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/