Modern Living

Hi Friends,

Traditionally grays have been considered sterile even cold. Today, grays are the new neutrals, all shades of gray are now acceptable and no longer considered the sterile environment of yesterday. Our featured living room this week is all about, what use to be considered, the two most sterile colors in the color palette; white and gray. Sterile or Neutral; you decide.

Our minimalist living room is all about the grays and white with a touch of Mother Earth in the wood stacked in our fireplace. Relaxing, yet sophisticated in the colors that were long ago, a NO!

Check back for more decorating ideas and enjoy your new neutral living space.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Office in the Living Room?

Hi Friends,

Welcome back!

Office in the Living Room? Absolutely. In this day and age it is essential to utilize every inch of space. Its not surprising that we live and work in a mutual space so why not make it work for both. An office can be attractive even in the most elegant space. Determine the style of your space; Contemporary, Eclectic, Mediterranean, Modern, Romantic, Traditional, Transitional, Tropical, Asian, English Country and implement a cohesive workspace that is also functional. Accent your desk with flowers and accessories that are stylish but not cluttered. Incorporate ample storage for an overall result that is casual, comfortable, sophisticated or even elegant but it's essential to blend with the existing surroundings. Most importantly, avoid clutter; it's the enemy and I stress that you will have a true appreciation of uncluttered surroundings.

Larger spaces can accommodate an armoire, perfect to close when not in use but affords the space and storage required to run a smooth and successful business right from your living room, bedroom or family room. Whatever the piece, arrangement is paramount. Blending seamlessly is key in any design addition. Think about adding a console to combine with or compliment existing pieces; contrast can be your friend but not in this case. Traditionally credenzas were designed specifically for offices but styles have evolved and they work in most any space if placed and accessorized appropriately. Your environment determines your mode so make it work for you and your family, and whenever possible, think ergonomic. It Works!

Hope you enjoyed this week's feature and check back with us for more decorating ideas.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Lighting a Room the Right Way

Hi Friends,

Welcome to our feature on Lighting a Room the Right Way and a special thank you to lighting designer Eddie Cohen for tips on how to properly light a room.

1. When you design lighting for a room you have to consider what activities you're going to engage in in that space. The types of activities will influence your choice of fixtures and placement. Most rooms serve more than one function. Lighting must be considered when highlighting certain room elements.

2. Recessed lighting is a good choice for a living room. Consider placing above a sofa, coffee table or chairs.

3. Sconce lighting is a beautiful decorative option that can add color and style to a room. Sconces come in a variety of materials such as glass, metal and ceramic. They will spill indirect light on sections of the wall and form interesting backdrops or accents to the room.

4. Table lamps and floor lamps are a key source of light for a room. This is an easy option for everyone, but there are many things to consider before purchasing. For example, you don't want light shining directly in your eyes while you are sitting next to the lamp. There are also various qualities of light through different types of shades. Shades can change the brightness and the color of the light that fills your room.

5. Think of the activities you will be doing in your room. If you read in your living room, a good light is needed near your favorite reading spot in the room. A floor or table lamp next to a chair, sofa or on a desk should provide the right amount of light.

6. Accent architectural elements in your home such as a fireplace mantel. You can do this with special spot lighting that is either recessed or on a track. Track lighting is nice over a bookshelf.

7. Light fixtures can be a piece of art. An interesting fixture on a table or shelf can be a conversation piece as well as an added light source to a dark corner.

8. Candles are always great for creating a casual or even romantic atmosphere. There are some specially designed light bulbs that simulate the light that comes from candles.

Hope the above tips help with your next lighting project.

Check back for more decorating ideas and happy lighting.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Unique Collage For Your Space

Hi Friends,

Collecting and displaying our most valued items start for some of us at an early age. In this feature we talk about collecting unique items that can be displayed as part of your interior design. Accessorizing is a big part of design and extremely important if you're working with a tight budget. Accessories will enhance your current design or add to a new one.

Add charm to any space with flea market finds or garage sales. You'll be surprised at the incredible deals and unusual pieces found in the most unlikely places. In the end, your overall result can be either casual and comfortable or sophisticated with a flare of elegance; you decide...

Create the perfect focal point with unorthodox yet functional pieces. Consider varying shapes and sizes of containers/boxes and use them to display your most valued collection of cups; perfect for a dinning room or spices for your kitchen and even perfumes for your dressing room. No limit to the imagination and be sure to check with us for great ideas.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne