Studio 5 : Hallway Help

We created a special out-of-studio piece for today's segment.  Thanks Sara for letting us into your home! I really enjoy getting out of the studio - any pre - produced piece is a lot more work for the production crew but adds another layer to the segment.  Click here to redirect to Studio 5's page or you can watch the segment below and read my article that goes along with it.


 

Hallways: We all have them but what do we do with them?  Whether you have an expansive entry corridor, gracious staircase wall or a narrow back hallway, today designer Lauren Oviatt gives us her insider ideas to bring out the ‘WOW’ you never knew you had. 

1. Bigger isn’t always Better

Most hallways are four feet wide… and most people walk right down the center, only two feet from the wall.  Framed art or pictures in a hallway need to be appropriately sized so they can be noticed and appreciated.  Anything too big will just feel oppressive in such a narrow space.

**Rule of thumb: stay within the range of 4"x6" and 18"x20" image size.

2. Keep Frames similar

One of my favorite looks is a gallery wall or photo grouping in which all the frames are the same color.  Choose black if you are feeling dramatic and play around with different styles of frames.  If a classic palette is what you’re going for choose all white frames, or for a little something extra, choose frames that are gilt in gold or silver. It just doesn’t get any more timeless.

3. Go linear

This tip is no fail – choose five identical frames and place them horizontally along your hallway.  It both simplifies and lengthens your hallway in one simple step.  For a true ‘art gallery’ look – center the pictures 56 inches from the floor. 

 4. Seek the ‘End of Hallway’ Opportunity

All hallways must come to an end. If you’re lucky enough to have a wall at the end of yours instead of a door it becomes another opportunity for a adding charm and personality to your home.  One of the oldest tricks is to place a good-sized mirror at the end of the hallway – it expands a usually small space and magnifies any natural or incandescent light sources nearby.  It’s no fail.  If you have a bit more space to fill, think about a low-profile bench or console table that you can accessorize.

**

5. Break Outside the Box

Hallways and other secondary spaces are a great place to have fun with things you feel might be too crazy elsewhere in the house.  Use bright colored frames, hang collections of letters or other sculptural pieces you love.  Frame your kids art pieces or other sentimental things to create a special collage.

photo credits :** lindsay bond, segment credits: eric roth/ frank roop, forum phi, caitlin wilson

From Our Hearts to Yours...

Studio 5 : Contributor Social

I had a wonderful time at the Studio 5 Contributor Social & Workshop yesterday.  Usually I don't get to meet other contributors unless we are scheduled for the same show on the same day.  What a treat to rub shoulders with dozens of them at once.  I was expecting a good time but what I walked into was an Amy Atlas worthy red-carpet event. 


Check out this treat table! When I arrived and there was a considerable line at the table, understandably so.  The treats were 'selling like hot cakes' - lemon lime soda, coconut cupcakes, macarons, key lime tartlets, jello shooters, layered cake parfaits and the best part... popcorn cake pops! They were covered with marshmallows cut to look like popcorn (genius) and 'butter-colored' glitter dust.  What a spread! I could hardly resist trying them all but I could only hold so much.  Delish!

It turned out to be a very enjoyable and informative afternoon - full of great dialogue and feedback from the producers, anchors and contributors themselves. Did you know that Studio 5 is the top-rated show nationwide in its market?  There are dozens of locally-produced lifestyle shows across the country and Studio 5 claims the top position.  I am not surprised, the staff and producers work tirelessly to make each show better than the one before - their enthusiasm and passion for great TV is so impressive to me.  I am privileged to be part of Studio 5 - to work with and learn from the best.

I may or may not have made off with an extra cake pop or two and a goodie bag full of white chocolate fudge popcorn.  Blair was very keen on the bright-colored packaging and even more, the sweet treats inside.  Look at her devouring the popcorn.  I wonder where she learned to stuff her face like that... she took pictures of me eating too... making that same exact face!

This Makes Me Happy

 

Every so often my sisters and mom log on to google + and we all get to chat.  From freezing cold Canada & Montana to Utah and from Cincy to Tyler, Texas... it feels like we're sitting around the family room sharing a pot of hot chocolate, chatting before bed.  Come as you are, have a good laugh, show us your growing baby bump or that 15 year-old Atlantis sweatshirt, don a mustache or reindeer nose (thanks google)... it is wonderful reconnecting with the women I think are the most wonderful women in the world!

Quick AZ Getaway

A few weekends ago Ben had a trip to Arizona for work.  He would have gone alone but for the fact that my Dad also had a weekend work-related meeting and my Mom was tagging along with him.  Not a tough decision, Blair and I were tagging along too!  Ben and Dad were attending two separate meetings only a few hotels away from each other.  They were pretty busy, leaving us girls to all the pleasantries Scottsdale has to offer!  It wasn't quite warm enough to swim but it was perfect shopping weather as it turns out.  It was a quick two days but no shortage of quality time with my parents.  I love them and it's always a treat to vacation with them.


Blair was enthralled by the ducks near the lake at the Fairmont.  She has never 'fed the ducks' before and much to my surprise she wasn't afraid at all.  A few of the ducks ate bread right out of her little fingers.  I had a flash of "America's funniest home videos" gone wrong and decided to help her throw the bread instead of risking a lost finger. She is one curious little child!

On an educational note, we visited Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's western U.S. campus.  It was minutes from our hotel.  We took a very informative 60 minute tour.  Blair was interested in taking her own tour. She escaped the stroller and was off.  The elderly lady docent was noticeably anxious (the entire hour) at Blair's curiosity and short attention span for her "colorful" Taliesin West factoids.  My mom said it best (under her breath of course), "Lady, you be the tour guide... I'll be the mother." 

  drafting studio for currently enrolled students

(closeup of door hardware in photo above, totally cool)

Studio 5 : An Inside Look at Lighting

For today's segment I was granted permission from four of our most wonderful clients for a sneak peek inside their spaces.  What a treat to be able to show viewers a few of the projects we've been working on - and what we take pride in!  Click here to redirect to the Studio 5 site for the video. The article I wrote is below.





One of the most instant ways of transforming a space is by installing new, eye-catching light fixtures. Today designer Lauren Oviatt is taking us inside some of her firm’s recently decorated spaces. Follow her for a sneak peek at some beautiful lighting installations and get her tips on how to light up your own spaces.

1.             Formal is Fine

Even though many design trends seem to lean toward contemporary looks, there will always be a place for well-intentioned traditional light fixtures.  This home was newly constructed and the client has very formal, traditional taste. The entry of this home conveys the mood of the entire home from the moment you step inside.  Notice the large Swarovski chandelier hanging high above the sweeping staircase and the coordinating sconces on the wall.  I love this look because it’s like a few crystals dripped off the piece and landed below creating a focal point closer to eye-level.   

The Best Part: What works here is that the lighting agrees with the space, traditional on traditional – it is scaled appropriately and creates an exquisite look.

The second space we’re going to show you is the dining space of a smaller kitchen.  You can see how the light fixture itself takes the room from clean and traditional to over the top and wow!  In my opinion, every girl needs a little crystal somewhere in her life.  It is a little outside the most traditional realm to install a fixture this bold in style and size but the drama is what I love most about it.  It’s unpredictable and glamorous.

The Best Part: Take risks in design!  Don’t be discouraged by a small space – make it stand out by installing an outstanding over-scaled piece.

2.             Trending Transitional

This client has just completed a full-scale remodel of her main level and what she came away with is a beautiful open living space enveloped by warm, neutrals and luxurious textures.  This light fixture is placed over a rectangular dining table in an area adjacent to the kitchen.  Notice the lack of chain holding the fixture from the ceiling: we eliminated it and instead used custom cut pewter rods to further clean-up the look. So much to say about this beautiful installation!  The gauze-like shade glows at night and for me this piece seems understated but is just as stunning as a chandelier that is dripping with crystals. 

The Best Part:  The best light fixtures are not only lovely to look at, but functional as well!  The idea of a two-light chandelier over a rectangular table is not only a very current trend but also an incredibly functional concept.

3.             Creating a Continuous Flow

It can be overwhelming to tackle all the lighting in a house at once. You want to make sure the light fixtures flow easily from one room to the next while adding a sense of individual personality and interest to each space. In this home, the clients brought together many antique and Asian pieces from their travels across the world.  The lighting in these rooms agrees with the more traditional style of the house while giving a nod to the antique and worldly aesthetic of the furniture and décor.  The pieces work seamlessly but are not so similar that they’re tiresome and overlooked.  Also, these pieces will always be timeless because of their classic shapes.

The Best Part:  Instead of ordering all your lights from the same collection, think of unifying one aspect – whether it be the finish of the fixtures or a unifying shape or glass element.  Listen to each space individually and then go back to your design criteria. You’ll be so glad you did!

Birthday Trip to California

Ben and I have been wanting to get out to California to visit Meghan and Cody ever since they moved there a long time ago. It would be embarrassing to say how long.  In the fall for Ben's birthday I surprised him with a plane ticket out in hopes of making the 49ers vs. Steelers game in December.  It was great seeing the look on his face when he opened the envelope!  The weekend of the game happened to be the same weekend as my birthday so... happy birthday me!... make that two plane tickets. Oh, and add Blair too.

  (Meghan and Cody have the most beautiful Ginko tree in front of their house!)

Being stranded in the middle of nowhere would be fun with Meghan and Cody, so we knew the weekend would be a blast.  Because we brought the baby along, we had to plan our time wisely to best incorporate at least one nap a day.  I was content just to eat yummy food and relax but because Ben hadn't been to northern California before, it was only right to do just a bit of touristy sight-seeing.  Saturday we left Palo Alto for the Golden Gate Bridge and then on to Sausalito. 

Blair takes San Francisco!

Cody was so cute with Blair all weekend.  I swear half the pictures I have are of Cody and Blair posing.  I was so happy Blair got to see just how fun her aunt & uncle are!


After a quick pass (well, nothing in downtown SF on Saturday in December is quick) by Ghiradelli Square, Nob Hill, Lombard Street and Union Square, we ended up in Oakland at Fenton's Creamery and tried one of their monster sundaes.  Yum!  I was surprised by a full-restaurant serenade of "Happy Birthday". Holding Blair I tried to pass it off as her birthday.  (The four other happy birthday's sung during the hour we were there were all to children under 10). 

We lucked out with tickets to the Kings v. Golden State game Saturday night and got to see Jimmer's debut up close! Little Blair was a trooper considering we had been dragging her around all day.  It was really fun but let's just say the fans in Oakland are quite a bit more diverse than the Jazz fans.  Quote of the night:  "that's one nice lookin' family" - nice ticket scalper referring to the five of us. tee hee

 So Cody and Meghan have an incredible tree swing in their backyard.  It is fifty feet tall.  Blair would have been content to play at home outside the entire weekend. I won't lie, I loved it too! It was like stepping out of December and back into August. Gotta love Cody, he never tired of pushing us ALL on the swing.  What about my trapeze moment?
 

Over the weekend we enjoyed lots of yummy food.  To name a few : Happy Donut, Stacks, Fiesta Del Mar, Rick's Ice Cream, Fenton's, The Workshop, Happy Donut.  Yep we went there twice, open 24/7!

if you can imagine, the donut was even larger than it looks here

Monday night we loaded up and drove into the city for the 49ers game.  This was the icing on the wonderful weekend cake!  Ben and I hadn't been to an NFL game before and it was incredible to be there. Imagine all the energy from ten sporting events packed into one.  The power went out at Candlestick Park which enabled us to be less late than we would have been.  It was a great experience and it ended with a win for the 49ers.

After the long game we went down to the field to watch the post game show.  It was great to see a production like that up close and in person.  The power went out for the third time but by that point we were freezing and ready to pack up.  We met many really wonderful people over the course of the night.  How great to know people who know people... thanks Meghan and Cody for making us feel so VIP.  It was an unforgettable night.   (quote of the night:  "We're not Steelers fans, we're just married!")

Holiday Sweater Party

Holiday parties are the best, aren't they?  Ben and I went to a neighbor's house for a holiday sweater party - we had to call in reinforcements because we're lacking in that department.  What happened to the holiday jewelry (light bulb earrings and jingle bell necklace) that I thought was so cool back in the 5th grade?  Sara pulled through for us.  The 'shawl' I'm wearing is a hand-knit tree skirt someone's grandma made I think.  And Ben's is just classic, and yes, it is a woman's sweater.

  Blair had a chance to debut her holiday outfit - a gift from Keri, the hostess, herself.

We had a blast. The white elephant exchange was pretty hilarious.  Oh and the sweaters and turtlenecks did not disappoint. Yummy treats and fun neighbors.  Let's hope this party becomes a neighborhood tradition.  Note to self: get some prize-winning sweaters for next year.

 

Studio 5 : The New Face of Lace

Today's segment was fun to pull together.  Loved the winter white tablescape and of course, any excuse to buy fresh flowers.  Click here to redirect to the Studio 5 site or watch and read below.



Just as most trends hit the runways first and soon show up in the pages of your favorite home design magazines, one of the latest fashion statements is doing just that. This resurfacing trend is one of the oldest we know of… any guesses? Dust off grandma’s doilies ladies!– today designer Lauren Oviatt is showing us the new face of lace.


Modernize the Application


Instead of using lace as the typical placemat or doily – try something unexpected. Wrap lace around vases and votives to add a romantic touch to your centerpiece. Frame a beautiful piece of lace with a dark contrasted background mat as a piece of modernized art. Cover decorative books with lace remnants to give you bookshelves more personality. Applique lace in a modern way to make a beautiful pillow.

Modern Pop of Color


I think a large part of the reason lace feels dated is because of the often off-white or tea-stained color lace takes on over time. I can’t think of anything more fun than using bright colored lace and crocheted accents to add a punch of color in your space, even if it has to be by way of your daughter’s space or a kids playroom. I’ve often advised women to pick their own space to have fun with their personal style – even if it is a powder room, craft closet or laundry room. It doesn’t get more feminine than lace.

Pick Modern Objects


Using the idea of lace can extend way beyond actual lace pieces and cut yardage. Home décor companies are producing everything from dinner plates to vases and even napkin rings featuring the lace motif. Look for the eyelet, crochet and flowery look of lace patterns on unexpected accessories. These items imply the lace look but often have no fabric on them at all.

Studio 5 : Crate & Barrel Grand Opening

After today's segment wrapped, I hurried down to join Brooke, the gals, and the mayhem at the grand opening of Crate & Barrel and H&M at Fashion Place. How fun! I am loving these live feeds from outside the studio. It was a blast. Watch it here or click here to redirect to Studio 5's site.

Studio 5 : Mantle Must-Haves

Earlier this week we went up to Hunstville to pre-tape parts of the live segment today. It is always wonderful to have live shots of rooms to talk about.  Now we have this beautiful home published in print and on film!  Grateful for a gracious client allowing us to bring the cameras in.   You can watch the segment here and read my article or click here to redirect to the Studio 5 site.


>

If your home has a fireplace mantle you should consider yourself lucky! Mantles are such a wonderful focal point to any room. They add implied architectural detail and all the comforts of a cozy area to gather. However, many homeowners curse their mantles because they are unsure of how to appropriately decorate and fill the space.  Today designer Lauren Oviatt shares her tips of the trade to ensure your mantle gets all the attention it deserves.


Unlike a broad family room wall, a mantle is a defined area – which should make it easy to tackle. I like to employ the rule of the “golden mean” when deciding on artwork, mirrors or sculptural pieces to hang above the mantle. This means selecting a piece that fills 2/3 the space while leaving 1/3 bare. This rule of design is as old as ancient Greece and Rome and is the secret behind nearly everything that appeals to our eyes – from nature to architecture and everything in between.


The height at which to hang these pieces depends on the height of your ceiling – but the best advice I can give is to keep the piece closer to the mantle than the ceiling. The idea is to create a focal point - which is best represented by the grouping you’re creating. Having artwork that floats too high will feel all wrong. Try to keep the bottom of the artwork anywhere from 4 to 10 off the mantle to keep it nice and close.


Now that the artwork is hung, it’s time to address the accessories on the mantle. Leaving all else aside, here are my top three tips when it comes to the fun stuff.
1. Give it some height
To take the eye upwards choose candlesticks, finials, a vase or urn that is taller than it is wide. Depending on your own aesthetic, you can split a pair for a symmetrical look or keep all the height to one side. These accessories should not be taller than your artwork.
2. Fill it out
Now that you have your height, choose something lower with more mass. This could be a grouping of books or stacked boxes, a plant or floral arrangement. This element should be wider than it is tall and helps the eye travel back down and from side to side.
3. Add something odd
To give your display personality and keep it from looking too much like a showroom, pick something meaningful or even odd to place on the mantle. This could be a small collection of ceramic pieces, a card from a friend or something you brought back as a souvenir from your recent trip. This fun element becomes a conversation piece.

5 Years

Even though every year is worth celebrating, the five year mark feels like our first milestone.  We celebrated with a night out. Dinner at Bambara downtown.  Imagine our suprise to see the menus the waiter brought.  The food was yummy (loved the tartare!) and it was nice to have adult conversation without the distraction of a toddler, however, most of what we talked about was that sweet little toddler!  When we got home Ben wanted to get her out of bed for a hug.  How could I say no.  She is the most snuggly at night when she's barely awake.


I love days like anniversaries where you get a moment together to reflect on what you've been through and remind each other of favorite memories, a chance to remember where you've come from and where you want to go. 

 forgive the phone pics