New Blog Address

The ADE blog is moving. Our new blog will feature both public and members only information. Post your questions, ideas or comments. Coming late October 2008

Association of Design Education Blog

What's New?

Loro Piana - Interiors

This luxury fashion house (the best cashmere and silk blend I've found) steps into the home decor market with a line of colors, fabrics, upholstered pieces and more. Don't be fooled, this is truly chic for the chic. Check them out.

Making your bed was never more fun! Luxury fabrics mixed with tried and true fav fibers can be found around the web for you or your clients. You can find silks, organic cotton, wool and even bamboo. Check out the Clodagh for Homestead collection at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Eileen Fisher has launched a home collection for Garnet Hill. Ralph Lauren Spa can be found at Bloomingdales. And don't forget to take a peak at the wonderful finds at Robbie Adrian, VivaTerra and WUL.

I Can See Clearly Now

HILARY LONDON’S READERS OFFER A BOLD LOOK. These stylish reading glasses are a spin-off of this international designer’s popular jewelry line.They feature an Italian-inspired, vibrant print that uses unique colors ombinations for a look that is fun yet sophisticated.The color patterns include pink, blue, green, and yellow, among others, so that fashionistas can match them with any outfit. For more information, visit http://www.hilarylondon.com.

AMAZING CONFERENCE!

Happy, smiling faces were just one of the benefits of this year's Northeast Educational Conference sponsored by the ADE.

The energy, the support, the speakers! I'm still riding the wave!

Check out the ADE website late next week for an update and a birds eye view.

Fab Finds for Less

One of the simplest ways to jazz up a space is to put some color on the floor. Find a bright, bold rug that gives your room that extra twist. Koko Company woven floor mats$29-76, pillowsandthrows.comZebra printed cotton rug$68, urbanoutfitters.com

Forgo the traditional and opt for some fun lighting. This floor lamp makes a big statement, while the pendant lamp is cool and funky. Floral eco-chic patterned floor lamp$99, pbteen.com
Bella pendant lamp$20, wrapables.com

Try using wallpaper or decals to accent wall. You can make a bold statement without committing to an entire room of wallpaper -- you’ll save on the labor and the expense. As an added bonus, both the wallpaper and decals boast effortless application and removal!EasyChange wallpaper$29, sherwin-williams.comChandelier decal$30, whatisblik.com

"Green" Finds for under $100

By recycling found log pieces and repainting their interiors with bold colors, Canada's Loyal Loot Collective stays true to the nature of each piece of wood, lending every bowl a unique shape and size.Loyal Loot Log Bowl $76 Rose and Radish.

Hand-crafted by artisanal communities in Vietnam these salad bowls are made from the eco-friendly material bamboo. Choose from a prune, orange, smoke, red or a white glossy finish.Globo salad bowl $99 Lekker Home.

100% organic cotton soft flannel throw makes a bold graphic statement.Unison Reed Organic Blanket, available in two sizes, medium (50" wide by 72" long) and large (60" wide by 84" long) Design Public.

Made from recycled newspaper, these tabletop vases wipe clean with a dry cloth. Though not water-safe, they display dried flowers or accessories like paintbrushes and pencils beautifully.Recycled Newspaper Vases available in three sizes, $29.99-$39.99 Target.

Going for the Gold in Home Decor

Here are the trends leading interior designers and industry experts across the country have predicted will be hot this season, to help consumers realize their personal bests when it comes to maximizing their homes’ potential.

1. The gold medal standard Wall murals remain reigning champions, according to Todd Imholte, president of www.MuralsYourWay.com -- a leader in the production of decorative products for more than 40 years. “Like the Olympic athletes, we’re always striving to improve what we do,” says Imholte. “We recently introduced 60 new mural designs that feature everything from Parisian storefronts, Tuscan landscapes and whimsical fairies to city skylines, vintage signs and safari scenes.” Murals Your Way offers a gallery of more than 5,000 images, as well as the ability to personalize an existing gallery image or create a custom mural from a personal photo or artwork.

2. Team USA Baby boomers are asking for a new American design that is less traditional yet sensible, and reflects who they are as people, says Jan Hubbard, ASIDwith JH Design Group. They may incorporate Mom’s furniture into at least one of their rooms, while seeking an updated look in the rest of the house. McKinley Adams, ASID with McKinley’s Design, sees textures evoking a similar sense of nostalgia, as they tactilely take us back to earlier, pleasurable times in our lives.

3. Lighting the torch This fall, conventional lighting will be used in unconventional ways, according to Jeff Dross, senior product manager at Kichler Lighting. Chandeliers in the bedroom, pendants in dining rooms and multi-tier sconces in powder rooms and in the foyer will make definitive visual changes in the home. Lighting manufacturers will also continue to offer creative solutions using less electricity to promote energy efficiency.

4. The furniture favorites to win Shapely and comfortable chairs in bold colors will make an exclamation point in any room, and should be accented by a nice contrast and blend of straight-lined and round size tables, suggests celebrity design expert, author, and national TV host/spokesperson Kathy Peterson. Furniture blends in eclectic styles with an eye-appealing mix of bold patterns such as broad stripes, abstract animal prints, circles or mixed graphics will add even more life to living rooms.

5. Synchronized colors Susan Pantaleo, ASID with Concepts in Design Inc., notes that yellow is emerging as a very versatile color. From sunlight to Dijon mustard, the yellow palette is attention-getting, works with most design schemes, and adds life and vibrancy to a room. On the other side of the rainbow, Peterson sees cool grays, silvers, black and stone colors along with an unexpected hint of gold-tone accents this fall. She recommends metallics or pearlized paints on accent walls, ceilings, backdrop covers for shelves, and accent shelves.

6. The preliminaries on staging a bedroom According to Davis Remignanti, FurnitureFind.com’s lead design consultant, consumers are interested in creating a bedroom retreat that calms, centers and energizes. He suggests looking for opportunities to showcase souvenirs and family photos, and utilizing walls effectively by adding a fresh coat of paint and an interesting piece of artwork. Another way Peterson recommends to enhance a bedroom is to incorporate an oversized, opulent and tufted upholstered headboard, using tone-on-tone colors that touch the ceiling.

7. Silver medalists This fall, we should expect to see a bit more chrome and variations such as brushed nickel, polished silver, and polished nickel, adds Dross. This trend has taken a long time to travel from Europe to the United States, but this is the year it should finally take seed.

8. Competing for wall space According to Candice Matthews, ASID with CMR Interiors Inc., green goods and wall finishes will dominate this season. Finishes with burlap, limed walls and straw bale walls will be popular, as will burlap-covered walls, Belgium linens, interesting high-end finishes on millwork like driftwood, grey stains, rift wood ceruses, and lacquered millwork.

9. All-around family entertainment Due to the rising popularity of the Nintendo Wii, Xbox, PlayStation and other gaming consoles, homeowners will continue to seek ways to incorporate technology into their living areas in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Home theater cabinets from BDI, the leading manufacturer of home entertainment furnishings featuring storage for three or more components and wire management to hide all necessary connections are available in a variety of gloss and natural stained wood finishes. Hubbard also recommends consumers place flat-screened televisions within attractive furniture pieces designed specifically for them. Whole-house technology systems that are future proof will also be in demand as technology advances at world-record pace.

10. Celebrate the Olympic culture Follow the ages-old Chinese practice of Feng Shui to honor the environment indoors. Remingnanti recommends introducing water, wind chimes, color and crystals into your bedroom design to enhance the positive energy and romantic appeal while creating a shared sanctuary. Like the Olympic athletes, all of these are winners in the home decorating arena. The key is to balance diving into popular home decor trends with fine-tuning fundamental styles and techniques that will go the distance. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Work in Style

If you're like me, you want your "home" office to be just as stylish as any other room in your home. In fact, more so! So how do you marry style with functionality? Good design is all about making form and function beautiful. Let's start there.

Of course the people at Pottery Barn know how to make furniture that embodies good design, which is why they created a great line of office furniture that is not only stylish, but increadibly functional as well.

Now personalize your space with a splash of color, rich textures and interesting patterns. Embellish this space with not-so-officey artwork and accessories that show off your personality. The result? You'll end up with an office you love to work in day or night!

Beam Me Up Scotty!

Take candlelight to a whole new level with the "Candela Glow" pillars (picture here) from Vessel.com. These 6" rechargeable plasic pillars sit in their docking station until needed and can be used indoors and out without the worry or hassle of real candles.

In fact, Vessel has all kinds of interesting and fun lights including their "Luau" rechargable lantern and their "Guardian" night light perfect for chasing away scary monsters and boogie men!

Lamps Plus

With a simple light kit (easily found at your local hardware or home improvement store) you can turn almost any object into a one-of-a-kind lamp. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. For your first attempt at lamp making- choose a vase that you can simply drill a hole into.

2. Select a wooden base that will support your vase.

3. Now purchase a light kit that fits the dimensions of your vase.

4. Follow the light kit instructions for assembly.

Remember - choose a lamp shade that will compliment your new lamp base. The shade should stand approximately 2/3 rds the height of the base and should hide all of the mechanics of the lamp. Light colored shades will cast more light while darker colors will concentrate light over the surface.

For more ideas and information, please visit the DIY Network.

Let There be Light

If you can believe it - this chi-chi lamp has a steel shade and can be purchased at Ikea! Yup - yours for just $49.99. This stylish find is the perfect must-have to put on your fall shopping list!

Summertime

...and the livin' is easy. Outfit your outdoor rooms with these fab finds perfect for entertaining. The nautical rope accent table from Pottery Barn can serve as an accent table or extra seat. Fill a flexible tubtrug from Gardeners.com with ice and beverages. Don't forget lighting - paper lanterns from partylights.com will keep you rockin' into the wee hours!

Garden Style

Whether your outdoor room is acres and acres of grass or just a corner of your patio, make it special with a variety of furnishings and accessories.

Garden inspired furnishings should have an airy quality about them, but should also remain comfortable. Outfit wrought iron chairs with plump cushions and pillows. Mix upholstered pieces in with weathered wicker. A garden bench makes a wonderful banquette in a kitchen or dining room. You can mix found treasures and cast-offs with regular furnishings – a classic garden style formula. No need to re-do gently distressed pieces, just clean them up a bit and let their aged-patina shine through.

Large planting pots and urns can be transformed into accent tables with a simple glass round. Display vintage garden tools with framed seed packets as an interesting wall collage. Architectural elements and garden statuary can stand in as fine art or as a backdrop to other decorative pieces.

Chill Out

Chill out this summer with these fabulous finds... The rattan wrapped carafe and glasses will look cool and stylish in any setting and will update your table when entertaining this summer. Find them at Smith and Hawkin.

This inspires one of my favorite looks for the summer... to get that "Out of Africa" adventurous, elegant, yet casual look mix the rough-hewn, the tactile and the refined together.

You can find a similar canopy at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Add a tribal looking rug, some crisp white linens and some aged silver and you have the beginnings of a beautiful room.

Great Find

Home fragrance has never been more popular. Use it in its many forms to layer sweet smells in with your decor. This decorative Madagascar Diffuser from Z Gallerie has a spicy citrus scent that you'll love all year long.

The Great Outdoors

As the weather gets warmer and days grow longer, I look forward to finally using the other room in my home -my outdoor room. Porches, decks and patios extend and enhance our indoor living spaces and our lives.

What’s needed to create a perfect outdoor atmosphere? Simply use the same things that you use indoors like comfortable seating, a table or two to set down a drink or a good book, and some well chosen accessories. Spruce up your outdoor living spaces this summer and entertain or relax in style.

Overhead structures such as gazebos and pergolas provide just enough coverage from the elements and add character to ordinary decks. Lattice walls can help mask a bad view as well as provide privacy. A trellis or arbor supports hardy climbers and defines spaces. Deep porches beckon you and your guests to linger a little longer. Take advantage of a fenced-in corner of your yard and claim it as a cozy nook - intimate and inviting when you place an old iron daybed or wooden glider there for quiet conversations or tea.


Today’s outdoor furnishings are so lovely that most people often use them indoors as well. Furniture cast-offs are great for outdoor use too. A few scuffs and dents add to the charm. Don’t be afraid to use plump pillows and fabrics outdoors. Simply cover seat cushions with water-resistant fabrics or take them in at night. Fabric remnants can be used as tablecloths. No need to sew up the edges, just tuck ends under and let them puddle on the ground. Lightweight cotton throws and bedsheets can be used as well, and large dishtowels make great napkins.

Accessorize with garden statuary and antique gardening tools. Hang lanterns from fence walls and use lots of hurricanes for candles. Pot plants, herbs and flowers and place them on steps, on tables and in corners. Old shutters hinged together, make a great screen - perfect for adding vertical interest as well as an added surface for climbing plants.

Mix up the formal with the informal when entertaining, whether you’re having tea in the garden, hosting a neighborhood barbecue, or planning a quiet moonlit supper for two. Hang an iron chandelier from a pergola and dress it up with crystal drops. No need to use plastic plates and cups, use the real thing. Mix-matched china with floral patterns looks especially lovely. Dress your table with low sitting flower arrangements so they won’t blow over and string white lights through trees and along banisters for extra sparkle.

The best thing about outdoor rooms is that there’s no need to re-decorate – nature will take care of that for you.

Excellent Speaker

Robert Middleton of Action Plan Marketing was our speaker this month and what a class he put on for us! If you do nothing else, visit the Action Plan website and sign on for his wonderful newsletter and pick up your copy of The Marketing Plan Start-Up Kit today. Action Plan Marketing Website

The ADE Teleseminar series just keeps getting better and better!

The Decorating Plan

Organize & Plan your Project!

Imagine moving furniture and knowing that it fits, having all your receipts and warranties at your finger tips, hands free shopping, and 5 years from now being able to locate the paint chip for the hallway at a moments notice! That's a reality with the Decorating Assistant at your side!

Decorating, building & remodeling can be stressful for anyone. Life is simplified when you're organized. With the Decorating Assistant, organization was never easier! Plan, organize, and shop for your new home or decorating project!

We love our Decorating Assistant! As designers ourselves, we're able to organize our client jobs and stay on track.

The magnetic planning surface makes planning a new room arrangement a breeze and provides a great visual when meeting with clients. The Display page makes color coordination a easy - it's great for presentations and shopping. Storage for business cards provides contractor information at your fingertips and track all expenses by storing receipts in an expandable file.

Order yours today and let them know your friends from ADE sent you!

The Assistant Product Group

Great Find

If you're contemplating a re-do or perhaps a little spruce up this spring, then you'll want to begin your project with a plan. These beautiful journals will keep your design ideas at the ready and in style. Doodle floorplans, add notes and affix magazine and catalog pictures to the pages to keep track of your project.

This collection of 12 journals/notebooks can be found at Red Envelope. Coordinate your projects by color or the month.

Great Find

Good design doesn't need to be expensive indeed! These pears can be found at your local Target store and are a wonderful addition to your springtime table. Don't be fooled by chain stores; design-savvy professionals know that you can find great stuff cheap outside of the usual trade resources.

Color Alert

The color forecast calls for rich shades of brown and bronze to dominate home decor in the next few years. The growing trend of natural neutrals does not mean these colors are wishy-washy. These 'brown' shades will be more grounded and earthy. Think rock, stone and soil.

Some of our favorite shades are found within the Benjamin Moore line of paints and include Van Buren Brown - a milk chocolate color that will really wet your appetite. (Great for a dining room) Branchport Brown - with just enough red in it to really warm up a space and looks especially good in a high gloss for added drama. Brown Sugar and Maple Syrup are lush browns you can adapt to any room and the color Wenge from the BM Affinity line is a dark, bittersweet chocolate color that paired with silvery green, red or lilac works well for any season. In fact, pair brown shades with blue this spring for variations of sea and sand.

Green with Envy

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we'll take a look at some 'green' design ideas.

The first is the new HGTV's Green Home 2008. This home is not only beautiful, it's filled with eco-friendly products including energy-star appliances, recycled area rugs, repurposed lumber and CaesarStone countertops.

Next up - color. You'll see every shade of green from kelly to mint finding a spot in our homes this spring. Take a peak at these gorgeous hues featured on the HGTV website.

Punch up your table decoration with this spring green dinnerware set from Target.

March Speaker

Linda Hollander spoke about her 7 Success Secrets for Women in Business. Not only did she give 7 great secrets (starting with 'you've already got what it takes'), but she also emphasized that 'You can't do it on your own!'

If you missed our teleseminar this month, please make sure you take a look at Linda Hollander's website and don't forget to check out her Women's Small Business Expo to be held April 30th in Los Angeles, CA.

Northeast Conference

Northeast Conference Keynote Speaker Announced. Famed interior designer and author Alexandra Stoddard will be this year's keynote speaker at the Northeast Educational Conference September 17th-19th in Mystic, CT. Learn more here.

Beautiful Furniture

The perfect hybrid of modern and traditional; the Gustav wingback chair from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is just beautiful. Like a little black dress just waiting to be personalized, it's ideal for almost any room in the house. The way furniture was meant to be.

Hot Products

The lamp has a cork bottom that is great for sticking notes and reminders. Choose from red, orange, blue or green. The light bulb fits right into the push pin head, and to make it light up you just press down on the top of the push pin.

Find this product and others at http://hotgadget.com/

FREE TeleSeminar

Design Your Next Career

Do you absolutely love anything related to interior decorating? Do you mentally re-arrange the furnishings of everyone’s home you enter? Do you go to open houses just to see how others decorate or to figure out what you would do to make the house sell faster? Have you often wondered if it would be possible to make money doing something you love?

During this teleseminar, your questions about having a career in the fast-growing fields of real estate staging, interior redesign, or interior decorating will be answered. You will learn just what it takes to begin a career you’ve longed to have, what type of education you need, the necessary skills it takes, how to make money and so much more!

Visit the website for more information. http://www.associationofdesigneducation.com

Student Membership

The ADE now offers student memberships. Any person who is enrolled in a professional-level interior decorating (or decorating related) program is eligible.

Member Benefits

The ADE offers both professional and associate memberships. Our member benefits include:

• A monthly E-Newsletter that educates members on a variety of topics including marketing, business, product information and discount programs.
  
• Monthly teleseminars hosted by industry leaders on a variety of topics. Past speakers include Sharon MacDonald of Interim Furnishings, Neil Gordon, The Designer's Coach and Margi Kyle of We Make Color Easy. Topics will range from business to creative.
  
• Discounts on products and services to jump start your business and keep it running smoothly.
  
• A business listing that has been optimized independently of the website to ensure exposure.
  
• An invitation to any and all ADE related conferences held throughout the country regardless of where you trained.
  
• Discounts towards other continuing education programs including teleseminars and webinars.