http://rightnowredesign.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:15:21 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en When so much of the news is doom and gloom, I clean the house; move a piece of furniture; rearrange my ceramics collection; and, buy fresh flowers. Redesigning my nest gives me the illusion that I have control over what is going on in the world.  It's comforting to have a ... http://rightnowredesign.com/blog/2011/04/home-as-a-haven-from-the-world/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=home-as-a-haven-from-the-world I stayed up late reading "Life Would Be Perfect If I Lived In That House" by Meghan Daum.  It's a funny and poignant look at her home search.  The underlying message is that we can't have perfect but we can have pretty darn good! Have you ever obsessed over a house ... http://rightnowredesign.com/blog/2011/04/finding-the-perfect-house/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=finding-the-perfect-house The Montauk Nest Chair from West Elm is appealing. This isn't your grandpa's chair with the criss-cross poly strips, which sagged under his weight. (At least that's how it was in our house). The chair is a bit pricey, but oh, what style.  I'd use two in an enclosed front porch http://www.westelm.com http://rightnowredesign.com/blog/2011/03/hip-furniture-for-a-stylish-outdoor-space/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hip-furniture-for-a-stylish-outdoor-space I like this Patchwork Pouf at http://www.vivaterra.com/ I'll bet some of you talented people could create your own version.  I'm a firm believer in supporting artists, so I'll be whipping out the credit card! Find it at: http://www.vivaterra.com/patchwork-pouf.html http://rightnowredesign.com/blog/2011/03/patchwork-with-a-twist/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=patchwork-with-a-twist Last fall, branches were trimmed from the giant Oak Tree next door. The squirrels have returned.  They are frantically trying to create a new home in the crook of the tree, while the wind wails. Have you ever noticed someone making themselves crazy, trying to make a room perfect?  What results is ... http://rightnowredesign.com/blog/2011/02/squirrel-decorating/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=squirrel-decorating [caption id="attachment_93" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="This arrangement makes it easy to connect."][/caption] To create a comfortable conversation area, you can’t beat the classic “U-shape”.  Here are some ideas… Two chairs flanking a sofa or love seat.  The chairs would face each other across a coffee table. Two love seats facing each other, with a ... http://rightnowredesign.com/blog/2011/02/what-makes-a-comfortable-conversation-area/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-makes-a-comfortable-conversation-area We will get through these snow-filled days.  Here are a few easy decorating ideas. Three vases or pitchers in the same color, filled with flowers, will add a cheerful touch to a foyer, kitchen, dining table, etc.  There are botanicals out there that look very real. Keep a lamp on a timer ... http://rightnowredesign.com/blog/2011/01/winter-home-styling-tips/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=winter-home-styling-tips Growing up, I never realized that my parents were pretty hip in their decorating choices.  Check out the original mid-century modern furniture and accessories in their living room.  This was taken the day of my grammar school graduation. To this day, I like rooms with clean lines and just a few ... http://rightnowredesign.com/blog/2011/01/do-parents-influence-your-decorating/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=do-parents-influence-your-decorating [caption id="attachment_72" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="Eclectic ornaments add a personal touch."][/caption] Decorating Tips  This month it’s all about holiday decorations. 1.   Battery operated candles are useful and safer if you have a fireplace and a real Christmas tree. Scent free will not compete with the other holiday scents. 2.  Concentrate your holiday décor in the ... http://rightnowredesign.com/blog/2010/12/holiday-decorating-tips/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=holiday-decorating-tips Fall is a good time to paint, and refresh your rooms, before the holidays.  Start by collecting ideas.  Inspiration can come from almost anywhere – the outfit you wear all the time; a favorite piece of art; or a picture in a magazine.  Decide how you want the room to feel -- ... http://rightnowredesign.com/blog/2010/10/the-power-of-paint-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-power-of-paint-2