Home Decor Trends, Tips and Decorating Ideas Blog

Surviving the Economy with Comfortable Surroundings

With all the gloom and doom you hear when you turn on the television, read the newspaper, listen to the radio or in conversation with workers, family and friends the subject, at some point, focuses on the state of the global economy.

So how can you survive this?

Imagine for a moment your listening to the news and something in you just snaps (in a good way) you say "enough already!"  Surviving the economy can be done by prioritizing things in our life that are important so you feel you still have a life and rearranging  spending habits.  Instead of eating out 3 times a week try dining out once a week and make it mentally rewarding.   A quick story, my two little girls are so used to me coming home and saying "I don't feel like cooking lets just go out and eat" and yes we went out 2 or so times a week.  A day or two passed and I again, came home and said "lets go get something to eat" and my 3 year old said, “I don't want to, I want to stay home."  That's when it hit me that there are ways we can cut back, still help the local economy, and more importantly get "back in touch with our family and friends".  Since that comment from my 3 year old the kitchen table actually is used for family meals... oh some things in life are too precious and life is better even though the economy is not.

Did You Know...

 

Your surroundings have a large impact on your emotions?  It’s been said by psychologists for years that color and atmosphere has a large impact on the mental state of being.  When was the last time you thought about happy colors?  If it has been awhile think about what color makes you feel joy or gives you a warm fuzzy feeling and add that color to your favorite room.  Simply adding a decorative pillow or two or other accessory is all that is needed.  If sleeping has become a problem try a touch of purple in any shade. 

Water has a magical inner healing power which is why so many people enjoy retreats to a lake or the ocean.  Tranquil colors, the sounds and smells associated with the seaside and shoreline give comfort and relaxation.  Bringing a bit of nature to your home décor can help your mental state even in bad times.   

During this down time you may be spending more time at home. Imagine yourself , family members and friends walking into your seaside bathroom with a surreal shower curtain (like the At The Beach, shown) and matching bath accessories that make you feel like you are actually walking on the sand.  The joy you have every time you are in the bath is enough to escape the stress of the world around you.

Now is the time to reconnect with family and friends and the joy you can have entertaining in your home filled with accessories that make you feel welcome and safe.

Do you need more ideas to help you survive during the down economy?

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Tapestry Wall Decor

Tree of Life Tapestry

When adding wall decor try to incorporate various textures to add interest to your walls.  Tapestries are a wonderful way of adding art to your living room walls, dining room walls and bedroom walls.  There are literally thousands and thousands of designs  that work with any decor style, color palette and decor style.  Depending upon your budget and what you are trying to achieve you can find tapestries made in the US as well as European tapestries.

 The Tree of Life Tapestry by William Morris is a fine example of a European Tapestry and is one of his most famous works of art.  Morris is known for his use of brilliant colors adding dramatic effects to any room.  The woven jacquard tapestry is fully lined and completed with a tapestry rod pocket for easy hanging.  The wall tapestry measures an outstanding 44"H x 27"W and, in my opinion, is the perfect addition for the dining room or living room.  The detailing of this tapestry as with many tapestries is outstanding and can also be draped over a chair for an interesting twist.   I think the Tree of Life is a great piece of art in any form as the many branches of the tree captures the idea that all life on earth is related.  What do you think?

  $215.00

Wall Clocks

        Wall Clock for the Kitchen

    Recently I've been asked for advice for what to put on kitchen walls besides faux painting or pictures.  In my opinion I think a clock in the kitchen adds a lot of interest to the decor and gives you a larger timepiece to see rather than looking at the clock on the stove or microwave.

Creating interest in the kitchen makes preparing meals a lot more enjoyable.  The Eathing Utensil Wall Clock is a really unique clock and piece of artwork rolled into one.  Measuring: 28 W X 28 H X 1 D ,The hand forged metal is finished in distressed-burnish chestnut brown and creates a relaxed and welcoming feel, perfect for today's lifestyle since a majority of conversations and gatherings happen in the kitchen.  One of the best features of the Utensil clock is that it fits nicely with most decor styles and gives a nice focal point to your kitchen.

The next time your trying to think of creative decor for your walls in your kitchen consider a unique clock which adds both attractiveness to the room it helps keep you on schedule. 

$195.99

Home Decor Gifts For Men

        Old Lures Chalkboard & Clock

When you think about decor for your walls do you automatically think about paintings or photos?  It's okay as most people, both men and women have visions of  paintings at the mere mention of wall decor.  Today, more and more home owners are trying to find items to accent their walls which are unique and charming and say something about their personalities and interests.  In the last few years we've seen a rise in tapestry use both by men and women as well as photo collages.  Unique shelving has become a wall decor of choice primarily among younger home owners while men, on average like photos and clocks.  Manufacturers are starting to offer more artwork that is often times classified as "alternative wall decor".  In a recent poll among men, most preferred either artwork that reflected a hobby of theirs or works of art that were also functional like the Old Lures Chalkboard and Clock pictured.  Married men said they had more of a challenge incorporating this type of artwork with their spouses but would choose this type of decor over a traditional painting if the choice was theirs alone.  While a chalkboard is not as easy to incorporate in any room it is a fantastic choice for the kitchen, den or home office or for the fisherman in your life it makes a great gift they'll truly enjoy. 

Personalized Signs

Another great idea men of all ages love is personalized signs.  Bar or Pub signs as they are often referred to can be used in any room and they are available in a wide variety of designs.  Gotta a Nascar racer wanna be in your life?  If so they'd love a personalized race car sign in their home. 

With all of the choices in wall art and decor its easy to dress up and  bring character to naked walls.  Men have a lot of feelings about goes on the walls but you might have to pry it out of him to find out what he really likes (kinda like asking for directions). 

Animal Crackers Bath Collection for Kids

  Animal Crackers Just For Kids

Home decor style and color trends are focused on the echo-friendly theme and Creative Bath has come out with a brand new design for kids bathroom, Animal Crackers.

The kids collection features a neutral color scheme with fun animals that both boys and girls have come to love.  The collection offers a shower curtain, shower curtain hooks, bath rug, bath towels, tissue box cover, tumbler, lotion pump, soap pump, tooth brush holder, waste basket and even a covered jar.  Each bath accessory has a different pattern adding to the interest of the Animal Crackers bath collection.

          

2009 Chic Fashions

Trendy Fashions for 2009

In this post rather than talk about home decor trends, I'm interested in informing you of great ready-to-wear fashions.  Nestled in historic downtown Cumberland, Maryland you'll find a hidden jewel clothing boutique filled with the best big city seasonal styles but without the "stuffy feel" of big city boutiques.

The proprietor of Monkey Business Fashions, Vicki Macy and the rest of her staff will greet you with a warm welcome and give you the best customer service you'll experience anywhere!  I can say this because I am lucky to say she has been my friend for many, many years and has the amazing ability to make anyone feel special and that she's known you forever. 

Some of the styles you will find at Monkey Business Fashions include popular names like: Nicole Miller, Hazel, Bella Chic, Sweet Pea, Fillmore, Saint Grace, Hotkiss, Kasil Jeans and Ranahan Jeans. 

If you are looking for in season styles and you're travel plansl take you to or near beautiful Western Maryland I encourage you to stop by and experience for yourself the best hospitality only a small town boutique like Monkey business Fashions can provide. 

Monkey Business is located at: 62 Baltimore Street, Cumberland, Maryland.  Store hours are: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00A.M. - 6:00P.M.










Have Questions?

Phone: 301.724.2050

Email: gracie_macy@monkeybusinessfashions.com

Improve Your Home's Interior with Paint & Accessories To Sell

Did you know that home owners, real estate agents and home builders are spending more time and effort  improving the look and feel to the inside of a home?  I'm sure you've heard that home construction is at an all time low and more homes are on the market nationwide.  With this seller's, real estate agents and builders are trying to move those homes anyway they can.  Simply adding a fresh neutral coat of paint to the walls will make the home look fresh.  Pair this with a few accessories in each room can really do wonders if you are serious about selling your home.

Decorative canisters carefully placed on a coffee table along side a magazine or two gives a neat appearance. One of my favorite accessory pieces for staging is ornamental boxes.  They are great because they can be used to hide away extra stuff, used as a side table or to hide electrical cords.

 

 

Besides adding a few decorative home accessories you should also remove extra furniture that can make the room look cluttered.  Instead of having an eclectic collection of focal points try to narrow it down to one (unless you really don't care if you sell your home or not).  If you can't figure out what the focal point should be, I suggest adding a nice wall decor piece.  This could be a collection of artwork or a unique clock, mirror, large photo frame or tapestry.   

For the kitchen the first thing you need to do is de-clutter!!  Clear as many items you can from your counter tops so that perspective buyer's can see the space.  To make the room look inviting and warm place a set of ceramic canisters on the counter.  Carry out the scheme or color scheme by putting a few coordinating accessories on your island and kitchen table.

The bathroom is a room many sellers clean but overlook the small touches that a buyer will notice instantly.  If your budget allows, replace the floor covering if it has seen better days.  If the cost associated with this is not feasible purchase or replace your used bath rugs for newer ones.  You may not be aware but potential buyers will look inside the cabinets to check out  storage space so make sure you tidy that space up to.  Fresh towels and matching accessories along with a clean sink, toilet and tub or shower is a must!

While this list may seem rather long it actually is very short. Planning ahead and setting aside money to replace worn out items will in the long run give you a better chance of getting your asking price.

Got questions?  Post it here and I'll be sure to answer.