Happy Memorial Day, everyone! I hope you all had a relaxing long weekend and enjoyed the pleasant weather as much as my family and I did.

I have an exciting announcement: My blog has a new look and location! I was so inspired in New York City (more about that in my next post!) that I decided to jazz up my blog with a cleaner, more sophisticated look. I also changed the name of my blog site to burnthecandles.com–so perfect for my business, right?

So here’s my new look.

You can still get to my blog from my website by clicking on the “BLOG” tab at the top of the page. But if you have subscribed to my blog through a feed/RSS reader (like Google Reader, for example), you’ll need to change the subscribing address to burnthecandles.com/blog.

Also, in just a few days, this blog location will no longer be active. Rest assured, however, it will be alive and kicking at its new home at burnthecandles.com.

Happy reading!

xoxo,

Renae

You may remember a few weeks ago when I talked about preparing for my Make-A-Wish project. Little Olivia, diagnosed with lupus at the much-too-young age of 6, chose her Make-A-Wish wish to be a redecorated “Princess and the Frog” style bedroom. Smart girl…instead of going to Disney World one time, she brought Disney to her so she could experience it every day!

Olivia in her "before" room.

"Before" room.

The day finally arrived to put her room together and present the renovation to sweet Olivia. I was so excited to see this project come together and find out whether it would become the vision I’d had in my head all along!

That morning, Make-A-Wish granters Krista and Kim and I met at Olivia’s home to use some old-fashioned she-power to get things done. The room had been painted the day before, so we had a fresh, clean canvas to begin our work.

Soon after we arrived, we called upon the talents of our handyman, Steve McCullough, to hang things around the room and put the beds together…what a lifesaver! A girl can only do so much before she ruins her fresh mani, you know! The beds were graciously donated by Premier Builders in Rochester. We unpacked the lamps, mirror and accessories, and put together the cubbies for the kids’ toys and books.

Handyman Steve hard at work.

After a coffee/sticky roll break, I left to pick up the pin up board I purchased at Artistic Framers in Rochester. Look how great that board looks with the dresser! Thanks, Sue! (Clearly Olivia is a little excited about it, too!)

Next we put the box springs on the bed frames and covered the mattress with a mattress pad. We threw on the sheets, blankets and the handmade duvets — thank you Cathy for all your incredible work! Ahhhhhh, so fun!

We rolled out the rug, unwrapped the white painted dressers (very cottage-y looking), and put everything in its place. Unfortunately bunk beds weren’t an option because of the low ceilings. I wanted to maximize the play space but also allow each child to have his or her own space…in this case, their own space is their bed.

FINALLY it was time to surprise Olivia, her brother Tony, and her mom Lia. Upon entering her new room, Olivia squealed with delight and repeated an emphatic “Yes!” as she grinned from ear to ear. When I saw Olivia’s face light up, it was priceless. Truly the best moment of doing what I do…

Just look at this face and tell me I don't have the coolest job ever!

Olivia, Lia and Tony.

A note from Tony about his family. So well said...

Olivia and me.

xoxo,

Renae

Little did I know a day at Somerby golf course in Byron, Minn., would lead to one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. A casual offer of design time at a Make-A-Wish silent auction event has one year later has landed me straight in the home of the world’s cutest little girl: Olivia.

Olivia has been diagnosed with lupus, but let me tell you, you’d never know by being in her presence the extent of what she’s been through. Her enthusiasm and love for life is infectious! This girly girl, who loves every color of the rainbow, was giddy to see us and show off the bedroom she shares with her brother. Her prized space she adored so intensely…what a gift to be able to make it a magical wish-come-true for a girl who has already endured more than your average 6-year-old. Despite all she has been through, she insisted we plan a room that would accommodate her twin brother as well. That was request number one. Request number two? “Princess and the Frog” the heck out of it!

Adorable Olivia...don't you want to just eat her up?

So what comes to mind when I hear Princess and the Frog? Fresh green (frog!) color with purples as accents. But remember, I’ve got to think about Olivia’s brother, too, so it can’t be too girly and princessy. Basic pieces that can go either way will be the key here, including custom made and painted headboards donated by Premier Builders of Rochester.

Very "Princess and the Frog"gy, don't you think?

Below is a sneak peak of Olivia’s bedding. The girly pinks without being obnoxiously feminine will nicely complement her brother’s space in the room. The room must be cozy, inviting and fun! It should encourage play, casual comfort and relaxation. A happy place that cultivates creativity in little ones who are dealing with more than should ever be asked of them.

Greens, pinks and gold = frogs, girls and princesses!

See her brother’s fabric? Same pattern, different colorway. A-dor-a-ble.

Masculine without being too adult.

Stay tuned to find out about the reveal happening in just a few days. If I’ve done my job, she’ll either be rendered speechless or squeal with 6-year-old delight. Either way, I think it’s really my wish that came true.

xoxo,

Renae

I recently discovered what might be the coolest website ever: Design Seeds. It brings me so much inspiration in everyday things that sometimes I just stare at my computer, scrolling from palette to palette, letting my brain do its little happy dance.

Their tagline is “for all who love color,” and boy oh boy, they’re not kidding. If you love color and color palettes and the brilliant way colors go together to make beautiful magic, then this site will make you feel like a kid in a candy shop.

"a door hue" Three words: coral, happy, lively.

The idea-woman behind Design Seeds is Jessica Colaluca. Of course, like the rest of us in the creative and design fields, she tells a story of an early love of color, making her own idea boards before they were even considered therapeutic. Her passion for color led her on a quest to discover breathtaking photography, which she uses to grab color palettes that are, to say the least, seriously easy on the eyes. Chances are, they inspire, energize and stir your inner color guru, too.

"produced hues" Let's cook...with a lavender scarf on!

Here is the real beauty of design-seeds.com: You can search for a particular color by color value, which is the amount of red, green and blue in the color. So if you know the RGB (Red Green Blue) of a color you want in your palette, you can just plug in the numbers and see all the palettes that contain that color.

You can also search by a color theme, like “Autumn” or “The Sea.” This ice cream photo would fall under the “Edible” category…a page on which I’m afraid I spent a looooooot of time.

"dessert tints" Three words: soothing, tranquil, restful.

Next time you’re out and about, take a second look at your neighbor’s door. What palette can you see? And what about tonight’s dinner? Which colors just “work” together in a way that brings harmony and peace to your soul?

Three words: home, peace, wine!

xoxo,

Renae

My newest favorite console, which I am desperately trying to get my client to fall as deeply in love with as I have, is from Drexel Heritage. Currently available in many finishes, I adore the intricate fretwork on its apron. Talk about adding a statement piece to your room! The shelf below serves as the perfect solution for extra decorative storage (travel books, perhaps?).

Another sofa back table I enjoy using in my design is the classic yet gorgeous Frascati Table from Niermann Weeks (below). Simple lines make this table an easy success in a variety of rooms and design styles. Similar to that “little black dress” we are all required to own, you can dress this table up or down as the occasion commands. The top of this table is available in plank style (shown) or can be changed to be more formal, a sunburst pattern.

This bold and sexy console (below) boasts several pragmatic uses, fully equipped with a display shelf (as shown, contains a shallow bowl and your favorite coffee table books) and three drawers for storing those special drink coasters or more books. The glass lamps in this photo elegantly match the glass bowls on the display shelf, and certainly add sleekness to the look of this room. This console really is a prize piece!

This painted console (below) has a fresh appeal, and it’s something any of us can do with some paint (any color will do), sandpaper and an old table. The distressed look creates a feeling of casual, relaxed comfort, and the muted nature of this particular color won’t steal the show, but certainly deserves a nod for Best Supporting Actor.

I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t show you at least one intricate, delicate console, even if they’re not my personal preference. This beauty below IS a show-stealer, and it is ornate enough that it almost doesn’t matter what you put on the table–the table itself will always take center stage. The detail on the legs, the intricacies of the wood…this table would spice up any room.

Happy spring!

xoxo,

Renae

Hold on to your spatulas, folks, there’s something in the air. As I write this, I have three kitchen re-dos in the works, and not one of them is like the others. Oddly enough, each of these kitchen projects began at various times, yet somehow they are all coming to fruition right now. I must say, I’m happy to oblige my clients in what I now consider to be my own personal Kitchen Design Challenge 2012.

Kitchen 1: Contessa Kitchen

This kitchen is very sleek with a classic feel — much like these clients, with whom I’ve worked for many years and have come to think of as dear friends first, clients second. Together, we’ve decided to use these materials in their new kitchen:

• Cararra marble countertops
• Existing wood floor
• White painted cabinets in the perimeter of the kitchen
• A slightly distressed ocean blue cabinet on the island cabinet (glorious!)
• A dazzling 2×6 crackle and glazed off-white subway tile for most of the backsplash, with the exception of this absolutely fabulous antique mirror mosaic behind the range (see photo below)

Stay tuned to see it installed! It promises to be a beauty…

Gorgeous mosaic tile mirror.

Kitchen 2: Outdoorsy, but not “Up North”

This kitchen is more rustic than the Contessa Kitchen. It has an oyster glaze on the perimeter cabinets and a chocolate glaze on the island cabinets — I love the contrast! This kitchen particularly reminds me of being outdoors without that “up north” feeling (or “up nort,” as we native Minnesotans say). It also boasts a nice sense of Italia in its cabinet style, hardware selection, counter material, and lighting selections.

The oyster glaze on the perimeter cabinets of the Outdoorsy house is similar to the glaze on the cabinets in this picture.

Kitchen 3: Cook’s Kitchen

The Cook’s Kitchen has enough storage to house everything a girl could want! Mixers, platters, wine glasses…you name it, and this kitchen has room for it. These clients added their dining room space to their existing kitchen, so really, their new kitchen will be two rooms wide (a definite cook’s kitchen — there’s a prep sink in the island). Can’t beat that for a family of 5!

The cabinets I’ve chosen for this kitchen are a transitional medium cherry that will deepen in color with age. The flooring is made of a wood called cumaru, which is both beautiful and durable. We’re adding seedy glass in the above cabinets for display purposes, and a granite countertop, which won’t steal the show but rather help blend all of these materials together. The real show-stealer is the brick-patterned slate backsplash that starts at the counter and goes to the ceiling behind the range hood. Very dramatic!

This isn't the kitchen I'm working on, but you can see an example of cumaru wood flooring in a kitchen setting.

So whose kitchen is next???

xoxo,

Renae

First of all, happy March! I hope you all enjoyed Leap Day yesterday and either did something really special with your extra day, OR made it just another ordinary Wednesday. Both are perfectly acceptable in my book.

For a few months now, I’ve been wanting to share with you a local artist who has come to inspire and captivate me. Her name is Cathy Bratter, and since the beginning of her life, she has struggled to hear. Incredibly, as soon as she discovered she was deaf, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. How many of us think we’d be able to say the same thing?

According to Cathy, being deaf increased her visual sense and art is her means of communication and keeping in touch. In Cathy’s words, “I follow a very meditative process, resulting in art that is layered and expressionistic. The past, present and the future become one. I see the relationships in nature that generate moods and emotions. I try to capture these in my work. I create with rock, metals, paints and found objects. My sculptures and paintings express what is in my heart.”

Cathy’s work is featured at Hickory Chair at IMS, and every time I’m in there, I’m reminded of not only her impressive work, but her beautiful story as well. They way she interprets nature, and the serene movement she imposes in each piece…truly a sight to behold.

If you get a chance, take a moment to click on her website and peruse her extensive body of work. I challenge you to be unmoved by Cathy and her incredible story and talent. And remember…I can always help you decide the perfect place in your home to showcase your favorite Cathy Bratter piece!

xoxo,

Renae

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I heart Valentine’s Day. It’s true, I’m a romantic at heart. With love and hearts (and candy in the shape of love and hearts!) abounding at every turn, it’s difficult not to become wrapped up — and sucked in by the jewelry commercials AGAIN — on Feb. 14.

Despite all the warm fuzzies this day of love ignites, I find myself most delighting in the color of Valentine’s Day. Red, red, everywhere red! This color of love also symbolizes intense passion and courage, and I can’t help but be drawn to it. Here are a few of my favorite red things.

A red accent wall in your home.

A red mixer to spice up your kitchen counter.

Red ribbon and bow to add the perfect touch to any gift.

A red porcelain lamp.

A red scarf with that little black dress.

And last but certainly not least, a valentine for your sweetie.

Hope your day is filled with love and happiness!

xoxo,

Renae

We all use them…..but do they really have to be sooooo boring?

Boooooooring.

The answer, my friends, is an emphatic “No!” On the contrary, bulletin boards are an easy way to personalize your space and make it look, well, prettier.

Who else? Martha Stewart.

I use them to display combinations of fabric schemes and then stand back to look at the finished room or project.

I also use them for kid’s invitations, permission slips, or fun little notes. I love to line a bulletin board with my latest favorite wall covering or fabric.

Adorable background paper!

In addition, there are several frame options available: wide, skinny, bamboo, dark, light, etc. One of my favorites is from Ballard Designs, the Acanthus Leaf framed message board.

Acanthus Message Board from Ballard Design

I also like unframed, fabric-covered bulletin boards that have a great texture using burlap, sisal, twill, or linen. These gorgeous fabrics have a knack for using their understated nature to let the “pin-ups” (favorite card, invitation or photo) stand out.

Love this idea!

My latest bulletin board inspiration/obsession is Pinterest. Seriously, people, have you checked out that site? Pure bliss!!!

How cute is this idea!?

What do your bulletin boards look like?

xoxo,

Renae

You have the perfect sofa, the most beautiful cocktail table, a stunning lamp, and gorgeous pillows. And then, to top it all off, you hang your favorite piece of art….WAY too high on the wall. Wah, wah, wah.

This hurts my neck...and my sense of style.

Wall hangings can be the icing on the cake in any room. What you put on the wall ties the rest of the room together. That clock you bought in France, that picture done by the local artist, those photos of your children…the walls are made to display whatever makes you happy.

But please, people, listen to me carefully: The cardinal sin of wall art is to hang your pieces too high. I see it all the time, and only my sense of social grace stops me from ripping the pictures down and re-hanging them myself. Something tells me that wouldn’t be appropriate dinner party etiquette…

The first rule of proper wall hanging is to understand that “centering” does not mean between the ceiling and the top of the couch. The wall art should be at a level where you can view it comfortably both standing and sitting. If you have to strain your neck to enjoy that photo, it’s up too high. No chiropractors should be involved in the wall-art enjoyment process.

If you’re a shorter family, hang your pieces a little bit lower so that you can enjoy them. Likewise, if you’re taller, hang them a bit on the higher side. Make sure they are about eye level when most people who live in the house are standing (exclude the tiny kids from this equation).

Check out this brilliant idea for hanging pictures perfectly every time.

Brilliant way to perfect placement of wall hangings! Thank you Pinterest for this awesome idea!

Just loop the nail in your hook...

...and place your picture where you want it. Gently press on the frame where the nail is, and when you remove the picture, you'll have a slight nail hole to use as a marking. Genius!

Happy hanging!

Renae