Cassandra Renee Interiors

bathroom makeover

2010-08-04T17:23:00.001-05:00

Finally added some color to my bathroom walls!! What do you think? I had originally thought to go a little darker but opted for a lighter gray-blue to keep the room open. The color is Sherwin Williams 6218 "Tradewind". Here's some before & after photos.


BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

deco candles

2010-06-05T00:02:00.001-05:00

I don't even remember where I saw these candles (sorry!), but I snapped a quick pic because I loved them SO MUCH! I love the shape... so Art Deco :)

Candles are great accessories. Never underestimate how much they can dictate your personal style to others. It's fine to use fancy candle holders with white, unscented pillars... but why not spice things up by making the candle the focus? These are beauties and I'm so in love with them!

sales!!!

2010-05-18T22:00:00.005-05:00

SALES!! ...at some stores you can shop online or in store. Enjoy!

West Elm

Z Gallerie

Pottery Barn

Williams Sonoma

World Market

Macy's

Bed Bath & Beyond

(West Elm Organic Matelassé Duvet Cover + Shams)

Liberty of London at Target

2010-05-12T16:43:00.002-05:00

I really love the Liberty of London collection at Target. The patterns are so great! They just make me happy!! Check out some of my favorite items!~

Liberty of London @ Target

Custom Shelving vs Pre-made

2010-04-26T18:12:00.000-05:00

I'm big on built-ins when it comes to decorating your home. Not only will you get the results/function you need, you will always come out in the end with a more "high-end" look. Example: Shelving. The convenience of pre-made, store-bought shelving is undeniable and you usually get it at a great price. But depending on the application that might not be the best choice. Sure it takes a little more work to make custom shelving, but overall, it's really pretty simple.

In my own bedroom I have a mixture of both custom and pre-made shelving. One of my biggest tips in home decorating: LET THE ARCHITECTURE DICTATE THE SOLUTION. In other words, if you have some defining architectural detail, don't fight it, use it!

I live in a contemporary loft so exposed concrete posts are a defining characteristic of my home decor (and I absolutely LOVE them, by the way). Instead of ignoring the post in my bedroom, I used it to my advantage. Perfect solution: built-in shelf for some books and other decorative items.

This space between my concrete post and the wall is over 7 feet long... try finding a pre-made shelf that even comes close to that length! I thought about layering multiple floating shelves, but in the end decided that I just couldn't fight that post... it sticks out from the wall about 9 inches and a custom shelf butting up to it was the best solution.

It did take a little more work, but not much! Hardware stores like Lowe's and the Home Depot and happy to help with this simple DIY project. If you purchase your wood at their store, they will usually make a couple of cuts for free (or if they charge, it's usually about 75 cents per cut). Knowing the size of the space you'll be fitting your shelf into is essential when you buy the wood! They make the cuts and you take home pieces the perfect size for your space, without having to worry about using power tools at home (I am NOT a power tool kind of gal!!)

The only labor I did in this project was putting 2 coats of paint on the shelf and mounting the brackets to the wall and shelf. The project took me about half a day and I spent less than $50. The result is a great looking shelf that is completely custom to the space.

On the opposite wall in the bedroom, it was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of store-bought shelving. This blank wall doesn't have any defining architectural details so a regular floating shelf was exactly what I was looking for in this case.

On another note, the mix of contemporary floating shelves with more traditional bracket shelves adds to my eclectic look. And please disregard all of the empty picture frames... I'm working on that :)

spray paint can work miracles!

2010-03-12T12:16:00.000-06:00

I have been searching high and low for a suitable magazine rack to put in my bathroom. I have a small bathroom and an even smaller space between my toilet and wall where I planned to put it. Reading in the bathroom isn't really my thing (haha) but for some reason it's big with the men! I cherish my Architectural Digest magazines and wanted a safe place for them... some place besides the edge of the tub or next to the sink where they risk getting wet.

I didn't want to spend much money since, as I mentioned, this is not a priority item for me. I saw some nice options in a few different stores, usually ranging from $25-35... too much for me! And usually they were too large for the space I have! I was close to giving up until, BAM!, I walk into GoodWill one day and there's an old brass magazine rack, the perfect size and shape, for $2!!! The only problem... brass finish and a little banged up from use. So I went to WalMart and purchased some brilliant silver spray paint and 30 minutes later... brand new magazine rack, perfectly matching my decor. Total investment... $5!! You can't beat that!

Spray paint really can work miracles!! You can change the look of almost anything these days just by spending a few bucks and a few minutes spraying it a different color. I was amazed at the number of color options for spray paint! Silver is a pretty basic choice but you could choose a color to fit any decor. Whatever the object you find, if the only problem is the finish of the piece, consider spray painting it! It is such an easy option!

And here's the finished product! :)

It's been awhile...

2010-03-11T23:46:00.000-06:00

So, I haven't been blogging in quite some time. If you've wondered why it's because I've been spending the last few months concentrating on my 2nd business! In addition to owning my own design business, I have also started up my own Mary Kay business! I LOVE working for myself and after using the products for a few years I decided that it was something I really wanted to do. I still have my design business and I still LOVE decorating and organizing but Mary Kay is something I wanted to add to my life! It's an amazing company and opportunity for women!

Now that I've built the basics for my Mary Kay business and worked hard to develop my consultant skills and build my customer base, I'm back to blogging! I have to say, I've never been happier! It's amazing to work from home and set my own schedules, for Cassandra Renee Interiors AND also Mary Kay! Now not only do I make people feel good about their homes, I also get to make them feel good about themselves! It's the best!! :)

Candlelight

2009-11-04T23:31:00.001-06:00

Soft, flickering light... yummy scents... I LOVE candles! I almost always have a least one candle burning at home. Candles make great gifts or buy one for yourself as a little treat. Make your home feel very inviting by having one burning before guests arrive. Set the mood with your special someone. Relax after a long day of work with a bubble bath surrounded by candlelight. I love browsing the candles in any store I go in to; stopping to sniff each and every scent. Here are some fun decorative candles and a couple of my all-time favorite scents!

Bath & Body Works... Spiced Cider smells SO good!

Glade Candle in Clean Linen... smells so clean and fresh... very affordable and convenient to find (I buy these at Target when I do my grocery shopping!)

Crate & Barrel... fun for your holiday decor

Pottery Barn... so pretty you almost don't want to burn them!

Pottery Barn... help support a great cause (portion of what you pay for this candle goes to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!)

World Market... very unique!

a tribute...

2009-10-04T20:06:00.005-05:00

This is a tribute to the most popular dining chairs I know. My parents had these chairs in the kitchen when I was growing up and I can't tell you how many different places I've seen them... other people's homes, resale & consignment stores, online pictures, etc. Can't say I'm really a fan, just not my taste at all, but I have to hand it to whoever came up with this design; apparently it is quite popular!! I chuckle every time I see these chairs somewhere new. Maybe you've seen them too?? Let me know where! Email a picture to cassandrareneeinteriors@gmail.com and I'll post it!

Arteriors Too!

2009-09-30T22:13:00.001-05:00

I've used Arteriors Home as a source on many client projects in the past. Love Love LOVE their home decor! Designers will probably be familiar with their showroom the the World Trade Center, Dallas, but now they've set up shop on Lovers Lane as well... Arteriors Too... now open! I absolutely can't wait to check it out the next time I'm in Dallas!

fabulous bedding, decor & gifts

2009-09-17T16:13:00.002-05:00

I just received a new catalog in the mail that I'm really excited about! I wanted to share it with everyone... I'm loving the colors & patterns in the bedding and they have some really sweet items for kids! Lots of fabulous things for fall... Check it out! Let me know what you think!
Serena & Lily, Inc.

punched metal pendant lights

2009-09-16T12:09:00.001-05:00

I'm loving these pendant light fixtures from Shades of Light. These would look great in a kitchen with a traditional/vintage feel (consider using a tin ceiling or backsplash too!) But these fixtures could also be used in a more updated space to give an eclectic flair while maintaining the straight lines and geometric patterns of contemporary design.

dollar bin finds!

2009-09-15T21:04:00.011-05:00

There's nothing that sucks me in faster than a bunch of $1 bins in a store! I can't help it... I sort through those so fast and always find at least one thing I want! I've found that these can been great places to find stationery items: notepads, shopping lists, journals, cards, etc. I recently found a lot of cute items at the craft store Michael's, each for $1. I absolutely love the houndstooth pattern and the black, white and red damask patterns! These are great items to buy for your own home or to group together for a gift basket for someone else.

Items(clockwise): File folder in black/cream houndstooth print (pack of 4for $1); 100 page journal; 'Hello' notecards/envelopes (pack of 8 for$1); magnetic weekly calendar (52 pages); magnetic shopping list (80sheets)

bachelorette party invitations

2009-09-03T22:14:00.010-05:00

I'm a bridesmaid for a wedding coming up in mid October. The bride is one of my best friends from high school so it's really important to me that all the events leading up to her wedding are just as special as the day she says 'I Do'. I am planning a bachelorette weekend and decided to make the invitations myself. I'm not going to lie, I did check a few stores for pre-made invitations... something simple and elegant that I could fill in the blanks on and stick in the mail. But I couldn't find anything like that. In fact I couldn't even find anything that used her wedding colors! (chocolate brown with small accents of red or orange... fall colors basically) So I made the decision to make some invitations; sure it takes more time but I want everything to be perfect.

I went to Hobby Lobby and picked out a decorative paper and a few neutral colors of cardstock. These invitations were as simple as typing out the information, printing it on the cardstock and then layering the three different papers. It was very easy to do and yet I think they will have a dramatic impact on guests and the bride.

I started by cutting out the decorative paper to fit my envelopes.

Absolutely love this paisley pattern!

Then I trimmed the chocolate brown paper...

Then I trimmed the cream cardstock with the invitation printed on it and mounted it on the brown paper.

All that was left to do was mount the invite onto the paisley paper! These are some of the easiest invitations you can make! They can look just as nice as anything you'd buy in a store, if not nicer, and they can be as simple as a few straight cuts and a glue stick.

scrapbook supplies!

2009-09-02T21:05:00.007-05:00

I've been shopping for scrapbook supplies the past few days. To all other scrapbooking divas: right now Hobby Lobby & Michael's are having great sales on scrapbook paper and other supplies! Check your local stores as sales may vary but I've been saving up to 50% essential scrapbook materials!!

photo from marthastewartcrafts.com

Shelving Sale

2009-08-27T18:17:00.005-05:00

My favorite store, The Container Store, is having its annual Shelving Sale right now. Hurry in to save on some great products to help with your organization project!

Flower Mound: closet makeover

2009-08-05T19:36:00.048-05:00

My client in Flower Mound has recently downsized to a smaller home, and therefore, now has smaller closets than before. While she successfully cleared out many things she didn't need anymore before the move, she still ended up with a closet in the new home busting at the seams! Her clutter was out of control, making it impossible to find certain items and causing her to forget about some things she owned! Cleaning and organizing her clothing was a project that overwhelmed her. Enter: me. I tackled the mess head on, pulling items out of the closet in groups. Once I had items arranged in color/style groups, it was easy for the client to sift through everything and weed out even more items to get rid of. Then, I was able to arrange the items in color order and put them back in the closet. Now that her space is organized, it's easy for her to keep up with it. Clothing is easily found and put away. Here are a few pictures of the finished closet. She was very pleased with the end result!

Scarves packed up in easy flexible bins. These are lightweight and easy to store on a higher shelf.

Putting clothing in rainbow order helps you locate favorite clothing items quickly as well as making it simple to put clothes away.

Bottom to top: Jackets/Hoodies/Sweaters, Shirts, Cardigans (lower shelf), Handbags (top shelf)

A shoe holder like this on the back of a door can be a very nice space-saver... especially for someone storing a ton of shoes!

Organization like this just makes me happy... and makes my clients happy too!

Cardigan sweaters and handbags are two items she definitely has the most of (ok, besides the shoes). It was important to keep those neat so she could see everything she owns.

Dresses and skirts. The shelf is also lower down that the handbag shelf above the cardigans. Because of this, I displayed the handbags she uses most often on this shelf. Accessibly and frequency of use is key when planning a space like a closet.

There were existing nails in the wall above the door. These were perfect for hats and I assume the previous owner of the house did the same thing. It bothered me that they were not evenly spaced in rows (neat freak!!) but it was still completely functional and convenient for the client the way it was. I displayed the hats she wears most often along the bottom row so they're easily accessible. UK much? :)

Shoes galore!

Pants... there are also some pant suits for work that are hidden in the back to the right. These are items she doesn't use very often.

Button-up shirts, and of course, more shoes!

Please email me (CassandraReneeInteriors@gmail.com) if you have any inquiries about my organization services! If you have a closet that has gotten out of control, or a home office with paperwork piling up, I'm your gal! Staying clutter-free and organized is much easier if you begin with a clean, well-organized space. I can give you that starting point... I can find a place for everything and then you can keep everything in its place!

my desk & workspace

2009-07-22T14:51:00.016-05:00

I love having a space dedicated to my work... whether that be design work or just everyday things like paying bills. It's important to me to keep it well-organized and neat, otherwise I won't use my desk! I live in a small space (745 sq ft to be exact) so every single inch counts! I need areas of my home to be dedicated to certain functions and I need them to work properly for me. When I first moved in, my desk was covered in so much clutter, it was impossible for me to use it. In that case, I would spread out bills and paperwork across my coffee table and my kitchen table. I was constantly moving things so I could eat, or so visitors wouldn't see my stuff... what a pain! Life is so much easier and convenient now that I have my workspace organized; I am much more productive!

Here's a glimpse of my desk/ workspace and my must-haves for my home office!

Necessities:
1. Design Trade guide... helps me look up different products, manufacturers and trade showrooms
2. Post-its... Right now I'm using some from one of my favorite showrooms, Lee Jofa
3. Candle... I always have candles burning! I like my place to smell nice and there's just something nice about enjoying candlelight, no matter what I'm doing
4. Elephant... I have a HUGE elephant collection. This is just one piece but it's something I really love

If I receive flowers for any reason (like from my honey bunch!), I like to dry them out and keep them. It's really nice having fresh flowers in a home office but I also like the romantic/ sentimental feeling of roses that I was given for a special occasion.

Necessity:
A Calendar... I think a calendar in an office space is self-explanatory. But I will say that I totally love my Architectural Digest calendar! It's already my favorite magazine and it never hurts to look at one more well-designed room!

This is a art piece that my Mom purchased for me so it's pretty special. I love Japanese pieces; I have a few things in my home that reflect this style. This art piece is hand-painted on a piece of cloth (that's probably called something specific but I don't know what!). Roses are also my favorite flower. My Mom had this piece custom framed for me and I love it!

Necessity:
Another calendar?... I like having this calendar because it's a dry erase board and it's easy for me to keep track of appointments and make to-do lists. I also really like the small bulletin board and magnetic ability. (The studly man on the right in the pic is my boyfriend Chris)

Aren't these pushpins cute??! Check out great products made by Xonex here!

Necessities:
1. Office supplies... Stapler, pens, pencils, paperclips. These are items that I use most often so I like them to be on my desktop in easy reach instead of having to dig through a drawer for them.
2. My mini T-square!... This was given to me when I became a member of TIDA (TCU Interior Design Association)

A file drawer is a MUST! I only have one drawer for files but I couldn't live without it. Paperwork is the #1 item that will pile up quickly. Take 5 minutes at the end of each day to file away mail, bills, and all other necessary paperwork. Filing is easy when you do a little bit at a time. Don't let it pile up until you have hours of filing ahead of you... that's when you won't do it!! But if that happens, you can just hire me to come to your house and do it for you! :)

My desk area is very simple and uncluttered, making it easy for me to get my work done. I have a dedicated space to sit down and organize my every day things... this is something everyone should have! You don't need a huge space, it just needs to be organized and only contain the items you need and use!

closet update

2009-07-19T22:40:00.010-05:00

Just sharing 2 quick pictures from my closet makeover. The first shows a few of my shoes and my scarves. I decided that I wanted my scarves displayed nicely and easily accessible. Accessories like these were easily lost in my closet before and I would forget what I owned. Now they are hanging right in front of me so it's impossible for me to forget about them. I've also tried to group my shoes into groups of like items. This makes it easier for me when remembering where each pair goes and helps me stay motivated to put my shoes back in the right place. I like things to look nice, so having some of my 'pretty items' displayed in my closet makes me happy and also shows off some of my more exciting pieces.

However nice your closet will look really depends on your storage solutions. After all, it's all about the space-saving techniques. Builder-grade closet built-ins usually give you a lot of hanging space and not a lot of shelf space. When faced with that problem, there are many options but I'm opting for easy and inexpensive (and therefore not permanent)... Just like hanging racks for shoes, hanging shirt/sweater shelves are available. I'm using this one for my plethora of t-shirts.

More to come... :)

you don't need it... someone else does

2009-07-16T12:24:00.011-05:00

Reminder: If you're spending some of your summer days cleaning up around your house, it's always good to keep in mind that you need to continually review all of your belongings for items you don't use anymore. We all know how quickly clutter can pile up. If you take a few minutes while you're cleaning or organizing to pull out items that you no longer need and separating them from things you still use, you easily control clutter. I think the easiest way to do this is to keep a small bin or bag in your closet (or wherever convenient) that is designated for Give Away Items. This method is as easy as separating your trash and recyclables.

How often you need to clean out those items permanently will vary, depending on how much you're willing to give up and how often you clean. I recommend seriously reviewing items at least twice a year.

Some people have a hard time letting go of things (I am one of those people!)... to them I say, the more often you make yourself do it, the easier it becomes! Every little bit helps so even if it's only getting rid of a few shirts from your closet, it will actively help you avoid clutter pile ups!

A Tip: Each time you decide to permanently rid yourself of items, take a quick trip to your favorite local charity. No matter where you live, there are organizations accepting donations from clothing to furniture to housewares. Drop-offs are painless and it's the easiest way to get rid of a large amount of items in a short amount of time. If you don't have the means to transport large furniture, most organizations will schedule a pick up time and come to you! Plus, if you're one of those people that has a hard time getting rid of stuff, you will probably feel better about it knowing that it will go to someone who really needs it. Double plus... Tax credit!

For those of you in the Fort Worth/ Arlington area, there are numerous Salvation Army donation centers. Here are a few in the downtown vicinity:

2901 NE 28th St
Fort Worth, TX 76111
(817.838.8203)
Drop Box & Store

2406 Azle Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76106
(817.624.7081)
Drop Box & Store

8133 Highway 80 W
Fort Worth, TX 76116
(817.560.1563)
Drop Box & Store

6360 Lake Worth Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76135
Donation Center

1301 E Abram St
Arlington, TX 76010
(817.861.9488)
Drop Box & Store

*For more Salvation Army locations, please visit their website and search using your zip code*

Another favorite donation spot of mine, located in Fort Worth, is one that I've been donating to since I was a student at Texas Christian University. The Safe Haven, Tarrant County, is a great charity. Their donation center and resale shop is located at:

Berry Good Buys
1701 W Berry St
Fort Worth, TX 76110
(817.921.5898)

One more great organization... easily accessible to those of you in the Lewisville and Colony area. This is an organization that my family has been donating to since we moved to the DFW area... we got started through our church which also makes regular donations.

Christian Community Action (CCA)

128 S Mill St
Lewisville, TX 75057
Main Donation Center

5000 Main St Suite #270
The Colony, TX 75056
Colony Donation Center

*For more information, visit their website.

CCA also has a few resale shops. My favorite is the location in Lewisville on 121. It usually has a large variety of furniture, housewares and clothing. There's also a large section for books.

Donating to any charity is a rewarding experience in two ways: you're helping to declutter your own space and you're giving to someone else in need.

last minute 4th of July decorating

2009-07-03T02:57:00.019-05:00

Last minute ideas for your 4th of July backyard barbecues! Check out these finishing touches for your holiday party... Your decor should tastefully convey the America theme without screaming it at your guests. A simple color palette of neutrals accented by red, white & blue items while make your party look sophisticated and yet festive.

Add touches of soft light around your party. If you are entertaining at night, possibly watching fireworks, use dim candlelight and holiday lights.

Glass Oil Lamp Stakes & Hanging Glass Lanterns are available from Pier 1. Line your walkways or your seating area with the oil lamp stakes. Illuminate tables with the hanging glass lanterns.

These Citronella-scented candles are great! Also from Pier 1

These colored holiday lights are available at Target. It's easy to string a few of these up around your patio or deck. The provide a colorful glow for your entire space!

For dressing up your tabletop & outdoor area, here are just a few fun items:

Patriotic Place Mats; Red & Blue Margarita Glasses [Pier 1]

Sometimes it's nice to have either red OR blue instead of both. These party items fit in with the 4th of July decor but can also be used year round!

Contrary to the Ice Bucket above, this condiment set has only blue & white, again, fitting with the holiday decor but not specifically made for the 4th. And it's just so cute!!

Red & White Ice Bucket, Tray & Party Tub; Picnic Table Condiment Set [World Market]

And maybe a couple of small accents for your pool

These are inflatable Stars from Target. I would simply float a few of these in a backyard pool (if you're lucky enough to have one!) Instant 4th of July decor!

If you're hosting a 4th of July cookout, it is simple to add just a few holiday themed items to your everyday decor that will make your space suitable for entertaining, but won't break the bank. All it takes is a few accents & small touches of the red, white & blue.

I sincerely hope that everyone has a fabulous holiday and that no matter what you are doing, you get the chance to be with family & friends. Our independence is an amazing gift; we are all truly blessed to live the lives we do! So enjoy our country's special day! Be safe! God Bless America & you all!

closet update

2009-06-15T15:56:00.007-05:00

Ok so the closet make-over is still in progress. The process has been slow because it seems that every time I start to work on it, something comes up or I change my idea of what I want to do or how I want to arrange things. But it's coming along. I've been shopping some thrift and antiques stores for little touches and unique items to include. Here are a few antique store finds... any guesses on how I plan to use them?

closet makeover

2009-06-02T00:19:00.005-05:00

I live in a loft with one closet. Granted, it's a good size walk-in for one person, but still ONE closet! How does a girl deal?! :) Obviously it's a huge necessity that I keep it organized not only so I can find everything, but also so I can fit everything in there that I need to fit. Most people that see my closet think it's pretty well organized. I, however, am not completely happy with the layout. There are many changes that could be made to maximize the space. Right now I am working with the built-in shelves and clothes bars that existed when I bought the place. I plan on adding my own touches to the closet to fully utilize it's height and display some of the items that are currently being squished (see my handbags! oh my!) Below are some pictures of my closet in its current state... follow me as I make a few simple changes to completely revamp the space. I will be posting my progress along the way so be sure to check back!

inspiration

2009-05-16T20:49:00.016-05:00

This post is really for the purpose of inspiring myself but I think that you all will enjoy it too. Today I was sifting through my old portfolio of drawings and paintings that I did years ago. I took some time to look through all of my old work and realized that it has been much too long since I took up my paint brush or my ink pen. Since design has taken over my life, it seems the only drawings I do are elevations and perspectives to show what a room will look like or explain a specific idea to a client. And with advances in technology, many times those drawings are done on the computer and not by hand. My mom was an art major in college; I grew up with a passion for drawing, sketching, painting and art in general. My favorite classes in school were always the art classes and although I wouldn't even compare the work I do to my mom's, I always felt that I did inherit a natural talent for it. Sure sometimes I will spend a free afternoon in the park, sketching the things around me, but by no means do I spend the time I used to enjoying this wonderful hobby. So I have decided to share some of my work, in hopes that just digging it out of my closet will inspire me to devote some more of my time to getting back to this lost love of mine. I hope you all enjoy...

Oil Pastels

Ink (my favorite animal!)

Ink (monochromatic study with variations of blue ink)

Acrylic on canvas

Still-Life in charcoal (I think slightly unfinished, judging by the plant and white space at top, but then again, I did sign it)

And just a few quick sketches with prisma color markers and ink (plant life is always my favorite to sketch)

summer entertaining

2009-05-06T22:24:00.037-05:00

It's time to start thinking about moving the entertaining to the outdoors. Backyard barbecues and cookouts are upon us! I love this time of year! One of the best ways to spruce up your outdoor party is to use fun and colorful dinnerware and serving pieces. Forget paper plates and start thinking about durable dinnerware that can be washed and reused. Yes, it's a few more dishes to do, but you'll feel good afterwards knowing that you didn't create any unnecessary waste! Almost all of my selections below are made of melamine and most are dishwasher safe. There are so many exciting patterns and colors out there today; here is just a small sampling!

Melamine Containers with Lids for easy storage of leftover snacks

These plates are made of bamboo, for those of you with the desire for an eco-friendly product
{Above products from Crate & Barrel}

Hosting a 4th of July party? How about sporting some red, white & blue with these pieces from Pottery Barn:

Target has a HUGE selection of outdoor dinnerware and drinkware. Here are some of my favorites.

How cute are these love birds??! Or maybe something with a more organic feel, like these

Ok these blue and paisley pattern are my #1 pick... absolutely love them!

I also love these in a chocolate brown and white floral pattern

And on to some more eco-friendly options... These are made of bamboo (also available in green and fushia)

And this "confetti" dinnerware is made from recycled melamine (also available in green and magenta)

Don't forget the drinks!

Nothing says 'summer' quite like flip flops!

These have grosgrain ribbon inside! Super cute!

These are fun! But maybe keep them away from the kids... they are made of glass

If bright colors and contemporary patterns aren't your thing, you can still get the durability of melamine in more traditional patterns... like these options from Smith & Hawken, inspired by Italian ceramics

With dishes as beautiful as these, you might receive more compliments on your dinnerware than on your food ;)

I was strolling through downtown one day, in the merry merry month of may

2009-05-05T20:46:00.013-05:00

I've been indoors all day so this evening I decided to take a short walk around downtown. This is one of my favorite things to do. It's so nice to step away from the computer for awhile and get some fresh air, exercise, and just enjoy the scenery. The best time in Fort Worth is just before sunset when the white lights lining the branches of trees start to turn on and the natural light slowing fades in the west, seen only in reflection of the tall buildings. I will now share a few photographs I took during my walk tonight.

fresh flowers

2009-05-05T16:55:00.022-05:00

I was just shopping ProFlowers for some flowers to send to my mom on Mother's Day. Looking at the beautiful bouquets of colorful flowers, I was reminded that it's been too long since I bought some fresh flowers for myself and my own home. Fresh flowers are a simple gift to give yourself and really bring some life into a room. Place them around your house for a burst of color.

Orchids like these really stand out & almost become a piece of sculpture in a shabby chic room
{picture from Omnia Interiors}

On the breakfast table while serving to your family or house guests

On the edge of your tub to give you something beautiful to look at while relaxing
{pictures from eHow}

I love this example from Country Living. Using a tin pail as the vase gives the flowers a "fresh from the garden" look.

These wall-hanging vases from Stone Gifts are a unique way to add fresh flowers to a room!

Treat yourself by waking up to the aroma of fresh roses. Fresh flowers are a must for many bed & breakfasts, like this example here from the Kilpatrick Manor, shown on BedandBreakfast.com. Why not bring this 'hotel concept' to your own bedroom? Aren't we all looking for simple ways to make our bedrooms feel more like a vacation retreat?

a touch of glam with chandeliers

2009-05-04T22:06:00.049-05:00

I'm a glam kind of gal and I've always loved crystal chandeliers. There's just something really fantastic about walking into a room and having your eye immediately drawn up towards the ceiling to see the light refracted in tiny prisms. The sparkle of these fixtures still leaves a twinkle in my eye and makes me stop for a moment and whisper "wow" under my breath. But these days chandeliers aren't just something you find in fancy mansions and ballrooms, they are being used in bedrooms, bathrooms and all throughout people's homes to add just a little touch of glamour. They range from extremely ornate crystal to very toned down fixtures with only a few prisms. Let's review a few; we'll start with the fancy...

All of the above chandeliers are made by Schonbek. They are gorgeous but because of their size and abundance of crystal, these chandeliers are suited for a more formal decor.

This Schonbek chandelier is a little less formal because of the antiqued metal finish and the colored crystal... very interesting and fun!

Or how about this one with just a touch of sapphire blue. Simple but very elegant! Also Schonbek.

Here are some more great options available from Lamp Plus:

This is a mini chandelier made exclusively for Lamps Plus by Schonbek!

This one has a more antique feel to it because of the gold finish. Looking to bring some 'Old Hollywood' style to your room? This could be the chandelier for you! I would love to see this over a lady's vanity or dare I say, in a large walk-in closet! (Lamps Plus)

I personally really like chandeliers that combine clear crystal & black crystal (there's my love of black & white again! well, kind of "white") Both are from Lamps Plus.

Decorating a little girl's room? What better way to make her feel like a princess than giving her a "Pretty in Pink" chandelier (Lamps Plus)

Like I mentioned before, some chandeliers have just a few crystal accents. These are great for less formal interiors. Here's an example of one.

This is a chandelier that a client and I selected for her bedroom. We decided to remove her ceiling fan, that she never used, and replace it with this beauty! Her decor is very eclectic, mixing traditional furnishings and antiques with more contemporary color schemes and accents. We loved the simple scroll work on this fixture, along with its antiqued finish. The crystal teardrops add just the right amount of sparkle.

Speaking of ceiling fans, here are a couple of interesting finds from Lamps Plus:

I guess these are for the people that want the best of both worlds... convenience of a ceiling fan AND a touch of glamour. Personally, these don't really do it for me and I think they look a little strange. But maybe if I saw them in the right room... What do you think?

There are so many variations on the traditional crystal chandelier now. I'm seeing more and more combinations of two different types of fixtures, like the fans above, and these...

I think this fixture is very interesting. It combines small crystals with a metal cut-out shade. I like that you don't lose all of the crystal accents because you can still see it through the cut-outs (available from Lamps Plus)

On the other hand, I'm not too keen on this take of the drum shade/ chandelier combo (Shades of Light). Although the fabric is somewhat sheer, it really covers up the majority of the chandelier and you lose the detail.

Crystal chandeliers will always add a touch of elegance and glamour to any room. With so much variety out there, you can find one to compliment almost any decor. Have fun and add a little sparkle to your own home!

black is fabulous

2009-05-01T22:24:00.006-05:00

I have always wanted to do a room with black walls. I know the thought of black walls scares most, but I think it can be so classy, especially when paired with white. I never get tired of this color combo. Perhaps someday I will get to paint one of my rooms black... until then I will drool over other people's rooms, like these...

Designer Miles Redd's kitchen in his NYC apt

I LOVE this kitchen. Not only are the walls black, but the cabinets are too. I love how it makes the white in the room "pop"... the trim around the door and window and especially the floor! Stainless steel appliances and fixtures still allow light to bounce around the room. This is black and white contrast at its best!

Room by Laura Ashley

This room only has one wall painted black but I'm still loving it. It really makes the fireplace stand out and sets the black and white color scheme for the entire room. Other loves: the mirror over the fireplace, the damask curtain panels and the chandelier!

What do you think about black walls in a room? Would you ever do this in your own home? What about an all black and white room? Is it classy and sophisticated or boring?

one more special paint

2009-04-30T00:12:00.006-05:00

Ok, I missed this one the first time around on RustOleum's website... glow in the dark paint!! Try this for kid's rooms or holiday decor. Paint light switches to find your way around your home at night. Very fun :)

special paints & primers

2009-04-29T18:40:00.026-05:00

Today I went to get an oil change in my car and as I waited, I noticed a copy of Better Homes & Gardens in the waiting room. I was relieved to find this among the pile of auto and celebrity gossip magazines! As I waited, I flipped through pages of crafty ideas for Easter... obviously the April issue. However, a product jumped out at me that I had never been introduced to before... magnetic primer! We've all seen chalkboard paint, right? But what about magnetic primer?! What a brilliant idea! This primer is available from RustOleum and can be applied under any latex paint. You can apply it to walls and even to wood or metal surfaces (indoor use only) and turn that surface into a convenient place to stick notes, photographs, children's artwork, etc. And the best part is, it's just primer so you can paint over it with any color you choose.

Create spaces to display your child's artwork

Or make a collage of your favorite posters or prints... all without leaving holes in the wall! Change out the items you display as often as you wish. Hang 'to do' lists in your office or shopping lists in your kitchen. The possibilities are endless! And once you take down whatever you hang, your walls look like an ordinary painted wall.

Chalkboard paint is great too. It's fun for kids in their bedroom or playroom and allows them to have their own space to be creative (instead of taking on your walls with markers or crayons!)

You don't always have to paint an entire wall or a perfect square or rectangle with chalkboard paint either. Get creative! I love this example of the chalkboard paint being used to paint the silhouette of a tree and moon and still gives the kids a place to create their own art.

Also think about using the magnetic primer and then painting over it with chalkboard paint! You then have a surface you can draw on and post things to... double duty!

Not crazy about the black surface of chalkboard paint? Check out this chalkboard paint that can be tinted to other colors!

And remember... chalkboard paint isn't just for kids! RustOleum offers a brush-on version as well as a spray-on version so it can be applied to a variety of surfaces and used in interesting ways that appeal to adults too.

bold colors & fun patterns

2009-04-28T01:12:00.041-05:00

I'm loving bold colors & patterns for spring. I've been browsing some of my favorite fabric sources and have come across quite a selection of fun prints. Here are some of my favorites!

If you're too afraid to use these fabrics to upholster an entire piece of furniture, try buying a couple of yards and making accent pillows. Or you can make inexpensive art with fabrics like these by simply covering a piece of plywood and stapling the fabric around the wood on the backside. Hang it on your walls for a bold, graphic statement piece! Fabulous!!

omni hotel, fort worth

2009-04-27T15:59:00.021-05:00

Living in downtown Fort Worth has allowed me to watch the construction of the Omni Hotel from the ground up. It's an amazing building and even though it has been open for a few months, this past weekend was my first time to step inside. My boyfriend and his parents came in town for a visit so I took a peek at the lobby and at their room when we dropped them off to check in. I loved the decor! contemporary elegance with a Texas twist

12/27/08 Hotel still under construction

3/3/09 Sunset reflecting off of the glass

Lobby and Reception area
{photo from omnihotels.com}

Lobby fireplace
{photo from omnihotels.com}

Guest room with king bed
{photo from omnihotels.com}

The Omni offers hotel accommodations as well as luxury condos for sale. Check it out!

sunburst mirrors

2009-04-24T01:45:00.020-05:00

I'm a sucker for sunburst mirrors. Wood and metal... here are some great options!

Global Views Sunburst Mirror in gold & nickel

Global Views Mini Sunburst Mirror in gold & nickel

Global Views Wooden Starburst Mirror & Industrial Wooden Mirror

Global Views White Enameled Sunburst Mirror, Small & Large

(*Please Note: Global Views can be purchased through the design trade only. If you are interested in one of these mirrors, please email me at CassandraReneeInteriors@gmail.com and I will be more than happy to provide you with dimensions and a price quote, or answer any questions you may have)

Pottery Barn Sunburst Mirror (final sale $79.99)

Target Gold Sunburst Mirror ($69.99)

architecture of nyc

2009-04-23T08:48:00.037-05:00

I took my first trip to NYC this past weekend to visit a friend. I had a great time but it was definitely a whirlwind of sites and activities crammed into a short 2 1/2 days. Not only do I love interiors, but architecture is another of my great loves. I am fascinated by buildings and bridges and being in NYC, I was surrounded by interesting things at every turn! I've decided to share a few of my favorite pictures... I was the tourist that couldn't stop looking up and couldn't put the camera away! :)

Queensborough Bridge

Rockefeller Center

View from the top of the Rock, looking towards the Empire State Building

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Bowery Savings Bank

I'm not sure what building this is because we zoomed past it while in a cab... someone can probably help me identify..? I love it!

Again, not sure of the name of this building. It's located next to Ground Zero. The art deco eagle caught my eye

Trinity Church

American Indian Museum

Castle Clinton, Battery Park

The Brooklyn Bridge

It's official :) Can't wait to go back!

accent pillows

2009-04-02T14:57:00.005-05:00

I always advise people to purchase neutral home furnishings so it allows you to change out smaller accent items to give your room a whole new look. Some of the easiest things to change out are accent pillows. Now that spring is upon us, it's a great time to change things up and give your living room (or any room) a fresh look!

I was in Target the other day (a fave store for sure) and saw a couple of pillows that I absolutely love... super cute and affordable so I thought I would share them with you all!

LOVE these! Chevron pattern and they come in a warm tone version (reds, oranges, yellows) as well as cool tones (blues, greens, greys). It's a bold pattern that will pop against any solid color furniture

This one screams 'spring'! It's done in a beige natural fabric. The pattern is printed on the fabric but some leaves and branches are embroidered so it gives great texture! This would look amazing in a room with soft greens or yellows. Great for anyone that loves bringing the outdoors in

Loving this pillow for anyone who prefers a more classic, tailored look. I would pair this with other neutrals on a bed of luxurious, layered linens to give it a "hotel-like" feel. It's slightly feminine with the ruffle around the edge, but still very simple and neutral enough to work for a man's room. This is a more sophisticated look for anyone who doesn't want too much going on

do you have a design question?

2009-03-28T21:17:00.004-05:00

Click on 'view my complete profile' at the top right of this blog and you'll be able to email me your questions! What would you like to see on here? What design challenges are you facing in your own home? Or share your inspirations with me!

think color

2009-03-28T20:00:00.003-05:00

Anyone who has seen my loft in downtown Fort Worth will tell you that it is definitely still a work in progress... but it has come a long way from when I first purchased the place. I immediately started the process by painting the walls. It still amazes me how many people are afraid of adding color to a room. Painting is one of the cheapest, easiest things you can do to a room to dramatically change its look. It is one of the first steps I take to designing a room. Unless you are going for a gallery-like, contemporary space in which to display art, in my opinion, your walls should NOT be white!! Be bold and take a chance with color! It is so easy to change if you're not happy with the results. And if you really don't want to take a chance on having to paint a second time, try out a few options before painting the entire room. Many paint suppliers allow you to buy small sample cans for just a couple of bucks. Paint a few test spots on your walls. Don't try to decide right away... leave the samples of your different colors on the walls for at least a week. Look at each color during different times of the day and see if there is one that jumps out at you. Some paint companies will also allow you to order very large paint chips (not the 2x2 squares you pick up in their showrooms). You can tape these to the wall instead of having to paint your color choices on to the wall. This allows you to move them around to different spots in the room, take them with you while shopping for furniture, fabrics, accessories, and you don't have to live with random spots of color on your walls if you're expecting company, etc. The only way to avoid painting a room more than once is to make sure you are truly happy with your color choice from the beginning, so take your time.

For my own home, I opted for a very deep red in my living area. I love how dramatic this color is! Four large windows provide an abundance of natural light and this balances out the richness of such a dark color. I also love how it makes my furniture, art and accessories "pop" and give the room energy. Contrasting this bold color choice, I went with a soft baby blue for my bedroom. I love the blue for three main reasons... 1. Blue is my favorite color 2. It is a very soft, soothing color for a bedroom and 3. I LOVE the contrast of the blue against the red, it gives a more contemporary feel to my loft.

If you are looking to make a change, think paint!! If you are having trouble picking a color, get inspiration from a favorite piece of art or photograph; think about places you have traveled that you really enjoyed... your favorite vacation and where you stayed and how that room made you feel; look at accessories or collectibles that you have in your home; go look at model homes and how they are decorated; look through design magazines and books and make notes of colors you like; if you like nature, go for a walk and pull colors from the outdoors around you. There are so many places to get color inspiration... the key is remembering to USE COLOR!

Before

After

Welcome!

2009-03-28T19:46:00.004-05:00

Welcome to my blog! I am planning to use this as a communication tool to anyone interested in design. I will be posting pictures of my own projects as well as tips I have for the do-it-yourself-er. I hope that my design inspirations will become your design inspirations and for those who may need some help, I am offering my services! Good design makes a happy home and I aim to help everyone create a warm, pleasing environment that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Thank you for your interest! Please let me know what you'd like to see here; I am always open to suggestions.

Best,
Cassandra Renee Alwin