To those of you who have walked through HIP with your eyes closed for the past 4 years, please meet our artist, Deanna Lautenbach. Since 2007 Lautenbach has been making affordable, one-of-a-kind works for HIP. In that time her art has afforded a healthy following of loyal fans and today her pieces are coming in and out of the shop before we can have them hung. Thankfully Deanna will replicate previous works, as well as offering privately commissioned works to customers with specific requests.

The following is a sample of "Lautenbach's" available at HIP now; and keep in mind that they fly fast, because, hey, just because your Italian sofa took 4 months to arrive, doesn't mean your art has to.

For more information head over to http://www.artismycanvas.com

HGTV's 6th season of Design Star is back and better than ever. In the first episode they are given the challenge to makeover the penthouse they will be living in. The bonus room is assigned to Karl and Kellie, where they will have to work as a team to develop a creative design.

This challenging nook under the stairs, was a difficult architectural feature to work around. Kellie created this cozy window seat that invites you in with Gus* Modern jasper cubes in billards vert ($295 each) tucked under the seat for convienent access. Use the cubes as ottomans, extra seating, or paired together for a coffee table.

In this photo you can see the exterior of the nook with the Gus cubes and the Upcycle ottoman ( $425). The Upcycle ottoman is made out of recycled coffee bean bags. Each one is unique and you never know what print you will receive. We just received these and they sure look cool on the showroom floor.

Watch the full episode to see other footage of great and not so great design ideas.

Modern Décor is often considered minimal and sterile; something to be admired, but not necessarily livable. We have many customers who come in “just to look around” and liken our shop to something of a museum. When pressed as to why they are not interested in owning a piece, the response is often something along the lines of “Oh my home is nowhere near modern! None of this would match.”

For those of you who can relate, allow me to introduce the 80/20 rule. The basic idea is that, when decorating a room, the secret balance is to have a main décor (80% of the room) and a supporting décor (the other 20%).

The room above is an elaborately decorated sitting room. The rich blue, heavy drapes, and stained glass window suggest an almost regal décor. However, the use of the 80/20 rule has created a healthy balance of modernity to this style. Minimal glass tables and a metal shaded lamp add positively to the character of this space.

The kitchen above is soft, almost country-like, with the use of a rich walnut table, lightly adorned white cabinets, and detailing down the bar stool legs. Yet, with the use of Eiffel dining chairs and dome pendant lighting, you have modernity mixed with country. And you know what? It works!

As always, remember that if you need style advice, just ask us!