I’m one of those people who changes bedding with the seasons. Sure, you don’t need heavy bedding in July, but I change bedding for the sheer joy of it all! Some folks, with money to burn, have custom bedding made, to the tune of thousands. Ka-ching! My formula for a beautiful bed that’s easy to make in the morning, is to start with the “foundation”, a coverlet for the bed in a neutral solid color. Over time, you can collect several of these easy-care bed covers, often in 100% cotton and machine washable. Some beds require a bed skirt, others…
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A client of mine is planning to spruce up her kitchen, by adding a tile backsplash above the granite counters. So, off I went, to Natural Stone Design Gallery, on Power Inn Road, in Sacramento, Natural Stone Design Gallery. With granite countertops, you want to select a very simple backsplash, to compliment the natural movement in the granite. So, my first choice is subway tiles. Here, one tile is cream colored and one is white. I’d opt for the cream. Either way, a timeless look will be created. I’ll let you see, when the project is finished. Whether you are…
Read the rest >>This is a wonderful video from a very unique blog, Advanced Style. We’ve all seen the Red Hat Society ladies in their purple and red. I’ve told friends to shoot me, if ever I become a member. But, the ladies interviewed in this Advanced Style video, have a very refreshing view on their own personal fashion. They challenge me to live my authentic life, which I’m closer to achieving, the older I get. Sure, there are times and places where we all have to conform, but in our own home, we should surround ourselves with colors, art, mementos, photos,…
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No, there’s no 12-step program for lampaholics, but why would you need one? For me, lamps are a design accessory, not just a functional appliance for your home. While recessed ceiling lights are everywhere these days, they won’t “doll” up your home (or make you look as good) as a beautiful table lamp. I love old table lamps from the 60’s, 70’s and beyond. Here’s a darling lamp I found for my kitchen counter. It had years of dust and a long, grimy white cord. I set about cleaning the lamp with a mild soap and water mixture, using q-tips…
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I know I keep repeating myself, but thank goodness for the sun! It’s still peeking in and out, from behind puffy white clouds, so I’m enjoying every minute before the first heat wave.
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While wallpaper has made a beautiful comeback to many home interiors, so has stenciling. I’m not talking about grapevines around your kitchen ceiling. I’m talking about stunning graphics, artfully applied. If you plan on doing this yourself, I’d encourage you to keep it simple and take your time, with a ruler and level close at hand. You can cut your own stencil or buy them ready to use. A smooth surface works best because heavily textured walls allow paint to seep through where you don’t want it to be. Best of all, when you’re ready for something new, you don’t…
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I have forever loved blue and white china! My everyday china is Spode’s “Blue Room Collection”, that I used to pick up at Marshall’s for ten dollars a plate. I use blue and white china to hold the utensils on my kitchen counter..again pieces picked up at Marshall’s for next to nothing. The list goes on. Now, I’m sure that a collector can tell the difference between my Marshall’s “finds” that are scattered around the house, and the “good stuff”, but I’m in luck, because I know no collectors, and don’t expect any to drop in soon! Still, it adds…
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I love creating the perfect groupings of accessories in my house because a) they’re so easy to rearrange for a new look b) they allow me to express a little creativity without a big investment c) I can use them to reflect seasonal changes or holidays. Over the years, I have acquired special keepsakes, that have history or meaning to me or my family. While other things may come or go, depending on trends, or simply tiring of them, these things are with me for life. Together, the new and the old spell “home”. For me, artwork, accessories and lighting…
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