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

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 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!

It Is Time For A Little Vintage In Your Life...and I Don't Mean Wine!

Today I want to display some fun ideas for vintage items that can be added to your home!  In addition to the resources I mentioned in my last post,  Etsy has become another website to check for hot vintage finds!

So..it is time to freshen up with a little vintage for the home...consider mixing your flatware and dinnerware to use many different patterns that you enjoy, rather than the "matchy matchy" route!  Or add a quilt to the bottom of your bed, stack several pieces of luggage to use as a nightstand in your bedroom or add a globe to your desk in your home office.

VINTAGE VA VA VOOM

eclectic bedroom design by media and blogs Dreamy Whites

Next on the list for 2012 style trends is...Vintage!  Yes, we all love vintage.  It is always a little more interesting to incorporate items with a story into our spaces.  Whenever I see an old metal and wood school desk/chair combo, it immediately brings up old memories of days gone by, not to mention it sparks my curiosity as to the specific history that resides within that particular chair.



Vintage items are those that have been "loved" and passed on for others to "love."  Whether we are talking about Levi's, old industrial lighting, teacups, or linens... Vintage just makes our lives a little more interesting.


Even better...many vintage items can be extremely affordable!  Start your Saturday with a visit to some yard sales and a flea market, peruse some thrift shops and end the day with a quick dumpster dive (Of course, check Ebay and Craigslist before bed). - You never know what you will find!

modern living room design by los angeles media and blogs Dabito

contemporary family room design by boston media and blogs Justine Hand

Mothology always features beautiful vintage items. You will never be disappointed when you visit this site!

www.mothology.com

 

www.mothology.com

Three Potato Four Shop is another fun website that is constantly changing and adding to the inventory of  unique finds.  Some of my favorite discoveries at www.threepotatofourshop.com, are the depression-era mugshots!  What a great conversation starter...talk about an item having its own story!

www.threepotatofourshop.com

And don't forget RELIQUE!

www.relique.com

www.relique.com

Where do you find your vintage?  What other styles do you incorporate in your home with your vintage items?  Any secret "go-to" vintage websites?

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With Strings...

Okay, so we all know that there is wrapping paper and then...there is wrapping paper.   There are creative, whimsical, and beautifully wrapped gifts and then there are...well..just wrapped gifts.

First let me make a short statement or disclaimer of decency-  when we are given gifts by friends and loved ones, what matters is the thought behind the gift and the act of giving.  The manner in which the gift is wrapped is of no importance or can sometimes be endearing when one is wrapped by a child or an "unskilled" wrapper.

But sometimes, the way a gift is wrapped can also be a small part of the gift.  This Christmas (or Hanukkah), consider taking a few extra minutes to select gift wrap, and to take some time to wrap the gift for your friend or loved one.  When you take pride in how your gift looks and you know that you took some special time to carefully wrap it, then you deliver it differently.

www.countryliving.com

You should give it a try, you may be surprised.  Just remember that it doesn't have to be luxury paper or expensive ribbon...a little creativity goes a long way.   You can use candies or lollipops, or even round stickers to create polka dots on solid paper.  Remember that you have a wide selection of amazing papers in the scrapbook section of craft stores that can be used for smaller gifts.  

www.countryliving.com

Of course there is newsprint which can be beautiful with bold colored ribbons! And old sheet music which is the ultimate choice for vintage inspired wrapping.  You can also use fabric and lace in creative ways to decorate your presents.

Below, I have included some lovely selections that I recently discovered,  as well as several websites where you can find wrapping, ribbon and gift tags!

As you can see, there are many choices from traditional papers to non-traditional papers.  These selections were pulled from the following websites:

• www.luxepaperie.com
• www.paper-source.com
• www.midoriribbon.com

Two of my favorite sites include: www.mjtrim.com and www.whimsypress.com.

What are your favorite sources for gift wrap and ribbon?