Meals and Memories are Made Here!

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. It’s the room you and your family share everyday meals and special moments. Why not treat it as special, as it deserves?

The easiest facelift you can do to your kitchen is to change cabinetry handles and knobs. It is easy and can breathe fresh air into your kitchen.

Are you ready to take your kitchen to the next level?

You can change your kitchen’s wall color. It is not expensive and it is easy to do. People think that kitchen walls have to be white. This isn’t true. In fact if you let your imagination fly, you will be amazed at the world of colors just waiting for your kitchen. 

Another option other than painting, is adding wallpaper or vinyl wall art. This can give your kitchen a modern boost, without a lot of effort.

Now if your budget can handle it, you can change your counter top and backsplash as an added bonus to your interiors.


Kitchen backsplashes serve a dual purpose: They protect your walls from spills and splatters, and they add a surprising amount of visual interest to a relatively small area.

There are different materials you can use, depending on your budget. You can’t have a new counter top without a new back splash. You may also need a new sink and tap to go with your new counter top. Consider adding an island if you have the space to bring the entire food prep area into the same light. Countertops can be purchased or made and you can add granite, Corian or other countertop materials to compliment your kitchen space.

A nice solution I often use in my projects is the countertop and the backsplash to be the same material. It gives a nice picture of continuation and uniformity.

If you’d like to add more emphasis on your kitchen, consider changing the cabinetry color. This will really renew your kitchen…

Change cabinetry color by sanding and staining or painting.  You can decide on the colors, and finish which all can be a very exciting endeavor. If you are concerned about your budget, consider a coat of paint! It can do wonders to the look of your kitchen and it’s a lot less expensive than refacing. 

The most important aspect of your kitchen, I left for the end.

Lighting makes a huge difference to your kitchen. You can choose from a variety of options from strategic task lighting to ambient lighting.

Being a professional and also a cooking enthusiast, I can tell you for sure lighting above your counter, can really make your work easier, and your kitchen will look bright, bigger and better. The most important lights are the ones under the upper cabinets. It shines lighting on your cooking tasks, and makes the kitchen look fantastic. 

It is important to understand that you don't have to do it all at once. Or you can do some of these, and save some for a later time. There is no contractor on the time clock and you can choose which area to work on when. The only caution is that you set a time for completing the project and try to complete one project before moving on to another.

Enjoy your family moments in your upgraded kitchen!

Renia
 


  Note: Images courtesy of various sites

 

Easy Craft Ideas for Christmas

Only a month left till Christmas!!! Have you already started decorating your home for Christmas?

Here are some ideas to make your own Christmas decorations and to give you inspiration for bringing holiday cheer to everyone who enters your home.

Warm your home crafts

From your fireplace mantle to hanging decorative mistletoe above a doorway in your favorite location, these crafts can be customized to your style, decor, and coordinate with your interior colors of the season.

 

Martha Stewart

Copy Cat Crafts

Creativity in your Crafts

If you’re looking for creativity in your crafts, look to these ideas. From festive wall decor to playful one-of-a-kind delights, these crafts would be great to share with family and friends too!

The Violet Hours

 

B Kids  

 

Country Living

Non – Traditional Festive Colors

The traditional red and green of Christmas is still beautiful, but what about introducing pastels, and soft colors into your holiday crafts? From playful wreaths to adorn your front door, to cheerful ornaments ready for hanging or giving as gifts!

 Good Housekeeping

Craft Jr.

Tip Junkie

Easy crafts that double as decor

If you’re looking for crafts that are ‘no-hassle’ and will still look great, look at these ideas. Print and cut these shapes in wood and paint them. Then glue and add decoration of your liking or as shown in the above photo. Consider adding metallic paint, or embellish with beads, seeds,  you name it!

These ideas would look great hung on the wall or door.. you decide.

 

Christmas is that one time of the year when anything goes, and will be appreciated by all. Crafts made by hand or embellished with your kid’s creative touches make for fond family memories. Enjoy the holiday, and all that it brings.

I would love to see some of your creations. Please share them with us you on our facebook page.

Good luck in your creation and lots of fun.

Renia

 
 

 
 

 

French Style - The Art of Elegance

 French Style

"I like to think that in France there is a sixth sense - a French sense... French sense is simple - it is chemistry, a magical mix of the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures... As a nation France has chemistry, as individuals the French have spark."

--Vicki Archer, FRENCH ESSENCE, 2010

French style is a timeless look that combines a welcoming, cozy aesthetic with the elegance of French culture.  From the simple colors and alluring details, many admire French elegance style and here are simple ideas to bring the French aesthetics into your home.

FINE DETAILS:

One of the many qualities of French  decorating is the detailing is steeped from the tradition of French history. Ornate detailing in furniture, wallpaper, even down to the crown molding and trim throughout interiors are classic French country accents.  

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS:

French history is known for its artisan crafted architectural elements on the exterior and interior of buildings. For an authentic flair to your interiors, use elegant engravings, faux plaster additions, and wall appliqués to create an aged and historic look. Then tie together furniture, molding, and accessories in to the architectural details with playful coordination of elements, style, and colors.

BOLD DETAILS:

Bold details such as the oversized lamp that acts as furniture and a grand statement to the room, along with bold colors, coupled with neutrals makes this room come together in grand style. To get the look in your home, find a few grand pieces of decor or furniture, and make it the focal point of the room. Then surround the rest of the room with subdued colors that draw attention the focal point. The mix of the two creates a beautiful harmony in French style interiors.

  

GORGEOUS LIGHTING:

French country design pays special attention to details, and gorgeous lighting is one of those fine details. From ornate crystal chandeliers to romantic side table lamps and graceful wall sconces, lighting is just as an important accessory as the decor around it.

MODERN MEETS THE CLASSICS

While traditional styling is one of the fine characteristics of French country design, there is a modern edge to it that combines an eclectic, but still sophisticated tone. Whether it adding modern colors, a splash of pattern, or a piece of artwork that ties it all together, French country can marry the old with the new beautifully.

OUTDOOR TOUCHES

While the interiors of your home are graced with French country design, so should the exterior of your home. Outdoor touches to your patio, pool, or deck area can reflect the relaxed styling of the French Riviera, with simple and sophisticated color palette. Embellish your outdoor home with beautiful plants, leisurely fabrics, and a relaxed atmosphere that will be enjoyed by all.

French country living and design is all about marrying traditional elegance and culture with beautiful details. Bring the lifestyle of modern sophistication to your home with these inspirational ideas. There is something about French country design that makes you want to slow life down and savor the fine details!

French Style for a Small Home

 

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things!

Decor Ideas

When decorating for Thanksgiving, think of the festive autumn cues you can use for the table and around the home. Here are some table decoration ideas for this special meal.

 

Savvy/Chic

Chic and Clever Holiday Table Displays

When it comes to decking out the table, sometimes simplicity is best. Check out three sweet and stunning displays that give the holiday table a lovely natural flair. 

Above: Dark, rich pomegranates make the perfect addition to the Thanksgiving table. With a little gold paint, this fall fruit becomes a brilliant placeholder.  

 Via Apartment Therapy

Painting pumpkins white is an unexpected way to bring a Thanksgiving staple to a chic new level of display. Mixed with ceramics, they become a sculptural tableau. 

Via DigsDigs

By simply cutting off the tops and hollowing them out, these colorful gourds are now festive vases and candy dishes.

Via CraftZine

Most of All

Thanksgiving Day brings to mind
the blessings in our lives
that usually go unnoticed:
a home that surrounds us
with comfort and protection;
delicious food, for pleasure
in both eating and sharing;
clothes to snuggle up in,
books and good entertainment
to expand our minds;
and freedom to worship our God.
Most of all we are thankful
for our family and friends,
those treasured people
who make our lives extra special.
You are part of that cherished group.
On Thanksgiving, (and every day)
we appreciate you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving enjoy all that your family and home has to offer with these beautiful decorative ideas. Greet your guests with a gorgeous wreath at the front door and grace your dinner table with the inspiring centerpieces shown here. Your Thanksgiving memories can start with warming the hearts of those you love!

 

THE CLASSY LITTLE THINGS, THAT MAKE …. THE BIG DIFFERENCE IN STYLING !

Vintage and antique decor have always been one of the best ways to add charm to your home. Pieces that date back to the early 40s 50s 60s and even 70s can bring nostalgia to your home, and evoke luxury at the same time.

When you look at furniture, a chandelier, a decorative accessory…. you can appreciate and hold in them, the memories of the past. Their elegance, style and stature coupled with the present geometric designs makes each piece one-of-a-kind.

Today, mixing and matching different styles of furniture is a designer’s favorite. The result feels unexpected, whimsical, chic, and always gets a second look. There is no need for many pieces; just a few can make a BIG DIFFERENCE.

Searching often for my clients and finding beautiful pieces, I thought it is a pity not to share such a beauty.

So, here they are!

Candlesticks

Pair of Petite Italian Candlestick Lamps

Italy
circa 1900's-candletsticks
Delicate silver leaf candlesticks that have been wired into charming lamps. The lamps are crowned with hand painted custom-made silver leaf parchment shades. There is a small antique silver metallic trim as an accent on the top and bottom of the shade.

These lamps would be perfect on a vanity or chest of drawers.

Oil Painting

 

Oil on Canvas by W.R. Barrel (listed American artist)

USA
Late 1950's
W.R. Barrel is a fine arts listed American artist - this piece is a beautiful scene of "Two ladies at the flower market" - reminiscent of Jackie O. Spatula oil on canvas.

I am not a specialist in art, but my up to now experience taught me, that either you love a piece at the first site, or dislike it.

What I really liked in this painting, is the colors the painter used. It’s a painting that, by looking at it every morning, I’d say to myself: “it’s going to be a great day today!”  Don’t you agree?

 

Tea & Coffee Set

Modern Classic Art Deco Tea and Coffee Set by Robert E. Locher

United States
1934
This is a rare and fabulous modernist set designed by Robert E. Locher, an internationally known interior designer who consulted for the silver company of Rogers, Lunt & Bowlen. The pattern was hailed for its simple, clean and with pure classic lines.
Coffee Pot 7."h x 8.25"w
Tea Pot 6.5"h x 8.25"w
Creamer 4."h x 5."w
Coverd Sugar 4.25"h x 4.75"w

Ahhhh! This is my favorite. It is so classy. I happen to have a similar set, together with a silver disc, placed on a glass table in my living room.

 Silk Scarf

Framed Vintage Hermes Silk Scarf

France
Circa 1960s
Vintage silk scarf depicting six different carriages and their accessories. Entitled "Les Voitures a Transformation," from Hermes of Paris. First issued in 1965, with subsequent reissues. Framed and mounted on picture board. Protected by new UV-resistant acrylic glazing in a brushed brass gallery style frame.

Who said scarves are only to wear them. Elegand brand scarves can be also framed and hanged on your living room, foyer, den or any other wall you think they will look good on. The result will be very sophisticated. 

It looks sooo chic. I love it!

 Sterling Silver Box

English Sterling Silver Box

England
1940's
Handsome English sterling silver box, with silver stamps dating the box to 1946 and marked "Made in England".

The interior of the box has an adjustable divider.

Searching for old boxes is my favorite hunt. A small collection of similar boxes will look good on a coffee table.

 Vintage Lamps

Pair of Vintage Murano Lamps In Lavender Pink Opaline By Seguso

Italy
1960s
Rarest of the rare - a wonderfully intense LAVENDER PINK in a classic teardrop shape, heavily ribbed. These are from Jelly Belly collection by Seguso. They are mounted on their original silver leafed bases, which have brought back to their original beauty.

The lamps measure 30 inches to the socket top. As shown, the top of the shade is 37 inches high. Lampshades are for display only and not available for sale.

Only the name Murano, says it all. There is nothing left for me to add!

Magnifyer

Gucci desk magnifyer

Italy
1960's
This would make a great desk piece

They say that small details make the  BIG difference:) How about this Gucci magnifier on your desk?

I KEPT SOMETHING SPECIAL, THAT I LIKED, FOR THE END

Studded Minaudière

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Studded Minaudière

France
Circa 1935
This exquisite minaudière, a strapless case crafted of precious materials, was created by the famed French jewelry firm of Van Cleef & Arpels. The body of the case is crafted of sterling silver and is secured by a stunning rose gold and pavé diamond clasp. Inside, a mirrored lid, covered lipstick holder, lighter, glass covered compartment and two additional compartments provide plenty of room for carrying all sorts of essentials in grand style. 

The firm of Van Cleef & Arpels has a rich history of milestone creations, including the minaudière. It was created to give women a convenient yet sophisticated “traveling vanity” carrying case that would be as unique and spectacular as their jewelry creations. The idea for the minaudière was inspired by socialite, philanthropist and arts patron Florence Gould, wife of American railroad mogul Jay Gould. Legend has it that Charles Arpels witnessed Mrs. Gould tossing her basic travel necessities into a Lucky Strike tin. Arpels went to his studio and soon presented her with the first minaudière.

I try to imagine how this lady would look like, to inspire Charles Arpels to create such a great gift for her!.

The art of being sophisticated and classy has a lot to do with your background and your lifestyle.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match, and make your home truly classy with an overture of luxury!

I picked these pieces for a family, which had lived many years abroad, in different countries. They brought back a beautiful collection of antique furniture and decorating objects.

The new furniture we added have simple design, in order to let the antiques, draw the attention.  We needed 2 more items and that is why I chose this collection.

They liked 3 from the above collection. Can you guess what they are?

The Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Studded Minaudière was not for them to choose. I just liked it to add it to my post.

I hope you enjoyed my findings. Thanks for viewing.

 

 

 

Decorating your kid’s room with love and imagination!

Remember how it was to be a kid, and your room was your sanctuary, and most treasured room of the house? Recreate those fond memories of your room through your kid’s rooms with imagination and love.  Try these helpful ideas to inspire, and help your child adore their abode. 

Colorful kid’s rooms:

When choosing colors for your child’s room consider what makes them happy, and what is versatile in finding furniture, coordinated bedding, storage and playful decor. Ask your children what colors they’d like the room to be – sometimes a little input from your children will go a long way!

Design - a - bed

Coordinate lighting fixtures, wallpaper, furniture, and fun organizational items throughout your child’s room for whimsical aesthetics and practical storage. While your kid’s room can look great, it also needs to be functional and realistic for little hands to keep it tidy.

 

Design - a - bed 

Create a theme:

Themed bedrooms for children are a great way to take their favorite hobbies, games, and admiration for youthful characters and pastimes and place them around the room. What child wouldn’t want to go to sleep in a princess bed, or a racecar bunk bed?

Determine what television shows your child admires, or fictional characters he or she enjoys. Also consider using nature, colors, sports, and other abstract themes throughout their room.

 Home Sweet Home 

Sharing a room:

When creating a room that needs to be shared by siblings, consider the age appropriate decor for each. The color scheme can still be coordinated but choose older/younger-bedding accessories, hang up decor, storage and even furniture to reflect the age of each child. Personalize each child’s side of the room with playful name plaques hung on the wall, and embroider bedding, throw pillows, and even furniture with colorful stencils.

Creativity with gender specific decor: 

For some children gender specific toys has no boundary, and isn’t that what makes children different and unique. Regardless of your child’s gender, be imaginative in the use of decor and consider using real items to depict fun scenes. Real sports equipment, recreational items, and dress up clothes, make for fun decor to spark imagination in your child’s room.

 iVillage

 

Create a scene with fun murals and vinyl stickers:

Another creative idea for your kid’s room is to use murals or vinyl stickers to liven up the room, without having to spend a lot of time or expense. Today, vinyl stickers and wall murals come in every theme imaginable and will fit every child’s taste under the sun! From abstract to cartoon characters, to nature scenes and athletic superstars, choose ones that will change your child’s room into a wonderland.

 Your child get’s one time in their life to truly enjoy being a kid, and letting their imagination run wild in their room is a perfect outlet for creativity. Use these ideas to create a one-of-a-kind space that your child will remember for years to come!