More Decorating Ideas?

I have to admit I'm feeling a little overloaded. With decorating ideas. I love seeing new and creative ideas. I really do. But . . . right now I'm feeling like I've seen enough Thanksgiving tablescapes, front porch ideas, ways to warm my home, and Christmas trees to get me through the season. 

To help with the overload (not just of ideas but of the entire holiday season) what I need instead are some me ideas. Ways to manage the overload so I can enjoy the season and the decorating without the overwhelm. So here are a few things I plan to do . . . 

Buy a gift for myself. Nothing fancy or expensive. But something that will encourage me to spend at least a little quality me time. And because baths are a favorite this time of year, my gift is going to be Lush Bath Bombs. If you're a bath person like me and have never tried them, you're in for a treat! If baths (or bath bombs) aren't your thing, there are lots and lots of personal care items such as soaps, shower gels, and lotions available everywhere. And on sale. Indulge!

Hot chocolate. Preferably with candles lit and in front of a fire. Alone. I don't have to get fancy with the hot chocolate (although Godiva is a favorite). But I must have the quiet time to reflect on the day, the year, or whatever is important at that moment. In the quiet. And with only the glow of the fire and the Christmas lights.

And finally I'm going to let good be good enough. The older I get the more important quality is over quantity. Less over more. Experience over things. So if the centerpiece isn't quite right, the menu has some already prepared foods, and the gift wrapping is actually gift bags, I'm okay with that. Because this time is all I have. And I'm going to enjoy it.

Although I really should take the dead mums from the front porch . . . Happy Thanksgiving!

And Here We Are Again . . .

Fall is back! Possibly my favorite season, with a few exceptions. It means summer is over. And with it my time on the porch becomes limited. The outdoor fairs and festivals I love are less frequent. Some nights in particular staying inside is just a good idea.

But that doesn't mean I've given up on summer just yet. And if you're like me, you might enjoy a few ideas to keep the outdoor part of summer alive just a little longer.

The beautiful pots and hanging baskets of the summer are gone, but that doesn't mean I can't still have color on the porch and in the yard. Mums are of course a good choice. But so are dahlias, cosmos, verbena - and even vases of fall leaves still on their branches.

Keep things cozy with lots of soft texture, especially in pillows and throws. Even blankets make a nice addition to a porch, patio, or to use by the fire pit. And the pattern of the fall? Why, plaid of course!

House Beautiful

Not ready to switch your colors to the burgundy and orange that really mean fall? Then don't! Keep the summer colors you have but just add a little fall decor. And maybe a string of lights as the natural light fades. Summer will live on for a few more weeks!

Moving Outside For Summer

It's my favorite thing about summer . . . moving outside. Eating, cooking, socializing, reading. It all happens outside. And I love every minute of it!

As a designer, one of my favorite things is making the outside look and function much like the inside. And it's so easy! Whether it's an open porch, a screened-in porch, or a patio, bring your own style and flair to make it look and function just as you do on the inside. 

That means make the seating open and inviting to conversation. Make sure it's arranged to take in the focal point/view. Have plenty of tables. Add a throw rug for color, pattern, and texture. If there's a wall, hang something on it. Accessorize with pillows and plants.

And don't forget the lighting! If electricity is available, add lamps or a ceiling fixture. Otherwise, candles are perfect. 

Need a little privacy? Add curtains. Or a curtain of plants. 

Bottom line? Have fun! Get creative with everything. Need a table? Add a top to a bird bath. Color shy indoors? Now's your time to go crazy! Don't hesitate to mix and match furnishings and accessories. Tag sale finds can find a great new life with a coat of paint. Just don't take too long making it yours. Summer doesn't last forever. 

Spring Colors . . . And They Aren't Pastels!

I'm happy to say the colors for spring 2019 aren't pastels. Not that pastels aren't lovely. It's just that it's nice to see emboldened palettes for a change. Maybe because the dreary weather has seemed to hang around for so long in the northeast, I'd like spring to be vibrant! Filled with energy! And what better way to do that than colors that aren't shy.

If you decorate with spring flowers as your inspiration, you can't help but be bold. Think the golden yellow of daffodils and forsythia, the deep purple of hyacinths, the reds, oranges, deep pinks, and yellows of tulips. And the trees! Have you ever seen such a riot of colors?

House Beautiful

HGTV

So don't be afraid to go bold. Re-do a room, like this colorful bedroom in shades of lavendar with a touch of yellow and blue. Bring it all together with a gorgeous wallpaper of hummingbirds and you've made a bold, colorful statement.

If an entire room feels like too much, keep it simple with accessories. Change a piece of artwork to something colorful, bring in a pillow or two to complement, and voila - instant spring. Even something simple like flowers and a pretty bottle will do the trick.

Not sure we know what we're talking about? Then neither does the Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report. Look at their "empowering" predictions for spring 2019. Not much shy about those colors!

So think about it . . . maybe it's time to add just a little bit of play - and power - to your home!

Happy Spring!

Make It Easy On Yourself

I'd put that to music if I could figure out how to do that on a blog. But that's my motto for summertime. Yes, I still like having guests over. And that usually means drinks and at least snacks, if not a meal. So I want everything to look pretty and be comfortable. But the difference is everything moves outside rather than inside, already making things easier. And clean-up is a snap!

Photo courtesy Pottery Barn

Still I do keep a few indoor "rules". There are nice conversation areas on the porch and deck with plenty of comfortable seating and candles for nighttime ambiance. There are plenty of pillows as well as throws for the cooler evenings. Storage for extras like blankets and games as well as for rainy days is available in a pretty wicker-look weather-proof deck box. I'm lucky to have a porch so rainy days don't force us inside. But screened gazebos work just as well.

Pier 1

One thing I love to do is go a little crazy with color. Indoors there are wall colors and the flow from room to room. Plus you have to live with it all the time. Outdoors is all about fun. So choose colors that make you happy.

I do love a rug. And lighting in the form of candles and string lights is a must. Accessories are simple and often come directly from nature. Think pretty pots of annuals or vases of flowers from the garden.

Because easy is what it's all about. I have a stash of pretty melamine plates and glasses that are indestructible and right by the kitchen door. The huge pitcher for lemonade or margaritas is easily accessible. I use pretty dish towels in place of napkins so who cares what happens to them?

And even the food is easy. I have the pizza restaurant just down the street on speed-dial and an assortment of yummy Trader Joe's prepared appetizers in the freezer. The basement refrigerator is stocked with soft drinks, wine and soda (love those spritzers!), beer, and margarita mix.

So yes, I still care about how everything looks. And I want to make sure my guests are comfortable. But without all the fussiness of indoor entertaining. Now if only I had a pool . . .

Spring: Less of This, More of That

In spring my decorating changes just a little bit. Okay, maybe a lot . . . but there are definitely some easy changes I (and anyone) can make that signify the changing of the seasons.

Start with less soft texture. The cuddly throws, pillows, and quilts go, to be replaced with smoother, lighter fabrics.

More (brighter) colors. The dark and cozy colors of the winter are replaced with turquoise, orange, yellows - whatever bright colors you love.

Less "stuff". Remove rugs, take out a piece or two of furniture, remove some accessories, and lighten the mantel.

Pier 1

More plants and flowers. Use in place of the inside accessories as well as outside on porches and decks.

Less formality. Take away the dining room centerpiece, the pretty candles in crystal holders, and the dressy cocktail table decorations.

More casual entertaining. Keep colorful melamine dishes ready for impromptu dinners outside. Light the night with candles in hurricanes and fresh cut flowers from the garden.

It's time to relax . . . loosen your schedule and your lifestyle. Enjoy the ease the warm weather brings!

Eco-Friendly HolidayWrapping

For me, decorating for the holidays is also about the gift wrapping. I celebrate Christmas, complete with the tree and the beautiful presents underneath. But I also know the gift wrapping is temporary, often ending up in landfills after the holidays. And as a lover of eco-friendly redesign, I really do my best to make sure that happens as little as possible. But without sacrificing beauty. So here are a few of my favorite ideas . . .

HGTV

Wrap your gifts in something useful. For the "paper" use a dishtowel, handtowels, a pretty antique handkerchief. Something that will be used again or cherished for its beauty. Use craft paper decorated with stamps. Get the kids involved as a fun craft project. Go one step further and make your own potato stamps. (Follow this link from HGTV to find out how.) Use pages from books or magazines you no longer want such as coloring books, maps, or old picture books.

HGTV

When it comes to the "bows", use nature instead. Dried berries, evergreens, leaves, and pinecones all make beautiful decorations. Use leftover fabric trim instead of ribbon. In fact, bows can be made from all kinds of material you may have on hand. Try headbands, yarn, string, pipe cleaners. Get your creative juices going!

Granted, these ideas aren't completely eco-friendly. There will still be "remains". But in the process you'll be finding new uses for old things - and having fun doing it!

FUNctional Home Offices

More and more of us are working from home offices, at least part of the week. And while this may seem a strange time of year to write a post about home offices (isn't everyone focused on the holidays?), year-end is a great time to spend a little time and energy getting ready for the new one. And having an office that works for you - and that you also love - is a great goal.

Country Living

As any good designer knows, you have to start with function. Otherwise the pretty part doesn't matter. And in a home office that means a work space large enough to accommodate your work, a comfortable chair, effective storage systems, and good lighting. But as long as all of these function as you need them to, bring on the pretty!

Make it your "style". Prefer a shabby chic look, surrounded by things that inspire you? Do it! Prefer a more industrial look? Make it yours!  Prefer something more traditional? Who says you can't have it!

William Sonoma

Just a few added suggestions. If you aren't fortunate enough to have a beautiful window view, make sure what you see every time
you look up is something that makes you smile, inspires you, or motivates. Beautiful artwork, photos of loves ones, your favorite cartoon - you choose.

Piant it a color that works for you and your work. If you are high energy and need to slow down a bit when you're in your office, a soothing blue/gray might be the color for you. Need more energy when you're in your office so you don't go for that afternoon nap? What about a hot pink? Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. This is your space, your working environment, and it should reflect you. And make going to work every day a whole lot more fun.

Flea Market Style

I think there used to be a magazine by that name . . . maybe there still is. But rather than sharing the best flea markets or how to spot the best flea market finds, the "style" I'm referring to is the actual shopping style you use . . . the one that makes sure you come home with only those things that are truly important to you.

And of course flea market time is upon us. So (surprise, surprise) I have a few suggestions . . .

First, if at all possible make a list of things you are interested in buying. Want to add to your collection of Fiesta ware? Write down specifics - color, type, style - that will enable you to focus on what you want. And not come home with duplicates or something that just doesn't work.

If it's not a specific item you need, but something of a certain color or shape or size for a specific place, then be open. But if you find something that's close but just not quite right, pass it by. You really won't be happy with it.

Have a budget. Know just how much you are willing to spend. And stick to it!

Don't get distracted by that one shiny object. If you see something you must have, walk away from it. Sure, there's a chance it might not be there when you get back. But step away anyhow and really think about it. Does buying this piece mean your budget is gone? Make sure you're okay with that. Do you have a place for it? If
not, can you find a place for it? Will you use it? (I'm sorry but I'm not sold on the idea that if you love it you'll find a home for it. I've worked in too many homes that have too much stuff or stuff that just doesn't work.) If it's still calling your name, buy it. But still stick with your budget. And make sure you find the perfect place for it in your home.

Oh yeah . . . and just have fun! Enjoy the weather, the food vendors, chatting with the vendors. Flea markets are a fabulous way to spend a summer day!

How About a Little Spring?

Even though today is quite chilly in the northeast, the warm-up has begun. It's quite early, but it's definitely here. The sun hasn't quite come into its spring position in the sky, but it's still bright. And that makes me want to bring spring inside.

Quite frankly I get tired of all the articles about changing paint colors for spring, or fabrics, or overall color schemes. Most of us don't have the time or money to make such big changes every season. Nor are we interested in doing that. Sure, we can bring in a floral pillow, but the colors need to go with what we have going on in the room.

Having said that, I do like to bring in spring in easy, inexpensive ways. And of course flowers fit the bill. It's very easy to pick up a spring bouquet, put it in a pretty vase, and voila! But doing something a little different can be even more fun. Force a forsythia branch to flower (or other favorite early spring bloomer), put some beautiful spring bulbs in a pretty container. Or better  yet, make an arrangement with a variety of bulbs for a big pop of color. (Hyacinth, early blooming daffodils, or scilla are beautiful and easy.)

Don't just think inside. Clean off the front porch. Put the snow shovel away - or at least  hide somewhere. Chances are you won't need it very much anymore this season. And if you have porch furniture, add a little softness and color. I always put an outdoor pillow and a throw on the rocking chairs I have on my front porch. It may be a little early to spend much time out there, but it looks inviting and always brings a smile to my face (and to our visitors, I hope). An indoor/outdoor rug is also a great idea - and shouldn't

BHG

suffer too much from the exposure.

And finally, clean your windows. I know, I know. This is my least favorite spring ritual. But it makes such a difference. As the sun shines brighter through our windows, it's so much nicer to open the draperies, raise the shades, and enjoy the light streaming in. Before long, we'll be able to enjoy it on the outside!

Winter Decorating - It's All About Texture

Some of the decorating ideas I see post-holiday may look beautiful but seem really impractical. They often involve bringing in orange or another bright color or adding plaid or another pattern that just isn't practical. Most of us already have a decorating scheme in our homes, so adding another color or pattern just doesn't work. And most of us (well, me and my clients) don't want to spend money on winter slipcovers or any other major (expensive) change just for a season.

But that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do to make the dark days of winter a little brighter - and softer. And it all starts with texture. Bring in something soft and cozy,something that makes you forget about the cold dreariness outside. What about a soft shaggy rug in a neutral color? White works just fine as does a soft gray. And it doesn't have to be large, just strategically placed. By the side of the bed, in the bathroom, or layered over another rug works just fine.

If a rug is too much, try a throw. Just make it warm and cuzzy (my mother-in-law's favorite word). Or pillows. For the bed, for the sofa, even for lounging on the floor. Make sure they are an inviting winter-time texture. (You can get these adorable ones at Etsy.) Keep your colors neutral or blend them with your current decorating scheme. As long as the texture says comfort and warmth, your home will feel cozy through the long winter.

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.

Make It Easy on Yourself

We are starting what for many of us is a stressful time of year. First comes Thanksgiving, a time of gratitude, sharing our bounty in the spirit of giving. And preparing a perfect meal with perfect decorations  . . . and having it with people we may love, but may not always get along with, particularly under stressful circumstances.

And that's just the start of the season!

Country Living

So I say do what you can to make it easy on yourself. Keep decorations simple. Do a little foraging for the perfect autumn look and feel. There are plenty of leaves available which will last well past the holiday with just a little pressing. Branches with or without berries look fabulous in simple vases. Purchase Pumpkins on a Stick from Trader Joe's for a real showstopper.

Elle Decor

Use your everyday dishes. Just do something a little different with them. Instead of napkins use dishtowels. Nicer than paper but without the worry of the "nice" napkins. Add a simple centerpiece of pumpkins and natural elements, with perhaps a candle or two.

And instead of the formal sit-down meal, serve buffet-style. No need to do anything fancy. Use the kitchen island and a couple of candles for the buffet. Let the meal take center stage.

And most importantly, remember what matters. Spend time with those you love. That's what everyone will remember long after the last of the turkey is gone.

Autumn Inspiration

As a volunteer for the Monroe Farmers' Market, I have the opportunity to spend Friday afternoons  surrounded by luscious colors and textures of the products grown by our local farmers in Connecticut. And last week I realized just how inspiring they are to me not only as delicious foods, but also as decorating ideas.

And that is at no time more true than in the fall. It's amazing to me the colors and textures nature provides as a palette in our produce at this time of year. And it's not just the pumpkins, although I do love to bring orange into my fall decorating. But it's also the rich colors and textures of peppers.

And let's not forget the figs!

The rustic colors and textures of potatoes.

                           

And this is just getting started! Let's not forget the apples, beets, kale . . . you get the idea. And the bottom line for me is, if nature can do it, so can I! That means it's okay to bring in a mix of colors and textures inspired by fall, whether it's in accessories or more permanent. So bring in the artwork, decorate that mantel, or re-do an entire room. 

It's fall - go for it! And if you need inspiration? Try your local farmers' market.

Smaller Can Be Better

Smaller has in many circles become the new "it" thing. Downsizing is big (unintentional play on words) - or at least it is with my generation. But articles and information abound on living smaller at all stages of life. And of course, there's the tiny house movement which, while I do love watching the television show, takes small to a new level. And I'm thrilled there are so many beautiful, smaller spaces and furnishings being featured in design magazines and furniture collections.

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Having downsized a couple of years ago, I have become a fan. But I have found there are a few things I've learned along the way to make a small space live large. 

The first is the importance of glass. Glass coffee tables, end tables, and even dining tables maintain their usefulness without taking up visual space. And clean-up is really no more difficult than with wood. Just use glass cleaner instead of a traditional wood cleaner. 

Lower profile furniture is available everywhere  now. Look for slim arms, bench cushions on sofas (with a length of 72" rather than the more traditional 86" or larger), and chairs with a depth of 28"-32". All are still very comfortable without being space hogs. And if you would like a little more seat room, add an ottoman, which can double as additional seating for guests.

This chair from Crate and Barrel is surprisingly comfortable.

And finally, don't forgo lamps because of less room. Just get creative with your lighting like the swing arm lamps above. They're not just for bedrooms anymore! Or try floor lamps with narrow bases. 

Bottom line: you don't have to give up comfort and style in a smaller space. You may need some creative storage solutions, but those can be stylish as wee. But that's a topic for another time.

There's More to Color Than Paint Chips

I fairly frequently get a desperation call from clients saying their painter is coming in a couple of days and they just can't decide on the paint color. Can I help? And my answer is generally "maybe".
But first you have to ask your painter to postpone the work.

Selecting color for a room (or an entire  house) is not just going to the paint store and picking out a few chips you like, then deciding among them. And while I won't go through the process I've outlined in earlier posts (chips on white posterboard in various positions), there are still a few things that you really need to keep in mind when painting.

All the walls and ceiling are the same color.

First, always select paint colors in the room to be painted. While you may be able to go to the store and select chips of colors you like -  and even bring fabric to coordinate -  they will look very, very different in the room to be painted. And the time of day and amount of light (both natural and
artificial) will vary the color as well, which is why it's extremely important to look at preferred colors during different times of day and in different parts of the room. If you've ever (as I  have) lain in bed and marveled at how one wall can't possibly be the same color as the adjacent wall, you know what I mean. To make the correct selection, live the colors for several days. Which means if you really don't want to make a mistake, the painters can't come tomorrow to paint.

Don't try to match colors. Instead, blend. If you have a painting or a piece of fabric that has a gorgeous color  you would love to see on the walls, find a color that blends with it. If you're not sure why, reread the last paragraph. Colors (of paint certainly, but even in fabrics and art) will look very different depending on the light. An exact match will be impossible. See  how the blues in the House Beautiful photo blend rather than match?

And finally (after saying all of that), don't overthink the process. Focus a bit more on your emotions. How do you feel when you see that color in this room? Are you happy? Does it seem to "work"? Then that's the color for you. After all, it's only paint.

Make It Yours . . .

It's easy to get confused about the "right" way to decorate, especially if you subscribe to a variety of decorating magazines. One will tell you to keep to a simple color and pattern design or the room will be overwhelmed, while another will suggest mixing and matching pretty much anything under the sun. (Have you seen the "exuberant" work of William Diamond?)

So rather than paying attention to what "they" are saying, perhaps you should pay attention to . . . yourself. And rather than looking at the glossy photos and wondering how to do that, start with looking around at your own home and deciding what you really like, and what you really don't.

Then start with getting rid of what you don't like, What you do like can (almost) always be incorporated, even if the color/style/overall design of the room changes.

I'm an excellent example of this. I was a huge lover of antiques, particularly Victorian. (I know, I know, but I used to live in a Victorian house.) When I lost that love (and left the house), I still had a few pieces I wanted to keep, but without keeping the overall Victorian look and feel. So I used a few simple techniques that I now recommend for my clients:

• Repeat something about the piece(s) you love in other pieces in the room. It could be color, shape, line, fabric . . . something that makes it feel like things "go" together, even if they are from completely different eras. (The 4-poster bed on the right fits right in with modern tables with similar turned legs and contemporary bedding.)
• Use it in a new way, something perhaps a bit unexpected. (In my case, a dining room buffet became a bedroom dresser, with a few minor alterations.)
• Pair it with something au courant. (My gorgeous-to-me split-pedestal dining table is now paired with parsons chairs in a lovely soft beige.)
• Give it an instant upgrade with a coat of paint, modern fabric, a simpler frame, new hardware. (New upholstery give the spindle chairs above an updated look.)

Simple changes like these won't mar the pieces you love, but will help give them a "new" look that will work as your tastes and styles change.