Great new, Domino is publishing a book! No doubt, it will be the bible of decorating for young professionals. Here is the press release! I heard Dara Coponigro speak last night at the BDC and it was fabulous. I would cut off my left arm to work for them (or be in the magazine!). Someday....

DOMINO MAGAZINE TO PUBLISH ITS FIRST BOOK WITH SIMON & SCHUSTER

New York, N.Y., Friday, September 28, 2007 – Domino, the hip magazine about stylish living that has become one of Condé Nast’s most successful launches of all time, has signed a deal with Simon & Schuster to publish its first book, it was announced today. Entitled The Domino Book of Decorating, the book is being edited by Domino Editor in Chief Deborah Needleman, Creative Director Sara Ruffin Costello and Style Director Dara Caponigro. It is being packaged by the firm Melcher Media, which also produced the hugely successful Lucky Shopping Manual, from sister Condé Nast publication Lucky Magazine. Simon & Schuster will publish in Fall 2008.

The Domino Book of Decorating will feature the magazine's signature blend of beauty and comfort, glamour and practicality, and offer inspiration and advice for decorating every room of the home. Filled with floor plans, before-and-after shots, and a wealth of lush photography, it will include all of the magazine's popular elements: unexpected expert decorating tips, eclectic style juxtapositions, shrewd shopping strategies, and ideas drawn from sources as far apart as Louis XIV and Le Corbusier.

Needleman commented, “We’re creating The Domino Book of Decorating for a new generation of homeowners and renters, and hope to make it the new décor bible--a source of guidance, inspiration, and excitement.”

There are a few designers these days that really get me excited, and on the top of that list is Ruthie Sommers. She owns the Chapman Radcliff Home store in Los Angeles (I plan to make a pilgrimage this winter), which sells custom made pillows and accessories, unique vintage finds and antique furniture Ruthie has refurbished with her own modern but traditional touch. Here are some of the items that can be found in her store, and on 1stdibs.

I am crazy about the upholstery on this loveseat...if only I could have a pink couch! The the contrast trim reminds me exactly of a couch I spotted by Grace Kelly's pool while watching "High Society" this weekend (my husband has a penchant for old musicals, don't ask). Also, this pair of X-bottom benches is EXACTLY what I've been looking for for my foyer(minus the snake fabric, I think), but a little on the pricey side. A cheaper version is available on Ballard Designs.

I wanted to put those x-benches under a lucite waterfall console table in the foyer- very unexpected in such a traditional home. This one is pricey, but an almost exact replica is available at CB2. Right now my mom is saying, "Lucite? Has she gone mad?". Hi Mom. :)

Also, I really loved reading this interview with Ruthie on Ladies Who Launch. Very inspiring for someone like me just starting out.

Well, it's a very exciting day as I am off this afternoon to a lecture and cocktail reception with the Style Editor of my bible, Domino Magazine!!! I hope to get in a handshake and a business card pass off! Wish me luck!

My parents' came up this weekend to help us plant trees and plants in our new patio (their 2 year anniversary gift to us) and what a difference it makes!!! Some tall arborvitae trees provide privacy (although we need to work on getting MORE privacy by doing something to that fence). I used some of the extra paver stones to build a small planting embankment under the kitchen windows- crafty me. :) We'll be getting more shrubs and plants in the spring- but first lets see if I can keep this stuff alive and well. But I am SO excited to finally be able to have my grandmother's fabulous faux-bamboo patio set!!! I have to refinish it (not sure if I should keep it white or paint it glossy black?).

If you have any outdoor space where you live, finding a way to make it usable for your lifestyle adds so much value- both to your enjoyment and to your property value!

I suppose this book can fall under the label of "design" due to it's focus on the life of one of America's most famous architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. But beyond his revolutionary designs lies a story so engrossing I felt sad when I turned the final page before bed last night.

Us creative types are, to put it kindly, a handful. And Frank bears no exception to that rule. An excentric man of almost burdening genius, he lived life fully and almost obsessively. This story focuses on the scandalous love affair between Frank and the wife of one of his clients, which played out like a soap opera on the pages of Chicago papers for years. Touching, infuriating and ultimately inspiring, this story will grip you...until the truly shocking finale! I think I said out loud "WHAAAAAATTT???" when I came to it.

Mom, I will lend you my copy. :)

Anyone who has heard me exclaim that I am "the best painter ever" needs to slap me.

I decided to take on my maaster bath project of painting metallic stripes on the walls and it was about 1,000 times harder that I imagined mostly because I managed to pick the most unforgiving paint on the planet. As much as I love the professionally painted look of Benjamin Moore's Pearlescent Tint paint in Veil Cream....it is like trying to paint a wall with sheer nail polish!!!! 8 hours later and about 10 coats of paint (and a messed up ceiling that now needs to be repainted) I am somewhat done and only 50% pleased with the results. I warn you, if you want to ue this paint HIRE SOMEONE.

Now, I have to finish painting my chairs, put up my window treatments and paint the bedroom....oh, and assemble a chandelier that came in 64 parts.

Sweat equity,baby.

I earned my wine tonight.