Friday, September 4, 2009

Tips around the House...

Every once in a while I get the urge to do a thorough clean-up and organize around the house. As I got everything done, I decided it was time for me to finally add a new post to this blog...it's almost been a year! This is our theatre room. Try to see past the Raiders-Lakers decor and how the room is balanced. On both sides we have different decor but everything "mirrors," if you will, something on the opposite side of the room. The decor does not have to be the same shape or size, but in the same spot directly on the opposite side of the room. This accomplishes balance and makes everything flow nicely, aka, Feng Shui. Under the Raiders jacket is a toybox (not pictured)...it plays opposite the hanging sign below the Raiders banner.


Color. I love color. Many people are "afraid" of color. I use to be more bold in paint-colors but have since mellowed-out a bit. A few years back while my husband and I were "flipping" a couple homes I learned of the importance of color choices and re-sell value. Of course, if you are in a home for good or plan on staying a long length of time there is nothing wrong with bolder options that fit your personality. Paint can easily and affordably be changed. At our house, I now choose to use neutral colors with what I call "punches" of accent colors in the decor and on either one wall or a section of wall. Here you can see orange and green-blue accents in various places of the space. On the encove (family room, above fireplace) we have chosen a soft mint-green color to accent the space. I LOVE IT! When I'm feeling like my kitchen and/or nook-space looks a little boring- I will set the table and add a few "punches" of color to spice things up for a while. Notice the flowers. I also love bringing the outdoors in...this is refreshing and welcoming. Try fresh flowers in any space where you and guests can see them upon walking-into the room. This is very welcoming and a great way to add color.




Most people love pictures. Especially when they are of close family and friends full of great memories and moments. However, pictures can become overwhelming and look very cluttering in a space. Save personal photos for hallways and staircases. These area areas we pass by often enough to view and enjoy the photos but do not make a space look cluttered. Keep in mind that when hanging pictures you should have a theme or pattern to your display. This will help things looking neat and clean.




I love my kitchen. The granite, cabinetry, hardwoods and backsplash speak for themselves. However, I use small pieces to throw in some color, some personality if you will. Here are my green mugs. Also, I enjoy placing small "displays" in areas that actually give a "name" to the space...like this example near my coffee pot- "Espresso Bar."




DECLUTTER. Only place your most needed/used items on counters in your kitchen. Kitchens can look messy very quickly. Canisters are somewhat decorative, coffee pots, toasters and kitchen knives are used almost daily at our house...so they stay out. Notice where I have thrown-in some color...the sheers, the centerpiece (with pot-pourri), mugs, flowers, etc.
LESS IS MORE in the kitchen!






Another example of "punches" or "splashes" of color. Our front living space is the first room one sees when entering our home. A very trendy color scheme now is red and orange with aqua and/or green. I recently had this front room painted from red to a neutral brown color and repainted the staircase wall with an orange terra-cotta color. More neutral, easier for re-sell and easy to change the one wall if needbe. All the color but the orange wall can be removed and changed-out if I get the itch to change the color scheme, the wall is small and the color can be changed easily and affordably.








Last but not least, our bedroom. Pillows. I love pillows. Sure you have to take them on and off everyday, but they look good. They make you want to jump in and snuggle-up. They look more luxurious than say a comforter thrown over the pillows you sleep on everynight. Also a great opportunity to add color. Notice the nightstand. Fresh flowers. Welcoming, calming, beautiful. Try to work decorative pieces in 3 and 5's. Otherwise decorations can look unbalanced and/or cluttered. Candles in a bedroom are comforting and romantic. Notice the hanging candle from the ceiling above the bed...there are 2, one on each side.
Thank you for visiting today and I hope you found some of the tips helpful. Now go tidy-up!






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