Monday, September 12, 2016

Baby Brain

Babies, little sweethearts or secret heathens just waiting to crawl out of that crib and tear your home apart?  You decide.

All joking aside baby fever seems to be in the air and, instead of having another little monster of my own, I prefer to entertain the idea by planing a nursery.  For example, never paint the walls of an infant or toddlers room yellow.  Here is an article about it from the Chicago Tribune.  You definitely do not want to induce any more crying then what will already take place.  Instead think serene colors that evoke nature and sleep.     

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As children grow out the baby stage a common concern, I have found when designing around them, is durability.  Amazingly enough, most companies create high performance fabrics like micro-suedes to help deal with spills and messes.  Leather is always a great option as long as the kids don't take scissors to it (always get the insurance plan).

Once you move past the durability concern I think designing for kids is exciting because you can use bright colors, energetic fabrics and bold walls.   Patterned rugs will hide spills and protect the carpet.  Stenciled or wallpapered walls will disguise smudges.  Really you can't go wrong unless you bring too much yellow!  You can even plan a nursery that will grow with them making the transition from baby to toddler as simple as a bed switch.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 30

Being able to complete this list.  It creates an appreciation for the small moments in life.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Friday, August 12, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 25

Live streaming music.

Where would I be without Pandora, Google Play and Spotify?

Thursday, August 11, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 24

Street art.

I love the pianos at 16th Street Mall because they are visual and interactive art.


Wednesday, August 10, 2016

30 Thing to be Grateful for - 23

Paid parking.

Integrating Nature

I have this obsession with integrating nature into designs.  Often times it is not a theme I get to work with but, it doesn't stop my curious mind from exploring.  Just imagine cities like Denver (current home), going green by adding garden roof tops or tiers to the side of their skyscrapers much like the images below.

Although these ideas are probably in the distant future I believe it would make a great global impact to focus more on how we live as one with our surrounding environments.


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Maybe some day, instead of choosing the perfectly manicured lawn we start allowing native plants to be showcased.  We will build around trees instead of tearing them down and replanting, just to fit them into our ideal design.  In areas of low flood risk we will build underground dwellings allowing the roof tops to be the natural landscape.


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But, for now, below is some practical inspiration to get closer to nature in your own home.



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Sunday, August 7, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 20

Goals.

From setting them up to knocking them down, or creating new ones, I would loose all desire if I didn't use them.  Over time they will change and evolve but, they keep me going.

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Friday, August 5, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 18

Coconut oil.

I use it for everything.  Replace it with your usually oil when you make popcorn.  You will love it!

It's great for sugar scrubs and hair masks too.

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Thursday, August 4, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 17

All my other family members that I have left out so far.

My brothers.

My Grandparents.

And so many, many more.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 16

Stepping out of my comfort zone.

I've wanted to write a blog for sometime now but, I wasn't sure if anyone would want to hear my design advice or that I would stay inspired.

As of right now I haven't ran out of ideas so it is a good start.

Rustic Beauty

There is something beautiful about a time worn piece or a room that keeps its exposed brick walls.  I applaud the homeowner that takes the time to age their new home with grayed woods and eclectic furnishings.  When something has been around a while it carries untold stories with it.  Pottery that has handmade imperfections.  Antique chests with tongue and groove drawers.  Something that either has or appears to have it's own history.  There is something magical about that.

I encourage you to skip the corporate store bought items for unique furnishings at flea markets, consignment stores, thrift stores, craigslist, Ebay and garage sales.  Not only is it economical, while creating character for your home, but you are helping the environment by adding an old piece into the mix.    
 
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Tuesday, August 2, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 15

Sharks.  Weird but, I have found them fascinating since I was a child.

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Monday, August 1, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 14

Sand between your toes.

Hopefully, this will be happening again soon!
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Sunday, July 31, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 13

My inner strength... or stubbornness.  Whatever you want you want to call it.

Saturday, July 30, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 12

The journey.

Sometimes it is hard to let go of control and allow things to fall into place but, once you let go of the idea of how it should be and accept how it is, you free yourself.

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Friday, July 29, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 11

Hot summer days.

Most people I know think I am crazy but, I love the heat.


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Thursday, July 28, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 10


Rest.

This is something I struggle with.  If I am not working, cleaning or working towards a goal I feel am I slacking but, I am always grateful when I allow myself to truly rest without guilt.


Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Color Experiments


Want to add color but, not sure how or where?

1. Repeat a color.

Want a room to feel more cohesive?  Repeat a color throughout a space at least three times. Use your pillows and accessories to help.

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If you have large neutral pieces use your pops of color in your accessories.  Colorful walls or big pieces?  Keep everything else neutral.  The space below does an amazing job of keeping it simple but, stills make a bold statement with only white, tan and blue.


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2.  Paint your ceiling.

Have a small space?  Paint your ceiling the same color as your walls.  It will make the whole room feel bigger.

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Want a fun contrast?  Make your ceiling a bright color.


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3.  Want drama?  

Choose a dark or saturated color for your walls.

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4. Try temporary wallpaper.

It's quick, relatively easy and if you hate it you can just peal it off.


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30 Things to be Grateful for - 9


Being able to escape into nature.  It's where I recharge my batteries.


Tuesday, July 26, 2016

30 Things to be Grateful for - 8


Change.  This can be a hard one for some people but, I love when a routine is broken and a new adventure begins.