Well now that the kids are out of school, you are going to need to moderate their activities and I have found the perfect solution. Remember the old screen door; turns out it’s back in style.  If you think screen doors are used mainly to keep insects out of the house, you are incorrect.  Screen doors are a brilliant invention and they’ve played an important role in the evolution of mankind.
Don’t believe me?  I’ll prove it!

First, go out and buy a screen door.  Next paint it in a shocker color (they have been forewarned) and have it installed. Yep, no doubt about it, this is going to be one of the best summers of your life.

Now peak outside and see if it’s raining.  If it’s not, tell the kids LOOKS LIKE ITS A GOOD DAY TO GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY.  Remember to take note of the whites of their eyes as they widen in shock and disbelief, that’s your cue to escort them out the door.  When they protest, assure them that you are serious as a heart attack and fall on the floor for all I care, but DO NOT GIVE IN!

Once they are out, keep them out by using the little latch that comes on the door.  You can monitor their activities and listen to what’s going on through the screen, but children need to be outside and learn to have fun on their own.  What happens if they don’t? They’ll come home after college and they’ll NEVER leave!

It’s the old screen door trick, and if our grandparents could do it, so can you!

Ok, this one is for all you non-gardeners.  (It’s also for the folks who were too darn busy to plant flowers in their gardens this past spring.)  Fortunately, Fermob (http://www.fermobusa.com/) has got you covered.  That cute little French company has come up with a line of outdoor furniture in eye-popping colors and it’s catching on like wild fire!

Plant a few of these pieces on your patio.  The colors are absolutely charming!  You’ll want to spend a lot of time outside where you can see them, and the fresh air is good for you remember?  You don’t have to water these petunias either.  If they do get wet so what, this stuff is tuff!

You’ll look like a master gardener without knowing the difference between an annual and a perennial.  (Fermob (http://www.fermobusa.com/) would be perennial plant.  It comes back every year.  Buy it once and you don’t have to replace it.) Your eyes are going to be happy with the colors that Fermob has created, but your nose will know that something is missing.

Now buy a couple of plants that are blooming with fragrant flowers.  Put them in pots and place them out on the patio.  It does not get any easier than this — I mean it!

Congratulate yourself for being so smart, then sit back and ENJOY!

Boy, do we love red!  Put it on lips, nails, cars and we all take notice.  It’s exciting, it’s riveting and it leaves us wanting for more. Whoever thought of painting fire trucks that strange yellow/green knew exactly what they were doing.  We move out of the way when we see it coming, the color repels us!  But red, it’s like eye candy.  We stop, take notice, and drink it all in.

Feeling lonely?  Paint your front door red.  Seriously!  You’ll have more company than you know what to do with.  A red door is like a magnet, people are drawn to it.  Take a look at the pictures below and notice what your eyes are doing.  They’ll move from one red dot to another.  Our eyes are sensitive to red, they like to play connect the dots with it.

As a decorator I often hear people say how much they love red.  They want to use it everywhere.  My advice to them is this: milk red it for all it’s worth!  Meaning less is definitely more.  If you go out and paint the town red, chances are you aren’t going to feel too good about it the next morning.  Same thing goes for decorating your entire room in the color.  Think of red like little kisses; sprinkle them all around your room.  And remember, a little bit of red goes a long, long way!

SURE YOU CAN!

That’s the answer to the question about mixing traditional pieces of furniture with modern  ones.  It’s a unique look that no one will be able to duplicate.  Who wants to live in a room ordered out of a catalogue anyway?  We’re all different and ideally our homes reflect that fact.

Remember that antique chest you found a few years ago?

USE IT!  A room with furniture from different time periods is like a family gathering with  members from different generations.  It makes things a lot more interesting. It could be color,  scale or perhaps a stylized line, but find an element that all the pieces have in common and  then point it out!

Accent color helps these furniture pieces ‘speak to each other.

A series of artwork adds rhythm to the ‘conversation’.

Go ahead and mix it up!
Enjoy moving your traditional furniture around, and add a few modern pieces as well. Who knows, when your relatives show up, they may actually approve!

Our bedroom is the one room that can completely make or break our day.  A good night’s sleep is so important for our waking hours,  it seems logical that the bedroom would be one of the most important rooms to decorate.  Beyond just making the room look pretty, it is essential to make it as restful and relaxing as possible.  The tips below will help you create a calming retreat in your bedroom (however, you can certainly apply these principles to any room where you would like a bit of serenity!)

• Use restful colors and a limited palate.  Stick to neutrals and muted colors.  Steer clear of reds, oranges, yellows, or anything too bright.  Though these colors are wonderful in other, livelier parts of the home, they will only serve to create energy and keep you awake. Try to use colors from nature.

• Calming colors will be most effective when used in large expanses, so make sure that your walls and rugs are pretty and subdued.
• Stick to symmetry.  It creates a sense of balance and order; think two nightstands, two lamps, matching pillows.
• Consider textures. Soft silks, cozy knits, rough sisals, and faux fur all contribute to an organic, tactile experience.  Use a variety of colors and textures in your bedding.  The sheets, duvet, coverlet, shams, and blanket should be a mix of fabrics that complement each other beautifully.

• While an overhead light might be functional, it is certainly not the most relaxing way to light your bedroom.  Use a variety of lamps and sconces to create an intimate feeling.  Pink, low wattage bulbs are the most flattering.
• Hang artwork that is peaceful.  Landscapes are the best option.  Limit photographs and mirrors; these pieces are too high energy for somewhere that you should be relaxing.

• Make sure to keep your nightstand uncluttered.  The last thing that you want to do is go to sleep to and wake up to a pile of to-do’s and mess.  This could mean using a nightstand that is too small to fit clutter.  A small vase of fresh flowers is a lovely thing to wake up to.

Use these tips to create your own version of the perfect restful retreat and remember that creating a calming bedroom is one of the best investments that you can make in your life and home.

Ikat prints have made it big on the runway and interiors all over, however, ikats aren’t just a trend, but a complex textile with a long history dating back to the 10th century.  The word ikat is derived from the Malaysian word, mengikat, meaning to tie, knot, bind, or wind around.  Ikats receive their unique watery look through a three step process where the fiber is tie-dyed, woven into long, narrow strips, and then carefully patched together to create width.   These exotic fabrics are a favorite among many interior designers, whether introduced in a simple throw pillow, window treatments, or wall covering.

Ikat pillows add spice to an otherwise neutral living space

Blue, yellow, and white ikat window treatments dress up this master bedroom

Bold wall paper sets the tone for this fun bedroom

Every room needs a stand out piece like the tradional upholstered chair below

This bold ikat sofa is the only pattern needed in the colorful living room below

Below, artwork is created with an ikat print fabric

Green is a calming color, perfect for any room in the home.  It is the color of health, renewal, and rebirth.  Depending on the hue, you can set it against white, black, or brown and have a crisp, contrasting look. Whether you choose a moss green or a bright spring green, green is a healing color that will leave you peacefully invigorated and refreshed.

Photo: Southern Living

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Photo: Coastal Living

Photo: House Beautiful

Photo: Real Simple

Photo: House Beautiful

Photo: White House Museum

Photo: My Home Ideas

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Choosing a kitchen countertop material takes into account several factors including your lifestyle and cooking needs, durability, and appearance.  From natural stone to man made solid surfaces, there are a myriad of options to choose from and there is one that will be the perfect choice for your kitchen.

• Natural Stone countertops are a durable, attractive option that has become increasingly popular in homes.  Granite is available in a wide variety of colors, ensuring that there is one that will coordinate with your kitchen color scheme.  It is necessary to seal granite every 10 to 15 years to prevent staining, and you must clean granite with a specially made stone cleaner.

Photo: My Home Ideas

• Plastic Laminate is a budget friendly countertop option that stands up the toughest of kitchens.  It is made of layers of recycled paper and resin placed between clear plastic and mounted onto fiberboard or plywood.  You can clean plastic laminate with most any household cleaner which makes it an easy to maintain option as well.

Photo: My Home Ideas

• Solid Surface countertops are man made materials that are made to resemble natural stone.  The advantage that these manufactured countertops have over real stone is their durability and resistance to damage.  Solid surfaces are not easily stained or scratched, and when they are, they are easy to repair by sanding or filling the offending area.  Almost any stone can be recreated in a manufactured surface, and the cost is similar to that of granite.

Photo: My Home Ideas

There are also less commonly used countertop options that have their advantages, such as tile, wood, stainless steel or concrete.  These can make for a great look in a kitchen from the country to the contemporary, though each tends to be a little less family friendly.   Whether you choose a natural material or a manufactured material, there is sure to be a perfect countertop to meet your needs in function and style.

Choosing a dining table can be one of the easiest steps in decorating your dining room or breakfast area.  It is a formula driven process that basically leads you straight to the right table!  Below are the tips and tricks that will guide you directly to the perfect dining table for your space.

Photo: Viva Terra

1. Measure your space. Double check the measurements. You should even mark out the size of your desired table on the floor with masking tape. Do not leave the house until you have done this. The worst feeling in the world is to fall in love with a table, bring it home, and find that there isn’t enough room to walk around it.

2. Allow 30-36 inches of space between the table and anything around it, whether it is a wall, a buffet, a cabinet, etc.  This is how much room you need to scoot your chair back or walk through.

3. How many people will typically sit at your table?  Most people are comfortable with about 2 feet of dining space, maybe a little less.  If you have a small family but regularly throw larger dinner parties, consider a table with extensions so that you don’t feel that you are yelling across the table when it is just the few of you.

4. Rectangular tables are much more space efficient than round or oval tables.  There is much less room wasted in the middle (diners only need 14″ depth of space.)  However, round tables are the most conducive to easy conversation with a larger group.  Consider how much space you have and decide accordingly.

5. Dining tops are available in wood, veneer, acrylic, and glass.  Determine the level of durability that your lifestyle requires – think about how often you entertain, how often you actually sit at the table to enjoy a nice meal.

Photo: Mrs. Howard

Accent lighting in the kitchen is a great way to update your kitchen.  Not only does it add a touch of ambiance but it can serve to light up your workspace.  Under cabinet, in cabinet, and above cabinet lighting will warm up the look of your kitchen and provide a bit of homeyness that you can’t achieve with overhead lighting. Interior Designing Is All About deceitful The Home & office In Such A manner That It Should Reflect Your Active Personality With Unique And Innovative Designs, So That The Space Should Look nice-looking, Peaceful, simple To Use And Well Functional. Interior design companies in Boston serve as your guide in taking that journey to create your much desired change. Commercial interior designers give the best office interior solution for business or commercial buildings, business establishments, corporate offices or showrooms.

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For a fairly inexpensive weekend project, kitchen accent lighting can make a huge difference in the look of your kitchen.  Whether you choose above cabinet, under cabinet, in cabinet lighting, or some combination of the three, the results will make a warm and welcoming place to gather the family every day.