Posters aren't just for teenagers anymore!

Lately I have noticed a new trend. It's everywhere; coffee shops, banks, doctors offices, restaurants. Instead of those cheesy prints that you can find anywhere in gold frames, the newest trend is to hang a poster! These aren't put up with thumbtacks like they were back in the day. Today posters are mounted to foam core or 'Gator board' for stability and the ability hang without framing to give it a cool graphic pop against a colored wall. Next time you snap a cool shot make a statement with it, don't hide it in the family photo album - put it on the wall!

Living in a coastal area, it's easy to spot local snap shots turned interior accessory.

Morning Folly, Beach that is...

Even if you don't live by the beach you can still find plenty of interesting things to put on your wall. Just be sure to set your camera's megapixel setting as high as you can when taking a shot that you think might be perfect for your dining room. To have the most options, you need the sharpest picture you can get. Here is an example of a website with a ton of great information on photo vs. print size.

A little birdie outside my window told me...
It is easy and inexpensive to create your own poster. Simply upload your digital photo to any one of a plethora of photo sites, pick your specs and pay. Then VOILA! You're print of that amazing Kodak moment is on its way to you!

When choosing a site to use, be sure to shop around; quality, services and materials vary greatly from site to site. Be sure that you clearly understand what you are ordering. Look for sites with project review and technical support. And if your order is getting pricey - GET A PROOF! They are inexpensive when compared to the alternative - reordering. Once that order ships it's yours, so be sure its what you are looking for. Have fun!


designer girl

International Builder's Show

I recently had the oportunity to go to the 2008 International Builder's Show in Orlando, FL...

All I can say is wow! It was just a big Bazar with everything bigger and better than all the rest. I do not recommend going into anything of that sort without a plan of action. You really get a bit punchy after the second day of all that razzle dazzle.

I have the good fortune to meet some of my heros in the design world while I was there, Mary DeWalt, Ashley Jennings of Kay Green Design and Gayle Goodson Butler the editor of Better Homes and Gardens. It was a wonderful experience to hear and learn from the best in the industry. Inspiration was flying all over the place. I am full of information to share!

More on that in blogs to come. Until then, enjoy the pics.

designer girl