FALL UPDATES

It's that time of year....you'll begin to close your windows to keep out the chilly air and want to warm up your spaces for winter.  My favorite things to create a cozy space that you can use seasonally:1. An area rug is the best thing to create instant warmth and ambiance. With so many discount retailers selling them - Ikea, Marshall's, Home Goods, Target and Home Depot- there is a rug in the style and price for you.  Step off the sofa or out of bed on to a warm, soft surface.  I use runners in my baths, since they look as great as they feel.  While you can place area rugs over wall-to-wall carpeting, be cautious since you'll have an elevation difference that stepping over must be considered.  Area rugs add color, texture and even define spaces beautifully.

2. Throws are easy, inexpensive, and perfect for a quick update and to add functional warmth.  West Elm has some fabulously chunky ones that are also great to give as gifts.  While I like wool best, for feel, comfort and durability, acrylic throws are very nice and often under $25.

3. With new flame-less candles, you can create instant ambience anywhere, safely.  Many have 5-6 hour timers that you flip on once, and they turn on and off for months until the batteries are depleted. I found some with remote control at Kohl's! My Sanyo batteries are rechargeable too!
4. Add drapery panels to your windows.  The fastest way to frame a view, add texture and warmth, is with fabric.  Of course you can have blinds and panels!  You'll get awesome function with your blinds, and a wonderful aesthetic with fabric drapes.  Can't do that much?  Consider a top treatment only, to dress up and conceal blind hardware. 

5. Dress up your entry.  Add a wreath - real or faux- put down a throw rug, add a narrow shelf or table and put a small lamp on top.  Hang a mirror to capture all of the light from the lamp.

Furniture painting to update an old table or dresser top

I think everyone has an old workhorse piece of furniture that they love.  A well made table, a sturdy dresser, and they work well, they're just dated and worn.  Here's a great way to give the tops a face lift and get a great texture too.  Create a neat herringbone pattern using painters tape, a rubber graining comb, two colors of latex paint (oops paint works well and use eggshell or satin instead of flat for an easier time) and a clear acrylic glaze.

Start by sanding the top. I filled holes with wood putty so my pattern would be smooth. I primed the table and also used a base coat so I could see the color I wanted through the glaze.  Once the base coat was dry, I found the center of the table and using painters tape, made equal stripes across the top. Lay the tape side by side then peel every other row off so you get perfect spacing.  You can use 2" or 3" tape widths depending on the size of your top and how wide you want the stripe. Press the tape down firmly to seal the edges so you don't get bleed. 

The glaze is whatever color latex paint you like mixed in equal parts with a clear acrylic glaze. I had Benjamin Moore on hand so that's what I used. Roll on your glaze in the same direction as the tape. Using a rubber comb (Amazon.com), pull it across the glaze at a 45 degree angle to the tape.  I go all the way across the top to make the lines even, but if you  make an error, re-roll and pull again. I remove tape when the glaze is still tacky.  When the first pull is dry, tape over the stripes you made and roll on more glaze. This time, pull the comb at the opposite 45 degree angle to create the herringbone pattern.  Since the glaze is pretty durable, you may not need a protective coat of urethane.  I use satin spray by Minwax for tabletops that get used often.

5 Products we LOVE for the kitchen

Making the best use of space, light and storage is always top on the list for most of us.  I search for new and unique products every single day to make that happen! Here is my list of favorites for March!

1. Drawer insert for space saving storage.  This is fabulous for long utensils, easy to grab, and what could be better other than a personal chef?  If the $75 price tag is too high, fashion your own from balsa wood and carpenters glue like we did.




2. LED undercounter light with motion sensor.  Very cool LOOX lighting is great for when you need it.  By Haefle, the surface fixtures are battery powered and go on with a wave of the hand. Easy!




3. An add on cabinet? Yep. Put this small 2 legged piece at the end of a cabinet run or island for much needed storage and an extra surface.  Kraftmaid makes these in a variety of sizes and styles.  All you do is unpack the box, attach the unit and top with your favorite counter or cutting surface.



















4. Kohler's cast iron sink with an offset drain is fantastic!  When you wash large pots, the drain can get covered by the pot....well no longer!  It's large and undermounted...two of the better options for a kitchen sink.

5. Dimmers are the best way to take your high output recessed lights down to a better level after prep is over.  Lutron makes beautiful styles that work whether you have LED, CFL or incandescent bulbs. Save money and get the best light control you can!