K.I.S.S.

As I sat down to write this blog, I was reminded of the acronym K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid). But, since I don’t like the connotation of the word stupid, much less how it feels to say it out loud, I decided to Google it... and 2nd on the list was

Keep It Super Simple. And that is exactly how I approach seasonal decorating.

I enjoy reflecting the season with small touches around my home. By keeping it super simple I can create the mood in every room.

Here is how to reflect the season while keeping it super simple:

· Pick a single color that reflects the season and compliments your homes décor. With a neutral palette try adding fall reds and oranges. If your home is decorated in blues and greens, bring in the fall feeling with the yellows and browns found in the changing leaves.

· Continue the same color story throughout your home. With a deep orange or red palette fill a vase with preserved maple leaves instead of flowers and fill a clear glass bowl with red apples. To bring the fall feeling in with yellows and browns, consider using yellow mums and interesting gourds and nuts.

· Create the mood starting with the wreath front door. Carry the scheme throughout your home by using items appropriate for each room. Add a floral arrangement in the foyer or fresh produce in the kitchen. Something as simple as towels and soap in the powder room can evoke the mood.

· The KISS method is a budget friendly way to reflect the season. Carrying a color theme throughout your home lets a small touch in one room build upon the previous room so a little goes a long way.

Living In The Great Outdoors

With the days getting shorter and the recent cooler temperatures we are reminded that in Ohio it’s a good idea to enjoy the outdoors while we can.

One of the current top ten trends in home design—both new buildings and redesigns—is the importance of outdoor living spaces.

As homeowners begin to turn away from the dog eat dog world of commerce, and towards the desire and need to be close to family and friends, outdoor design has struck a very meaningful chord. Couple this with the increased interest of homeowners and builders in eco-friendliness, and you will see why this outdoor living trend is not going away anytime soon.

The great outdoors is now allowing homeowners to easily add more “rooms” without adding big expenses. Decks and patios just outside the back door or just beyond the sliding glass give families phenomenal options for added space and more time together.

Have you been trying to get the family together? Setting up exterior kitchens and cozy outside seating groupings almost demand gathering and entertaining. Today’s outdoor furnishings and fabrics are sturdier and more beautiful than ever. Play around with sophisticated sinks and outside kitchen grills, lovely accessories including framed art and mirrors, elaborate planters, sconces, and even outdoor lighting fixtures, to make being outside more special than ever.
Go Neutral on seating pieces and tables (tan, ecru, gray, and deep green for example), and leave room for lots of color in your gardens, on your outdoor soft fashions, and in your yard art and accessories, letting them take center stage.

If you would like help in designing your perfect outdoor space I would be happy to work with you.

Sunshine - The Good, Bad, and Ugly

I’m sitting here, on the patio, enjoying my perennials while sipping my coffee. I notice the morning sun streaming through the trees causes the dew on the grass to shine like a field of diamonds. I find myself relaxing in the moment and looking forward to a late afternoon pontoon boat ride with friends. But, something's tugging at the back of my mind.

As I soak up the goodness of this beautiful early morning sun, I am reminded of the numerous times I am called on by clients to protect their homes from sun damage. So, I though I’d share a few with you.


3 Ways to Protect Your Home from Sun Damage...

1. Close drapes or blinds on the sunny side of the house. Obviously the sun moves throughout the day, therefore by closing window coverings on the east side of the house in the morning and on the west in the afternoon you will not only protect your furnishings from Ultraviolet rays but also save on cooling costs.


2. 
   Add solar shades to reduce the amount of ultraviolet rays entering your home. This type of shade also reduces glare while still allowing you to see outside. Solar shades look great in contemporary spaces.


3. 
   Install sun control film on your windows. This is a great solution especially if you are fortunate enough to have large windows and do not want to obscure the view. Film allows full view of the outdoors while offering excellent protection from the sun. With today’s films up to 99.9% of UV rays and 97% of infrared rays are rejected.

If you would like to know more about the benefits window film can provide click here.

http://www.sunrayfilms.com/