Good bye boring bedroom!

See what a window treatment and a collection of artwork can do to a boring bedroom. Here are the before and after photos.

While it is a good idea to keep a neutral palette, make sure you add texture and color to personalize your space. In the room below we used fabric with a subtle pattern and colorful paintings to add interest and dimension to the bedroom. Stay tuned for the next layer, accessories.

Shades of gray and purple are the hot new trend in 2012

If you have spent anytime shopping for your home or looking at paint, wallpaper or floorcovering, you must know by now the trend in color is shades of gray and purple. While it is a great combination, it creates a challenge with existing furniture and accessories. Unfortunately every time there is a new color trend we can't just throw everything out and start over. Well I guess you could, but it would get a little expensive. Not to mention be wasteful. So the question is " How do you update and incorporate new trends into your existing home decor? Choose smaller spaces to update, such as a powder room. If you keep the basic design neutral, you can add towels, a rug, art and accessories in the new trendy colors without too much difficulty. Another great place to incorporate new color is in the kitchen. Throw fruit or veggies in a decorative bowl, change out small appliances, add decorative dishes and placemats based on the current color trend and of course always remember to just have fun with it. Small changes really do make a big impact and help keep your home feeling fresh and new.

Wallpaper making a comeback?

Remember when everyone had wallpaper in their kitchen, bathroom and dining room? I do. I was brought up in the wallpaper era. Actually I had it everywhere. I loved it and it looked fantastic. Then for reasons beyond my control, wallpaper was out. Fortunately I moved so I didn't have to remove all that beautiful wallpaper, but unfortunately the home I moved into had wallpaper in every room, layer over layer or it, and it was ugly. So...now many years later I have only paint- no wallpaper. Bet you will never guess what is on my mind now. Yes wallpaper! I have to have it. We just received another gorgeous wallpaper book by Anna French and the papers are just so amazing I have to find a place for one of them. I just can't stop myself. Although I am fairly certain my husband will not be too happy when he finds out. Keep an eye out for my update with photos attached.

Beat the heat while still looking stylish....

I know it is hot, but you don't have to give up your style in this sweltering heat wave. Besides the obvious, drinking lots of water and staying inside, here are a few other tips to looking good while keeping you cool and staying comfortable. First, wear light colored clothes, preferably cotton fabric. Cotton breathes unlike polyester, silk or many other fibers. Instead of adding a jacket, accessorize with fun, bold, colorful jewelry. Lastly, add shoes and a handbag that make a statement.