Organizing Tip On Living Savvy

Today, you will find me on Living Savvy contributing an organizing tip to an amazing  month-long series hosted by Tiffany.



Please do stop by and leave a comment.

It's raining in NY, hope it is sunny where you are!

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

I Filled In The Stencil Pattern & A Quick Spackling DIY

After the last post about whether or not to fill in the stencil pattern above the window and doorways in the dining room I decided I would complete it. The responses I got were overwhelmingly in favor of that. Here is how it looks now, above the window.

Here is the 'before' above the door into the family room.

I did not cut the stencil as I had thought I might in order to stencil the top. I apologize for the lighting in this picture below - taken at night.

And again, here is the 'after' above the window. I took an 'after' pic in a hurry so I could share it with you today.

It makes a difference. The entire room will be revealed in time.

There was a large crack in the wall above one of the doorways towards the ceiling.

Before painting the dining room I fixed it.

Fixing a minor crack such as this is quite straightforward. There are many tutorials available online and I cannot recall which one I read to get some idea of the work involved but here is what I did.

I had this spackling paste left over from last year when I repainted the living room.

The instructions had indicated to cover it with plastic wrap after use which I had done, but there was some coloration at the top of the container when I reopened it.

I removed the plastic and removed some of the discolored substance and the spackle underneath was in fine condition to use.

 Using a spackle knife or putty knife, as it is sometimes called, I proceeded to apply a little amount along the crack, smoothed it over and removed any excess. Then I wiped it with a damp cloth.

I let it dry overnight.

The next day I sanded over the spackle to create a surface flush with the wall. All fixed and ready for paint.

Tomorrow, Saturday, I will be sharing an organizing tip on Tiffany's blog, Living Savvy, as part of her 'Organizing Month' series.



I hope you will visit.

Enjoy your weekend!

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Thinking About This Chandelier

My almost 14-year-old's room has been undergoing some gradual redecorating for the past year or so. I had shared some ideas for it here last year. This chandelier, purchased about 8 years ago from The Bombay Company, has stayed in this room and was perfect for the little girls' room - both girls shared it for some time - which was painted in Benjamin Moore's Cotton Candy. Now it is in Behr's Harmonious.

Clearly this fixture, as it looks right now with the pink crystals, does now quite fit the room. I had decided that this would be replaced with something more suitable, teen-appropriate, updated.

The original shades were a cotton candy pink and I replaced them a couple of years ago with these ivory ones.

Over the past few months I have come across some very interesting DIY light fixtures which I would love to attempt to create. These I have pinned on Pinterest.

I love the texture of these hemp pendants.

Crafty Nest

Book page chandelier.

Make the best of things blog

Orb Chandelier.

My Covered Bridge

And this fun and colorful piece created with crayons and wax paper.

The Letter 4

Due to time constraints and because I want to finally create the absolutely perfect piece for her and because I am yet undecided, the original chandelier is still here.

So I have been looking at it with a different eye. The mini shades are a little crooked because I kept taking them off and putting them back on as I determined the look of the fixture without the shades on.

I will keep you posted on my decision.

Meanwhile, I received this flyer in the mail along with my recent Con Ed bill. It has outlined some important points  - Electric Safety: What You Need To Know - some of which I were not aware of. I thought I would share just a few with you here:

• Don't use appliances during an electric storm. Unless it is an emergency, do not use phones with cords. (I knew only to switch off the central air system during a storm - if lighting strikes the outdoor unit when it is on, that could potentially blow the entire system causing major damage and $$ in repairs).
• Don't place electric cords under carpets or furniture.
• Never staple or nail cords to walls or baseboards.
• A tear-drop shaped darkening by an outlet or wall plate may indicate heat build-up.
• Unplug unused appliances. (This one I am aware of and I always unplug the toaster and electric kettle when not in use. I know someone whose hairdryer caught fire because it was left plugged in - she was at work - this caused a fire in the apartment).

Additional information available at
Con Ed www.conEd.com,
Electric Safety Foundation www.esfi.org,
Consumer Products Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov

Sometimes in an emergency or when we are in hurry or even in the name of good decorating and design - like wires under carpeting -  little things can be overlooked and can lead to potentially dangerous situations. Be safe.

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

 

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Colorful Spring/Easter Door Decorating Ideas

I want to create something pretty for my front door to capture the season, particularly as spring seems to have come early  - although it currently feels more like summer here in NY - and a lot of flowers are already in bloom. And of course, Easter is just two weeks away.

I came across a few ideas which I thought are fun and colorful and wanted to share them with you, if you have not seen them already. Are any of you still looking for that perfect decoration or inspiration to make your own? Take a look at these.

This one incorprates a watering can with pretty tulips, greens and pastel colored eggs for Easter. Besides the mix of bright and pastel colors and textures, I like that the eggs have little florals growing out of them.  Details here.

BHG

I also love the mix of the old rusted or painted metal with the fresh and colorful and "new" florals.

Or how about this one which is all about Easter. Plastic foam egg shapes are wrapped in colorful crepe paper and ribbon and hung at various heights. Very pretty! For full details go here .

BHG

Here is an Easter egg wreath which has pretty patterned paper to create a colorful palette to offset the front door. Kids could help create this one!

BHG

This imaginative idea uses an umbrella with a great handle and a ribbon tied about halfway up to create a vase. More details here.

BHG

Have you seen this stunning Carrot Mesh Design by Paul Michael Company? They have a video tutorial available on their website. Love it!

Which one is your favorite? I would love to try the watering can or the umbrella idea and the carrot design would look stunning against my blue dront door. Decisions!

Do you have anything special on your front door for spring and/or Easter?

I do want something different and eye-catching on my door. Decorating should start on the outside of the home.

 

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

4 WaysTo Rejuvenate Your House This Spring

Thank you to everyone who visited and left a comment on my dining room progress post. I had an overwhelming response and all opinions were truly appreciated.

Yesterday was officially the first day of spring. If your home still reflects some aspects of winter, unless it is still cold and/or snowing where you live, it is definitely time to freshen up your rooms and revitalize your home environment.

To share some ideas to do just that today, I have a guest post by Ryan who works in real estate in Texas.

4 Ways to Rejuvenate Your House This Spring.

Spring is often thought of as a time of birth, change, and growth, and winter is often thought of as a time of hibernation and stagnancy. It’s often difficult to feel inspired enough to focus on the design aspects of your home during the wintertime. However, spring is usually the perfect time for you to breathe fresh air into your home in terms of design. If your house hasn’t fully recovered from the Winter Blues, it may be time to start thinking of ways you can rejuvenate it. Here are four things you can try out to increase the vibrancy of your living space this spring:

1. Ditch the clutter.

Doing a little spring cleaning can work wonders. Try to fill up three or four boxes of stuff you are no longer using, and consider which pieces of furniture you’d be willing to part with. Clearing out clutter will help improve the energy of your home, and it will likely help you feel more mentally invigorated.

 

via

2. Add accents of color.

Dashes of red, green, yellow, and white will add some vibrancy to your home. Things like pillows, paintings, and decorative items that are brightly and tastefully colored will cause their surroundings to “pop” and improve the overall appearance of your living space. 

 

via

3. Get natural.

In the springtime, the flowers outside are blooming and the plants outdoors are flourishing. Why not bring some of this natural beauty into your home? Get some succulents and potted ferns and spread them throughout your house. They’ll give your home the lively kick it needs this spring.

via

 

4. Let the light shine through.

Take down those thick curtains that block out all the natural light from outside, and replace them with some sheer curtains. Sunlight can add a subtle brilliance to the overall appearance of your home. Natural light also helps improve your mood. Not to mention, relying less on indoor lighting will help reduce your energy consumption and electricity bills. 

 

So, live life to the fullest this spring, and do what you can to cultivate vibrancy in your home!

Author’s Bio: Ryan is a guest writer who primarily writes about interior design trends and real estate. She is an avid participant in professional projects involving real estate in Austin, Berry Creek homes for sale, and Marvin window prices. 

Thank you, Ryan, for highlighting some quick and easy ways to freshen up the home and welcome spring! These tips will certainly help energize us all!

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Dining Room Progress And Your Opinion

There has been much progress with the dining room. I wanted to share a part of it to ask for your opinion. Included in the Saida Ikat stencil packet from Cutting Edge Stencils was a border stencil  - I had mentioned this in an earlier post - which helped me determine placement. It really gives the work a more finished look. I used it starting at the top of the wall and worked my way down to the chair rail.

You will have to excuse the slightly askew pictures. I had to lean at an angle while trying to take the best pictures I could given the state of the dining room with furniture out-of-place, dining table loaded with items from the breakfront and so on.

I have yet to do the areas around the trim. I did this when I was over a week into a crazy virus so I got tired of working around the edges and decided to leave it for another day. As I have two stencils I plan to cut one up and use a smaller piece to finish these areas.

This is where I need your opinion. I am considering - very strongly - leaving just the border above the doorways and window - not pictured - rather than fill in the rest of the missing pattern. What do you think?

After I fill in the missing pieces I will touch up the trim and parts of the stenciling, too.

So, let me know whether you think I should leave just the border above the doorways and window or fill in the entire pattern.

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Being Creative With Floral Arrangements

I recently came across some creative ideas in floral arrangements. These are fun and can make any bouquet, bunch of flowers or a single stem look that much more special.

This will make you look at any metallic or plastic packaging, serving dish, dessert bowl, soda bottle, tea cup and even wine glass a little differently. I am sending these flowers to you.

Beautiful silverware, some with an aged patina, adds elegance to any arrangement.

via

Measuring containers like beakers and vials.

Many containers of the same color displayed as one collection.

Wine and champagne glasses inverted over flowers in full bloom with a coaster underneath for added height.

Colorful soda bottles.

Mercury glass.

Anything from the kitchen like mason jars and used cans lend a rustic feel.

An unusually shaped baking dish filled with water. The flowers have just been laid in it.

A cordial.

A pitcher.

One flower in a rainbow of colors in reused bottles.

all images above via Better Homes & Gardens

via

Glass bottles painted white.

via

Something modern with florals submerged in water.

via

Metallic tea and biscuit containers with color and lettering. A charming, old-fashioned arrangement.

Martha Stewart

Cafe au lait bowls of different sizes with floral foam to hold the flowers.

Martha Stewart

Teacups.

Design Sponge

Who says one has to wait for a party or a special occasion to enjoy flowers and be creative with the arrangement? It is time to be imaginative with those pretty spring blooms a lot of us are beginning to see around us and repurpose those bottles, jars and cups sitting in your cabinets.

I could see myself doing most if not all of these. Which one would be your favorite?

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Spring Inspired Decor

Today I would like to welcome Jessica from Arcadian Lighting with a special guest post on spring-inspired decor, something most of us are probably thinking about as we increasingly begin to experience some glorious spring weather.

Hi everyone! I'm Jessica, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a wonderful source for affordable light fixtures in all shapes and types. A big thank you to Lisa for having me as her guest! Today I'm going to be sharing some beautiful decorations for Spring. The chill of winter is beginning to lessen and flowers are springing up everywhere. What better time to give your home a new feel with fresh, bouquets of flowers and Spring decor? I hope you enjoy!

Chalkboards are a wonderful way to add inspirational quotes and ideas to any room, and the vintage white frame on this mirror is simply beautiful. A mix of growing plants and a sprig of flowers affirm the lovely time of year.

A cheery yellow paint color will transform any piece of furniture into a lovely statement piece. I love the greenery and wicker serving tray, too.

This casual, relaxing dining room feels even more bright and airy with a lush bouquet of flowers as the centerpiece. I love the faux candle wall sconce on the mirror and rustic stone fireplace seen in the mirror.

I love the soft yellow wall color and patterns in this living room. The floral paintings and wall art add beautifully to the lovely tulips.

A mix of different floral patterns can go together beautifully if they share a similar tone. The drapes and canopy go together well in this romantic bedroom.

Spring decor doesn't have to involve only pale pastels. Bright, bold floral patterns and plenty of jars of fresh flowers make this living room feel like a celebration of Spring. These types of sparkling chandeliers and the faux candle wall sconce are pretty accents, as well.

Simple window boxes with fresh green wheat grass can transform a dining room and bring the beauty of Spring indoors. The butterflies and muslin runner complete the look.

For a softer Spring look, lavender and white is a lovely, elegant color combination. The sweeping floral drapes and striped blinds are a chic combination as well. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

How have you started decorating for Spring? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to stop by Arcadian Lighting for some fresh new lighting fixtures to brighten your home!

Thank you Jessica for indulging us with some beautiful pictures and approachable suggestions for adding a touch or more of spring to our homes. Did you love the room with the purple sofa surrounded by all those pretty florals as much as I did?

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Please Note: I have not been compensated in any way for this post .