Bathroom Decorating Tips (Yes! I said Bathroom.)

Bathroom decorating techniques

Bathrooms are often overlooked rooms in a home when it comes to decorating. Why? Because they are super utilitarian spaces (probably second only to laundry rooms), aren't particularly flexible in the furniture re-arrangement department, and usually don't have a lot of extra room to display items. PLUS there is the whole humidity factor, and then the hygiene issue...well, it all adds up to bathrooms being ignored decor-wise. But it doesn't have to be so. You can infuse a bathroom with personality and style, even within these confines. First, tuck away the toiletries. Hide the toothbrushes and toothpaste, put the hair accessories in a drawer, and leave the lotions and potions for the medicine cabinet. Start with a clean slate! Keep it simple. Unlike most rooms, … [Read more...]

When To Make a Photo Black and White

Black and White Photos in Editing

Black and white photographs were once the purview of history and artists...but no more!  The digital photography age has brought black and white photography to everyone with a digital camera or scanner, opening up gorgeous possibilities to a photo frame near you. But some find the choices a bit daunting and overwhelming.  Just when should a photo be taken in black and white...or made black and white in post-processing?  When is it best to remove colors and let the image stand only in grayscale or in a washed-out sepia tone?  When is black and white best for a photograph? Knowing when to make a photograph black and white is all about knowing the strengths of the medium.  The following tips will help you do just that. Removes distractions so that the real subject grabs the … [Read more...]

Top Tips for Decorating Fireplace Mantles

Fireplace Decorating Tips for Awesome Mantlescapes

Is your Fireplace Mantle littered with family photos and knick-knacks, interspersed with an odd candlestick or vase?  Does it lack a sense of style or cohesion?  Are you uncertain how to arrange the space? Fireplaces can be tough to decorate;   a wide, shallow shelf placed halfway up the wall with a big hole underneath makes for a rather awkward design element.  However, with a few basic decorating options in mind, this space can become the gorgeous focal point of any room. Let a Wall Hanging Dominate the Space The simplest way to add drama to the space above your fireplace is with a big, graphic piece of wall art.  In a room with a neutral palette, this is a great place to inject an unexpected punch of color...or in a room with an existing color scheme to highlight a … [Read more...]

Interior Design Tips for Small Space Entertaining

Photo courtesy of Real Simple

Living in a small home shouldn't prevent one from inviting friends and loved ones over to share meals and time together.  With a tad of planning and creativity, entertaining in a small space can be just as satisfying and fun of an experience as when you are living large. Furniture Is For Moving Rethink your furniture arrangement ; can things be shifted for the party to better suit the event?  The way you live with your furniture on a day-to-day basis doesn't need to be how things are set up for when you are entertaining.  Consider  freeing up floor space for people to mingle about, and create conversation areas for groups of two or three to cluster. Stash furniture you want out of the way in bedrooms; this makes a great spot to put the coats and purses of your guests. Create … [Read more...]

Start Developing Healthy Eating Habits for your Family!

Breaking Bad Health Habits

It's never too early to establish healthy eating habits for your children; this extends from selecting selecting nutrient-rich food to regular meal-times together.  I found this wonderful over at Kid's Health.  It is chock full of sage advice!  Bon Appetite!  An excerpt: Have regular family meals. Serve a variety of healthy foods and snacks. Be a role model by eating healthy yourself. Avoid battles over food. Involve kids in the process. … [Read more...]