Spruce Up For Spring!

Well it is that time of year again!  The warm weather is here and we need to get out and clean up our yards, porches, decks, patios, outdoor furniture etc, etc!  And since it seems to ALREADY be midsummer(umm, 89 degrees?),  I regret having to inform y'all that you are already behind...so, I thought I would share some tips to help get you started.

1. Maintain/Clean patio and porch furniture-  Most types of furniture can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a large soft brush, then rinsed with a hose.  For wicker and teak furniture, you can use a soft scrub brush and Murphy Oil Soap, then rinse with water. The use of harsh detergents or bleach can actually damage some types of furniture over time.  And you should always hose down your furniture once a week, if possible, to maintain furniture.

modern patio design by new york architect Dufner Heighes Inc
2. Clean out your flower and plant beds- I like to wait until it rains to weed my yard.  We should all do a "once over" in the yard, and pull as many weeds by hand as possible.  This also gives us the opportunity to check out our beds and see where we are starting to get good regrowth from our perennials! It also gives us a chance to turnover the soil in the beds.

traditional landscape design by portland landscape architect Samuel H. Williamson Associates
3. Clean out your gutters- This task can be tough for is those with 2 or more floors!  But for those with homes on all one level, it would be wise to get up there and see what is going on and clean out any major clogs or problem areas!
4. Clean your deck-  If you have one, go ahead and get it done!  you will be happy that you tackled it and you can move forward with the grilling and relaxing!  Olympic Premium deck cleaner will work well and let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with water.

modern patio design by san francisco architect Fulcrum Structural Engineering
5. Declutter your garage- Now this can be a big one, depending on the condition of your garage.  If you can take on the garage and clean it out and sweep the floors, Go For It!  If not, then you can take on the areas that you use the most or the areas that may be cluttering the entrance to your home.  By tackling these targeted areas, it is not as overwhelming, but it will make a big difference when you pass by it everyday!

traditional exterior design by minneapolis architect Murphy & Co. Design
6. Clean your windows! I plan on taking off my screens, cleaning my windows and then leaving my screens off! I want pretty shiny windows for awhile thank you very much!  Use a squeegee and a homeade solution and you will be shocked at the results. Try this: One gallon of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 tsp dish detergent.  You can also add a squirt of lemon, if you have it.  Make sure you wash windows in the shade, as well.

traditional bedroom design by new york architect Crisp Architects
7. Wash away the winter grime- sweep your sidewalk and driveway and use a pressure washer, if you have one.  If not, hose them down and scrub any specific areas that need it and move on!

traditional exterior design by other metros design-build Witt Construction
8. Scrub your grill- soak grill grates in warm soapy water. scrape inside the hood and clean the sides with a grill brush.  Hose off the grates and scrub them.

modern patio design by boston appliances Clarke

If you are able, then purchase a new inexpensive door mat and a flowering shrub or plant to place next to your main entry!  Now it is time to start the grilling!  If you have any special cleaners or methods that you would like to share, please let us know!

traditional entry design by san francisco architect ACANTHUS Architecture & Design, San Francisco, CA

Top Spring 2012 Color Trends! Great Job, Pantone!

Okay people...let's talk color!  You will be seeing many items for the home that are inspired by this group of colors that are tops for Spring 2012 as presented by Pantone.  I already have my favorites and I look forward to adding some flair to my home with Solar Power and Sodalite Blue!  Let's take a look-

Chances are, you already have some version of at least one and maybe more of these colors in your home!  And it is really very simple to "freshen up" without overhauling!  For example, your living room may be decorated in classic blue and white with accents of one other color.  After you take a look at this list, you find that you really like Sodalite blue and you begin to see a lot of accents in stores that appeal to you, as well.  Let's say that the color blue in your home is a lighter shade of blue than Sodalite and it has some gray in it.  Perfect!  Start with accent pillows and mix deeper Sodalite pillows with your lighter shade of blue.  Add a lamp in a beautiful Sodalite color!  This will add much more depth to your blue and white room and you still keep the classic combination.   Even better,  if  the color Driftwood appeals to you, then it presents another opportunity for accents in this room in combination with the blues and whites!  Anything like picture frames, candlesticks, throw blankets, pillows and even a rug in these colors will be beautiful in your room and you will still maintain that integrity of the classic color combination!  

                              traditional living room design by new york interior designer Tiffany Eastman Interiors, LLC

Notice all of the different tones of color in the pillows and the beautiful grays that have been incorporated in the palette.  This is a very rich and interesting way to keep a clean palette without it falling flat.

                                 contemporary living room design by san francisco interior designer Amoroso Design


A beautiful and effective example of lilacs and grays!  As you look at the trends, you can infuse different variations of grays and lilacs to "update" the palette that is already in your home!

                                                                                                  contemporary living room design

 Add a little "Cockatoo" to your palette as well!

                                                                                   eclectic entry design by austin interior designer Frisson


Above, you see a vibrant and dynamic version of Solar Power and Sodalite Blue!  If you have a home with a lot of black and white, or black, white and gray....then Solar Power would be an amazing choice to add to your palette with fun accents.  You could also try cabaret with those color palettes.

                                                                      bedroom design by new york interior designer TILTON FENWICK


As you can see, the combination of blues and oranges are always striking.  Depending on your style, you can gauge the intensity of color that you want to use, as well as the amounts of each color in the room.  This year, the top color on the list is actually Tangerine Tango... and the perfect partner is a version of cockatoo!

                                                                 traditional bedroom design by little rock interior designer Tobi Fairley

                                                                                   contemporary dining room design by architect Annis Lender


So take a look at the top colors for the spring and if one really speaks to you, then consider adding it to one of your rooms in your home.  Often, when you know you may be adding accents, it is best to step back from your room and edit any pieces that look extraneous.  Maybe they should go in to a cabinet for storage or maybe they are a little worn and could be given to a charitable cause.  Only add accents to a clean and properly edited room ( "edited" does NOT mean getting rid of your sofa or entertainment center).

Good luck and have fun!  Share your favorite colors from the Spring Color Trends with us! How will you add some interest to your home with colors from this palette?

Got 20 Minutes? Then You Can Feel Better About Yourself and The Beginning Of Your Week!

                                            contemporary kitchen design by atlanta interior designer Brian Watford ID

Do you want to feel a little better about yourself, your family and your home?  Well, of course there are a myriad effective answers to this open-ended question....but today, I want to focus on answering this question by taking the easy way out because sometimes we just need to!  If you lack time, energy and extra funds, there are some surprisingly simple ways to do this.

Let's say that you have 20 minutes this evening, after dinner and baths etc. to give yourself a better start to your week.  I would take that 20 minutes and head to the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it is often the space that every family utilizes and frequents, often first in the morning and last in the evening.

This is going to sound a little simplistic, but just trust me and give it a shot.  Don't worry, you won't have to clean out all of your drawers and pantry in 20 minutes, besides...how much difference is that going to make to you and your family immediately?

Okay, here we go...

                     traditional kitchen design by chicago kitchen and bath Jane Kelly, Designer for Airoom LLC




• Clean up any big mess, wipe down the counters and get any dishes out of the sink into the dishwasher
• Take a step back and look at your countertops.  Empty as many small appliances, oils, extra decor off the countertops!  Now, do you really need that blender or mixer out on your counter every day?  NO!  Find a spot under the sink, in a closet off of the kitchen, in the pantry on the top shelf etc.  Essentially, you need handsoap by the sink and perhaps a sponge.  You may like to have salt and pepper near the stove.  The reality is that many families "over-decorate" their kitchens and there is usually some level of random decor residing on the countertops.  Trust me when I tell you that emptying your countertops of excess makes a bigger difference than you would expect.  Just do it. and then, wipe your counters down again.
• Switch out your kitchen towels if you use cloth towels
• Visit your back yard or the grocery store tomorrow am or pm and purchase some inexpensive fresh flowers.  Get home and put them in a mason jar, small bucket, glass vase..whatever you have.
• Wipe down the kitchen table and if no one is seated and eating, there should be NO table setting.  In other words, no staging with placemats and accoutrement!  You are not staging your home to sell and you are not a food stylist, so the kitchen table should be clean and empty..unless you have some extra flowers.

                                        eclectic kitchen design by boston kitchen and bath Artisan Kitchens LLC

 Now, do you really use that pretty canister set every day?  Have you ever used all the bright colored infused oils?  Your answer may be yes, but for now, move them out of immediate sight and experience the difference.  And then add back only the items that you really use or find beautiful.

Now, if you are thinking...I don't have a place to put this stuff.  Well here is my answer.  First, just put the "Stuff" in a basket or bag and literally place it wherever you can to get it out of sight, even if it isn't going in a location that makes sense.  Here is the reason.  You need to experience the peace of simplicity in a commonly used space.  This can be a test if you wish.  Maybe you try it and then you enjoy it and you rethink your storage.  Or...maybe you rethink some of the stuff and realize that it might be time to donate!

Remember, this is NOT about achieving perfection or the perfect looking kitchen!  It is about owning items in your home that are placed there with SOME level of forethought.  Reduce the clutter, reduce the stress.

Either way, give yourself a little break and start the week off with a clean open space in the kitchen and spend only 20 minutes to get there.  Everyone benefits and your family will notice!

                                     modern kitchen design by san francisco architect John Maniscalco Architecture

Did Someone Say Mint Julep?

Did Someone say Mint Julep?  Because the next big style trend for 2012 is Horse Country!  Okay ladies, how many of us wanted that pony when we were little girls and we never got one!  Well here is our chance to fill our homes with horse decor and be totally legit...We can become "horse" people overnight!  It simply takes a little imagination and a little time to create your own "mini estate."

                                       traditional home office design by baltimore interior designer Johnson Berman



As you may already know, this style is classic and traditional featuring dark furnishings and leather as well as velvets and plaids... Think classic Ralph Lauren or Biltmore Estate.  Jacqueline deMontravel of Romantic Homes magazine describes it as "handsome and layered."

                                           eclectic living room design by new york interior designer Anthony Baratta LLC

                                    traditional staircase design by new york interior designer Anthony Baratta LLC


As you begin your search for equestrian goodies, look for worn leather, silver, plaid blankets or upholstery, equine art and prints, trophies and horse-show ribbons.  The good news is that this style often overlaps with some of the other top trends we have discussed such as vintage and farmhouse styles, as well.

                                                               traditional dinnerware design by Gracious Style

                                                         traditional accessories and decor design

                                                modern dressers chests and bedroom armoires design by Layla Grayce

                                                                  eclectic table lamps design by Candelabra


Okay y'all...saddle up!  Check out www.horsecountrycarrot.com for some serious inspiration!  And of course, www.ralphlauren.com.  Do you already have a little equestrian influence in your home?  Where do you like to shop for your horse country items?

The Gustavian Style Trend....Less Really Is More!

Gustavian...of or relating to the reign of the Swedish Kings or any one of the Swedish Kings named Gustavus...what?  I know, that is what I was thinking.  Maybe this will help.

Jacqueline deMontravel of Romantic Homes magazine describes Gustavian style as "the functional country version of a decadent French palace."  Now we are getting somewhere!  Gustavian is essentially Swedish design that embraces light airy spaces, pale milky blues and grays and simple lines.  As a young man, King Gustav of Sweden spent some time visiting Versailles and fell in love with the ornate french style of Louis XVI.  King Gustav returned home and these influences were eventually translated into a more simple, but equally rich aesthetic that became Gustavian.

                                               eclectic living room design by london interior designer swedish interior design

As with the other styles that we have been reviewing for 2012, Gustavian evokes a specific feeling or mood. There is a definitive nod to European History with this aesthetic and one cannot help but feel regal in its surroundings.  The richness of this style comes not only with its implied history, but in its carefully edited sophistication.  One of the hallmarks of this style is a lack of unnecessary ornamentation and minimal use of accessories.

                                                  eclectic spaces design by seattle media and blogs Splendid Willow

                                 traditional dining room design by san francisco interior designer Kathleen Burke Design


When you begin to consider Gustavian style, think of linen and muslin, slipcovered furniture, and blue and white china.  The colors that were most popular in the Gustavian period were grey, yellow ochre and swedish blue, and the finish associated with this style of furniture is a dull matte finish.

                                   traditional dressers chests and bedroom armoires design by The Picket Fence

thepicketfence.com

www.1stdibs.com

www.1stdibs.com

Take a look at the following sites for some beautiful items in the Gustavian tradition.  

• www.stbarthshome.com
• www.1stdibs.com
• www.realgustavian.com

Do you have any sources for Gustavian items or Swedish antiques?  Do you think that this is a style that you would like to incorporate into your home?  let us know what you think!

Let Freedom Ring! Add A Little Americana To Your Home...

Need a little inspiration for adding a little Americana to your mix?  Take a look at some red, white and blue finds at Etsy!

The Ultimate Timeless Style...Patriotism

How do Stars and Stripes fit into your home?  If they are not already present in some form, maybe you should consider the addition of a little patriotism into your space!  The next top style trend for 2012 is "Made in America."

eclectic exterior design

Americana is an aesthetic that should hold some meaning for all of us!  Fortunately, there are many ways to incorporate this casual and comfortable concept into our homes.  When I think of Americana and home, the first name that comes to mind is Ralph Lauren.  As you know, Ralph Lauren created a lifestyle brand that became the defining concept for American Style.



Classic American Style is casual and unaffected. It exemplifies quality and its treasures are meant to be handed down...Pendleton blankets, weathered leather chairs, antique trunks, American Flags, whitewashed wood, old family trophies and a warm fire in the fireplace.

                                     traditional kitchen design by dc metro interior designer Sroka Design, Inc.


Your concept of "American Made" may include lighter colors and simple style and my idea of it may be a little more rugged...like a log home or a ranch.

                     traditional family room design by san francisco architect Ward-Young Architecture & Planning

                       traditional exterior design by san francisco architect Ward-Young Architecture & Planning

Or maybe, your choice for Americana is as simple as adding some red, white and blue!

                                                                        eclectic artwork design by rusticdecorating.com

                                                                     eclectic living room design by Horchow

                                                                   traditional serveware design by Wisteria

                                      traditional kids design by grand rapids architect Visbeen Associates, Inc.

Isn't it about time? Patriotism and honoring good traditions should never go out of style.  Go ahead and become a trend setter in your own neighborhood... make sure that you have an American flag hanging somewhere in your home or in your yard.  How do you show your tribute to Americana style?  What are your favorite sources for vintage American finds?

Finding Farmhouse Flair! It's an Etsy Treasury!

Does the Farmhouse style appeal to you?  If so, then you should take a look at Etsy for some beautiful finds that help to define that aesthetic...

Farmhouse Flair in 2012

"Wide Open Spaces" and good ole cowboy boots are required for this next "Top 2012 Style Trend."  Well, maybe you can get by without the wide open space if you have to, but I would recommend a pair of cool cowboy boots....for Farmhouse style.

traditional exterior design
by burlington architect Smith & Vansant Architects PC

I really began to notice the prominence of this aesthetic when my design magazines started to include articles and photographs of chicken coop plans that are nicer than most family homes!  Hey...I am ALL for chickens having a beautiful place to live but do they really need a replica of The Biltmore House?

Well,  it is true that many families around the country have embraced the tradition of raising livestock in even the most "suburban" types of neighborhoods...and they are doing it quite successfully.  My feeling is that this style trend has gained popularity for reasons beyond the "look."  I believe that this trend encompasses a little more... like the idea of embracing our roots in these tough times and the importance of finding pleasure in the simplest of tasks like getting your hands dirty in your own garden and cooking fresh eggs for your family in the morning.

contemporary dining room design by boston architect ZeroEnergy Design

It just so happens that farmhouse style is pretty fabulous and we all know that every farmhouse is full of old stories- when we include items in our lives that have a history, life becomes a lot more interesting indeed.

Farmhouse is a state of mind and a way of life in many cases, but it is also possible to incorporate special items into your home without going the way of the coop!  Often the look includes lighter, neutral tones and  distressed furnishings- with the occasional bright antique quilt or bright painted tin sign.

                              traditional dining room design by austin architect Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Many would say that the kitchen table is the heart of the home in a farmhouse...the place where every day would begin and end and where a lot of those famous stories were told.  If you ask me this is not a bad tradition to uphold and certainly, it is not a bad look.

                               traditional dining room design by atlanta interior designer Yvonne McFadden LLC

The good news for our wallets- there are many items from which to choose that have a beautiful patina and that is a key word to remember when it comes to farmhouse.  Take a look at your regional flea markets and make sure to visit the next Country Living Fair  in Ohio or Austin and you will find everything you ever dreamed would be in a traditional American farmhouse...but don't forget to wear your cowboy boots.

                                  traditional kitchen design by san francisco design-build Canyon Design Build

Farmhouse style is whatever you decide that it is for you and for your home.  There are so many possibilities and so many sources. Inspiration is all around you and if you are lucky enough to live in the country, then get in your car and take a drive.  You won't believe the things you see when you are paying attention!

                                                              traditional serveware design by piperclassics.com

                                                         eclectic dining chairs and benches design by Factory 20

                                                       contemporary bathroom sinks design by WS Bath Collections

                                                                      eclectic storage boxes design by Etsy


So here is the plan...wait for a pretty day, put on your jeans and cowboy boots, put a Rascal Flatts disk in the car, roll down the windows and head for the hills. You will be sure to find your inspiration and you might just find a little adventure as well!