Designer of the Month: Charmayne Brentley

Charlayne is a longtime La Galleria customer who fell in love with my Villa and made it into a beautiful, comfortable home -- and had too much fun doing it! I asked her how she went about it:

I am happiest in an environment that feels cozy and warm; I love to make a house feel like a home. It's more about color, and the way a room makes me feel, than any certain style. I suppose that an eclectic style describes what i like best -- sometimes it's trial-and-error, and sometimes things just fall into place as if they were meant to go together.

I have always been interested in decorating, but in Second Life I can change my wall color almost as often as my hair color! The possibilities are endless. When I realized the interesting, and realistic, textures and furnishings which are available, I wanted to work with those to create a space which is enjoyable to be in. One big factor has been my partner, Tad Carlucci. His patience, guidance, and knowledge, were big factors helping me to jump in and overcome any hesitation or fears of making a mistake ... and there have been plenty of those! All part of the process of learning...grin.

PANDORA'S WINTER WONDERLAND

Pandora Phillip, whose remodding and decorating of the Rose Cottage is on this blog, has the use of a whole sim for the winter, and has turned it into a Winter Wonderland! Outside, more to see and do than I can include here -- inside, EVERYTHING Christmas! It is fabulous!

Moon Allard

Moon owns a beautiful island with furnished beach cottages, and activities for residents. Strolling around the island, residents can find many interesting things like this romantic Lover's Grotto, featuring the Lover's Table, all dressed up for the holidays.

Ginger Cyberschreiber

No Designer of the Month this month, as I would like to post a variety of pics from anyone who would like to share their work here with others -- I would especially like to see what you have done for the holidays -- so send me a pic or two! I noticed someone new making a lot of trips to La Galleria over a couple of days, picking up some very nice things. When I talked to Ginger, she said her house was gorgeous, so I asked for some pics -- and indeed, she has done a fabulous job! I especially like the way Ginger uses colors and tones. They are subtle, and all complement one another so well.

LA GALLERIA DINNER PARTY ON TV!

This is my second appearance on the Second Life TV show Designing Worlds -- this time featuring cooking a Thanksgiving dinner in one of my kitchens, followed by a Thanksgiving dinner party. It was such fun! (The dinner party segment starts about halfway through.)

Designer of the Month: Yshmael Zapatero

The November Designer of the Month is Yshmael Zapatero, who is decorating two very different homes, one of which is a La Galleria house. By masterfully mixing contemporary, antique, and traditional styles with Asian accents Yshamel has created homes that are understated but dramatic, sophisticated yet inviting, as you can see in the pics below (and it was hard selecting the dozen best ones!). Here is part of an interview with Yshmael:

How do you create a room? Do you mostly have an idea of what you want it to look like, or do you mostly see things and develop an idea as you shop?

When doing a room, I go for what my mentor, Ray Hoffman, always tells me, the wow factor - I want to walk in to a room and go "Wow, I want that."

I never have an idea of what I want a room to look like, and it's funny the room can come from a rug, or an art piece or a color, but it's never the furnishing.

How would you describe your style?

I dont have a style, that would be restricting; I love Oriental decor, but I never do anything totally Oriental -- I find that mixing things makes it more interesting. That's why I liked La Galleria from the beginning: there was the Louis XV chair next to the Chinese screen.

I love color and texture, well made furniture with details, that is all I need, and prims I tend to forget those.