Design Tip

Has anyone noticed that I have a new rug in my Living Room? Notice anything odd about it? Yes, it has a lot of blue, but that is not it . . .

This is a "FREE" hand me down from a friend, not what I would have chosen, but I think it works. On the "back" side! Yes, I wanted it to be more muted so I am using it on the back side.

Here is a close up of the "front " side . . .

And here is the more muted, worn, almost needle point looking "back" side. Which do you like better? Don't be afraid to think outside the box. When you see something at a good price, or in this case a GREAT price . . . think before you pass it by, could it work used in a different way?

Things That Make You Go

"ahhhhhhhhh", This is my daughter's friend , Amanda's dog. Is she not the cutest thing?

Can anyone help me?

For some reason I am having trouble uploading my pictures . . . these always seem to be my personal photos that I take with my canon rebel. Any ideals why? Sometimes it works fine and other times just refuses to upload. I don't know much about this computer stuff, can anyone help me?

Something to Talk About

Oct. Cover of House Beautiful . . . Let's hear it!

"My" Top Ten Elements of Design # 3

#3 Avoid "Trends" * I stole these images from Jenny at "My Favorite and My Best http://www.myfavoriteandmybest.com/ . So get upset with her, not me . . . But I warn you , she has a potty mouth. Love her!

"My" Top Ten Elements of Design # 2

#2 : Element of Surprise * When a space has a "Element of Surprise", there will always be something of interest in the room . . . something to talk about! For my very simple 80's house to have a copper vessel sink, on a concrete top, is always surprising to everyone that enters. They always come out of the bathroom with something to say about it.

But your element of surprise does not have to be a "show stopper", an antique high chair used as a night stand can work as well.

In my family room, it's the art . . . to have a self Portrait on the wall is always a surprise. I also get alot of comments on the painting that my husband did for me on my 16th birthday. Yes, all "Elements of Surprise".

In my guest room, it's the stairs used as a nightstand with the photo of my grandparents, that's her wedding ring and watch too. Something to talk about, people want it, so give it to them.

I know this will come as a surprise to all of my loyal followers . . . I am always so careful not to show the line of deer heads that tower over my living room. There's 5 of them, and I fought hard NOT have this little surprise in my home, but lost that fight . I am so glad that they are not as taboo as they once were. I admit I have gotten used to them and they don't even bother me anymore. Always a topic of conversation, and to see the big smile on my honey's face . . . priceless ! So tell me, what are you surprising your guest with?

Pet Peeve ~ Fake Flowers

I have already fought this fight on RMS , so I am just going to hang my head and move on . . .