Scarlet Fever

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I've never been a huge fan of the color red.  I like to wear it, but I've never lived with it.  But I'm starting to come around slowly - and found I was attracted to these images.  I like the clean lines, a lot of white, and touches of red.  It's very clean and neat looking.  Maybe it's my subconscious telling me to clean up my messes at home...

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Red with a touch of orange becomes a warm nook.

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Your Dividing Attention Please...

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While browsing design images, I noticed divider/folding screens used as headboards in numerous photographs.  I think it's a pretty neat idea.  There are many people that don't read in bed or need a headboard to lean against.  Some people don't even use pillows ( I happen to use 4 for my little self).  So, in these cases where a headboard is not a necessity, why not try an unusual and unique approach and use a screen? 

Some have great detail like this chinoiserie screen.

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Others have a simple sophistication such as this mirrored piece in black.

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A rustic and distressed painted screen adds a casusal touch.

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Turquoise bamboo adds color to an eclectic atmosphere.

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White Wonder

When you docorate with white, you don't have to worry about matching prints and patterns.  Different shades of white look great together, and you can use multiple textures creating a layered look. 

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All white decorating creates a serene and natural feeling space.

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In an all white room, unique occasional tables and accessories can stand out.

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Texture and details on fabric and flooring are an easy way to add interest to an all white scheme.

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Small details such as floor tiles, glass knobs, and moulding add sophistication.

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Make your white pieces stand out against dark floors and accessories.

Sit on this, or not....

Back in late 2008 these little things kept popping up in shelter magazines everywhere....ceramic garden stools have since become a mainstream must-have for any room.  You see them in bedrooms, living rooms, and of course, gardens (although I could not find a picture of one in a garden for the life of me).

They are a great addition to any room because of their minuscule scale and simple design.  You can find them in an an assortment of colors like white, blue, green, and even Zebra.  Yay!...  This past summer I constantly saw them in Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Homegoods for $20-40.  That's a great deal for a piece that can be blended seamlessly into any room, and used for extra seating or for a small place to put down a book or magazine.  Ceramic garden stools can be found at a higher price in more bright and trendy colors or patterns as well.

image via House and Home

In a bedroom they serve as a great place to set down a book and not cramp your nightstand.

image via House Beautiful

In a living room, a stool can be an additional seat while entertaining large crowds.

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Great next to armless slipper chairs, a stool is the perfect place to place a drink.

image via Domino

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And in my own little world, I added one to my mother's secret room makeover.  As you can see, she uses it as a place to stash the books she is reading.  I got this brown and white Morrocan-inspired one at Marshalls for $20.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone.

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             Fa la la la la                                         la la la la.....        

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Off-the-Wall Design

The furniture in your room doesn't always have to be placed against a wall.  Floating furniture in the middle of the room room can sometimes better utilize the space you have, highlight a focal point such as a fireplace, or cozy things up.  Placing furniture on an angle can really give the room a new look and make the space feel more open and welcoming.  This method fills in dead space, keeping the room from looking boxy. 

Above:  Sofas placed on an angle with chairs floating in the room say "welcome, have a seat."

A lovely loveseat and 2 chairs share the spotlight with the fireplace.

Left:  A sofa is placed in the center of a room facing a fireplace.  Look at how cozy this room is and it uses every available inch of space.  Right:   Both the sofa and chairs are floating in this room, sharing the view of the fireplace while keeping the space light and airy.  all images unknown sources.

Hello, Meet My Friend Yellow...

Above:  White kitchen cabinets are a great way to accessorize with color.  By adding plates and pottery, such as a yellowware collection, you've got a stylish kitchen that can be changed in a blink. 

Above:  A cabinet from IKEA and a painted old chest add storage to your kitchen while adding a splash of color.

Above:  An island is painted yellow and becomes the warm and welcoming heart of the kitchen.  image via Country Living

Warm and bulky islands are lightened up with yellow walls and cabinets.  images via Better Homes and Gardens, Renovation Style Magazine.

Give your guests a hint of what's to come by painting your back door or gate a welcoming and bright color.  images via remodelista.com

C is for Cute

This little girl's room designed by Ken Fulk is as cute as a button.  I love the idea of using the little ottoman as a nightstand.  A silver tray keeps the lamp and decorative items stable.  image via House Beautiful

Artfull Walls

Decorating with art can be a great way to express your personality and interests, and complete a room's decor.  An easy way to present a collection is to group similar items together.  "Similar" can be art that has matching frames, colors, or by theme.  Left:  While this wall of art has numerous frames of all sorts of colors, materials and shapes, the theme of nature and birds unifies the collection.  image via:  vintageindie.typepad.com

Below:  Fill in the space above a sofa with a collection of matching frames and add plates to mix it up.  This is a very balanced look, great for a traditional setting.  The white plates add a different element to the wall of art, however because they are white, they are not distracting.  image via Southern Living

Right:  An extra large piece of art that is minimal in design gives the eye a rest in a room with a busy wallpaper pattern.  The piece of art is so large that it becomes the focal point of that wall, and there is no need for any other wall decor.  image via:  Robyn Karp Interiors

Utilize that large and empty wall in your stairwell with a collection of art.  Left:  In this photo the homeowner displays a collection of sketches mounted in an assortment of frames.  image via:  Southern Accents

Right:  Wainscotting can sometimes create a dilemna when hanging artwork.  In the small amount of wall remaining, a coating of a bright green paint is the background for 2 square pictures that fill in the space perfectly.  image via:  www.thedecoratingvoice.org

Solid Gold

This is one of those rooms in which you can look and look and keep finding things that make you say 'wow.' By facing the books backwards, showing the gold leaf edges, it transforms the room. The gold frames, statues on nightstand, and legs of the vanity bench really catch the eye because of the bookcase. You also notice the slight touches of gold threading in the bedding. All of the gold looks great against the contrast of the black velour bed, lacquered vanity & nightstand, and gleaming floor.

image by J. Randall Powers Decoration via covetabledesigns.com/blog

A Closer Look

Sometimes it's fun to take a closer look at pictures. For example:

Above: I found this image on a website belonging to a designer who also makes custom window treatments...Is that a motorcycle smack in the center of the window?

Above: This came from a website listing hotel availability. It's no wonder this room is available...notice how high the picture is mounted on the wall and look at that tiny headboard.


Above: I guess these homeowners don't mind their guests hanging around. Does anyone recognize this man? I have no idea who he is and why they have him on their wall.

Above: A news website posted this photograph of a Best Western room for a travel report.

From the 2 buckets in the room looks like either the ceiling was leaking or they were cleaning up after a big mess. Nonetheless, not appealing.

images via: fionacampbelldesign.com, activehotels.com, desire to inspire, telegraph.co.uk