Time for Another Giveaway !

Mary Emmerling's "Quick Decorating". The best part of this book is Carol Glasser's home !!! You know what to do . . .

"My" Top Ten Elements of Design # 5

One of the things that I personally love in a room is a mix of finishes . . . I try to make sure that at least one painted piece is included. I prefer this piece to be a bit worn. It can be a "New" piece, but I want it to look old.

These worn painted pieces just make a room feel like you can relax and put your feet up . . . and if it is the coffee table, you can! You don't have to be so careful, they just make living easy.

I also think your accessories look better on a painted background. They can add the punch of color that may be lacking as well.

I know that you have all heard that every room needs a touch of black . . . that just may be true!

In my own castle, I have at least one painted piece in every room , except my Living Room, however, my dining room and foyer are almost part of that room , only a wooden rail separates the spaces, and I have painted pieces in both the foyer and the dining room. So tell me, how do you feel about "Painted Pieces"?

Photography Class "Homework"

You guys asked for info on my class, so here are a few tips . . . always have your subject looking in the same direction. This is my Mom and her dog, Owen. I told mom to follow Owen, this is easier than trying to give a dog directions.

Be aware of the background and where the sun is hitting. I also find if the person is not looking at you, they seem to be more relaxed.

Here I was "Stopping the Action", you can do this by changing the "Shutter Speed," but I did it by Changing the setting of my camera to the "guy running". If the subject is not going any faster than a man can run, this setting will work fine.

Now, does this look like a "Great Grandmother" ?

"Gutsy" that's a good word for it . . .

Don't you just love people that take chances? The rare few that color outside the lines, dance to a different tune. How many of you would have the guts to do this black wall? I know I wouldn't and yet, I love it.

Check out all the different fabric and colors here . Fun, fun , fun and then they go all serious and hang that artwork.

I would never hang that light fixture, I don't even think it goes, but is sure is cool. I would say this designer is "Gutsy". When you take a few chances, it makes for a room that people will remember and talk about.

Would you consider doing a dining room like this? Do you like it?

When taking chances and being gutsy, accessories are the safest way to go. They are easy to change and don't require a big commitment. Are you "Gutsy"? I don't think I am, but I do admire those that are . . . Take a look around your castle, where have you been " Gutsy"? I would love to hear about it.

Pet Peeve ~ Theme Decor

I am always just a bit afraid whenever I do a "Pet Peeve" post. Seems like I always step on someone's toes, plus it's hard to find photos to use that are not personal . I guess this one is personal to Sandra Lee . . . but with all her success and her sweet spirit, I am going to chance it. Whenever I watch "Semi-Homemade", I can not see pass all the themes for every show. I see so many friends and family members that use themes as well, it is ,as if , they pick a subject and then add everything they can find, of that one object. I don't think it is very interesting or creative. How do you feel about " Theme Decor"?

"My" Top Ten Design Elements

#4 Books * I want you to remember that this is my personal list . . . To each his own, but for me, a space is not complete without a few books.

Or even a lot of books. I love how the sofa is against the bookcase , and then the art adds the pop. This is a interesting space, one that will not be forgotten.

You would be surprised at all the places one can add bookshelves. In a small home, they are much needed and add so much charm.

Do you have a " box" of a room , lacking a focal point? This bookcase with the added curtain , is providing the "wow " factor for this space.

I love this look too. Just pile them on a coffee table . . . you can tell a lot about a person by the books they collect. I always notice what others are reading. Are you a book worm too? Where do you keep them? Are they in every room? Inquiring minds want to know . . .

Because some rooms are . . .

locket worthy!

Before and After

Don't you just love a great "Before and After"? I love the New Look of this fireplace, the dark patina is perfect.

This is how it looked before, still pretty, just lacks the interest and richness that it now has. Lauren, at Simply LKJ http://simplylkj.blogspot.com/

This beautiful kitchen belongs to Susan at "Love Where YOU Live",http://thegreenplum.blogspot.com/ I just love painted cabinets and here it breaks up all the wood tones, so pretty.

The "Before", It doesn't even look like the same place! Way to go girls! 5 stars for each of you. Please go by and give them both a big hi-five.

I Know . . .

I know that this is a "Decorating " blog.

but sometimes . . .

One just can't

help themselves . . . My little man will soon be 9 months old. I need to practice with my new camera. So please forgive me .