This year I went the rustic route with my tree décor. I started my search at  Home Goods, where I found some great starting pieces at amazing prices. Then I hit the streets – Literally. I wanted all my ornaments to be from the earth and have a natural man-made feel. I even recycled some old bulbs with a little paint to fit in my new theme.

Here are a few tricks I used on my on my tree to give it a little flair.

• Place lights both inside your tree and on the outer branches. Always place lights on tree with lights powered on. This will keep you aware if a set goes out as you place them.
• Start stringing lights from your power source and work your way up.
• If you have a real tree and are adding organic decorations like pine cones and twine don’t be scared to use a glue gun to affix them. Go ahead, glue that pine cone right on the tip of a branch.
• Affix everyday items to our tree using paperclips.  Simply hot glue gun half the clip to the object and then use the clip to attach to tree. Great for items you cant put a hole through
• Update old ornaments with a little acrylic paint or glitter. This year I decided to age my silver balls with a little antique painting technique. Simply water down black paint and apply lightly with a soft paint brush.
• Keep your tree smelling great and looking healthy by both watering it and spritzing it with water using a spray bottle ever other day.
• Use fabric, ribbon and even non perishable food like pasta, dried fruits and flowers to decorate your tree.
• If you have a favorite real flower you would like on your tree plant it in a small pot and then wrap it in plastic wrap to hold in water. Place in your tree and spray  water every few days. This year I included a live poinsettia
• Decorating a tree is like planning a wedding – you want some things old and somethings new.
• Add trimmed braches to a vase for more smell and easy décor.

I dare you to be domestic!

I often find my most treasured possessions at second hand stores. Here are some of my latest finds. Can you guess which ones a bought?

Well, I bought the lamps. New shades and there you go. Real brass lamps with a slight patina for less than $15 bucks. I dare you to be domestic!

Almost six months back I tweeted a picture of a chair I found at a thrift store.  With a little creative thinking and some (gifted from a friend) high-end fabric, I was able to create what is now my favorite chair.  The truth about this chair makeover is that it’s very rock-n-roll and in fact a little ugly – but thats why I love it.  In design you always want that one piece that makes a statement. Take a look…

The above image is of my inspiration board for my loft. I knew I wanted to introduce a hide somewhere in my living space. Can you guess where?

There you go. The back was upholstered in hide and  makes for great eye candy. The chair has now become a piece of art. Think outside the box. I dare you to be domestic!

I knew the sofa I wanted.  I even sat on it, but I  wasn’t willing to fork over the $3,000 to buy it.  So, in true DTBD style I created my own version.  Check out any  thrift store and you can find a wide array of sofas and chairs that need a little love.  Often the bones of an older sofa are more sturdy and with some reupholstery, reveal an amazing piece of art.

The Process

I found my gem of a sofa in Downtown Los Angeles at St. Vincent de Paul.  It had the perfect shape, length, and style. And even better it was only $40 bucks.   NOTE: When shopping for a reupholstered sofa you have to look past the physical and imagine what can be. I knew that my orange, grease-covered, faux suede sofa was the perfect find.   I loved the curved arms and wide seating area.

I then purchased used army tents at my local Army Surplus Store.  I bought four army tents costing a total of $80. Cheaper than almost any upholstery you would buy from a fabric store.  An army tent is cool because it’s sturdy, has a great feel, and it’s water-resistant.

Next, I took the tents to the laundromat to launder them in heavy duty washers and dryers.  I used super powered Clorox2 Bleach for Colors.  It got them super soft, bright and smelling good!

Next, I had to decide the layout of my sofa.  I knew I wanted two seat cushions and five back pillows.  I did a sketch of how I wanted the material laid out on the sofa for my upholsterer.  I made sure the details of the army tent were noticeable – including snaps, seams and military stamps – very cool.

The reupholstery of my sofa totaled $400 including the materials – high quality goose down feathers and super thick foam cushions.

A Few Reupholstery Tips:

• Search for the best deal on the fabric you like.  Sometimes your upholster can get you wholesale deals, so price what you want before you commit to having him/her buy it.  Remember you can provide your own fabric, but you should know the yardage needed before purchasing.
• Fabric should be durable and heavy weight.
• Remember to ask if the price includes materials.
• Ask what kind of fill will be used to avoid any allergic reactions.
• Ask about delivery charges.
• Always get a firm date on completion.
• Always show how you want your fabric arranged on the item.  Horizontal?  Vertical?
• Do you  need new parts?  With my sofa I updated the legs.

I’m happy to say my military inspired Army sofa cost me a total of $520.   Now that’s Dare To Be Domestic!

Whether you have a small closet or no closet at all you can build a solution that will provide storage for both hanging and folded items.  As a new loft owner I have no closets – that’s right – NOT-A-ONE!  So I decided to build my own.

Here are the few items you will need:

• Rolling rack
• Extra Large Storage bins
• 8 (eight) screws, washers and bolts or a roll of duct tape (for a less permanent build)
• A small area rug (optional)
• Mirror (optional)

I do lots of large closet organization projects where I buy industrial strength rolling racks.  For my new home, I knew I needed something strong and made of metal that would not break over time.  I ordered my rack from ACME Display in Los Angeles, CA, a wholesale retail supplier of store fixtures.  Check them out; they have great finds and even better prices.  TIP: Buying direct from manufactures can be cheaper than buying from your average mega-organizational store, and you’ll get way better quality.

Watch the video below for this quick and easy demonstration:

Rolling Rack Closet Tips:

• It’s best to organize items hanging by color.  This is easier on the eye since your wardrobe is in plain sight.  I suggest dark to light.
• A small area rug will help define your closet space and keep the rolling rack from rolling if you have hard surface floors.  It also makes trying on your clothes and shoes feel like you are in a store.
• To keep storage bins organized, keep items you wear less often on the bottom.
• Fold items in thirds to allow for more space when searching.
• Keep your delicate items in a clear plastic garment bag to protect from dust and moths.
• Hang cedar blocks to keep moths and other pests from ruining your clothing.
• Purchase hangers that coordinate with your decor.  Try Real Simple Hangers!  Be sure to count how many hangers you will need to hang your items and buy 25% more than you need.  Trust me!
• Make sure all hangers face the same direction.

I Dare You To Be Domestic!

It’s one of those kitchen items you forget about until a recipe calls for it, and then you find yourself running to the store to pick some up.

Cheesecloth’s small, gauze-like consistency can be used for way more than just wrapping cheese.   The next time you squeeze a lemon or any other citrus fruit that has seeds, a small piece of cheesecloth will help.  When cooking stocks, soups, and stews you may want to tie your herbs and seasonings in a piece of cheesecloth to incorporate their flavors without leaving any distracting seeds or twigs. Heavyweight Muslin Cheesecloth works best as it has the tightest knit and most durability.

Cheesecloth really is one of your kitchen’s best friends.  TIP: To clean it simply soak/wash cheesecloth in bleach-water for three minutes. Use one tablespoon bleach per gallon of water. It’ll be ready to use again and again!

Here are some other fun and easy ways to play with cheesecloth:

• Roasting: When roasting or baking a turkey or chicken, take cheesecloth and roll it in melted butter.  Then place the butter-drenched cheesecloth over the bird to keep its skin from burning and the inner meat moist.  You can still baste chicken as needed and foil still may be used.
• Converting a colander into a strainer: Simply line a colander with a damp piece of cheesecloth if you are in a pinch and need to strain something very fine.
• Dusting: Using a rubber band place a piece of cheesecloth over the vacuum nozzle.  You can vacuum areas that contain small pieces like jewelry, etc without sucking them up.
• Creating A Sugar Duster: Grab an empty preservatives jar, swap out the lid with a piece of cheesecloth and rubber band or the original jar top.  Now you can delicately dust your favorite dessert plate or cake with powdered sugar deliciousness.
• Shaping Cheese: You can shape your favorite soft cheeses into unique shapes using cheesecloth as a mold.  It’s an easy way to spice up a cracker with a delicately molded hunk of cheese.
• Cleaning Glass: It doesn’t leave streaks so it makes a great rag for cleaning glass and mirrored surfaces.

Buy some cheesecloth today!  I Dare You To Be Domestic!

Beets are one of those items you might normally pass up at the grocery store, or perhaps eat from a can. But Chef Dave Martin gives us great instructions for making “real beets”, “real simple!” If you love this simple recipe you must buy his book. It’s great!

Ingredients:

• 6 medium sized beets, washed, peeled and left whole (red, gold or various colors are ideal, but work with what you have available)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Aluminum foil

Method:

After peeling the beets, coat them lightly with olive oil, kosher salt and black pepper. Wrap the beets in individual foil wrappers like little packages, making sure that the whole beet is covered up.

Place the packages on a sheet tray/cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven and roast them for about 1 ½ -2 hours. If the beets are super small they will roast much quicker so keep your eyes on them and adjust the timing accordingly. I have found that with medium to large-sized beets, they should come out perfectly if you use the timeline above. The test is taking a sharp paring knife and testing to see if it slides right through the beet similar to the way you test potatoes.

Once cooked properly, remove from the oven, leave them in the foil and allow them to cool.  As the steam in the foil can be very hot, be careful. Once the beets have cooled, remove from the foil and slice them into ¼ – ½ inch slices. Sometimes the bottom of the beet gets really caramelized, so double check to make sure it doesn’t taste burnt in flavor before using it in your salad.

These beets can be used for just snacking or finish them off with a lite vinaigrette and some greens along with a sprinkle of bleu cheese and the nutmeg cashews from Flavor Quest , Vol. 2 . If you never liked beets because they were always from a can, give these a try and you might change your tune.

I Dare You To Be Domestic!

Don’t you hate when you unplug your peripheral device, like a printer, and the USB cord falls behind your desk – YIKES!  Well, wires fall no more.  I give you the CableDrop!  The CableDrop (one word) is a small, rubber, self-adhesive wire holder/catcher.   But they are some much more:

• Place a CableDrop on your desk to hold wires you plug and unplug on a regular basis.
• Place them on the legs or side of your desk if you want to keep your wires hidden.
• Try using them for holding ear buds so you always know where they are.
• Use them to re-route wires while keeping your work surface looking neat and organized.

Take a look at my 1 minute video product review on the CableDrop. I use them in pretty much all my office makeover projects. I even use them at home. But be prepared because everyone that sees them will ask you what they are…  I love my desk so much more now!

Have you tried a CableDrop? What do you think? I Dare You To Be Domestic!

All images from Bluelounge.com

Today, Friday, April 22 marks the 41st anniversary of Earth Day. So in a DTBD salute to Mother Earth we should all do our part to lessen our carbon footprint – WASTE!

A college friend sent me a video of her son in school telling the world that “Everyday is Earth Day.” Take a look. It’s super cute and very funny. How can you make a difference today? Below are 3 EASY ways. In fact, you may already be making a big difference.

• Use online bill pay. Today, get online and change all statements to paperless and try using ePay with you financial institutions. Imagine less paper to sort through. TIP: Every 6 months, I download all my statements and back them up on a server.
• Bring your own shopping bags to the store. TIP: Leave a few bags in your car around the headrest to remind you to use them.
• Use earth-friendly household cleaners. Concentrated versions of your favorites lessen your carbon footprint.

I Dare You To Be Domestic!  (And greener!)

If you are looking for that perfect Easter gift, a true heart stopper, check out the work of Sharon Montrose. Her large and small scale photography prints are a simple way to modernize any room.  It’s clean, makes a statement and guaranteed to make you smile.

Nature always creates nothing less than perfection, and when that perfection is captured in a crisp, clean photograph the results are priceless.  This Easter instead of gifting a chocolate bunny that is destined to become refrigerator decor, give a fine art print of a bunny or another animal that will bring joy for years to come.  And it’s less calories!  Maybe even try your hand at capturing nature in a photograph?

Visit both of Susan’s websites for inspiration on how you can transform your space:  sharonmontrose.com and  theanimalprintshop.com. I Dare You To Be Domestic!

All images are property of sharonmontrose.com

Every house has one.  You can’t escape the one place where every odd end, missing part, birthday candle and half-used lighter ends up – the junk drawer.  Here is an easy alternative that will eliminate the feel of clutter in your kitchen or storage area.

The Container Store sells this amazing heavy duty plastic (polypropylene), briefcase-like organizer called the Parts Organizer.

When I have a client who likes to keep small items this box is a godsend!  You can use them for:

• Battery storage
• Nails and screws
• Craft storage
• Ribbon
• Toys
• Hair Accessories
• Electronic items, old chargers, earbuds and wires
• Even tools!

Another cool feature of this simple solution is that the box is customizable with its movable dividers.  I used the medium-sized box and transformed this junk drawer into a handy “odds-and-ends box.”  Your drawer will look better.  You will feel better.  And best of all, if you ever need to relocate all you odds and ends, it will be super easy.

Here are some other easy ways to keep those drawers clean:

• Rubber band pens and pencils into like groups.
• Use a small envelope for coupons and small pieces of paper, or use a Tac Board so you can more easily see the paper items you used to hide away.  Don’t let those coupons expire!
• Reuse tin mint holders for small sharp objects like nails and thumbtacks.
• Small ziplock bags are great storage for items like birthday candles whose boxes over time get limp and nasty.
• Keep spare/random keys grouped together on a keyring or large paperclip.
• Line your “junk drawer” with foam drawer liner to prevent items from moving around and looking messy.
• Invest in dividers which also help keep things in place.

I Dare You To Be Domestic!

Her first album was titled “19” because she was nineteen when it was released.  Now, two long years later, I’m so excited to experience her sophomore debut “21.” (But of course.)  Adele’s soulful voice makes me smile from ear to ear.  This is a must have for anyone who loves a bluesy soulful sound with a modern twist – the twist being a voice that demands to be heard.  I highly recommend her first single “Rolling In the Deep.”  There is even an acoustic version with an amazing live drum upgrade.  My second favorite is “He Won’t Go,” a sultry R&B number reminiscent of an early eighties love groove.  From top to bottom this is most definitely an Album To Clean (Live) By.  So go buy “21″ and this week take on one of the projects below:

• Get under your sink and clean out and properly dispose of any items that are creating clutter.  Learn where to dispose of almost any household item at earth911.com.
• Sometimes dust and other debris settle  on walls making them look dingy and dull.  Try using a mild cleaner mixed with water and wiping down all the walls in your home.  It’s like a new paint job without painting.  For scuffs, I highly recommend the Magic Eraser.

Here is a video of Adele performing her song “Someone Like You,” yet another favorite, in her home.  Her modest, perfectly pretty and mostly white decor make for a peaceful backdrop for this heart wrenching song.  I love the bronze statue.  Take a look.  Enjoy.  I Dare You To Be Domestic!

Let’s talk about shoes and bikinis.  If you live in a coastal city you might suffer from TMDB Syndrome —“Too Many Darn Bikinis!”  TMDB is easily recognizable—it’s a drawer or box overflowing with bathing suit tops and bottoms that are in complete disorder.  This is an organizer’s true nightmare.  So now that you have the diagnosis, what are you gonna do?

Here’s my DTBD answer. All you need is a digital camera, a white sheet or towel, some Ziploc bags, and a great color home printer (or a short trip to CVS will do too).

1. Sort through your bikini tops and bottoms
2. Lay out the matching sets on a white sheet or towel and take a photo.  Natural light works best.
3. Print the photos.  4X6 work best.  You will still need to trim the photos to fit inside the Ziploc bags.
4. Place the bikini and the photo in the Ziploc bag with the photo clearly showing and facing out.
5. Place the complete package in a drawer or storage box that allows for easy access.

You can do the same with your shoes.  But you will obviously need clear plastic shoe boxes available at most home goods stores, like The Container Store, which offers low-cost, quality shoe storage boxes.

Be sure to:

• Photograph the shoes in natural light.
• Photograph both shoes at two different angles—the front and the outer side views
• Tape the picture on the side of the box that will show in your storage area.

Below are a few of my favorite shots. I’m even considering enlarging the shot of the black boots to put over my sofa!

It’s a fun, great stress-relief project to make your life so easy!  I Dare You To Be Domestic!

I never used to be a flower guy, but over the last three years I have developed a love for flower arranging.  I treat my flower arranging much like everything in my house, simple and modern.  But getting that structurally clean look is not easy and can be a major headache.  The secret to getting them to look the way I want is flower foam.  Here’s how I use my foam:

Tools:

1. Wet Flower Foam
2. A large container or sink to soak foam
3. A large knife to cut foam
4. Flowers of your liking

NOTE: If you buy foam be sure you are buying the kind intended for “live” flower arranging. Styrofoam blocks are for dried and fake flowers. You will have a terrible mess of dead flowers otherwise!

Wet flower foam is sold in blocks

Using Flower Foam:

• Fill a large container or your sink with water and place your foam in the water.
• Allow foam to free float in a flat position.  There should be enough water to fill the brick and allow it to float free when fully saturated.  Don’t force the saturation or air pockets will form in the foam.  (NOTE:  Sometimes when I am in a rush, I’ll place something heavy on top of the foam in the bucket to speed up the process.)
• When foam is completely saturated with water (it sinks) you are now ready to start arranging.
• Cut your foam to fit your vase. The foam should be large enough to be wedged into place and extend 1″ above the rim of the vase. This allows for top and side placement of stems. You may have to wedge the foam into your vase in several pieces.
• Cut a wedge in the foam near the top of vase opening so you can add water daily.  Tuck the cut-out section in the side or back of the container as filler.
• Now you are ready to build your masterpiece.

Here are three of my favorite arrangements that look amazing and are super easy.

Soft and Pretty: Mix blush colored peonies with stems of white orchids

Loose and Sloppy: Loose Tulips make for an easy arrangement without flower foam.

White and Plush: White hydrangea and mums are held tight by flower foam hidden by large tropical leaves.

A few more flower arranging tips:

• Flower foam can often leave looses foam particles floating the water. Work with the foam carefully to avoid this. Changing water is sometimes necessary.
• For table centerpieces ALWAYS use low vases.
• Don’t try to make your arrangements perfect. Sometimes the imperfections are the best part.
• Often when you buy flowers at flower marts they will wrap the flowers in newspaper. Be sure the ink does not touch the petals if possible. The ink will rub off and ruin the flowers.
• Avoid strongly scented flowers or flowers with lots of pollen on dinner tables.

I Dare You To Be Domestic!

I love taking a peak into other people’s pantries. It’s kinda equivalent to the whole bathroom medicine cabinet thing.  How you store and organize your food reveals a lot about your relationship with food.  A cluttered and unorganized pantry tells me that you either don’t cook often or that you may have wasteful tendencies. But this can all be changed with a few easy tips – TEN to be exact.

1. Items you use everyday should be at eye-level for easy access.
2. Small items should be grouped together in appropriate categories.
3. If you use store-bought containers for storage, be sure to keep the label either inside or attached to the front of the container for easy identification.
4. Leave a pen and pad of paper in your pantry to keep ongoing shopping lists as you run out of items.
5. Check for items you have multiples of and condense them into one container.
6. Buy risers if you have extra floor space in your pantry to allow for extra storage of large items.  Never put large items directly on floor as they will become a cleaning obstacle.
7. Keep both cedar sticks and bug sticky traps in inconspicuous places in your pantry.
8. Keep your pantry shelves clean.  Remember to dust and wipe down spices and hard packaging at least every other month.  Examples include bottles of oil, spices used often, and the surfaces where products rest.
9. Your pantry should be kept cool and dark.  When not in use be sure to turn off the light.  This slows down the breakdown of foods like oils, vinegars and even canned items.
10. Rotate the food in your pantry.  When you buy newer food items place them behind the older ones.

A few Pantry FAQ’s

What gets refrigerated; what gets stored? You can safely store any unopened canned and bottled foods.  Chocolate and maple syrup should be stored in the refrigerator after opening along with nut oils and any whole grain foods like cereal, corn meal and brown rice.

Should you refrigerate spices? Keep the hot spices in your life in the fridge. Items like paprika, chili powder and red pepper should be refrigerated after opening for both color retention and flavor.

What items should a pantry never be without?

• Chip clips
• Spice rack risers
• Narrow storage containers

I Dare You To Be Domestic!

Just under one thousand square feet, exposed brick walls, spiral staircase and private rooftop – it’s everything this domestic blogger could ask for and more!  I’m happy to announce that Downtown Los Angeles will be the new home of Dare To Be Domestic.  It’s time to put my many modern living and organizational tips to work… for myself!  There are many exciting blogs to come as I spruce up my loft space.  This will be fun!

• What to do in a space when you have no closets?  Yes, really, I have no closets!  Notta one.
• How do I create a rooftop garden?  Hollywood landscape designer Fran Fox will help to make my rooftop garden come to life.
• How to seamlessly join your workspace and home?
• And much more…

What do you think of my new pad?  Any ideas?  I Dare You To Be Domestic!

Be it a costume piece or a great vintage find, storing jewelry can be as difficult as putting together a 1000-piece puzzle, especially when you have the amount of Twilight star, Ashley Greene.

When I first met Ashley she had a vast collection of rings, bracelets and some items I wasn’t sure how you would wear them!  They were all fabulous and all needed special attention.  I knew I would have to find a solution that would allow her to easily see what she had, didn’t take up a lot of space and was easy to transport to those long film shoots wherever.

Solution 1: Stackable Jewelry Trays – Bed Bath & Beyond

These pink upholstered and slightly shimmering trays are a perfect solution for the girl or guy who needs to see everything at one time.  You can customize the combination of trays you choose, so if you have more rings you can buy extra ring trays.  They stack securely and have a clean, finished look.  When Ashley needs to coordinate her jewelry with her wardrobe, she can simply unstack all the trays and lay them out with out unloading any of the items.

Solution 2: Twig Ring Holder – ANTHROPOLOGIE – Everyday twig.  (see above)

We all have items we wear more than others.  This jewelry twig serves as both art and a place for you to store items you wear more often.  I’ve seen several different versions of this product to suit your tastes.

Solution 3: Drawer liners – Recycled shoe bags!

For bigger items that don’t fit inside a container, we converted a built-in drawer into a showcase.  We simply lined the drawer with extra soft shoe bags.

Solution 4: Acrylic Necklace Holders – The Container Store

For longer items that can easily get twisted in a jewelry box or in a drawer, we purchased these acrylic holders.  Simply screw into the wall.  They make for a great display of your more delicate longer necklaces. We chose to hang them in an area that’s inconspicuous like in a closet. Ashley is a great client to organize for because she has so many cool things to organize! When I asked Ashley how she liked her jewelry storage makeover she said, “Derrick you did a great job — you’re quick, professional and my house looks amazing.”

Whether you have a small or large jewelry collection, you can use these easy storage solutions to keep track of all your treasures.  I Dare You To Be Domestic!

In the true spirit of DTBD, I wanted to feature impressive food that is easy to make and tastes amazing. So what better person to help out and provide his expertise than Chef Dave Martin? Chef Dave Martin was featured on Bravo’s Reality Series Top Chef – Season 1, where he was a finalist. Fans will never forget his famous Black Truffle Mac n’ Cheese. HELLO! Today Chef Dave Martin gives us an easy way to prepare the food we all loved to hate as kids – Brussels Sprouts. I’ll admit they look a little intimidating to cook but Chef Dave Martin gives us an easy method for preparing them. It’s simple, it’s classic, it’s Dare To Be Domestic. Enjoy!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Chef Dave Martin

Yields about 1 ½ -2 cups of cooked sprouts

Ingredients:

½ lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

2-3 Tbsp olive oil

Kosher salt

Black pepper

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the Brussels sprouts with the oil, salt and pepper and place them face down on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven until the vegetables are cooked through and golden brown which should take about 15-20 minutes.   You can turn them over once during the cooking process or just brown one side. They are a great match for a fish entrée or just gobble them up hot out of the oven.

More about Chef Dave Martin: Due to the success and popularity of his first cookbook , Dave released Flavor Quest, Volume 2.  Currently Chef Dave travels around the country for various food & wine festivals, winemaker dinners, consulting projects, auction dinners, corporate and private catering events along with numerous guest chef and pop-up restaurant appearances, plus oodles of charity work. He also has a new line of rubs and sauces.

Never be intimidated by trying to set a table for guests – its EASY! And who said you need company over to set your table beautifully and enjoy a great meal?  No one.  So why not go for it, even if it’s a setting for three, two or just one.  All you need, from left to right, is:

• A salad plate (small plate)
• A napkin (linen or paper)
• A salad/dessert fork (the smaller of the two forks)
• A dinner fork
• A dinner plate
• A soup bowl (optional if you plan to have soup or just to look pretty)
• A cutting knife
• A spoon
• A drinking glass

Optional items:

• Salt and pepper shakers
• A centerpiece – Low flowers are best.  Even one flower in a bud vase would add the perfect informal touch.

In an informal setting, everything is based on being EASY.  Just the way I like it!  The idea is that no one is being served and dishes will be passed around the table.  Take a look at my sketch and table setting below.  Everything you need is there for three courses.  So build your table slowly and purchase the parts you need whenever you see them on sale. I bought my amazing Vera Wang Napkins in a Macy’s clearance bin for $2.50 each. HELLO!

Here are a few shots from a semi-formal Holiday  table I did for a client.

I Dare You To Be Domestic!

I thought it’d be great to write a posting about what it means to make your house a home. You can pretty much call this posting the thesis of what Dare To Be Domestic is—my philosophy of home-Life that keeps my calendar booked with clients who want to “add a lil’ Derrick touch to their lives!”

A Home is:

Stocked
There is nothing worst than not having what you need when you need it. So, you have to think ahead. Don’t just buy items for your home just when you run out of them. Buy them like you would buy items as if you were buying for a business. An office manager doesn’t run out to buy highlighters as they need them. He/she would take stock of the inventory and buy ahead according to past usage. Take the same approach when stocking your home.

Practical
Everyone wants a stylish home but style means nothing if you can’t enjoy what you have. Remember when you were a kid and your grandma had plastic on the sofa? (Or was that just me?) Your home should be designed for immediate use, without worry of wear and tear, accessible for all. So, that living room that seems to be just for show – try making it more inviting by adding comfy pillows, interesting coffee table books and even something a little outlandish like a drum set.

Relatable
Relatable might be an unusual word to describe a home, but if your home doesn’t match your personality, then there is a definite disconnect occurring that will affect how you feel and how others perceive your space. Now you’re thinking, “But Derrick, an interior designer I am not!” You don’t have to be. Nobody knows better what you like, but you. Your home should reflect what you like. Remember this tip – whenever you get in a design dilemma ask yourself would I buy this print as a shirt? If the answer is no, then it may not be the best fit for your home.

Flexible
You are growing, changing and evolving, and so will your home. So it’s important to be flexible and open to changing things around from time to time. It’s always fun to keep a vision board of your home to inspire growth.

Below, recording artist Cheryl Crowe shares her home with Architectural Digest Magazine. I am a big fan of her home - Comfort, Style, Intrigue and Evolved. I Dare You To Be Domestic!

Photography by Roger Davies for Architectural Digest.

Dear DTBD Readers,

I am so excited to be back online with my newly made-over blog and website. New sections and content will be added often so please check back. We have some great surprises in store, including:

• Recipes from Top Chef’s Chef Dave Martin
• Exclusive content and images from many of my celebrity clients – ALL ACCESS!
• Great product reviews
• An easier to use Archive of Articles
• A new interactive Facebook page where I will answer your questions
• And much much more…

Take a look at the video to see how excited I am to get things rolling. I Dare You To Be Domestic!

It’s always fun to get a look at city through the eyes of a realtor or someone who’s house hunting. When I think of New York City, I think of small old apartments that need lots of love and mega creativity. Take a  look at these amazing NYC homes. You might be surprised. I was. I Dare You To Be Domestic!

Watch more great videos on LXTV: LXTV – The Hunt: Chinatown With Wei Min Tan.

This video had me rolling. Besides the AMAZING, yet funny talent potential this kid has, I noticed a few DTBD no no’s… Somehow I keep finding ways to reference Lady Gaga in my posts. Take a look!

1. The rotten banana (aka the microphone). DTBD TIP: If you have fruit that is about to go bad, especially bananas, peel and cut them up and freeze them. Frozen fruit is great for smothies, your cereal or oatmeal – not so much good for a performance piece.
2. Out-of-season holiday decor. I see at least three festive leftovers from Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day and a little St. Patrick’s day mixed in for good measure.
3. Strange Collectibles.  Notice the  unusual amount of dog bowls in the kitchen. Yet I only see one dog?  Some people collect toy cars, some people dog bowls. Go figure.
4. Stove top pan storage. Keeping your kitchen clutter-free involves proper storage for your pans and/or tupperware . It’s not wise to store pans on your stove top, nor plastic containers. It’s not pretty and can be dangerous.
5. Chotskies decor. If you got it for free or it has a logo you might not want to include it as part of your decorating theme. This includes wine glasses with logos, beer mugs and coasters. Just sayin’.

… And is it me or does that kid have perfect pitch? And I know we all could do without the dad in the bikini undies. I Dare You To Be Domestic!

]]> http://daretobedomestic.com/bad-romance-in-a-bad-kitchen/feed 9 http://daretobedomestic.com/does-your-houseplant-need-a-vacation http://daretobedomestic.com/does-your-houseplant-need-a-vacation#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:53:20 +0000 Derrick Johnson http://daretobedomestic.com/?p=1131 This past weekend I went to the Hammer Museum and stumbled on a really cool exhibit.]]>

This past weekend I went to the Hammer Museum and stumbled upon a really cool exhibit.  It’s called Houseplant Vacation. It’s where museum visitors are invited to drop off their houseplants for a month long vacation at the museum (waiver required LOL).

Think about it. We all take vacations, even our animals get vacations, but the concept of a plant getting a vacation or even moving locations within our homes is overlooked.  So if you are in the area check out this exhibit. And for those of you who can’t make it, here are a few pictures. Go ahead and “move” a houseplant today. Enjoy.

And for all you wannabe plant enthusiasts, here is a list of a few plants you can grow that need little-to-no attention (meaning they won’t die easily).  I Dare You To Be Domestic!

1. Ponytail Palm

Is a succulent that stores water in its base. So if you forget to water every now and then, you will be okay.

2. Cactus

It’s the obvious and needs little to no water.  Just give ‘em some light and enjoy.

3. Jade Plant

Jade is easy because they do well year round and grow slowly. They don’t need too much water because they too are succulent ( get the hint).

4. Spider Plant

This hard-to-kill long-leafed plant prefers bright, but indirect light.

5. ZZ Plant

Needs little water – check.  Tolerates low light – check.  Rarely needs fertilizer – check.  Yeah I think this one makes the list.  I highly recommend adding it to your collection.