10 questions with answers to make your house into a home (from real simple)

1.  Do I wake up in the morning feeling truly rested? While there are a whole bunch of reasons I might toss and turn at night, a clean and serene bedroom certainly helps me feel at ease. If you've been sleeping fitfully, perhaps it's time for some new bedding. Updating your bed with a down or Tempurpedic mattress topper, some new pillows (I'm loving Ikea's Gosa Pinja pillows for side sleepers) and new bedding (try cozy flannel for winter, smooth cool sateen for summer) can make a big difference in your sleep patterns.

2.  Can I play music in my home, including in the bedroom and the bath? Sound, like scent, is one of those elusive layers in a home that you don't recognize as important until there's something annoying, like loud neighbors or a blaring car alarm, to jolt you. Even if you're a rock or hard core fanatic, don't limit your in-home soundtrack. Opera on Sunday mornings, soul for cleaning, power ballads while showering.

 

3.  Do I have a comfortable spot in my home where I can read, talk on the phone, even nap, that is not my bed? If the most comfortable spot in your home is your bed, it's time to rethink things. A comfy chair in the corner of the bedroom, extra pillows on the couch, a floor cushion by a sunny window, an ottoman pulled up to the sofa, a throw near a drafty window, angling a daybed to catch the afternoon light, are all ways to make a spot more inviting.

 

4. Can I walk around my house barefoot? While we're not advocating a shoes off policy (though your home may stay cleaner if you do), the rugs should feel nice on the feet, the floors clean and smooth. It seems like a chore but I do a super fast damp mop on my wooden floors every morning (really superfast. And yes, sometimes I even make airplane noises!) with a old rag tucked into a Swiffer mop and spritzed with a little Mrs. Myers Lavender all-purpose spray.

5. Does my home smell good? That little mopping habit not only keeps my floors clean, it also keeps my home smelling nice. Cleansers, a scented candle, opening the windows, cooking -- these all bring a layer of scent into your home.

 6. Is there a convenient spot for a guest to put down a coat or hang a bag? How about one for yourself? If you don't already have one, consider establishing a landing strip in your home near your front door. This alone can do a lot towards alleviating a clutter takeover in your home.


7. How about a spot that I feel comfortable entertaining a guest? Maybe you spend a lot of time in your home alone, maybe you hate having anyone over, but when you do, step back and take a look at how comfortable someone is. Where do they choose to sit? You can learn a lot about your home from a visitor. You don't need a formal living room, just two chairs with someplace to put down a glass of water.


8. Can I vary the mood in my home with lighting to serve that room's functions? There should be reading lights within easy reach of the bed or sofa, enough light in the kitchen to chop by or peer into the back of your pantry. If you're always squinting, time to consider a well-place lamp or at least the wattage of your lightbulbs. Before you make any major changes in your home, invest in some lighting. That may be all the work you need.



9. How organized is my home? Is your clothing closet well-organized enough that you can get dressed in 15 minutes? Do you have the makings of quick meal to feed an unexpected guest? What about your bathroom? Are all the things you need easily accessible or do you have so many things to take out and put away in the morning that you create a tornado that you then dread putting away?


10. And, perhaps most importantly, do I feel happy walking into your home? Are you proud of your home? Your home should make you smile to be there.

Orange you glad you checked my blog today?

All about Orange my friends!

For more fun images: http://www.stylelist.com/2012/02/03/design-inspiration-paint-ideas_n_1253752.html#s651476&title=Paint_Your_Walls

garden and gun - (my hot, new favorite "design" mag) featuring: lone star retreat

http://gardenandgun.com/article/rachel-ashwell-prairie

As you wind down the sleepy back roads of Round Top, Texas, toward the Prairie by Rachel Ashwell, the Union Jack flying third on the flagpole (beneath the Stars and Stripes and the official state flag of Texas) is the only sign that the proprietor of this sprawling bed-and-breakfast might not be from around here. Though British by birth, Ashwell—author, designer, and founder of the global Shabby Chic brand—has spent the past year transforming five primitive buildings on forty-six acres of rolling farmland into an authentic Lone Star retreat, where guests mingle easily with visiting locals and the property’s familial staff. There are cattle grazing, roses blossoming, and panoramic views for miles in all directions. It’s part Out of Africa, part Lonesome Dove—a secluded, peaceful oasis at the heart of an eclectic and emerging travel destination.

Ashwell discovered Round Top, known for its quarterly antiques fairs, years ago during a foraging trip and fell in love with the tiny community’s bohemian spirit and laid-back lifestyle. “The flea market shows are by far the best I’ve ever been to,” she says, referring to the weeks each season when antiques dealers and treasure hunters inflate the local population from less than a hundred year-round residents to about thirty thousand people. (The upcoming spring antiques shows run from March 23 through April 8.) So when the property formerly known as the Outpost at Cedar Creek Inn came up for sale at the end of 2010, Ashwell, a longtime loyal guest, couldn’t resist making an offer. Three months, some Farrow & Ball paint and wallpaper, and a lot of hard work by Danny Riebeling (the property’s foreman, cook, and do-it-all guy) later, the Prairie officially opened its doors.

To create lived-in spaces to complement the five original farm buildings, some of which date back to the 1800s, Ashwell focused restoration efforts on the structures’ unique building styles and histories. She installed crystal chandeliers that would make Marie Antoinette swoon but left original wooden floorboards unvarnished and tin roofing largely intact. To make use of taxidermy left behind by the inn’s former owner, she crowned the mounts with vintage floral hats for just the right amount of whimsy. Perhaps smartest of all is the way she weaves local memorabilia (a Texas-shaped mirror, for instance, and vintage neon signs) into the decor with a wink and a nod. After all, many of her prize purchases over the years have come from the area—only back then, it was her little secret.

The entire article and more photos at:

http://gardenandgun.com/article/rachel-ashwell-prairie

that's ikea? seriously? thanks apt. therapy - again! (www.ikea.com)

One of the most common complaints we hear about IKEA products is their instantly recognizable and generic appearance — the last thing most of us want is an IKEA showroom for a home. However, searching through our House Tour archives you'll find quite a few ways to put your personal spin on a run-of-the-mill IKEA product. TO BUY FROM IKEA AND FIND YOUR LOCAL STORE VISIT: http://www.ikea.com/!!

• Allison's Playful Chinoiserie Modern showcased a simple and glamorous update to IKEA's $10 VIKA LERBERG trestle legs. Just giving them a coat of gold spray paint made them the perfect base to her elegant vanity.
• VIKA LERBERG trestle legs take on a totally different feel in Erin and Chris's Fantastic Fishtown Fixxer-Upper where they topped the legs with old joists salvaged from their building.
• IKEA's EXPEDIT bookcase seems to be a staple in many an Apartment Therapy home, however Ashley and Robert put a unique twist on the clean-lined workhorse by affixing decorative brackets from Anthropologie in the corners to make it better suit the vibe of their Streamlined Bohemian Home.


Images: 1, 3: Leah Moss of Allison's Playful Chinoiserie Modern and Ashley & Robert's Streamlined Bohemian, 2: Kristen Lubbe of Erin & Chris's Fantastic Fishtown Fixer Upper

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/inspiration/ikea-facelifts-from-midatlantic-house-tours-134765

LVAC: Multiplicity Art Show, December 10, 2010, Louisville, KY

More is more in LVAC's newest exhibition: Multiplicity. Through painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, and photography, artists investigate multiple frames and parts, multiple aspects of the same subject, and multiple points of view. Many of the artists in this exhibition have expanded the idea of multiplicity by creating series, sequences, and images that comprise numerous parts. They explore repetition, pairing, and variations on a theme as artistic strategies.


Opening reception: Friday, Dec 10th, 6-9
Closing reception:Friday, January, 7th
A complete list of artists will be compiled soon. Below is the Multiplicity list of artists at press time:

Linda Akers
Lisa Austin
Jeremy Dixon
Erin Fitzgerald
Derek Gregory
Rebecca Jackson
Jarrod Lee
Keith Linton
Joan Hogan Moser
Tony Perez
Brian Stastny
Alexandra Roisen-Tash

2932 Cleveland Boulevard

Louisville, KY 40206

For more details and location visit the Facebook page at: Louisville Visual Arts Council

vintage globes - why are they so cool? i truly have no idea - but they are...

vintage replogle world globe by ethanollie on etsy!!

$33.00 excluding shipping

a replogle world globe is the perfect gift for the world traveler or child who dreams of one day becoming one. great full shape with gold toned axis and white enameled base. blue green waters and nicely saturated continents

a good one for the collection!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F61308768%2Fvintage-replogle-world-globe&h=731a3

Whispering Pines is one of my all time favorite sites!!

http://www.whisperingpinescatalog.com/products/road-trip-rug
check out this fab rug!!!

chinese stools - apartment therapy facinates again!!!

for the last few years, barrel-shaped ceramic stools have been a popular decorating accessory, adding luster, color or texture to a space while serving as little side tables or room accents. but where do they come from, and where were they traditionally used? okay, the answer is in the title of the post: they come from China, and they were traditionally used in gardens. read on to learn about the fascinating origins of this familiar form.

believe it or not, barrel- or drum-shaped garden stools have been used in China for at least 1,000 years. they may have evolved out of the Buddhist garden tradition, where natural elements like tree stumps and smooth rocks were used as seats.

traditionally, Chinese homes were built around a courtyard, and with an emphasis on landscape and gardens, so outdoor furniture was essential. by the Song Dynasty (960-1279), these types of stools were used both indoors and outdoors as casual seating  indoor stools were typically portable and made out of wood, while outdoor furniture, to withstand the elements, began to be made out of stone, glazed stoneware, or porcelain.
the antique stools that are still extant tend to be from the late Ming Dynasty — early 17th century — and later, and they have a range of decoration, including fretwork, relief decoration, and pierced motifs. one common decoration is simulated nailheads, often around the upper and lower parts of the barrel form. the nailhead motif is left over from ancient Chinese drums, which had wood bodies with skins stretched over each end and affixed with nails. although they've been around over 1000 years, in the USA they have gained popularity only in the last and current century.

you can find stools locally at thomasville, ethan allen and other fine furniture stores.  or on line at www.wisteria.com and www.chinese-furniture.com.

hughs house, louisville, ky: before images

how to shop for a sofa

Sofas are expensive, and it can be scary to shovel out so much money for something that you want to last and may not look so great three years down the road. It's important to remember that a sofa is usually a big part of any room, an often used piece of furniture and unbdoubtedly stays with you for many years to come. To help you find a sofa that will last, here's our guide to shopping for quality frames, springs, and upholstery, as well as where to look when you're on a budget.

What's in a Frame? In general, kiln-dried hardwood frames are viewed as the best because kiln drying removes moisture from the wood and stabilizes the frame. Look for mortise and tenon or dowel joints rather than staples. Other types of hardwoods are generally good, but soft woods like pine can crack and warp. Plastic and particleboard make weak sofa frames, but modern steel bases can be well made and good looking, depending on how well they're welded. A quality frame should also come with a good warranty that guarantees its life over several years.

Hand-tied coils and/or sinuous are traditionally viewed as the two best types of coiling, since they're strong and they distribute weight well over time, keeping cushions in good-looking shape. However, sinuous is less expensive and there is debate over which is actually best. Hand tied involved more labor and sinuous is done by machine. So try them out: when you're testing a sofa, avoid seats that squeak, creak, or sag.

Since a sofa has to last a long time, look for fabrics that wear well. Leather is expensive but ages nicely. Many people like the stain resistance of microfiber, but the drawback is that it's synthetic and doesn't have the same look or feel of a natural material like linen or cotton (although they are getting better). Tighter weaves tend to be more durable than loose weaves. Check the upholstery cleaning codes before you buy to see what kind of care the fabric will require. Large patterns should be avoided since the sofa is such a large piece. Small patterns solids work best.  For longer use, a more muted or natural colors will increase the design options thoughout the years.

It can be difficult to find sofas of good quality and durability under $1,000. Thrift store sofas can be tempting ("That will look great if I just reupholster it!") but a good job can sometimes cost as much or more than a new sofa. Smaller scale sofas tend to be less expensive, and you can often find great deals at floor model and overstock sales.
CB2 : CB2 and its sister store, Crate and Barrel, sell sofas under $1,000 that have kiln-dried hardwood frames. The upholstery and springs may not be as high-end as the other options, but for the price, these are pieces of good quality.
 
Where in Louisville?
Bassett has less expensive sofas, Thomasville has a great build your own program. There is also Havertys, Cherry House and Burdorfs . For custom made I like Thomasville. For cheaper but good - go to Bassett or Havertys

editing the colors of your kitchen plates and bowls

my kitchen at the carriage house

tip of the day: pick 2 or 3 colors/styles only for your kitchen plates, cups, glasses, etc. stay with your choices at times - sippy cup colors COUNT TOO!!! thus, even though you have obtained loads of different pieces from different sets over the years, it all still looks good on a your shelves!!

fab website with vintage state plates, pillows and table cloths! plus! vintage picnic tins!?!? OH MY....

whisperingpinescatalog.com

the difference between color and black and white photos.....

one look is cheesy pet photos - and the other look is art!

just add  black,white or silver frames and i'm, ehhmm sorry, YOU are no longer THAT "cat lady"; now you are an animal artist!

design advice: room by room - focal point and floor plans

focal point:
every well-decorated room has a focal point - a place to which the eye is drawn. it may be built into the room, such as a fireplace or a window with a great view. you can also create a focal point with paintings, accessories, mirrors and furniture.

floor plans:
after deciding on a focal point, plan to place furnishings in an arrangement that contribute to and enhance it. keep balance in mind and establish a traffic pattern that allows confortable access to the room and seating. major traffic patterns should be at least 36" wide and flow around the furniture setting.

in a living room, be sure to allow room to access windows, entertainment plugs/setups, and bookcases. avoid routing paths through the middle of the convesation areas or between the tv and viewers.

in the dining room its ideal to have 36" betwen the backs of chairs and perimeter wall or other furniture. *and don't forget to plan and measure for sideboards and consoles BEFORE you place your table and chairs.

in the bedroom, 24" on either side of the bed at the least (most nighstand average 36"). while traditional bed placement is most convienent, consider diagonal placement.

real simple's 50 best "new uses for old stuff"...and that coaster idea? been doing it for years!

http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/new-uses-for-old-things/favorite-new-uses-00000000019718/index.html

honor your ancestors - decorate!

an easy way to honor your family and personalize your home is by adopting some of their hobbies. my grandfather's collection of swizzle-drink stirrers looks BEYOND pretty sitting in a julip cup on my bar- and some sticks are over 50  years old! my favorite women in the world: my mother, my grandmother and my aunts, all collected limoges boxes. today my sister and I add to our collections by giving limoges boxes to each other as a fond reminder of a special trip or event.  and don't be afraid to let the world know about your collections - it makes gift giving much happier and easier for all involved (you are simply doing everyone a favor by educating them).  petite collections are great decorating tools in smaller spaces such as shelving and desk tops. but a group of vintage napkins or table cloths can be displayed neatly folded in a basket or framed along an entire kitchen wall.  tip: to keep collections from exploding, be specific about your pieces. for example,  i only collect the green/blue and pink mccoy pottery vases and pots - it looks better/cleaner in clusters and works with the other colors and designs in my home.  have fun!

room design worksheet for your next interior design project!

this blog is dedicated to helping people create their ideal homes in the least expensive and quickest way. therefore, i have below created a worksheet for our projects. this sheet give you direction and concrete solutions to the decorating questions of each project.


feel free to steal/"borrow" it from me!

DESIGN WORK SHEET OUTLINE

TIMELINE

Ideal start date:_____________________PRACTICAL NEEDS AND DETAILS

Ideal completion date:________________

WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL FOR THIS PROJECT: _________________________________________________________

WISH LIST:

_________________________________________________________

WHO USES THE ROOM?
Family ___________________________________________________
Children __________________________________________________
Pets ______________________________________________________

ACTIVITIES
reading _______________
hobbies_________________
________________________
computer - desktop
computer - wireless
TV viewing/importance (1-10)? ______

ENTERTAINING

business large groups

social informal

small groups casual

number of chairs NEEDED:________

DAILY USE

daytime

nighttime

equally

What is your biggest concern at start?
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________


What pieces will stay in the room?
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________


What needs to be added to this room?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________


CEILING
normal_________ high_________ pitched________

DETAILS
Natural light? ________________________

Focal point?__________________________

STYLE PREFERENCES

List three adjectives that describe the feel
of your dream room.
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________


STYLE
What style/s best appeals to you:
cozy traditional
lived-in contemporary
romantic west indies
formal eclectic
country casual elegance
elegant seaside cottage
transitional aspen lodge
casual urban loft
country french english
old world european


COLOR SCHEME
What color combinations appeal to you?

whites naturals/neutrals
grays and blacks earth tones
pastels warm colors
jewel tones nncool colors


What amount of color appeals to you?

loads of color
subtle color
color mostly in accents
color limited to walls and floors


What feel appeals to you?
rooms that appear spacious and open
rooms cozy, intimate & comfortable


What colors and wood tones appeal to you?


___________________________________


___________________________________


___________________________________


stripes
mini-patterns
plaids
geometrics
florals
leather
abstracts
tapestries
large patterns small patterns
bold, bright patterns
subtle patterns with texture

WINDOW TREATMENTS
Do you have existing window treatments?

If so, what are they?

top treatments
vertical blinds
full draperies
shutters
side panels
wood blinds
woven blinds

outside view /colors
__________________________________


fabric shades importance


(1-10) ______


DECISION MAKERS
____________________________________
___________________________________

BUDGET PLAN

up to $5,000
$5,000 to $10,000
$10,000 to $15,000
$15,000 to $20,000
$20,000 to $30,000

____________________________________


If completing in multiple phases, how much
for phase 1, 2...
_________________________
_________________________
__________________________


Floor type? ____________________________________


Adjoining room details? ___________________________

FABRICS THAT APPEAL (include item numbers)
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________

PAINT
LIST PAINT COLORS WITH ITEM NUMBERS
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
___________________________________________________

defining design styles: which one are you?

Traditional

Many furniture styles fall into the traditional category. The most enduring styles are English-inspired such as Regency, Federalist, Queen Anne and Chippendale. French-inspired styles of Louis Philippe have also withstood the test of time. Mahogany, cherry and other richly toned woods and cherry finishes are staples of traditional style. Designs will often feature carvings, burl veneers and details such as marquetry. Traditional upholstery often features formal fabrics such as damask, jacquard and tapestry, in jewel-tone or muted shades.

Country & Cottage

Country and cottage styles encompass a broad range of designs that vary by region. The most influential in this category are French, English, Italian and American Colonial. Inviting comfort is the harmonizing theme with rural inspired touches. Lines are simple and tend to be minimally adorned. Woods are usually pine and oak in washed, pickled, antiqued or painted finishes, often with hand-applied and painted accents. Painted pieces may be one color or two-tone combinations. Wicker and iron elements are also often incorporated. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen are frequently used in upholstered pieces. Florals, stripes and checks are combined for a casual, comfortable look.English country is somewhat more formal. One of the most recognizable examples of English country style is the Windsor chair, characterized by a spindle back, turned legs and a saddle-shaped seat, which originated from England's Windsor Castle in the early 1700s. Chintz fabric, in elegant floral, striped, gingham and plaid mixtures, is typical of English country upholstery.

Cottage style is often based on American Colonial silhouettes, in white or whitewashed finishes or even distressed black finishes. Cottage upholstery can vary from subdued pastel colors to brighter hues as in French country style, using a combination of floral, striped and solid fabrics for layers of visual appeal.

NOTE: Prefer a more relaxed look? Many classic designs are available in lighter woods and in more casual upholstery such as cotton, chenille and microfiber.


 

Modern & Contemporary

Inspired by the rise of industry in the early 20th Century, modern style echoes the streamlined silhouettes of industrial design used in inventions of the day such as skyscraper architecture and transportation. During this Machine Age, smooth surfaces, sweeping horizontal lines and rounded corners came to signify the image of efficiency and speed. Both French- and American-inspired, Art Deco was enamored with this glamorous and futuristic aesthetic, using new materials to construct home furnishings such as tinted glass, plastics, steel and chrome to accent pale or dark wood furnishings. Sleek, monochromatic upholstery in fabric and leather is generally used to complement this look.
Though "contemporary" and "modern" are sometimes used interchangeably, the styles have distinct differences. Contemporary style reflects current trends, often incorporating convenient elements into the furnishings, such as chairs with casters or sofas with built-in drink holders. Contemporary silhouettes often feature gently curved lines. Woods can be light or dark in tone with minimal grain, such as maple and birch. Accents include clear or frosted glass and metals such as stainless steel or chrome. Upholstery emphasizes the natural textures and neutral tones of cotton, silk, wool and linen, as well as leather. Vibrant colors and geometric patterns are also used, though usually in accessories such as rugs or accent pillows.

Eclectic

Not a style in itself, eclectic is a fusion of designs. If implemented carefully, the possibilities are endless. The key to mastering an eclectic look is to avoid an even 50/50 mixture. Instead, aim for a 2/3 to 1/3 mixture of styles. Even combinations of classic and contemporary home fashions can complement each other, creating interesting contrast. For example, one or two pieces of Louis Philippe-style or Federalist-style furniture can create a dramatic point of interest in an otherwise modern or contemporary room. Eclectic style is also a great way to incorporate family heirlooms into your décor without sacrificing your own style. Similarly, a rustic piece such as a French country armoire or a cottage-style chest can work well with more refined traditional furniture, such as Queen Anne or Chippendale. Color balance is also important. The controlled use of one or two colors in upholstery fabrics and accents provides a common element to unite the various periods.

Transitional

Transitional style blends fresh contemporary furnishings with the best designs of the past for an attractive, easy-to-live-with style. Defined by understated form and restrained approach to line and material, this style is versatile, adapting easily to different décors. A transitional sofa can be dressed up to complement a more formal environment, or casually accented to suit a contemporary room.
Woods may be warm in tone, or even dark, but generally have minimal carving and ornamentation. Upholstered pieces feature solid colors or simple patterns that are easy to coordinate. Camelback silhouettes with exposed frames and feet, Lawson-style sofas with loose, square cushions and many leather pieces fit into the transitional category.

Shaker styling, with its straightforward, unadorned lines, exemplifies transitional wooden furniture. Mission or Arts & Crafts furnishings, featuring heavy squared forms, exposed joinery and wrought iron accents, are also well suited to a transitional décor.
Open floor plans (in which one room flows into the other, such as a kitchen to a family room) and rooms that are multipurpose (such as a living room that doubles as a home office space) are particularly well suited to transitional furniture, which can easily create a sense of continuity from one room to the next.
Choosing an overall style establishes harmony and unity throughout the home. However, you can still create a custom look for individual rooms through different color schemes and with accents such as collections, artwork or themes from nature, sports or even a favorite hobby. Once you've decided on a style, you're ready to move forward with your decorating plan.

99 cent easter eggs added to

my mercury silver and gold

collection give a refreshing

spring update!

your sign posts - personalized (from contributing artist: dru thomas quarles)