Wall Tattoos

So why is it that everyone these days can pick a tattoo for their body that lasts FOREVER, but can't commit to a piece of art for a room? Yes choosing art for a room can be a daunting task. From colorful, bright landscapes to graphic, black and white prints, there are so many options to fill your walls. But why not take body art and make it wall art?

I have a tattoo on my left side that runs vertically.


Using the same idea, paint words or phrases as vertical stripes up your walls. Something fun in a kitchen would be to paint your favorite foods or even the steps to a recipe. In a kids room, you could stencil on the names of colors in the same color. Play with different widths of stripes. Not only the graphic itself, but the width of the negative space. Not only will these stripes be a graphic statement, but they will also give the illusion that the room is taller. And when you want to try something new, just paint over it. Less commitment than a body tattoo for sure!

If you live in an apartment or are renting a room or are just a "commitment-phobic", there are great options for you too! Blik wall decals are advertised as "wall graphics for the commitment-phobic"! Yes you! Choose from the great selection of wall decals or customize your own. Here is a picture of my cousin Annaliz's tattoo that is very similar to "Birds of a Feather" by Blik.

If you love it, keep it. If you get bored of it, buy another great design from Blik. If you move, bring it with you! Check them out at www.whatisblik.com.

So if you're still deciding which photograph to hang on your wall or which Monet poster to put above your fireplace, try a wall tattoo!!

Inspired by Yellow

After Manny Pacquiao's win over Shane Mosley, I was inspired by the color yellow. (It wasn't a very exciting fight. Third round knock down scared Mosley for the remaining nine rounds.)

Yellow is great for summer weddings. A yellow mokara orchid boutonniere will pop off a classic black and white tux or a vibrant all yellow disbud china mum bouquet will look elegant against an ivory lace gown. For some texture, throw in some yellow rattlesnake for an eclectic look. Flowers with different shapes and textures are great fillers for bouquets, boutonnieres and even your centerpieces.

Thinking about redesigning your bedroom? Use yellow! Paired with neutrals, yellow can be classic and bold, invigorating and playful. Check out these bedrooms that were posted on decorpad.com. A classic patterned wallpaper turned modern with a metallic background and yellow-flocked design with a pair of beehive lamps adds a modern twist to this black and white themed bedroom. Greek key, zebra, and more Greek key pattern layered in this black, gray and white bedroom all work together with the pairs of yellow lamps and chairs.
Well hopefully the sun will show itself here in the Northwest, but until then, let yellow inspire you in your home and garden!

-M

Quick Tips

Still counting down the days of spring and we have exactly 8 days left. Want to get a head start on some spring cleaning? Or if you just want to relieve that stress from a tough week, I find rearranging almost zen-like. For those that want to re-decorate or re-arrange a living space, here are some pointers to help you out!

• Start off with larger pieces of furniture, like your sofa or bed. From there it's easier to accessorize around the bigger pieces to enhance the furniture.
• Don't forget your focal point, such as a TV or fireplace. It provides a convenient direction for the arrangement of your furniture.
• If possible, try not to put all your furniture up against a wall. A little breathing room is always good.
• Light is one of the most overlooked decorating aspects of a home. Change it up by taking note of the difference between using a low watt bulb vs. a high watt. Get new lamps or something dramatically different.
• If the arrangement isn't working, try clearing out or two of furniture. Taking a piece out may open up a whole new set of possibilities.

Don't be afraid to do something outside of the box. Something as neat as creating your own abstract art on a piece of canvas to show off on your own wall. You may just surprise yourself! Remember what you're doing with rearranging isn't permanent. Live with it a couple months and if you don't like it you can always change it again.

Happy decorating!

Simply In The City

A very simple terrace in the city. Check out that bath. And my favorite would be the earthy kitchen or the private patio, great for reading and summer barbecues . Cozy, but welcoming. Tiny, yet terrific.

March 20th

The first day of spring is right around the corner, and the interior of this lovely home found in Sydney, Australia screams just that. You don't have to go international to create the same look. Get ready for spring cleaning & maybe even squeeze in some new renovations!