Secret Retreat Tucked Away in the City

I’ll spill the beans if you promise not to tell anyone…my back patio lol!! Ok, ok maybe not to the masses, but to me nestled on my outdoor love seat, sipping a cup of coffee (or lemonade as I’m frying an egg on the side table in this 90+ degree heat) it certainly is. I have lived here for years and ya know, I’ve never really and truly invested into this space before this year. It was always something that I put off, but I made up my mind that this would be the year that I actually enjoyed the space.

The furniture came from Target and Ikea over the last few years. They actually held up very well. I even left these out all winter and no rust! Don’t try this at home though. The green and blue rug is from Pier1, pillows and cushions from Home Goods and lanterns from Cost Plus World Market. Flowers, plants and trees I got from my local farmers market in Detroit, Eastern Market. I really love the experience there. You can negotiate, get some really great deals and talk to knowledgeable folks who can school you on which flowers to get depending on how much sunlight they’ll be in. They were a huge help to me. I’m almost 2 months in and flowers still holding up well!

Show me your outdoor hide-a-way!

Or do you have one that needs a little TLC?

Check out the before and after pics.

Before

After

After

Before

After

Raynée Crowe, TMF’s primary modern home contributor, is an interior decorating consultant who ironically never considered herself creative, and then one day the ‘ol proverbial light bulb went off.  Her love for mixing and matching colors, patterns and decorating had manifested itself into daydreaming of color swatches, textiles and room arrangements.  That passion and excitement grew and soon it was pure enjoyment as she worked with friends and clients to select color pallets, accessories, furniture and arrange spaces.  Finally she understood the saying “if you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life” and so in 2008 Color Vision LLC was born.  For more information, you can email Raynee at yourcolorvision@gmail.com.

For more great tips and ideas, check out her blog at www.yourcolorvision.wordpress.com.

Wall Therapy

Check out these great options for your walls

1. Modern Wallpaper

Photo: www.burkedecor.com

Prints are back! But this isn’t your grandmother’s wallpaper. Fussy floral designs and passé paisley prints-definitely out. These days you can find some seriously cool patterned paper to adorn your walls. Used strategically, wallpaper is like the icing on the cake for any space that needs to be kicked up a notch. Like window treatments, wallpaper can really finish a room. Check out www.burkdecor.com for more styles. I love this one! It’s perfect for a hallway or a wall in a home office.

2. Stencils

Photo: http://www.etsy.com/listing/42930016/wall-stencil-anemone-grande-large-size

Wall stencils are a fresh alternative to framed wall art and a creative way to add an artistic flair to a drab space. You’ve seen them used in children’s rooms (think Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and the gang), but they’re not just for kids anymore. Check out some fun yet sophisticated options here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CuttingEdgeStencils.

Another neat thing about stencils is that you can also use them to amp up your flooring!

3. Decals

Photo: www.ragingvinyl.com

How cool are wall decals?! With so many different designs to choose from, you’re sure to find one to suit your space. And because they peel off easily, you can change the look of your room on a whim without spending a lot of time or money.

4. Chalkboard Paint

Photo: www.remodelista.com

Mommy tip: Need to keep your children occupied while you’re washing dishes or cooking dinner? Paint a wall in your kitchen with chalkboard paint! Kids can write, draw and create where you can keep an eye on the little monsters. Easy to clean, it’s the perfect spot to leave fun messages or reminders for the family. It’s also a great place to hang the kids’ art work. Oh, and if you’re having a dinner party, try displaying your menu creatively on your handy kitchen chalkboard. ; )

Which one will you try?

Raynée Crowe, TMF’s primary modern home contributor, is an interior decorating consultant who ironically never considered herself creative, and then one day the ‘ol proverbial light bulb went off.  Her love for mixing and matching colors, patterns and decorating had manifested itself into daydreaming of color swatches, textiles and room arrangements.  That passion and excitement grew and soon it was pure enjoyment as she worked with friends and clients to select color pallets, accessories, furniture and arrange spaces.  Finally she understood the saying “if you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life” and so in 2008 Color Vision LLC was born.  For more information, you can email Raynee at yourcolorvision@gmail.com.

For more great tips and ideas, check out her blog at www.yourcolorvision.wordpress.com.

Easy Ways to Spring Up Your Space

Ahh Spring is in the air…or at least upon us so says the calendar.  Either way it’s time to finally take down the holiday wreath and pack away the holiday greeting cards.  Sure there still may be some snow on the ground, but without a doubt we’re rounding the bend and headed for Spring!

Not sure how to change gears?  Not to worry.  Here are a few easy ways to Spring Up your space:

New welcome mat; new beginning

Your current welcome mat probably at this point isn’t making anyone feel too welcome.  If you’ve endured the brutal winter this season it’s probably safe to say that your welcome mat has too.  Switch it out for a new, fresh one.  Have fun with it.  Try one that reflects the ushering in of the new season.  Check these out at Cost Plus World Market.

New bathroom mat/shower curtain; new look

Changing these two things can change the entire look of your bathroom. Try it and see!  If you’re anything like me when you find something you like you tend to hang on to it, but take a look around this season at some of the latest designs.  You’re sure to find something that matches your taste and budget.  Take a look at Bed Bath & Beyond to get some ideas.

Add color; add style

Change up the pillows on your couch and bed.  Think bright colors like oranges and greens or more muted tones like pastel blues, purples and yellows depending upon your color scheme (3 should do the trick).  It’s a subtle change that can make a big difference in freshening up your space. Check out CB2 this season for some fresh and modern ideas.

Add flowers; add life

What better way to signal that Spring is here than with flowers.  The most common areas such as the dining room and kitchen table are obvious, but don’t forget the bathroom counter and your home office too.  Try calla lilies and tulips, Spring favorites.

In addition, for you expecting mommies out there that have more to consider than just the common areas in your home; here’s a helpful site to assist in preparing your baby’s room this Spring.  Think “green” and not just pink and blue as you welcome your new little addition.  Click here for some great ideas.

Need ideas on how to style your baby’s room?

These days, you can find very hip and stylish bedding and accessories.  The pinks and blues are old staples that will always be available, but don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your baby’s room.  Baby accessories have come a long way.  If you don’t see what you like in the various retailers, check online to broaden your options.  Visit babysinstyle.com for some creative ideas.

Whether you’re sprucing up your space with a few of the ideas above or preparing a new room for baby, have fun with it.  Develop your own personal decorating style and search for what you really want.  With store front retailers and the internet there’s no need to settle for home decor that you don’t love. Remember, this is your home; your haven.  Love it!

Bonus Tip: Have a favorite holiday greeting card that includes a picture of your family or friends?  Cut around the picture and frame it.  That way you can enjoy it all year long!

Happy Spring!

Color Vision

Raynée Crowe, an interior decorating consultant, ironically never considered herself creative and then one day the ‘ol proverbial light bulb went off.  Her love for mixing and matching colors, patterns and decorating had manifested itself into daydreaming of color swatches, textiles and room arrangements.  That passion and excitement grew and soon it was pure enjoyment as she worked with friends and clients to select color pallets, accessories, furniture and arrange spaces.  Finally she understood the saying “if you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life” and so in 2008 Color Vision LLC was born.  For more information, you can email Raynee at yourcolorvision@gmail.com.