I love the Color Green

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The bumper sticker read “I Love the Color Green”.  So…. we have a Michigan State Spartan fan, or a non-ski enthusiast… or a very eco-friendly individual expressing views on living habits.  Whatever the source, the phrase has good meaning as it stands.  Let’s take it even another direction!

For winter months especially, “Green” is a great asset for your interior space.  (We’ll talk paint later).  Think HIP HOUSEPLANTS.  Think BIG HIP HOUSEPLANTS.

Green is the color of life, and introducing a houseplant of significant size brings life into the gray, dull, and colorless feel that winter brings to your space.

One does not require a green thumb, for silks (artificial plants) have become extremely realistic in appearance and texture.  Just make sure to dust the foliage regularly.

Varieties that have size allow the plants to act as focal points, sculptures, and create interesting shapes for one’s interior.  Chose specimens of the larger leaf varieties such as fig trees, philodendrons, dracena, and fern palms.

Or, consider grouping a few smaller plants together for that punch.  (Hmmm…. what about that Big Bell Jar and doing a terrarium…)

A simple ivy plant that has “age” on it’s side can be easily attached to topiaries, thus giving it weight and substance.

Add some Green to your winter.  Keep “life” around you… in no time nature will bring fresh blooms to surround you this spring!

(photo source: Elle Decor)

Mantel Magic

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The fireplace mantel, home of cozy fires, center of family gatherings, and Christmas stocking ”central” is regularly the focal point of the living/family room and therefore often demands a little more attention ( or anguish) than other areas for holiday decorating.

Take comfort in the phrase “Look around you,” for that is all that it takes to make your mantel festive, unique and fitting for your own home. Ah…you donʼt have a mantel, you say…well, with simple adaptations, one can use a sofa table or buffet to achieve the same effect.

GO EARTHY and find a substantial branch with interesting intersections and decorate with small ornaments, using fish line for varying lengths. For the table, “plant” your branch in a tall vase filled marshmallows and decorate with the ornaments or even colored bells. Hurricane glasses could use walnuts in the shell to hold its candles in place. And what about pinecones…they are around and offer good variation in shapes and sizes. If using fresh greenery indoors, remember to anchor the greens in oasis foam so that they wonʼt dry out.  [ View More Images ]

MAKE IT PERSONAL and look for winter items to use in a decorative way. Sure the sled by the door is fun and of course “stockings hung by the chimney with care” can be part of the picture, but what about a winter scarf to drape on the mantel (not too low…no fire hazard here!!!) or as a runner down the table. This can be a great “inspiration piece” for the rest of your plan for a mantel or table surface. ( Any handmade mittens from the past around??? )

Collections??? There is decorating power in displaying the Santas, the nutcrackers, the tiny trees, the stars, the angels…whatever the element, group them on the mantel, or on the table with interest and there you have it!  [ View More Images ]

ELEGANCE OF THE SEASON is another direction this season, so spray that branch with adhesive and glitter it! Mirrors, always offering the touch of “something special” can be a springboard for not only an elegant touch but also a very individual one, also. Consider using mirrors for the table runner ( be sure to protect your table top) and explore possibilities this way.

Elegance doesnʼt necessarily have to equate with expense; stars of varying size cut from gold mat board can help to create a beautiful scene. Tolle can also achieve an elegant mood; try placing varying sizes of ornaments with various heights on it. And, of course, silver serving pieces can be statements in themselves as the candlesticks, or bowls of ornaments…simple as well as elegant.

Have fun exploring space around you, look at what you have with “new eyes,” and enjoy creating new Christmas scenes. As we all know, tho, the magic is really in the season…may this surround you and your family this season.  [ View More Images ]

http://www.goeye4design.com

Fashion and Decorating

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Look no farther than the mannequin in the store, the ad on the screen, the flyer in the mail…Best Trends in the fashion world replicate in the arena of home living.  Just think of the “rules” for dressing (past and present).  Your mom can tell you how a woman’s purse and shoes should ALWAYS be the same color, (your dad, the belt and shoes…oh, you’ve never heard of that..ok), that patterned pieces should mate with solids. and so on..Today’s clothing trends break away from those constraints, and yet still reflect  simple design savvy.  And the home market is there in stride,too, so when in doubt as to what will “work” in your space, think fashion trends.

Bold patterns and pops of color in a room give it personality and depth. When the walls offer the solid “canvas” of color, proper use of various patterns working together create the statement of individuality as well as comfort for the space.  Just as ties, scarves, skirts, shirts all can work together, so can a mix of patterns within the room.  Some guidelines ( not to be labeled “rules” of course) to keep in mind when using multiple patterns in a space would be to mix pattern on different scales so the don’t get lost in one another. Have one BIG statement pattern and mix smaller ones around it.  Use pillows, throws, rugs, lampshades, chairs to make it happen.  And, as mom would say, “Keep in mind the Rule of Three”…three mixed patterns are good; otherwise its too much.

Trends in color in the fashion world seem to hover in the shiny, techno, and yet elegant phase. China’s growing presence in world play has “red products selling briskly,” and yet the color trends are continuing to reflect Mother Nature with warm neutrals (here’s that “gold” idea…), greens that have depth and blues fresh in remembrance of a treasured natural commodity.

Texture in clothing…take a look at vests, jackets and trims and you will see real as well as faux fur. Yep, texture is big this year, and around the home, the blend of the “natural elements” for accessories as well as furniture is hot.  Organic cotton bedding is available at Target…mainstream of mainstream…There are some great sources for handmade rugs at West Elm. Natural elements are as close and inexpensive as bringing the outside in for simple a decorative punch. Just make sure that fabulously interesting branch is bug-free.

So there you have it..when in doubt, check out the latest fashion trends and your living space will be right in style.