Archive for February, 2010

Anna Quindlen said, “I would be the most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consist of mostly building enough bookshelves.”

Although I love books, read every day and collect various works, book shelves aren’t just for holding books.  In fact built-in or free standing shelving can solve all sorts of display and storage issues.

An old store shelving unit is perfect for display

The patina of worn paint gives the piece character

It even has wheels in case I need to move it.

It took me a lot of hunting to find the right shelf to fill an empty corner in my family room.  Fortunately I’m very patient when it comes to furniture.  I would rather do without than to settle for something I don’t love.  This white shelving unit probably came from a store of some sort.  It’s sturdy, has wheels and with just enough chipped paint to give it some charm.  The size is perfect for my empty space.

Displaying collections can be a challenge.  Remember the rule that things have a greater impact when grouped together instead of spread around the room.  So, throughout the year I will re-do my shelf to give you tips and ideas on how to display your own collections.

I had not idea I had this many wood boxes!

The simplest display is to group like items.  I didn’t start out collecting wood boxes, but when I pulled them all together, I realized I had enough to show-off.  I rearranged and played around with them until I found an arrangement that looked good.

• I placed the heavier trunk on the bottom.  Had I put it on the top shelf, the whole unit would have felt top-heavy.

Put the heavier items on the bottom shelves

• Stagger pieces; pull some forward and others behind.  Overlapping items gives depth and dimension.

Stagger the boxes for depth and dimension.

• Pay attention to height.  None of the items should be the same height on a shelf.  Stack them up to create height or use risers (like books!).   I placed the painted box on its side so the design is visible.

Separately, each box has its own shape, color and texture, but together they tell a story.  The collection makes an impact.

The shelf becomes a focal point with a single collection.

I can't pass up cute little doll house chairs.

I also have some miniature chairs.  Anything this tiny is much more difficult to display.  They would get lost if I set them on a shelf all alone.  But when paired with a couple of boxes, they stand out.

Use the same display principles for the chairs.

Pair of traditional dining chairs in miniature

Even little items have a big impact when grouped together

Voila! In no time I created an interesting display.

Go hunting in your own house.  You might be amazed at what you’ll find.

I don’t consciously collect hearts, but I was amazed at how many I found around my house!

Business card holder and key chain

My friend Bonnie bought me the card holder and key chain for birthday presents from her favorite store Brighton.

She gave me this heart shaped candle dish one year too!

I worked with Lise Lawson Interior Design for many years.  When Lise went on vacation, I took care of her cats.  Sydney and Pika gave me little tokens of affection every February 14 to show their appreciation.

One year it was heart embroidered hand towels.

Another year, heart shaped soaps

Even a trivet with hearts.

I have a stash of hearts made from antique quilts when country style was the rage.

Home baked cookies!

I rarely bake, but did manage to cut out a few hearts (ready made dough from the grocery store and frosting in a can!).  Couldn’t even get a snap shot without someone taking a bite!

I hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with family and friends, love and laughter.  Chocolate and a bottle of good wine don’t hurt either!

I’m the type of person who, instead of buying a card, would rather spend the additional money on the gift.  That being said, when I do send cards, I make my own.  I design Christmas cards every year and special cards for special events.

Of course the best cards are the ones made by your own children.  Nothing beats a childish scrawl that says “I love you Mommy”!

The best Valentines are made by someone who loves you!

If you want to send something really personal, make your own Valentine’s Day cards—write your own Love Letters.

I  do mosaic pieces with old book or magazine pages.  The ideas are limitless with a little paper, glue and a copy machine.

For Love According to Webster I enlarged the definition of love I found in a dictionary, cut card stock to fit and glued it to the front.  With a red pen, I quoted Elizabeth Barrett Browning “How do I love thee…?”

"Love According to Webster"

Enlarge the definition of Love from the dictionary

For Let Me Tell You the Ways I used the same dictionary definition, just enlarged it a couple more times and cut individual words out.  Glue them in a particular order or randomly.  Choose words that are appropriate for the person receiving the card.  A little glue stick on red card stock and you has an original work of art!

"Let me tell you the ways!"

Cut out the love words that are appropriate

The question I am asked most often by clients, friends and in general conversation is “What color is ‘In’?  It’s a simple question with a difficult answer.

The Color Marketing Group (CMG) is an organization that forecasts color trends two to three years in advance for  industry and manufactured goods.  Paint companies will create their annual color palette for the upcoming year and fabric weavers will chose shades and hues based on CMG directions and predictions.

Ever get frustrated when shopping  for bath towels to match those you purchased a few years ago?  Chances are you were disappointed to discover that the current shade is not quite the same as what you already own.  Instead of ‘silky moss’, for example, it’s now ‘pine needle’.  Out with the old and in with the new.

The good news is interior trends and colors don’t change as fast as fashion and paint stores have the ability to reproduce any color under the sun.

In December, Pantone, a company that provides color standards for the design industries, chose turquoise as the hottest color for 2010.  That’s right, turquoise.

Pantone chose turquoise as the 2010 color of the year

My advice is to look at the latest color fads and trends but stick with colors that fit your Signature Style.  Just because someone says turquoise is the color of the year, is no reason to change your own color palette.  Remember fads come and go quickly.  If it’s a color you truly love, by all means, introduce it into your home.  Buy some new throw pillows or bath towels.  You shouldn’t have any trouble finding turquoise  towels this year!

Pittsburgh Paint and Glass Color 2010 Color Trends:

Home Harmony Collection

Canvas Collection: beige, browns, gray

Grace Collection: pale butter to sea-foam green

Zest Collection: bright yellow, pure white, sleek black

Pink City Collection: Indian pink and spicy rusty orange

Sherwin Williams created their own color palette for 2010:

Sherwin Williams Treasured Collection: Aging, layers, artisan

Sherwin Williams Refreshed Collection: Exuberant, fresh, optimistic

Sherwin Williams Simplified Collection: Translucent, structure, sophisticated

Sherwin Williams Rooted Collection: Mystery, enduring, natural

The 14th of February is a day devoted to celebrating love.  You can express your affection to that special person in the usual way (go out to dinner, box of candy, over priced flowers) or with a little imagination and for a lot less cash, celebrate at home.

Create a romantic dinner for two.

It doesn’t matter if you are planning dinner or a leisurely breakfast, make it cozy and intimate.  Food in front of a roaring fire is always romantic especially if you are seated at a low table with floor pillows.  You can use a coffee table or in this instance an old wood trunk.  Cover it with a table cloth or a piece of red fabric.

Pull up an old trunk for a cozy table for two

I fell in love with this bold red and white print at IKEA. It's perfect for a Valentine's Day tablecloth.

There isn’t a single heart or flower in this setting.  Instead of placemats, I pulled out old Scrabble board games  Write a message or spell out your feelings for each other with the tiles.

You can use almost anything as a placemat or charger. Have fun with Scrabble boards.

An old muffin tin is the perfect size for extra letters, votive candles and candy (no expensive and fattening box of chocolates here!).

You know you will want extra Scrabble pieces with this dinner. Use a vintage muffin tin for candles and letters.

The valentine card is vintage, but the XOXO says it all.  Use dinnerware you have left over from Christmas.  Square red plates set “on point” complement the square game boards.

You could buy a new valentine, but I love the sappy sentiments on old, vintage cards!

XOXO equals 18 points!

Little copper napkin rings surround softly folded white napkins.  Dinner should be simple.  After all, the emphasis should be on dining, not cooking.  Chinese take-out allows you both to share.

Tuck a pair of chop sticks in the napkin ring.

Add a couple of floor pillows and you have a romantic evening ready to surprise someone you love.

Tell your love how you feel.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning said,

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”

I say spell it out!

Happy Valentine’s Day!