Nora's Closet for Ronald Mc Donald House

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I couldn't let this sweet endearing story go unheard, a special project by one of my favorite designers BUNNY WILLIAMS.

“I am thrilled Anthony Baratta asked me to be a part of the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island Project.  After doing so many show houses the past 25 years, it is wonderful to give something back that will be enjoyed by the children and their families for many years to come. When I went out to the house several months ago, I noticed a small dilapidated closet located in the Play Room.  It was filled with all types of whimsical dress up clothes and fantastical play props.  On the front was a little sign: NORA’S CLOSET.  It turned out there was a little girl named Nora from The United Arab Emirates, who made such a long journey with her father to stay at the house and had previously been in many hospitals all around the world.  Her main joy was to gather all the children staying at the house, play dress up and put on skits for the staff and families.  It soon became the highlight and enjoyment of everyone’s stay!

My dedication of the window I designed at Newel and the Playroom is to the memory of Nora, and with the hope we all can remember and cherish from time to time, our inner-child.

- See more at: http://buzz.bunnywilliams.com/#sthash.l1PUEQ98.dpuf”

 

Wouldn't it be nice to have a Dress-up Closet in other Ronald McDonald Houses
Love to all,
xo LC

All In The Family

Congratulations to my talented cousin, of Lisa Schmitz Interiors, on another publication. Her gifts in Modern Interiors are appreciated by many. My favorite element of her work is how she blends the beauty of nature with clean modern lines & textures. When you enter one of her works of art it is always inviting, nurturing and calm. It's All in the Family, and the family is proud.

See link to article below:

http://www.kansascity.com/2013/06/21/4300237/q-a-lisa-schmitz-owner-lisa-schmitz.html

3 days ago

3 days ago

Gift of Freedom

Memorial Day, Flag day, 4th of July to Labor Day....... Celebrate America! Share flowers of Patriotic Colors, with Flags to wave.  Decorate for those events with family and friends....Barbeques with Corn Hole Championships, and your own World Cup Soccer game. Apple Pies and Gram's Red White and Blue sugar cookies are always a hit! All the while remembering how blessed we are to live in AMERICA!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year 2010 and yes a Happy New Year was definately shared with this designer!  Early in January I had the priviledge of being a guest lecturer to Notre Dame Cathedral Latin High School's architecture and interior design class.  The students 3-D Dream Houses and Interior Finish Boards were all on display.  The class was filled with excitement and pride.  I was amazed at how advanced the process was for students' first exposure to the design industry.  There was quite a variety; modern, traditional, and European.  What inspires these students, where do they capture their ideas?

One student had done a house for the TV show Twilight and created a terrific modern interior with a black and grey scheme including a silver brush metal detail.  Another home was the perfect layout for a family of skiers, you could imagine them all arriving home from challenging that grand mountain out west.  And lets not forget the colors of evergreen trees and pine cones that created her color scheme.


So you can see where those inspirations are captured....taking in the beauty of nature, reading a great book or a devoition to your favorite TV show.   Most importantly it was their Dream House so their imagination was the best gift of all for this designer!  As their wonderful teacher shared with me "we're planting seeds for creative thinking".  And that's a wonderful gift for the future

Harvest Time with Thomas Jefferson

"Good wine is a necessity of life for me" TJ

On a recent trip with Mr. C we traveled through the country side of Virginia and one can not help but think of Thomas Jefferson.  Not Monticello's grand beauty and simplicity or the inspiration of  UVA's strength but it is Thomas Jefferson's  much beloved POPLAR FOREST.  A place inspired by a neo-classical villa, his personal getaway for solitude in comfort and peace. Preferring not much company but family time. November was a wonderful time to explore his retreat, as it was harvest time! A wine festival was taking place at Poplar Forest an annual fund raiser. Under the glorious Magnolia tree and  large white tents with a sunny November sky for all to enjoy! It was Thomas Jefferson's well kept secret and an inspiration to all especially an interior designer.

Sharing the Season

Each fall season I look forward to rediscovering the beauty of gourds and the varieties of squash. And where do I find these gems? At the HOWARD FAMILY FARM est. in 1818 in Bainbridge Ohio. Each year there always seems to be a new shape to display and yes recipes to try. We all love the tradition of pumpkins but wait till you see them mixed with a green Gooseneck and a colorful Turksturben. My favorite is a Blue Hubbard Squash, they are such a soft pale bluegreen and grand in size. Pumpkimums are smaller than a cooking pumpkin but a tricolor. Then there are the Jack-b-Littles which you can usually pick up a mix by the bag at your local grocery chain.


Refreshing and Easy that's what I call seasonal area rugs! Change out the summer lime green rug for a rich modern and fun rug from CRATE & BARREL. This year they introduce the ZUMI rugs, the brown cinnamon and sage is terrific. When setting up FAll DECOR think of Halloween as an accent. So they can be easily pulled and replaced with Thanksgiving. Check out our friend Mr. Bones from www.GRANDINROAD.com I especially love their square table cloths too.

With exterior containers its hard to throw out some those durable annuals when you've had a beautiful warm September.
So lets simplify...leave the ivy and greenery, add your mums with Indian Corn for seasonal color. It's not uncommon in this region to see corn stocks enveloping a mailbox. Take a bale of hay and add those pumpkins, gourds and squash!

Harvest the Colors of Fall

From the first weekend in October till the end of November, from Halloween till Thanksgiving its HARVEST TIME, its FALL. Our Fall Decor will begin this weekend! The studio will share not only the colors and textures of Fall Decor but ideas to simplify the process. Interior and exterior areas will be spruced up for family and friends to enjoy.

The golden rod has bloomed, fresh crisp air has arrived, and the leaves are beginning to dance with new rich colors. Take time to enjoy it all! Now Mr.C will be splitting wood with sons and enjoying his love of fly fishing. I'll add an extra layer to enjoy a run on a country road or take that puppy of a lab for a walk in the parks of Chagrin Falls.