February, 2009 - Browsing by month

Feeling cooped in and happy February is almost over? My sentiments exactly and that’s why I want to promote neighborhood parties whether on your block, in your condo or apartment building. Reach out with a potluck theme and enjoy camaraderie with people whose paths you cross and get to know them.

Here’s a strategy:

· Plan a guest list

· Create a theme like ‘Winter is almost over Soup Supper’ or ‘Rachel Ray’s Lasagna dinner’

· Offer the menu and let everyone contribute or suggest a dish

· Make it BYOB and suggest wines to complement the menu

· Send out an EVITE

· Buy some flowers for your table

· Relax, enjoy and get to know your neighbors

After everyone enjoys a fabulous meal have some activities or games to keep the gossip and conversations going. Here are some suggestions.

Guess the Wine Price - Closest Wins a Bottle

Table Topics Game Cards from Pottery Barn

These cards spark lively conversation and debates. Now you will really get to know your neighbors.

Please share your ideas for neighborhood parties and let me know about the party. Bon Appetite!

Tags: apartment, condo, conversation, dinner, entertain, friends, home, neighborhood party, potluck, Seattle, taste, wine
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The next stage is a critical one for it involves the introduction of vases, candle holders, obelisks, boxes, ginger jars and clocks. All of these objects offer opportunities to add accent colors, style influences, personal taste or memorabilia from heirlooms. A rule of thumb is to vary sizes of objects by height and width. The relationship must in proportion to the other objects. One approach involves use of the same color for a group of accessory items.

As I design I use odd numbered groups and begin arranging them on tables. Then I step back and gauge the impact. I find my eye informs me if the proportion is awkward. Another question I ask myself, “Is the group too much, wrong size, not in harmony?”

Here are some objects to consider for use when accessorizing. All of them are from Global Views, a great resource that I found a few years ago. I especially like the diversity of product as well as the range of prices.

VASES

DECORATIVE ITEMS

CANDLE HOLDERS

The final stage entails editing. Vases can be rotated by season and used with our without flowers. Refresh the look of a room with alternates. On special occasions use the crystal vase, and then return the solid colored vase. Remember, not every gift requires display. Restraint adds more not less. Step back and ask yourself if there is one thing or more that is excess.

The words of Coco Chanel, the fashion designer, are suitable for accessory display too. Her comment goes like this, “Before you leave the house, take off the last thing you put on.”

I would enjoy your comments, questions, ideas and to learn what accessories or heirlooms you use to accessorize your home to make it uniquely yours.

Tags: Accessories, candle holder, decorating, entertain, heirloom, home, interior design, Seattle, style, vases
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The next introduction into a room is lamps and lighting. This includes table lamps, floor lamps and hanging fixtures. Lamps that are the correct size for a table surface fill the space on the table appropriately and art behind them is unnecessary. In the past few years chandeliers appear more frequently. This is a wonderful departure from the overuse of recessed cans in the ceiling. Small chandeliers are an option to replace a table lamp but need to be carefully selected for proportion. Select styles much smaller than one for a dining table and add a dose of drama.

The examples below from Global Views depict eye-catching lighting that add interest and pizazz to your interior.

Tags: chandelier, decorating, design, home, Lighting, style, table lamp, women
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Ideally, the accessories in a home are collected in stages. Select them carefully and make sure they actually add something to the space or do not conflict with the main furnishings in color and scale. Often one of the first selections is a mirror with size and details such as a beautiful wood finish or a bevel detail.

The Adair Mirror was inspired by an antique Irish Mirror, circa 1840, that hangs in Suzanne Kasler’s bedroom. The original mirror is a very rare 19th century ebonized and gilt wood oval wall mirror, with ivory accents and faceted cut clear glass mounts. The faceted cut glass has been replaced with genuine SwarovskiTM crystals.36″h x 36″w x 1.25″d

Tags: Accessories, decorating, design, interior design, Mirrors
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Enjoy my featured article on Ava Living and tour the site. I am pleased to participate in this online community. Visit me on AvaLiving.com

Tags: Benjamin Moore, design with couples, myperfectcolor, tips and tricks
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