Designing Gender Neutral Nurseries

Gender Neutral Nursery Design via Vivint Neighborhood Blog

It has been quite awhile since I have had to decorate a nursery of my own, and back then there were far fewer choices to design gender neutral nurseries without a traditional theme. My recent post for Vivint Home Neighborhood blog shares my thoughts on designing a gender neutral nursery inspired by both color and the latest design trends. It’s so much easier these days to create a welcoming environment for both baby and parents that’s unique, not expected. Below are my design plans that didn’t make it into the Vivint post, featuring custom furnishings and carpets from Bassett Furniture paired with limited edition prints that I selected from Minted (such a great site!) I love choosing art for interiors, and nurseries can be such a fun place to try out cool pieces by non-traditional artists.  

{Pink + Blue Nursery}

Grapefruity by Katie Craig

via Minted

{Gray Nursery}

Sea Fever by Dean Street

via Minted

{Nature Inspired Nursery}

All is Quiet by Jenni Kupelian

via Minted 

{Black + White Nursery}

Falling Stitches by Bethan

via Minted

And below is one of my favorite nurseries of late, designed by Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent for their little one, Poppy. Read my related post on celebrity design for Vivint here.

design: Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent

photo credit: Douglas Friedman

image via Architectural Digest 

More of my posts for Vivint here.

Smile, Gorgeous! Event 2.28.16

Photographer David West

Update your profile picture with a gorgeous new look with the help of Rodan + Fields skincare and Stella + Dot style! Register today to schedule a mini portrait session with photographer David West on location at TaggArt Studio in Wakefield on Sunday, February 28, 2016. Time slots will be provided.

Receive a complimentary Rodan + Fields Mini Facial sample pack prior to the event with ticket purchase. All registrants will have the opportunity to borrow from the on-trend collections of Stella + Dot jewelry and scarves assisted by Stylist Cindy Hanshaw. Receive a digital copy of your favorite photo after the event. All registered attendees will receive a door prize raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event. Sweet and savory treats will be provided by Sharon Bourassa of Pampered Chef.

Don’t miss out on this specially priced photo opportunity! Networking during the event is encouraged. Tickets available now via EventBrite. 

The Sisterhood of Blogging

Lunch with Barbara Elza Hirsch of Elza B. Designs // Feb. 13

Three years ago this week, I was flying home to a blizzard-weary Boston from a most fabulous (and snow-delay extended) blogger trip to New York with my dear friend and fellow designer, Barbara Elza Hirsch. Being invited guests of Jason Wu during New York Fashion Week courtesy of the Brizo brand was an experience that neither of us will ever forget, and I am so glad we got to share in the fun together!

Blogger experiences have a way of bonding people, and even though we know each other pretty well and have participated in plenty of events together since then, Barbara has asked me to answer 10 questions about myself in honor of the “Sisterhood of the World Blogger’s Award.” Well, I am honored to be asked, Mon Amie, and at long last I have my thoughts in order! I figured that most of us use Instagram these days to share our thoughts, inspiration and adventures, so I have decided to tell my story with images from my feed and answers below. To learn more about each image, visit me here.

1. what I love about blogging

2. a favorite movie

3a. preferred pet

3b. my “wish I could have one” pet

4. a favorite designer: Alexa Hampton

5. a favorite meal at Temazcal

6. inspired by these design friends

(and many more!)

7. what’s on my nightstand

8. a favorite place to visit

9. a favorite room to design

10. “yes!” to vessel sinks

1. What do you love about blogging?

What started out back in 2009 as a way to express myself creatively through words and pictures, has turned into so much more than that. While at first blogging provided a platform to share my thoughts on interior design with an unknown audience, it quickly evolved into a way to bond with a larger community and to do business with brands. The opportunities I have had to attend blogger events both near and far and to develop relationships with others, has been greater than I had ever anticipated when I penned my first post. And even though blog readership is probably decreasing, I still value knowing that I can easily catch up with other bloggers, or get to know someone new, by visiting their online diaries or gathering at a blogger event. Bloggers essentially are writers, and there will always be readers along with a growing need for fresh content, so while the industry has changed a bit, I am hopeful that it will remain relevant even as it reinvents itself.

2. What is your favorite film?

A recent movie that I actually paid to watch in a theatre was “Joy.” First of all, it was pretty cool that parts of it were filmed in my hometown of North Reading, Massachusetts, and Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper were in places that I pass by regularly (and have since taken a selfie in front of!) Second, I loved watching the story of how an outside-the-box thinker brought an idea to life and created a successful business by solving a common problem, in turn improving her own life and her families lives. I love entrepreneur success stories, especially when they feature women who succeed despite the odds against them.

3. Are you a dog or a cat person and why?

While I had both growing up, and my husband and I had cats when we were first married, I have since fallen in love with bunnies as a favorite family pet. Once they are tamed, they are just so sweet! Understanding bunny language is definitely a learned art. To get a small typically timid animal to trust a large human feels like a real honor. If we were to get a dog, however, I would choose a Pomeranian and it would be a girl since I am so outnumbered by the male species in this house!

4. Who is your favorite interior designer and why?

While I have had the opportunity to meet or be in the presence of many celebrity interior designers over the years including Nate Berkus, Candace Olson, Thom Filicia, Jonathan Adler, Iris Apfel, and other design superstars who I completely respect and admire, I have to say the one that stood out to me as someone who could make you feel like you could easily be her friend was Alexa Hampton. She actually spent a lot of time hanging out with myself and some other designers during Blogfest one year, sharing some funny stories about being a mom, etc. Of course we live completely different lives, but for that evening we were design friends (I am sure everyone else who meets her feels the same way!) A favorite design team that I admire (but have never met IRL) is Joanna and Chip Gaines from HGTV Fixer Upper. I really love how they work together, how they take their business seriously, and have so much fun doing what they do. Secretly, I wish my suburban farmhouse life was a little more like theirs in that they quickly finish all their projects and someone else pays for them : ) 

5. What are you cooking/eating tonight?

Feeding a family of six that includes four teenage boys is typically a buffet style event featuring some type of chicken with pasta, and often times take-out. I used to love to be all Martha Stewart with my recipes (this was pre-Pinterest days and definitely before children!) but now I would much rather whip up a simple green smoothie or go out for a beet or kale salad (with wine of course!)


6. Who is the person in your life who most inspired you professionally?

I am always inspired by the people around me, including my family, but especially my friends who are also in the business of design. In addition, I often look for inspiration by connecting with people via social media who are at the top of their game (whatever that game may be), people who are pushing themselves past their comfort zone, people who are willing to share what’s important to them, and those that offer advice to help others live better lives. Most people that I follow on Instagram or Twitter or Facebook or on blogs, have all inspired me in some way to try new things, travel to new places, participate in opportunities, and to share what’s possible. 


7. What do you have on your nightstand right now?

My nightstand is actually a vintage chair. We have them on either side of our bed. I like that there isn’t much room for clutter to accumulate on them. I always have the following beside my bed: my kindle for reading (back lit so that I don’t need to put a light on to read late into the night), lip balm (a must have), aromatherapy items for relaxation, a heart shaped selenite crystal for energy clearing and chakra balancing (goodbye stress), and at the end of the day my eye glasses (can’t see a thing without them!)

8. Share a favorite travel destination.

I have really loved the trips I have taken to New York over the past few years. I have gone by car, bus, train and plane (my favorite is air travel for this one!) They have always been blogger or design related events that I have shared with good friends (or have made friends while there) and most have been recorded on this blog. Whenever I see NY scenery on TV or in a movie I long to go back. I would, however, like to discover a new favorite destination that we can enjoy as a family while our kids will still travel with us!

9. Tell me your favorite room to design or blog about and why.

Although I have done my fair share of bath design related posts, and living room makeovers run a close second, I would have to say that public spaces are now my favorite “room” to design. Show house spaces like the ones I designed for the Endicott Mansion at Glen Magna Farms are my favorite way to design as I wish, using the fabrics and furnishings and objects that I love most. A current “public space” project that I am working on involves designing retail visuals for a local high-end dress shop. I have some neat conceptual ideas and design selections in mind for this boutique-style shop and I can’t wait to share the end results!

10. Do you think vessel sinks are in or out?

As a former full-time marketer for a luxury bath showroom, I have seen some really beautiful vessel sinks over the years, from marble to brass to ceramic to bamboo. My instagram photo above features one from Gessi that I saw while on #BlogTourLA. Specifying a vessel sink in a bath design is an excellent opportunity to add a sculptural shape or a unique visual art form to a room that is usually all about function. When paired with the right faucet, counter, and tile combination, they can be elegant and timeless. They are always interesting!

Now that I have officially answered Barbara’s questions, I am posing this challenge to one local design friend who is relatively new to blogging plus 7 bloggers who I have recently met via online blogger communities/events and would like to get to know better. There are a few that I have actually never met in person, but perhaps I will someday? For your assignment, if you choose to participate, please do the following:

Select 7 of your personal Instagram photos and share in a blog post why these moments are among your favorite online memories. Then share your post with me via your favorite social media channel (Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook) and link back to this blog post. Be sure to invite 7 bloggers to participate when you post your answers. I look forward to reading YOUR visual story!


Diana of The Delightful Diary

Corinna of A Designer at Home

Alex of Literally Everything

Quiana of Harlem Lovebirds

Ashley of Simply Designing

Toni of Design Dazzle

Athena of Fitness and Feta

Allison of MrsKTechnology 

A Website Refresh

It was a long time coming, but I have finally taken the time to update and refresh my business website. Take a look!

How to Design Your Home Like a Celebrity

“To discover what’s trending in the world of interior design, one only needs to look to the stars — of the Hollywood variety, that is. Celebrity home design can shine a light on what’s in style in modern interiors. Most celebrities have a sky-is-the-limit budget to make their homes sparkle with the latest and greatest interior decor offerings. These designers are able to effortlessly pull the spaces together, while the celebrity is off shooting their next major box office hit or award-winning TV series. The supernova of famous interiors occurs when the celebrity is the designer, which creates an atmosphere that completely reflects the forward-thinking design aesthetic of the people who live there. Studying images of celebrity home design is a great way to discover the latest and greatest in home decor trends. But how can the rest of us create show-stopping interiors and tell our personal design stories on a more realistic budget? Follow the tips below based on rooms designed specifically for the children of the rich and famous, and you can stage your home like a popular design star without having to break the bank.”

The view from my seat as part of the studio audience filled with

design bloggers at the Nate Berkus Show, September 2010

For my tips on how to design your home like a star, read the rest of my blog post written especially for Vivint, a smart home solution based company that is doing some pretty cool stuff with technology! Check out the links in the article for some inspiring images of home decor from some of my favorite designers (like Nate Berkus) who just happen to be celebrities in their own right. 

Love Letter Gifts for the Holidays

How is your holiday shopping going? If you’re still searching for that something special that you haven’t seen before, I have the perfect site for you! Uncommon Goods is an online retail shop based out of Brooklyn, New York, that is filled with unique gifts made by talented craftspeople who focus on sustainable design.

“We make it our mission to support and provide a platform for artists and designers; in fact, half of what we sell is made by hand. Most of the products we carry are created right here in the USA, and about one-third of our entire collection incorporates recycled and/or upcycled materials. At the core of our company is a great respect for the integrity of the creative individual and the belief that it is our responsibility to use our business to impact the world in a positive way.”

– via Uncommon Goods  

They have lots of cool home, garden, office, special occasion and even personalized gifts in their collections, and they asked me share some of my favorites with my readers this holiday gift giving season. Since I love typography and graphic design, I have chosen some text worthy treats that would certainly make a thoughtful impression.

Personalized Faux Bois Vase $90

“When lovebirds carve their initials into the knotted bark of a tree, they create an everlasting record of a romance able to stand the test of time. Ceramicist Laurel Begley translates this ages-old tradition into a keepsake vase that captures a couple's ability to always find something fresh and beautiful to love about each other as they grow old together.” 

Custom Address Stamps $72

“A thoughtful token for a couple of newlyweds, a family, or a new homeowner, this personalized stamp celebrates the place you call home. Brandy Schuman custom designs these stamps in her Atlanta, Georgia, studio and then cuts them out of durable red rubber and North American native wood. Your chosen name and address are rendered in a stylish mix of print and script lettering, adding handwritten appeal to ready-to-go writing.”

Cocktail Recipe Glasses

(Set of 4) $20

“Keep your bartending repertoire at hand and streamline your mixology with this set of clever cocktail glasses. Each rocks glass features four formulas — one on each side — for concoctions based on their main spirits: gin (salty dog, Tom Collins, gin rickey, gin fix); rum (mojito, rum sour, Boston cooler, Havana two); vodka (Bloody Mary, vodka cooler, Madras, seabreeze); whiskey (whiskey fix, de riguer, cablegram, dinah). Each glass in the set is marked on its base with its main spirit, so it’s easy to get to the bottom of things at cocktail time.” 

A Year of Gratitude $30

“You can live a life of abundance, independent of any material things, if your heart is always filled with a spirit of gratitude. This elegant box set contains all you need for a head start on such a gracious way of living. Not only does it contain 52 thank you cards—one for each week in the year—but it also has tips for writing meaningful thank you notes, and a guided journal for you to record your experiences.”

Namaste Pillow $97

“More than just a warm greeting or farewell between yogis, the word ‘namaste’ is also used to express gratitude or to thank another person for his or her selflessness and generosity. Capturing the nuanced spirit of this expression, Alexandra Ferguson’s handcrafted pillow brings a calming presence to any space and serves as a reminder to be thankful for life's many blessings.” 

What Wood You Say?

Wooden Desk Phrases $50

“Wise words spring to life in these bright desk sculptures. Artist Matthew Hoffman draws and then laser cuts uplifting phrases out of birch plywood. Highlighted by a vibrant finish and letters that climb, each pedestal-footed design is signed by the artist himself.” 

“I really like the idea of sneaking positive

messages into the world.”

– Matthew Hoffman

In addition to offering beautiful gift items, Uncommon Goods also shares the inspirational stories of the makers behind them. Be sure to check them out while selecting your next perfectly thoughtful gift from Uncommon Goods this holiday season!

Note: I was compensated for this blog post,

but the opinions are exclusively my own.

Place your UncommonGoods order by 5pm ET on the dates below to receive your order on or before December 24, 2015:

December 17 – choose Economy shipping or faster

December 18 – choose Standard or Preferred shipping or faster

December 21 – choose Expedited shipping or faster (not valid for PO Box addresses)

December 22 – choose Express shipping (not valid for PO Box addresses)

Orders placed after 5pm ET on December 23 will leave the UncommonGoods warehouse on Monday, December 28.

*Unfortunately the shipping cutoff for International orders has already passed.

Top 5 Gifts to Give (or Receive) from R+F

Now that I have your attention (how cute is that fresh-shaved face?!) I’d love to share with you some of my favorite Rodan + Fields skincare products for this holiday giving season!

First up is just for the guys ...

1. Beyond the Shave gift set for men

The Beyond the Shave regimen has been specially curated to provide men with an easy way to incorporate skincare into their daily routine. Step 1 is used as a shaving cream that softens the beard while also pulling impurities from the skin. Step 2 soothes and treats any nicks and cuts after the shave while Step 3 moisturizes and protects from future sun damage that ages skin. All 3 together provide significant overall improvement to the skin that guys (and those who love them!) can both see and feel. I’d say this gift is a win-win! The set comes in a handsome gift box for a limited time only while supplies last.

Retail price $180 / Preferred Customer price $162

2. For her: Lip protection gift set

Next up is something special for her. The Holiday Lip Promotion bundles three top selling lip care items at over 20% OFF regular price. This limited time only gift box set contains Enhancements Lip Microdermabrasion stick which gently exfoliates the lips, 60 capsules of Redefine Lip Renewing Serum which delivers antioxidants and peptides that smooth and condition, and a set of two Essential Lip Shield moisturizing lip balms that hydrate and protect throughout the day. Lips will be mistletoe ready in no time! 

Retail price $67 / Preferred Customer price $60 

3. Everyday skincare essentials

The Essentials and Enhancements collections offer a little something for everyone on your list. Whether you are looking for thoughtful appreciation gifts or special stocking stuffers, these daily use products will show you care with each and every use. Preferred Customer prices range from $14 – $22 for Essential items, $53 for Mineral Peptide Powder with Brush, and $70 for the Micro-Dermabrasion Paste. A group of these together would make a great gift basket!

4. Redefine Hand Treatment Regimen

Winter hands need special care and this pair of products delivers beautifully! The Redefine Brightening Treatment addresses the tell-tale signs of aging like sun spots, crepey skin, wrinkles and dryness. It is paired in this set with the Redefine Age Shield Hand Balm which is one of my personal favorites (it smells SO good and my hands have never been softer!) Together, the Redefine Hand Treatment Regimen makes a thoughtful gift to the people on your list who are ALWAYS going out of their way to lend a hand to take care of others.   

Retail price $67 / Preferred Customer price $60

5. Eye Cream and Eye Cloths combo

Put a twinkle in someone’s eye with the super popular Redefine Multi-Function Eye Cream. This tiny jar (which lasts about four months) is big on results – fighting wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles with powerful peptides and skin brighteners. FYI: men love this product as much as women! The Redefine Eye Cloths are the perfect companion product to the Eye Cream. They are great at quickly sweeping away make-up or freshening the face while on the go (they are great after a workout!) 

Retail price $90 / Preferred Customer price $81

Preferred Customers (or PC Perks program members) always get 10% OFF all products plus FREE shipping on orders placed every 60 days, along with customer service provided by yours truly! To sign up as a PC, the one-time enrollment fee is just $19.95. This is the best way to invest in the benefits of treating your skin – or the skin of those you love – to Rodan + Fields. Rodan + Fields Gift Certificates are also available in the denomination of your choice (ask me for details!)

Anyone who signs up as a Preferred Customer this month will receive a BONUS GIFT from me in the mail (please leave a comment below or send me an email so that I know you read this post!) I would be SO happy to be able to assist you with your skincare needs this holiday season and into 2016. Rodan + Fields skincare products are everyday luxuries that keep on giving by turning back the hands of time! #agingbackwards

More tips from Rodan + Fields
for holiday skincare here

Give yourself the Best Gift Ever!

R+F President and CEO Lori Bush

featured in Smart Business Magazine

And if you are interested in gifting yourself with a shiny new business in 2016, I would love to help get you up and running as a part of our super fun group of consultants (or brand ambassadors) who are changing skin and changing lives simply by washing their face and sharing these products via social media like I am doing today. Contact me to learn more!

email me at yblacker@verizon.net

shop my R+F website here

visit my R+F business opportunity page