The Garden Conservancy’s annual ‘open garden days’ program is almost here — in Northern California the tour dates are this June and July. This is your opportunity to see many wonderful private gardens throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.  It is a self-guided tour, with a fee of just $5 per garden (children under 12 [...]

◊  Schumacher’s Matisse-inspired print fabric in the ‘Ocean’ color  ◊ This  Matisse-inspired print is fresh and fun — the perfect herald for spring and summer.   It’s available in two colors: ‘Ocean’  (above)  in calming blues and greens with a ‘pop’ of bright green ‘Punch’ (below) a warm mix of  colors with a dash of  [...]

For all of you that are more than ready for spring flowers, it’s almost here! The 7th Annual Tulip Exhibition in Piedmont is this Friday through Sunday (3/23 – 3/25) from 10am to 4pm, at the Mtn. View Cemetary’s Tower Chapel. This exhibit always has something new in floral arrangements, as well as a wide [...]

This woven fabric from Lee Jofa, In a Twist, utilizes a satin-stitch to create the  basket weave pattern.  It seems rather twig-like to me, which results in an organic and casual, almost playful effect. This close-up will give you a better sense of  its texture: It would be at home in many rooms and settings, [...]

This post is first in the series of five articles: 5  Fun Home Décor Ideas for Kids’ Rooms ◊ What could be a more pleasing to your child than using some of their own artwork as a decorative accessory for their room?  Here are 3 ideas that can readily incorporate art created by your child. [...]

This year marks the 24th anniversary of the Children’s Support League’s (CSL) Heart of the Home Tour, which will feature five fabulous homes in Piedmont and the Oakland hills. For the first time ever, the tour also includes a Designer Showcase in a beautiful Piedmont estate, with several rooms transformed by local designers. Last year, [...]

This ogee-patterned fabric  has an unusual and very pleasing design combining embroidery with satin-stitched appliqued embellishment. Although Schumacher classifies it as a modern woven, this pattern would be at home in a transitional setting, as well. It’s available in a color palette of yellow-green &  soft, warm blue with a mid-tone green  — shown here [...]

Last May,  I saw their production of  Beauty & the Beasty and was so impressed with the children’s enjoyment of the show that I decided to join the volunteers in the EBCT that make these shows possible. Each spring, a few shows are presented to the general public to help raise the funds needed for [...]

Like the way this pattern combines elements of a trellis and ogee pattern –  with what could be a leaf in the soft turquoise ground. A nice fabric to brighten up a home;  it still has a nice relaxed feel to it. From Duralee, in their Pavillion Collection of  Indoor/Outdoor fabrics.

With spring here,  it’s time to take a look at what’s new.   Found this pattern from Schumacher on a recent visit to the SF Design Center.  This pattern would work well in both a traditional or  transitional setting. Available in 3 colors, the embroidery work makes this one of  the most notable fabrics I’ve seen [...]