Got a sad, blah room in need of a quick pick-me-up? Good news…there are two ways to jump-start the energy in a room without spending a lot of time or money.

1. Paint it
2. Rearrange it

Painting is inexpensive, can be done in a day, and naturally “cleans up” a room while giving great color impact. Yea! Rearranging does the same thing, but here’s where it edges out painting…it’s FREE and can be done in about an hour! Woot woot!

So if you only have an hour or so, get out your tape measure and Moving Men discs and stir things up! Need ideas and inspiration? Check out HGTV’s Rearranging 101. Oh, and yes…number’s 4, 10 and 12 are my work {insert big cheesy grin here}!

While we’re on the subject, I had previously published an article entitled “Easy Measurement Formulas for Comfortable Design” – sort of a design-by-the-numbers guide. For your convenience, here are the highlights:

Furniture Arrangement

• Allow 2′ for walkways, and try not to force walkways through a conversational space.
• Leave 14″ to 18″ between the sofa and the coffee table.
• Reserve 2′ behind dining and desk chairs, and allow sufficient space for drawers to be opened.
• The conversation zone should be contained within an 8′ diameter.
• The distance from the TV to seating should be three times the size of the screen. For example, to watch TV on a 32″ screen comfortably, allow 8′ between the TV and the seating area.

Hanging Art

• Most people hang art too high. While the normal advice is to hang art so that the “normal” eye level (5′ 7″ to 5′ 10″) hits it one-third from the top of the art piece. However, you should also consider the type of room and how the art will be viewed. For example, hang living room art lower to appeal to seated guests, foyer art higher for standing guests, and kids rooms art a bit lower.
• Bottom line – use common sense, and when in doubt, hang it a little bit lower than you think you should.

Hanging Lights

• The sum of the length and depth of a room (in feet) equals the ideal width of your light fixture in inches. For example, a hanging chandelier in a 14′ x 12′ dining room should be 26″ wide. A hanging pendant in a 10′ x 10′ foyer should be 20″ wide.
• When hanging a light over a dining room or kitchen table, the bottom of the light should be 28″ to 32″ above a dining or kitchen table. Hang it lower for contemporary designs or intimate settings, and higher for larger tables.

Hanging Curtain Panels

• Your goal is to hang them so that the bottom of the panel lands right above the window sill, or go all the way to the floor (not in-between!).
• The higher you hang your panels, the taller the room will feel.
• Hang them about 3″ beyond either side of the window. This makes the window appear larger, and allows for more natural light to enter the room when the panels are open.
• Double Rods are great if you’re hanging sheers behind panels. Just make sure the sheers are the same length as the panels.

Area Rugs

• When placing an area rug in a dining room, measure your table, and then add 24″ to 30″ all around (or about 4′ to 5′ in total length and width). This makes it easier for guests to move their chairs around. Consider casters on the bottom of the chairs to help them move more smoothly.
• When using a room-sized rug on hardwood flooring, leave at least 8″ of exposed hardwood showing around all edges of the rug.
• If you’re using an area rug in a sitting area, make sure it is anchored by the front legs of the furniture, and not floating in the middle of the room.

Now remember, these are guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules. Do what works for you! Still not getting the results you want? Go with plan B and PAINT!

How have you shaken up a sad little room?

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Pink is a beautiful, joyful hue that has been engrained in our minds as a “little girl color” – much as a dad’s favorite sports team becomes his son’s favorite teams. Do you think pink is most little girls’ favorite color because they organically love it, or because they caught on pretty early that it’s the “team” color that represents little girls?

With two daughters, we’ve had our share of pink rooms in our home. My older daughter loved pink, but “grew out of it” (whatever that means) as shown here. My younger daughter, however, associates strongly with the hue as shown here. As for me, I like pink, but doubt I’d ever convince my husband to live in it. Doesn’t mean I can’t try and sneak in a few accents.

Most grownups shy away from using pink in their homes because of these preconceived ideas that have been shoved down our throats by society! But for the confident and expressive souls who dare to view their world from rose colored glasses – it’s a wonderful way to add soothing warmth to their homes.

Plus, it fits in nicely with Benjamin Moore’s Color Trends for 2011, as explained here.

Love pink but not sure how to use it? Here are some colors that pair nicely with this blushing beauty:

• Green is a lovely complimentary color to pink. There’s a reason that pink and green owned the preppie era of the 80’s. Safe, but lovely.
• Yellow and blue also play nicely with pink. Experiment with various shades to find the combination that works for you.
• With bolder pinks, how about a side of tangerine or violet? Tempered with white it could be gorgeous!
• Since pink is simply a lighter shade of red, consider a monochromatic color scheme in that family. Think Valentines!
• Pink can be toned down with a dark neutral such as brown or black. White makes a great partner as well.
• Which shade is right for you? Pink can range from pale pastel/almost white to bold fuchsia, and numerous nuances in-between. Any of these beauties speak to you?

Selections courtesy of House Beautiful

Take a tour with me through some amazing pink rooms that just might change your subconscious mind about the color pink. No rose colored glasses necessary here!

The most common place you’ll find pink is in a bedroom. Here’s a lovely, eclectic room with a great sense of expression. How could you not love that pink canopy!

Photosource: Flickr

Love bold pink but want to tone it down? Whitewash it!

Photosource: Southern Living

But are you bold enough to make your living room blush? Interesting to note that the blues, greens, yellows and blues play nicely with the pink and tone’s it down a bit.

Photosource: House Beautiful

Here’s a great example of pink as an accent. The red/pink in the curtains tone down the girly-factor a bit. What do you think about the pastel pink cabinet? I love it. It’s a bold move and adds softness to the room.

Photosource: Country Living

Here’s a great example of playful pink for grownups! Love the high ceilings, valiant shade of pink and the lighting in the dining room is amazing!

Photosource: Apartment Therapy

Could you see yourself enjoying tea and scones in this dining room? What about steak and potatoes? The nautical feel of the stripes tones down the girl vibe a bit, and the hanging pendant is fabulous.

Photo Source: Coastal Living

I’ve been dreaming of a beach blue kitchen {sigh…some day} – but this pink and white kitchen caught my eye – might those be the appliances I blogged about here? I really think the mixer adds the finishing touch! The blue plays nicely in this room as well. I really like this one!

Photo Source: Coastal Living

And what pink dwelling would be complete without this fabulous porch? A simple addition of pink and white stripped pillows makes enough of a statement. Even without the view, it’s lovely!

Photo Source: Coastal Living

Even if I can’t gain consensus to pink-a-fy my home, I’ve got my eye on this little beauty for the summer! Just needs a basket on the front and I’m good to go!

So if you like pink…go for it! No apologies! Express yourself with confidence.

So have I convinced you? What’s holding you back?

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Every day I go in my closet to get dressed, and ask myself that question. But I don’t always get an easy answer.  Now if I’m only wearing 20% of my wardrobe (the norm), then I’m wasting a lot of time looking at the other 80% in pursuit of what to wear! What a waste of time!

So this season, rather than just shuffling clothes back and forth for the new season, I took a long hard look at what’s in my closet, and ended up with what feels like a brand new wardrobe!

So are you game? If so, block out about 2 hour…no…make that a 4 hour chunk of time. This is serious work! But having a functional closet of clothes that make you feel good is worth it!

Full Disclosure: Anything that covers your bottom has to audition to be featured in your closet or to qualify for storage. Pants, skirts, dresses, suits. Yes…try them all on. If you don’t feel good in them, donate them. Life’s too short to wear ill-fitting clothes that don’t make you feel good, and there are so many people in need who would truly appreciate what you have. So put on your best undergarments and turn up some motivational music. We’ve got some work to do!

Still with me? Ok. There are two parts to this project: 1) storing the off-season, and 2) bringing in the new season.  The first part is actually more time consuming. But that extra effort will make next season’s changing of the closets much easier and it will prep your closet for this season.

Step 1: Take everything out of your closet – just like TLC’s “What Not To Wear” but without the attitude (I love that show).  If you don’t have enough room to work with, tackle work clothes first, then play/casual clothes. Lay them in piles on your bed: pants, skirts, tops, suits/jackets. Keep a laundry basket handy for clothes destined to be donated.

Now, start trying things on. Here are the ground rules:

• If you wore it this past season and you feel good in it, it’s safe. Put it into storage. If it needs mending, put it in a “to mend” pile. If you didn’t wear it this past season, donate it. Doesn’t matter if it fits or not.

• Too small? If you really really really want to wear it next year and promise to lose 5 pounds to make it happen, then you can keep it as motivation. Otherwise, donate it.  If you need to lose more than 5 pounds to make it work, donate it and when you do lose the weight, treat yourself to something new!

• Too big? First of all, congrats on your weight loss. Feel free to keep one or two nice outfits for those bloatie days. We all have them. Donate the rest.

• Styles change. Just because that jacket with the shoulder pads was all the rage in college doesn’t mean it’s fashionable today. If you’re unsure of current styles, invite a fashionista friend over to help. Friends LOVE to give style opinions!

Ok, let’s review. You now have off-season clothes stored that you know will be good to go next season. Just think how much future time you’ve saved. Go ahead, pat yourself on the back!

Ready for the new season stuff?

Step 2: Ok, you know the drill. Try on anything that covers your bottom. If it fits and you feel good in it, it stays. If it doesn’t – it gets donated. If it needs mended, it goes in the “to mend” pile. Too wrinkled? Toss a load in the dryer for 10 minutes with a damp towel.

You’re almost done…just tend to those in need of mending before putting them away.

Whew! That was a lot of work. But look at your closet! More breathing room means less wrinkles and a quicker answer to the daily question “what should I wear today?”  And feeling good about how you look? Priceless!

Just for fun, here are a few bonus tips that might help you feel better about your closet and your wardrobe:

• Splurge on new hangers!
• While your closet is empty…does it need painting?
• Is there enough lighting in your closet to see your wardrobe?
• Hang belts, scarves and handbags on hooks.

Now this post focused on WHAT to keep in your closet. Please feel free to add your tips and any links to great blog posts about organizing closets to this list! We’re all in this together!

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Got a Tween? Yea, it’s (mostly) a girl thing.

If she is too old for bunk beds and trundles, then it’s time to ban the bunnies and butterflies from her room. The key is to be adaptable! She’s going to change her mind many times.

What is a “Tween?” This Tween Definition from the Urban Dictionary really nails it:

A girl ages about 9-14…too old for toys, but too young for boys. Very easy to market to, will usually follow any fashion trend set for them, will most likely go through the phase of ‘finding themselves’ as they ‘grow up’.

In other words, they’re a moving target (and hold on to your wallet!). They want to express their individuality, yet also fit in with their friends. It’s a confusing time! Their opinions are driven primarily by pop culture, friends, and hopefully tempered by her family’s values. And they will change their mind more than YOU do.

Fear not! Here are some helpful tips in finding a fabulous design to make your tween happy and keep you sane (within reason).

Adaptable color

Unless you personally enjoy painting, pick a neutral color for the walls. Spice up a neutral base with funky colors for trim, expressive rugs, throws, pillows and dramatic wall decals or murals.  Oh, and be sure to opt for a comforter with a duvet.

Here’s a great example of a neutral room that can change on a dime!

Photo source: House Beautiful

Here’s another great example of neutral walls with a splash of electric blue in the bench and chandelier. Keeping the bedding neutral will allow breathing space for a tween’s need for flair AND allow for change.  And isn’t that rug fabulous?

Photo source: Apartment Therapy

Theme?

Don’t do it. Seriously!  Today’s “in” theme is tomorrow fashion disaster. Walk into any Justice store and you’ll be overwhelmed with peace signs. But design “peace sign” room and she’ll be bugging you for something different next year.

But if you must do a theme…create a basic foundation and keep the thematic elements interchangeable. Here’s a cute French poodle room that would be easy to transition from by changing the bedding and rug. Other colors would mix nicely with the black and white core of the room.

Photo Source: HomeStyleCafe.ru

Curb clutter or at least reach a compromise!

Tweens tolerate clutter a lot better than parents. What we see as clutter, they see as a personal expression or “flair.” So start your design plan with fewer larger pieces of furniture, and art because that “flair” is going to build up whether you like it or not. (Note: I love the black chandelier wall decal and silver night table!).

Photo source: HGTV

Tip: Nix the busy bedding. Opt for solids or subtle patterns in the bedding. A bright throw at the end of a white duvet is crisp and timeless.  Let your tween express herself with colorful throws and create toss pillows.

Tip: Tweens come with a lot of “stuff.” Built-in bookshelves are a great way to contain that stuff. Use buckets or cubes within a storage unit for a cleaner look.

Tip: While the big bed-in-the-middle-of-a-bookcase may appear on the surface to be a win-win solution, think about how much clutter it actually highlights. Instead, add built in shelves on the same walls as the door to the room so it’s not the first thing you see when you enter the room. I like the wall mural in the example below, but all the “stuff” would drive me crazy!

Photo source: Pottery Barn Teen

Idea: Why not just go ahead and paint one wall with magnetic paint as her “flair” gallery – it will at least keep it contained to one spot (maybe). Here’s an interesting use of a magnetic wall for a poster display.

Photo source: Flickr

Find inspiration through collaboration

As much as you’re just dying to design her room they way YOU want, you’ve got to share the planning stage. Go through magazines together, watch HGTV, and browse online. Think of it as fun girl time. Bonus: if she feels like the room is her idea, she’ll probably do a better job keeping it picked up.

Like it or not, pop culture does play a role in tweens’ opinions. Here are bedrooms from a couple iconic teens that just might sway your tween’s opinion:

Photo Source: InStyle Magazine

Photo source: People Magazine

Work together and have fun. Your tween will love her new room, and you will love the time you spend together.  Plus you can live vicariously through her youthful design style – you can get away with more whimsy as a tween than as a “grown up.” Have FUN!

As for my tween, we’ve had a lot of fun changing her room around together.  Here’s the post about showing her latest three designs. And for my tween-wannabee? I caved to a pink room, but negotiated a non-princess room.

How have you helped your daughter’s room grow up?

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What goes with your favorite pair of blue jeans?  Just about anything!

Perhaps that’s why blue is such a popular design trend in our homes! It’s a more lively neutral that plays well with others.

When it comes to bringing blue inside your home, there are SO many options for pairing other colors with your favorite blue hue:

• Monochromatic colors stay in the same color family, but vary the intensity for depth.
• Analogous colors are neighboring families on the color wheel: Blue-green and Blue-violet.
• Complementary color is the opposite on the color wheel. For blue, it’s orange (a nice balance of warm/cool tones)
• A Split Complementary approach pairs the two colors on either side of the complementary color: Yellow-orange or red-orange
• Triad colors for blue include yellow and red – think nautical
• Tetrad colors are a group every 4^th color on the color wheel: blue, orange, red-violet, and yellow-green

But no need to get hung up on color rules…blue is very forgiving, just like your favorite pair of jeans!

Here are some rooms that have the blues, in a good way!

This is more of a beach blue, or sea glass blue, but I’m in love with the color AND the appliances. Note the differing shades of blue in the tiles and the use of green and yellow in the cupboards. Against a white background, it makes a nice splash (pun intended).

Photo by Richard Leo Johnson for Sunset Magazine

Here’s another kitchen that uses a more true-blue in the cabinets. Note the use of yellow-green and orange! Throw in some red-violet and you’ve got a great example of tetrad colors.

Photo by Thomas J. Story for Sunset Magazine

Let’s keep going with kitchen examples for now…here’s one of my favorites from Domino. The black chandelier is yummy, and the children’s artwork and orange-red saucepans hint at a split complementary color strategy.

Photo: Domino Magazine

Ok, enough about blue kitchens! I love the bedroom with soothing blue walls, warm textured drapes and a cool apple green bed.

Photo: Domino Magazine

Here’s another bedroom that is anchored with black/white and accented with a lively pop of red. A subtle nautical feel.

Photo: Domino Magazine

And lastly, if you’d like to get your blues on without a lot of work, how about painting candlesticks from a thrift shop? A beautiful, illuminating spot of color!

Photo: Sunset Magazine

Just like your favorite pair of jeans, trust your instincts and have some fun with color.

Psst – do you have a favorite blue room you’d like to share? HomeGoods is hosting their Happy Spring Challenge, and you just might win a weekly price and possibly even a mego shopping spree!

And this week’s topic? You guessed it…“True Blue”!

Get your entry in this week! And Good luck!

How have you used blue in your home?

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Why be so serious? Your home should make you smile!

If we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll admit that (to some degree) we tend decorate our homes to impress others. But most of what you do with your home décor should be an expression of YOU.  And accessories are the perfect way to infuse some personality into your home!

As I was thumbing through CB2.com (one of my favorite catalogs) the other night, I found myself laughing out loud at some of the FUN decorating ideas I found.  One thing they all had in common…is that they are playful, and they made me SMILE.

The first thing that caught my eye was this hopscotch rug.  Makes you want to stop hopping, doesn’t it!

Next I spotted these fire-engine-red bar stools. Really adds a playful pop to a neutral space, don’t you think?

Next time you have friends over, tickle their funny-bone with these darling appetizer plates…clever 3D effects and delicious dry humor!

Here’s a colorful, whimsical idea for wall art. You could also frame a favorite board game for a pop of color, if you’re game!

Remember the crazy “fun house” at the boardwalk? Bring the fun home with these crazy spy mirrors.

And lastly, I love this studio floor lamp, styled after the 1940’s with an adjustable head.

I didn’t buy any of these items (just yet)…but they did make it to my inspiration folders! Maybe I’ll drop some hints around Mother’s Day! lol

What makes you smile about your home?

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Awhile back I shared a wonderful meditation nook I discovered on a “girls spa weekend” in North Carolina (see post here).  Simply put, it was a bed placed at the end of a hall for guests to relax in while in-between treatments. Of course the vibrant drapes and oodles of comfy pillows added to the experience.

So here was my “inspiration room” for a retreat area in my own home:

I decided to use a nook in our bonus room, which serves as our play room, guest bedroom and upstairs family room. This is the nook before I got ahold of it – looks like a daycare!

By switching things around, I used what I already had and created my own version of the retreat using lively colors that matched the spirit of the play room.

But after awhile, I tired of the kiddo vibe. After writing the Color Trends for 2011 post, I started thinking about how I could use color to change the impact of my retreat (and reclaim it from the kids!).  Plus, remember…this is also a guest room when needed.

I was really drawn to both the “escape” and the “tribal” trends – I wanted something with an organic earthy feel, but that felt light and full of possibilities.

So I did a couple (very inexpensive) things:

• I updated the bedding to something very neutral and soothing (and yes, “on sale”).
• I added roman shades for texture and to add privacy for guests (very easy project – they hang on regular curtain rods)
• I recovered the body pillow with a playful giraffe pattern (which ties in with the chocolate brown sofa on the other side of the room), and switched out the pink pillows with other ones I had in storage.
• I simplified the wall art to be serene and relaxing.

Overall, I spent less than $200 (just for the bedding, shades and curtain rod). Now we finally have a space that is more comfortable for guests, and I have my little corner of the world where I can relax.

Who knew…color really is that powerful!

{Next step – add a soundproof curtain in front of the nook that makes me invisible to the kids while they’re playing Wii across the room. Yea, wish me luck on that one!}

How have you used color to change the feel of a room?

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February may be a short month, but that’s no excuse for waiting til the 11^th hour to squeak in a post! Yes I’ve been busy (isn’t everyone?), but that’s not why it’s taken me so long to post.  Actually I have several reasons:

• This is my 100^th post, and yes…I felt the pressure to make it something SPECIAL!
• I’ve been busy redesigning the “Your home, only better.” blog to better reflect the spirit of what this site is about (I hope you like it!).
• I’m also working on the “next big thing” for HOMEdigz, the online community I run for home enthusiast (coming soon!).

Ok, enough excuses. I really want to take this opportunity to thank the many readers and bloggers who have inspired me and kept me going. I write this blog from my heart, and hope that in some small way it touches you and inspires you to make your home the best it can be, and uniquely your own.

To celebrate this 100^th post, I’d like to share some of my FAVORITE images I’ve used here on YHOB over the past year – this is what my house would look like if I had a do-over! Enjoy the eye candy! (pssst…click on the image to see the related post).

This is my dream bedroom – especially if it comes with an ocean view! Love the charcoal/lime throw on the bed!

I don’t think I’ve used this picture in any post yet, but have been dying too! It’s yet another fabulous photo from House Beautiful – I love the artistic simplicity of it.

This is actually a bedroom in a house down the street that is currently for sale – any takers? How smart is this design!

This is Drew Barrymore’s kitchen from The Big CHill retro fridge folks – bold and beautiful!

I love this home office – although I’d probably need a bit more storage. But the open feeling to the desk would nix any writer’s block, don’t you think?

I’m a mom, and I love color in kids rooms.  I love this smart design that includes form and function!

And lastly, if I could make it happen, I’d LOVE to invite all my readers and blogger friends to a big pool party to celebrate everything we love about our homes! Now doesn’t that look like fun! Who’s in!!!!!????

Thanks again for a fun 100 post journey.  You guys are the BEST!

~Susan

xxoo

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Thanks to everyone who lovingly nagged encouraged me to keep my word that I would redesign my hard-working laundry room closet!

I’m happy to report that just two weeks after I posted my embarrassing laundry closet in “My Laundry Closet Needs a Makeover”, I’ve transformed my closet from drab to fab – or at least fab enough that I don’t mind doing laundry quite so much!  In fact, it only took a total of 5-6 hours to do and I got the whole family involved.

Remember what it looked like from my last post? (I still can’t believe I shared that picture – I hope my Mom didn’t see it!).  Let’s get right to the before and after shots, then I’ll show you how we did it.

Drab…

…Fab!

But this story is actually more about organization than design. Let’s face it…it’s a blue closet without a lot of visual interest.  But here’s what I gained:

• Use of wasted storage space for paper products and infrequently used items (very top shelf).  Now my bathroom closet has a lot more room (yes, another reorganizing project in my future).
• Less clutter on the floor of the laundry room means it will be easier to keep it clean.
• Easier to find more frequently used items.

I think one of the MOST important things I gained is how this laundry space might appeal to a potential buyer compared to what was there before.

Pop Quiz! Can you guess how much was spent? (answer at bottom of post)

Behind the scenes:

First, I cleared the closet, and checked out the paint color (which also committed me to completing the project!). I have paint left over so if we ever move, I can finish the paint job behind the washer and dryer. I’d be too embarrassed to leave it like that for the new homeowner!

I’m sure my wonderful husband was secretly excited for an excuse to run to Home Depot on a Saturday night for supplies to build a simple shelf to go above the existing shelf. What a guy!

While I was busy painting the walls and trim, my daughter helped by painting the shelves. Proud mama!

Now laundry is more like life…Loads of Fun! (Ok, that might be a stretch).

Pop Quiz Answer (How much did I spend?): $70!  That’s $30 for the shelf my husband added above the original, the paint was leftover from another room, and $40 for the turquoise/navy cloth bins I scored on the clearance end-caps at Target. {woot woot}

I may still add a storage cart between the washer and dryer, but quite honestly, I don’t think I need it.  I’d like to keep it clean and simple.

Gotta run…washer just beeeeeeeped!
ps. I just realized that this is post #99.  I feel like post #100 should be something very special.  Any suggestions?

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My laundry room is just an upstairs closet off the main hall.   But it’s also the only “room” in my home that I haven’t at least painted!

I actually started this project over a year ago by adding “Laundry Room Flair” with cute knobs, writing on the wall and a fun switch plate cover.  In fact I blogged about it at HomeGoods Openhouse.

But what you didn’t see was the INDSIDE of my laundry room closet!  Oh the shame! Ok, I’m baring my soul and messy innards of my laundry closet here, so be kind!  Here is the “before” picture.

Now I realize that by posting this picture, I actually have to get this project done.  Give me a couple weeks and I’ll show you the “after.”  Keep me honest and don’t let me off the hook!

Ok, in the meantime, let’s look check out some well-done laundry rooms:

I like the use of color and consistent bins.  But it almost looks too staged – what are the odds that the towels, hanging laundry AND laundry in the dryer will all be color-coordinated?

source: Stacksandstacks

This one is a bit more realistic – showing multiple uses of the space.  I think I’d bump my hip on the counter after I tripped over the pretty pail on the floor.  While I’m not a wallpaper fan, I think it adds some fun personality on the cupboards.  Overall, a fun and eclectic design.

source: Country living

When was the last time you exercised in the laundry room?  Hmmm, not a bad idea – you can challenge yourself to stay on the treadmill until the load is done, and watch a little HGTV while you’re at it!  Just be careful not to drip any sweat on the clean clothes. lol

source: Real Simple

Here’s a great use of a small space – even the ironing board has décor duty!  Note the use of one large simple piece of art – small items in a small space get lost and become clutter.

source: Domino

Fun use of stripes, and note the track lighting.  Now Showing (drum roll) – mom doing laundry! But seriously, you’ve got to have lots of light to find stains no one bothered to tell you about and collect any money left in the pockets (that’s my tip)!  I also like the use of shelves on the side walls – gives the room a bit more dimension.

source: Better Homes

Ok, lets get our heads out of the clouds and back to reality – what tips do you have for my humble little laundry closet?  I should tell you that the color will have to be blue (because I’m using leftover paint from my kids’ bathroom), but I’m looking for easy (and inexpensive) organizing and decorating ideas!

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Looking to make a BIG change?  Ready to stir things up a bit?  How about painting your floor?

For me, this fits the category of “I’d love to do it, but don’t think I can gain spousal consent.”  Yes, it’s a bigger job than painting a wall, or even a ceiling.  But if your wood floors have seen better days, a bit of creativity might just do the trick.

The look can range from warm country with classic diamonds on a wood floor to playful contemporary with a bold color and high gloss.  And for the artistically bold among us, the possibilities are endless.

First, a little visual inspiration…then at the end of this post I’ll share the how-to’s, and a few helpful tips to keep you out of trouble.

Lets start with one that most of us can relate to (from Coastal Living Magazine).  Yes, it’s a bold painting maneuver, but it’s done in a classic way that screams “I’m traditional, but I’ve got some unanticipated sass in me!”  Imagine what this can do for your tired kitchen floor!  Works well with black or brown diamonds too.

Photographer: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

Or, if you prefer stripes over diamonds, here’s another simple design that plays safely in the background using a staining technique.

Source: Cottage Living

Angling stripes adds a bit of whimsy to an otherwise symmetrical living room.  Love the punch of orange, by the way!

Source: MarkCutlerDesign.com

Here’s a simple example of infusing color into an otherwise uncomplicated room.  It gives it just enough personality without being in your face.

Source: Vintageseattle.org

Now if you’re of the bolder persuasion, why limit your love for color to the walls and ceilings?  I love the energy in this photo (Coastal Living Magazine).  Granted this may look odd in a New England colonial, but if your house has the bones for it and you’ve got the kahunas…go for it!

Photographer: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

Here’s another one from Coastal Living magazine that turns an otherwise ho-hum floor into a work of art and adds just the right amount of beachy feel to this room.  Love the chalkboard and lime green doors too!

Photographer: Richard Leo Johnson

If you’re not ready to commit to painting a floor, why not start with the stairs? This is a simple example from Real Simple magazine that shows what a nice pop of color can do to spice things up.  Toys on the steps are optional (a bit of a hazard, actually).

Source: Real Simple

Ready to go one step further? (Sorry, pun intended).  Paint your stairs then make them your own with a bit of verbal flair.You could also just number the stairs going up.  Great way to teach kids to count!

Source/Designer: Alexandra Rowley,

Make a dramatic statement by painting a red runner down the stairs.  It’s a simple yet elegant décor element that really pops against a white canvase.  LOVE it.

Source: Living Etc.

Or, if you’d rather tone it down a bit, how about painting just the tops of the steps?

Source: Mary Ruffle, Tumblr

Ok, as promised, here’s a handy how-to guide – a compilation of all the advice I’ve researched (remember, I haven’t actually done this yet).

Materials:

• Painters Tape
• ¼ inch rollers
• Trim brush
• Sander (can rent one for large spaces)
• Primer – Depending on the condition of your floors, you may want to first roll a coat of wood primer before you paint.  Suggestion? Try Zinsser 1-2-3 Plus Primer.
• Paint – Use a Latex Enamel porch and floor paint. Suggestion? Try Benjamin Moore Floor & Patio Latex Enamel.

Steps:

1. Sand your floor – either just the part you will be painting, or if the whole kit and kaboodle are getting the treatment, do yourself a favor and rent an orbital sander.  And please, wear protective goggles and a face mask!  And so you don’t have to do it again, seal off the room as best you can.
2. Now it’s time to clean like you’ve never cleaned before!  Mix one part bleach with three parts water and mop your floor – that will kill any mildew that might be lurking about (especially important if you’ve ripped up carpet to do this).  20 minutes later, mop it again with warm water and detergent.  Resist the urge to eat of the floor…you’ve got work to do!  Let the floors dry thoroughly (about 12 hours)
3. If you’re painting a design, tape your pattern and fill the areas in with a small roller.  Be sure to remove the tape before the paint is completely dry.
4. Trim the edges with your trim brush, then use a ¼ inch roller and apply two thin coats – and wait 24 – 35 hours between coats.
5. If you used the right paint, you should not need to seal it.  But if it’s a high-traffic area, you might want to finish it off with a coat of clear water-base polyurethane to protect it.

Tips:

• Don’t paint on a rainy day – Set the heat (or air) to 70 degrees for ideal drying conditions
• Don’t apply thick coats
• Keep windows open while painting

There ya go!  Now that is doable, right?  If you could paint any floor in your home, which room would it be and what would you do? And if you HAVE done this before, any other tips we should add?

Happy New Year everyone!  It’s been a great 2009, but I think 2010 will really kick you-know-what!

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In the spirit of efficiency, I’d like to shamelessly highlight some of my favorite holiday posts from last year – both here at yourhomeonlybetter.com and at the HomeGoods Openhouse blog.

While it may appear that I’m being lazy, put I actually discovered that when I switched blogging platforms early this year I lost many images from past posts (grrrr).  So I’ve diligently been fixing those vintage posts.

Plus I have a much larger reader base than I did a year ago (thank you!), and unless you’re digging in the through the vintage stuff, you may have missed out on some nuggets!

I’d also LOVE for you to share your favorite Holiday Blog Posts!  Join the Blog Party at the end of this post and share any holiday blog post – past or present!

Without further adieu, here are some of my favorites, categorized for your convenience:

Holiday Décor

Breaking holiday rules (with a flamingo) – Our light-up reindeers got a surprise friend last year.  Does it work?

Simplistic Holiday Décor for those who can’t stand clutter – When you want the impact but not a lot of clutter!

Got some bling in your jingle? – I can’t imagine the holidays without a little bling!

The simple holiday mantel – Again, a less-is-more approach (and yes, a bit of bling too!)

Managing the winter entryway – With winter comes the perplexing problem of where to keep the winter stuff!  Some great ideas here.

Entertaining (and Eating)

You don’t have to be Danish to enjoy Danish Pancakes – A long-standing holiday tradition with my family – give them a try – they’re awesome!

Tired of turkey? Try something new – My mom taught me that if you can’t cook well, then present the food well.  That goes for menu selection as well – why not try something new and surprise your guests!

Entertaining Shortcuts – Entertaining doesn’t require perfection.  Have fun and do your best!

Gift Giving

Last minute holiday idea for kids – Add a little magical sparkle with Reindeer dust!

10 “just in case” gift ideas – A few gift ideas to keep on hand just in case you get blindsided with an unexpected gift!

Miscellaneous

How to make a December birthday special – My daughter’s B-day is December 21st – here’s how we make her day special. Hint: it involves a “Birthday Tree.”

An unexpected gift from my childhood Christmas – Sometimes the best gifts of all don’t come from a store.  How can you surprise a loved one this year?

Holiday traveling with kids – Good luck. We’re staying home!

I hope you enjoyed reminiscing over my vintage holiday posts with me.  Do you have a favorite holiday post you’d like to share – doesn’t matter when you wrote it…please share it below and let’s have more fun!

Blog Party Guidelines:

1. Title - Include the name of your blog, with the subject of your post in the parentheses. Ex: Your home, only better. (Vintage Fans)
2. Link - Add the permalink to the specific blog post, not your general blog address.
3. Reciprocate - Almost done…now please link back to the party at from your post so that your readers can come and see what everyone else is talking about today!

Now for the fun part…visit as many of the other participants as possible and leave comments! That’s what a blog party is all about!

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Have you noticed that when you go to the store to buy toothpaste, there are so many choices that it’s overwhelming?

Do you want whitening, tartar control, fluoride, sensitive, gel or paste, sparkles, or one of my favorite…”pro-health night toothpaste” (huh?).  And the price points are varied as well, anywhere from $2 to $5 – quite a dramatic range for a simple tube of toothpaste.  Seriously, it’s too much! Lol

Paint is confusing as well.  Paint manufactures are trying to differentiate themselves on quality, ease of use, environmental friendliness, value and color trending.

For most homeowners, color selection is the most prominent decision point.  It doesn’t matter how well the paint goes on and stays on if the color is wrong.  Companies like Benjamin Moore and Valspar have been successful in becoming opinion leaders in color trends.

I was recently approached by Glidden to sample their new reformulated paint.  They are so confident in the quality of their product that they asked me to compare it to the popular Benjamin Moore Aura paint.  Here’s the kicker, the price did not change, just the product.

So of course, I had to see for myself.

Here are the paint test sheets when dried.  Do you see any difference?

Will I consider buying Glidden paint for my next project?  Sure! But, like most homeowners, I want to make sure it’s a color I can live with.

Here are a few tips to help you find the right color for your project:

• Test, test, test! You’ve heard this before for a reason…colors look different in different lighting.  Spring for a quart or test-sized can and slap a few brush strokes on the wall and observe the color at different times of the day.
• Don’t fear bold colors. If you want a contrasting deep brown, a latte will look washed out against neutral furniture.  Go with the chocolate brown, and brighten the contrast with trim and furnishings.  Here’s a great example from Pottery Barn where dark walls work well with white accessories.
• Balance and flow. Coordinate colors choices for rooms that are visible from other rooms, and keep the balance of colors throughout a floor.  For example, a brick red living room would not balance well if the other rooms on that floor are light neutrals.  Select a few coordinating colors that place nice together, then mix and match them throughout your home.
• Accent colors. Look for accent color inspiration from a color wheel.  You can find punchy accent colors by selecting a color on the opposite side of the wheel, or next door to your selected color.  Or how about mixing shades of the same color for a tone-on-tone effect?

Bottom line…paint remains the best bang for your buck to update a room in your home.  Why not tackle a room this weekend and try something new!  What’s your next paint project, and which brands and colors are you considering?

BONUS GIVEAWAY! Post a comment to be entered in a drawing to win this oh-so-cute mini paint kit to make it easier for you to test colors before you commit.  Yes, it even comes with the shameless plug Glidden T-Shirt.  You can never have too many paint supplies, right?

Contest Rules

Hey, stop by the HOMEdigz.com blog party in honor of T-day 2009!

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Last week I attended Benjamin Moore’s ColorPulse™ 2011 web conference to get a sneak peak into upcoming color trends.

I sort of envisioned a crystal ball with lights of predictive color flashing out of it.  Or perhaps a group of creative souls around a conference table at OPI discussing what to call this season’s nail polish colors.

But really, what I experienced was art imitating life. And yes, life is messy sometimes. It’s amazing how colors can both affect our mood and represent the world around us at the same time.

Four trends that inspire the overall theme of “Balance” were discussed.

1. Farm
2. Order
3. Escape
4. Tribe

I’ll do my best to describe them here.

Farm

• Yes, there is a return to farm-inspired colors. It mirrors society’s need to get back-to-basics.
• Think cow prints, textured hay and burlap feedbags, and the creative the use of repurposed farm tools.
• You’ll see tea-stained colors for a rustic tie-dye effect. Imagine the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables at your local farm stand.  Yes, those peas/corn/carrots from the 70’s are coming back!

• Whites will become milkier, and you’ll see more butter yellow and creams.  And green will still be hot.
• Earthy soil will replace the cooler gray tones as the strong neutral.
• Oak cabinets will come back in vogue.
• You’ll even see more stencils, needlepoint and yes…even macramé plant hangers.

Order

• It’s easy to see how this trend reflects on today’s need to find order in the chaos of the day.
• Look for minimalistic, geometric, stacking, sort of a modern Puritanism influence.
• The use of outlining gives structure, bright stripes and polka dots are easily defined.
• Primary colors are coming back, but look for the use of monochrome color schemes to continue.
• Black and white with pops of color (primary especially) will be in.

Escape

• If getting back to the farm, or find order in chaos don’t work for you, how about escaping from reality?
• A translucent, soft retro feeling that inspires elegant fantasies and fairy tales.
• Angelic clouds form a veil of wonder.  Lots of frosted, pearl and satin finishes.  Pink becomes the new red in this trend.

Tribe

• As we simplify our lives and get back to what’s core to our values, it only makes sense that there will be a renewed importance place on communities, or tribes.
• Imagine rich orange and berry hues paired with spicy browns and bronze metallic.
• Tribal accents such as community-inspired sketch’s, beads and new textures will be key elements in this trend.

I know that is a lot to take in, but I’d love to know what you think.

Are they on target? What trends do you like/dislike, and most importantly, what color will you paint your next room?

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I have a project in my mind that I’ve not had the opportunity to do just yet.  If ever we finish the basement, my vision is to create a faux fireplace focal point and avoid the “box with cheap carpeting” look.  But it’s got to be fun and kid-friendly.

My original idea was inspired by this image from Better Homes and Gardens.  Rather than using molding, why not “rescue” an old mantle from a junk shop, refinish and paint it and then add chalkboard paint in the middle where the fire should be?  You’d have a natural display ledge above for artwork, and you can either draw a fire or whatever inspires you on the chalk section.

Here’s an interesting idea from Apartment Therapy that really goes over the top with chalkboard paint.  Fun, huh?  Maybe not for everyone, but I love the possibilities.

While we expect to see a mantle in a family or living room, what about the bedroom? I found several ideas for using a mantle as a headboard.  That works great if you don’t have a king sized bed.

Here’s one from Apartment Therapy where they left the space open.  Would you have painted the inside a different color? (No, I’m not suggesting chalkboard paint here…would be too messy).

This one from Southern Living added a padded section in the headboard.  Ideal if you’re a restless sleeper.

What about bathrooms?  This little gem from Country Living took an old mantel and incorporated into the Jacuzzi tub retreat.  Not sure I’d want a mirror there.  Just sayin’.

How else can you imagine using a mantle?

And…for the bonus question…do you spell it “mantle” or “mantel?”  I see it both ways and am in search of a consensus!

Don’t forget to stop by the HOMEdigz Blog Party where a Wild Rumpus is going on!

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For the past year or two I’ve taken notice of a blue colonial on my street that I pass daily. I’m not sure if it was the house itself, or the perpetual renovation action around it. Dumpsters out front, various contractor trucks coming and going.

And seriously, this wonderment went on for a long time.   In some places it may have been acceptable to knock on the door, introduce yourself as a nosey neighbor. But not here in Connecticut (lol). So I just let my imagination run wild.

Well, I finally found out what was going on.  They just put it on the market, and I LOVE it!   And not just because it matches my favorite vintage beach blue fan I gushed about in an earlier post (although that may have something to do with it). Not only does that house have history (our street was named after the family that lived here in the 1800’s), but it’s beautifully renovated with modern amenities while retaining it’s character.

First, here’s the outside. Very colonial, yet the color makes it a bit playful.

This is the room that sold me. I love, love love the built in bunk beds. See how strategically they work with the closets? This is a great idea for any square kids room that has the space for it! I especially like how they share a window for natural light above and below deck.

And of course, any improvement-oriented homeowner knows that the kitchen and bath are key investment areas. And I was not disappointed!

I love the layout of this kitchen. And check out those floors! The only thing I’d change here is add a retro fridge from Big Chill, and perhaps the chandelier.

On to the bathrooms. The master bath is neutral but not boring. I really like the latte tiles on the tub. A claw foot tub would have worked well in here too. Wish that brass wasn’t there, but it’s still very nice.

Here’s the guest bath. I like the floor and the airy color scheme.

Couldn’t you imagine sitting on this front porch at the end of the day sipping a fresh squeezed lemonade…

And enjoying THIS view?

Nuff said!

So, anyone want to be my neighbor? Or, better yet…anyone interested in a white colonial so we can buy this beauty?

Check out the visual tour for more MLS pictures! Note:  notice the fabulous job they did staging the home with not-so-new furnishings.  Kudos!

And yes, by the way, this home is across the street from the unique barn-converted-to-post-and-beam house I referenced in my post about sliding barn doors.

Have you ever driven by a home and wondered what renovations were being made inside? Or am I the only one who daydreams about this stuff when I drive around. It get’s particularly crazy during heavy trash month. I can hardly keep my eyes on the road!

Hey, while you’re in the blog-reading mood, be sure to stop by the HOMEdigz.com blog party! Add your latest blog, or just visit other blogs in the party! It’s all good!

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