Dachshund Love

I was browsing through the latest issue of “Rue”, one of the newest online magazines, when I spied this:

 

Well . . . more like this:

And on a previous page, there was this:

I’m kind of thinking someone at “Rue” must have Dachshund Love as much as I do!

My “boys”, Magnum and Freckles.

Have a Weinerful Weekend! ~ Wanda

3 Interior Design Ideas To Ponder

1. Using Patterns:
One style that really comes into its own with pattern would be country - use lots of different patterns but similar colours to tie everything together. Try a pretty gingham, toile fabric and perhaps a larger check in classic blue and white. Use these patterns for bedding, window treatments, wallpaper and even to upholster a sitting chair. Do use large blocks of a single colour (either white or blue) elsewhere in the room such as the headboard and bedside tables.


2. Romantic Bathrooms:
Don't forget the bathroom when you wish to redecorate in a feminine and romantic style. We love the little mosaic tiles that can be used as a back-splash in a mix of shimmery oyster and ivory. For a unique look, take the tiles up the wall with horizontal stripes on a feature wall (white or light grey paint between the stripes). Another wall could be painted in a pastel colour such as a soft lavender or powdery blue. Give it the girlie stamp with hot pink accents - towels, candles, fresh flowers and pink ready made blinds.


3: Using Green:
Green was popular for home decorating long before we even thought about picking up a paintbrush. You might not have seen lime green curtains or bright aqua in the traditional home, but pea greens, hunter greens and a variety of pastel shades have worked well in the past. If you are working with a period home and want to enhance natural features - try adding in a period green! Choose two or three different shades in the lounge with a cream and some antique gold accents. Dark flooring and/or furniture will be this palette and style's perfect partner.

Image: Belle Maison

Beautiful Bright Bedrooms

If we can be honest for a moment, bright colours in the bedroom can't possibly prevent us from having a good night's sleep, if we are happy and comfortable with our choices. This is why it is important to use the colours that you have a natural attraction to - whether it be hot pink or acid yellow. If you are not convinced, stick with neutral walls to begin with and then bring in a cool colour such as blue, green or lavender to window treatments and duvet covers bedding. The third colour will be used as an accent - bright and contrasting to your other colour.

A good example would be a soft cornflower blue that offers a tranquil atmosphere, then given a fun twist by splashing bold orange to pillow covers and lampshades. In the same way, a zesty yellow will pick up lavender and a shot of red can give green a fresh look. It is all about little surprises!


Hot pink is a winning colour in feminine bedrooms. For a crisp and contemporary look, choose a hot pink floor rug under the bed and a unique piece of pink art on the back wall. You could also get a similar look by choosing a headboard in hot pink - try one with a floral pattern and leave the rest of your bedding in pure white or a subtle cream.

Image: A Life's Design

Decorganizing Wednesday: Mattress

According to Martha you are suppose to flip your mattress four times a year. Does anyone do this??? She suggests labeling the end of the mattress like hotels do with "January/April" and "October/July" so you will rotate it end-over-end and side-over-side.

Ideas For Decorating Children's Bedrooms: A Beach Theme

First, you will need to pry open the door and assess the storage situation. Most of the time, it is the ever-growing pile of toys and books that make us shudder on entering our child's bedrooms. It is this clutter and chaos that makes us realise that something needs to be done and it wouldn't be harmful to give the whole room a makeover!

Buying some extra storage would be a good move in the right direction. The cheaper options are plastic boxes with clip on lids - choose them in bright colours to add eye-candy for kids or even consider normal waste bins in bright colours for storing anything from toys, school supplies and hats. You will feel a lot better knowing that all of their possessions have a given space and they will like the bright colour additions!

Children absolutely love the beach so they will be fascinated to see their own bedroom transform into their very own private beach cove! Strongly linked with summer holidays, the beach theme will play on light and bright colours to have that sunshine feeling. Choose bedding and curtain sets in colours inspired by the sea. Involve your children with the decorating process - they will give lots of hints at to what they love about the beach and how you can incorporate their ideas into the room or even as a focal point.
Image: On Interior Design

Choosing Blue For Beautiful Bedrooms

Blue is one of the most calming of all colours and can be very easy to work with. Modern and contemporary homes are looking more and more to the qualities of blues such as navy, teal, azure and cobalt.

Like green, the colour blue reminds us of outdoor spaces and nature - specifically our skies and various bodies of water. This connection can also give answers as to why blue is so calming - dreamy blue skies and soothing water therapies. Our contemporary blues do have a tendency to steer towards ocean and aquatic blues that have a gentle shimmer to them.

The many different shades of blue can carry various colours but to stay on trend you should keep things simple with cool neutrals such as a light grey or a pale pink which will lighten darker blues.

Smoky and blue-grey tones are so very now and the best colour for a sophisticated bedroom. Go with a few different shades and give the bedspread or curtains a sheen fabric for added depth and interest. On the contrary, young adults or teens might prefer a more fun approach with bold blues. Make the most of it by adding an accent colour such as hot pink curtains and accessories.

Turquoise is this year's most trendy colour choice and is a blue-green shade. In fact, we are seeing a lot of natural blue-green shades right now and they are definitely the way forward for an ultra modern bedroom interior. Bright and subtle tones are equally on trend and smoky blues are favoured for a more sophisticated edge - well matched with cool neutrals.

Image: House of Turquoise

Pretty Summer Pastels

Pastels colours are rather like Marmite, you either love them or hate them! However, the newest sherbet colours bridge the gap between the palest of pastels and the more intense colours of bright bolds rather effectively and of course sherbets are right on-trend!

There will be rooms within the home that can carry off a completely pastel or sherbet palette such as the bedroom and the bathroom. These spaces should be easy on the eye and relaxing - something that a pastel can achieve in an instant. Duck egg blue bedding works well when teamed with cream or ivory for a chic refined look which is up market and more formal.

More livable rooms such as the lounge and dining space may work better when you add a punch of neon colour such as lime green curtains to a pastel backdrop.

Pretty pastels can be used in the bathroom to create a soft and relaxing place to relax and de-stress. For a coastal look experiment with light shades of blues and greens that will look all the more crisp when paired with white wood and fixtures. Choose accessories carefully, as your don't want the style to vie for attention with the colours; peaceful tranquillity is desired look.

Image: Delight By Design

3 Cool Solutions for a Hot Day – And 1 For Good Measure!

Last night, during a very late, night owl session, I was Tweet-chatting with my friend, Maybelline Te.  I read her previous posts of the heat she has been experiencing, while visiting with family and friends, in and around Cebu, in the Philippines.  I believe she mentioned the mercury had been hovering around 94 degrees, Fahrenheit.  (I’m clarifying the difference because they tend to go by Celsius, in other countries.)  I was thinking, “Wow!  That is warm”, and then chuckled when I realized it’s been about the same in my area.  I’ve been joking that all one has to do is walk outdoors, and a free, instant facial will be provided.  (And, whether you have straight or curly hair, it will definitely not be a good hair day.)

Meanwhile, if you are in an location, where the AC has been running full force or outdoor activities are not so appealing, chances are, you’ll totally relate to this post.  I thought it would be nice to capture the moment with “Cool Solutions for a Hot Day”, and I hope you’ll enjoy the brief respite!

1.  As a southerner, there is never a moment when I don’t have a pitcher of tea in the fridge.  It doesn’t matter how chilled it already is . . . there’s going to be ice involved!  This brewing pitcher, available from Tea Forté, is the perfect solution if you want a fresh glass, without much fuss.  They currently have a special offer, so be sure to click on this link.  I’m tempted by some of their delicious flavors, too – iced raspberry nectar and iced pomegranate blackberry.  Tons of anti-oxidant benefits, as well!

I thought it was especially helpful to see the preparation steps demonstrated.  I love it when a merchant takes the mystery away from the “how-to”.  I also appreciate the combination of beautiful design and function.  Mmmmm . . . Excuse me for a moment . . . I think I have an order to place!

 

   

 

2.  Ceiling fans – love them or hate them?  I’ve got clients who have strong opinions and it’s a real 50/50 split on the subject.  Some can’t get past the look and others can’t live without the function.  Let me just say this, I always think of function before form, but that doesn’t mean you have to ignore the aesthetics in the process.  I think this fan, from Hunter Fan Company, is a pretty sharp cookie, and it’s probably because they got it right in several categories.  Let’s talk function, first.  The blades are coated with Dust Armor™ Nanotechnology.  This is designed to repeal dust from the blades, so it keeps maintenance low, while prevented sneezing fits every time you hit the ‘on’ control.  It’s also ENERGY STAR® rated and utilizes their WhisperWind® Motor, for quiet operation.  No humming or buzzing above.  The design is compact and sleek.  If you need to have an egress light for your room, this fan incorporates it in a non-obtrusive way.  You won’t have ugly, dangling light bulbs detracting from your beautiful interiors.  Different finishes are also available to compliment your other metals and color palette.

3.  Another way to maintain your cool, is to think about switching out your bed linens in the summer months.  The challenge can be in maintaining a soft, fluffy look, without adding a heavy layer to be tossed aside, every evening.  One of my favorite solutions is the summer weight silk comforter from DeWoolfson Fine Linens.  It’s filled with fine, Mulberry silk, which is naturally hypoallergenic.  The cover is silk habotai, which loosely translated, means soft-as-down – and that, it is!  I call it the “binkie” for grown-ups.  I do really believe we sleep better, when the largest organ of our body, our skin, experiences a little extra nurturing and care. Did you know silk is the closest thing to human skin as it contains a natural protein and essential amino acids?  Dust mites are naturally repelled by silk and it is also a naturally fire retardant material. (From the Silk Perfect site.)  While we might think of silk as a luxury item, when you understand all of the benefits and the performance of the fiber, silk really is a “cool thing”!

So now you have my three “cool” solutions for a hot day.  What’s the one for good measure? . . .

  

. . . Take a cooling, Epsom salt bath.  There are so many combinations you can create, with essential oils, or by adding some sprigs of peppermint.  You’ll not only cool off, but the benefits are amazing from what is absorbed through our skin.  (Yes, that protective body covering needs a little extra TLC, as it directs good things to our internal systems.)  Just a few cups, diluted in your bath, and you’re good to go!

Do take care, as you go out into the heat!  Be sure to “design” your day for the best experience!

All my best!  Wanda

Still coming in June - “A Room At A Time” Blogpost Series!

What Gives Your Bedroom The 'Wow' Factor?

If you have a fairly sleek bedroom and want to give it more of the 'wow' factor, consider one piece of furniture or a wall decoration that makes heads turn. An armchair that is an unusual shape and with a chosen accent colour. Taking one wall and giving it new life with a daring wallpaper print would also be a good option.

If you insist on having neutral colours in the bedroom then why not warm things up by choosing a monochrome scheme in shades of black and white. With the right choice of fabrics and black and white bedding you can make a relaxing retreat - go with all things soft to touch such as cashmere or Chinese silk. A simple graphic print on bedding will add more depth and interest to the final look.

Perhaps you need more space? It can be that you are looking to re-decorate with new colours and fabrics or even update furniture and/or the flooring.

You could also install spotlights above the bed for extra light on the evening. Try to choose colours and patterns that are not too dark, demanding or 'busy'. Neutrals and pastels in block colours or with a fine pattern will be the best option to give the appearance of more light and space.

Image: Decorology

Beautiful Nursery Bedding Sets

When designing and decorating a baby’s nursery one of the most important features is the cot and bedding. It is such a lovely, exciting project to create a warm, cosy room for your baby and home ware shops are bursting with so many wonderful designs and colour schemes for you to choose from.

You may decide to go for a traditional blue or pink theme or maybe something more neutral such as green or yellow. Often bedding sets are decorated with delightful embroidered characters like bunnies, teddies and fluffy yellow ducks!

Baby bedding sets, which often make up part of a complete range of nursery accessories, usually consist of sheets, blankets, duvet cover, pillow cases and a cot bumper. Baby bedding is made using extra soft materials, such as 100% cotton percale, so that they are kind and caring to baby’s delicate skin.

For younger babies it is recommended to use sheets and blankets and then move on to duvets and pillows when the baby is about a year old. Cot bumpers help to keep the cot cosy and draught free, but it important to check the bumper ties regularly to ensure that they are secure. Baby bedding sets and matching soft toys make wonderful gifts for a new arrival.

Image: Rooms of Inspiration

Why Not Get Your Bedroom Ready For Summer?

With spring well and truly on its way, maybe you would like to give your bedroom a makeover to create a fresh, bright interior, all ready for the warmer, sunny days ahead? Even if you don’t have the time or budget to re-decorate completely, a few simple changes and up-dates will make a huge difference.

One of the quickest and easiest things you could try would be to invest in beautiful new bedding set, with a duvet cover and matching pillow cases. You could even treat yourself to some wonderfully smooth cotton sheets or perhaps a stunning bedspread or throw.

Whatever, your budget, you are sure to find a bedding set which is just right for the lighter, brighter feel of spring and summer. You may be looking for something floral and pastel or maybe a bolder geometric design, but still with a nod to sunshine and warm nights. Gingham and embroidery are also very popular choices for summertime bedding sets.

Coordinating bedding sets are available for single, double and king-size beds and it is often possible to buy additional items such as extra sheets or pillow cases separately.

So why not get your bedroom ready for summer? Throw open the window and let the sunshine in!

Image: two ellie

We Spend A Significant Proportion Of Our Time Asleep!

Everyone relishes the thought of climbing into a cosy, inviting bed and snuggling down for a good night’s sleep. We spend a significant proportion of our time asleep so it makes sense to make our bed as comfortable as possible.

The type of bedding that we choose can have a big impact of how inviting our bed is; luxury bedding in particular will go a long way to creating a truly gorgeous place to sleep. Top quality fabrics will be supremely soft and comfortable against the skin and will ensure that the bedding stays perfect all night long.

There are two main fabrics to choose from; Egyptian cotton and Silk. Egyptian cotton is traditionally used in luxury bedding as the high thread-count of the fabric ensures a superior smoothness and coolness.

Silk is also used in top quality bedding; it has a wonderfully soft feel against the skin and a beautiful sheen. It also has the additional benefit of being hypo-allergenic.

All types of bedding, including duvet covers, pillow cases, sheets and bedspreads can be bought in these luxury fabrics. There are specialist companies, particularly on the Internet, who manufacture and supply a vast array of different styles and designs of wonderful bedding.

Image: AtticMag

The Benefits Of Beautiful Luxury Bedding

Embroidery is often used to enhance and embellish bed linen, especially in the higher-priced luxury ranges. Embroidery creates a rich, textured appearance and can create truly stunning effects.

These days, as with everything relating to bedding, many different varieties of embroidered bed linen is available, depending on the style of bedroom you want to create.

You may be wanting to design a traditional, timeless setting, in which case a floral chintz fabric will create a delicate, feminine environment. This design could be carried through the whole décor, to include wall-paper and curtains.

Alternatively, the style you want to create might be modern and contemporary with a more minimalist feel. In which case, the many ranges of luxury bedding created by today’s popular interior designers may well include just what you are looking for. Again, these ranges usually include matching, complementary items which can be added to maintain the colour scheme and design throughout your whole room.

Although embroidered bedding tends to be more expensive than other types because of the level of workmanship involved in manufacturing it, you can still find some very stylish and beautiful ranges available in high-street stores at reasonable prices. A fantastic embroidered bed-spread can make a great focal point for your bedroom.

Image: A Life's Design

It Doesn't Have To Valentine's Day To Have Hearts On Your Bedding Sets!

I'm sure we are all aware that this Sunday is February 14th, Valentine's Day where all over the world lovers young and old will be sharing their special thoughts with their Valentine!

If you think that you're too old for all this stuff and nonsense find the romantic within you and treat your loved one to breakfast in bed, it is Sunday after all!

I love this luxury bedding by designer Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen. True to his reputation this bedding is flamboyant and sumptuous! What is even more inviting is the fact that it's hearts but not red or pink! Beautifully detailed with added accessories including matching pillow slips and the heart-shaped cushions give this bedding set a very unique look which would grace any style of home wonderfully. With it's bold design it would instantly add drama to a bedroom and also create a vibrant focal point.

Furthermore this style of bedding would like superb any time of the year, not just Valentine's Day. Team with matching curtains or black or white cheap Venetian blinds and a stunning monochromatic bedroom can be achieved so effectively and effortlessly!

Meet this year's trend of incorporating different fabric textures by choosing accessories made from tactile materials such as suede, silk, wool and embellishments, which all add to achieving stunning looking interiors irrespective of your budget.

Everything Is Going To Be All White!

Among the latest interior design styles is to have rooms which are completely white from ceiling to floor and everything in between! Whilst this design style may provide sleek clean lines is it a style which really suits most people's lifestyles?

Don't misunderstand, I adore white and yet I realistically know that even one scuff mark or grubby fingerprint can make the whole scheme look marred! This in itself does not lend to family ways of living and yet having white does have its own distinct and unique advantages.

Firstly if kept well maintained it does always provide you with a crisp, clean look every time you enter the room. It is also one of the most cost effective ways to decorate and dress a room. White emulsion paint is the least expensive on the market along with white Venetian PVC blinds which are available in a wide range of different widths and lengths to suit windows of all sizes. These are also easy to keep clean as the latest designs have an anti-dust coating which reduces the amount of dust build up!

Using large mirrors has always been an effective way to brighten a room and give the illusion of more space. Whilst painting floor boards is the in-trend thing to do rather than just having stripped pine.

Bedding is always available in white, with many people preferring to use white sheets irrespective of the colour of their duvets, and like blinds are among the low cost bedding options.

So rather than viewing an all white room with trepidations think of the stunning looks which can be achieved on the smallest of budgets and you may just change your mind!

Image: AtticMag

Pillow Talk

"Oh and by the way, I threw away all your little throw pillows. Yea. Cuz throw pillows suck. They serve no purpose. They're purely decorative." -Reuben Feffer

I once had a client tell me that she didn't want the new bedding in her master suite to be too "Along Came Polly"....meaning full of unnecessary pillows. I literally laughed out loud. And I totally agreed with her. Even as as designer, I understand that no one wants to spend "two years of their life putting on and taking off pillows." So my question to you is...how do you like to dress your bed?

With your pillows layered?

With your pillows stacked?

With only your sleeping pillows and shams?

With one large decorative pillow?

With a couple of decorative pillows?

With a bolster?

With round decorative pillows?

With euro shams only?

Or with a mix of euro shams and decorative pillows?

However you like to dress your bed, stuffed animals past the age of 10 is...not...ok.

I am sorry but no rebuttals are allowed on this issue.

~Image: 1) Courtesy of allmoviephoto.com 2) Elle Decor 3) House Beautiful Feb 2004 4) Unknow 5) Dream Bedrooms 6) Coastal Living May 2009 7) Southern Accents 8) Decor Mag 9 and 10) Southern Accents 11) Unknown

Decorating Children's Bedrooms

Decorating children's bedrooms can be a real nightmare! It's fine when they are toddlers because you can use the alphabet, animals, circus tents just about any theme and they will be happy!

However, reaching those in between years when they are no longer little and yet not reached their teenage years can be a real problem. I love the design concept of this boy's bedroom, especially the baseballs used on top of the bed posts which add a really individual touch.

Including names of the children who occupy the room has always baffled me! Is this to remind them who they are and which bed they are supposed to sleep in or it a psychological symbol indicating their own individual space?

With that dilemma put aside, I do believe it is important to let children have a say in the colour scheme and style of their room, as they are far more likely to want to spend time there in a space of their own as well as sleeping of course!

Having personal touches is another great way to let them express their individuality, home-made quilts and bedspreads may not be to everyone's liking but they are a great way of showing how much you care, and until they reach the rebellious stage I say 'go for it' in a big way!

Once they reach the age, when it's pointless trying to help them make choices, they can have their own space decorated and kept in whatever disarray they want! If they want black walls and ceilings then agree enthusiastically, you may be surprised to find that if you whole heartedly agree with anything they will want something different! It may be mind games but it works...well nearly always!

Image source: AtticMag

Beautiful Bedroom Designs With A Modern Twist

Finding the right colour combinations for bedrooms is a matter of balance, to create trendy yet serene places of tranquility and peace. Opting for two basic or main colours is always a good idea and then add an injection of one other accent colour to achieve a harmonious and stylish look.

Too many colours and your mind will be full of confusion which is not conducive to restful sleep. Black and white are classical monotone colour schemes which are used successfully in all styles of homes and interior design styles. These colours look great on their own and yet but adding just a couple of accent pieces the whole effect is easily transform.

Add an accent colour by including a cushion or bedspreads neatly folded in half across the bed for a more conventional look or folded in thirds to make one of the latest trends of bed runners across the bottom third of the bed.

At least with bedspreads you can pull them up if you feel cold, whilst these latest trends of bed runners are purely for aesthetic appearances or for keeping you feet warm!

Rooms which are coordinated do not have to be stuffy and old fashioned looking if you choose your colours carefully. If you opt for the totally coordinated style opt for plain bedspreads, duvet covers and curtains as well as plain walls as these provide a sense of cohesion to the room.

For great inspirational ideas and image source visit A Life's Design blog.

Finding The Right Colours In The Bedroom!

Neutral colours create a relaxing atmosphere which are ideal for guest rooms or for those who prefer a non flashy style of design. Neutral tones are perfect for creating a serene ambience which can give the illusion of more space which is a real asset in small rooms.

Master bedrooms are intimate places which are rarely shared with anyone but the houseowners, irrispective of age. Keeping bedrooms private places enable people to have much needed santuaries of peace and privacy in modern hectic lifestyles.

If you are able to keep your bedroom private and child free, at least for some of the time! you will sleep better and furthermore feel better. I know that I'm a clutter free freak, however if there is only one place that should be kept immaculate it has to be the bedroom!

Get into the habit of putting clothes away, either by re-hanging in the wardrobe or putting them into the laundry basket. Always make your bed after an airing. Walking into a bedroom which has an unmade bed is one of the quickest ways to deflate you!

Add injections of colour in neutral colour schemes, this is a great way of keeping up with the latest design colour trends, scatter cushions, beautiful bed sets, bedside table lamps and personal touches by way of photographs or your favourite objects. Remember uneven grouping always looks far more styish, three and five are perfect!

Luxury bedding in deep rich colours offers a sensuous and very stlish look to a bedroom. Make your bedroom your personal space which is not shared by anyone but your partner!

Image: So Chic Interiors

Beautiful Bedside Table Lamps

Having ambient lighting is essential in a bedroom to add a warmth cosiness and seductive atmosphere!

There are some great bedside table lamps available which will do the trick perfectly! I adore these wonderful these little Chinese style men used as the base! They offer a distinctive charm and a sense of both fun and serenity.

Having table lamps which suit the bedroom’s interior design style are a must. White and ivory are great colours which blend beautifully with most colour schemes, offering a crisp clean look which coordinate beautifully with most styles of bedding and bedroom furniture.

White shades offer a brighter light, for softer lighting tones you could use a diffused muted tone light bulb or of course go ‘green’ and save money by having long life economy bulbs!

A point to remember when choosing table lamps is to make sure you don’t use light bulbs which are above the recommended wattage as this can be a potential fire hazard. Check the manufacturer’s label before you make your selection, particularly if you are looking for a relatively bright light if you like to read while in bed!

Set the mood in the bedroom with lighting effects which calm the mind and yet provide sufficient light to see what you are doing such as reading or getting undressed.

Ideally you should have matching table lamps on each side of the bed. Not only will this add a sense of proportion and balance to the room it of course enables softer lighting when one is switched off!

Image source: Surroundings