Friday, December 17, 2010

Christmas Gifting Ingenuity


I've been thinking of Christmas, which leads me to budgets but also to character of creating something a person may actually enjoy. I believe that homemade and vintage elements for home decorating, packaging and gifting can be done simply and inexpensively with a bit of ingenuity.



 Vintage Eskimo child and artic animals card, would be adorable matted in a lovely frame with some wintery white german glass glitter accents.


these homemade figurines are easy enough for children, but classic enough to be inspired by antrhopologie.


Purchase a collage board photograph, or create your own. Use momentos of your loved one's cherished items and special things, to create a lovely piece of art.


A visit to Goodwill, garage sales, ebay, your kid's or neighbors toybox, consignment shops and you will be so lucky to find a plethora broken toys beyond repair. Instead of throwing them out, wire and hot glue them to a wreath form for a quirky addition to your child's room or playroom. Or, make a hanging mobile from them, here!


I truly adore this. A rusted, vintage oven grill, used as a memory board, Tie on some lovely mementos, add a few tea stained clothing clips and you have a beautiful find for that junkin' treasure girl.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Interior Design Trends For 2011: The Flash Of Luxury Into Your Home


* Guest post courtesy of Design Shuffle *

As we all know, trends are very short-lived. Just like fashion, interior designs are short lived and change every year. A few years back, the color of green was very much common. The color green rose to popularity because it promoted awareness for global warming and being eco-friendly. Hey, we all have to show support to save dear Earth. Each year brings new and flashy trends. Collecting interior design ideas is like putting paint on a canvas. There are no limits to what you can do and how you want to portray your sense of style. The year 2010 has brought out many eye-catching ideas and trends. Individuals and home owners are catching on fast to stay true to their desire for luxury.


Interior designers have moved towards old traditions. They describe this shift in designing as “old is new again”. Vintage and antique pieces of furniture add life to the living space. They make the area come alive with a clever selection of wall paints. If you really want to add a touch of vintage, the best place for you to shop is a thrift store. There, you will get furniture that is worn down through the years, and maybe you can snag a few items. This way your house or any other living area is going to look unique.


Your house is your heaven, and it is even better if you own it. There is no limit to what you can have done and how you can decorate the interior. The year 2011 is about to start off. You need to make sure that you have all the right ideas to help you redesign your house or your living area that is frequently used.


Start off with some colors that the new years will bring. Remodel your bedroom or living room accordingly. If your color of choice will be blue, then there are many shades and tints that you can use. One thing is for sure: when you use bright colors, your room may look a bit smaller. Some say that is cozy and comforting. Others don’t appreciate that fact. Bright colors will add a trendy touch of the year 2011. Bright is in, so color coordinate your walls. Use different shades to make the room look attractive and clean. Have bright lighting to add to the effect.


You have to stay a bit close to the trends of the New Year. Decorators suggest wood floorings and metal storage fixtures. That is quite 70’s, but you know old is gold nowadays. You need to have that extra space effect. Having carpets will make the room or any area appear occupied with everything displayed. Having wooden floorings will ensure that the room is kept spacious and attractive.


Remember the time when wall papers were so common that every single house had paper peeling of the walls. Not a very attractive sight indeed. Paint is in style, having walls painted with synthetic enamel will keep the walls glossy and clean. But here is a tip, don’t overdo it. It looks fresh, but having every room in your house looking glossy will make your house look like a hall of mirrors.


Content provided by Design Shuffle which is a social media site filled with interior design ideas from top tier design talent around the world. Best of all, registration is completely free.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Art of Removing


Katie Lee Joel's beautiful home, decorated by Nate Berkus is shown here styled two ways. The first, the chairs are upholstered in a chocolate brown so as to not distract from the bookshelf vignette. The built in bookshelves shine with color, blues, books and interesting arranging.

On the second style, the same exact room has chairs with a geometric pattern, that contrasts beautifully with the stark white items (and a few soft pastels) styled on the shelves.

I would love to know your preference. Do you change colors throughout the year (and not just because of holidays)... do you remove color and stuff for a clean and white palate and then add it back when you get bored? I do.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Homefront: Christmas Mantel

 I would love a larger statue of the kneeling Santa and the baby Jesus.

 I love using reds, aquas and whites for Christmas, though it will change one day.

I love love love trees, I think it would be fun to get one each year.

 My childhood gingerbread house debuts, and this vintage reindeer pair I found at a garage sale is a favorite.

 Ornaments and garland that will be going up on the tree.

My oldest son is almost 5 and has been asking about Santa's 'realness'. I found this book and it ties in the Christ child and the Santa legend beautifully, and explores the historial roots of Santa. For any Christian family who loves tradition, but also wants to keep the focus of Christmas on Christ, this book is a must!
It's called A Special Place for Santa by Jeanne Pieper
I got mine at Hobby Lobby for $10 and it would make a great Christmas gift!

 
 We found this authentic Chinese drums at Goodwill for an amazing price. they had about 30 of them, so I think a local monastary must have closed down or remodeled around here or something. We got 3 of them!



To see 2009's mantel in my old home, see here. For 2008's mantel in another home, see here.

Post will be linking up with lots of Christmas Mantle parties!


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