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. ...

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 c...

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. S...

 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 ha...

Do you learn the hard way and wish at the end you had checked things out a little more thoroughly?  This  overconfidence gets me in hot water more times than I would like to admit, but learn I do!  I paint furniture frequently.  That means lots of experience from too many mistakes. Here's my recipe now. What goes under a paint job is very important especially if you are painting a hard surface like laminate. My best painting tip in these situations is .... My top pick for a bonding primer   use STIX bonding primer  as a base on just about anything, and then go with the paint of your choice on top of it - my fav is below.  With used furniture degrease with TSP or vinegar and do a light sanding with a sanding pad or electric sander. Paint doesn't like grease, and I always feel better if I sand a bit first. No need to overdo it! The Facts on STIX  Keep in mind: STIX is not a paint but a  primer/sealant, only a thin translucent coat is required;...

 It seems like only yesterday I  wrote my  2013  home decor trends  post,  and I've already looked at Pantone's Colour of the year , Radiant Orchid, and suggested  ways to integrate this vibrant colour into your decor. What else can we expect in the coming year? While Radiant Orchid is P antone's colour of the year, I think it will be the blues that will take over the stage in 2014.  Joan Mitchell had this all figured out in her 1972 painting!  She painted the best blues ever and these are the ones you'll be seeing more of in 2014. Joan Mitchell, “Blue Territory,” 1972  And here's a modern interpretation of the darker side of blue... A range of blues for 2014 This year the popular blues are much deeper leaning toward cobalt and navy.  But what can you put with so much blue?  Add yellow as an accent in 2014 Gold accents work well  with navy blue and cobalt And don't forget vibrant oranges or greens with dark blues.  T...

One of the major mistakes homeowners make in home decor is ignoring the power of pattern in creating an interesting space. Fabric is an excellent way to introduce pattern into your space and there are so many ways to use it.   I am a sucker for fabric patterns and textures and often buy  on spec when I find a good deal. If you are removing fabric from a room e.g., drapes, you may be able to upcycle them.  Don't forget about the beautiful fabric finds at thrift stores.  Be creative.  These ideas should get you thinking.  Make a throw Look for large scale textured fabrics and sew on a fringe to create a throw for your sofa.   source    Heavy fabrics work best for this application.  If you think it is heavy enough to upholster a dining chair it will be heavy enough to pull off this look .  If you don't like fringes omit that element and just do a double top stitched seam.  FYI this image is a bought throw.    ...