October Color Watch

It's the first of October and it seems as though the colors of fall are popping out all over.  There is something beautiful in watching how nature changes with the seasons.

A dear friend let me borrow this picture she took on a recent cycle trip here in our beautiful state of Washington.  So many beautiful autumn colors to choose, but these vibrant colors from Sherwin Williams seemed to pop right out of the picture!

Tell me your favorite colors of this season below!

Another Apple Trial From Pinterest

Remember a few weeks ago when all those local apples were baked into some fabulous apple sauce?  Well, this latest Pinterest test (see pin here http://www.pinterest.com/pin/131730357826100269/) used some of that yummy apple sauce and became "Apple Puffs".

They were pretty easy since the main ingredient was Bisquick (no haters please - it makes great pancakes so I was eager to give this a try!).   I served these for my nieces breakfast for dinner birthday dinner and they were a hit.

I might make a few adjustments - a little more of the apple sauce and possibly make them in the mini muffin tins to make them less muffin like and more puff like, but other than that, they were down right tasty!

What's YOUR favorite apple treat for the fall?

5 Things To Know Before Starting A Remodel

You are considering a remodel and you are so excited to get everything started.  But before you do, I'd like you to remember a few things....  I've narrowed down a list to 5 things you will want to remember from the start to the finish of your project. 

1. This is going to be an inconvenience.  Very few people have the luxury of moving into a temporary living space during a remodel, so go into it knowing that unless it's an isolated space, it is going to be a lesson in endurance.
2. This is going to be messy.  No matter how much a contractor cleans at the end of the day, there will be dust, there will be debris and a general "this is dirty" feel in those spaces.  Most contractors will use plastic to put up barriers to keep it in the construction zone, as well as over the vents, etc.  But some of that dust is going to make it out.  
3. This is going to take longer than planned.  Whether a worker quits, material shipments are delayed or an issue is uncovered during demo, it's going to effect the schedule.   So plan for it! 
4. The schedule is not going to make sense to you.  You will have days that you will wonder why that didn't happen when they did that other thing, or why it seems like nothing happened at all.  Chances are they did do many things, but it's not always obvious, so take a deep breath and prepare yourself.
5. The budget will creep up without careful planning.  A contractor can do anything (or just about) that you ask him/her to do... but remember it all has associated costs.  It's always best to create detailed plan prior to work start in order to have the best idea of what your actual budget will be.  And remember - if you make changes, so will be the budget!  Another note on budget... there can be some hidden issues that come up during the building process and will have associated cost, so plan for those unknowns in your budget as well.

While there are many other conversations I have through out a project, these five always seem to come up and the key to keeping your stress level down is to establish good communication with your designer and contractor.  This looks different with each project. but a bi-weekly status meeting is a great way to start.

The Designer Is In... A New Regular Friday blog!



"Question Mark Chair" by Stefan Heiliger

Questions... they come up all the time.  Where do I center this, can I use this color with that one, how do I store THIS?  The possibilities are endless....

Starting next week I will begin a new regular Friday post called "Ask Tami"... you know kind of like a design/home matters type of "Dear Abby"!

How to submit a question... just send me a private message (yes it must be private) to tami@tamijones.net and I'll add it to the pile for consideration and answer them as they are appropriate for my blog.  No names will be published, just the questions and answers.

It's that simple.  But it can only be as successful as the questions, so start sending in those questions.

How I Spent The Last Days of Summer

The last days of summer are always bittersweet.  One the one hand our skies turn grey and the rain gear is moved to the front of the closet, but on the other hand, we get to wear our fun winter boots and sweaters!

In what should become an annual event, I was able to get away to celebrate friendship and the last days of summer in the Phoenix area.... it was perfect!

This was my view for a quiet cup of early morning coffee - it's still blue there!

This was the beautiful sunset as we headed from a fun walk through Old Scottsdale to dinner... the color is AMAZING!

While we were walking around, this very cool bike shop was a destination for our cyclist friends in the group... I almost didn't go in, but I saw this cool oversized door and I'm so glad I went in because the design of this space was so much fun!



Bicycle Haus, Scottsdale AZ

Such a great use of space to highlight these high performance bikes and the use of reclaimed materials along with the iron gave it such a cool vibe!  See that fan?  It puts out the perfect amount of breeze while adding simple visual interest.

And because the architectural views are so amazingly different than here in the Pacific Northwest, a trip report would not be complete without a view of this home, or was it an office?  I like the fact that I can't tell.

I love how these structures blend into the landscape like a mirage in the desert.  A perfect way to build so that nature and the built environment can live in harmony.

How did you spent your last few days of the summer season?

A Pinterest Test!

Every so often my mom and I will come across something on Pinterest that we just HAVE to try.  Last week, it was apples.  How to prepare apples for apple butter or apple sauce - it's suppose to be the easiest way and we had to test it out.  Really!? No peeling or coring of the apples?  I was hopeful.

Here's where I would normally insert a link to the pin but for the life of me I cannot find that pin, so I hope you will trust me that we REALLY did see it!  Now I will pour another cup of coffee and we'll move forward.

These are apples we found with a "please take" sign in our little town - so the apples are local, very fresh and free - the best kind for this type of experiment!

Next step - you wash them...

we did have to cut a few bad spots off because hey, they are really fresh and didn't go through quality control!

Next - they go into a pan...whole.

And bake until they are very soft - I think we had them in at 350 degrees.

So far this was very easy... of course I was letting mom do most of the work while I snapped pictures and gave a little more than my 2 cents.   Here's where it got a little less easy.  The pin made it sound like now all you have to do is put it through a sieve (no picking through the apples) and you would be done...

Not so much... really you have to just put the flesh in there and leave the skin and core pieces, that,have easily come off at this point, in the pan while only getting the flesh of the apple in the sieve to push it through.

When you are done, it looks like this.

Our conclusion?  Six one way and half dozen the other.... you still have to use some effort to separate the skin and core, it's just do you do it pre-cooking or post-cooking.

Now the apples are baked and ready to be turned into whatever you want to make.  Ours was so good, we added just a little cinnamon (no sugar) and ate it just like that.  They reminded me of the canned apples my Grannie Jones made and always had in her pantry.  I think I would  have liked them over some vanilla ice cream while it was hot, but I'm not eating ice cream right now so I had the healthy warm apple sauce without said ice cream!

Have you ever tested out a pin?  What was the outcome?  If you try this one, let me know how it turns out for you.  I'm not sure if I will core them first next time or not,, but rest assured, I will be baking more apples come fall!

Picking the Right White

It's time to pick your trim color and you know you want to go white, but you get to the paint store and what was suppose to be a quick trip to the paint store becomes an overwhelming decision as you wonder.... WHICH WHITE do I choose?

The following 6 examples are just one of many to choose from at Benjamin Moore and then you have just as many at Sherwin Williams to name 2 of my favorite paints.   See the colors below?  ALL of them are classified as white, so it's important to choose carefully by the color - not the name!

Tip #1 - pick your white with the other colors you are painting because it will influence the color of white.

Tip #2 - If white is your main color, keep your inspiration close at hand to get your pallet started.

Tip #3 - ALWAYS get a small sample and try it out in the room before committing to any color.



Do you have a favorite white?  How did you pick just the right shade?

A Vacation View

It is Monday morning and I am sitting in a most peaceful place preparing to head home from a wonderful weekend get away with my niece.  She will be headed for college in a few short months and I am thankful for the time to spend with her before the craziness of preparation starts.

So what does this have to do with interior design?  Maybe nothing, but in a way everything... having a sense of place that we can relax and do nothing but enjoy being together - that's what home (or home away from home) should be.  And that's exactly what this weekend has been.

This morning's view of the lake (I've taken this picture the last 4 days and yes, today's does look different!) - it was calm and peaceful when I took this but I'm expecting a ski boat to rush in at any minute.  Guess it's time to pack up and head back to work.

What is it that makes your house more than a structure but a home?  Does it give you a sense of belonging and being?

A Southern Porch in the Pacific Northwest!

There is nothing better than a summer evening on the porch or as we're experiencing today, a summer thunderstorm!  This southern inspired porch here in the Pacific Northwest got a little facelift just in time to enjoy it all summer long - rain or shine!

It started with a little sanding and stain... a new darker color!

A little paint to give this old oak rocker a fun new life...

 

 

A new porch swing and some new cushions...

Now all it needs is a group of friends to fill the seats!

What would be included in your dream porch?

5 do's and don't's for displaying collections

At a loss for how to display your small collectibles?  Here are a few tips to make sure that they are cared for and don't get lost among your other décor.

1) Do group them together so that they are seen as a group.  This allows for several things to be seen together as one accessory making more of a visual impact.  This also encourages someone to come closer and see each individual item in the collection.

2) Don't be afraid to put out only a few and rotate them - especially if it's a lifelong collection.  It will be like seeing them new all over again when you make the switch.

3) Do allow for a little space around your grouping so that each piece is easy to see, and clean.  Think about how much space is in the spot you are using and put out only the number that will easily fit.

4) Don't allow the items to "spill over" into other areas - keep them confined to a display cabinet, shelf or table.

5) Do feel free to purge your collection from time to time.... is something broken?  Be ok with tossing that piece to make room for a new collectible.

There are some exceptions - large items or books that have been collected over time, may require a few different rules.  We'll tackle those on another day!

Me... a country girl??

There's just something about summer that makes me want to forget interiors and head outside - ya I know how can that be!?!

I grew up in the country... sort of.  It's a community about 25 miles east of Seattle and back then it really was "out there".  Today it's grown into more of a suburb, but that doesn't keep many from trying to make it the country again.   I love being back here, backyard chickens and vegetable gardens abound.

While I love the fresh eggs, I'm not quite sure I'm ready for raising chickens, but I have tried to get back into the gardening I remember from my childhood.  I took a class, I bought some plants and now....

I have tomatoes - and they are starting to get ripe!

Six plants have tomatoes and we've had 2 ripe from our sweet 100's plant.  I'm feeling like pioneer woman these days... Here are a few pictures I captured of my crops!

 

Roma tomatoes

Sweet 100's

it's an heirloom, can't remember the name

These are not tomatoes, they are blueberry bushes that are ready for pancakes, pies and who knows what else... that is IF I  can get them picked before the birds get them all.  Those birds have figured out how to get under the net and are loving it!

Also in my small offering are peas (only one plant and not enough for more than a few at a time - oops!), squash, cucumbers, beets and chard.  Between mom and I, we are trying to keep it all watered and anxiously await a meal where we can both partake of some of our crops at one time.

Oh well, there's always next year!

Neighborhood Highlight...

I love running through my small town... seeing the same old couple on their morning walk, the smell of bacon on Saturday mornings and watching many of the small houses being renovated or restored to be even better than what they once were.

This week's neighborhood highlight is the view of one of my very favorites not too far from me.  They started their first project a couple of years ago - the garden.  I love this well organized small garden and adjoining chicken coop - it's very eclectic and full of whimsy and color.  The building to the side is the addition to the house that is a garage below and living space above that was completed last year.  So full of character.

This year they updated the fence in the back to include corrugated and galvanized tin in the frame and it brings a bit of an urban feel to our little town.  The original part of the house is starting to get it's update and I can't wait to see how the finished project will turn out!

Shades of the Sea

The Coastal style can be soft and full of muted colors or clean, crisp with lot's of white and nautical brights, such as navy or red.  Either way you go, it's a happy, relaxing feel that can give you the feeling that you are on vacation in your own home!

To get started just get your inspiration and have fun with color and relaxed style.  This photo was shared (and used by permission) by a client who is hoping to bring the coast she loves into her inland home.  This is a pretty good inspiration - huh?

From this one photo, there are different colors you can draw from... pink and blue not your thing?  Go for the deep sea green/blue or the soft greys.  Once you have that bit of inspiration you can start pulling in pieces of furniture that take you back to your happy place.



Bramble Display Hutch



 

Slipcovered sofa

And a pop of wonderful color....

What takes you to your happy place?

Broken, but not impossible!

Have you ever heard of a remedy for something that made you go huh?  Well, here's one that has been tried and worked!

A broken light bulb still in the socket - how do you get it out?  Easy - get a potato!  Yep you read that right.  Cut the potato in half and, with the light switch turned in the off position, carefully push the potato over the socket and with a little push - twist.  It might take a little effort, but it twists (not pulls) right out making room for a new bulb!

While I believe my sister may have thought I might be going mad when I told her what she needed to do, she realized that sometimes big sister has a trick or two up my sleeve!  Here's a picture of the potato when the procedure was finished.

I think it should go without saying that this potato should go directly to the garbage, but just in case... please don't eat the potato!

What off the wall household fixes have you tried and found to work?

Making it Cozy

If you live in a climate that turns cold during this time of year, it be a challenge give your home a cozier look for these icy morning temps.  Here are a few ideas to give your space that warm look and feel that won't break the bank!


Include a nice warm throw to the sofa or chair in your living room.  There are knit throws, faux fur throws and everything in between to encourage wrapping up and settling in on a cold day.  One of my favorites is this faux mohair throw fro Pottery Barn (no I'm not paid to like it!), it comes in some wonderful neutral colors and can even be monogramed if that's your thing.!

Add more candles to your space... on the mantel, in the kitchen, on your desk or in the bedroom, adding candles give a warm glow and add a little actual warmth in addition to the visual warmth!  Even a battery operated candle an give a nice glow to a space without the chance of forgetting to blow them out!

 Build a fire!  If you have a fireplace, even one that doesn't put out physical heat, it will cozy up the room in no time!

Dimmers on the lights!  More expensive as the ones above, but an investment that is well worth it if it's in your budget!  Make sure you hire someone who knows what they are doing and have a nice warm glow in your space all winter long!

How do you give your space a warm look for the cold weather?

Putting away the Holidays

Since we're starting the year off  talking organization and we are 4 days into the new year, if you haven't already put away your decorations, this might be the right weekend to tackle that job!

Tips for storing these items:

1) Create storage boxes by type, such as living room tree, family room tree, kitchen decorations, banister, mantel, extra lights, exterior, etc.  Then only put things in that box that go into that area.

2) Then clearly mark the boxes so that you know what's in that box.

3) Put them in their storage area - just moving them to the hallway or garage creates more work for later and does not complete the job.

4) Vacuum and clean the areas you couldn't get to easily because of the decorations and put back any items that you put away for the season.

Here's a great example of boxes ready to be put away.... these are very festive, but when possible, choose clear bins so that you can see what's inside without having to empty the container.

Now you are ready to start the new year, and everything is ready for easy access in 11 months time!

Top 7 Organizational tips for 2014!

It's a new year... 2013 is gone and 2014 has begun.   What are your resolutions or goals?  Setting goals or making resolutions come in all forms and the number one topic I am asked about is getting organized.  Here are my top 7 recommendations for getting organized.

1) Start Small!  Begin in one area and make that a habit before moving onto another area.  Work from home?  Start in your office and make that area work before moving to the playroom or garage.

2) Create a system that works for your work style.  Are you a filer or a pile-r?  Whichever one you are, go that direction.... if you are a pile-r, you will never use that expensive file system box no matter how cute it is.  Try using file bins so that you can keep your pile neat, desk clutter free and best of all, off the floor!  If you work well with the file folders, by all means pick up a stylish file system and put it to work.  Keeping it simple!

3) Don't purchase organization bins or systems until you have sorted and know what you need.  By doing the sorting first, you know the size and number you need before heading to the store... and who knows, you might just have something that will work in your home without needed to make a purchase.

4) When deciding what to keep, make sure that you really need it.  In the kitchen, do you really need 5 spatulas and 3 can openers or can you get by with just one or two?  In the office, do you have that same resource on the computer?  Then toss the catalog.  If you have an online copy of a document, make sure you have an electronic back up and put the paper in the recycle.!

5) If possible, enlist the help of a friend or professional!  Someone that is less emotionally tied to an object or can ask the right questions about that piece of paper can help you look at things in a new way and make the sorting process go much quicker!

6) When sorting, go quickly - have 3 boxes, "keep", "toss" and "donate".  Set a timer and move quickly and if something causes you to pause, set it aside and come back to it.  Once the timer goes off, you should be done, take a break and come back to tackle the next box or section of the room.

7)  Take care of the boxes right away.   At the end of the day, put the "keep" things in their new home, the "toss" items in the garbage and the "donate" things in the car so that you can take them directly to the Salvation Army, Goodwill or another charity.  Do not just move them to the garage making yet another big project!  Remember, keep it small!

Is organization on your resolution list?  Where will you get started?