Connie Deamond Interior Creations

Brownies for a Chilly Spring Evening

2011-03-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

I was reading some of the blogs I follow and came across this recipe for brownies from "A Busy Nest". Since my blog is not only about interior design; but, also, the little pleasures in life, what better pleasure than a wonderful chocolaty brownie to give comfort on a chilly evening.
http://www.abusynest.com/2011/02/brownies-intensified.html

Spring is Almost Here!

2011-03-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful that Winter is behind us and the official start of Spring is just one week away! This winter was a tough one for me. Record snow accumulation, very cold weather and dreary days had me eating way too many carbs (consequently, gaining five pounds) and draining my creative thought process. It's amazing how energetic and enthusiastic I've felt this week with the warmer temperatures and a few sunny days. It rained a couple of days, but, at least it was warm.

My blog and newsletter have been neglected the last few weeks and I'm hoping to get back on track. I hope you'll keep checking in for updates. With spring comes new fabrics, fresh ideas for inside and outside the home and enthusiasm for change. I have a lot of ideas for upcoming posts and invite you to leave comments along the way.

AREA RUG SIZES

2011-02-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

When I enter a room one of the first things I notice is the balance (or lack of it) in the room. I see so many area rugs that are undersized or that the furniture is not positioned properly on the rug.

When choosing a rug for under a dining table the rug should be wide enough so that when pulling out a
chair the chair should remain on the rug. This will also insure that when seated all four legs of the chair will remain on the rug. A rug allowance of 24" beyond the width of the table is usually sufficient.

For example: If your table is 44" wide, allow 24" on each side of the table for the chairs. That gives you a rug width of 92" or approximately 7 1/2 feet. Your calculations may fall in between sizes. Since rugs come in standard sizes, unless it's a totally custom cut rug, remember it's better to go larger than smaller.

Use these same guidelines to determine the length of the rug.

When browsing furniture stores and/or magazines sometimes you'll see furniture angled on a rug with one or two of the front legs on the rug and the other legs resting on the bare floor. In some instances this may be acceptable, but, generally keep the entire piece of furniture on the rug or totally off the rug. It looks a little more pleasing and it keeps the furniture more stable.

8 1/2 Steps to a Romantic Bedroom

2011-02-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! A designer friend of mine wrote a blog post for this special day. The 8 1/2 steps caught my attention and who wouldn't want a romantic bedroom. I'd like to share her post with you.
http://window-designs-etc.com/2011/02/14/8-%c2%bd-steps-to-a-romantic-bedroom/?blogsub=confirming#subscribe-blog

Last year I posted some pictures that captured the feeling of this day. Everyone seemed to enjoy them so here they are again. I hope you keep love in your heart not only today, but, everyday.

Flowers Displaying Color of the Year

2011-02-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

Here I am thinking about flowers again. As I was shopping for groceries the other day I passed the section where they display loose bouquets of flowers. It was a dreary day and seeing them made me smile. I decided to buy some. First, I had to decide where I wanted to place them and that would help me choose which flowers to buy. As I glanced over them one really stood out. It looked like an over sized daisy and I liked the large flower heads and long stems. I immediately decided it would be perfect in a tall vase on my bathroom vanity.

The color of the year is honeysuckle and the color of this flower looks just like the color of the flower that was published when the color was announced back in January.

Because it's on the bathroom vanity it's one of the first things I see in morning and one of the last things I see at night and that makes me happy.

Flowers to Bright Your Home

2011-01-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

Living in Delaware can be pretty depressing in January. We keep hearing about global warming, but, I can tell you that over the last ten years our winters have gotten colder and snowier (if that's a word). The days are usually cloudy and grey which means we don't see the sun too often. It's very uplifting and energizing when those rays of sun do shine.

One way I've found to make things seem brighter and to put a smile on my face is to use flowers. It's amazing how they can transform a room.

Photo from HGTV website

Fresh Fabric Patterns

2011-01-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

Honeysuckle, the new color of the year, will not appear in fabric selections until the spring. Even then, it will not saturate the market because many of the fabrics for home furnishings and clothing fashions were made last year. The color will be seen more by Fall and this time next year will have saturated the market.

This new fresh, vibrant color is a natural evolution from the fresh colors and patterns we've seen over the last few years. Not everyone is drawn toward contemporary patterns, but, many people want a more modern look than traditional fabrics allow. Therefore, over the last few years we have seen traditional patterns tweaked to give a more modern look and they have been made available in unexpected colors.

Lifestyles are more casual today than in decades past and the colors and patterns in home furnishings reflect that change.

2011 Color of the Year

2011-01-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

Pantone's color of the year for 2011 is Honeysuckle. See it and read about it here: http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=20821&ca=4

This color is fresh and vibrant. I can visualize it used on the walls of a powder room, sunroom or in a master bedroom for a soft romantic look. It would be great to use as an accent in a contemporary room that has been done in black and white.

Opportunity for a Fresh Start

2011-01-11T08:13:00.000-08:00

Every New Year's Day I take down the Christmas decorations while my husband watches football games. On January 2 when I walk around the house it seems very bare. The sparkle and ambiance that the decorations created are gone and the rooms feel void of warmth. I find this a good time to re-evaluate my decorating choices and especially the choice and placement of accessories.

In my opinion this is the best time of year to make changes in the home. As I mentioned, taking down decorations seems to leave a void and most everyone has an attitude of looking forward and making life changes at the start of the new year. In many parts of the country we're stuck inside for much of the winter because of the weather. As long as we're stuck in the house we can take that time to try new furniture arrangements, remove old accessories and replace with something totally different or take items from one room and try them in a different room.

It's easy to be creative when putting out the Christmas decorations because they're only temporary. If people use this same approach when decorating their homes, they may be pleasantly surprised with the rooms they create. My only hope would be that they don't get too creative and end up with something that lacks good taste and balance.

Dressing a Room vs Dressing Me

2010-12-29T12:34:00.000-08:00

My husband and I are invited to a "black tie optional" event being held in January. If it were a "black tie" event, I'd know exactly what to wear. The "optional" is what is throwing me off. If a client asks me to create a formal living space for them, I know what formal pieces of furniture will work and I'll use a symmetrical arrangement. For a casual living space I would place the furniture more randomly and I'd use soft, comfy fabrics. Whatever they want, whatever style, level of comfort I'm sure I could satisfy their needs.

I'm also very confident in choosing clothing and how I dress....usually. It's not often that I attend a formal event. And styles and customs change from time to time and from one region to another. So, I'm finding myself in a quandary. I googled "black tie optional" and then went looking for a dress. Imagine how happy I was to find something on my first outing. I bought a nice evening bag and am looking for shoes. Also, I went through my jewelry box and found the perfect jewels.

I should have stopped there. One last "google" to make sure everything was ready. It seems like every site says basically the same thing, then each one adds a few extra comments to confuse the issue! Now, I'm having second thoughts on my choice, time is running out, and since many women are now shopping for New Year's Eve dresses, I think my choices will be very slim.

Probably all will go well, although at the moment, I'm a little stressed.

Christmas

2010-12-20T15:10:00.000-08:00

It's five days till Christmas. I'm ready except for a few minor things. I always do this. Each family member gives me a wish list at Thanksgiving time. I choose what I want to give them, do the shopping (hopefully, early) and then proceed to wrap. Each person usually has the same number of gifts to open and approximately the same dollar amount is spent on each person.

Somehow, I always fall short with someone. Then I find it necessary to go out and buy another gift. Fortunately, this time it should be easy to purchase what I want. Also, I'll make sure I'm at the store in the morning when the doors open.

My decorating is done and some of the baking is done. Christmas Eve is always at my house. We have dinner, open presents and go to church. I have to admit that last year I was so tired and everyone was in such a rush that we never made it to church. Most of the time my family comes for Christmas dinner. This year my son & his fiance are having an open house on Christmas Day so I get to relax on that day. On Sunday we're invited to a cousin's house for lunch. I'm really looking forward to this weekend!

Here's a glimpse at Christmas in my house......

An Artificial Christmas?

2010-12-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

When decorating my home for Christmas most of the greens inside are artifical and the outside greens are real. I do this because I know the greens outside will stay fresh because of the cold and those inside won't wilt because of heat and lack of water.

For years I frolicked (I like that word, it sounds Christmasy) through fields of trees looking for the perfect one to decorate. It was fun when my children were young and we made it a family affair. After they grew up it wasn't as much fun going by myself (my husband went once and that was enough for him). Then one year I awoke to tiny little spiders all over the walls and ceiling. Apparently, one had built a nest in the tree and the warmth of the house produced all the little ones! That was the last year for a live tree.

I've been wondering what decorations will look like years in the future. When I was growing up I didn't know anyone who had an artifical tree. Well, I take that back, once my mother bought a silver tinselly looking tree. (She read a lot of women's home magazines with so called cutting edge ideas.) Another time she went out in the woods and picked up a large branch that had fallen off a tree, took it home and spray painted it gold, then proceeded to put lights and balls on it. She placed it in front of the picture window where everyone passing by could easily see it.   As a teenage, I was mortified! My brother and sister and I protested so much that she has never attempted any unusual decorating since.

In the 19th centuy:
          All the Christas trees were live........now many are artificial
          Candles were placed on trees......today we use electric lights
          Live holly decorated the home.....in modern times holly is red plastic with a foam core
          Pine cones were gathered from the woods.....resin pine cones sprayed with cinnamon scent are sold in bags.
          Waxed candles burned brightly.....now we can use battery operated faux candles.

Fifty years from now will all of the decorations we use be artifical? Will anyone even remember when live/real decorations were used?  With the advancement of technology and modern manufacturing the "natural" factor is being taken out of so many things in our lives. I hope we don't get too far from nature and remember that we are human and humans thrive and are happiest when connecting on a personal level and surrounded by nature.

                       I WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON
                                                                        AND A
                                           MERRY CHRISTMAS FILLED WITH LOVE

Giving Thanks

2010-11-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

In a couple of days we'll be gathering around the dining table with family and friends to feast on turkey and all the trimmings. Let's remember to share our bounty with those less fortunate and to thank the Lord for all of our blessings.

I'm especially thankful for my family and our good health. I'm thankful that my parents are still enjoying life in their 80's. I'm thankful that my children and grandchildren live close by and I get to see them frequently. This year my son-in-law's family will be joining us for dinner. My table is already set and I'll be cooking all day on Wednesday so that I can enjoy everyone on Thanksgiving Day.

I hope your Thanksgiving Day is full of joy and gratitude.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2010-11-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

I love duvet covers. They act as bedspread, quilt and blanket all in one. A duvet is the quilt that is inserted into the cover. It's usually white and covered with an inexpensive cotton or cotton blend fabric. A lightweight duvet can be used in warm months and a denser one in the winter. The duvet cover can be coordinated with the rest of your bedroom, and because the insert can be changed with the seasons there is no need for multiple coverlets. Thus, saving money and doesn't that sound like a good idea!

Rugs With Fringe

2010-10-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

I like fringe on rugs. I don't like messy fringe on rugs. There is no way that the fringe can stay neat when it is in an area where it gets constant use. Even vacuuming messes it up.

I've found a way to have neat fringe. I read this in an article years ago and have been "combing" my rugs ever since. It takes me only a few seconds to comb the fringe with a wide toothed comb. It's fast, easy and the fringe always looks nice and neat.

Fall Centerpiece

2010-10-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

Making a colorful fall centerpiece is easy and inexpensive when you use fresh fruit, colorful gourds (bumpy ones for texture) and winterberry twigs (or whatever else you find in your yard). Using organic materials is also better for the environment than artificial. When you're done with the centerpiece eat the fruit and throw the gourds & twigs into the garden to decay back to the earth.

Bathroom Remodel Complete...how to maximize a small space

2010-10-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Over the summer I was working on a master bathroom remodel. After about six weeks, a couple of damaged pipes and gushing water, a torn out living room wall, and hammering pipes the job was finally completed.
The existing bathroom was from the 1970's complete with carpet and fiberglass shower. There was one sink in the bath area and one in the adjacent dressing room. The dressing room also housed two closets hidden behind bifold doors.
This bathroom is only 9' x 7 1/2'. There is another bathroom backing up to it and the toilets share the same waste pipe. Also, a heating vent is located under the window next to the toilet. These elements made it impossible to expand the space and unpractical to move the toilet. A larger shower with a seat was a must have for this bathroom.
Keeping these things in mind and with the realization that we didn't have much space to work with made this project a challenge, but in the end, the bathroom has all of the elements needed for a very functional bathroom plus a few extras.

The objective was to upgrade the bathroom and dressing/closet area, make it more functional, use materials that would look nice for years to come, and to make the space feel larger.
The walls that housed the old shower stall and the linen closet were removed to open up all of the existing floor space. All surfaces are the same or close to the same color. A frameless shower enclosure was installed to keep with the open feeling and the floor tiles were set diagonally to draw the eye outward and further visually expand the space. It's the details that were used to add interest and to make this bathroom not just functional, but, also add a little luxury.
The dressing room/closet area was gutted and a closet system by Closets by Design was installed. A mini chandelier adds a little elegance to the space.

Dressing area

Small multi colored tiles on the shower floor add interest

Shower seat, wall cubbies and grab bar

Two shower heads...one stationary and one hand held on a slide bar

"Her" vanity has two recessed medicine cabinets. The inside of the cabinets are mirrored so that when they are open they create a three way view.

A large piece of artwork will be placed on this wall to act as a focal point and add some color to this small space

You'll notice this vanity is on an outside wall. Not a common practice because of the vulnerability of the pipes to the weather. The pipes were wrapped with pipe insulation and then packed with regular insulation for protection.

12 x 12 floor tiles placed diagonally to move eyes outward and visually expand the space

Heating cable under the floor will provide a toasty feel in cold months

Thermostat for heating cable

Bun feet add another detail to the vanity

Single lever faucet with European styling

Cubbies help keep fluid lines on the wall

Pull out shelf for convenience

Drop down false panel with added trays to maximize storage options

Other details include dimmers on the vanity lights, a light over the shower, and a unit installed in the center of the ceiling that houses an exhaust fan, a heater with fan, a light and and a night light. Also, listello (a decorative border tile) was installed around the entire perimeter so there would be a continuous line around the room to further enhance the idea of open space. And small decorative medallions were placed randomly through out the wall tile just as an added touch.

What is Your Decorating Style?

2010-10-04T12:43:00.001-07:00

Most people decorating their homes for the first time buy pieces they like rather than having a particular style. Lines between styles have blurred over the last decade or two as interiors have become more relaxed. Some would call it eclectic. I like to refer to this way of decorating as transitional.

Transitional to me means traditional furnishings with an updated or more modern look. I also see it as mixing and matching pieces of furnishings rather than buying everything to match exactly.

Vacation Over

2010-09-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

It's time for me to seriously get back to work! I had planned on taking a little time off during the summer and ended up taking A LOT of time off! When you work for yourself, and especially if you work from home, it's easy to take a day off here and there, but, sometimes hard to pick a specific week to just take off. So, at the beginning of the summer I decided just to take time off and work when the occasion arose or when I absolutely had to work.

It felt really good to relax and not worry about working. The only problem is...I got used to it very easily and I'm having a hard time getting back on a working schedule. Enjoyed a lot of tennis in July, unfortunately I contracted bronchitis in July and spent the whole month recovering. I couldn't play any tennis, although, I found other things to occupy my time. August was spent preparing for house guests. My brother and his whole family came for two weeks (six adults & four children). They spent their time between my house and my parents home in Maryland and I drove back and forth several times.

All in all it was a wonderful summer even with the oppressive heat. I'm looking forward to working with my clients again and seeing collegues at networking events.
I also need to show the "after" pictures of the bathroom that was being remodeled.

Barbara Barry Chair

2010-07-31T12:46:00.000-07:00

While browing the internet recently looking for dining chairs for a client I came across this chair designed by Barbara Barry. It was love at first site. Every now and then a piece of furniture catchs my eye and I can't get the image out of my mind. That's what happened with this chair. It has classic lines, but, Barbara Barry has refined it to give it an updated modern look without sacrificing the traditional feel of the chair. The soft blue grey color works well with the soft lines of the chair. The tufting and the way the fabric wraps around the top of the legs gives the chair a feminine look. It would look great paired with a lady's writing desk.
I'm keeping this picture on file and hope that one day soon I'll find a place to use it in my home.

Chandeliers in the Bathroom

2010-07-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Browsing through magazines recently I've noticed a lot of photos of bathrooms with chandeliers. The bathrooms showcased are usually opulent and large in size. I started to think about the bathrooms in my friends and clients homes and the lighting fixtures they have used. The majority of the bathrooms have the standard lighting that is specified by a contractor or what is shown under bath lighting in catalogs.

I'd like for homeowners to start thinking outside the box and be a little creative. Adding a chandelier to your bathroom or dressing room is an easy way to add some elegance to an otherwise generic space. There are many beautiful mini chandeliers that measure under 20" long. Mounted close to the ceiling they are perfect for a standard 8' ceiling and can be placed over a tub or in the center of the room.

I love the idea of starting or ending my day with a sparkling chandelier overhead.

These gorgeous bathrooms are to die for, but, a simple chandelier in a small bathrooms would be so pretty.
The bathroom on the right was designed by Nate Berkus. The other two photos are from Developing Design blog.

Bathroom Update, end of week 4

2010-07-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

We've reached the end of week four and the end is in sight. All of the tile has been installed and grouted. The vanities are set and the counter tops will be installed next week. The week didn't go by without a glitch or two, but, everything worked out. At least we didn't lose a cat.
What does a cat have to do with remodeling, you ask. The contractor told me today that he had been working on another bathroom while the owner was away. He tore up the floor, replaced pipes, etc., and replaced the floor. When the homeowner returned from vacation he asked if the contractor had seen the cat, the answer was no. To make a long story short the contractor left the door to the bathroom open when he left the home and before he closed up the floor. The cat entered the bathroom and crawled under the floor. So when the flooring was put back into place the cat was trapped in the walls. He was so quiet they had no idea where he was so they just punched a big hole in the ceiling below and eventually the cat got out.
Moral of this story....when you're remodeling keep an eye on your cat.

This is the dressing room/closet area that will have a closet system installed.

Vanity is set in place and the shower stall is ready for the glass enclosure.

Wall tile finished.

Floor done and grouted.

Bathroom Update

2010-07-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

It's the end of week two of the bathroom remodel and it hasn't been as smooth as week one. One day the contractor put a nail through a water pipe. The fortunate part is that the water rain down through a framed doorway so there wasn't any wall damage and it was a relatively small amount of water that was left in a pipe. Also, the leak was easily accessible so it could be fixed without disturbing anything else.

A few days later one of his helpers drilled through a water pipe and released a gush of water that soaked through a small section of the ceiling of the family room below, ran down the wall and soaked a section of carpet and padding! This leak was not accessible and a section of the living room wall had to be removed to get to the pipe.

Yes, these things happen and are the downside of any remodeling. I think that's why some people don't like to do home improvements because no matter how much planning go into it there are always the unknowns and the unexpected. That's why it's so important to work with a reliable contractor and one who communicates well and takes responsibility for his mistakes.

The drywall guys are working this weekend so things are progressing. Hopefully, next week will go smoother.

Stair Runners

2010-06-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

Hardwood floors are beautiful, but can look a little bare without any type of rug. Stairs, especially, can benefit from a runner. Unlike when wall to wall carpeting is used on stairs dust is easy to clean out of the corners.

Outdated Bathroom

2010-06-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

This 9' x 7' master bathroom hasn't been remodeled in over thirty years. With another bathroom being back to back with this one, there is not room to expand. There is an adjacent dressing area with a sink/vanity and two small closets that adjoins the bedroom. Without encroaching on the bedroom space there is nowhere to add more closets.

Most homes being build today have very large bathrooms and huge walk in closets. I can understand the large closets (women never have enough closet space), but how much space do you really need in a bathroom. We're going to turn this small bathroom into one that will serve all the homeowners needs and add some luxury items to make it feel like a mini spa.

Here are some pictures of day one of demolition.

Shower as it previously existed and shower last thing standing after first day of demolition. In the demolition photo you can see the pipes on the left where the dressing room vanity was located.

Vanity and tub removed

Tub gone and wall to linen closet being removed. The door to the linen closet was on the dressing room side.

Vanity and toilet removed

Making Your Patio Special

2010-06-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

When decorating your home you probably thought of it as a whole entity rather than isolating each room creating a flow of colors and unity throughout the home. Think of your porch, patio or deck as an another room of your home. it just happens to be exposed to outside elements. Because the area is outside you need to create boundaries and special areas to create a feeling of intimacy.
It's easier than ever to "decorate" your outdoor space. Just browse lawn and garden centers to see the endless choices of furniture and accessories.

Photo courtesy of www.hgtv.com/Traditional sponsored by Target

Coordinate the furniture. It doesn't have to match, but, should have some cohesive element such as style or color. You'll also want to have adequate seating. How big your patio is and how many people, on average, will be using it. Try grouping several small areas if the space is large.
What colors are in your home, particularly in the room adjacent to your outdoor space. Use these colors outside in a lighter, brighter shade or use a bold contrasting color. Have custom pillows made to help coordinate the look. Every year more and more patterns are being introduced for outdoor use and now there are even trims and fringes that are weather resistant.
When purchasing pillows from a retail store make sure the tags specify they're for outdoor use.

Photo courtesy of www.Frontgate.com

I love using garden accessories around the patio. Also, rugs are being see more and more outdoors. Why use a boring trash can when you can use an interesting looking trash recepticle.

Another one of my favorite looks is a climbing vine. I love the look of a vine growing up and extending to the eves of a house and around windows, but, it's a lot of work keeping those vines under control. Instead I opt for a clematis vine which comes in several sizes. Planting in a large pot keeps the growth under control. A clematis vine doesn't have "fingers" to attach to surfaces so you need to provide some type of trellis for it to grow on. Since it won't attach to the column, when sections of the vine get long enough I wrap them around the column and intertwine them.

Plant shrubs to create a natural boundary and give a feeling of intimacy to make your outdoor space feel like an outdoor room.

Photo courtesy of hgtv

I love creating moods and using themes for dining and being outside is not an excuse for abandoning that practice. In a recent blog post I talked about how I change my table settings according to the season.

And, of course, you have to have a centerpiece. Instead of the usual flower, use a bowl of fresh tomatoes from your garden, a lantern or several small pots of herbs.

Photo courtesy of hgtv Linda Applewhite

Even the smallest spaces can be inviting with carefully selected items. A small table with a couple of great looking chairs is a nice spot for an intimate dinner with a loved one or a casual lunch with a special friend.

Mosaic topped tables are a decorative and beautiful addition to your outdoor space. They come in all sizes from small accent tables to large dining sized ones.

Photo courtesy of www.Frontgate.com

Torches and fire pits are yet another element and can be used in all kinds of weather. In the winter we bundle up and have "weiner & marshmallow roasts" over our firepit. Fire pits come in all sizes and cost from hundreds to thousands of dollars, but, if you have some bricks and a half hour of time, you can construct your own.

Did you know that you can now buy TVs that are water proof and specified for outdoor use?

Photo courtesy of www.backyardstuff.com

Photo courtesy of www.hgtv.com

Balance the furniture, colors, textures, flowers and any accessories you may use. Think of it as a room and use the same guidelines as you would if you were decorating an interior room.
I love being outside when the weather is warm. My day just seems to feel better when it's started outside drinking my first cup of coffee in the warm morning sun. I hope you enjoy your outdoor space even if it's just a blanket placed on the ground under your favorite tree.

Wild Flowering Vines & Bushes

2010-05-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

Honeysuckle vines & wild rose bushes grow along the edge of the woods on our property. This time of year they give off strong, yet delecate, sweet scents which add a lovely touch of spring to our yard.

The flower of the wild rose bush doesn't look like a rose. The stems, though, do have the recognizeable thorns. The scent now is almost gone, but, a few weeks ago the sweetness was smelled throughout the yard. I think they smell much sweeter than a regular rose or it might just be because the bush produces so many small flowers.

The honeysuckle vine has been a favorite of mine since I was a child. The scent permeates through the whole yard and I inhale deeply to get the full effect. In my opinion it is one of the most intoxicating scents I have ever smelled.

Window Treatment Solution

2010-05-23T08:15:00.001-07:00

This bay window is the only window in this family room and the interior side receives no direct light. This created a dark area in the room. In order to brighten up the area and make it a focal point a light colored stripe was used to create a shaped valance that would accentuate the space.

A red small print was used to separate the curved sections of the valance and separate the three windows that make up the bay. This adds visual height to the area and down plays the width. Metal medallions were placed in the top corners of the window treatment for an added touch. To further define the recessed bay area a window seat cushion was fabricated using the same red print. Finishing the look are two bolster pillows at each end which gently direct the eye slightly upward to again visually down play the width of the area.

Decorative pillows were made for the sofa using the same fabics that were used for the window treatment. A small square in the center of the throw pillow using the red print was finished off with a tiny cording made from the stripe fabric. A brush fringe with all of the colors found in both fabrics was used to put a nice edge and finishing touch on the pillows.

Cording that coordinates with the brush fringe was used on the edges of the bolsters.

Unusual Sinks for the Bathroom

2010-05-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

It's unbelievable how many choices there are for the bathroom these days. I was in a bath showroom this afternoon to finalize an order for a bath remodel. Every time I'm there I find something new and innovative. I didn't have my camera with me so when I got back to the office I went online to find some pictures of some of the awesome sinks on the market. Of coarse, many of them come with high price tags, but, it doesn't cost anything to look.
The first picture is a sink and faucet that are both hand blown glass. I've seen a lot of glass sinks, but, I think the faucet is amazing.
All of the sinks shown are from www.sinksgallery.com

Seasonal Tablesettings

2010-05-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

Winter Tablesetting

There are so many beautiful dinnerware patterns available that it can be hard to make a decision when making purchases. I'm an advocate of changing pillows, accessories and even artwork with the seasons. In the last year I've even started changing my dinnerware with the seasons.
Over the years I collected dinnerware for the holidays. I bring it out the week after Thanksgiving and use it until New Year's Day. On the patio in the summer I would use my everyday dishes or paper plates. A few years ago I was walking through Walmart and saw some plastic turquoise plates that I liked and decided to purchase them for outdoor parties. Not only would they look pretty, but, I wouldn't have to go out and buy paper plates every time I entertained and would also be keeping waste out of the landfills.

Spring/Summer Dinnerware

If you like this idea, but, don't want to make a large investment choose a collection that has several patterns in it. For example, the spring/summer dinnerware above is a collection from Villeroy & Boch called French Garden. Within that collection are different patterns from which to choose. They all have the green, yellow & off white base. Some of them are plain in the middle of the plate, some have a fruit pattern, some have a plain bordered edge,as shown, and some have a basket weave patterned edge. By having several patterns within the same collection you can mix up the patterns to have a different look every time you set the table.

Summer Patio

Being outdoors is fun and refreshing. Colorful dinnerware works beautifully with outdoor greenery and summer flowers. Use an oversized cloth napkin instead of a placemat for a background that enhances the whole table.

Awesome Staircases

2010-04-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

These pictures of staircases came to me this week in an email. I thought they were so awesome that I wanted to share them with you. If you are thinking about building a home or are remodeling, use these pictures as inspiration. As you see from these pictures staircases don't have to be boring. The last two are a little over the top, but, they may give you some ideas for something unusual in your home.

We never seem to have enough storage. What a great idea for a space otherwise wasted. Also, maybe a secret compartment??!!

A person who creates iron sculptures could easily make one of these for your home. It certainly would be a conversation piece.

You may not find this in every home and you'd have to be very careful about the spacing between steps; but, isn't it cool!

OK, those of you who are lucky enough to have libraries in you home, wouldn't this be more fun than having a rolling ladder?

Signs of Spring

2010-03-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

I walked around my yard today and there were signs of spring everywhere. Nature does a wonderful job of decorating our surroundings.

The moss between the flagstones in my patio is even growing. I don't know why, but, I love moss, especially growing in cracks and crevices. A couple of seasons ago I dug up some moss on the side of the house and mixed it up in a blender with some water. (I found the directions online). I then proceeded to "paint" the open areas between the flagstones with the concoction. With all the wet weather we've had my moss is thriving!

Buds on the Viburnum bush

The first bloom on the Viburnum bush

Buds on the Thundercloud Pear Tree

Bud on the Magnolia

This pot sat out all winter. I don't know how the bulbs survived the snow. Hopefully, I'll have some tulips in a few weeks.

The Clematis vine is starting to grow.

Outdoor Fabrics to Transform Your Porch or Patio

2010-03-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

Spring is officially here according to the calendar and the weather is slowly catching up. Soon we'll be entertaining outside so I wanted to show you some of the new fabric patterns that are available for use outdoors. Decorating isn't just for the interior anymore. Beautiful decorative fabrics, in an endless array of colors and patterns, made to withstand the elements turn ordinary porches and patios into wonderful outdoor living spaces.

Art Museum

2010-03-10T06:39:00.002-08:00

Recently The Business Women's Networking group of Newark, DE spent a few hours at the Delaware Art Museum. It's been a while since I've visited a museum so it was very enjoyable, especially the fondue lunch that the Museum provided at the end of our tour.

Thanks to Sue Engler of Engler's Photography for taking the pictures. The Museum didn't allow any flashes so I think Sue did a great job considering the lighting was less than adequate for photography.

2010-03-10T06:39:00.001-08:00

Color Predictions for 2010

2010-03-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

According to Pantone, turquoise is the Color of the Year for 2010. Of coarse, not everyone will want to use turquoise so here are some other colors to look for that will give your home a fresh new look........

Yellow has been popular for a very long time and will continue to be, but, it will be a little brighter.

As many of my clients know, a true blue has been hard to find over the last few years. That will be changing and blue will be seen more over the next year..

Red, another popular color, will have more purple and blue tones.
Lavenders and purples including eggplant are becoming more popular. In the past they were used as accents and in bathrooms. Now they are being used for bedrooms and are moving into the living areas of the home.
Greens will be more of a leaf green.

In the pattern category geometric patterns have been used a lot in the last few years and will still be seen. Instead of the hard edges usually associated with geometrics the new ones will have softer edges. And, one of my favorites, paisleys are back! Many younger homeowners like traditional looks, but, don't want their home to look old fashioned. This problem is being solved by introducing traditional designs and classic patterns in larger scale. This will make them less formal and give them an updated look.

It takes about twelve months before the full results of a color prediction can be analyzed. Some years the public embraces the new colors and styles and other years the predictions fall short. As a designer I get excited every time a new color or pattern is introduced. Homeowners will have the choice of deciding what colors and patterns they like. The fun part is the anticipation and experimenting with the new.

Don't take color too seriously. Have fun with it, experiment and live with what you love!

Color of the Year

2010-02-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

Every year Pantone, the global authority on color, announces the "Color of the Year." They use lots of criteria to make this choice, one of them being the state of the economy. They have chosen turquoise as 2010 Color of the Year. In their press release they said that turquoise "is an inviting, luminous hue that combines the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green."

It "evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical water and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well being." It seems like the perfect color for us at this point in time.

Colors help change our moods, some favorably and some not so favorably. Turquoise is a color that appeals to both men and women and most people respond favorably. Something that the fashion industry has known for a long time is that the color is universally flattering. It has cool undertones as well as warm undertones which allows it to be used with all the colors in the spectrum.

New colors generally are seen first in the fashion industry and gradually move into home furnishings. So we'll probably see the turquoise in some home decor products in the spring and by fall the collections will expand.

Of coarse, not everyone will want to use turquoise so check back in a few days and I'll tell you what other colors to expect to see this year.

Icicles, One of Nature's Wonders

2010-02-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

We create beautiful interior spaces with a lot of planning; but, nothing can compare with the natural occuring beauty of nature.

Arched Windows

2010-02-22T09:08:00.000-08:00

Arched windows are beautiful in themselves. Add a special window treatment and they really stand out.

Follow My Blog

2010-02-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

I invite you to become a follower of my blog. By during so you'll be notified whenever I add a post so that you don't miss out on any new information.

Mirrors

2010-02-18T07:50:00.000-08:00

I love mirrors. They can be used to reflect something beautiful, make a room seem larger, or just add a wonderful decorative touch to a room. Small ones can be grouped together on a wall in place of artwork. Also, use smaller ones as trays.

Chocolate

2010-02-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

How ironic that the day after Valentine's Day I read a report that says chocolate is actually good for me! It has to do with something called polyphenol flavonoids. I've been telling my husband for years that dark chocolate (my favorite kind) is good for me. His response is that I'm just trying to justify how much chocolate I eat. Now I have proof and I'm certainly going to make sure I show him this report. The same report says that coffee is good for me, too. Yes!!! Two of my favorite things I can now consume with no guilt.

Red Is In The Air

2010-02-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

Red is the color associated with Valentine's Day...red hearts, red roses, red wrappings, red dresses and on and on...
Red is a strong color and a little goes a long way. Even though it has been a very popular decorating color for several years, many people use more subtle colors in their homes.
On this special day a little red can add a splash of color and maybe a few sparks to a table for two. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Snow Days

2010-02-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

I got up today to see a decorated landscape. It's ironic that yesterday I sent out my newsletter titled "Don't Use This Color". The color I was referring to is white. Yes, white is beautiful in nature, but, doesn't make much of an impact on interior decor unless you are using a black and white scheme. In Japan white symbolizes death, in eastern cultures it symbolizes coldness and sterility. When everything in nature is covered with snow it looks pure and feels peaceful.
In interior spaces cream and green can create feelings of calm. Some shades of blue are calming also.

Simple Solutions

2010-01-30T06:43:00.000-08:00

Color adds so much to a room yet many people are afraid to use it on the walls. This dining room had white walls and no character. The homeowner's favorite colors are in the burgandy/purple family. The room is small and using the color on all walls would have closed it in so we painted the focal wall, the one that is viewed when first entering the room. It brings some drama as well as warmth to the room.

With multiple shelves it's tempting to over accessorize. With these shelves we carefully chose items that had different textures and sizes, but, that were complementary in coloring. They were stategically placed for balance. The clock over the TV acts as a cohesive element and lets the eye flow easily from the left shelf to the right. And, by the way, this living room is adjacent to the dining room pictured above. The connecting wall is painted the same violet on the living room side.

Window Treatments

2010-01-28T13:20:00.000-08:00

Just finished designing some window treatments on my new computer program. I'm only using the basic elements of the program at this point, but I am so excited. I was hoping to share the renderings, but, they won't transfer to this site. I tried to scan them and my scanner's not working. Technology is great when it's working, but is so frustrating when it won't do what you want it to do.

Not Your Traditional Swags

2010-01-27T12:13:00.000-08:00

Swags and cascades are thought of as a very tradtional look. As you can see from these photos, they can have a more modern look. A neutral fabric was chosen to compliment the neutral colored furnishings. Rather than being pleated in the traditional style the swags and cascades were gathered to give them a more natural and casual look. The last photo shows a treatment with the lines of a swag treatment, but with a flat panal in the center. This simplifies the treatment and makes it a perfect choice for the bathroom.

Computer Frustration

2010-01-25T13:29:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to activate the hyperlink for Randall K Bedding. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but the computer keeps rejecting whatever I do. The instructions always sound so easy. I do want you to check out the site because they have beautiful things. See the post below, Cozy Bed, to view the entire link. It's a little long to type in, but well worth it.

Cozy Bed

2010-01-25T13:05:00.000-08:00

It was hard getting out of bed this morning. The feel of good quality sheets and soft blankets is irresistible on a cold, rainy morning. One source I like for bedding is Randall K. They sell custom products, but also luxurious bedding ready for shipping. http://www.randallk.com/LuxuryBedding_Collections.aspx

Upgraded Bathroom

2010-01-22T07:32:00.000-08:00

You don't have to knock out walls to make an old, tired bathroom look and feel updated and fresh.

Ottoman

2010-01-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

Obviously the picture below is not of a window seat cushion. However, we did fabricate a window seat cushion for his bay window and I just put the wrong caption on the picture.

Window Seat Cushion

2010-01-21T10:57:00.000-08:00

My son's dog chewed his ottoman so I had it recovered for him.

Designing Window Treatments on My Computer

2010-01-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

I have a new computer program for designing window treatments and doing space plans. For years I have been designing freehand and I get great satisfaction from doing it that way, but, changes can be made so easily with this new program and I can experiment with many more ideas than I could when I was doing the actual drawing.
Sometimes my computer frustrates me, but, I can say it is making my life a whole lot easier. I have also finally learned how to download pictures from my camera. Who knew it's so easy!
I'm working on several window treatment projects at the moment and I love playing around with ideas on this program. The possibilities are endless.

Getting Acquainted

2010-01-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

Here I am writting my first blog post. I'm new at this so bear with me because I'm sure I'll be making mistakes for a while until I figure everything out.