Porch decorating

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXwHvkRAOsyKTeQdrfd-0rU7kTwuNrUIQBn_dUULeYjjAlHMljaZeb34GD989oHCouBNye71q_7Qwy7zuMzEEDeRSTg-Wa15ytYAMp2Ue4LRuXv8t83CL3m0B-RjcX1Gdmk9ZG4R4WnE/s1600-h/chairs+on+porch.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339829046898244770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXwHvkRAOsyKTeQdrfd-0rU7kTwuNrUIQBn_dUULeYjjAlHMljaZeb34GD989oHCouBNye71q_7Qwy7zuMzEEDeRSTg-Wa15ytYAMp2Ue4LRuXv8t83CL3m0B-RjcX1Gdmk9ZG4R4WnE/s400/chairs+on+porch.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />In honor of Memorial Day, I am posting some images from a recent porch </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“mini-makeover.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Using my client</span><span style="font-size:130%;">’</span><span style="font-size:130%;">s hanging folk art flag as inspiration (what a great piece!) we pulled out a pair of friendly white rockers from her shed and then had thick seat cushions made in a vibrant indoor/outdoor fabric for this shady porch. Now all we need is a large pitcher of ice-cold lemonade and some passing neighbors to stop by and chat for a spell ...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeO81fRLkFJGgICWGa_U1t1sHCzrdCEqdFfsEmMnuLpIMRmkf8d-6b4FsrH6J8WC2kW_cn0TWQUub0REjjPj4U7KH3YKxkHWkVLnEraOACUSLdZlgTBt7qLFz4N3hRLtHIHQoEIi5pEM/s1600-h/planter+w+trees.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339836067998772530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeO81fRLkFJGgICWGa_U1t1sHCzrdCEqdFfsEmMnuLpIMRmkf8d-6b4FsrH6J8WC2kW_cn0TWQUub0REjjPj4U7KH3YKxkHWkVLnEraOACUSLdZlgTBt7qLFz4N3hRLtHIHQoEIi5pEM/s400/planter+w+trees.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And when a little privacy is desired, this miniature screen of evergreens politely does the trick. Hardy pansies in cranberry red add color and charm.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr39IC9FIUvJ-fF00gHX4d9Y_Xk1qJMHrSRmp5EOVOZINMfkz-C6XL3cg_l6_Cm1-ptNK3H0CRXdozcCgBh_IygFPJKwnzvznKhV3bAd2iC16-_cIYNJB2QxtvHZTlMGvt3F_I9HevO98/s1600-h/trike+w+plants.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339829051849717154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr39IC9FIUvJ-fF00gHX4d9Y_Xk1qJMHrSRmp5EOVOZINMfkz-C6XL3cg_l6_Cm1-ptNK3H0CRXdozcCgBh_IygFPJKwnzvznKhV3bAd2iC16-_cIYNJB2QxtvHZTlMGvt3F_I9HevO98/s400/trike+w+plants.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">An early spring vignette designed with my client’s antique tricycle, an old-fashioned container overflowing with blue star-shaped perennials (to be planted later) and some organic vertical interest.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnBojRK0Hu_Y5-AX0gXPX_NkbGzWM3VF5cJfxvvM1fRwxoHayEtfJYQV2hLDgTmnmetXf_R6IR9mRJ3f9vPR2XMefRviiPBQafpk6cLJ79XLim5ZqP1T-dYxfvu7ScxvBLtvSs1GLu4Q/s1600-h/fern.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339829049047852482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnBojRK0Hu_Y5-AX0gXPX_NkbGzWM3VF5cJfxvvM1fRwxoHayEtfJYQV2hLDgTmnmetXf_R6IR9mRJ3f9vPR2XMefRviiPBQafpk6cLJ79XLim5ZqP1T-dYxfvu7ScxvBLtvSs1GLu4Q/s400/fern.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />With the warm weather, we have added a lush, Boston Fern (actually an indoor plant) in a terra-cotta urn on top of this traditional wicker console. The large scale of the plant is a dramatic welcome at the front door.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJYKIq4p5ICBv3gAd4cRsVlVSiwI5-qAV2koVVDctZ1sG2TH-14ToB0erdqyATaLY3nJsQnKi6U0Pudw4J5orJQYUXxjkrEvYIAkDfHNMMOdtfrTqlnBl7St_gBikodTprdfWzb1HDSw/s1600-h/bunnies+w+carrot.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339832881842423058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJYKIq4p5ICBv3gAd4cRsVlVSiwI5-qAV2koVVDctZ1sG2TH-14ToB0erdqyATaLY3nJsQnKi6U0Pudw4J5orJQYUXxjkrEvYIAkDfHNMMOdtfrTqlnBl7St_gBikodTprdfWzb1HDSw/s320/bunnies+w+carrot.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And by adding a few “non-growing</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> decorative objects – like this basket of rope spheres along with a moss-covered carrot in honor of her stone bunnies – we are ensured that even without direct sun or watering, the look will remain true to our design.</span><br /></div>

Porch decorating

In honor of Memorial Day, I am posting some images from a recent porch “mini-makeover.” Using my client’s hanging folk art flag as inspiration (what a great piece!) we pulled out a pair of friendly white rockers from her shed and then had thick seat cushions made in a vibrant indoor/outdoor fabric f…

Read more »

A fairy-tale event ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOW_7R6t1QOXLW7dftTKYLlGi6vosyQ0LNf1Qk4F184hJTKK_ieo9yHt2J4at98ODWcwxTsn-t8QO4dJYAA4soLarO2ZrNWFGZMfSXaij4gvNltqw836fs7mcKQOMYmgSvUhS-FWibe0/s1600-h/previewparty.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337362995454611938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOW_7R6t1QOXLW7dftTKYLlGi6vosyQ0LNf1Qk4F184hJTKK_ieo9yHt2J4at98ODWcwxTsn-t8QO4dJYAA4soLarO2ZrNWFGZMfSXaij4gvNltqw836fs7mcKQOMYmgSvUhS-FWibe0/s400/previewparty.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo courtesy of Linda Encarnacao<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Enjoying the Gala Preview Cocktail Party,</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Friday, May 15th at the <a href="http://www.wenhammuseum.org/index.html">Wenham Museum</a></span><br /><br />Last weekend, Friday, May 15th through Sunday, May 17th, was the <span style="font-weight: bold;">North Shore Design Show: Tablescapes</span> held at the Wenham Museum. Each of the design participants was asked to come up with a tablescape setting that either relates to life on the North Shore or honors the mission of the museum and it’s extensive collections highlighting the “<a href="http://www.wenhammuseum.org/galleries.html">treasures of childhood and how we lived, worked, dressed and played from the 17th century to today</a>” in New England. Each of us was given an 8' x 8' space in which to tell our “story.” Below are some pictures from my design vignette entitled<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >“</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Tea for Fairy & Me.</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >”</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFFFjM3tUifK-iSVoIhi471TB83jraOfjLStn0JCRXRVUJUldIHQi7KIXbddIwIti0pI6xYKBDihlzoAXj_blJ27TozNZepn5PGdYyxHyiTw2DIWZ4n-5IJuL4nrX-PQpgjkh3_JggjA/s1600-h/bird.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337364242701644994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFFFjM3tUifK-iSVoIhi471TB83jraOfjLStn0JCRXRVUJUldIHQi7KIXbddIwIti0pI6xYKBDihlzoAXj_blJ27TozNZepn5PGdYyxHyiTw2DIWZ4n-5IJuL4nrX-PQpgjkh3_JggjA/s400/bird.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Look closely ... you are about to get a bird’s eye view of a miniature shade garden and table setting for two designed to entice a visit from a woodland fairy. </span></span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEK1d8A3p4V03ZBJcTqkzVVHaJK7OpxLQRcAyTpQgTN6Es-wIA2EZmyek9Wa78NJ3vFgRJaRHffo37X75nymv-W1Pcmf3-2MZ5XgcgXFNd0MWAId20TUu4okz2j1lRgIMhkPbzffq6Jo/s1600-h/tablecloth.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337363510978885218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEK1d8A3p4V03ZBJcTqkzVVHaJK7OpxLQRcAyTpQgTN6Es-wIA2EZmyek9Wa78NJ3vFgRJaRHffo37X75nymv-W1Pcmf3-2MZ5XgcgXFNd0MWAId20TUu4okz2j1lRgIMhkPbzffq6Jo/s400/tablecloth.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />A round, earthy green shag carpet anchors a cafe table clothed in a combination of mossy green velvet, elegant white birch bark/faux bois-like fabric, and edged in nubby brown linen – a design that is repeated in the miniature table set for our guest of honor ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1385mvun4K6vIY7FAXk3jieEfgoFaIAzn8xfwk8i2FwlS9SeOjfPVbofin29J2hxwcqqhAbsUCoo7RF-u0BwEZCEI5PHlMMz6jxoeygiipsZx1FeMsz6J_7lD4FkRFepuvgorUXa1EIU/s1600-h/fairyhouse.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337364249569111698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1385mvun4K6vIY7FAXk3jieEfgoFaIAzn8xfwk8i2FwlS9SeOjfPVbofin29J2hxwcqqhAbsUCoo7RF-u0BwEZCEI5PHlMMz6jxoeygiipsZx1FeMsz6J_7lD4FkRFepuvgorUXa1EIU/s400/fairyhouse.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />Using willow branches, moss, and a hot glue gun, I created my first ever pair of <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/fairy-chair/">fairy chairs</a> (not as difficult as I thought it would be, honest!). Slate from my home’s roof, dislodged during a winter storm, serves as the floor, while a beautifully curved trunk of an old apple tree was removed from my yard to house this enchanted tea party. A fairy globe nestled behind a moss-covered rock catches the light and ignites the imagination. An irresistible-to-the-touch rabbit stands guard. <span style="font-style: italic;">Miniature tea set available through the Wenham Museum gift shop.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrJSnwwCLVIVap1c2FrRA2BMrx3-65XLRhW04gj7fSWanQqu6Sa-v7b0HxjL-pgIse-iZGNzkRgKfYHlWSkj2kGmHeOGK0n_RRNGnGZLEg5iILO_exav0riTLLZ8i-8_iznhhgCTg5vk/s1600-h/fairy+teapot.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337364946721535666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrJSnwwCLVIVap1c2FrRA2BMrx3-65XLRhW04gj7fSWanQqu6Sa-v7b0HxjL-pgIse-iZGNzkRgKfYHlWSkj2kGmHeOGK0n_RRNGnGZLEg5iILO_exav0riTLLZ8i-8_iznhhgCTg5vk/s400/fairy+teapot.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br />A punch of color and whimsy is provided by a stunning pink <a href="http://returntothecenter.typepad.com/the_center/2009/04/mun-su-sa-lotus-lanterns---the-home-stretch.html">Lotus Lantern</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(or for our imaginative tea party, a clover flower)</span>. I am grateful to Roy Goodwin for introducing me to this amazing work of spiritual art in his blog, <a href="http://returntothecenter.typepad.com/the_center/">Return to the Center</a>. If you would like to see what it takes to create these delicate blossoms, visit Roy’s photostream - <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19139526@N00/sets/72157615770389986/show/">Mun Su Sa Lotus Lanters</a> - on Flick’r. The beautiful photos inspire awe, and show how priceless this gift truly was. Thank you, Roy.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUM357ULqENO4FKlY66_30WGn-xFqa-mcODEOz-gtVHWhpLqRcyTSl95gxrOTQNvDzuUDQNIjuz8GY_dW736J-AawzUCqyOHJN960q4VgmML9GOPnVk7s2WOCfCbIIHQPYMzWEfhKtkA/s1600-h/mirrors.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337364950972967618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUM357ULqENO4FKlY66_30WGn-xFqa-mcODEOz-gtVHWhpLqRcyTSl95gxrOTQNvDzuUDQNIjuz8GY_dW736J-AawzUCqyOHJN960q4VgmML9GOPnVk7s2WOCfCbIIHQPYMzWEfhKtkA/s400/mirrors.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />Modern sparkle is added with a set of three mirrors imprinted with black graphic illustrations of birds and butterflies that seem to hover over our garden of ferns, lambs-ear, bleeding hearts, and wild violets (all snagged from the woods behind my house). <span style="font-style: italic;">Wall covered with a natural woven window shade in Zen Sage from <a href="http://www.smithandnoble.com/sn/home.jsp">Smith & Noble</a>. Black plant stand with tray is a favorite piece from my home.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-ByyMhFOO07A4N3T7k3fN9eGBDJBoMCKB4vXq8ZkEG7uWBI2glgnejIJJ9vJrLCZbnRKQUr-5Pc-gap1VRw6oLUo73z9oMghTiSfhgx0taZdZk_CQMp68dse_3YlFCo539K29fWwUEE/s1600-h/acorn+on+moss.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337364234929669346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-ByyMhFOO07A4N3T7k3fN9eGBDJBoMCKB4vXq8ZkEG7uWBI2glgnejIJJ9vJrLCZbnRKQUr-5Pc-gap1VRw6oLUo73z9oMghTiSfhgx0taZdZk_CQMp68dse_3YlFCo539K29fWwUEE/s400/acorn+on+moss.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 373px;" /></a><br />Hidden within the moss, visitors to the museum discovered these adorable needle felted wool acorns from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> artist, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5826040">truLuxe</a>. I just love them! And meeting the artist in person was a true pleasure.<br />Thank you for coming to the show, T!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Along with museum visitors, our anticipated guests have arrived and are hiding safely in the cover of the birch and white pine branches ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE3cPpzy8YM9QWctVcn2KLR51msjxcc-uNLXciSOpwAqXkJyQ_MQ4PSW4VKPsnM3q50jzwD4kKCu1-2vPrwix7R0Rq4dpKrpFqzeNpXpnSCpw82l1g1nLY-EdKmQavKClXHS_0RfGmRo/s1600-h/greenfairy.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337364946203736626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE3cPpzy8YM9QWctVcn2KLR51msjxcc-uNLXciSOpwAqXkJyQ_MQ4PSW4VKPsnM3q50jzwD4kKCu1-2vPrwix7R0Rq4dpKrpFqzeNpXpnSCpw82l1g1nLY-EdKmQavKClXHS_0RfGmRo/s400/greenfairy.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo courtesy of Linda Encarnacao</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Large Porcelain Fairy Dolls available<br />at the Wenham Museum gift shop.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpkm-EXip7-ONSuWSVAJ4tdhHhOEd-sJk6tn2R85thgk4hx1CvDyR4XoZQLL7FroN660Ooot_H11WyXq_r1ugUy9MtJY6AUUknGz4WaTkktu_vz6sCCLrmq_wncJz5DAFzbmnGeQOQ4A/s1600-h/whitefairy.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337364942827996978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpkm-EXip7-ONSuWSVAJ4tdhHhOEd-sJk6tn2R85thgk4hx1CvDyR4XoZQLL7FroN660Ooot_H11WyXq_r1ugUy9MtJY6AUUknGz4WaTkktu_vz6sCCLrmq_wncJz5DAFzbmnGeQOQ4A/s400/whitefairy.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />As if dressed by fairies, cafe chairs are slip-covered in green flower-covered silk and skirted with golden tulle, while attached willow branches add an organic touch.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiuiPiH7pXcJF56kwfqvuyuVwVXQXVp74X9_oxquJ0Ds8IyJZY0b9a1FX_PS55R_T5OrpijCWLvOAr4qlKUynRtqGkmE9EMxWXUOEQzowb-x5vQWcmWWEvcariidz45sa5etbgtSKISg/s1600-h/chair.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337405742333446674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiuiPiH7pXcJF56kwfqvuyuVwVXQXVp74X9_oxquJ0Ds8IyJZY0b9a1FX_PS55R_T5OrpijCWLvOAr4qlKUynRtqGkmE9EMxWXUOEQzowb-x5vQWcmWWEvcariidz45sa5etbgtSKISg/s400/chair.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">More design details inspired by and collected<br />from the floor of a New England forest ...<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25nDkDh_WTr9bDXWGSAHa8fb1gMRzxmRR56TTui57_uFfeSecTPXRVEuQHofirsl0MArtM9_j79jGp84_XS8tRzjaUS3EX7kT3Ga1WdU7sJeV-yCQ6bZzeLLlPWhaunYvm2qHcaTAuoY/s1600-h/nest+and+moss.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337408813761609234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25nDkDh_WTr9bDXWGSAHa8fb1gMRzxmRR56TTui57_uFfeSecTPXRVEuQHofirsl0MArtM9_j79jGp84_XS8tRzjaUS3EX7kT3Ga1WdU7sJeV-yCQ6bZzeLLlPWhaunYvm2qHcaTAuoY/s400/nest+and+moss.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br />At our life-sized table for two, honey cream and black raspberries<br />are waiting to be served with a tiny golden spoon.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5EPy0L3tSOPPV-5I-PBOqgzAmgkLwq76P5duKhnL5uOwByFrPTv-cYs92qbEb7c_lWOECtgOT1JKhnkb4qvCv6dcTT0kL3H7b08yI72U_mALat_HZzosUmzbDb_gr7-lXlN0p8LyYl8/s1600-h/berries+%26+cream.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337364238548731010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5EPy0L3tSOPPV-5I-PBOqgzAmgkLwq76P5duKhnL5uOwByFrPTv-cYs92qbEb7c_lWOECtgOT1JKhnkb4qvCv6dcTT0kL3H7b08yI72U_mALat_HZzosUmzbDb_gr7-lXlN0p8LyYl8/s400/berries+%26+cream.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />And finally, a delicate white tea pot and glittery pine cone candles are paired with rose adorned teacups, and a set of pink “tutu-like” plates combined with simple white china. More gold spoons are nestled on gold trimmed napkins and wrapped with a thick metallic thread.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZD77JQKP6LRfYxL5xrsOiP7kaELFRdqQ9GJQDZ_edYXPdIfxqWyW427oG4ItcC1wRFYjlnhrGa6PlRXwfLexS6DuSE97m2ktSogTF9tudAra2VB9vHpZvAnOCXmsu9d5XgbLMcBlYkk/s1600-h/placesetting.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337363511279836418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZD77JQKP6LRfYxL5xrsOiP7kaELFRdqQ9GJQDZ_edYXPdIfxqWyW427oG4ItcC1wRFYjlnhrGa6PlRXwfLexS6DuSE97m2ktSogTF9tudAra2VB9vHpZvAnOCXmsu9d5XgbLMcBlYkk/s400/placesetting.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">As if sprinkled with fairy dust,<br />imagination sets the stage ...</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Wenham Museum is known for it’s doll, toy and train collections and for being a fun, yet educational place to bring children – as well as a place that can bring out the child in each of us. I was inspired to create my fairy setting after remembering the magical moments spent in the museum with my mom and most likely the Girl Scouts when I was young, and more recently with my husband and sons (we saw a great <a href="http://www.lego.com/en-US/default.aspx">Lego</a> exhibition this past winter that showcased moving train cars, amusement parks, city sky scrapers ... all created out of Legos). The world of miniatures fascinated my boys on our trip, and in coming up with my concept, I was reminded of the New England tradition of building miniature fairy houses in the woods, as written and illustrated by Tracy Kane in the <a href="http://www.fairyhouses.com/fhs.html">Fairy Houses Series</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-O6cwMwoZo3sfNdFF-42NBxjfI4FAxx4mWSJD-uYSMQktNgQbmWLc1UCMENGalj432WQets7iZB2_3v5iKn1mCQBlR5YCFwcypj7FXCvWjZp2kglSrMmAtiDGd8EgZ_G7N9G1oGs2-A/s1600-h/FHS-group-for-web---3c.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337423583870698338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-O6cwMwoZo3sfNdFF-42NBxjfI4FAxx4mWSJD-uYSMQktNgQbmWLc1UCMENGalj432WQets7iZB2_3v5iKn1mCQBlR5YCFwcypj7FXCvWjZp2kglSrMmAtiDGd8EgZ_G7N9G1oGs2-A/s400/FHS-group-for-web---3c.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 108px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Image from <a href="http://www.fairyhouses.com/home.html">fairyhouses.com</a></span></span><br /><br />This resourceful tradition, paired with a desire to illustrate how creative decorating doesn’t have to rely on expensive items, is the story I wanted to tell. Just step outside your back door, or visit a local forest, garden or park, for the best type of design inspiration.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you to the very gracious Wenham Museum, to everyone who was able to attend the show over the weekend, to those who helped or inspired me during this project (special thanks go to Nancy; Ruthie; Dorothy & Roy; my mother, Ann; my husband, John; and, of course, my very imaginative little guys). And thanks to all of my blog guests for visiting this “virtual design tablescape.</span><span style="font-style: italic;">”</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> I hope you enjoyed the story behind the vignette as much as I enjoyed creating it!</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc9FJZIUeftKGjP2ZNl2JwdfLrVlxJ_618NL9u0YiOjrEM05WFyjkrYOy3gcwDNrzvhaDcfOSqWYitGbNJPaplJAEdavfBJqNQg4Sdr4g4ihP3BnmP3ZMZydSiM4Bub2uIkUOTu9Ocwg/s1600-h/bunny.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337364242834449010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc9FJZIUeftKGjP2ZNl2JwdfLrVlxJ_618NL9u0YiOjrEM05WFyjkrYOy3gcwDNrzvhaDcfOSqWYitGbNJPaplJAEdavfBJqNQg4Sdr4g4ihP3BnmP3ZMZydSiM4Bub2uIkUOTu9Ocwg/s400/bunny.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /></div>

A fairy-tale event ...

Photo courtesy of Linda EncarnacaoEnjoying the Gala Preview Cocktail Party,Friday, May 15th at the Wenham MuseumLast weekend, Friday, May 15th through Sunday, May 17th, was the North Shore Design Show: Tablescapes held at the Wenham Museum. Each of the design participants was asked to come up with a…

Read more »

North Shore Design Show: Tablescapes

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7edRWFk8H3QEQB9SD-gYWB5Fil8PT6UWTJphRYsVyk7kspT5XNj5Tf8_J3nUBgPxPZxxdMMLGgj3eyPt43A1xOTwoXK4Z3BU3H3Nz6j5UNsX0IN-Obvq2nxLASL35cwl3PXA4aHHOKXU/s1600-h/NSDS+Invite+Art.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335857006345290898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7edRWFk8H3QEQB9SD-gYWB5Fil8PT6UWTJphRYsVyk7kspT5XNj5Tf8_J3nUBgPxPZxxdMMLGgj3eyPt43A1xOTwoXK4Z3BU3H3Nz6j5UNsX0IN-Obvq2nxLASL35cwl3PXA4aHHOKXU/s400/NSDS+Invite+Art.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 350px;" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.wenhammuseum.org/adults_programs.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">North Shore Design Show: Tablescapes</span></a><br />to benefit the <a href="http://www.wenhammuseum.org/">Wenham Museum</a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" >132 Main Street, Route 1A<br />Wenham, Massachusetts </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Gala Preview Cocktail Party<br />Friday,</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"> May 15, 2009 6:30 pm</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Call to reserve your ticket in advance:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">$75 per person</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Open admission Saturday, May 16th and</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Sunday, May 17th from 10 am - 4 pm</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Call 978.468.2377 or email info@wenhammuseum.org</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">My designed space is inspired by the magic of a child’s imagination ...</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">come check out the show if you can or be sure to watch my blog next week for photos from the event.</span><br /></div> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Late this afternoon, I finished setting up my vignette for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">North Shore Design Show: Tablescapes</span> being held at the Wenham Museum. There was a lot of great design in the house at this favorite local museum that celebrates the treasures of childhood and life on the North Shore. Now that everything is in place (and I can sleep tonight!), I am <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> looking forward to the Gala Preview Cocktail Party tomorrow evening – and the weekend show should be just as fun. There is something inspiring about seeing creative visions come to life that makes me love this business of design even more!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooYI3IBiCwD1MlOnISZL6dqVxse1eKTlgz3WB5Py31Naty8_zlfISZZnTUTTddx_hJtxkvE1zhocQjE7uGiVAyFFM3hiaFUONhAxqxDpf29s1We3S2lv-213SAzCkpNpsAsfxTgVVr9Y/s1600-h/restpic.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335876378878552962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooYI3IBiCwD1MlOnISZL6dqVxse1eKTlgz3WB5Py31Naty8_zlfISZZnTUTTddx_hJtxkvE1zhocQjE7uGiVAyFFM3hiaFUONhAxqxDpf29s1We3S2lv-213SAzCkpNpsAsfxTgVVr9Y/s400/restpic.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 181px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo from the <a href="http://www.wthexchange.com/restaurant.htm">Wenham Tea House</a> website</span></span><br /><br />If you do make it to the Museum over the weekend, the <a href="http://www.wthexchange.com/index.html">Wenham Tea House</a> (just across the street) is a nice place to stop for a quick bite (I enjoyed going there for lunch when I used to freelance down the street at <a href="http://mullen.com/">Mullen</a>), plus they offer delicious “catering to-go” (hors d'oeuvres, cakes, meals) just as you walk inside the front door.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aq3ByvX9RjN4PMCY3CHd4_PJbDGmDKGhdfnMUXYUBiSb3ovoORasGQXjlzwe7o2o9FMTSr4FmOPiTkDINhU4XjV32tqJEdaIVzQ-LlrWWRAfikXUFxLYhxXyuqK9eMd5He0YIamjiPo/s1600-h/pix_lft_hm_door1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335876990608476578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aq3ByvX9RjN4PMCY3CHd4_PJbDGmDKGhdfnMUXYUBiSb3ovoORasGQXjlzwe7o2o9FMTSr4FmOPiTkDINhU4XjV32tqJEdaIVzQ-LlrWWRAfikXUFxLYhxXyuqK9eMd5He0YIamjiPo/s400/pix_lft_hm_door1.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 258px;" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo from the Black Cow website</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Or if you have a little more time to relax, take a ride further down the street to the center of Hamilton where you will find the <a href="http://www.blackcowrestaurants.com/loc_hamilton.html">Black Cow</a> Restaurant. My husband and I used to enjoy some great meals (and spirits) there before having children dramatically changed our dining options. I think we should go there (minus the little ones) the week after the show to celebrate ...<br /></div></div>

North Shore Design Show: Tablescapes

North Shore Design Show: Tablescapesto benefit the Wenham Museum132 Main Street, Route 1AWenham, Massachusetts Gala Preview Cocktail PartyFriday, May 15, 2009 6:30 pmCall to reserve your ticket in advance:$75 per personOpen admission Saturday, May 16th andSunday, May 17th from 10 am - 4 pmTickets: …

Read more »

Wallpaper as art

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYFqjmCqt0tWQ8PKOJdQjuooxj8XMJRqE4PyM_vVYALk2jMMBCVW68s_tfaWr2uD9f4W13shqDhBaEDk3b8W9V60Burck5YCqca3DVtm_NPtO6ah8mTWsmb9y_tuSy7nRSCDZNVT86JU/s1600-h/moderntiger.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335131898124411602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYFqjmCqt0tWQ8PKOJdQjuooxj8XMJRqE4PyM_vVYALk2jMMBCVW68s_tfaWr2uD9f4W13shqDhBaEDk3b8W9V60Burck5YCqca3DVtm_NPtO6ah8mTWsmb9y_tuSy7nRSCDZNVT86JU/s400/moderntiger.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">If you love the new papers available, but are hesitant to cover wall-to-wall, try a small dose of a favorite print (or two.) I combined two separate papers to create this modern tiger-in-the-jungle collage that I have framed in my office.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpjAyFSfxrpq2h0hwcU7UMbC_1WM2hXOgE-LtFgXKq7I_aCnu0_I7DhdLO40Ck_AzXkkJbI47jfXG3FHEvD5BdoR62vxCRBMz2LwlG90a2uEvmQk_Cg0g775AkiPOhWgcEeULf0lO_O0/s1600-h/seasidebucket.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335127360069217234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpjAyFSfxrpq2h0hwcU7UMbC_1WM2hXOgE-LtFgXKq7I_aCnu0_I7DhdLO40Ck_AzXkkJbI47jfXG3FHEvD5BdoR62vxCRBMz2LwlG90a2uEvmQk_Cg0g775AkiPOhWgcEeULf0lO_O0/s400/seasidebucket.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 243px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">For this group of accessories designed with a seaside cottage in mind, I had a fabric liner made for the beach pail (great for storing extra towels by the door) and then decoupaged the front with starfish from a wallpaper border.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This series of prints is actually three sections of a wallpaper that I couldn’t resist (I loved the traditional elements combined with the cat fancy).</span><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJ51sDaowi5q3mYhKDVFXlL5P781BKb5RxGJqQcbAdo1ntwvMbIG36R17vEAP3uGm9vgm6EQe8MTkAoqb_fiS484lbG0pavvp42h_pe1MCaCWoa7x2exrgPE7R8pHoH3s1WHZU3qM_Ro/s1600-h/cat+on+chair.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335140980594657474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJ51sDaowi5q3mYhKDVFXlL5P781BKb5RxGJqQcbAdo1ntwvMbIG36R17vEAP3uGm9vgm6EQe8MTkAoqb_fiS484lbG0pavvp42h_pe1MCaCWoa7x2exrgPE7R8pHoH3s1WHZU3qM_Ro/s400/cat+on+chair.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67JVU1kj-A20DCHjsLD-wBZAdpdodFlFnmqWi4fnZpbESSc171w2wSNv7oUYAhAagwRtQdInCZKWqXaNeF4mCwOCNHGAH7WCwvXub96IvAEf1DDpqJfBmzSO0CBftayN-CquISBfNJGE/s1600-h/potted+fern.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335141045128693090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67JVU1kj-A20DCHjsLD-wBZAdpdodFlFnmqWi4fnZpbESSc171w2wSNv7oUYAhAagwRtQdInCZKWqXaNeF4mCwOCNHGAH7WCwvXub96IvAEf1DDpqJfBmzSO0CBftayN-CquISBfNJGE/s400/potted+fern.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjt4ZyVFJPmX7FRFWCAJp0s9Ccw1gxXQW7Nrj_WxfdOeLsc9jpQOesjHSS-cxplw6ELW-45_iHcS1O_333HZdYIKzQMnTmb8et6TfJoFfDBFB5Mq6ewk8K17OEHr80CKPG9TVWZmDXeg/s1600-h/lemontree.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335141128006562178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjt4ZyVFJPmX7FRFWCAJp0s9Ccw1gxXQW7Nrj_WxfdOeLsc9jpQOesjHSS-cxplw6ELW-45_iHcS1O_333HZdYIKzQMnTmb8et6TfJoFfDBFB5Mq6ewk8K17OEHr80CKPG9TVWZmDXeg/s400/lemontree.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A decoupaged rose adds style to a small pink pail ...</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4m5zBoOoLcbBun2wU3rXjSle6XJtSRxyzW5muun288BG83MbiCgd-0h9y2NdofWK5RE1EQp_VSu3CTvOgWtz4ix_RJgt6WOJyj5Lkd4vmDPrfbbdPw9akLGV8tu3R8oLFztRLE5eRmA/s1600-h/rose+tin.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335141368634693362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4m5zBoOoLcbBun2wU3rXjSle6XJtSRxyzW5muun288BG83MbiCgd-0h9y2NdofWK5RE1EQp_VSu3CTvOgWtz4ix_RJgt6WOJyj5Lkd4vmDPrfbbdPw9akLGV8tu3R8oLFztRLE5eRmA/s200/rose+tin.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 200px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Try adding some wallpaper to the back of a bookshelf, on a folding screen, or cover the walls inside a closet. A small space, or item, is the perfect way to go bold with pattern for those too shy to attempt this ...</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2oQQx23dqp5cc2s7rcTp3wSGOd_izHTs7ksL76eMl5_bkcpufqHgotLJv3cHV-DHJMvltNaT9FYIPVcGYTyFpEhRd1jZkiXveGapY_2U4e74gLi05FXsMAQ3FPtLD_bYfm733OibmaU/s1600-h/coc_roomset_550.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335149458622830898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2oQQx23dqp5cc2s7rcTp3wSGOd_izHTs7ksL76eMl5_bkcpufqHgotLJv3cHV-DHJMvltNaT9FYIPVcGYTyFpEhRd1jZkiXveGapY_2U4e74gLi05FXsMAQ3FPtLD_bYfm733OibmaU/s400/coc_roomset_550.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 355px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo from Thibaut.com</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.thibautdesign.com/Collection/roomsetimage1.aspx?Pid=5115&mtrl=wall">Pattern: Coco</a><br /><a href="http://www.thibautdesign.com/Collection/roomsetimage1.aspx?Pid=5115&mtrl=wall">Collection: Chelsea</a><br /><a href="http://www.thibautdesign.com/">by Thibaut</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />If you are feeling graphically-adventurous, check out </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://modgreenpod.com/collection/wallpaper/">ModGreenPod.com</a> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">and their whimsical, brightly colored, organic papers.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://modgreenpod.com/collection/wallpaper/"></a></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0dKrnI-5ECBDfhlWzG3x0b0bnyHJ577nkrLxUldtXVxDi1MUmzf3PJy-USQmX9_JHr_1dsAxotHYVqzRuOh_Adqirh5_jAqQ0miSCWssszAYTBnehL6iBpvkxtDxAT4BWmgL30kV3eQ/s1600-h/settingPhotos_wallpaper_main2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335155040478308786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0dKrnI-5ECBDfhlWzG3x0b0bnyHJ577nkrLxUldtXVxDi1MUmzf3PJy-USQmX9_JHr_1dsAxotHYVqzRuOh_Adqirh5_jAqQ0miSCWssszAYTBnehL6iBpvkxtDxAT4BWmgL30kV3eQ/s400/settingPhotos_wallpaper_main2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 147px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo from ModGreenPod.com<br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Coordinating fabrics available.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmwcBUlXQ911xTRhmAudW3cD7fRWLH1bB9vAU-OPMGPTQTyJaQpFeZ2RiDyCW9RU4TlXnDQRyqweDLiFI2DOVAb9z3tZyABfcvr_jVxO8ytHwG_hepbY4y5yfOY4EGXkVI9oWM8kP8c0/s1600-h/phpThumb_generated_thumbnailjpg.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335156660849642322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmwcBUlXQ911xTRhmAudW3cD7fRWLH1bB9vAU-OPMGPTQTyJaQpFeZ2RiDyCW9RU4TlXnDQRyqweDLiFI2DOVAb9z3tZyABfcvr_jVxO8ytHwG_hepbY4y5yfOY4EGXkVI9oWM8kP8c0/s400/phpThumb_generated_thumbnailjpg.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 355px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo from ModGreenPod.com</span></span><br /></div>

Wallpaper as art

If you love the new papers available, but are hesitant to cover wall-to-wall, try a small dose of a favorite print (or two.) I combined two separate papers to create this modern tiger-in-the-jungle collage that I have framed in my office.For this group of accessories designed with a seaside cottage …

Read more »

A designer's touch

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />Sometimes a good room just<br />needs a little tweaking.</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHbPP-ERqoNk_p8SLd19BdBMjvOJQKwqutQ_TGgbX25sztpgS2ZgmT7wLr_4hnhYZCPVc0JmNUVAn4Q7mbw10cQV4xj2HflrLsNlrnj9Q1G0aEaf8eknO75HnG_QHQKKZATHkTN7yCIY/s1600-h/buffet+b4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333958617009116578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHbPP-ERqoNk_p8SLd19BdBMjvOJQKwqutQ_TGgbX25sztpgS2ZgmT7wLr_4hnhYZCPVc0JmNUVAn4Q7mbw10cQV4xj2HflrLsNlrnj9Q1G0aEaf8eknO75HnG_QHQKKZATHkTN7yCIY/s320/buffet+b4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 277px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">After ...</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMuNwH9C7QfI6WUrbo21apV36vxyO2JYngbHjTg0nOSA9nkvxCxyJwyy69Qj8RJJeakWKvpw4rQGYFo4TAFCZZBxChWlSFCYX-zj_-DJ_nWlEPg9cItGAHzH1fRovTzDNxZdy4tmdG9c/s1600-h/buffet+after.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333957341632756962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMuNwH9C7QfI6WUrbo21apV36vxyO2JYngbHjTg0nOSA9nkvxCxyJwyy69Qj8RJJeakWKvpw4rQGYFo4TAFCZZBxChWlSFCYX-zj_-DJ_nWlEPg9cItGAHzH1fRovTzDNxZdy4tmdG9c/s400/buffet+after.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Before paint and accessorizing ...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccEm4vOiU-C-dAQrxh4KqK384ExsUpAWz8pLifY-QyIEQ_DltQ9qEqauEnTB31BznqGfdLKJwdAwvlzCf0QGUftU1MHjDku0AJEkPCF2fRmwUvvaFXAaVBRFJ8Rzud79wvFQxCf8i-l0/s1600-h/fireplace_b4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333938238786764354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccEm4vOiU-C-dAQrxh4KqK384ExsUpAWz8pLifY-QyIEQ_DltQ9qEqauEnTB31BznqGfdLKJwdAwvlzCf0QGUftU1MHjDku0AJEkPCF2fRmwUvvaFXAaVBRFJ8Rzud79wvFQxCf8i-l0/s320/fireplace_b4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">After ...</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxOOLwf0Qw2OYYQdA7XzKBxBFZIbdo2fop5p2DUFA7w70XEtrRVWu1harCYbYCsiwGUYpwwGZn2haHHVH0sK4sUWOorrEwRGTn1v_Lpm0foLuASi7EjoqgmfMVqxNQotsDmNbrjwwjns/s1600-h/fireplace.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333938046736088658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxOOLwf0Qw2OYYQdA7XzKBxBFZIbdo2fop5p2DUFA7w70XEtrRVWu1harCYbYCsiwGUYpwwGZn2haHHVH0sK4sUWOorrEwRGTn1v_Lpm0foLuASi7EjoqgmfMVqxNQotsDmNbrjwwjns/s400/fireplace.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Before custom window treatments ...</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWXmOVUJDg1lpK-6PCZaHjVUHV0Io1TN994vWxEBaeqfUaD8RxoQL3VgAVNPFI0Jumg_kAHCTYUmHgU9A3YIfFW7tjDxgfkTGzHDpjQNiltfLTIvc9Ts-H7i7T95wodGJWD2xEkk8DJs/s1600-h/windows+b4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333949615499867058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWXmOVUJDg1lpK-6PCZaHjVUHV0Io1TN994vWxEBaeqfUaD8RxoQL3VgAVNPFI0Jumg_kAHCTYUmHgU9A3YIfFW7tjDxgfkTGzHDpjQNiltfLTIvc9Ts-H7i7T95wodGJWD2xEkk8DJs/s400/windows+b4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">After ...</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rM5Sel-EoHTAN_LyBf4P4c4WmusaROXZ6_8MWNOI5NeGrtof7mj96r58MIg557SAhqU6oYoKQqtAWT-OvT9-i-X5e27CRx5HLaw2HTSI_zfECnIc-djP61YItB1zUWBayIjTPlnkf0o/s1600-h/windows+after.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333949611426531906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rM5Sel-EoHTAN_LyBf4P4c4WmusaROXZ6_8MWNOI5NeGrtof7mj96r58MIg557SAhqU6oYoKQqtAWT-OvT9-i-X5e27CRx5HLaw2HTSI_zfECnIc-djP61YItB1zUWBayIjTPlnkf0o/s400/windows+after.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYkEcFT2mI6DriZtqWpNeHzoK4V0VvCf-xpNqcPMedmFLektbHfyQf_6jiyFv9YAw08xOZtl57RKUSkS0qt1FVip60UHIRVycIJk_NPnysxjyJ2vwv2w-K3QQ-lS2ObyAvEqBLae7Z7k/s1600-h/kitchen+window+after.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Less than perfect view ...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvd8hFOmXj06n4yZ80hoqPN6maXnIzSOhwdUi27yeuAvIZPQklpdnbi5jc28efIWKLblj6DSvYpowR52OqfKC4JNmkVrkh0LAU4xPgOm0HVHRi_tze4HsSp4TV1u_r7gi9VYaDOonCCGk/s1600-h/door+b4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333949609088623122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvd8hFOmXj06n4yZ80hoqPN6maXnIzSOhwdUi27yeuAvIZPQklpdnbi5jc28efIWKLblj6DSvYpowR52OqfKC4JNmkVrkh0LAU4xPgOm0HVHRi_tze4HsSp4TV1u_r7gi9VYaDOonCCGk/s400/door+b4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 353px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Light-filtered view ...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinanPadSA1gMZ_UUZXclJxCxfVdOvWiaXWV7Y2UFnJ3SHzNt4Fpk_9MI4vtNzIJ0IW3_nZX7rEB9A1gR9xLkaz1KQUU03zlpGppRKavdysRZ-LpVIDiuq15eJAmgwf0H3_U7WS0sHP2lg/s1600-h/door+after.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333949607421801586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinanPadSA1gMZ_UUZXclJxCxfVdOvWiaXWV7Y2UFnJ3SHzNt4Fpk_9MI4vtNzIJ0IW3_nZX7rEB9A1gR9xLkaz1KQUU03zlpGppRKavdysRZ-LpVIDiuq15eJAmgwf0H3_U7WS0sHP2lg/s400/door+after.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Final touches ...</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxdVGfpEk4vOh_qe7-vo7i6speMFuir21-FyM63Zy1qBc5LuZR6k_7UTEzv8RI6Wlqwzr4WTONlKIAAMEKzBs-sJRRD9EkES_PnlkHN3q1UenSxEroJ6cEGqJwuGP64dp4Tk9H7eGO4k/s1600-h/tv.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333949341866010578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxdVGfpEk4vOh_qe7-vo7i6speMFuir21-FyM63Zy1qBc5LuZR6k_7UTEzv8RI6Wlqwzr4WTONlKIAAMEKzBs-sJRRD9EkES_PnlkHN3q1UenSxEroJ6cEGqJwuGP64dp4Tk9H7eGO4k/s320/tv.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrR92aGze9T1oUc3QEnjlq-8AUGauSBg0cBiVVR2Wgn4h2MA-HwXOIJ1bQjbY3xKxjjvdQam2vnMzmJDrT3wQVUXKwXH71Nwf0cKujMSdPdY4q9m-M6mwRemsCu6EudfBo_82hTe-8vqM/s1600-h/napkins.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333949336718342674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrR92aGze9T1oUc3QEnjlq-8AUGauSBg0cBiVVR2Wgn4h2MA-HwXOIJ1bQjbY3xKxjjvdQam2vnMzmJDrT3wQVUXKwXH71Nwf0cKujMSdPdY4q9m-M6mwRemsCu6EudfBo_82hTe-8vqM/s320/napkins.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 224px;" /></a>

A designer's touch

Sometimes a good room justneeds a little tweaking.After ...Before paint and accessorizing ...After ...Before custom window treatments ...After ...Less than perfect view ...Light-filtered view ...Final touches ...…

Read more »

From shabby-to-chic

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPy7sYJlpnd7sYgOXGYrNwS-de__mol5A20XIYKOWW4KQZDll14SRAk5uT_2hnhoQiF3QMeBcy6DTjrrxvKMtPrTJUQGr87oQZ13xKk1kt0AVN0vwFbu-07RbFBWqWSXv3_WW6W2Q4ZA/s1600-h/shabbycouch.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333228503870504722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPy7sYJlpnd7sYgOXGYrNwS-de__mol5A20XIYKOWW4KQZDll14SRAk5uT_2hnhoQiF3QMeBcy6DTjrrxvKMtPrTJUQGr87oQZ13xKk1kt0AVN0vwFbu-07RbFBWqWSXv3_WW6W2Q4ZA/s400/shabbycouch.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Don’t put that old sofa out on the curb!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />While the structure of this “first couch we bought together” was still sound, it had definitely seen better days. The fabric was looking tired ... and I was </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >so</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> tired of looking at it.</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWn-iAbwW2S2ZP5MPWVClkKHkPgo_-zhc6qQ4rQZbOCXNYxf7IO4d7KILKmaTkJGwfvS37wlyePi9Bbl9lJfjTdUHinLtBJnMAE1e8gUBYh8HUwwC5BFzRIWH4W-e-qE-J5ypf9TKSoM/s1600-h/slipcoverchic.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333250423676416002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWn-iAbwW2S2ZP5MPWVClkKHkPgo_-zhc6qQ4rQZbOCXNYxf7IO4d7KILKmaTkJGwfvS37wlyePi9Bbl9lJfjTdUHinLtBJnMAE1e8gUBYh8HUwwC5BFzRIWH4W-e-qE-J5ypf9TKSoM/s400/slipcoverchic.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">With a neutral-colored solid fabric, and a more tailored skirt, this 1990’s sofa from <a href="http://www.drexelheritage.com/Company-About-Drexel-Heritage.aspx">Drexel-Heritage</a> is reinvented into a piece you might find at <a href="http://www.mgbwhome.com/">Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams</a>. The ottoman got newly styled as well.</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tOk_TNBMhS6gcbTEW4ho5eZsrH-RfqOiVTAqTENiwaQpimHjlc225_Bg3rN9y94vnLGk0CMx67cClO9NjpxCJOS1qMXy5COw66YKeyXj3vl8xf-3vNqutLFTFKmCPGWv5_MTSrEXXGU/s1600-h/couch-ottoman.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333248922898314898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tOk_TNBMhS6gcbTEW4ho5eZsrH-RfqOiVTAqTENiwaQpimHjlc225_Bg3rN9y94vnLGk0CMx67cClO9NjpxCJOS1qMXy5COw66YKeyXj3vl8xf-3vNqutLFTFKmCPGWv5_MTSrEXXGU/s400/couch-ottoman.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 324px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">With a classic shape like this track arm shelter sofa, it</span><span style="font-size:130%;">’</span><span style="font-size:130%;">s easy – and affordable – to make the old look new. And one less sofa in the landfills is always a good thing.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSl2WI8PIcMymqvF_SXHdhiazLZHrytLJFsW7e7iWkBv7Ya_AfXjI1SWPrOXn4g23KQyZUJ2ov_4_xqRURzatOwz25tk5TfPXIQoCHxjJAJ2BTdlD9nJhM-vAVSXKgJZaPnsj5GQbaOzQ/s1600-h/shannon_sf_TOP.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333246916197616194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSl2WI8PIcMymqvF_SXHdhiazLZHrytLJFsW7e7iWkBv7Ya_AfXjI1SWPrOXn4g23KQyZUJ2ov_4_xqRURzatOwz25tk5TfPXIQoCHxjJAJ2BTdlD9nJhM-vAVSXKgJZaPnsj5GQbaOzQ/s400/shannon_sf_TOP.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 229px;" /></a><a href="http://www.mgbwhome.com/shannon_sf.asp"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Shannon Sofa available through Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams</span></a><br /></div>

From shabby-to-chic

Don’t put that old sofa out on the curb!While the structure of this “first couch we bought together” was still sound, it had definitely seen better days. The fabric was looking tired ... and I was so tired of looking at it.With a neutral-colored solid fabric, and a more tailored skirt, this 1990’s s…

Read more »

House hunting and makeovers

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">In an effort</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" > to stimu</span><span style="font-size:130%;">late the spring real estate market, I am dedicating the next few days to “before and after</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> photos. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">For all you house hunters out there, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >before</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> you walk away from what could be a dream home in disguise, think about temporary solutions that could transition you through potential design dilemmas until you have the ... <span style="font-style: italic;">(choose one)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">A. time<br />B. energy<br />C. inspiration<br />D. funds<br />E. all of the above<br /><br />necessary to create <span style="font-style: italic;">your</span> ideal </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >after.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Or, if you are not feeling the love for the living space you do have, these mini-makeovers may help ignite some decorating passion</span>.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">When we bought our fixer-upper five years ago, this first floor bathroom screamed </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“do-over.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br />BEFORE</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz63hNBQOnVo05ljLPSUkw3WVMt50nx8nGKxWKWkO8lumAqVlivQ3itDL8xu547rlHckzLAHrrcidg-LCR8ck9GHwGnLauY6xtG_sHHaP0P8xpca8HQlkjFvCd96_V8to_I1omsd3z1M/s1600-h/bathbefore.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332883304820191394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz63hNBQOnVo05ljLPSUkw3WVMt50nx8nGKxWKWkO8lumAqVlivQ3itDL8xu547rlHckzLAHrrcidg-LCR8ck9GHwGnLauY6xtG_sHHaP0P8xpca8HQlkjFvCd96_V8to_I1omsd3z1M/s400/bathbefore.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >(even this frightful scene did not scare us away at the open house ... brave, yes; crazy, a little)</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifA4VCb8MboP2JmL9vlpCFMu4_OGnMdLEbbGDeXzbCEVBzNRjx2VQYh5YVSVsuWBAFlnC8QmrmiWLuFh6wcC_pV1QRLOEDSmY5FkGaXppOV7Lf1qSHCc1p__IrACiOnrMpEj2HPEp-hCM/s1600-h/theloo.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332883304175387666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifA4VCb8MboP2JmL9vlpCFMu4_OGnMdLEbbGDeXzbCEVBzNRjx2VQYh5YVSVsuWBAFlnC8QmrmiWLuFh6wcC_pV1QRLOEDSmY5FkGaXppOV7Lf1qSHCc1p__IrACiOnrMpEj2HPEp-hCM/s400/theloo.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 166px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >AFTER</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />With minimal effort, and a small-scale budget, the outdated space was transformed ...</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT2iNNcEnJee64uQr86FVpOlIWkg1V2PfK1av8AGReVWbo5DdQfepbQlafdbsX3GtaOhZ5leWhyphenhyphenPPepWvGfuwu68-yT7yFamcosf0HwrvluukT8HTDiVIP7l0EU9BKVIWJdCi996dR28/s1600-h/bathafter.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332883308602189618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT2iNNcEnJee64uQr86FVpOlIWkg1V2PfK1av8AGReVWbo5DdQfepbQlafdbsX3GtaOhZ5leWhyphenhyphenPPepWvGfuwu68-yT7yFamcosf0HwrvluukT8HTDiVIP7l0EU9BKVIWJdCi996dR28/s400/bathafter.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I re-papered the less than perfect walls with a subtle damask print that was more suitable to the vintage fixtures and mirror. By adding a simply tailored window treatment with contrasting stripes and black beaded trim, this small bath becomes more timeless elegance than kitsch.</span></span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFi4eoHo2Bj0vF51SlvjuLXa3KPSGflUpvmi6PaIbM7CHky1IwfqLFb3OVETEFWgOZ0DXKGu1TGk110Z2hC7b2iiKHi0CGtSS000mGzEw2PHF_OegAx_4zuTch6QxqP5nZ-p0FFKkEG8/s1600-h/window+treatment.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332885630004802146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFi4eoHo2Bj0vF51SlvjuLXa3KPSGflUpvmi6PaIbM7CHky1IwfqLFb3OVETEFWgOZ0DXKGu1TGk110Z2hC7b2iiKHi0CGtSS000mGzEw2PHF_OegAx_4zuTch6QxqP5nZ-p0FFKkEG8/s400/window+treatment.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >and AFTER again...<br /><br /></span>If I were to take this bathroom and re-do it with a more generous</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> budget – using the old wallpaper as my inspiration – I might use this classic <a href="http://www.marimekko.com/ENG/interior/frontpage.htm">Marimekko</a> print for the shower curtain ...</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTBP4aW0poHVnWvhowwtV9hDEGPsTIwzo18Q848Mo_l7IQJzWp_IRiMBNO5IwRDAbfS9NVQzK9CCp3xOZ2p2IEHOBJUAS5rhY3LX8Ljc90RFf-mXammIgng4wNwiu3_4tA6hovV5K9Kg/s1600-h/unikko_43_big.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332944734351821250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTBP4aW0poHVnWvhowwtV9hDEGPsTIwzo18Q848Mo_l7IQJzWp_IRiMBNO5IwRDAbfS9NVQzK9CCp3xOZ2p2IEHOBJUAS5rhY3LX8Ljc90RFf-mXammIgng4wNwiu3_4tA6hovV5K9Kg/s400/unikko_43_big.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 322px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marimekko.com/ENG/interior/fabric/maijaisola/unikko/unikko_43.htm">Marimekko - Unikko</a> (designed in 1964)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kallista.com/onlinecatalog/collections/entireresults.kls?collectionSubsection=Barbara%20Barry%20Glamour%20-%20Bathroom%20-%20Mirrors%20and%20Cabinets&collection=Barbara%20Barry%20Glamour&designer=Barbara%20Barry&collectionFlag=true"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332907669147295490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEG1VW6rX-DOwmM3eH7Ip49EwGpVuyA_bBwx4g_qFYZC8xrwt8ANP0MxXX0aMTYBvmmSHa6a6skfbwqqcITsL5vyqFKpHsTrjPDXn074FXhthddVbTXgoyZLt0U3nNOTNAglpKv784S0E/s400/KS000330_ro.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 235px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />and this curvaceous mirror from the <a href="http://www.kallista.com/onlinecatalog/collections/suite/landing.kls?collection=Barbara%20Barry%20Glamour&designer=Barbara%20Barry">Barbara Barry Glamour Collection</a> by Kallista. And while I am at it, how about the Kallista <a href="http://www.kallista.com/search.kls?searchString=janeway#">Janeway</a> Console Table (love the legs) ...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kallista.com/search.kls?searchString=janeway#"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332928715056783586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRvS0dKOT7LN25PazXGsQJB8dB5Cz5jgQNG0syZYwHmrOKWeBF2fIy8Z9KbG89zkx1v8HfAsByyEFSreQfTGP_O2w4lOR8omlrkcR3evV8ascY2bKlGOH1mMbSByq4iqXcswZZ5mCCfc/s400/aaa66345.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 329px;" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">The modern sconces paired with it in this photo from the <a href="http://www.kallista.com/home.kls">Kallista</a> image gallery would be a nice touch.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kallista.com/inspiration/roomgallery.kls"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332911326235544930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbjxrsz2z520Wsoqc3fPmC-GmCk-z8cc71Oj3lwWAscDSelz7CmHXpd7kMSUXvpor1x35l-2W6ZrMu1hO9gts9BSTxqqQjmu6YFJnjvL2tHq7_S1wajRL829IxhAGSbFCd37cEEuHeSU/s400/Kallistabath.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 313px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">But instead of white, I would go with this putty-colored glass tile ...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpBCBttljjkunJV_FjctXgIknbhXqYDdSe9tnKC81uYCiVNeKNJZzi-XUWYBV2ubJltAYH3MXxG8Tm8n4SkAKaCbe-6v1bZ_Om88oEoIYlWhTg4bR4zFTh9MD8JWyX9msqQ0zhLJUZmk/s1600-h/Lush5x2Dune_300.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332905771353603314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpBCBttljjkunJV_FjctXgIknbhXqYDdSe9tnKC81uYCiVNeKNJZzi-XUWYBV2ubJltAYH3MXxG8Tm8n4SkAKaCbe-6v1bZ_Om88oEoIYlWhTg4bR4zFTh9MD8JWyX9msqQ0zhLJUZmk/s400/Lush5x2Dune_300.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 304px;" /></a><span class="producttext">Modern 8mm Thick <a href="http://www.modwalls.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=320&HS=1">Mini Glass Subway Tile</a> from <a href="http://www.modwalls.com/">Modwalls</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Add some big, fluffy white towels and a couple of accents in black, and I would have a fun, sparkly like-new bathroom. Until then, I will keep this vision in my “I can dream” files.</span><br /></div>

House hunting and makeovers

In an effort to stimulate the spring real estate market, I am dedicating the next few days to “before and after” photos. For all you house hunters out there, before you walk away from what could be a dream home in disguise, think about temporary solutions that could transition you through potential …

Read more »