Fast and Fantastic Holiday Decorating Ideas

Christmas tree with presents and fireplace with stockings

There’s no better time than the holiday season to bring new and fresh interior decorating ideas into your home. Give some of these a try:

Your theme. Like any good design, you need something to tie your holiday decorations together. Consider your favorite decorations, the existing color schemes in your house, and how your theme will work from room to room. Whether you think outside the box or keep it traditional, your decorating theme will add warmth and excitement to your celebrations. [Read more...]

Symmetry or Asymmetry in Interior Design?

Mantle accessories

Which are you, symmetrical or asymmetrical? When it comes to interior design, many people lean toward symmetry in rooms and other arrangements. Symmetry is naturally pleasing to the eye, and gives the space a formal and traditional feel. Often, opposite sides of symmetrical arrangements are mirror images of each other. Remember, though, symmetry is not mandatory to create an attractive and appealing design. Asymmetrical arrangements can create a more casual and contemporary feel.  [Read more...]

Beautify Your Patio with Outdoor Prints from Sunbrella

Sunbrella Fabric Coverings

It’s time to bring your outdoor patio furniture back into the sunlight to enjoy for the new season. About eight years ago, I made some custom lounge chair and chair cushions out of Sunbrella outdoor fabric. Every fall, I put them into a storage bin to keep them out of the elements for the winter. Come April, I simply take them out of storage, hose them down, and I’m good to go for the summer. The picture of the cushion below also shows the original fabric I used compared to how the cushions look today. Can you believe how great these cushions look after nearly a decade of use? [Read more...]

It’s Time for Spring Flower Pots!

potted plant thumbnail

One of my favorite parts about springtime is planting potted flower arrangements. The beauty of potted flowers brings color and vibrancy to any porch, patio, deck or yard. Follow these tips to create wonderful pots that you’ll enjoy for months:

Feed your flowers. This year, I’m trying a time-released potting soil. I’m hoping to see great results, and I’ll keep you posted! If you use a more standard type of soil, be sure to feed your flowers with plant food regularly throughout the season.
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Why the Easter Bunny?

Try this fun egg decorating craft this Easter.

Easter is a beautiful holiday, full of blooming flowers, spring colors, vibrant faith, and wonderful family celebrations. We all know the Christian meaning of Easter, but have you ever wondered how the fluffy Easter bunny fits into our Easter festivities?

The term “Easter” has Pagan roots from the Saxon goddess Eastre (also Oestre or Ostara), the goddess of the dawn and spring. Eastre symbolized the end of winter and the beginning of new life. This connection is also what led to eggs playing a role in our Easter season traditions as they symbolize fertility and new beginnings.
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Quick St. Patrick’s Day Decorating Ideas

st patricks day bouquet

St. Patrick’s Day is such a fun holiday filled with laughter and good food. Who doesn’t love a meal of corned beef and cabbage or a hearty Reuben sandwich (not to mention the great green beer!)?

If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day dinner, or if you just want to spread some good old Irish cheer, here are a few quick decorating and entertaining ideas:
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What’s More Magical than the Beauty of Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel stove

Scratch-Be-Gone!

I love the beauty of stainless steel kitchen appliances. Nothing beats the elegance and style they bring to your kitchen design. The only downside to choosing stainless steel is the risk of scratches. One scratch can ruin the appeal of stainless steel, and it’s often thought that scratches can’t be repaired without re-surfacing them entirely.

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Use Marie’s Favorite Fudge Recipe as a Creative Valentine’s Gift

This fudge gift makes a lovely decorating accessory.

Nothing Says “Love” Like Marie’s Fudge!

Everyone knows what Valentine’s Day is really about – chocolate! For a unique spin on traditional Valentine chocolates, use fudge formed into special heart-shaped designs. Not only does Valentine’s Day fudge make a great gift, it’s also a fun and unique decorating accessory for this lovely holiday.
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Pillows: So Much More Than a Place to Rest Your Weary Head

pillows

Follow My Five Tips to Decorating with Pillows

Pillows comfort our heads as we sleep, and they can also provide comfort to the eyes as the perfect decorating accessory in living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms and even on your patio. With a nearly unlimited selection of patterns, textures, shapes, and sizes, pillows can add color and style to any room.

Follow these five tips to creatively decorate with pillows:

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Which Window Treatment Is Right For You?

The window treatment industry is producing more and more creative and beautiful choices than ever before. From an interior design perspective, there are several factors I encourage my clients to consider as they weigh all their window fashions options.

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