Design 101

Clever Height

Height:  highest point, crowning moment, culminating point . . .

Height is an often missed opportunity when decorating.  It is space most of us have more of (and who doesn’t need more of that?) but usually forget is there.

In this example, elevating the plant takes it from ordinary to celebrated.   Practically, it leaves a  spot for a good book, during one of those relaxing bubble baths we all dream about. Sigh.

 

This collection of bath sundries looks cluttered in the first arrangement.  Corralling these items on a pedestal looks more cohesive, frees up coveted counter space, and is easier clean, all while keeping necessities within reach.

Do you have unused space above a bookshelf or cabinet?  Originally, I placed the large metal tile and oval mirror above the bookshelf simply for storage, while they were in between landing spots.  However, I grew attached to them there and how they took advantage of the high ceilings, so I’ve only added to the display.

Hang curtains higher than the window’s top to draw the eye upward and add height to a room.   Most floor-length curtain panels are 84 or 95 inches (with 108″ and 120″ available on more specialized sites).  When buying new curtains, measure the distance between the top of your window and the floor, and purchase the next size up.  To determine where to mount the rod, place it above the top of the window at the height which allows the bottom of the curtain to just dust the floor.

 

I consistently have more treasures than I have landing spots.  Surely, I’m not the only one.

Height to the rescue!

So, go ahead, use that highest point to be your crowning moment and culminating point.

 

[A note about dust:  For some of you, dust killed this design principle before you made it to the second paragraph.  To you I say, first, life is short.  Might as well let your meaningful possessions be a part of your everyday life, even if that means you have to step on a chair to dust, once in a blue moon.  Secondly, I’m highly allergic to dust and have learned from many a sinus infection:  The primary issue with dust is not it’s existence (which can never be entirely avoided), but the stirring up of dust.  So, make peace with it.  Who can see it all the way up there anyway?]

Forest photo by ANGELA BENITO on Unsplash
Seasonal Inspiration

Vintage Easter

Easter is such a lovely occasion!  It heralds new life and all that is good and right and possible.  (Insert contented sigh here.)

This adorable friend was at Homegoods.

If I’m at a home decor store during this season, I’m in trouble. (O.K., ANY season) So many “pretties” to be had! And who doesn’t love new?

However, I’m always delighted when I discover new ways to use pieces I already own.  Obviously, this is the more economical option (three cheers for free!), but more importantly, it tells a story.  At just a glance, I’m reminded of special people and moments, and my family is surrounded by heritage.  What’s not to love?

SO WHAT if the silver isn’t polished.  Use it!

How about “vintage” memories?  My mother-in-law gave my daughter this adorable little bunny when she was just a toddler.  We couldn’t part with him even after she outgrew him, so we added him to our Easter collection and get to enjoy his floppy little self year after year.

In a similar vein, showcase happy moments from Easters past.

These pictures of my kids are some of my all-time favorites.  Tears and tantrums probably lined either side of this photo shoot, but these moments:  priceless!

Easter is one of the few times many families are together and dressed up, so why not capitalize on that effort and display those special memories?

What is meaningful to you about Easter?  Or Passover? Spring?  New beginnings?  Most holidays came into existence with the sole purpose of reminding us what is important–of truths that transcend the daily grind.  Relish that significance in your decor.

 

Life isn’t complete without a healthy dose of humor and fun.

Chalk at-the-ready encourages others to join in the corny jokes and puns.

Happy Easter!

 

DIY, Seasonal Inspiration

DIY Blooming Branches

I love the look of forced spring branches.

As winter comes to a close, people bring budding branches indoors to tease open the blooms and beckon a much-needed spring.

I’ve always wanted to try this, but I live in the desert.  While the desert is beautiful, bringing in branches from my mesquite tree would declare “BBQ!” more than “spring.”So, I’m making my own.  This arrangement only cost $2 to make.

Supplies:

  • 1-2 bouquets of artificial flowers that speak “Yay! Spring!” to you.  For the most organic look, shop for flowers which naturally have smaller blooms.  Determined to spend as little as possible on this untested brainstorm, I found mine at the Dollar Tree.
  • Twigs or branches (presumedly free)
  • A large vessel.  I used an antique ceramic pot, but a tall vase, metal florist’s bucket, watering can, or anything tall and sturdy could work.

Directions: 

This is so easy to make, it’s hard to keep a straight face pitching this as a tutorial.  Seriously.  Two steps.  Both rather obvious, but here we go:

  1.  Pull the buds off the stems.
  2.  Hot glue them to sticks and twigs.

Tips: 

  • Arrange branches in your vase first.  This allows you adjust the twigs into an even arrangement and see where blooms should be added to make the most natural looking display.
  • It helps to select twigs small enough to fit into the holes under the artificial blooms.  Dab hot glue into that hole, and pop the bloom atop a twig.  A few blooms in my arrangement are glued directly to the side of a branch, but the ones that fit directly on top of the twigs look the most natural.
  • I also glued the petals of some blooms together to look like younger buds.)

Admire your handiwork and a happy dose of spring anytime of the year!