28
Jan
2025
Including Asian Accessories in Your Home
LuxeSpecs – January 28, 2025
When "Crazy Rich Asians" was #1 at the box office, it gave me pause to appreciate all of the beautiful Asian accessories clients have used over the years. You can easily integrate with most styles special art objects purchased from travel, items passed down or treasures discovered. You can add...
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31
Oct
2024
My Very Own Age-In-Place Bathroom
LuxeSpecs – October 31, 2024
After many years of design-new builds and remodels, it was time to create an updated bath for our own home! I kept two parts: the tub (rarely used) and the glass door! Originally there was an angled wall facing the entrance for privacy in the shower but baths are more...
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23
Aug
2024
A kitchen remodel without changing the cabinets or down time!
LuxeSpecs – August 23, 2024
The kitchen had potential - nice quality cabinets, a view, and space to improve. So I made improvements: All new appliances with wooden refrigerator doors blend the Sub Zero refrigerator with the cabinetry that is visible from the entry. The existing cabinets were sanded. The soffit above the refrigerator and...
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06
Sep
2023
Filling In A Dropped Floor
LuxeSpecs – September 6, 2023
After decades of walking through homes and casually advising that lowered floor levels (aka sunken living rooms, dropped floors, conversation pits) can be filled in with concrete or a wooden subfloor, I finally filled in an area in our home! You may recommend having a space filled but if you...
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30
Aug
2023
Porcelanosa Tile
LuxeSpecs – August 30, 2023
And the remodeling continues! Gray remains the dominant color. For a recent shower remodel, after an extensive search, it was back to natural materials: cream limestone and Taj Majal quartzite for the tub surround with Porcelanosa tiles on the tub skirt. Maybe the Sherwin Williams forecast of sand tones will...
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03
Apr
2023
Put On Your Easter Tablescape!
LuxeSpecs – April 3, 2023
Time for a spring setting! No matter the temperature, we are ready for spring colors and a change from winter. Whether you are having a breakfast casserole or ham with scalloped potatoes (poblano chilies added) and carrot cake, the beautiful table awaits! Pull it all together with color. The French...
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12
Mar
2023
Happy St Patricks Day
LuxeSpecs – March 12, 2023
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a subtle French tablecloth, Kate Spade plates that are very versatile, hand painted glasses and napkins from HomeGoods, antique hand painted Japanese plates and shamrocks lit in the glass balls. The second photo shows how I create a collage with the dishes and decorations. I...
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09
May
2022
Kierland Apartment Renovation
LuxeSpecs – May 9, 2022
Some longtime clients elected to return to Scottsdale after several homes here and in southern California. They had lived in the Kierland area previously. The grandkids are off to school and now is the time for a casual lifestyle with dining and shopping within walking distance. The grandchildren enjoy the...
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18
Apr
2022
Pillow Impact
LuxeSpecs – April 18, 2022
Recently a client of many years wanted to revamp her home to possibly accommodate live-in help. She thought she wanted to open the kitchen to the living room and bar seating for television viewing. However, we decided that expanding the kitchen would have taken too much of the living room...
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04
Apr
2022
Adding new art?
LuxeSpecs – April 4, 2022
It is so tempting to purchase a new piece of art, get it back to your home and wonder where it will fit in. During my design career I have purchased hundreds of pieces of art! Typically, if the client likes a particular style, the art follows through with their...
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06
Feb
2022
Creative Use of Tiles
LuxeSpecs – February 6, 2022
Do you have your own personal tile collection? Samples for possible use or distinctive tiles like the Talavera pieces in this photo? Bring them out of hiding and use them to accent centerpieces on cocktail or dining tables. If it gives you joy, find a way to use it!
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12
Jan
2022
How To Select the Right Island(s)
LuxeSpecs – January 12, 2022
What has happened to kitchens? Once we went to an island, it evolved into a single long counter in front of cabinetry. This looks great but real cooks need convenient appliance locations and ample countertops for assembling their dishes! We learned quickly and thoroughly during the COVID lockdown that it...
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13
Oct
2021
Celebrating the most versatile sculptural design!
LuxeSpecs – October 13, 2021
It has been uncommon in my 30+ years of interior design to use any resource more than once, but the record goes to John Gleason’s sculptures! These twisted, simple designs are so versatile that they always come to mind as adding to the space with great versatility that works with...
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06
Oct
2021
Let’s hear it for Traditional!!
LuxeSpecs – October 6, 2021
Are you a hold out for a more traditional interior even though all we’ve seen and heard for years “now” is contemporary? Current TV programming such as Bridgerton and Outlander make all of your favorite treasures come to life again! Check the shows for inspiration and dare to incorporate your...
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29
Sep
2021
Art Adventure!
LuxeSpecs – September 29, 2021
Art and sculpture are the most personal additions to your interior! From postcards that you frame from your own trips to your emotional purchase at an art fair (an artist that may become famous) or a Sotheby’s purchase with investment potential. Art comprises the most interesting visuals in your home....
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