Design is a Rodeo. Take it as you get it!

I recently had the exciting opportunity to mark another item off my “Bucket List”. Drum roll please……………..Mechanical Bull Riding! After watching “Urban Cowboy” one too many times, I was determined to become Sissy, a true, sexy cowgirl. However, riding a mechanical bull is not as easy as it seems. During the entire ride I was concentrating so hard on squeezing my hands and thighs to prevent from falling off.  Suddenly, something distracted me, and caused me to lose my focus. It wasn’t the cheering crowd. Nor was it my exhaustion. Instead it was the upholstery of the mechanical bull.

My hand slipped from holding the leather strap, and I was grabbing on to the faux hide material itself….off went my design radar and my overall balance and grip quickly followed.

After the excitement passed, my design sense returned, and I was inspired to research various hide rugs and upholstery applications of animal hides.

Actress Julianne Moore displays a gorgeous hide in her “self” decorated NYC West Village 1830’s townhouse.  

Charlie Sheen's Los Feliz Pad

Matthew Perry's previous California Mansion

The real hides can definitely be expensive so an obvious alternative is faux hides. Here are a few options that should suite a wide range of budgets.

Animal hides are great floor coverings, but, let’s not forget the various ways to use hides in unconventional ways.

Cowhide Pendant Light Fixutres

Cowhide upholstered chest photographed at a Paris Flea Market

DIY Project: Use fabric to create a faux animal hide which allows you to really think outside of the box and customize the hide based on your specific purpose, measurements, etc. In my living room, I used fabric to cover my coffee table. I wanted to add texture all while hiding scratches and nicks on the wood. So, an alternative solution until I find the perfect replacement was to cut a hide shape from fabric purchased at Hancock Fabric at $9.99/yd. (on sale from $19.99/yd, however, coupons can also help). 

My goal was to resemble the Ikea version for $39.99.

Do you think I accomplished this successfully?

P.S. For those of you who are dying to watch the video of my mechanical bull riding experience….here you go. Enjoy!

GIDDY OVER HGTV'S JOHN GIDDING

Since I am still working on welcoming my guests in style, HGTV Designer, John Gidding, couldn’t have visited the AmericasMart at a better time. Yesterday I had the great pleasure of meeting John, who currently host Curb Appeal the Block.

After getting past his charming personality and hypnotizing smile, I was able to capture 3 helpful ways to create an appealing and inviting entrance to any home:

1. Eye catching mailbox / house numbers

White wailbox with gold metallic numbers and family name

 Potted House Numbers

                                  Turf House Numbers



2. Create a great path to the front entrance.

3. Provide a small seating area in front of door to give implication of welcoming home.

John’s average budget to make over the front exterior of a home is $20k. The budget allocation is as follows:

• $1-2K for landscaping
• $3-4K for painting
• $10k for construction
• Remaining for staging/accessories, permits and incidentals 

For those who are on a smaller budget or are currently renting a home can achieve the same inviting entrance by updating the mailbox or house numbers. This is the first thing people look for, and should also represent the personality and character of those that reside there.

Since Fall marks the beginning of the season for holiday entertainment. With that in mind I have a few ways to improve my curb appeal this weekend.  Here are a few creative options to get my juices flowing.

Stay tuned for the results!

Welcome Guests With Style!

Since I am newly entering the blog world, I want to first talk about the entrance to my home. My foyer project was a complete makeover for under $500.

The Inspiration:

Jennifer Lopez,  Kim Kardashian, and Kerry Washington have been photographed sporting the sleek Gucci 2011 Spring/Summer collection. I immediately gravitated to the chic combination of teal, orange and purple adorned with metallic gold accents.

To spice it up a bit, I decided to add a graphic detail by painting horizontal stripes, and painting out the molding in a high gloss white. The abstract painting successfully pulled the color pallet from the Gucci collection as well as the gold console table, and tabletop accessories.  Texture was added by incorporating a teal shag rug, a beige furry throw on the bench, and decorative pillows.  The orange and teal animal print pillow is handmade from a 100% silk scarf by TamiB Décor.

DIY Projects:

Light fixtures should make a statement but can also make a pricey impact on your bank statement.  Unfortunately, the clearance needed for my front door did not allow me to incorporate a chandelier, so instead, I chose to create a custom light fixture by dressing up a standard white drum shade with teal ribbon and craft rhinestones. The overall project cost $35.

My painted globe found at Scott Antique Market was an easy project that is definitely a conversational piece and also allows guests to leave messages as they come and go. What would your message say?

Welcome to Your Hollywood Home!

I am excited to share with you the unique tricks of the trade I pick up along the way while designing my home as well as client projects. Each week, I will reveal creative DIY projects, stylish design tips, and inexpensive ways to achieve luxurious, star quality homes, but WITHOUT the five-star price tag.

Drawing inspiration from the fashionable Red Carpet, runway trends and the exiting homes of our celebrity mentors, Your Hollywood Home will always have the latest scoop.

So, I invite you to join me during my exciting venture as an Interior Paparazzi!