HOT OFF THE PRESS: Lonny Magazine

When Domino magazine folded last spring I, like many others, was shocked and deeply saddened. Unfortunately, shelter magazines continue to fold, including Metropolitan Home, another one of my design favorites. However, the silver lining in all of this is that many free online magazines are beginning to spring up all over the Internet. One being Lonny Magazine, which premiered this fall and I couldn't be more excited!!! If you loved Domino as much as I did, this virtual read is jam packed with all kinds of interesting articles, features, interviews, resources, etc...just like Domino! Co-founded by Michelle Adams, owner of Rubie Green, and Patrick Cline, photographer, their ultimate goal "is to bring inspiration and ideas to readers worldwide who, in spite of the tough economy, still want to make their rooms, apartments and homes feel special. " Here are some snapshots of this amazing premiere issue! Have a great weekend everyone.

Festive Tabletop and Decor Ideas

My husband and I are hosting our 6th annual Christmas party on Saturday. While we usually do an intimate sit-down dinner at one long dinner table with close friends, this year we've decided to switch things up and have a cocktail party. I'm a little relieved that I don't have to come up with a dinner menu for 20 people and can instead, focus on appetizers and festive cocktails. And of course, we can't forget my favorite part of the whole party-planning process - the decor & color scheme! I've rounded up some fresh ideas on centerpieces, table settings and decorations for inspiration - so many great ideas to choose from! What about you? Are you hosting a holiday party? Do you have any ideas or tips on decorating or entertaining guests? Please share!

POMEGRANATE-KEY LIME COCKTAIL

PHOTO CREDITS: MARTHA STEWART; REAL SIMPLE; SOUTHERN LIVING; BHG

Color 101: Red Interiors

I've been in a rather festive mood lately with it officially being December and Christmas only 22 days away! To kick off the holiday season I decided to do a post on the color Red and the various effects it has on us psychologically, especially when used in interiors. Here are some fun facts about this powerful color:

• Red has the opposite effect of blue; it's the warmest and most energetic color in the spectrum
  
• It increases blood pressure and respiration rate
• Red Increases enthusiasm
• Red Encourages action and confidence
• Provides a sense of protection from fears and anxiety
• Red makes people lose track of time and stimulates appetite
• Red is a powerful color so it's generally best used as an accent...however, certain shades like orange-red and brown-red may be muted; they are cozy, comforting earth colors like terra cottas, brick, and cinnabar
• Using red makes a powerful statement, so red furniture and accessories should be clean and in good condition. Ratty red furniture is likely to look REALLY ratty...not just marginally ratty
• Red is the highest arc of the rainbow
• Red is the first color you lose sight of at twilight
• Feng shui recommends painting the front door of a home red to invite prosperity to the residents.
• Bees can't see the color red, but they can see all other bright colors. Red flowers are usually pollinated by birds, butterflies, bats, and wind, rather than bees
• Red would not be the color of choice for psychiatric wards, prisons or a hospital
  
• FACT CREDITS VIA: DEMESNE.COM & SENSATIONAL COLOR.COM
  

PHOTO CREDITS: HOUSE TO HOME UK & LIVING, ETC.