Winter Blues

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Master Your Bedroom

It feels like Bedroom season, wouldn't you say?  Right now we are redoing several master bedrooms and it's been a cozy mission to find out what works for total comfort and relaxation.  It's how a bedroom should be!

Soft hues of blue gives a refreshing look and oh so relaxing...
this bedroom is easy on the eyes.

A cottage look with layering shades of white gives you options to
add splashes of color throughout the seasons-- makes for
a mix and match look where everything works well together.

Green is an unexpected pleasure of calming tones
with a sophisticated flair!  Even black and pink work well
in this space.  Silk drapes add to the classic,
heavily carved poster bed. 

Your bedding sets the tone for the entire
bedroom so make it just how you like it.
This ensemble would make it more fun for me
 to make the bed every morning!


A few ideas I've learned along the way when redesigning a bedroom...

- Symmetry really matters.  For a relaxing, calming, and peaceful feeling, you'll find it best to keep it simple and balanced.  For example, one way to give it a soothing look is to have matching lamps that are the same height on either nightstand.  Your nightstands should be as close to the same height as you can get to allow your eye to feel the ease of balance when in your room.  Same goes for artwork, mirrors, and the rest of the furniture.  

- Learn to edit.  Your bedroom should not be where you have loads of busy going on.  Don't pay your bills or have a computer staring at you while you are in bed!  You'll find the stress will lift from your body the minute you keep your room organized and free of clutter.  (this is of course, in a perfect world!)

- When it comes to color, use hues or shades of the same for balance and a consistent look.  If your favorite color is red, go for it!  Not everyone wants a light and airy look in their bedroom.  When working with your favorite color, just be aware that keeping the shades within close range will only help make your room relaxing and become a favorite in the house!

- Ask yourself what exactly you need in your room to make it work well for you.  Consider form and function when decorating.  Do you need extra drawers or do you prefer cupboards for storing?  Hiding the things you need in your room might be a good idea if you love reading books in bed but don't want to look at the clutter.  

- Where to start?  When it comes to the master bedroom, it usually starts with the bedding!  That becomes your color palette for the floors, walls, trim, and upholstery.  Your bed is the largest piece in the room so that should take priority.  Upholstered headboards are a great addition to any master bedroom.  The fabric for the headboard should be determined by the bedding once again...make it easier on yourself by finding the right bedding and build from there!  

Enjoy!  

--Whitney




Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Life

How was 2011?  If I had one word to describe 2011, it would be...JOY!


Joy comes in all sorts of packages...
Mine comes from this little three year old!  

Wishing all sorts of fabulous things for 2012!
Isn't it fun to dream...to wish...
to take the time to play Scrabble!

I loved receiving cards from friends & family 
during the holidays.  It's a cherished 
tradition and one that makes 
Christmastime extra special!


If I had a New Year's Resolution for life in 2012...
it would be to Knit cute things like this!


Another Joy in life-- live what you love to do...
Decorating & Designing & Shopkeeping!

Wishing you all a great start to 2012 and hoping your life has lots of JOY!  My mom just sent me a little something Mother Teresa wrote about Life.

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is costly, care for it.
Life is wealth, keep it.
Life is love, enjoy it.
Life is mystery, know it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

--Whitney