Monday, February 14, 2011

How to have A “Fashion” - able Home in 2011


How to have A “Fashion” - able Home in 2011

     Have you ever noticed how the latest influences in fashion design for the season always seem to spill over from the fashion world into the interiors of our homes? Well, this is no mistake! The National Color Institute has the fun job each year of  deciding what colors will be “predicted “ and the fashion and interior design world take them and run with them. These colors end up in our homes and on our clothing. Even the fabrics, textures and patterns used in the fashion industry transcend into our homes.

    If your closet is anything like mine, I have those classic “go to” items that I never get tired of, such as the LBD (little black dress). However, I want to look current and in – style, so I spice those classic items up with something trendy that I don’t have to invest a lot of money in, such as a scarf with a trendy pattern, (leopard) or a pair of heels in the hottest color, (red) and all of a sudden that boring black dress has personality and character. And don’t forget your jewelry!

    Think of your house in terms of fashion and you’ve got it all figured out! Your LBD are your classic main furniture pieces. Then add your new texture and pattern with some inexpensive pillows, runners or table toppers that are easy to change out as the trends fluctuate. Don’t forget to throw in the red heels! Pick up a few select accessory items that will help you incorporate that “pop” of the hottest color, such as a cool colored glass vase or bowl, a tray or candles. Or, if you’re good with a paint brush, find an inexpensive flea market find (such as an end table or side chair and have fun with it). All of these added to your basics will give you a refreshing, new “FASHIONABLE” look for your home.

     My next piece of fashion advice is addressing your homes “jewelry”. Your jewelry adds that bit of sparkle and class to your outfit and must not be forgotten when accessorizing your home to complete the total attire. Your jewelry for your home are your light fixtures and lamps. Your chandeliers are your diamonds and pearls, they are the pieces you select carefully, and sometimes invest a good bit in. You are in a sense married to them. They are not easily changed: however, your lamps are where you can be a little more playful, and fun. They can be your trendy, funky, bling! So, I noticed a lot of deep purple and bright yellow in fashion in the mall yesterday, does that mean redecorating your whole house in purple and yellow this season? Of course not! Just remember, having fun with fashion in your closet as well as in your home is all about staying fresh and rolling with the trends (knowing that they change with the wind) so keep that little black dress and remember, “ a little leopard print goes a long way” !

                                                                                                  Nikki Wiygul

Monday, January 24, 2011

Trend to Quality

With the passing recession, I see the tide turning toward quality furnishing. Prior to 2008, it seemed that the public was interested in what I like to call "disposable" furniture. This being low quality, trendy items that could be bought at a low price. The intent was to be stylish for a short while, then redecorate in a few years and not feel guilty about throwing out the old and replacing it all.

For the past two years, however, the public was replacing nothing. Times have been tough. People began to reflect and get back to the basics. While watching their "disposable" furniture fall apart, without the ability or confidence in the economy to replace it, it became apparent that there is something to be said for a quality built sofa that will be around to pass on to their children. Now I see the trend turn towards buying new classic furniture that is of quality. These new classics are typically simple in design but are styled from classic pieces.

-Penny Bowen, Owner Bella Interiors/Penny Bowen Designs, Inc.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Wassail Festival 2010

{Bella's Wassail 2010}

For all of you who wanted our recipe...here you go!

Bella's Best Ever Wassail

  Ingredients:

   2 Cups Cranberry Juice
   1 Cup Whole Cranberries, Fresh
   1 Ginger Root, Peeled
   A Long Curl Orange Peel
   2 Whole Cloves
   2 Cinnamon Sticks
   1 Quart Apple Cider
   Whipped Cream
   Cinnamon Sugar
   Brandy

  Directions:

Combine the juice, cranberries, ginger, orange peel studded with cloves, cinnamon, and cider in a medium saucepan over low heat. Bring to a low simmer and steep for 15 minutes. Discard the orange peel and cloves and pour into mugs. Add a slash of brandy, top with whipped cream and cinnamon sugar. Enjoy! 

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

A sneek peek at our new logo!



Here it is!!! Our logo for Bella loo which will be opening on October 1st. We have been busy little designers getting our old sale room transformed into a gorgeous bath station! You will be happy to know that t-shirts are also being made as we speak with the Bella loo logo on them that will be available for purchase! So mark your calendars! You will not want to miss out on the unveiling and our annual anniversary sale!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Welcome to the NEW Bella Blog! We are so glad you are here! Our blog will be a resource for you in a plethora of different ways. You will be able to...


- receive decorating tips & trends
- find out what's new in the store
- see the projects our designers are working on
- and so much more...