‘Tis the Season for glorious galas and beautiful benefits and we love to share the love.

 

The Event:

Cure by Design  Fashion Show, Auction, Reception and more.

 

The Location:

The Gorgeous Atrium of the Ronald Reagan Building

www.itcdc.com

 

The Assignment:

We’re thrilled that WestBay was selected to design and decorate the VIP Lounge for this exciting event ! And so glad for this chance to lend our support in this way.

 

Your are all cordially Invited to book a ticket and join in the fun and we’ll post images of the VIP lounge after the event …

( not for-sure yet, but there’s talk of Patterson & Flynn designing and donating a rug just for the event… wouldn’t that be fabulous!)

 

 

*About Cure by Design

 

Cure by Design

is an event in which the fashion, design and retail communities join forces with the local corporate community to benefit the American Cancer Society. The focus of this special evening is a fashion show that spotlights designer fashions and, more importantly, the cancer survivors who model them. These survivor models are living proof of the strides we are making in the fight against cancer, and their vibrant smiles portray a message of hope for the cure.

 

The money raised at Cure by Design enables the American Cancer Society to fund cutting-edge research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts, and life-affirming patient services. By supporting Cure by Design, you are partnering with the American Cancer Society to help cancer patients in your community.

 

Please join us for a fabulous fashion show, elegant reception, and exciting live and silent auctions, as we celebrate survivorship and fashion!

 

 

Paint supplied by Kelly Millspaugh Thompson from www.stylishpatina.com

One great part of being an interior designer is the on-going friendships I develop with some of my clients. We continue to share tips, finds, information and more, with each other.

Beat-up, old and filthy dresser discovered at a local thrift store.

April, an amazing school teacher and mom asked me to help her locate Country French style furniture that’s so popular now. It so happens that she recently discovered a new thrift store on the way to her son’s school. She found a beat-up, filthy dresser; it was a disgusting mess but she knew it had good bones, beautiful elegant lines, and very attractive legs! At only $45.00, how much of a mistake could it be?

April starting her next project. The brush round shaped brush is the Annie Sloan wax brush.

She emailed me with a photo of this hideous “diamond in the rough”, as she saw it, wanting me to give her ideas about how, if at all, it could be made to go with her Country French décor. I had ideas, alright! And I sent her to  www.stylishpatina.com where could find  links to a lot of information about transforming Flea Market finds into shabby chic… using chalk paint One tried and true “system” for this comes from a lady named Annie Sloan, in the UK.

Gold detailing on the drawers add a bit of elegance.

April got smart! and got DIY-ing! Armed with the Annie Sloan Chalk Paints and waxes, appropriate brushes, and a few other supplies, she went to work.  Cleaning and smoothing are almost always needed first. They say that the paint doesn’t require any sanding or primer, but, if the piece isn’t smooth to start with, you can’t expect the paint to make it so.

April sanded the top, but didn’t sand or prime the body before adding Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

After cleaning April refinished the top of the dresser. She painted the body with brown latex paint (nutmeg) and then with Paris Grey. She then added gold detailing on the drawers and the dresser. Next it was distressed it with sandpaper, then clear and dark wax was used from Annie Sloan.

Taking the dresser apart for cleaning, April found a bit more than expected…. ( did I mention it was beat-up, old and filthy? ). In the back interior corner… there were two, very dead, dried-up mice. Gosh! you just never know! They were kinda’ pitiful and, for some reason that I will never understand (but LOVE) , April felt the need to name them Rose and Jack, in memoriam of the lovers from the movie Titanic… I guess, in this version of the story, both of them die!

Cleaned, vacuumed and definitely disinfected – the dresser was ready for it’s re-do. A bit of sanding, mostly just on the top, left it smooth-as-a-you-know-what. She decided on a two-tone look and striped and stained the top. Again, the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint instructions insist that no prep is necessary, so she painted Annie Sloan’s “Paris Grey” painted on the body, then gold paint detailing on the drawers. Then distressed it, before waxing. Just look at the amazing result! From Mouse Tomb to gorgeous, on-trend, expensive-looking furniture!

One drawer with brown latex paint (nutmeg) and the other one has Paris Grey painted over the latex paint.

I just love the whole idea of snatching furniture back from the brink of despair and destruction and giving it a new life. It’s good for the wallet, it’s even good for the planet because it is re-using and keeping things out of landfills. Faux painting treatments are not beyond your capabilities. Trust me on this. Anyway, if you go for looks like “distressed” and “shabby chic” then they are perfect… just being imperfect! It’s a great creative activity for people who aren’t great at intricate detail and pains-taking projects. They are supposed to look a hundred years old! How can you go wrong with that kind of an out? And there is a whole world of brushes, glazes, grainers, sponges and all sorts of interesting tricks to help you… if you need guidance, give me a call and I’ll steer you in the right direction.

Before Dresser

After Dresser

Wow. Wow! This looks like something I’d pick up at a furniture Market. It’s Perfect!

April is also working on an armoire and headboard, she promises to send us updates that I will post here.

Okay folks, ready to learn how to use chalk paint to give your furniture the ever-so-popular shabby chic look? Mark your calendar for this Saturday May 26th! We will be holding a FREE demo at West Potomac Interiors (next door to Shabby Chic) in Alexandria from 1-2:30 to show you how to use it – there will even be paint available for purchase!

See you there!

1517 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22301

Are your window treatments totally working for you?

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The factor that is most over-looked about window treatments is functionality. The right, or the wrong window treatment can totally alter your world – for the better or for the worse.

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Kravet Smart Window Sheers

Sun control is major… morning sun glaring in your face can, literally, make it impossible for you to get anything done in the kitchen, or whichever room. But you do want to enjoy the view of the plants and sky, right?

Sheers do the trick; and there are wonderful sheers with patterns available. On the other hand, utilizing natural light can even favorably impact your electrical bill. Having sheers, curtains or drapes that smoothly and easily slide on the rod – is actually important!

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Don’t forget that it’s fine to curtain only the tops – or only the bottoms of a window.  This can address a privacy issue, but leave you the view.

Now, when hanging please PLEASE don’t hang like #1 here…

This is very important folks:)

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Window treatments are like the clothing of your room; they really set the stage, and there are so many options to choose from. Actually, almost too many…. give me a call …. snap and email me a few pictures and I can get you in the right direction quickly and easily.

Save Our Sanity!

I had to send out a distress call this morning – to a friend.

My entire family has been hit by a nasty virus. It all started Monday when my toddler complained of aches and dizziness. I noticed his fever and a never ending cough! The kind of cough that makes your head spin. One by one we dropped like flies.

My friend has this “system” that she tries to teach me to do. She says, when the going gets really tough and you’re about to go off the deep end, at times like these, you have to declare “Survival Mode”.

Here’s how you Declare Survival Mode:

Slash your do do list.

Write down ALL the stuff that is floating around in your head. Every little bit and all the details. When you think to yourself “well, I don’t have to actually write down such-and-such because I just know that naturally.” NO ! write these things down too. It works miracles to get the clutter out of your head.

Now that you have your list – slash it! For the duration of your declared “Survival Mode”, take out everything that is not absolutely imperative for the moment.

Procrastinate.

All tasks that can possibly be put-off without anyone actually dying… put it off. (if you really give yourself the break of Survival Mode, then it will be sooner than you think that you are able to catch-up with these things).

Doesn't she look fabulous relaxing here, with all her makeup on, and notice no feverish coughing kids to interrupt Maybe her husband has the kids.

Take the easy way out.

Paper plates for a while won’t upset the international balance of power, if you only do it in Survival Mode. Definitely dish washer – no hand washing of anything. Store-bought meals – yes. Letting laundry pile-up – go ahead. No dusting or any regular house cleaning — not in Survival Mode. Chauffeuring the kids? Explain Survival Mode to one of the other Moms chauffeuring to the same place, and promise that you’ll cover for her when she’s on the brink, if she’ll do it for you, now.

Oops, wrong image Lack of sleep is getting to me. My neighbors are super helpful, one even picked up children's Motrin for us.

Do only the very, very basics - for the duration. Your sanity must come first… if you go over the edge, then NONE of this will EVER get done! because you’ll be rocking back and forth in the corner with a straight jacket on. And that’s just not good for anybody!

Have a great weekend!

Are you a Shabby Chic Antique Freak?

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There’s just something about the charm of this look ! For me, it’s the idea that these pieces look like they’ve been around a long time… and like they have a STORY to tell. And that sends me off day dreaming, imagining and reminiscing.

That makes it a much different, and richer, addition to my home — than any plain store-bought, brand new item could ever be.

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The key to this luscious look is the painted surface - complete with imperfections and real, or faked “wear”. And the key to this painted surface is CHALK PAINT AND WAXES BY Annie Sloan!  She lives and works in the UK but has US distributors.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Paris Gray for the design

Enter, Kelly Millspaugh Thompson; Annie Sloan Products expert and the only Virginia distributor of the products.

Falls Church News Press

You are Cordially Invited! Kelly is going to be our guest and treat us to a Demonstration of the paints and other products, including a Q & A period, and will also have the Paints, books, and supplies available to be purchaced on site, if you choose.

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Seating is limited, so please R.S.V.P. to info@westbayinteriors.com. Please write Paint Demo in the subject line and be sure to give me your contact info. 

More about the paint:

This incredible paint is so versatile that you can paint almost any surface including waxed and varnished pieces, clay and concrete pots, plastic and formica furniture. No sanding or stripping or the drudgery of priming!  just think of all those projects you’ve been trying putting off because it was just too much work.  It is suitable for all your furniture pieces but don’t stop there, wash the walls and floors with this fabulous paint as well. That’s right!  your shutters and doors, iron gates and lamp posts even your cedar shingles can come to life with just one coat. It’s amazing!

Again, this Meetup will take place  from 1-2:15 pm at

Not Too Shabby Antiques and Consignments

1515 Mount Vernon Ave
Alexandria, VA 22301

Del Ray is a neighborhood in Alexandria, VA close to Old Town Alexandria.

Hope to see you there!

Need a weekend DYI project? Check out these amazing ways to make over  your stair risers.

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Martha Stuwart

I love this stencil idea.

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How about painting or papering your stair risers!

J Adler

Martha Stewart

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If you’ve painted your risers…do share your pics

I’ve been so very anxious for spring, and it’s finally here! We want to be seeing green; on the trees, the lawn, anything is a help to assure us that spring is here. March feels like the first month we can assume that winter is over… handy that it’s St. Patrick’s Day month, which seems to validate being “keen for green”.

Bring living green things into your home. Fortunately, the hardware and garden stores know that we’ve been eager for spring, and you’ll find a great selection of plants for inside the home – right now.

One of the most easiest things you can do to warm up a room is to add plants… IF you have the guts to go big! It’s one of those things that you don’t realize is missing until you bring it in…and then, it make the space look so “finished” and professional and glamorous. All this, but they really take up hardly any space at all.

There’s a reason that classic estates and homes have sported “potted palms” for centuries… they add so much but are happy to occupy just the unused space behind a chair or table. They are small at the bottom with gorgeous, arching fronds at the top. Don’t wimp-out ! Get a pair or more, that are 6 to 8 feet tall! If they’re on the shorter side, also grab a 2 foot tall plant stand to boost them. Also select a nice planter (resin is fine) to put each one in; do it all at once because its trickier than it seems to find a planter big enough.

Make one more stop in the store to the Lighting department. Not for a “grow light”… but for up-lights! A simple “can light” or a spot light that will clamp. These do not need to be seen, so ugly is ok.

You will instantly see why I suggested this…. they add so much it’s incredible. Come evening, you’ll be stunned by the drama of the sweeping shadow-play from the up lights.

Take the kids out for a woodsy adventure and gather a collection of mosses. Creating a small moss farm or terrarium is not only a great feature for the home, but also educational for the kids.

No home should be without a significant presence of green. Not your thing? Give it a re-think, we’re not just talking “kelly”.

The most relaxing influences are silvery, sagey, mossy greens. And, when you’re in this color region, you are basically working with a neutral – it can be nudged into most any color scheme.

As always, the Keyword for adding an accent color is:

P-A-R-T-S

P illows

A rt (your moss garden or terrarium can count as art – present it beautifully, in a central location)

R ugs (not a full commitment – just an area rug, scatter rugs, or an outdoor rug used indoors is a great and washable idea, especially for a home with pets)

T hrows (afghans or any kind of cuddly small comforter/throw thing.)

S torage (baskets, band boxes, apothecary jars … most every room needs storage; while you’re adding your green, do it in the form of attractive things that can also offer storage)

There is something in our souls that recognizes the color green. City dwellers and suburbanites sometimes forget – the planet on which we live is not a place of concrete and asphalt…. it is a place of soil and plants, rocks and creatures. When we remember what is our natural environment – it calms us and rejuvenates us.

When only “stunning” will do. When an audible gasp… is your standard of  a well designed room. When you must have the impeccable harmony of color and form that only chandeliers by Marjorie Skouras can provide.

It isn’t just about including gorgeous chandeliers in your spaces… it’s about spaces impeccably orchestrated.  

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Do you admire show-stopping lighting products in major design publication all over the world, but can’t find that wow factor you’ve been looking for?  Marjorie Skouras Design has the chandeliers you’ve been waiting for.

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Marta Sconce

The Components - A dazzling treasure of actual gem stones and natural materials: Turquoise, White Turquoise, Jasper, Garnet, Teal Agate, Dark Green Agate, polished Amethyst nuggets, Black Onyx, Lapis Lazuli, Light Blue Quartz, coral jade, pink jade, Black Obsidian, Tigers Eye, Blue Tigerseye, Brown Tigerseye, Red Tigerseye, Carnelian, Light Green Aventurine, Moonstone, Polished and Rough Rock Crystal, Malachite, Rough Quartz Crystals, Pyrite, Abalone, Mother of Pearl, Red Coral, Sea Glass, Howlite and more. Custom colors available too!

The Creations - These magnificent works of art simulate the construction of jewelry – but on a room-sized scale! Cabuchons and sea shells, ropes of beads of semi-precious stones -  illuminate the spirit of the room and unify the the look of the design.

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The Designer – Marjorie SkourasMs. Skouras has been featured on several television shows including the HGTV show “The Kitty Bartholomew Show” three times, The Joan Agajanian Quinn Interviews, and the French television show “Interieurs”.

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With a love for the eclectic and the truly luxe, Marjorie Skouras is best known for her use of semi precious stones.  Available through WestBay Interiors. Call  (703)943-7400 or email for more information.