Creat an Outdoor Haven Now and Save!

 

If you haven’t yet gotten around to creating an outdoor room this summer, it’s not too late! Most of us still have some sizzling days of summer left and fall evenings will be well spent gathering with family and friends around an outdoor firepit. Best of all, you can find some great bargains right now on outdoor furniture and accessories at your favorite stores. Here are some things to look for to add personality and warmth to a concrete patio or paved area.

• Indoor/outdoor area rugs – they can instantly tie an area together and add an element of warmth to an outdoor space.

• Mix and match furniture – remember, you don’t have to have a matched set for a fabulous look.

• Metal gates and wall hangings – these can be hung on a wall or even hung from the bottom of a balcony for interest or to define a space.

• Oversized planters, fountains, concrete sculptures, and decorative stones -these items will last for years, add an architectural touch and can pull an area together.

• Whimsical Items – allow you to have some fun and add surprises that will make this space your own. Hide an adorable frog or garden fairy in an unexpected place; put a “face” on your favorite old tree and accent with a spot lite at night – it’s a great way to start conversation.          

 

By creating an outdoor room you’ll have a great place to unwind and spend time with friends and family. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the last days of summer and the beautiful evenings of fall!

Tips for Hanging Artwork

 

Picture from www.BHG.com

 Anna asked several weeks ago if we had any suggestions on how hang and display to artwork on a large high wall above her fireplace. She has a collection of G. Harvey paintings and wants to mix them with some other wall accessories. Here some suggestions and guidelines to follow. Remember, when it comes to decorating, there are no rules to decorating – just rules of thumb. Don’t be afraid to try something new! 

When accessorizing the wall above a fireplace, you are actually creating a large vignette. First look at the big picture. This area or canvas will be THE focal point of the room and you have an opportunity to make a stunning impression and create some great conversation. You must consider not only the wall above the fireplace, but also the mantle, the fireplace itself and the hearth, because visitors will see this as a whole when they first walk in. The goal is to have one main focal point in Anna’s case, her beautiful paintings, and other interesting areas within that canvas to see as well. To start off, lay out on the floor the items that you are contemplating hanging. Then consider this…

• Are the frames complimentary to each other and if grouped together, will they still allow the picture to be the star of the show?

• Does the matting work together as well? Matting should always compliment your artwork and not become a feature that stands out.

• Are there other accessories that would compliment the artwork? In Anna’s case, because of the high ceilings, adding accessories that have unique architectural features, interesting shapes, or that introduce a new texture may work well to compliment an arrangement, but she should make sure to make sure the pictures are still the focal point. Most pictures are either square or rectangle, so try to choose items with that vary in shape. Wall hung candelabra’s work well, but also think outside the box and consider using metal wall art, clocks, plates, or anything that will work well with your art and create additional interest.

 Next, with string or masking tape, lay out a space on your floor that is the width and height of the space that you will be hanging the artwork and accessories. You probably have a space that is square or Anna’s case, having tall walls; a tall rectangle. Then, have some fun!

• Randomly start experimenting with different ways to lay out the art and accessories. Arrange the pictures first and then if using other wall art, fill in from there.

• Remember that often simple makes a bigger impact – One large painting can be make a beautiful statement and an alternative to 5 or 6 items in a grouping.

• Consider resting a large mirror or picture on the mantel instead of hanging

• When using multiple items in a grouping, to maintain a relationship among the pieces, keep a common space between each item. A rule of thumb is to keep that space the size of the width of your hand (3-5”) or so.

 Once you have decided on the layout start hanging from bottom. In other words hang first the lower items that will begin above your mantle and work from the center out. Make sure that as you determine how high you begin above the mantel, that you take into consideration anything that will be setting on top of it.  Good Luck! 

Finding Inspiration in Nature – Blue Skies

Isn’t this the coolest picture? Jayne received it in an e-mail and I just had to incorporate it into today’s blog. Sometimes all you have to do is look around you to find inspiration. We met last week with Natasha Lima Younts (www.herminieshouse.com), a top decorator from Miami Beach who recently re-located to Georgia. She has the most gorgeous portfolio, but my favorite thing is her signature blue ceilings. They are simply beautiful, with an understated elegance that is amazing. In fact, I was in a room that she designed and it wasn’t until I looked up that I realized the ceiling was blue. Because it was not an intense or deep shade of blue, it was very peaceful and suprizingly neutral. You definately don’t have to have  a blue color scheme to feature a blue ceiling. She painted her walls a lighter shade of golden yellow which  works well with lots of different elements and accent colors. I love that color as well and used a slightly deeper shade of it in my last two homes- Shades of yellow are one of the new “neutrals”  that are growing in popularity.

 If you decide to try a ceiling inspired by nature (I definately intend to!), here are some tips:

• Use a crown molding around the room to frame and separate the ceiling from the walls.

• Opt for a “happy” (but subtle) shade of blue. If you choose a blue that has too much grey, it could feel like a cloudy day. Personally, I prefer brighter days! A subtle, soft, muted shade of blue with a hint of grey or even a tinge of green is perfect.

• Choose a matte finish when buying your paint for a smooth and soft appearance.

Nature can be a source of so much inspiration and it’s everywhere you look. From pebbles on the beach to the blue skies above. Take a moment and really look around you; you just might be suprised at what inspires you!

Some Do’s and Don’ts of Dining Rooms

 

The dining room is one of my favorite places to be with family & friends. Those walls have embraced lots of love, laughter, and even tears over the years. You might argue that most dining rooms are only used on holidays and special occasions, but it’s not a room I would give up.

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for a great room:

• Do consider a round dining table. If you have a room that is more square; round can be great for conversations. The new styles have some creative solutions to expand for larger parties.  

• Do place an area rug under the table, whether you have hardwood or carpet, it can really bring a room together. Make sure it’s big enough so that chairs are fully on the rug when seated and when the table is fully extended.

• Don’t get a a light fixture that is too small or large for the scale of the table and room. A rule of thumb is to choose a chandelier with a  diameter that is 12″ less than the width of the table. Hang it approximately 30-34″ from the top of the table. If your ceilings are higher, add 3″ for each foot over 8′. Personally, I like to go lower than higher. Just make sure you can clearly see your guests across the table and that you don’t see any exposed bulbs when standing if it is a chandelier with indirect lighting.

• Don’t forget the ceiling. Add interest with  color, faux painting or a fabulous medallion above the chandelier.

• Don’t hang pictures too high. The majority of time spent in this room is while seated, so make sure that when sitting, the art is hung at eye level.  

• Don’t be afraid to mix and match chairs, fabric, and even China; it can give an interesting flair to the room. Especially, if there is a story behind the china.

Finally, embrace your new Dining Room. Why is it only used for dinner parties and holiday get togethers? Break away from habit and occasionally share a candle lit dinner with that special someone or make the kids feel really special with dinner and candles just “because”. Have any other tips? We’d love to hear from you!

Picture from BHG.com

Creating A Room for Everyone!

Planning a space such as a family room or great room, requires some extra thought since it’s a room that will be used by lots of people and for a variety of different activities. The goal is to make this space both functional and beautiful, which is easy if you take a few minutes to plan before you begin.

First, make a list of everyone (and their guests) that will use this room and the activities that might take place. For example: Friday night movies, poker night with the guys, a teenage sleep over, holiday entertaining, studying after school, reading before bed, monthly book club meeting, a cocktail party with friends, etc…

Next, ask yourself these questions:

• Will TV be watched in this area?

• Do you need seating for entertainment?

• Will you ever eat in this room?

• Is there alot of traffic in and out?

• Do anyone play games?

• Is someone going to read or study here?

• Is there often more than one activity going on at the same time?

If you answered yes to most of these, you’ll need to design a room accordingly, but it can be fairly simple to do. Here are some suggestions for creating a space that is not only provides flexibility, but that could end being a favorite room for everyone!

• Create several seating areas. If space allows, create a larger seating area for a main gathering such as watching a movie together or entertaining guests and then place one or two other seating areas around the room for reading, one-on-one conversations, or even a game of backgammon.

• Plan for extra guests by placing 2 ottomans under a sofa table or in front of a fireplace the can pulled into the main seating area  and place an extra chair next to a desk that can used as well.

• You may want to include a multi-purpose table and chairs that can used for cards, crafts, gift wrapping, eating, or appetizers when entertaining.

• Fabrics and finishes should be chosen not only for beauty, but durability. It is possible to have both!

• Don’t forget about lighting. Of course you need overall lighting for the whole room, but by adding a flood lamp behind a floor plant, a beautiful reading lamp next to a favorite chair, and candles on table tops; you can create instant ambiance. Tip: I love dimmers! They are easy to install and in a second you can take a room from bright to romantic. Try them in every room of the house!

• Use pieces that can used for several purposes. For example; an ottomon can be used as a coffee table. Look for one that is firm enough for a tray of drinks, durable enough for your feet, and has a hinged top that will store games and comfy throws.  Another great piece to look for is a set of nesting tables that can be neatly stacked for daily use, but split when entertaining.

The key to designing a successful “living” space that works for everyone in your home, is to simply taking a few minutes to evaluate the lifestyles of everyone who lives there and to use items and materials that are not only beautiful, but functional for any occasion. With a  few minutes of extra planning, your room is guaranteed to become a favorite place to be – and the keeper of many happy memories with family and friends.

Designing a Home Office

 

 

 

Planning a home office?  By asking  yourself a couple of  quick questions before you begin, you can save yourself a lot of time and aggravation. Take a moment to evaluate every way you will use the space which could be for business operations, home management, school work and studying; perhaps even as a private space just for you. Is this room going to be used by multiple people for different reasons? Do you need a computer, cable connections, telephone outlet, electric, etc… and can you plan around the existing location of each without  having to relocate an outlet? Do you want to sit looking out the window or do you prefer facing the door to view what’s going on inside your home? Also consider what visitors will see when entering the room. is it possible to hide the wires to electronic connections? Draw your floor plan first and try out several furniture layouts. Visualize yourself sitting in each layout and which one would be more comfortable and efficient. When dealing with electronics – it’s much easier to plan ahead, than to connect all those wires and change your mind. Tip: When moving a computer and equipment, before removing a plug, place a piece of masking tape on each end of the connection and label them the same (such as “A”) so that you know exactly where to reconnect it after moving. The next connection you can call “B, and so on!

Once you have the basic layout of the room, then you can work on beauty and function! Lighting is always important. Of course an overhead room light is important, but just as important is a task light over your work area. By adding some special lighting such as a fragrant candle, or an accent light for a plant you’ll create a space you enjoy spending time in. When accessorizing, use pictures and items that both inspire and embrace you! My favorite thing in my home office is quote by Mark Twain that is painted across the walls. It continues to remind me of my goals and dreams. Make your space meaningful to you and it will be a much more productive place to be!

The “Joy-of Living” Rooms

 

 

 

 

My favorite quote about livings room is by Lucy Abbot Throop. She  says, “I like to think of the word “living rooms” as being short for the “Joy-of-Living” rooms. I couldn’t agree more. A living room should be full of life, happiness and beauty. Out is our grandparents living rooms with furniture covered in plastic and In are rooms that we actually live and love in! Many homes now have both a living room and a family room. As a result, we tend to “live” in the family room and ignore the living room. Why not change your thinking and make it a room that you really want to spend time in? If your living room is an area that is rarely used, it might be the  perfect place to create a special niche for you to read, drink a cup of tea and unwind.  We all need a place we can call our own. If you entertain a lot, create cocktail room that is perfect for martinis and after dinner conversation. Use your imagination!  If your living room is the forgotten room in your house, I challenge you to explore the possibilities and to create a space that will have fond memories for you, your family, or those who visit. 

Your Entrance – Make it Count!

 

 

 

 

 

We all know how important a first impression is when we first meet someone, the same concept applies for the entrance of you home!  When visiting a home for the first time, the entry way is where we initially get a glimpse into the personality of that home.

Imagine walking into your home for the first time. What do you notice first? Is there a strong focal point? A focal point can be a calming fountain or a beautiful floral arrangement. Maybe it’s a favorite painting, shimmering chandelier, or grouping of family pictures in antique frames. Whatever you choose as your focal point, it should something that is in tune with your personality and style. Whether your about understated elegance or whimisical suprises; you can offer your guest an insight into what makes this house the place you call home.

Even if you don’t have a defined or formal entry way, it’s possible to create the feel of one by creating an intimate space upon entry that could include an interesting table with a beautiful dimly lit lamp, a beveled mirror on the wall and a grouping of scented candles.If using a rug at the entrance consider using a larger one or even a runner to tie the room together. One large rug is always better than several small and an area rug can be a great final touch to pull the area together.

Creat an an impression that lasts long after your guests leave and don’t be afraid to put your own personality into it – after all that’s what ultimately make your house a home!