With all that transpired at Marco Polo I was able to keep 'sailing on' as they say.

"Meeting up with Blondie (aka Ryan Breymaier) as he arrived in Barcelona to ready for the World Race was a fabulous treat! The fast friendship, sailing hub-bub and architecture of the old city is unforgettable.(Click here to see the Washington Post article.)

"At home, I expect great things to continue in 2011. As Marco Polo journeyed to new adventures so will we on and off the water!

"Here's looking forward sharing design experiences with friends and clients,fair winds and a Happy New Year!"

Check the after Pic we received from Janet!!

I have a dark hall on my 2nd floor and don't know how to brighten it. I have to keep the lights on almost all of the time. The builder couldn't put sky lights in. Could you give me some suggestions? ~ Janet DeSoto

Janet, I totally understand! Here are a few enlightening ideas to get some brightness into that space: First, take advantage of the natural light that you do have by using one of the new pearlescent paints offered by many companies. Select your favorite LIGHT hue and paint all of the walls to bounce the daylight around as it filters in from other rooms. If you're daring, try Ben Moore's beautiful faux finish called Studio Finish Metallic Glaze for a shimmering effect on your walls! I'd suggest a pearlescent white for the ceiling, too.

While working on a design project in Mexico, I found myself on a sea adventure in Belize! The sights, scenes and treasures in this little country were fabulous. The locals were as warm and friendly as the brilliant sunshine.

Belize has the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world with over 1000 islands to explore. Anchoring here and there, we found clear waters and islands natural and unspoiled ~ but after being at sea for 7 days I had an itch to shop!

I was happy to find quite a few lovely things from the neighboring country of Guatemala to share with you. See our Gifts & Accessory section for treats from the lands of friendly warmth!

In keeping with this transitional time of year I'd like to suggest that you toss a shade of the hottest color in the design scene into your life....orange! If you'd like to be noticed without 'screaming' consider a swash of orange in your home or as part of your attire.

Call it what you will - copper, brass, apricot, peach, citrus, tangerine, cinnabar, vermilion - orange is making quite a splash!

These new shades denote energy, warmth, and the sun. Orange has a bit less intensity or aggression than red since its calmed by the cheerfulness of yellow. The softer side of orange, such as a worn terra cotta, is very friendly and soothing. Peachy oranges are less flamboyant than their redder cousins but still quite energetic! While a brighter shade, say tangerine, is mentally stimulating and sociable.

The drama and warmth of the new orange hues make it a feng shui color easy to live with as it strengthens concentration, creativity and organization. At sunsets and early evenings the light in orange-themed rooms becomes beautifully golden and gives an enveloping nurturing feeling.

By Symmetry: This very traditional scenario is for hanging arrangements such as in image #1. To create a work space measure your mantle’s length then use masking tape mark out that length on your floor. Continue with masking tape to create either a rectangle or triangle to arrange your objects in as a test area. The shape should be about half as high as it is long. If using a triangle, start with your largest piece and situate it in the center, then use pairs (or similar pieces) to build out your display placing equal number of objects on each side. For either a rectangular or triangular design arrange pieces as you go paying attention to color, content and complimentary shapes as they relate to one another. Once you’re satisfied with your overall scheme, number items as they sit, measure and note corresponding numbers with chalk on your wall, then hang one by one starting with the center piece working outwards. By Textures: Collect objects from around your home that have a variety of textures like pottery, paintings, glass, greenery, etc. Center your strongest piece in the middle of the mantle, and then group other like items together as you go making sure to vary heights. If you have a long mantle, use 2 large, matching objects to ‘cap off’ your display as shown in image #2. The key here is TEXTURE so you can fill your mantle up or make it sparse –this is a good arrangement for the true collector who has too much and appreciates it all! You’ll probably move things around a few times before it feels just right.

By Balance: Gather items that have similarities like the candle holders shown in image #3 and place everything on your mantle! Choose one thing to become your focal point, and then begin to remove pieces one-by-one. Remember to keep the visual weight evenly disbursed on both sides so the mantle doesn’t feel too heavy and ‘tilt’. You’re looking for an overall symmetry in feeling, not in specific matching of objects. This approach gives a look of being less planned or stiff but still polished. (Just to confuse you, Image #4 combines Textures with Balance. ;))

By Asymmetry: For the creative soul! First, note the tops of your fireplace columns – don’t decorate beyond them on your mantel. Start by setting the largest item off center by placing the item’s edge or corner in the middle of your mantel. Select pieces that contrast – some formal others whimsical and ‘found’ objects - layer them on one-by-one. You can use a combination of hanging, leaning and standing things. Position them to show contrast – see how the bold frame squares contrast with the oval mirror and skinny statue in image #5. Little details can be included to fill awkward spaces.