Brought to you by the International Design Guild, this national design contest will give one talented designer $20,000 in goods and resources to makeover a space at a local charity of choice.

Click on the logo below to watch the exclusive launch video.

In addition to the national winner, four regional winners will each be awarded $2500 in flooring for their nominated charity.  All five winners will then be flown to the Grand Prize city to be a part of the makeover process which will be professionally shot and produced to premiere on IDGdesigner.com and other on-line sites in early 2014.  And I will be there to collaborate with the team every step of the way.

As many of you may know, local charities spend a significant portion of their budgets on community programs and services and very little on their own space.  The folks at IDG and I wanted to create a program that gives back to these organizations that already give so much to others.

If you or anyone you know is a designer, design student or architect, please consider getting invloved.  Or if you work with a local charity, check out IDGcontest.com to partner with a designer near you.  The entry process is simple and the form to enter is available here.

Entries are being accepted now until June 30th, 2013.

If you’re not a designer, I’d still love to hear about your dream design for a local charity of your choice in the comments below.

Until next time…

Bringing together a team of industry experts including fashion designers, carpet manufacturers, architects and interior designers, Prince Charles launched his grand plan in early 2010 to get the whole industry to work together to make wool fashionable again.  Turns out, I’ve been a big fan for years.

So when asked as an American designer to give an interview for The Wool Book which was released in NYC at Fashion Week; it seemed a natural fit.

In many ways, wool is the perfect choice for much of what I do as a designer–upholstery, floor coverings, draperies, pillows — you name it.  It’s incredibly luxurious, durable and easy to clean.  And above all, it’s a renewable and sustainable resource.

But here are some cool things you might not know about the world’s most versatile natural fiber.

Wool is naturally flame resistant which means it’s much safer in a house fire.  It also improves the air you breathe as it traps dust particles and holds them until next time you vacuum.  And it absorbs noise by limiting the transfer of sound through doors, floors and walls; yet another reason why a wool rug on a hardwood floor works so well.  And lastly, wool resists soiling as its fibers contain natural oils that protect it which means it will last longer becoming a smarter investment.

Now we all know that wool has insulating properties that will keep you warm and cozy in cooler months but did you know that because it naturally breathes, it will also keep you cool in warmer months which is why most of the bedding I have made for clients is comprised of superfine Merino wool.  Clients on both coasts are surprised at how great it feels all year round.

So next time you’re considering a purchase from fashion to flooring, think about the many benefits of wool.  And if they don’t tip your hand, consider this…

A single sheep will offer approximately 9 pounds of wool, which can make up to 11 yards of fabric — enough to cover a large sofa or 15 chairs… and next year that sheep and its wool will be there all over again.

And on that note, since wool is available from various parts of the world, from the U.S. to South America to Australia and New Zealand, it’s important that you support farmers and manufacturers that stand for the ethical treatment of animals.  For more information, please visit the Campaign for Wool.

Until next time…

Typically, the ending of a year sparks a lot of lofty goals; eat less meat, plan more vacations, practice more yoga, go to bed early, save more money; my list is often long and all-encompassing.  And most likely, you have a list of your own.

Well, it’s time to get real about that list.  Instead of hitching our desires to a list of hopes and promises we make in haste once a year, how about we ground them to who we consistently know ourselves to be all year long?  The idea here is simple.  Seeing our goals as an expansion of what we already know versus starting something lofty and new new will not only give you the know how to move forward, but it will provide the perfect amount of oomph to get you moving.

So, if this year your goal is to finally pick paint a more vibrant color for your otherwise white walls; keep in mind, you’ve been choosing colors all along when you pick out your wardrobe every morning.  Or, if this is the year to follow your dreams and start a home business, keep in mind, you’ve already spent years supporting someone else’s professional dream.  Or, if this year you vow to organize that mystery room in your house; keep in mind, when you get out of bed every morning, make coffee and find your way to the front door; you’re the one who organized your life so all that could happen.

Regardless of your personal or professional intentions this year, I invite you to see the similarity between the skill set required to accomplish your 2013 goals and the skill sets you’ve already mastered elsewhere in your life.  Connecting these dots will bring you the instant confidence you need in order to take the first and last steps.  After all, how can you fail at something in which you already succeeded?

As the Chinese proverb says… ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.  Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’.  I say… ‘You’ve known how to fish all along’.  What are you waiting for?

If you’ve yet to make your list, now is the time.  Start by answering the following question:

What will be different about your life this time next year?

I’d love to hear in the comment below.

Until next time…

First, I want share some of my holiday decorating tips that made their way into People Magazine’s Special Holiday Issue.

Simple, easy and affordable!  My ideas are sure to put a twinkle in your eye for no more than a swirl from your candy cane.  You know I love ornaments; designed a million of them for HSN shoppers a few years back, so the idea of studding fruit with cloves to make pomanders for the tree is right up my alley.

And in honor of my Cleveland roots, I had to recreate the look of ice in my Southern California home.  Check out my simple way to create Easy Ice Blocks below with nothing more than a glass decorative block, a handy drill and a string of lights.

With the countdown to Christmas and Hanukkah in less than two weeks, presents are on everyone’s mind.  So how ’bout we let the word itself remind us that the best present we can give is being present to the ones we love.  If it’s important to them, let it be important to us.

And since I’ve always believed that how we spend New Year’s Eve is a glimpse into the impending year, I will be home with the ones I love thinking about new and exciting ways to decorate the world with love and joy.  And providing I survive 2nd and 3rd servings of my Mom’s oyster dressing and Eddie’s Banana Rum Caramel Cheesecake, I plan to delve into 2013 with an open hand and an open heart.

May we walk with compassion in our hearts, speak no complaints; and be truly grateful for everything that we have.

Until next year…

Because so many of you chimed in with great interest, I thought sharing another question with you would be equally as useful.  So here goes…

If you could anywhere in the world tomorrow, no worries, just hop on a plane, where would you go?  Why?

Over the years I’ve learned that the way in which people describe their ideal getaway spot is similar to how they would love to describe their own place.  Therefore, the answer to this question may very well provide you with some great insight into your personal style and preferences toward silhouettes, color schemes, textures and use of space.

Personally, Cinque Terre was always a place I wanted to go.  Pictured above, it’s a beautiful stretch of five villages on the Italian Riviera; charming yet rugged, they are quintessentially Mediterranean.  And despite several business jaunts to Italy, it was not until Eddie and I spent a week there on vacation that I realized how much this place was a part of me; even before I arrived.

Although we all know that happiness is not a destination; nor is it somewhere to be found.  Rather, it is something we must choose in each and every moment.  And since we’re always intending for something to happen in our lives, why not give happiness a chance?

So I ask the question in hopes that it will spark a connection between your happy place and your happiness…

If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?  Why?

I’d love to hear in the comments below.

Until next time…

Whether it’s a painting, sculpture or photograph, I enjoy and employ art in a variety of ways.  As a designer, it’s the perfect way to inspire a space in the beginning of a design or to bring the entire room together in the end.  As a student of life, however, it’s a potential cue as to someone’s true self; revealing a hidden nuance longing to emerge.

One of my first pieces of original art was acquired in Soho in 1996.  Seen above, it’s called ‘Quiet Room II’ by Michael Babyak.

When I first met the struggling artist, I instantly felt a kindred spirit.  More than willing to pay $150 for an original work, only recently did I discover that Michael hails from my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and that we both uprooted ourselves in pursuit of our artistic endeavors.  Turns out, Michael has done quite well for himself.

After 25 years of acquiring other works of art, ‘Quite Room II’ continues to speak to me always reminding me of a place I call home.  Not the physical structure that Eddie and I inhabit but rather the spiritual place; free of time and space and all of life’s distractions where only I reside.  It is here that I am infinitely calm and laser clear about what’s important to me and where courage avails itself in complete and utter abundance.

If you’re interested in discovering this place I call ‘home’ for yourself, check out Chapter 1 of my book Take the U Out of Clutter where I talk about the ’Inner U’ as a foundation for living clutter-free.  It’s a place to dwell and manifest in what’s possible for your life and in your home.

Point being; our choice in art resonates on so many levels.  It can speak loudly about our love of a certain subject matter or whisper softly about our unspoken dreams or ambitions.  Regardless, choice in art is different for everyone yet shows that everyone is uniquely different.

So I’m curious, after viewing all of the art in your home, what would title would you give to the name of the exhibit?  One phrase that would sum up all of your art and what it ultimately means to you?

At first, a lot of different titles may come into frame, but in the end, only one will be as original as you.

I’d love to hear your answer in the comments below.

Until next time…

This was my first Polynesian-inspired design appropriately done for a family in Honolulu.  It’s a play on pattern that takes a modest-sized room of 10′ x 12′ and expands it visually.  The story between the strong graphic elements and the solid colors expand the space and put down the welcome mat.

Patterns are a great way to plus size your space but they can be tricky when overused.  The rule of thumb when it comes to how much pattern vs. solids to put into a space is generally no more than 30% pattern, but who likes rules?  Some may see this space as overkill whereas others may wish there was more.  For the family of four who resides here, the overall transformation from a lifeless, lackluster storage bin to a livable, lush, island-inspired den was well-received.

The key to its success?  Choose an odd number of strong patterns, evenly distribute them throughout the space then make sure they are framed with solid colors.

In this case, the floral draperies, the area rug and the blue Indonesian cabinet were my three strongest graphic elements.  I positioned them in the room so that they are bordered by solid colors.  Along with placing the area rug on an angle and choosing a wall color that echoes the floor and ceiling, the result is a plus sized space that looks larger than it really is yet it remains personal and inviting.

Could you live in a room like this?  Would you like more or less pattern? 

Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time…

We put our heads together and created what we believe is the perfect Americana fare.  And as two people who absolutely love food, we had to test everything before the big event so we did a trial run with a close group of close family &  friends.

First up, a Cherry Infused Meyer Lemon Punch with Prosecco and Vodka.  At our house, the grill doesn’t get hot without mixing a Meyer lemon from our tree in something.  Hats off to Eddie for concocting fireworks in a glass.  It’s two parts lemonade, one part vodka and one part Prosecco for the perfect fizz.  Garnish with pitted cherries and lime.  But watch out!  They can sneak up on you like bottle rockets.  Beeeeeuuuuuuuuuuuu. 

With adult beverages in hand, the food frenzy began with a homemade Bruschetta and a Chilled Trio of Grapes paired with White Stilton with Apricots, Double Cream Brie and Roquefort made with raw sheep’s milk.  The chilled grapes were a cinch; stick ‘em in the freezer a few hours before serving.  Kids will love ‘em.

For the main course, there’s nothing more American than a Sloppy Joe or in our case, Sloppy Joe Sliders.  Sometimes called Slushburgers in the Upper Midwest, Hot Tamales in Sheboygan or Taverns in parts of South Dakota; the good ole homemade Sloppy Joe was always a staple in our house growing up.

The fact that we have just as many vegetarian friends as those who eat meat, Eddie devised a way to make two versions; one with sirloin beef and the other with a variety of beans.  Both had brown sugar and Worcestershire.  Since small plates have taken over the American restaurant scene, it seemed only fitting to serve ‘em as a slider.  HINT: But be sure to serve chunks of dill pickles on top.  Not sliced but chunked.  That’s requires a butcher knife and plenty of clearance as they squirt!

Now you may already know, Eddie and I pick up our vegetables straight from the farm.  We love Whole Foods and farmer’s markets, but there’s something nostalgic about getting fruits and vegetables straight out of the ground.  It’s a nod to Eddie’s Mexican roots and for me well it seemed like every family in the Midwest had a garden including us.

Dictated by much of what was harvested this week, we opted for Roasted Mix Corn with Red Onion, Avocado and a Cilantro Honey Lime Vinaigrette.  I roasted white and yellow corn on the BBQ and Eddie commandeered the salad dressing.  But word to the wise, it’s much easier and less messy to cut white vs. yellow corn off the cob!  Ask our dogs who cleaned up the floor.

Trigger happy, I decided to cut a bevy of carrots so Eddie could make a Carrot Slaw with Spring Onion, Parsley and Red Wine Vinaigrette.  Eddie insisted that each carrot look like a little match so that people would not get a large chunk of carrot in their mouth.  Oi vey!

Lastly, Eddie served up some Orecchiette with Pesto, Mascarpone, Gorgonzola and Sun Dried Tomatoes.  Albeit, this ear-shaped pasta reaches beyond our borders into southern Italy but it’s hearty and bite-sized — perfect for a BBQ.

Now the big dilemma!  What to serve for dessert?  Since we started with lemons; why not finish with them.  These Lemon Cake Pops were the hit of the party.  But lose the lollipop stick, these were meant to pick up an pop in your mouth.  With Meyer lemon zest as the key ingredient, Eddie hand-dipped each one then sprinkled them with something cracktastic!  I’m not exactly sure what it was.

Now you’re probably sitting and yelling at your computer — WHERE’S THE RECIPES!!!???!!!!!!

Truth is, we didn’t write anything down.  We love cooking by instinct which is why I listed most of the ingredients in the names of the dishes in hopes it will inspire you to throw caution to the wind and let your passion and palate be your guide.  It’s what leads me through so much of my design work and certainly Eddie and I in the kitchen.

From our house to yours, HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!  And remember that our greatest freedom is freedom itself.   Enjoy the 4th!

Unitl next time…

1. BANISH THE BEDTIME STORIES.  Under no circumstances are you to sleep on an ex’s bed.  I don’t care if it cost a fortune and you got it in your divorce.  You’ll get it in your next one if you keep that up.  Since every item in the home has a story, the last thing you want you or your mate thinking about when you crawl between the sheets is your ex.  It’s bad juju.

Being newly single, it’s important that you wipe the slate clean.  As a couple starting out, it’s even more important that you shop for a new bed together.  Not only to help each of you obtain your individual comfort levels but also maintain a little peace of mind.  The bedroom is about creating new memories; not rehashing old ones.

2. UNISEX YOUR SPACE.  Avoid an overly masculine or feminine style in the bedroom. Go for a gender neutral look.  Make unilateral decisions about wall colors and furniture styles and always opt for uber comfortable bamboo or Egyptian cotton when it comes to sheets.  Unlike most of the Gods, the Egyptians were known for a little nooky.

To score extra points in the bedroom, take design cues from the location of your first date, your honeymoon or the color of your partner’s eyes.

3. PARE DOWN TO PAIRS.  Clutter is not sexy.  Period.  So unless all your stuff is contained inside a dresser or closet, pare down all accessories in the bedroom to pairs.  Everything in the bedroom should echo that fact that it’s two people coming together; not three or more.

If you lose your way, remember my mantra… if there’s more than two, it’s no longer about you.

4. TO TV OR NOT TO TV?  THAT IS THE QUESTION.  Shakespeare would agree, the bedroom is for rest & romance.  Avoid the temptation to double up and use the space as an office, craft room or home gym.  I know space is a commodity in many of today’s homes; but so is love.  So limit all distractions from the main attraction.  That includes the tube.

5. BASK IN THE GLOW.  Do not have direct overhead lighting in the bedroom for rest or romance.  It’s like getting caught in the backseat of a car at a Piggly Wiggly parking lot.  Low level, indirect lighting is the perfect alternative.

Find table lamps or sconces (wall mounted lights) with darker shades to emit a warm glow on you and your partner.  Dim lighting also signals the body that it’s time to wind down or wind up.  Wink, wink.

6. CREATE A SIGNATURE SCENT!  Our sense of smell is over ten thousand times more sensitive than our sense of taste.  Using too many fragrances in one space can be overwhelming.  If you’re combining perfume with candles, flowers, room spray and potpourri, you should apply for a job at the Macy’s perfume counter.

Pick one signature scent like cinnamon, basil, lavender, ginger or almond (which men love) and use it exclusively in the bedroom.  My personal fav — Arcadia by Voluspa.  This way, the signature scent becomes a trigger the minute you walk in the room.  Booyah!

To learn more about boosting your bedroom appeal, check out my on-line chat with Niecy Nash on ’Let’s Talk About Love‘.

Got a great idea for creating the perfect love nest?  I’d love to hear it in the comments below.

Until next time…

Come June 3rd, I’ve decided to take a week away from my life in design and cycle from San Francisco to Los Angles to raise money for HIV/AIDS awareness. 

Let me start by saying that as of a month ago, I didn’t even own a bike. Nor am I fond of the idea of sitting on a seat measuring a fraction of my behind.  But with so many people today still struggling with HIV/AIDS, the idea of peddling 545 miles pales in comparison to the day-by-day challenges that many of our friends affected by this disease face.

Together, Eddie and I both will literally put the petal to the metal and ride from the city by the bay to the city of angels over the course of 7 days.  And so that none of this goes in vain, we are each committed to raising $5000 in the fight against AIDS.

Would I love it if you could help me reach my goal – YES!  I know it’s asking a lot, but I promise, I’ll will give a lot in return.

In fact, to show my immediate gratitude, if you decide to make a donation of $50 or more, I’ll send you a FREE autographed copy of my book ‘Take the U Out of Clutter’ just in time to cross spring cleaning off your to-do list.

Simply click here to go directly to the AIDS/LifeCycle website to make a donation.  And if you make a donation of $50 or more, I’ll be sending you a follow-up email to get your mailing address so I can send you a free book.

For all the people we know and all the people we don’t know dealing with HIV/AIDS, I consider this ride the least I can do.  And the way I figure it, if you start with the least you can do, we will have already moved a mountain.

So consider making a donation today and truly making this a ride to end AIDS.  Together, we can make a HUGE difference!

Thank you for your consideration and generous spirit; and for being a hero!

Until next time…