Question of the Day: Affordable Backsplash Tile?

Working for an award-winning, world-class shelter publication like D Home, you’d think I’d know the answer to my question: where can I find stylish tile for my kitchen backsplash that won’t break the bank? Alas, I don’t. My partner in crime says I have expensive taste and I should simply crack open the wallet and indulge. But I’d like to shop around a bit. Plus, I’d love to hear what our fellow D Homers have to say. So once again: where can I score some beautiful tile that doesn’t demand a second mortgage? Comments are on and appreciated.

Orange County: Where the grass is not greener

So last night some notables from D CEO, our sister book, came to the house and the conversation turned to real estate. One gentleman who arrived in Dallas a few years ago from Orange County said his California friends report that neighborhoods have become downright eerie. Houses that were $600,000 to $800,000 are now valued at $325,000 to $400,000. Many are abandoned. And not only are homeowners displaced, but the maids, gardeners, tree services and others who tended these houses are out of work. The big winner, he told me, has been the mosquito control companies, because all of the abandoned pools and fountains are developing huge mosquito infestations. Today, thank your lucky stars you live in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Weekend Shopping by Holly

This weekend is a HUGE shopping weekend. Think Christmas and Thanksgiving huge. Shopping on Labor Day weekend might call for some big crowds, but it definitely calls for some big savings. I have the scoop after the jump. P.S. None of these stores involve that dreaded NorthPark parking lot. (more…)

Ready, Set, Estate Sale!

I have been perusing all my favorite estate sale websites today in an attempt to see which ones have things that I must have. Well, friends, the problem here is that my husband would argue that I already have more than I need. Case in point: this great dresser at the Encore Estate Liqiudators sale on Monticello starting tomorrow. I bought the exact same dresser (check it out after the jump) last year at an estate sale. Without imagination, it’s an ugly duckling. But, with a little white lacquer (a la Kelly Wearstler) or in black lacquer (a la Jamie Laubhan-Oliver), it’s something you very much need. There’s a lot to be said for good bones.

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More Ways I Can Help You Spend Money

Between shopping for art and shelving your white pants and shoes (I know, I know. There are no rules anymore. Except there really are.), why not pop on the North Texas Tollway for a trip to Frisco? Bring your wallet for what I’m told is the first-ever warehouse sale at IBB Furniture Showroom. Here’s the skinny: the warehouse is full. They want it to be not full. So they have taken up to 90 percent off the prices of various pieces of furniture, art, lamps, rugs, and more. The sale starts tomorrow and goes through Monday. Two blogs in one day for me! Thank God there’s a three-day weekend coming up. I’m exhausted.

Don’t forget: tomorrow is Linen Friday

So one of our adorable advertising execs, Richard Graciano (pictured here, he’s a dapper man) started “Linen Fridays” a while back, and most of us obey because…well… it’s just easier.  I know that we don’t have to obey the no-white-after-Labor-Day law anymore but what happens when it gets cooler.  Corderoy Fridays? No. Ick. Ideas? 

Barry Whistler Art Sale

Why not celebrate Labor Day by spending some of the money you’ve labored so hard for? Don’t waste it on booze or bling. (Or rather, why waste it only on booze and bling?) Head to Barry Whistler Gallery for his biennial inventory sale. Our source tells us that works from a number of notable artists is available for 20-25 percent off. Check out the stuff here. Hurry though; the sale ends Saturday.

Joe Minton - the newest Rolling Stone

Okay, he’s not really playing with the band, although I’m sure the multi-talented Mr. Minton could take the stage.  (Joe, were you ever in a band?) But, he and Kevin Peavy were at The Rock and Roll Wedding of the Year at Wood’s Surrey mansion.  Just hanging out with Jerry Hall, Kate Moss, and Kristi Stubbs.  Read all about his English summer in the new DHome.

Two Sofas for the Price of One

From now until September 21 at IKEA stores, you can get the Ikea’s classic EKTORP sofa, loveseat, chaise, or armchair in an array of colors, AND for a grand total of $0 extra dollars, you also get a white sofa slipcover as well. It’s like two sofas/chairs for the price of one. Absolutely precious in Blekinge pink…

Orange Invasion

Gee whiz. Just when I get my room all situated in red, orange starts popping up in every store and now I am all about orange instead. Love, love, love these candle holders from Z Gallerie. They are cheap-ish (22″ is $60 and the 27″ is $70) and my favorite Fall color.  The Natalie Nesting Tables (available in orange, green, and red for $179) are pretty awesome in orange as well.

The new issue of D Home went into the mail today!

Everyone in town knows that people who subscribe to D Home are brilliant and good-looking. To boot, our subscribers receive the magazine before anyone else in the universe and they don’t miss a single issue — a feat in and of itself because with our new, larger format, the magazine has been flying off the newsstands. If you haven’t subscribed yet, look for the magazine next week in bookstores and grocery stores all over the city. I daresay it’s one of our best yet!

Trade Only? Not!

Now, this is a new direction for previously “trade only” showrooms.  I’m thinking those closed doors are really crashing open when J. Robert Scott has a humongous billboard at a very important intersection in Los Angeles.  So what’s next - a George Cameron Nash billboard at the intersection of Woodall Rogers and Central Expressway?  Nah, George is still very much of the “to the trade only” mind.

To Rake or Not to Rake

That is the question I pose to you, dear readers. Last fall, my neighbor was quick to let us know that leaves from our trees were falling in her yard. She informed us that the previous owners always raked them for her. My husband and I, not wanting to make waves, did our best to collect the leaves. I was fine with the arrangement until a friend of mine said we’ve been dupped into being her yard service every fall. To be fair, we have four trees and she only has one pine tree—so there’s no disputing who has more leaves. We are new homeowners, so I’m not sure who’s right.  Tell me. Comments are on!

Ceramic Chic

Does anyone even use bar soap anymore? I don’t know anyone. I mean, even my parents have adopted to the shower gel and loofah combo. If you are still scrubbing away with your trusty bar of soap, you should rest that slippery little bar on Anthropologie’s Golden Scallop dishes. All of us shower gel users have no need for them (unless you want to place jewelry on it?) but they are too adorable (and cheap!; $12 each) to pass up. They are classic, vintage-looking, and come in three bright hues. 

Dallas’ Harold Simmons: There he goes again!

  A few years back, D Home published a charming photographic spread on Harold and Annette Simmon’s garden. Before the shoot, I remember walking through the wisteria garden and feeling like a little girl, wide-eyed, enchanted! So when I discovered that Harold Simmons provided the funds for “swiftboating” Presidential nominee John Kerry,  I couldn’t square it. Can a man who creates a fairy-like garden also spend millions of dollars to, like, spread lies? This year Harold Simmons is investing in another deception, making Presidential nominee Barack Obama look like best buds with ex-Weatherman William Ayers. Of course, when it comes to gardens, one must dig a little deeper. Read here to see what Simmons’ neighbors think about his California garden.  

Re: John Robshaw

I saw him first, Christine. His fabrics are represented at Allan Knight, and I went to a presentation. I just don’t remember him looking like that, because if he did, I would have taken him instead of the two etchings he gave me. Either my face memory is totally shot, or they have glamour shots in India. I’m so excited that his bed linens are finally going to be here in Dallas at The Gypsy Wagon on Bonita.

More On Tony Romo

Well Christine, word is that Jessica Simpson will help Tony with his decor. And even if he is not the world’s best tastemeister, Mr. Romo knows how to drive a mean bargain about as well as he handles a pigskin.

John Robshaw, Hugh Grant, whatever. I’m in.

My daughter Loddie directed me to this website for possible pillow purchases for her dorm room at boarding school. When I visited the “about us” page I was a little taken aback by the Hugh Grant look-alike.  I pretty much would buy whatever he was selling. And what he is selling — if you like woodblock ethnic prints — is karma-riffic. Check it out.

Tony Romo needs a decorator. Suggestions?

In case you missed Candy Evan’s posts on Tony Romo’s new house, go here. This man, obvi, needs a decorator. But who? Who can make this house into…. a house?

Mind Your Manners at Miele

Here’s your chance to learn proper cocktail party etiquette - IFDA is sponsoring the lovely etiquette coach Marsha Horne on Wednesday at Miele on Oak Lawn.  I’m already pretty good at sipping wine, I wonder if she’s going to address slamming tequila shots or chugging beers - that’s where we really need the manners.  Maybe I can find out how to  manage the glass of wine, the bite sized hors d’oevre that’s really not, and the person in front of me asking me pointed questions. Or, the all important “rules of the napkin.”

So Fresh and So Clean

I love these colorful herringbone towels from Williams-Sonoma Home. Kind of Missoni-esque, don’t ya think? I love white/khaki and blue/periwinkle, but not so much the pumpkin/persimmon (aka orange/red). Too much color for me. Hand towels are $20 each and bath towels are $36.

Re: Frankel Estate sale

My fellow art director Jamie Laubhan and I decided to hit the Frankel Estate  sale on our way back from lunch (even though we were no where near the  neighborhood). As we made our way through the maze of rooms we saw quite a few “SOLD’” tags on furniture and art, but no worries, dear readers. There are still plenty of treasures available. Check out these mod linen napkins that I got for a song. I wanted to buy a lot more, but I knew we couldn’t fit it all into Jamie’s Volkswagen Jetta. I hope this forces her to buy an SUV.

Website review: Designer Marilyn Rolnick, you are one smart lady

We get calls and e-mails every week from people who want recommendations for local designers. I usually direct them to D Home’s list of Best Designers and the Texas ASID website.  So last night I was cyber-spacing and ran across Marilyn Rolnick’s site. If you are a designer or a client, check it out. It’s just plain smart. It has before-and-after photographs on a variety of projects, which is deeply helpful to prospective clients. The music?  Maybe not.  But Rolnick’s portfolio presentation is first class.

Capital Distributing Clearance

Today is the private clearance sale at Capital Distributing, the sale opens tomorrow to the public. So if you’re interested in kitchens (and who’s not?) go today because the best bargains go early. We’re not talking about seconds or rejects here - just some cool Viking, Miele, and Wolf appliances that need to go to good homes so they can bring in new products. Start your engines.

Weekend Shopping by Holly

So what if the weekend forecast calls for some showers. There are way too many great sales going on around town to mope around your house all day. I’ve got the scoop after the jump.
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