"Pantry Plus"

Is your pantry bursting at the seams? Or maybe you just have "stuff" that you only use when it's a holiday or a family get together. Find a space in your basement or lower level that isn't being used and make a pantry for your overflow. What I like to call a Pantry Plus, or what you may call a second pantry. (personally I think my nickname is more witty)

Whatever you call it, make sure that you organize it so that you can find everything easily. The last thing anyone needs is another "storage space".

Decorative hooks that mix metal and wood

Coordinating boxes 

Wasted space under the steps
Paint a fun color/add a throw rug 

Something special, something new.

This is a Chandelier with a story, a one of a kind. My mother-in-law bought an absolutely stunning crystal chandelier while vacationing in Rome. After I commented on it's beauty, she told me that she had "extra" crystals and that I could have them. Apparently, they assumed some would get broken and gave her replacements, a lot of them.
I knew that I wanted a simple but elegant chandelier that I could mix in the "family crystals" so that they looked like they belonged. 

I didn't realize what a great choice I had made, until the chandelier was installed. It was extraordinary.
(the longer crystals are the ones from Rome) 

Find the perfect statement piece

Finding a center piece for my dining room table took a while. I knew I wanted some color along with a metal element.
Next...chandelier installation. I can't wait!

Put thought into the design...pretty can be practical!

When we decided to renovate the master bath, I knew I wanted a foot rest in lieu of a bench. Not something that crossed my husband's mind for even a second and he found to be a little silly. Even my daughter sided with him, until I explained the importance and fought for it!

Always put thought into the design, wether you are working with a professional or handling the design yourself. No-one knows your personal wants and needs better than you. Walk through how you are going to use the space.

Spending the time early in the process will help to avoid costly mistakes and make you happy for many years to come!

Adorable Foot rest 

His and Her Niches keep the girlie and manly separate

Break away from neutral.

Keep your window treatment from disappearing into the wall.

Choose contrasting colors to create a dramatic window dressing. Orange patterned draperies with shades of blue, make the space pop.

More,more, more...

My niece Andrea, created this adorable kitty painting which I love. Of course, I had to hang it in my new wrapping room! I felt like it needed more though, maybe some bling?

A shiny gold frame did the trick!

Looks Purrfect!

Empty Nesters, too many guest rooms?

Turn that extra bedroom into a wrapping room.




*Start by gathering your bows, tissue paper, decorative bags, etc.
*collect fancy boxes to store your supplies
*Select 2-3 colors that you love and repeat those colors throughout the room, using what you have. I showcased pink and gold.

*floating shelves are great for ribbons and your favorite photos

*If you make your room as happy and fun as you can, you will LOVE wrapping gifts for family and friends!

Glass table set on Gold painted saw horses

 

White faux fur stools with gold legs, super soft

Out with the old and in with the new...

Theresa pulled out the carpet and existing wood floors and ran new beautiful, durable laminate flooring (LaFarge Greenvalley Ash) throughtout the main floor. Wow what a difference!

Design Studio Roman Shades by Hunter Douglas

 

Hunter Douglas Design Studio shades are the perfect window treatment for Wayne and Kathy's beautiful kitchen. The soft blonde decorative tapes pull in the wall color and keep the shades from feeling too dark and heavy.

Kathy added Wayne's favorite chair to the space, which looks perfect and like it was always meant to be there. Good Job Kathy!

Fred's new Hunter Douglas Window treatments.

Thanks Fred for the great picture!

Fred chose Luminettes for the door, which had to be custom cut around

the fireplace hearth, Nantuckett blinds for the windows and Amendoim hardwood for the floors. Simply beautiful.

Not just a door...

Do you have a door to nowhere? Maybe it is the closet at the end of the hall or your storage room in the basement? Why not take that plain door and turn it into a door someone wants to open? Of course the downside is that someone may open it after you make it so appealing, but the benefit is that it will inspire you to make that closet or storage room amazing. What will be behind your new decorative door? I'm thinking wine cellar...

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.

Jackie's Dilemma

Jackie has a beautiful view and wanted to enjoy it, but not sacrifice privacy. We selected a 2" macro blind with *Magnaview by Hunter Douglas for her window. Every other slat drops down when you tilt the slats open, creating an almost unobstructed view of the outdoors. On her two large sliding glass doors we hung Hunter Douglas Cadence Verticals. They give the appearance of a soft drapery and yet have the versatility of a vertical blind. Jackie can angle the vertical slats so that one direction provides complete privacy while the opposite gives her a peak outside.

Design Dilemma?

Do you have a design dilemma? If you need a fresh pair of eyes, email me a photo with your dilemma and I will post my suggestions. You may not be alone...

Everyone talks about "doing the unexpected"

...but don't do the uncomfortable for you. The unexpected is different for different people. Sometimes adding something as simple as a white vase with red flowers or a pair of pink silk panels on a chocolate brown accent wall shouts major drama to you, while royal blue melamine cabinets with white marble counters are too tame for some. Remember it is always good to step a little out of your comfort zone and be fun and creative with your style. Check out www.homebeautiful.com for great ideas to transform your room.

Are you thinking about Spring cleaning yet? I am and the first place to start is the closet. Pull out all the clothes that are too small, too big, too ugly or absolutely anything that you wore in high school! Donate the good to a local Charity and the rest to a trashbin.

Now you can see what you have that you will actually wear. Grab a pen and paper and start taking inventory. Keep in mind what you may want to add to your wardrobe so you can incorporate it into your new closet design.

The Container Store has a design tool to help you lay out your closet

http://www.containerstore.com/elfa/designCenter/index.htm#NewDesign

Learn more about how you can make your home more energy effecient.
Stop by the Green Building Institute February 7th @ 6:30 p.m.

http://www.greenbuildinginstitute.org/