{TASTE} Fresh Strawberry Tarts

 Fresh Strawberry Tarts with Strawberry Glaze & fresh whipped cream 4 – 5 C fresh strawberries 3 T Cornstarch 1/2 C – 1 C sugar Put 2C of fresh (washed) strawberries in a blender (stems/greens removed) or food processor and pulse until smooth, add sugar (to taste) and cornstarch blend until mixed and smooth. Cook over medium heat…

{TASTE} Decadent Truffles and Sipping Chocolate Recipes

One of my favorite indulgences is chocolate. While traveling Europe recently I discovered a very rich drink that had captured my heart. Ultimately this drink sent me on a quest to figure out how to make such a decadent treat. Sipping chocolate – a rich, slightly thick smooth chocolate that is prepared simply with chocolate…

Designing With You in Mind

Valentine’ Day is just around the corner so this year I am going to talk about designing with you in mind.  Romantic designing in a home for sale in Wayzata, MN is capturing buyer’s hearts to see how elegant a home can be without being pretentious.  I chose a soft cream palette with a monochromatic…

Designing the Senses

Working nationally to create charming and sophisticated spaces – Live a well-designed life. Designing the Senses is about the well-designed life; awakening the senses and creating beauty through sight, sound, taste, aroma and touch.

Getting Ready to Entertain

As the holidays near, it is time to get your dining rooms ready to accommodate your guests. The era of “matchy-matchy” furniture is now over.  It is all about the eclectic attitude of your space that is hot.  Truly, be creative and see just how elegant and beautiful your space can become.  You can take…

Kitchen Update: Revitalizing a Butcher Block Island

 About a month ago we finished designing a home that was on the market for sale (now pending). It is my job to know what’s hot and what’s not in the marketplace (visually) for a buyer. When I studied the photos of this home, I observed its “Country French” pale green enameled cabinetry and yellow…

Entertaining with Style

Some will say that creating an impact with food is not their style and would rather buy it than make it. For me, cooking and creating is part of my make-up plan. I especially like to cook with you (my guest) in mind. Whether it is for a large crowd or intimate gathering, I have…

Transforming Spaces | Being Creative in Design

Peaceful and elegant with huge impact, this client’s space went from boring to spectacular. This loft project was literally a blank canvas with much to do to create a “turn-key”, “move‐in ready” product. This is what we did to transform the space… The walls were green and taupe with a center island that was white painted sheetrock. As we worked on the space, the first thing we did was change the paint color to Night Horizon – by Benjamin Moore in a flat finish. We wrapped the center island in aluminum that was fabricated from a local steel shop. I brought the dimensions in to their shop and picked out the big sheets to cut. The fabricator cut it immediately. Once installed, the boring island took on a very high-end commercial kitchen look with great texture. I softened the look with 3 stools from Pier One that have cream rotatable seats and espresso stain on the legs. Transitioning from cold and sterile to rich and comfortable, I used a double pedestal table by Hooker  that…

Clean Lines, High Style and Class

Monochromatic space with cream leather chairs, high style sofa with nail ticking detail, beautiful wool rug with brown, cream and turquoise. Eclectic texture and detail throughout the home. Various textures, mirror tables, glass elements, silver nail, animal horns and hides provide the high style effect. Living Room Cream leather chairs that are strapped in the…

Spring Sales Are in the Air

Spring home sales are in the air. NO SLOW MARKET IN REAL ESTATE FOR US! This year, 2012, has been a fast-paced hit-the-ground-running year. Right out of the shoot we pended 6 homes in January, February with 15 and March 13 homes – the count is still running in April. What’s everyone complaining about? I believe that a…