Summer Lovin

I love summer.  It is my favorite time of year.  I love being able to spend so much time outdoors.  I love all the natural light and all the memories that come with summer.  Being that it is  the first of July,  I would like to share some seasonal tips for you.  If you are not done with your flowers pots yet, now is a great time to buy.  You will finds that the garden centers are already putting all their plants on clearance.  I usually do my base planting for Memorial Day, but now wait until July to do my pool pots and other areas.  There is still  plenty of summer  ahead  and you will save so much money.
   Also remember plants only look good if they are in their right environment.  Geraniums love full sun, while inpatients give great volume, but need shade.  You need to know your property and what will thrive in your yard.  If you are in a deer area you need to know what plants are deer resistant.  You can buys the most beautiful plants, but if they get eaten you just are wasting you time and money. I am in a major deer area.  I have found plants that will work for me, but deer resistant plantings aren't always the most colorful.
   A great way around that it window boxes.  It took me many years to figure this out, but if you raise your pots up high, you can plant what you like.  Begonias and petunias do well in pots and will give you a great deal of seasonal color for full sun.  Inpatients and coleus do well for shade pots.  Please take advantage of the great deals out there now and make your outside as beautiful as your inside

Time to Change

              I love living in the north east.  I think it is great that we experience all 4 seasons.  I also believe that the transition between seasons should be reflected in our homes.  Although it was 26 degrees when I woke up this morning, it is actually Spring now.  I think this is a good time to make subtle changes in your home to reflect the passing of time. 

            Now is a great time to add the color green to your home.  It could be through fabric like pillows or throws for the couch.  It could be through accessories like candles or potpourri. It could also be by adding live plants and fresh flowers to your home.  Let's celebrate Spring, even if it is only 26 degrees outside.  Maybe our simple gestures will help improve our mood and start the transition to warmer days ahead.

Sometimes you just need texture

          I am often in clients homes and talk about the importance of texture. When I bring this up most people have no idea what I am talking about.  Texture is a way to create visual interest in a space without having to add color or pattern. Texture can come from fabric, from paint or wallpaper.

       I happen to love wallpaper, but I find most of my clients are afraid of  it.    They visualize lots of fruit or flowers and shiny outdated style.  Wallpaper can be that, but it does not have to be.  I always tell people a balanced home will have a variety of wall finishes.  I often suggest mostly solid painted walls then a little bit of faux paint and some wallpaper. Wallpaper does something that faux and regular paint can't do.  Use it sparingly and it can really be dramatic.   Powder rooms and  dining rooms are great places for wallpaper.  Use a grass paper or one that looks like linen.   You now have texture but it won't be too busy like a print might be.

   Panel drapes are another area for texture.  Use a thai silk, a linen or burlap type fabric.  Here are some examples of texture. Add texture and you will always look good

New Year New You

When the Christmas tree comes down in January and the doldrums of winter begin to kick in.  this is the best time of the year to change your home.  Not only is labor cheaper, but why would you wait until the weather is nice to work inside.  I hate putting away all the holiday decorations, but I hate how the house looks post Christmas even more.  That is why every January I take a good look at my home and do a small project.  It keeps my head out of the refrigerator and keeps in occupied.

You don't have to spend much money.  I would start by moving your furniture around.  Put your bed on an angle or switch your living room furniture around.  You will find it will make you feel different.  The next thing I suggest is to paint.  Paint is magic, I have said this many times.  You don't have to paint the whole house.  You can paint the ceiling or an accent wall.  Just a little new color can really make you feel different.  I also like to start plants in the winter.  Get some bulbs and out them in you kitchen window.  you also can buy some great supermarket orchids or flowers.  these things will give you a lift through the cold dark winter.  Take advantage of this time of year to change your life and change your home