chameleon interiors

I'm a thief!

<p> My latest issue of <a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/spring_2013" target="_blank" title="">::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living</a> is focused on vacation style living. One of features is "A Cheap and Cheerful Vacation in a Bag". It's a cute idea, but I must come clean - it's not my own!! My <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="">Skirted Roundtable</a> partner Joni Webb shared this concept on <a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2010/04/must-be-nice.html" target="_blank" title="">here</a> blog in 2010 and it stuck with me. Joni showed us photos of the rental condo she and her family stay in during their annual month long beach vacation. The dated, well used, condo gets the Joni treatment with slip covers and flowers. Is a great idea, and so I pilfered it. So, thanks Joni! </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8897175939/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="997" id="blogsy-1369969473487.5889" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5460/8897175939_dc56db02ab_c.jpg" width="757"></a></div> <p> Speaking of The Skirted Roundtable, as God is my witness, our recently recorded chat with the one and only India Hicks will be edited today!! And then I am off to a quick trip down to Provincetown for the evening to meet up with my Brizo Blogger 19 and BlogTourNola buddy Gloria Graham Solicito of <a href="http://kitchensforliving.net/" target="_blank" title="">Kitchens Four Living</a> who is in town from Florida for an encaustic art conference. We'll be strolling Commercial Street and visiting the local art galleries.  It looks like my quest to get inside John Derian's shop will be thwarted yet again! His seasonal shop is located in the back of his gorgeous Commerical Street Federal era home, and it's never open when I'm there! This year, it's opening on Saturday - missing it by one day!!! </p> <p> Have a great weekend!!</p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

I'm a thief!

My latest issue of ::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living is focused on vacation style living. One of features is "A Cheap and C...

4:30 AM

::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living, Spring 2013, is Live!!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJp4UPeYEA0IwTZT3351vB4GhOqGFAI4ETLUQ6r5FIp9R_zZjJKphpLwMTAM14-BkhxrkqBhdW7UC2IV8ukDBqtCuClJaGtQT-Idt21MjPpSi9SpGXyucm6kju2fs2zkRK9Qp56XJ_1A/s1600/Spring+2013+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJp4UPeYEA0IwTZT3351vB4GhOqGFAI4ETLUQ6r5FIp9R_zZjJKphpLwMTAM14-BkhxrkqBhdW7UC2IV8ukDBqtCuClJaGtQT-Idt21MjPpSi9SpGXyucm6kju2fs2zkRK9Qp56XJ_1A/s640/Spring+2013+Cover.jpg" width="496" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I feel like I've fallen off the face of the planet, but I've really just been very busy putting the final touches on my latest edition of<a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings" target="_blank"> ::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Surroundings</a> (among other things like client work and holding my flute student's annual recital!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucbOCBuZ__Oj91AY7GPzAy5YWNVVxY1F7e2qW7smaVzglzhFrfKNBn3tE_y64cWgtNm24tPwnW4hmlPydQIth8AGq-KUVj6xwGsWTpw9tuSrCAeHLZ7CR7PXar90QVHy0XvfZqFiF8-g/s1600/Photoshoot+collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucbOCBuZ__Oj91AY7GPzAy5YWNVVxY1F7e2qW7smaVzglzhFrfKNBn3tE_y64cWgtNm24tPwnW4hmlPydQIth8AGq-KUVj6xwGsWTpw9tuSrCAeHLZ7CR7PXar90QVHy0XvfZqFiF8-g/s1600/Photoshoot+collage2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Last month, cover photographer <a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/www.michaeljleephotography.com/HOME.html" target="_blank">Michael J. Lee</a> and I descended on the fabulous <a href="http://artefacthome.com/" target="_blank">Artefact Home|Garden</a> in Belmont, MA and after a bit of brainstorming, came up with our plan to create the perfect look for a Spring/Summer issue that is focused around the theme of "vacation style" living. We don't need to go out of town to be on vacation, it's more a state of mind. As you can see from images taken during our photoshoot - a beautiful space was created on what is basically a sidewalk on a busy road. Magic!<br /><br />I hope you enjoy - and don't forget to send a postcard from where ever your vacation takes you! <br /><br /><code><div class="issuuembed" data-configid="1985255/2717422" style="height: 421px; width: 650px;"></div><script async="true" src="http://e.issuu.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script></code> <br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living, Spring 2013, is Live!!

I feel like I've fallen off the face of the planet, but I've really just been very busy putting the final touches on my latest edi...

10:38 AM

Seeking solace

<p> It's been a terrible week. Really, it's been a terrible few months. </p> <p> </p> <p>Newtown. Boston. Moore. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8778080458/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="650" id="blogsy-1369184401871.7832" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8545/8778080458_327d83eafc.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: left; ">“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles." </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">― </span><font color="#000000" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3720.Anne_Frank" style="text-decoration: none; "><font color="#000000">Anne Frank</font></a> </font></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8778086700/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="650" id="blogsy-1369184401860.2173" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/8778086700_1233256c4b.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: left; ">“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”</span><span style="text-align: left; "> </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "> - </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15332.Rachel_Carson" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-decoration: none; "><font color="#000000">Rachel Carson</font></a></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8778095462/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="650" id="blogsy-1369184401811.5952" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8553/8778095462_995a274e2e.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> <span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">There is a rapture on the lonely shore, </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">There is society, where none intrudes, </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">By the deep sea, and music in its roar. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I love not man the less, but Nature more”</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "> -</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "> </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/44407.George_Gordon_Byron" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-decoration: none; "><font color="#000000">George Gordon Byron</font></a></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8771538271/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="650" id="blogsy-1369184401851.0981" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/8771538271_05036c3c0d.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> In looking for a little peace today, I stopped at my favorite beach and watched the fog roll in and smell the salt air. The irony isn't lost on me that this gentle Nature has a terrible flip side. </p> <p>My thoughts and prayers go out to our friends in Oklahoma.  </p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Seeking solace

It's been a terrible week. Really, it's been a terrible few months. Newtown. Boston. Moore. “The best remedy for those who a...

6:00 PM

Bathroom Makeover Project

<p> I hope everyone had a nice weekend. As I mentioned on Friday, I am starting a little makeover of my Mom's main bathroom. I thought I'd share where I'm starting from and what my plans are.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8755526321/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1369025543881.2957" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/8755526321_fea254aaa3_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> As you can see above, the bathroom is not very big and is pretty bland and outdated. The vinyl floor was actually covered with a rug until I finally pulled it up recently. Kind of gross to have a rug in the bathroom, but my Mom has a big fear of cold feet. The rug was blue, the walls and trim white, and the window treatment and shower curtain a blue and white shell pattern. Luckily, the trim is all in good condition, my Dad painted it years ago and it's still perfect. I need to touch up the baseboard moldings since his cane, then walker and on occasion wheelchair left their marks. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8755526917/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1369025543844.0051" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/8755526917_216a0e27dd_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> I'd love to be able to really do up the bathroom for my Mom like these above. So fresh and pretty. But it's not in the cards right now, so a cosmetic makeover it is. </p> <p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8756649064/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1369025543847.436" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/8756649064_0660e9ff3d_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> This is primarily a one-story house and the dining room, which Michael Lee shot for my 2011 Holiday issue of ::<a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/nov_dec_2011" target="_self" title="">Surroundings:: magazine</a>, shares a hall with the bedrooms and bathroom. The gorgeous wallpaper, which we believe is an old Schumacher paper designed by William Haines,  is the featured element.  I never really understood why the bathroom wasn't better coordinated with the hall, especially since the color palette is so pretty. Oh well, the time and come!</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8755528463/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1369025543871.8274" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8558/8755528463_25c016855b_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> And so, I'll be using the striped fabric above for the window treatment, as well as banding around the solid fabric shower curtain.  The walls will be painted Benjamin Moore's Palladian Blue. There is already a new toilet and Toto is proving the Wyeth faucet. I'll be painting the natural wood cabinet front and mirror frame white (gone will be the knotty pine!!) and doing something with the light fixture. I'll be painting the vinyl floor gloss white or beige, and will be adding a custom cut seagrass rug. I wish I could swing a new tile or wood floor, but this is a cheap and cheerful project!</p> <p>So, that's what I'll be up to the next few weekends. Stay tuned for the after pics!</p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Bathroom Makeover Project

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. As I mentioned on Friday, I am starting a little makeover of my Mom's main bathroom. I thought I...

4:30 AM

Toto - People Centered Design and a bathroom sneak peek

I wanted to share a neat little video from <a href="http://www.totousa.com/" target="_blank">Toto</a> - sort of their "Highlights from KBIS" reel. It's all about People Centered Design for them. <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7N4ySo7oxFU" width="640"></iframe><br /><br />And some of my photos from their booth:  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0JShXbuKQyDwD92aEbTI9bdHIZDZAjkInBIu3SixCVa9WTDJdX89yu3S78XO871udLT5GRNLUeLeChyphenhyphenFpxT4agLHbsN5AsgIqB9Mk53JJ0e_6KsfSdxbPq0hxvDPV7Up0r4n19TW4sg/s1600/IMG_2624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0JShXbuKQyDwD92aEbTI9bdHIZDZAjkInBIu3SixCVa9WTDJdX89yu3S78XO871udLT5GRNLUeLeChyphenhyphenFpxT4agLHbsN5AsgIqB9Mk53JJ0e_6KsfSdxbPq0hxvDPV7Up0r4n19TW4sg/s640/IMG_2624.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNO0PDlUYImaKXELlwhKXN43ar-PtIY7ZE1tvfpFkM7__ujDN1LO_NLzFjylzpC6F5Vs3mNnlhWQLECugjPOprHdfGDuFPaD9m2Q5yN54GexuZIVHKXn9CERU8cmNEhsX4f8Ub14HhHDk/s1600/IMG_2626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNO0PDlUYImaKXELlwhKXN43ar-PtIY7ZE1tvfpFkM7__ujDN1LO_NLzFjylzpC6F5Vs3mNnlhWQLECugjPOprHdfGDuFPaD9m2Q5yN54GexuZIVHKXn9CERU8cmNEhsX4f8Ub14HhHDk/s640/IMG_2626.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Toma, the <a href="http://antiquesdiva.com/" target="_blank">Antiques Diva</a> herself, just hanging around a tub in heels... as you do</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7LEvLoLASSTbIVtvC17pRXUi3qgiUfIZxEjBWxTIKJAS1-60jT7b9MXnU0SfQpsjJKO9Q9QVu4wn8PCkh8d5VFgYoWlHnBjQUuSSgs-dDN7EX4quTUQNNurTRTnqa58QhMcjgiUpopY/s1600/IMG_2778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7LEvLoLASSTbIVtvC17pRXUi3qgiUfIZxEjBWxTIKJAS1-60jT7b9MXnU0SfQpsjJKO9Q9QVu4wn8PCkh8d5VFgYoWlHnBjQUuSSgs-dDN7EX4quTUQNNurTRTnqa58QhMcjgiUpopY/s640/IMG_2778.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Totally loving my teeny tiny <a href="http://www.totousa.com/" target="_blank">Toto</a> toilet flashlight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.totousa.com/Portals/0/images/products/TL230SD_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.totousa.com/Portals/0/images/products/TL230SD_zoom.jpg" /></a></div><br />And a big thank to Toto for the gift of the Wyeth faucet to all BlogTourNola members. It's going to make a beautiful addition to the small facelift I'm giving my mother's master bathroom!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage10.ak.instagram.com/223598a4bef511e283fe22000a1faeaf_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage10.ak.instagram.com/223598a4bef511e283fe22000a1faeaf_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />And here's a sneak peek of the color palette and window/shower curtains that will be going up. As soon as I repaint the white trim, the floor, the walls, the mirror frame and vanity fronts, and do something with the seriously outdated lighting fixture...  Guess I know my weekend plans!<br /><br />Have a good one! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Toto - People Centered Design and a bathroom sneak peek

I wanted to share a neat little video from Toto - sort of their "Highlights from KBIS" reel. It's all about People Centered D...

8:32 AM

A Little Friday Pretty from Osborne & Little

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/file.axd?pointerid=37ad22bf6fe5441594ceb67e4412927e&w=784" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/file.axd?pointerid=37ad22bf6fe5441594ceb67e4412927e&w=784" width="640" /></a></div><br />Gosh, how did it get to be Friday already?? I've had a super busy week I guess!<br /><br />Anyway, wanted to share this pretty new collection of Osborne and Little fabrics and wallpaper.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/file.axd?pointerid=d5fe6d1f275e4dc686c1b70f43951b08&w=392" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/file.axd?pointerid=d5fe6d1f275e4dc686c1b70f43951b08&w=392" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/products-and-collections/fabric/spring-2013/persian_garden_fabrics/shiraz" target="_blank">Shiraz</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/file.axd?pointerid=b4dbba3338d8442b9c72c7b1fad6ed4c&w=392" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/file.axd?pointerid=b4dbba3338d8442b9c72c7b1fad6ed4c&w=392" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/products-and-collections/fabric/spring-2013/persian_garden_fabrics/isfahan_tulip" target="_blank">Isfahan Tulip</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/file.axd?pointerid=4300ec7ac7754c989132dd6d49070508&w=392" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/file.axd?pointerid=4300ec7ac7754c989132dd6d49070508&w=392" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/file.axd?pointerid=4300ec7ac7754c989132dd6d49070508&w=392" target="_blank"> Rosalia Damask</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/file.axd?pointerid=17b21faff8f745bfb50f166637924ad6&w=392" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/file.axd?pointerid=17b21faff8f745bfb50f166637924ad6&w=392" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/products-and-collections/fabric/spring-2013/persian_garden_fabrics/persian_garden" target="_blank">Persian Garden</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj646lS33CBWy22PKTkqKpmJWrPTRMr5XgKM3NfcFElQdzcgyuDnZA3AtcVNcUoOoWByORtfUIr2Ow9w7kFxoBF0Y3u3sUmRr_ofqoTKWjOjdXv7mEIj1AkUKTh9N6jeI8yHZv8pBtjy9I/s1600/O&L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj646lS33CBWy22PKTkqKpmJWrPTRMr5XgKM3NfcFElQdzcgyuDnZA3AtcVNcUoOoWByORtfUIr2Ow9w7kFxoBF0Y3u3sUmRr_ofqoTKWjOjdXv7mEIj1AkUKTh9N6jeI8yHZv8pBtjy9I/s640/O&L.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><br />See the entire Persian Garden line of <a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/products-and-collections/fabric/spring-2013/persian_garden_fabrics" target="_blank">fabrics</a> and <a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/products-and-collections/wallcoverings/spring-2013/persian_garden_wallpapers" target="_blank">wallpapers</a>. O&L fabrics and wallpapers are sold primarily through stockists and to the trade. If you don't have an account but would like purchase information, please be in touch. <br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

A Little Friday Pretty from Osborne & Little

Gosh, how did it get to be Friday already?? I've had a super busy week I guess! Anyway, wanted to share this pretty new collection of Os...

7:49 AM

DRAWING TODAY!! May Giveaway! A handmade serving board from 60Nobscot Home

<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqRGjsokFPA91iaBR6UDdWMqwpZUcVhqvzkiUSk3GgLLXwjfhZbbM42pB2ICX0woJk71yIVPkHLbLzkJi-91cmkbhCc6RfiakbXD4Iyin3qAYY0DVof2RwIxjbnXHoTr2697by1L7La4/s1600/SB+8+Cherry+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqRGjsokFPA91iaBR6UDdWMqwpZUcVhqvzkiUSk3GgLLXwjfhZbbM42pB2ICX0woJk71yIVPkHLbLzkJi-91cmkbhCc6RfiakbXD4Iyin3qAYY0DVof2RwIxjbnXHoTr2697by1L7La4/s640/SB+8+Cherry+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">TODAY IS YOUR LAST DAY TO ENTER!! </span></span></div><br />I'm thrilled to be able to offer as a giveaway this beautiful handmade latter that would be great as a cheese tray, sushi platter or for any other food presentation. This unique, minimalist serving board is made from re-purposed remnants of domestic New England hardwoods.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoip9Di7JCZWFUkjkyesYuFIMSQbp9JII8mPl5rTitc5g3zcdXDEjBhtCL3lF0m7MNcC0JHfnjEx6yNOXlTJ2gT8sfZ7hvdfqT7rNHFScFLPl9scaCDCftg9cdm0ubEc8P16ebyZQvVM/s1600/Linda+and+Ray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoip9Di7JCZWFUkjkyesYuFIMSQbp9JII8mPl5rTitc5g3zcdXDEjBhtCL3lF0m7MNcC0JHfnjEx6yNOXlTJ2gT8sfZ7hvdfqT7rNHFScFLPl9scaCDCftg9cdm0ubEc8P16ebyZQvVM/s640/Linda+and+Ray.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ray and I at the IFDA New England Member's Dinner in 2010</div><br /><br /><br /><br />Ray Bachand's furniture design is guided by the unique character and temperament of each piece of wood. The uniqueness of the grain patterns, the shape and size, the color variations etc. all contribute to how a board will be used. Often defects become attributes and sections that might otherwise be cut out or discarded become spectacular. This allows that each finished piece is indeed unique and can truly be considered one of a kind.   A mostly self-taught artisan he has attended workshops at The North Bennett Street School and Chair Making Workshops in New Hampshire. He has a background in music with a BA in percussion performance from San Jose State University and has done graduate work at UCLA. His performances ranged from The San Francisco Opera to Dave Brubeck to Frank Zappa and he was a faculty member of The Berklee College of Music.<br /><br />After founding, running and then selling a music software company Ray became impassioned with wood and has never looked back. He is now the proprietor of <a href="http://www.60nobscot.com/" target="_blank">60nobscot Home</a> a showroom & gallery featuring custom furniture, unique art & handcrafted home goods in the restored barns at the historic Mahoney Farm in historic Sudbury Massachusetts.<br /><br />Here's a few examples of Ray's work:<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1804236/Home-Office--Boston-Magazine-Design-Home-2012-modern-home-office-boston"><img border="0" height="804" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/4e21a6090082f22c_8-8964/modern-home-office.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/home-office" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Modern Home Office</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/furniture-and-accessories/c/Sudbury%2C-MA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Sudbury Furniture And Accessories</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/60nobscot/60nobscot-home" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">60nobscot Home</a></small></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2484678/Asian-Inspired-Media-Cabinrt-eclectic-furniture-boston"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/4981fc3e00f6e183_8-6875/eclectic-furniture.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/furniture" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Eclectic Furniture</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/furniture-and-accessories/c/Sudbury%2C-MA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Sudbury Furniture And Accessories</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/60nobscot/60nobscot-home" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">60nobscot Home</a></small></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/758637/Butternut-Side-Table-eclectic-side-tables-and-accent-tables-boston"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/d13176010f7885c3_8-3862/eclectic-side-tables-and-accent-tables.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/side-tables-and-accent-tables" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Eclectic Side Tables And Accent Tables</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/furniture-and-accessories/c/Sudbury%2C-MA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Sudbury Furniture And Accessories</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/60nobscot/60nobscot-home" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">60nobscot Home</a></small></div><br />  <br /><br />I think this piece would work in so many settings and decor styles and thank Ray for offering this piece to a ::Surroundings:: friend and reader.<br /><br />In order to win, please visit Ray's <a href="http://www.60nobscot.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/60nobscot/60nobscot-home" target="_blank">Houzz</a> pages and come back and post here to tell us which piece is your favorite. Extra chances to win if you also "Like" Ray's Facebook page here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/60nobscot">https://www.facebook.com/60nobscot</a> and mine here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LindaMerrillDecorativeSurroundings">https://www.facebook.com/LindaMerrillDecorativeSurroundings</a> <br /><br />Email addresses must be included in order to win - if you use yours to sign into disqus, then that's okay for the purposes of entry, or include in your post, or <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a> it to me separately after you've commented and reference your comment.  <u>Only continental US mailing addresses, please.</u> L<a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com" target="_blank">et me know</a> if you have any questions. Random drawing to be held on May 12th. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">NOTE:When I moved the post to day, the previous comments didn't come with the post, but not to fear - I do have all the comments noted separately! Thank you!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">And, we ha<span style="font-size: large;">ve a winner! Congrats to Patrick M<span style="font-size: large;">adden!! <span style="font-size: x-small;">Please note again that some of the entries didn't copy over when I reposted this post to today. However, I had a record of each comment posted to the prior blog post, plus each like on FB, etc. I wrote each name on a slip of paper (1 per comment, 1 per each like on Ray and my FB pages) and drew out of the pile of paper slips. </span></span></span></span> </span></span><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

DRAWING TODAY!! May Giveaway! A handmade serving board from 60Nobscot Home

TODAY IS YOUR LAST DAY TO ENTER!! I'm thrilled to be able to offer as a giveaway this beautiful handmade latter that would be great as ...

9:54 AM

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

Here's to you and all your Moms from me and mine! Posted with Blogsy

4:59 PM

BlogTourNola Sponsor Spotlight: Blanco Sinks and Faucets - It's all in the details

A longtime <a href="http://www.modenus.com/blog/category/blogtour" target="_blank">BlogTour</a> sponsor is <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/" target="_blank">BLANCO</a>, the German manufacturer of finely crafted sinks and faucets, brings style and quality to a new level with   their   latest   collection   of   faucets. <br /><div data-canvas-width="248.60000740885732" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; left: 99.6px; top: 453.6px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02897, 1);"></div><div data-canvas-width="481.0813476706743" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="left: 94.6667px; top: 521.067px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03816, 1);"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Our latest collection  of faucets offer livable style,” stated Tim Maicher, Director of Marketing for BLANCO. “When we  say livable style,  we  are referencing   style   that   leads   trends   while   integrating   into   any   kitchen design. At the same time, we are talking about the faucets’ functionality. Faucets </span></span></div><div data-canvas-width="325.30667636156085" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="left: 94.6667px; top: 571.6px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00099, 1);"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">are the jewelry of the kitchen. They must be attractive, but they are also the most abused fixtures in the kitchen. That’s why we engineer BLANCO faucets to last, to use less water, to provide unmatched cleaning and to be as easy to use as they are to maintain.” </span></span></div><div data-canvas-width="325.30667636156085" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="left: 94.6667px; top: 571.6px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00099, 1);"></div><div data-canvas-width="325.30667636156085" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="left: 94.6667px; top: 571.6px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00099, 1);"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">B<span style="font-size: small;">LA<span style="font-size: small;">NCO <span style="font-size: small;">was one of the ho<span style="font-size: small;">sts of our final dinner together on BlogTourNola at the beautiful <a href="http://www.nordickitchens.com/" target="_blank">Nordic Kitchens & Baths </a><span style="font-size: small;">show<span style="font-size: small;">room in <span style="font-size: small;">Me<span style="font-size: small;"></span>t<span style="font-size: small;">air<span style="font-size: small;">ie</span></span>, LA<span style="font-size: small;">. They put together a fun video f<span style="font-size: small;">rom the evening, which was also ho<span style="font-size: small;">sted by <a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/startpage.html" target="_blank">Po</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/startpage.html" target="_blank">ggen</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/startpage.html" target="_blank">po</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/startpage.html" target="_blank">hl</a> and <a href="http://www.silestoneusa.com/" target="_blank">Silestone</a>. Keep your eyes peeled <span style="font-size: small;">for a quick pic of yours <span style="font-size: small;">truly. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div><div data-canvas-width="325.30667636156085" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; left: 94.6667px; top: 571.6px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00099, 1);"></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-GdgRqeGvdE?list=UUKdkCJF0so4IKcE4WsG8YDA" width="640"></iframe><br /><br />From BLANCO's newly released product lineup, I am loving the ALTA compact faucet (which is admittedly a little modern for my usual tastes, but I love the simplicity of this one) and the Napa faucet which is a beautiful piece of sculpture. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos-1.dropbox.com/t/0/AABXcMrjaVxy7viK1t_KuDswaSrMTvKqXJgE_fPwvAfrEw/12/15975197/jpeg/32x32/3/1368208800/0/2/441486_ALTA_SS.jpg/595mYeYB2QGdAXLzUSxEJ4VGsA7nsyWZBvv39LE9LaI?size=1280x960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://photos-1.dropbox.com/t/0/AABXcMrjaVxy7viK1t_KuDswaSrMTvKqXJgE_fPwvAfrEw/12/15975197/jpeg/32x32/3/1368208800/0/2/441486_ALTA_SS.jpg/595mYeYB2QGdAXLzUSxEJ4VGsA7nsyWZBvv39LE9LaI?size=1280x960" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos-1.dropbox.com/t/0/AABXA4w4RzlL7G23Mtp7vxm3MC_oQmitT9lS574Rth2dMw/12/15975197/jpeg/32x32/3/1368208800/0/2/441490_ALTA_COM_TR_CR.jpg/jluuiShIOduUhAsmzaUYISTQrGng3dpOpKKcBSCeIJM?size=1280x960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://photos-1.dropbox.com/t/0/AABXA4w4RzlL7G23Mtp7vxm3MC_oQmitT9lS574Rth2dMw/12/15975197/jpeg/32x32/3/1368208800/0/2/441490_ALTA_COM_TR_CR.jpg/jluuiShIOduUhAsmzaUYISTQrGng3dpOpKKcBSCeIJM?size=1280x960" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/c3/blanco_usa/_www/en/pub/products/product_portfolio/faucets1/portfolio_faucets.cfm?fuseaction=c.productdetail&startRow=1&endRow=2&strukturID=1354035835225" target="_blank">ALTA compact faucet</a> comes in wide range of SILGRANIT® II colors  and metal finishes and is just the right size for smaller spaces.  Features a 128°  swivel spout, dual pull-out spray. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos-4.dropbox.com/t/0/AABoqsjaAmXHc7XutgT57TYvMP0j272MfLfCH4sq05U96g/12/15975197/jpeg/32x32/3/1368208800/0/2/441506_NAPA_PO_SS.jpg/lYuFPjp1uBKe4-3-yGVk2SGEV7gYsuaRyz-7hgGo6Kg?size=1280x960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://photos-4.dropbox.com/t/0/AABoqsjaAmXHc7XutgT57TYvMP0j272MfLfCH4sq05U96g/12/15975197/jpeg/32x32/3/1368208800/0/2/441506_NAPA_PO_SS.jpg/lYuFPjp1uBKe4-3-yGVk2SGEV7gYsuaRyz-7hgGo6Kg?size=1280x960" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">For more traditional tastes, there is the <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/c3/blanco_usa/_www/en/pub/products/product_portfolio/faucets1/portfolio_faucets.cfm?fuseaction=c.productdetail&startRow=1&endRow=4&strukturID=1354035835258" target="_blank">Napa faucet </a>which is sinuous and sleek at the same time - it has gentle curving lines, but with durability built in.  Dual spray  available in polished chrome and satin nickel. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/inter/kt/HeilerPPMKatalog/hlr-system/USA/Sinks_Bowls/BLANCOCERANA/FC_RD_SING_WH_GL_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.blancoamerica.com/inter/kt/HeilerPPMKatalog/hlr-system/USA/Sinks_Bowls/BLANCOCERANA/FC_RD_SING_WH_GL_640.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of my favorite products from BLANCO is the beautiful Fireclay apron front sink. The newest material in luxury is actually centuries old. Made of  authentic fireclay, the exclusive <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/c3/blanco_usa/_www/en/pub/products/product_portfolio/portfolio_catalog_sinks.cfm?fuseaction=c.productdetail&startRow=1&endRow=3&strukturID=1326377546778" target="_blank">BLANCO CERANA™</a> is durable, beautiful,  and versatile. This is a reversible sink is a perfect fit for both  traditional and contemporary kitchens. Above is the more traditional rounded "farmhouse" style sink and below is the more integrated modern look. Two in one - a great idea! <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2013/03/the-before-and-after-my-kitchen.html" target="_blank">Boston blogger Erin Gates</a> just showed her BLANCO Gerana sink in her new kitchen remodel. It's a great look. And I'm thinking this is going to make a great addition to my virtual <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Linda%27s%20Dream%20House" target="_blank">Dream House design project</a> as well. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/inter/kt/HeilerPPMKatalog/hlr-system/USA/Sinks_Bowls/BLANCOCERANA/FC_SQ_SING_WH_WB_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.blancoamerica.com/inter/kt/HeilerPPMKatalog/hlr-system/USA/Sinks_Bowls/BLANCOCERANA/FC_SQ_SING_WH_WB_640.jpg" /></a></div><br />A huge thanks again to <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/" target="_blank">BLANCO</a> for sponsoring BlogTourNola - it's been a great experience getting to know everyone involved!<br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

BlogTourNola Sponsor Spotlight: Blanco Sinks and Faucets - It's all in the details

A longtime BlogTour sponsor is BLANCO , the German manufacturer of finely crafted sinks and faucets, brings style and quality to a new leve...

10:02 AM

BlogTourNola Sponsor Spotlight: A Steamy Situation with Mr. Steam

First, a little entertainment:<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QeNBJrxiBQ4" width="640"></iframe><br /><br />So, it was pretty hot and steamy for part of our New Orleans adventure and I'll admit, the thought of a hot steam wasn't too overly appealing. Until I got home to New England and was reminded why the joys of a steamy experience would be well warranted for most of the year here!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.mrsteam.com/Portals/197381/images/ms_welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.mrsteam.com/Portals/197381/images/ms_welcome.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, a big thank you to Mr. Steam - and the effervescent  Martha Orellana (aka Mrs. Steam)  and Dan Reinert for hosting our amazing dinner at Chef Susan Spicer's Bayona Restaurant. The food, and the company, were amazing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mrsteam.com/index.html" target="_blank">Mr. Steam</a>, aka The Feel Good Company, is a premier source of upscale, and high quality steam products including  towel warmers, shower speakers, shower seats, aromasteam and  chromasteam™ systems. Their advanced technology, engineering, and design  provides equipment that enhances lifestyles worldwide. The company has  refined — and redefined — value and reliability, assuring the highest  level of quality. In addition to providing private luxury enhancements  for residential use, from smaller homes to estates, their products service  a large roster of hotels, resorts, health clubs, spas, and professional  team headquarters.</div><br />Plus, they enjoy a good time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrsteam.com/uploadedImages/Steam%20system-exp%20hi-wm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://mrsteam.com/uploadedImages/Steam%20system-exp%20hi-wm4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://mrsteam.com/products/residential-steambath.html" title="mr.steam© residential steambaths">Mr.Steam© residential steambaths</a> transform your shower into a personal home spa retreat.<em><br /></em><br />Adding <em>Mr.Steam</em> <a href="http://mrsteam.com/products/accessories_aromas.html" title="Aromasteam™">Aromasteam™</a> oils,  <a href="http://mrsteam.com/products/accessories_chromasteam.html">Chromasteam®</a> lights and MusicTherapy sounds to your steam shower will enhance your steam bathing experience. Steam may help relieve tired muscles as warmth penetrates the body.  Warm moisture opens the pores of your skin, leaving it softer and more  supple. Perspiration during steambathing may remove impurities from your  body. Improved breathing and a sense of cleanliness contribute to a  feeling of wellness and fitness.<br /><br />iSteam© is a new home steam shower experience that marks a new era in bathroom remodeling options. As easy to use as a smart phone, the beautiful grapics of the iSteam touch panel are unprecedented in steam controls. "We set out of create the best possibler user experience, integrating all the benefits of steam bathring and accessories into one highly intuitive control" says Mike Pinkus, Mr. Steam president and the lead industrial designer behind iSteam. "With swipe-touch simplicity, iSteam creates a near-magical transformation of your shower"  <br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/58179666?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/58179666">MrSteam: iSteam Control</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/mrsteam">Mr.Steam</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /> <br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

BlogTourNola Sponsor Spotlight: A Steamy Situation with Mr. Steam

First, a little entertainment: So, it was pretty hot and steamy for part of our New Orleans adventure and I'll admit, the thought of a h...

9:16 AM

East or West: Home is Best

Contrary to what many of us realize, many residents who lost their homes in New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina - which was in 2005! - are still struggling to rebuild. Our BlogTourNola trip a couple of weeks ago wasn't all about beignet's and bubby, we were on a mission to learn more about all of New Orleans, not just the fancy parts. <br /><br />As a wrap up to our trip to New Orleans, we're holding a tweetday TODAY at 4:00EST to talk about the trends and themes we saw in New Orleans, the Kitchen & Bath Industry show, and most importantly, our meetings with the homeowners affected by the storms and where they are today.  To view the chat, please click here. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA32lEub1GdtT35HRjY1c4h4011PLtt5bB-fi5t6RnFqbbZI_jtPUSDhgz9Vgy3c28wJoHtjrFOv-Yho4QIhgnf1reE1x684PhSK8npoIkB5xyH31XFolHQt71Q3rqfwLcnsZEShATqo/s1600/IMG_2868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="718" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA32lEub1GdtT35HRjY1c4h4011PLtt5bB-fi5t6RnFqbbZI_jtPUSDhgz9Vgy3c28wJoHtjrFOv-Yho4QIhgnf1reE1x684PhSK8npoIkB5xyH31XFolHQt71Q3rqfwLcnsZEShATqo/s640/IMG_2868.JPG" width="539" /></a></div> Brad Pitt's <a href="http://makeitright.org/" target="_blank">Make it Right</a> Foundation is the largest LEED Platinum building project in the world. To date 90 homes have been built, with 5 more currently in construction. Pitt selected the Lower Ninth Ward for his project, one of the most devastated during the storm. These new houses are environmentally friendly, yet seek to maintain the local "front porch" culture of the area.  Homeowners have a choice of design plan, color schemes and finishes. Those who wish to participate are provided with the tools for financial planning and the team to make their new homes a reality. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoe-XbWHY7vk2-bkL3RuCNsCf2UsNZjr7nuP8ONMGQSFUfCtYJCfVkOElDdBGuDUm8zURZmNayO3RNi7ZUPRpqOQTEGLI8545ndYIJRYioK8dgkjEUmNeEJ9Pbzc2cZmJZGX7i8AslfM/s1600/IMG_2870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="718" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoe-XbWHY7vk2-bkL3RuCNsCf2UsNZjr7nuP8ONMGQSFUfCtYJCfVkOElDdBGuDUm8zURZmNayO3RNi7ZUPRpqOQTEGLI8545ndYIJRYioK8dgkjEUmNeEJ9Pbzc2cZmJZGX7i8AslfM/s640/IMG_2870.JPG" width="538" /></a></div>Grassroots organizations are still on the ground working hard with their neighbors to get them back in their homes. We visited three homes and met the homeowners, volunteers and donors who are still working tirelessly (okay, they must be tired, they're human after all!) to get their lives back. <br /><br /><br /> Meet Joe and Gloria: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4Vh7KAUnX40d8llJ577HKJnQ7UVdPs52QTbNhcqrq1ZYg_JqrvQdIsfDpwkxbsxgReqj7xxLcZ_fVRvZpidP4CgPENH6H_Z8mfOw4iZ7iVglxXAyaQcPF0Qr0nhFsm5A1CX7Y-Y-PHI/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="727" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4Vh7KAUnX40d8llJ577HKJnQ7UVdPs52QTbNhcqrq1ZYg_JqrvQdIsfDpwkxbsxgReqj7xxLcZ_fVRvZpidP4CgPENH6H_Z8mfOw4iZ7iVglxXAyaQcPF0Qr0nhFsm5A1CX7Y-Y-PHI/s640/IMG_2871.JPG" width="545" /></a></div>Joe and Gloria Robert of New Orleans were newlyweds looking forward to a bright future together when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in August 2005.<br /><br />Residing in their new house for just one month before Katrina slammed the city, the couple lost everything when the levee behind their house was destroyed - one of 53 levees in the city breached by the storm surge – and canal water swallowed the home. The Roberts evacuated the city, staying with various friends and relatives. When the flood waters receded weeks later, Joe and Gloria moved into a pop-up camper in their driveway for a while, but they’ve also been staying with Joe’s daughter from a previous marriage. <br /><br />Nearly eight years later, Joe and Gloria’s house is still uninhabitable. While a new house has been framed out, the building lacks essentials including electrical, drywall, flooring and plumbing.  Because Joe is a contractor by trade, he has the skills to work on his house, but he has generously donated much of his free time to volunteering with St. Paul’s Homecoming Center helping to rebuild other people’s houses. <br /><br />Joe works on his home little by little, but is often derailed by setbacks such as having his house broken into and his tools stolen. Even though Joe was forced to save up until he could replenish his tool supply, he has not lost his faith in humanity. <br /><br />Fortunately, Joe and Gloria received some good news recently when Storehouse of World Vision selected the couple and their house for a rehab project. A few weeks ago Storehouse joined forces with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and <a href="http://www.stpaulshomecomingcenter.org/" target="_blank">St. Paul’s Homecoming Center</a> to help rehab kitchens and baths in three houses as a lead-in to NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) held April 19-21 in New Orleans. <br /><br />While Storehouse and NKBA partners have donated materials, appliances and labor for a new kitchen and bath in the Robert’s house, the rest of the unfinished home still needs lots of TLC.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stpaulshomecomingcenter.org/sites/default/files/29906170001_1815653610001_0831dv-la-flood-braithwaite%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.stpaulshomecomingcenter.org/sites/default/files/29906170001_1815653610001_0831dv-la-flood-braithwaite%20copy.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.worldvisionusprograms.org/nolaprojects.php" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT1K1rmU4ADprBhqdue6YfYgmx9xjE4WKNHeKiPeNOkmAYoxNNHXGMe-XPUVwgQs_7oV3yHgArRXfdOB_RvDDNkZb1C9pOGR3qcccQFFQxVxVrc8ThVlCRaPuqQZKY6_zMSyozOaf-TQ/s640/Storehouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.worldvisionusprograms.org/nolaprojects.php" target="_blank">Learn More and Donate Here</a></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=blogtournola&src=typd#" target="_blank">Join me on Twitter!</a></span></div>

East or West: Home is Best

Contrary to what many of us realize, many residents who lost their homes in New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina - which was in 2005! - are ...

1:05 PM