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Please Join Me with Trudy Dujardin, FASID, LEED AP

Light It Up Blue!

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Trudy Dujardin, FASID, Leed AP

An organization that has always been close to my heart is Autism Speaks, and their fabulous month-long campaign called Light It Up Blue.

I’ve supported Autism Speaks for years, alarmed by the rapid increase in children affected by the disorder. I have written about autism every year since I began this blog in 2011. My most recent post is here.

My husband, Frank, and our Bichons at Walk Now for Autism Speaks

Autism is a general term for a group of complex disorders of brain development. One in 68 children per year are diagnosed with disorders on the autism spectrum today, a forty fold increase in the last ten years. For boys, the rate is four to five times that of girls, at one in 42. The rate for girls is one in 189. I’ve walked on Nantucket to raise money and awareness (Walk Now for Autism Speaks: there are walks all over the country–check it out!), and in 2013 created a very special holiday tree to honor the families who struggle with autism and to help bring attention to their search for a cure.

Nantucket Whaling Museum’s Festival of Trees, 2013

World Autism Awareness Day is on April 2, 2015, and kicks off a month of autism awareness with Light It Up Blue. Light It Up Blue (LIUB) asks everyone to honor people with autism worldwide. Buildings, landmarks, hotels, concert halls, schools, and thousands of homes will light it up blue. This year, even the Great Pyramid in Egypt will Light It Up Blue!

Here’s how you can help:

Light your homes, businesses and schools blue! Change outdoor and indoor light bulbs to blue bulbs.

Wear blue: ties, scarfs, shirts, shoes! Ask your family and friends to wear blue, too.

Post blue. Use Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Instagram and Pinterest to share your support for Light It Up Blue. Use the hash tag #LIUB.

Distribute information about autism and Light It Up Blue in your community.

And of course, donate!

The Cleveland Clinic is doing their part, too. Beginning Monday, April 13th through Sunday, April 19th, 43 participating Panera Bread bakery-cafes in Northeast Ohio will bake a specialty puzzle piece shortbread cookie and donate 100% of the proceeds to the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Center for Autism. Not in northeast Ohio? You can purchase a virtual cookie here.

The Winter Antiques Show

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Trudy Dujardin, FASID, Leed AP

It’s no secret that I love antiques. Old furniture and objets d’art hold the secrets of our past, as well as reverence for our future: they are the ultimate in green! By reusing and respecting heirloom furniture, china, jewelry, paintings and ephemera, we help to preserve antiquity and the earth.

That’s why one of my favorite destinations is an antiques show, where the number of exhibitors and antique experts gathered together under one roof offers a fabulous opportunity to browse, learn and buy. I love collections. A group of similar items, whether antique scrimshaw or Chinese Export porcelain can add a conversational sizzle to any room. I often begin a collection for my clients when I select something special to accessorize a space; they often delight me (and themselves) by falling in love with the fun pursuit of other examples of their treasure.

From now through February 1st, you can enjoy some of the world’s finest antiques and meet some of the most respected antique experts and dealers in New York City at the Winter Antiques Show. Held at the Park Avenue Armory, at 67th Street and Park Avenue, a $25 admission fee brings you face to face with 73 exceptional exhibitors. One third of them are specialists in Americana; the rest feature English, European and Asian fine and decorative arts.

It’s for a good cause, too: the show is a fundraiser for East Side House Settlement, a community resource in the South Bronx, offering education and technology as gateways out of poverty. Friday, January 30th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. is Expert Eye Evening, when exhibitors will share tips on collecting works from antiquity to Midcentury modern while you enjoy wine tastings and discussion.

If you go, please be sure to visit with Peter Pap, of Peter Pap Oriental Rugs. Peter has been dealing in oriental rugs for more than 35 years, and is recognized internationally as a foremost authority on antique oriental rugs, carpets, and tribal weavings. His website offers a section called Learn, which offers information on the history of rugs, how to choose a rug, and more. There’s nothing like learning from an expert!

A Barnyard of Blessings

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Trudy Dujardin, FASID, Leed AP

Here’s how to make a difference in the world, the way Heifer International does it: Start a cycle of positive change. When you think about it that way, it’s simple, isn’t it? That’s why Heifer International has been my charity of choice for holiday gift giving for many years. I celebrate all the goodness in my life and the success of Dujardin Design Associates by doing what I can to end poverty and hunger.

None of us can change the world, but we can change the life of one person for a day, a week, or more. Heifer International’s mission is the same one behind “give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach him to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” The way Heifer founder Dan West saw it nearly 70 years ago, don’t give a hungry child a cup of milk, give her a cow. Or maybe a pig.

Heifer helps to bring sustainable agriculture to communities with a long history of poverty. Heifer animal gifts provide both food and much needed income, when turned into products such as eggs, milk and honey.

This year, Dujardin Design Associates has purchased two Barnyards of Blessings, with gratitude to our clients and friends who have made this donation possible. If you’re looking for a charity to support this holiday season, I encourage you to consider Heifer International. The goal of every Heifer project is to encourage self reliance by providing the tools communities need to sustain themselves.

We can’t change the world, but maybe we can change a village. I hope you’ll join me!

Nantucket Christmas Stroll

Posted on November 25, 2014 by Trudy Dujardin, FASID, Leed AP

I’m not sure there’s anything more enchanting than the annual Christmas Stroll on Nantucket Island. It’s part of Nantucket Noel, which is a monthly long celebration organized by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce. Christmas Stroll this year is from Friday, December 5th through Sunday, December 7th.

My husband, Frank, and I will be there, as always, with our three little white Bichon Frises, and my dad, Bob! We wouldn’t miss the carolers in Victorian costumers, the bell ringers, the magical talking tree, and of course Santa arriving by boat!

This year is extra special, as I’ll be at Mitchells Book Corner for a book signing on Saturday, December 6th from 12 to 1 p.m. I hope you’ll come by to see me if you’re on the island.

My publisher tells me that my book, Comfort Zone: Creating the Eco-Elegant Interior, makes a wonderful Christmas gift for anyone wanting a more beautiful, elegant, and healthier home. (And don’t tell anyone, but all my secrets are in there!)

It’s such a magical time of the year. I hope you enjoy every minute of the holiday season, no matter where you are.

Photos courtesy of the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce; except first photo courtesy of www.hylinecruises.com

My Whirlwind Book Tour

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Trudy Dujardin, FASID, Leed AP

It’s hard to pick the best part of the experience of writing and launching a book, but the chance to meet so many wonderful people, see my many dear friends, and share my message of sustainable design and green living has been very rewarding! Comfort Zone: Creating the Eco-Elegant Interior was first introduced on Nantucket, and then we were off to Boston and New York! Join me for a look back at the friends who opened their doors to me and have helped to make Comfort Zone a success!

First stop: 26 Main Street, Nantucket, at Quidley and Co.! A beautiful summer evening brought friends, visitors, wine, and hors d’ouevres together for a festive introduction for Comfort Zone!

A big thank you to Chris Quidley for hosting our first party. Here he is with Dujardin Design’s Sondy Rexford and Price Connors.

Next stop: 54 Main Street, Nantucket, and Mitchell’s Book Corner! This is where I gave my very first talk about what it was like to write Comfort Zone, and all the information inside!

I explained to my guests at Mitchell’s that Comfort Zone could just be read as a beautiful design book, with more than 350 color photographs, or readers could drill down deeper and really learn about sustainable design.

Then it was on to One Chestnut Street, Nantucket, and the beautiful Flowers on Chestnut.

Comfort Zone and I were warmly welcomed by shop owner Michael Molinar.

My longtime friend, renowned marine artist Michael Keane stopped by to see us. Here we are with my dad, (and my biggest fan), Robert Stefanov. For a look at Michael Keane’s incredible talent, see my blog post The Sea-Worthy Artwork of Michael Keane.

We couldn’t launch a book without a stop to see our friends Ken and Deborah Withrow at the Union Street Inn. We’ve been entrusted with designing the inn’s historic common areas and guest rooms twice. It was a beautiful day to enjoy the inn’s back patio. Here I am with Ken!

Before we knew it, it was September, and I was scheduled to appear at What’s New, What’s Next? at the New York Design Center, 200 Lex. This time I was welcomed at Calger Lighting, where Carmella Califano had arranged wine and hors d’ouevres (and some amazing brownies!) for all our guests that day.

My husband, Frank Fasanella, is always there to support me (even taking care of business from our book tour!) Here I am with Calger’s Carmella Califano.

Up for the drive to Boston, anyone? Come along for my panel discussion at the Boston Design Center!

Kyle Hoepner of New England Home Magazine moderated a panel on sustainable architecture and design. I was joined by John R. DaSilva, AIA, of Polhemus Savery DaSilva, and Susan Brisk, a kitchen and bath designer and a faculty member at Boston Architectural College. The morning was sponsored by EcoModern Design and Cosentino. Eco-Modern’s David Sanborn and Cosentino’s Merry Leclerc joined us in this photo.

A book signing followed at EcoModern Design’s showroom. They put out a delicious spread of appetizers to welcome our guests. A big thank you to David Sanborne and the staff at EcoModern!

Then it was back to Connecticut, and a visit to Fairfield University’s bookstore on Post Road in Fairfield.

Many of the university’s design students attended and we had a lively discussion on sustainable design.

My thanks to Elizabeth Hastings for arranging such a lovely evening. Here I am with Rob Hardy, the director of Interior Design programs at Fairfield University.

No time to rest yet! Next on the schedule: a panel discussion on why antiques are the ultimate in green. Hosted by de Le Cuona during Fall Market at the Decoration and Design Building in New York, Creating an Eco-Elegant Interior was the topic for moderator Kerry Howard, who led the discussion. My co-panelist was The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines. I wish you all could have been there!

Finally, the fabulous New York launch of Comfort Zone! Hosted by the gracious Stark family at Stark Carpet, we threw ourselves a wonderful fete, with Prosecco and wine, delicious bites and sparkling conversation. It was truly the celebration of the year!

Our hosts for the evening: John and Chad Stark. My deepest appreciation for their warm support and beautiful showroom!

Lots of books…

and lots of signing!

The party in full swing!

It was truly an elegant and very special evening.

And on October 20, here we are at Currey and Co. in High Point, North Carolina. On the right is company owner Bob Currey with his poodle companion, Reeves. My deepest thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this tour possible!

So Long, Summer

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Trudy Dujardin, FASID, Leed AP

Summer passes so quickly by. Join me for a last look at the season we love!

Photo courtesy of David Fingerhut

“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don’t, they should, for their feet are dusted with the spices from a million flowers.”–Ray Bradbury

“Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people. For those few months, you’re not required to be who everyone thinks you are, and that cut-grass smell in the air and the chance to dive into the deep end of a pool give you a courage you don’t have the rest of the year. Summer just opens the door and lets you out.” Deb Caletti

“One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by.” Jeannette Walls

“The cure for anything is salt water–tears, sweat or the sea.” Isak Dinesen

“A beach is not only a sweep of sand, but shells of sea creatures, the seaweed, the incongruous objects washed up by the ocean.” Henry Grunwald

“Hark now, hear the sailors cry, smell the sea and feel the sky…” Van Morrison

So long, Summer. It’s hard to say goodbye but a new season is right around the corner, and there’s always something to look forward to. I have new things to share with you then. I can’t wait to tell you about them!

Battling the Autism Epidemic

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Trudy Dujardin, FASID, Leed AP

I’ve written before about my concern for for the 70 million people affected by autism worldwide, and their families. Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders–autism spectrum disorders–caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors.

The numbers are rising, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control’s new statistics: 1 in 68 children, 1 in 42 boys have autism. It is an urgent public health priority that requires increasing global awareness, services and research. World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), celebrated each year on April 2, was adopted by the United Nations in 2007 to shine a bright light on autism as a growing health crisis. Autism Speaks recognizes that day with its international Light It Up Blue campaign.

Thousands of communities participate, with iconic landmarks, businesses and homes across the globe uniting by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families around the world living with autism.

I’m doing my small part by helping to spread the word through my blog and Facebook page, as well as providing financial support and participating in Walk Now for Autism Speaks. The Nantucket Walk will take place this year on August 16th, starting from Jetties Beach. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across America. Please visit Autism Speaks here to find a walk in your area!

Autism Speaks is a worldwide organization co-founded by Suzanne and Bob Wright. They are tireless in approaching autism from every avenue, and transforming lives, one person at a time. A new documentary, Sounding the Alarm, has been produced. The film follows autism families as they follow tangled rules and regulations, and steadfastly fight to find and afford the right care and treatment for their loved ones throughout their lives.

Watch the trailer here. It’s available now on Netflix.

Bring the Look Home with Coastal Living!

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Trudy Dujardin, FASID, Leed AP

Used with permission by Coastal Living Magazine; Photo by Ozerov Alexander

We’re in the Summer Issue of Coastal Living Magazine!

According to the July/August 2014 issue of Coastal Living Magazine, the Union Street Inn on Nantucket is one of the most friendly and refined of all the B&B’s on the island. I would wholeheartedly agree, as Dujardin Design had the privilege of working with innkeepers Ken and Deborah Withrow to create an updated and elegant look that is still quintessential Nantucket. Our five-phase design of the inn began more than 12 years ago, and was completed by redoing every room and common area in time for guests arriving in Spring 2013.

As Coastal Living says: “Housed in a 1770s whaling captain’s home minutes from Nantucket’s humming wharves, this intimate inn embraces a crisp, modern look created by Dujardin Design Associates–there are no doilies here.”

“Its gently sloping hallways and narrow doorways lead to 12 guest rooms dressed in broad-striped wallpapers and richly patterned fabrics in a quartet of colors–pale yellow, nautical blue, sea glass green, and deep crimson. The shell white Frette linens and Matouk duvets on the beds make the rooms at Union Street feel like especially comfy havens.”

“Guests linger over the library nook’s seafaring titles.”

“In the sunny common rooms, oak pedestal breakfast tables are set for cooked-to-order breakfasts…”

“…while a sleek settee and chairs are clustered around an antique chest in a corner made for coffee and easy conversation.”

You won’t regret a stay in an inn named “one of the ten most romantic hotels in the U.S.” by Fodor’s. In the meantime, check out the The Summer Issue of Coastal Living!

All Union Street Inn Photography by Jeffrey Allen

Sand, Salt, and Shingle Style Architecture

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Trudy Dujardin, FASID, Leed AP

There’s nothing that says Nantucket so much as its weathered grey houses with white trim. Although Nantucket is famous for shingle style houses, the architectural style is a tradition on beach front properties across the east coast, including Long Island, Cape Cod, coastal Maine and Newport, Rhode Island. They first appeared in New England after the 1876 Centennial celebration, when America was fondly looking back on rustic Colonial style buildings, and architects were happy to a rebel against Victorian fussiness.

One of the primary characteristics of a shingle style home is the gentle way it blends into the landscape. Key features are its soft grey surface, plain siding, very little ornamentation, a welcoming porch, and a rambling outline. Victorian shingles were made of thinly cut, unpainted cedar that quickly became a weathered grey from exposure to the oceanfront elements.

Their apparent simplicity belied the fact that most were vacation homes for the very wealthy. Well-known architects such as Henry Hobson Richardson, Charles McKim, Stanford White and Frank Lloyd Wright were drawn to the form, and began creating their own versions of shingle style homes. Perhaps the most famous shingle style home is the summer residence of George W. Bush, built in 1903 on Walker’s Point near Kennebunkport Maine.

On Nantucket, a large population of Quakers greatly influenced the social mores and architectural styles on the island. Their insistence on simplicity and minimal decoration made the shingle style house enormously popular during the 19th century, and the island’s large stock of historic homes has set the standard for any new homes built since.

Today, the Nantucket Historic District Commission oversees homeowners’ building and renovation plans with strict regulations that dictate a home’s height, use of shingles, and a pitched roof to protect the island’s historic character. Homes are often surrounded by charmingly old fashioned gardens, overflowing with hollyhocks, peonies, foxgloves, and larkspur, and bordered by trellises covered in tumbling pink roses that give the island its signature grace and charm.

Earth Week 2014

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Trudy Dujardin, FASID, Leed AP

Earth Day is on Tuesday, April 22nd this year, but many organizations and individuals are celebrating the entire week as Earth Week. From Monday April 21st to Friday, April 25th, you can help mark the event in your community, your workplace and your home. Every little step counts, often for the littlest creatures among us.

For a new approach to celebrating with family and friends, the Earth Day Network is suggesting an Earth Day Dinner, prepared with as many local, seasonal and organic products as possible. Look for new sources of locally grown produce and organic meats and vegetables. Include information behind the history of each food, and if you know something about the farm where it was grown, or the farmer who grew it, share that, too.

This is also a good week to make the switch to “green” household cleaning products. See my March blog post on ways to Clean Green.

In this month’s What I Love, I share information on how to keep your pets free of ticks and fleas, without resorting to chemicals that are toxic to them, and to you and your family. Read it here.

Seventh Generation offers excellent green living tips on their website for the entire month. Some of my favorites are:

-Open windows and doors occasionally (even in winter) to bring in fresh air and rinse out pollutants that have accumulated inside. I also suggest investing in a whole house air filtration system. Learn more here.

-If every home in the U.S. replaced just one 12-pack of 300 sheet bathroom tissue with Seventh Generation’s 100% recycled product, we could save 1.9 million trees and 690 million gallons of water.

-Dust with a damp cloth to ensure that household dust, the final resting place of many toxins that enter our homes, is removed and not stirred back into the air.

My five things that everyone should do to live more healthfully are here.

Tips on creating a “green” and healthy bedroom are here.

There are many more posts on my blog about choosing non-toxic products and materials, and living a clean, holistic life. I encourage you to read through the archives and learn more!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”–Margaret Mead

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