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Tips &
Tidbits
 This
is a picture of one of my morning "sitting
spots" A lesson from the daffodils... We are all here for
just a little while, so "Bloom where you are planted". Lift your
face towards the light and take in all the joy of each day that you can.
And then give away to others, that day, what you can't use for
yourself.
Ok, that
does it …I’m in the mood now! I went searching for my patio umbrella
yesterday morning and put it up on the deck. I know it’s probably a bit
early. As I look through my kitchen window, I can see it now, there
waiting for me—tempting me. My head fills with thoughts and words like
easy, breezy, carefree sun filled days and the smell of flowers in the
breeze.
I imagine
springtime in the mountains, drifting the day away on the lake, feeling
the grass and warm sand on my bare feet. Ok, so I confess, I don’t get
this excited about all those other times of the year-- Fall, Winter,
Thanksgiving or Christmas. My family would faint if I did my Christmas
shopping early or got my cards out any earlier than Dec 23rd.
But digging out my patio umbrella from the storage shed!! That’s another
story!
So just in
case you’re starting to feel these same urges—here’s a few suggestions
in case you don’t want to put your umbrella out yet:
In my last
Tips and Tidbits letter I showed you a picture of one of my
"basket lamps" that I said would be
easy to change over for the new season. Well here is the same lamp.
Mine is an old clear glass-based bedside table lamp from the 40's. 
Everything
used here has special meaning to me so perhaps a better name would be My
Memory Basket Lamp. This time I've used:
1) A twig basket from an old
floral arrangement from my mom.
2) Some birch bark wrapped around the
column of the lamp that I collected from the yard. Do not peel
it off live trees.
3) A few of my favorite rock collectibles and a small
stone carving of two birds. It's an interesting way to light up a
little corner, and display something you enjoy looking at without taking
up a lot of table space. There is a lighthouse on the table too—reminds
me of a rocky shore up in Maine that I have seen.
This is
fairly rustic looking, and not something I would use in a "formal"
setting, but perhaps yours could be more "refined". Just pick a basket,
and then pick a lamp that will fit in the base of the basket as well as
clear the handle. Some times the plug and cord will fit through the side
and sometimes I just let it go up and over the edge of the basket.
Now, pick some of those trinkets you love, shells, glass eggs, seed
pods, balls of string, glass doorknobs or cabinet knobs, miniature
anythings, etc. Hmmm, you could use a big basket. Or you could use
little pots of grasses or herbs. If you don't have enough to fill the
basket, get creative with some "filler" for the bottom as a first layer.
 Throw open those curtains! Wash those
windows—yes it’s a pane—but well worth the lift it will give to your
home. Remove some of those heavier draperies or in some rooms, take them
all down if privacy is not an issue. This is especially true if you have
some beautiful windows to show off or a wonderful view to take in. If
you feel you must have something on the window, there are lots of light
breezy options available. If you don’t want to buy anything new, check
out my quick 5-minute window ideas for your smaller windows
 Here are three examples of some 5-minute window toppers. The top one is
a plain Rod Pocket Panel. The rod
pocket is turned in and taped down so it won't show. Fold panel in half
to cover your new ‘hem’ and then fan-fold 3 or 4 pleats. Use what ever
knot or wrap you like to attach it to the rod. The weight of your
fabric will determine which ones will work.
A sample of the knot I used is pictured. These are all great for
seasonal use, guest bedrooms, powder rooms, kids rooms, or special
occasion parties when you just want a "new look".
 The middle
treatment is a soft, silky fabric Shower
Curtain. Just fan fold the top edge & wrap up the
"buttonholes" in a rubber band and attach it to the drapery rod bracket.
See the picture of the inside of the “wrap”
 The bottom
treatment is a 72" Table Runner.
Just loop the runner through rubber bands, or clear plastic shower
curtain rings, as I have used, that are attached to your rod
brackets--then fluff and pouf!
Go shopping in your linen closet for ideas!
How does that phrase go….”What’s in your linen closet?” How about
some of those colorful, vintage tablecloths and linens you’ve been
hanging on to. Pillowcases can make great light seasonal covers for
throw pillows and they come in lots of colorful prints and patterns.
Just tuck in the ends on one side so you cover the end of the pillow. A
plump 18” pillow really fills a standard case.
All of these items can go back to their
former life when you're ready for another change! Talk about recycling!
If you have wider windows then use lengths of fabric, or a long
tablecloth. Or don’t forget those good old standby’s-- sheets.
Lighten
up the look of your rooms further by clearing off your
windowsills—and tabletops. Leave no more than 2-3 items out on each
surface. It will make dusting easier. Roll up those rugs and expose a
little floor. Or change out your area rugs for ones with lighter colors
and patterns.
Bring in
those lighter fabric pillows and colors in your accessories and pictures
as well.
Hang up a
few new posters or pictures for the season to get you inspired.
Generally
brass and gold are ‘warm’ accents for colder weather while silver and
crystal are ‘cool’ accents for warmer weather.
Don’t forget
the candles with fresh floral or green scents. Put away the spicy
scents of winter.
Cover Up— Think about making a lamp
‘cozy’ for your dark ceramic or brass metal base lamps! Also works for
large vases and plain pots. If you sew, make a little “bag” to slip
your lamp into. Otherwise just take a square or round of fabric and wrap
up the base, gathering it all in at the top. A small slit at the bottom
will let the cord out. Cinch it up at the top with some rubber bands,
tucking in the ends, & tie it off with some cording and a small tassel.
How about a
lampshade “skirt” cover out of light gauzy muslin or other fabric? Trim
it with braid, beads, whatever your room decor dictates. Think about a
“slipcover” or “vests” for the backs of your dining room chairs for a
lighter fresh look. Table runners or pillowcases have worked for this.
Attach ties to the sides of the table runners to hold them in place.
Loosen
up your furniture arrangement a little by giving your pieces
a little more ‘breathing room’. Perhaps you could even remove a few
items for a more open look. It still needs to be conversation-friendly,
but maybe not quite so full.
We hear a
lot about “bringing the outdoors in”. I know you’re probably thinking
about all the mud and dirt on shoes and paws, but think also about
flowers--silk or real, floral/ nature inspired fabrics, and of course
bring in the light. Try using outdoor garden
accessories inside such as wall plaques, planters, tables &
chairs. That way even if it’s raining you can still be “in the garden.”
Think about using light quilts, beach blankets, or those huge beach
towels as throws or cover-ups? How about an indoor hammock! Set it up
with a comfy padded coverlet, lots of pillows ala’ daybed style or a
chaise! It would be a nice spot for reading, relaxing or a little
afternoon nap.
Pare Down in the kitchen. Think
about stashing away those counter hungry appliances that you won’t be
using much during this “lighter” season—you know, those deep fryers,
slow cookers, pasta machines, grilling and rotisserie machines etc. Ok
So I’m just jealous because I don’t have the energy/determination to
actually use all those kitchen wonders!
If you’re
thinking about selling your house, now is the season! This is the best
time to market your home. Many of the things I’ve suggested have to be
done when you get ready to sell anyway! There are many other suggestions
that I’d be happy to share with you.
I hope I
have inspired you or given you the beginning of another idea. If so, or
if you have some ideas or comments of your own to share, please feel
free to let me know. If you‘ve tried all these things and you still need
help getting your rooms revitalized, or your house sold, then call on
your local interior redesigner or home stager®! Check out the links on
my Contact page
for one near you.
"I
have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try,
one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the
morning."
--- J.B. Priestley |
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