Tips for bringing a touch of red into your home

With February right around the corner and Valentine's Day coming up soon, what better time to experiment with that powerful and passionate color: red.

 Artwork is a great way to test out red.

 Or a great statement piece of furniture.
2 above via Elle Decor

If you already use a color in your home that is complementary with red, adding a few accents will be easy and look thought out.
via Traditional Home

via houzz

Throws and lampshades are great budget friendly ways to bring a little love in the room without breaking the budget.

via houzz

A new piece of wall art can change up the room and adding a few pillows and a bench seat or stool can tie it all together!


Do you use red in your decor?

Outdoor Patio Eye Candy

Since the weather has been a strange mix of cold, rainy, and cloudy these past few days, I've been daydreaming about lounging out in the sunshine! Thank goodness it's starting to get back to being gorgeous. So here's a little eye candy to get you excited about spending some time in the sunshine before it's gone all too soon!

via meridameridian.com

I love the bright rustic feel of this space. The stone fire place and wood ceiling really make it sumptuous.

via EvaDesigns

Woven furniture almost always works outdoors! I love the texture, it always looks comfortable, but most importantly it's durable. They are usually higher in price but you are paying for the supreme durability.

via Houzz.com

This is a great simple outdoor space that doesn't distract from the gorgeous view! Don't we all wish we had this in our backyard? You can most of these great patio sets at Bents if you are looking to change up your outdoor space.


via indulgy
Here is a great set for smaller spaces! you don't have to give up the eye candy just because you have small space. I think my favorite part is the bench seating in the back! I could imagine curling up and reading a book there in some fresh air!

This post was in partnership with bents.co.uk

How to welcome Spring into your home a little early this year!

Spring cannot get here soon enough!  Yesterday here in Maryland was a tease, with sunny skies and almost 50 degrees.  Today?  In the 30’s with wet, sloppy snow.  All the weather flip-flopping is not good for one’s mood or health!

So, I ‘ve decided to come up with a game plan to bring Spring to me, in my own home.  Next week I am going to start implementing touches of warmth, sunshine, and new growth through small changes in décor.  And, if you have the budget – you can go big – through furnishings, etc.

In my own personal experience, the change that makes a biggest impact on my space are the window treatments.  This may simply be because I tend to look toward light sources, which are often windows.  You may be more drawn to looking at the floor, foreground, or anything with in your eye level.  Next time you walk into a room, notice where your eyes go first.  Once you pinpoint that point of focus, start by making updates in that area for the most bang for your buck.  Then, if you want, spread out!

Simply swapping out heavy dark drapes, which may be appropriate for winter, with airy, white window treatments will lighten up the entire room and allow more light to enter the room.

Window treatments need not cost a leg and an arm,  treatments like roller blinds are not only affordable but are also being offered in chic and modern designs by manufacturers like Web-Blinds.

If your focus tends to be on the floor, than consider adding a colorful rug, or a rug in a lighter weave, or one with a beautiful pattern.

Get in on the chevron insurgence, but keep it unique with this pear-hued rug.

So many beautiful rugs - so little time!

If new window treatments or a carpet is not in the budget right now.  You'd be surprised at the amount of life that a grouping of new throw pillows can breathe into a room!

All these pretty rugs and pillows are available at Joss & Main (You have to create a login to shop, but it's free and fast) .

Do you have any plans to lighten and brighten your space before Spring or when Spring arrives?

This post in partnership with Web-Blinds.com

What I missed at NY International Gift Fair 2012

I was all set to go to this summer's NYIGF when a last minute obligation came up.  I was a bit bummed as I haven't been to one yet, and I have been wanting to go for years now.  I will shoot again for 2013, and in the meantime, live vicariously from those lucky enough to attend.

Here is some of my favorite coverage and products.

Unsurprisingly, COCOCOZY's booth is a breath of beautiful fresh air...

Love the combo of luxe and rugged on this throw...by PEHUEN

3 images above via OD360 Designs

Adorable ceramics by Kahler

and Pantone bowls by Room Copenhagen

via 3 rings

All the finials a girl could want....by Hillary Thomas Designs...

via Habitually Chic

How gorgeous is this dresser upholstered in Indian embroidered textiles from Manglam Arts?
via StyleBeat

See anything you like?

Bliss Living Home sale!

Hope you all had a great weekend! I can't let you miss this sale! Bliss Living is one of my favorite sources for bedding, throws, and pillows. Enjoy!

 I love the London stuff - and it's so perfect for the upcoming Olympics enthusiast.

Beautiful textiles for the home - Maresca Textiles

One of the easiest ways to give your home a freshening up for spring and summer is by changing out soft goods - pillows, throws, linens, etc...  I recently started this in my home, and was lucky to be introduced to Maresca Textiles,  a line by fellow RISD grad Kathryn Maresca.  Based in Savannah, GA, Maresca Textiles are always hand printed or embroidered in the USA, and inspired by the Southern low country.

Check out the aqua beauty I snagged for my sofa this spring.  My walls are a light aqua, and my couch an olive green.  I have always loved olive green and aqua together, and the color is perfect.   I also love the hand drawn, organic pattern - so cool!

Here are a few other favorites of mine that you can get at the Maresca Textiles Shop -

This pillow would also look fab on my couch...

Which is your fav?


Aqua bolster via Maresca Textiles, Vintage Hmong Textile Pillow via The Loaded Trunk, Quilt by Karma Living (frequently on flash sales at HauteLook sign up.)

Awesome Blissliving Home bedding and pillow sale!

If you are a Blissliving Home fan, run, do not walk to this sale 'cause it will sell out fast.  If you aren't already a member of Gilt, the site that's hosting the sale - click here to become a member free and fast, and then start snatching up your goodies. Most pillows are only $25 - $35!!