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China Cabinet Bookcase
Too many books? Not enough crystal? A china cabinet bookcase is the perfect solution for anyone who has lots of books and not enough china and crystal to fill a traditional dining hutch. First we’ll explore what kind of furniture is perfect for this purpose, and then we’ll look at the kinds of things that can go inside. Furniture choice: Type – Whether it’s a bookcase, china hutch, or built-in cabinets is not important. Any storage cabinet with glass doors will work. Glass Doors – The glass doors enable you to see the pretty books, decor, and crystal glassware stored within. They also keep dust off your glasses so that they’re ready…
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Nine Tips for Decorating Bookcases
Decorating bookcases can seem like an arduous task. So many books and so little time! Follow these easy 9 tips to help you achieve redecorating success. Tip #1: Empty the Shelves Give yourself a fresh perspective by removing everything from the shelves at the start. Leave them empty for a day or two to help hit the reset button. You’ll have lots of creative freedom to move shelves when putting things back. While the shelves are clear, it may be a good time to clean, paint, and organize. Tip #2: Take Off Old Book Jackets Book covers are meant to protect books from dust and damage. If the jackets on your collection…
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Emerald & Blush
A color scheme often used for weddings, there’s none prettier than emerald and blush. These colors create feelings of health and happiness. The pink tone is youthful, something we’d see in flushed cheeks or budding roses. The shade of green is bright and lively, appropriately named for the gemstone. We only need to look to nature to see how beautiful the blend can be. How to Decorate with Emerald and Blush Lucky for us, it’s easy to bring this charming color combination indoors. Many home decor items can be found in emerald and blush, and the right mix can make your home feel like a romantic English garden. The classic…
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A New York City Apartment
Home should be a place to relax and renew. Hopefully where you can enjoy quiet and calm after a long day. When you can’t finish at the office or if you’re a student, home has to be an office. The place we live in isn’t just a shelter anymore. It’s our workspace, our kitchen, and our oasis. Sometimes, it has to be able to accommodate guests. The challenge of an NYC apartment is how do you fit all of these things into a relatively small space. On my recent visit to Manhattan, I stayed with my younger sister. I’m featuring her apartment because she has a great eye for design…
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How to Use Yellow
Our eyes are naturally drawn to yellow. It is a color of power and energy. Large quantities can quickly overwhelm the senses. In smaller doses, it can be used effectively to highlight details. Consider the way yellow is seen in nature. It is the color of sunshine and flowers. The warmth of the sun on our skin is wonderful, making us happier and healthier just to be in its presence. And yet, most people find it rather unpleasant to look at the source. We would be much more likely to let our eyes linger on daffodils. The grass around them seen, but not important. The flowers may be so attractive…
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How to Decorate a Side Table
Side tables serve dual purpose in the home. Often they are objects of utility and function; they provide a space for your TV remote next to the couch or a place for your books next to your night light. Sometimes, a side table can be for display purpose only, providing art for art’s sake. Before you begin redecorating, identify which type of side tables you have in your home. Side Table Display A side table display in your home depends on your availability of space. Do you have an empty space that looks a bit awkward? Do you have some awesome personal possessions that you would like to…
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How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel
Instinctually, first time guests in a home will gravitate toward the fireplace. The warmth is inviting, with or without fire. This makes the fireplace mantel a cornerstone of the home. Just like pictures and invitations on the refrigerator, we can glean a sense of who it is that lives there. Our things tell stories about us, and décor on the mantel make easy conversation starters. Consider the Present Colors When you begin to decorate any space in your home, it helps to see the empty space. If you truly want to change an existing space, remove everything possible and see what is already there. What colors are present? My…
