Posts from — February 2008

“Happiness is connected to energy, and without one, we don’t have the other. In the same way as with a warm and alive color, a happy mood vibrates with energy.” Debbie Travis

Can green relax your mood? Does yellow make you happy? Painting a room is a quick and inexpensive option to change the look and feel in a dramatic way. It’s important to remember that color can have a profound effect on how we feel mentally as well as physically. So, the next time you need to pick a paint color, definitely go with one you like, but also consider how it may effect you and your family personally. Read through the colors below and see how they can improve both your lifestyle and the overall style of your home.

Red is the most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are popular targets for thieves. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention. [Read more →]

I came across these great wallpapers on Nama Rococo’s site and immediately fell deep in love. Have you ever seen wallpapers so great, with such vibrant colors? They are described more as contemporary works of art than wallpaper. Each design is such a great combination of contemporary and vintage. Stunningly brilliant. Best of all, not only can you buy this wallpaper for a wall covering in a room, but if you prefer, they are also available in single sheets. So, if you don’t have a need for all over wallpaper, you can use them as a work of art in your home. Each piece is also suitable for framing.

Love the color of your walls, just wish you had a little something more?

Often, people paint the whole house with solid paint throughout, but you can have such an impact just by adding a simple finish to one room, such as your dining room. One finish that has been requested quite often is a stripe effect. This is a great finish, especially for the dining room, which tends to be the most formal room in the home. Stripes are a great decorative technique: they’re classic and elegant and never go out of style.

Horizontal stripes make a room appear more spacious; vertical stripes make the ceiling appear higher. Pictured here, is a sophisticated tone-on-tone theme, using Farrell Calhoun’s Devine Mesquite. To achieve this same look, you will need the supplies listed below. Just remember to measure and tape carefully (anything that’s not straight will be very noticeable) and to take your time. This finish can be completed in 2 to 3 days, a great weekend project. And it’s a savvy look for a low budget cost! What could be better, right?

Supplies Needed:

• 2 gallons of latex paint (1 flat, 1 satin - same color)
• 9″ paint roller and tray for your base coat [Read more →]

Have a bathroom you love, but something just isn’t right? Is your bathroom vanity holding your the room back from joining the world of savy, cool furniture-style vanities? Solution: Paint it!

In this bathroom, we pulled a color from the wallpaper to tie the whole thing together. The cabinets started out solid white, and they just didn’t do anything for the decor of the soft, calm colors in this bathroom. The wallpaper in the background above contains a floral print that is a soft blue, with distressed gold. This became the inspiration for the cabinets, which the client wanted to look like furniture she had found at a store or boutique.

Tips for you:

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I received this monogrammed towel by hinge from the owner of The Courtyard in Southaven, MS. I walked in the store, mouth-dropped, grabbed towel and ran. Immediately, the wheels in my head started turning with where I would put the towel and how I would display it. The print that they used for the “L” is fabulous, so artsy! Then, I had it.

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The weather finally perked up on Sunday, so I thought I would hit the local flea market. My normal thrifty partner was MIA (on a mini-vacation with her children in Nashville) so I hi-jacked my mom and we headed out the door. Unfortunately, we didn’t go until the last day and mid-afternoon for that matter, so most vendors were closing up shop. However, I did manage to find some cool pieces. I love to find things and use them for something they were not intended for, to incorporate fine little details in my home. These brooches and earrings really caught my eye. I just couldn’t pass them up, especially for such a crazy good deal. And if you no me at all, I have an obsession with all things turquoise! Really, it’s true.

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It’s coming, I know it is. I woke up this morning, and the sun was shining. Walked through my house and into the kitchen, to make my usual pot of coffee, and I had my beautiful little lily’s just smiling at me. I don’t have much of a green thumb, but I couldn’t resist these calla lily’s when I saw them. I had these in my wedding almost 5 years ago, so it suddenly brought back that wonderful memory. The bright pink just made me happy from the inside out, and I instantly knew I had to get it. I had seen the turquoise pot the day before at Tuesday Morning for a steal, so of course, I had to go back and get it. After all, I had to make the bright pink pop, right? Now, it’s my second favorite thing to wake up and see.

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Hey guys, I am so thrilled to be writing to you now…. It has been such a crazy week, month , year, and well life I guess. God has blessed me even in the craziness. Isn’t He cool? I cannot tell you how blessed I am to get to use my talents and gifts everyday…and for such a long time now. I am so thankful that I get to work with such a cool chick; my business partner Melissa. God placed her in my life at a time when He knew I needed her. Our partnership evolved into a deep friendship from the beginning (about five minutes after we put paint on a brush). I cannot tell you how blessed I am to have her in my life as my business partner it makes the days ever so fun.

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Trying even now to search for the words to describe the emotion this bedding evokes. I immediately imagine myself all nusstled in bed, propped up on the pillows with book in tow, candles lit. Just love the bohemian chicness mixed with the vintage feel of the print and colors. Now I just have to put a huge, ornate mirror above my bed. Tracy Porter knows how to design for the home, for sure! I’m suddenly riddled with ideas for painting in the studio. Can’t wait till work tomorrow:)

I’m sure some of you are wondering where Jaime is. She assures me she will be writing soon. It’s been a crazy busy week for her, aside from her two boys and herself being sick with the winter bug that has gone and bitten everyone (except me so far-thank you God!) she’s also had field trips and doctors visits to attend to. But she will be here soon, I promise. Feel free to comment here and guilt her in to writing even sooner:)

Off to the studio. Jaime and I are gonna be filling some orders the rest of the week, but we got a noggin’ full of fresh ideas for new frames. We are bursting at the seams to implement them into something tangible. You’ll be the first to seem them here, you’ll have to let us know what you think of them.

But for now, we get through the week by giddyly looking through our magazines. I don’t think we could make it without them. Is there a club for that? Or maybe an anonymous group we should join, don’t know.

It’s a beautifully sunny day, it’s VALENTINES day! I can’t wait to get in my car, throw on some Fiest, and head to the studio. Better still, I get to look forward to dinner with my hubby.

More later!