Marie Burgos Design Blog

If you like color, you will LOVE Toronto decorator Holly Dymant.

She has a fabulous eye for design and is widely acclaimed for her fearless use of color.

From yellow walls in the living room, purple velvet headboard, orange painted staircases to electric wall paper color of sky in the powder-room . Her designs really liven up your life!

Hope you will enjoy her design panache and love of color as much as I do!

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Vitruvian Sculpture by Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci had best expressed the beauty of the human anatomy when he created the “Vitruvian Man” and stated Vitruvius as the harmonizing relation between parts of the body, looking for perfection that would manifest itself in beauty.

Today I would like to share some beautiful images with you. Hold your imagination right there! We are just going to see some hands! I have noticed that many designs adorn the human body by simply using representation of hands and beautiful sculptures.

I hope this refreshing images will inspire men and women through the beauty of humanity and give you some accessorizing ideas for your interiors.

Fabulous pair of hands sculptures on a beautiful marqueterie table. They are opening up in a giving gesture. Perfect for letting your guests and friends know they are welcome in your home!

This delicate ceramic hand is showing the direction to take to the next room from the foyer area… very Feng Shui! Source: Notes from an empath

This carved Buddha’s hand adds a serene touch to any home decor . It is inspired by temples and pagodas of the East.

I am not sure it is very comfortable but this chair in the shape of a hand definitely  catches the attention!

Very chic design by Kelly Wearstler also displays a gold hand matching this amazing cocktail table with golden feet adorned by elongated golden body sculptures. Just divine!

In this image, even a whole arm sculpture is displayed! Detail from photo by Pieter Estersohn for Southern Accents; interior design byMichelle Nussbaumer. – via Style Court

And let’s not forget outdoor spaces… This giant hand sculpture is really drawing attention! It looks like it wants to really catch all that the sky and heaven has to offer!

www.marieburgosdesign.com

Rock crystal nugget chandelier – StudioWorkshops ByTherien

Crystals are used in feng shui in a variety of ways, all with one single goal – to create good feng shui energy in your Home.

The word crystal comes from the Greek word krystallos, meaning frozen light. Crystals have been used over the centuries for a myriad of purposes – from healing to protection to decoration.

In Feng Shui, crystals are widely used for the specific energy, or the vibrations they bring to your home or office. For example, the rose quartz crystal is used to attract love and romance, as well as heal a broken heart. The rose quartz crystal emanates specific frequencies that promote heart healing.

Rose quartz cluster

The clear quartz crystal which is one of the most common minerals is also one of the most powerful, multi purpose healing stone. Perfect for raising self esteem, healing wounds and increasing your emotional positive energy. It amplifies, focuses, restores, transforms, empowers and energies you.

Here are some great ways to integrate these natural crystals in your interiors:

An impressive Living room design with crystal chandelier and lots of clear quartz displayed on the dining table. Crystals come in various shapes… clusters, domes and spheres. This is really a lot of vibrant energy! It brings a sparkling lift to this very neutral colored space.

Lots of sparkles in this modern colorful bathroom design by Canadian interior decorator Holly Dyment. I say colorful because despite white walls and white cabinetry, this bathroom looks vibrant with its raspberry shower wall, turquoise and green floor mosaics and flowery shade. Just love it!

Never too many crystals can be used!! First, crystals are great energy. They also add light in a room and  as you can see in the famous London restaurant  Rhodes W1 Restaurant Designed by World renowned British designer Kelly Hoppen, the more crystals the more majestic, luxurious and glamourous!

For more information about interior design and Feng Shui, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Creating an appealing display is a real Art. Several parameters play a crucial role in making your display noticed  and admired. I have put together a small list of great displays and explained why they turned into real artful showcases.

To create your display,  look around the house for things that share a common element. Maybe you have a plethora of white pitchers or silver picture frames. Group them together on a tabletop for an instant collection. Remember that odd numbers of items often look better together. -

A great example above with a repetition of small antiques mirrors and ceramic vases picking up on the tones and colors of the table as well as the mirror frames really make a statement against this chocolate wall – source Real Simple Magazine

Objects work best together when they share a trait. This collection features vases in both glass and pottery, all in gourd shapes. Notice a blue vase in a gourd shape, even in the art piece!  Also only 3 colors are used throughout the whole display for an harmonious view: tan, light blue and white. – Source Southern Accents

The same goes for this display of veined stone — the tabletop, lamp base, and figurine — and wood pieces, grouped into like sets. The frame on the wall shares traits of both. – Source Southern Accents

Mantels and the wall space above them are classic spots for displaying cherished art and objects, but the mouth of the fireplace is often a missed opportunity. This one contains a porcelain piece that matches those on and above the mantel creating a beautiful collection – Source Southern Accents

Utilitarian though it may be, the pantry can be as attractive as any other element in your space. Careful organization and a few personal touches will make this storage bonanza one of your favorite features. See how colorful your pantry can be! The display is carefully organized by sizes and shapes of objects for a very appealing look. And the collection of white pitchers and saucers would make your Grand-mother proud!  - Source Country Living

Here is a collection of beautiful of Asian accents such as Tang Dinasty horses, carved foot holder, Asian porcelain jar form a very balanced and luxurious display. The gold color is a common trait throughout the whole display giving it a very rich feel. Items from Horchow

A group of turquoise vases with various shapes but similar color shades makes a great display. The collection follows a mainly glass look with a touch of ceramic! Designer Jeffers Design Group

Very interesting photo display where the cats find itself in the real life picture and on the wall photos too! It is all black & white, wood and glass accents throughout the space. Everything is square except the glass bowls which add a bit of curves in the decor for a great balancing effect. Designer Samantha Pynn

Beautiful decorative display by Kelly Hoppen where metal curvy shapes are repeated throughout with the chairs metallic rail,the metal clock, the small round bowls and the large wall mirrors. Even the pendant light across the room that you see in reflection the mirror is a metallic sphere. The black and white photo is framed in a metal frame with a white mat. White is also carried out all through the display with the clock, the floating shelve and the pretty marguerite flowers. How genius and elegant!

Tell me which display is your favorite! Looking forward to reading you on my blog…

For more information about Interior Design and Feng Shui, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Bamboo style chairs - Designer Jonathan Adler

Bamboo-look furniture, accents, and chandeliers have been popular for more than two centuries of interior design. Whether used in a zen-like spare and modern home or a Hampton’s style beach house, bamboo-look pieces can look great in a variety of homes. I’ve found some great real bamboo or bamboo-style pieces. See my finds below.

Bamboo is a great alternative to wood because of natural beauty, and the fact it is technically a grass, not a wood, it grows very quickly and is more sustainable than timber. Modern Bamboo has a great collection of bamboo furniture. The company was founded in 2004 by Anthony Marschak who started working with bamboo while looking for a new flexible material for skateboard decks. Isn’t this amazing?

Elegant Bamboo Chandelier from Gump’s. It is handpainted and suggests traditional Chinese lantern elements. So pretty!

Here the Bamboo chandelier from Gump matched with a majestic real Bamboo bed in a design by John Loecke. This is a real summer home! Comfortable and so filed with color!!! I love it!

A vintage bamboo sofa and chair set, discovered at a flea market, was revived with new cushions covered in Sunbrella fabric. - Country Living

Light Lime Japanese Bamboo Fabric by Woodson and Rummerfields house of Design! isn’t it perfect for upholstering these favorite little ottomans for some exotic flavor!

Cocoa Bamboo shades with coordinated valances.

You can also choose to go with a more natural shade like in this very refreshing white and baby blue kitchen. The shade actually adds a raw texture which balances out the glossy white and shiny backsplash surfaces.

For more information about Interior design and Feng Shui, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

What a wonderful surprise to discover this beautiful greenhouse featured by Country Living. It is so pretty and creative that I absolutely wanted to share it with you.

As a wedding gift, Heather Cameron’s husband, Kevin, took apart a neglected potting shed on their property and rebuilt it into a greenhouse with a tempered-glass roof.

In this tiny retreat behind Heather Cameron’s house, the flowers are mostly on fabrics and the sun sparkles off crystal chandeliers but it is a perfect venue to curl up with a book or invite friends for tea time!

Heather furnished her newly fashioned getaway with vintage-floral pillows, white-painted furniture, and collections of mint green jadeite and milk glass vases. How fresh and feminine!

A tin bucket turns into a sink when hung from a spigot. I think I haven’t such a sink anywhere else but at  my great grandmother’s home! We could really have fun with one of those and chase up our cousins in the garden with each our mini water bucket…

I always loved vintage luggage and here they are stacked up to create the prefect end table.

Instead of planting in her greenhouse, Heather brings the garden inside with tubs of hydrangeas, fresh-picked peaches, and window boxes filled with begonias and dahlias. An old ladder becomes an inspired display for cups and vases filled with blooms from her garden.

And the fabulous crystal chandeliers are just for show — no wiring — but what a dazzling effect! The perfect touch of Glam!

For more information on interior design and Feng Shui, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Turtle- Francis Augustine photography

The Chinese believe that the turtle has the secret of heaven and of earth within its body because its back symbolizes Heaven and that its underside represents Earth. They love turtles and it is a great Feng Shui symbol of prosperity.

The turtle  is also associated with longevity and wisdom. Incredibly, sea turtles have existed on earth longer than any other vertebrate animal — they were here when dinosaurs evolved and became extinct, and they survived the Ice Age.

The turtle’s whole life is one of steadfastness, effort, and patience. It lives a slow and steady life of “non-doing.” There is a saying, “Home is where the heart is” — the turtle is always at home within itself.

I don’t advocate the killing of turtles for their shells. My grand father who is now 89 years old was a fisherman all his life and tought us to love and respect this beautiful creatures from the sea and earth… He ones made a guitar out of a giant turtle shell he found, which is still in my Grand parents living room in Martinique. I was surprised to actually find one just alike.

In design, which is my passion, I noticed more and more turtle lovers who surround themselves with turtle shells or representations of turtles.

Above is a beautiful warm bedroom decor where a large turtle shell is mounted on a metal stand. Note how the visual weight of it balances the large lamp.- Source NIBS

Susan Chevalier renovated her Venice, Calif., bungalow to make entertaining as easy as a day at the beach. Quirky mementos from Susan’s travels include a tortoise shell given to her by a fisherman on Mustique that rests on an antique director’s chair outside the sunroom – Country Living

Here is a fabulous design at La Marea restaurant at Miami’s Tides South Beach hotel, decorated by Kelly Wearstler with antique tortoise shells. Kelly is a bold trend setter and a lover of all natures beauty. Source Vogue

Look at this beautiful turtle shell from Horchow , handcrafted of composites with a hand-painted antique burnished silver-leaf finish. Great way to showcase your love of turtles without going for the real shell.

I also love the look of the porcelain turtle lamps by Jonathan Adler. A great way to make your interior chic and fun at the same time!

Which one of these turtles do you like best? Would you use turtle shells in your home?

I look forward to your comments on my blog!

For more information on interior design and Feng Shui, email me at marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Did you know Mohair was done from the long silky hair of the Angora goat?

The Angora goat is thought to originate from the mountains of Tibet, making their way to Turkey in the 16th century. Of course, Mohair is shorn from the goat without harming the animal.

Here is a good looking Angora goat! The Winner of the Diamond Award for Supreme Grand Champion for best coat!

Mohair, produced from the Angora goat coat, is a smooth, strong, durable, and resilient fiber. It enhances softness and luster in fabrics. Mohair absorbs dye evenly and brilliantly, retains color well, and permits unusual decorative effects. It is mainly used as an apparel fiber but may be used in upholstery, draperies, wigs, hairpieces, and rugs.

Look at these beautiful pieces of furniture all upholstered  with this luxurious mohair fabric!

Beautiful classic sofa in a royal blue mohair upholstery fabric. It is chic and look so comfortable and welcoming. image via Calico Corners.

Melanie Coddington small wing chair with interesting side scroll design, upholstered in blue mohair fabric by Kravet looks totally fabulous. It is a perfect chair for a living room or seating room.

This master bedroom of modern appeal designed by Moises Esquenazi is dark and cozy, with walls in Farrow & Ball Mahogany No. 36. The beautiful mohair velvet headboard is by the designer. I love the cosy, comfortable feel. It looks very intimate.

This cozy window seat alcove has silks, chenilles, and a luxurious baby blue mohair throw. Design by Kate Dickerson.

For more information on interior design and Feng Shui, email marie@ marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Hotel Plein Soleil in Martinique - Photographer Francis Augustine

Make your hotel or  vacation stay wonderful with these Easy tips!

You may have heard of using FENG SHUI  to design a home, but did you know its principles can also be used to promote a positive flow of energy during your vacation or business trip?

FENG SHUI  IS AN  ANCIENT CHINESE ART USED TO CREATE ABUNDANCE, HEALTH, HAPPINESS, AND WEALTH. USING THESE FENG SHUI TIPS CAN MAKE YOUR VACATION STAY MORE RELAXING AND YOUR BUSINESS TRIP MORE EFFECTIVE.

1- Open the windows when you first walk in to let fresh air into the room. Getting the air moving is a great way to clear any stagnant “Chi” or “energy” left by the previous occupants.

2- Unpack your luggage right away and keep it out of site. This will promote a more settled feeling inside the room. And will let you start focusing on the activities you want to do and not the length of your stay.

3-  Take a hot shower to allow the hot water to flow good Chi energy onto you. Using a lavender soap can also chase away any built up stress or tension gathered during your trip.

4- Display photos of your family on the night stand. This will make you feel comfortable and keep you in connection with your loved ones.

5-Bringing your own scented candles and burning them while you are in the room can induce calmness and serenity through aromatherapy. You can also use incense. This will soothe your psyche and bring a feeling of relaxation.

6- In Feng Shui, bathrooms are associated with financial loss. Be sure to keep the bathroom door closed at all times to prevent this especially on a business trip.

7- Display some scarves or fabrics you love to brighten up your hotel room and bring a bit of your personality in. Having a red shawl or red piece of fabric with you is also a great way to bring a very auspicious outcome to your transactions if you are on a business trip. Red is the luckiest color in Feng Shui.

8- Hang a scarf over the TV, any mirror facing your bed or images that are not pleasing to you. This will help you have a restful sleep and cut down on the reflective surfaces in the room.

9- Move the phone and alarm clock away from your ears while you sleep by putting them on the floor. This will ensure you are not abruptly awakened.

10- Bring herbal tea with you. Most hotels offer a coffee pot, you can use this to heat water and settle in each night with a cup of hot tea. While curled up with your tea, take a few moments to meditate on the sights, sounds, and tastes of the day.

For more information about Interior design and Feng Shui, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

“When Kathy met Rally” , Katherine Rally Textiles was born… is a fairy tale story just out of the design world!!!

Rally is an architect originally from Nashville and Kathy is an interior designer born and raised in the desert of Arizona.

This lovely couple and their two little children are the creators of Katherine Rally Textiles.

They started their journey together in Bali in 2002, with a backpacking trip which lead them to create their own line of batiks inspired by their love of travel, textiles and design.

If your read my blog regularly, you know that I love color… and also that every color has a meaning…

Katherine Rally Textiles has created just an answer to your every needs of color  with a beautiful range of fabrics, pillows and accessories in vibrant colors and amazing patterns that transports you to exotic places, revamp your surroundings to happiness and adds just the flair your home needs!

Discover some of their fabulous fabrics and pillows patterns here with collections names such as  ”Les Amis”, “Joie de Vivre”, “Gemstone”, “Monaco” or “Africa” …. all Happy friendly names!!

Garden gate blue pillow- A beautiful royal blue to create a very chic space!

Pondicherry in Pink Coral Pillow- LOVE Pink Coral!! This is a great color to do your summer home and add some glamour in your space. The bold pattern brings elegance and exoticism. Can you imagine your bedroom with pure white bedding, and coral pillows! How glam!

Monaco in Tangerine Pillow - This tangerine color pillow is so sunny and happy. It really brings sunshine to your space. Perfect to revive your living room!

Joie de Vivre Tablecloth in Empire Red - Great pattern and color for a garden party! Your guests will remember such a decor!

Here are other colors on  napkins. Plenty of ways to revamp a table for a summer meal out!

Balian Pillow in Kelly Green- So refreshing and chic! Green is this special color that feels healthy and alive and always gives a fresh look to any room!

So now, are you ready to revamp your home with some great exotic colors and patterns?

For more information about interior design and Feng Shui, visit www.marieburgosdesign.com and email marie@marieburgosdesign.com

Burlap pillow cover - Hudson Goods

Used to transport grain, coffee, potatoes and other dry goods, these humble bags have inspired high-style accessories. You can buy  them or DIY from recycled bags to bring a well-traveled rusticity to your decor.

Burlap is now being used in home furnishings.  Known more for it’s durability, burlap has traditionally been used in the home for area rugs or tablecloths.  But did you know that burlap is biodegradable and good for the environment?

This material can be so rustic, elegant and timeless all at once.  I love all the muted neutral tones it comes in, makes it a great backdrop for frames & bulletin boards, perfect for pillows and a simple black painted letter or number shines on this great textile.

Here a great application of Burlap in this home office bulletin board. It really looks chic and well finished with a white glossy frame and nail heads.

Upholstered furniture pieces can also look great and bring some extra flair to your interior.

Look at these fabulous bergere chairs in burlap fabric. Perfect for your a living room or patio!

This Balloon Chair in burlap fabric is taking a classic Hollywood regency style chair and re-inventing it in a fresh , more earthy palette. Rich dark wood frame and earthy burlap fabric upholstery , the perfect eclectic mix of materials to add a fresh new twist to this classic chair. – Roomservice.com

French Laurel Wreath Burlap Pillow Cover by Les Petits Tresors boutique. They have a whole collection of handmade shabby chic, cottage and country style home accents. Visit them on Etsy. This is just a very easy way to integrate burlap to your decor.

With Burlap, you can go very chic with this nail head trimmed headboard … or more casual with this burlap headboard made of recycled coffee beans bags, below.

This Chair from Barrymore is beautifully upholstered  with both burlap and velvet fabrics. Photo by Michael Graydon. via Canadian House and Home

How special does this burlap daybed looks with its assorted pillows?! Perfect for shabby chic interiors for your countryside home or beach home.

And here some very cute Burlap bags by designs maya made. Very fun to organize some accessories anywhere in your home.

Even a 70-year-old oak frame for a fabulous dining chair gets another layer of history when upholstered in a 1906 feed sack.

Jayson Home & Garden manufactures beautiful ones!

Hope this post inspired you to go greener, to try vintage or just to re- upholster your grand mother older piece of furniture for a fabulous newly fresh burlap look!

For more information about interior design and Feng Shui, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Sex in the City 2 Chandelier by Lindsey Adelman

This amazing glass chandelier is made with brushed brass finish, 3 globes with gold foil, 3 globes with gold murrine, and 3 globes clear.

The talented Lindsey Adelman’s chandelier is featured in the movie Sex & the City 2.

I can’t wait to see the new movie and the new Carrie Bradshow’s bedroom!!!

Magpie Chandelier

Magpie Chandelier detail

Look at this tall, dramatic chandelier made from found objects, trinkets, and castoffs!

President Obama bought the recycled chandelier for Sasha and Malia’s bedroom in the White House  from a magical art collective shop in South Africa called Magpie . This amazing studio which sells knickknacks and décor made entirely from recycled objects. Be it a lid to a dog food can, a wine cork, or a Barbie, the eco-conscious craftsman turned the disposable into the extraordinary.

Anthropologie currently offers the similar Magpie Chandelier.

For more information about interior design and Feng Shui, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Color research shows that people are stimulated in specific ways by different colors. Feng shui uses color as a cure to promote the appropriate energy for a space. That’s why it’s important to pick a color based on the tasks you will be performing in your office.

I have put together a guide to help you choose the right color for your office in function of your needs:

Yellow

This color  stimulates clarity of thought, creativity, and mental activity–making it an excellent color for a home office. Yellow also promotes discipline, friendliness which anyone working in a home office needs.

Red

It represents the element of fire which symbolizes  life joy and energy. It’s a good choice for anyone making deals or selling, and for those who entertain clients in their office.

Black

This color is a very traditional feng shui color for an office because it represents money, power, and success, especially when paired with metals such as silver. If you need to feel empowered in your office and want to create energy to stimulate income, black is the way to go.

Purple

The color purple is a good choice as well, and this is the color that signifies ideals, truth and love. This is the color of choice for the thinkers and the philosophers, and the chosen color too for dreamers and writers.

Blue

This color suits offices where trust and calm is important, such as where interviews or sessions are held. Blue is the color of relaxation and peace, making it a great color for offices that are used for writing.

Oranges

Orange and other warm desert colors stimulate socialization and collaboration–good for a small office using a team approach to management. This color is especially harmonious in an office used for creative writing or team work.

White

In Feng Shui, white represents purity and confidence. Used with gold or silver, white creates a very calm atmosphere. This can be very beneficial to people that feel their office is a place to relax.

Your ceiling should be painted a light color–a dark color will make you feel as if there’s a dark cloud hanging over your head while you work.

With the right color office, you are now ready to make great deals and making your office a place of success that fulfill your work needs! Let me know if I can help!

For more information about Feng Shui and Interior Design, email me at marie@marieburgosdesign.com or visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Foyer design featuring Trunks

A trunk, also known as a travelling chest, is a large cuboid container for holding clothes and other personal belongings. In the past, they were most commonly used for extended periods away from home, such as for boarding school, or long trips abroad. Most trunks are now used as either furniture such as coffee-tables or decorative storage for everything from blankets and linens to memorabilia. Trunks are differentiated from chests by their more rugged construction due to their intended use as luggage, whereas chests are more intended for storage.

Here are some great examples of beautiful trunks, chest and vintage luggage transformed into fantastic pieces of furniture to infuse a home with a feel of well traveled style and unexpected extra storage!!

So glamourous and so classy these Vintage Louis Vuitton Trunks used as fabulous bed side tables. The well chosen accessories really gives this space the look of travel and casual chic.

Thanks to Scott Currie via Elle Decor & Xjavier! Lovely whimsical living space. Yellow cane chairs, seagrass rug, black & gold chest coffee table, beige comfy sofa, smoke gray glass lamp, black chest, black lantern chandelier, bamboo shade, built-in bookshelf bookshelves, rope mirror and soft blue paint color. yellow brown black gold living room colors.

In the living room, a jockey painted by local artist Patricia Powers surveys the scene. Cream slipcovers come off the chairs in the fall, revealing brown wool upholstery. In a house with few closets, a 19th-century Anglo-Indian chest provides much-needed storage. – Via Country Living

Fireplace Trunk by Atria

When you crack open this chest, you’ll find something better than a pirate’s treasure – something hotter! ‘Malle a Feu’ by Atria is a hot fireplace design that disguises the traditional fireplace within a contemporary white trunk. The horizontally opening lid lifts to reveal a pair of fire slots, with a mirrored background to maximize the look of the flames. When you’re all warm and cozy, simply shut the lid and use the top to display your collection of framed photos, candles, vases or other accessories. This portable fireplace is ideal for small spaces and condos. It’s ventless, so there’s no installation required, and when you redecorate, this mobile fireplace goes wherever you envision it. In the bedroom, the bathroom, living room or den, Malle a Feu has its place in every home. Check out more hot fireplace design ideas at Atria.

This living room by Chad Farquharson and Wayne McGill explores a potpourri of styles. A new sofa is perfectly at home with an Asian chest repurposed as a coffee table. The white chair is a reupholstered vintage store find, and the contemporary patterned chair is a gift from a friend. – Via Style at Home.

Mayfair Steemer Chests brushed steel is paired with a French style bed crafted of iron and steel makes a very chic country style bedroom – design by Restoration Hardware. Love what they do!

Bedroom design in a beautiful neutral color palette with Asian chests bedside tables on a rug called Modern Mix by Flor .

Which trunk style is your favorite? Let me know by leaving me a comment on the blog!

For more information about interior design and Feng Shui, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Photo gallery - Designer Nathan Turner

Photo galleries display are a great way to dress up a wall with interesting art but also a fantastic way  to showcase your family photos, a favorite collection or  special memorabilia.

For a perfect display , there are a few rules to respect… First, hang frames at eye level, or around 5 feet, or slightly more, from the floor. Hang them a little bit higher if you have high ceilings. Then, place your favorite pictures in frames of different sizes and shapes for a mosaic look or in all same sizes for a more organized look. Last, ideally use the same finish an color for your frames and mats to pull it together.

Here are some fabulous examples of galleries display…

Photo Gallery Design in Staircases

This Photo gallery in these airy staircases shows a beautiful way to tell the family story of your home… You can this way see children growing in picture and meet all the members of the family at once!

Photo Gallery Design by Preston Lee

Above is a very vintage way to showcase photos. This gallery uses frames which look as valuable as the photos in them. It is so chic!

A great way to dress up a corridor! Here black and white and color photos make a very interesting mix.

This photo gallery is very organized with its oversized black frames. It is really the work of a collector!

Here a very classic way of displaying photos which put forward a beautiful composition.

Tell me about your own photo gallery display… What do you showcase?

For more information about about Feng Shui and Interior design, email me at marie@marieburgosdesign.com an visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Art Work by Peggy Bates - Photography Francis Augustine

I truly enjoyed meeting Peggy Bates. She is such a wonderful human being and a fabulous artist.

Her sensibility, kindness and humanity comes out in her art with gracious curves and vivid colors.

I have visited her studio where colorful giant paintings graze all the walls, in a totally white background. Her walls and floors are in a snowy white which allows you to take in all the colors and the majestic shapes.

Peggy Bates is based in NY. Her art is displayed in many galleries. You can visit her website is: http://www.peggybatesart.com/

Her clients display her art in residential homes as well as commercial spaces. She also commissions paintings especially for you!

The fabulous photographer Francis Augustine is relating the story of a morning in Peggy’s Art Studio…

Peggy Bates Art Studio - Photography Francis Augustine

Artist Peggy Bates in her studio - Photography Francis Augustine

Art Work by Peggy Bates - Photography Francis Augustine

Inside Peggy Bates Studio - Photography Francis Augustine

Peggy Bates Studio - Photography Francis Augustine

Art piece by Peggy Bates - Photography Francis Augustine

Artwork by Peggy Bates- Photography Francis Augustine

Artwork by Peggy Bates- Photography Francis Augustine

Artwork by Peggy Bates- Photography Francis Augustine

Hope you have enjoyed looking at Peggy’s colorful art!

For information about Interior design and Feng Shui, email me on marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Red Sideboard - Interior design by John Willey

I love Red furniture pieces. Red is not only a fabulous color but it is also considered the luckiest color by the Asian community. So it is good Feng Shui to have red in your home!

I have selected beautiful sideboards to attract that extra luck and give a zest of vitality and happiness to your living space!

Check out this beautiful red antique sideboard above paired with art work to match it harmoniously.

Below, Designer Molly Luetkemeyer has used that fabulous reddish sideboard in a very Hollywood glamour setting. It works so magically with the long curved sofa.

Here a very classic look called Cherry Bombe chest. It is so elegant and really belongs in places like Le Palais de Versailles.  I love its harmonious curves…

Look at this fabulous kitchen island! This is 20 feet long of amazing red sideboard to do bake and cook! Who wouldn’t like to cook in such an grand kitchen.I bet Martha Stewart would love it too!

This red sideboard looks like it is 100 years old and it is really cute with its many draws. Just perfect for your entryway!

Which Red Sideboard is your favorite?

Let me know by living me a comment on the blog! Thanks.

For more information about Interior design and Feng Shui, email Marie at marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com

Living Room Design by Marie Burgos

Large spaces feel cozier when you can create distinct moments that relate to each other without competing.

Dividing a large space by identifying multiple functions works as long as the areas chosen for each activity add up to a harmonious statement. I like to start by creating a color story, and then figure out how each space in the room can contribute to the telling of that story while maintaining a subtle integrity.

Above, I have created a reading area in a corner of this large living space. Below you can see the main space with entertainment centre and a great statement with an aquarium for my client who is a lover of all the beauties of the sea…

In this space I have also used all the natural elements of Feng Shui which are water, wood, earth, fire and metal.

Living Room view- Design by Marie Burgos

In the photo below, you can discover another angle of the space which showcases the original features of this home such as the red brick column. It always makes sense to keep beautiful original features.

See the yoga space created which can be used as a fabulous dance floor for entertainment when meditating time is over by just removing the tatamis.

Living Room/ Yoga space Design by Marie Burgos

Living Room view on yoga space- Design by Marie Burgos

Hope you have enjoyed it!

For more information about interior design and Feng Shui, visit www.marieburgosdesign.com or email Marie at marie@marieburgosdesign.com

Are you looking to transform your home in a cosier space?
If so please let me know about it by leaving a comment!

Marie Burgos at Imperio Showroom - Francis Augustine Photography

I had the best time at Imperio Showroom. I gave a Feng shui design presentation to a keen crowd of design enthusiasts!

And Jessica Packer, owner of Imperio did a fantastic job at showcasing her beautiful exotic home and fashion goods from countries such as Argentina, Thailand and Burma.

From silk pillows to colorful shawls and cowhide rugs like the one under my feet on the above photo, it was a colorful and rich sight to look at.

I thought I would share some of the images of this fun evening of design with  you!

Photography by my dear friend and very talented photographer Francis Augustine

Jessica Packer and Marie Burgos

Silk Shawls from Imperio

Maria Longo (writer), Peggy Bates (Nota Design), Diane Brady (Author), Marie Burgos

Jessica Packer dressing up one of the guests with silk

Custom made Silk Pillows from Burma and Thailand by Imperio

Guests at the Imperio event

Mechial (Owner of Sublime), Edris Nichols (Owner of Edris Salon) and Weiner Maingrette.

Metal bowls from Imperio

Think color, think exotic, think fun… for designs with Marie Burgos Design!!

Irene Nikolay and Marie Burgos

Here I am pausing with my client Irene Nikolay, CEO of Stratus Realty Group - Joshua Wong Photography

Today, I just wanted to share some photos of the fabulous party organized by my clients Stratus Realty Group for the inauguration of their newly Feng Shui Design offices in NYC. I have designed this space following Feng Shui principles. The wall art will regularly change to display different artists art. Here with my client Irene Nikolay, CEO of Stratus Realty Group.

All the photography is by the fabulous photographer Joshua Wong

Display Stratus Realty Group office

Party at Stratus Realty Group- Joshua Wong Photography

The bar at Stratus Realty Group new offices Party

Francis Augustine, Marie Burgos, 2 members of Stratus Realty Group team

Mixer at Stratus Realty Group

Irene Nikolay, CEO of Stratus Realty Group and her guests

New office Party at Stratus Realty Group

Irene Nikolay and her guests at Stratus Realty new offices party

The DJ at Stratus Realty Group Party

Realtor Angela Gomez, Photographer Francis Augustine and Interior Designer Marie Burgos

Photography by Joshua Wong

For more information about Interior Design and Feng Shui, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com