Stylish Spaces Blog

"Curiouser and Curiouser!"

2010-03-15T17:28:00Z

1. Frog Seats 2. Chess Topiary 3. Tablescape 4. Cupcakes 5. Mad Hatter
6. Nursery 7. Hatter Cake 8. Cracked Dresser 9. Giant Chess Set

A True Design Star

2010-03-12T18:00:00Z

Jennifer Guerin, color consultant on HGTV’s hit show, Design Star, Season 4, will be a guest speaker at the Stylish Spaces event. Jennifer will be providing guests with her expert knowledge on how to use color to enrich our homes and lives. Her success as a master of color extends through her many venues, including owner of Ox and Olive Painting Co. in San Diego, instructor for the American Clay Company, and color consultant on Bravo Television’s, Alter Ego. In addition, she is one of only 61 certified Color Consultants in the country. If you’ve been longing to bring a bit of color into your life, you won’t want to miss Jennifer Guerin at Stylish Spaces!

A Touch of Class…

2010-03-05T18:42:00Z

Ranch & Coast Magazine, San Diego’s Ultimate Lifestyle Magazine, has become a Stylish Spaces media partner, extending an air of class and taste that perfectly complements our show. Since 1983, Ranch & Coast Magazine has brought the very best of affluent living and society to its readers. This highly-circulated magazine covers the pulse of upscale art and culture, dining, travel and leisure, as well as exceptional highlights for home living. We’re so pleased that Ranch & Coast Magazine is giving our guests a taste of the good life at the Stylish Spaces Expo. Come and take a peek inside this exceptional guide to fine living. You won’t be disappointed!

Beautiful Sustainability!

2010-03-03T17:58:00Z

Landscapes that are beautiful, peaceful and functional take on a whole new meaning when created by Urban Plantations. Owner Karen Contreras has perfected the art of combining visually pleasing landscapes with satisfying usefulness, by seamlessly blending gardens that provide edible components as well as those intended to beautify. Urban Plantations designs healthy, edible landscapes that are appropriate for any location-city, town, or rural community-while teaching and educating about home-grown foods. We’re so pleased to welcome Urban Plantations, and their message of healthy sustainability, to the Stylish Spaces Expo!

Everything Has a Place

2010-03-01T18:25:00Z

Organization… where do we start. Organization is one of the hardest tasks within a household. Just trying to organize my notes for this piece was a daunting task. Sometimes it is so overwhelming due to the fact of “Where do I start, where should everything go, I have so much”, that eventually you end up walking away and leaving for another day. But it does not have to be so trying. It is like when I was a little girl (many years ago) and my mom would help me clean my room. She would show me that it was so simple, “Just start making piles and we will see where it all goes”. She was right, a pile for the bathroom, a pile for the laundry room, a pile for the things that went into my sister’s room. Soon it was clear where everything went and I did not feel so overwhelmed.

Sharon Patterson

Onegoal we at Rabe and Tigert Designs have is to declutter and organize our client’slives. We want their lives to be simple,clean and productive. One overwhelmingspot in any household is the office. Itis the black hole of your universe. Itsucks every paper, children’s school project, bill, toy, pencil, sticky note,every paperclip you wish you could find, right to the top surface of the desk. But it does not have to be this way; it canbe a workable space. Just imagine thewide vast space you too could have.

Decor Pad

It’s quite easy, first start with organizing piles, figure out what is important and what you do not need. Next you will need something to hold all of these items in. If you do not have a type of filing system I would strongly recommend getting one. You do not have to get the typical old filing cabinet. Today they have modern, fresh filing systems that can go on the wall or they can be disguised as a piece of furniture.

The Estate of Things

Secondly, I would get a wall system that helps organize all the clips, staples and push pins that float around in your pencil holder. The simplest way to do this is to use magnetic spice holders. They have a clear lid so you can see what is in them and it makes an art piece at the same time. Another simple tip and a way to save money are to buy aluminum pots from your local nursery or outdoor garden store. They are modern and heavy enough to hold every pencil right down to your scissors and they look great.

PaperSeed Deviant Art

One last simple task is to wind up the wires that are everywhere from your computer. If you have a cordless mouse and keyboard you are already ahead of the game. If you do have wires to tie up you can use Velcro color strips, this helps wind the cords together as well as color coding which wire goes to which computer piece.

Decorology
There are many other ways to stay organized throughout the entire house or any space. Rabe and Tigert Designs make every space workable. The closet can be a working hub of organization, add a few baskets and buckets to catch all the loose shoes, balls and other cleaning items that usually are thrown on a shelf to turn around and fall down on you.

Decor Pad Decorology

Children’s rooms which can be one of the most trying due to the fact you want it to look fun and cheery but still be workable. This is something we; Rabe and Tigert Designs, specialize in due to the fact we have children or our own. Adding some of the simplest wall shelves and fun boxes for storage can be a great start. Also making it fun for the children to put the toys away is always helpful.

Furniture Store

The living room can also be organized with areas for the cd’s, DVD’s, and pillows that are throughout the room.

Pretty Little Things for Home & Life

Any area in the home can be organized; all you need is a little creativity, some help from a designer to make your space a little more fun (like Rabe and Tigert Designs) and a little time to put it all together.

www.rabetigertdesign.com

Welcome, Designs by Shellene

2010-02-25T20:50:00Z

Landscape Designer, Shellene Mueller, of Designs by Shellene, will be creating a masterful 800 sq. foot entrance landscape at the Stylish Spaces Expo. This award winning landscape designer has created over 500 gardens in the San Diego area and provides stylistic Tuscan, Mediterranean, French Country and Asian-inspired themes, among others. We think you’ll be awed by the intuitive way Designs by Shellene creates lush, visually stunning, beautifully blended landscapes that touch the senses in a powerfully lasting way. Come and see what this San Diego Horticultural Society Best of Show, 2008 winner has in store at the show. www.designsbyshellene.com

A Heavenly Partnership. Welcome, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine!

2010-02-24T18:52:00Z

Stylish Spaces is proud to announce a partnership with the leading authority on San Diego home and garden style, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine. This elite magazine dishes up the very best in home style and interior design, lush garden and landscaping ideas, recipes and more. For over 30 years, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles has featured the work of highly-sought designers, architects, and gardeners, with home and garden showcases highlighting the best in luxury, affluent living.

San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine certainly brings a prestigious air-one we’re ecstatic about-to the Stylish Spaces Expo. Only good things come from collaboration like this, so watch for the amazing ways we’re working together to create another outstanding and unforgettable interior design and outdoor living expo.

Welcome Modernism Magazine!

2010-02-18T21:38:00Z

One of the most elegant, savvy and design conscious magazines in print today, has just become a media partner with Stylish Spaces Interior Design & Outdoor Living Expo!

Modernism Magazine is dedicated to the best designers of the 19th century and features the very latest products and interior designs…all with a modern flavor!

A leading source of information, articles and photographic eye-candy formodernist design enthusiasts who crave and enjoy Art Deco, pop and postmodern design. The magazine treats readers to news about museum exhibitions, books and historic preservation, as well as interior design inspiration related to the modernist community. Modernism will be providing their Spring 2010 issue at the Expo for guests to enjoy and devour (the stunning photography alone will draw you in), while inspiring a fresh appreciation of the modernist design culture.

Sweet Treats for Valentine's Day

2010-02-12T20:02:00Z

Eleni's Cookies

Message Cookies

Le Creuset

Heart Shaped Pancake Pan

Valentine Dishware

Personal Embosser

Sentiment Frames

Recipe of the Week

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

Ina medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda,salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil,buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheldelectric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix untilsmooth and thoroughly combined.

Dividethe batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in ovenfor about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through.Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven andcool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanillatogether until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat untilincorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light andfluffy.

Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

Cook's Note: Frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or pipe it on with a big star tip.

All You Need Is Love

2010-02-10T21:40:00Z

1. "I Love You" Wall Decal 2. Fudge Sauce 3. Modern Red Bedroom 4. Luv Bug Cupcakes

5. Love Birds 6. Love Poems 7. Dining Room Art 8. Wall Art 9. Red Leather Chairs

Mixing It Up With Turquoise

2010-02-08T18:00:38Z

House of Turquoise

With 2010 already underway and the economy directing us to make changes people are ready to move on to the New Year but not forget what 2009 brought. It brought changes in the way we live, work and play. As designers we found our clients are more focused on their own homes then traveling to destinations that bring them comfort and peace. Staying within budget has become the priority of our clients. With our clients feeling the stress of the economy and unable to take vacations, we have decided to bring the relaxing atmosphere to them they so deserve. While redesigning their homes we bring in aspects of the places they long to be at; seaside’s, warm weather, spaces to sit and escape while thinking of nothing except how great they feel in the moment.

Decor Pad

Turquoise is the pulse of the New Year. It brings forth relaxation, vacations, youthfulness and promotes creative identity. It is the color of communication, water, sound and self expression. It is a vibrant color that can make any space feel more sophisticated with its hues of blues. In a black and white room it can add the feeling you wanted to express without even knowing it.

Manolo for the Home

Along with the color turquoise, metallics have also been introduced in a glamorous kind of way, it brings forth the charm of old world Hollywood. Lighting, glass and mirrors add to the feeling of luxury and glitz. Metallic's are found primarily in the bedroom this year, in bed coverings, pillows, window treatments, metallic turquoise, and mixed with yellows and reds. You only need a little of them but they add to the luxury of the room. Our personal favorite has always been black, white and yellow, an Art Deco look. It creates a comforting feeling that transcends back to the era of black and white movies.

Decor Pad

Vetrazzo

However, Rabe & Tigert Designs have recently discovered the beauty in how corals and lavenders are compatible with turquoise, while also adding in deep browns for contrast. It adds softness and makes you feel as if you are in a Colonial Beach House in Cape Cod. Turquoise gives you the opportunity to introduce so many different colors to what was once a blah sea of beige. A great product for this is the recycled glass countertops - they add white, turquoise, greens, browns, reds and many other colors. This is a very green product and a change from the everyday granite.

Design Happens

Also great for the New Year is the trend of geometric shapes and art along with ovals to help pull together a very sophisticated look. It brings forth the fun of the room as well as showing off the integrity of the space.

Rabe & Tigert Design

As we were researching the new trends of 2010 and how fashion, travel and design have comingled this year we came across a quote by Esther De Waal, "Weath consists not in having great possession, but in having few wants." This rings true to how people have changed the way they look at where they are and following what is important to them. Family, friends and their own home have become their sanctuary for what brings forth in 2010. We believe a person's drive is based on their abilities to believe. We give our clients something to believe in for the new year with splashes of color to allow them to relax and enjoy their newly designed home that is full of whites, blacks, neutrals, and of course the ever soothing turquoise.

ChicGeek Designs

Decor Pad

For more inspiration from guest bloggers, Paige & Ginger of Rabe & Tigert Design, come by and meet them at Stylish Spaces, May 22 & 23, at the
San Diego Convention Center.

Ready. Set. Kick-Off.

2010-02-03T22:52:00Z

1. Field Centerpiece      2. Beer Tags    3. Caribbean Chicken Wings    4. Chili

5. Dolphins' Stadium          6. Ranch Dip Centerpiece    7. Football Cookies

8. Cold Beer         9. Ritz Cheesy Football

Recipe of the Week

Interstate Chili

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 medium Vidalia onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 jalapeno peppers, minced
3 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons cayenne
1 pound ground beef chuck
6 links Mexican chorizo, removed from casings
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Gravy Master
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
2 to 3 bay leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (unce) container sour cream, for garnish
3 cups grated Cheddar, for garnish
1 small onion, diced, for garnish

For the chips:

1 (10-ounce) bags corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch strips
Vegetable oil, for frying
Salt

Directions

To prepare the chili: Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-highheat. Add bell peppers, onion, garlic, and jalapenos and saute untiltender, about 6 minutes. Add cumin, oregano, chili powder, cinnamon andcayenne and continue to cook, another 5 minutes. Add beef and chorizoand saute until browned, about 10 minutes, breaking meat apart as itcooks. Add Worcestershire, Gravy Master, hot sauce and tomato paste.Continue cooking until tomato paste turns nicely brown and caramelized,another 3 to 4 minutes. Add beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil,then reduce heat to a simmer and cook, 1 hour. Season with salt andpepper, to taste. Serve with sour cream, grated cheese, onion andHomemade Tortilla Chips. Chili can be made 2 days in advance andchilled, covered. Reheat before serving.

To prepare the chips: Place oil in a deep pot until it comes almost halfway up the side of the pan. Heat oil to 360 degrees F.

Deep-frystrips, 30 to 45 seconds each side, until crisp and just turninggolden. Transfer to paper towel to drain. Sprinkle with saltimmediately. Serve with chili.

Celebrating Pantone's Color of the Year

2010-01-27T18:37:00Z

Turquoise!

1. Couture Coastal 2. Antique Mercury Glasses 3. Bath Mat 4. Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer 5. Great Barrier Reef

6. Elko Canisters 7. Bed & Chandelier 8. Lamp Shade 9. Beach Umbrella

Recipe of the Week

Breakfast Pizza

Ingredients

4 eggs, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons butter

2 (8-inch) pizza crusts (recommended: Boboli)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 cups shredded jack cheese blend (recommended: Colby)

4 fully cooked sausage patties, crumbled (recommended: Jimmy Dean)

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan

1 medium tomato, diced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions

Set up grill for direct cooking over medium heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking.

In a medium pan over medium heat, scramble eggs in butter; set aside.

Lay out pizza crusts and brush each with oil. Top with eggs, cheese, crumbled sausage, Parmesan, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.

Slide onto hot oiled grill and cook, covered, 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese has melted and begins to bubble.

Serve hot, cut into wedges.

INDOOR: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Prepare pizza as directed. Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and begins to bubble.

Easy, Breezy, Lemon Squeezy!

2010-01-11T17:26:00Z

.
Chesapeake Sectional

Limoncelle Carafe & Glasses

Seashell Garland

Mini Starfish

Vacation Postcards

Vacation Jars

Coastal Bedroom

Viridian Ceramic Pitcher

Under the Sea Serving Pieces

Pan Seared Shrimp & Scallop Skewers

Ingredients

8 (6 to 8-inch) bamboo skewers
16 jumbo deveined, peeled shrimp
16 sea scallops
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1/3 palmful
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, eyeball it
1 lemon zested and juiced
2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley, a handful
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan

Directions

Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium high to high heat.

On bamboo skewers, thread 4 shrimp on 4 skewers, 4 scallops oneach of 4 skewers. Season both shrimp and scallop skewers with salt and pepperon both sides. Combine paprika, crushed pepper, lemon zest and parsley in asmall dish. Sprinkle combined herbs and spices over shrimp and rub. Add a 1/2 aturn of the pan of extra virgin olive oil, (1 1/2 teaspoons), to the hotskillet and sear the shrimps 3 minutes on each side or until curled and pink.Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon over the pan and remove to a warm platter.Return pan to the heat and add remaining oil. Cook scallops 3 to 4 minutes oneach side or until caramel in color. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon over thepan and transfer skewers to serving platter along side shrimp.

Happy Holidays From Our Space to Yours!

2009-11-30T20:57:00Z

As we are moving into the holidays and planning for the future, we'd like to spend a moment reflecting on the past. We are excited to share a little of our history with you. Who knows, if you were a past exhibitor of Seascape Productions you might be in the video. It is always fun to celebrate a history of friendship & success. We are looking forward to re-establishing past friendships & embracing new ones!