L. Tolly Floral and Home Design

Thinking about Brick

2012-02-03T23:45:00.004-06:00

The office you don't have to dust

2012-01-20T12:40:00.003-06:00

I wish I knew where I got this picture, but as usual, I found it saved on my computer so the brilliant mind behind it will have to go without recognition. Again. But, seriously, what a great idea! That's a shower caddy turned into an office-supply station. It would fit in just about any kitchen. You could always keep a few envelopes and a check book for paying bills or sorting mail. I love the pencil basket hanging from the bottom. I never remember where I've decided to 'organize' the pens. It would be much better just to have them in plain sight.

As promised...

2012-01-19T14:08:00.000-06:00

I finally took a picture of my great big window that I told you about in my last post, although as usual I failed to wait until the lighting was perfect so it is a little blurry. Someday I'll become one of those people who has a decent camera and posts decent pictures on their blog....for now, you get the idea. Hanging the curtains by the ceiling heightens the room. I love the white because, as you can see, I can't help putting bright color on my table. And yes, there is a pile of snow outside. And yes, I love it.

While I'm in the mood for posting blurry pictures, might as well share one of this little cutie pants - all warm and cute in her snow sweater.

A cheap window treatment

2012-01-07T15:03:00.001-06:00

Do you have any of those ridiculously wide 70's windows in your place? Our dining room window is 14 feet wide! 14 ft!! Without wanting to fork out hundreds of dollars for a custom window treatment, I found a much cheaper option that will do for now.

I bought two of these finials from Amazon:

Then three of these brackets:

And I got a 14.5 foot wooden dowel from the building supply store. We drilled holes in the end of the dowel to screw on the finials and painted the whole thing white. You could easily paint it black or brown or red or whatever color you feel like you need above your window. The brackets are the best I found (and I looked at a ton!), plus they are pretty when painted the same color as your curtain rod. I just settled for a bunch of Ikea panels like these:

When you get enough panels on there, you can cover a 14 foot expanse. It's not the easiest thing in the world to open and close, but it works for now and all together I spent under $50! I'll get a picture up once we get the curtain rod hung in the right spot - right up next to the ceiling. The panels are 118" long, so I have plenty of fabric to add some height to the room.

Doors, Doors, Doors

2011-12-15T16:49:00.000-06:00

I've been door shopping lately. Our house has those boring flush doors that add absolutely no character -a hallway with SEVEN flush doors - it's a sad sight.

Here's a classic Georgian Style. Probably one of the cheaper styles on the market....and more affordable when I'm multiplying times 7.

Double panel:

Mediterranean (my personal favorite...but isn't everything Mediteranean better?..cheese? wine? capers?)

Tudor:

Another Mediterranean, which I love!

Classic four panel:

Some house things

2011-11-29T23:48:00.001-06:00

Well, well, as it turns out trying to be a decent mom and home-owner really does take up a lot of time, and apparently posting online has taken the back burner. Here's a few things I'm looking at for the house.

Ikea - probably to go next to one of the fireplaces. Our house has a terrible lack of chairs.

Ikea -for Darcy's room. I'm considering throwing on a coat of light green paint and something similar to these curtains.

World Market - I'm always on the lookout for a new dining table.

World Market - for the dining room, because wouldn't it be perfect with that table?

Owls

2011-10-31T15:35:00.001-05:00

I love the colors in this artwork, and I love all the texture in the owls. I think you can find these unframed at Pier 1, but I have seen them other places too.

Pretty Hooks

2011-10-18T23:24:00.001-05:00

These would be so cute in a little girl's room. Every kid can use hooks for their random hoodies and backpacks that don't have a good place.

And the winner is...

2011-10-17T16:33:00.001-05:00

Rosanne Spears

Rose, email me at mrstolly@gmail.com with your address so I can get your oilcloth in the mail.

Thanks to all who entered!

Oilcloth Give Away!!

2011-10-11T16:38:00.002-05:00

I'm giving away 2.5 yards of this oilcloth! The bright red polka dot is pretty with just about any color, and you'll love it when the Christmas season comes. Comment below to enter to win.

Dish Inspiration

2011-10-09T22:31:00.000-05:00

I love the colors in this bowl. I could decorate an entire house inspired by this - so beautiful!

Decorating with Birds

2011-10-06T11:21:00.000-05:00

Pier 1 has some beautiful bird art right now. Aren't these colors great? The set of three would be perfect for a huge empty wall. Especially if you live in an apartment, art with lots of color and texture like these are beautiful on white walls.

Beautiful Lamps

2011-10-05T08:43:00.000-05:00

Chevron Rug

2011-10-04T15:56:00.000-05:00

I do really, really love chevron rugs. Chevron patterns can go with so many different styles, and they add a nice sharp line to rooms that are too froofy. I love mixing chevrons with floral patterns. These are easy to make yourself. Martha as a good tutorial here: http://www.marthastewart.com/273292/making-canvas-rugs

Meg

2011-09-29T15:36:00.002-05:00

While I was pretty disappointed with the outcome of the latest Design Star season, I do love Meg's style. We have a lot in common when it comes to color aesthetic. Look at the kitchen she just redid.

Before:

After:

Etsy Finds

2011-09-28T14:53:00.000-05:00

Look what I found on Etsy today. The details are beautiful and I love the splash of color. I am always a fan of birds in decor - good shape, good color, good texture.

Anthro Curtains

2011-09-27T16:07:00.001-05:00

I am loving these reverse pin-tucked curtains from Anthropologie. The colors are pretty and the fabric is rich. It would dress up any room in a second.

The Fancy Farm Girl

2011-09-24T16:29:00.000-05:00

I hear it all the time - "I will decorate when I get a house" - well, here is a little inspiration from http://www.thefancyfarmgirl.com to get decorating even if all you have is a tiny trailer!

Land of Nod

2011-09-23T00:26:00.001-05:00

How cute is this little bedding from Land of Nod? I want to move Darcy to a toddler bed, just so I can redecorate her room. She already helps me make my bed in the morning, so I'm pretty sure she could get those pillows in the right place. Or we would just have a constant mess of pretty pillows around the room, which really wouldn't be such a bad thing either.

Fall Wreath

2011-09-22T07:56:00.000-05:00

As fall is swiftly approaching, I'm sure you are all ready to mix in some browns and oranges to your decor. Here is a really cute wreath idea from http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/2011/09/my-fall-wreath.html. It's cute, cheap, and easy to make.

Wall Decor

2011-09-20T09:27:00.000-05:00

Pottery Barn has always been a great inspiration for unique wall decor. They use everything from baseball bats to seashells. Good art can get really expensive, so when you are decorating your walls, think outside the picture from on what you can use. Do you have any funny pieces of driftwood that you could hang? What about hooks with lanterns on them? Do you have any cool wooden crates that you could attach to the wall for hanging shelves? Think about things that will add depth and texture to your walls.

photo credit

Wrapping Paper Decor

2011-09-19T11:09:00.001-05:00

Here's a cheapo great idea for a little color on your wall! This is wrapping paper, folded neatly over some inexpensive picture frames. You can actually use fabric too, but wrapping paper is usually cheaper. It's a great way to get a colorful impact on a budget.

Creepiness!

2011-09-17T15:07:00.002-05:00

I found this playroom on Design Sponge the other day and all I have to say is CREEPY! There has to be something to this that I'm just not getting, right? First off, the white walls and painted floors are giving me prison cell vibes, and the mural....I'm sorry...the blue paint is really looking like tape and that's just giving me crime scene images. I just couldn't let this image go through my life without being commented on.

Wall Sconce

2011-09-15T15:27:00.000-05:00

Here is another light fixture that I've been eyeing lately. The brass adds a nice vintage feel, which is always fun to have. I have yet to see it in person, so I don't know what kind of light it will give off, but judging by the shade paired with crystal, I think it would be beautiful.

Square Chandelier

2011-09-14T01:54:00.001-05:00

I have seen this light used quite a few times in the past year, both for a dining chandelier and over kitchen islands. I love the light that it gives off. The bulbs are small and twinkly, and the crystals reflect everywhere. Also having the wide shade over the whole thing adds a softness to the light so that it feels warm without being dingy.

Bedroom Inspiration

2011-09-13T11:31:00.000-05:00

One of my projects in Design School was to decorate a bedroom for a single lady. The bedroom had maple floors and pale green walls, which she wanted to keep. Here are some of the elements that I put into the room and I'm still in love with them.

Working with the architecture

2011-09-11T23:31:00.000-05:00

Something that a lot of homeowners don't think about when they are choosing what to put in their house is how to work with the architecture that is already in place. Of course, if you are changing the architecture, then you have much more freedom. But look at the photo above - the light fixture over the table is echoing the arch of the window, but contrasting it in color. It actually draws your attention to the beautiful arched window instead of away from it. If you want the eye drawn to something, try using a sharp contrast like this. And if you want to compliment a shape, duplicate it.

Mixing Formal with Unfinished

2011-09-09T15:19:00.000-05:00

Unfinished wood is getting very popular, and I'm a big fan. I love the texture that unfinished wood adds to a space. You can also use a clear stain to bring finish the wood, but keep the unfinished feel. I love how it is juxtaposed in the picture above with Chippendale chairs, a formal gold mirror and chandelier, and a bright buffet. There are several different styles combined in this room, but it works. It works because the color hues are all the same and the textures are minimal. When you are decorating with a monochromatic color scheme, or all the same style of furniture, you need lots of texture to add interest. But when you are decorating with lots of different styles, it's best to let texturing become an accent.

Chandeliers in the Laundry Room

2011-09-08T22:30:00.001-05:00

I can't think of a better place for a chandelier than over my washing machine. Well, actually, I can think of about a dozen great places for chandeliers. But who wouldn't love to have a laundry room this beautiful? The ironing would get done so much sooner, right? I really think that the details are what it's all about when it comes to decorating your home, and the laundry room is kind of a detail room that unfortunately some of us spend way too much time in. So, here is a pretty picture to inspire you to slick up the laundry room. You'll never regret it.

Just something pretty

2011-09-07T15:10:00.002-05:00

This outdoor space is gorgeous. The palette is soft, with an accent of bright turquoise. The seats all look comfortable. And who can resist striped chairs? I love them! I also love the lanterns that they used on the ceiling. Lanterns are a great object to decorate with since they bring a rough, outdoorsy feel to the space without being a moose head. I'm on the look out for some other great uses for lanterns, so I'll be sure to update you with what I find.

I'll take two for my kitchen, please!

2011-09-06T16:37:00.001-05:00

Ever since I saw this pendant I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. It's the perfect balance of pretty and heavy. The bubbled glass gives off a beautiful, sparkly light that isn't too sharp. If you're looking for the right light to hang over a kitchen island, this would be a beautiful choice. I would pair it with a cool palette that has a slightly nautical inspiration.

Closet Doors

2011-09-06T16:23:00.000-05:00

Remember these old doors in the master bedroom? Here's the original picture. As soon as I saw the house, I had knew that these needed to go a dark shade of blue.

Since our current bedding is mostly green I chose a SW Lagoon to bring out the green and pick up the bright blue in the picture above the bed. I won't tell you how many hours I spent painting those old doors, mainly because I don't really want to know. Someday I'll own a sprayer and my whole life will feel like a dream.

Magazine Solution

2011-09-06T16:00:00.000-05:00

Another brilliant idea from Martha! If you have to store your magazines out in the open, try getting some plastic holders and covering them with wallpaper! This pattern is from Cath Kidston, one of my favorite British designers. You could easily use other materials like fabric (with a spray adhesive), oilcloth, or paint!

Floral Inspiration

2011-08-23T16:24:00.003-05:00

You can find decorating inspiration anywhere, but my favorite is when rooms are inspired by flowers. Take this beautiful tulip bouquet...

What is the mood? the color? what are the lines? Asking all these types of questions can help us to translate a tulip into a beautiful room using elements like these...

Decorate with Toilet Paper Rolls!

2011-08-12T12:02:00.001-05:00

Go here to learn how to make this fantastic art piece out of toilet paper rolls! Seriously cheap and a fun project for older kids too!

Kitchen Idea

2011-08-08T18:38:00.002-05:00

This is a great kitchen combo - it has the perfect balance of modern, traditional, and country. I would probably have gone with a little stronger color on the wall since there is so much light. But I do love the subway tile paired with the stainless appliances, white cabinets, wood floors, and pale granite counter tops. I also love how the window is right over the sink - it's a pain to clean, but it makes washing dishes much more pleasant. I have a similar set up in my kitchen and I do basically all my work right next to the sink. I'm convinced that the more windows I have in my kitchen, the better my food will taste. :)

House of Fifty

2011-08-04T17:05:00.003-05:00

I am sort of a big fan of the new online magazine House of Fifty. It was started by Janelle over at Isabella and Max Rooms (who I am also a big fan of) and recently Kim Myles (winner of season 2 Design Star) joined the contributors! Beautiful rooms, fashion tips, and recipes. I couldn't be happier.

Reader Question: Painting Trim

2011-07-12T00:37:00.005-05:00

"In my sun room currently the trim is a beige color and the walls are a light ivory. What do you think about trim being darker than the walls. Because my trim is so wide and such a neat feature I am torn. I would like to paint the walls a light color. Would painting it lighter make it stand out more or would the walls take over? So do you think I should paint the trim a lighter ivory-off white color or leave it darker?"

Beautiful trim is an amazing thing to have in a room. You can get away with very little art, barely any window treatment, and basic furniture and still have a gorgeous room. One way to get the trim to stand out is to paint it white and put a bolder, contrasting color on the wall. But this is overdone, and in a small room you often want a lighter wall. Trim can be beautiful when painted a color, but to make it really stand out you will need to know a couple of tricks.

First, choose a color that is a sharp contrast to your wall color.

Second, keep your walls very neutral (don't try to put dark blue on the trim and light blue on the wall, it will just look tacky).

Third, choose a glossier finish than the wall. If you are using eggshell on your walls, choose semi-gloss for the trim.

Hope that helps!

$1 plus10 minutes

2011-07-12T00:30:00.004-05:00

Ta-dah! I found this old window at a yard sale for $1, and after 10 minutes of throwing on some paint, this is what I came up with. It is now that main feature in our master bathroom. Even the smallest budget has room for this. If you are not confident in your painting skills, you can easily tape a picture to the back and trace the silhouette.

Free Stuff

2011-07-12T00:24:00.005-05:00

I very rarely refuse a piece of free furniture. Well, that's not true, I'm pretty stingy when it comes to anything that has upholstery and can't be disinfected a million times. But when it's easy to clean and easy to paint, I usually say yes. Who knows what it might turn into. I wish I had captured before pictures of these pieces, but you will just have to enjoy the afters of these free items...

A cute dresser that is serving well as a buffet in my dining room:

And a table that is supposed to seat six but faithfully seats 12 for Sabbath Dinners:

(I know, I know, the chairs go to another table. I'm on the hunt for new chairs, so in the meantime I'm putting up with the clashingness.)

Decorating the Spare Room with Spare Change

2011-07-11T23:42:00.009-05:00

This post is for those of you on a budget that has no room for decorating. You can create a cute, comfortable space with just a few dollars. The trick is to keep your colors simple, with a few bold punches, and use a lot of what you already have. You might have to do some dumpster diving, so just make sure to have a gallon of white paint on hand.

Welcome to my spare room...

I chose to paint this room with the leftover dining room paint (BM Moonshine). Cost: $0

We rescued the twin beds from nearly ending up in the dump, and my awesome husband painted them white using paint that we already had. Cost: $0

I already owned the sheets and pillows, but I got the rest of the bedding from Ikea. Cost: $42

I found that fun blue rug at Ross. Cost: $6

I bought these candle holders at Ross years ago and spray painted them. Cost: $2

I did these simple paintings with canvases that I found on sale, using paint that I already had leftover from other projects. Cost: $5

I made the throw pillows from fabric that I found on sale and a couple of old pillows. Cost: $3

This chair was free, and of course I painted it white. It obviously still needs to be recovered, which will cost me something later. Cost: $0

The simple curtains on the windows are a temporary fix, but they have been in our house since we got married so I don't even know how much they were originally. Cost: $0

The table between the beds was another dump rescue, and painted with paint that I had for my front door. Cost: $0

The tray of toiletries is something that I always have on hand for overnight guests. The tray itself was a wedding present, but the vase of rocks and the toiletries cost:$6

Total cost: $64 to decorate an entire room!

I hope that encourages you to look around your house and use what you already have. A coat of paint can work wonders! I would love to see pictures of any or your rooms that you have decorated on a budget, so send me an email!

Details, Details

2011-07-08T01:01:00.003-05:00

Check out these adorable curtain tie-backs from Urban Outfitters! Little details like this is what really gives a space personality and interest, plus they are a great price.

Open Shelves

2011-07-05T14:40:00.003-05:00

This is such a cheap and easy way to renovate your kitchen. Open shelving is very modern, but you can add some cute brackets to change up the style. It's great for a small space, especially if you have cute dishes.

Vertical Balancing

2011-07-02T10:05:00.004-05:00

I think most people understand the concept of balancing a room - you don't put all the heavy, dark furniture on one side, you don't want white walls and ceiling with dark floors and furniture, you don't paint an accent wall dark without balancing the color with accessories in the rest of the room. One thing that I often see overlooked is the idea of balancing a room vertically. You can tell when a room isn't balanced vertically because everything will feel very low to the ground, and the room will feel very short. You want to make sure that whatever colors you choose go all the way up to the ceiling, and I am not just talking about the wall color. Here are a few ideas for making sure that your room is balanced vertically.

Simple curtains are an effective, affordable way to draw the eye to the height of the room. Hang them as high as you can, while still having them sweep the floor or the window sill. If your walls are light, but your furniture is dark, consider using a curtain that will contrast with the wall color and bring some of that darkness up. The curtains don't need to be the same color as the furniture, but they should echo it. The same goes for if you have a dark wall color, it is helpful to break it up with a lighter curtain for contrast and vertical line.

Curtains are not the only way to bring vertical lines to your room. You can also balance with pictures or shelves on your wall. If you have a bold rug, you will need to echo some of the boldness in the wall art.

Furniture is an obvious way to bring vertical lines. You don't want all your furniture to be three and a half feet tall. This is why china cabinets always look amazing in dining rooms. It brings the eye up. For your bedroom, look for pieces that have some height, since bedroom furniture tends to be very low.

Lamps are one of my favorite ways to add height. But again, consider your color scheme. Do you need a lamp that is eye catching because all your other eye catching elements are on the floor? Or if you have chosen a bold wall color, you might need a generic lamp to balance out generic furniture.

I find it helpful when decorating, to do a quick sketch of each wall and shade the items that are bolder. You will immediately see where your holes are and if you need to fill in with a light or dark tone.

Serena and Lily Paint Colors

2011-07-01T17:18:00.003-05:00

If you are looking for the perfect color to paint a room, check out Serena and Lily's options. They are not the cheapest, but they will give you some great ideas! You can find them all here.

Teva Living

2011-06-28T19:47:00.002-05:00

I'm really not a green person, but I am loving the Teva Living line. Especially the table pictured above which is on sale right now! You have to go check out their other items here.

Tips on Planning Your Space

2011-06-24T17:39:00.005-05:00

Professional Interior Designers always draft a scaled sketch of every room before beginning any work it. This is necessary first to make sure that the client approves the layout, but also to make sure that you purchase the right size pieces for each space. You don't have to be a professional to benefit from this important step when decorating your own home. I'm not even much of an artist, and I have drafted many rooms by hand. Here are a few steps to help you on your way to having a functional and perfectly decorated home:

1. Measure your rooms.

2. Do a quick sketch of the entire house/apartment on graph paper, with one square equaling a square foot. (Designers always round down on half feet)

3. Measure your furniture and make square cutouts of each, using graph paper with one square inch equaling a square foot.

Once you have completed this step you can play around with your different pieces in each room until you find the most functional layout for your family. The great thing about this is that you can see if your room is balanced or not before you call the neighbors over to help you move the bookshelves. A few things to keep in mind when deciding on a layout:

1. Balance the furniture. Don't put all the heavy pieces on the same side of the room.

2. Leave at least 36 inches of walking space around the furniture.

3. Balance the surfaces. Try not to put two hard surfaces (bookshelves, desks, tables, etc.) next to each other unless they are vastly different heights. And try not to put soft surfaces (couches, chairs, beds) next to each other without breaking them up with an end table. Exceptions to this rule would be dining rooms or offices, which require many hard surfaces.

I hope that helps you get started! You will also need to pay attention to vertical balancing, but I will get to that later. :)

Here's a little personal tip: when I am making the layout of my own home, I have a list of what I am going to keep in each room. In the study, I keep books, office supplies, art supplies, sewing machine. In the baby's room, toys, crib, changing table, baby clothes, rocking chair, humidifier. This helps me figure out what furniture needs I have for each room, and it helps to organize some of those loose items that don't have an obvious space. When you know the function of each space, you can really work on incorporating it into the overall aesthetic of the room.

Updating with Paint

2011-06-23T14:01:00.002-05:00

Someday I will write a book on 1000 things you can do with paint. This is a great project that Naphtali from http://amoredivita.blogspot.com/ did in her new house. I love that she took something very dated and made it cute without a minute of renovating.

Before:

After:

How to Decorate with No Time and No Money #5

2011-06-22T13:01:00.005-05:00

When you are decorating on a very low budget, you really have to make color work in your favor. I'm a big fan of neutral palettes, but neutrals can't hide quality. When using neutral tones, you are relying on texture and shape and finishes, but when you embrace a little bit of color, you can easily trick the eye to notice the beauty of the color rather than the texture, shape, or finish.

For example, let's say you want to paint your a room but you really only have enough money for a gallon paint. You may be attracted to pictures of rooms with beautiful cream walls or soft tans, but if you choose one of these colors, your eye will be drawn to the items in the room rather than the walls. Unless you can afford to add some great textiles and furniture, you probably are going to end up with a blah room. Instead, use your $30 to buy a gorgeous color for the wall, and then you can easily get away with cheap, neutral textiles.

You might run into the problem of your room not being able to handle a strong wall color, or maybe you are renting and you can't paint. In this case, it is so important that you use color to your advantage on the furniture or textiles in the room. One of my favorite ways to dress up a piece of old, cheap furniture is to slap a coat of brightly colored paint on it. Since it is only a small area of the room, you can go a little bolder with the color. And it will distract from anything else in the room that might not be the quality you were hoping for.

So if you only have $30 to decorate, go buy a gallon of your favorite color and let everything else be boring and neutral. One good color can make $30 go a very long way.

I'm knob shopping

2011-06-11T00:02:00.004-05:00

I think the second ones are my favorites, although they do make quite a statement, I need something to tie together all my kitchen colors.

Stencil on the Ceiling

2011-06-07T23:36:00.003-05:00

Now if this doesn't make you feel like a stiff neck would be totally worth it, I don't know what will. It's brilliant, and I'm making plans in incorporate it into my dining room. I do like the metalic paint in this picture, but I think a black or a brown would be pretty sharp too.

Elephant Lamp

2011-06-07T18:54:00.003-05:00

Because World Market is just this good...

Bamboo Shades

2011-06-07T11:44:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for an elegant alternative to curtains, and blinds annoy you as much as they do me, a shade is your next best option. I'm a big fan of Roman Shades and Bamboo shades like the ones pictured above. They add a beautiful natural element to the room without feeling too heavy. You can find them in all different stains to match your color scheme. They can stand alone or be placed with a drape to frame the window.

A perfectly hung curtain

2011-06-05T23:43:00.003-05:00

There are few things that cheer me as much as meticulously hung curtains. Genevieve Gorder is sort of a curtain hanging goddess. Watch her show - she has a thousand tiny tips on how to make your drapes speak for themselves. Aren't these great in the picture above? So precise and perfect, and I love the monochromatic color with the wall, which draws attention to the texture and creates an architectural statement in the room. If your curtains are creating architectural statements, you know you're doing well.

My Hallway

2011-05-24T10:52:00.010-05:00

Here is a little project that I'm excited to share with you all! It has been in my head since we looked at the house, so I'm happy to get it out of my head and into reality.

Here is the hallway when we first bought the house:

And here it is a few weeks later.

And now today. (Yes, we always have at least one toy in the hall, I need to get some more pictures up, and we still need to put in new trim. I'm seriously going to cry on the day I get baseboards. So if you see me wondering around Moscow with joyful tears streaming down my face, you will know I have baseboards!)

Let's get a closer look at the door.

I took three of the colors that I have used in other rooms of the house. The branches are the color in the Living Room (Sherwin Williams: Believable Buff), the leaves are the color of the kitchen (Sherwin Williams: Tollefson Green), and the flowers are the color of my guest bathroom (Benjamin Moore: Burnt Peanut). The design is inspired by several textiles that I have on throw pillows throughout the house. I really wanted something simple and colorful that pulled together some of the elements that I've used in the house.

The Psychology of White

2011-05-23T12:43:00.003-05:00

Color psychology has always been a little funny to me. I don't think you can absolutely say that the color red makes everyone feel a certain way, or that the color yellow is an abrasive color to every eye. But one idea that always seems to hold true is that the color white feels clean. I know many people feel that white is too stark or cold, which even the biggest white lovers out there would agree with. It is stark and cold, and that's why it feels sharp and clean. I have rarely found a room that couldn't be improved by at least a little white (or off-white/cream). It always adds a sharp line and finishes the whole aesthetic of the room. It allows the eye to take a break from pattern and color, and it is obviously a great compliment to every color. Even very warm palettes can benefit from a creamy white whether it is on the trim, the walls, the textiles, or the furniture. So next time you are wondering how to make a room feel cleaner and sharper, consider adding a bit of white. I, for one, think that every good housekeeper needs to have at least one gallon of white paint on hand.

Bold drapes

2011-05-20T15:04:00.003-05:00

There really is nothing more that can make a room look immediately amazing than a bold, beautiful drape. I love bright colors and pattern, but you can still do something beautiful in a neutral. If you are hoping to make a statement with your drapes, go with a bold color and make sure they reach from floor to ceiling like the picture above. So lovely!

Need a coffee table?

2011-05-19T20:06:00.002-05:00

This amazing coffee table could work with several types of styles. In this picture, it is a great texture to a soft, neutral room. It would also be amazing in an all-white room, in a rustic room, or even as a statement piece in a more formal space if the other furniture was heavy. You can find a DIY tutorial here to make your own coffee table just like this.

Painting a Piano

2011-05-16T00:10:00.003-05:00

Would you ever paint a piano? I'm afraid to say that most of the things I own have been painted. (including about half my wardrobe since we bought the house!) It's so easy just to buy a nice piece of furniture from any furniture store, but salvaging old pieces that have great detail can really look amazing when sanded and spruced up with a coat of paint. Take this old piano, for example.

Before...

After...I love the fine detailed distressing even on the final result. It really helps to keep the piano within its era.

And this is a personal favorite of mine, but as you probably know I have a soft spot in my heart for turquoise furniture.

Backsplash

2011-05-10T17:56:00.002-05:00

I could really go for a back splash like this - perhaps a little more glassy. I love the contrast of the intricate tile with the exposed beams and the industrial stainless steel.

Some sort of kitchen craziness

2011-05-04T23:27:00.002-05:00

Is this a space ship or a kitchen? Are those alien or pendant lights? As crazy as it is, I think I love this kitchen. It might have something to do with the palm tree out of that huge window over the sink....but I also love the green glass counter on the island, the super shiny back splash, and the light fixtures. I'm not too crazy about the cabinets, and the floor looks like it would be a headache to keep clean. But whether or not you love this kitchen, I think we have to agree that the designer made a great decision in the wood finish on the island. The intensity of the other colors is toned down by the natural element.

Floral Mural

2011-05-02T14:52:00.002-05:00

Crazy or cool? Martha Stewart recommends this hand painted mural to brighten up a boring entry way. Would you do this in your house? Too fruffy?

The Map Room

2011-04-28T12:17:00.004-05:00

I have no idea how it happened, but I have a scary number of friends who are simply crazy about maps. I'm a super home-body, so really it is quite strange that so many people I know love to dream about far off places. Maybe it has something to do with our long winters... So, this room is for all of you out there who are crazy and like to travel....a room wallpapered in maps. The beams are all pickled, which makes me love them. And I really could find many good uses for those adorable lamps.

Foot stool

2011-04-27T13:19:00.002-05:00

I don't have much black in my home, but this cute stool is really inspiring me. I love the pattern. It would be great as an ottoman, or at the end of a bed for catching all those throw pillows. You can find it here.

Another good paint idea

2011-04-25T15:13:00.002-05:00

Isn't this desk super? As you probably know, I'm a huge fan of paint, and this is just another reason why. If you can pick up some old pieces of furniture at antique shops or yard sales, don't be afraid to slap on a bold color. This emerald green would be too strong on a wall (or on four walls!) but look how beautiful it is in a smaller dose. All you need a a strong arm to do some sanding, a good primer, and a paint brush. Spraying paint onto furniture is usually going to give you a more even coat, but if you are like me and you don't have a sprayer or you paint in the middle of your kitchen while there is snow outside, a brush will serve you very well.

If any of you have pictures of fun pieces of furniture that you have refinished, I would love to see your pictures! And maybe even post a few pictures here! Just send me an email...mrstolly@gmail.com.

Have a happy Monday!

Beach Scene

2011-04-20T21:59:00.003-05:00

This is making me want to incorporate some bold stripes into my scheme. Or maybe it's because I've had the flu for a week and the beach just sounds so nice.

Dining room by Sarah Richardson

2011-04-14T18:21:00.000-05:00

No headboard

2011-04-13T14:04:00.002-05:00

This is a fun solution to having no headboard, especially for a room that needs to be widened visually. Paint some bold stripes from the head of the bed, across the ceiling and down the opposite wall.

How to Decorate with No Time and No Money #5

2011-04-09T15:37:00.008-05:00

Tissue paper is one of the cheapest ways to decorate. Obviously, it's not a long term solution, but if you are needing to create a fun centerpiece or add height, here are some fun options. They add a lot of texture and color (if you want color). Find the tutorial here and here

Do you have any fun ideas for using tissue paper?

2011-04-08T14:53:00.003-05:00

I'm not usually a fan of so much neutral, but I do love this room. I love the contrast of all the natural elements with the crispness of the stripes and the softness of the floral. I love that rustic fireplace over to the side, coupled with the soft sheer curtains. And I really, really love those lamps.

Boys and Girls

2011-04-05T15:28:00.003-05:00

Rayia from http://thefullnessofjoy.blogspot.com/ asked if I had any tips on how to decorate a boy/girl kid room. Here are a few thoughts - hope you find something helpful!

There are two different approaches to mixing kid's rooms without going completely gender neutral. The first thing you could try to like the room below...have the exact same patterns (stripes, polka dots, etc.) but in distinctly girly and distinctly boyish colors. But you have to make sure that your colors look good together. As you can see, this room has the classic pink and blue, but the tone of the pink is very purple so that it coordinates well with the blue. Also, the blue is on the purplish side of blues, which makes it coordinate well with the pink.
The second option is to take gender neutral colors that will be on both "sides" of the room, but to use specifically girl and boy patterns. For example, you could use red, blue, and lime green. On the boy's section use a cute cowboy print on the bedding that has these colors, but on the girl section use a cute floral that has these colors. It's going to look a little crazy if you go with patterns as busy as the ones below, so you can accent the room with solid colors and lots of white. One big tip if you are going to try this, make sure that both fabrics have the same color background. This will make them look more coherent when you look at the whole room.

How to Decorate with No Time and No Money #4

2011-04-04T10:52:00.001-05:00

Hope from http://www.ellisandhope.blogspot.com/ asked this question on last week's post. "maybe you already covered this, Lindsey, but do you have tips on how to figure out what your vision is when you feel like you like a bunch of different styles and influences?" This is such a great lead in to my next tip on decorating your own home without spending a lot of time or money.

Now that you have picked your three main colors, found inspirational pictures, and started editing, you have probably found that your "style" isn't limited to just one look. Or, perhaps, you live with other people and their stuff is also in your home. This is where you really have to get creative and start using your design eyes. You absolutely don't want your house to look like a magazine - we use them for inspiration, not for copying.

So, how do you incorporate all your favorite things into one "look"? If you have used your three main colors on many of the large areas of your home, then things should already be looking a little more pulled together. I have many different styles of furniture in my own home, but I try to keep them all coordinating by color because I love so many different styles.

Another way to make mixed styles work is to separate them by room. Kid's rooms are always a fresh palette - so if you are dying for something totally different from the rest of the house, go for it! Master Bedrooms are usually very separate too, and can handle a different look. If you are going to stray from your larger color palette, try it in these out of the way rooms.

Let's say, for example, that you have your grandmother's old bedroom set. It's beautiful, but the rest of your furniture is from Ikea and obviously not working with it. Just go ahead and decorate the bedroom to match the old set and try to pull in a color or two from the rest of the house. Learning to use color to your advantage is a huge step in good decorating. Designing well is all about making something work visually, and color can trick the eye better than anything else.

Another situation might be that you love the eclectic style of Anthropologie, but you also really like the clean looks in Pottery Barn. In this sort of a situation, you can pick elements that you like of each and use them. For example, you could go with a Pottery Barn style, but use colors that you find in Anthroplogie. Or you can use Anthropologie's mismatched style, but use textiles and and patterns that are a little cleaner like Pottery Barn.

The number one thing to remember when you are decorating is to fill your home with things that you and your family love. Yes, change the colors of things, edit things that really clash, create a vision, but don't be afraid to keep your grandma's afghan draped over a modern couch. The mix of styles is what makes it your home and the very best decorating is one with personality.

How to Decorate with No Time and No Money #4

2011-04-02T16:20:00.007-05:00

Some Fantastic Wallpaper

2011-03-30T11:52:00.007-05:00

Wallpaper is coming back in and I couldn't be happier about it. Check out these amazing patterns! I've never been a huge pattern person, but paired with simple textiles these can really bring an element of beauty to a room. Wallpapers are also great in transitional areas of the home, like hallways and entryways. You don't spend much time in the halls, so you can go a little wild with them!

http://www.ninacampbell.com/luxury-wallpaper

http://www.fschumacher.com/products/furnishings/default.aspx

http://www.osborneandlittle.com/

Adorable Bedroom

2011-03-29T21:40:00.004-05:00

I sorta think this is adorable. And seriously cheap. Just goes to show you don't have to spend a lot of money to make a room fun and cute. A good color palette can go a long way!

House 8810

2011-03-29T10:00:00.003-05:00

Who doesn't love a good vintage tablecloth? At antique stores these things are going for $50 plus with stains on them! House 8810 has come out with a cute line of vintage linens, signs, and dishes at very good prices. Check them out here.

How to Decorate with No Time and No Money #3

2011-03-27T17:59:00.008-05:00

Now that you have chosen your color palette, and you've started to find inspiration clippings, I want to address what I think is the biggest issue for someone decorating their own home: EDITING! Anyone can put together a vision board with their favorite color and texture combo, but most people don't start from scratch on their own house. You have the dresser you picked up at a yard sale, the pillows you got for your wedding, the couch you bought the first year you were married, and then the chairs you got a few years later when your style changed. The trick to making your house a cohesive design is to edit the things that do not go. After you have your vision board ready, with your colors, perhaps some fabric swatches, and your inspiration pictures, start chucking the things that don't fit into the vision board. And the good news is that usually taking something to the dump is very cheap!

If you have items that are clashing with your mood, you need some editing. Let's say, for example, that you make your vision board and find you are really in love with a minimalistic, Swedish look, but you have some antique pieces that obviously don't work with it. You can either refinish these pieces (reupholster, paint, re-stain, etc.) to at least fit your color scheme, or just get rid of them. They might be beautiful pieces, but if they can't work then they can't work.

Obviously, you have certain large functional objects that have to be there. If you walk through my house you can probably make a list of items that don't fit the vision....my refrigerator, my carpet, my faux wood counter...I could go on. Which leads me back to my point - make a list of things you want to edit, and edit as you can. Most of us can't have beautiful homes immediately (and if you think my home is perfectly beautiful, please, please stop by and have a look for yourself. It's not.) but the point of editing is to gradually take out and replace those things that don't work. You want to work on training your eye to see what isn't working. Walk through your rooms, make lists, and get rid of whatever you can that is hindering the flow of your design.

A confession

2011-03-26T13:32:00.000-05:00

Here it goes...I have silk flowers all over my house....mostly just tucked in the corner of shelves or on a headband, but this is the only full blown arrangement that I have of the fakes and I can't seem to take it apart. It adds so much color, especially to this bland wall.

The Mantel

2011-03-25T11:43:00.003-05:00

This little arrangement of Parisian scenes is one of my favorite spots in the house right now. I found three old frames that I had on hand and painted them the same color as the ceiling. I'll just be honest, I'm a terrible painter, evidenced by the fact that I will paint any material. I'm surprised I haven't taken a brush to the living room carpet. The frames turned out alright, considering the fact that I'm sure every paint expert would tell me that I can't paint plastic.

(If you think this arrangement looks a bit unbalanced, the fireplace itself is not centered, so I counteracted the weight of the fireplace with a heavier weighted arrangement on the opposite side of the mantel shelf. But I am planning to get something a little taller for the spot where that green candle is.)

Cord Solution

2011-03-24T12:39:00.002-05:00

We have this funny little corner in our living room where all the cords meet. You know what I mean...power strips and internet cords and all those things that I don't even know what they go with. My husband came up with the idea of this great little side table, and of course I painted it and shoved all the cords in a basket. So, until the world goes wireless, I'm sticking with my cord basket. You can't really tell from the picture, but it is light blue on the inside.

Closet Doors

2011-03-23T15:57:00.001-05:00

Remember these old doors in the master bedroom? Here's the original picture. As soon as I saw the house, I had knew that these needed to go a dark shade of blue.

Check out the sale!

2011-03-22T22:48:00.003-05:00

Caitlin at Pink Peppers is selling beautiful cowhide rugs for up to 40% off this week! Here's a picture of one in her living room - gorgeous! It's the perfect texture for her soft palette. She is offering great deals on several of the other designs. Find them all here.

Spring Bouquets

2011-03-21T22:19:00.006-05:00

How are you all Moscowites doing with this Spring, huh? A little bit of a let down after last week? Here are some Spring bouquets for all these rainy, cold days we have been having, and here's to hoping today stays as beautiful as it is right now! Just pretend there is an ocean over the hill and maybe it will feel like the coast, without the salty air, and without the fresh breeze, and without the sand, and without the green foliage...or just get some pretty flowers and cheer up the house. Flowers are by far my favorite accessory to decorate with - probably because they die so I have to redecorate a week later...and I do love redecorating.

How to Decorate with No Time and No Money #2

2011-03-19T16:55:00.006-05:00

I know all of you reading this have stacks of magazines. You've probably ripped out pages or folded corners marking your favorite rooms. This is a great idea and a terrible idea. The down side is that since you have no time and no money, you won't be able to put together that exact room. You also probably don't have professional camera lighting in your house every day. So, how do you make your house look like those pictures without any money? Start to notice the details of the room, instead of looking at the big picture. What materials did they use? What colors? What textures? Do you have a picture of a beautiful table from Pottery Barn with pinecones and hurricane lamps? You can do something very similar without spending any money - I'm sure you have something that is glass in your house. Don't be afraid to use items to decorate merely for their color or texture. Be creative. If you need something shiny on your table, what about your juice glasses with a votive in them? If you need something bright in the bathroom, what about taking a couple minutes to cover the tissue box in bright wrapping paper? If you need some texture or height in your living room, why not bring in some branches from your back yard? If you see furniture that you love, take note of the fabric. Could you find a cheaper neutral piece of furniture and make a throw pillow out of the expensive fabric? Do you see where I am going with this? Start circling elements and details in those pictures that you like so much and try to find something of that same material that you already have. Just because it is wrapping paper, doesn't mean it has to stay in the wrapping paper box.

Distressing

2011-03-17T14:02:00.004-05:00

Do you like distressed furniture? I admit I am pretty picky about distressed pieces, but my husband loves them. I found this chair in the corner of the dining room the other day and I'm not even sure where it came from. I'm hesitant to put another coat on it since I'm liking the contrast to the formality of the dining room. What do you think?

Some before and aftering

2011-03-17T13:51:00.004-05:00

We got this lovely shelf from a friend, and since I had to make it look like it was mine, I ran to the store and grabbed a $5 quart of SW Lagoon.

And here is what happened a few days later.

We had to childproof the bottom shelf - napkins in a serving dish and a bowl of napkin rings. It's pretty, practical, and keeps a little someone distracted from grabbing the porcelain bowls.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2011-03-17T13:35:00.002-05:00

Here's a little green for St. Patrick's Day! Isn't is cheerful? I could definitely use that mirror. It would look incredible on any bold wall.

What do you think?

2011-03-16T08:31:00.003-05:00

What do you think of this crazy shower curtain from Anthropologie? Is it too much? Would your husbands have a cow if you put this in the bathroom?

I'm really loving that square sink. What about you? Too weird? Would that be a pain to clean? Now I am imagining Moscow's hard water stains in the corners and suddenly I don't love it so much. I'd have to keep a gallon of vinegar on the counter. :)

A color tip

2011-03-14T22:54:00.002-05:00

If you are decorating on a budget, don't forget that a single bold accent color can go a very long way. Since you don't have the money to make everything in the room perfect, focus your efforts on a bright color that will draw attention.

Your three colors

2011-03-14T00:13:00.007-05:00

Good Morning Monday! And you know what that means? The very first post in a never-ending series on How to Decorate with No Time and No Money! I thought about writing a post on all the cheap things you can decorate with...wrapping paper, juice glasses, tissue paper, paper plates, rocks, sticks...but I will get to all of those later. I'll start where I always start when I advise people about decorating their house and, believe me, you can do this in 5 minutes with no money! Woohoo! My favorite sort of chore! Plus it saves you a lot of time and money later.

The first thing you want to do when decorating any space is to pick 3 colors that are going to be the base for your entire house/apartment. Start with the things you can't change. Do you have dark brown wood floor that you are not planning to replace? Well, then brown is going to be one of your main colors. Choose two other colors that compliment that color. I hear many people say that they are not good with colors and they don't know what will look right together. Find a pattern or a picture that you really love and draw your three colors from there.

The second step that will probably take you the most time, is to make a stop at the paint store. Just grab a bunch of paint chips that you like, even ones that you're not 100% sure about. You may love them in the light of your own home. Choose your three favorites and put them in an envelope or paste them to a card.

The trick with this color card is to keep it in your purse so you have it with you whenever you go shopping. Use these three colors in the main areas of your home, and make sure all the rooms that flow off of those areas coordinate with these colors. For example, if you choose red, brown, and orange as your colors that you use in your living room and hallway, make sure that whatever colors you choose in the bedrooms look good with red, brown, and orange. Basically this is the very beginning of a color palette for your house. It doesn't mean that everything in your house has to be one of these colors, but everything should look good with these colors.

Of course, there are those of you out there who really like a neutral or white palette. But I still think you should find your three colors. Your colors can be white, tan, and brown or gray, brown, and tan. To ensure that your rooms have dimension, you want to find three. You can always choose to do a completely white room with wood floors and one red item, but again there are three colors (white, wood, red) even though most people would just call it a white room. Your colors do not have to be equally balanced.

You can definitely have more than three colors! But you should start with three and add to that, making sure that your fourth, fifth, and sixth colors look great with each of the first three. If any of you have seen my house, you know that I never limit myself to just three colors in one room.

Okay, wow, I could go on and on writing all day, but I better save something for next week! Plus you all don't have time to be reading all day - you have to get to the paint store and pick outyour favorite paint chips! And in case you were wondering, I do carry a color card in my purse with me. When I'm running around town with my little munchkin and we find something we like, I whip out the card to make sure the item will work with the rest of the house. Of course, my card has more than paint chips on it, and it's sort of becoming a notebook, but we will get to that later.

Questions?

30 Decorating Tips

2011-03-12T08:47:00.001-06:00

If you read the latest Better Homes and Gardens, then you saw their 30 easy decorating tips. It was a great list! I've used many of these tips before. So, if you didn't get a chance to pour over it, I've paraphrased it here for you.

1. Prop pictures frames and mirrors against a wall, overlapping them slightly. Layering adds dimension to your room.

2. Find a big mirror at an antique store and paint the frame.

3. For a cheap flower arrangement, buy a tasteful color of carnations and bunch them together in a low bowl.

4. Decorate bookshelves by adding a color or wall paper to the back, organize books by color, and break up the visual with some pretty accessories.

5. Keep bathroom clutter in a tray, and add alot of white linens for a spa atmosphere.

6. Use a freestanding coat rack in a bedroom to catch all those things that would otherwise end up on the floor. They also work great in guest bedrooms so you don't have to clear out the closet.

7. Change around your art once or twice a year.

8. Use baskets or storage bins on open shelving to catch things like DVDs and phone books.

9. Tuck a dowel between your sofa cushions and the back to keep slip covers from moving.

10. The more light directed at the counter tops in your kitchen, the shiner and brighter they will feel.

11. Use trays wherever clutter just happens - on a coffee table, by the front door, next to a sink.

12. Raise a low ceiling by using the same color on the wall but having the paint store mix it at "half formula".

13. Decorate the fireplace in summer with candles or plants.

14. Decorate your backsplash with trays or trivets until you can afford to put in that beautiful tile you've been dreaming of.

15. Table lamps cast beautiful lighting, but make sure that the bottom of the shade is about the same height from the floor and your chin is when you are sitting.

16. Decorate your entry way first - it is what everyone sees when they walk in.

17. Stay away from the expected centerpiece - use what other pretty accessories you have and arrange them on (you guessed it) a tray.

18. Hang curtains as high to the ceiling as you can without highwatering the window.

19. Use a colorful tote bag to hold magazines.

20. For a new look, swap out and old Oriental rug with a sea grass or jute.

21. You can use a shower curtain for your shower, or you can cut it in half and use it as curtains, or sew two together to make a pretty duvet cover.

22. Swap out your coverlets and blankets with the changing seasons.

23. Hang your art in relation to where your furniture is placed, not necessarily centered with the architecture.

24. Wall paper the drawer and door fronts of a painted dresser or cabinet.

25. Always take a second look at soap dishes and trashcans. They can start looking dingy fast and are easily missed by someone who sees them every day.

26. Use branches from your trees instead of a floral centerpiece for a beautiful winter arrangement.

27. Use art and accessories that mean a lot to your family. Make your space personal.

28. Paint the back wall on a landing to add a pop of color as you walk up the stairs.

29. Place a decorative basket or tote at the bottom of the stairs to catch clutter that needs to be taken back up.

30. If you are afraid of pattern, find small ways to bring it into your room - a pillow cover, or a colorful picture.

Winner!

2011-03-11T00:09:00.006-06:00

Natalie Monnette!

Thanks to everyone who entered! Since so many of you said that "time and money" were your biggest challenge in decorating, I've decided to start a blog series on How to Decorate with No Time and No Money... this should be interesting, because that is exactly what I'm trying to do in my own house. In fact, just today I used three dessert plates to decorate my bathroom shelf - sounds totally weird, but square white porcelain plates look a lot like tile and it turned out quite pretty. You can expect a new budget savvy decorating tip every Monday!

Be sure not to miss the next oilcloth giveaway coming soon! Next time the prize will go to the first person to comment!

Oilcloth Giveaway!

2011-03-08T14:45:00.003-06:00

I'm giving away two yards of this gorgeous oilcloth! This is one of my favorite patterns, so don't expect to see it on another giveaway any time soon. ;) I use this as a tablecloth under white dishes with orange napkins. I also have a lampshade made out of it, and I suspect that it will be covering some of my patio furniture. It wipes clean, and stays looking shiny and fresh! If you have never used oilcloth, you really don't know what you are missing.

To enter the giveaway, comment below answering the question "what is your biggest challenge in decorating your own home?". The winner will be announced on Friday!

Kitchen Inspiration

2011-03-08T10:49:00.001-06:00

How is it possible that I have spent the last 3 days looking at pictures of kitchens and this is the only one I have found that I would put into my house? I'm such a pick about kitchens! I like alot of shine, but not too industrial. I like the colors of country kitchens, but I hate anything that looks like it might possibly have old dirt on it. I love beautiful backsplashes, but hate it when there is too much going on with other colors and textures - I like to be able to see the food in the kitchen. I love white cabinets, but they can be boring sometimes. I guess I'll just have to go and design my own kitchen instead of copying someone else's design...duh.

Of course, I wouldn't mind seeing this little cute thing in the corner of my kitchen...

Stairs

2011-03-06T23:57:00.001-06:00

I've been telling NSA they should tile the front of the entryway stairs for years, and now I finally found pictures to prove how gorgeous it would be. You NSAers out there know what I'm talking about, right...those brown rubber stairs that you see when you walk in the side door? They are super practical, but leave a little to be desired aesthetically. Of course, they would have to go with some browns and/or darker blues. But wouldn't it be pretty. Senior class gift, maybe....?????

Guest bedroom

2011-03-05T09:19:00.003-06:00

This beautiful bedroom is inspiring me to get to work on my guest bedroom. I'm going with a different color scheme, but I love the headboards and foot stools. It's so comfortable and inviting. I also love that this home-owner chose to leave her walls white. Does it look boring to you? Alot of people think their house will look stark and unfinished if the walls are white, but sometimes it is the relief your eye needs if you are planning a lot of other busy patterns.

Headboard Inspiration

2011-03-04T09:29:00.003-06:00

Not my favorite color palette, but that headboard is awesome! I'm imagining it with creamy white walls, pickle floors, ruche white bedding (like this one from Anthro), and some distressed wood furniture like the piece below...

Wood relief

2011-03-03T16:46:00.002-06:00

I love this palette right now - the blue and white is so crisp, but the wood bench is a relief to the starkness. It adds texture without cluttering the visual.

Floral Design?

2011-03-01T23:14:00.011-06:00

I just remembered that the title of my blog is "...FLORAL and Home Design" Oh yeah, I'm a florist too. While I love flowers, I really don't have a lot to say about them. They are just pretty. So, here you go, some pictures of my floral deliveries over the past few years....

(Sorry, again, about the photo quality. Seriously, these are like craigslist photos! I really need to get my act together if I'm going to be posting pictures for all the world to see.)

The Kitchen Sink

2011-02-27T23:58:00.003-06:00

We have a huge window over our new kitchen sink - I mean huge! Our entire family could crawl out half of it at the same time and still have plenty of room. If anyone ever wants to see me doing dishes, just drive by. I spend a lot of time there. I love having the window, but it definitely draws attention to my duddy faucet. I'm dreaming of the day when I can install a gorgeous apron sink like this one, and a new faucet - something similar to this shape but a different color and I'm not a big fan of the double knob in the kitchen.