Habitat for Humanity Open House -- Mark Your Calendar

Click to enlarge:

Ashley Furniture as seen in Barclay House

An inviting and restful corner of the master bedroom.

I had a wonderful opportunity to design the condo at Barclay House -- in Clayton, Missouri -- for the Bethesda Health Group that develops assisted living communities. Pat Truit, fellow customer specialist at Ashley Furniture Homestore, worked with me.

Our challenge was to design a space that appeals to two generations -- the demographic that is buying the Barclay House condos. Children of the older generation, in many cases, are buying the condos for their parents. The children's tastes lean towards contemporary while their parents' tastes lean towards traditional.

We worked to bridge both generations by nodding to traditional design as seen in the new millennium. We did this with transitional style furniture set off by accents in both contemporary and traditional designs.

Our color palette is soothing. Throughout the condo we used my favorite Restoration Hardware paint color silver sage and accented it with velvet chocolate on the living room wall.

Here are photos by Katherine Bish.

The entry:

Welcome home! This partition wall is the first thing you see as you enter. It is made more interesting by an abstract painting hung vertically. A perfect fit. It's the first thing to draw your eye toward the view to come.

The living and dining rooms:








The master bedroom:










The office:




Katherine thought it would be fun to snap some portraits. I didn't plan on it, but luckily I wore a decent outfit. I love this key hole chair from Ashley Furniture Homestore.

Save the Pink Bathrooms -- embrace mid-century modern

Check out this week's LifeStyle section of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Aisha Sultan writes about the Formenti home decorated in 1956 that is perfectly preserved, not a scratch on the furniture and the stove used only 28 times for Thanksgiving meals.

How, you ask?

The family lived for years in the basement and only entered the kitchen and living room on special occasions. Even at special times the furniture was covered in plastic.

The house, located on the Hill, was on tour for a while, but sadly I missed it. I would have jumped at the chance to see it.

I have had a number of clients who want to rip out or otherwise disguise their 1950's pink tiled bathroom.

Hold on folks!

Consider embracing the pink. There are a growing number of folks looking for mid-century styling and pink bathrooms. If the Formenti home is any indication, it sold for the list price before it was listed!

Hello, that's in a buyer's market!

Where are these mid-century enthusiasts? Check out savethepinkbathrooms.com and also check out retro renovation .

Locally you can find retro furnishings at a St. Louis favorite: T.F.A.

For helpful hints as listed in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, click here.

If you live in St. Louis and have a pink bathroom worth saving, I would love to help!

Photo above as seen on Retro Renovation.

10th Street Lofts Lobby Project Update -- introducing Laura Gunn and Paul Pagano

I am still working on the 10th Street Lofts lobby -- downtown St. Louis, Missouri. We are almost done. The photo (click on images to enlarge) does not show the floor as well as I'd like. It is a chameleon floor that changes from brilliant emerald green to steel gray depending on the light and where you stand. It's unlike anything I have seen in floor treatments. If you are downtown, give me a call and I'd be happy to show it to you.

We added the bright green wall that houses the mailbox units. It's covered in Valtex commercial-grade vinyl wallcovering.

The over sized lamp in the corner is so fun and unexpected. It really lights up the corner and splashes light clear up to the two story ceiling. It has only three light bulbs, but looks like so much more. It will look even better when our furniture is in. It's from Ashley Furniture Homestore in Kirkwood, where I work.

The major large abstract artwork hung on the brick wall is by Laura Gunn -- see her work and blog entry about the piece: click here.


Paul Pagano, local artist, designer and craftsman extraordinaire, has joined me in the project to design a bench and table (see drawings above).

I can hardly wait to see the end result, but the process is the most fun. I love my work that allows me the opportunity to connect with inspiring artists like Laura and Paul.

Shopping Party at Target with AT HOME Magazine and Habitat for Humanity

Dr. Sandra Mims and her Oakville Elementary art classes (grades 3, 4 and 5)are painting old chairs and skateboards for AT HOME magazine's Habitat for Humanity community project.

I am participating in an amazing community project to decorate five Habitat for Humanity Homes. Christy Marshall, Editor-in-Chief, AT HOME St. Louis Magazine, has organized teams of designers to work on each home. I am working on Home #5 with six other designers.

It's been a blast and I want to invite YOU to participate!

If you live in the St. Louis area, join us for a shopping party at Target -- at Brentwood Promenade -- to purchase a few remaining items for the homes. Many retailers in the area have been hugely generous in their contributions, but a few odds and ends, like shower rods, linens, throw pillows, light bulbs and picture frames are still needed. So we thought it would be fun to throw a party to acquire the remaining items.

Come join us Thursday, March 12 -- anytime between 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. -- and you will get to meet the designers who will share their experiences in designing the homes.

Can't make the shopping party? Find out how you can still participate. Read Christy Marshall's blog to learn more: click here.

As a thank-you, Christy will send you a coupon for an AT HOME subscription and a donation form from Habitat for Humanity.

Matt and Pattye's bathroom -- part 2

I showed you Matt and Pattye's bedroom inspired by their garden. Here are highlights from their bathroom.

Ashley Furniture Homestore -- St. Louis -- Grocery Give-away! It's happening again! Plus, my FREE in-store design advice

Here we go again, FREE groceries! The deal of the century. OK, maybe not, but it IS definitely the deal of the month for home furnishings in St. Louis!

Ashley Furniture Homestores -- St. Louis, where I work, is offering $500 in FREE grocery rebates with a $500 purchase.

This is NO gimmick! Everyone is eligible with a $500 purchase. I blogged about it last month -- learn details, click here.

Several friends of mine benefited by this FREE give-away last month. It's a no brainer, especially if you you've been holding off on that furniture purchase.

We have several sofas for under $500 so your budget-decorating dollar can go a long way. For example, a sofa, a lamp and end table may total $500. It is possible, in fact, to complete your room with Ashley furniture for the price of just one sofa at many retailers.

And if low prices weren't enough, we have more, much more. We offer style -- great style! -- selection and friendly service!

Don't be left behind! This offer lasts until March 2nd.

And if FREE groceries weren't enough, I will sweeten the deal by offering you my FREE in-store design advice. Bring photos or dimensions of your space and we can dream of your new room together. An appointment is recommended. Call the store to book Dana King, 314-966-0047.

Come visit me at the Kirkwood location on Manchester near Lindbergh Rd, next to Lou Fuhz Toyota. I am there: Mondays 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Matt and Pattye's Bedroom

Photos are courtesy of Katherine Bish.
Click on photos to enlarge.
It has been fun working with Matt and Pattye to design their master bedroom and bathroom. Matt and Pattye are award-winning gardeners who open up their front and back yards each Spring to bus loads of people and the mayor of Creve Coeur. We picked up on their passion and created a garden inspired bedroom.



Art does not have to be on the wall. We have art in the pillows. Look at these beautiful botanical prints in fabric!



We created the color scheme around their existing rug.


My favorite element in the room is the dried pressed ferns under glass. Pattye cut ferns from her garden and pressed them. With a little feedback from me, Pattye found mat boards to coordinate with our color scheme and painted an existing white frame black. Matt arranged the ferns inside the frame. A real team effort!



We hung our window treatments on a large 3 inch rod. Most people might choose a smaller one, but we love how this rod balances with the other strong black furnishings in the room and really stands up to the strong graphic checked print window panels. The dresser in the above photo is a cherished family antique.


Matt Phillips is one of the owners of Ashley Furniture in St. Louis Missouri, so it was only fitting we use Ashley furniture! We used an armoire and chest from the Martini collection. I think the espresso finish against the golden walls looks striking. The lamps on the nightstands were also finds at Ashley Furniture.

Marianne Phillips, Matt's mother, painted the flower paintings hung above the chest.


Views in the bathroom also include a collection of meaningful items including found shells from a family trip and another painting by Marianne.



Please consider rating my space on HGTV's Rate my Space: click here

Ashley Furniture as seen in Vickie's home -- Kirkwood, Missouri

I worked with Vickie at Ashley Furniture Homestore in Kirkwood, Missouri to create a new look for her family room. Vickie wanted Ashley Furniture's curved sectional, but was unsure how it would work in her room. We drew her space in quarter inch scale and played with templates of desired furnishings to find options that worked.

Vickie's idea was to tuck the sectional into her bay window. However, we discovered that would not work because the sofa is slightly bigger than the window. We felt such a placement direct and center in the bay window would accentuate that it is not an exact fit.

To solve this dilemma I suggested that rather than placing the sectional centered to the bay window, have it follow the curve of the window and come out slightly in the entrance from the kitchen.

This also opened up an area by the fireplace to place the Jenna club chair. The Jenna chair in greens, reds and tan stripes works perfectly to bridge her tan curved sofa and existing red rug.

Vickie centered the arrangement to the Marion round coffee table, also bought at Ashley Furniture Homestore, that provides four stools to rest feet or additional seats!

Vickie loves the look and sent me photos. She also called me to order another Jenna club chair to replace the rocker. She feels the new furniture is a larger scale from her old furnishings and so the cherished family rocker does not work in this space. She'll find another place for it.

Scale and proportion are something you learn by experimenting with furniture arrangements.

Vickie looks forward to flanking the fireplace with the Jenna chairs and the color and pop that will provide. I can hardly wait to see the result.

Send more photos, Vickie!

Vickie asked me to draw on her photos to give additional ideas to complete her rooms. You can follow along and feel free to add your comments too!

(Click on photos to enlarge as needed.)


My son Alex saw this photo and said, "Mom, what more can you do to this room? It looks great!" Well, Alex is right. Vickie's family room is warm and inviting and the pops of red really draw the eye.

But not holding anything back, here are a few ideas Vickie might consider:

If you have the floor space, how about a small chest, small bookcase or occasional table behind the sofa to hold a lamp, picture frames or decorative boxes? It will provide interest to an otherwise boring backside of the sofa. Exposed backsides of sofas create walls...dress them up like you do a wall with furnishings, tables and plants!

If floor space does not permit an occasional piece behind the sofa, consider a red or green throw slung over the backside and puddling down over the seat. A small plant in the backside curve of the sofa might also look nice.

Facing the fireplace now, I'd like to see the pie safe moved to the adjoining wall on the right to let the fireplace stand on its own. I feel the pie safe is competing for attention with the fireplace, especially without a comparable weighty piece on the opposite side. The pie safe in the present position makes the eye and room lean to the right.

Consider grouping the clock with the two plates. The plates look a bit lonely. The eye is drawn to odd numbers, especially items clustered in threes.

Also, start the arrangement six inches above the chair. If you don't want to move the pie safe, the placement of the clock with the plates might provide the balance that is needed for the fireplace wall. Experiment and see what looks good to you!

You have fun Christmas decorations.I don't know what you do year round to decorate your mantel, but because it is high, a low and long treatment is needed.

If a mirror is desired, most standard sizes won't fit. However, I have found that long closet mirrors hung horizontally make a statement above high mantels with limited headroom. I am not suggesting the typical cheap plastic kind, but rather ones found in attractive frames. We have a few at Ashley Furniture Homestore in Kirkwood, MO at our famous low prices. Come on in and I'll show you an example!


I put this photo in black and white because it is easier to see my drawing.

You wanted new window treatments. I think panels hung on weighty rods (consider minimum 2" rods in white, black or medium wood finish like your mantel) will give you the scale you need to balance the windows with the weighty sectional. These can be found at any big box. Consider green or tan colors for the panels.

I suggest you continue this same treatment in the kitchen to provide continuity. Replace your verical blinds in the kitchen for an up-to-date look.

You might replace the lamp on the left with a slimmer arm slung reading lamp so it will not compete with the window treatments behind.

The lamp on the right can be brought forward to hug the chair. And if the shade can be lowered, bring it down below the mantel and hug the top of the chair by a foot length. This allows the strong mantel to make a statement on its own and gives the eye several interesting levels to observe along that wall. It also will give added weight to the chair and make it a more cozy and funtional space for reading.

I drew a circle around the speaker with an arrow pointing down. Is there a way to hide the speakers behind the sofa or attach them to the wall in an inconspicuous place? I suggest a plant in front of the other speaker. It fills the space nicely and softens the side of the sofa.


We have a lot of tall, dried and fake flowers and sticks at Ashley Furniture Homestore in Kirkwood, MO. to fill that fantastic red vase.


Peeking through to the living room now, what a wonderful green color on the walls!

How about the same or similar window panel treatments for this room as suggested for the family room? It will tie the two rooms together.

I wonder how the rocking chair would look in place of the Christmas tree. I know it adds red to the room that is primarily greens and creams. But how about an area rug with hints of red to link the chair and the family room? The rug will anchor the furnishings in the room. Consider, also, recovering the rocking chair fabric in a style and color that ties to the room?

A lot of people don't think to put an area rug on top of carpet, but it really works great to anchor the space and tie furnishings together, not to mention how it prevents wear on your carpet!

You might bring your cushions from the chair and sofa to the store and we can find a rug to coordinate!

Consider red and green throw pillows on the cream sofa to break it up visually and link to the reds in the family room.

On the wall, consider a three inch wide red or tan ribbon behind the small pictures to link them together. It will make a statement and add color.

Try anchoring the large wall hanging to the sofa by bringing it down six inches above the sofa. If the space above then looks blank, hang a floral spray, small mirror or picture to fill the negative space.

Coming forward into the family room now, if you leave the clock on that wall, bring it down a bit to visually make contact with the new Jenna chair, again use the six inch guideline.

What a loved and cherished space with many meaningful family items. Vickie, you should be proud! Keep decorating... and have fun!


If you would like your space evaluated as I have done for Vickie, send photos with your questions to: dana@danasdesignstudio.com . For a limited time I will offer this service for FREE! A $75 value.

AT HOME St. Louis Magazine -- Love the House You're In

Let's face it, now may not be the best time to sell your home. But if you are or if you want to stay in your home, you may want to give it a lift. AT HOME St. Louis Magazine outlines how to decorate your home on any budget.

I am mentioned in the article for my love of "poufing".

What is poufing?

Also known as redesign, staging or one-day design, "poufing" is the art of "rearranging furniture, reworking shelves, moving art pieces around"...etc. Much of it involves using existing furnishings and mixing in a few new pieces. It is the most budget-friendly way to give your space a new look.

Read the entire article at this link: Love the House You're In

Or read the excerpt below:

Go Pro
Hire a designer to do a "pouf"

Remodeling's fine, you say, for those who know the art of rearranging furniture or how to judge the way that sage green paint chip will translate to an entire wall. But what about the rest of us? No problem: You can hire a professional interior designer for an hour or two. Small suggestions like paint colors or furniture placement can rejuvenate a space, and designers can point out where fabrics are clashing, color's not serving you well, furniture is badly arranged or you just need a slipcover for that formal sofa (at least till the kids are grown).

"A lot of times, it's the common-sense things," says Tim Rohan of T. Rohan Designs. "They just need a fresh pair of eyes — from a seasoned person who knows how to fix it."

Consultation costs range from $50 to $200 an hour for "poufing," (rearranging furniture, reworking shelves, moving art pieces around) planning or putting it all into motion. Dana King of Dana's Design Studio has been "poufing" houses for the past six years. "Poufing houses is the most fun and rewarding work," she says. "I would never give it up." She charges $50 an hour with no minimum or a predetermined flat rate for the job.

"The least expensive thing, I suggest, is to move the furniture around in the room, or mix up the furniture from one room to the next," Caryn Burstein, Allied ASID, president of CLB Interiors, says. "This immediately moves the energy around and spiritually gives them a lift about their space. It actually makes the old furniture look new when it's moved from room to room."

If you want the designer to take the reins on the redecoration, costs go up, but even at Mr. Rohan's $145 per hour, two-hour minimum, you'll save in the long run with the designer discounts. Plus, the designer will oversee it all, protecting you from the stress and strain of the project.

"Many people can do it on their own and spend less money if they have the resources," Mr. Rohan says. "You're as good as your resources whether you're doing it professionally or not, but it's even more crucial for the novice."

And you don't have to do the whole shebang at once. According to Ms. King, Carol Bridges of Kirkwood hires her when "she has the budget and time to tackle a new project. We are on our fifth room!"

Ashley Furniture Homestore in St. Louis Missouri gives away $500 in Groceries -- FREE Groceries

Do you need furniture, but feel you can't justify another purchase so soon after the holiday buying season?

Do you need a TV console for the new flat screen TV you got for Christmas?

Does your room look bare now that the Christmas tree is gone?

Ashley Furniture in the greater St. Louis Missouri area is making it easier to consider a new purchase at this time. They are giving away $500 in free groceries for each household that buys $500 or more worth of furniture.

Yes, that's right. FREE Groceries!

This is NOT a gimmick, it's for real (see the store for more details and/or learn more at http://www.claimyourgroceries.com/ ).

We are seeing a lot of happy faces in Ashley Furniture Land..."You're Gonna Love This Place!".

The offer ends this Sunday, January 4, so hurry in!

If you come to the Kirkwood, Missouri store, ask for me, Dana King! I work at the Kirkwood location on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you have not been in our store, there has never been a better time to stop by. You will be blown away by the prices and the merchandise that represents EVERY style.

Bring photos of your rooms and I'll be happy to suggest items to complete your space. You will be amazed at how we can do so much for $500!

Action Abstraction

I am loving the holidays and time spent with my family. My daughter Audrey (20 yr) is home from college. My son Alex (17 yr)has planned many of our family activities including a wonderful visit to the St. Louis Art Museum to see the special exhibit Action Abstraction. If you live in St. Louis you have until January 11 to see it. It's traveling around the country, so look for it in a city near you.

I love studies in color...and especially abstract art. I can't put in words what it means to me, but it elicits reactions in my soul like when I listen to inspiring music.

I was most moved by Grace Hartigan's work, her story and her art.

Like most women and blacks in the 50s, she had to fight hard for recognition of her work. Hartigan ran in circles of those better known Abstract Expressionists like Pollock and de Kooning. She broke through a glass ceiling in the art world as the only woman represented among 17 artists in the prestigious exhibit "New American Painting" sent by MOMA to Europe to communicate that New York had trumped Paris as the capital of modern art.

I am drawn to Hartigan's use of bold brush strokes and saturated splashes of color.

Bold, abstract, vivid and color infused...I can't get enough of it!

My favorite Hartigan painting is Summer Street (above). Can you make out the woman from the 50s shopping in the street? It took me a bit, but I found her. And do you see the watermelon? What else do you see in the busy summer street? What color and light of summer do you recognize? What time of day does it look like? Are there buildings around and if so, how are they recognized in the painting? Do you see yourself in a street like this?

I wish I could pluck Summer Street off the exhibit wall and place it in Heather's home! Perfect for her piano room (you'll see the reveal of Heather's piano room later on my blog). It would also look great in the 10th Street Lobby (also stay tuned for that reveal.)

I also loved New England in October (below).


Grace Hartigan quietly passed away in November this year. Though she faded from prominence years ago, I am grateful her work lives on in this exhibit.

Heather's Dreaming of a Modern Christmas

Modern Christmas tree tea light holder. To view: click here.

Heather, friend and client, is remodling her home, the whole downstairs including entry way, dining room, living room, family room and kitchen. She and her family are embracing contemporary design after many years of living in a traditional space.

Decorating for Christmas this year and coming years may mean revamping or remaking Christmas decorations to complement her new furnishings. So Heather and I have been on the hunt for inspiration in modern holiday design. I came across a variety of things.

For starters, design*sponge has this terrific DIY project to create mod paper ornaments (below). Learn how: click here. These colors might be a bit subdued for Heather's tastes that tend towards bright saturated hues, but she can use any colors to create these. And she can whip out several of these paper gems with the help of her five kids and husband Tom. A great family night project for sure! Best thing, it's not a budget buster.

Make a few for me, please!


How about this glass spiral goodie (below) for a tree topper! Found on Ebay - click here - comes in several colors.


Check out the fun stockings at Bunnie Maxwell (below) and click here. These are Heather's colors!


Found it at the Big Box, yesssss! Target has these trees (below) in red and white -- click here.


A search on Etsy uncovered tons of fun items to inspire.

Like these (below) acrylic ornaments. Click here to see more.


I am loving these felt bobbles found on Etsy -- click here


Heather must have an abominable snowman (below)! What could be more contemporary and contrarian! Also brought to you by Etsy -- click here.


This just may be my personal favorite from Bunny with a Toolbelt - click here. A very contemporary and fun nativity (below). Check out the link for more Christmas designs including ethnic Santas and wisemen in assorted colors and designs.


Heather needs this pillow (below) for her piano room that is done in black, turquoise and green. Found on Etsy - click here.


This ornament (below) reminds me of the complex graphic designs Heather loves. Found on Etsy - click here.


Heather wants to inject more turquoise color in her holiday decor. Here are some I found on Etsy doing a search by color with key words like "ornament" and "Christmas decorations". You can find handmade items in any color by searching the thousands of crafters on Etsy.
Beautiful polymer clay filigree ornament(below) - click here.


Fused glass star ornament (below) - click here.


Trio of trees below - click here.


Turquoise Glass Icicle ornaments (below) and in a variety of colors - click here.


And last, this just looks like something Heather would tuck away some place, even an area of sophisticated decor just to throw you off. Heather is always good for the unexpected startling surprise. Carmen might become part of the family tree, Christmas or otherwise, a new family member. If Carmen paints her nails, she's in! (side note: Heather always paints her nails). See more of Carmen - click here.