Canopy Bed

Every time I've had the opportunity to spend the night in a canopy bed, I've loved it! I never considered having one in my own home...

until now!

This option from good old Pottery Barn is currently on sale..

They are so cozy and elegant. I think this might need to happen. What do you think?

Acrylic Frame

loving the look of art and photography framed in acrylic? It's easy to do!

Here's mine!

I'm very proud of the recent addition to my daughter's room. The staff at Tap Plastics could not have been more helpful. They custom cut and drilled holes in the acrylic based on the measurement of my image.

The frame is held on the wall by a back plate that is screwed to the wall studs.

The bolts rest on the wall to provide enough distance to accommodate the wall plate. The only marks to the wall are the two screws used to hold the plate to the wall.

This was an affordable way to get the look I wanted, and it will be no problem to change the picture whenever I want. I printed the poster online through shutterfly for around $20, and the materials were $168. The labor was all me!

Like it?

What's up with those lights?

I've been noticing these crazy, spider like lights in many of my favorite design inspirations lately.

DWR notes that.."Serge Mouille designed his angular, insect-like lights as "a reaction to the Italian models that were beginning to invade the market in 1950," which he criticized for being "too complicated." Mouille designed the Three-Arm Lamp for a client whose instructions were simply, "I want a big light because I have clients in South America who have huge rooms."

I'm well aware that I'm late to the party with these, but I'm on board now. Turns out that they are quite a statement for those in the know, and they come with a price tag to match.

If I were to go for one in my own work, I would do these. When I see them used in a beautiful room, I think of what Deborah Needleman says about adding a black element to a space. Christine Dovey nails it..

They definitely have the black going for them, and I think they add a quirky modern spirit as well. I'm not sure where I could use one in my home, but you never know!

Needlepoint Stockings

Needlepoint stockings are wonderful family heirlooms. Old fashioned yes, but always lovely.

Stitchbirds in Greenbrae has one of the most amazing collections of needlepoint designs in the country, and I fell in love yesterday. For years I have walked by this beautiful shop and thought that I should start the tradition of making a stocking for each member of my family. This is a project that will take a very long time, but it will be worth it. I feel a little like a grandma, but my grandmas are awesome. There really is no substitute for the gifts you make yourself, and I know that this stocking, (and the one I will have to make after it) will be loved.

Stretched on a frame

Last night's progress. Wish me luck!

Mark D. Sikes

Mark D Sikes is my favorite designer and blogger. Here's why... markdsikes.com markdsikes.com markdsikes.com