Twilled: Real Decorating for Real People: The Paint Problem

Let’s say you’ve decided to finally do something about that troublesome room---the guest room you’re trying to create from your college kid’s bedroom, or the study that’s been ignored far too long. Or you’ve just moved to a new place, and you want a fresh start with a fresh look. Often, the place to begin with any major decorating project is with painting the walls. 

And that’s the thought that makes many people shrink back in fear, hang a few large pictures on the wall, and hope that the world ends before anything needs to be done about it.

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Design of the Month: Viva Diseño Mexicano!

When thinking of last-minute summer travel, Mexico may not be the first place that comes to mind. But consider this, Señora: airfares to Mexico are lower in the summer, and it won’t be any hotter there than it is in northern North America. Whether you actually go there yourself or just want to enjoy a desktop trip, we’ve found Hacienda Las Trancas: a place that is so beautifully designed it would be a pleasure to visit any time of the year. Let’s take a look at how the designers put it all together to create a space that’s welcoming, soothing, and exciting all at once.

(photo: Hacienda Las Trancas)

After all, design this good knows no season. 

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Twilled: What's in Store

With the economy in freefall last year and everyone unsure of their financial security, probably about the dumbest idea was to open an elegant little store selling home furnishings. Even more risky, selling art as well. We all know that when the economy flags, people cut back first on the the things they don’t think are necessary: a nest of gorgeous glass dishes, for example.

But Michael Hennessy has never been one to follow conventional wisdom, and that’s what makes his store, MH Home in New York, such an interesting source for the unique home furnishings. And for art.

Hennessy knows plenty about both furniture and about art, and his store in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan shows off the intersection of the two. Having worked in furniture repair and finishing, and having worked as an artist, Hennessy is able to choose pieces that are both functional and pleasing to the eye. 

“I like carrying furnishings which are art,” he said in a recent interview at the store.

When you enter the store on 18^th Street,

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DESIGN OF THE MONTH: Miles of Isles

Chances are that when you travel, you don’t want to stay in a place that looks just like your own house. And staying in a sterile hotel room can make you wonder just what city you're visiting. That’s why we were drawn to this beautifully designed property on the Greek island of Mykonos: it’s comfortable, with every convenience you’d want – and yet there’s no mistaking that here, you are very far from home. If you want to learn about terrific design, come with us as we tour this home. 

(Photo: Villa Drakothea )

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Twilled: Rev up with Reinvention

It's springtime, and we're all eager for a fresh start and a change of pace---in our designs, in our businesses, and in ourselves. We can learn about how reinvention can inspire us from New York designer Bill Scroggie, who reinvented his successful design business in order to meet the demands of the new economy.

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