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July 20.2025
3 Minutes Read

How Ellen Van Dusen’s Unique Home Décor Can Transform Your Space

Ellen Van Dusen home design with colorful decor and artwork.

From Fashion to Home: The Evolution of Dusen Dusen

When Ellen Van Dusen first launched Dusen Dusen in 2010, her brand was rooted in women’s fashion. However, five years later, recognizing the shifting landscape of design and personal preferences, she pivoted to focus on home goods. This shift showcases a microcosm of contemporary design trends that blur the lines between fashion and interior spaces. The vibrant patterns and textures she creates for bedding, throws, and towels reflect insights drawn from art, nature, and even psychology.

A Design Philosophy Steeped in Collaboration

True to the spirit of innovation, Dusen Dusen has engaged in numerous collaborations to broaden its influence. Working alongside brands like Design Within Reach and Areaware, Ellen’s partnerships have infused her brand with a creative spark that resonates in everything from functional home accessories to playful outdoor furniture with Dutch brand Fatboy. This cross-industry collaboration emphasizes the importance of creative synergy in design, offering homeowners unique pieces that elevate any living space.

Everyday Inspiration: More Than Just Objects

In a recent Q&A, Ellen opened up about her favorite household objects that inspire her. For her, a simple set of Dusen Dusen dish towels serves as the perfect gift. "You can never have too many," she says, emphasizing how practical, yet beautifully designed items can enhance daily life. This sentiment aligns perfectly with the ethos of ProHomeGuides, encouraging homeowners to see the value in integrating aesthetic appeal with functionality.

The Power of Design in Daily Life

Ellen also highlights her bedside essentials—a Verner Panton lamp and a large glass of water—showing how thoughtful design touches every aspect of our lives. Her choice of literature, especially the works on Mary Sully, showcases not only her passion for aesthetics but her understanding of the deeper cultural narratives behind design. As homeowners, we can draw from this understanding to create spaces that reflect our identities and values.

Soundtracks to Creativity: The Role of Music in Design

Music, often an overlooked element in the design space, plays a pivotal role in Ellen’s creative process. Her recommended podcast, "Death Is Not The End," dives deep into genres and tunes that stir her imagination, encouraging others to curate their soundscapes in ways that inspire their living spaces. Curating playlists that align with our personal aesthetics could very well enhance our design journeys.

Design That Is Personal and Relatable

What resonates in Ellen’s story is an invitation to blend personal tastes with functional design. Her final notes about everyday inspirations, family life, and her unique mosaic patio in Bed-Stuy reveal the human side of design, reminding us that our spaces can be an extension of who we are. As homeowners, we should be empowered to embrace our creativity and express our individuality through design.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Space with Purpose

As we explore the world of home design, Ellen Van Dusen’s insights illuminate the path towards thoughtful, impactful decor. By considering the interplay of everyday objects, collaborative innovations, and personal stories in our designs, we can transform our homes into not just places to live, but environments that reflect our journeys and identities. If you’re ready to elevate your home, take a closer look at the pieces surrounding you, and consider how they can tell your story.

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07.20.2025

Transform Everyday Cooking with Edible Flowers in Compound Butter

Update Elevate Your Cooking with Nature's Beauty Imagine transforming your meals into a symphony of flavors and colors with the addition of edible flowers. It's not just about flavor; it's an art form that makes every dish a feast for the eyes as well. By melding blossoms into your butter, you’re not just cooking—you’re crafting culinary masterpieces. 5 Edible Flowers to Transform Your Compound Butter If you're ready to take the plunge into floral butter-making, let’s explore five of the best edible flowers you can incorporate into your culinary repertoire. Nasturtiums: Fire Up Your Garden Butter Nasturtiums are vivid flowers that not only brighten up your garden but also pack a spicy punch into your compound butter. Their peppery flavor is reminiscent of watercress, making it a versatile addition that pairs magnificently with grilled vegetables or even a bold steak. To create a memorable flavor profile, mix nasturtium petals with a bit of lemon zest before chilling to serve. Lavender: Dessert Delights with an Aromatic Touch Lavender isn't just for sachets; its floral notes lend a soothing element to butter that shines in sweet dishes. Combine softened butter with finely chopped lavender, and you'll have a delightful spread for scones and desserts. The floral fragrance makes for a calming addition to any tea-time, enhancing both the aroma and taste of your pastries. Calendula: A Touch of Sunshine Commonly known as pot marigold, calendula's bright petals can transform butter into a vibrant gold spread. Its mild flavor adds lovely color and a slight citrusy taste. Adding calendula petals to your butter not only beautifies but also boosts visual appeal paired with crackers or cheese boards. It’s the perfect flourish for gatherings. Hibiscus: A Sweet and Tart Surprise Hibiscus adds an exotic twist to compound butter with its sweet and slightly tart flavor. Blending hibiscus petals into your butter creates a stunning deep red hue, perfect for vibrant brunch spreads or as a luxurious topping for pancakes. Furthermore, hibiscus is known for its health benefits, offering a functional ingredient with aesthetic value. Chive Blossoms: A Subtle Herbaceous Flavor Take your herb butter to a new level by incorporating chive blossoms. These delicate blooms provide a mild onion flavor that works beautifully on baked potatoes, grilled seafood, or even as a finishing touch for soups. They symbolize the beauty of your herb garden, making them a thoughtful addition to your cooking. Tips for Successful Edible Flower Butter When making compound butter with flowers, always ensure they're organic, pesticide-free, and entirely edible. Start with softened unsalted butter and mix in your chosen flowers to taste. Be creative with flavors and pairings; feel free to blend different flower varieties to come up with unique flavors that excite your palate. The Benefits of Edible Flower Cooking Using edible flowers isn’t just a trendy culinary move; it brings a range of benefits. They provide a subtle flavor punch, enhance meal presentation, and introduce nutritional elements that can boost your health. Perhaps most importantly, they help create culinary experiences that keep meals fresh and exciting, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to something special. Act Now: Dive Into the World of Floral Cooking! It's time to brighten up your culinary skills with some floral artistry! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or trying something new, experimenting with edible flowers can elevate your dishes to a whole new level. So gather your blooms, whip up some compound butter, and let nature inspire your next meal!

07.19.2025

Transform Your Outdoor Retreat: Embrace Shade This Summer!

Update Embracing the Shade: What’s Captivating Homeowners This Season Summer’s heat can be harsh, making escapes to cooler retreats not only desirable but essential. As homeowners seek solace in shaded spaces, the latest trends in outdoor living are fanning the flames of creativity. Gardenista highlights how shade can be transformed into an aesthetic sanctuary full of life and style. Creating Inviting Outdoor Spaces This summer, the spotlight is on crafting outdoor spaces that allow for gatherings, relaxation, and engagement with nature. Think lush canopy trees providing a natural shade, or custom-built pergolas draped with soft fabric for shade and elegance. These concepts not only enhance the visual appeal of your backyard but also create a comfortable environment to enjoy dining al fresco. Here’s how to elevate your outdoor gatherings. Unconventional Floral Arrangements: Moving Beyond Traditional Bouquets One of the most enchanting ideas emerging from the trend report is the use of shell arrangements instead of conventional flowers. The mussel shell arrangement is not just innovative; it also tells a story of coastal origins, evoking memories of beach outings and ocean breezes. DIY enthusiasts can recreate this organic aesthetic using local materials, making it a sustainable choice for outdoor decor. Inspiration from Culinary Experts In keeping with the spirit of gathering, themes extracted from the culinary world can bring a fresh perspective to events at home. By drawing from a Paris cookbook writer’s approach to casual aperitifs, homeowners can embody the charm of French dining culture, integrating easy yet sophisticated bites into their gatherings. The Allure of Creative Accessories Artist Katerina Shukshina's plant-based accessories are a testament to how art can intertwine with nature. These exquisite adornments not only showcase creativity but also serve as conversation starters at any outdoor event. When accessorizing your space, consider how art can reflect your personal style while complementing your natural surroundings. Unique Workshops to Ignite Your Imagination Workshops like the one hosted by Perfect Earth Project in Amagansett inspire homeowners to dive deeper into the art of floral arrangement. Attending such workshops not only enhances one’s skills but also provides valuable insights into creating personalized decor that resonates with one’s unique tastes. Why Sustainable Choices Matter As homeowners navigate through these trends, sustainability remains a focal point. The surge in DIY eco-friendly projects aligns with a broader cultural shift towards responsible living. By investing in heat pumps, solar panels, and electric vehicles before tax breaks fade away, homeowners can ensure their upgrades are both beneficial and forward-thinking. Final Thoughts: Creating Your Own Retreat As we embrace these unique takes on outdoor living and decor, it’s clear that the essence of summer lies in creating experiences that feel both personal and relevant. Whether it’s the allure of a mussel shell arrangement or the inspiration drawn from a Parisian dinner party, each element contributes to a lifestyle that values style and substance in equal measure. Take this opportunity to experiment, create, and indulge in the beauty of shade this summer.

07.19.2025

Transform Your Backyard Harvest into Stunning DIY Centerpieces

Update The Bright Side of Backyard Harvests Imagine stepping into your backyard, surrounded by bountiful fruits that not only nourish your family but also contribute to stunning table displays. This dual-purpose approach to garden produce has gained traction, showcasing how everyday fruits can transform spaces into vibrant showcases. Turns out, those limes and lemons are more than just ingredients for your drink—they can ignite creativity and elevate any occasion! Showcase Your Garden’s Glory Utilizing fruits from your garden doesn’t have to be limited to desserts or jams. Instead, embrace the notion that they can double as magnificent centerpieces. Whether it's the resinous aroma of herbs or the striking colors of ripe fruits, your table can reflect the vibrant life outside while celebrating the harvest. Each arrangement invites interaction and conversation, making every gathering special. Crafting with Limes: A Zesty Approach When it comes to DIY centerpieces, limes stand out with their vibrant green hues. These small citrus fruits can light up any table with their glossy skin and refreshing essence. For a creative twist, consider displaying them in a rustic wooden bowl alongside rosemary and scattered pebbles for depth. This not only creates an eye-catching centerpiece but subtly communicates your gardening passion. Imagine combining limes with slices of dried citrus or surrounding them with rich basil leaves. This approach not only enhances the color palette but also infuses your decor with natural fragrance. A footed bowl adds height, turning an ordinary arrangement into an exquisite visual delight that prompts guests to appreciate the beauty of sustainable living. The Cheerful Lemon: A Ray of Sunshine Equally captivating is the humble lemon. Its sunny disposition shines through when featured as a centerpiece. A tray filled with lemons instantly captures attention and brings the essence of summer right into your dining room. This burst of yellow doesn’t just brighten spaces; it energizes the atmosphere, encouraging joyous gatherings and memories in the making. Combine lemons with a mix of greenery—perhaps some mint or even edible flowers. This creates a cohesive centerpiece that is as fragrant as it is visually appealing. Place them in stylish glass jars or as part of a larger display interspersed with candles, emphasizing their vibrant hue while inviting a warm glow. Grapes: A Symbol of Abundance Grapes, with their jewel-like tones, offer a sense of abundance to your table décor. These fruits evoke feelings of celebration, making them perfect for special occasions or even casual dinners. Consider layering grapes within a clear glass bowl with other fruits, or utilizing them in a cluster formation alongside nuts for a rustic appeal. They can add texture and a hint of sophistication to the overall experience, drawing the eye and enhancing the table organization. Bringing It All Together: A Feast for the Senses Creating stunning centerpieces from garden harvests is not just about aesthetics. It’s about creating a sensory experience—engaging the sight, smell, and even taste of the fruits displayed. It’s a reminder of the freshness of organic sourcing and the joys of harvesting. By infusing your table with colors and scents from backyard produce, you’re not only showcasing your gardening skills but also celebrating the beauty of wholesome food. Let each centerpiece express a story—yours—grounded in the earth and filled with life. Making Sustainable Choices Opting for DIY centerpieces with garden-grown fruits also sends a powerful message about sustainability. It’s a practice that resonates well in today's environmentally aware society, influencing others to think about their carbon footprint. So, as you gather your fruits next time, remember that you're not just decorating; you're cultivating an experience that both celebrates your harvest and inspires your guests. Embrace the power of nature's palette! While these engaging ideas capture the essence of nature on your dining table, they also present a space for connection and conversation. Start experimenting with your backyard harvest today—it’s not just about the food on your plate, but the beauty that surrounds it! Don't forget to share your creative centerpiece ideas with us for future inspiration!

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