Sunday, October 27, 2013

Twelve Timeless Kitchen Looks


Here are some kitchen decorating ideas that will probably continue to be in style, even years from now. They are classic looks, yet not stuffy.

1. Stainless Steel Appliances
Photo is from the article "Home Features" by Dee Marie Fischer

2. The Combination of Blue and White - from antique transferware to contemporary designs
Photo is Wedgewood Dinnerware from Bloomingdales

3. Ironstone Pitchers - you could use one as a vase for flowers or to hold utensils
Photo is a pitcher for sale by Seaside Rose Creations on Etsy

4. Marble Counters - although they stain, the look has been popular for ages and they're heat-resistant and chip-resistant
Photo is from an article called "The Benefits of Marble Countertops" by Rodican Home Design
See also - Robinson Builders' Marble Pros and Cons

5. Subway Tile - currently white subway tiles with dark grout is a popular look, but the tiles themselves have been popular for years
Photo is Taupe Grout with White Subway Tile by Homemaker Remodeled Blog

6. Herb Gardens - basil, rosemary, and mint are particularly easy to grow and to use in your cooking
Photo is an Herb Garden for sale by YLiving

7. Dove White Paint - use it on walls or cabinets; Designer Thomas Pheasant is fan of using it "for brightening spaces"
Photo is Benjamin Moore White Dove seen on The Cow Spot Blog

8. Cast Iron Cookware - think of Lodge frying pans and Le Creuset dutch ovens
Photo is Le Creuset Dutch Oven on the Why Research website

9. Orchids - they require surprisingly little maintenance yet make a big impact
Photo is by Zinnia Floral Design

10. Breakfast Nooks - preferably with built-in seating in the form of a banquette
Photo is from Decoist's Ideas for Breakfast Nooks
See Also - Pretty Little House Things' Eight Breakfast Nook Ideas

11. Oil Still Life Paintings - this is particularly true for paintings of food (lemons, oranges, apples, etc.)
Photo is of Yellow Lemons Painting by Hobson Fine Art on Etsy

12. Recessed Lighting
Photo is Recessed Lights by MacEwan Electrician

To see some of these looks together see this kitchen from Marianne Simon Design. It incorporates ideas #1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 12.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Home Cleaning Checklist


ALL ROOMS
Clean Windows
Clean Sliding Glass Doors
Clean Lamps and Light Fixtures

KITCHEN
Clean / Disinfect Countertops
Clean Microwave
Clean Stove and Burners
Clean the Exterior of All Appliances
Scrub Sink
Wipe the Exterior of All Cabinets
Vacuum and Mop Floor
Clear the Kitchen Table
Remove Trash and Recycling

BATHROOM
Dust and Wipe Things on Countertops
Disinfect Countertops
Clean Tub and Shower
Clean Toilet and Sink
Clean Mirror
Wipe Baseboards and Door
Polish Cabinets
Remove Trash

BEDROOMS
Dust and Polish Furniture
Dust Pictures and Frames
Clean Ceiling Fan and Vents
Remove Cobwebs
Change Sheets
Make Beds
Dust and Wipe Blinds
Vacuum Floor or Carpet
Wipe Baseboards and Doors

OFFICE
Dust Electronics
Empty Paper Shredder
Remove Trash

OTHER ROOMS
Clean Baseboards and Doors
Dust and Polish Furniture
Clean Ceiling Fans and Vents
Vacuum and Mop Floor Area
Treat Carpet Stains
Vacuum Carpeted Areas
Clean Front Door Glass
Dust Pictures and Frames
Remove Cobwebs

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Autumn Home Decorating Using Honey Tones


Inspiration
In my previous post, Autumn Decorating Using Warm Colors, I gave an example using an entryway decorated in a traditional style. Here is another example that is a bit more playful and fun. It uses honey-toned yellow as a backdrop.

Items Shown

Other Ideas
Besides the items above, you could add warm fall color with any of the following items: a wreath, a seasonal table runner, baskets, a throw blanket, paintings or other artwork, or natural elements such as pumpkins and gourds.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Autumn Decorating Using Warm Colors


Inspiration
When it is fall, usually people prefer a bit more warmth in their homes. This can be achieved by adding candles (such as vanilla or spice scented ones), or by incorporating warmer colors (oranges, reds, or gold), earth tones (yellows and browns), or warmer metals (like bronze or copper) into their rooms. People also crave practicality - you will want a space to sit down and take off your boots. Here is one example using a traditional entryway.

Products Shown

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Color Sensitivity Test

Did you know that 1 in 10,000 people is yellow-blue colorblind? Red-green colorblindness is more common. For more on colorblindness, visit this National Institutes of Health (NIH) vision deficiency page.

But, how astute are ordinary people like you or I at perceiving the differences between colors? It turns out there is a free quiz for that - you can take this free Online Color Challenge and find out!


My score was a 31, which was a little disappointing since I wanted a lower score (lower scores mean you are more sensitive to color). I took the test again and this time, I turned the brightness of my computer monitor up to maximum. I got a much better score this time, an 8, although I still had trouble with the blue part of the spectrum.


Take the Munsell Hue Test - I bet you can beat my score!

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

My Twelve Home Basics

Inspired by this post series, "The New Basics: The 12 Home Items I Can't Live Without" on Design*Sponge.com, I created this list. The idea is simple - complete this exercise by looking around your home and assessing which items have stayed with you or will definitely be with you for the next few years. Below are my answers.
  • 1. My blue IKEA Hemnes dresser, because I love its color and functionality
  • 2. My found-by-the-side-of-the-road bureau which holds my art supplies
  • 3. A handmade toy box I've had since I was a child
  • 4. A tribal beige rug, because it goes with everything
  • 5. My mattress (practical) and my tulips vintage pillowcase from Etsy
  • 6. My giant blue poppies print from Target (no longer available)
  • 7. A handmade quilt from my aunt for our baby
  • 8. 9. & 10. Our pets (all three of them)
  • 11. Our collection of decoy ducks
  • 12. An abstract self-portrait I painted in college
Now you tell me, what are your own 12 basics?