Accent on Accessories - Day 4

Since most of us won't need to be in our offices for the next 3 days, (aren't 3-day Holiday weekends the best?) I thought this might be a good time to discuss the often neglected office space.

If you spend a large part of your week in an office or cubicle, interesting and pretty accessories can make that time more enjoyable. So below, I offer some suggestions for transforming your work space.

Don't forget a green plant or two. They help to purify that stuffy recycled air and bring a litte of the outside in.

Try arranging your furniture & equipment in a new a different way. Moving things around a bit will keep it interesting!

New slipcovers will give your well-worn things a new, fresh look.

Create a new look with wallpaper. Who said foil went out with the 80's??

Here's an example of budget-friendly decor.

Finally, when you want the boss to know that you're not even thinking of working over the Holiday weekend...

Hope you all have a great 4th of July!

Chris

©

Accent on Accessories - Day 3

No single item for a theme today. I'm showing a series of photos, taken from model homes I visited. Each of these photos contains a vignette or a whole room view that represents, to my eye anyway, a effective or creative use of accessories. I'd love to hear your comments...

The use of plants (yes, they are all real) gives this narrow, very tall room room some life. They "ground" it and the green color dispersed around the room causes your eye to take in all of the room, not just the massive fireplace or very tall, box-beamed ceiling.

I thought the way this girl's room was decorated was so clever. Take two unfinished dressers, paint each a different color from your room scheme, then switch out the drawers! Brilliant! I also like the use of the small screen - turned message/keepsake board, to fill the empty corner. It also might come in handy to disguise clutter on a desk, a clothes hamper or other kid paraphernalia.

Don't know if the designer bought this lamp like it is, but it would be easy to recreate with some silk flowers and a glue gun. It was my favorite thing in the room!

This is totally impractical, especially if you have kids, but I love it! A small dessert server, pretty saucers or bowls, a few delicious-smelling soaps (or potpourri) and you have a wonderful powder room accessory.

You all know I love plates, so I just had to include a photo of some. These bright orange plates brighten what could have been a very boring corner.

Enjoy! Chris

©

Accent On Accessories

This week, I thought I'd go to my file of inspiration photos again! I always enjoy looking at them. Every time I do, I am reminded how important the accessories are in a room.


Each day, starting today through Thursday, I'll be showing off a photo of some of my favorite accessories. Some will be in vignettes, as this first one is, others may be photos of the item from the catalog, magazine or shop where I found it. I hope you'll enjoy seeing these and that they'll inspire you too!


Today's photo is of a beautiful candelabra. What I found so charming is that the designer has placed glass tubes in the candle holders and placed flowers in them! I love that it has been repurposed for the summer months when candles aren't used so frequently.








The other idea that I love in the photo is the use of books to elevate the candelabra. This works for lamps, floral arrangements, or to give any item more height and/or importance. I also think the addition of the "scattered" fruit (actually carefully placed, I'm sure) is unexpected and much more interesting than the traditional bowl of fruit. One caution: Real fruit could be problematic in a situation like this, unless you're just "dressing" the house for a party. Wax or wooden faux fruit would be the best choice! *Ü*


I'm on the lookout for a similar candelabra at every thrift store, flea market & garage sale I find. I haven't found just the right one yet, but I know it is out there!

Enjoy! Chris
©

Lamp Envy!

I cannot tell you how much I love this lamp!

The Gladys Table Lamp

While searching for some contemporary accessories for a friend, I happened upon a website called The Artful Home. Most of the items on the site are not my taste, but they are certainly beautiful and interesting.

I clicked into the "Lighting" category, since I am on the lookout for MBR lamps. When I saw the designs of sisters-in-law Susan & Caryn Kinzig, I thought they were so amazing! There isn't one of their lamps I wouldn't have in my home!

At $625, the Gladys lamp above, isn't going to make it into my living room any time soon, especially if I wanted a pair! But a girl can dream, can't she?? *Ü*

Hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!

Chris

©