondesigntumblr Peeps, It's hard to believe that it's almost a week after the election, and much still needs to ...

The BLACK + WHITE Of It All / Day 3

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imagecourtesynotesondesigntumblr Peeps, It's hard to believe that it's almost a week after the election, and much still needs to be completed before Thanksgiving and the onset of the Christmas festivities.  According to economists the nation is heading towards a fiscal cliff, as are many of my working colleagues who have experienced a drastic reduction in projects, particularly in the last 14 or so months.  Many professionals in all fields have been concerned about the scarcity of well-paying jobs, or the need to undertake even more tasks for the same fee(s), and yet one is loathe to lament publicly.  At times I admit to a bit of confusion, since the glossy magazines gushingly report that high-end shops and designers can't keep up with the demand for luxury goods and custom services, yet a drive to downtown DC or Alexandria reveals plenty of vacant retail space.  Hopefully in the near future, promises (made during the campaign) will result in a stronger economy,

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The BLACK + WHITE Of It All / Day 2

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The BLACK + WHITE Of It All / Day 2 : designjameshuniford imagecourtesydesiretoinspireblog Peeps, Last night, I pushed in the far reaches of memory any thoughts of the f...

The BLACK + WHITE Of It All / Day 2

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designjameshuniford imagecourtesydesiretoinspireblog Peeps, Last night, I pushed away in the far reaches of memory any thoughts of the ferocity of Superstorm Sandy's wind and rain which last week had halted everyday life by knocking out electrical power for blocks around, and dumped copious amounts of rain (most of which, I still believe, flowed right down through closed doors into my lower-level sanctuary where it ebbed and settled just below the hem of my favorite Indian-cotton bed cover, and in the process wrecked every bauble and pretty thing deemed precious and worthy of safekeeping).  Much sleep was lost, and whether anxiety or fear or hope kept me--as well as zillions of other concerned citizens glued to the radio or the TV or online--up, now seems almost forgotten as collectively we bask in the glow of victory.   Almost surreal was the spectacle that played across the super-sized screen in my host's den, and equally captivating was the 'call' at 1 or 2.

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The BLACK + WHITE OF IT ALL / Day 1

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The BLACK + WHITE OF IT ALL / Day 1 : imagecourtesyjjjjoundblog Peeps, Today, we all stand poised on the edge of insanity, or the sun.  By now we've all had plenty of time ...

The BLACK + WHITE OF IT ALL / Day 1

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imagecourtesyjjjjoundblog Peeps, Today, we all stand poised on the edge of insanity, or the sun.  By now we've all had plenty of time to carefully consider the two options placed before us.  It seems--to me-- that we can either continue on a path toward a future where endless possibilities await, or, turn back to an era in which science, technology, rationality, equality, an embrace of marginalized groups, as well as the future of our country could, or would, be held hostage to the interests of a select few. I, undoubtedly and without any hesitation, choose to embrace the ideals and values set forth by the Democratic Party, and will therefore be casting my vote for President Obama, who, still, offers hope, change, and progress (towards a more beautiful USA). Sincerely, Shane Today's soundtrack is DARIUS GREENE's The Ghost of L  ( http://soundcloud.com/dariusgreene/the-ghost-of-l )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The BLACK + WHITE Of It All

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The BLACK + WHITE Of It All : imagecourtesyvintageandchicblog Peeps, It's here and there's no turning back; the countdown begins to the Presidential Election (201...

The BLACK + WHITE Of It All

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imagecourtesyvintageandchicblog Peeps, It's here and there's no turning back; the countdown begins to the Presidential Election (2012) and, at least to my hyper-tuned sensitivities, the nation throbs with excitement, and also weariness.  Even the casual observer could not help but notice the countless emotion-driven ads, as well as innumerable stump speeches where jabs at racial and gender strides (or grasps) for equality and representation were met with jeers and, or, cheers.  The economy remained high on the list of priorities, as was America's (meaning the USA) well-intended and much-lauded, yet frequently misguided, relationship with the rest of the world.  Some issues remain shockingly silent on the menu of promises offered to voters; environmental concerns and the danger(s) of global warning, reproductive rights and marriage equality are tantamount for some, who may or many not, acquiesce to the agenda set forth by the 'majority.'  Whether fringe or ma

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates FALL BEAUTY !!! / Day 6

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates FALL BEAUTY !!! / Day 6 : photobeatrizdacosta courtesydesiretoinspireblog Peeps, Tomorrow I'll be heading south for some much needed R + R.  Although the weathe...

The PEEPSHOW celebrates FALL BEAUTY !!! / Day 6

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photobeatrizdacosta courtesydesiretoinspireblog Peeps, Tomorrow I'll be heading south for some much needed R + R.  Although the weather report suggests that it's gonna be pretty windy and perhaps lots of rain, I intend to pack as if it's 82 or 8.  I already know that regardless of nature's fury or favor, the costume parties will keep banging until 2 or 3 (pm).  Thanks for all your emails this past week, and be sure to keep an eye out for next week's series entitled, ' The BLACK + WHITE Of It All.'  Until then, keep living it up, as well as reaching for the stars!! Sincerely, Shane Today's soundtrack is DAVID GONZALEZ's I Would Give Everything For Nothing ( http://soundcloud.com/david-gonz-lez-espinosa/sets/ambient-and-chillout-music )

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents FALL BEAUTY!! / Day 5

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents FALL BEAUTY!! / Day 5 : imagecourtesyathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, Reception or waiting rooms seemed to have fallen out of favor to some, somewhat similarly ...

The PEEPSHOW presents FALL BEAUTY!! / Day 5

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imagecourtesyathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, Reception or waiting rooms seemed to have fallen out of favor to some, somewhat similarly to 'good manners.'  It seems odd or strange to the uninitiated or ignorant (or unaware) that perhaps not all callers at the door should be entertained in one's private rooms, such as the kitchen or family room/den/library, or bedroom.  Sure, I'm all for relaxed casualness, yet nothing beats the slow process of carefully worded civilized conversation--in the waiting room--to flush out the undesirable and pretentious, as well as keeping riff-raff at bay.  And if finally allowed entree to the more private areas of a home, be a good guest and keep one's feet off the coffee-table, use the coasters, and try not to linger past 10 unless invited to do so, verbally or otherwise . . . Have a wonderful day. Thanks, Shane Today's soundtrack is ZAIKA's I Always Wanted To Watch The Sky With You ( http://soundcloud.com/zaikad

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents FALL BEAUTY!! / Day 4

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents FALL BEAUTY!! / Day 4 : photocourtesytrunks12 viacoloroutsidethelinesblog Peeps, We've all come to expect so much of ourselves with the advantages of new ...

The PEEPSHOW presents FALL BEAUTY!! / Day 4

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photocourtesytrunks12 viacoloroutsidethelinesblog Peeps, We've all come to expect so much of ourselves with the advantages of new technology.  Suddenly--actually not so suddenly but a way of life that has crept up silently upon many of us--everything and everyone is expected to be on-line or available through the wee hours to keep conducting the business of the day.  Wearily, I've noticed that emails keep arriving, text messages proliferate, and incessant tweets have become deafening to tired ears.  When is enough, enough??  In the evenings and practically every weekend I am most content when sequestered within the walls of my little nest.  As of late, bundles of books have began creeping from shelves onto table-tops, and now almost cover the kitchen counter-top which functions solely as a coffee-bar and prep-area for micro-wave meals.  Innumerable lamps provide illumination, as well as visual warmth, allowing me to gaze upon walls of accumulated art, articles, framed