Simple Christmas decorating

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJq8vrJHTMbaH5qwMbEDpzVPTXNEpsty-yNAHvUoJ60wiYyfkV0fr_vLLOrGlt8dYKqVEXMvV2LFW1mJXyxjvhTj5vgNFL7biljQS8WDjSkWcgtwDpoNNTHvEsGCid-153euEDH0nAxVw/s1600/wreath_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC1gIoE-1Yzflt5tsMmDsoZZAHc7SOOSKRevKlJ2eL31jCVOPHQeB2n6HsELSiLSLtOCtS7uxMuCRRUJEt29Y3ttSd9GpZUWXPHHO0oyZWxfWo75ka-61o2qGDOvFjNnz8aGBU68V0oeZ/s1600/dining+candles_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr67Eg-gqQs05-5ME8bzimeyMjNmr3asvIrNkPV_9rKv-fxRl1ewsqXs8HIiuuauUZ8rqzsAw8ka1eL7gU4t-DEE3tLNdAkVmtShzXPu5CeLP2-alDGBETI7DTfPpcsrL5e2RyZbGYFtnR/s1600/outside+2013_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr67Eg-gqQs05-5ME8bzimeyMjNmr3asvIrNkPV_9rKv-fxRl1ewsqXs8HIiuuauUZ8rqzsAw8ka1eL7gU4t-DEE3tLNdAkVmtShzXPu5CeLP2-alDGBETI7DTfPpcsrL5e2RyZbGYFtnR/s400/outside+2013_01.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Gv0JYT95Bnvg9il9f-3vxv9jugxAQbwCFb_uudrJrHrLY43uD51EYQ45zl2oN8suMUud813tGizpp6BDs2L2YmcEnYIcGCeCJBQsZqZrFi_2gLQgnrXEROe9XbMX-03gMaROkOWCwfI4/s1600/DSCN9842_01.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Margaret Ryall</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>We all have our Christmas rituals and mine usually start December 1st..  I  always make something for my entrance first.   I am not one to overdo things.  I re-use what I have or forage in  my garden or the gardens of friends. Then I added some LED lighted twigs and silver balls and a hit of mesh ribbon.   The purple connects with my front door. The blown leaves remind me that we are between seasons. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjethHvZN3znMjBZWa5IGsRcfSucTL0SdPKnm9hDDA018Im8KT1U5EOuBWuwJ4fjGBXB7R4AFrent1o4RKbrGYvY7gdzxL4yQluh2_bS7KYRpVtMXMM-ZIVUdK-wUCN4Pcr8HUd2mLNYQNP/s1600/DSCN9850_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJq8vrJHTMbaH5qwMbEDpzVPTXNEpsty-yNAHvUoJ60wiYyfkV0fr_vLLOrGlt8dYKqVEXMvV2LFW1mJXyxjvhTj5vgNFL7biljQS8WDjSkWcgtwDpoNNTHvEsGCid-153euEDH0nAxVw/s1600/wreath_01.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJq8vrJHTMbaH5qwMbEDpzVPTXNEpsty-yNAHvUoJ60wiYyfkV0fr_vLLOrGlt8dYKqVEXMvV2LFW1mJXyxjvhTj5vgNFL7biljQS8WDjSkWcgtwDpoNNTHvEsGCid-153euEDH0nAxVw/s400/wreath_01.JPG" width="343" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Margaret Ryall</span></div><br /> Each year I allow myself one  or two new purchases and send at least one small bag of assorted objects to a local charity shop.   I'm extravagant this year with two purchases.  I've been looking for a plain wreath to change around each year and found this great one with LED lights  for 25% off at Canadian Tire.  This year the theme is snow flakes and silver... just because. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjethHvZN3znMjBZWa5IGsRcfSucTL0SdPKnm9hDDA018Im8KT1U5EOuBWuwJ4fjGBXB7R4AFrent1o4RKbrGYvY7gdzxL4yQluh2_bS7KYRpVtMXMM-ZIVUdK-wUCN4Pcr8HUd2mLNYQNP/s1600/DSCN9850_01.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjethHvZN3znMjBZWa5IGsRcfSucTL0SdPKnm9hDDA018Im8KT1U5EOuBWuwJ4fjGBXB7R4AFrent1o4RKbrGYvY7gdzxL4yQluh2_bS7KYRpVtMXMM-ZIVUdK-wUCN4Pcr8HUd2mLNYQNP/s400/DSCN9850_01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Margaret Ryall</span></div><br /> This year I embraced our new Target ( very near my home) and purchased three  dark silver vases that you will be seeing around my house through out the coming seasons.  I love repetition in threes as you can see.   A little sparkle with red is refreshing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfbu-fMxcs7Nf1UfINXzKNjFmOnmL75fV0D1QZJRiVLUjbmEOm2sF241byGaXZlzH-MWkr5UK5U7FU-27fwec74v-2YfCVJLjv_d_jP3nXpI0Y1KkFrZN2g2LD5iP81qrksY8dtffVz6y/s1600/DSCN9812_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfbu-fMxcs7Nf1UfINXzKNjFmOnmL75fV0D1QZJRiVLUjbmEOm2sF241byGaXZlzH-MWkr5UK5U7FU-27fwec74v-2YfCVJLjv_d_jP3nXpI0Y1KkFrZN2g2LD5iP81qrksY8dtffVz6y/s400/DSCN9812_01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">  Margaret Ryall</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I have a fondness for trays to corral objects into a composition.  This lovely white one was a gift from my husband last year. It has silver leaf leaves and birds on it (see below).  <br /><br />Candles are always a must at Christmas time and I usually arrange those I have on a tray, add in some flowers and ornaments and call it a day.  I am still fiddling with this arrangement and I may need to invest in some new candles  because these are looking a little worn.  There's nothing like a photo to help you refine a composition.   The finials are going and I must put in one more pillar for a chubby candle.     Love plain white mini carnations because they last forever.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC1gIoE-1Yzflt5tsMmDsoZZAHc7SOOSKRevKlJ2eL31jCVOPHQeB2n6HsELSiLSLtOCtS7uxMuCRRUJEt29Y3ttSd9GpZUWXPHHO0oyZWxfWo75ka-61o2qGDOvFjNnz8aGBU68V0oeZ/s1600/dining+candles_01.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC1gIoE-1Yzflt5tsMmDsoZZAHc7SOOSKRevKlJ2eL31jCVOPHQeB2n6HsELSiLSLtOCtS7uxMuCRRUJEt29Y3ttSd9GpZUWXPHHO0oyZWxfWo75ka-61o2qGDOvFjNnz8aGBU68V0oeZ/s400/dining+candles_01.JPG" width="318" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The new  version with finials removed. Looking better.  Every time I pass by I move something!</div><br />That's it until December 14 when I usually add the second layer of decoration and put up the tree. <br /><br />I hope you are putting a little sparkle in your home. 

Simple Christmas decorating

  Margaret RyallWe all have our Christmas rituals and mine usually start December 1st..  I  always make something for my entrance first.   I am not one to overdo things.  I re-use what I have or forage in  my garden or the gardens of friends. Then I added some LED lighted twigs and silver balls an…

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8 Ways to fill empty corners

The four corners of a room are often a no man's land when it comes to design.  I am not saying that you have to fill up every corner with something, but I am advocating thinking about your space to determine if  it might need to look more "fulfilled". Here are some of my favourite solutions:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>Art </b></h4></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrcc0huSK7w2OJS9dl9S9wSNHrUJe2-yOoOqvkkqoqAENEWJvC7u7nfFsUjo82G8ssa80dfRVFNOcYLrmNgQJwzmw9FPukYzXfisri4mrjx4Eak53OAiCoUffFUfVsheBZWVNrxbo5YSv/s1600/DSCN9788_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="8 Ways to fill empty corners " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrcc0huSK7w2OJS9dl9S9wSNHrUJe2-yOoOqvkkqoqAENEWJvC7u7nfFsUjo82G8ssa80dfRVFNOcYLrmNgQJwzmw9FPukYzXfisri4mrjx4Eak53OAiCoUffFUfVsheBZWVNrxbo5YSv/s640/DSCN9788_01.JPG" title="8 Ways to fill empty corners " width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using Art to fill an empty corner </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Margaret Ryall</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Usually you can't walk right up art you place in a corner,  so choose something that can be read from a distance. This lovely matted and framed wood sculpture is stunning for corner purposes.  It brightens up the space, fills it nicely, provides a backdrop for the dark table and lamp base and is a bit of a conversation piece. I was so excited when it was hung on my clients' wall.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/103083/Living-Room-midcentury-living-room-boston"><img alt="using art to fill empty corners" border="0" height="684" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/acd18f7a0d2b2ff2_8-8696/midcentury-living-room.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/krivoli/kristen-rivoli-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Kristen Rivoli Interior Design</a></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This colourful mid century modern space needs art work to match.   It creates another layer for the space that invites the eye to roam and then return to the equally colourful lamp and chair. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><br /></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><br /></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h4><b> Round table and two chairs</b></h4></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/167281/San-Francisco-Decorator-Showcase-2011-contemporary-bedroom-"><img alt="two chairs round table in corner" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/0811b6650db8c8d3_8-3592/contemporary-bedroom.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Houzz</span></div><br />Round tables are great for corners because they allow you to fill the awkward space and at the same time move your eye around so you don't get stuck there visually. The addition of the lamp provides the third height thus creating a more interesting design. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>Tall  floral arrangement </b></h4></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/682822/Urban-Living---Pacific-Heights-contemporary-entry-san-francisco"><img alt="round table and ottomans foyer " border="0" height="666" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/c501a94b0f62834e_8-3275/contemporary-entry.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/jayjeffers/jeffers-design-group" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Jeffers Design Group</a></small></div><br /><small> <span style="font-size: small;">When you have the height why not go for it and use something tall to fill the space.  Again a round table is the mainstay for  this foyer area. </span></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><h4><small><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Built in bookcase </b></span></small></h4><small><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/992151/Vicente-Burin-Architects-farmhouse-home-office-new-york"><img alt="corner bookcase workspace " border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/c3319ec70fbf8573_8-5859/farmhouse-home-office.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/npalmisano/vicente-burin-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Vicente Burin Architects</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">This beautiful set of bookcases  tucks effortlessly into a corner.  The colour adds to the whole space and the minimal arrangement of objects and books ensures it isn't too busy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><h4><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Chair and floor lamp </b></span></h4><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/128331/Koehler-Loft---Master-Bedroom-Sitting-Area-contemporary-bedroom-austin"><img alt="vignette chair ottoman lamp corner " border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/0661a7180d5d8901_8-1806/contemporary-bedroom.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/mcravotta/cravotta-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Cravotta Interiors</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A round floor lamp behind a chair is a perfect and quite functional solution for a corner. </div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/442601/Contemporary-Living-Room-contemporary-living-room-philadelphia"><img alt="chair ottoman floor lamp in corner " border="0" height="596" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/202194e60f04b554_8-5640/contemporary-living-room.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Houzz</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In larger spaces the addition of a round table helps to fill the corner and provide variety in heights.  <b style="font-size: medium;"><br /></b></div><br /><h4><span style="font-size: small;"><b> A  workspace </b></span></h4><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/451464/The-Passage-beach-style-home-office-boston"><img alt="desk chair art in small space " border="0" height="700" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/7da1090e0f0af3b1_8-8808/beach-style-home-office.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/Beverly--MA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/svdesignsv/siemasko-verbridge" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Siemasko + Verbridge</a></small><br /><br />Tidy and interesting  art too. <br /><br /><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/301359/Basement-Work-Space---Laundry-contemporary-home-office-toronto"><img alt="built in office desk under stairs" border="0" height="394" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/5571019b0e7b8acf_8-2806/contemporary-home-office.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a> </span></small><br /><small>  <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/leslie-goodwin-photography/leslie-goodwin-photography" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Leslie Goodwin Photography</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Or perhaps a larger space to make use of a corner under a stairs.   <b><br /></b><br /><br /><b> </b><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2496026/Hudson-Loft--NYC-contemporary-home-office-new-york"><img alt="built in workspace desk in corner" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/8a9163a600f82427_8-1065/contemporary-home-office.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a><br /><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/schappacherwhite/schappacherwhite-architecture-dpc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">SchappacherWhite Architecture D.P.C.</a></small><br /><br /><h4><b>Large scale vases/urns </b></h4></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/volpini/ieteke-ruypers-volpini" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/30817/Mark-Dutka-contemporary-dining-room-other-metro"><img alt="large urns in dining room " border="0" height="404" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/65f1e9b90abc245c_8-1000/contemporary-dining-room.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/inhouse/inhouse-design-studio" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">InHouse Design Studio</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes you need a certain something to complete a design and these two large scale floor vases do just that.  Imagine the space without them.  </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/krivoli/kristen-rivoli-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/76118/Contemporary-Condo-contemporary-living-room-vancouver"><img alt="large vase with greenery and sticks kitchen " border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/9d51dd510cbccf62_8-1000/contemporary-living-room.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-staging/vancouver" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/rentfluff/flff-designs-decor" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Flüff Designs & Decor</a></small></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"> This arrangement is not in a corner, but it very well could be.  Rather than bamboo you could use birch sticks if you wanted a more rustic look. </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h4><small><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Corner mirror and two chairs </b></span></small></h4><small><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1291381/Tydings-Design-Interiors-modern-living-room-dc-metro"><img alt="corner with two chairs table and mirror" border="0" height="646" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/013138a400185c0e_8-3712/modern-living-room.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/tydingsdesign/tydings-design-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Tydings Design Inc</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love this solution because it expands the space making it seem like it goes on forever. The glitz and sparkle doesn't hurt either .  </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">T<span style="color: black;">hen there's tall plants, built in benches, screens .... The list is as long as your imagination.  Do you have any bright ideas for filling corners? </span></span></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/schappacherwhite/schappacherwhite-architecture-dpc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a></small></div>

8 Ways to fill empty corners

The four corners of a room are often a no man's land when it comes to design.  I am not saying that you have to fill up every corner with something, but I am advocating thinking about your space to determine if  it might need to look more "fulfilled". Here are some of my favourite solutions:Art Usin…

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Happy Thanksgiving!

<center><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-DzTZZhL/0/O/i-DzTZZhL.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-5XcFrgb/0/O/i-5XcFrgb.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-TPg5hJW/0/O/i-TPg5hJW.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-qqVkb64/0/O/i-qqVkb64.jpg" /></center><br />I have <i>so </i>much to be thankful for this year! Among my long list: you guys! Thank you for visiting each and every day, and for sharing in the joy that turquoise brings! I'm off to Florida today and will be taking the next few days off to be with my family. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend!<br /><br />P.S. Don't you love this simple and rustic Thanksgiving table setting from <a href="http://www.farmfreshtherapy.com/blog/fall-an-easy-thanksgiving-table-setting" target="_blank">Farm Fresh Therapy</a>?! Read all about it and see more pics <a href="http://www.farmfreshtherapy.com/blog/fall-an-easy-thanksgiving-table-setting" target="_blank">here</a>!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog </span><a href="http://www.everythingturquoise.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Everything Turquoise</a><span style="font-style: italic;">...updated several times throughout the day! Check out </span><a href="http://www.decorbycolor.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Decor by Color</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for even more color-themed shopping! </span></span>

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for this year! Among my long list: you guys! Thank you for visiting each and every day, and for sharing in the joy that turquoise brings! I'm off to Florida today and will be taking the next few days off to be with my family. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday week…

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Golden Boys and Me

<center><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-dwz6BMC/0/O/i-dwz6BMC.png" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-QtqbLHV/0/O/i-QtqbLHV.png" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-VnXkmTs/0/O/i-VnXkmTs.png" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-g8L7gqB/0/O/i-g8L7gqB.png" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-bG95RPx/0/O/i-bG95RPx.png" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-Sc2HBPb/0/O/i-Sc2HBPb.png" /></center><br />Don't you love a beautiful DIY bathroom?! I'm always so inspired by them! Courtney of the blog <a href="http://www.goldenboysandme.com/2013/04/master-bathroom-with-pedestal-tub-white.html" target="_blank">Golden Boys and Me</a> renovated her master bathroom after dreaming and planning for 6 years–since they first walked through the home with their realtor! (Isn't that the truth?!) I love that they got tons of inspiration and information on the internet (hello Pinterest!) and bought most of the main elements online. AND they had a budget! The walls are so so pretty and soothing, gotta love <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6204/" target="_blank">Sherwin Williams Sea Salt</a>! Love it paired with all the white and carrera marble! You can see more pics, read all about the transformation, and get all the sources <a href="http://www.goldenboysandme.com/2013/04/master-bathroom-with-pedestal-tub-white.html" target="_blank">here</a>. And check out <a href="http://www.goldenboysandme.com/2013/05/planning-master-bath-lessons-learned.html" target="_blank">this post</a> too with Courtney's great tips! <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog </span><a href="http://www.everythingturquoise.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Everything Turquoise</a><span style="font-style: italic;">...updated several times throughout the day! Check out </span><a href="http://www.decorbycolor.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Decor by Color</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for even more color-themed shopping! </span></span>

Golden Boys and Me

Don't you love a beautiful DIY bathroom?! I'm always so inspired by them! Courtney of the blog Golden Boys and Me renovated her master bathroom after dreaming and planning for 6 years–since they first walked through the home with their realtor! (Isn't that the truth?!) I love that they got tons of i…

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Destination 30A!

<center><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-QcpFJKJ/0/O/i-QcpFJKJ.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-s6tfnJm/0/O/i-s6tfnJm.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-PZ9bm7n/0/O/i-PZ9bm7n.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-dvVdNrh/0/O/i-dvVdNrh.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-KC3NGgp/0/O/i-KC3NGgp.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-kZMWPJQ/0/O/i-kZMWPJQ.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-zHJDq3J/0/O/i-zHJDq3J.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-n2NRKG3/0/O/i-n2NRKG3.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZdwMJdL/0/O/i-ZdwMJdL.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-TbSPxNj/0/O/i-TbSPxNj.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-cNmpDSb/0/O/i-cNmpDSb.jpg" /></center><br />This week a dream of mine is coming true: on Wednesday my little family and I are headed to Northwest Florida! The beach house above is located in <a href="http://www.watercolorflorida.com/builders.asp" target="_blank">WaterColor</a>, one of the coastal communities on Scenic Highway 30A that I cannot wait to see for myself! (Take the full tour of this beautiful model home designed by Kirstie Carollo of <a href="http://www.bellabeachhome.com/" target="_blank">Bella Beach</a> right over <a href="http://northwestflorida.com/virtual_tours/st_joe_real_estate/romair_model/mls/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>!) We're actually staying in nearby <a href="http://www.seasidefl.com/" target="_blank">Seaside</a>, a place I've wanted to visit for so long. (<a href="http://www.seasidefl.com/the-truman-show-contest/" target="_blank">Truman Show</a> anyone?) Cute pastel cottages, white sandy beaches, stunning Gulf views...what more could I ask for?! If anyone has been to the the <a href="http://30a.com/" target="_blank">30A</a> area, we'd love your recommendations for shopping, dining or fun things to see and do! <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog </span><a href="http://www.everythingturquoise.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Everything Turquoise</a><span style="font-style: italic;">...updated several times throughout the day! Check out </span><a href="http://www.decorbycolor.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Decor by Color</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for even more color-themed shopping! </span></span>

Destination 30A!

This week a dream of mine is coming true: on Wednesday my little family and I are headed to Northwest Florida! The beach house above is located in WaterColor, one of the coastal communities on Scenic Highway 30A that I cannot wait to see for myself! (Take the full tour of this beautiful model home d…

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Accessories: Making it all work

 Decorators get all kinds of requests for services from furniture layout to full home designs. I like the variety of smaller jobs with  the ones that go on forever.  Two of my favourite tasks are rehanging art to best advantage and providing the last layer of accessories in a home. Sometimes I get to do both in the same house! <br /><br />Over the next several posts I want to provide a glimpse into the thought processes I use when accessorizing a client's space.   Think about it as adding the icing to an already great cake. If you do it for your own home or as a professional service, the task is really the same. You have to juggle design principles with individual taste (both decorator& clients) and existing elements in the home.<br /><br /> Sometimes homeowners have  objects  to incorporate in the design and other times you may  start with a clean slate.   As a decorator, I find  a  clean slate  more difficult  because I want to choose accessories that are "sensible" for the homeowner.  By that I mean  I want to select objects that relate to  family composition, budget, existing objects  and  interests.   Here's a little of how it goes..... <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Use what is important to you</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Re-use objects from other rooms </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mix shapes</b> <b>and scale </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9TveSqiZP4oHXCgz1jLIdfybVvajac0TSkOPKJDXx6lAr1zQDS3DzQFryMPwPoxVn6fiY5y_EUSpkp53jqpRw8XGwCtVBSBaFdzTAh9MNn_-ebYSU0qMp_lX89URBpZAMxOmej6PVMO0/s1600/DSCN9798_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="accessories: Making it all work " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9TveSqiZP4oHXCgz1jLIdfybVvajac0TSkOPKJDXx6lAr1zQDS3DzQFryMPwPoxVn6fiY5y_EUSpkp53jqpRw8XGwCtVBSBaFdzTAh9MNn_-ebYSU0qMp_lX89URBpZAMxOmej6PVMO0/s400/DSCN9798_01.JPG" title="Accessories: Making it all work " width="296" /></a></div><br /> This is a perfect example of  how existing objects  can  form the backbone of a great vignette.  The crystal vase was a wedding gift and  the lamp was in another room, but the scale was too small for that space. The homeowners had the mirror from their previous home.  When I saw the silver cut edged design in the frame that  mimicked the cuts in the crystal, I knew it would work.  I have to admit I am a firm believer in giving  new life to "previously loved" things.<br /><br />There is  variety  in the  shapes in this vignette.  The major objects (table and mirror) are rectangles,  the bottle, vase and lamp are cylinders, the ceramic bowl a softened square.   Spheres are introduced in the top of the bottle and the floral shapes.  The leaves serve to soften all the shapes with their lovely droop. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Have a mix of warm and cool tones</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLtrAX7PWoorRuRucXE14xCeAl8qTH1wzOnO3gajRY0ZRfeIERrIruqYbMUc5lZ3FgC5yBxBjaqRdKFJ61m9X_dv4U355IsYa40VueeAQbWJA1g5J_23R-VSEx_2nnVqPaBJ13KFt_bsx/s1600/DSCN9797_01.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLtrAX7PWoorRuRucXE14xCeAl8qTH1wzOnO3gajRY0ZRfeIERrIruqYbMUc5lZ3FgC5yBxBjaqRdKFJ61m9X_dv4U355IsYa40VueeAQbWJA1g5J_23R-VSEx_2nnVqPaBJ13KFt_bsx/s400/DSCN9797_01.JPG" width="376" /></a> </div><br />The homeowner wanted something to put keys in so the soft white ceramic bowl with a  coppery/bronze interior was chosen.  If everything is silver why add  warm tones ?  I like to mix metals for interest.  The jar behind  the bowl is mercury glass and it has a bronzy metal top- both work with the warm tones in the orchids.   So three cool tones and three warm tones.   I always mix warm and cool.  <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Choose an accent colour from other objects or art </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Move the accent colour around the vignette and the  larger space </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b> Pay attention to the geometry in a space </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBsYAwuy7OGy8bpsPndYUZbpUHL5hEUUfMl8MKOKCMUwv6brM0FnmNzcEKiQeKpH4mp7stUTOEfSdnYb0z2vb83d1N6XyvdNakDSGq1-nSi9LqWTtSZ14yn6M9DEURh8x55VQz1TA7K4P/s1600/DSCN9801_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBsYAwuy7OGy8bpsPndYUZbpUHL5hEUUfMl8MKOKCMUwv6brM0FnmNzcEKiQeKpH4mp7stUTOEfSdnYb0z2vb83d1N6XyvdNakDSGq1-nSi9LqWTtSZ14yn6M9DEURh8x55VQz1TA7K4P/s400/DSCN9801_01.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />Move  colours around the vignette.  This is a must for success.  When you have a mirror and a small space you can depend on what is on the opposite wall to add to your vignette.   You can see glimpses of  the opposite side of the porch  in the mirror.  <br /><br />Choosing an accent colour <br />All the walls on the main floor are a cool blue gray.  You already know I like to mix warms and cools in any scheme, so I wanted a warm colour to offset the cools.   The first thing I chose for this room was the art. The pillow was second. The art was chosen based on what I observed hung in the home on my first visit. Two of the pieces had orange as a primary colour and both had elements of  landscape in them.  This is a more interpretative landscape which is also usually  a safe purchase.  The lines of design in the painting  bring the viewer in an up thus adding depth and height to this small space. it works well with the scale of the bench and the the nine foot ceiling. <br /><br />I couldn't pass up the repetition of the back shape of the bench in the pillow.  It serves to break up the dark in this small space and moves your eye around.  I also love how the diamonds duplicate the linear quality of the trees but in a more complicated way. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Choose items that can work in several formations </b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdfd9cJ6Od4Ied7IMgmzkulAp7qqKFqZPRhx0xeR1zbfWHVvMSZIjtykYSrD_y_nLXJi9hdf6YjJNNKZR0h7qJL2EnmzhFJF9D5th4musBsuuhyjKNm6EhmtBItQ6SIBMLbx-nduj7enh/s1600/DSCN9793_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdfd9cJ6Od4Ied7IMgmzkulAp7qqKFqZPRhx0xeR1zbfWHVvMSZIjtykYSrD_y_nLXJi9hdf6YjJNNKZR0h7qJL2EnmzhFJF9D5th4musBsuuhyjKNm6EhmtBItQ6SIBMLbx-nduj7enh/s400/DSCN9793_01.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-w-lEoAzGjU87XOhWDjQhGJtYZD5O4PAiAMCREL6IoHlaElLK7KoORjTDh6UDpQuS-KqGe-5jYhMT3gHChpu01TnAGZOWX63TZcvNMzD9fpBUkX5utiuAi_vgwsMwEItloaOrn3l7Y9c/s1600/DSCN9788_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div> If you choose your objects wisely you can move them around and add seasonal items to the decor when needed. And most importantly of all do not get over stressed when things mysteriously get bumped or shoved off centre as the table in the above shot!  People live there.    <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyppSTvnOaPXm6zKfJj5jMyUx90eKOg6atajnJCji_RG1ogtdrzvMrLp3i9czPSqOJ8e7tbx17DmPdNtld48aQLqbykI2QhbKK0KEFOBmhGukbdnKNU7AyZENPjYMw6b3jMKVi4ZtH3eJ/s1600/DSCN9802_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And that is why homeowners call a decorator!</div><br />

Accessories: Making it all work

 Decorators get all kinds of requests for services from furniture layout to full home designs. I like the variety of smaller jobs with  the ones that go on forever.  Two of my favourite tasks are rehanging art to best advantage and providing the last layer of accessories in a home. Sometimes I get t…

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Cindy Barganier Interiors

<center><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-Dfjz6Ht/0/O/i-Dfjz6Ht.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-XC3P9RX/0/O/i-XC3P9RX.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-fWnNG9Q/0/O/i-fWnNG9Q.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-JGbxH7B/0/O/i-JGbxH7B.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-h5GXfgS/0/O/i-h5GXfgS.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-S2dKrHM/0/O/i-S2dKrHM.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-zLdp3jx/0/O/i-zLdp3jx.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-DPsHVWg/0/O/i-DPsHVWg.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-69MxRLg/0/O/i-69MxRLg.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-N3qdj4p/0/O/i-N3qdj4p.jpg" /><br /></center><br />Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, this home transformed by interior designer <a href="http://www.cindybarganier.com/main.html" target="_blank">Cindy Barganier </a>and captured by photographer <a href="http://www.sssphotographic.com/" target="_blank">Scott S. Smith</a> is both beachy and beautiful! I love all the layers of neutral colors with the splashes of turquoise mixed in! How fun is that banquette in the kitchen? The color of the kitchen cabinets is great too, and the ceiling in the bedroom! Did you notice how she turned the bed into a "four-poster", so dramatic! Wait until you see the <a href="http://blog.cindybarganier.com/as-promised-pro-shots/" target="_blank">before and afters</a> of the home...what a difference! For more projects and to learn about Cindy's fabrics and furniture, head on over <a href="http://www.cindybarganier.com/main.html" target="_blank">here</a>!<br /><br /><br />Before I sign off for the weekend, I wanted to give you an update on Wesley! The little man turned 3 months old on Wednesday, I cannot believe how big and strong he is getting (and how fast this time is going!) <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://cptnrin.smugmug.com/photos/i-FJQbJ9P/0/O/i-FJQbJ9P.jpg" /></div><br />Such a cutie!  :) <br /><br />Have a great weekend everyone! <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog </span><a href="http://www.everythingturquoise.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Everything Turquoise</a><span style="font-style: italic;">...updated several times throughout the day! Check out </span><a href="http://www.decorbycolor.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Decor by Color</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for even more color-themed shopping! </span></span>

Cindy Barganier Interiors

Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, this home transformed by interior designer Cindy Barganier and captured by photographer Scott S. Smith is both beachy and beautiful! I love all the layers of neutral colors with the splashes of turquoise mixed in! How fun is that banquette in the kitchen? The c…

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