Time to give thanks

Thanksgiving......I love this time of year. One of my favorite things about this holiday is that I always take time to stop and think about all the many blessings I have in my life. My dear husband, family, so many real friends, a job that I love, my health, I never go hungry, a warm comfortable bed,all of my senses.....and the list goes on and on. I would encourage all of you to take time during your Thanksgiving meal to count your blessing.

Start by listing your own gratitude's to get your guests thinking about what theirs are.
This string of blessings can be used as part of your centerpiece on table.

Create cards for your guests to use. Encourage them to hang them up where they can see them everyday.

Personalize by adding name tags next to each table setting.

Paint gourds or pumpkins any color to match your table settings. Or go au naturel.

A little whimsy for the kids, oh yes for the adults too.

Giving thanks always changes the heart and refuel passion for life.

Photo by Jennifer Davick,
Southern Living

Martha Stewart Living

Carolyne Roehm

Designer for a day

This week I had the pleasure of traveling around the world within a clients home. This particular client has lived in different parts of Asia, Guatemala, and other parts of the world. Through their many travels they have collected quite an array of beautiful and unique pieces.

To give her home a fresh new look we started by selecting paint colors and giving her existing white walls more life by adding color. Paint is one of the best inexpensive ways to make one of the biggest dramatic changes in a room.

The limestone tile back splash was an addition. The tile gives the kitchen a finished look. We bought the large white urns to add drama to the otherwise awkward space above the cabinets. By using fewer but larger pieces keeps it looking uncluttered. The blue and white plates she had purchased in Poland and we added in as art.

The ceramic ducks are from Korea. They are given to married couples symbolizing lifelong love and loyalty.

After the walls were painted we spent an afternoon going through all of her artwork and finding the right home for each piece. We created groupings and vignettes of her existing pieces to fit proportionally so that it would fit in the designated space.

Creating groupings is good when you don't have one large piece for a big wall.

Before pictures

Get creative and pull out all those plates, trays, old picture frames, pictures, and photos. Your home can have a new inspired look by using all of your existing things. Have fun with it and call a girlfriend over to help you hang pictures and arrange furniture. Voila a new home!

Maison de Object

(Moroccan inspired lanterns...make a big impact with lots of them)

In September, Louie and I had the pleasure of attending the Maison de Object show for the first time. I was so inspired to see what the International creators were creating. Lighting, fabrics, unique plumbing fixtures, furniture, and lists goes on and on. I am giving a brief look into some of my favorite things. Stay tuned for the up and coming 'trends and travel' which will feature much more.

Tree branches inside acrylic cubes made into furniture or art pieces.

How could you not love to take long soaks in this tub. Led lights gradually change color. All thats missing is champagne and strawberries.