A CLEAN SLATE......

As promised, here is Ann's "lesson". Amusez-vous!

Common Decorating Mistakes:

Ignoring the Focal Point

by Ann Carpenter

Last night while flipping through July’s issue of House Beautiful, I revisited an article where NYC designer Jonathan Rosen completed a one-day makeover of his client’s living room.

The client’s living room had a natural focal point with a gorgeous mantel, but she hadn’t made the most of it. Jonathan brought in a mirror, sconces and topiaries to dress up the mantel. He then flanked the fireplace with pairs of chairs, chests, lamps and artwork. All of a sudden, the fireplace wall became the showstopper of the room!

Now who wouldn’t love this? The before picture highlighted a decorating mistake that I often see in my work…ignoring the focal point.

Just remember, no matter what your personal style may be, every room needs a fixed point around which everything else will revolve. The area should be the most defined, striking, eye catching spot in the room. If you need help creating a focal point or are interested in a one-day makeover, please contact me at 804-436-3169 or ann@RearrangementsRedecorate.com.

P.S. - To see the entire article in House Beautiful, click on http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/one-day-makeover)

Au Revoir ! Rachel

www.brocante-home.com

Wednesday - Saturday 10-4

804-438-6404

WHEN IN PARIS.....

Since Ann is "on assignment" in Paris, we will not have a class this month. But, she did leave us with a lesson plan - Common Decorating Mistakes. The first of these lessons will be sent out next week. Homework to follow.

P.S. - Our Fall/Winter hours starting in October are: Wednesday thru Saturday, 10am - 4pm.

Our next and final Design Class for the season will be Friday, November 6th on Holiday Decorating - Brocante Style.

Au Revoir! Rachel

www.brocante-home.com

GOTTA HAVE IT!

Wait until you see the new collection of John Wind jewelry - magnifique! John's jewelry is a wonderful mix of eclectic and vintage inspired gems and baubles. His signature style is classic with a (french) twist. You will feel like you have discovered a vintage gem at the Clingancourt Market in Paris! But if you can't make it there, head over to Brocante Home to see our collection!

P.S. - we will be open on Sundays through September, then back to our Fall/Winter hours of Wednesday thru Saturday, 10am - 4pm.

Au Revoir! Rachel

www.brocante-home.com

804-438-6404

DESIGN STAR REDUX

In my last blog, the link to Ann Carpenter's company ReArrangements did not link to her site.  So we are trying again!  This should work, so please check it out!

www.rearrangementsredecorate.com

Merci!  Rachel

DESIGN STAR

For those who have frequented my shop, Brocante Home or come to any of our design classes, you may already be familiar with Ann Carpenter and her design firm, ReArrangements. ReArrangements is an interior redecoration service offering an easy and affordable alternative to traditional interior design. Ann specializes in one-day makeovers using your own furniture and accessories as a base. Her new website, www.rearrangementsredecorate.com. will give you more information on the services provided and before and after photos of rooms Ann has decorated (see the website for the before of the above photo!). Or, you can stop by the shop on Friday afternoons to meet Ann in person.

P.S. - We had another great turnout for the last design class. Thanks again to all for supporting the design classes! Watch this blog for more design tips!

Au Revoir! Rachel

DESIGN CLASS - COLOR ME WHITE - FRIDAY AT 4PM

We would love to have you join us for the upcoming class, COLOR ME WHITE. Ann will show you how using white can open up a space, add dimension, as well as invoke romance and elegance to your home. The class, this Friday, September 4th, starts at 4pm at Brocante Home. Please call us at 804-438-6404 for a reservation.

P.S. - Be Dazzled! More new lamps are in!

Au Revoir! Rachel