Last night, rain and wind pounded the eastern United States causing devastating damage to neighborhoods, cities, and entire states. As hurricane Sandy came down hard over the east coast, it has quickly become a difficult time to keep spirits up. While our hearts and minds are usually focused on finding out the newest trends in furniture and fashion, today we are thinking about all who are suffering from the damages of Hurricane Sandy. As so many people find themselves without power and with unimaginable damage, we have come across some amazing stories of how much good there is in the world and how during a time of such devastation, sometimes all we can do is come together. 

Millions still go powerless and as people have found themselves with no means of transportation due to the flooded streets, neighbors and designated rescue teams are doing their best to save people from being hurt and their precious belongings from being ruined. In multiple locations, rowboats act as the amazing vehicle which has made this possible. Neighborhoods have come together to move furniture to higher levels to reduce damages and to make sure their fellow neighbors are safe. Schools and community centers have opened their doors as shelters for Sandy’s victims and money and food donations continue to roll in as the day moves forward. 

As so many of us have been focused on the Presidential debate, both candidates have brought their campaigning to a halt to provide a dedicated effort to helping the people affected by the incredible storm. The National Guard came to assist local first responders in the affected states while they planned and executed rescue and relief efforts. A free Red Cross Hurricane App is available that provides information about how to plan ahead, what to do during and after, where to find shelter, and how to let your friends and family know you’re safe.

Although it’s unfortunate, sometimes these terrible circumstances really do bring out the good in people. Remembering that a simple smile can bring joy to someone’s bad day, we must look for ways to help each other recover from such devastation. 

For donation services and other ways you can directly help, look into the Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Feeding America, and AmeriCares. Keep an eye out for other options in your local area. 

Fluffing the Empty Nest

Throughout the last few months, thousands of young men and women have left for college to start the next phase of their lives. Mothers and fathers across the country have waved goodbye to their kids and are now looking forward to a new chapter of their own. The family home now has an empty room to fill, and parents who dream of that organized office or welcoming guest room finally have a chance to make that dream come true. The “empty nest” allows parents to reclaim their homes and create useful spaces with these newly vacated rooms.

The home office is a smart way to use this space. Create a chic and inviting workspace by blending pieces like a Parsons Desk and an office chair custom upholstered in fabric from JAB Anstoetz with a cozy daybed, such as the Solide/Poole Daybed from Charles P. Rogers.  The bed offers a classically styled sitting area and also provides comfortable sleeping space for overnight guests. Add a colorful dhurrie rug and a statement lamp, and the home office is complete.

 According to the September issue of House Beautiful, blue is the favorite color for bedrooms. A guest room offers a fresh opportunity to play with different styles while creating a sanctuary for family and friends. Consider a Weitzner Limited wall covering to accent one wall paired with a soothing blue from Benjamin Moore paint on the remaining walls; add a neutral platform bed, such as the Charles P. Rogers Pavilion Linen Bed, to anchor the space. From there, add texture with a stunning Flokati rug that your guests will love to have underfoot! Quality linens, such as crisp white organic sheets and a custom duvet from JAB Anstoetz’s Soleil Bleu Fall Collection are the key finishing touches to the room.

 Have you dreamed of having that special place for all your crafting projects? How about that gaming room for boy’s night in? Take the time to clear the clutter from the kitchen table and design your own private art studio. Mix and match your options, four drawer storage or console storage one or both will help you keep all your supplies out of sight while lending a chic urban feel to your new room. A gaming table may be just the touch you need to reclaim your new adult space! Divide your room with an understated screen , employ a versatile Campaign Daybed from Charles P. Rogers and instantly you've created the perfect afternoon retreat.

 

 Don’t forget the details, whether you looking for an edgy modern mood or a more classic finish to your space, Samuel and Sons custom trimmed accessories are a great place to let your imagination roam.

 While the “empty nest” phase of life can offer an emotional challenge, refreshing an empty space can provide an opportunity for parents to rediscover themselves. You could even use your space to catch up on your reading Oprah's website  has some great  advice to help you understand,  "The End of The Empty Nest Syndrome" .

 Whatever your choices remember,  you’ve done a great job of raising your family and now your life is  your own, so express your style and enjoy your freedom  this is your time!

     We love to travel; and the thought of a fall vacation spent at a private Tuscan retreat sounds like the perfect way to relax before the hustle of the Holiday season.  We also understand that due to the current economic conditions many of us are choosing to spend more time at home. But there’s no reason to sacrifice the feeling of relaxation a European escape brings.  You can recreate the escape of a classic Italian garden waiting just behind the next cast iron gate each time you retreat to your bedroom. Given a little thought, it’s easier than you think to capture the style of Europe right in your own bedroom; you’ll visit Italy, Spain or France every night of the week. 

The Charles P. Rogers’ Florentine Canopy Bed is reminiscent of the Italian ironwork found in the villas of Tuscany as illustrated in the 15^th century, historic vacation home, “Villa Le Rose”.  Add a custom duvet cover or window treatments in Jab Anstoetz’s Soleil Bleu Claire design from the Provence collection for unmistakable European flavor. Step from your bed each morning onto the luxurious feel of a Stark carpet from their European Designed rug line and experience the unmatched quality of true indulgence.  If you’re opting for the perfect finishing touch, Benjamin Moore’s, Historic color paint collection offers you all the choices you need to design your own peacefully lavish bedroom.

   The Charles P. Rogers Alexandria Canopy Bed, an authentic 19^th century European canopy bed cast in solid brass, is another superb choice for the bedroom of the travel-loving designer who wants to pass through Europe each and every day. Paired with  European linens woven from premium quality yarns,  you’ll vacation every night.

   Are you a hopeless romantic longing to recreate the ville de l'amour in your home? Look no further than the Iron-brass sleigh bed from Charles P. Rogers to add the perfect Pièce de résistance to your bedroom. The hand cast decorative accents and custom antique finish are something right out of a French cottage. Pair with a custom duvet cover from Jab Anstoetz's Chivasso  Emperor's Garden   fabric from the Whispers collection or the Palmette wallcovering from the Weitzner Limited Enduit Collection and you'll be sleeping right in the heart of Paris.

   Or maybe you’re more interested in incorporating the essence of the Dutch Countryside into your home. With the Normandie Daybed, you can bring functionality and a sleek design with lines akin to Mondrian and apply Dutch design ideas with understated wood. Made from plantation Mahogany, the beautiful hand stained wood is left simple and functional to make a statement. Try a custom window treatment with Pollack’s Aura fabric to add personality and keep your Dutch retreat all to yourself!
   If you are unsure of how to display your treasured mementoes or hate to part with an uncertain accessory, visit Apartment Therapy’s Eclectic Decorator Blog for just the right tips!  

  
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