Kravet one of the world's largest fabric and furniture manufacturers has asked Kelly of Kelly Dall Interior Design to participate in a presentation Kravet is offering to the Interior Design trade on Thursday May 6th at the Kravet Bethpage Showroom. The presentation will focus on social marketing and the applications that relate to Interior Design professionals and their companies. It is an honor to be a part of the program and as always Kelly's pleasure to help others succeed.

Banquette Dining in Oyster Bay

Banquette dining is a great way to comfortably seat maximum people while keeping your foot print small. In this case our Oyster Bay homeowner wanted a place where her large family could relax over several course Italian meals. In this relatively small great room in her condo this homeowner wanted sophisticated, casual elegance. She has small nieces and nephews who visit and wanted the fabrics to be durable but gorgeous. We achieved this goal by using faux reptile vinyl on the deep seat cushions (easy to wipe clean) while putting a higher end fabric on the seat back (less likely to receive staining). Kudos to my entire team for making this beautiful transformation a reality. My assistant Lynn had the genius concept, Scott Sammis from Mel Sammis and Son Construction did a phenomenal job building the boxes, Bill Peer Painting applied a German high gloss oil base paint and to Jamie for fabu upholstery. Finally kudos to my homeowner for trusting me with a faux reptile which was way out of her comfort zone. She loves the end product but pulling the trigger was initially frightening. The final touches including pillows and accessories have yet to be installed so stay tuned for the finished product coming soon.

While away on a long ski weekend in Vermont I visited Simon Pearce Glass in Quechee VT. This is a three time per year (minimum) ritual for me. I can't stay away!! Although Simon Pearce is best known for simple, beautiful glassware they also sell handcrafted pottery, cutlery, linens, furniture and accessories. In addition to the fabulous products it is a great destination if visiting the area as they have a phenomenal restaurant overlooking an incredible waterfall. The five star dining experience will only delay the inevitable shopping extravaganza. If that weren't enough the lower level of the Quechee facility offers the rare opportunity for children of all ages to watch and interact with artisans that hand blow each piece of glassware (which can not be called crystal for the lack of lead) and turn mounds of clay into gorgeous pitchers, bowls and vases.

"Green" design is becoming more and more a requirement for many clients. Not only does Simon Pearce deliver a green product but they manufacture those products without the typical expense to the environment. In fact the Ottauquechee River provides hydroelectric power for the glass furnaces as well as the electricity for the entire facility. The restaurant supports the local farmers and breweries. It is company policy that as much as possible Simon Pearce does business locally. Very much like Ralph Lauren, Simon Pearce sells a "Lifestyle". What I love about this company is that from the owners to the waiters (ask for Alan) live the lifestyle.

Simon Pearce is offering a great Mothers Day Promotion. Buy a vase as a gift and get one free for yourself. Those are my favorite kind of promotions!! Better yet take your mom away for the weekend and pop in at Simon Pearce, have lunch and let her pick out her own vase. If you do not plan on being in Vermont anytime soon, you can check out the entire collection at http://www.simonpearce.com/.

Newsday featured a transformation in my home in their li makeover article today Friday, March 19. There are several keys to this successful end result. The first piece of the puzzle is the use of feng shui principles. Many people believe that when implementing feng shui you need to use the principles literally. For example in this situation the front foyer represents the front center section of the bagua. The color for this are is black. That does not mean you need to paint your walls black. The earth element that should be represented is water. That does not mean you need a fountain in the middle of the foyer. I used recycled black wood frames on the three old fashion prints depicting the Brightwaters Canal. These three pieces are a nod to both the color black and the water feature. I used an enormous crystal chandelier to also represent the water feature. The key is to use these elements with intent. Feng Shui is a great way to ensure health and well being in your space.

Another key to the makeover was affordability. Ken Barrone of Spotless Contracting helped me design applied, raised panel molding for the space. Using applied verses actual raised panel molding saved thousands of dollars in materials and labor making the redesign significantly more affordable. The creativity displayed on the ceiling to floor molding plan is a testament to a successful brainstorming session between Designer and Master Carpenter.

For more information pick up Newsday today. If you miss the article in the paper check back in a few days to my website www.kellydall.com and go to the News page, click on the link to Newsday's website where you will see the original article, several new pictures as well as new information, techniques, tips and sources.

Granny Smith Apple Green

For the last few years orange has been the new hot color. While outlet shopping in Manchester Vermont three years ago a sales woman told me that a "New Yorker told her (so it must be true) that orange was the new black". If that was true then granny smith apple green is the new orange. 

Usually fashion dictates decor. What I mean by that is whatever you see on the fashion runway and then on the streets in one year translates to the new hot interior design craze.  I have noticed many "green" trends in terms of eco-friendly interior design. I have even noticed "green" trends in fashion design. What I haven't seen is granny smith apple green on the runway. None the less it is showing up in all the design magazines and on many Interior Designer's radar screen. In fact I am currently using it as the primary accent color in a beachy bedroom I am working on right now.

So if you are looking for a change and want to be on the cutting edge.....think green in more ways then one.

Utilize Feng Shui to bring abundance, prosperity and wealth to your home!!

Please join us for a free twilight presentation at my office at Main Street Nursery Wednesday, July 8th 2009. Christine A. Bushell, Certified Feng Shui Practitioner is our esteemed speaker. I have learned a great deal from Christine and felt the need to share her with all of you. Cocktails and light refreshments will be served.

I use Feng Shui principles in all of my designs. I learned many years ago the power of Feng Shui. Truly the difference good or bad Feng Shui can make is palpable. Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway) which literally means "Wind & Water" two natural elements that flow and circulate the earth, is an ancient philosophy, science and art that shows us how our environments can affect how the energy flows or does not flow in a space. It teaches us about the dynamic relationship between humans and our environments and allows us to see that where we live and where we work can affect us physically and emotionally.

If you want to promote financial flow; optimal health; good relationships, then unblock the Ch'i!!

Save your seat for this fantastic presentation by clicking on the link at www.kellydall.com. Register now as seating is limited. Look forward to seeing you there!!

Spring is a great time to revitalize your home

Regardless of whether you have an unlimited budget or no money to spend, a few small changes can have a big impact. The key to refreshing your home is embracing change and taking action.

If you have no money to spend, focus on re-decorating and re-purposing. Start with a total spring cleaning and while cleaning purge, purge, purge. If you do not love everything you touch get ride of it. It is hard work but organizing your drawers and cabinets, cleaning your closets and garage is cathartic. Do the chores around your home you would do if you were getting your house ready to go on the market. If you have energy left rearrange furniture. Go shopping for one room in another. Then kick back and enjoy your summer.

If your budget allows for more flexibility update your window treatments, add new accent pillows, buy a new piece of furniture, change your lighting plan or do it all. Bring the outdoors in with vintage botanical or sea life prints. Cut out pictures you like in magazines and implement the elements you love in the pictures in your own home.

Kelly Dall at Initial Designs offers free consultations and can help you transform any space into one that you look forward to coming home to.