Thursday, December 10, 2009

More Wreaths

Nothing transforms your home quite like decorating for the holidays.
I found so many beautiful wreaths that I just had to share a few more!


I love how a wreath dresses up a chair---
Notice how they are all made of natural elements.


Gourds on a Wreath? It looks great!


What a unique collection.


This reminds me of the metal gate above the mantle
in my last post.

What a great look!

Add a few wreaths this season and your home will feel more COZY!
photos from bhg

I am joining the blog party over at The Shabby Chic Cottage

and Melissa at The Inspired Room


Monday, December 7, 2009

I love Wreathes!
I think they are wonderful all year long.
But Christmas is a traditional time to hang a wreath.

They are a perfect solution when looking to add natural elements to your room.

Here are a few creative ways to add a wreath,
changing things up a bit different than you may have used them before.

Isn't this such a great idea ---
putting a garden gate over your mantel with
an evergreen wreath.


Tie a small wreath to your bed.


I love how this wreath is hung infront of the cabinet with a black and white striped ribbon.
The green with the black is one of my favorite color combinations.


Hang a green wreath on the post of the chair.


Notice how none of these wreathes are hanging on doors---
which is typical.
There are multiple ways to add them to your home.


Hanging the wreath from a ribbon in a picture frame.

Now look through your holiday wreaths and see how you might hang them a little different this year!

These photos are from Country Living

I am linking up with Metamorphosis Monday today

Go and take a look!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Since we are now at the beginning of December --- I wanted to change things up a bit. I know that most of us are not going to be doing much room redesign, but it is a great time to notice what simple things you add for Christmas, and how it creates a cozy feel in your home.

I want you to see that you are already doing some of the right things --- and maybe inspire you with a few new possibilities!

When I was growing up, Christmas was the only time that we brought out the candles---but I don't remember that we ever lit them!

So Bring out the Candles and LIGHT them!
You will be amazed at what atmosphere a little candlelight can create.



Your holiday table will feel complete once
the candles are lit.

There are so many different styles, and they
can go anywhere.


So this Holiday Season Light your CANDLES!


I am joining the blog party at Transformation Thursday
They always have great blogs --- go and see.
I am also linking up with Melissa a The Inspired Room.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Just a quick BEFORE and AFTER


The Brown wall BEFORE


We changed it up a bit by adding a shelf.
Notice the same family photo, but now with a few more details and interesting items.

We created somewhat of a theme based around a family vacation and items that they brought home. The fabric really adds a homey feel. Also notice how we have different heights on the shelf. And see how just propping up some framed photos works very nicely.

For more BEFORE and AFTERS go to Metamorphosis Monday

Tuesday, November 24, 2009


I did a Studio 5 TV segment today:

6 Simple Steps to Create an Inviting Entry




1. Hang a Mirror
A mirror creates more light in the space and is nice to use as you come in and out of your home.

2. Have some kind of table.
If you have room, this is a great addition. It can be something you may not have considered (a dresser or an old sewing cabinet). If you have a small space and cannot fit a table, hang a shelf under a mirror, it works great as a place for your mail or your keys.

3. Put a lamp or a pair of lamps on the table.
It adds to the warm and inviting feel that you want to create.

4. Incorporate a natural element.
A plant or a vase of flowers works nicely!

5. If you have room---add a chair or two.
It is nice to have a place to sit while you are putting on your shoes.

6. Make it your style!
The entry is an introduction to your home.



Thank you so much
to Susan, Deanna, and Ann for letting us film in there homes!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Consider hanging your family photos in a grouping on the wall with a few other items.


BEFORE
This is a very usual way of hanging up family photos---lining them across the wall.

AFTER
But when we mix them in with the curio cabinet that also has some family photos and a larger wall clock, it creates a "unit" --- and a nice even weight to the wall.

Look around your house and see what creative ways you can display your family photos!


I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphasis Monday, there are some great befores and afters.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Pairs...Create Balance

I usually talk about using odd numbers when decorating...
but using PAIRS is a great way to create balance in a room.
And lends itself to a more formal feel.


A Pair of Chairs
A Pair of Trees


A Pair of Sculptures
bhg

A Pair of lamps
bhg


A Pair of Vases filled with grass.


A Pair of Niches
A Pair of Chairs
A Pair of Pillows
A Pair of Topiaries

Sometimes using a Pair is an easy way to create a feeling of balance in a room.
I am joining Julia at Hooked on Houses today.