The talk of the town! DOMINO has been cut!

As all of you design-minded folk now know (and if you haven't heard, I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news), domino has recently announced that it will no longer be publishing their magazine.The first issue premiered 4 years ago and I bought it right off the magazine stand. It became an instant favorite, pushing Elle Decor out of the #1 slot ( recently I renewed my subscription and I love Elle Decor, but it is a different kind of love!). I immediately sent my subscription in without a moments hesitation. As a decorator, I attribute much of my growth to domino. Not because it taught me anything per se about decorating, but because it showed me that eclectic decorating has a niche. My own personal style, which is very unique, reflects the homes showcased in domino. One striking difference, though, is that I decorate at a fraction of the cost! Over the years I have accumulated what I would call "beautiful junk". I am a huge fan of finding a bargain, sifting through piles of discarded items, and repurposing whatever I could find to bring new life to my space. With a creative eye and a love of aesthetics, you can pull it all together, even when you are working on a budget. In short, decorating is truly an art and the process is inspiring , regardless of how much money you spend. Kudos to domino! The magazine delivered us rooms with great style coupled with personality. Wonderful recipes that are a cinch to pull off and taste fabulous. Articles galore! I am so sad to see it go. I know it sounds silly, but it has been a true friend to me. Even though this site is predominately for my business, 2 P's in your Pad, I like the idea of treating it like a magazine and look forward to making it such. On that note, I will sign off with....Dream. Create. Share. Inspire.

Mix & Match Glassware

When it comes to your glassware set, there's no need to have matching sets... mixing and matching is Fun! It makes life a lot easier... You'll no longer anguish over that dropped wine glass, smashed tumbler, or the shattered water goblet. No more is the need for chintzy wine charms... each of your guests will get to choose a glass of their liking, and be able to identify it easily. The next time you're in the market for glassware try shopping the "onesies” or clearance rack, you will be able to come up with a distinctive collection all of your own. And, the next time you drop one you won't even bat an eye! You'll actually look forward to adding to or completing your set! When seeking your collection, keep your eyes peeled for various shapes and sizes. Take a mental note of what you already have and what may be lacking, keeping in mind the types of drinks you like, as well as those you typically serve. Keep it simple and seek out solely clear glass or search with a theme in mind. My friend Maura recently completed her current collection and decided that she would add to it with a search for oddball wedding glasses. They’ll make for an interesting and quirky collection.

Eclectic Decorating

Take an Elizabethan print, pair it with a 1950's wallpaper, add a colorful 1960's pop art mobile, throw in a couple of milky white statues that have an Asian flavor, and round it all off with clear apothecary glass jars. Sounds like a mouthful? Well, visually it works! Eclectic is defined as the "showing or indicating careful judgment or discernment especially in matters of taste; the discriminating eye of the connoisseur". In my opinion, you don't have to be a connoisseur to create a home with heart. I believe that a more down to earth approach which simply incorporates the things you are drawn to will do the trick. The thing about Eclectic style is it allows you the freedom to experiment and take from many different elements to create your own personal decorating stamp. I believe that a home should reflect ones distinct personality. Instead of buying into a preconceived notion of what decorating is or what you think others will respond to, choose items that inspire you. A home space of comfort and approachability will follow. This is what makes a home feel like a home!