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?

A cleaver "pin"...

So every time I'm sucked in by Pintrest, I want to come away with a helpful tip or idea that will make that time at least SEEM productive!    One pin I have seen repinned several times is this helpful, and easy to do yourself idea for the laundry room.



from pintrest via "One Simple Country Girl"

I always try and find the original source and while this one credits http://onesimplecountrygirl.blogspot.com/ - I could not for the life of me find this on the blog.  But that does not make it any less of a great idea for having a spot in the laundry room for a lost sock, or two or three or six....

How do you keep track of those pesky lost mates??

Are you SURE that's Eclectic?

In a sea of design styles where the choices are endless, one style is continually used to explain away non-design choices.... you may have guessed it, that style is "eclectic".   I will often hide a smile when I speak with someone who says they have an eclectic style, but when I actually see the space, it's a collection of hand me downs and "whatever I could find" items.  Don't get me wrong, I love a true eclectic style, and even special pieces that have been handed down through generations, but it's more than just putting everything you have in a room.  There is organized thought and reason that goes into creating this style.

Here's how dictionary.com defines it...

ec·lec·tic /ɪˈklɛk tɪk/ Show Spelled [ih-klek-tik] (from dictionary.com)

adjective

1. selecting or choosing from various sources.

2. made up of what is selected from different sources.

3. not following any one system, as of philosophy, medicine, etc., but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems.

4. noting or pertaining to works of architecture, decoration, landscaping, etc., produced by a certain person or during a certain period, that derive from a wide range of historic styles, the style in each instance often being chosen for its fancied appropriateness to local tradition, local geography, the purpose to be served, or the cultural background of the client.

So what does that mean for us?  It means to achieve this, we must look at our space and the pieces we're considering putting in the space with an open mind and critical eye to achieve this wonderful balance and flow from different sources, time periods and styles.

Now I want to hear from you... do you like to stick to one specific style or are you more of an eclectic type of person?

 

I admit it...

I am a Pintrest junkie.  It's easy to get lost in all the pins and spend way too much time just looking and pinning and thinking, "I might have to try that!".  Well, I finally did.  According to many pinners, vinegar and dawn dish soap can do ANYTHING and we decided to put one claim to the test.

The pin - keep your tub clean and soap scum free.  This is a tall order since we have hard water and it just seems like no matter what I use it just never seems to stay clean past the day I scrub, but if this will work, seems like an easy solution!

The required ingredients

So $13.02 (plus tax) later, I have everything needed to keep things clean for a year I'm sure.  All I had to do was fill the scrubber - half dawn/half vinegar and put it in the tub to scrub down after each shower.

I did use it for a good cleaning scrub initially, and have used it after most every shower for two weeks and ya know, it works!  No soapy residue, and no need to skip my regular upper body workout so that I can scrub hard to get it clean!  And the added benefit is that it doesn't leave everything smelling like bleach and chemicals!!

I'm so excited that I'm off to find something else to put to the test!  Have you put a Pin to the test?  Please share your results in the comments below - we all want to know!!

Christmas 2012

photo credit - Pintrest

I have been pondering one of my favorite Christmas songs "The Happiest Time of Year" and realize that for so many this is not a happy time of year.  It is a time of loss, a time of loneliness or a time of hopelessness.

As we enjoy our beautifully decorated homes and the closeness of family and friends, may we remember and encourage those who need a little extra love during this season and hold those we love a little closer.


Wishing you a Christmas and New Year filled with Peace.

Tami

Shop ART!

Last week I spent time working with VALA Eastside on a new and unique shop in Redmond Town Center.  This shop is featuring several local artists and will continue to run over the next 3 weekends.





Some of the highlights for me is the beautiful one of a kind jewlery, the glass pieces and the ever fun fiber art!

For more information on the organization and the Art Shop, visit http://www.valaeastside.org/art-and-wine-night-at-the-vala-art-shop-fri-nov-30th.  You'll be glad you did!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

 

Today I take some time to give thanks with family and I pray that your day is filled with many happy memories.

 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I love Thanksgiving and the focus it puts on giving thanks - something we do enough of in my opinion - and it always makes me sad that we rush through almost skipping it trying to get ready for Christmas.

But I will admit that one of my favorite things even at this time of year is going into a boutique and seeing all the beautiful Christmas decoration displays... so different than a big box store!  This wonderful collection was found at "Lucky You" in Gilman Village - definately worth a visit if you are in the area.

Where's your favorite place to go for holiday decor?

Getting Started!

Getting started on a new project and don't know where to start? It's very easy to get excited about all the beautiful things there are to see and dream about, but before getting to the place where you will actually start purchasing the fun stuff you must start with a little planning.  Here are a few tips if you are starting a project that will help whether you are working with a designer or working on your own.

·  Take inventory - what we will you be keeping in the space and what will you be getting rid of? This is where you will start building your design plan from.

·  Think budget - even if you are unsure of what a project will cost, have an idea of what you want to spend - you can always increase that number once you begin pulling the plan together, but there are so many choices at so many different price points, it's easy to plan your project out of your budget.

·  Put plan to paper - don't start purchasing until you have decided everything. A design plan can be like a puzzle and once you make a purchase then your other choices will narrow to what you will be able to use. Something that you love for the bathroom floor, in light of what you find for the shower walls may call for your 2nd choice on the floor for the whole space to have the look and feel you want.

Once your plan is complete, you are ready to get started with implementing the plan!

A little red, white and blue...

In honor of the priviledge we have today to get out and vote for those who will lead us, I thought I would highlight some of my favorite fabrics in the Americana theme.  And who does Americana better than Ralph Lauren?  In my book no one!

Ralph Lauren Fabrics

Which fabulous red, white and blue fabric do you vote for?