Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Black and White

Courtesy of Barbara Jacobs, principal of Barbara Jacobs Color & Design
Image courtesy of id 810 Design Group

Hi Friends,

Trends come and go, but tried-and-true color palettes have stood the test of time. The most classic color scheme of all — black and white — is inherently sleek and sophisticated, according to Jessica Geller and Virginia Toledo of id 810 Design Group. What they love most is the backdrop the two colors provide for unexpected pops like hot pink, turquoise or lime green. Benjamin Moore's Super White, their go-to white paint; is a staple white because it doesn't change tone with other colors and remains a true white, according to Virginia Toledo. The best thing of all with this color palette is the inexpensive cost to change the look with simple throw pillows, which can be changed every season.

Some things are black and white; no gray here...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Choosing Interior Color Schemes

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

Answer these five essential questions to help you pick the perfect color palette.

Are you unhappy with your home's interior design? If so, you may be the victim of a bad color scheme. It's no secret that color can either make or break a design, but luckily, neither is finding out how to choose the perfect color palette for you.

When the color's right, it can:
  • Enhance feelings of health and wellbeing
  • Enhance feelings of health and wellbeing
  • Modify perceived temperature — make your space feel warmer or cooler
  • Transform perceived space — make your space feel larger, or more cozy and intimate
  • Illuminate dark areas
  • Create mystery and romance in dull areas
  • Energize static areas

But it has to be the right color for you. Color, and the psychology of color, is a big design trend says Barbara Jacobs, principal of Barbara Jacobs Color & Design. "But generalizations — green is relaxing, blue is soothing, red is energizing — only apply when certain hues are used," she says. "A sharp, electric green definitely would not be relaxing; a deep blue-green might feel cold instead of soothing. The wrong red used in an entire room might create the sensation of entrapment rather than energy."

Before planning color in your personal environment, make a mini-questionnaire and poll yourself and your family. Your answers are 50 percent of the project because your color choices depend on them for direction, Jacobs says. She gives her clients a very long questionnaire with hundreds of questions, but you can start with these five. The answers will lead you to your new color scheme.

1. Where is the room

2. How many windows are there and which direction do they face?

3. Is there landscaping outside that will have an effect on the colors in the room?

4. Who will use the room, and what will they do there? Is it private or community space?

5. Will it be a sociable and active place, or a peaceful place? How do I want it to feel?

All answered, now get started on your new color scheme...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, September 22, 2014

Happy First Day of Autumn!


Courtesy of Anna Fletcher

Hi Friends,

Hope everyone enjoyed the hot days of Summer and ready to welcome Autumn with opened arms. We have a lot of great ideas in the coming weeks and look forward to sharing them with all our friends...

Now that the Fall season is almost upon us! The leaves are about to start changing, the days will get shorter, and mornings will grow chillier and crisp as summer fades away. And though we will miss long summer days and warm nights, we have a brand new, exciting season approaching! So why not start thinking about some fun outdoor activities you can do to celebrate the coming of autumn?? Here are a few…

10 Outdoor Activities to Kick Off the Autumn Season!

1. Attend a Barn Dance. Whether it’s contra dancing or square dancing, hoedowns are a great way to spend fall evenings and nights. Have a blast and work up a sweat in the cold, autumn night air while you dance along to foot-tapping bluegrass and fiddle music!

2. Go Mountain Biking. Okay, so you can mountain bike at any time of the year (except maybe the dead of winter…ice and snow are no bueno for your tires). But there’s something about the chilly air and bright orange, red, and yellow leaves all around you that makes biking during the fall so amazing.

3. Take a Scenic Drive. Early to mid-fall is one of the prettiest times of the year, as the trees still have most of their leaves which have turned vibrant with the coming cold. This is the one of the best times to take a drive through the woods, around town, or through the mountains.

4. Go Pumpkin Picking. Fall season means one thing – pumpkin season! Restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and many other places around town start selling pumpkin foods, drinks, and products to welcome in the season. You will also be able to find whole pumpkins all over town, whether you want to go pick your own at a patch or get one from the store. If you do take a trip to your local pumpkin patch, you can do many fun, free activities that they offer, like hay rides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. Make a jack-o-lantern with your new prized pumpkin and be sure to keep the seeds so you can roast them! Yumm.

5. Host a Bonfire. Shorter days and cooler weather make perfect ingredients for a bonfire. Grill out, have a tub of hot apple cider, and don’t forget s’more fixings!

6. Go Climbing. One of the best times of the year to rock climb is during the fall. As leaves begin to drop and greenery wanes in anticipation for winter, rock faces become more exposed. Cooler weather also means fewer bugs zipping around your face as you make your way up the cliff!

7. Do Some Photography. Bright multi-colored leaves, teaming autumn wildlife, colorful pumpkins and gourds, and clear, sunny days make for great photo ops. See what amazing autumn things you can capture on your camera!

8. Go Camping. Cooler, dryer weather means fewer bugs and fewer people, so fall is one of the best times to go camping. Just remember your cold weather hammocking gear, and you’ll be toasty and comfy in the chilly autumn air!

9. Visit an Orchard. ’Tis the season for apple picking! The prime months for ripe apples is September and October, and most local orchards open their doors to the public during this time to do some picking. Just think of all the pies, apple butter, cider, and applesauce you can make! And even if you’re not a big apple-eater, just strolling through the trees in the cool fall weather is a great way to spend the day!

10. Play Some Pick-Up Football. Labor Day weekend officially kicked off football season, so what better way to celebrate that than to play some football yourself? Grab family and friends and head out to the park or backyard for some down-set-hike!

Check back for more great ideas and recipes from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Cozy Up the Patio

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts

Hi Friends,

Don't forget about your favorite outdoor spot when the seasons change. As summer transitions into fall, the weather becomes perfect for comfortable evenings outside. Decks and patios are often neglected as the weather cools down, but the lack of heat and humidity makes your outdoor space even more usable and enjoyable. Include a throw at each seat just in case the weather gets chilly during an outdoor meal. Now there's no reason to not enjoy the patio January through December.

Enjoy your meals Alfresco style this Fall...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Light Up Candles

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts
Design by Erinn Valencich

Hi Friends,

With fall comes cooler weather and shorter days. That means daylight instantly becomes a rare commodity until spring rolls around. Take advantage of early nightfall and embrace the darkness by lighting scented candles around the house. The candlelit ambiance will help relieve stress and anxiety after a long day at work.

Your discount and box stores offer deals on candles; also stop by your local craft store for pine cones and other assorted decor remnants - most can be purchased in bulk for a better deal...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Happy Grandparents Day!


Courtesy of Elaine's Poems and Quotes

Hi Friends,

Grandparents are so special and form our youth like no other. We thought if only fitting to share this thoughtful poem with our Interior Design friends.

Hope you enjoy...

Grandparents
Grandparents bestow upon their grandchildren
The strength and wisdom that time
And experience have given them.

Grandchildren bless their Grandparents
With a youthful vitality and innocence
That help them stay young at heart forever.

Together they create a chain of love
Linking the past with the future.
The chain may lengthen,
But it will never part...

~Author Unknown~

Happy Grandparents Day from your friends at Interior Design!

Check back for more great ideas...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Update With New Throw Pillows

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts
Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

Hi Friends,

The transition from summer to fall provides the perfect excuse to update your home with fresh accessories and hues inspired by the season. Dress your home for cool autumn weather with this simple interior decorating idea. As the weather gets cooler, the family will start spending more and more time indoors. Cozy up your living room sofas and chairs with plush throw pillows in different shapes, sizes and patterns. Comfy accessories add visual interest to your living room, plus they’ll emit a warm, inviting tone perfect for the season and inexpensive to implement. This is only one simple way to cozy up your space for Fall; your imagination is the limit...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, September 1, 2014

Happy Labor Day!


Hi Friends,

Summer's behind us with Autumn just ahead, the perfect opportunity to thank you for visiting us during the hot days with our hopes it will continue through the chilly ones. You know, it doesn't matter if you are white collar, blue collar or no collar; working with your mind, hands or heart; taking the time, devoting the energy or making it happen, we appreciate all of you.

Have a restful and enjoyable Labor Day from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne