Design Thief: Christmas Cheer I "Borrowed" From Union Square

I admit it: Yesterday I was feeling a little bit Bah-Hum-Bug-ish.  I was walking my dog, Jasper, and was looking for a little Christmas inspiration in my neighborhood.  I saw a few trees in windows and a wreath here and there. They did look good....but....nothing was looking truly inspired.  When I am fresh out of ideas and inspiration, I like to get out and see if I can find some ideas to "borrow".  I headed down to Union Square.  First, I stopped off to see the Macy's Christmas Tree.

Now, THERE'S a tree topper!  It's big, bold and cheery.  

Design Thief: This is NOT Your Grandma's Collection!

Sometimes, collectors really get a bad name.  If you've seen the show Hoarders, then you know that collecting can go seriously awry.  You may get visions of dusty boxes filled with baseball cards, ridiculous shoe collections, shelves full of creepy dolls, or even those as-seen-on-TV Stage 5 hoarders.  Well, I was walking around San Francisco's Hayes Valley Shopping District yesterday, and I have to admit that I saw some pretty cool collections.....

I went into Cisco Home, which has a remarkable selection of green and sustainable home goods.  Robert Pintozzi graciously showed me the customizable furniture, reclaimed tables, bedding, pillows...and AMA-zing lighting. These gorgeous Genie Lamps are sold individually, but why not get a few of them, and hang them in big and beautiful cluster?

Making Craigslist Your BFF. 8 Do's and Don'ts of Decorating with Craig

Craigslist can conjure up a lot of negative images when you think about it- what with all those Scammers, Creeps and Killers stealing all of the Craigslist headlines!  But I am here to tell you that Craigslist really can be your BFF.  Some of my most treasured furnishings, and the ones that get me the most compliments, came from CL.  With a little savvy, you too can use CL to help make your home resonate with that old + new combination that creates a comfort and style that you just can't get by shopping at a One-Stop design store.  Here are a few Do's and Don'ts to make you a Craigslist pro.

Craigslist 1910 Original Signed Vintage French Political Cartoon