New Year, New You (or new space.)

Hope everyone had a great holiday. The Design House Staff enjoyed their mini holiday break and now we're back in the swing of things bringing you fun new ideas for the new year. 

We are featured in the Utah Valley Magazine in January the "New Year, New You" Edition.  We are so excited to be featured and be able to help bring new ideas to your home.  One great way to freshen up a space that is feeling dull or dated is to try a new furniture arrangement.  Sometimes we're tied to the existing set up or are afraid to change it up; don't be.  Look at it this way, if you don't like it move it back or try something else.  It's easier to move some furniture than to paint an entire room.  ;)

Another great way to breathe life into your space is new accessories.  Add new throw pillows, vases, drapes and those ever popular knick knacks that we all have and love.  New accessories do not necessarily mean buying everything new, maybe you have something in a spare bedroom you're dying to showcase; pull it and try it in the living room.  Accessorizing is like furniture arranging, try things in different places to liven up a bookshelf or mantel.  If you're not loving it, try something different.  If it's still not working for you or you cannot get the hang of it, give The Design House a call 801.787.9771.  We'd love to help your space feel fresh and new. 

On the 1st Day of Christmas The Design House gave to me...

A Partridge in a Pear Tree!  Wow we've come to the end of our 12 Days of Christmas gift giving ideas.  Now I know The Design House Boutique doesn't have many partridges hanging about; except the theme song of The Partridge Family that's running through my head.  We do have a few fun pears for sale though and they would make such a lovely addition to any home's decor.

This silver pear would be great in a contemporary/modern space since it's very sleek.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22_26&products_id=143

This greenish blue pear has a great traditional shape to it and would fit wonderfully on a bookcase or in the kitchen. 
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22_26&products_id=146

How perfect is this white pear? Imagine this elegant white pear in a red kitchen like the shining star.  He would be great on an entry or sofa table too. 
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22_26&products_id=184

Who knew fruit could be this fun?

Ok I know wallpaper can be scary.  We all grew up with it and let's face it, there were some scary palettes out there.  This wallpaper however is totally amazing in this space and done well.  This mod kitchen just screams to be used.  The fun citrus colors are lively against the stark white cabinets, table and floor. 

On the 2nd Day of Christmas The Design House gave to me...

2 Turtle Doves!  Turtle Doves aren't like typical white doves.  They are mostly steely blue grey in color with cinnamon colored wings and black spots.  Due to the fact that the Turtle Dove resides primarily in Europe, there is no way that The Design House Boutique can get a hold of them, especially this close to Christmas.  Just imagine the expedited shipping cost on a pair of these.  However in keeping with theme we have gift ideas that your sweetheart would love.

This lovebird theme rug would be a perfect.  It's a Thomas Paul rug.  He uses a lot of birds in his designs.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5_18&products_id=115

Cinnamon colored candles, reminiscent of the coloring of the Turtle Dove, would be great in any space.  These candles especially because they are flame-less, real wax candles that actually smell like sandalwood.  They can be set on a timer or you can flip the switch yourself. 
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22_40&products_id=403

This elegant room featured in Elle Decor features all of the colors of a Turtle Dove.  What's great about this room is it shows how to use a variety of neutrals for you palette without creating a monochromatic space. 

On the 3rd Day of Christmas The Design House gave to me...

3 French Hens!  I actually took a moment to figure out what a French Hen is.  I know there are so many kinds of chickens out there, but wanted to know why you'd give a French Hen as a gift.  According to my findings on Google, King Henry IV of France spotted these chickens and found them to be so tasty he demanded them on the menu daily.  I suppose because they became such a delicacy for the King that's why you gave French Hens as a gift; my reasoning as to gifting these chickens - blue feet.  Yep they have blue feet and to me that is pretty rad.  So today's gift ideas from The Design House Boutique are blue themed and there may be a chicken. 

These small and large opaque glass hens would be adorable in any kitchen.  They'd also be fun on a bookcase, hutch or really anywhere you'd like to put them. 
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22_26&products_id=515

Beautiful honeycomb cobalt blue glass ornaments would be beautiful on or off the tree.  Fill a giant vase full of these as a centerpiece or place it on the mantel.  Such an elegant way to display them.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=45_47&products_id=462

I know through these past 7 days of Christmas I have shown a bunch of pillows, but this I couldn't pass up.  It's a blue and white toile pillow with pick stitching.  Perfect for any French Country room.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=311

The French Hens and that amazing toile pillow inspired me to find a fun French Country kitchen.  This is slightly more on the Contemporary side, but still has a lot of that French Country style.  The use of glass front cabinets along with natural stone counter tops are true to the style as is the wrought iron pot rack and hardware. 

On the 4th Day of Christmas The Design House gave to me...

4 Calling Birds!  Originally 4 Calling Birds was 4 Colly birds, which are actually blackbirds.  Somewhere along the way it was adapted to Calling birds, but for today I referring back to Colly birds and I'm showcasing black gift ideas.  Fun!

This great geometric black and white pillow would be wonderful on a colored sofa or chair.  Imagine this pillow on a fun black and white damask comforter with brightly colored sheets, hot pink anyone? Yes please!
 http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=284

 

An awesome Corinth mirror with black frame is a fantastic way to add light to the space as well as character.  Clustering these and creating a collage would be fun in a bedroom, hallway or entry space.  It would work amazingly with the pillow pictured above.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=203

Using black and white in decorating is always exciting.  There are so many different combinations of fabrics, paints, furnishings etc. that you can do, it leaves you with endless possibilities.  This room they chose to highlight the panel molding with white paint and carried it up to the ceiling.  Below the molding the walls were painted black and the flooring is a plush white carpet, such a nice contrast.  Sleek white bedding with black trim was used to offset the cushy black upholstered headboard.  The crowning jewel of the room is the black crystal chandelier.  It literally is the jewelry for this "little black dress" of a space.  The fun thing about using black and white is that you can use a variety of different accessory colors to and some punch to the space; hot pink, yellow, chartreuse (lime green,) aqua, red...the list goes on and on.  It also allows you to change out accessories if you get bored easily; remove the pink and change it to red. 

On the 5th Day of Christmas The Design House gave to me...

5 GOLDEN RINGS!!!  That's always the best part of the song.  I could probably showcase a variety of gold jewelry at this point, but what fun would that be?  So instead I'm opting for mirrors, which are also shiny and sparkly.

How awesome is this porthole mirror?  It has a bit of antiquing to give it that weathered, aged appearance.  So fabulous!
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=228

Doesn't this mirror take you back to having a Spirograph when you were a kid?  It would be the perfect addition to any space.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=513

A fun way to use mirrors in an entryway or any wall, is to create a collage of mirrors.  Mirrors act as another window and are great to use in an area where you're not getting a lot of light.  They help to bounce light through the space and make the room lighter and brighter. 

Christmas Decorating Ideas

If you're house is still lacking that wonderful Christmas feel check out these ideas from http://www.houzz.com/.  We love the vast options of Christmas decor in this article. Check it out:

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/163397?utm_campaign=updates&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0&w=93390

On the 6th Day of Christmas The Design House gave to me....

6 Geese a laying! Driving through Sandy last week we saw a huge gaggle of geese by a pound.  That probably would've been the best time to pick up some geese for gift giving purposes, but there was a fence, it was cold and have you ever been chased by a goose?  It is not fun.  So I figured I'd use my better judgment and find more safe and fun gift ideas to present to you.

Since you always find geese around a mossy pond area I found these fun faux moss balls.  They are perfect in a large vase, bowl or just by themselves on a shelf.  They will work with any style of design as well.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22_26&products_id=176

The name of this rug pattern is called "flock" which is kind of like a gaggle.  The designer, Thomas Paul, uses birds in many of his designs.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5_11&products_id=78

How adorable is this nursery?  It has the whimsical nursery rhyme feel and incorporates a bit of the outside.  There are painted clouds, suns on the floor and even geese.  It's such a beautiful room perfect for any baby.

On the 7th Day of Christmas The Design House gave to me....

7 Swans a Swimming!  Do you know how hard swans are to come by?  Especially in this cold?  They may actually like the cold, but not me.  So as the swans are alluding me, mainly because I'm cozy and warm and do not want to track them down in the cold, let me present other gifts you may choose to give instead.  Peacock's are really in fashion right now and are a beautiful majestic bird like the swan, so I am going to be presenting you with some Peacock themed gifts.  YAY!

How awesome is this peacock pillow?  It's rectangle in shape and would fit perfectly in any chair or as a decorative pillow on your bed.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=252

  

We also have this great peacock statue.  It's made of Iron and Wood and has gorgeous coloring that would stand out in any room. 
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22_26&products_id=126

Do you need a fantastic round rug?  This one has large feather plumes on a plum background.  Not exactly peacock colors, but still amazing.  We also have it in a rectangle. 
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5_18&products_id=111

Can I just say OMG AMAZING to this dining space.  To have a peacock themed restaurant is just too cool for words.  These multi-colored booths are great to bring all the colors of the peacock to the room.  The elegant sheer panels provide that added shimmer that mimics peacock feathers.  And holy cow that floor is just amazing!  How fun would it be to have a meal here?

On the 8th Day of Christmas The Design House gave to me.....

8 Maids a milking!  Man if only we had 8 maids to give-away how awesome would that be?  Sadly we don't, but we do have some amazing gifts to give to make those household chores feel a little more glamorous. 

Aren't these the most amazing rubber gloves you've seen?  It totally makes doing dishes more sassy and fun.  And only $16.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_52_53&products_id=499

 

Or this wonderful Sweet Cream Body Milk.  It's an organic body lotion that smells so great and makes your skin feel so soft.  This lotion plus those fabulous gloves will definitely combat dish pan hands.  $26 10oz Glass Cruet. This one makes a fabulous Christmas Gift especially with that darling cruet.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_31&products_id=350

This beautiful Georgian inspired kitchen features everything you could possibly want, plenty of storage, stainless steel appliances and spectacular granite counter tops.  Any maid would love to work in a space like this, or even the homeowner for that matter.  This is actually a local home The Design House remodeled.  Give us a call and we can help you with your remodel or redesign.  Check out the before and afters and see the transformation.
http://thedesignhouseinteriordesign.blogspot.com/2010/09/stupendous-kitchen-family-and-laundry.html

On the 9th Day of Christmas The Design House Gave to me......

9 Ladies Dancing!  Again it's hard to round up 9 dancing ladies, well maybe not so hard here in Utah, there are a lot of dancers here, sadly we don't have any available.  But we do have some fun items they may like for Christmas!

Every dancing lady needs a full length mirror.  It helps to practice form and to check out your awesome costume.  Sweet!
Montana Rectangular Mirror $298
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=211

Bravo! Bravo! After watching your dancer's performance give one of these fantastic magnets.
Only $2 each for a fabulously large magnet to hang your dancers photo with!
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_49&products_id=480

 

For an awesome look, pair this magnet with the Bravo one above.  Then your special dancer always knows you're applauding their talent.  Yay!
$2 Applause Magnet  3.5" x 4.25"
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_49&products_id=481

Now imagine having this killer LED dance floor to light up as you move. Wouldn't it be super fun to have at home?  The Design House could help this dream become a reality for you.  :)

On the 10th Day of Christmas The Design House gave to me......

10 Lords a Leaping!  Just like the pipers, the leaping lords are a bit hard to find so we'd like to bring to you some fun products that those leaping lords may really like to use on some tired feet.

Let us first start with a great milk bath to soak your aching limbs from leaping in.  It makes your skin so soft and smooth and is almost 100% organic.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_31&products_id=347

After a nice milk bath soak this exfoliating scrub will help smooth up some rough edges, especially on those tired feet and leave you smelling oh so amazing.  Also mostly an organic product.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_31&products_id=353

After finishing up exfoliating, apply this awesome Honey Heel Glaze.  It helps to moisturize your skin and feels fabulous on your skin.  And you guessed it, yet another awesome organic product.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_31&products_id=351

How fun is this dance studio?  If you were a Lord would you leap here?  I would.  The colors are so calm and it's like dancing in a home instead of some stark white space.  The brick wall and yellow door make if feel like you're dancing in an urban environment and don't even get me started on the disco ball!  Such an inspired space.

On the 11th Day of Christmas The Design House gave to me.......

On the 11th Day of Christmas The Design House gave to me... 11 Pipers Piping.  Now honestly, where does one find 11 Pipers Piping? I don't know either, but I do know of some awesome pillows with piping on them.

This pillow has a nice contrasting piping in red.  It adds some pizazz.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=272

This fantastic orange pillow has fuschia piping.  Amazing!
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=242

This pillow features navy piping and plaid.
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=291

Speaking of plaid check out this sublime boy's room we just finished designing.  The monochromatic blue theme has bright pops of orange and fun plaid bedding.  The bedding is Quicksilver so it has that surfer/snowboarder vibe mixed with the traditionalism of plaid.  Now imagine 11 Pipers Piping in this plaid instead of traditional navy/green plaid, it would be quite the site. 

Swing by our Boutique to see more than 11 Pillows with Piping and check back soon to see our sublime boys room accessorized!  It's so fun, we cannot wait to share the results.
Shop the Boutique and see fun Gift ideas at  http://www.thedesignhouseboutique.com/

On the 12th Day of Christmas The Design House gave to me.....

We all know and love the song "The 12 Days of Christmas" so we thought it would be fun to celebrate the 12 Days leading up to Christmas showcasing some of our favorite gift ideas and interior design elements.  Now traditionally the 12 Days of Christmas starts on Christmas Day and lasts for 12 days after, but for fun lets celebrate them early and backwards!  So without further ado, let's start with 12 Drummers Drumming. 

This clock is so much fun.  It doesn't necessarily have the drummers, but it does have 12 numbers and hands ticking away....that could be like a drummer keeping rhythm right?
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22_28&products_id=212

What about a nice "Drum" shade lamp?  Maybe you have a need for 12 throughout your home.  You can always use drum shade lamps or even drum shade chandeliers.  They're so chic and fun!
http://thedesignhouseboutique.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_17&products_id=134

And last but not least we may as well showcase a drummer's room right?  This is Tommy Lee's home from the band Motley Crue.  It's so fun and eclectic.  The black Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair is a great contrast amongst all of the red.  Tommy said in the interview he loves the shape of the sofa because as you walk in the door it looks like a smile greeting you.  Such a crazy guy with a fantastic space.  To check out more head over to Spin magazine.

So for the 12 Drummers Drumming we have a great clock, awesome drum shades and a drummer's pad.  You can find the above items at http://www.thedesignhouseboutique.com/ except Tommy Lee, who knows where to find him.

The Table is Made

A few weeks back we posted photos of a client's table after it had been painted, stained and glazed, but not assembled.  Well we have pictures of it all put together and living happily in it's new space.  Drum roll for the table............

I'll be getting more wonderful pictures of this table soon, but here's a quick taste of all the assembled pieces.  So beautiful and a great piece for the space.

Now Offering Help with Holiday Decor!

The Holidays are now upon us and is your home or office in tip top condition for the celebrations? Well if not The Design House is here to help! We love to decorate for the holidays and we do all holiday styles from traditional to vintage. Hurry and give us a call! We'll help give you ideas, shop, and/or buy holiday decor for your space. We can do it all or work along side of you. You just let us know what you need help with and we provide our services at 20% off our hourly rate for $60/hr for our Holiday Special. Call Susan today and let us know how we can help spruce up your space! (801) 787-9771

UPDATE: Designing & Decorating a Retail Space

UPDATE:  We recently reported that we would be decorating the entrance of Furniture Warehouse for the holidays.  Sadly we won't be decorating the entrance but we will still be the premier Interior Design Firm.  We will be staging a few areas in the store showcasing Furniture Warehouse's awesome product lines as well as the wonderful talents of The Design House.   If you need help selecting your furniture give us a call and we can meet you over there to aid in your selections.