Summer School, Anyone?

As I was perusing a few of my favorite blogs yesterday, I came across a fabulous event to be held June 18^th in Portland, OR... I wish I could attend! 

Who would’ve thought that the idea of “Summer School” could be so fun? The vibrant colors in this flyer are enough to get me excited—although the climbing Minneapolis temperatures could be a determining factor, as well!

The workshop appears to be broken up into morning and afternoon classes, and you need to reserve your space ASAP. In fact, the first session (taught by one of my all time favorite bloggers, Oh JOY!) Is already sold out!

Additional workshop classes include Fresh Flowers with FROLIC!, Photography by LISA WARNINGER, Packaging 101 by TOKKETOK & SHIM + SONS, and Photoshop for Bloggers with DESIGN LOVE FEST.

All of these bloggers are extremely talented, and fun to follow! You never know where you will find design inspiration, but I have a hint—check out these bloggers! Today, I am personally inspired by these beautiful apple blossoms found on FROLIC!. 

Enjoy this gorgeous day!

What I'm Loven Today...

Happy Mother's Day weekend! What will you be doing to celebrate the greatest of all days? :-) I can only hope for breakfast in bed and some serious family time with my boys (aren't they adorable?). 

Still looking for that perfect mother's day gift? Check out this beautiful basket from Pot +Pantry http://potandpantry.bigcartel.com/product/fair-trade-bolga-market-basket. Wouldn't mom be thrilled?! Not to mention, we've got tons of lovely things right here in the Vivid Home Store. Stop by with Mom this weekend.

Loven you,

Danielle

What I'm Loven Today...

Hello!

Supposedly it's spring, however, it certainly doesn't feel like it. The forecast says that it should start to feel more spring like this week, but just in case, I found these amazing throws and quilts that are like pieces of art in and of themselves. What a perfect way to infuse some color and cozy into your home this chilly season. Check them out! http://www.funquilts.com/gallery/gallery1.html

Design: Spring Rain

Loven you,

Danielle

A Modern Day Fairy Tale

 Thousands of people swarmed the streets of London and over 2 billion viewers tuned in to become a part of the legendary Prince William and Kate Middleton modern day fairy tale....

Not the mention the high anticipation of Kate's dress, an ivory and lace confection with floral detail designed by Britain's Sarah Burton, creative director at Alexander McQueen.

What did you think of the Royal Wedding?! Did you get up a 4 a.m. to watch?

Loven you,

Danielle Loven

Royal Wedding Bliss

Anytime you turn on the television this week you are bound to come across classical symphonies, filled with images of these ravishing individuals... there is simply no way to get away from it... The Royal Wedding is in full force :)

In lieu of the Royal Wedding brings to light a new trend I am loving, that of British inspired pieces. Be sure to check out the store to see a few of my personal favorites!

Who is planning on getting up at 4am this Friday to watch? 

Loven you,

Danielle Loven

VIVID Spring & Summer Preview Event

What better way to launch my new favorite collections then to host an event!

I will be hosting a Vivid Interior Spring and Summer Design Preview Event.

This glorious event will take place on the evening of  May 12th and will be filled with hors d'oeuvres, drinks and style.

In lou of the Royal Wedding I will be previewing some great European styles that are a trend in the making and the Vivid Home Store will be open and decked to the nines. It’s a great opportunity to see the store and get to know ‘Vivid’ a little better. 

Happy Wednesday! Come check out the store :)

Loven you,

Danielle Loven

Tropical Oasis

Despite our busy schedules and hectic lifestyles it is important to take time away with your family, and what better way to do just that than on the beaches of Cabo San Lucas!


I had the pleasure to to get away for a 10 day oasis with the people I love most.  

My Boys Mac 14 &  Sam 10

What I'm Loven


Here are a few pieces I found at our St. Regis hotel that I simply love!

Loven you, 

Danielle Loven

Milan Furniture Fair

The Milan furniture fair, the largest and  most important showcase for new furniture design, officially opened this Tuesday April 12th!  


The show continues through Sunday April 17th , but here are some early headlines: The free-spirited patterns that were a trend last year  such as florals, geometics and free-form abstracts  have disappeared almost entirely, replaced with solid hues.

A few of my personal favorites:

 Check out Apartment Therapy Blog 24 Hrs in Milan for details and photos!

What are your favorite new pieces?! 



Loven you,


Danielle Loven

Victorian Era meets Conventional...

While searching one of my favorite blogs, Material Girls I came across this lovely home in Lincoln Park Chicago. 
Never be afraid to mix classic design with modern accents, it's very refreshing!
Take a look and let me know what you think of this unique twist of style! I simply love it!

Victorian Era: Material Girls MUST SEE....

Photo from Material Girls Blog
Happy Wednesday

Loven you,
Danielle Loven

Fun things to do in Mpls!

There are so many fun things to do in this fabulous city so why not take advantage of this weekend! Check out what this great state has to offer!


A few of my personal favorites:
1. Enjoy a lovely picnic at the Walker Art Center
2. Get a great book for the summer at the Minneapolis Central Library
3. Immerse yourself into our wonderful culture and attend a local art festival.
4. Take a relaxing bike ride around Lake Calhoun.

More fun places check this out 
Let me know! What are your favorite things to do in Minneapolis?
Appreciate the little things in life! Beauty is all around :)

Loven you,
Danielle

Stop in and say Hi!

Hello Everyone!
Things are looking cheery and bright at our VIVID Interior store! Come check out our new decor as "spring mode" is in full force. 
Stop in and say hello! We would love to see your smiling faces
Store location :)

Loven you,
Danielle


What I'm Loven
Refinery 29  The Ultimate Fashion Website Blogroll  
Check it out!
Hope What Danielle's Loven makes the list one day :).

Words to Live By

Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful day full of sunshine! Below are a few of my favorite words to live by :)

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
-Leonardo da Vinci

Design is the conscious effort to impose a meaningful order.

— Victor Papanek

   Happy Wednesday!

Loven you,

Danielle

Great Local Event: Towers of Flowers

Spring offically arrived yesterday.... however, our Minnesota weather is lagging behind with the the start of spring season due to our recent snow storm. As we anxiously await the snow melting, sunshine, flowers, and green grass take a load off a visit the extravagant downtown Macy’s Flower Show with Gardens by Bachman’s!




This year’s theme is Towers of Flowers and will feature renderings of 10 iconic structures, including the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, all of which are 12 to 16 feet tall.


The show is running today till April 10th Macy's will host two weeks of special in-store events such as cooking demonstrations from local chefs, an artist marketplace, a men’s designer preview event, and Bouquet of the Day installations from four Bachman’s designers.




 Check out all the fun spring colors to add life to any room :)

 

Loven  you,
Danielle




What I'm Loven
These are some amazing organic and very cool statement light fixtures we carry and that I LOVE!! 

Texture + Color

Texture is the easiest way to add dimension and interest to any room – pair it up with the bright color trend for this spring and you've turned a flat, dull space into a lively one! Here are a few ways I like to add color and texture elements to any room:

Wool Throws:

Bright Merino Wool Throws are amazingly soft and are perfect for those cool spring days – not to mention they look fabulous as an accent in your living room!

Polished and Rugged Texture Combinations:

In this room I paired the rugged, organic texture and shape of the wood side table with more polished and smooth elements like the colored porcelain plates on the wall. Accents like these wall plates can be found inexpensively at flea markets and estate sales.

Don’t be Afraid of Wall Texture:

If texture on walls reminds you of your grandma’s living room wallpaper, think again. Contemporary textures like the one below completely transform a room. Looks like these can easily be achieved with the right wallpaper and one accent wall.

Loven you,
Danielle

What I'm Loven Today

On a dreary dark day like today sometimes I feel like curling up in a set of these with a good book...

 

“The Perfect percale sheets” Everyone should own a set of these. I am addicted. Call me at the store to order a set for yourself!!

I'm loven this Weather!

Hope you all had a chance to get outside today and enjoy this beautiful weather. With a high of 50 degrees I don’t know how anyone could stay inside. Last night while listening to Kare 11 I heard that it hasn’t been this warm since before thanksgiving….. so enjoy it while it lasts


This warm weather brings to mind the thought of spring-cleaning. Now is the time to de clutter and simplify your life, including your décor. Out with the old in with new!


Perhaps its adding a new accent piece to your living room? Revamping an old room? Or simply adding new sheets to your bed!
There are many great ways to add life to an old room without going to drastic measures…




What did everyone do on this lovely day?




Loven you,
Danielle


What I'm Loven Today  

2006 Rubicon Estate "Cask" Rutherford Cabernet Saubignon - This is a must have. An incredibly smooth red wine.

Blog World

I may be new to the blogger world, however, I have been a huge fan of design blogs for quite some time. :)

Below are my TOP 10 MUST READ Design Blogs... Check them out!

1. Material Girls

2. Design Sponge

3. South of Market

4. Ashes & Milk

5. Apartment Therapy

6. Remodelista

7. Black Eiffel

8.  Cup of Jo

9. Creature Comforts

10. Apartment 34

Let me know what you think... What are your favorite design blogs? 

What Danielle's Loven Today:

Birch Tree Branches adds such a nice organic look for the inside! Get oversized ones and add them in the corner for height.  Blend them with modern elements and it makes for a great Mix. 

Loven you,

Danielle

Atlanta Gift Market Trip

  Arriving in Atlanta days after one of their biggest snow-storms meant that the city was a complete mess.    Although Minnesota is known for their long, cold snowy winters, I have to say, we have been spoiled by the efficient Minnesota snow removal system that is equipped to handle the worst weather conditions at a moment’s notice.

With 12 plows in the entire city of Atlanta, the roads were full of ice, snow and, thus hours of bumper-to-bumper traffic.  It took us 3 hours to go 20 miles!  With that in mind, it's no wonder the first days of the show started out slow.  It took several days for vendors to receive their products.  We were uninspired by our regular vendor displays.  Most everything looked like Restoration Hardware “wannabe’s”.  Nothing stood out or looked like it would knock our socks off.  

However, one intriguing observation was the British influences scattered throughout the show. Popular styles included British flags, chairs, royal emblems, and British flag cubes.  We saw old leather cigar chairs and vibrant fabrics of turquoise, royal blue, yellows and grays.  

With the royal wedding coming up, we are a bit leery of how long this trend will last.  We are going to test the waters by bringing a few British pieces into Vivid Home.  On a side note, we did find a new vendor with unique accessories.   We are excited to introduce this new line into the store.  Stop by the store or check out our website for a sneak peak at our spring line.

Loven you,

Danielle

What I'm Loven Today.....

I absolutely LOVE clear bottles to put small flowers in..... These glass Rope Cloches are so fun!

Must Read Blogs for Spring Trends!

Spring is just around the corner despite the snow fall this weekend... Warm weather with days full of sunshine will be here before we know it... 13 days to be exact :)

To go along with last weeks blog on spring trends here are some fabulous articles to check out from a few of my favorite blogs:

Apartment Therapy

Click here to add.... Inspiration: Adding Spring Color To Your Home

Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy

 

 

My personal favorite... Material Girls

Click here to find great styles when painting your walls pink... The Power of Pink

What are your thoughts? Let us know... Are you adding pink to your house this spring?

Loven you,

Danielle

What I'm Loven Today.....

"The Perfect drink table". Made in England and comes in several resin colors or in wood is sure to add a pop of color to any room. LOVE this as a statement piece in the house :)

 

Hot Interior Design Trends for Spring 2011

Here's what's hot for spring: Pink and peach for paint colors are going to freshen us all up this spring. And they’ll be complemented by all shades of gray. Look for the combination in fabrics, rugs and accessories. Mustard yellows are also going to give us a pleasant hint of hope that warmer days of summer are in the near future too... Here’s hoping!
The biggest change in color is the switch from the neutral beige that carried us through the last decade to a sophisticated gray pallet. We’re really having fun playing with exciting mixes of grays, pinks, yellow and orange.
As far homes go, everyone’s staying put for now it seems. With a more conservative economy it makes sense to be cautious. In our design consultations we’re seeing a lot of clients looking for more multifunctional living spaces and smaller footprints. Goodbye McMansion, hello smart living…

Loven you,
Danielle


What I'm Loven Today:

Interesting and seductive horse pictures are very popular right now. We have them hanging in the store and PEOPLE ARE LOVING THEM…including me!!  Come check them out!

Stand Out this Spring!

Last night many of you, myself included, tuned into the one, the only, 83^rd annual Academy Awards… Despite your opinions of who deserved to win Best Picture or Actor in a Leading Role we can all agree on one thing, based on red carpet fashion we're in for a spring full of color, glitz and glam…

 

Jennifer Hudson looked ravishing on the red carpet in her bright orange Versace gown… not to mention her weight loss...she looks fantastic!

 

 

Keeping with the bold theme of the night, Sandra Bullock was a fire starter in this gorgeous red Vera Wang gown.

  

Halle Berry can do no wrong as she radiates style in this nude, crystal encrusted Marchesa gown... Honestly, how does she do it? Let me know, who was your best dressed, how about your favorite trend?

Can't wait to see how these gorgeous colors and styles translate into interiors this spring!

Loven you,

Danielle

  

What I’m Loven Today

 

Dull, Frizzy, Dry hair Oh My…. The Natural Beauty of Moroccanoil

Moroccan oil is truly a must have item, a necessity in all bathrooms. The unique, non-greasy formula seals in a shine silky perfection for all hair types, a true wake up call for your hair.  One of the best things I’ve put in my hair… not to mention it reduces drying time. :)

An Introduction

Welcome!

Welcome to “What Danielle’s Loven!” I’m so happy you stopped by.

A little about me to get things started: I’m the founder, creator and owner of two successful interior design businesses located here in Minneapolis.  Vivid Interiors is my first passion – it’s my interior design business where our team creates custom looks for all kinds of clients and all types of homes and businesses.

I realize that not everyone can afford the luxury of a custom designer or wants to jump right in to a project though, so I created the retail store, Vivid Home.  It’s a great way for new clients to try us out and have “piece” of the Vivid while keeping within their budget. Next up? Chicago – so stay tuned!

What’s Vivid all about?

We focus on creating unique and classic decor that is on trend but doesn’t quickly look dated or like it’s trying too hard. For us, it’s about the surprises that come from mixing old with new, and making sure a client’s home or business looks good today – and tomorrow.

The key to making this happen is simpler than you’d think: it’s critical to make sure case goods such as tables and chairs are only purchased once.  We’re here to help our clients find their own signature pieces that will last generations. I believe your environment has so much to do with what and how you feel from day to day.  Creating a clean polished and functional space is the first step to success in life's journey.  

Who’s Danielle?

I am a born entrepreneur.  I was 10 years old and had my hands in all sorts of creative businesses from then on.  It started with a custom designed hair accessories business out of my Chicago suburb childhood home. During my teen years I expanded my creative drive into custom dry floral arrangements.  By the age of 20, I was working with a real estate company renovating apartment buildings throughout the city of Chicago. Most of my projects were concentrated in the “run down” Buck Town / Wicker Park areas. Today, these neighborhoods have become destinations for the hip and trendy. Good for them!

I’ve lived in the peaceful Twin Cities for the past 10 years but I often need to reenergize myself with spontaneous trips to the windy city. I have lived and traveled all over the world and worked on the East coast but my heart truly belongs in Chicago.

I hope you enjoy hearing about what "Danielle’s Loven" in the days, weeks & months to come!  I welcome your ideas, feedback, and most importantly your design questions. My hope is that you visit and leave with ideas and inspirations that can simplify and beautify your life and home.

Loven you,

Danielle

What I'm Loven today...

Outstanding Table Lamps! These lamps will bring life to a room, keep your interiors simple and add color. Match them with these great throw pillows...loven it. ;-)

Pre–made pillows with down inserts that are reasonably priced without the "too-custom" look. 

Stay tuned for more of What I'm Loven today!