The Man Decorating Gift Guide for 2010

Hello, misterarthur here reporting for Design Hole on gift guides for men. It’s never too late for Christmas shopping in a man’s world. Need proof? Visit a mall on the twenty-third of December and see for yourself. You’ll find the shoppers are 90% male, shopping at the last minute.

This being an interior design site, you might expect me, the man decorator, to have some interior design-y gift ideas for Christmas.  I think it’s important to point out that in most homes, the manly parts are limited to the garage and/or the basement. Hence, while this gift giving guide may not appear to be directed towards improving the look of your home, it might make for a happier home life overall. Read More…

How To Create Beautiful Holiday Centerpieces (And Other Home Accents) Using Botanicals

I was visiting my friend, Lizz Linabury’s gorgeous home a few weeks ago. She is one amazingly creative woman. I was especially admiring an art installation over her bed made from bell jars and manzanita branches. “Where did you find those awesome sticks,” I inquired. “Haven’t you heard of Nettleton Hollow?” No!

A ran all the way home (not really), and checked out their site. Nettleton Hollow is now my new favorite floral resource. With all the Holidays coming up I thought I’d share some of their products, and brilliant ideas for creating lovely centerpieces. Here we go!

Many of us are opting for a more casual style of living. That includes losing the formal dining room, and entertaining entirely in the kitchen. I love this kitchen – it’s formal enough for Thanksgiving. Wish I were invited! The arrangement of flowers on the table gave me the idea to replicate the look with year-round options. Try dry fruits and pods. They’re soooo much better than silk flowers, which scream “last century!” PLEASE! Don’t use fake. Use dried. I’d choose a better pot than the one shown with the lavender. Check out the terrific pots available at Jamali Garden. Read More…

8 Great Basket Resources Plus Some Great Basket Decorating Tips

Decorating with baskets is a great way to put finishing touches in a room. Use a platter style as a centerpiece. Throw some balls in a bowl and place firewood in a tall basket tucked in a corner. Oh, and they’re a terrific way to store all kinds of things in a most attractive way. The major point is – your room isn’t done until the accessories are in place. And baskets are one of my favorite ways to do it.

Here are 8 great resources for finding the perfect basket to finish your room – just in time for the holidays.

1. Serena & Lily

I adore the baskets from Serena & Lily. They’ve taken classic African and Asian designs and tweaked them with modern color and spirit ($68 – $290). Read More…

Tuesday Review & Giveaway: Baroness von Neumann Candles, Dahlink

Let me begin this review by saying that the candle I was asked to sample from Baroness von Neumann is attractive. So is the box it came in. As such, it might make a delightful gift. The scent, Fete is a little overpowering. I prefer a more subtle scent. But that’s a personal thing, right?

I must admit, the Baroness’ “resumé” smells a little well, eau de poisson-y to moi.

I’m sure they’re accurate, but her press materials stress a ready-for-reality-show kind of vibe. Born in Detroit (how gauche!), raised in “Hollywood”, sent to Swiss finishing school following her marriage to the Baron John Von Neumann. He “discovered” her at a party when she was only 18.  (Perhaps Fete is a Baronessian homage to that fateful evening). Her background also includes a stint as a Dior muse, a dancer, and, “international tastemaker”. (I’d love that job title, by the way). Read More…

Design Hole’s Guide To Halloween Decoration

It was a dark and stormy night. Each year I struggled to overcome my compulsion, but the lure of free candy won out every time. I vowed this Halloween would be the last time I lied about a sick child or a cupboard bare of any sweet delights due to a lost job. “Heh, that one often brought double the treats,” I snickered to myself. This year I was determined to fill my new bag to the brim. It was this promise that brought me, tired and cold, to 666 Grimstoke Lane. Read More…