the Decorating Chica

Pin It We have lived in a traditional style house, built in the mid-1970s, with a mediteranian style flair to it. Can we say U.G.L.Y.? Lots of dark wood...talking all the baseboards, kitchen cupboards, interiors doors, paneling/wainscoting, and so much more. I have diligently worked for 8 years to rid the house of this dark wood and ugly, dingy brass fixtures.  Thus the story of "Ye Olde Ugly Door" There are 14...yes, fourteen...interior doors that were original to this house that looked like this: This is with the casing painted white. Previously they were all dark like the door. Ouch! We have updated these doors in a variety of ways by painting and updating hardware to existing door, replacing the door with brand new, or simply removing the door (which is a temporary option at this point). As I've started updating the second floor hallway (that is a future post) my original intent/desire was to replace the doors. That amounts to 5 different doors which equa...

Pin It My favorite time of year is after New Years and right into the start of Spring. Yeah, I know that seems like a weird season that is not really a season at all but I call it the 5th season. For me, it is the season of 'refresh' in my house.  I believe that, to keep a house feeling fresh and new, that you should update a room every 2-3 years. Now, I'm not talking major bucks here. My design philosophy is to keep the hard surfaces...a.k.a. the expensive finishes...neutral and change out the inexpensive.  How do I update a room? Sometimes I give it a fresh coat of paint and change the whole colour scheme. However if I still love the color of the room but I just want to give it a new look I will often change out the accessories. My first step is to swap furniture and accessories from room to room. It is amazing what that can do to make your rooms look brand new! "After" picture of major renovation. Read more here . I recently finished updating my...

Pin It You maybe have never heard of our fifth season called Sprinter. You know it is that window in late February/early March when the days are noticably longer, the temps not quite so cold, and alas, you even hear bird chirping. That my friends is called Sprinter. Somewhere between the "I'm sick of winter and ready for Spring" season. How do you decorate for this? Greening up the fireplace mantel Adding pops of green brightens up a winter dreary space Well, by now we are all sick of the cute little snowmen and the pine cones and other wintery type home decor but it is a bit early to bring out the flowers and spring stuff. And if we see one more "Let it snow" yard sign....ugh! The birds are back inside and out! Using grains and berries  are provide a natural touch This is the perfect time to bring out natural elements and pops of Spring color without hitting too hard with the flowers and plants yet. Great Aunt's tea set ...