Stretched out leather

When leather gets stretched in a sofa, chair or jacket, use a hair dryer or heat gun to shrink it back up. A word to the over achievers and perfectionists, you might want to stay away from the heat gun.

2011 Color Forecast

New color forecast for 2011. Time to see what Benjamin Moore has to say about it. Of course all the fabric suppliers, other paint brands, clothing designers, etc. have their opinions about it too.

Isn't social networking awesome!

Thanks to Neil Morris of Bright Christmas (Ft. Collins, CO.), I have an interview with the Reporter Herald for decorating Christmas trees. Thanks Neil!

Inviting guests over

There are 2 things I love about having company come to my house. The first is to spend time with them, the second is a sparkling clean house. Gotta love that!

Table settings for the holidays

A friend asked for information on Holiday table settings so I agreed to set one up today. Of course my thinking was, I have plenty of table top decorations for this project. Not so. And after a major life change this year, it wasn't in the cards to go purchase any. So, with the challenge before me, I set out to create an appealing and enticing table setting. Using leftover fabric from a clients window treatments, fall decor, candles and food I came up with a warm, cozy and inviting dinner setting for four.

When setting a table, remember to keep the middle decorations low so as not to interfere with conversation. In this example the higher items are on each end of the table and the centerpiece is not in the way of seeing your dinner companions.

Color is the most obvious element of decorating but don't forget to use texture (the wheat in the background , chenille fabric and glass plates) as well as different types of lighting. The over head light was turned low providing ambient light from the candles. They also guide the eye to where you want them to go. Wine anyone?

Holiday table settings

A fan asked me to blog about table settings (plus a number of other things - one thing at a time Debbie) so today will work on this.
I always find it helpful to 1. Establish the function and 2. Determine a theme.
If you do, chances are you will be more pleased with the end result.

It's Greek to me

So, I finally joined the world of blogging. Does any body care? Really?
If you are interested in interior design, staging or holiday decorating, let me know. Perhaps I will have some insights for you and you might push me to learn more about my craft.
This should be interesting.