Davin Interiors, LLC

Hang in there....

2011-02-10T11:21:00.006-05:00

Ok, the Steelers lost the Superbowl....

School has been delayed for the 3rd time this week due to frigid temps.....

Hang in there! Spring is on the way.

Here are a few images I found to perk myself up.

Start now on your home interiors projects... be ready to enjoy them this spring and summer.

Home Decor - Projects in Progress....

2011-01-17T22:02:00.014-05:00

2011 is off to a great and busy start.....

at the first of the month, Alisha completed an accessory installation she designed for a client

at left is a beautiful modern sculpture that is the focal point of the entry hall.

on the 7th we worked with the talented staff of Maniac Magazine - photographing 2 interiors

projects for an upcoming article in their spring issue

on the 10th, we worked with Al, our

fantastic window treatment installer

he did his usual perfect job putting in window treatments in a clients luxury bath and bedrooom.

More to come!

Honeysuckle!

2011-01-04T17:28:00.004-05:00

The Pantone Color Institute has announced Honeysuckle as it's color of the year for 2011.... as described in their recent press release:

A Color for All Seasons

Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.

While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”

Eiseman continues, “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”

I've loved using colors similar to Honeysuckle on a number of recent projects. Freshen up a tired room with Honeysuckle on the walls and a creamy white trim. It's gorgeous with neutrals and basics, including grey, navy, black, white, and brings life to taupes and beiges.

Navy and Red!

2010-12-28T20:50:00.015-05:00

I've been obsessed with navy blue and red since watching the last few episodes of Glee....maybe it's the rich color that's great for the holiday season, maybe it's the preppy feel, or the sharp color contrast. It's a classic that's always been there, but somehow it just hasn't been on my radar until the combination jumped out at me.

Rich. Sharp. Fresh. Fun.

A Pet-Friendly Home

2010-10-22T15:28:00.003-04:00

Ever wonder if your home is truly "pet-friendly"? Sure, everyone knows not to feed chocolate or raisins to your non-human friends, but what about the not-so-obvious toxins throughout the house?

Check out this link from MyHomeIdeas.com. It features a room-by-room slide show detailing problematic items.

From their website...

"Between toxic cleaners and poisonous foods, the home can be a dangerous place for our beloved pets. We spoke with veterinarian Dr. Justine Lee from the Pet Poison Helpline to find out home's hidden dangers and how to prevent accidents. Go room by room to see how you can keep your home safe and pet friendly."

Looking to spice up your home decor with a tribute to your furry friend? The design industry now offers a wide range of pet inspired options, from Beagle-printed fabrics to custom installed dog showers!

Women In Business - Whirl Magazine

2010-10-22T14:33:00.003-04:00

Davin Interiors' founder and president, Cathy Davin, is featured in this month's issue of Whirl Magazine as part of a story on Women In Business. The magazine honors 40 of our region’s small business owners for their entrepreneurial genius and forward-thinking contributions to our community. We are so proud of Cathy for this wonderful accomplishment!

Check out this link for the full online feature - don't miss the "Behind the Scenes" video as well! And make sure to pick up a copy of this month's Whirl Magazine.

Featured: Maniac Magazine

2010-08-30T10:33:00.007-04:00

Davin Interiors was featured in the most recent issue of Pittsburgh's trendy Maniac Magazine! The spread compared fashion to home decorating, juxtaposing stylish outfits with coordinating home accessories. Check out the photos below from the magazine layout...

We also featured our new, full page fall advertisement within the Maniac Magazine pages!

Make sure to get your copy of this month's Maniac Magazine to check out this feature, as well as everything else the print has to offer!

An Interactive Introduction

2010-07-01T10:11:00.004-04:00

Twitter, blog, now YouTube! Our company is expanding throughout the social media realm. We just posted an "Interactive Introduction" on YouTube.com to help potential clients understand and feel comfortable with our design mission. Check out this link or watch the video below to experience it for yourself!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTV5Z51LW2w

In Living Color

2010-06-28T09:41:00.011-04:00

The Pittsburgh-based Whirl Magazine introduced a quarterly installment of Whirl At Home, a publication focused on luxury and style in the home. We were fortunate enough to be a part of the launch issue, in a spread entitled "In Living Color". Check out portions of the article below, including sample works from Alisha, a designer at Davin Interiors!

“One of the easiest, most affordable ways of changing a room is by painting…just one wall. ‘Even the slightest hint of color can dramatically change a space,’ says Alisha Gwen Humphrey, a designer at Davin Interiors. In particular, accent walls (which also include ceilings!) pack a colorful punch. A bright green, bold red, or dramatic black wall might seem like a slightly scary prospect, but ‘feature walls add a dramatic flair to a room without a huge commitment,’ says Evelyn Wedner, a designer and owner of Evelyn James Interiors. She’s right – if you don’t like it, just paint it again!”

"In this anything-but-ordinary law office conference room, the orange hue on the ceiling, in Benjamin Moore 'Brilliant Amber,' was pulled from the law company's logo and is used in the hallway as well. Humphrey left the oringal exterior brick walls exposed, and went with Benjamin Moore 'Sweet Vibrations' to create contrast."

Embrace Color

2010-06-28T09:35:00.001-04:00

We were fortunate enough to be featured in the Fox Chapel quarterly magazine, IN Fox Chapel Area, for the Summer 2010 issue. Check out the Industry Insight article below, fittingly entitled "Embrace Color"!

"Summer is around the corner, so why not revitalize a dated room in your home with color? An updated color scheme will give you a refreshing, ‘loving coming home’ feeling. Color has an amazing impact on the transformation of a room. Reds pack a wallop Yellows are warm and welcoming. Greens relax. Blues cool … Memorable, eye-catching color is a major design movement of this decade!

Bright, fresh colors were in abundance at this spring’s furniture marking in High Point, NC. There were blues ranging from ink blue and navy to turquoise and bold aqua. There were bright, bold shades of coral, orange, and red. All were crisp, fresh, and invigorating! Green, in shades from bright grass to olive, moss, and sage were also prevalent. Imagine a colorful new scheme in your kitchen, dining, or family room – full of energy and warmth for your family.

Sophisticated hues are now the ‘new neutrals’ (no longer your basic black or brown). You can use beautiful grays and bronze for neutrals, such as warm, rich slate, stone and metallic. Mix several shades of white or soft yellows to create a chalky white, vanilla or buttery yellow as a new neutral. Layer in rich textures in fabrics and furnishings for interest and sophistication. How about a black and white scheme, with an eye-catching accent color of bright blue or red?
Be sure to consider your wood molding when updating your color scheme. Painting wood-stained molding a fresh white or off-white will freshen and update a room. And don’t forget the ceiling (forget the basic white). A complementary color on the ceiling may be the perfect way to contrast your wall color. Or, consider a ceiling color that’s a few shades lighter than the wall color. If your walls are light, think about a bold color on the ceiling to contrast.

Also, consider a fabulous new wall covering. They’re no longer “your mom’s wallpaper,” but coming in great textures, patterns, and colors. Wall covering can serve as a rich but subtle background, or stand out and set the tone for the entire room. We don’t paper whole homes anymore, so a stylish paper in a dining room, powder room, or master bedroom is often a great design element. And today’s papers are easy to remove from properly prepared walls.

Homeowners are embracing color in a big way, so don’t be afraid. Go for it and love coming home!"

Apartment Therapy

2010-06-24T10:57:00.003-04:00

Next summer, our eldest daughter and her close friends plan to live in New York City. Though it will be an exciting and educational experience, we know that her living arrangements will be... lacking. An apartment in NYC for three early-20 something girls will most likely be smaller and less comfortable than their freshman college dorm! Apartments in general can present decorating obstacles due to size, location, or layout. Check out these tips below to help with these challenges!

Sometimes apartments have oddly shaped areas that prove to be a decorating challenge. Although these unusual spaces can be interesting simply because of their shape, the trick is to work with the spaces in a way that accentuates their unique shape, while maximizing their usability.

Unusual Nooks and Crannies in Older Apartments

Older buildings often have small nooks and crannies that can create an unusually shaped room. Especially in the case of apartments that were created from large older homes, small rooms such as bathrooms might have been created from what were originally large closets or service rooms. In other cases, one large room might have been divided up into several unusually shaped rooms when the home was converted into apartment space. Or, your challenge might be that the rooms are still large, albeit unusually shaped, and you have a desire to use the room for several purposes, such as a home office and a living room. There might also be sharp angles where the walls connect, or an unusual layout of windows in some of the rooms. Small areas such as alcoves were also common in older home and apartment construction.

Breaking Larger Spaces into Smaller Room Shapes

If you have an unusually shaped large space in an apartment, chances are you might be able to divide the area into two or more smaller "mini-rooms" that can be used for different purposes. For example, a room with a small alcove abutting against it could be divided up into a living room and a small office. Once the large unusually shaped area is divided into visually separate rooms, the space no longer looks to be an odd shape. You can also break up unusually shaped rooms by using furniture or room dividers.

Connecting Disjointed Spaces into One Space

Another method of dealing with unusual room spaces and shapes is to visually tie them all together. You can use furniture to soften sharp angles, such as angling a bookcase along a wall, or using a rounded sofa to reduce an angular appearance, making the room seem more connected and inviting. If you have a small alcove space that doesn't fit into the room in any kind of useful fashion, consider visually squaring the room by placing a decorative room divider in front of the alcove. You can then use the alcove as hidden storage space. Using the same wall color throughout the room can also help tie the area together, or use an area rub in the center of the room to visually pull the focus away from the unusual shape of the room.

Interesting Uses for Unusual Spaces

Just because an apartment is unusually shaped doesn't mean you need to try to disguise its uniqueness. Accentuating a few of these areas to add interest and usefulness to the room is often a good approach. Try utilizing a very small space as a reading nook, adding a chair, end table and small reading lamp. This can create a charming spot out of what was once an awkward space. Free-standing bookcases and shelving units can also be added to small areas to create home library spaces. Storage benches can also be used in small spaces to give the look of a built-in seating area, especially if used under a window.

Original Text Published At: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory - http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=553654&ca=Home+Management

Why Wallpaper?

2010-05-19T14:04:00.008-04:00

For some, the mention of the word "WALLPAPER" ignites thoughts of Grandma's stuffy, outdated decor. But fear not, paper-haters! Wallpaper has entered the new millennium! Featuring luxurious patterns, cool accents, and intriguing textures, the perfect wallpaper can enhance any room. Still not convinced? Check out what Thibaut Designs, one of our favorite Wallpaper and Fabric Manufactures, has to say about our beloved wallpaper...

"Depth, emotion and intensity are the allure of wallpaper. Wallpaper can create a subtle background or be a bold addition. It allows you to express your individual style and adds instant character to any room. Whatever your design preference, wallpaper has it all.

Flexibility and Ease

Most believe once a room is papered it cannot adjust to changing styles and moods. Au contraire, subtle designs such as stries, damask and stripes adapt easily to differing room styles. For example, a stir (delicate pattern of thin tone-on-tone stripes) in a neutral color can add flair to an otherwise plain room without taking center stage. Damask, elegant designs that include whimsical scrolling arabesque, add sophistication. The ever popular stripe is yet another style which adds character to a room. With each of these design types you can change furniture and accent pieces to suit whatever theme you choose to create.

If you prefer to decorate with a certain motif, wallcoverings are a wonderful choice. Floral, tropical, French Provincial and Oriental motifs are just a few styles that wallpaper and coordinating fabrics can create.

A better alternative to paint, wallcoverings are easy to install, maintain and remove. Advances in paste technology allow for easy installation and ensure that paper will adhere to walls for a long period of time."

These below designs from Thibaut's new portfolio exemplify how perfectly wallpaper can tie a room together:

From neutral elegance to talkative brights, wallpaper can enhance any space!

Choosing the Perfect Bedroom Colors

2010-05-12T12:16:00.008-04:00

Your bedroom is a personal area for relaxing, and whether you spend your time watching television or curling up with a good book, the bedroom can be an area that is decorated to suit your tastes. Deciding how to settle on the most appropriate hues for the bedroom usually is a difficult task, looking at small wallpaper or paint samples in stores is not usually the answer. Before choosing a color for your bedroom, take into consideration the following tips. With mindful consideration and a few suggestions, you should be able to select just the right colors that will turn your bedroom into a sancturary for tranquil moments.

Conveying a Vibe
Never choose a color based on aesthetics alone. You may end up regretting the color choice later on down the road. It is crucial to consider the ambience the color exudes prior to investing time and money on wall covering or paint. Color has the ability to change the mood-- and in a bedroom the correct color choice is of particular concern. Cool colors like green, lavender and blue set a calming ambience, and they are an excellent choice for a bedroom. Choose lighter shade for a relaxing effect. Rejuvenating and inviting, red is a good selection of color for a bedroom. Vibrant red walls exude an intimate feel and the right selection when wanting to design a sanctuary for romance. Do you want to wake up feeling energized and ready to start the day? Pick out a cooler shade of yellow. To make your bedroom seem naturally airy and light, choose a lighter hue of yellow.

Decide if You Want to Change the Look of Visual Space
Keep in mind that the colors that you choose not only affect the mood of the room, but also the manner in which the eye perceives space. Is your bedroom that you are redecorating smaller than you would like? Select paper or paint in a light cool hue. By painting the walls in the similar lighter colors, you can add height visually to your ceilings. You can make your bedroom look more spacious and give it a calming feel simply by choosing the right colors to use when decorating. Is the ceiling in your bedroom taller than you would like it to be? Choosing colors that are deep can achieve the effect of bringing the ceiling down from a visual perspective. Darker color will also cover up any defects while making the bedroom feel cozier than ever.

Choose a Color in Current Decor
If you are still confused about what color to choose when decorating a bedroom, look around the room and choose an accent shade that matches drapery, bedding, and flooring. Rooms are typically accessorized according to the color of your walls, and unless you plan to change everything from ceiling to floor, use what you have. Choose the right hue and the room will have a completely new look without spending a small fortune.

Making the Best Selection
To ensure wall coverings or paint are the right choice, invest in a small sample or a single roll of wallpaper rather than enough to complete the entire bedroom. You can cover a poster board and view the large sample in different positions and at different times throughout the day as natural lighting changes. This will provide a better idea of how the bedroom will look when finished, and you will most likely end up with a hue that suits your taste as well as the mood you want to exude while decorating.

Published by Elisabeth Carter at: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory - http://www.isnare.com/

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=522171&ca=Home+Management

Spring Market in High Point, NC

2010-04-21T16:34:00.006-04:00

I just returned from a whirlwind trip to High Point, NC for the Spring Furniture Market. It's the largest furniture show in the world, featuring over 2,000 showrooms. Once again, the brands outdid themselves with fresh ideas and inspired layouts. As usual, Century Furniture was one of my favorite showrooms-- gorgeous summer colors! Check out these great looks that just scream blue skies and radiant sun!

I also loved the lamps from the Wildwood showroom. Their modern spin on updated classics demonstrates an ability to stay current while sticking to the fundamentals. I especially coveted these great accessories below...

Live Green, Live Smart

2010-04-15T11:10:00.003-04:00

Contaminated foods? A depleted ozone layer? Polluted drinking water? Nearly everyone is well aware of the consequences our world is facing due to improper treatment of the earth. Naturally, many people are doing their best to "Live Green". But try taking this slogan literally: to live green is to physically live within an earth friendly environment. The green movement has quickly and beneficially infiltrated the home decorating industry. Follow these tips to transform your living space into an ecological haven...

1. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Although CFLs are initially more expensive, they last up to ten years and consume about one third of the power of an incandescent bulb.

2. Consider a 100% wool rug, a completely natural fiber. Wool flooring has a longer life, cleans better, and is unparalleled for style and luxury.

3. Use a paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Conventional paints emit toxic VOC gases into the atmosphere. Many paint brands now produce nontoxic color choices.

4. Purchase furniture that adheres to the green movement. A number of manufactures introduced new lines that are made from recycled or natural materials.

5. After renovating your home, donate everything and anything! Various companies will accept anything from left over paints to discarded granite counter tops. For those in the Pittsburgh region, send us an email for more information on some of these options in our area.

Viva Italia!

2010-04-06T11:41:00.005-04:00

My oldest daughter Alexandra just returned from her spring semester in Rome! One of her favorite classes abroad was Art History, a subject I studied vigorously throughout my college years. In February, Alex visited the Northern city of Vicenza, a town boasting the architectural masterpieces of Andrea Palladio. Palladio's most famous work is arguably the Villa Rotunda, a country home in Vicenza built for Father Paolo Almerico in 1565. The symmetrical exterior features a domed center connected to four porticos, creating a cross shaped aerial view. And the interior--wow! The fresco paintings are more characteristic of a Renaissance cathedral than of a private country home. Alex spent a morning exploring the design with her Art History class and fell in love with the beauty of the work. I, too, am captivated by the structure--in design school, I performed my senior research project on Palladio's Villa Rotunda. Like mother, like daughter!

4 Quick/Easy/Inexpensive Ways to Freshen Up Your Home for Spring...

2010-03-12T16:39:00.009-05:00

1. Place some colorful potted spring flowers in pretty pots. Group 2 or 3 on your dining table or coffee table. Get rid of the pointsettias that are still sitting around from the holidays.

2. Get out the cleaning supplies (no, this won't turn into a major spring cleaning project) and tackle a few mirrors, light fixtures, and even your computer screen. Amazing how that clean sparkle can lift your spirits.

3. Take just 10 minutes and get rid of some clutter. Hit your desk, kitchen counter, or front hall. Enjoy having space to breathe.

4. Hurray! Move clocks ahead an hour on Sunday - enjoy the daylight!!

Think Spring!

2010-03-12T16:32:00.004-05:00

Check out the latest issue of Upper St. Clair Today Magazine and look for our article on page 74 that gives you ideas for updating your patio, sunroom or porch: http://www.twpusc.org/magazine/magspdf/10_spr.pdf

Wallcoverings in the media

2010-02-21T12:18:00.004-05:00

Have you seen the new commercial for Disney Parks with Terri Hatcher and Miss Piggy? We just love the pink wallcoverings used in the background. Even more proof that wallcoverings are undergoing a makeover. We think this is perfect for a little girl's bedroom. It is feminine yet sophisticated. What do you think?

Brrr...

2010-02-01T10:11:00.003-05:00

Well, folks, like it or not, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow; and we all know what that means: six more weeks of winter.

With the holiday season behind us, this is a great time to make enhancements to our homes. Most of us consider the time we spend relaxing at home to be true luxury. Why not cozy-up your home to help you enjoy the winter months?

This is the time when the fireplace is the focal point of the home. A fire exudes life, energy, and warmth. Make it an inviting area for spending time with family and friends. Add quilts, throws, and toss pillows to furniture that is arranged around the fireplace. Be sure to have good lighting for reading and playing family games near the fire - perhaps by adding a floor or table lamp to the seating area.

Incorporate a warm color scheme - not only for winter, but for all year. A palette of spice tones, tomato red, or citrus will heat things up. If you prefer a more neutral scheme, mix deep rich browns or greys with light neutrals for a warm, updated look. Don't be afraid of rich, bold color; it's a great way to express your personality and add life and interest to your home.

Wallcoverings are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. They add warmth and depth. Newer patterns and colors run the gamut from understated and sophisticated to rich and bold. Hand-printed papers and murals are breathtakingly beautiful and give your home a unique style.

It's hard to think of coziness in the home without thinking of your bedroom. Create a sanctuary where you feel relaxed and rested. Splurge on luxurious bedding and layer on a textured wool or silk throw. Add thick rugs during the winter months for warmth and softness underfoot. As in all rooms, mixing of fabrics, wood finishes and other materials will update the bedroom and make it feel inviting.

Simple, small changes can transform your home and your mood. Light candles to add warmth and life. Update family photos. Place cut or blooming flowers about your home to add a fresh, colorful accent. Freshen up indoor plants that are often forgotten during winter. Plants and flowers are readily available and add so much life and beauty.

The Wonderful World of Wall Coverings

2010-01-25T09:40:00.004-05:00

We know what you're thinking. But please, don't close the browser just yet. We're delighted you've read this far!

The word "wallpaper" has gotten a bad rap these days. Immediately it's something to be torn down and painted over. The 80's and 90's weren't the best time for wallpaper, but just like Whitney Houston, wall coverings are making a comeback in 2010.

Wall coverings have undergone something of an evolutionary development. And we here at Davin Interiors couldn't be happier. One of the reasons we're such a fan of wall coverings is that they are a great way to help our clients express their personalities through their home decor. They can do more than just a coat of paint can. They can suggest artistry and reflect the style of the homeowner.

Forget Grandma's old floral wallpaper. Check out these wall coverings we can't get enough of.

Colors for 2010

2010-01-04T10:14:00.005-05:00

It's a new year with new styles, new fashions, and NEW COLORS! One website we just love is the Color Marketing Group site. The Color Marketing Group is a nonprofit, international association with members in over 20 countries who forecast colors for manufactured products or services. They are THE color experts, deciding everything from the color of your walls and clothes to the color of your car. Pretty cool, huh?

After doing our research with CMG, here are our top 3 color picks for interior design in 2010.

1. Turquoise. This trendy color comes from a rare and valuable gemstone. Turquoise is a very old color used famously by the rulers of Ancient Egypt. Often used for jewelry, we and Thibaut think it works beautifully as a wall covering.

2. Gray and Yellow. This is somewhat of an odd paring but the two really complement each other. Gray is a big color in the fashion industry nowadays. We love all the shades of gray from dark to light too - many options. Pair it with a sunshine yellow, and you've got a beautiful contrast with lots of life.

3. Green. Green is still the new black. With green design and everyone "going green" this is a big-hit color. Pick a light, muted shade of green, and it is quite calming. Pick a bright kelly green and you create an outdoorsy, summer feeling inside.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T10:45:00.003-05:00

From our family to yours: Wishing you and your family a very Happy Holiday Season and a safe and prosperous New Year!

'Tis the Season

2009-12-17T09:25:00.005-05:00

As we approach the holidays, I'm always motivated to freshen up our home. For most of us, a special time each year is the luxury and comfort of time spent at home during the holidays with family and friends. Now is the time to add those few changes that make you love your home this season - you will be repaid with a renewed sense of energy that you will feel the moment you walk in the door! Here are a few ideas to make your home more enjoyable over the holidays

PURPLE! Add an easy and inexpensive update to your home by layering in purple accents. Think plum, amethyst and violet. Think rich jewel tones, and bring them in through the addition of luxurious seasonal floral arrangements for your holiday table, or throws and pillows for your sofa. Add scented soaps and plush hand towels for your powder room. Purple is an important color in the fashion world this season - perhaps inspired by the First Lady - and has always been identified with royalty and luxury. The many shades and tones of purple work beautifully with just about every color scheme.

Get out your cleaning supplies and tackle windows, mirrors, chandeliers, and other light fixtures. Your home will have a holiday sparkle, and give your spirits a boost when our days are gray. Do it yourself, get some exercise in the process, and save money for better things! While you're at it, replace old light bulbs with new CFLs - compact fluorescent lamps. Newer CFLs produce better color, and you'll be helping the environment as well as your energy bill.

Many of us make minor changes in our furniture arrangements to accommodate our holiday decorations. Why not enjoy a change for the coming winter months? Move one or two comfy chairs near the fireplace. Add colorful toss pillows and a warm throw and you have a cozy haven to enjoy until spring arrives. Again, you haven't spent money or a lot of time, and you create a refreshing change in your home that will boost your spirits.

Does your guest bedroom and bath get frequent use during the holidays? Why not treat your overnight visitors to wonderful bedding and bath linens? Perhaps this is something you'd like in your own bedroom. There is nothing like the luxury of climbing into a heavenly made bed after a long day. Ahhhh... Why not personalize and enliven your space with monogrammed pillow shams and a couple of blooming plants in pretty pots. It's the holidays - enjoy.

TV or not TV...

2009-12-14T16:47:00.003-05:00

This week we channel our inner "Hamlet" and ask Billy Shakespeare TV or not TV?

This month's issue of InCommunity Magazines Fox Chapel houses our article and solves the dilemma of where to put your TV.

Until recently, it was considered a matter of good style to hide a television in an entertainment unit. But now, with technology bringing us flat screen TVs and sleek designs, the TV becomes a focal point and source of pride in the home.

TV or not TV then is really a matter of personal preference, along with the function of the room. Here are some thoughts that may help you decide what to do in your home.

First, think about how important the TV is to your family - some families watch little TV, while others look forward to watching together every day. What are your families' preferences for TV viewing?

Also give thought to the TV viewing spaces that are available in your home and how your family will use these spaces. Are you lucky enough to have an elaborate theater room where TV and movie viewing is the primary activity? Does your family like to gather together for a movie or sports program? Or perhaps family members like to watch individually in a private area?

Next, give thought to how you feel about the TV itself. Are you a staunch traditionalist who absolutely does not want to see the screen on display in your family room? If so, look into the beautiful cabinet options that house TVs and other electronic equipment. Consider a striking multi-media cabinet filled with books and artwork. Try a plasma lift console like the one pictured above from Century Furniture. It opens from the top and lifts the monitor with the touch of a button. It provides the best of both worlds.

Conversely do you have the latest 50" TV and want to show it off? Today's sleek TVs are a reflection of the technological era in which we are living. Design your family room with chic and casual style and expose the TV as the focal point, perhaps mounting it on the wall.

Fashionable Homes

2009-12-01T09:58:00.006-05:00

Those jeans with the fabulous fit…the perfect haircut… how about those sparkling earrings that light up your face? Fashion captures your heart, mind, and soul.

What about fashion in your home? It too is captivating. Like your wardrobe, a fashionable home is a reflection of your own personal style. It feels great.

When making wardrobe selections, you work with factors like body shape and size and your personal lifestyle. The same goes for your home. Think about the architectural style of your home, size of proportion of rooms, and of course your family’s lifestyle.

Take a look in your closet and see what colors dominate. Might those same colors be used in your home to make you feel comfortable or confident? If you don’t want a whole room of a particular color scheme, think of the way you might use a silk scarf or colorful bracelets as a color accent in an outfit. Do you see patterns in your closet? How about textures? Use those same textures in your master bedroom to create a haven from the outside world. Choose soft, rich textures for bed linens, window treatments and a seating area.

You add sparkle and personality to your wardrobe with jewelry and accessories. In your home, try hanging draperies from beautiful hardware made from rich wood, colorful crystal or sparkling metal. Set a glorious dinner table, complete with beautiful crystal, linens and centerpiece. Make dinner in your own dining room special – not only for entertaining, but for you.

Think of perfect tailoring and detailing that make the difference between a nice outfit and a fabulous outfit. Again, the same holds true in your home furnishings. Enjoy flawlessly pleated draperies and perfectly upholstered furniture. Select dazzling fabrics for your home. The details make all the difference!

Here at Davin Interiors, we're big on Style and Comfort. For stylish fabrics, I go to Kravet. I enjoy their clever print ads (like the one above), always a great interpretation of fashion in home furnishings. Kravet has fabrics and furnishings for the most conservative or colorful tastes. I am continually amazed at the fresh designs they create, year after year. Kravet is on of our most reliable sources for all our design needs.

Divine Dining

2009-11-30T10:00:00.005-05:00

A beautiful dining room we designed for a client has been featured in Fanfare Magazine.

"A unique African walnut stacked bar with lemonwood inlay from Polidor serves as inspiration for this stylish yet functional transitional-style dining room. Rich burgundy-sueded walls and Polidor mahogany dining table and chairs help to create an elegant yet intimate space for a formal party or a cozy family meal."

Be sure to check out the Winter 2009 edition of Fanfare Magazine to see a close up shot of the elegant Polidor walnut bar.

Want your dining room to look this good? Check out our website for all your interior decorating needs.

Our New Website

2009-11-28T10:14:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone!

We're proud to announce the launch of our redesigned website this week. Click on over to Davin Interiors to check it out. It comes complete with a brand new press section so you can see our articles and design tips in print each month. Check out our team bios and get to know each of us. Sign up for our quarterly newsletter too! We'll send you design and decorating tips and promotions along with what's new in the company. See photos of dining rooms, bedrooms, and living rooms we've designed, too.

We hope that everyone had a very happy Thanksgiving. Check back later for some holiday decorating ideas.

Happy Holidays!

Check us out!

2009-11-12T09:12:00.006-05:00

We've got an article published in the August/September issue of In Peters Township Community Magazine.

You update your wardrobe every couple of seasons; why not update the wardrobe of your home? Check out "What the Most Fashionable Homes are Wearing" in this issue. (We're on page 53.)

Draperies, furniture and sometimes even paint colors can make a home look dated. Is it time for a home makeover?

Be sure to pick up a copy soon.

Setting a beautiful table

2009-11-09T18:58:00.005-05:00

Contrary to what the retail stores are telling us, the next upcoming holiday is Thanksgiving. Entertaining family and friends can be exciting. The food shouldn't be the only thing that looks good on the table. Here are some do's and don't's on setting a beautiful Thanksgiving table.

1. Do shake things up a bit. You can mix and match settings if you don't have 20 of the same dishes. Feel free to mix antique china with new silver. Play around with textures. Textured plates and glasses can make a table look more interesting.

2. Don't spend a fortune on a centerpiece. Thanksgiving is a fall holiday. Bring in some twigs, leaves or fall fruit to create your own homemade centerpiece.

3. Do add unconventional color. Our picks for this year are purple and blue. These colors can compliment the browns, oranges, and reds already on your table. Just as in the rules of high fashion, it doesn't have to match; it just has to "go."

Follow these tips and you'll be sure to impress your family and friends with the decor. As for the food ... we hear Rachel Ray has some killer tips on her website. :-) Happy Thanksgiving!

It's All in the Details!

2009-09-01T17:03:00.004-04:00

"God is in the Details"

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

"...the devil is in the Details."

John B. Larson

Warhol...

2009-08-21T17:01:00.003-04:00

I’m so glad that I took the time out of a busy summer to visit the Andy Warhol Museum last week. Definitely one of Pittsburgh’s best treasures. I am always invigorated after a visit. I feel inspired to dig in to work, to create, and to see the solutions, ideas, the beautiful and bizarre that is all around me.

Currently on exhibit is WARHOLLIVE (don’t wait – it’s only through September 27), which celebrates the music and dance that are so much a part of Warhol’s extensive body of work. And I mean extensive. The sheer volume of what he created in only 58 years is astounding. I’d not considered the degree that music and dance were so much an integral part of his work.

Their 15 minutes of fame ---- The White House has selected the Andy Warhol Museum as a venue for the G-20 Summit in September. First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to host a luncheon at the museum!

http://www.warhol.org/