Look what is in the July/August issue of House Beautiful!

You might remember reading about an email I received just a month ago from a client about her most current house "Design Dilemma"--she was BURIED IN BEIGE.  And, man, was she over it.  She was hoping to zhoozh up her living room with a new and fun color...but her only requirement was that the new color would showcase some pillows that she had recently had made for her couches and wingback chairs.  I assured her this would not be a problem...easy peasy, in fact. She wasn't as confident.  So, I chose a just few colors, but ultimately went for Benjamin Moore's "Florida Keys"...and the room was transformed beautifully.  My client was thrilled, as was I.  Design Dilemma solved...case closed.

And then I got this.

A new email and photo attachment from the same client....and it read:

In House Beautiful July/August issue....my living room color!!!!

Yes!!!  


LOVE the affirmation!  Isn't that primarily what everyone wants in life?...to be affirmed?


Thank you House Beautiful for affirming my client (and me!) that her living room color is just as GORGEOUS as we already knew it was.


Case closed...again.

First impressions make a difference...so ZHOOZH!!!

As we all know too well, first impressions almost ALWAYS make a lasting impression.  

The way you present yourself DOES make a difference.  Whether it is on the phone or face to face, a first impression can, and most likely will, set a lasting impression.

With this in mind, the way you present yourself in how you live says ALOT about who you are.  It's true.  (Don't gasp and stop reading...my intent is not to shame you, but inspire you!!!)

It takes just a little effort to "zhoozh" up your life. In this case, I am talking about your house...particularly your front door...what people see first when coming over to visit you.  Think small...a fresh coat of paint on your front door, a wreath, a fun door mat, good lighting, new address numbers...a live plant or two...and, my personal favorite, a simple flag! 

A RED door, ceramic numbers, a simple star, and flag holders grab your attention immediately!

A simple woven basket with LIVE plants greet you with cheerful color!  

The flags are a nice touch, too....!!!

The stars capture your attention immediately--not to mention they are GLITTERY!!!

A simple bow, some twine, and a tin star ZHOOZH up this fun wreath!

Take a seat! Take a seat! Take a load off your feet...hey, hey!

Star and Stripes fabric runs the length of the fencing behind the red chairs...

take note of the red ribbon tied to the Oak tree.  

More flags and another red ribbon in the distance...

Red Ribbons zhoozh up our OAK trees in honor of the MIGHTY OAKES ORTYL!!!
If you don't know the story of Mighty Oakes, read about him...he will change your life forever, I promise.  He is MIGHTIER than any Olympian that has ever lived.  True story.

Wish I had this flag for my house right now!!!

With the Olympics taking place right now in London...a little outdoor "zhoozhing" seems appropriate to celebrate our MIGHTY athletes and our even MIGHTIER country...Go TEAM USA!

Chairs in need of a face lift...or ZHOOZHING!

Everything looks better with a little "zhoozh"....these chairs are a perfect example!

Zhoozh (verb): first defined on the TV show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," to zhoozh means to push up with flair.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to zhoozh.  

It's my job.  It's how I think.  It's what I LOVE to do.

So...here are just a few examples of what I have come up with recently to "zhoozh" some of my own chairs and those of my clients.  It was fun, fairly easy to do, and very rewarding!

Wicker backed chair from Goodwill--only $5!!!

All this needed was a light sanding, a light spray of primer, and couple of coats of white!

VOILA!!!  

Half a yard of fabric--only $8!

Finished desk chair for my daughter's room!

Ice Cream Parlor Chair bought from Craig's List

Set of two chairs and a table--only $25!!!

Fabric choices for my client...traditional to eclectic...they chose the top two...LOVE!!!

 

VOILA!!!

Half a yard of fabric for both chairs--only $12!!!

Breakfast stool was well worn by previous owner, but FREE!!!

VOILA!!!

Half a yard of fabric to cover two stools--only $12!!

My Gaga's old fashioned needle point seat cover...

Close up of the fabric---the brown is a raised velvet that is very soft!

VOILA!!!

Half of a yard of this fabric for both chairs--only $13!!!

FREE chair and ottoman off the street!!!

Both chair and ottoman were lightly sanded, primed, and hand painted

by the owner and then recovered by a trained re-upholsterer.
It was well worth the elbow grease!!!

Check out the detail on the ottoman!

VOILA!!!

Five yards of fabric to cover the chair and ottoman--only $120!!

Chair and ottoman were reupholstered for $400--totally worth the workmanship!

I am amazed with what my client, Becky McFarland, came up with for this little reading space.

Is your life in need of a little ZHOOZHING?  Give me a call...I can help.

Next up???

Zhoozhing up the outside of your house can make all the difference...