Jackie McGilvray | Design Happens

POSTS BY Jackie McGilvray

One of The Founders of The Green Movement Turns 40 Today

by Jackie McGilvray June 1, 2009 4 Comments

Happy Birthday Oscar!

Oscar and many of his Sesame Street friends are turning 40.

Kermit the Frog says it isn’t easy being green, but Oscar the Grouch never had a problem with it. Way before it was cool and trendy; Oscar was living green, turning trash into treasure by reclaiming and recycling. I think he was just grouchy because it took so long for everybody else to get it. We’re with you now Oscar!

I don’t ever recall seeing the inside of Oscar’s garbage-can home. Not sure PBS ever showed us. It has been speculated that he has a swimming pool, ice-skating rink and a bowling alley down there. I bet Oscar’s pad is gorgeous and ultra plush too — filled with vintage treasures, colorful mosaics and earth-friendly furnishings.

In honor of Oscar’s big four-oh, add a little green to your home. For earth-friendly ideas, go to our sister blog – Ecologue. If it’s the color green you so desire, take a look at this photo gallery of cozy and sophisticated greens. And, don’t forget about HGTV’s Green Home giveaway – only a few days left to enter!

Top-10 List of Our Top-10 Design Photo Galleries

by Jackie McGilvray May 28, 2009 12 Comments

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“The number of the day is 10.” — Sesame Street’s Count Von Count (number-loving distant relative of Count Dracula)

Like most people, I love looking at “top” lists of nearly anything. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of our top 10 most popular design photo galleries – all chock full of gorgeous photos and clever ideas. Take a look at them all to get inspiration and motivation for your next decorating or remodeling project.
Get inspired with 10s »

Outdoor Dream Kitchens and Grill Shopping Tips

by Jackie McGilvray May 21, 2009 1 Comment

I’m so happy the summer is finally here! Like most people, I have grand visions of what I want my backyard to look like: pool, hot tub, high-end outdoor kitchen, buff cabana boy, Italian-imported pizza oven just like this one…
This backyard-of-my-dreams is from a special airing this Monday called Sizzling Outdoor Kitchens – check out the photo gallery to see more dreamy pix.
Back to reality – I’m starting modestly on my outdoor kitchen with a new grill (hoping to find a big Memorial Day sale). If you’re in the market for a new grill Consumer Reports‘ June edition – they rate the best gas grills (many less than $500) and give a few tips on what to watch out for:

Manufacturers are using less stainless steel and more painted-steel as a way to cut costs. But, cooking surfaces should definitely be stainless-steel or porcelain-coated cast iron because they last longer and sear better.
Don’t be too concerned about the Btu/hr (British thermal unit) rating – it doesn’t mean faster heating or higher temperatures, it indicates how much gas is used.
Many retailers assemble grills free but charge for delivery. (I’m going to call friend with a pick-up truck to help bring home the grill in exchange for a backyard cookout.)

Art Meets Furniture in Green and Funky Ways

by Jackie McGilvray May 6, 2009 6 Comments

I really enjoyed reading the chronicles of the High Point Furniture Market from my fellow editors, Chelsey and Leslie. (I’m jealous you guys met Angelo – he’s so cool.) I love seeing the unusual stuff in Leslie’s vlogs (I sooooo want the crazy-cool diva lounger. If it had built-in speakers and magic fingers it would be perfect!)

Thought I’d share some of my favorite unique/artistic furniture pieces – stuff I really don’t think you’d see at High Point. Check out this line of ultra-fun, Dr. Seuss-like furniture from Straight Line Designs.
Check out more of my favorite pieces»