I was flipping through the Martha Stewart Magazine and came across this Ad for her paint line. The colors, oh the colors!
Martha you’ve gone and done it again!!!
(shaking fist)
Complete perfection.
Martha Living Paint
(image via Martha Stewart Magazine)
If I could go back and be a student again-I would not be afraid to show off my creativity. I’d be especially daring when it came to my locker. In fact, one of my goals … to be crowned the “locker decor” queen of the school because my own personal space would be the best dressed.
And here’s some ideas on how I would dress it up….
Shelf Liner
Use shelf paper {another idea: drawer paper that’s scented} to line your locker door and walls (as long as your school approves of this because really, it’s their locker). Be sure to use transparent tape that is easy to remove – never use glue! There are plenty of shelf paper designs to choose from that will match your decorating theme or your personality.
(Soap and Paper Factory’s scented drawer paper)
Mirrors
It’s easy to find magnetic mirrors that are made for lockers. Check out your local store that sells school or office supplies. Locker mirrors come in very handy for between-class hair and makeup checks.
(Check here for info on how to make this mirror)
Magnets
Magnets are a great way to decorate your locker, since they’re removable. Colorful, funky magnets will brighten your day as you make pit stops between your classes. You can also create your own customized magnet set – just glue personal photos or cutout magazine pics onto store-bought magnets.
(Check here for instructions on how to make these magnets.)
Erasable Boards
These are great for leaving yourself reminders, like “Bring math book tomorrow” or “Meet BFF at Golden Spoon after cheer practice.” Get the kind that comes with dry-erase markers, so you can erase old stuff easily with a cloth.
(Check here for more info on this hanging flower erasable board.)
Photos
This is the ultimate way to personalize your locker. Plastic frames with magnets on the back are an easy way to display snapshots. You also can buy packs of magnets (including ones that suit your locker “theme”) and use them to pin up your pics. Whatever your theme, be sure to include pictures of you and your friends-then you can see them and smile every time you open the door.
PB Teen Mini Frame Decals
Pencil Holder
Buy an inexpensive mug that matches your theme, to hold extra pens and pencils. Or, store that stuff in clear, plastic containers with lids that allow you to see what’s inside the container without having to open it. Another idea-try an organizer that’s magnetized and attach to the inside of the door.
(Check here for more information on this magnetic storage pocket.)
Calender
A magnetic calendar is a good thing to have on the door of your locker. You can use it to post your school schedule, for important events, or both.
PB Teen Daily Dot Calendars
Air Freshener
Most lockers get stale-smelling over time, so keep yours fresh with a decorative air freshner. {Check out Bath and Body Works’ car freshners}.Or, keep your favorite body spray in your locker and spritz away as needed. You can even match your smell to your locker “theme” {this may be carrying the theme idea to the extreme!}.
Bath and Body Works Small Space Air Freshner
Decorating Disclaimer
Before decorating, check your school’s guidelines. Generally, schools have rules about what can be displayed and how it can be displayed. Schools also may specify whether you can use tape, shelf paper and other adhesive materials. Even if your school’s rules are minimal, display materials that can be removed easily and give a favorable impression.
Happy Decorating!
Debs
Info and Photos: Ask.com |BHG|eHow|BP Teen|Bath and Body Works|Soap and Paper Factory
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The other day I was checking out one of my favorite blogs-House of Turquoise- and came across this great resource for shopping by color (or combo of colors). What an easy way to find that “perfect” item you need to complete your home decor.
Here’s a few examples of what you’ll find …
(Check out Decor by Color for even more color combinations. )
Happy Decorating!
Debs
Choosing a paint color for your home is so much easier-thanks to color visualizer programs offered online by all the leading paint companies. It takes the uncertainty and chore out of selecting your paint colors. It’s as easy as going to their websites, choosing the color {or colors} you want to use in your room and then virtually painting the room before you even take a trip to the store. Without spending a dime you can see which paint colors work together, figure out exactly where you want to use paint in your room and try out all of your ideas.
Here are some of my favorite ones:
Remember- a color visualizer is a wonderful tool for giving you an idea of how a color will look. It’s then up to you to take that idea to the paint store and find the actual paint color that will produce that results you desire. Most often, it won’t be the exact color you choose online but will help you to narrow down your color choices in finding the color that will actually produce the look you love.
Happy Decorating!
Debs
{Idea! Bookmark this page so that you have all of the virtual room painters in one place for quick and easy reference.}
Images & Information: Squidoo/Behr/Benjamin Moore/Glidden/House Beautiful/Ralph Lauren/Sherwin-Williams/Valspar
The Turquoise color trend is still going strong.
When it first was announced that turquoise would be one of THE hottest color trend for 2010 I wasn’t sure if I could handle it. You see, I’ve never cared for the color-ever since a neighbor of mine painted her house with bright turquoise just “ because ” she happened to like the color. This was the beginning of my dislike for the color.
But after seeing all the different possibilities and the decor applications for this color-I’ve decided that I really like it. In fact, I NOW “Heart” IT. And if I had a room in my house that needed to be redone this color would be included in the new decor.
This color is strong in the world of wallpaper-just look at these colors and patterns.The turquoise color pops when you add white floors, doors and trim work . {P.S. The wallpaper with the peacock feather design is an example of 2 design trends coming together for a spectacular look.}
A more cost effective way to add this color to your wall is with paint. Notice that the sofas in this room reflect the color of the walls-the heavy use of the turqoise color in this room is softened by using dark wood accent furniture, white patterened drapes, white accessories and white framed wall art.
If you feel like the color is too strong to use on your walls than I would go for the safe bet-pillows! You can never go wrong with pillows. They are the easiest way to add the latest color trend to your home decor. {I know that I sound like a broken record about pillows but they really are an inexpensive way to add new color to a room.}
Turquoise is an easy color to pair up or combine with other colors. There as so many different possibilities. Here are a few of my favorites…
Turquoise-Green
Turquoise-Lime Green-Grey
Turquoise-Yellow-Navy
Turquoise-Fuschia-Dark Grey
Turquoise-Blue-White
Turquoise-Tan-White-Silver
Turquoise-Light Blue-Grey-Dark Grey
I’m now convinced that turquoise is the perfect color trend for Summer 2010 and that everyone should add a little turquoise into their world. However I need to warn you about ONE thing when it comes to the use of this color-{based upon my own personal experience}-USE CAUTION WHEN USING THIS COLOR TO PAINT TO EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME- you run the risk of tramatizing your neighbors!
Happy Decorating!
Debs
Color, Debbie (Debs), Decor Pictures, Decor and Style | 2 Comments »
Orange in the new Red.
Since being introduced in 2009 as one of the hot colors-this color has caught on in popularity. It’s everywhere in 2010! You will see orange in every shade from a dark oranges-with lots of red undertones-to lighter shades that lean more towards yellow. Just take a trip to your favorite decor store and you’ll see it being offered in everything: dishware, pillows, furniture and rugs.
If you consider yourself “fashion forward” I’d suggest you consider adding some orange to the look of your home. But before you do, there’s a few things about this color that you might want to know.
Jonathan Adler Mod Dot Dishware
Orange, a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange and true orange generally elicits a stronger “love it” or “hate it” response than other colors.
Global Views
Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Interestingly, some of the tones of orange such as terra cotta, peach or rust have very broad appeal.
Apartment Therapy
So what do you think?
Veranda
Decor Pad
Decor Tip: Pairing it with navy blue is the latest and greatest thing to do.
Just ask Barclay Butera who’s perfected this color combo.
This color combo works well in a bedroom. (Decor Pad)
I have to admit that I love the color orange.
Now if I can just figure out a way to add it to my home before it goes out of style.
Happy Decorating!
Debs
Additional images and information: Sensational Color/Squioo
Color, Debbie (Debs), Decor Pictures, Decor and Style | 5 Comments »
There’s so much out there in the design world. Most people limit their decor ideas to what they see in the most recent Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel catalogs. I want to change that by showcasing some great furniture companies that have their own story and style. Most times the companies-like the one that I’m highlighting today- think and design ”outside the box”. I “heart” that!
H. STUDIO is one of those companies. At H.Studio, nearly a hundred creative people wake up every morning and come to the design studio ready to make new artwork. Founded in 1991 by the artist Shlomi Haziza, H.Studio brings a unique and contemporary approach to design, specializing in developing new techniques, creating custom designs, and working with their customers to offer truly exceptional pieces made by hand in their Los Angeles studio. (Company information courtesy of Haziza.com)
So without any further “reading” delay here’s some of the furniture they carry. They are works of art!
Chairs by H. Studio
The Oliver Chair
The Groove Chair
|
|
The Maddox Armchair
Tables by H. Studio
Wave End Table
Urban Dining Table
Alia Cocktail Table
Rugs by H. Studio
Circa Rug
Dina Rug
Halina Rug
Eden Rug
H. Studio Fashions
Earth Rings
H. Studio Lighting
Spirit Floor Lamp
I could keep posting H. Studio pictures forever because this company has so many unique and inspiring items. I suggest you go to their website to check in all out. You’ll “heart” them too.
Happy Decorating!
Debs
Images and company information courtesy of Haziza.com
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Meet Mr. Ken Fulk-an extraordinary designer based out of San Francisco. His style is eclectic, sophisticated and unique. As I was looking through his portfolio of work it struck me how significant artwork is to the look of each room he designs. Wall art-when incorporated by this designer- becomes something that ties the room together like an extraordinary ribbon on a present . He takes a room from incredibly beautiful to what I like to call “over the top” fabulous.
Here’s how Fulk explains his approach to the use of art and color in his design work:
“Art should always engage,” Fulk says. “The smallest of pieces hung alone on an otherwise blank wall can have the hugest of impacts. Likewise, a single piece on a large scale can define a room.”
Indulge an obsession with portraiture. “To me nothing gives a room more presence than a striking portrait—of man or beast.”
”If you see a red wall, don’t be afraid to paint it black” school of color. “Don’t shy away from dark colors,” he says. One of his favorite rooms had black walls that gave the effect of falling away, giving all attention to the art on the walls and the view from the windows.
Happy Decorating!
Debs
P.S. Mr. Fulk if you happen to ever see this post-I’d really like you to get to know you a little better-maybe have you over to my house for a little art consult?
Images and Quotes: Better Homes and Gardens, Alkemie, One Kings Lane
For more information on Ken Fulk check out this “sit down chat” with him on The Style Saloniste blog.
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Since there’s already color everywhere you look in the great outdoors why not add a little more to the mix. You can do just about anything-in fact you don’t even need to worry about whether or not the colors are perfect or if you have too many. Look at some of the fun things that I found and that I’m considering for my own yard.
Anthropologie’s Knotted Melati Hanging Chair
What a great chair for doing a little porch swinging. I could see all the grandkids climbing into this together with me after we’ve gone for a swim.
Pottery Barn’s Chloe Pillow
I love the colorful pillows. Like I’ve said repeatedly, for those of you afraid to take a big plunge into color try adding some bold and colorful pillows to your outdoor decor.
Pottery Barn’s Mosaic Hundi Lantern
I love mosaic patterns. And these lights are the perfect touch of color for your porch or gazebo lighting.
Anthropologie’s Tranquil Paradise Hammock
One of my favorite summertime activities is to lay in a swing like this-it’s the ultimate in relaxation. And this colorful hammock is beautiful enough to hang in your house if you decide it’s too pretty to go outside.
Anthropologie’s Wham Bam Coasters
How cute are these beaded coasters? I’m trying to think of more than one way to use these colorful accessories-earrings maybe?
Wall fountains are another way to add some color to your backyard walls. I don’t think that I’d ever get tired of looking at this fountain because it’s so interesting.
Ballard Design’s Mosaic Wall Fountain
Dishes that don’t break and are colorful too. I love these indestructible plates with so different colors and patterns. Just think about all the ways you could set your table by using different linens, glasses and centerpieces.
Pottery Barn’s Talaverra Melamine Plates
Debs
Color, Debbie (Debs), Decor Pictures, Decor and Style, outdoor living | 2 Comments »
Geometric patterns are at the top of the design trend list right now. Everywhere I look I see this pattern incorporated in rugs, lamps, fabrics and furniture design. But believe it or not-this trend had its beginnings a long time ago-back in the days of Ancient Greece when the mysterious mathematics of geometry was one of the most studied and earliest sciences.
Nowadays, our fascination with strong shapes, patterns and relative spaces is more aesthetic than scientific. I don’t know about you but I’d rather spend time looking at geometric patterns on wallpaper than I would reviewing these shapes in a college math book.
So how do incorporate this trend into your everyday decor? May I suggest some ideas:
Play with scale-use both large and small or layer different geometric designs.
Use vibrant colored patterns- in a soft decor scheme this is very effective and adds a decorative “punch” to the look of the room.
Team pattern repeats with traditional furniture or antiques and vintage pieces for an interior with an original angle.
So how about using a little geometric design in your home decor? If you aren’t sure where to begin I’d start with something small like a pillow or lamp.
But if you happen to really like this type of pattern-{like I do}- may I suggest going all out and using several different geometric design patterns all together in the same room? Especially when it’s so tastefully done in soft colors like this room designed by Tobi Fairley
I Love It!
Happy Decorating!
Deb
Images: belle maison, canadian house and home, decor pad, house to home, sherrill canet, the design file, the lennoxx files, tobi fairley and veranda
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Here’s are some of the areas in your home that you could add some reclaimed items.
Home Decor
Decorative items made from recycled or reclaimed wood are unique and make them statement pieces. Most times, when you use these types of items in your accessorizing, people will tend to notice them first off.
Love the reclaimed beams and the table top that’s recycled too!
Another great way to recycle is to repaint old metal chairs a bright color.
Furniture
The possibilities are limitless when it comes to making furniture from recycled wood. You can use it for just about anything. And many times it’s more economical than buying the furniture new.
How about using this type of wood to make your entire bed?
I love this coffee table made from pieces of reclaimed wood. And I bet those stools and letters are vintage. What a great pairing.
Here’s a great idea for furniture-using metal for the base of the table. And how clever to use a tree stump for some of the seating.
Reclaimed wood is the perfect wood for a rustic feel. You can even pair the rustic look of reclaimed wood with a variety of different decor styles-from vintage to contemporary. Use for wood tables, chairs and cupboard-this recyled look will simply fit in perfectly.
This is one of my favorite ideas-I love the industrial items that have been paired with the reclaimed cabinetry.
And who would think to use old wooden crates for your kitchen cabinets? They look great with the stainless steele stove.
Put a large chunk of reclaimed wood on top of a limestone base and you’ve got a table that people will never forget.
And how about forgoing wallpaper and using reclaimed wood paneling.
So in honor of earth week-I suggest that we all do our part and recycle. That means I’m going shopping and “reclaiming” my decor look.
Happy Decorating!
Debs
Images: Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Hudson Goods,
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I have a “design” confession to make.
Sometimes …when I go into other people’s houses …I notice their bookcases. And… if I’m in the room long enough I start figuring out in my mind how I would rearrange it…just in case they give me permission to do so…and if I’m not careful my imagination runs wild!
And I think about all the possibilities: What would I add? How would I rearrange the items on the shelves? What would I eliminate?
Don’t feel like you are the only one I would do this to. I do it at my OWN house as well.
And I’ve been trying for months to redo the shelves in my family room. SO when I came across an article recently in the REAL SIMPLE solutions book I was reminded of how to put together a bookcase by adding different elements to the books you already have on your shelves.
VASES:
Keep your empty vases on your bookshelf. You can cluster them according to different sizes, shapes or colors.
COLLECTIONS:
Assemble a collection of random objects-such as a bowl, a book and a frame-that have the same color. Or put all of the same type of object on your shelves-like frames.
Look to your fireplace mantel or side tables to find items that you can move to your bookcase-such as a clock or an interesting object-like a ceramic bird. They place them in a different way than you would expect. For example, stack a few books and place the clock on top.
STORAGE BOXES:
Attractive wooden or woven models-or nice decorative boxes can hold your everyday items like remotes, batteries for the controls, meaninful loose photos, etc.
ARRANGING YOUR BOOKS:
Place your books loosely in some places and snugly in others; arrange them vertically and horizontally. If you’ve got several coffee table or art books, stack them horizontally with the spines telling a story–all on individual artists, gardening, or travel destinations, for example. Or how about arranging by color?
If a dust jacket on one of your large books is a favorite, try leaning it against the back of the shelf (like a painting). Or if you have a small painting that gets lost on a wall, place it between books on a shelf.
DECORATE “OUTSIDE THE BOX”:
Be daring. Do something that you wouldn’t expect on or in a bookcase-make the area visually appealing by trying something out of the ordinary-oversized objects on the top of your bookcase, folded throws on a self, fresh flowers in a vase or lots of small objects tucked away in your bookcase
So my advice to all of you with nothing but books in your bookcases: pavck some of those books away and mix things up abit OR call me to come over. I’d be happy to conjure up some wild and crazy ideas for your shelves!
For more ideas on decorating your bookshelves visit Real Simple.
Happy Decorating!
Debs
Images: BHG, Domino, Point Click Home, Real Simple, Southern Accents
Color, Debbie (Debs), Decor Pictures, Decor and Style, Do It Yourself, design dilemma | 3 Comments »
There are some colors that never get old. For me the color green has been a long time favorite of mine. Maybe it’s because it comes in so many different shades. Or maybe it’s more about the subliminal psychology behind the color that explains my love for it.
(Lime green makes me feel happy!)
Green is the color of nature….
… fertility and life.
Grass green is the most restful color.
Green symbolizes self-respect and well being.
Green is said to be good for your heart.
Green is the color of balance. It also means learning, growth and harmony.
I read an article that said to put some green in your life when you want:
A new state of balance
Feel a need for change or growth
Freedom to pursue new ideas
Protection from fears and anxieties connected with the demands of others
I think that everyone should add a little “green” to their world.
Debs
Images: Country Living, HGTV, Photobucket, eyespy.squarespace
Color, Debbie (Debs), Decor Pictures, Decor and Style | 2 Comments »
Crafted by Amanda Formaro
You will need
green construction paper, card stock or poster board
school glue or white craft glue
green tissue paper or party streamers
scissors
SET UP
1.)Draw a shamrock shape onto a sheet of green construction paper. If drawing freehand, draw three hearts with a stem.
2.)Older children can cut this out themselves. For the younger set, you can cut it out for them.
3.)Rip or cut up the green tissue paper into small bits, about 1 inch square.
Instructions
For younger children, have them crumple up the bits of tissue paper. Put a little glue into a glue pot or margarine lid for each child. Have each child dip one of the crumpled bits of tissue paper into the glue, and place on the cut out shamrock shape. Alternatively, you can put a layer of glue directly on the shamrock shape, one shamrock leaf at a time. This method creates less mess than dipping individual pieces into the glue.
For older kids, using a pencil with a new eraser, place the eraser in the center of the tissue paper square. Twist the tissue paper around the eraser and then press the eraser onto the construction paper. Lift the pencil out of the tissue paper, leaving it on the shamrock.
Continue until the shamrock shape is full of tissue. Glue a piece of yarn, string or ribbon to the back to hang your shamrock.
xoxo Keighley xoxo
Red is THE color that is synonymous with “heart” day. But it’s also a color that is used in decor all the time because it never goes out of style-it’s just a little different red than the previous year.
This year’s red was heavily influenced by the global focus on ”green” living (think the family garden and tomatoes). Pantone calls the 2010 red color Tomato Puree.
Tomato red is not quite as bright, having more orange and white than does a true bright red. It’s still a bright, playful color, and falls firmly in the category of “red,” but it’s more subtle.
When decorating with this color the same design rules apply to tomato red as for any other red. First, remember that it’s a powerful color, and it will exert a strong influence on a room.
Because red is such a powerful color you might want to consider adding smaller amounts of tomato red to your decor: drapes, decorative accents such as a throw pillows, drapery tassel, a vase of flowers or a table book with a red cover…
Red is also a great color to use for on an accent piece of furniture like a chest or an armoire…
…a desk…
or an accent table or chairs!
But if you aren’t afraid to make a larger decor statement-how about grabbing a paint brush and adding a coat of paint to your walls and your cabinets.
Or buy a big red chair or…
…a leather sofa and add it to your room.
But if you’re not quite ready to make take the Tomato Red plunge (or you can’t afford to just yet). May I suggest…
MAC’s Chili Lipstick-it’s Tomato Red!
Happy Decorating!
Debs
Bedroom, Color, Decor Pictures, Decor and Style, kitchen | 3 Comments »
Many of you know that Bella Fine’ Decor has been in the process of moving to a new location. And even though there’s still boxes to unpack and inventory to organize-I’ve started decorating the new place.
The challenge I have is the flooring in the showroom. Let me share with you what I mean…picture carpet tiles that are laid down alternating the lines in the carpet both horizontally and vertically (see example below) AND it’s gray/brown in color with random thin stripes of magenta, orange and lime green. Pretty, huh?!?
(Here’s an example of some “fugly” carpet tile.)
In addition to the carpet problem there is another flooring design dilemma-the dark grey tile that borders the carpet and is inside my office. It’s also less than desirable and just adds to the ultimate design challenge!
My mind ‘s been racing with ideas. I needed to find something that would inspire and help me to figure out the look that I want to achieve AND at the same time help me overcome this design dilemma.
It seemed only logical to focus on the rug that I’d need for my office as my “point of inspiration”.
So I went through all the catalogs for the lines that I carry and fell in love with this rug by Company C.
Yuri Pattern
This rug is perfect for tying in all the colors because it has a grey/brown background AND the orange and lime green that’s in the carpet tile. And the design used throughout the rug is awesome. I’m even thinking of repeating a form of this pattern throughout our new showroom/warehouse. For example, I might take one of these patterns and create stencils to use for painting on the dark grey concrete floor in the “warehouse”. (But PLEASE don’t mention this idea to my GB because I know he will strongly disagree with this brilliant plan because it’s not practical.{Seriously..have you ever known an interior designer to be practical!?})
Not only was the color perfect but I also love the large scale of the pattern on this rug and the bright colors. And with our showroom and office being on the smaller side the large scale and bright colors will help the area look bigger.
Once the “inspiration rug” was chosen and ordered- Keighley and I headed to our local home improvement store to pick out paint. (This was a fun experience complete with the electricity going off while we were in the store and Keighley almost having an anxiety attack because of it.)
Once the lights came back on we picked all sorts of paint colors and took then back to the showroom/warehouse to have a look. We easily decided on the following Behr paint colors:
Ethiopia will be used in the Design showroom, Keighley’s desk area and my office (its the dark brownish grey color in the second color palette from the left-top right leaf). It will go well with the existing carpet tile as well as the new rug.
And for the bathroom wall color we are using Retro Avocado. (It’s the color in the second color palette from the right-bottom left leaf). It will go well with the white and black tile in there.
Here’s the fabric that will be used on the slipcovered chairs in my office.
And since it comes in the following colors as well we are going to use a little of it too-possibly as a skirt around the bathroom sink?
And tomorrow-while the painters are putting the new color on the walls-we will begin working on the next important thing on our moving list-the draperies. We have a vision…
Wish us luck!
Happy Decorating…
Debs
P.S. We will post before and after pictures for you to see! It will be fun for all of us- including me and Keighley-to see how it all turns out.
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It’s a new year which means that it’s time for personal resolutions…AND new design trends. All the BIG furniture and home accessories markets are being held this month (and in February). This is where all the designers and retail store owners go to see what is up and coming. (I’m not sure exactly who decides what we will be doing for our 2010 decor but I’m told that it’s planned well in advance and usually has some type of ”global” influence or theme.)
So according to these unknown experts-here’s what’s in for 2010…
Purple in all hues-like lavender and violet
(and turquoise, bright greens, blues,….)
Pillows with “bling” like stitching, beads and fringe
Florals with burnt orange, bright yellows and golds, deeps reds and burgundy
Greenery (Plants) that look natural from the garden
Understated “chic”
Mixing the old with the new… upholstered fabrics like linen with rustic or old (or old looking) case pieces
“RE” Furniture and accessories: re-purposed, reclaimed, recycled
Small artwork: canveses and framed prints especially original artwork
Cozy warm chenille throws in all colors
Metallic and embellished wallpapers
Tone-on-tone damask
Crystal on all sort of decor items
Photo frames
Antique chairs upholstered with modern fabrics.
I’m beginning to think that the ”IN”spiration for 2010 is one that goes way back…
Everything Old Is New Again!
Happy Decorating!
Debs
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Now that Halloween is over it’s time to get ready to decorate your front door for the Thanksgiving season. How about preparing for this change by applying some principles of Feng Shui to your front door. Here’s some fun ideas on how to increase the good energy (Ch’i) that comes into your home.
Feng Shui and Your Front Door
Ch’i (energy) enters the house through doors and windows. However, the front door of your house is where the major part of Ch’i enters and therefore this door plays an important role in determining the quality of Feng Shui experienced by the household. Its location within the house is very important.
Most homes have two main doors. One that was built originally by the architect (front door) and the other, which could be a kitchen, garage or side door, that is more preferred by the occupants due, for example, to the convenience of its location.
Decide on which door to use and use this one door only. Although it’s OK to use the other door if it leads to the garden and you want to access it or throw your rubbish away.
Make sure the size of the door is in proportion to the size of the property. If the front door is too big, opportunities will slip you by and if it is too small, it can cause disharmony within the household. If you feel your door is too big or small hang a faceted crystal sphere inside the door.
A solid front door is always preferable to a glass-panelled one. If you have a glass door do not worry just hang muslin or a similar cloth over the glass.
Generally speaking, a front door must be bigger than the back door encouraging Ch’i to enter through this aspect. Again if you have a larger rear door hang a crystal sphere here.
A front door needs to open inwards to allow beneficial Ch’i to enter. There is no cure for this one it must open inwards.
It is important that the front door opens easily without obstacles or difficulties. Broken door furniture must be replaced. Hinges should be oiled regularly. The front door must be well maintained and clean.
Make certain that the name or number of your house is clearly visible by day and night in order to maintain harmonious relationships with callers.
The most vital thing to do is to make very certain that this door is not being hit by anything sharp or angled. This is what is considered ‘exterior poison arrows’. If you feel you have poison arrows directed at your home place a Ba Gua mirror above the door.
Make sure the front door bell is easily located and works at all time. It should also have a nice ringing tone to it. I have stood waiting outside many front doors and had to use my mobile phone to call in.
The colors of the door should reflect the compass direction it faces according to the Five Elements and/or be in balance with the elemental properties of the energies of the sector where the door is located.
South (Fire) = Reds, pink, burgundy. 
Southwest (Earth) = Yellows or browns.
West (Metal) = White, silver, copper or gold.
Northwest (Metal) = White, silver, copper or gold.
North (Water) = Blacks or blues.
Northeast (Earth) = Yellows or browns.
East (Wood) = Greens
Southeast (Wood) = Greens.
Do not keep shoes near your front door; they constitute clutter and create stagnant energy. If you have another door, apart from the front door that is used on a frequent basis including by friends and visitors, the path leading to it must be clear, unobstructed and clean. This will be the path ‘chi’ would take to enter your house and therefore make sure this source is coming from a favourable direction.
For more information on “Feng Shui” for your front door check out this Article written by Sallie Tsui Sien.
Happy Feng Shui!
Debs
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I found this for 5 dollars.
It has majaaa potential.
I have big plans.
Now… If only I had some extra time.
All I need is some
and to pick out one of these
Wish Me Luck!
xoxo keighley
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