Helpfull bits on Woodstains

I'd really like to figure out where this blog is supposed to go.  If you are reading it, please send it to all your friends. 

I never thought it could take so much time to do a blog.  There is a lot of preparation that goes into this.  It is fun though to look at the stats.  I'd really like to get it out there.  I am working on it.

Let's have a piece about some helpful hints on taking care of what you have to work with so it is in good shape.

HELPFUL HINTS

WOODSTAINS

 

 Protect wood from sun and heat.  Keep all wood away from direct sunlight and heating vents.  Wood will fade if constantly exposed to direct sunlight.  I suggest you buy plastic shields for over a floor vent if it is possible if it is close to a wood piece, and turn off the vent if possible.  An ideal indoor temperature is 68 to 70 degrees.  To keep wood from drying out in the winter months, clean and oil with good polishes quite often. 

 

The following will work on most wood surfaces.

 

 

Always test whatever you try on an inconspicuous place on your piece o wood.

 

1.  Water Rings - Either of these methods may be tried. Place a thick blotter over the
                             spot and press with a warm iron (not hot).   You may  have to do this

                           several times.  Then buff with a fine furniture polish.  You may also
                            prepare a 50/50% mixture of toothpaste and baking soda.  Using a clean
                            damp cotton cloth, dip it into the mixture and rub.  You may leave
                            it on a short time, then buff with a clean dry cloth.  Now buff with a good
                            furniture polish.
                      
2.  Burns -           Scrape out the burned area with a small kitchen knife.  Using a cotton
                            swab dipped in turpentine, clean the area.  Smooth with fine steel wool.
                            Fill the indentation with a layer of melted colored stick shellac to match
                            the wood finish.  Make sure each layer is dry, then sand with a very
                            fine sandpaper until the mark is flush; sand until smooth.  Rub the area
                            with fine furniture polish.

3.  Candle Wax-  Scrape excess wax of with your finger.  Scrape off the residue with a
                            plastic spatula or a credit card, and wipe the area with turpentine.  Rub
                            briskly with a fine furniture polish until the mark disappears, then buff
                            to a low sheen.  If it still doesn't work, use several layers of paper
                            towels and put a warm iron over it to melt the wax into the towel.  You
                            may have to do this several times, constantly changing the paper.  This
                            is the way to remove candle wax out of fabric or carpeting.  On carpet,
                           only you put ice on the spot first, then peel off what you can with your fingers.

4. Spills -            Such as: liquor medicine, nail polish - Blot quickly.  Using a clean cloth, rub a
                            mixture of rottenstone (available at most paint stores) with a few drops of
                            linseed oil or salad oil.  Rub briskly with a fine furniture polish.  If  you
                            entertain, a good thing to keep handy.

5.  Small scratches -
                            Using cotton swabs for the following: cherry, mahogany or rosewood, dab
                            in a little mercurochrome or iodine.  For walnut or dark oak, dab in a little
                            brown liquid shoe polish.  Check at your paint store for stains that match
                            your wood.  Using cotton swabs leaves little clean up mess.  They are always
                            coming up with something new. 

Please remember that these MAY work on most good woods.  I have used the toothpaste and baking soda on several pieces and it worked out great.  I use Scotts Liquid Gold for polishing.  There are some very fine paste waxes on the market, that work great. You may want to try any of these methods on an inconspicuous place first.  You may also take the piece to a local refinisher or call one for other ideas. 
I USE FURNITURE REFINISHERS for problem pieces or stains.  This is he easy way out.

Remember:  The key to good wood finishes is to always use a good furniture polish.

I am for easy and handy.  Til then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


                                  

More bits on window teatments!

Yesterday I showed you pictures of double, triple and even a four layer window.  Today we will talk about hard and soft windows.  Hard window treatments are just blinds, verticals or shutters.  Soft treatments are draperies, fabric cornices or swags silhouettes, luminettes, duettes,  roman shades and others available on the market today,or any top treatment that is out of fabric.

Yesterday I showed what I classify as soft treatments even though they had hard treatments combined.  Here are some examples of hard treatments:

 

These are 2" wood blinds, inside mount, with no valance or cornice.  It is my art room at the present time.  Above the right window is a baseball bat that is in a Lucite box.

 

These are micro mini blinds on my front door.  All the French doors in my house have wood mini blinds on them.  The only one that has a soft treatment is the one in the pool bath.  When I get to bathrooms, I will post some pictures, as this bathroom has some unusual ideas.  These blinds however, are in between the glass.  This is East facing and gets the morning sun, so it makes it great, they never get dirty.

Plantation Shutters are very popular in warm climates.  I like them and have them in one room, but I prefer 2" wood blinds.  That is a very personal thing, and if you look in all magazines on window treatments, you will see all the up to date treatments.  It also depends again on the amount to light you need in a room. 

Some rooms, no matter what you do, will never have a lot of natural light.  This is a great place to use mirrors.  The home improvement stores all have mirror panels to put up on your walls to add light.  White or shades of white work the best.  If you have a question, you can comment on the blog and I will answer.

For rooms that get a very lot of light, hard window treatments protect your furnishing.  Even through glass, including tinted, the sun fades and rots fabric.  The darker the color the faster it fades in sunlight.  Think of your clothes in the summer.  Most dark colors don't last more than one season as the sun fades them.

So do your homework as to the light in your room,  it will save you in the long run.

This is a good piece of advice.

"You are my Sunshine", ado til tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!

A bit more!

I love my job!!!!  It is so much fun to see instant gratification.  Whether it is changing something in my house or painting a picture, it is instant gratification.  I think most people like instant gratification
Once something is accomplished, you usually go and try something different.  That is the artistic ability in the majority.  I have heard people say they have no talent.  I think the percentage is so small, I really believe you can do anything you set your mind to.

Here are a few window treatments I talked about yesterday:

 

Both pictures show the same window in a guest room, one is closed and the other is open.  This is one of the triple window treatments I talked about.  The verticals are for privacy, the sheers add elegance, is west facing and the valance is one you can make in an afternoon.  Go to: www.decoratorsworldinc.com to see how.

 

 

This is a west facing window in a client's home.  Made from my DVD.

Here is another one, this has silhouettes, a silk drapery and a cornice, that can be made in less than a day.

 

 

This is another cornice with sheers tied back.  Behind those are verticals, as it is a west facing window, and besides the over sheer tieback, there are sheers that open the full width of the sidelight widows and French doors under the sheers that are tied back.  This window has four (4) treatments.

 

I love the look of double, triple and even 4 treatments.   I have all kinds in my home, besides these.

 

 

These are family room treatments in my home.  The top one is wood 2" blinds with just a swag attached to a wood pole. These are west facing windows.  The bottom one are swags attached to a 1 x 6 with Velcro and a jabot (pronounced ja bo) or cascade.  They are over a plain sheer and nothing else.  It is a north facing window and gets no sun as the lanai protects that sliding glass door.

 

See, a lot of treatments have to do with reasons.  The top one is in a guest room facing west and needs privacy, plus a little elegance.  Hint, the swags can be removed and a whole new look in 10 minutes.  I will do that tomorrow for you to see.

 

So watch your windows, see where they face, purpose of the room and the look you are looking for .  This will help you to decide what you can do.

 

Happy sunshine today, as this is just a small piece of window treatments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A bit about windows

We were talking about window covering a little bit.  They are to me, the second most important thing to work on in a room.

This again depends on many things.
1. Region of the country
2. Type of room
3. Room exposure
4. Light direction: North, South , East or West
5. Amount of light in the room during the day light hours.
6. Formal or informal

Regions dictate types of fabric, types of blinds, or just open windows.  In the North where we have seasons, draperies are used more than just blinds.  In the East, shutters, blinds and draperies are all used.  Not saying that you have to use anything in your region, this is just a matter of choice.  In the west, depends on the northwest or the southwest, again has choices.  The western look is most often casual, however, in the large cities, you find highly formal settings.  Here layering seems to be popular as well as plantation shutters.  In the South, blinds of all kinds, plantation shutters, light weight fabrics, cornices and sheers.  Again, depends on the setting of your room and your taste.

You can buy almost anything online or at a local store, such as "Bed Bath and Beyond", "J.C.Penney's"," Sears", " Wal Mart ", even resale shops and garage sales. 

It is amazing what is out there.  Every home improvement store sells blinds of all kinds, some even packaged draperies.

Here is a quick way to measure for draperies:
1.  Always use a steel tape to measure with, all others give inaccurate measurements.
2.  Measure everything- each window ( even though they look alike).  Today, there is no such thing as standard.
3.  If using an existing drapery rod, measure it across first and then each side.  Those are called the returns (rod returning to the wall).
4.  I will show you a form to record your measurements on.  You may want to make several copies because each page is set up for one window.

There are several measurements needed for windows.  Look at the window measuring chart and write in all the sizes.  Keep these with you as you shop for window treatments.

Explanations:

 

Inside Measurement:  This is the measurement of the window inside the frame.  You do not include the trim.  In order for any window treatment to be used on an inside mount, you need at least 1" ( one inch) of clearance between the window frame and the outer edge of the casing.  If you do have 1", this works well for regular shades, mini-blinds, micro mini blinds cellular shades or any custom made fabric blind.  If you have at least 3" you can use vertical blinds or silhouettes.

 

Outside Measurements:  This is the measurement of the window from the edge of the casing (trim) to the edge of the opposite casing.  Sometimes shade or blinds are mounted directly on to the casings, ( this does put holes in the wood, if mounted this way), but this is the measurement needed for the outside measurement.  Always take the measurement from the ceiling to the top of the casing, and from the bottom of the window casing to the floor.  Measure from the top of the window to the bottom of the window and from the top of the window casing to the floor.  Enter all measurements on your chart.

 

Add this to all the rest of your information.  You should have quite a folder going, if you are interested in re-doing

 

Tomorrow another piece about measuring.

 

A piece of different things

Yesterday, as I was looking in my Florida Design, I noticed on one of the coffee tables, designed by one of the countries famous designers a branch (just a plain wood branch).  I immediately thought it should be painted silver, gold, or bronze.  Today, I was in Pier 1 and right there in front of me was this plain old branch.  I guess what is one persons castle is an another's cottage.  Whatever you want to do is totally up to you.  I guess by now you have figured that I read a lot.  As  matter of fact, I read design and art books and magazines every day. 

In Traditional Home, Feb/March issue,  Ann Omvig Maine, wrote "What families are craving it seems, is not a 'showplace' but a 'share place' ".  A light flooded home, with fabrics you don't have to worry about spilling on, pet friendly spaces and chairs so cozy, they practically wrap you in hugs.

Leather is one alternative.  I have leather here in Florida and I love it.  I have heard others say it is hot.  The people I know who have it are totally happy with it.  One thing about leather though, is you need to check the manufacturers warranty on it, some have a limited one and that is not good.  I  think Lazy Boy is a great buy for the money.  It is lifetime guaranteed and you can purchase an extra fabric warranty.  Sunbrella is one of my favorite indoor an outdoor fabrics.  It can be wiped with a Clorox   and water mix and turn out beautiful.  The Florida sun is extremely fading and causes dry rot in fabrics.  Dry rot is where the fabric looses all it's sizing and strength.  Fabric that pulls apart with a little tug is dry rotted.  Here's a bit of nostalgia.  Draperies were lined in years past just because of the dry rot.  Windows were not tinted in southern and western states as there are today.  Sun causes dry rot, and the linings would then be taken out, the drapes rehung until the fabric was no longer good.  Sunbrella does not fade, is spill proof and pet proof.  It comes in a variety of colors and patterns.  there is even a Sunbrella fringe.  The sun really doesn't harm it as other fabrics.  I don't really know much about the other outdoor fabrics as I use only Sunbrella.

Today we have many options for windows.  This will be a piece on windows.

 

I love cornices!!!!!!

 

This is an article out of Window Fashions a to the trade magazine.  They are so very versatile.  You can use blinds, plastic, mini, 1" blinds, verticals, wood blind, silhouettes, almost any type of blind you can think of and have a beautiful window treatment.  Even it you want to hang draperies, use cornices over them.

 

Now for the budget part, I designed a cornice, that can be changed in minutes, can be made by a 10 year old or an 80 year old person.  You can even use old clothing fabrics to get a stunning look or denim to get a very relaxed look.  You can use sheets or buy whatever kind of fabric you like.  Go to my website: www.decoratorsworldinc.com, and see the DVD I made specifically for this purpose.

 

Tomorrow, more on window treatments.

A little bit more on stenciling

You can stencil in any room you choose or all rooms.  I saw in a magazine today, branches with leaves behind a headboard stenciled in gold.  It was quite dramatic.  You can use that instead of a picture.  If it is your first time stenciling, practice on poster board by treating it as you would your wall.  Hang in on a wall and try.  Have fun , and take your time.  When you feel that you have reached perfection, go to your walls.  This will take time and patience, but the rewards are worth every minute of it.  this will last as long as you are happy with it. It seems to me that directions for every thing are available in the craft stores or online.

I recommend that you always make sample boards when using any type of painting technique.  Poster board is available at any craft or art store and the easiest and most effective way to go.  Since Joanne's, Michaels and Hobby Lobby to name a few,  have coupons that make it very inexpensive to buy these items there.

Borders are another way to decorate.  They can personalize your room, lower a ceiling by putting one on the ceiling and a corresponding one on the top of the wall, giving a crown molding look.  The other day, I saw paintable borders at either Home Depot or Lowe's.  Using them in a monochromatic way on the ceiling and top of the wall certainly look like a crown molding. There used to be a paintable wallpaper, that was used on walls that were in less than perfect condition.  It really was quite beautiful.

You can use a border to divide a room instead of a chair rail.  A char rail is much more permanent. You can use them above a baseboard for a totally different look.  Cut pictures out of magazines with paint finishes and save for future reference.

If you just want a new look to go with your old pieces, mix in a few contemporary elements.  Move all your accessories and move them to other rooms and move the stuff from those rooms back to the other places. Moving pieces from room to room changes the whole feeling of the room and it costs nothing to do.  However, just adding a new color of throw pillows, and/or silk floral arrangements or greenery can help spruce up  tired room.  Lately, I have opted for fresh flowers.  It is summer and there is an abundance of colors to add to your rooms.  Just cut greenery and place in a vase.  It makes a wonderful addition to your room.  I even saw in Florida Architecture Magazine today, a branch laying on a coffee table.  Interesting?  I believe I would have painted it.

Don't be afraid to use your imagination, be patient because only you know what you really like.  Designing a home takes time, but you'll love and be very proud of your results.

A bit of budget minded ideas

Let's talk alternatives to panting, just plain painting.

Wall coverings come in many forms.  Wallpaper. vinyl coated, paper, fabric backed, paint ( faux) or regular, cork, mirror panels, or regular fabric applied to the walls..  Today, they have many forms of paint for various purposes.  You can even paint a chalkboard in a laundry room, mudroom, child's room or garage.  It really works and can be covered over at another time.  Check with a local pant dealer and see what options are available to you.

Wallpaper is making a comeback, personally I love wallpaper , especially ones I can wipe down in a bathroom.  I think they add class to what is normally a blah room in a house. Check on the internet for wallpaper or check places like Sherwin Williams.

Of course, painting is the least expensive way to go.  If you choose this way, you may make it more interesting by Faux painting, or stenciling borders or Trompe L'oeil (pronounced tromp loi)  which means "fool the eye".  The library has many books on how to do these things as well as surfing the internet for information.

If you want to paint a design, I suggest you make a pattern.  You can get the things to make your own stencil at any craft store.  Today it has become so very simple to do all these things.  Back in the 60's , 70's and even early 80's, these things were not readily available.  Always work from left to right starting in the most inconspicuous place.

If you are painting stripes, ( I will be soon), you will need painters tape, a small level available at Home Depot , Lowe's, or Ace Hardware and  a metal yardstick.  For either of these ideas, paint your walls all one color ( the lightest) first.  That is your base color.  Even if you decide to do a Trompe L'oeil, paint your walls first with your background color.  Let this dry several days to make sure it is thoroughly dry.  If striping measure off your stripes and tape down the walls.  Use the level to make sure your stripes are even.  I like to use a foam brush and depending on the amount of space, I buy how many I think is enough.  They don't last a long time.  If money is a problem, use a paint brush.  Stripes usually take 2 coats.
Decide how wide you want your stripes.  I usually  do mine 2".

Faux (pronounced fo ) finishes are an alternative to wallpaper and can be customized and personalized to tie the design of your room together.  Use this finish on walls, ceilings, floors and furniture.  I have even marbleized an old statue and it turned out gorgeous.  Right now, I am painting ( the same statue) gloss white to make it look like porcelain.  There is that word "White" again.  This actually is a bust of a girl and now has had 3 different finishes on it since I bought it in the 80's.  You can even use faux finishes to make accessories go together.  Another trick is to put plain old sand in your paint ( be sure to mix it in a container and not the can) and use it on items, wow the texture you can get.  There are paints available to do many faux surfaces.  If choosing custom colors or finishes, get small canvas boards or use paint stirrer sticks to try out your color or finish.  I always try something out before attempting a large project.

Sponge painting, rag rolling (always use paper towels made into a pretzel knot) are good alternative methods.  There is a lot of information out there and supplies to make these jobs easier.  Be patient as these do take time to do.

Stenciling or free hand painting is another alternative.  There are great stencils available, and the looks you can create can be fabulous.  I just saw some in a show house in one of my new magazines this morning, I think House Beautiful.

Tomorrow, pictures on  some finishes.
Til then, "All the World is Color".

A budget piece

Now that we have picked out a plan and a color scheme, it is time to decide on a budget.

Your first decision is to decide if this is going to be a long term goal or a short term project.  Give yourself some sort of time frame, that way you will reach the goal you want.  Doing a total room all at once is a very expensive project.  I suggest that if you can't afford to do it all at one time, you decide the importance of each item, buying the necessary things first.  Do it a step at a time, and you will be rewarded by what you have done. Another thing that comes into play, is where you are in life. Some are young and just starting out, others are quite established with careers, others are retired or getting ready to retire ( the large amount of Baby Boomers ).  Some just want change and can well afford whatever they want.  This is not the vast majority.

After reading the following steps, use the following chart to help you reach your goal.

     1.  Write down on the following chart, the amount of money you have allocated for your project.
          Use either a monthly, weekly budget amount or a monthly payment plan, or however, you plan
          on paying for your purchases.

     2.  List the items you need (or want) in the proper column on your chart.  Go back to the section
          on the plan.  Using that information, make your list accordingly. 
          Main Area
          Secondary Area
          Minor Area

     3.  Number items as to priority.  At this point you should have a feeling of what you need
          or want.  Either rewrite your list, or just leave it numbered.

If you are starting from scratch, you should have an extensive list.  If you already own most of (or some of) your furniture, follow the same guide lines as above.  The difference will be in your priorities.  You may want to change window treatments, change accents, or just look for fresh new ideas.   You may just want to slipcover or reupholster one or more pieces.  A reputable upholsterer will tell you if the piece is even worth being done.  Older pieces are much studier than newer pieces.
Some of your older brands are worth redoing and keeping.  In a short term project, you may just want to update color.  I told you, I love resale shops and garage sales, so I have a notebook that I keep "I Want" information in and if I see it, I buy it.  Recently I saw a small lamp made of resin antlers.  I bought it for $1.00, and set it out on the lanai (Florida term for large screen porch).  My son-in-law loved it so I gave it to him.  A good deed for $1.00.

Here is the List:

  BUDGET WORKSHEET

 

 

Budget allocations:

Short term:

 

 

Long term:

 

 

Time payments, charges, etc.

 

 

 

List of items needed (or wanted):

 

 

 

 

Priority List:

 

 

This is now starting to seem like a homework piece.

Take your time doing this the reward will be fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!  Trust me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Another piece to color

This morning, I was reading "Victoria Magazine", and two sayings popped right out at me.
1.  "Colors are the smiles of nature" by Leigh Hunt
2.  "Beauty without colour seems somehow to belong to another world" by Murasaki Shikibu

No matter where I turn, everything revolves around color.  I am today going to start with blue and white:  I am going to start a room with blue and white in mind.  I will use examples of my home first, then go on to  other homes.

Since I am a watercolor artist as well as a designer, I have the advantage of painting a picture for a space.  However, I don't do that.  I paint what I love or I see on a trip, or in my daily surroundings.  At present, I painted a horse, something I never painted and I loved it.  My class wanted to learn to paint a horse we not only did one, but we are on #2.  I had the most gorgeous frame for it, and it is now hanging in another gallery, not mine.  If I choose, it will go into one of my rooms as it will go with any color.  Most of my work is one of a kind.  If I love the piece, I have giclee' s made of it.  they are expensive to have done, and as I go on, I will explain the process and let you know if giclee's are available on a certain picture.

 

Title: "Run"

Picture size 15" ht. x 11" w

Framed 25" ht. x 21' w

$400.00

 

 

 

Back to my room.  I am doing the family room or hearth room as my floor plan is open and there is a fireplace.   I have chosen the color of my paint: "Swiss coffee" by Behr, but cut with more white. Since I have an open plan, it will go throughout my house encompassing the family room, kitchen, dining room, living room and hall.  All corners are rounded so I don't care to stop and change color.  It is possible and not difficult for a professional, but it is for me or you if you are doing it yourself.

Since I have white tile floors, everything goes with them.  I will tell you, a little ahead of myself, be very careful in choosing tile.  This tile was here in the whole house when we bought it.  It is very slippery.  Any water and you can slip and fall.  I tell all my clients to get a piece of the tile if they are tiling and bring it home and give it a water test.  Put it on the floor , add water and see if it is slippery.

 

All my wood work will be an oil based white paint.  If there are nicks and scrapes on your woodwork, sand them down to get a finished look.  Don't be in a hurry to finish a room.  Without a lot of money, it may take you a long time to get exactly what you want.

 

I will use almost everything I already have, even my new blue and white lamp.  Once I have finished the painting, I will concentrate on the windows.  Tomorrow a bit on windows.

Small bits

Walls are the most prominent feature in a room, quoted by John Kurek, " House Beautiful" May 2013.

So we are back to paint, color, painting and accessories.  Back to the beginning of the blog, I stated "Color is the single most important item in design".  Have you picked out your color yet?

Even I am getting excited about redoing some things.  Whenever I start talking design, I start re-doing something. 
Yesterday, I happen to be in Marshall's and found the perfect lamp for my family room, blue and white. It looks wonderful.

So once you start with your plan, or in my instance, I just add a piece to change a little.

Many times, just walking into a clients home, tells a designer a lot about the person.   Their immediate style, what colors they like and their comfort zone. You can usually see what their passion is.

If all we want to do is to change our look a little, it can be just changing a vase of flowers and a new lamp. 

Sometimes adding texture and pattern change the feeling of a room.

Here is the easy part.  First, let's say you don't need flooring, furniture of window coverings.  Second, decide what your style is. Do you have texture or pattern?  Does your room feel drab or is it stimulating? Maybe it just needs a color tone.  It can be that your colors are all to bright and need to be toned down, or they are too light and need some texture, depth and brightness.  So again we come back to color.

If you are making lists, you need to go back over them and see what you can change.  This is where I either remove items, change their position in a room, go to my tear sheets, or buy something new.

Art is another way to change a room. Your walls need art to fill up a room.  Nothing is worse in a room than a faded painting, unless it's an original Picaso or Renoir.  Paintings are supposed to be purchased because you really like them.  You mat and frame them to match your room.  I always frame my in white mats.  They can go anywhere then. There is that word White again!  You will hear it a lot from me. Sit and relax and look at your room.

Till tomorrow, TA! TA!

A bit of white and color

Color is the "through line", ( a thread that ties the whole thing together ).  It is a Hollywood term they use for tying a movie together. A color scheme that goes with everything.   So our home is our movie set.  It just depends on what you want as your set. I read that somewhere so I can't really take credit for it.

I talked about white yesterday, and showed you a palette out of " Better Homes and Gardens".  I am now enthused about re-doing my whole house.  As soon as you do one thing you love, the rest needs to follow.  Just like a new dress, it always needs new things to go with it.  As for me, I buy different golf hats to match y outfits.  Yes, besides all else, I golf!

There are some words that describe decorating:

Tranquility:  I think of pale turquoise, pale pink, lavender and of course blue and white.

There is that color, WHITE again.

A neutral palette, reflects other colors.  Using mirrors reflects a lot of light, especially in a room with little light.  They work great to bring the outside in.  Situated across from windows or sliding doors, brings the outside in.  In Florida, many of our homes have tinted windows because of the sun's powerful rays, especially in the afternoon.  One of our windows, faces directly west and it is darker tinted.  Our dinette table is in front of it.  Late in the day, sitting having dinner, and facing west, and because of east facing windows opposite it, I can watch what is happening in front of my house, that is how great reflection is.  This is another thing that comes into design.  Mirrors!! Reflection!!!!!!!!!!

Several days ago, I showed you a tear picture of a bedroom.  Notice the mirror on the left side of the bed.  I circled that whole area as I really liked it in a bedroom.

Another term:
Busy:
I think of flowers and stripes and patterned carpet, paintings and fixtures everywhere.  Stacks of books and just things piled up. This is a mixture of all colors.  Sometimes it can look like a garden.  Follow some of the magazines for a while and you will see this.  What you don't know is that the room is probably very large and you are seeing it in a small segment.

Have you ever seen a picture in a magazine, or been in someone's house and felt overwhelmed by how busy the room is.  Many people feel uncomfortable in homes like this.  People who don't like clutter, feel uncomfortable.

Casual:
 A home that has the feeling of total comfort.  When you walk in, you immediately feel you can sit anywhere, put your feet on the ottoman and relax.  This I associate with a neutral palette and quieting colors.  FYI  Did you know that the term ottoman came from the ottoman empire?  This is where they sat on huge ottomans, and ate or whatever.

My favorite, is casual elegance:

A neutral palette with color in each place to add comfort.  Comfortable sofas and chairs have been carefully chosen for their style.  My favorite style in case I didn't mention it is Country French.  Not the typical however, just mixed with what I like.  Crystal chandeliers in the bathroom that were handed down from my mother.  Credenza in the bathroom to hold beach towels.  I will let you know more things as we go on.  I will also give you visual picture to help you along. I have a terrible time getting rid of things, even though I would like something newer, I love what I have.  My children have staked out which pieces they want later on, they say" Be careful of that table, it is mine".  We just laugh.

I told you I was gong to stripe a hallway, I got the paint and am ready to start.  I am doing it in white with pale blue stripes to go with a picture I painted.  All my paintings are for sale.  To see others, go to : www.riverviewartstudios.com.  Here is the one for the hall, remember, I can paint a new one or have a giclee made.  Won't the stripes be fabulous with this?

 

Original watercolor

"Mirror Image" 

39 ht. x 32 1/2w

Framed

 $1000.00

 

Please contact me if you have any questions on design!!!!!!

A white bit

Let's talk about white a bit today.

Painting by: Nancy Sadowski

Go to:  www.riverviewartstudios.com to view

 

White pelicans, one of my favorite pictures, because of the blue, white and yellow and a little bit of pink in it.  Therefore, it can be used anywhere.

 

Today, I am choosing the Swiss Coffee color.  I like that it has a little bit of taupe in it.  I am going to do my room around this painting.

Picture from "Better Homes and Gardens"

 

First the color, then the painting.  This is easy, as I already have my bedroom furniture.  I have off white carpeting, that was here when I bought the house.  So, I have now picked my paint color.  I will use white-white woodwork to sent off the walls.  This picture will hang above the bed.  Let me think of what I have already to fit into this room.  I love pink also, and I believe I have saved some pink flowers.  I really don't have any I like, so off shopping to find some.  Pink tulips are gorgeous if I can find some. 

 

I already have some lamps, but they need a touch of something, maybe a trim.  I think I will do that in blue, add that to my shopping list.

 

While I am out shopping, I am just going to look to see what appeals to me, only buying it if I love it.

 

I do think I will use an old white dust ruffle on my bed.  I save all those things, they are too expensive to replace.   Perhaps a matching color of trim on the bottom.  Good Idea!

 

I will go to Joanne Fabrics first to look at trims.  I have a coupon so I can save 40% on an item.

This is how I start a room.  I am getting back into whites again.  I used to say "It doesn't take much of an imagination to use white".  Today, the whites are so much richer, and I love them.!!!!!!

Jumping around a bit

In 1973, I studied at New York School of Interior Design.  It was a life changing event.  I knew I had the flair and the artistic ability long before that. When I say the old cliché " What Goes Around Comes Around", I really mean it, as it has happened to me personally.

In 1961, I painted my daughter's bedroom with yellow and white stripes.  No painters tape, just a plain old yard stick.  It turned out beautiful.  Today, I am going to paint one of my hallways, blue and white stripe. I now have painters tape and special brushes to use.  Stripes are so informal to formal, they are one of my favorite decorating nuances..  Depends on how you want to use them.  I could wallpaper, but if I decide to redo it, I must remove the wallpaper and prepare my walls for whatever.
I used new paper to rag roll kitchen cabinets in the 60's.  Turned out gorgeous. I have lately rag rolled over my striping with a light glaze.  Great!
 My mother tells of painting linoleum during WWII, as there wasn't the money to buy new flooring.  She did squares and it looked great.  A very lot of this faux painting comes from the 1940 era.

As a child, I remember gray walls, maroon tile, red kitchen sets, the neighbors had yellow with formica table tops.  Venetian blinds were on the windows and had to be washed.  Imagine, they were 2" wide, not the mini, micro or plastic blinds of today,  In the 50's, a kind of retro era, I remember chartreuse, turquoise, brown, or black upholstery with I believe gold sparkle in it.  The fabric was nylon friseze.  The fabric pilled, but never wore out.  The frames went long before the fabric showed the wear.

Today, I was reading a newer issue of Better Homes and Gardens, and saw tis wonderful color chart.  It was pearly whites.  The whites were gorgeous: A Swiss coffee, a modern white with a tiny touch of taupe, Pegasus that is a gray white, Muslin White is like a classic white shirt, Birchwood white that is the color of a morning sky tinged with sunlight, and Light Navajo white the color of cappuccino froth.

Twenty years ago, who would have known what cappuccino froth looked like.  New words, same colors.  Many designers feel that white is boring.  I do not, because of how it reflects other colors.

A lot of artist live in a neutral palette in order to be creative.  They don't need someone else's color, they need a neutral place to create color of their own.

A visual piece

At this point, you really aren't ready to buy, just to shop and compare.  This is a good time to get prices also.  If you find something you can't live without, buy it.  It will fit somewhere because you like it.  Just make sure you can return it if it doesn't work out.

The following is a fact sheet you should have in your journal:

Record the following information:  Write down all information under each of these headings.  I usually guess at the amount of space needed, or special lighting, base plug outlets, light switches, moldings, fireplaces, or anything else pertinent.  Just what do you do in each room?

1.  TV, stereo or sound system, other electronics

2.  Studying, Reading

3. Sewing, needlework, etc,

4.  Hobbies

5.  Eating

6.  Musical instruments

7.  Playing

8.  Exercise

9.  Entertaining

10.  Other

Write all these notes down and sometimes you see the room in a complete different way.

Maybe too many things happen in a room without enough room for them all.  Giving each room a purpose, helps keep out clutter.

Who will use this room?  How much will it be used?  Retired couples have more space as their children have gone.  If they still live in the same home that they've lived in for so many years with  family, there is now a lot of un-used space.

Traffic pattern also come into play.  Number of doorways?  Interior? Exterior? Sliding glass doors, arches, all this is important information.  Write down any other information you feel is important, such as pets, pieces of stationary architecture or very large pieces of furniture that can only stay where they are.

Let me know how you are coming, just send it as a comment on the blog.

Life Is just a world of Color!

Other bits from yeterday

Room depends on these things also:

Type of materials (fabrics):
color
texture
pattern

Types of patterns:
bold
conservative
geometric
striped
floral

Leisure habits:
Television
reading
computer
sewing or needlework
art and crafts
painting
refinishing
collecting
office
anything else you can think of

Write all this down in the room that you will use these habits.

You again will be amazed at what is done in each room.

Let's start with Room Use.

 

The single most important issue, is to decide exactly what the room will be used for and by whom.

 

Make a list showing the following chart:

 

1.  Who will use the room

2.  How much daily wear and tear is it going to get?

3.  Where are the heavy traffic pattern?

4.  How much time will different individuals spend in the room?

5.  The location in the house.  Is it visible from other rooms?  Is it visible from the front or back door?

 

This information will help you shop accordingly.  All reputable store employees should have the expertise to help you make the proper choices.  Don't be afraid to ask their advice, that is what they are paid for.

 

Once you have filled your chart, you'll be ready to start shopping for answers.

A bit of blueprint

Sometimes, I repeat myself as so many of these things are so very important to the whole plan.

I call this your blueprint for working!

As your family grows or diminishes, or you move, your plan will change.  Even if you acquire a pet or two, it changes.  Each new event in life causes a change  in our master plan.  In todays world, you may have a child or children move back home, or a parent.  This is a great change.  Keep track of all the different changes you have had to deal with, sometimes it is fun to look back at these and wonder how you ever did what you did.  Take pictures of each new stage and add them to your journal.  What fun that can be!!!!

If you come across an idea, or have a new idea of your own, always write it down, clip it out, or photograph it and put it into your journal.

For fun, you may want input form family members, friends or relatives.  You can ask the to help make a plan for you, using their ideas.  Whatever, don't be thin skinned and accept their comments graciously, you don't have to use any of them.  This is your house and you have to live in it.  However, sometimes in looking over their ideas, you may come up with a new one yourself.

For planning purposes, it is helpful to sub-divide a room into the following:

Main area:   Floor, walls and ceiling
Secondary areas: Window treatments and large upholstered or wood pieces
Minor areas:  Small chairs, tables, paintings, lamps, pillows, area rugs and other accessories

The first thing I do, is to take into consideration the needs of the entire family.  From the notes I take, both mentally and physically, the plan is formulated.

Use the following list to determine your needs:

Furniture Preferences
Furniture finishes ( wood, formica, stone, faux stone, granite, soft  upholstery, etc.)
dark
light
painted (or want to paint)
lacquered
other

This is another great start in the scheme of things!

Til tomorrow!  Start writing  (Journaling) !!!

A bit from yesterday

Yesterday I talked about tear files.  The following is one that I tore, circled and am working on for my bedroom.

I like the arrangement on the left side of the bed on the wall.  It won't work in my bedroom as I have windows on each side, with a nightstand  (bed table) in front of each window.  I can however, use it farther to the left.  I like the mirror, and the plates combined with a picture.  I have the wall space to do it, if I find the right mirror, and size my picture to fit. In choosing a picture, I want something smaller, so I am going at this moment to choose the following:

 

This peony has many of the bedroom colors in it and it is another of my originals.

Go to www.riverviewartstudios.com  to see other paintings.  this one is smaller and

will fit perfectly.  I switch my painting from my studio to home and vice versa, as I don't have enough space in either for all my work.

 

It is important to formulate your complete plan before making any purchases.  If you are using what you already have, start with a list of those items.  If you are starting from scratch, you have all options open.

 

Just like the picture above, I am just changing a little bit in my room to change the feeling.

 

Your plan should start with a list of the following: (again, write all this into your journal).

 

Colors you like

Types of furniture you prefer

Furniture you already have

How you entertain

Type of entertaining you do

Traffic patterns in your room

Personal preferences of family members

 

If I am out and see a shape of a piece of furniture I like, usually a small piece, I purchase it as I love small pieces.  Most of the time, you can return them if they just don't work.  Pier 1, has many of these type of pieces.

 

Do this each time you start a room.  Do this even if you just want to spruce up your room, move things around, add some new accessories or a new piece of furniture.  Seeing the above in writing, may help give you new ideas for re-arranging your furniture.

 

Til tomorrow, start tearing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 



 



Todays piece

Collect and save any magazine articles or pictures that appeal to you.  Cut out pictures of accessories that you like out of catalogues or magazines. I like Ballard Designs Catalogue because it shows so many thing together.  Look for ideas on how things are placed that appeal to you, and cut those out.  I usually circle what I like and write on it what I liked.  I then file all these pieces in a large envelope.  that way, again I have a visual picture.  Cut out pictures of room arrangements, window treatments, furniture, flooring or any thing that you particularly like.  Again, write on it what you liked about it.  Pay attention to the details of a picture and you will be surprised at what you see that you like.  This is what I call my tear file, and it does away with a lot of magazine clutter.  You may also use a three ring binder with sheet protectors and divide it into sections so you can just flip to the section you are working on.  Use this also for future reference.  When you review what you have saved, you may be very surprised at what is there.  Many of the things you already have something similar to or something you can use instead.  You may even decide you really don't care for some of the things.  Immediately discard those.

If you like to visit model homes, or parade of homes, take notes on things, colors, furniture, accessories or window treatments that you like.  Again, visual contact shows you exactly what something looks like, even if it is just a tieback for curtains.  Keep a small notebook just for this purpose.  If there is an agent or designer there, and you want a picture on your smart phone, always ask first.  Write down a color scheme if it appeals to you.  It is your design journal.  I sometimes make a small sketch, because it is hard to remember all the details later on.  My phone now serves for a lot of this.  I take pictures all the time in stores, store windows even thrift shops.

Our tastes change when we get older.  Depends on your age reading this, it will depend on your needs.  We get tired of the style, sometimes it is the size of your family, hobbies and local.  A retirement home is total different than a family home.  In todays society, it can be both.  Older generations were more attached to good china, crystal, silver,( who wants to polish all that?).  The younger generations, known by some of the disposable society don' take the time to enjoy the formalness of past generations. I am not saying all younger people, however, paper plates, cups, etc, are sold everyday.  It is easier that doing dishes, AND I SO AGREE. I do love to do formal settings yet.  I do polish my silver, and use crystal goblets and wine glasses for small gatherings.

Whatever your reason , or whatever you choose, trust yourself because you have to live with your choices.

Look in your closet, you trusted yourself there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A beginning bit

This should have been in the beginning of the blog.  A little bit of FYI (for your information).

Fabrics add the feeling of comfort.  Then can create a soft romantic feeling, a crisp and airy feeling, a masculine or feminine feeling, or a rich warm feeling.  Most people don't even think of a cold feeling, maybe, perhaps a cool feeling.

In choosing furniture, each piece should be able to be moved to different areas ( even different rooms); create a feeling of flow, so pieces can be interchangeable for a different fresh look.  Sometimes you have to buy a piece to fit certain area, but thoughtful choosing allows you to be flexible with that piece.  Because we have become such a mobile society, the average family only lives 5 to 6 years in a home today.  So good furniture and wise choices will make it through many moves.

With the recent home crunch, people are staying put longer and without the finances of the past decade.  Therefore, smart choices and color change can really save on the budget.

Environmental awareness is taking the whole world by storm at all different levels, recycle is the word.  Adapting this to the decorating field can mean simply: 1.  Add new colors in your accessories to update your interiors rather than getting rid of everything.  2.  Upholster good furniture instead of replacing it.  3.  Paint or faux finish wood pieces that are battered looking.  4.  If you have storage space, store items you don't want instead of getting rid of them.  Have you ever said, " Gee I wish I had that chair I gave away or lamp, etc.".  I certainly have!  5.  Give those items to family members first, or donate them to a charity for a tax deduction, if you must, have a garage sale.

Myself, I LOVE GARAGE SALES AND RESALE SHOPS, I find so many things  could really live without, but are so tempting.  Yesterday, I bought 2 hairdryers, $2.00 each, for my studio.  You need them to dry your paint in between layering, and one blew out last week so I saved quite a bit.  Also, bought a beautiful blue and white plate, (50 cents) to set a candle on.

Another piece

The way we perceive our homes, varies with the individual.  Many of us remember a room (or rooms) from the past that we loved and felt comfortable and safe in.  Often, subconsciously, we try to re-create (at least in part)  these same type of rooms.  Why?  This adds to our comfort and confidence.

Today, there are many companies specializing in reproductions.  these are becoming very popular, because they let the consumer re-create the past.

We also find in the way of furnishings, are stores that deal in imports.  Much that is purchased today comes from other countries.  Painted furniture, wicker and rattan are prime examples.  These can be bought at bargain prices if you look and are patient.  Unfinished wood pieces are readily available and you can use your imagination to finish them.  I have been refinishing furniture for many years.
I love to paint it and put my special touches to it.  I love to go to garage and estate sales and find things I can paint.  Recently, resale shops have become my fun thing to do on my time off from all my other activities.  I plan on re-starting a business doing that with my daughter.  Many times the furniture is of very good quality.

Many of us wish to re-decorate but also to keep within the character of our homes.  Depending on the style you want to achieve or that your home is, you may have to go to the library or online to find pictures of that era or style before you start.  You may even find a person in a local furniture store who knows period furniture and can help you.  I took a Spanish American armoire, painted it white and painted ferns on it.  I found a French nightstand and painted it to match.  Can't tell you how many people wanted it.  It was for myself.  It sure helps to be an artist also.

When I do something like that, I love to do a painting for the spaces in that room.  The following is a painting in that room at present.  If I sell one, then I replace it with something else.  All the paintings in this blog are for sale.  You may also go to : www.riverviewartstudios.com ad see more paintings.

 

 

This is an original watercolor, "A taste" that hangs in the room with the painted furniture.  Look at all the color options I have in that room.  Love those colors and I even added blue.  Sometimes it only takes a painting to redo a room

 

This room is a guest room and has my computer desk in it.  It is kind of my office in that end of my house.  You can incorporate ant thing you want today in your rooms, AS LONG AS THEY

GIVE YOU PLEASURE!!!!!!

 

Ta, Ta for today.

A new piece

Are you getting tired of all these pieces?  It seems I never do.  One thing I forgot to tell you, when you have finished painting a room, use a plastic jar (from mayo, jelly, etc.) and pour the leftover paint in the jar.  Write all the information on formula, name brand and where you purchased it and the date, attach a small paint brush with a piece of tape.  If your wall gets a nick or scratch, etc., all you do is grab the jar open the lid and your brush is right there.  It works like a charm.                                   

A funny tidbit, I stored a bathroom paint color under the counter, brush included.  On this day, my husband was  babysitting our little great grandson, and my husband fell asleep in his chair.  The little guy found the paint and proceeded to paint the bathroom cabinets.  He was very proud and I was a little upset.  He  learned how to scrub paint that day.  Be careful where you store things

Gone are the days when every living room, bedroom, etc. on the block looked alike.  Today, we look at personal style. People are much more fragmented and divided by:

1.  Part of the country they live in
2.  Levels of taste
3.  Their interests
4.  Their budgets

Many of the homes of today are:

1.  Incorporating our architectural heritage.  Many of the details found on (or in) home at the turn of the century (19th) (20th), are available for purchase today along with reproductions from previous centuries.
2.  Open concept - Walls have been removed to allow light and airy looks as well as being more utilitarian.
3.  We are using larger and more windows, sliding doors, French doors and decks and patios.

These have created a relationship between the outdoors and the indoors.

Homes are becoming more comfortable, comforting places to be in this fast moving, stressful society.  Your home should express your own feelings bout your living style.  We have learned from the West coast and the South how to be casual, comfortable, and confident in our choices.

 

From the South, a very restful, comfortable place for the day.   Take this outside.

 

Painting done by myself, Check out www.riverviewartstudios.com for more paintings.

                 

A bit if taste

Today, much of what you do, depends on you and your personal taste.  Years ago, someone came out with an idea that each person had a season, which gave them a color group that was supposed to be the perfect one for their skin tone and the aura. 

Ironically, everyone that I knew, already wore the colors that suited them.  They also used those same colors in their homes.  You could always tell (most of the time) what a persons favorite color was.  I was a very blue and white, or black and white.  To this day, they are still my favorite choices to wear, but now I love colors, all of them.  I have changed from just a designer to an artist.  I have always seen color differently and was always ahead of my time (as far as color goes). 

Blue, is a cool color so it goes with anything.  Cool colors give a feeling of spaciousness to a room.  The lighter the color, the larger a room looks.  In a very bright room (lots of natural light), use bright cool colors.  While white is considered a color, it looses all of it's power in the absence of other colors.

The warm colors are not used in large degrees, so you will be safe combining warm with whatever scheme you've chosen.  Use warm with a complementary scheme.  The choices are numerous.

Warm colors tend to make a room appear smaller if used in a large degree.  However, using warm colors in a soft hue, you can add brightness to a room.

If your room has high ceilings and you want them to look lower, paint the ceiling a darker color than you paint your walls.

In rooms that have physical features that cannot be changed, paint them the same color you paint your walls.

For more interest, use paint in unusual places, such as: paint (or wallpaper) the insides of bookcases a different color, paint a piece of furniture, paint picture frames all the same color, or paint woodwork a unique color.

Today, on the market place there is paint to do more things, all you have to do is ask the experts at the paint stores.

All of these bits and pieces come from a book I wrote in 1983. Believe it or not, it was so far ahead of its time.  Today, again "What goes around comes around".

Design today, is not much more that it was in the 70's and 80's.  The equipment is better and the availability of paints to do a lot of different things is amazing.

Tomorrow, a little bit more.

Another bit of color

Color should flow through our homes like a large surf wave that changes color as it rises to the top then recedes to the sand.  We should use our color theme through out the home.  For instance: If your color scheme includes blue, use every color that looks good with blue.  If it is yellow, find all the colors that look great with yellow.  Use those color chips.  In using many of these colors, you will probably need to use hues of that color.  Take yellow for instance, in order to use it on a wall, you must use it in it's palest shade.  The reason for this is something you all probably learned without realizing it.  Color reflects in all light.  Yellow will reflect on a white ceiling and turn it yellow. The opposite yellow wall will look more yellow, actually your whole room will look a brighter color than you thought it would.   Reflection of color on itself intensifies the color. How many times have you ever bought paint, painted the walls and knew it wasn't the color you bought.  It most probably was.
I look for the lightest hue of the color I want.  If you did paint recently, and you hate your color, there are a few things you can do.   Rag roll the walls with a very light hue of the original color, or glaze the walls.   Check the internet on Faux finishes, or a how to do it.  Many times some little thing can change the look  with out redoing everything.

Let' talk about traffic patterns and paint.  In hallways, use a very washable paint if you have young people around, and the walls are susceptible to many things.  I know Sherwin Williams makes a paint just for that purpose.  Kitchens where you have to wipe down the walls often require a heavier duty paint that is also washable.  Almost all the paint stores and paint departments have experts there on what paint you need.  If you are doing it yourself, ask them all the questions, they are the professionals.  You can also contact a color expert, if one is available in your area.  Last result that could cost you a small amount is consult an Interior Designer/ Decorator.

You may also comment here and I will answer questions on my blog. 

Most of the people who need help, have almost all their furniture and whatever else they have collected over the years.  We will start addressing this.  First, get rid of the things you don't like anymore, as I am sure your taste has changed.  Put them in a box or in a spare room, or just plain "out of sight".  This helps clear the clutter from your mind. Next, put all the things you love in a box marked "Love", and put them somewhere that you can get at them easily. Then you can put all the rest of the items in another place as we will call these questionable.  Your room should be void of all accessories.

Study your room for a few days in all lights and get your thoughts together, Then: LET'S BEGIN"!!!!!!!!

Start on more pieces

As I told you yesterday, Do Before and After Shots, you will really see the difference.

I will be jumping around on the blog a bit, as now we are starting to get into the designing of your home.

 You should now be purchasing your paint.  Take all the accessories out of your room, and all the accessories out of all the rooms in your house that are similar in color to the ones in the room you are doing.

Take whatever you can out of the room: 1. all accessories, lamps, pictures and any small pieces of furniture.  Prepare you room for painting.  The preparation is the longest part.  Using painters tape, tape off woodwork, trim or anything that you don't want paint on.  If you are more fortunate, and are hiring a painter, just empty the room of what you can.

When the painting is done, wait a few days until it is completely dry.  Place your major pieces of furniture where they belong or where you have decided to put them.  Many times, I make a template out of newspaper the size of the piece of furniture.  It is much easier to move a piece of paper that a piece of furniture.  Sometimes you will find new placements for your furniture.  Keep the newspaper shapes and make them and save in an envelope, with what it is on the outside.  You will have them for future use.

Now comes use into the picture.  What is this room used for?  Who uses the room?  A quote from "Ann Omvig Maine" in the Feb/March 2013 Issue of Traditional Home Magazine , states " What families are craving it seems, is not a showplace, but a "share place ".  A light flooded home with fabrics you don't have to fear spilling on, pet friendly spaces and chairs so cozy, they practically wrap you in hugs".

So these are the things we have to think about now.  Let's take each space in our house and ask these same questions.  Put all these things in your journal. Everything in your journal will be of great value in the end result.  You can compare all the things you wrote, to all the things you have done.

Recently, I had clients in their late 70's, they had a sunroom that faced west.  Their furniture fabric was just rotting.  This is called dry rot, from the heat and brightness of the sun.  This is a major problem  in the South and the West.  The answer is Sunbrella fabric.  It holds up under the extreme conditions.  The greatest thing that I have found using it myself, IT DOES NOT FADE,  what a plus.
The humidity and mold in Florida, are easy to handle with sunbrella, it washes off.  It is a choice for indoors and outdoors, a totally different subject.  Check out Sunbrella Fabrics and see the great color choices that there are.

If you are following this blog, you have come quite a ways already to redesigning your rooms.

A piece of change - Nancy Sadowski

The "Architectural Digest, Dec. 1995" issue has a great article by Mark Hampton, a very famous designer.  He states " Taste changes all the time, in greater degrees for some people, in lesser degrees for others.  The aging process is the most notable reason.  As we grow older, we become more informed - about what we like as well as about the world around us.  We usually become more serious too.  Growing prosperity enters in; so does the greater need for comfort.  Finally, there is the question of the things we have been accumulating: Do we still like them? Or do we want to trade them in?   For most of us, the answer lies somewhere in the middle.  the things we keep gain importance as time goes by.  At least they should; otherwise we shouldn't keep them."

This is the very reason many people hire a designer.  They help clear out the clutter.

So, today look around your rooms, and see if everything you have you like,  want to keep,  donate it or put it in a pile for a garage sale.  Always keep in mind your anchor color.

I myself over the years have gone from early attic, to Early American to Spanish Mediterranean, then coastal and now, Country French and what pleases me. I guess eclectic is the old word.  I have a balance of comfort, nostalgia and conscious design, which makes it extremely pleasing to me.  Remember, you only have to please yourself.

I am now in the process of adding a new color.  I am going through all the steps and am stuck on several colors.  Mainly because I LOVE color and second, my color scheme allows me to make choices.  My very favorite color is blue. As I said earlier, everything goes with blue.  The sky is blue and everything goes with it.  I am stuck between pick, fushia for a punch, lavender or turquoise.

Since I have many sources, I can choose.  I will keep you informed as to what I decide.  First I want to paint a hallway.  I am going to stripe it first then rag roll it for depth.  I will include tomorrow a before picture, and follow up with the progress.  Guess what color the stripes are??  I want to give a whole facelift to my house.  I will not buy any furniture, as I love what I have.  If it wears out, them I might think of replacing it.  Right now, I am thinking color.

Til tomorrow, see if there is anything you need to get rid of.  Make a list of all the things you love, and their colors.

If you have any comments, please let me know.