I woke up to rain this morning... lots of it. It should continue on throughout the day and since I don't have much else to do but stay home and listen to the contant pounding on the rooftop, I thought it might be a good day to reorganize the kids' rooms. We are on the move again. With only two bedrooms for 3 girls, we do a lot of moving around. The two older girls have been sharing a room for about a year now but the oldest is getting to the point where she is demanding her own room. Rightfully so, since at 10 having a room to one's own is pretty significant.
That leaves the two younger ones to share. That might be more of a problem. My two youngest don't get a long. At all. So the trick is to figure out how to "share" without causing actual physical harm to each other. My biggest trick? No matchy... matchy for them. Each one will get to choose their own colors and styles. It will be up to my amazing decorating sensibilities to integrate the two.
Stay tuned for updates.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Kids & Decorating
Should you let your kids decorate their own rooms? YES
Think back to when you were a kid and what your room meant to you. It was everything. In a world where what you eat, wear and drive in is controlled primarily by your parents, your room is the one thing that you can call your own. Now while you most likely won't be up for painting the room all black... or red... or any other color you find offensive, there is always a way to compromise so that your child will feel they got the room they wanted.
For example: My daughter wants a Twilight themed room. Okay... I'm not going to paint it black or have vampire blood oozing down the walls, but we did manage to compromise on painting the room a grayish-purple and framing her Twilight/New Moon movie posters to hang on the walls. The rest of the room will be decorated with mirrored, silver and iron accessories to complete the look. It's something we both can live with.
Give it a try.
Think back to when you were a kid and what your room meant to you. It was everything. In a world where what you eat, wear and drive in is controlled primarily by your parents, your room is the one thing that you can call your own. Now while you most likely won't be up for painting the room all black... or red... or any other color you find offensive, there is always a way to compromise so that your child will feel they got the room they wanted.
For example: My daughter wants a Twilight themed room. Okay... I'm not going to paint it black or have vampire blood oozing down the walls, but we did manage to compromise on painting the room a grayish-purple and framing her Twilight/New Moon movie posters to hang on the walls. The rest of the room will be decorated with mirrored, silver and iron accessories to complete the look. It's something we both can live with.
Give it a try.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Discount Furniture
Just found out that we have a new furniture and accessory consignment shop in my hometown. I love finding great new sources for furnishings. I know that some people have an aversion to "used" furniture, but if you shop carefully, places like consignment shops, antique stores, and even the Good Will can provide some real special bargains.
What to know before you go:
1. Always ask what the return policy is. Many stores that sell used items don't take returns, but you'd be surprised that some actually will take back merchandise if you find it is damaged once you get home.
2. Take measurements before purchasing. Make sure that beautiful dining room table actually fits in your dining room.
3. Inspect everything throughly. Don't be afraid to open every drawer, tip over every chair and take off every sofa cushion. You don't want any surprises.
4. Keep an open mind. You might find a beautiful dresser that is just your style but the knobs are a little funky. Drawer knobs are easily replaceable... don't pass up a bargain for ugly hardware.
5. When purchasing a used chair or sofa (anything that's been upholstered), double check each pillow and take off fabric covers is possible. You want to check to make sure there are no holes, mold, bugs, etc. in any part of the piece. Anything can be reupholstered, but make sure the frame and base cushions are clean and in good condition.
What to know before you go:
1. Always ask what the return policy is. Many stores that sell used items don't take returns, but you'd be surprised that some actually will take back merchandise if you find it is damaged once you get home.
2. Take measurements before purchasing. Make sure that beautiful dining room table actually fits in your dining room.
3. Inspect everything throughly. Don't be afraid to open every drawer, tip over every chair and take off every sofa cushion. You don't want any surprises.
4. Keep an open mind. You might find a beautiful dresser that is just your style but the knobs are a little funky. Drawer knobs are easily replaceable... don't pass up a bargain for ugly hardware.
5. When purchasing a used chair or sofa (anything that's been upholstered), double check each pillow and take off fabric covers is possible. You want to check to make sure there are no holes, mold, bugs, etc. in any part of the piece. Anything can be reupholstered, but make sure the frame and base cushions are clean and in good condition.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Color Purple
Several years ago I had a client who was redecorating her entire house. She hired me to help her with her living room, dining room and kitchen. Her one story house was very much a ranch style house, complete with wagon wheel coffee table and vibrant indian rugs. We chose new colors for all the walls and some new leather sofas. The house was warm and cozy and comfortable. There was only one issue the owner was having a little trouble with. Purple!
Her favorite color was purple and she really wanted to add the color into her home in some way. I suggested she go for the laundry area. Her laundry "room" was located behind her kitchen and was not visable by any other room in the house. The laundry room had a door that led out to the garage and unless you entered that way, nobody would ever know this tiny room was full of color. Every time she did laundry (not one of her favorite tasks) she would be surrounded by her favorite color. She loved the idea.
This old memory came to mind when my daughter chose purple for her bedroom wall color. Purple wouldn't be most people's choice but there are so many variations of the color that there is bound to be a suitable hue that would please both me and my daughter. I chose a darker than lavender version with a lot of gray in it so the color "purple" wouldn't scream out at you when you entered her room. It's something we are both happy with.
When choosing colors, there is always a way to add your favorite. Even if it's only in a small way.
Her favorite color was purple and she really wanted to add the color into her home in some way. I suggested she go for the laundry area. Her laundry "room" was located behind her kitchen and was not visable by any other room in the house. The laundry room had a door that led out to the garage and unless you entered that way, nobody would ever know this tiny room was full of color. Every time she did laundry (not one of her favorite tasks) she would be surrounded by her favorite color. She loved the idea.
This old memory came to mind when my daughter chose purple for her bedroom wall color. Purple wouldn't be most people's choice but there are so many variations of the color that there is bound to be a suitable hue that would please both me and my daughter. I chose a darker than lavender version with a lot of gray in it so the color "purple" wouldn't scream out at you when you entered her room. It's something we are both happy with.
When choosing colors, there is always a way to add your favorite. Even if it's only in a small way.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A Great Big Hug
The new issue of Architectural Digest has a great article about Jennifer Aniston's home in Los Angeles. Jennifer spent 2 1/2 years remodeling her home with the sole purpose of making it the perfect place for her. Of her home, Jennifer said it was like "a great big hug".
Wouldn't it be nice if we all thought of our homes like that? Our home should be a comfortable place to come home too. It should be the one place in the world where we feel safe and protected. If you aren't happy with it... change it. Take one step today to make your home your comfort zone.
Need some ideas???
1. Buy new big, cozy pillows for your bed. There is nothing like laying your head down on a a light, airy pillow.
2. Use your good guest towels in your own bathroom. Wrapping yourself in a soft, warm towel is like wrapping yourself in that hug.
3. Find a special coffe mug that has YOU written all over it. Do you like flowers? A favorite color? An extra large cup? Have your coffee or tea with your favorite mug every morning.
4. Buy or pick yourself some fresh flowers and put a small vase by your bed and at your front door. It will bring a little of the outdoors in.
Send me your ideas... I'd love to share them.
Wouldn't it be nice if we all thought of our homes like that? Our home should be a comfortable place to come home too. It should be the one place in the world where we feel safe and protected. If you aren't happy with it... change it. Take one step today to make your home your comfort zone.
Need some ideas???
1. Buy new big, cozy pillows for your bed. There is nothing like laying your head down on a a light, airy pillow.
2. Use your good guest towels in your own bathroom. Wrapping yourself in a soft, warm towel is like wrapping yourself in that hug.
3. Find a special coffe mug that has YOU written all over it. Do you like flowers? A favorite color? An extra large cup? Have your coffee or tea with your favorite mug every morning.
4. Buy or pick yourself some fresh flowers and put a small vase by your bed and at your front door. It will bring a little of the outdoors in.
Send me your ideas... I'd love to share them.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Re: Nate Berkus Gets Own Show
Nate Berkus, Oprah's designer protegee, is getting his own show. He will be taking over the spot Martha Stewart used to have. I love Nate... I think he is a great designer and am looking forward to watching his new show.
As an interior designer, some of my best tips come from other designers.
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/haven/interior-designer-nate-berkus-gives-yahoo-the-exclusive-scoop-on-his-new-show-plus-the-top-5-things-he-cant-live-without-578033/
As an interior designer, some of my best tips come from other designers.
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/haven/interior-designer-nate-berkus-gives-yahoo-the-exclusive-scoop-on-his-new-show-plus-the-top-5-things-he-cant-live-without-578033/
Friday, February 5, 2010
Top Features in Homes Today
Click on the headline (Top Features in Homes Today) for the link to a really interesting article on the features people are looking for in their homes these days.
Personally, we decided we could trade the formal dining room for a great room and home office. It works for us with three kids.
How about you? What about your home couldn't you live without? What don't you need?
Personally, we decided we could trade the formal dining room for a great room and home office. It works for us with three kids.
How about you? What about your home couldn't you live without? What don't you need?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Home Offices
I've got to admit, our home office is pitiful! My husband and I both share one room in our house and over the years it has become a crazy, catch-all room filled with empty boxes, piles of papers to be filed and mounds of twisted wires, cables and unused electronic equipment. Something definitely has to be done.
So I'm starting a journey... a clean, organize and prioritize journey to get our home office into fighting shape.
Step One: Clear everything out that doesn't belong. I know, I know... easier said than done. But really... we've been piling up the paperwork for so many years that I think it's about time to throw out the stacks prior to 2005. You know, the ones that never even got to the filing cabinet?
(Tip about paperwork - If anything has a name, SS#, phone number or account number... SHRED IT!!!!!)
More to come...
So I'm starting a journey... a clean, organize and prioritize journey to get our home office into fighting shape.
Step One: Clear everything out that doesn't belong. I know, I know... easier said than done. But really... we've been piling up the paperwork for so many years that I think it's about time to throw out the stacks prior to 2005. You know, the ones that never even got to the filing cabinet?
(Tip about paperwork - If anything has a name, SS#, phone number or account number... SHRED IT!!!!!)
More to come...
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