Party Patriotically With a Red, White & Blue Backyard Bash

Courtesy of H. Camille Smith
Photography by Sarah Busby, Styling by:H. Camille Smith

Happy Labor Day Friends,

Unfortunately the end of summer is here. Show your true colors with an Americana-themed get-together. These tips will help you festively deck out your deck or patio for your Labor Day celebration.

A New Twist on Tradition

Americana colors & a few nautical nods = a winning setting for any summer soiree. For a traditional look that feels fresh, set your table with a mix of new and old items while keeping the focus on the tried-and-true: red, white and blue.

Viva la Vintage

Give your table a playful touch by mixing in a summery vintage find or family souvenir, like this mini brass boat that’s actually an old sailing trophy.

Bandanas for the Win

Swap disposable paper napkins for reusable and budget-friendly bandanas. Check your local dollar or craft store — they’re typically $1 each — or save even more by buying them in bulk online.

Create a Layered Look

Keep with the red, white and blue theme and stack plates in the patriotic palette for a pitch-perfect look. Complete each place setting with earthy woven grass placemats and chargers.

Centerpieces: More Is More

An umbrella over an outdoor dining table is great for providing shade but it also presents a problem: where to put the centerpiece. Skip a single arrangement and instead surround the pole with an assortment of containers filled with flowers. No need to buy expensive vases; use what you have — like an old blue canning jar — then fill with summer blooms and greenery clipped from your backyard.

Light Up the Night

Lanterns do double-duty to carry the red, white and blue theme while also providing soft mood lighting after the sun sets. Fill with remote-control battery-operated candles for fuss-free flames that you can extinguish with the push of a button.

Bring On the Blooms

Fill an old watering can with an assortment of grocery store or backyard blooms for an easy-to-craft decoration.

Serve Seasonal Sips

Free yourself from mixologist duties by whipping up a big batch of white wine sangria or lemonade before guests arrive. Whether you choose the cocktail or mocktail route, mix in lots of fresh blueberries and strawberry slices for added flavor and to keep with the party’s signature shades.

Enjoy your Labor Day with family, friends, and neighbors.

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Live well,
Yvonne

Plants For Indoors and Outdoors

Courtesy of Davey.com

Hi Friends,

Worried you have way too much dreary shade cover or far too much-beaming sunlight to successfully grow plants in your yard or home? No such thing! No matter the condition, there’s most certainly a plant you can count on to breathe life into your space, inside or out.

Choosing the best indoor and outdoor plants can be daunting. The right lighting can really make or break your plants. Sure, some plants are hardy enough to grow no matter the circumstances, but to grow your plants to their fullest potential, pay particular attention to the amount of sun—or shade—they require.

Best indoor plants for a window sill (or high light)

• Parlor palm: A thin-stemmed tree with wide, showy leaves.
• Rubber plant: A tall indoor tree with round and shiny deep green leaves.
• African violet: A popular indoor plant with delicate purple flowers.
• Jade plant: An oval-leafed succulent that’s said to bring good luck.
• Orchid: An elegant, thin-stemmed plant with flowers ranging from fuchsia pink to canary yellow.
• Pothos: A grassy-green plant that’s known to clean indoor air.
• Cactus: A sun-loving container plant that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes

Houseplants that do well in low light

• Peace lily: A tropical evergreen plant with snowy-white flowers.
• Philodendron vine: A vine with heart-shaped leaves that grows in both bright and low light.
• Snake plant: A Low-maintenance succulent with sturdy, upright leaves. It also goes by another name: mother-in-law's tongue.
• Chinese evergreen: A glossy green-leafed plant that has tropical origins.
• Spider plant: A popular houseplant with mixed green and white leaves.

Full-sun outdoor plants for your garden

• Pentas (zones 9-11): Red, pink or white-flowered plants that have a super high tolerance for heat.
• Catmint (zones 3-8): Sprawling perennials that are rich purple in color.
• Russian sage (zones 5-10): Drought-tolerant shrubs with tall, upright stems.
• Coneflower (zones 5-8): Daisy-like wild flowers that attract birds and butterflies.
• Petunias (zones 10 and 11): Popular annuals with flowers that grow in a variety of shapes and shades.

Best half-sun outdoor plants

• Hostas (zones 3-9): Dependable perennials that come in multiple shades of green.
• Diascia (zones 8-10): A flowering plant perfect for gardens or hanging baskets.
• Hydrangeas (zones 3-10): A large family of flowers that bloom in white, baby blue, lavender and more.
• Impatiens (zones 8-10): A popular annual that blooms nonstop from spring to late fall.
• Forget-me-nots (zones 3-8): A plant with distinctly blue flowers and tall, fuzzy stems.

No-sun outdoor plants to try

• Lady fern (zones 3-9): Like many plants in the fern family, lady ferns can grow well without any sunlight.
• Fuchsia (zones 8-10): A versatile group of plants that grow as small shrubs or drape delicately from hanging baskets.
• Deadnettle (zones 4-10): A fast-growing ground cover plant with an assortment of flower colors.

Best dual indoor and outdoor plants

• Geranium (zones 9-11): An outdoor groundcover or indoor hanging plant.
• Boxwood (zones 4-9): Outside, they’re shrubs that like full shade, but inside they prefer partial sunlight.
• Calla lily (Zones 3-10): In zones 3-7, they’re OK outside up until winter and can become houseplants before the frost. In warmer zones, they’re year-round outdoor plants.
• Begonias (zones 3-11): Outside they crave shade and inside they need filtered light.
• Vegetable plants (multiple zones): Veggies like carrots, tomatoes, scallions and more sprout both inside and outside.

Enjoy your new plants...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Best Plants For Bathrooms

Courtesy of VictoriaPlum.com and Adam Chard in Inspiration

Hi Friends,

Bringing the outdoors indoors with house plants is a great way to incorpoate these living beauties into your space. In this post, we’ll be getting all green-fingered, with some blooming marvellous bathroom plant ideas. The great thing about bathrooms is that the often damp and humid atmosphere can work in your favor when picking plants.

Which plants are best for bathrooms?

Aloe Vera
A plant you’ve probably heard of due to its medicinal properties (it can be used to help heal cuts and soothe dry skin), Aloe Vera doesn’t need much in the way of water—the humidity in your bathroom may simply be enough. This plant likes sunlight, so keep near a window.

Bamboo
One of the most sustainable natural resources on the planet and a material from which we make many of our bathroom accessories, bamboo is a great choice of plant for bathrooms. It doesn’t need much light or water, nor does it require soil, thriving on water and pebbles alone. It grows very quickly, so it will need to be pruned on a regular basis and it can be easily reshaped if you wish.

Boston Fern
A very popular plant, which you’ll find in most garden centres or large supermarkets. It’s great for hanging as it has frilly leaves that can grow quite long and drape. Keep the soil moist, but don’t over water. It needs a good amount of sunlight, making it ideal for hanging on a window frame. Why not find out how to create your own macramé hanging planter?

Cast Iron Plant
Known for its low maintenance, the Cast Iron Plant can survive in low light and with infrequent watering—it’s also great in extreme heat! Allow this plant to dry out before watering.

Chinese Evergreen
Growing in popularity, due to its attractive streaked leaves, this house plant does prefer warmer temperatures but is suitable for general bathroom conditions. A real all-rounder, the Chinese Evergreen can tolerate other environments if necessary.

Ivy
Everyone knows and recognises classic English Ivy, usually spotted trailing down the side of a picturesque country cottage. One of the top air purifying plants, it is great for use indoors as well as out. Ideal for hanging or sitting on a ledge, the leaves will grow and trail down. This plant does need moderate sunlight and enjoys high humidity levels. If it’s not getting enough sunlight in your bathroom, move it around the house on sunny days, to give it that much-needed light boost.

Orchid
This flowering plant is very well known and can help give the feel of a home spa. It needs indirect sunlight, so as not to burn the leaves.

Enjoy green-thumbers...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Update A Bathroom Without Breaking The Bank

Hi Friends,

Here are some suggestions on updating a bathroom on a budget:

Paint the walls.

A fresh coat of paint can make a big difference in the look of any room. Choose a color that you love and that will complement the other fixtures and décor in your bathroom.

Replace the hardware.

New hardware can give your bathroom a new look without breaking the bank. You can find affordable hardware at most home improvement stores.

Update the mirrors.

New mirrors can make your bathroom look brighter and larger. You can find affordable mirrors at most home improvement stores and discount retailers.

Add new towels and rugs.

New towels and rugs can add color and style to your bathroom. You can find great deals on towels and rugs at discount stores and online retailers.

Get creative with storage.

If you're short on storage space in your bathroom, get creative with your storage solutions. You can use baskets, bins, and wall-mounted racks to maximize the space.

Add plants.

Compliments of VictoriaPlum.com

Plants can add a touch of nature to your bathroom and help to improve the air quality. You can find inexpensive plants at garden centers and online retailers.

Make it your own. Don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to your bathroom.

This could mean displaying your favorite photos, adding a piece of artwork, or simply arranging the furniture in a way that makes you happy.

Here are some additional tips for updating your bathroom on a budget:

• Shop around. Compare prices at different stores before you make a purchase.
• Look for sales and discounts. Many stores offer sales and discounts throughout the year.
• Buy used. You can find great deals on used furniture and décor at thrift stores, online marketplaces, and garage sales.
• Do it yourself. If you're handy, you can save money by doing some of the work yourself, such as painting, hanging curtains, or rearranging furniture.

With a little creativity and effort, you can update your bathroom on a budget and create a space that you'll love to spend time in.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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

Family Room Makeover On A Budget

Hi Friends,

Unfortunately, staying on a decorating budget has become more difficult but there are ways to update spaces in your home on a budget.

Here are a few ideas for a family room:

Paint the walls.

A fresh coat of paint can make a big difference in the look of any room. Choose a color that you love and that will complement the other furniture and décor in your family room.

Add new rugs or carpets.

Rugs and carpets can add color, texture, and warmth to a room. If you're on a tight budget, you can find great deals on remnant rugs or carpets at discount stores.

Update the furniture.

If your furniture is looking tired, you can give it a new look with a new slipcover or throw pillows. You can also find great deals on used furniture at thrift stores or online marketplaces.

Add new décor.

Accessories like lamps, mirrors, and artwork can add personality and style to your family room. You can find great deals on these items at discount stores or online marketplaces.

Rearrange the furniture.

Sometimes all it takes to update a room is to rearrange the furniture. Try moving the furniture around to create new seating arrangements or to open up the space.

Add plants.

Plants can add color, life, and freshness to a room. They're also a great way to improve the air quality in your home. You can find inexpensive plants at garden centers or online marketplaces.

Get creative. Don't be afraid to get creative when updating your family room on a budget. There are many ways to add style and personality to your space without spending a lot of money.

Here are some additional tips for updating your family room on a budget:

• Shop around. Compare prices at different stores before you make a purchase.
• Look for sales and discounts. Many stores offer sales and discounts throughout the year.
• Buy used. You can find great deals on used furniture and décor at thrift stores, online marketplaces, and garage sales.
• Do it yourself. If you're handy, you can save money by doing some of the work yourself, such as painting, hanging curtains, or rearranging furniture.

With a little creativity and effort, you can update your family room on a budget and create a space that you'll love to spend time in. Happy decorating!

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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

Update Your Bedroom On A Budget

Hi Friends,

Here are some inexpensive ways to update your bedroom:

1. Paint the walls. A new coat of paint can make a big difference in the overall look of your bedroom. Choose a color that you love and that will create the mood you want in the space.
   
   
2. Add new bedding. New bedding is a quick and easy way to update your bedroom. Choose a set that you love and that will coordinate with the rest of the room.
   
   
3. Change out the curtains. New curtains can add a touch of style and sophistication to your bedroom. Choose curtains that are made of a fabric that you love and that will let in the right amount of light.
   
   
4. Add some artwork. Artwork can add personality and interest to your bedroom. Choose pieces that you love and that will complement the overall look of the room.
   
   
5. Get a new rug. A new rug can add warmth and color to your bedroom. Choose a rug that is made of a material that you love and that will coordinate with the rest of the room.
   
   
6. Add some plants. Plants can add life and freshness to your bedroom. Choose plants that are easy to care for and that will thrive in the bedroom environment.
   
   
7. Declutter. One of the best ways to update your bedroom is to declutter. Get rid of anything that you don't use or need. This will make the room feel more spacious and inviting.
   
   
8. Add some storage. If you don't have enough storage in your bedroom, add some storage solutions. This could include a nightstand with drawers, a dresser, or a bookshelf.
   
   
9. Change the lighting. New lighting can make a big difference in the overall look of your bedroom. Choose lighting that is functional and that will create the mood you want in the space.
   
   
10. Add some personal touches. Add some personal touches to your bedroom to make it feel like your own space. This could include photos of loved ones, souvenirs from your travels, or anything else that makes you happy.

These are just a few ideas for inexpensive ways to update your bedroom. With a little effort, you can transform your bedroom into a space that you love.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th Friends,

I live a wonderful, prosperous life here in America. Unfortunately, there were times my mind was closed but fortunately, enlightened, as well. I have felt the pain of loss, and the exuberance of winning. I have had relationships go bad, and have started up wonderful new ones. I am an American, and thankful every day that I was born into the abundance that is America.

How fortunate am I to have the medium available to me to be able to express this to you, as well as, receive messages from friends and loved ones, in the peace and tranquility that America is today. We are truly blessed.

Happy Birthday America. I for one, am proud to say I Am An American.

Enjoy this Independence Day in the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends...

Have a good one from your friends at Interior Desgin!

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