Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Try a Little Sunshine

I would never say my favorite color is yellow, but for some reason I am ready to welcome in the spring and yellow seems to be the best way to do it.

I would never wear yellow clothes or paint my nails yellow... or drive a yellow car, but a big glass vase filled with yellow daffodils screams Spring to me.  You just can't be sad when you walk into a room and see a bunch of bright yellow flowers.  It instantly cheers you up.

Some other ways to use yellow:

1. Try lemony yellow towels in your guest bathroom.

2. Fill a bowl with lemons to brighten up your kitchen counter.

3. Depending on your decor, add some yellow pillows to your sofa or bedroom.

Go ahead... give yellow a try.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Thoughts on Hotel Design

Just got back from Las Vegas last night and I thought I'd share my thoughts on some hotel design observations I made.

We stayed at the MGM Grand, my first time actually seeing their rooms.  We stayed in the West Wing, which is supposed to be a little bit more upscale and modern.  If by upscale and modern they mean small and inefficient, I'd say they've done their job.  The hallways of the West Wing are narrow and the ceilings so low there is no way anybody taller than my 6' husband can comfortably walk upright.  Once you get the room door open, you are walking right into the bathroom.  Yes, kind of strange.  There is no door to the bathroom (the door to the toilet is supposed to magnetically close but we had a little trouble with the door actually doing that).  There is no insulation (you hear it all) and if you happen to wake up in the middle of the night to use the facilities (I've had 3 kids so making it through the night is not an option for me) then you are either feeling your way in the dark or turning on the bright overhead light and waking your sleeping husband.

The bed at first glance is soft and comfortable.  That is, until you sleep in it and discover there is no back or head support whatsoever.   The decor is okay... not anything special.  For some reason the window treatments don't completely cover the side of the windows so if you are expecting to sleep in... don't!

All in all... I would give the MGM another try... just not going back to the West Wing anytime soon.

I've seen hotels built from the ground floor up... and I've been the one buying all those interior furnishings and I can tell you for a fact... having more expensive furniture doesn't mean you are getting a "better" room.  When it comes to hotels... stick with the clean and comfortable.  You'll be happy you didn't spend the extra money.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Return to Classic

I just got my copy of the Williams Sonoma Home Catalog in the mail.  Yes, if you didn't already know, Williams Sonoma has a home collection.  And let me say I am impressed.

The new furnishings in the catalog are really beautiful, returning to a more traditional/classic style of design.  Gone are the oversized sofas, bright colored fabrics and rustic looking wood.  Welcome back the sleek forms, neutral colors and timeless pieces that will work in any home.  What I love best about these classic styles is that they can mix and mingle so well with your current furnishings.  For a truly eclectic look, try pairing a classic straight back sofa with chic needlepoint pillows.  Or how about adding some upholstered dining chairs with your rustic dining table. 

Try something new and give your home that warm, lived-in look.