Category Archives: Decor

Tween Bedroom Makeover

Here is my entry Room and Board for an olioboard challenge submitted by Taunnie for her daughter’s room.  . . .
“My daughter is turning twelve soon. She wants a room makeover for her birthday. Oliofriends, please help us! She hasn’t liked anything I have designed, and while I love her designs :-) , she hasn’t come up with anything I can live with. She’s a girly-girl but doesn’t want anything too frilly. Her favorite colors are hot pink and white. She is into fashion and loves dogs. Thanks for helping us!”

Doggone Good Dog Designs for the Home

Whenever the subject of  dogs comes up, I think of the quote by President Truman, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”  I believe if you want a friend who gives you unconditional love, get a dog.  I have often thought there was a reason why the word God and Dog are interchangeable since they possess many of the same qualities.

Of course it is no surprise to see all of the products for the interior of the home with our furry friends adorning them. I’ve included a few . . .

It was easy for me to come up with my list of

50 Reasons Why I Love my Dog

Romeo and C.C.

He depends on me to survive.

He does not interrupt me when I am speaking.

He doesn’t care if I am pretty.

He doesn’t gossip.

He doesn’t like vegetables.

He doesn’t look at himself in the mirror.

He drinks the right amount of water.

He follows me everywhere.

He has good instincts.

He has gotten nicer with age.

He has never been mean spirited.

He has never said an unkind word to anyone.

He has unconditional love for me.

He is a tension reliever when the world has beaten me up.

He is always happy to see me.

He is an expert at getting what he wants.

He is comfortable in his own fur.

He is in a good mood when he wakes up.

He isn’t trying to sell me anything (maybe the need for a biscuit)

He kisses on command.

He knows how to have a good time.

He knows how to make the best of every situation.

He knows how to scratch his own back.

He lets me kiss him.

He lets me know strangers are near.

He lets me nibble his ears.

He licks my tears.

He likes everyone he meets.

He likes leftovers.

He likes me better after yoga class.

He likes people more than dogs.

He likes to dance.

He likes to eat as much as I do.

He likes to go for a walk.

He likes to play.

He likes to take naps.

He listens intently.

He makes friends easily.

He runs to see me when I hit the door.

He starts his day by leaping off the bed.

He thinks cats are strange.

He thinks TV is boring.

He twirls when he is excited.

He waits for me to come home.

His eyes are sincere.

His favorite ice cream is Cherries Garcia.

His tail is always wiggling.

I always know what I will receive from him.

I am his favorite person.

I depend on him for love.

Ballard Design Norwich Terrier Dog Print
Ballard Design Pug Dog Print
Anthropologie Best in Show Dog Dish Towel
Z Gallerie Ceramic Foo Dogs
Anthropologie Ceramic Dalmation
Anthropologie Good Dog Book
Duralee Delfina Collection Fabric
Noisy Dog Studio Portraits
Rosenberry Rooms Blue Kanine Geo Rug
Rosenberry Rooms Brown Metal Lamp
Thibaut Fifi and Friends Wallpaper
Spode Woodland Hunting Scene Dinnerware

 

My Mad Men Zinc Door Decor

Advertising in based on one thing, happiness. And you know what happiness is? Happiness is when your senses are inspired by the look, smell and touch of a new leather sofa.

FURNISHINGS SOURCE: ZINCDOOR.COM VIA CHARISSE ON PINTEREST



Furnishings Source: zincdoor.com via Charisse on Pinterest

Romancing the Home

Birds do it, bees do it

Even educated fleas do it.

Let’s do it, let’s fall in love.

The ancient Romans and Greek did it,

Even nice young men who sell antiques do it,

Let’s do it, let’s fall in love. – Cole Porter

Recently I became inspired about falling in love, being in love, lost love, unrequited love and love at first sight. This inspiration came after seeing the  movie, Letters to Juliet.  I adored the sweet story and the gorgeous scenery of Italy. 

Where do you spend a third of your time? - The Bed

Here are some examples of romantic beds:

Sleep on a Bed of Roses – Sheets

Nothing is more luxurious than crisp and soft sheets. Since you spend a third of your life sleeping and other activities in your bed, it is wise to invest  in high thread count  sheets.

Beautiful and Billowy – Pillows

I have been known to take my pillow with me when I travel in fear that I will be subjected to a break your neck foam pillow. I recommend a combination feather and down pillow. The feathers will give you support and the down will add softness. I recommend feather and down fill pillows. Placing decorative pillows on top of the bed made out of luxurious fabrics and lace is a lovely touch also.

Glowing and Twinkling – Candles and Lights

Everything looks better in the soft, warm glow of candle light.  Dimmer switches should be added to overhead lighting so the mood can be changed.

Shimmer and Sparkle – Crystal

Make a room sparkle and shimmer with crystal. Saying the word crystal even sounds elegant!

Symbols of Love, Beauty and Passion – Flowers

Flowers are the sweetest thing God ever made and forgot to put a soul into – Henry Ward Beecher

There is always a place for flowers on a night stand, a bed side skirted table, an entry table, a dining room table and more. Trust the flowers to be fragrant and beautiful!

Come on Baby Light My Fire – Fireplaces

Is there anything more romantic than a fireplace in the bedroom?  This is me at the Lodge at Pebble Beach. I became transfixed for hours on that fire and kept it roaring for hours!

It’s Music to My Ears – Music

Everyone’s taste is different when it comes to music. Please remember to turn off the television and listen to music.

Aroma, Aroma, Aroma – Scent

The association of fragrance and emotion is not an invention of poets or perfume-makers. Our olfactory receptors are directly connected to the limbic system, the most ancient and primitive part of the brain, which is thought to be the seat of emotion.

I recommend the scent of jasmine to enhance your mood. Jasmine is used in aromatherapy to calm the emotions, and as an aphrodisiac. It is a valuable remedy in cases of depression because is produces a feeling of confidence, optimism and euphoria.  It revitalizes and restores the balance of energy.

I hope I have inspired you to add a little romance to your life!

Love is my religion – I could die for it. ­– John Keats

Feeling Capricious

I cannot think of a place  more beautiful than the island of Capri, Italy.  Capri is in the Bay of Naples south of the city of Naples. We stayed in Sorrento when we were there and took a ferry ride to visit Capri.

What is there to love about this place?  EVERYTHING!

The surrounding Italian coast is gorgeous with its limestone cliffs, the Tyrrhenian Sea is a sparkling color combination of aqua, turquoise and lapis blue, Sorrento lemons abound ready to make Limoncella while the aphrodisiac scent of jasmine is everywhere.

Feeling inspired yet? If you cannot take the trip to Capri, Italy right now, perhaps you will be inspired by the lovely line of design products by Zinc Door.  Zinc Door is sponsoring the Vibrant Spring Color Design Contest on the mood board site Olioboard. Here is a link to the beautiful set of furnishings by Zinc Door:  http://olioboard.com/item_sets/44422-zinc-door-spring-color-set

This is my entry to the challenge entitled “Capricious!” 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you any Wool?

Wool is a beautiful lustrous natural protein fiber that comes from the fleece of sheep. The fiber is resilient, soft, springy and extremely durable.  Wool is extremely resistant to abrasion which makes the fiber an excellent choice for carpeting, drapery, rugs, upholstery and clothing. Wool is also known for its flame retardant qualities. Wool has a wonderful touch giving it an appealing hand.

 

Felt is a non woven cloth that is made by getting the wool fibers wet along with the combination of abrasion. Wool felt can be made into any shape and is used for many things including the covering of tennis balls.

The term spinster comes from the oldest unmarried daughter in a family who had the task of spinning the wool to make clothing. Natural wool varies in color from beige hues to brown, black and grey. Once the fiber is bleached it dyes beautifully to any color and will hold its color for long periods of time. Berber carpeting is made out of wool that has not been dyed and has been left in its natural color reflecting the natural specks of grey, black, and brown against neutral beige.

The downside of wool is that some people have an allergic reaction to the fiber; it is susceptible to moths and can be expensive. Wool fibers made into yarn for knitting and crocheting projects from apparel to home furnishings is very popular.  Sites like Etsy are full of crafters creatively using wool and felt. Here are some examples of some of the many uses of wool.

Wool Trophy by Rachel Denny

Stools by Claire Ann OBrien

Toadstool Pillow by Viva Terra

Pendleton Blanket

Pom Pon Chair by Crop Design


Wool Chair and Stool by Baita Design

Crocheted & Knit Flowers

Vogue Knitting

Wool Stools from Wood & Wool

 

View the Rooms and see A Room with a View

My friend Konstadina created this gorgeous moodboard titled Preparations for a Date on the Olioboard site recently. The background picture through the window is from the movie A Room with a View filmed in my favorite place Florence, Italy. When I complimented the room through the comments section on the site, she dedicated the room to me.  She is one of the many talented artists creating gorgeous boards on this site.

Preparations for a Date by Konstadina

The site is so much fun to create whatever fantasy you have dancing around in your head into a virtual reality.  There are also ongoing design challenges featured on the site that anyone can enter.  I am always surprised at the amazing talent and creations continually presented on this site.  I became inspired this week to create a board for the country eclectic design challenge after seeing a friend’s photograph on facebook who is visiting her relatives in Vietnam. She posted a picture of her aunt’s kitchen. The kitchen is from a very, very different culture than ours in Arizona. The kitchen has a dirt floor, stacks of wood, and a wood burning stove all under a thatched roof complete with chickens and a pig. In honor of the chickens and pigs my board is called  called Greens Eggs and Ham.

I’ve listed the current challenges going on right now. I hope you enjoy looking at the many creative room ideas.

Green Eggs and Ham 

victorian living room challenge

    • Design a living room using Victorian elements. The style includes a plethora of floral designs that are feminine and lacy. The use of wallpaper (floral or formal), elaborate furniture carving, and rich trims and embellishments, with Oriental and Gothic touches mark the distinctive Victorian decor. Let’s see you put your own personal spin on this classic style!
    • spring swing entryway challenge

      Create an entryway incorporating elements of spring. Shed those winter blues with warm and inviting colours and spring inspired accents.

      ocean bedroom design challenge

      Use elements and colors of the beach and ocean to create a cool, crisp bedroom design.

      country eclectic design challenge

      Create a space for a person who derives ideas, style, or tastes from a broad and diverse range of sources with a deep love for the casual country style.

Seeing Red

Photo taken of Eros at the Colosseum Museum in Rome

Valentine’s Day is almost here so I decided to write about the color red.

Godiva Chocolate

Red is the color of passion and strength.  The color red is visually stimulating and is often used in restaurants to increase the appetite.  The expression “seeing red” implies the strength and force of this color. Red is dramatic and an  intensely exciting color.  Painting a front door red is considered good luck. For many cultures the color symbolizes strength. If you want to add more heat  and intensity to your surroundings just think of the color of a red hot chili pepper for your inspiration.  I think of Pompeii red when I want to describe the deep orange red color seen there on the many frescoed walls. Red is truly one of the most powerful colors in the spectrum. I suppose that is why Tiger Woods wears a red shirt during the final round of his golf tournaments although I don’t think it has been helping him win. If you are looking to spice up your life put on some red and see what happens.

Benjamin Moore Exotic Red

Botanical Bird on Etsy

Apron from Anthropologie

Pompeii Red Photo taken in Pompeii Italy

Floral Arrangement by Charisse Colbert

Nordstrom Red Tights

Red Porsche

 

Pink Me Up

Nativities

My Nativity

I purchased this nativity at a wonderful store called Jackalope in Santa Fe, New Mexico several years ago. I believe it was made in Mexico.

Religious CrecheGermany

250px-Neapolitan_nativity_scene Portugal
Folk Art Creche

A nativity scene may be used to describe any depiction of the Nativity of Jesus in art,but in the sense covered here, also called a crib or manger in the UK and crèche in France (meaning “crib” or “manger” French), it means a three-dimensional commercial or folk art depiction of the birth or birthplace of Jesus,  either sculpted or using two-dimensional (cut-out) figures arranged in a three-dimensional setting.

After his return to Italy from a voyage to Egypt and Acre in 1220, St Francis of Assisi introduced three-dimensional nativity scenes. Some accounts state he used statues or costumed people, but Thomas of Celano,biographer of Francis tells how he only used a straw-filled manger(feeding trough) set between a real ox and donkey. According to Thomas, it was beautiful in its simplicity with the manger acting as the altar for the Christmas Mass. Francis’s first biographer, Brother Tommaso da Celano, says that Francis was merely emulating what he had seen elsewhere in previous years when, in 1223, he asked his friend Giovanni Velita, a nobleman from the nearby town of Greccio, to construct a nativity scene, consisting of the straw-filled manger, ox and donkey, in a cave near the town of Greccio, for a Christmas Eve mass at which Francis preached.

Reference Wikipedia and New York Times