Mar 172013
 

Decorating Ideas for Families

More than putting those little clips on your cabinet doors, and making sure sharp objects are kept at a safe distance, there are other ways to make sure your home is family-friendly, as you can see from my tips and ideas below.

Family-friendly Decorating Ideas - via viewsfromtheville.com

  • Use an outdoor rug indoors.  Choose a rug that is durable and easy-to-clean.  Heavily-patterned rugs are also a good idea, so that stains and crumbs are less visible.  Rugs on hardwood floors are a good idea, so that there is something soft for children to sit on, near the sofa.
  • Choose durable materials for upholstery, solid furniture and wall finishes.
  • Have non-upholstered chairs in the dining room.  Spills and scratches are inevitable, a rustic wooden table will make it look intentional.
  • Make spaces easily transitional.  This is especially important in the bedroom.  While it may be fun to deck-out a child’s bedroom in pink or blue, having a too-young bedroom when your children start to get older may make them feel out of place.  Instead, try to use elements that can be easily updated or re-purposed for when your children get older or change their favourite colour.
  • Create a space where people of all ages can be comfortable.  In the picture below, you’ll notice a white pouf.  I recommend using things like poufs and ottomans, and rocking chairs for people to be able to be able to sit comfortably.  It can be difficult for small children to climb up on a higher sofa, so having a variety of pieces to sit on is key.  You’ll notice that the kid-friendly furniture doesn’t look like it is just for children. Continue reading »
Mar 152013
 

Desk Accessories for Spring - Green Cordless Phone from Vtech

Green VTech Cordless Phone for Spring

One of the things I love most about spring is how fresh and bright everything looks.  It really gets me in the mood to spruce up our home and swap out winter textures and accessories for new spring ones.  This definitely goes for my home office, as well.  If I have to sit in there for hours each day I want it to be fun and uplifting.

Most of the time I end up buying new desk accessories like pen cups, staplers, binders, and the like.  Sometimes I’ll add new wall hangings or art, change out a lamp or lamp shade, maybe even add a new throw rug or hang new window treatments.  Not only does it keep it current for the season and changes in weather it helps keep work feeling fresh and not so ho-hum.

With all those changes it wasn’t until just recently that I thought about being able to accessorize with phones, however.  I mean, a phone is a phone, right?  You use it to place and receive (or screen) calls.  You just want it to have the functions you need like be cordless, have caller ID, and maybe (probably) an answering machine.  If you’re using it in your home office you might also want it to be able to handle conferencing people together on a single call.

But just because something needs to be functional it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.  I’m loving that VTech feels the same way and has colored cordless phones in their line up.  Their green phone is perfect for spring, whether it’s in a home office, the kitchen, the kids’ room, as a St. Patrick’s Day gift, or any reason, really.  It has a digital answering machine and you can retrieve your messages right from the handset (love that feature).  It also has DECT 6.0 digital technology, which is tech-speak for great sound and voice quality.  You can even add up to four additional handsets on the same phone jack which is great for being able to stash phones in any location you might want to receive a call.  Like out on the deck which is where I wish my home office was located.

What is your favorite office accessory for spring?

I received one or more of the above mentioned products in order to facilitate my review. No additional compensation was received and all opinions, as always, are 100% that of myself and my family.

Jan 172013
 

Make This House A Home: Home Improvement Series

Make This House A Home In 2013 - Home Improvement Series

When we moved into this house almost a year ago now, there were things that talked about changing, furniture we wanted to buy, walls that needed painting.  Instead of jumping right into it, though, we waited on a lot of our ideas.  We’re both big believers in living in a space for awhile so you can figure out the best flow, how your family’s activities and traffic impact the space, etc.  But now we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get in there!

So in addition to my Organization: 2013 series that I’m sharing with you throughout the year we’re going to be talking about how to make your house a home.  I’ll share remodeling and design tips, decorating ideas, product suggestions, and much more.  There will even be some before and after photos for you so you can see how simple changes can make a big impact.

I’ll be talking about every room of the house from the kitchen to family room, office to bathroom, bedrooms to those spaces you’re not quite sure with what to do.  The outdoor spaces won’t be forgotten, either!  I’ll cover the garage, deck or patio, backyard, and landscaping.  I hope you’re ready to get some dirt under your nails along with us!

We’ll be starting soon, but in the meantime do you have any specific design and remodel requests?

Nov 202012
 

Decorating for holidays is one of my favorite things to do, and while Christmas decorations get me most excited, I do like to dress things up for Thanksgiving, too!  I had planned to spend some time tomorrow making a few treats for the Thanksgiving table we’ll be dining on.  However we need to take A2 for a follow-up appointment for his broken finger, so tonight will be my crafty night.  Nothing like the last minute, right?

Here are ten Thanksgiving craft and decorating ideas for you to wow your family this year.  I might be making a few, myself!

Acorns, Hurricane candle holders, and candles for your Thanksgiving table

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Idea using nuts and hurricanes

Give thanks - quotes printed on burlap on blocks

Thanksgiving blocks have a quote printed on burlap

Continue reading »

Jul 302012
 

Creative Home Decorating Ideas

I think that when it comes to decorating, sometimes you have to look past the obvious and imagine the possibilities.  And every once in awhile I’ll see a piece and think “Wow, that could be used so many different ways.”

This happened yesterday when I saw this White Wood Potting Bench from World Market.  I was struck with inspiration as soon as I laid eyes on it.  It’s a really nice piece, made from tropical hardwoods.  There is an extra fold-out shelf, and the slats of the main work space lift off to reveal additional storage.

Repurpose a potting bench for the laundry room or mudroom - home decorating ideasRepurposing a potting bench for the laundry room or mudroom - home decorating ideas

Continue reading »