Thursday, March 12, 2015

St. Patrick's Day Party


            Here at Rosa Dest Interiors, we take holidays to the max!  And who wouldn’t want an excuse to celebrate with family, friends, and food!  So in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day I have to share one of my favorite guilty pleasure cooking blogs hands by Jackie aka “The Beeroness.”  Tons of fantastic recipes with one secret ingredient…you guessed it, beer!  With beer-inspired recipes for every course, you are sure to find something that will wow your guests.  I first learned of the Beeroness at a dinner party where I was served an incredible ginger-salmon dish.  I couldn’t quite place the other flavor—it was just so unexpected to be beer!  So today I’m sharing that fabulous recipe that has become a staple in my repertoire. 







I hope you try this one out for yourself; I’d love to hear your thoughts.  And be sure to check out all her recipes whether you’re planning festive light appetizers, a sit down meal with friends, or a decadent dessert!  Enjoy the festivities! 

Happy St. Patty’s Day Planning,

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Get Down With Green Interiors for St. Patty's Day!


            The color green is usually associated with balance, harmony, and growth. Green also restores depleted energy and can create your sanctuary, fostering a sense of well being when used in interiors.  Tranquility certainly can’t be what most bar crawlers   This may not be the exact buzzwords you’re considering over your St. Patty’s Day Guinness but we will use the excuse to celebrate the versatility of my favorite color!  If you’re like me, green reflects practicality, compassion, loyalty, and balance.  So in honor of St. Patty’s Day, let’s celebrate our favorite green interiors!






            So many gorgeous shades of green to choose from that can create entirely different moods!  What’s your favorite shade of green? Glamorous jade?  Fun aqua?  Or Pantone’s 2013 Emerald green?  

Have a great day,

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Spotlight: Sustainable Interior Design with Kirei Products


             As a designer, I am delighted to see the growing selection of sustainable products available for residences and commercial application.  With the increased availability of eco-friendly construction materials, appliances, furniture, and décor, a healthier, more sustainable home is more accessible and affordable than ever.  As the movement gains momentum, there is no reason to settle for an interior that isn’t beautiful, functional, healthy, and good for the environment.  One exciting company that is leading the way in beautiful, sustainable products is Kirei.  Not only does Kirei make their products from low-impact, sustainable materials but they also provide fair wages at all levels of their company, which is domestically produced and operated.  My two favorite products have to be the Kirei Board and Coco products!  They both show you just how much fun you can have going green!  

Kirei Board

A sustainable wood substitute made from sorghum stalks, which are rapidly renewable and do not further deforestation in the United States.  Kirei also boasts non-formaldeheyde adhesives and zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs), both of which can adversely affect the air quality in your home and are surprisingly common.  Kirei Board can be used furniture, cabinetry, flooring, wall covering, finished décor. 




 Kirei Coco

Made from reclaimed coconut shells, Coco has low to zero VOC adhesives and finishes.  I especially like Coco because of its beautiful and versatile applications that give such a unique look to spaces its used in. 






            I hope to share more exciting ways to green your home, which ultimately can save you money, improve your health, and let’s not forget our favorite part…save the planet!  Would you use these materials or finishes in your home? 

Have a great day,  

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

An Afternoon with Architect and Interior Designer Vern Yip


             Today I had the pleasure to hear a presentation from the fabulously talented Vern Yip at Karen Saks.  You may know Vern from his time on “Trading Spaces,” HGTV’s “Design Star,” and most recently “Live in Vern’s House.”  He’s had such an illustrious and varied career as an architect, designer, television personality, UNICEF Ambassador and columnist for The Washington Post.  Vern is so congenial and has a way of enrapturing every person in the room, from stories of his life to the pictures of his four beloved dogs. 




Vern’s newest endeavor is a line for Trend Fabrics and his creations are absolutely stunning.  He’s used his three homes as a showcase for his new line and the combination of traditional and contemporary pieces with bold pattern and color creates a truly unique, stunning space. Vern's line for Trend shows his style of timeless design in stunning colors.  I am such a fan of the warm poppy tones and the stunning range of blues from dark inky tones to soft pastel tones.





I feel so thankful for the opportunities to be inspired by the work and lives of designers like Vern Yip.   


Have a great day,

Friday, February 27, 2015

2015 Design Bloggers Conference





           Today I am blogging from the Design Bloggers Conference in Atlanta, Georgia and it’s been such a blast!  Coming to events like these and having the opportunity to meet so many people and sharing ideas is truly what keeps the inspiration flowing.  And they certainly keep you stacked from event to event, but you can’t complain when there is a glass of wine waiting for you!  Here are some of the fantastic highlights thus far:


The Madcap Cottage Boys

This morning I was fortunate enough to see John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon, the Madcap Cottage Boys.  Their designs are whimsical, so colorful, and full of life.  They are from High Point, but serve an international clientele and are absolutely inspirational! 



Bunny Williams

The elegant and timeless designs of Bunny Williams have inspired me in my many years as a designer.  Hearing her speak today was such a fantastic opportunity and hearing her discuss the style of her own homes was very interesting.  She tends not to redecorate often, but upgrades her furniture to allow the space to naturally evolve.  How fantastic!  And don’t get me started on how gorgeous her Punta Cana house is!


Nate Berkus

The stunningly talented Nate Berkus spoke today also.  His eclectic style with bold prints has truly distinguished him as a design leader.  And today it was so wonderful when he got the audience pumped up.  Nate said “Self-empowered design is permission to your home reflect who you are.”  I absolutely love that statement!


            Can’t wait to report back with more excitement from the Fest!

Have a great day,

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Things We Love: Red Carpet Style



            This years Oscars Red Carpet did not disappoint!  We definitely saw some trends in what Hollywood’s leading ladies were wearing, but before we get there I have to gush about my favorite gown of the evening, which was Calvin Klein Collection worn by Lupita Nyong’o.  The gown was adorned in 6,000 Akoya pearls and was absolutely stunning!  She paired it with gorgeous Chopard jewelry.  And, I’ve heard some rumors that this dress was stolen after the award!  Has anyone else heard about that?




            As always we saw stunning classic colors but there were a few notable risk takers that really pulled it off.  I thought Kiera Knightley had a fantastic look that complimented her pregnancy figure.  Really reminded me of just how fantastic Natalie Portman looked eight months pregnant when she won the Oscar for Best Actress in Black Swan!

Whimsical White



Black and Red Glamor



Our Favorite Risk Takers



            Getting excited for the Oscars Red Carpet always reminds me that award season is ending…and I already can’t wait for next year!  Were there any looks or trends that caught your eye?  A favorite risk-taker? 

Have a great day,