Catherine M Designs

Changing drab rooms to fab rooms and stale wardrobes to fantastic.

The Coolest Bowls in the World

June9

Zak Designs Assorted Yellow Bright, Set of 6 Bowls

Zak Designs Bowls

I’ve had a set of these bowls for going on 10 years, and they’re still the most gorgeous and hardy bowls I’ve ever owned. The colors have never faded in that time, and they have no problem with the dishwasher (top rack at least). Just don’t use them in the microwave. Small price to pay though, they’re beautiful. I got mine from Crate and Barrel, who doesn’t sell them anymore, but you can find them at Amazon or Target for $59.99.

How to Resale Shop

June3

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Until 9 By Design Returns, There’s Always Downtown Chic

June2

Downtown Chic: Designing Your Dream Home: From Wreck to Ravishing

Robert and Cortney Novogratz of 9 By Design fame have written a great book that illustrates their design ethic. I can’t wait for this show to return next season!

The Novogratzes have been renovating and designing unique and hip homes for families for over ten years. Describing their signature style as a sophisticated but bohemian mix of high and low, new and old, they offer their realistic advice on how to create original, warm interiors with ease. One part practical guide, one part inspirational volume on creating a look for the home, the book pairs humorous anecdotes about the pitfalls and pleasures of renovation with a treasure trove of decorating tips: how to use both boutique and flea-market finds; how to inject lots of personality into a room affordably; how to decorate kids’ rooms so they appeal to children and adults; how to easily rehabilitate outdated furnishings; and many more. In each of the ten projects featured—which include a townhouse in New York City, a country house in Massachusetts, and a beach house in Brazil—before and after shots document the agony and ecstasy of any renovation project, as well as revealing the design duo’s vision and remarkable ability to see through the most awful of spaces to the amazing home that lies within.

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Season Finale: 9 By Design

June1

Hard to believe the 9 By Design season is already over . . . this is one of the most talented designer-couples I’ve ever seen . . . and completely self taught. Pretty cool BIG family too. Bravo has all the episodes online for free if you missed it.

Hi! I’m Catherine Gage . . . and Catherine M Designs is my design and styling business, including designing room interiors and being a personal stylist for women. From the individual’s point of view, I do private client styling, personal shopping, wardrobe planning, closet renovation, and special occasion/event planning and shopping. Whew! From the home’s perspective, I take great pride in designing rooms that blend function and style while fitting your personality to perfection.

Although a Mercedes is clearly a Mercedes, sometimes style lies in pulling elements from the most diverse places, and not always in the most expensive way. My goal is to make you feel and look good with the clothes you wear every day no matter where your destination may find you. And when you get home, you should feel good knowing that your home is a perfect reflection of you.

This site covers all the parts of the business, and I also blog about style and design elements that I love. I hope you enjoy it!