Little Ghouls

Somehow I found the time this year to sew costumes for the girls...thanks to help from Grandma. As you can see, they put on the garb and really got into character...Audrey is a ghostly lady from the past and Sophie is a scary-fairy. They chose all the fabrics themselves. Can't wait to wander the streets and collect sweets...

Farmhouse Sink

Oh...I adore the farmhouse-style sink. You know, they come in cast iron, stainless steel, stone and copper. There is something so charming about the exposed apron and the old-fashioned feel...almost makes me want to skip the dishwasher, fill the sink with sudsy water and do all my dishes by hand (really...almost).

Project Progress

I know...the pics. aren't pretty. But we sure are happy about the progress! Drywall...yes. See all those outlets? Apparently they are quite necessary (so says the man)...surround sound, speakers, etc. What's really cool, though...they'll all be concealed behind a false fabric wall behind the movie screen. You can view the before-before photos here from a previous posting. Can't wait to post the after photos!

Out with the Old

OK, so you have a couple of nightstands and a dresser you like...maybe you'd even consider painting them...but the headboard is soooo outdated. Well, scrap the old headboard and replace it with an upholstered one. If you want to make one yourself, there are some great online instructions at: www.doityourself.com/stry/upholsteraheadboard

What a terrific way to update your abode...consider linen or velvet, tufting and nail heads!

Monday Mantra

Keep Calm and Carry On was a poster produced by the British Government in 1939 during the beginning of World War II, to raise the morale of the British public in the case of invasion. It was little known and never used. (Site: Wikipedia) You can find these reproductions on http://www.etsy.com/

Hen on Nest

I love these glass hen-on-nest covered dishes. What a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving holiday table. They come in just about any color glass you could imagine. I especially love the clear one (filled with cranberry chutney, foil-wrapped candies, or whatever you can dream up).

The Pheasant

A beautiful bird, the pheasant...in fact, I have chosen its silhouette as my logo. There is something regal, yet down-home about the pheasant...this image conjurs up memories of turning leaves, crisp air and the approach of winter. Have you ever seen pheasant feathers used in an arrangement? I'll share mine in an upcoming post. Have a lovely weekend...

Musical Chairs

As much as I love rich woods, I really love painted furniture. Don't you? A clever, classy (there's that word again), and easy way to update your dining room is by painting your chairs. Do not be afraid...especially if you're planning on replacing them anyway. What a great way to freshen up your space!

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www.comfortandluxury.blogspot.com

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www.decorpad.com

R&R

If you've never been to Duluth, MN...you don't know what you're missing. It's a stunning port city in our own home state. If you have a chance to visit, you may want to stay at the Sheraton downtown. The decor is like something out of a Ralph Lauren catalog...rich, dark woods, marble, leather, stone and masculine fabrics. Hint: We lucked out and bid on Priceline...got our room for under $100.00.

You're so Crafty

Is this not adorable? See how they did that tree?...the wood grain is masked off before painting. I have to try this...

Classic Black

Would you ever consider painting your walls black? Sounds like the idea of a teenager going through a phase. But once you take a look at these striking interiors, you may change your mind. The thing that makes these rooms successful is pairing the dark walls with fresh, light furnishings.

Virtual Reality

Wanna have some fun this restful Sunday? Hop onto the Norwalk Furniture site: http://www.norwalkfurniture.com/ and check out the Candice Olson Collection. While you're there, try out the Create & Design studio. There's nothing better than virtual pre-shopping at home. Have fun with the gorgeous styles, fabrics and finishes!

Sofa, so Good

What makes the perfect sofa? Comfort, of course. But in addition to that...there are some classic design elements that remain timeless. Such as narrow track arms, brass nailhead trim, tufting and appealing proportions. Take a look at these head turners:


Candice Olson

Barbara Barry

Sherrill Furniture

Room&Board

No Kidding

Kids' rooms are the most fun to decorate...you can use your imagination and allow yourself to be a bit more adventurous. Just look at the walls in all of these examples...love the vintage maps (for a boy or a girl). And no need to be afraid of color...if used with restraint (like the fresh white walls with blocked orange).

All photos from www.decorpad.com

The Replacements

As much as I adore the white knobs on the painted green chest below....imagine replacing the {predictable} old knobs with one of these glamorous alternatives. Rich and fanciful!

Painted Place

Want to freshen up that old, tired space you call a kitchen? How about painting the cabinets? Often we think of painted cupboards and immediately picture white. Wait!...white is a solid choice, but consider some of these sensational and unexpected colors:

Two of a Kind

Two beds in one room...instant slumber party! What a great way to maximize the space in your home... and it's so Leave it to Beaver. Or put a couple of beds in the guest room...no need to be elaborate. You could just use a couple of cheery yellow coverlets with black painted {flea market} headboards. Don't forget the shot of vintage red fabric on the comforters, as shown below:

Here's a couple more ideas....