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Clients Rave on Yelp

Feb 11, 2019 | Posted in Starr Spotlight |

View of a modern bathroom. Flooring is a light tan with square grey grout. Wall color is grey, and the ceiling is white. The tub and toilet are also white. The main shower subway tiling is dark grayish brown, with two single vertical rows of more reflective tiles. The tub and shower are contained by a glass panel and glass door, which hinges above the tub, rather than a shower curtain. A recessed niche allows space for shower and shaving products, while a towel rail is placed on the inside of the shower, and another on the outside. A single recessed light fixture provides illumination.
Leonard G’s bathroom design and photo by Kimball Starr

What I love most about my job is making clients happy. Getting to show off the final results is one of the best moments!

Equally as good is knowing my clients are so happy that they want to tell the world how great a job we did together! Here are some of my recent Yelp reviews shared by clients.

Contemporary bathroom with dark wood cabinetry and silver horizontal drawer pulls, under a white counter surface. Mirrored medicine cabinet contains built-in side lights. The faucet fixture is square and silver with two taps. The toilet is white, sitting to the left of the counter space, which is styled with fresh white lilies and a white and silver soap bottle, with a white towel folded neatly to the left of the sink. The wall color is grey, with a white glass and silver accented rectangular wall sconce, and a single recessed light visible in the mirror.
Leonard G’s bathroom design and photo by Kimball Starr

“Kimball just did the design of my bathroom and kitchen renovation at my condo in Civic Center Heights. I really could not be more pleased with the process and the result. Kimball is a good listener. She has a way of understanding what you’re driving toward even if you cannot fully explain it.  

Closeup of a corner of a contemporary bathroom with a white towel folded neatly, hanging on the silver towel rail on the left wall inside the shower. Above the towel rail is a recessed niche is styled with luxury shower product bottles, and a candle. The subway wall tiles are dark brown with a greyish horizontal striated texture. A single vertical row of flat reflective brown tiles runs from top to bottom on the back wall. A tiny strip of the grey wall paint shows at the far right of the image.
Leonard G’s bathroom design and photo by Kimball Starr

She is knowledgeable, personable, a good communicator — and affordable. In fact, her fee as a percentage of the total cost of the project is quite small. Considering the time it takes to do these projects and the time I’m going to live with them, it was a good value and a good investment.

Looking into a kitchen through a dining room pass-through space. At the far left is a large silver-finish fridge and freezer unit, with grey cabinetry above, that continues around the rest of that wall and the right wall, where you see a microwave above and a range and oven unit below. Subway tiles in varied shades of green and grey counterpoint the green plant and fresh fruit displays. Light white-colored worktops are continued in color on the passthrough, which doubles as a dining counter surface. White walls and ceiling continue throughout the rest of the space.
Leonard G’s kitchen photo and design by Kimball Starr

Kimball was also able to act as my project manager when I was out of town. She interfaced easily with my general contractor, keeping the project on schedule and on budget.  

Contemporary kitchen featuring a white ceiling with recessed center square, grey cabinetry at eye level that continues around the other wall. You see a silver microwave above and a 4-burner range and oven unit below. Subway tiles in varied shades of green and grey counterpoint the green plant and fresh fruit displays. A bowl of yellow lemons adorns the counter, alongside a green glass bottle of water. The bottom cabinetry is a darker shade of grey, and the floor is a horizontal multi-colored pattern that tones with the greys and tans.
Leonard G’s kitchen design and photo by Kimball Starr

I would definitely use Kimball again and have no hesitancy to recommend her.”

Alt text = Close-up of a contemporary kitchen, featuring grey upper cabinetry with small, square silver knobs. You get a partial view of a silver microwave above and a range and oven unit below. Subway tiles in varied shades of green and grey counterpoint the bowl of yellow lemons that adorns the counter, alongside a green glass bottle of water, with a glass of water containing sliced lemon. The lower cabinetry is a darker shade of grey, with larger rectangular horizontal silver drawer pulls.
Leonard G’s kitchen design and photo by Kimball Starr

Sometimes folks ask me what it’s like to be under the process of construction, and living with the space. Below is an example of what that looks like, along with the Yelp review from my satisfied client.

Yelp review profile with an outline of a man and the name Win L., from San Francisco, CA, with 4 reviews, and this is a five-star review

“We just finished a complete remodel of our master bath and we hired Kimball to help with the design. What a great experience! Not only did she help us navigate the design process but she also helped us make all of the color and finish decisions along the way. The result is both beautiful and functional.

View into an outdated bathroom, with orangey-gold wall color paint, black flooring with white square grouting and reflective flecks, and yellow-gold toned cabinetry with a black countertop surface. There is a small window above the tub, which has unattractive security bars, and a toilet sits between the tub and the counter unit. Multiple towel rails line the walls.
Pre-construction photo by homeowner Win L.

Kimball is easy to talk to and has a wonderful sense of humor. In addition to help with colors and finishes she made sure everything was to scale in the room and in line with the style of our 90-year-old house.

If you’re planning a remodel you should consider Kimball. We would definitely hire her again.”

View into a partially-finished light-colored contemporary bathroom. The flooring and step-in shower wall tiles are varied shades of tan, with a center horizontal accent double-line of darker brown and orangey reflective tiles with a triangular shape embedded. Another row of those tiles adorns the back edge of the countertop and sink, but there are no faucet fixtures yet, and no mirrors. The cabinetry is a warm orangey-red that tones with the accent tiling. Wall paint is eggshell tan in color, with vertical rectangular modern wall sconces above the sinks. There are 3 recessed lights in the shower space, and a horizontal rectangular operable privacy window for natural light and fresh air, but no shower doors are installed yet. The toilet has been relocated to another part of the space, outside of this view.
Win L’s construction phase photo and design by Kimball Starr, showing how shower doors, knobs and faucet fixtures still need to be installed.

Do YOU need the help of a professional interior designer to finish your dream project? Contact Kimball Starr today for a complimentary consultation!

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Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Jan 28, 2019 | Posted in How To & Decorating Tips |

When the weather outside is cold and rainy, don’t you just want to curl up with a good book? Since we’re deep in the winter months here in Northern California, today I’m sharing how to create a cozy reading nook in your home.

 

Customize for the Perfect Fit

 

A soft white woolly rug beckons under the light blue chaise lounge, offering a cozy spot to curl up with a book or take a nap on a rainy day, dressed with pillows and a throw blanket. Beside it is a delicate 3-legged table dressed with orange flowers, a book, and a round curio object. The whole scene is underneath a wide open picture window with warm wood trim, and a sidelight window.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Marija Vidal

Here in what I like to call a gentleman’s modern classic living room, we needed a sophisticated solution to the narrow space available by the window, while leaving room to circulate. A chaise lounge was the answer, but felt a bit too open, so I designed this custom chaise lounge with arms — a bit cosier, especially when added to the fur rug, comfy pillows and blanket, and a simple side table.

 

Furniture is Key

 

Hillside lounge area includes a brown sofa with throw pillows in lime green, sky blue, and black, a matching striped rug, 2 moveable tables in brown and green, and a matching chair and ottoman with a black throw pillow and sky blue blanket thrown over the ottoman. A standing lamp is placed between the sofa and chair. 6 frames on the wall show artwork, while natural light streams in from the double-height window at the right.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

For those who don’t want to make a big change, sometimes what you need is to set the stage with the right furniture. For example, this California hillside retreat features a beautiful view with plenty of natural light. All we did was add a comfortable chair and ottoman by a table and reading lamp, a throw blanket for chilly days, and voilà, a welcoming space to read.

 

Zen Window Seat – Before and After

 

Large bay window with simple wood framing, a single blind pulled down over the left window, and some video game components rest on the large windowsill finished in glossy light-colored wood.

Photo by Kimball Starr

Customizing doesn’t have to be complicated. My client wanted to make better use of their industrial loft in San Francisco, while keeping a Zen feeling of space and calm. This underutilized window was just begging to be transformed!

Double-height bay window trim painted a warm off-white, now finished with a golden tan window seat cushion and multiple throw pillows in green and yellow striped, plain blue and plain yellow, and yellow-and-blue patterns. Plenty of space to sit and read.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

We built out the window seat, made custom cushions, and added multiple throw pillows in complementary colors and patterns. Now my client enjoys spending the first part of their day sipping tea or coffee with a book, with the morning sun pouring in. Now doesn’t this just make you want to finish that book you’ve been putting off?

 

If you’d like a cozy reading nook to call your very own, contact Kimball Starr for a consultation today!

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Dreamy Master Bedrooms

Jan 14, 2019 | Posted in Inspirations |

Close-up view of the daffodil-yellow lacquered bedside table, a modern square stacked on top of another square, without drawer-pulls or visible hardware. The white triple-bubble-shaped lamp is topped by a lampshade decorated with graphic yellow flowers with a purple center. Textures on the bedlinens and pillows are visible. A single white rose is laid on the table by the bed.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

There’s nothing more intimate than your master bedroom. It’s where you rest and restore your health with a good night’s sleep. Now that the holiday madness has passed, this is a great time to revisit the most important space for your sleep and rejuvenation. Here’s a peek inside a few of my best bedroom designs to inspire yours.

 

Cool Bachelor Pad

 

View in a bedroom, with a long hall to the left, the bedroom to the right, painted in a warm gray paint color, with a dark headboard and white linens on the bed, topped by 3 different colors of accent pillows – blue, gold, white. Metallic palm fronds adorn the walls. 2 pendant lamps hang just over the floating drawers that act as bedside table in a warm brown.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

While the rest of this San Francisco condo is filled with bright colors, the master bedroom tones down the shades to cooler, calmer hues, perfect for relaxing and sleep. Floating walls unrestrained by doors separate the office and private master bedroom from the living area.

Alternate view of a bedroom, painted in a warm gray paint color, with a dark headboard. The bed is topped by 3 different colors of accent pillows – blue, gold, and white, with a brown blanket and blue patterned comforter folded down to reveal crisp white linens. Metallic palm fronds adorn the walls. 2 glass pendant lamps, one green, the other bronze, hang just over the floating drawers that act as bedside table.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

There’s still plenty of interest, created by metallic textiles and wall hangings. The suspended bedside pendant lamps provide dramatic lighting while leaving the floating shelves-as-nightstand uncluttered. Reducing the number of items within view helps to prepare your for a restful slumber.

 

 Mid-century Moroccan Loft

 

A sky blue wall paint color is the backdrop to this restful bedroom, showing 2 ceramic blue lamps on blond bedside tables, either side of a sea-blue-green headboard and bedstead, with white and gray patterned sheets and 2 stacks of pillows, and a matching blue accent pillow in front. The dark wood floor contrasts against an oriental rug at the foot of the bed.

Design by Kimball Starr / photo by Joe Fletcher

This loft’s master bedroom continues the mid-century Moroccan design introduced in the main living area below. By mixing multiple patterns and textures, you get the impression of a Moroccan bazaar filled with mid-century furniture finds.

A beautiful vintage mid-century modern secretary desk and matching chair are highlighted against a saturated, gold-with-a-hint-of-green wall paint color, over dark wood flooring. The desk contains papers and collectibles. A small painting is hung just above the desk, and to the right of the pictures, sitting atop the desk, is a small bamboo plant in a glass container.

Design by Kimball Starr / photo by Joe Fletcher

Using different colors on the walls gives each area a unique feeling and purpose – blue for resting, reading and sleeping, gold with a hint of green for writing letters and working at the vintage mid-century secretary desk.

 

 

Contemporary Hillside Retreat

 

Low lighting from a pair of bedside lamps in white with yellow flowers sit atop a matched pair of bright yellow bedside tables. The gray suede footboard and headboard have a lilac hue to them, offset by multiple layers of white and yellow pillows with gray patterns. A yellow and silver floral comforter repeat the tones from the interlocking patterned rug that protects your feet from the cold of the shiny cherry-colored wood flooring. A door to the right and a mirror to the left complete the balanced look of the room.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

Set into a hillside, this four-story home boasts breathtaking views of downtown San Francisco. Contemporary design, color, and character welcome the owners and their guests.

Angled view of the same bed, now showing a dark wood chest of drawers, topped by flowers in front of a pair of window-frame mirrors. Long dark purple draperies are accented by yellow fabric line 1/3 of the way from the floor.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

In the master suite, a chic array of vintage patterns, warm colors, and low lighting create an intimate retreat to enjoy with a loved one.

White leather tufted lounge chairs inspired by the Barcelona design sit in front of a wide window with cherry-wood-colored window frames. Lush, floor-length purple draperies with a gold accent band are visible to the left.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

White leather lounge chairs and daffodil-yellow lacquer nightstands brighten the morning, while the dramatic draperies swaddle the room in darkness for a restful night. I can’t decide whether the gold detailing on the window treatment or the floral lampshades are my favorite finishing touch!

 

If you dream of a master bedroom that fulfills all your needs, Kimball Starr can make that dream a reality! Contact her today!

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Create the Ultimate Relaxation Space for the New Year

Dec 31, 2018 | Posted in How To & Decorating Tips |

Angled image of a living room, showing muted eggshell paint on walls, blue and white speckled rug, black metal support on a wooden coffee table dressed with flowers in a vase on top of a blue and white polka dotted box along with other curios, a tan sofa is just behind the coffee table. Brown floating shelves on the wall at the rear left are scattered with sculpture and collectibles but plenty of open space left between them, and an opaque white folding screen stands behind the sofa, softly diffusing light into the room. Striped and patterned pillows rest on the sofa.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

With the holidays upon us, it can be exhausting to maintain a perfect environment for you and your guests. During activities like baking, decorating, and shopping, there’s limited time to spend decompressing and enjoying the season. While being with family and friends is a great way to spend your free time, sometimes you have to distance yourself from the crazy group settings to do some self-care.

You can still take part in the many activities the holidays provide, but don’t forget to spend time focusing on enhancing your Zen and soothing the holiday jitters. This will set a great foundation for the new year, too. Here are some easy tips!

 

Create a luxury space

 

Close-up view of a peaceful Zen-inspired bedroom with light colored wall paint, showing 2 pairs of pillows resting on top of a bed with no headboard, dressed in tan linens. The bottom set of pillows is navy blue, the top set is tan, and two leaf-patterned pillows in navy blue with tan ground are propped facing toward the viewer. Two patterned paper sconces shaped like Asian lanterns cast an orangey glow on either side of the bed against the wall, while a simple piece of horizontal glass art in black with blue colored stripes adorns the wall behind the bed with a glowing light emanating behind it, in place of a headboard.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

Sometimes I feel stressed during the holiday season due to the many messes that accumulate from unpacking boxes, wrapping gifts, and hosting parties. It seems like all I do is clean from the moment November hits until after the New Year! I like to set aside a room that has calming, neutral colors, away from the noise and visual representation of the holidays, to create a boundary between the season and a normal, relaxed state. This space can include all of your favorite things or just cozy furniture to lounge on for a moment, and give you a minute to find zen in all the chaos.

Close-up photo on a white background of a triple seater immersive sofa upholstered in tan velvet in color Votive Mist. Three eco-friendly separate foam down and feather cushions or pillows rest on seat and back in a simple design with a sleek profile and low sloped arms. Solid wood round legs are part of a handcrafted frame made from sustainably sourced, reinforced hardwood.

Roxy Sofa courtesy Arhaus.com

In a room designed for relaxation, provide yourself the best items to cozy up with. Shop around in the offseason for a cozy sectional couch pillows and soft blankets. Throw in a mini fridge and a few bottles of wine and you’ve got yourself a getaway! Especially during the holidays, it’s difficult to travel for many reasons, but with a room right there in your home designed for luxury and relaxation, you can turn any evening into a great escape.

View of a grey contemporary couch with multi-colored and patterned throw pillows from several cultures and countries. Behind the sofa are a pair of yellow glass table lamps with white shades. A colorful photo of Yosemite has been turned into a large canvas, hung on the wall behind. In front of the sofa is a glass-topped Noguchi mid-century modern coffee table, styled with a vase of flowers and a few shiny containers. Some green plant fronds peek in at the far right of the scene.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

 

Go to the spa

 

Close-up photo of four nebulizing essential oil diffusers for aromatherapy, shown in three different plantation hardwood base colors and two different delicately hand-blown Pyrex glass patterns, which allow the aroma of pure essential oils to circulate without requiring any heat or water.

Essential Oil Diffusers courtesy OrganicAromas.com

A trip to the spa doesn’t have to break your bank! Go to the salon for a simple manicure or pedicure a few times during the holiday season, without overspending. Or, create your own spa at home by filling the bathtub with soap and essential oils to soak your feet after a long day of holiday prep. I apply essential oils based on what I’m feeling; use aromatherapy when you’re feeling stressed for a simple way to soften without removing yourself from a situation entirely. Use a diffuser in your home throughout the day — the oils are beneficial for many reasons.

 

Hit the gym

 

Hitting the gym is a great stress reliever and an “incognito” relaxation space. Use the gym to power through any holiday troubles — it’s the best way to incorporate healthy stress-relief into your lifestyle. With the decadent foods the holiday brings, you can feel guilt-free while indulging in special treats, after doing your workout a few times a week.

 

Image of a tall tapering lighted lamp-type shape, with swirling circle patterns. Nearby, a carved statue of a Buddhist monk stands on top of a side table. To the right, a large container holds sticks and vines, next to the client’s prized banjo, all sitting atop a cowhide rug.

Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

The holidays are a special time to join with friends and family over dinner and drinks, but don’t overdo the season. It’s important to do things you like, spend time in spaces that are relaxing, and work on positivity throughout even your busiest times, so you can present your best YOU in the new year!

 

If you aren’t sure how to create the perfect cozy relaxation room, contact Kimball Starr for a complimentary consultation in the new year! Kimball creates comfortable, beautiful spaces for moments of Zen throughout Northern California and the Lake Tahoe area.

 

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Grand Holiday Entrances

Dec 17, 2018 | Posted in Inspirations |

Have you ever driven around a neighborhood just to look at holiday decorations? Today I’m sharing some beautifully decorated front porches, doors, and entrances to inspire your own holiday creations! You can also view these on my Grand Holiday Entrances Pinterest board.

Photo of a bright red front door, decorated with a woven basket containing green cuttings and red berries, hanging in front of the partially open white slatted blinds behind 12 equal-sized front door windows. To the left of the door, on the vertical surface, is a black metal and glass porchlight over sage-green ship-lap cladding. A small pine tree sits in a white grecian urn planter at the far left of the image. A large garland of loose evergreen swags punctuated with red berries and pinecones surrounds the door frame. A pair of red rubber rainboots wait to the left of the brown-and-cream diamond porch mat, sitting atop marbled and striated sandstone pavers in brown, tan, cream, and coppery colors. A concrete grey statue of a seated reindeer or stag with full antlers is nested to the right of the door.

Courtesy HomeBunch.com

Love the basket and boots!

 

Image of a dark grey to black front door decorated with 3 vertical wreaths in bright green with red berries, hung on red and gold ribbon. Either side of the door are small planter boxes containing tiny boxwood trees. The boxes are decorated with leaping reindeer or stags burned into the wooden planks, for the holidays. The full-length windows either side of the door are frosted to resemble snow.

Courtesy Remodelandolacasa.com

Triple-impact wreaths with ribbon, and tiny boxwood trees.

 

Photo of a small, white clapboard peaked cottage front entrance with a dark charcoal-grey door, adorned with a twisted wood wreath filled with red berries as an understated holiday decoration. To the left of the door is a black pot overflowing with evergreens and white ash sticks. The front porch stone slab, surrounded by white snow, offers a grey-and-cream plaid doormat with a reindeer in red. A peek of red brick topped with white clapboard from the rest of the house shows above and to the right of the white clapboard entrance.

Courtesy CozyCottageCute.com

Imagine transitioning from chilly winter to cozy cottage at this front door…

 

Image of a residential front entrance with a black front door and low, dark stone steps over tan and grey flagstones at the sidewalk level, icy snowdrifts at the edges, and white deer statues on two steps. Either side are statues of 3 balls or globes balanced, the bottom ones in plaid, the middle ones in black-and-white harlequin diamonds, and the highest in red or green, topped with gold spires. Behind the standing deer is a small stack of 3 gifts or packages wrapped with harlequin diamond ribbon that matches the middle globes. Swags of evergreen are tied with wide red ribbons over the door on a white door surround and hanging above the sidelight windows, and a matching evergreen wreath hangs in the center, with a harlequin bow to finish it off nicely.

Courtesy Pinterest.com

Easily the most Christmas-y entrance, I like the matching plaid and harlequin elements.

 

This image is of an apartment door, partially open to reveal a sliver of the inside hallway and a chair beyond. Back at the main hallway exterior, large swags of evergreens, huge pinecones, and small white Christmas lights are tied with two oversized striped green-and-gold bows at either corner. An evergreen wreath with matching bow hangs in the center of the plain white door.

Courtesy TheCottageHomeJournal.com

Apartment doors can also be made welcoming during the festive holiday season.

 

Photo of a residential front entrance with a black front door and grey-and-white painted concrete steps. Swags of fresh greenery are tied with wide red ribbons over the porch-front on a white clapboard surround and hang all the way down to the ground. A pair of matching green wreaths with wide, red bows hang vertically in the center of the black door, adorned with the family's initials. Red poinsettia plants line the top two steps either side, and continue up onto the porch, where they sit in front of 2 taller planters filled with small pine trees and more greenery. Two white front porch lights trimmed with black are hung either side of the door, which has silver door furniture and matching kickplate. The house number on the left side is a large, horizontal rectangular black background with huge numbers cut out, revealing the white clapboard siding behind.

Courtesy Pinterest.com

This residential porch design reminds me of a small-town church, with its poinsettias, swags and bows.

 

Photo of a sage-green apartment door, opened inward to reveal a Christmas gift decoration of two large, red ribbons crossing with a huge, white fluffy bow in the center, and curled trailing ends hanging down. To the right and behind the door are a seat filled with pillows, a woven basket tucked underneath, and a mirror trimmed in turquoise blue-green.

Courtesy StephyPrudentPennyPincher via Pinterest.com

Simple yet effective gift-wrapping of a front door captures the spirit of the season.

 

I hope you enjoyed this brief look at holiday entrances and front doors. Connect with me on Pinterest and Instagram to show me YOUR decorations! Happy Holidays!

 

 

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Holiday Entertaining Tips

Dec 03, 2018 | Posted in How To & Decorating Tips |

Closeup view of a holiday dining place-setting. At the front of the image, two stacked white china plates are placed with a white linen napkin, tied with red and white twisted string to hold the napkin. White-lettered red namecard is attached to the string. A fork is visible to the left, and a tan fluted glass is just showing in front of the white, red and green floral centerpiece arrangement, which is cut off at the top of the image.

Photo by Kimball Starr

Are you ready for holiday guests to arrive? Me neither! But I do have some easy-to-do ideas to welcome them to a festive home! Read on for quick entertaining and decorating tips.

 

Make a Shrub to Drink

 

Holding an example reddish mixed drink in hand, filled with ice, in the bottom left of the image. The rest shows a woman making a shrub cocktail drink, holding a bottle of vinegar, with several glasses, bottles, and metal measurers on the counter in front of her. The kitchen space behind her is a modern design with textured wood grain and stainless steel appliances.

Photo by Kimball Starr

When your guests arrive, the first thing you want to do — after taking their coat and bags — is offer them a drink. Here’s a simple recipe for a shrub, a fruit-infused “drinking vinegar” that can be added to cocktails and mocktails for a delicious and refreshing twist. Prepare in advance, and store up to a year!

 

Five images of the process of making a shrub fruit vinegar drink. Top left image shows bottle of vinegar, cut rhubarb and a knife, a Pyrex measuring glass, a glass jar with top. Top right image shows the reddish rhubarb pieces in a bowl, covered with sugar. Middle left image shows the rhubarb being strained into the Pyrex measuring glass with a metal strainer. Middle right image shows an open bottle of cider vinegar next to the Pyrex glass with the bright red strained juice. Final bottom image shows a jar hand-labeled "Rhubarb Shrub 4/28" with a bright red liquid, and a spoon inside an upside-down lid sitting on the counter, in front of a cocktail glass containing the pale pink shrub as it appears after being diluted with seltzer water.

Photos and Recipe by Sylvia Fountaine via Feastingathome.com

 

ingredients

  • 2 cups fruit or berries (rhubarb used here), diced into very small 1/4 inch pieces
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider, or any other)
  • time required: 4-11 days
  • yields: 2 cups

 

instructions

Mix the fruit or berries and granulated sugar in a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 4-5 days, stirring every 12 hours. Strain the liquid, pressing down hard on solids. Mix the fruit syrup with vinegar and pour into a lidded jar and refrigerate. You can use immediately, but after a week, their flavors will deepen, meld and harmonize. Add to cocktails or sparkling water.

 

Top a Gift-Wrap with Fresh Evergreens

 

Beautiful gifts can adorn your holiday dinner table too, and look great as a place setting. Here’s an easy way to dress up a simple holiday gift-wrapping.

4 images of gift-wrapping options. Top left corner image shows plain brown craft paper wrapped box, with twine and string wrapped around the middle, and a roll of twine in front of the box. Top right image shows a wooden box with red and white twisted string wrapped around the middle, holding an evergreen cutting. Bottom left image shows a woman's hand as she wraps red and white twisted string around the brown craft-papered box. Bottom right image shows the final result, brown craft-papered box with twine and twisted red and white string wrapped around the middle of the box, holding a fresh evergreen cutting and a sprig of 4 red berries.

Photos by Kimball Starr

 

materials

  • gift in a small box
  • brown craft paper
  • clear tape
  • twine
  • colored string or ribbon
  • fresh evergreen cutting
  • sprig of berries

 

instructions

Wrap your gift in plain brown craft paper and tape shut. Using twine, wrap around the center of your box several times, and tie. Add a fresh evergreen cutting, wrap colored string or ribbon around the center of your box to hold the cutting, and tie. Add a sprig of berries by sliding under the string or ribbon. Optional: Write your guest’s name on the craft paper in red or green ink.

 

Dress Your Holiday Table and Chairs

 

Overhead view of a rectangular dinner table, with a white textured blanket thrown over the back of the head chair showing top right corner of image. Table has a white marble top surface. Chairs are very light taupe with a pierced pattern cane back and velvet fabric seat. The table runner is white with white linen napkins and placecards in red with white text topping the formal place settings for 6 people. Tan colored fluted glasses sit next to clear water glasses. The center of the table is filled with red, white and green plants and flowers in a festive arrangement. The rug underneath is also a light tan.

Photo by Kimball Starr

My last quick decorating tip is to throw a textured blanket over the back of your holiday dining head chairs, to make them feel more cozy. You can easily change the color scheme of your chairs this way, if they don’t go with traditional holiday colors.

If you need to dress all of your chairs, use a wide ribbon looped around just above the seat, tied with the bow at the back to keep the blankets in place, and unify the chairs.

View of a rectangular dinner table from the short end, with a white textured blanket over the back of the head chair showing bottom right of image. Table is light-colored with wooden legs and white marble top. Chairs are very light taupe with a pierced pattern cane back and velvet fabric seat. The table runner is white with white linen napkins topping the formal place settings for 6 people. Tan colored fluted glasses are next to clear water glasses. The center of the table is filled with red, white and green plants and flowers in a festive arrangement.

Photo by Kimball Starr

 

Do you need in-person help from a designer with your holiday decorating? Kimball Starr designs beautiful spaces to entertain and relax throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe – contact Kimball today!

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