CINCINNATI - It's that time of the year, when home owners are getting started on home improvement projects, both indoors and out.

Beau Bolce isone of lead interior designers in Cincinnati, and the proprietor atQuince & Quinn, a furniture anddecorating store in Oakley. Besides running the store, Bolce does design work for clients around the Tri-State and around the country. On Saturday morning he stoppedby the9 News studio to chat with Brian Yocono aboutsome of his favorite tipsand trends forgreat summer design .

Bolce says a great place to start this time of year is "spring cleaning". It may sound cliche, but it's important to get a fresh start for the summer. With the change of season, Bolce suggests taking time to clean out closets and get rid of clutter.

Bolce says a great way to get your house ready for summer is to change out rugs, furniture, andaccessories, and give your home a beach house vibe. You can replace heavy wool rugs with sisal rugs, for a more light and airy look. Sisal is a woven natural fiber that is popular for rugs this season. Bolce sayssisal rugs areinexpensive and easy to maintain.

Another hot trend for summer is driftwood-colored finishes for furniture. Bolce says the light gray driftwood color is replacing espresso finishes this season. Using driftwood-colored furniture in your home can add to that vacation-house feel. Bolce suggests mixing gray tones with oranges and pinks for a pop of color. You can also add tropical plants to create a fun beachy look.

The pink and gray color trend is also making its way into the kitchen. Bolce says this color scheme is a retro throwback to the 1950's. The pink color palate is making its way onto walls and fabrics, and is beingpaired with stainless steel appliances. To complete the 1050's look, Bolce says vintage-style aprons are making a comeback as well!

Beau Bolce'sdesign store is called Quince& Quinn. It's located at 3235 Madison Road in Oakley. For more information you canvisit the store's website , or Facebook page .

Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Local decorator shares great summer design tips for your home

Historic homes like the Jackson Street classical revival house chosen for this year's San Francisco Decorator Showcase evoke visions of the lives that were lived in such a place.

If only the mahogany-paneled walls could talk.

This 30-room yellow brick structure built in 1902 was a wedding gift from the president of Wells Fargo Bank to his daughter Clara upon her marriage to attorney Emanuel S. Heller. Over its 110-year history, it's been home to wealthy philanthropists, attorneys, nature preservationists, psychiatrists, shipping magnates, jewelers and interior designers.

The austere facade hides a romantic interior that has seen many incarnations of fabulous home design, and the rooms reworked for this showcase house are no exception.

On view through May 28, the annual showcase benefits University High and features exquisite interiors by more than 30 of the Bay Area's best interior designers. The "bones" of the home remain as glorious as they were when the 1906 earthquake forced displaced financiers to set up shop inside its magnificent halls. The ornate woodwork, grand double staircase, large stained-glass window and stunning views stand as a testament to the luxuries attained in San Francisco's Gilded Age.

"The architecture really drove the design," says Geoffrey De Sousa, who created an intimate gentleman's study off the great hall. "We wanted to embrace the colors and pattern of the period in order to make the space more

The study

For this room De Sousa took his inspiration from "The Cult of Beauty" exhibit at the Legion of Honor, working in a color palette of coppery oranges and blues to take familiar elements of the late Victorian era into the 21st century. A hand-printed and appliqued rust botanical wallpaper extends onto the vaulted ceilings, while the blue and gray rug recalls exotic peacock feathers. Handblown glass spheres in a custom lamp by John Pomp hang over a craggy mahogany and brass desk by Sylvan Fiss. The modern photograph of a robed woman in nature evokes the ginger-haired muses favored by the Pre-Raphaelites.

The living room

A striking contemporary photograph of another red-haired maiden hangs over a plush French sofa in the elegant living room by the interior design firm of BAMO, a San Francisco-based design firm. Principal designers Steve Henry and Michael Booth upholstered the walls in a deep burgundy ribbed silk to complement the mahogany walls while the grand coved ceiling is papered in a pale gold de Gournay tea paper.

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San Francisco Decorator Showcase: Classic design, modern sensibility

John Edwards leaves the federal courthouse in Greensboro, N.C. on Friday. (Chuck Liddy/AP) She thought maybe you should probably pay for your girlfriend yourself.

Bunny Mellons reaction to learning that her secret payments to the John Edwards campaign were used to cover up his relationship with Rielle Hunter, as described by her interior decorator friend Bryan Huffman in his court testimony Friday. Even the former senator on trial for alleged campaign finance violations cracked a smile at that line, reports the Associated Press. The heiress, now 101, had a complicated romantic history herself and wasnt about to judge him for an affair, Huffman said just the financing of it.

Read more: Lawyer for wealthy heiress says John Edwards knew money was for him (AP), 5/4/12

Read earlier: D.C. insiders line up to testify in Edwards trial, 4/24/12

John Edwards trial: Andrew Young is one confused witness, 4/24/12

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Quoted: Bunny Mellon’s thoughts on the Rielle Hunter affair

Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

Marysia Rybock of Scavullo Design updates the dining room, above, with a blue Venetian plaster ceiling, resin-and-iron tables and Jonathan Browning's Sputnik-style chandelier. Speech bubbles left add playfulness to the frieze, left.

In this year's San Francisco Decorator Showcase, a chalkboard speech bubble beside one of the many toga-adorned figures in the frieze that wraps around the dining room reads: "If these walls could talk." Indeed, the Classic Revival mansion at 2020 Jackson St. has quite a storied past.

Designed by Julius Krafft, it was built in 1902 by Isaias Hellman, president of Wells Fargo. In the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake and fire, it served as the bank's temporary headquarters. Hellman later gave the 11,500-square-foot residence to his daughter, Clara, upon her marriage to prominent attorney Emanuel Heller. In the decades that followed, it hosted myriad high-profile functions - including the 1945 international conference that led to the creation of the Charter of the United Nations.

In 1991, the Pacific Heights abode took its first turn as a Decorator Showcase, the spring ritual benefiting San Francisco University High School's financial aid program. This weekend, it opened its doors to the public again. Many of the 30 or so participating designers sought to infuse a modern sensibility into the historic dwelling.

With no actual client to design for, Heather Hilliard devised an imaginary one for the master bedroom: "A young couple in their 30s and 40s. ... They want a grand home without the heavy fussiness of their parent's generation."

Citing a quote by French designer Christian Liaigre as her inspiration - "Sometimes the beauty of a space is the empty space" - Hilliard designed a serene environment with a neutral palette: white and cream 16-inch stripes on the wall; a headboard that, by matching the alternating stripes, is almost camouflaged; simple white bed linens; a cream boiled wool felt carpet; and white glass table lamps.

Hilliard also incorporated blue accents - a kidney-shaped royal blue sueded leather sofa; an ivory bench with a navy wave hand-appliqued on the seat; blue wool curtains with a triple-pleated edge - and contemporary art from Dolby Chadwick Gallery. A sculptural white bronze fire screen by John Lile adds a bit of sparkle.

In the dining room, Scavullo Design, led by Marysia Rybock, may have inherited one of the bigger challenges: the aforementioned frieze that depicts a bacchanalia. "While we didn't create clients, we were totally inspired by the characters in the frieze - taking their jovial, hedonistic spirit and creating our interior from that concept," she says.

According to Rybock, a single massive table is no longer compatible with the way most people entertain and dine. So within the existing formal space - which includes paneled walls, Gothic-style built-ins and a coffered ceiling - she and her team introduced a whimsical scheme with five resin-and-iron tables that can be arranged in countless configurations.

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Pacific Heights mansion to host Decorator Showcase

Ms. Salk is also the author of Rooms for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play and Weekend Retreats. She is a contributing editor for 1stdibs.com and iVillage.com. She also regularly produces decorating segments for NBCs Today Show, according to her Web site.

According to the Web site, she grew up in Essex, Mass., and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Vassar College. She then moved to New York, where she helped launch Elle Dcor as its interior design manager, and later became a contributing editor.

In 2003, she joined House and Garden Magazine, where she was special projects editor until its closing.

I wanted to stay in the world of design. I love it, I love the people in it, but I wanted to do it on my own, she said.

Ms. Salk said she thinks social media gives more people a voice and, because of that, she has been able to go out on her own.

Putting this book together included researching all of the designers portfolios. Once she had established the chapter categories, decisions had to be made about what would go into each of those categories.

When you see a great room, you can put it into any of those chapters, said Ms. Salk.

The chapters include color, mix, arrangement, balance, whimsy, accessorizing and rule-breaking.

Ms. Salk said designers have taught her to be fearless, to go for a mix of textures and layers in rooms and to combine layers of visual interest.

I know that a room should delight your eye on different levels. I just learned not to play it too safe, said Ms. Salk. Continued...

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Interior Bliss in New Design Books From Litchifeld County

Photo by Jason Palmer

BELOW: Lynn Moran, seen in this file photo from 2010, has added her aesthetic to this weekend's Decorator Show House, 2101 Avondale. The event benefits Faith Refuge for Women. Times Record News file photos

Photo by Times Record News file art

LEFT: Merrill Sweatt of M. Lynne Designs is one of 17 designers and businesses participating in the Decorator Show House this weekend.

Some people have interior motives, particularly the organizers of the Decorator Show House, where those with interior design cachet have culled their creative skills to put together some spectacularly decorated rooms.

Seventeen interior designers, furniture stores, landscape designers, arts organizations and other businesses have the run of the house, so to speak, and have put together several spaces at the Decorator Show House, 2101 Avondale, corner of Avondale and Harrison

The Country Club home, owned by Susan Saied, is open for viewing for three days, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

"They painted about five or six rooms and it just looks fabulous," said Shirley Craft, co-chairwoman of the show house with Kris Gossom. "We're real excited about it."

Craft on Tuesday was at the home, where designers were busy bringing in and setting up furniture, rugs, artwork and other decorative items to convey as best they can their particular aesthetic, whether whimsical, like the very colorful painted furniture of Merrill Sweatt of M. Lynne Designs; fun, like the items from the Polka Dot Penguin; sophisticated, like the work of Lynn Moran Interiors; or creative, like the work of Wichita Falls artist Pamela Moller.

This is the second year for the Decorator Show House.

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With 17 designers, more than a touch ofstyle

Craig Lee / Special to The Chronicle

STYLEMAKER SPOTLIGHT: Emily Mughannam

"I've always been interested in interior design," says Emily Mughannam. "For as long as I can remember, I've been affected by space, light, texture and color. Even as a kid, I'd rearrange my room regularly, and that play turned into a passion."

In 2007, after years of consulting with a number of design and architectural practices, Mughannam launched EM Design ( http://www.emdesigninteriors.com). "I enjoy being surrounded by beautiful things every day, and I love the relationships I develop with my clients and my vendors," she says. Many of her clients are families with young children - something she, as a mother of a 3-year-old son and 19-month-old daughter, can relate to.

While previously working with local firms Jeffers Design Group and Steven Miller Design Studio, Mughannam had the opportunity to contribute to the prestigious San Francisco Decorator Showcase. This year, EM Design was awarded the teen room; and she's participating on her own. (The annual event started this weekend.)

Mughannam's space features seating that she describes as "a super-huge sofa sectional pit," modern patterns and a neon sign. "It's fun to let my imagination run wild and have that be the guide in my design decisions," she says. "The little Emily who loved to make over her own room as a kid now has a chance to do it for real, and the sky is the limit!"

Color splash: "I have a very clean design point of view, but something I always love to integrate is a splash of color in unexpected places. Maybe all of the trim is navy blue, the ceiling is painted a wild color, or wallpaper is applied on just an accent wall or on the ceiling. A new product that I used in my Showcase room is a perfect example: Timothy Sue's Hearts Apart in chartreuse is a colorful pattern on the ceiling that is completely unexpected and easily removable." ( http://www.timothysue.com)

Family-friendly design: "Don't be afraid to buy and really put to use that sofa you love - just be smart and upholster it in a durable fabric. There are lots of options these days that look and feel great and won't get ruined when your kids draw on them. For example, consider outdoor fabric such as the Kravet Soleil collection for indoor upholstery." ( http://www.kravet.com)

Pattern play: "I am a nut for great patterned pillows. For larger furniture pieces, I tend to go safe on the colors and patterns, but then dress them up with fun pillows. If you outgrow the colors you loved last year, it's not a huge expense to revive your room with new pillows. Layering adds dimension and interest. Lotus Bleu is one of my favorite local sources." ( http://www.lotusbleudesign.com)

Inspiration and ideas: "My design process often includes creating a look book or inspiration board. Whether it's on a computer or bulletin board, I find that seeing all of your favorite items or fabric swatches together in one place helps you visualize the vibe of the space. I love using Pinterest with clients because we can both pin our ideas and communicate virtually in between meetings. You'll begin to see a pattern in the items you like and the colors you're drawn to." ( http://www.pinterest.com)

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Emily Mughannam, passion for interior design

By RUTH FREEMAN Special to The Oakland Press

Photo courtesy of Sharon Holton South Lyon interior decorator Sharon Holton participated in the Junior League of Detroits Designer Show House at the historic Webber home in Grosse Point Shores. She redecorated a breakfast room in the English tudor house, which will be open for public tours in May.

Local fans of Masterpieces Downtown Abbey wont have to travel far to tour a great house. The Junior League of Detroit will present the Webber home in Grosse Pointe Shores from May 5-20, during its biennial Designers Show House.

To raise money for grants and community programs in Detroit, the group chooses local interior designers to redecorate a historic home and opens it for public tours.

This year, South Lyon designer Sharon Holton decorated a breakfast room on the first floor of the Webber home and said it was an honor.

The 10,000-square-foot English Tudor home was built in 1928 for Oscar Webber, nephew of J.L. Hudson, who later helped run the J.L. Hudson Co.

It features seven bedrooms, Pewabic tile bathrooms and fireplaces and a ballroom on the third floor. It also has hand-carved wood, such as timber from the Black Forest in Germany and a view of Lake St. Clair.

Landscape architects also redecorated the garden, which includes a fountain.

Holton called it a piece of Michigan history.

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South Lyon decorator in Junior League’s Show House

The singer and actor is the latest celebrity to promote BeachMint.

Justin Timberlake in an image provided by BeachMint.

Justin Timberlake, the actor, singer and former boy band star, is using his fame to help promote the latest e-commerce venture from BeachMint Inc.the latest example of how online retailers are seeking out celebrity star power.

HomeMint.com, scheduled for a launch later this spring, will sell home decor products selected by Timberlake and his interior designer, Estee Stanley. Home goods and accessories will be sold under the HomeMint brand. The site will also sell art and photography.

HomeMint.com will operate a differently than other BeachMint sites, which offer subscribers products matched to their stated style preferences on a monthly basis and where all products carry the same price. BeachMint says consumers who subscribe to HomeMint.com will pay a monthly fee to access the sites member-only pricing. BeachMint did not immediately say what the monthly fee is or what prices the products will typically have.

"HomeMint is a natural addition to our family of brands, says BeachMint president Diego Berdakin. BeachMint's social commerce experience is about personalization and curation and there is nothing more personal than a customer's home."

BeachMints celebrity-infused e-retail sites include JewelMint.com, with actress Kate Bosworth; BeautyMint.com, with singer Jessica Simpson; and ShoeMint.com, with actress Rachel Bilson. Internet Retailer editors selected JewelMint.com, which sells jewelry, to be included in its Hot 100 list, an annual compilation of the most innovative e-retailers. Order your copy of this special issue here.

The Timberlake announcement comes amid a similar one today from LuxeYard.com, a flash sale site for luxury home furnishings and dcor, which said it has added Giuliana Rancic to its roster of celebrities that recommend products for the site. Rancic is an entertainment journalist and reality TV personality who is married to the first winner of The Apprentice TV show hosted by Donald Trump; the couple has its own reality TV show as well. LuxeYard.com launched in January.

Also this week, UsTrendy.com, an online fashion marketplace that lets designers sell their products directly to consumers, said it was working with singer and actress Jennifer Lopez to promote a style contest. Lopez is promoting the contest via her Facebook and Twitter accounts, and on her personal web site. Lopez last year began selling a Jennifer Lopez Collection apparel line at Kohls stores and online. Kohls Corp. is No. 31 in Internet Retailers Top 500 Guide. And last month, The Honest Company, an e-commerce site that sells organic baby projects on a subscription basis, announced it had raised $27 million in funding. Actress Jessica Alba is the sites co-founder and president.

Celebrities can be a double-edged sword for companies that work with them, says Nikki Baird, managing partner at research and advisory firm Retail Systems Research LLC. It's great visibility [for a retailer], especially when the synergy is therewhen the celebrity behaves and has a brand that has a lot in common with what the company is trying to establish, she says. But dependence on celebrities also carries risk, she says, noting how companies rushed to cut their association with golfer Tiger Woods in 2009 after his extramarital affairs became public.

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Justin Timberlake, e-retail home decorator?

HOUSTON - Spring is in the air (along with the pollen) and for the home decorator, thoughts are turning to how to bring the feel of spring into your home.

Houston design blogger Beth Delozier paid a visit to interior design store Kuhl-Linscomb to find out what's "in" this spring.

According to interior architect Renee Galang, you need to think "orange" this spring. Galang says many people are afraid of the color because it is so bright but if you work in splashes of orange, it is a great way to brighten up any room or piece of furniture.

Kuhl-Linscomb's Mollie Oshman told Delozier that spring is all about bringing the outdoors inside. There are many ways of doing that, from dinnerware that looks like flowers to tiny boxwood trees that adorn a tabletop.

Galang says that if orange is a bit too much for you, think about using coral instead. It's a more muted version of orange that still brightens up your interior space.

For more information on Kuhl-Linscomb, check out: http://www.kuhl-linscomb.com/

To read Beth Delozier's blog go to: http://www.treschicorganizing.blogspot.com/

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Spring Your Space