Saturday, January 30, 2010

Plants are a wonderful solution to bring life


1. Plants. Plants are a wonderful solution to bring life, literally, for you to fill the space and the people "What on earth do I put in this room" area.

2. Furniture does not fit. Please, I beg those who are looking for new furniture set, do not buy a complete set. This is not creative. If you already have furniture that is not a good fit for you! (Or, sorry it was you who took the couch from the curb and that's why you do not match the furniture.)

3. Art. How awesome is this artwork. Perfect contrasting colors and told by the art, you may be able to find some kids in Craigslists paint something similar to a bribe from the McDonald's gift cards.
more>>>>>>

Plants are a wonderful solution to bring life


1. Plants. Plants are a wonderful solution to bring life, literally, for you to fill the space and the people "What on earth do I put in this room" area.

2. Furniture does not fit. Please, I beg those who are looking for new furniture set, do not buy a complete set. This is not creative. If you already have furniture that is not a good fit for you! (Or, sorry it was you who took the couch from the curb and that's why you do not match the furniture.)

3. Art. How awesome is this artwork. Perfect contrasting colors and told by the art, you may be able to find some kids in Craigslists paint something similar to a bribe from the McDonald's gift cards.
more>>>>>>

Interior Design and Decorating Trends 2010: Paint Colors

Interior Design and Decorating Trends 2010: Paint Colors

The coming year, the painting and faux finishing will be greater than the use of wallpaper in the interior, as happened in the past. In the year 2009, we saw a lot of purple, blue, and metallic paint color. We will continue to see the purple in 2010, but in shades of light (like lavender). We also will see more pink - shades not girly, but lighter and more sophisticated pink - even used as the main color on the walls. And finally, because the green, crazy environment, a soft green palette will continue to appear in the house.

Interior Design and Decorating Trends 2010: Paint Colors

Interior Design and Decorating Trends 2010: Paint Colors

The coming year, the painting and faux finishing will be greater than the use of wallpaper in the interior, as happened in the past. In the year 2009, we saw a lot of purple, blue, and metallic paint color. We will continue to see the purple in 2010, but in shades of light (like lavender). We also will see more pink - shades not girly, but lighter and more sophisticated pink - even used as the main color on the walls. And finally, because the green, crazy environment, a soft green palette will continue to appear in the house.

This trend will be hot for 2010.


"Rustic Modern" is one of the guests described how the interior designer Robert Stilin country home in East Hampton, NY, which features the American farmhouse coffee table mingles with vintage Arne Jacobsen Egg Hans Wegner chairs and stools. This trend will be hot for 2010.
Photo by: Handout photo
more>>>>>>>>

This trend will be hot for 2010.


"Rustic Modern" is one of the guests described how the interior designer Robert Stilin country home in East Hampton, NY, which features the American farmhouse coffee table mingles with vintage Arne Jacobsen Egg Hans Wegner chairs and stools. This trend will be hot for 2010.
Photo by: Handout photo
more>>>>>>>>

Friday, January 29, 2010

Hostess with the Mostess

Four of my very best girlfriends are coming into town this weekend and I'm so excited! We all met at graduate school in Charlottesville. Given my "career slowdown" in the last couple of years, I joke that I spent $100k to find best friends and a husband (Mr. Southern and I also met at UVA). But I digress.

Of course, I am most happy about seeing the girls. However, I also LOVE to entertain and host, so I am going all out trying to get the house together. Unfortunately, there are some projects that just won't be completed, but I'm working on all the "little" things! You've all probably seen the list of what a guest room needs, but here's my take on it....

Bedside Carafe. I love these and think every room should have one. I was thrilled to find mine at a Simon Pearce store on sale, but these are all great options.



Tuvalu Carafe with etched glass, $38


CB2 Cora Carafe, $9.95

My Sparrow Handblown Carafe, set of 3, $67

Flowers on the bedside table...

via Country Living

Reading materials and a bedside lamp



A luggage rack would be helpful...


Frontgate Leather Luggage Rack, $149

Great linens (bedding and bath) is a no-brainer.

via Fine Linens

It's not just about thread count... While Overstock and Smartbargains have great deals on bedding, I prefer other sites (BeddingStyle is one). I like to know the brand names so I have a better sense of the actual sheets that I'm getting. I have found I really like Pottery Barn's as well!

For the bath, I like to leave out mini soaps so guests can have a fresh bar (I don't know why, but I get skeeved out by using soap that someone else has used).

I've not ordered from here, but The Soap Guy seems to have a great selection- 60 handmade 1-ounce bars for $41.95 in flavors like Cafe Mocha, Banana Coconut, Plumeria Aloe, and Vanilla Oatmeal.

Or try this sampler from Caswell-Massey, for $80.
And I couldn't leave out Claus Porto, one of the best bar soaps ever. Touch of Europe mini 5-pack from $24.

The best thing about Caswell-Massey and Claus Porto- no animal testing!


Of course, I also like to have out other essentials, like lotions, a spare toothbrush, hair dryer, etc.

After a restful slumber, I love to serve a great breakfast. Hot coffee (with cream and sugar), orange juice, and options other than cold cereal.

via Cooking Light

Hope y'all have a lovely weekend!!

-Emmie

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Awards! and 10 Things Game


I have been honored with two awards recently and wanted to say thank you. Blayne at This Photographer's Life (In Search of Style). You may have met Blayne through Holly's introduction. I honestly can't even remember when I first starting reading Blayne but am always inspired by her fantastic photography and fabulous homes she features.

The rules for The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity & creativity inspire others in the blog world. Here are the rules for accepting this award:

put the logo on your blog or within your post
pass the award on to 12 bloggers
link the nominees in your post
let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog
share the love and link to the person who sent you this award

I give this to:

A little while back, Rita of A Refocused Life gave me the Happy 101 award.


For the blogger willing to participate in the
Happy 101 Award,
please accept, share your list of ten things that make you happy, and
pass the award on to those you want to honor.


I also thank Short Southern Momma, a super cute gal with great ideas, for my Best Blog Award.


And yesterday, I was tagged by Lesley at The Bright Life to give 10 Things I can't Live Without.

So I am combining this into one post!

Here are my 10 things that either make me happy or I can't live without (because I think the two are similar!):

1. Truffles. Not the chocolate variety, but those lovely earthy mushrooms. I've never bought a real truffle but I do adore truffle oil and truffle-infused things, like honey. When dining out, if I ever spy something made with truffles, I will order it. The end.


2. My morning coffee. With cream. Preferably something cinnamon, coconut, or caramel flavored. MMMM. Love coffee. At night, love coffee for a totally different reason- it puts me to sleep. Weird, I know (but I think linked to those with ADD, which would explain a lot).

Mug shown from Tuvalu Home

3. Great bedding. As you've no doubt noticed, I travel a good bit for my job. I am picky about hotels largely because of the sheet factor. One of the best things about the luxe hotels is the sheet quality. Great sheets and a lovely down pillow = a very happy Emmie.


4. The beach. I need to see or hear or smell water (preferably salt) with some regularity. I would love to join the Beach Girl Bloggers (as I call them... you know, those fabulous designers down in Florida) and live tucked away at the beach.


5. Savon de Marseille soap. I don't know if this is a good thing, but I use this admittedly to wash my face most evenings. Even if I use a face soap, I'll end up using this to get rid of the last traces of makeup. Plus, you never need a cheesy soap dispenser.

Photo from Vickery.

6. Wine. So let's file this as a thing that makes me happy rather than something that I can't live without so I don't sound like a total wino. Love discovering new wines and one of my favorite getaways with Mr. Southern is when we visit wine country in California. We've done it nearly every year for the past 4 years.
7. Food... or rather cooking. Love to cook and the more frou-frou the better. One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is whipping up a feast... for 2 or 10. (with wine in hand, of course).

from Martha Stewart's Cooking School

8. My furkids. You know I couldn't NOT include them. And we'll put family and friends in this as well, but I figured people couldn't be on the list, but dogs could. :-)



9. Gardening. I may not be the most gifted in the green thumb department, but I adore being outdoors and playing in the dirt. And when I can reap the rewards of my labor- all the better!!


10. You! I have had so much fun in this whole Blogging world- I really appreciate the relationships I've made and look forward to getting to know you better.

PS- I am terrible at giving the awards, so if I don't list you but you'd like to be listed, email me and I will get you in! :-) emmie2008 at gmail dot com.

New Decorating Tips Design for Decorating Homes

New Decorating Tips Design for Decorating HomesBeautiful Design BISAZZA SHOWROOM LOS ANGELES

Mosaic comes out of the bathroom, exiled there too long, and transcends this traditional frontier to reach other spaces of the home, from the living room to the study, in countless possibilities. The Bisazza collection, comprised of floral motifs, fabric patterns and geometric compositions, suggests the use of mosaic as wallpaper, creating a fusion of classic decoration and contemporary design trends, integrating luxury with elegance, and creativity of detail with harmony of colors and materials. It offers a refined and elite style for decorating homes, business premises and public buildings

New Decorating Tips Design for Decorating HomesNice Design BISAZZA SHOWROOM LOS ANGELES

The entrance is characterised by the presence of four columns clad in Righe Oro, a simple decoration in stripes of gold and white mosaic. On the floor Dama Nera, a checker board black and white pattern inspired by the British optical fabrics. It leads to the first room where gold is the main motif with the walls clad in Damasco Oro Giallo, inspired by the traditional brocades, on one side, and Etoiles Oro Giallo, a fine lace motif, on the othe

New Decorating Tips Design for Decorating HomesElegant Deisgn Decorating Homes for Livingroom

New Decorating Tips Design for Decorating HomesCute Design Decorating Homes for Bedroom

It seems as if children disappear into their bedrooms at age 12 and don't reappear again until they are 18. Help them create cozy and comfortable sanctuaries. Teens embrace a decorating philosophy that makes many adults cringe: Cover the walls with what's important to you. Posters, personal mementos, photos of family and friends, and nature themes are popular decorating accessories for teens. How a room feels is more important than how it looks. "When most parents decorate kids' rooms, they make them too neat and orderly," explains a 14-year-old girl. "It's just not cozy that way." Above all, they want a décor that is cheerful and comforting. "I want things that make you feel uplifted after a bad day at school," says a 12-year-old. "Your room should be a sanctuary." It's especially cool, say kids, if that sanctuary includes a comfy upholstered chair for just hanging out or a reading nook, such as the window seat in this room. Although some teens express color preferences, they admit that their tastes are fickle. Paint lets teens make design statements inexpensively. If your child's choice is a high-energy color such as purple, spread out the impact by using lighter and darker shades as in this room. Natural light, white woodwork, and a clean contemporary look also offset the strong hue

New Decorating Tips Design for Decorating HomesLuxury Modern Design Decorating Homes

New Decorating Tips Design for Decorating HomesBeatiful New Design Decorating Homes for Livingroom

With basic white walls and run-of-the-mill fixtures, most newly-constructed homes could use a big dose of personality. What are the keys to imprinting your personal style to create instant character? We’ve enlisted three clever interiors experts to provide some design inspiration. 1. Details, Details. A few well-placed architectural details can turn a bland room into a grand room. Add dimension to a ceiling with coffers or beams. “This is a great way to define different sections of large spaces, such as a kitchen, dining, or great room,” says Richmond, Virginia-based interior designer Marcie Blough. 2. Windows of Opportunity. Framing a window with the right treatment makes a marked improvement in the finish level of a new room. “It’s easy to add drama, color, and detail with drapery hardware and great fabrics,” says interior designer Kathryn Chaplow, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mount treatments several inches above the window casings for added height.3. Color Your World. Painting is the fastest way to enhance the look of a room, and a little color in an unexpected place can make a big impact. “I love interior doors painted a contrasting color,” says Chaplow. “Black doors in a house with all white trim are so chic, and touches like that provide an instant sense of customization and history.”4. Don’t Tip the Scale. Many new homes have high-volume ceilings, so it’s important to maintain balance in the space below. “Nothing makes a big room look disproportionately large like tiny furnishings and accessories,” says Chaplow. For large walls with little detail or trim work, try a grouping of nicely framed art or a grand, framed mirror. “Remember to keep accessories focused, and in proportion to the size of the area,” the designer notes. “A lot of small things can become clutter rather than points of interest.”5. Light Up Your Life. The right (or wrong) lighting can instantly change the mood of a space. “Ideally, a room should have three types of lighting,” says Blough. “Ambient (overhead), task (focused on an area for a specific activity), and accent lighting (such as a sconce) add interest.” Pendants over a kitchen island, sconces in a bathroom, a striking foyer fixture, or small LEDs in built-in bookshelves, can add instant light and life. Or try directional lighting in a hallway for a cool, gallery effect.6.Mix it up. A blend of eclectic furnishings and accessories can give a new home a cozy, lived-in look. When designing the interiors for a custom home, Skye Kirby of Lillian August in Norwalk, Connecticut, spiced up the palette of creams, grays, and golds with pops of black and small touches of animal print. “A little bit of zebra goes a long way,” Kirby says. She also maintained a proper balance of new and old-looking pieces by introducing a rustic cabinet with vintage glass doors to the tailored family room

New Decorating Tips Design for Decorating HomesBeauty and Luxury Design Decorating Homes for Livingroom

If you have decided to buy a new house, be sure to work closely with your architect or builder not only in devising blueprints but also as the structure takes shape. If adjustments or substitutions are in the plans, make sure you have final approval. Small changes, such as an extra counter where the kids can hunker down for a snack or no shelf in the bath, will impact how each room functions. Use these decorating tips for new homes as you begin to make your plans. When buying a newly constructed home in a subdivision or development, sign on the dotted line as soon as possible. Purchasing a new home before standard flooring, cabinets, fixtures, and appliances are installed expands your decorating options and eliminates the expense of replacing those materials -- the ones you would never have chosen -- later.Keep in mind that tract-type builders translate few­er decisions, while semicustom builders generally offer a variety of packages featuring different upgrades along with floor plan options. If you intend to enlist an interior designer for your new home, involve him or her as soon as possible to help determine color schemes and select appropriate finishes. Your designer should have a copy of the blueprints or just the room, window, and doorway dimensions to choreograph furnishings. Dimensions are also invaluable when it comes to older homes. Ask the seller if they'll allow you to take measurements. You may not be able to fit your queen-size bed through a narrow passageway in a rambling old farmhouse or a cottage. You don't want to learn that on moving day! Although it's not always feasible, staggering closing times will allow you to work on your new home before you have to vacate the other home. Jobs like painting and repairing are easier when rooms are devoid of furniture and boxes. Even a few days will give you the opportunity to paint the bath and scrub the carpets.Integrating new decorating ideas from room to room can sometimes present a challenge. On the next page, find out how to prevent your new interior decorating from clashing with older interior decorating

New Decorating Tips Design for Decorating HomesUnique Design Decorating Homes for Livingroom

Location, location, location. In the garden, the patio is the place where everybody congregates. Usually my clients want to know where to locate their patio and what size it should be. The best place is where you have a natural tendency to sit; a comfortable area with ample room. If you prefer sitting in the sun, I would look at the sun pattern (during a day when you are at home) and figure out where the sunniest area of your garden is situated. The sun is the most intense between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m


New Decorating Tips Design for Decorating HomesModern Design Decorating Homes for Kitchen Ideas

I like to cook, especially when I don't have to. When I have the time, I like to whip up the real thing, like a pie with a homemade crust. My cooking style generally can be classified as "get outta my way." I need space for all the stuff I'm chopping and shredding. There are a lot of dirty dishes and a lot of tools. It's not a pretty process. But I like a pretty kitchen as much as the next person. So I visited some model homes recently to indulge in a little window shopping -- and to find out whether new kitchens are for looks or for cook

New Decorating Tips Design for Decorating HomesNew Modern Design Decorating Homes Ideas

Decorating a home can be as difficult as purchasing a home, but Bowen Family Homes has come up with a brilliant idea to help new buyers realize the full potential of their home. Bowen Family Homes has partnered with Pottery Barn to give new homebuyers an array of ideas to decorate their home. The new model home at Kensington Creek Manor showcases a variety of Pottery Barn furniture and accessories

Greats Design Cheap Home Decoration Ideas

Greats Design Cheap Home Decoration IdeasUnique Modern Interior Design Cheap Home Decor for Livingroom

A modern or contemporary interior design gives a rich, luxury look to your house or office that you'll enjoy. It's important to know that the interior design you choose is not only about the objects and furniture used, but also all other smaller parts of the entire picture matter. Parts like the walls, floor, doors, and even window curtains. So it is the job of your interior designer to choose them all together the way they match perfectly.

Greats Design Cheap Home Decoration IdeasBeauty Interior Design Cheap Home Decor for Livingroom

So after you choose a good, skilled, reliable interior designer, you can sit back and relax. The rest is all to do on him. Easy Tips: To make sure you choose the best design for your house or office, it is a good idea to first do some research online and see some picture galleries of top interior design samples. Comparing various designs will open your eyes on the creative possibilities so you can choose the best one you like more easily.

Greats Design Cheap Home Decoration IdeasGreats Ultramodern Modern Design Cheap Home Decor for Livingroom

To find these samples, simply search in Google. You'll quickly find hundreds of great designs this way so you can decide which type you like the most.

Greats Design Cheap Home Decoration IdeasNice Modern Design Cheap Home Decor for Livingroom

Because the design you choose for your office really depends on the nature of your business. For example the perfect interior design for a doctor's office will be totally different from a high-tech computer company, or an engineering company. So you or your interior designer, should first ask yourself what the nature of your business is and what message you want to communicate with your design: seriousness, impressive, luxury, friendlines

Greats Design Cheap Home Decoration IdeasCool Modern Design Cheap Home Decor for Livingroom

Will Clients Visit Your Office? Sometimes your office is mainly built for the visits of your customers or clients. Sometimes it is just for your own employees to work in it. The design for either will be very different from the other. So you want to take that into consideration too.

Greats Design Cheap Home Decoration IdeasAmazing Cool Modern Design Cheap Home Decor for Kitchen room

Kitchens are one of the most difficult places to maintain. So while remodeling keep things simple. You can go for the classic granite counter top or have something that adds warmth to your kitchen. Though colors are hot and in right now, it may phase out in the coming years. Therefore investing highly on red stove and matching top should be avoided. Go for subtle colors that are perfect.

Greats Design Cheap Home Decoration IdeasLuxury Design Cheap Home Decor for Livingroom

Adding plants to your home interiors is a cheap way to add freshness to your room. If you are not too keen on natural plants, artificial ones will do equally well. Just place them around the different corners of the house and get a completely new look

Greats Design Cheap Home Decoration IdeasElegnt Modern Design Cheap Home Decor for Livingroom

Greats Design Cheap Home Decoration IdeasWow Ultramodern Design Unique Modern Design Cheap Home Decor for Bathroom

this design modern cheap home decor for bathroom is very ultramodern and beauty design. i think this design for future home

Greats Design Cheap Home Decoration IdeasLuxury and Beauty Design Cheap Home Decor for Livingroom

Cheap home decor is just what you need if you're working on a budget. And when I say cheap, I know where you mind wants to go. The truth is there is a lot of home decor that looks great. So, you know you need to redecorate but at the moment you're unable to do anything but the most rudimentary of decorating for your home. And that's why you need some good cheap home decor to give new life to a stale room. That might sound like an impossible action to quite a few people but there are such things as good cheap home decor. You just need to do a little search about to find it. That might, in actual fact take the most time, hunting more or less for the cheap home decor. However, it will be worth you time and energy. Since one person's cheap home decor is not the same as another person's cheap home decor you will have to make up your own mind as to what constitutes as cheap home decor. For some people, and this is genuinely a very good way to get your cheap home decor, purchasing good expensive pieces of furniture at sales agreement prices is what they believe inexpensive furniture. Of course this isn't the way for most people as even the sales agreement prices can be overwhelmingly expensive. However, there are always other resources like thrift stores, second hand stores and even discount warehouses. Every city has them. Ask friends, family and look in the local directory. You will be suprised at what you find. Another way for you to get good cheap home decor is through the internet.