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Popular Posts
Eye Candy
Doesn’t it seem like M&M’s have been around forever? I just read an article about how they were created during World War II to boost the morale of American troops. Just another example of how color can cheer us up! Not to mention the euphoria that comes from eating chocolate. There will certainly be plenty of M&M’s consumed today. And no doubt, there will be plenty of parents who will have to wrestle these colorful candies away from their kids before they make themselves sick. So, today I salute M&M’s — the ultimate, irresistible eye-candy!
Shoe Stompin’ Color
When thinking about ways to add color and interest to your space, look down! These days, there are many innovative, colorful flooring options that are almost too pretty to walk on. Like these printed hardwood flooring boards (above) from www.pgflooring.com, that were featured at the Surfaces 2008 trade show. I also love this Woodstock area rug from www.homedecorators.com. Both options offer bold graphics and bountiful color. Just remember to consider your lifestyle before choosing any type of flooring. As a football mom (I’m talking cleats, here), fancy flooring is not an option for our household. So, to all of you fellow sports moms out there, use caution when making your selections. And be careful with the lipstick.
Polka Dot Style
Polka dots continue to be a popular, trendy pattern…and why not? These spectacular spots can be fun and young, or elegant and classy. Check out these great polka dot ideas:
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Autumn Lights
Having a fall party? Nothing creates a festive mood better than specialty lighting. Greet your guest with these ‘autumn leaf’ string lights (from wrapables.com) that you can hang over the front door. I also love how these ‘yarn ball’ lights (from partylights.com) come in spooky colors — without being so spooky. Also, if you decide to do some shopping around, you may come across a great find such as this pre-lit tree (below) I scooped up from a local floral design store. So, if you’re planning a party, think lighting. It will make your event shine!
Looking For Lavender
Audrey bedding from www.rosenberryrooms.com
Deep violet is hot this season, which is great for us purple people. I love a dark shade of eggplant, but I also adore lighter tints of purple. Lavender is a stylish color that can be paired nicely with apple green, chocolate brown, gray and even red to create a lively contemporary look. So, if you’ve been searching for a soft accent color, maybe you’ve been looking for lavender.
- Guest Lounge by www.porterhousedesigns.com
- Milan Buffet from www.shopshinehome.com
- Table decor from www.bestsettables.com
- RAZR V3xx from www.amazon.com
- Designer tissue (who knew??) from www.kleenex.com
Subtle Kitchen Color
As much as I love to blog about bold colors, today is an exception. I’ve just visited one of my clients to see her newly remodeled kitchen, and it is gorgeous. Not that I would’ve expected anything less. This client has impeccable taste. While consulting with me about design ideas for updating her kitchen, one of her concerns was how to spruce up her cabinets. Although in great condition, the color was not to her liking. The solution: a decorative paint finish (by the Valley Craftsmen). Only new cabinets were purchased (in a darker finish) for the new, expanded island. Other elegant extras include iron hardware, quartz countertops, new lighting fixtures and tile flooring. I love the tiled ‘area rug.’ The kitchen’s palette of warm beiges, reddish browns and black is very sophisticated and full of texture. Subtle colors, but a lot of ‘Wow!’
Pumpkin Decor
It’s amazing the ways you can decorate with pumpkins. Not to mention all of those scrumptious recipes for pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin pancakes (a favorite in our house) and pumpkin muffins, among others. When it comes to decor, you can choose from very easy displays like the one I did above, or more intricate carved designs such as this one (below) from southernliving.com. Throw in apples, pansies and faux leaf garland (available at Michael’s), and you have a display that will last a while indoors or out.
Pretty Pink Places
I love these delicate floral patterns from Room Service Home. They are the perfect fabrics and furnishings (and wall color) to use if you love pink and want a real girly look. Here you can see how these feminine patterns are used to create a Shabby Chic feel; perfect for a sleeping space and a work place. Very pink and very pretty!
Christmas Preview – Butterflies
Christmas in October? Seems the “Christmas Creep” as it’s being called, has preceded Halloween this year. Retailers are rolling out and discounting holiday items now. So, as the holiday catalogs hit my mailbox, I’ve noticed that butterflies are hot this year, like these from Pottery Barn and Z Gallerie. I have a collection of butterflies that I bring out each year, but I’ve noticed that the new breed is more vibrant and colorful. So, why wait for winter? Get some now and attach them to your lampshades, curtains, pumpkins and haystacks. Then later in the season, move them onto your Christmas tree — sort of like a butterfly migration in your home.
Greetings to Blue
If you love the color blue, why not let it welcome you home? In these two houses, both of my clients chose blue for the entryway. Many times, the belief is that the foyer should be an underwhelming shade of something neutral. But it doesn’t have to be. Just step through the front door and a blue entryway can calm your nerves if you’ve had a tough day. As these spaces represent, you can choose a cool periwinkle blue or a warm tropical one. Either way, you could create an area in your home where life seems a little less hectic — and those are the blues we can all use!
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