Happy New Year...

As we wrap up 2009 with a pretty, tartan plaid bow, I'll share a few of my favorite flutes (and bubbly for every budget). Toast to a healthy, happy and prosperous 2010 in style!

"Cheers" in 6 languages from Neiman Marcus.

Sleek and contemporary from Willliam Sonoma.

Classy and timeless from Waterford.

Preppy and tailored by Ralph Lauren.

Perfect blue by Kim Seybert for Barney's New York.

Polka dot by Kate Spade (resolve to buy yourself a pair of her shoes to match!)

Fun and flirty Juliska for Saks 5th Avenue.

Urban and affordable from Crate and Barrel.

Interesting and masculine at Crate and Barrel.
Sculptural by Alan Lee for Neiman Marcus.

Cash.

$10 a bottle.

Ca Furlan Prosecco

Check.

$65 a bottle.

Pierre Peters Brut

American Express.

$170 a bottle

Legras St. Vincent

Salut!

Brooke Voss Design

www.brookevossdesign.com

Chalk It Up...

By nature I am a doodler, a list maker and a fan of beautiful penmanship. I see no better media than chalkboards to sketch your latest innovation or scribe a daily love note.Chalkboard paint as graphic art.
Framed as note-worthy art.
On cabinet door fronts for public notes......or on the interior for private thoughts.

Interesting on accessories.
Not just school house black and green, but a rainbow of colors.

Incorporated into architecture.The ideal grocery list, never forget the milk again.

Unlikely locations. My guest bath includes a chalkboard perched on the counter top. A impromptu (and always entertaining) guest book.

Play rooms and kid's rooms.
The mud room or craft room.
Never forget an important event again.

Stylized every day objects. Make the ordinary extraordinary.
Ensuring your children never forget to wash their hands and brush their teeth...
..and never forgetting to just have fun.

Martha Stewart's Custom Chalkboard Colors How-To:
1. Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.
2. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.
3. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.
4. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.
5. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.

Deck your halls...

Tis the season to deck halls, tables, trees and mantels. Even the most refined decor can can go awry with the addition of green & red glitter, light up plastic characters and foil wrapped gelt. This season thoughtfully don your holiday home apparel.More, more, more! Fill a traditional tree leaving not a single square inch free of ornamentation.Wreaths need not be reserved for the front door...

...but certainly don't forget it... triple fold!

Create a tiered Christmas chandelier with greenery and a few yards of quality ribbon.
Ice lanterns, a fabulous (& nearly free) perk of white winters in Minneapolis.

Glass beads and goblets paired to create an artistic, yet classy, menorah.

Consider a sophisticated, monochromatic palette of ornaments.
Traditional and beautiful glowing in the reflection of a resting (not hanging) mirror.
Strapped for space? Easily incorporate a small scale fraser fir with enough ornaments to fill a 10-footer.
Modern and youthful, still refined.

Forgo the plastic dreidel and opt for some shimmer instead.

Functional and fabulous. Two great ways to display your holiday well wishes.

Happy Holidays!

Brooke Voss Design

Visit our new website: brookevossdesign.com

Not your grandma's wallpaper...

Wallcovering has had a turbulent existence, coming in and out of vogue. Without doubt it's enjoying a renaissance of it's own. My suggestion is to use it sparingly. Create a little jewel box by adorning walls of a power room, dressing room or study. Here are a few of my favorite bold patterns from Osborne and Little and Designers Guild.

A modern twist on a vertical stripe. (Osborne and Little)

A sweet print done in a modern palette. (Osborne and Little)

Retro at it's finest. (Osborne and Little)
Forget the floral and go graphic. (Osborne and Little)
Flocked silhouettes in funky colors. (Osborne and Little)
Flocked K-9's pose in the pattern called best in show. (Osborne and Little)

Moody and dramatic swans on black. (Designers Guild)

Pretty in pink damask. (Designers Guild)
A subtle stripe. (Designers Guild)
Girly and fun in pink and green. (Designers Guild)
A tone on tone wide stripe. (Designers Guild)Easily installed as an accent wall.

Questioning how to incorporate wallcovering into your scheme? I'm happy to help... brooke@brookevossdesign.com