Crafting: Autumn Leaves & Linky

Oh happy day, so glad it’s Friday!  I took a brisk walk this morning to clear the cobwebs after dropping my kids off at school.  This fall day could not be any more lovely, with bright blue skies, a gentle breeze, and turning leaves rustling in the trees.  I plan to spend most of this…

The Paint On My Walls

This is a post from a long time ago, but updated as of May 2013, just in case you’ve ever wondered about the colors on our walls . . . ______________________ I’ve received several emails lately inquiring about paint colors in my home.  Shelley recently wrote, “Dear Kate, I’m curious if you would mind sharing the paint…

We Bloggers

First, just thank you.  Thank you so much for sharing your blog spaces this week ~ I was truly overwhelmed with the response to the blog party, nearly 300 inspirational stories, just amazing!  I’ve visited most of your spaces, met a lot of new friends, and learned so much from the glimpses into your lives.   …

Impromptu Invitation: Where Do You Blog?

Did you know that the average person spends 13 hours online every week?   The average person, not blogger.  13 hours online is an extremely low figure if you do happen to be a blogger.  I imagine most full time bloggers spend three to four times that amount online each week, perhaps more.  Why do I…

Freshened Family Room

Picasso went through his monochromatic blue period ~ clearly, I am going through my own blue phase.  I went through my first blue period when I was first married over ten years ago, but it was more of a cobalt blue fixation back then.  Then I rejected blue altogether and banished it from my house.  …

All White: Timeless or Trendy?

  I’ll be the first to stand up and plead guilty to a love of decorating with white.  I’ll spray paint just about anything white that’s standing still.   I’ve noticed that for the last several years, all white rooms are popping up more and more in design.      

Dare to Do Dark

It’s the beginning of summer, and I feel the need to make everything around me light and bright, but I’m finding myself increasingly drawn to the drama of dark painted walls.  When it comes to painting a room an intensely dark color like chocolate or charcoal, I confess I haven’t taken the plunge because I…

Color Crush: Seaglass

Lately, I’ve been crushing on the colors in seaglass – those watery, ethereal blues and greens that bring to mind the colors of the many oceans, and the relaxation that seems to accompany spaces decorated in these shades.    I love to collect seaglass, and these days I find myself drawn to all sorts of decorative…

Reader Inquiry: Chandys and Ceiling Height

We all know how the perfect chandelier can add just the right finishing touch to a space.   Great light fixtures do more than simply illuminate – they make a design statement too.   Recently a reader asked this question:  “I was wondering about your fantastic office redo.   Are you ceilings regular height?  8 feet I think…

Home Goodies at Burlington Coat Factory ?!

I’ve always known Burlington Coat Factory was a great place for cheap clothing for kids.  Today I found myself exploring the home goods department and was rather delighted to see this discount store had a few accessories and some furniture that were quite stylish, and inexpensive compared to their designer twins ! I spied these…

Living Room Inspiration: I Need You

So I’m knee deep in the middle of sprucing up my son’s room.  Poor thing -  I never ever really decorated his room when he was born due to 1) exhaustion and 2) ongoing remodel.  But don’t feel sorry for the lad, he had some cute plaid linens when he was still in the crib. …

There I Go Again

There’s really very little reason for me to stalk the furniture department at the local thrift store since my house is already full of pieces I’ve dragged home and refinished.  But I can’t stay away, much to the chagrin of my poor husband.  He can’t even park in our garage because of the half dozen…

Turquoise Girl’s Room: Project Breakdown

First of all, thanks so much to all of you for your very kind compliments from yesterday.  I am so delighted you love this grown up girl’s room as much as my girl does!   Here is the project breakdown, plus source guide for inquiring minds ! Amanda at The Eck Life wrote: “That chandy…

New Arrival

There was a mention in House Beautiful last November about this brand new product by Hudson Paint: colored  chalkboard paint.  I was completely intrigued, but then I forgot all about it until the the other day.  Then I remembered, and I just had to order some for a special project I’m working on.  I’m just…