Bright, shiny… February.

Is it possible to blog in 15 minutes?  That’s all I’ve got this morning.  Luckily, I’m feeling bright and shiny today.  I’m going to give credit to the new Vampire Weekend album.  Take a listen and tell me I’m wrong.  I love to debate! 

Last week I noticed that it’s getting lighter, later in the afternoon.  This increases my heart rate just a little and turns my thoughts to planting wee seedlings, opening up the house and being able to ditch my socks. 

What does any of this have to do with design?  It feels to me like we’re peeking our heads out from under a heavy winter blanket, wondering if it’s safe to hope that there will be warmer days and an end in sight to what has been a long, hard winter.  I’m all for a good, long winter’s nap but will it soon be time to feel good about moving forward?  Is it too soon to start hoping that we can get excited about what’s next?  Obviously budgets and priorities have changed, but would it be alright if we could feel good about those changes?  Is it the end of the world if we can’t spend as much as we used to? 

Today I’m giving you the A-OK to get inspired for what is around the corner.  When imagination has an opportunity to infect our brains for a few minutes the results are shocking.  It will wake you up, try it.  Put on a new record, put something on that is vivid (regardless of your pale winter skin), buy some flowers and try something new at lunch today. 

If we all collectively do this, the planet might feel a little off kilter… and that might be more fun than it is scary. 

Tell us what you did to get inspired today!  We can’t wait to read about it…

What can hauthaus do for your home design project?

We do it all! Here is a list with links to examples of some of the services we can provide for your design project…

• Work with architect to design new construction or remodel http://hautblog.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/in-detail-work-with-architect-to-design-new-construction-or-remodel/
• Space planning  http://hautblog.wordpress.com/2009/07/07/in-detail-space-planning-in-the-kitchen
• Hire tradesmen and contractor http://hautblog.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/in-detail-hire-contractor-and-tradesmen/ 
• Design window treatments http://hautblog.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/in-detail-custom-window-treatments/ 
• Design furniture http://hautblog.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/in-detail-designing-custom-furniture/
• Design color plans http://hautblog.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/in-detail-design-color-plans/ 
• Art consultation http://hautblog.wordpress.com/2009/06/04/mangrove-in-moonlight/

Check out our website for a complete list of services!

Adding hauthaus to your design project will surely add efficiency, excellence, and beauty to the finished product. Remember to give us a call to get involved!

You will end up with a space you LOVE!

cheers, amber

custom hauthaus bedding

Custom bedding is a way to add that special ‘pizzazz’ to your bedroom. With our endless supply to stunning fabrics at various showrooms at IMS, and our super-fab workroom that can create anything we dream up, your bedroom re-design will be totally you.

In the project to the right, we used a washable, berry and white swirly fabric for the duvet cover, chocolate velvet on two round decorative pillows, and a highly textured berry- colored fabric with a mocha sateen border on the pillow shams.

We tied the colors of the bedding into the new sheer window treatments by adding two strips of velvet near the top of the treatment by the drapery hardware. The end result was a great, custom look that the customer loves!

January tips for a quick pick-me-up for your home

So you took your Christmas tree down and your house is screaming for a little TLC. It wants a quick pick-me-up. STAT. 

 Here are some easy tips to make the most out of your space without spending a lot of money.

Get some fresh flowers. Support your local floral shop and select some fresh flowers for to put in your favorite vase.  Seeing the pretty buds every day is sure to put a smile on your face. Some flowers that have the best vase life are: Alstroemeria, Daisies, and Chrysanthemums.

De-clutter. We’ve all got places in our homes where clutter collects. Tackle the spaces one at a time. Pretty linen boxes, wicker baskets, and file folder boxes are easy tools you can use to organize. When you’re working on a bookcase, an easy trick to making it look nice and organized is to take the jacket covers off the books. You can then organize your collection by author, color, or size.

Paint. Painting is a simple and affordable way to change the look and feel of a room.  Benjamin Moore has a great paint line called Natura. It is virtually oderless and has zero VOCs so it is even safe to paint while your kids are home! I’ve used this paint before and I didn’t even need two coats – just some touch ups are needed here and there!

cheers, amber

get inspired!

It is so very important to stay inspired… especially on chilly, grey days like today. When it’s this cold out, all I want to do is curl up in bed with a good book.

I would definitely choose this bed to crawl up in. It’s absolutely heavenly!

I found this beautiful bed while looking through the catalog of one my favorite furniture manufacturers. They do gorgeous work.

What a fantastic bed!

cheers, amber

not-to-miss winter to-do list

Just as we posted this summer, we have come up with some fun things to do, eat, and see while out and about in the great Twin Cities area during the winter… enjoy!

1. Snow shoe at French Lake Park… Snow shoeing is a fun winter activity that the whole family can enjoy. One of Holly’s favorite places is Clifton E. French Park; it is located on the North shore of Medicine Lake. Here is a link:   http://www.threeriversparks.org/parks/french-park.aspx

2. British Advertising Awards… Holly and I have gone to this event for the past couple years. It’s interesting to see what the Brits come up with. Some are racy, some are touching, and some are histerical! Enjoy the show! It runs until January 2nd. Catch the show at the Walker Art Center at 1750 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis.   http://calendar.walkerart.org/event.wac?id=5347

3. Kitchen Window… I took a  cooking class this fall with my boyfriend at Kitchen Window and loved the experience! The instructors were very knowledgeable and the food that we ate was amazing! These classes work great for a gift, for a date night, or for a day with the gals. Check out all the upcoming classes at the link!    Kitchen Window is located in Uptown, at 3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis in Calhoun Square. http://www.kitchenwindow.com/CC_CookingClassHome.asp 

4. The Modern Cafe… If you are in the mood for divine, local food, this is the place!  If you’re there during the day, they offer a happy lunch with 1/2 off wine. You must try their grilled cheese, you’ll love it - I promise!  You’ll find it at 337 13th Avenue Northeast, Minneapolis.  http://moderncafeminneapolis.com/

5. Art Shanty Project on Medine Lake…  Stop out at Medicine Lake  in Plymouth January 16th – February 7th for some fun on the ice. Every year artists built creative shanties on the lake for the public to see. It’s fun to see all of the beautiful and crazy ideas. For more information check out the website:  http://www.artshantyprojects.org/

6. I Like You… This is a really fun store in Minneapolis - it even has a grass turf floor in the front window where you can swing! Everything here is made by local artists, jewelry makers, print artists and more. When you stop by, you are sure to walk out with a new, fun treasure. It’s located at 501 1st Ave NE, Minneapolis.  For hours and directions:  www.ilikeyouonline.com

7. Il Gatto…   The old Figlio space in Calhoun Square in Uptown is now Il Gatto… one peek at their menu and you’ll be dying to drop in for dinner. It’s  perfect date night, or if your the happy hour type, they have specials on drinks and food from 4:30-6:30. You’ll find it at 3000 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis. Check out their menu at:   http://www.ilgattominneapolis.com/

8. Showplace ICON theater …  When you are out shopping at the new Shops at West End in St. Louis Park off of 100 & 394, be sure to take in a movie at the ICON Showplace theater. They have VIP Sofa seating, AND bacon popcorn. Yes – Bacon Popcorn! For showtimes: http://www.kerasotes.com/Showtimes.aspx?OptionTheater=Go&TheaterSearch=8863

9. Shoppe Local… The people behind the quirky gift store, Patina, have opened up a new store at 50th and Lyndale. Everything is locally made with Minnesota goodness. Check it out today! You’ll find it at 813 West 50th Street, Minneapolis.  http://www.patinastores.com/pages/stores.cfm?store=13

10. City of Lakes Loppet/ Snow sculpture… Here is a perfect outing for the whole family. If you haven’t been the City of Lakes Loppet before, I recommend it. There are dog sled races, ski races, snow sculpture contests and more! It’s a fun time and admission is free!   http://www.cityoflakesloppet.com/

cheers, amber

hauthaus news…

On November 12th, the 2009 ASID MN Awards were announced. Holly and Amber, along with Suzanne Goodwin and Laura Paulson, won First Place in the residential category for Model Home/ Showcase House Room for design work in the Mid Mod Family Room.

We are all very excited about our first place award, and we congratulate the other winners of the night!

Winners and photos of their projects can be viewed at: http://www.asidmn.org/awards_member/2009_member/asid-mn-awards-2009.cfm

What does it cost to hire a designer? Good question!

It’s been my good intention to write on this topic as a follow up to our Design with Added Value blog.  I’ve even got a draft saved that’s three-quarters finished.  This morning I see that The Today Show and the NY Times beat me to it and their information is wonderful!  I’m including a link below so you can read the article at your leisure.

We can see there is both a very healthy interest in home design and a great deal of hesitation on getting started.  This seems like a terrible waste of time!  You should love walking in the door of your home and our clients often say at the end of their project, “why didn’t I do this years ago?” 

Now is an ideal time to finish off an existing room or begin a project you’ve been putting off.  Particuarly since so many of our vendors and tradespeople are offering special opportunities and discounts on their services and products.  Ask us for a list of vendors at International Market Square that have provided us with discounts to pass on to you. 

That doesn’t include the many tax breaks our government is offering to ensure that the homes we reside in are more energy efficient. 

It makes me wonder, what amount of hesitation is due to simply not knowing or understanding designer’s fee structures?  As you’ll read in the NY Times article, there are all kinds of ways to work with a designer no matter what your project’s size may be. 

Here are a few examples of what hauthaus brings to the table:

• We have the ability to design remotely and will be starting a project in Chicago next week!  Send us the dimensions of your space and a few other details, we’ll send you back a plan and list of furniture and finishing needs.
• We have design packages that allow you to utilize our services but do your own shopping.  We’ll give you a “goods” list with dimensions, you hunt and gather!
• We have remodeling formulas that can help us tell you what your project will cost and how many hours it will take us to design your space.
• We can (and often!) work out a complete design plan in phases. 

Feel free to call and ask questions! 

Yours truly,

h

P.S.  Here’s the article: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/09/business/AP-US-Service-Package-Internior-Designers.html?_r=3

P.S.S.  If you’re interested in the hotsy-totsy coin purse above, go to www.etsy.com and search for Mona Lisa Coin Purse!

think local: the 3/50 project

Have you heard about the 3/50 project?  Holly and I stumbled across it the other day and we think it’s fantastic, we wanted to share it here with you!

Here is a clip about it from their website:

 

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone jumped on board?

Here are some of our favorite locally owned restaurants and shops for clothing, art, and gifts:

• Bewiched Deli : 800 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis
• Via’s Vintage: 2408 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis
• I Like You: 501 1st Ave N, Minneapolis
• Mitrebox Framing and gifts:  213 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis

For more information about this project, visit: www.the350project.net

 

you’re invited!

Here it is… just in time for the holidays… The Annual Great Finds Designer Sample Sale at International Market Square – and you’re invited!

What:  This annual event offers great finds at even greater prices on designer furniture, lighting, art, rugs, accents and more. Everything is 50% – 80% off retail.

This year, the sale includes a Couture Room which spotlights one-of-a-kind designer furniture and accessories, a Rug Bazaar where fabulous rugs are displayed for sale in the atrium in true bazaar fashion, and a Designer’s Flea Market complete with unique home furnishings from local ASID designers.

When: 

Thursday November 5th 4:00pm – 8:00pm;

Friday November 6th 9:00am – 6:00pm; and

Saturday November 7th 9:00 – 1:00pm

Where:  International Market Square, 275 Market Street, Minneapolis

Hauthaus will have the following items at the sample sale in the Designer’s Flea Market:

• Azure velvet chaise lounge with four designer pillows ($1,900)
• Queen size sleeper sofa in soft, durable fabric ($2,500)
• Undercabinet lighting in a bronze or white finish ($78-$119 depending on sizes)
• Wooden drapery hardware in an Antique Gold finish ($455)
• Various bolts of designer fabrics
• Antique Arts and Crafts crystal chandelier ($525)

To see more items that will be on the sale, check out the event’s facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/Greatfinds

Holly and I would be happy to meet you for a shopping date at our hourly rate on Friday! Give us a call and let us know what time works for you.  612-743-7731 (holly) or 612-229-1253 (amber).