October 31, 2008

Bathroom


Usually I am not a fan of heavily themed rooms and this bath does not seem overly large  - yet there is something about this bathroom which makes one imagine relaxing in the candle-lit environment at night with a nice glass of wine and good company!

The view in the daytime must be a sight for sore eyes. The wooden flooring, light white drapes and a rustic ceiling make for a great space.

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October 28, 2008

Dining Room


In my previous home I was determined to rid the house of the deep dark depressing brown flocked wallpaper and gloss paint. As soon as I could I painted 3 layers of a warm white on all the walls and ceilings. The dining room came alive and after a lot of hard work managed to sell the property for a tidy profit.

This dining room reminds me very much of my previous home. Notice the great mass of storage space which manages to blend into the decor. Great space to store all your requirements for dining ware -  away from the kitchen.

The candelabra adds a special touch which doesn't seem out of place in this setting.

The padded dining chairs essential -matching comfort and style. The large rug demarcates areas wonderfully.

A great idea is to paint variations of white in different rooms or areas. White can seem and feel cold, especially when the temperature drops and good lighting, 'warming' accessories and proper placing of furniture in the room will ensure your diners focus on the ambience, good food and company. As the night draws in good quality scented candles can add a special something: flickers of light and a great smell.

Overall a great space, wouldn't you agree?

October 27, 2008

Lounge


This Manhattan apartment has a hint of retro and yet is stylish and warm. An apartment for a busy person who is style-conscious but not overly so. The furniture almost appears thrown together, yet an artful eye has carefully chosen these items although I'm not too sure about the wall art.

What do you think?

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October 24, 2008

Door


This hacienda door is an example of a doorway making a bold statement. Of course, the house itself must be equally as commanding.

Solidly built and the porch acts as a great lead to the door (the side areas resembling a portcullis) and into the great house.

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October 23, 2008

Lounge


This lounge is spacious and quite large yet manages, through effective zoning, to look cosy and inviting.

The focus here is on natural, neutral colours that are easy on the eye and aids relaxation. The sofas are large and are ones you could easily curl up on. A warming, attractive working fireplace is a lovely feature. 

The dining area has a lower ceiling  - much more intimate. 

Expanses of windows enables natural light to enter the room. Choice pieces of art, furniture, lighting  and accessories are restrained and are not allowed to overwhelm the space. 

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October 22, 2008

Bedroom


The view makes this room.

Adding colour to jazz it up to your own tastes would be quite inexpensive. The openness and minimal look lends itself to restful sleep and space to move around comfortably. Clean lines abound and great lighting adds to the overall look.

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October 20, 2008

Hallway


A hallway is the second stage after the front door. Your hallway is an entree to the rest of your home and so first impressions count. Clear away clutter.

Consider where you store your outdoor clothing and accessories. Do you have an unobtrusive space to store your shoes/boots? 

If your hallway is small it is a good idea to utilize color to create a sense of space. Or you may want to throw away conventional ideas and paint vivid bold colors which will match the rest of your home. Do what feels right to you and should you choose a colour you later dislike, the great thing about a small space is it is easy and relatively inexpensive to change.

Try to install hard-wearing flooring and choose a large internal doormat to prevent any outdoor debris being trampled through the home.

This hallway is obviously part of a large home but could be adapted to fit a smaller hallway. Add a chair or a small table. Make each piece as beautiful as possible as these pieces will be seen each time you leave and enter your home - let your hallway represent you.  

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October 16, 2008

Chair


Here is a great way of covering a chair which, although sturdy, may have seen better days. If you have a sewing machine and have basic sewing skills then this should be considered in the 'very easy' category. Just remember the old maxim 'measure twice and cut once'.

Consider your decor and use fabrics which tone and are hard-wearing. 

I think this simple enhancement would add much to any home - wouldn't you agree?

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October 14, 2008

Bedroom


This bedroom is so-oo romantic - even as a guest bedroom. Aim to keep the emphasis on subtlety. 600-thread Egyptian cotton bedding, vintage cotton bedlinen, comforters - all add to the physical comfort.

The matching mirrors could be replaced by co-ordinating works of art. Work with what you have currently and use imagination to improve a key piece of furniture you already have. Ensure you have sufficient light in the room, if not, then use artificial lighting to create an ambience of coziness. 

A great place to snuggle down and read a good book. A great space to wake up in!

October 13, 2008

Update: Free Banner Offer

Thank you to everyone who responded to my offer to create a 125 x 125 banner for free. I have succeeded in creating banners that people like and enjoy and failed with a couple!

Altogether I designed 11 banners and get a real kick out of seeing them on the different blogs and websites. I hope the majority of you liked your banners!

Along with the successes there must come failure... I have been unable to create a banner for The Little House in the Suburbs - this is because the banner that exists already is a good one and I could not better it. Sorry! But I will keep this banner on my site for 30 days as consolation for being unable to produce the goods  - I did try though!

I am thinking of doing something similar again before Xmas  - maybe you might need a Christmas-y theme for use short term over the festive period. If you do then get your ideas together, images, fonts, etc. and visit this blog for further notification some time in the near future. 

Thank you again - I had a lot of fun working on these banners!

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October 11, 2008

Bathroom


I really enjoy Robin Bell Design. Bold, traditional yet with a twist.  This bathroom can be replicated on a far lesser scale to good effect. I am a fan of thrift shops, especially in these constrained times, and relish finding an old mirror which needs a little TLC; an old table which could be painted to blend or contrast with my decor. 

Choose your pieces carefully - don't rush to try and bring the whole look together as could it appear a little contrived.

Alternatively you could contact Robin Bell Design and have them weave their magic in your bathroom or any other part of your home.

Remember I do not participate in pay-per-post type programmes and therefore anything you read within these posts are my own genuine recommendations for which I gain no financial benefits and I intend to keep it that way! Read with Confidence!

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October 9, 2008

Lifesaver

Everyone I know currently has one eye on what is happening regarding global economics and it is easy to forget essentials at home. Do you have a smoke detector/fire alarm? If you do, when did you last check it was working properly, change the batteries?

If you don't have one I suggest that you read the guidelines below and purchase the required number of units for your acommodation - place on your 'priority purchase' list.

There are many types on the market and you might find it useful to search your local area or the internet for reliable ones which have great reviews regarding their performance.

Once you have installed your smoke detector(s) it is important to follow these guidelines in order to keep you and your loved ones safe.

The cost of a smoke detector may seem expensive if you are on a tight budget, but not if it saves you and your family from injury or even worse. Just imagine the trauma, expense and inconvenience of a fire occurring in your home to which you have not been alerted quickly enough. 

A serious must-have item for people who understand the devastating effects fires can have.

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Remember I do not participate in pay-per-post type programmes and therefore anything you read within these posts are my own genuine recommendations for which I gain no financial benefits and I intend to keep it that way! Read with Confidence!

October 8, 2008

Patio

For some of us the colder winters are drawing in but for those in warmer climes this might be the perfect time to organise your outdoor space. This patio uses a warm terracotta colour and ensures that a variety of tones and textures are used throughout with a dash of white. 

Add hardy plants which suit their positioning and require little attention although try not to drown the area with plants - choose carefully - less is more here!

If your local weather conditions include much rain then change the roof cover to a solid, waterproof material - ensuring you can relax outdoors in most weather conditions without getting wet. Consider the amount of overhang you would require - a larger overhang gives more coverage to the space beneath it.

A beautiful space! Wouldn't you agree?

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October 6, 2008

Quilt


If you live in the Northern Hemisphere and 'enjoy' cold winters then what could be more impressive currently than to have a hand-made quilt gracing your bed and keeping you warm on a chilly night.

Quilts last for generations and are considered of great sentimental value and heirlooms passed on through families. 

If you are new to quilting then it is advisable to start small, a cushion is a good item to start with. Ensure you have gathered the right tools: needles, thimbles, sharp scissors/shears, thread, iron, ironing board, sleeve board, etc.

There are so many retailers and artisans selling beautiful handmade quilts, even antique quilts and innumerable resources available on the internet to enable you to create a beautiful work of art.

Now there's an idea: Creating a patchwork quilt for the winter! (or buying!)

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October 5, 2008

Bedroom


Looking to change your bedroom without spending a fortune? This bedroom is simple yet won't break the bank trying to recreate it. Skip the wood panelling on the walls and instead paint the walls a cool calm colour. If you have a metal beadstead that has seen better days consider priming and spray painting to give it a fresh look.

Your nightstands, or bedside tables can be made simply from wooden or chipboard/plywood covered with co-ordinating fabric or painted with hardwearing paints.

Bedside lighting is important and free-standing lights tend to be more versatile than ones fixed to the wall. Lampshades are important and a bedroom requires softened light yet still bright enough to enable you to read comfortably.

Choose a main colour and add accessories to enhance the look of the whole room. Try thrift shops for old, vintage-type fabrics and make a few cushions to match for the bed. A handmade quilt can be all it takes to add that je ne sais quoi. 

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October 2, 2008

Chair


Classic styles never go out of fashion and this chair falls into that category. A chair that makes a statement in any colour yet combines elegance, beauty and padded comfort. Timeless.

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