home decor

I n January during a blackout our pipes broke resulting in water damage to a number of rooms in our home. What was a bit of a disaster turned into a positive for me because it finally got me moving to do something about  one of my biggest decorating problems.  That would be my dining room.... See my complaints in this   post   .  It's quite a list.  Too much of a good thing This is how it all looked  in early 2000 ..... Wood, wood and more wood Problem lines   Wood everywhere isn't the only problem.  Note the all the horizontal lines from the buffets to the railing,  a light hung too high and a window that has a view of the window next door.   Below is my first attempt to solve some of the highlighted problems.  A different orientation solves some problems Rearrange and add I liked the changes and that satisfied me for a short time.  The new light was a good height and the roundness worked well against all the rectangles.  I also added longer (very temporary and too short) drap

We just finished two months of renovations after our broken water pipes  and I wanted something fresh and green  for my living room. I went to the florist to get a....  lucky shamrock seeing it was St. Patrick's Day  and my ancestors are Irish.  The best laid plans often fizzle in the face of something more interesting or inviting. The poor old shamrock didn't get a second look when I saw this.... Lucky bamboo pillar I couldn't help myself.  I was pulled in by this  lucky  bamboo. Most bamboo plants grow into a leggy, somewhat untidy mess, and for that reason I've never bought one.  I didn't realize  there were different ways of braiding or shaping them. So I am  now the proud owner of a lucky bamboo.  Here's my Cole's notes (am I dating myself?) version of my research on understanding them a little more: 10 facts about lucky bamboo The lucky bamboo:  has been used for 5,000 years in the practice of Feng Shui arrangement can have  5 essential elements of Fen

NO MORE! The big question Have you ever had to call a halt to buying yet another object  that you love?  When does just enough become too much? I had to confront both questions this week while I was shopping for accessories with my sister.  Telling it like it is  " Oh, I love that. "  was answered with " "You don't need another one". I had to admit  then and there that I am obsessed with  birds;  circles and poppies are chasing on their heels (or feathers).   I am trying to control it, but I keep seeing so many that I love.  I'm even thinking about  a birds for next Christmas.   I already admitted that in a previous post before I realized how far I'd gone. Birds,  poppy and circles- perfection in my book Now my sister is a good one to talk! Outdoor dining at Bonavista Social Club and listening to birds A family thing Vera has a bit of the same affliction and doesn't even recognize it; her focus is birds in art work. She can't pass one up wit

 I couldn't resist this title. Anyone who knows me well will laugh when they see it because I do in fact have double vision  resulting from a fall.  Not to worry clients, it is corrected with a special lens in my glasses. Two of something is often  considered boring in interior design, but as you know there are exceptions to every rule. Usually you will find one mirror in an interior, but in some cases two can be much more interesting and effective than one. Think about  using two mirrors when you :  Have double sinks Double mirrors in bathroom source  I like the change from the predictable one large mirror you see in most bathrooms.  While there are lots of  double mirror applications above sinks,  what brings this one up a notch is the inclusion of art in the space between the mirrors.  Need to extend horizontal lines Mirrors supporting a  headboard source  This is an interesting take on using mirrors in a bedroom. We have all seen them mounted mirror height behind night  tables,