The poor little guy had been in and out of our local Children’s Hospital, subjected to one test after another.

After all that, there was still no clear diagnosis.                             

However, doctors were beginning to question whether the real culprit might be the new carpet recently installed in the family’s home.

It’s hard to believe, isn’t it?

I was shocked when I heard this, but I wasn’t surprised.

The truth is, fumes from fresh paint, new furniture, new carpet and fabrics, and that new car smell – those fumes are what’s referred to as “off-gassing” and it’s all highly toxic.

The toxicity comes from the VOC’s, or Volatile Organic Compounds, that are present in any of these products.

You might be wondering, is it even possible to avoid them?

Well, you’ll be happy to know there is a way, and you can do that by considering healthier alternatives such as zero VOC Paints, organic fabrics and water based finishes.

You can read all about this and more in my new guide “LIVING GREEN”  - available either as a downloadable file, or a printed booklet that will be shipped to your front door.

Either way, LIVING GREEN walks you through the process as you celebrate a Healthier Home and a Healthier You!

Are you looking for even more interior design advice and assistance, with an emphasis on Green design

My brand new interior design program DESIGNER IN A BOX is launching in just a few days!

I created this program because I believe that everyone deserves a beautiful, healthy home that supports their health and well-being and reflects the essence of who they are.

That is what Designer-in-a-Box is all about – details are coming very soon!

Meanwhile, to learn more about my design philosophy, please  click here for my recent interview with Inspired Spaced Magazine.

While the bridge itself wasn’t new, the toll was.

For those not familiar with the Seattle area, we have two bridges that span Lake Washington – connecting the city, itself, with the suburbs and outlying areas.

I think it’s safe to say that hundreds of thousands of commuters rely on these bridges every single day.

So, enacting a toll was a really big deal.

Here’s what has happened since. Many commuters have simply refused to pay the toll. Instead, they are driving well out of their way and finding alternate routes.

They either travel across the second bridge – whether or not it is convenient to where they live or work – or they circumnavigate the lake completely.

What surprises me most about this, is that the folks who have chosen to drive around the lake or find alternate routes, don’t seem to be concerned about the extra distances they’re driving, or the additional expense for gas.

Meanwhile, for those who opt to pay the toll, the route into the City is straight sailing all the way – a huge improvement over snarled traffic jams that used to be the norm.

Of course, whether to pay the toll or not, that’s up to the individual and their unique circumstances.

In the end it’s all about choices.

The analogy here, is that we often make similar decisions when it comes to buying new furniture – whether to go all out and invest in superior quality and a better experience – the equivalent of paying the toll – or settling on something more affordable that fits our budget here and now.

These are often very difficult decisions. How do you know that your investment will really pay off in the long term?

In design parlance we use a term called life-cycle costing.

That means, taking into consideration the immediate expense while realizing the long-term benefit.

It means weighing one against the other.

Then deciding, am I better off purchasing a well-made sofa that will not only last me the rest of my life, but likely be passed down to my children and grandchildren?

Or, do I buy what is more affordable today and hope that it will last at least five or ten years? And then buy a new sofa when the time comes.

(Hint:  You could spend many years and thousands of dollars replacing an entire series of inexpensive sofas).

These are some of the questions we need to ask ourselves when furnishings our homes, just as we need to decide whether to pay a toll or not.

Because the thing is, there are always going to be unexpected expenses.

The trick is to figure out where it makes the most sense to spend your money, and make it work to your benefit.

If you found this tip helpful, I share plenty more tips, professional advice and trade secrets in my soon to be launched interior design program – DESIGNER IN A BOX!

I created this program because I believe that everyone deserves a beautiful home and that professional interior design assistance needs to be available and affordable to anyone.

Imagine walking into a space – your home – and having it filled with things you love versus things that someone else chose or simply items that no longer reflect who you really are.

There is weight to that room, that home, a weight that you drag around with you day after day.

Now, change the picture.

Visualize yourself coming into a home that truly supports your health and well-being and reflects the essence of who you are.

That is what Designer-in-a-Box is all about – details are coming very soon!

Meanwhile, to learn more about my design philosophy, please  click here for my recent interview with Inspired Spaced Magazine.

Thanks, and I look forward to seeing you soon on the Designer-in-a-Box website.

I also emphasize the need to keep in mind the century in which you live! 

What do I mean by this?

This past weekend, I realized I had the perfect example to share with you, sitting right in my own back yard, so to speak.

You see, my family owns a log cabin nestled in the woods.

This log cabin gives the impression of being straight out of “Little House in the Big Woods” – the acclaimed series of books by Laura Ingalls Wilder – although, unlike the cabin in the book, we do have electricity and running water.

Even so, it’s quaint and rustic, and cozy all in one package.

So, how does one decorate a log cabin?

How does one honor the unique style of architecture in such a home?

To my mind, the name alone evokes images of a quaint and rustic lifestyle, and that is a good place to start.

The location of the cabin also figures in and is always an important consideration. In this case, it’s in the woods – as I mentioned – with a river outside the front door.

In the off-season, the heat and water are turned off, and even though the climate is generally mild it can still get very cold and damp inside.

(These are always things to think about, regardless of where you live).

All of this would suggest nothing too fancy.

With that in mind, one could easily focus on the rustic style and invoke a traditional lodge look with lots of wood furnishings and chintz, and maybe a set of deer antlers above the stone fireplace.

I think you get the picture.

The interior is dark, by the way, due to all the logs that make up the frame of the cabin.

At times, adequate lighting is a challenge, especially at night.

One trick I’ve used to lighten things up, is to offset the darkness with creamy white, and other light colors – in the sofa cushions, towels and linens, and colorful throw pillows.

Another approach is to furnish the place with cast-offs from a previous residence.

You know, those things that many of us tend to have around the house that still have some life in them, but no longer serve a purpose?

When the house was purchased, thirty-five years ago, it was filled with dated furnishings that were still fully functional, so my parents felt there was no immediate need to replace anything.

As the years wore on, it became even easier to justify, since new furnishings wouldn’t hold up well to the cold, damp winters and the wooded setting.

Everything was still “perfectly good” as my mother liked to say.

Even so, at some point it usually does become necessary to replace a thing or two and to update the décor and bring it into the 21^st century.

You want to keep things fresh!

Yes, even in a log cabin in the woods.

And that’s exactly what has happened, as a younger generation (meaning my husband and I) has moved in and taken over as current caretakers of the family compound.

The first big challenge was changing out the lumpy, mouse infested living room sofa, which he & I had lovingly nicknamed the “mouse hotel”.

My mother protested, claiming there was nothing wrong with the sofa in its current state.

I politely pointed out that she wasn’t the one who sat in the sofa.

This was true, since she always sat in her favorite chair. And so she relented.

My point here is two-fold.

One is the matter of recognizing the need to update furnishings from time to time, especially if they are worn out, or in this case infested with mice.

The second issue is one of comfort.

We can convince ourselves that there is nothing wrong with a lumpy sofa, or mattress, or worn-out towels – they still do the job they were meant to do.

Yet, what about your personal comfort?

Regardless of the location, any residence where you spend a good deal of your time needs to not only be comfortable, but also support your modern lifestyle.

So, how does one make a log cabin comfortable?

The living room sofa was a good start. Since then, we’ve updated the beds, and linens, stocked up on plush towels and replaced the worn carpet with one of my favorite solutions – highly durable and easy to install carpet tiles!

Other house hold items have also gotten an update, especially in the kitchen, which is a mix of modern and traditional. With its quaint wood stove, funky cabinetry and modern appliances, it is still warm and functional.

This was important to me, since I like to cook!

And this is exactly what I mean by supporting your lifestyle, your hobbies and your personal comfort, while still honoring the architecture of your home.

Are you still unsure how to decorate your home, in a style that stays true to the overall design?

Well, you’re in luck!

I’m about to launch my brand new, on-line Interior Design tutorial “DESIGNER IN A BOX” –which promises a VIRTUAL interior design experience right at your fingertips!

For up to the minute launch details, be sure to sign up for the complete guide “7 WAYS TO CREATE HARMONY IN YOUR HOME”.

It is available right here on the Harmony Design Studio website  –  absolutely FREE!

David Jameson, Architect                                         

The above quote was in reference to Hans Wegner and Poul Kjaerholm, two remarkable furniture designers of the early twentieth century.

Think about it.

Imagine having a “temple for your body”.

I don’t know about you, but I think that sounds heavenly.

As I write this, I’m on a quest. I’m looking for comfortable furniture, specifically a perfect chair – one that will envelope my body and fit me like a glove.

I dream of a chair that will allow me to sit comfortably for hours on end, without having to constantly re-position my posterior for greater comfort.

Or squirm in my seat to keep from sliding off, because my feet don’t quite touch the floor.

Being ‘height challenged’ – seating of any kind is usually too deep. (Plus most countertops and upper cabinets are too high, but I digress).

In a typical day, we put our bodies through a lot of stress, from physical exercise, hours sitting at a computer, poor posture in general, and – oh,yes – carrying around excess weight.

Any one of these places extra stress on our muscles and joints.

It’s no wonder, then, that at the end of the day our tired, sore bodies are craving a comfortable place to rest.

A temple, so to speak.

Our homes are meant to be a sanctuary. A place to escape the daily grind, to unwind and be with family, and to be our truest selves.

To truly be a sanctuary, your home must also meet your every need, including your personal comfort! 

This means that the idea of ‘sanctuary’ must extend to the furnishings in your home!

Are you ready to create a temple for your body?

At some point, you’ve probably seen a painting, or wall finish, which looks so realistic you’d swear it was the real thing.

Except that it isn’t.

Paintings can be especially deceiving. You might find yourself looking at a still-life arrangement of books, or writing implements that are so convincingly 3-dimensional you feel you could reach into the painting and pick them up.

It literally fools the eye.

When it comes to countertop finishes, the eye can also be fooled, especially in the presence of a highly qualified artisan who specializes in faux.

I met such an artisan recently, and was intrigued by the possibilities. I browsed through all the samples, realizing there wasn’t an ounce of actual stone in the entire lot, even though everything appeared to be granite or marble.

That’s right. Everything I saw was a painted finish, yet it looked and even felt like the real thing.

Now, you might be wondering, why would you choose to go faux?

Is it less expensive than natural stone? Not necessarily. You wouldn’t choose a faux finish in the hopes of reducing costs, because anytime you hire an artist who excels at his craft, you are paying for his expertise and creativity.

That is the lure. As it says on their business card:  “…distinctive finishes for the discriminating client”.

That said, the cost of a faux finish might be comparable to natural stone, depending on your selection. Plus, there may be savings in other areas.

As with anything in the world of interior design, custom work means custom pricing.

The benefit to you? You get exactly what you want.

Listed below are 5 reasons for ‘Going Faux’, instead of choosing something more traditional.

You’ll Save on Demolition

When it comes to countertops, a faux finish can typically be applied directly over the existing surface. How great is that?

While you might not realize a savings on the cost of the installation, you WILL save the expense of having to demo the existing countertop.

Going faux is one more way to go Green.

You’ll Protect the Landfills

When there is zero demolition, you will, by default, be protecting the landfills. It’s a win/win situation.

You’ll be Eco-Friendly

Not every faux finisher offers a green product. I recommend seeking out a company that prides themselves on offering a green, sustainable product. After all, if you’ve chosen a faux finish in the hopes of eliminating demolition work and protecting the landfills, then it makes sense that the paints and sealers are also non-toxic.

Being kind to the environment equals being kind to yourself.

You’ll Be Weightless

Because a faux finish is little more than a creative use of paint, it doesn’t weigh a whole lot. If you live, or work, in a building with any kind of weight restrictions, this option might be a dream come true.

You’ll Save on Shipping

That’s right, the cost of having your new countertop shipped to your home would be exactly $.00.

Precisely because there is nothing to ship.

This is an excellent example of how Going Green can work in your favor. A faux finish, such as what I’m describing here, is truly a work of art in and of itself, and could be more costly as a result.

Yet you would be saving in so many other ways that you’d still be ahead of the game.

You’ll Be Different From the Joneses

Let’s face it, sometimes we just want to be different, and make a personal statement that says “This is me”!

Any time you opt for custom work – be it furnishings, artwork, or specially commissioned finishes, you’re doing exactly that. Putting your unique stamp on your home increases your comfort and satisfaction.

One more thing. A faux finish is in no way limited to your countertops. Be sure to consider what you put on the walls, both indoors and out!

The sky’s really the limit on what you can do.

It’s almost hard to believe.

Visions of this world famous disaster seem fresh in our minds – made all the more tragic by an award-winning film that brought it so vividly to life.

In commemoration of the Titanic’s epic tale, this month’s National Geographic magazine features a fascinating article, complete with poignant images that describe in detail its tragic demise.

I was particularly struck by the seemingly mundane, such as a gilded clock in seemingly perfect condition, sitting – luminously – in its final resting place atop a rusted old fireplace, deep in a watery grave.

Of course, that fireplace wasn’t always rusted, or old.

In its prime, this was a fireplace of stunning elegance, specifically designed to adorn a first class suite aboard the world’s most famous ship.

Imagine, if you will, hand carved mahogany paneling on the walls and columns, cut crystal chandeliers and tall, leaded glass windows – and everywhere, eerie signs of human life and a bygone era.

A microcosm of society was aboard that ship, represented by different classes and cultures. We’ve heard the stories, of course, of both heroes and the not so brave, and they continue to haunt us a century later.

What other treasures lie so deep in the ocean, lost to all eternity?

Titanic was a grand ship, indeed, the largest ever built.

Its first class cabins were among the finest ever seen – beautifully appointed with exquisite furnishings, carved teak and mahogany panels, glass and tile.

The formal dining room was equally elegant.

Ladies and gentlemen wore their finest clothes, and dined on superbly prepared meals served on exquisite china – some of it still preserved, intact, on the ocean floor.

The white-gloved service was flawless.

Everything spoke of pomp and elegance, reduced –as we all know – to a capsule of history frozen in time.

I’m fascinated by the grand rooms aboard the Titantic, exquisitely designed and decorated. Amazing as it may seem, much of the décor is still stunning to behold.

The so-called Turkish Bath is a case in point. Reserved exclusively for the first-class passengers, this is a room framed in durable teak and shimmering blue and green ceramic tiles – the colors of the ocean.

Yes, they still shimmer!

A full century later we’re still mesmerized, and it’s no wonder.

It seems that every furniture catalogue I pick up, boasts ikat fabric in one form or another – either on the upholstery, throw pillows, or other decorative accessories for the home.

What is this fascination with ikat?

Well, I’m not sure I know the answer.

However, as a museum docent, I can share with you that the Seattle Asian Art Museum is now hosting an exhibit titled “Colors of the Oasis” that features – you guessed it – a collection  of ikat robes from Central Asia.

The title is apt, because this commonly worn outerwear is colorful beyond belief.

The patterns are intricate, and the process of creating them even more so.

Ikat textiles are characterized by their distinct, abstract patterns – with a tell-tale flame-like, or blazing, edge.

The technique  - known as a warp-faced weave – is part tie-dye, part resist-dying and extremely complex.

It boggles the mind to even try and understand how these stunningly beautiful fabrics are made.

At least, that’s what it does to my mind.

Yet in Central Asia, where this particular style of dress has long been the norm, the tying, dying, and weaving of this fabric was also the norm during the 19^th century and up until recent times.

The term ikat (pronounced e-kat) is derived from a Malay word that means “to tie” or “to bind”.

This refers to the method of binding yarns to resist the penetration of any dyes.

The outer robes featured in this particular exhibit, are just one of three articles of clothing typically worn. Underneath the robes, individuals wore a loose, T-shaped dress and an equally loose pair of trousers – the standard costume worn for generations.

Male or female, young or old, it made no difference.

This is what you wore.

Perhaps it’s the original “one size fits all”.

Not a bad concept, if you think about it.

The ikat textiles so prominently displayed in stores these days, are inspired by these silk ikats from Uzbekistan in Central Asia.

If you’re looking for something fun and different to change up your seasonal décor, a few ikat throw pillows might be just the thing.

I would treat this, however, the same as any trend, color, pattern or interior design-related decision – you still want to go with your heart.

That means, proceed with caution.

Listen to that gut reaction.

If something doesn’t really appeal to you, there’s no reason to buy simply because that’s what everyone else seems to be doing.

Did you know that homes, just like people, can have a story to tell?

If we’re lucky, it will be a very good story, especially if the home is relatively new. Older homes, on the other hand, might come with a bit of baggage  – what we sometimes refer to as a colorful history.

It’s all part of the package, right?

As an interior designer, it’s my job to sort through it all, and highlight the home’s true character while downplaying the flaws.

Where to begin?

Sometimes I need to be a sleuth, and coax out the story, but other times the story is told more easily.

For example, if you’ve ever seen a house with peeling paint on the exterior, and broken blinds hanging at the windows, you know right away that particular house is in need of a bit of love.

I’m reminded of one client project in particular –  a condo with an intriguing layout. It was intriguing in the sense that the two wings on either side of the main living/dining space seemed to be almost mirror images of each other.

It wasn’t immediately obvious, but when I learned the background story, it all made sense.

The home I found myself in had originally been two separate condos; the previous owners had joined them together into one combined unit.

This explained the mirror-image layout.

It also explained the problem that had emerged as a result of the remodeling:   a large center support column – smack in the middle of the living room.

The present owner (and client) wanted something done about that column, which was understandable.

It literally divided the room in two, and was not attractive, to say the least.

This is where I came in. My goal, and the client’s directive, was to downplay the most obvious flaw – the column.

Since every project comes with it’s own set of challenges, those challenges can inspire some rather amazing solutions.

And sometimes, the best solution is to simply work with what you have. Especially if your nemesis is a support column -  you really don’t have a choice!

In this case, ‘therapy’ involved cladding the column in an attractive wood veneer.

The end result, was a stunning room divider that hid a pop-up television on the living room side, and a dining room buffet and storage on the other.

I like to refer to this as the ‘Surprise Element’ – those subtle design details that aren’t immediately obvious but are just waiting to be discovered and woven into the story.

Interior Therapy – when it’s done correctly – is a very good thing!

Yes, Spring is here!

And while the temperatures in my area are still hovering in the low to mid 40’s, other parts of the country have experienced a heat wave.

If that’s the case where you live, you’ve probably tossed aside your winter clothing for something lightweight and cool.

We do this routinely, the re-organizing of our closets according to the seasons.

And yet, how often do we think about our homes?

Do you celebrate the beginning of Spring, trading out wintry-themed throw pillows with something fresh and summery?

Or do you rarely give it a moment’s thought?

Aside from holiday decorations at varying times of the year, our homes don’t necessarily reflect the seasons the way our wardrobes do.

And yet, our local stores our flaunting luscious Spring colors and bursting with new ideas, many of them easy to implement.

So why not take a cue from your favorite retailer and spruce things up a bit in your home?

Keep Things Fresh

Our homes can always benefit from a fresh look here and there.

Keep in mind, this doesn’t need to be expensive!

If you’ve been thinking for months about a new couch, then maybe it’s time to finally go shopping.

However, there are many fun, less costly things you can do to give your home a whole new look, just in time for Spring.

You can:

• Re-arrange the furniture
• Paint a wall or two, in a bright cheery color
• Add colorful throw pillows
• Slipcover the sofa
• Decorate with flowers

None of these suggestions is overly elaborate or difficult to pull off.

As always, you want to keep in mind your personal color preferences – as opposed to trends, springtime or not.

Lighten Up

As you ‘lighten up’ during these warmer months, why not literally shed some weight with a little spring cleaning?

Any room that is cluttered with extra stuff, or piles of paper that you seemingly never get to – now is a good time to sit down and tackle it, once and for all.

If you haven’t already done so, this is also a good time to switch out your cleaning products for a fresh, light scent – be sure to read the label, to make sure the product is free of environmental toxins.

You can also revamp your diet, by focusing on fresh, locally grown foods that support and nourish you.

As for the bedroom, consider tossing aside your heavy winter comforter for a lightweight coverlet.

Sweet dreams.

Invite the Outdoors In

The outdoors is alive right now, with budding trees and flowers, birds chirping in the early dawn, and the hint of warmer weather just around the corner.

All of which invites us to spend more time outside -  providing the perfect opportunity to change up your routine and take full advantage of what the outdoors has to offer.

Better still, if you’ve been bitten by the redecorating bug, you need look no further than Mother Nature as an ideal source of inspiration.

Everything from your color palette, to how you and your family routinely spend time in your home – is easily inspired by what is happening just outside your windows.

The arrival of Spring serves as a reminder to step outside more often, and enjoy what Nature has to offer.

Have you ever noticed, while traveling, what your level of comfort might be at any given point during your trip?

In fact, depending on your hotel accommodations, or your in-flight experience, you may actually be more aware of a lack of Comfort, than anything else.

Of course, on an airplane, being seated in First Class is the way to go if you’re looking for comfort and some in-flight pampering.

Yet, for those of us sitting in Coach, it is often a very different experience.

On a recent flight, I found myself seated next to a mother and her young baby. The woman had not booked a seat for her child, and was hoping I might not show up.

The baby was perfectly happy until she had to give up her seat and be held firmly on her mothers’ lap. At that point, she let out a blood-curdling scream of protest.

Comfortable I was not.

The baby clearly needed a seat of her own, and I needed some peace and quiet. Much to my relief, the stewardess ushered me to a new seat in one of the exit rows.

I now had plenty of leg-room, the baby had a seat several rows behind me and well out of earshot, and all was well with the world.

I was very comfortable.

On any given day, our comforts levels are frequently tested, and for each of us, that definition is unique.

And when it comes to our homes – well, there is almost no end to the number of ways consumers can pamper themselves with what seems comfortable to them.

Whether selecting furniture, linens, paint colors, fabrics or household appliances – and that’s just naming a few – you will be faced with many decisions.

However, before you choose, why not step back and ask yourself the following very important question.

What does Comfort mean to you?

While you mull that over, here’s another tidbit of information:  there was a time in history when Comfort, as a concept, didn’t even exist.

No-one thought about it, no-one even knew about it.

And if people didn’t know there was such as thing as Comfort, well, they certainly didn’t miss it.

This was certainly true of the Middle Ages, right up until the 18^th century.

That’s when the French finally caught on, and starting to create infinitely more comfortable furniture , and noticeably more elegant room settings, that were far superior  to what had been available in the past.

Which begs the question.

What is your idea of Comfort?

Is it high thread-count sheets? Curling up in a favorite chair with a good book? Does your definition of comfort mean the lushness of down cushions or do you prefer firm support?

Your idea of comfort may be something else entirely, but it will be something that is unique to you.

And that is the whole point.

Tune in to your personal comfort zone, and you will shop smarter while your furnish your home.