Adkins Interior Decorating and Redesign

Expo Prep!!

So each year Mookie and I go to the Sewing Expo down in Puyallup.  This will be our sixth year.  We plan the entire weekend around classes at the expo and Seattle shopping.  Each year we try to do something on the first day that connects us and helps us find eachother if we get separated.  This year we decided to make item to wear.  I made Mookie and adorable skirt from an old pair of her jeans. 

She's going to look so cute! 

For myself I added a fabric cuff to my comfy jeans and made a matching backpack to hold my stuff.  You can't have stuff in your hands otherwise you can't touch all the fabric. 

      

Then while prepin' my backpack today I realized I needed something hold my phone, ipod, gum, etc.  So I put together this little pocket holder so I don't lose my little stuff.  We can't wait to get going tomorrow morning...it better not snow again..that will certainly slow us down.  Have a great weekend!

Teresa

Two Tip Tuesday...oops it's Wednesday

Sorry for the mix-up...time sure flies.  Today tip is add PILLOWS, I know everyone is trying to keep expenses down but decorating with pillows can be super affordable.  Add pops of color to any room in the house not just the family room. Here's some great examples.

  Bedding and pillows by Ann Gish

Asian Spa Party pillows designed by Me.

More from Spa Party.

  Pillows by Country Living.

Are you getting excited!!!  Want to make some of your own?  Tutorial can be found at jcarolinecreative.com.  These are super easy.

Looking for something just totally fun. Try pillows with words or fun shapes.  Your only limit is your creativity.  Have fun with it. 

    Alphabet pillows and the scrabble tiles are so popular.  It's gone far beyond simple monogramming.  Surrounding yourself with words of inspiration will make a wonderful greeting after a long day. 

    Amy Butler patterns are available everywhere online and she has some great pillow patterns.  These are another fun and easy project that can be customized to your colors and tastes.  The dog biscuit pillows are available through happypaw.net.  The rocks, well they are just fabulous...made from wool or even fleece, they bring in a bit of nature.  For the modern or contemporary home or even a child's play area, these are awesome.

Enjoy and I'll be back next TUESDAY!

Teresa

Tuesday Tip-- Add Lights

One of the biggest problems I see when I redesign a home is the lack of lighting.  As a decorator, I don't count the ceiling lighting sufficient enough to light the entire room.  I have been into homes where there is not a single lamp.  So today I want to encourage you to add lighting to your space not only so you don't go blind (remember that one from dear ol' Mom), but also to make how you use the rooms more enjoyable and efficient.  

 This room (photo source: HGTV) shows a wonderful example of balance of lighting.  Yes, there is ceiling lighting but it's not the only light in the room.  The far table lamp, floor lamp to the right and the cluster of candles on the left create a triangle shape which allows the lighting to be well balanced and distributed throughout the space.  The use of several different types of lighting also keep the eye moving through the room and adds variety.  There are also light in the enclosed bookcase to make finding items easier. 

So what's hot in lighting these days...Chandeliers!!!!!  In case you haven't noticed, they are everywhere not just hanging in the dining room.  They are now in kitchens, bathrooms, on stationary, pillows, tee shirts, and in the garden.  For a hot new accent (that's portable) check out these mini's found at kikkerland.com

  Aren't they cute!

  This kitchen is absolutely lovely.  I'm not too sure I'd want to mess it up.  See how the chandelier is well balanced with the island and that they have also included cove lighting near the ceiling and task lighting under the cabinets.  Same rules apply in the kitchen -- one light is often not sufficient.

Now who wouldn't love a chandelier above their tub.  This is a beautiful example of simplicity and elegance combined together.

Now that I've mentioned it, you'll start to notice all the great lighting options that are out there.  Add some lights and enjoy your room more!

Teresa

Ten Days to GO!

 

Can I even tell you how excited we are about the 2009 Sewing Expo!  Mookie and I are counting down the days...We have three fun filled days of classes and shopping planned.  Plus our annual trek to IKEA.  If you are in the area I hope you can join us.  The EXPO  runs February 26th thru March 1 in Puyallup, WA.    If you are a sewer, quilter, knitter, or even a crafter you will love it!  Hope to see you there.

Teresa

Two Tip Tuesday--I Want Sunshine!

  I am in some serious need of sunshine.  Yesterday I actually heard birds twittering away outside my office and today they are hiding from the snow.  I know flowers will be on their  way in a few days or so with Valentine's just days away but, why wait?  You can never have too many flowers.  Stop by the store or pop out to the yard and bring in the sunshine with some beautiful flower arrangements you can do today.

   This is about as easy as it gets.  Simply cut flowers close to flower head (leave about three inches or so) and arrangein shallow pedestal bowl.  Refill water often.

  This one is very easy also and great for the kitchen.  Choose any container that has a lid.   Add small limes whole along with sliced lime.  Then add water.  You could also use lemons or small oranges, or cranberries.

Tulips are my favorite and they look good in any type of container.  This would be beautiful on the counter, table, or bedside.

Calla Lilly's are so beautiful but are sometimes hard to arrange.  This arrangement is very easy to duplicate.  Simply purchase some callas and give them a fresh cut.  Arrange in clusters (three to five) depending on the height of the container.  Lay flowers into container at an angle, not straight in, and they will softly fall over the edge as shown in the picture.

For a fun easy project, I love these!  Simple glue candies to a foam ball (found at floral supply or craft store).  Insert dowel rod into bottom of ball and secure in foam base.  Add decortive ribbon and fill base with extra candies.  Pots can be painted as they are here or you can use any type of small container that is not see through.  Have fun!

Teresa

All about Red!

Isn't RED a fabulous color.   Incorporate some red into your life this month and bring the warmth of this color home.  Simple home decor, like flowers, candles, rugs, and pillows can make a huge impact. 

     

     

Adding small accessories like these help to brighten up a room whether it's your family room, bed room, or kitchen.  Just remember to spread out the color throughout the entire space so as your eye travels, there is a little color tieing the space together. 

             

Don't save RED only for Valentine's day.  Enjoy it all month long with some easy additions of accessories.

Enjoy

Teresa