Think spring green

<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">There's nothing like the time changing to give you the feeling that spring is around the corner.  I try to have  positive thoughts this time of year, but today I'm writing with a snow storm looming in the background and announcements of St. Patrick's Day celebrations that will dwindle through the week.  What better time to explore green as a fantastic choice in home decor?</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">  In every home I have ever lived  there has been some version of green.  We've had our decorating go tos over the years - avocado, mint, jade, olive, silver greens, and now spring green with lots of yellow in it.  Green seems to fill our need to connect to nature.  I find it calming and vibrant at the same time.  Not many colours can have that effect.  </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8S9Onbq3_-GzX_XxT-Gd_EkkblM7D3DQ3kPuUKzuL02AHVdW_GJOFwz9ARzvs6yG16OKRVDdCDhkbBooPraX22wGjNlO0uC2y7wdeES1ZQXXrpg1y-xXtq8-HvhMY0g7-dRNDsWXZn-d/s1600/soft-green-living-room.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8S9Onbq3_-GzX_XxT-Gd_EkkblM7D3DQ3kPuUKzuL02AHVdW_GJOFwz9ARzvs6yG16OKRVDdCDhkbBooPraX22wGjNlO0uC2y7wdeES1ZQXXrpg1y-xXtq8-HvhMY0g7-dRNDsWXZn-d/s400/soft-green-living-room.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cherishingspaces.blogspot.com/2010/08/monochromatic-scheme.html">source</a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I'd be happy with any one of these green selections in a room, but together there's a little too much predictability.  White and green is my all time favourite combination.  If I had to choose in this room it would be the roman shade and white drapery. They work to create such a fresh look.  </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0pW3kR9ZhijPuNhdI4ziWNfLCUNoF7Ms-rs6lTjW6qG5MLEdMJS8pnK37oJnxAKFcozxTXxBbZFygXQpVpY4KG_Wr5c7G5vmpabWOYIMZU9KC9ab2JmoFBGyN0KJ_lcf4Gct2sfee5qS/s1600/ways-to-cure-winter-blues-with-decorative-spring-colors_epoti_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0pW3kR9ZhijPuNhdI4ziWNfLCUNoF7Ms-rs6lTjW6qG5MLEdMJS8pnK37oJnxAKFcozxTXxBbZFygXQpVpY4KG_Wr5c7G5vmpabWOYIMZU9KC9ab2JmoFBGyN0KJ_lcf4Gct2sfee5qS/s400/ways-to-cure-winter-blues-with-decorative-spring-colors_epoti_0.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://interiordesignsense.com/"> source</a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fresh, fresh, fresh... I love the covered dining room chairs and how the green brings out the wood tones in the floor.  If you're wondering what is the best colour to work with any kind of wood, green is your answer - you have to find the right one.  </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzekmim9t6akUo3ugh7bWuw4RizkcwPYSIQAHeJDdv7GqZUP9Y34NiOiFBmUhq9Ga4rm51Gk7Es-8jPe-mHpy3Tw5kjFE48fLnbWqgjotgnQcJbFL-pNyrs7QMsHOyQdZGiF7QEHevj8z/s1600/grasscloth-wallpaper-living-room-with-green-accent-color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzekmim9t6akUo3ugh7bWuw4RizkcwPYSIQAHeJDdv7GqZUP9Y34NiOiFBmUhq9Ga4rm51Gk7Es-8jPe-mHpy3Tw5kjFE48fLnbWqgjotgnQcJbFL-pNyrs7QMsHOyQdZGiF7QEHevj8z/s320/grasscloth-wallpaper-living-room-with-green-accent-color.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thelennoxx.com/category/browse-by-color/green-browse-by-color/"> source</a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Think green as a sofa colour.   This room designed by Phoebe Howard  is soft and contains lots of texture to create interest starting with the grasscloth on the walls.  Botanical prints always look lovely in a room with liberal amounts of green.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZcs9CdHmXXDOq8dO8oE1Dd9lMLjxP2uVYbqBLffT9rIFwd69GaEAYnY8K8k0gYZoJgrJQUPzIUzR3RS87mKofcumUkCvMgOCBv8_aD95ayJY9bVQ8yPQJlmKefif2aQ_0TWQdIwuce1K/s1600/john-willey-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZcs9CdHmXXDOq8dO8oE1Dd9lMLjxP2uVYbqBLffT9rIFwd69GaEAYnY8K8k0gYZoJgrJQUPzIUzR3RS87mKofcumUkCvMgOCBv8_aD95ayJY9bVQ8yPQJlmKefif2aQ_0TWQdIwuce1K/s400/john-willey-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.willeydesign.com/">John Willey</a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Designer John Willey has masterfully combined prints to produce a very put together bedroom. Note the inclusion of the headboard colour on the banding on the Ikat patterned roman shades.  He's even taken green to the ceiling which in this design I'm not wild about .  What inspiration would you take from this room?  </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/66930/Divine-Kitchens-LLC-contemporary-bathroom-boston"><img alt="Divine Kitchens LLC contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="332" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/66930_0_8-2665-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/66931/Divine-Kitchens-LLC-contemporary-bathroom-boston"> </a></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/bathroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">contemporary bathroom design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath/boston" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">boston kitchen and bath</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/8827/Divine-Kitchens-LLC" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Divine Kitchens LLC</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who wouldn't want to soak in this tub?  Obviously the colour scheme was taken from the scene outside the window.  The long floral panels on the adjoining wall mimic this view. I want to place a white and green rug on the floor.  </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLceJmQuGQD7RNl1IN9IwgUAqSb_ZeyaT88y3l3eSWTiwKSr5J3BGmQCSG-3mA4fN7joiKppWLZl0EJ4nCI1oHxAuQAKlJvIaaiuenfN8UtVDunowXQVnGpNBkQX09vmy-xcCHK2BxIY5e/s1600/imagesuuuu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLceJmQuGQD7RNl1IN9IwgUAqSb_ZeyaT88y3l3eSWTiwKSr5J3BGmQCSG-3mA4fN7joiKppWLZl0EJ4nCI1oHxAuQAKlJvIaaiuenfN8UtVDunowXQVnGpNBkQX09vmy-xcCHK2BxIY5e/s400/imagesuuuu.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.femaleways.com/bedroom-design/colorful-small-kids-room-decoration-with-smart-storage-organized/"> source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Small rooms are always a challenge to decorate and  in a regular three bedroom house, the smallest rooms tend to be used for children.  Keeping to one colour and white is always a simple but effective design solution. Using stripes on the end wall helps to expand the width of the room.  </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.femaleways.com/bedroom-design/colorful-small-kids-room-decoration-with-smart-storage-organized/"> </a></span></div></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/66933/Divine-Kitchens-LLC-contemporary-bathroom-boston"><br /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55cxMJ2aKVsKOX99G9l6qyOUUg4coI9v30CoSh4-lY5YnMIiNmh8-EzMGbm3aPcDUI7AVOoeVkGKGrIzyCo2hHuCXVLdm-JvUwLlfOyBEo4QeiUhnEHaT8dvBZslDye7y2o0X3hFydYH7/s1600/Classic+Green+Dining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55cxMJ2aKVsKOX99G9l6qyOUUg4coI9v30CoSh4-lY5YnMIiNmh8-EzMGbm3aPcDUI7AVOoeVkGKGrIzyCo2hHuCXVLdm-JvUwLlfOyBEo4QeiUhnEHaT8dvBZslDye7y2o0X3hFydYH7/s400/Classic+Green+Dining.jpg" width="300" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://carolinapanache.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html">source</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">And here's something a little more traditional paired with bursts of yellow. </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8DiLF5A0VW6ogNqTUTkQ2j1OsvVAjSX7e-RAxl03p7qUD4P3eLde6eb5UTcvZz4crNVFWdF2T3U9iVjatM9DDS3Dil_7EEc3nDVYHeS3svr2ReLZXTtvKIPp52JJWUCptJq5Z9R_DCNC/s1600/94BC999C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8DiLF5A0VW6ogNqTUTkQ2j1OsvVAjSX7e-RAxl03p7qUD4P3eLde6eb5UTcvZz4crNVFWdF2T3U9iVjatM9DDS3Dil_7EEc3nDVYHeS3svr2ReLZXTtvKIPp52JJWUCptJq5Z9R_DCNC/s400/94BC999C.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thisnext.com/tag/duvets/">source  </a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Fresh and pristine and wonderful to curl up in. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/80203/new-project-contemporary-laundry-room-san-francisco"><img alt="new project contemporary laundry room" border="0" height="682" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/80203_0_8-1180-contemporary-laundry-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/laundry-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">contemporary laundry room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">san francisco interior designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/6849/tineke-triggs" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">tineke triggs</a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can you have too much green or too many washing machines? </span></div>

Think spring green

There's nothing like the time changing to give you the feeling that spring is around the corner.  I try to have  positive thoughts this ...

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Look for the bones of a room

There is nothing more boring in decor than an overly matched room!  I work in a home decor retail setting part time  and this gives me a good sense of what the "general public" is interested in or believes about home decor.  I've noticed two constant trends.  First is the belief that everything must match perfectly, and the other based on the first, is the practice of making  design decisions 12 inches from your eyes.  Both will lead you astray and create very boring rooms. The thing that really makes a difference never gets talked about. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikU11lC_YpgLjSs_qpVCX2NELuMnjET_JmBihaFf8R462aKQDK6D7_tvg4v3X_Q0Gbj9pWjoy-Kx1eCTmC5yIrIWhawAZodk7vRYQf_kZcPLf8Zw_8jcleLWSYKDYq82TqEiz3a5eWV5dd/s1600/pink-sofa-white-furniture-living-room-decor-ideas-pretty-painted-shelves-eclectic-home-ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikU11lC_YpgLjSs_qpVCX2NELuMnjET_JmBihaFf8R462aKQDK6D7_tvg4v3X_Q0Gbj9pWjoy-Kx1eCTmC5yIrIWhawAZodk7vRYQf_kZcPLf8Zw_8jcleLWSYKDYq82TqEiz3a5eWV5dd/s400/pink-sofa-white-furniture-living-room-decor-ideas-pretty-painted-shelves-eclectic-home-ideas.jpg" width="397" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This room could definitely be described as overly matched, but does it work ? What makes a room with such a limited palette work or not work?  </div><br /> One of the most valuable things I learned as an artist that applies to decorating decisions is the "10 foot rule ".  If you can't read a painting when standing ten feet from it, it isn't successful. The culprit is always a weak value range (not enough lights and darks) that causes everything to merge together no matter how bright or startling the colours. Squinting is another quick way to get the same information. <br /><br /> The same goes for decorating. You need value changes (a range of lighter to darker colours) in a room to help create interest and variety to encourage "visual travel". Most people have no difficulty seeing colour ranges but they are not so adept thinking about the values of these colour ranges. <br /><br />  If you want to know if you have a room that is visually interesting take a photo and do a black and white photocopy or change the image to black and white on your photo editor.  You'll soon see if your eyes will travel the room or stay in one spot. I believe that even in rooms where the intent is to create visual harmony, you need value changes.  Lets take a look at some successful and unsuccessful rooms.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu43IXYNhyrArO5MPCpZ8FdAngSDHK4r7KBVAZ5g5SX23h83bpB5iNbJd3FAw0m6bUkiEgNS7XWBK9grGB7WQsGCiv6CX414p5IxB15LIlrJ1o48pfcbhJFCPagV22K9Fdoxm8tymKzMi/s1600/blue-gray-living-room-tobi-fairley-glass-top-table-nailhead-trimmed-side-tables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu43IXYNhyrArO5MPCpZ8FdAngSDHK4r7KBVAZ5g5SX23h83bpB5iNbJd3FAw0m6bUkiEgNS7XWBK9grGB7WQsGCiv6CX414p5IxB15LIlrJ1o48pfcbhJFCPagV22K9Fdoxm8tymKzMi/s400/blue-gray-living-room-tobi-fairley-glass-top-table-nailhead-trimmed-side-tables.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14dXD6ypfI4ygt6G5on85ZAsVj88I0LNJKb51H69rAz2TQh9FU-cuxejZQE4sLoj3oYLJbfRz7fPfrNmUhWOC74oyTxW0Z_FxwklTvgD0eIXG4_4KsvZBZxN1uCeAJdR-WRSd549I5_vU/s1600/blue-gray-living-room-tobi-fairley-glass-top-table-nailhead-trimmed-side-tablesbw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14dXD6ypfI4ygt6G5on85ZAsVj88I0LNJKb51H69rAz2TQh9FU-cuxejZQE4sLoj3oYLJbfRz7fPfrNmUhWOC74oyTxW0Z_FxwklTvgD0eIXG4_4KsvZBZxN1uCeAJdR-WRSd549I5_vU/s400/blue-gray-living-room-tobi-fairley-glass-top-table-nailhead-trimmed-side-tablesbw.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thelennoxx.com/">The Lennoxx</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I choose to live in visually quiet environments because they are relaxing.  They are also the most difficult to make interesting.   Even though everything about the room above is soft, the black and white photo shows there are a range of values in the room that move your eye around.  The darks are limited but they are there in accessories mostly. The amount of white contrasts with the darks (legs, accessories on tables and don't forget the shadowing that occurs in every room.)  A light, airy and visually interesting room. My score:  quietly successful . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJdmSuREjW4zNv_zAMfD2DArVQDIAHq6QSe8AYn4Y8rlchwgnojk2w_fEAJXJyH-Br_P_hWftrhZCJg8i7hFCb0dPbo45QR2BTgJOgai5gimyTbOjzaheRkxMGTMGQf_GrF7y-AxL8Q4h/s1600/modern-chic-living-room-white-blue-orange2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJdmSuREjW4zNv_zAMfD2DArVQDIAHq6QSe8AYn4Y8rlchwgnojk2w_fEAJXJyH-Br_P_hWftrhZCJg8i7hFCb0dPbo45QR2BTgJOgai5gimyTbOjzaheRkxMGTMGQf_GrF7y-AxL8Q4h/s400/modern-chic-living-room-white-blue-orange2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYfi89qhYsImz8Ker7rOcurinM4_42YiwIe7dkxlqXgjwaEOckU6o3UQoqG9_Q1imPCgocebz0exa1h9G1a7nlaBrwJ3YMjr9JFMRinwHlwCdiI_NPvsQLedkEioraKTjX7bcZ4L-GGs6/s1600/modern-chic-living-room-white-blue-orange22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYfi89qhYsImz8Ker7rOcurinM4_42YiwIe7dkxlqXgjwaEOckU6o3UQoqG9_Q1imPCgocebz0exa1h9G1a7nlaBrwJ3YMjr9JFMRinwHlwCdiI_NPvsQLedkEioraKTjX7bcZ4L-GGs6/s400/modern-chic-living-room-white-blue-orange22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thelennoxx.com/">source </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lovely use of colour with soft whites, lots of variety in textures and shapes but... something is missing for me. The darkest values are in the ottoman legs.  My eyes stick there. The area in front of the window needs some anchoring darker tones to make the furniture stand out from the window. The most obvious change would be the "disappearing lamp- perhaps a new shade is in order.  Having a different pillow in the chair (the sofa pillows) or having a slightly darker value table beside the chair or doing both would move this room up several notches in interest.  Will you look at your furniture legs in a new way now?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let check out one of my rooms...   I automatically process a room for a range of values, but I've never looked at one of my own rooms in black and white. Ready? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAjR7iWmowfpk3Xzp3GVGSkmDvzV1RnDdUVLdfPeIDSTsAXrBx_9SF0aI6GFzqxXdZsR8okCdjhm0EYcvQk6S3zrfDgkJ36XkijEbxejFGf5U9W513HSS9v08k9nWXuY771nzZAfcam7A/s1600/DSCN568566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAjR7iWmowfpk3Xzp3GVGSkmDvzV1RnDdUVLdfPeIDSTsAXrBx_9SF0aI6GFzqxXdZsR8okCdjhm0EYcvQk6S3zrfDgkJ36XkijEbxejFGf5U9W513HSS9v08k9nWXuY771nzZAfcam7A/s400/DSCN568566.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIx0bBKIATtHPy8GeoQl1VXVV9a6ZbYm2s6QnRIWWSRWoN0ACm29VC2MbGVILdNqP81eq_6RP5byQirNx_0qaEbxy0n7R5RyfQ6uDapaXT_fy0P4XGncEa0dR0ewkF9j1pwchlT6cyMpm/s1600/DSCN5642662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuUMasfzW6gw77019mbGZJhX9GSqxOiYBXVMZrZhCs-Ie9fvzh8c9jWRPd3I-kivrcqY8Lvw1QNnBp1zv3wfDkw22v49wNZxRchpAJfv-whS4z3h8XPu03gu3GI-P5r1373VPuRA9uGU9/s1600/DSCN5685662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuUMasfzW6gw77019mbGZJhX9GSqxOiYBXVMZrZhCs-Ie9fvzh8c9jWRPd3I-kivrcqY8Lvw1QNnBp1zv3wfDkw22v49wNZxRchpAJfv-whS4z3h8XPu03gu3GI-P5r1373VPuRA9uGU9/s400/DSCN5685662.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not so bad..... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's a good range of lights, mediums and darks spread around the room. I added a darker pillow near the fireplace because I found the chair blending into the fireplace just a little too much.   I am looking for a new lamp for the spot where the twigs are in the opposite corner. I'm thinking a light shade rather than dark.  Notice how my floor has lights and darks in it too as does the roman shade which my husband loves to jam up into the window frame as much as possible.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTyQrNd2iQrCE43DNZ-lzSrXJqeENhe_YRkL0y8txiId4IZAU06lRTx8uOOSG28u_hFjafZdaFPKUeriuj52p1qkSf_7bxQnLHxkgU66xTiElkYTr8o7K3TcRncLvPUGki2ysvLZjUDn7/s1600/DSCN568766.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTyQrNd2iQrCE43DNZ-lzSrXJqeENhe_YRkL0y8txiId4IZAU06lRTx8uOOSG28u_hFjafZdaFPKUeriuj52p1qkSf_7bxQnLHxkgU66xTiElkYTr8o7K3TcRncLvPUGki2ysvLZjUDn7/s400/DSCN568766.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwd4ziazxuWPYk9fkaiSg28ziPVSRM4ymHezK1OikM306SMKXMPteqKrPTOKRKGCv-p4DjtIwSb_-uZeLhQjMiO0LP3FFkDs68FgkaorGOCLkmjNAbZDgX-O2zyPW90bLALrdjYXQ9Df_8/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwd4ziazxuWPYk9fkaiSg28ziPVSRM4ymHezK1OikM306SMKXMPteqKrPTOKRKGCv-p4DjtIwSb_-uZeLhQjMiO0LP3FFkDs68FgkaorGOCLkmjNAbZDgX-O2zyPW90bLALrdjYXQ9Df_8/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's a different view with the area rug bought solely for the purpose of making the table stand out from the floor.Like much of the furniture in my home, this table is hand crafted by my husband.  I have visions of a different table but  sentiment wins every time.<br /><br />Let's go back to the lovely pink and white room and check out the value ranges. Is the room successful?  You can be the judge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdDh5alNDw2TP1Cryy_JYacfO6fzEZDV2HecTRqeIZ93A7TWDUVuXGgSyUTWR37RnzZsxNNjDS8oVLq9BbV3Wlo9sDt2z3Sg3TlPcWTKAujlKZsQv2cYuile5B19OlzQJ3lpr_o-VSN3G/s1600/pink-sofa-white-furniture-living-room-decor-ideas-pretty-painted-shelves-eclectic-home-ideas.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdDh5alNDw2TP1Cryy_JYacfO6fzEZDV2HecTRqeIZ93A7TWDUVuXGgSyUTWR37RnzZsxNNjDS8oVLq9BbV3Wlo9sDt2z3Sg3TlPcWTKAujlKZsQv2cYuile5B19OlzQJ3lpr_o-VSN3G/s400/pink-sofa-white-furniture-living-room-decor-ideas-pretty-painted-shelves-eclectic-home-ideas.jpg.jpg" width="397" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>

Look for the bones of a room

There is nothing more boring in decor than an overly matched room!  I work in a home decor retail setting part time  and this gives me a goo...

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Interesting Possibilities

<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The idea of adding interest to your home while staying within a budget appeals to most people, me included.  I have to admit that many of the smaller DIY projects you find through a general web search are best ignored.  Every now and them you find one with real possibilities.  Everyone has those clear CD jewel cases lying around.  Rather than throwing them away why not re- use them? Here are a number of options that may appeal to your DIY instincts.</span></span><br /><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFyi5zF5dGmOZ8_D5FuNgt_TGL5Q-qkCwQ-FUxnTCE9NV1iKg53SUW-VKUSl7OXKH96CHifNHlQbyHHwhRFka-SDwE0qPCq5D6Zi6a2oigRdqGAtsUiJw444zIqYq03e1PjAzsI1QU7os/s1600/serenity+in+design+cd-photos-l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFyi5zF5dGmOZ8_D5FuNgt_TGL5Q-qkCwQ-FUxnTCE9NV1iKg53SUW-VKUSl7OXKH96CHifNHlQbyHHwhRFka-SDwE0qPCq5D6Zi6a2oigRdqGAtsUiJw444zIqYq03e1PjAzsI1QU7os/s320/serenity+in+design+cd-photos-l.jpg" width="320" /></a></span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Doesn't this arrangement look great?  I love everything about objects displayed in a grid format.  This idea was on Serenity in Design  blog and the  possibilities are endless when you start to think about what you could put in these simple cases-  photographs, scrapbook paper, origami paper, kids art, small watercolours, quotes, etc. </span></div><h1 style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUFu1AQ0n2eS0Mt4hjn1DeYwyZyfcvaq77EPwzD22KewMNRo5qvjQDlc_5rzMg-OtH8kz5AZdmdUopqeZNUXF8Qs208QKWPq3hXQAOYjsXl4fLScHHgPuvMx1Q9LLg7nI2MdqjNXxK8rX/s400/cd-frames-on-wall.jpg" width="400" /></span></h1><h1 style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.rikkihibbert.co.za/2010/10/04/diy-recycled-cd-cover-frames/">Rikki's Blog</a> gives detailed instruction about how to proceed.</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></h1><h1 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Murals ...</span></b>Y<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ou can use an enlarged photo and cut it into separate parts to fit into  the cases and then rearrange it in regular format or present randomly for a more interesting statement.  Viewers will be busy trying to fit it together. </span></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDPc3l4yJbMYO1jz6t_QmqE2GohjiWPzoX96ZcAmVR1cnq8JggeCfwg3JBSr_lwhDmvKvXAXvi07KHY0F3RJEW1LZQHfjdV_95R6vip7I5QNXqWGEuU7wO5w7Ff1tY8u4q0T3mdG6Qpdz/s1600/cd-case-frame-diy-0909-de.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDPc3l4yJbMYO1jz6t_QmqE2GohjiWPzoX96ZcAmVR1cnq8JggeCfwg3JBSr_lwhDmvKvXAXvi07KHY0F3RJEW1LZQHfjdV_95R6vip7I5QNXqWGEuU7wO5w7Ff1tY8u4q0T3mdG6Qpdz/s400/cd-case-frame-diy-0909-de.jpg" width="312" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/cd-case-craft-0909">source </a> </span></div><h1 style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">And for those who want a bigger challenge...  </span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjfMIQNnDTCeq_70aiiWxq8LdQW8jjfF-u4_BMQGHaLdnxTl05RTjpP6xfeL9vgmYYtoUuHH0HoXE58sfr6GwNgGBzevn6SbqDZ07KlVqN8m1g0xR1CJNxueGvZmOyBZkxDEMPX9snucc/s400/CD-Case-Mural.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Recipe Hostess Gift.</b>..How about an interesting hostess gift presented in a CD case?  Decorate the front and print the recipe and include it inside.  Check out the link below to see how the case acts as a stand. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKWeR6kmwNwFyAGp-JVexyBaIC6qdHvYftlpND9q_oXCtchaB5heKcIVbsU9QBUuIliTDwgbKaeugFnRMUUCkTNvZw1L1TufmQVAfdmas657wkBH0cO27s-ztT_PDRXtnUfCv5C01VzUA/s1600/P1170635.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKWeR6kmwNwFyAGp-JVexyBaIC6qdHvYftlpND9q_oXCtchaB5heKcIVbsU9QBUuIliTDwgbKaeugFnRMUUCkTNvZw1L1TufmQVAfdmas657wkBH0cO27s-ztT_PDRXtnUfCv5C01VzUA/s400/P1170635.JPG" width="385" /> </a></span></div><h2 class="header Heading3" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://cardsandarts1.blogspot.com/2010/09/recycling-project.html">source  </a></span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTnpFP0STZ5qzsrrwpiRDqhTwEDvnlVJyzoxYQFcsv3xJh4ZPOqFlW6bYFi-QeuQKAQrE9rV1ToFEvgp2JncHOymehpoxnqXgGADQOAdU2HRsOgxo8beGhL31FWm6VDxsOdMhdu-TerJB/s1600/cd_case_gift_card_holder_17-500x333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTnpFP0STZ5qzsrrwpiRDqhTwEDvnlVJyzoxYQFcsv3xJh4ZPOqFlW6bYFi-QeuQKAQrE9rV1ToFEvgp2JncHOymehpoxnqXgGADQOAdU2HRsOgxo8beGhL31FWm6VDxsOdMhdu-TerJB/s400/cd_case_gift_card_holder_17-500x333.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><h2 class="header Heading3" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Gift Card container</b>....Check out directions at<a href="http://www.chicaandjo.com/2010/02/15/cd-case-gift-card-holder/"> Chico and Joe. </a></span></h2><h2 class="header Heading3" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYKte_7lW3wTWoctiVFTTHAvFmjm4QuvYmCJYCQSInYB8Hk5wmrxY9uGH6lCAVw7dXfzprC2lViO4KJqnDtKyTYU_6D0Plz1JytI6C5R_N7WhD_NGcP_ahiusT3ipYfOGPWaeMH1ayASJ/s1600/NotLit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYKte_7lW3wTWoctiVFTTHAvFmjm4QuvYmCJYCQSInYB8Hk5wmrxY9uGH6lCAVw7dXfzprC2lViO4KJqnDtKyTYU_6D0Plz1JytI6C5R_N7WhD_NGcP_ahiusT3ipYfOGPWaeMH1ayASJ/s400/NotLit.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><h2 class="header Heading3" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>CD Photo Cube.</b>.. </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24343551@N04/sets/72157608818574621/detail/" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Flickr</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">. </span></span></h2><h1 style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVSXcA8mvo8Qwe3Gm7eXXhcnKZuo6TmScNLG5XJU25eAI7qdBU_pkj7N0xBsL3og8kAdha9qI6JUoDEfi0FzlAyyHNmDxgzpzNRPTTpKWV5oY9TpgQk-WEjwLDKXE-awH8JEfrsnpQQ4D/s1600/cd_case_calendars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVSXcA8mvo8Qwe3Gm7eXXhcnKZuo6TmScNLG5XJU25eAI7qdBU_pkj7N0xBsL3og8kAdha9qI6JUoDEfi0FzlAyyHNmDxgzpzNRPTTpKWV5oY9TpgQk-WEjwLDKXE-awH8JEfrsnpQQ4D/s400/cd_case_calendars.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></h1><h1 style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you use  any of these ideas why not  send me a photo to share with  blog readers. I can tell from my blog stats that I have lurking readers so why not participate and make it a group affair! </span></h1>

Interesting Possibilities

The idea of adding interest to your home while staying within a budget appeals to most people, me included.  I have to admit that many of th...

Read more »