Books to Buy!

Vogue Living, we hear, is another one of the "it" books for design that comes out this fall. I don't know about you, but I love any and all coffee table books and I absolutely love to read. We compiled a list of the new must have design/fashion/art books for the holidays along with a few classics that any design enthusiast should own. Any of these books would make perfect Christmas gifts!

WS Home now open in Plano!

William Sonoma branched off to form William Sonoma Home. The Plano store opened up this fall and is in fact, the only store in Texas!!

Address:

The Shops at LegacyOpening Fall 2007 -->

7300 North Dallas Parkway

Building A, Suite 100

Plano, TX 75024

Phone: 972-673-0229

Partner's Card-'07

The Family Place Partners Card is proudly celebrating 15 years of success in North Texas. As one of fall’s hottest “must-have” items, the 2007 Partners Card presented by Chase offers a unique opportunity to receive a 20 percent discount at more than 650 of your favorite stores and restaurants while at the same time contributing to a worthwhile cause. To date, Partners Card has raised more than $7.5 million for The Family Place.

Some of the great home stores on the Partner's Card this year:

-Anthropologie

-Armoires and More

-Cantoni

-Capel Rugs

-City View Antique Mall

-The Container Store

-Copper Lamp

-Country Garden Antiques

-Crate and Barrel

-Elliott's Hardware

-Forestwood Antique Mall

-The Iron Bed

-Lakeside Rug Gallery

-Lights Fantastic

-Lovers Lane Antique Market

-Oriental Rug Gallery of Texas

-Pottery Barn/ Pottery Barn Kids

-Quatrine

-Restoration Hardware

-Room Service by Ann Fox

-Rutherford's

-Sample House and Candle Shop

-Smith and Hawken

-Uptown Country Home

-West Elm

-White Elephant Antiques

-Williams Sonoma Home

-Z Gallerie

Partner's Card ends 11/4!! Enjoy nine days of 20% off each purchase from the stores listed above while supporting a good cause!

Kitchen Inspirations

There is something so 80's glam about this kitchen that I just can't resist (featured in Luxe Magazine). Ever since I laid eyes on Kelly Wearstler's all black kitchen I have been intrigued by this look. All black is daring and sophisticated.


Kelly Wearstler Kitchen


This kitchen designed by Michael S. Smith boasts a custom metal hood with a pewter finish. Pewter is an up and coming surface that is emerging on hoods and countertops. Beware: it is gorgeous, irresistible, and VERY pricey.


This kitchen graced the cover of House Beautiful. At first, I wasn't so sure, but as I have studied it I have grown to love its individuality. What I am drawn to the most is the wallpapered ceiling, and those bar stools!


This kitchen caught me eye in the Fall Issue of Luxe, and really, what's not to love? What I like especially is that the granite on the countertops is also run up the wall. Keep the back-splash simple but beautiful. It should compliment, not fight the other elements going on in the kitchen.

High/ Low

^SPLURGE:A giant clam shell tops my Christmas List this year. This real clam shell from 1stdibbs.com is… wait for it…. $1,650.00! This is not terribly abnormal. I have seen them range from $500-2500.00.



^SAVE: So this clam shell is not legit, but it is only $119.00. Thank you Ballard Designs.

^SPLURGE: God Bless Williams-Sonoma Home. LOVE it, but seriously, this Queen headboard STARTS at $1250.00.

^SAVE: Even though a headboard is not necessarily a “trendy item”, for $401 you can upholster the “Stevenson” from Ballard Designs in a funky apple green velvet. Gwyneth Paltrow used this headboard in little Apple’s room.

^SPLURGE: Faux deer head set from Horchow.com will set you back $815.00 (I do love them though).

^SAVE: Antler Trio from Tracy Porter a steal at only $135.00.

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Great design is all about balance and you’ve got to know when to splurge, when to save.

These few “trendy” items above are a great place to save some dough.

Event Planner to the stars..coming to a home near you!

Cowie has long been the mastermind behind celeb parties such as Oprah's Legends Ball and Elton John's Oscar Party. His latest book gives insight on how to throw celeb worthy parties in your own home (and on your own budget)!

Colin Cowie- "The secret to elegant entertaining is surprisingly simple: Create a relaxed, friendly, atmosphere where you and your guests feel welcome."

Book will be on sale December 31, 2007! Pre-order your copy now at Amazon.com for only $20!

Come Rain or Shine

With all the rain we have been having lately, it wouldn't be such a bad idea to purchase an umbrella stand to hold all those fabulous umbrellas you own that you might need at a moment's notice! This pretty lattice-patterned cream stand is $100 at http://www.ballarddesigns.com/

Aside from storing umbrellas, this stand can be used as

- a decorative element left empty

- a vase to hold decorative reeds, canes, or artificial flowers

- a holder for wallpaper/fabric rolls/art supplies such as rolled up tracing paper, etc.

Seat Chic

These cotton cushions from Anthropologie look adorable tied on to a kitchen, desk, or dining room chair! They instantly up the comfy AND chic factor through their various floral prints. The great news is that they are only $28!

Let's talk tile!

One of my very favorite things is subway tile. This is referring to the shape of the tile (originating from the tile used in subway stations), and it can come in all shapes and sizes!

A fresh approach to the traditional white subway tile is this metallic mosaic run vertically.

I love the clean, classic, yet very glamorous lines of this bathroom.

Instead of opting with the basic, budget friendly 4” x 4” white field tile, mix it up and go with the stylish (yet still economical) alternative – SUBWAY!

Halloween: Decorating and Entertaining

Pottery Barn Kids- Clock

Target Berry Wreath

Horchow Halloween Witch

Z Gallerie Beaded Pumpkins

Z Gallerie Skull and Bones Dinnerware

Z Gallerie Candelabra

Pottery Barn Spider Tealights

Pottery Barn Twig Sconce

Pottery Barn Pumpkin Candles

Pottery Barn Malta Lanterns

Halloween will soon be upon us and if you haven't already filled your house with fun and creative holiday decor, here are a few ideas and an assortment of fall accessories to set the spooky stage for the 31st!