It's Not Easy Using Green

As a very famous frog once said, "it's not easy being green!" 

Well, around here we say.. It's not easy using green!! 

Sometimes it can be hard to incorporate color into your home. Not to fear, Lisa is here! 

Rule No. 1: Listen to Nature 

Often, we see spaces that are too dark, or too light. By listening to Mother Nature, you can replicate the color values that you see right outside your window. Choose darker values of color for the floor (ground), medium values of color for the walls (trees and mountains) and light values of color for the ceiling (sky). If you divide your colors by value, it send your eye "vertically" in the room, you’ll get an interior that looks good every time.

This pool house in Central Connecticut is a perfect example. Lisa used the dark floors to off set the light walls, which makes the medium tone coral sofa POP! 

Rule No. 2: Get Emotional 

It's your house, choose colors that you love! Use your emotional associations to their greatest effect in a space by deciding on what emotional impact you want the room to have. Would you like it to be lively? Choose reds and yellows. If you prefer subdued, try blues and browns.

This Florida remodel uses color very specifically. It livens up the minimalistic brown couches, and draws your eye to the modern art that was displayed throughout the house. 

Rule No. 3: Don't Forget Black

A maxim in the interior design community, by adding a black element, you ultimately enhance all of the other colors in the space. 

  In this HOBI award winning house, the master suite utilizes dark furniture to draw contrast against the light textiles and walls. 

Happy St. Patty's Day! May the color be ever in your favor. 

Night of Collaboration.. Take Two!!

"Love your whole story, even if it hasn't been the perfect fairytale."

Last week, we hosted a Night of Collaboration with Amy from W by Worth. We ate, drank, and learned about ourselves. We are all strong confident women, we just don't always show it on the outside. Amy gave us tips on how accentuate our best parts, while I showed you how to take back your closet, from hanger to shoe box. 

Yummy Pomegranate Bellinis! 

Amy displaying her W by Worth clothing line, while I talk about my insecurities when it comes to clothes and how to organize !

 Beautiful clothes are worth it, 

Amy showing us how to wear a structured blazer! 

Amy modeling the 4 way top.. This thing is amazing! PTA meeting to date night in a flash! 

 Playing dress up.. 

 And laughing the night away. 

And not to be forgotten, the AMAZING food from Dinners by Denise! 

We can't wait to share with you what we're planning next! Stay tuned for more exciting events!!! 

An Evening of Collaboration

“As clothing wears, fades, stains and stretches, it becomes an intimate record of our physical presence. It traces the edge of the body, defining the boundary between the self and the outside world."

Does your closet have you feeling a little "Carrie Bradshaw pre-wedding to Big"?
Have you diagnosed your self with a closet full of nothing to wear syndrome?  Does it feel like every time you step foot in your closet you fall down a black hole of digging, tossing, and mis matching? There's no question that an organized closet can make for better dressing, but there's a distinct difference between an organized closet... and a dream closet. 

The keys to having it all in your wardrobe and the space it lives in are organization, light, and to have some fun! It's all about you and your personal style! 

Tomorrow, I'll be teaming up with Amy from W By Worth for a Night of Collaboration.. So let's get this party started! I've paired some of my favorite pieces from the W By Worth spring line and drool worthy dream closets to showcase just how much your personal style can make a difference. 

Classic, comfortable neutrals come together with a light filled faux finished wood floor. 

Glamor radiates with this chic tweed and lace slip dress and equally chic wall of mirrors. 

Take a walk on the wild side with this eclectic dressing room that would perfectly compliment this jacquard over blouse. 

Texture is key! Even small hints, like a blouse or a rug can make all the difference.

I can't wait to tell you all about what Amy and I scheme up over  Davenport Bellinis and the company of fantastic ladies. 

Shake it off, Love is in the air!!

Shake it off!

Just when you're "getting down and out" about all of this snow, 

Valentine's day is the perfect excuse to spruce up your home and "shake off" those winter blues! 

We've rounded up a few cute ideas full of  romance and spontaneity, just for you! 

Parisian Pillows

La Carte, Knot Garden, and Lumiere pillows from Eastern Accents add the perfect touch of paris romance. Throw together these perfect pillows with some wine and fairy lights, and you've got yourself the perfect date night in paris. 

Kitchen Whimsy 

Fishs Eddy is by far my favorite place to find dish ware! These dishtowels have adorable ric rac ribbon edging, reminiscent of tiny doll clothes. The Heart cutting board would be a perfect platter to display your favorite cheeses, while the Admit One Tray holds your drink of choice. Pop in Roman Holiday or Love Actually, and you've got yourself a great night!! 

 My Funny Valentine 

These coasters from Etsy shop Bright Beam Goods are too funny!! Be a modern day John Cusack and present your love with these Misheard 80's song lyrics. 

Happy Valentine's Day from Lisa Davenport Designs!! 

Pantone 2015

Every December, Pantone graces us with the color of the year-- The color that will set the mood for the next 12 months.  This year, the color is called Marsala, and is described by Pantone as...

 "A tasteful hue that embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors." 

The press release that declared Marsala as the color for 2015 was accompanied with images of carefree, yet collected youths smiling at dinner parties in cowboy boots, and playfully cooking berry tarts. 

While some may disagree with Pantone, I think that this color invites the use of plush texture and luxury. Dramatic, while still remaining earthy, Marsala would be a dream to pair with a matte finish to bring out a folksy, down to earth feeling. However, if packaged with a sheen, the image becomes one of richness and sumptuousness. 

Marsala pairs well with neutrals, including warmer taupes and grays. With burnished undertones, amber, umber, golden yellows, and even a variety of teals sit alongside Marsala with ease. 

Welcome to 2015, Marsala. 

  

Red & White for the American Red Cross

For as long as any of us can remember, the American Red Cross and its bold signature of a red cross on a white ground has been the symbol of hope, support, safety and security.  The American Red Cross rushes in when disaster hits.  Amid the chaos, turmoil and disorder they rise, sometimes figuratively, and other times literally from the ashes offering comfort and aide.  The American Red Cross is a beacon of light during many dark hours.

On Saturday, May 3rd the Metro North Chapter of the American Red Cross along with sponsor CT Cottages & Gardens held their annual Red & White Ball at the Netjets Hanger in NY.  The night included extravagant tabletops dressed by talented designers.  This years honorary chair was  accomplished interior designer Mary McDonald!  The evening included fine dining, dancing, and silent auction.

I had the pleasure of designing a table scape for this years event.  The design illustrates the American Red Cross rising from the the ashes giving hope, comfort and security.

A bare Manzanita tree set into a cement base filled with Orchid Bark and charcoal is displayed on a grey ombre table cloth, symbolizing the start of a rise from destruction.

For balance and texture the tree base is accented with Glorosalilys climbing the base of the Manzantia imitating flames.  As the tree grows and ascends, life returns to the tree. 

The table runner was handmade by my local workroom. A screen of silver netting by Duralee Fabrics is encased by an elegant red fabric by Kravet Fabrics, bringing the red cross theme full circle. 

Sitting atop the table runner, classic white plates hold handmade, beaded napkin rings. They are fastened with a red ribbon, further tying together the red motif. 

By far my favorite detail (besides the cookies, yum!) were the glass hurricane jars holding delicate orchids. Each one was different, symbolizing how fragile life is .... the final piece that pulls this amazing organization together.  

Over all, it was a beautiful night. I couldn't have done it without all of my behind the scenes help, and of course, my Prince!! I'm already dreaming up next years design. 

Stay tuned!

Rockin' 80's!

While the 80's were hot for toys, clothing, and pop culture, 80's home decor hasn't yetcome into its revival like past decades. However, it does invoke a sense of nostalgia. 

And of course, the hair.. 

Pastels, pastels, pastels! Pastels and stripes were both on trend. I love the stacked baskets at the end of the bed. It reminds me of the stacked suitcases that you sometimes see today. 

Why choose one color when you can have them all? 

This painted rainbow around the bed is a cute, creative touch. 

Pinks around this time tended towards the dusty mauve, along with the pastels. The dainty florals are also a stark contrast to the large prints from the 70's. 

Who ever was in the ruffled pillow business was very, very rich. 

There's nothing I love more (besides floral) than a cheesey lamp. This one takes that cake. 

Of course, I couldn't do a 80's post without throwing in some Ferris Bueller decor. Metal headboards were huge during this time, and this one is so cute!! 

That's it for this week folks!! Next week we travel to the 90's!!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Bedrooms... The Fab Fifties.

Every era has a defining characteristic, something that rewinds you to the days gone past. 

For me, it's a teenage girl's bedroom.  
Maybe I'm just missing having Ashley home!  


Really, if you want an accurate portrayal of the trends today,  you should just take a peek upstairs, after all aren't those beautiful babies (hardly babies ...) our future?

Over the next few weeks, Ashley (no longer my brilliant teenager) is going to take you on a journey through the decades via the bedrooms that shaped generations. 

Enjoy my guest blogger.... 
All my best,

Today, we're stating with the 1950's, a decade that often stands out as one of America's best. It was an era that was charmed by Lucy and the Cleavers, created the interstate highway system, and fulfilled the goal of the suburban dream house.

For the average teenage girl, this meant one thing.. PINK!! 

Milk Glass Lamps were 'hip'! 

Pastel colors were all the rage, gracing not only bedrooms, 

but also kitchens, bathrooms, and even tail-fined cars. 

Other bright, lively colors were also found on the floors. 

This new age brought designers to mass produced furniture. 

Plastic, glass, and plexiglass were all new materials that were introduced.

That's all folks! 

Tune in next week for the 60's!!