Keeping the Holidays Around

Jill Hosking-Cartland of Hosking Interiors (someone I admire both personally and professionally) posted a tip on Facebook that is helping me face my post-holiday doldrums. She suggested keeping up those Christmas decorations if they have more of a winter feel . . . and I think those are words to live by!

Apartment Therapy

The tree should probably go. But that doesn't necessarily mean all the lights. Maybe the lights-on-the-fake-tree is a little old. But what about putting them on bare branches or limbs brought in from the yard? Or lining the doors of the china cabinet to reflect the crystal inside.

And just because the tree is gone doesn't mean greens can't stay. Wreaths still work, especially if they are smaller and can be placed strategically. These add color, texture, interest, and life to the bookshelves - without feeling like Christmas. Even the ornaments look nice and not too Christmas-y because of their colors.

And despite their color, pine cones and nuts in their shells can add texture and interest to your decor, especially when placed in pretty or unusual containers. If it looks a little dark, a touch of bittersweet or holly berries can add color.

Yes, it's a long time before we see color and light outside our windows. So keeping a bit of the holiday in our  homes might just be the tonic we need.

Anyone Feeling Stressed Yet?

I didn't think so . . . why at this time of year would anyone feel stressed?

Of course, stress seems to be behind every bell ringing and ho, ho, ho. There's a frantic need to get it all done, and done perfectly. The perfect gifts, the perfect decorations, the perfect parties. And as one who's been-there-done-that, I no longer believe it's worth it.

And after reaching that decision, I've grown to absolutely LOVE holiday decorating - in a way I never did when I surrounded myself with boxes and boxes of "stuff" to put out. I still do the wreaths, the mantels, the trees. But in a much simpler way than before. And I've found it works very well for me.

Now I do without the handmade wreaths covered in glitz and glitter. I love the simplicity of evergreen, perhaps with a pretty bow as the only decoration. If I'm feeling the need for a little more, a wreath of herbs to be used long after the holiday ends is both beautiful and useful.

Boxwood has become a favorite in wreaths and small trees. Whether real or fake, the shape and deep green/blue of the leaves adds a unique take on a traditional idea. Add a few pretty ornaments on a bookshelf or mantel and you're done!

If you want to kick it up just a notch, a string of white lights may be just the kick you need. Battery powered lights now give the option of adding them to displays wherever they may be.

Don't get me wrong/ Our main tree is covered with lots of colored lights and ornaments we've collected through the years, as well as one or two new ones that just speak to me. And there are a couple of smaller trees in other areas of the house, and both mantels are a little unique and . . . you get my meaning. But it really is much easier than before. And much more fun!

Here's wishing you and yours a relaxing, FUN holiday season, whatever holiday you're celebrating!

Use Those Rooms!

I've been reading some interesting articles about the changing wants of the home-buying public. It seems it's not just baby boomers who are moving  into less space, but 20- and 30-somethings are also interested in using more of their space. While this doesn't necessarily mean the end of the McMansion, it just might mean reconfiguring current rooms so they are actually used.

Dwell Magazine

Dining rooms are often at the top of the list. Unless people entertain weekly, this is very often a little used room. They of course can make a great office space - and sometimes without making them less effective than a dining room.Bookshelves can add interest to a dining area. And it may not be necessary to have a separate desk. With the mobility of office equipment, using the dining table as a desk may work just fine, provided there is storage for everything when it's  not in use.

HGTV

And what about guest rooms? Like dining rooms, they are often used sporadically. Of course they can make good offices as well, but what about other creative uses for a little-used space? They can make good dens, television rooms, or playrooms. To keep them functional as a guest room, use a sofa sleeper for sitting. Have furniture that easily moves (like this coffee table on wheels) and have a piece that has a duel purpose as a table and dresser.A mirror may also be a good idea.

The bottom line.......creative use of space is here to stay.And I for one I'm delighted! What creative ways to you have for your little-used rooms?

Wallpaper - It's Back!

And while I wasn't sure about really wanting it back initially, I'm slowly being won over by some of the beautiful textures and patterns available - as well as unique places to put it.

twenty2

Jute has always been a favorite of mine in floor coverings, but these beautiful colors for wall coverings would really add interest to a family room, a bathroom, or a child's bedroom.

Beadazzled

Or what about the shiny texture of this wallpaper that comes from - wait for it - glass beads! Shiny and metallic finishes are quite popular and can do wonderful things with with lighting. Imagine the beauty of a dining room chandelier in a room with a metallic-finished wall covering!


If  you're considering wallpaper, pay close attention to pattern and scale as it relates to the room. Large scale patterns on all four walls can overwhelm a room, but may add just the right touch on the focal wall. If the wallpaper is delicate, it may be a good choice for a powder room, but not such a good choice for going up the stairs.

If you prefer a smaller scale print, it might get lost in a large room, especially when seen from a distance. Better to keep small scales in smaller spaces such as powder rooms and laundry rooms.


Hanging wallpaper can be a bit tricky. Walls may not be plumb, which means the seams won't align. Figuring out how much you need can also be difficult, particularly with intricate patterns. And some of the beautiful looks of today require exact hanging and measuring. It's usually a good idea to leave the measuring and hanging to a professional.

If you're still not convinced that wallpapering a room or even a wall is a good idea, what about the back of a bookshelf or inside the kitchen cabinets? Go as bold as you like and enjoy the pizzazz it adds to your home - just in smaller doses.

Interesting in seeing more wallpaper ideas? Then check out my latest board on Pinterest and see what you think.

Bookshelves........Not Just for Books

Bookshelves play some sort of a role in most homes. Sometimes they have a simple function of, well, holding books. Strictly utilitarian, but very important. But that doesn't have to be the case. Why not add a little spice?

Bookshelves can be a great place to display collections - and not just family photos. Collections have more of an impact when they are displayed together, so why not distribute them throughout the shelves? Incorporate books as display stands, pay attention to colors and textures, and you can have a bookshelf as beautiful as this one designed by Emily Henderson.


Feel like your bookshelves are a little boring?Why not decorate the backs of the shelves with paint or wallpaper? Books and accessories will stand out beautifully and voila - no more boring bookshelf.

Design by Emily Henderson

What about making use of the front of the shelves as well? While you don't want to forget the function of bookshelves, hanging a piece of art on the front of shelves can be interesting - and can perhaps hide some of those not-so-pretty items stored there. Or better yet, perhaps this is an interesting place to showcase an interesting collectible. While you may not have anything quite likethis around your home, think creatively!

And don't forget about children's bookshelves! While these can provide invaluable storage for toys and books, make them colorful and fun.

Just a few tips to keep in mind when styling your bookshelves. It's a good idea to keep the  heavy items on the bottom. This keeps the bookshelves from looking like they may topple over. Put the prettiest books and accessories at eye level. These are the things you want people to really notice. If you have paperbacks, put them in baskets rather than displaying them on the shelves. And finally, if you have side-by-side shelves, try making the width of the shelves on each side vary just a bit. This can keep things interesting, as long as there isn't too much disparity.

Like these ideas? I've posted photos of my favorites on Bookshelves I Love on Pinterest so check them out!