home decor

Sometimes I have to remind myself of the power of mirrors to solve common decorating problems.   Here are seven  fantastic uses of mirrors that might not be on your radar. 1. To reflect light This is one great space for a number of reasons, but the mirrors make it in my opinion.  Not only do they break up a dark wall and provide height to match the window, they reflect light in what might otherwise be a blah room. 2. To create a window in a windowless room  There are often sections of a space that are dark and windowless.  Mirrors can give the illusion of a window and light without having to make architectural changes.  In both rooms above the mirrors also add dramatic focal points. 3. Add drama to an open space This high ceilinged space demands a large scale treatment.  This mirror fills the bill when it comes to matching the scale of the space.  The choice of a lucite table ensures that the lines of the mirror remain dominant. 4. To replace art  Sometimes a mirror when used well can

The right lighting can make a room sing, but often our rooms are  off key. When you have a house of a certain age (30 years for me) there comes a time when you know you have  to update your look. When I started to change the lighting in my home, I began with the two over my tables because they would have the most impact. Kitchen table  When you're buying lighting to hang over a table you should consider these  factors:   Height of ceiling A taller ceiling  often requires  larger fixtures; many new home builds in my area now have 9 foot ceilings. Size and shape of table Your fixture should complement not overpower your table.  You can also have lighting fixtures that are too small for a table.  I am particular about  what shape fixture I mount over a round table; I like to repeat the shape with a circular format, but that's just me. Height of homeowners It is a fact that tall homeowners have a greater chance of continually bumping into lights hung too low over a table when they

After a dreary northern winter I begin to long for a spot of green in my decor.   I've even given my blog a new green look.  Last spring I wrote about my lucky bamboo ,  my default plant that resulted from an aborted shamrock search.  Poles apart, I know!  Choice is often limited when you live on an island; you can convince yourself it's what you wanted all along.  I've been enjoying my bamboo and it seems to love my house.  I went to look for one for a friend for Christmas.  None to be had, but I could find a shamrock.  Go figure. What a difference a year makes.  There's nothing like a plant or a grouping of flowering branches to bring a space to life.  Even the most neutral colour schemes sing when there's a little green around. Pinterest   Can you have too many plants?  Yes, in my opinion.  You don't want a jungle. One or two plants  get noticed and more than that becomes a bit of a mess.  You may disagree.