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"?

Giving Thanks All Year Long

As Thanksgiving was celebrated last weekend, it reminds me to be thankful all year long and to remember to say it often. In my business, I'm trying to remember to send not just thank you notes to clients, but remembering to send a card about something good that may have happened to a friend, client or colleague.

In today's economy, it is important to give thanks-really thanking others-all year long!

All Good Rooms Take Time

All good rooms take time to decorate, it doesn't have to be done all at once! A common question I get is "Can you mix the woods in your home?" Absolutely! A mix of woods is wonderful, and keeps the room from feeling too matchy. In my home I have a varied grain laminate floor (which I LOVE!) mixed in with antiques and newer pieces. It gives the room a warm feel, as though it's been decorated over time.

Don't forget to add personal items to your decor. I love to include pieces from my travels, even simple things such as pine cones, shells and corks can be displayed beautifully in hurricane vases and help to tell a story. Don't forget pictures, they help to tell that story too!

Happy Decorating!

Add a little spice!

I was driving the other day and was noticing, along with my 9 year old daughter, how beautiful the trees are right now! The colors are truly inspiring-the golds, reds, oranges, and various shades of green.

Let these colors inspire you for your fall decorating! All of these colors, with the exception of green, are very warm and comforting. Green is cool and calming...

A little pop of color by adding some new throw pillows, a throw or some new place mats or a tablecloth can go a long way in adding a little spice to your home!

Our 14th Anniversary this Month!

We are celebrating our 14th Anniversary in the design industry this month! Now that vacations are done, school is back in, we can once again focus on our homes! We are really thrilled to be offering a variety of classes with our Professional Organizing Partner, Monika Kristofferson of Efficient Organization.

WE ARE EXCITED TO TEACH THE FOLLOWING CLASSES!


Lake Stevens School District Pre-Register 425-335-1500 www.lkstevens.wednet.edu

Sept. 29 Declutter and Decorate, Live in Your Space, Love your Space!
Oct. 13 Organize Your Family and Relieve Stress
Oct. 15 The Art of Hanging Art
Oct. 27 Earth Friendly Home Organizing and Interior Design
Nov. 10 Color! Color! Color!
Nov. 17 Design and Organize Your Kitchen for Beauty and Efficiency


Marysville Parks & Recreation Pre-Register 360-363-8400 www.marysvillewa.gov

Sept. 26 Organize Your Family and Relieve Stress
Oct. 8 Declutter and Decorate, Live in Your Space, Love Your Space!
Nov. 12 Beat Holiday Stress through Organization