Lighting design for every room

One of the most important design elements is lighting. Without  it, the spaces designed cannot have function and focal points and accents are lost.  Here are some ideas for lighting specific rooms. My favorite fixtures to use coming soon...

1) Kitchen.  Probably the most important space to light properly. Many home builders use large recessed can lights in lieu of good task lighting, and over-light the room throwing shadows on work surfaces. The best lighting (even when you need to comply with Title 24 regulations) is to place recessed fixtures slightly away from the cabinet faces, so the beam of light is thrown onto the counter and into the walkways.  LED under cabinet fixtures are a fantastic way to get task lighting, with low profiles that are nearly completely concealed.  Tucking pucks into glass-fronted cabinets adds to the accent light and often provides great night lighting as well. LED rope lighting under toe kicks and in crown molding can create a wonderful mood. Pendant for islands, peninsulas and tables area great lighting solution. The longer the space, the larger scale the fixture should be and you can use more than one.

2) Bathrooms. Whether it's a master bath suite or a shared hallway bathroom, the lighting must be good for all users. I do trans-generational lighting whenever possible. What does that mean? Many couples buy a home, start a family and raise them there. Both they and their children age and have different lighting needs over time. Start with a good ambient light for the overall space.  Add task lighting for vanities, showers, toilet areas, soak tubs, and specialty areas for make-up and health related tasks. Recessed and fixtures mounted to the ceiling - called flush mounted -are practical and provide excellent ambient light. Wall sconces that shine light down and across the wall or mirror are better than 'bath bar' lighting, but can be challenging to wire in small spaces and more costly since you generally need two per mirror. Accent lighting needs to be creative and you should look at the architectural elements and cabinetry for your cues. Semi-flush mounted fixtures are good in bathrooms since ceiling heights may not allow chandeliers, but you still gain a dropped effect.

3) Living and dining rooms.  For entertaining, which these rooms are primarily use for, lighting should be warmer, softer, and more dramatic, keeping in mind that reading and bill paying are often done there. For living rooms, ambient light is often provided with table and floor lamps, which serve dual function as task lighting. Since these rooms are often joined, a well-scaled pendant over the dining room table can also provide light for the living room.  Wall sconces are nice in either room, flanking a fireplace, a piece of art, a focal point piece or mirror, and even lighting a dark corner. Symmetrical placement of any fixture will be more formal.  Hanging a fun chandelier over and end-table is an updated look in lieu of lamps.  Accent lighting can take many forms, from a decorative fixture to lighting in moldings and cabinetry. 

4) Family and play rooms. With TV watching, reading, meeting, playing and relaxing all in one room, the lighting needs are very diverse. From dim lights for movies and TV to bright lights for playtime and homework, layered lighting is a must. Many family rooms have focal points of fireplaces, entertainment units, and even a combination of both. Place lighting first to light the general space, then where tasks are -  reading, eating, homework - and add decorative accent lighting as a final touch. Lamps deliver both ambient and task lighting with the ability to move light as needed. Clip on lights and small mounted lights can be used for bookcases, desk lights, piano lamps and even for artwork. If your room has a focal point, be sure to accent it - down-lights can be focused on a great fireplace, and shelf lights can highlight an entertainment center. Game tables generally require good task lights and pendants and chandeliers are a good choice.


5) Hallways and entries:  For safe and easy access, hallways should be well-lit. Recessed lighting is great for good floor coverage, so the width and length of a hall have adequate light. Wall sconces work well too, depending upon their placement. If your entry or hallway has the space, table lamps provide a decorative element when used on a console or hall table.  Dark hallways can benefit from solar tubes - depending upon the structure of your roof-line. Consider lighting for night if the hallway must be traveled for bathroom use.


In any lighting scenario use dimmers, low wattage bulbs (like compact fluorescent) and smart placement for the best results. Consulting a professional lighting designer is wise to maximize your lighting and conserve energy at the same time; not to mention having a beautiful aesthetic.

My FAVORITE THINGS ideas for your home!

These are some of my favorite things to create warm and unique spaces. Try using them

Lighting. A great pendant, a shapely table lamp, and even an architectural floor lamp, can be a dramatic accessory and a focal point to a room. With one table lamp on a corner end table having the right scale and color, you can complete the decor and add function.  See our lighting blog in December

 

Candlesticks: Whether you like classic turned wooden candlesticks or sleek glass ones, using real or flame less candles, nestled in the right place in your room, adds drama, softness, romance, and light

 Wreaths: Bringing a bit of color to your doors, fireplace, table, and even your cook top, with a great wreath. You can certainly bring seasonal warmth to these areas, but why not use one year-round. Boxwood, grapevine and twig and vine are some that can be dried, real or faux and look great all the time

 Orchids: Even if you don't have a green thumb, a flowering orchid plant will add an elegant feel to a room, soften a harsh corner and look refreshing. They're delicate and look expensive, and you can find them in most big box hardware stores for under $20.  Add a group in a blue and white vessel for a traditional look or a single plant in a chocolate brown cache pot for a modern feel

Vases. Empty or full, glass or ceramic, vases can add a finishing touch to any room.  Varying the scale, the shape and texture and adding a plant or leaving it empty creates focal points and add color.  The glass vases in this kitchen space bring a soft blue to a crisp white space, and the white-on-white textured vases on the table add interest

Books: While I love open space on tables, books add a lived in feel, an architectural element, and sophistication to consoles, end tables and coffee tables. Placing them at an angle, as in this small apartment, is both practical - these are study guides covered with wallpaper - and attractive

Blue and white.  In nearly all decorating styles, classic blue and white vases, bowls, lamps and urns add a wonderful, warm touch. As a collection or simply by itself, a blue and white vase looks elegant, adds a sense of antiquity, and a fresh look to a space

 Mirrors: With the ability to add light to a room, provide detail and wall art, mirrors are one of the most versatile design accessories...not to mention functional!  They can add more apparent space to a small room. Create a focal point in a dining room, an entry, or a master bathroom. By using floor mirrors you can even make a narrow hallway appear wider, and a low-ceiling room appear taller!   Be aware of what the mirror is reflecting...a drab wall or the tops of furniture, won't add to the impact of using one

 Area rugs: The ability to define or divide a space can come from an area rug. Add visual interest, scale, pattern and texture to any room. Change the perception of dimension. Enjoy the variety of materials, but get the BEST you can afford.  For neutral looks with detail, add a great border as shown here..with sisal and a crisp brown leather edge

 Panel curtains:  To add softness to any window, adding panels - even with existing blinds - will do the trick.  Have a small window? Flanking it with panels can make the window look larger.  Need a bit of texture or color? A great fabric panel curtain can add the layer to finish your space.  Of course they are functional!  Add privacy, block the cold, divide a space

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Transform your furnishings - Tips for Aging and Distressing.

With heritage, handcrafting, and timeworn appeal being trends in design, how can you transform an old piece into a work of art?  Many of us have older furniture that has lost its appeal to us.  If you can re-paint, stain, change the hardware are re-purpose a piece, would you try?  Here are some tips for accessories and furniture that you can try.

1) Wooden accessories. From candlesticks, to boxes, to old frames, most anything that is wood can be distressed and aged to create a new look. Here I've used sandpaper, 80-120 grit, to fully remove the old stain or paint. I've added a primer paint or wood primer to each, buffing wax over areas I don't want to uptake the new finish. Candles work well, Vaseline can be used on small pieces. To age, I use chains to randomly create soft indentations, a wire brush for linear marks, and nail heads to hammer in round grooves. There are SO many other creative things to mar the surfaces...don't make marks so deep they look like damage! Once you've gotten the aged look you desire, then stain (I use Briwax) or paint (any craft paint or brand will do), often adding a layer of crackle finish to create delicate cracks. Using 00-0000 steel wool I remove the new finish from the wax areas, revealing the undercoat. Finishing with a coat of a satin urethane keeps the color and crackle looking great and easy to dust.  Resin lamps and accessories can also be changed, be sure the primer sticks before moving to the next step!

2) Dressers, headboards, tables, and chairs. These are the pieces that we most need to keep since it's expensive to replace them. The existing finish can be paint or stain.  For a new coat of paint, I simply use a hand sander and remove blemishes, filling unwanted cracks and holes first. The new paint coat can be sprayed or brushed on; keep the surface dust free as it dries. Age as with accessories, but you can increase the size of your 'tools' since you're working on a larger scale.  Again, I often use wax on areas that I want to remain the existing color or finish and remove with steel wool.  For staining, I hand sand the entire piece, bringing it to the base wood color. I love Briwax stains and waxes since they apply well with a brush, rag or steel wool, and can be buffed to a sheen so no urethane coat is needed. This process works well for cabinet doors, but be comfortable with the process. Sometimes mistakes look fine, so worry less about that than the amount of time and energy that is required from start to finish.
 

3) Addition of detail to large pieces.  With large armoire doors, headboards and fireplace mantles, you can create or remove detail to obtain a new piece. Can moldings be removed or modified to create a new profile? Can you add moldings to drawers? How about adding molding to a plain headboard for a totally new look? I've removed the crown and feet on pieces, created new looks on doors and drawers, and swapped the hardware for a completely different look. With small wooden appliques, you can add great detail. A great new finish and doors transform a white corner office bookcase into a country curio for a dining room!


Leave your comments and questions and we'll be back with instructional videos based on the responses.

Trends we can live with!

It's hard to follow home design trends for many reasons.  First, of course, is the expense. While being fashionable and current is a great idea, to re-do your home frequently is time consuming and costly.  Second is that a trend may not accurately reflect who you are....a great style doesn't mean you should use it.  By incorporating - subtly - some of the top trends, you can be cutting edge and stay true to your budget and your personal style!

Pottery from your travels works well in decor.

1) Uniqueness: With a trend towards our heritage and ethnicity, this style trend is easily incorporated into most decor. Most of us have a favored piece from family or travels. Do you collect unusual art?  Make those pieces stand out in a room and highlight their individuality. Hang that art by itself...add a picture light, drape an old table or chair with a brightly colored throw, place collectibles in a single area and light it.

A new paint job moved this dresser to the entry.

2) Reclaiming:  This has broad meaning. From using items that have been made from materials used before, to re-purposing something for a new use, you can capture the essence of this long-term style trend. Try using a small bedroom chest as an entry table...a new finish and hardware can make it a statement piece.  Turn a found object into a candlestick...express your creativity.

3) Time worn:  In every type of decor from country, to classic formal, to sleek modernist, adding aged pieces in the right proportion and color is stylish. An old stone piece on a sleek tabletop, a rugged architectural remnant hanging in a traditional dining room. You can even create aging or distressing on pieces you don't love and find a new use and place to display them.

4) Handcrafted: Reminiscent of the Arts & Crafts movement, this moves us away from mass-manufactured products to those made by hand.  Ideas... baskets for display and storage - these add leather strapping and brass buckles -  a wooden bench, an earthenware vase. One standout piece, or a grouping, makes a great statement and captures the essence of craftsmanship.

A large hand-painted pattern in a dining room.

5) Exaggerated scale: With full knowledge of scale and proportion, and how to use them, designers have been 'breaking' the rules using this element in ways that could be considered over-the-top. By placing a very large scale object d'art on a small table, or a huge painting on a small wall, you create a statement that draws the eye and gives a unique message about your style. At home, try using large scale wall-coverings, a big pattern on an area rug, a large pendant over a table. One over-the-top chair can work really well if positioned correctly in a room.

Surfaces - Cork. Trendy or long-term?

With eco-sensitivity as a hot button for remodelers and designers, the desire to select a great floor surface that is both sustainable and luxurious is growing. Less often used are cork floors whose variety and function are phenomenal.  This designer believes that long-term cork flooring is not a trend and here's why:

There are a number of US and Canadian companies that have developed cork flooring options for every style and nearly every application - living areas, bath areas, recreational areas, etc..  The diversity of colors, sizes and patterns is amazing. Adding decorative inserts provides an end result that is elegant and sophisticated. 

Why use cork? It's environmentally sound. It's a completely renewable resource harvested by trimming the bark from a cork oak tree, leaving the tree and the forest undamaged. Cork flooring is composed of 100% post-industrial recycled content from wine stopper production.  With no VOC color processing, there are many options available so that designs that were commonly done in wood or tile can now be done with cork. With the variety of tile sizes and shape offerings, the applications are nearly endless.

Did you know that for decades, cork flooring has been used in public buildings? A huge benefit to cork flooring is that the membranes are flexible allowing cork to be both compressible and elastic. What does that mean? It returns to its original shape so that - although its possible to make a dent in cork with a heavy object  - the cork will recover to its original shape. Cork flooring has a very long life and can be repaired if damaged. Its durability in moist conditions makes it a fabulous option for kitchens, laundry rooms, exercise rooms and yes, baths. The natural sponginess of cork comes from the air contained in cork cells, providing a cushioned feel underfoot. Whether standing on your feet at work all day, working in your kitchen, or having children playing on the floor, you'll appreciate the soft quality of cork floors.

 

Cork is an approved underlay for flooring in commercial buildings; it reduces the transmission of sound, vibration, heat and thus is a great insulator. With its honeycomb structure, cork is a natural  thermal insulator. It maintains a comfortable median temperature.

Great news...bugs, mold, mites and even termites are repelled by cork due to a waxy substance in cork called Suberin. This same substance also prevents cork from rotting even when completely submerged under water for long periods of time.  It's fire retardant, hypo-allergenic, and if burned, does not release toxic gases.

 

So, with fabulous options for design and color, and outstanding durability, safety and function...cork flooring is a terrific flooring surface that is here to stay!

Trend: Clean lines and luxurious appointments

Take a look at the latest design magazines. You'll notice a 'new' classic is developing.  Furnishings and finish materials are being made with new design details and modifications that often improve the function. Style and sophistication is the result. Details come from new lines, pattern, use of fabrics, and scale. From tile to seating to lighting, this is a trend that is here to stay.

            

From classic Hepplewhite oval back chairs in a new form. The attention to leg and back detail and use of crisp ivory fabric with a slight sheen, gives a stunning aesthetic and fabulous function.

A sleeker version of a traditional sofa, with squared-off arms in lieu of rolled, and tapered block feet. Classic and sophisticated yet very updated. With a textured green fabric that's not standard sage....gorgeous!

    

Silk drum pendants are more often replacing multi-armed chandeliers for transitional styling. The brushed nickel fittings and frosted glass diffuser add elegant detail.

A change for the better from wood burning to bio-fuel fireplaces. They provide warmth and a fabulous aesthetic with an eco-friendly benefit. With no special venting required, and a variety of sizes and materials, they can be installed in indoor and outdoor spaces.

Porcelain tile has come a long way. With elegant patterns and sheens, new sizes and trim pieces, and a huge array of colors and textures, US and Italian porcelain tile manufacturers have given us a new classic surface.

Making faucets lead-free, water saving and with universal design in mind, form does follow function. New finishes are luxurious and easy-care...what a great combination.

Certified woods are being fabricated into strand forms that are as elegant as they are eco-friendly. Luxurious color and grain, along with wide scale planks, make these floors right for nearly any style decor.

Small space design

Need to make the most of your small apartment, room, cottage or other space? Try these ideas...

1)  Use color.  Accenting a sofa, the windows, and art on the wall, etc... will draw the eye towards color and can visually enlarge a space. White is NOT the only way to make spaces seem larger. Pattern too, draws the eye towards it so don't be afraid of large scale on wall coverings, window treatments and furniture. Group art and photos together to make a visual statement, rather than spreading small pieces around a space.

2) Make things function in more than one way.  Need a table and a shelf and a room divider? Purchase or make a piece that can do all of those things. An open backed piece with interior shelves, at 30" high, can resolve all three issues.  Be creative. Re-purpose furnishings. Need art? Hang hard-to-store necklaces or jewelry from pins on fabric boards and get storage and custom artwork.

3) Raise things up. Can you create a platform for a bed and use the space underneath as a desk or storage area? You don't need to make things 'standing height' if the ergonomics work otherwise while using the space. Increasing the scale of furniture used in small spaces is OK too. Larger scale pieces, used well, do give the impression that a room is larger.

4) Lighten up.  Literally.  Carefully selected layered lighting along with mirrors, can completely change the apparent space. Be careful with what the mirror reflects!  Dress windows lightly but don't sacrifice privacy. Remove interior doors when possible to create a floor-through impression. Use glass to divide spaces rather than knocking down all walls.

5) De-clutter.  The more things that are out-of-sight or organized, the more open a space seems.  Use decorative boxes for paperwork and sorting, baskets for storage, closed storage units versus open-shelves, and even hide your desk and craft area inside a gorgeous cabinet. When accessorizing, while I subscribe to the "less is more" theory, you can use and organize small collectibles and the end-result is something eye-catching.

Design mistakes?

There are many lessons to be learned by all when developing a concept, designing the products that go into that concept, and the overseeing construction and installation. With many 'moving parts', a design solution has ample opportunity for something to go wrong. No professional in the design industry deliberately sabotages a project. Blame for delays and problems - that generally are out of the designer's control - are of little value.  Some tips for designers and clients:

1) Look carefully at what has been developed. Does it meet the criteria for correct dimension, functionality and appearance. 
 

2) Sometimes a modified photograph - even with hand drawn detail - is better than a 2-D drawing.

3) Are the measurements of a raw space accurate? Who took them?  Double check and triple check.   If you can, mark the floors with tape, butcher paper, or other method to show placement and scale of what will go into that space.

4) Is the time frame realistic? We all want to get results quickly. A gorgeous window covering, new kitchen, and a remodeled home are all hard to wait for. What are the limiting factors? Can delays be incorporated so disappointment is minimized?

5) Suppliers, fabricators and installers should be top-notch and reliable as a designer's reputation - albeit very unfairly - can be made or broken by what they do.

Professional interior designers always want the best results, with no delays, on time and on budget. With delays, you are still left with the best of everything. Errors can be corrected so allow that to happen. With good communication, an understanding of the process, both designer and client can obtain that desired end result despite mishaps that may happen along the way. :)

Holiday gift giving - "green" style

Having a tough time finding a gift for the holidays?  Try these eco-friendly ideas for just about anyone who needs a unique gift.

1) A gift basket. Fill one with Fair Trade coffees and chocolates. How about fresh fruits, jams and breads from the local Farmer's Market?  Try another with soaps, lotions and bamboo towels for a great spa gift.

2)  Recycled sail tote bags. It's been around the world!


3) Start a trend - give what you would love to use. A set of Caldrea house cleaning products is a wonderful way to give quality and fragrance in one package. 

4) Products made from recycled magazines or wrappers. This clutch purse is very eye-catching. 




5) Organic flannel sheets. Softer after each washing, the comfort and warmth is hard to beat!


6) Baby toys sewn and stuffed with organic cotton. Be sure they're the ones that are hand made and made in the U.S..

7) Soy or beeswax candles. For a fragrant, smoke-free candle that lasts longer than paraffin.


8) A great T-Shirt. Chemical free and organic cotton t-shirts stamped with sayings for a real statement!


9) Fabulous soaps. From Pangea Organics these are beautiful to look at, wonderfully fragrant, all natural and good for your skin.


10) Recycled ornaments.  A classic idea with a contemporary message. Even Crate & Barrel has caught on.

Bath design

Looking for some new ideas and products to update your bath? Whether you like ultra-modern or warm traditional spaces, some of these are right for you:

1) Bio-fuel fireplace:  A zero-clearance, eco-friendly, no need for special ventilation, and what a fantastic impact for a bathroom. Place it next to your soak or whirlpool tub, or as a great feature on an otherwise blank wall.

2) Infinity drain: Regardless of your style, use one of these for drainage and get a sleek look that has many benefits. 

3) Jaclo shower heads: With decorative trim to mimic a light fixture, and light AND water coming from the fixture, what a great way to wake up or relax at night. Gorgeous and eco-friendly!

4) Nobel Systems shower products:  Like fine lingerie, what's underneath DOES count.  For a remodel of your shower, this system is easy to use, waterproofs better than hot mopping, has ready-made niches, benches and a infinity drain with a traditional style It's eco-friendly and well-priced compared to the options. From personal experience I highly recommend this line.

5) Artistic Tile that has everything from clean, sleek looks to elegant, classic patterns. Makes a great visual statement in the bath and has the function you need.

Winter warmth and light - 10 great ideas.

As winter approaches, we've started to embrace light and warmth at home. Try to incorporate the following into your home for winter warmth and some great long-term benefits:

1) Install radiant heat mats under floors. Cut your heating bills down and wake up to warm tile and wood flooring with an added bonus of warming the air as well. Cold showers? Add a UL approved mat or cable system to your shower. Nu Heat manufactures low voltage off-the-shelf or custom sized mats that are simple to install. (I did!)

2) Re-arrange your furniture. Create more cozy seating groupings and move pieces away from drafty areas and closer to the fireplace.


3) Use an electric towel warmer. A quick addition to a bathroom is a free-standing or wall-mounted towel warmer that you can drape a robe (socks, undies...!) over as well. They add a bit of radiant warmth to the bathroom as well.

4) Place key lights on timers.  With darkness descending early, come home to a lighted home by adding wall or plug-in timers to lights that guide you through the door and inside your house. Two great benefits (a) you can save energy and decrease lighting bills and (b) gain security when you aren't home and the house appears occupied.  Change those incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) for added energy savings and no guilt about leaving the lights on - with 7 watt CFL's taking the place of 40 watts.

5) Try a bio-fuel fireplace. For small or large spaces, indoors and outdoors,  these fireplaces can be free standing or installed in a wall in just a few hours.  They warm rooms visually and functionally with style and safety...and are eco-friendly and allergy free. 

6) Place a blanket-throw on your sofa or lounge chair.  Cozy up with your favorite book, a cup of hot cocoa, or watch TV, and an attractive throw that warms you. Add a great down-filled kidney or neck roll pillow for support and softness.


7) Bring plants indoors.  Have some favorite potted plants that don't survive the cold weather? Find places for them indoors. You'll love the green and they'll help clean your air. Don't have plants? Start small and use them to highlight a warm window, a fireplace surround and even a large bathtub.

8) Warm your floors with area rugs.  Place area rugs or runners where you stand, walk or sit.  A runner in the kitchen physically and visually warms the space, area rugs in seating groups make them cozy and defined, and a nice rug in the entry and hallways is welcoming.


9) Change your color palette. Add pillows in rich cranberry and forest green. Can you paint a wall? Give yourself one accent wall in a color that warms the entire room. Love winter white? Add texture with throws, rugs, pillows and accessories.


10) Hang panel drapes. A simple solution for a drafty window and a room-warming option even if you have blinds. The added layer is stylish. Have sheers? Replace them with a heavier fabric just for winter.

Painting for interiors

As an interior designer selecting color palettes for clients, I've studied with painting contractors to better advise them on the process. For those clients who opt to paint their smaller spaces, here are some tips for interior walls.

1. Supplies you will need include paint trays and rollers, a bucket and paint screen (optional), hand-held paint containers and brushes, drop cloths, painters tape (NOT masking tape), edge painting pads for easy straight lines, extension poles for rollers, a plastic bag to cover wet rollers during an extended painting project, a ladder, caulk, sandpaper and a putty knife for patching holes, clean up cloths and paint remover, and a work light to see corners and details. For testing sample colors pick up Small Wall sample boards.

2. The right preparation is key to a good paint application. That includes removing dust from your floors - so it doesn't blow back up onto your wet paint - and soil or grease from the wall. TSP - tri-sodium phosphate is sold in most home improvement stores - and is an easy to use wall cleaner. Follow all directions. Prepping includes protecting furniture, flooring, and taping off doors, windows and moldings; be sure to remove switch and outlet plates and cover them with tape to protect.  Repair holes with spackle, drywall mud or Painters Nail Hole Filler.

3. Priming the walls before the color coat will cover old colors, marks, stains, and you will need fewer coats of paint. Some paints are two-in-one but you still need additional color coats for best coverage - especially with deeper color tones.

4. Choose the right paint sheen for appearance, clean up and reflecting light.  For ceilings, use a FLAT sheen since it hides imperfections. Use a MATTE (low sheen) for bedrooms and other lower use rooms since it is made for cleaning, but doesn't have an undesireable shine.  For high traffic rooms like kitchens, baths and hallways, SATIN or EGGSHELL are best so the surface wipes easily and the walls reflect a bit of light back into the room. Reserve the gloss sheens for moldings, doorways and window trim.

5. Your paint color and the type of paint you use are next.  There is a huge variety of paint on the market. I highly recommend a low-odor, no VOC (volatile organic compound) paint like those made by Sherwin Williams. It's healthier for you and good for the environment. As for color, with easy-to-use color chips, sample sizes, and Small Wall boards, you can select and test colors in your rooms without having to mess up your walls. A good rule of thumb is to look at the colors you like on several paint swatches and take the range of swatches home with you. Why? The lighting in the store differs from your home, and you will see subtle undertone differences that will affect the final outcome. After selecting the color (I often recommend the shade lighter on the chip if you are covering white walls), purchase small samples and sample boards and paint those instead of the walls.  Place your sample boards in various locations in the room to see how the color will change in the lighter and darker areas.

6. When you have the final color...start painting! Paint ceilings before walls.  Whether you should "cut-in" first or last is up to you. That simply means use your brushes to paint wall-ceiling junctions, corners, and around molding, doors and windows...areas where a roller cannot be used. For cutting in, mix paint thoroughly and pour a small amount into a hand-held container. Dip the brush in and completely and evenly, cover the areas for cut-in. Flat pad applicators are often good for this task. Keep your paint stirred during the process.  When you are ready for the walls, pour your paint into a painter's tray and evenly distribute the paint on the roller. For large areas, it's handy to pour your paint into a five gallon bucket and hang a paint screen over the edge. It is easier than paint trays and rollers are more evenly covered with paint. Be sure to cover the roller thoroughly but do not leave it dripping with paint. Roll paint on walls in a "W" or "M" pattern and evenly fill that area in. Begin each new "W" beside the previous and then blend the paint edges together while still wet. Painting often goes fast. Be sure to check coverage with your light, before finishing for the day.  You can place wet rollers, trays and brushes in plastic bags if you need to stop overnight.

Be sure to wait until the paint is dry before removing the drop cloths. Painters tape can be removed sooner, but be sure you do so carefully. Good quality paint brushes and rollers will make your job easier and need to be washed thoroughly. Add back your furniture, carefully re-position art and wall hangings, and enjoy your new colors!

Green gift ideas

Looking for a useful, eco-friendly gift?  Remember that supporting sustainable manufacturing and buying local goods, does benefit the ecology. Find your local farmer's marker for many of these items, or click our links for on-line shopping.

Bamboo towel set - Great for any age, these towels are soft, durable and very absorbent.

Recycled magazine mirror - Perfect for a contemporary style home, the office, or a teen room.

Bamboo cutting board -  Made from a renewable resource, harder than maple, many fabulous styles and grain cuts to select from.

Soy based candle  -  These burn clean, have a longer burn time, and use non-toxic cotton or hemp wicks.

Teak serving and salad bowls  - Handmade, these bowls are polished not urethaned, and are made from harvested wood.

Peruvian pottery - Works of art, these pots are beautiful, handmade and stained using lead-free oxides.

Natural soaps and lotions - Made without chemicals, better for your skin, great for kids and packaged nicely. 


Glass cruets for cooking oils and vinegars - A long-lasting gift. With a variety of shapes, decorative stoppers, these can be re-used many times and then recycled if broken.

Organic cotton throws - Warm for winter and add a nice touch to your lounge chair or sofa.


Recycled glass pitchers and glassware - Check out the serve ware at Pottery Barn.

10 Thanksgiving tabletop ideas.

Try these quick ideas to make your holiday table special:


 
1) Forgo the centerpiece - leaving room for your dinner - with elegant place settings. Starting with individual place mats or a table cloth, layer dishes, top with a contrasting bowl filled with sugared fruit, an ornament or a napkin held in place with a fabulous napkin ring. Use 'found' items from your yard, a local park, or around your home. 


2) Use small pine cones or votive candles as place card holders. Place the card underneath. Tie or glue on a ribbon in the colors of your table settings.

3) Fill a large bowl with fresh or faux fruits. Add greens or berries as filler.

4) Carve a pumpkin or large squash and use as a soup tureen. Sprinkle seasoning on top for contrast.

5) Use wine glasses as holders for floating candles, to serve sorbet or berries, and even display decorative ornaments.

6) Love a centerpiece?  Try creating one with floral foam placed into an existing bowl, planter, or other unique object. Work in greens, sprigs, branches, or vines, and small berries - real or faux. For an elegant look use monochromatic colors, for pizazz, add metallics!

7) For your pre-dinner buffet, cut assorted cheese wedges and place on a large platter. In the center of each type of cheese, use a toothpick with a paper label or 'flag' for names.


8) Place a mirror in the center of your table,  and for a gorgeous glow, top with candles in hurricanes of assorted heights.

9)  Need a quick centerpiece? Use cake stands of varying sizes and stack - like a wedding cake. Place foliage, tea lights, fruits, ornaments and greens on each level.


10) Carve out large breads - using the centers for your stuffing - and fill with edibles...fruit, cheeses, and use as centerpieces.