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“A house is much more than mere shelter, it should lift us emotionally and spiritually.” John Saladino

This is my 3rd year with this design blog and, as always, I have to put my two cents in about un-traditional Thanksgiving decor. It’s good to be different!

Whenever someone wants to introduce some color into a home, I recommend a 3-color palette.  Next, follow the designer’s color rule of dividing the colors into percentages: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, and 10% accent color. It’s really easy and fabulous! Picture below shows the neutral, cream/beige as the dominant, chartreuse green as the secondary, and plum as the accent.

It’s important to show how odd spaces are to be used in a home, so it will not leave potential buyers confused. This slanted ceiling in the attic could have just been left empty. By adding built in shelving, desk and chair, the area becomes a functioning office space. This cozy cove adds value to the home.

“I don’t think people have enough fun with decorating. It doesn’t have to be so serious. Design isn’t like marriage…you don’t commit for life!”  Ross Cassidy

Dark & dingy bathrooms with little storage can break the sale of a home. It’s THAT important! When homeowners trying to sell don’t have it in the budget to fully remodel the bathrooms, I recommend a few small updates & quick tricks. First, I give them a to do list:

1. Remove all the ordinary toiletries such as toothbrush holders, razors, soap & shampoo bottles. Tuck these away out of sight.Remove your everyday towels. Remove the old shower curtain. Remove the rugs. Then clean the bathroom top to bottom until it sparkles.

2. Put a coat of fresh paint in white or a light taupe, tan, or grey.

3. Replace anything brass.

4. Put up white open shelving if there is an open wall. Storage is something everyone needs more of.

Then I bring the finishing touches to pull it all together:

I begin by putting in a new white shower curtain and silver rings. I place 100 watt bulbs in the light fixtures. I accessorize the new shelves with hotel-white towels, a bowl of white guest soaps, a few white candles. I place a large wicker basket in the corner with rolled up white fluffy towels or some magazines. On the sink counter I place attractive bath products or possibly fresh white flowers, and a hand towel.

The result is a simple, tasteful bath that will seem more fresh, bright and updated.

These modern fixtures add so much sculptural beauty to a room that it really is a work of art. If your dining room needs a wow factor, this is it!

LOVE this idea! So many pretty boxes out there you can use…just cut an opening for the wires. It could also hold chargers, etc.

Thought this was a great way to cheer up the old file cabinet and also add a little interest to a book case/cabinet!

Go for serene and understated. A peaceful retreat.