Shop at Home

It's a new year, and along with wanting to change our habits, it's also fun to change our homes a bit. I'm not talking about a complete overhaul here, just some simple ways to change your home by "shopping your home"-and it doesn't cost a thing, just some imagination on your part!

I love going from room to room to "borrow" things or use them for other than their intended purpose.

For instance, I received a beautiful, ornate, rich tapestry scarf for Christmas. It ended up being draped over my slipper chair in my family room. I loved how the rich reds in the scarf looked over the brown fabric of the chair. So, there it has stayed. It also provides a little extra warmth when I read at night. The best thing is I can still use it as a scarf!

Another very simple thing I did was borrow my cute cast iron place card holders from my dining room. They are in the shape of bunnies and look darling frolicking among my hurricane vases. It's also a little hint of what's to come-spring!

Those are a couple of fun ideas of how to use your items in your home in new ways. What can you find when you "shop your home"?

Come on in!

What is the first impression guests get of you home? Well, of course the outside gives a first impression, but it's the front door as well as the entryway. Once inside the door, the entryway is the first glimpse of your home a visitor will see. It gives them a little insight as to what the rest of your home is like. Does it say "welcome!" or "go away!" Hopefully, it says "welcome, come in, enjoy". One way to welcome visitors is to paint your front door a wonderful, warm red. Try Benjamin Moore 'Rosy Apple' or Columbia Paint 'empower' red.

Once inside, there are many things you can do with the small entryway to make it accommodating. A bench and a shelf with hooks is a great place to take off shoes and hang coats. Not enough room? How about a small round table, console or even wall shelf hung low to drop keys and mail. If there is room, you could add a small scale chair.

Sometimes entryways are big, and can be more of a mud room. Try a stack of lockers for an urban twist. Sometimes these can be acquired through a school system that might be renovating. Also check out www.potterbarnteen.com

So, come in, and welcome!