I love this crisp white dining room (pictured in Elle Decor Magazine). Notice the clever introduction of three primary colors - Red, yellow and blue. These injections of color save the space from total starkness (though stark is beautiful, too!)

A Weekend at the Beach!

GET LIT!

COLOR SAVES THE DAY

I am so excited to be included in Lucianna Samu's latest decorating book by Creative Press. The truth is that color can transform a space from the everyday to "TA DAA". Paint, paper, pillows, passementerie! There are many ways to bring color into your home. Have fun following the tips that Lucianna has gathered from many talented designers (including me!!) and enjoy the colorful pics of the designers' projects , photographed by Lu's hubby Mark Samu.

YEAH! SUMMER IS ON IT'S WAY!

The smell of cut grass and dafffodil's ..... the sound of sprinklers in the morning.... I am soooo excited that Spring is here. Now that the cover is off the pool (I know, kind of early, but hey - Summer IS on it's way) I have taken a fresh look at my backyard oasis. And I noticed that the chair cushions on my Brown Jordan wicker set looked kind of washed out. So off to Kravet I went to choose new fabric to recover the cushions with. Kravet's Soleil collection (pictured- courtesy of Kravet) offers long lasting, mold and fade resistant fabrics that are so beautiful I can't believe they are outdoor fabrics! Now that my cushions are fresh and my private pool club is open for business, I am eager to start gathering the ingredients to make the first batch of my homemade sangria!

Room Lighting Tips

The most amazing furniture or paint job can feel drab without the proper lighting! When decorating your room, lighting can play just as important a role as furnishings. Light can affect how your entire space FEELS and it is important to set the right tone." Every decorating plan should include layers of lighting to maximize (and change) the feel of the room: Overall or Ambient, Task and Accent.
* Ambient lighting is the overall wash of light in the space. This would be a chandelier or hi hats, or recessed lighting.
* Task lighting provides a more direct concentration of light to help you see what you are focusing on. This could be a desk, floor or table lamp. It could also be under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen.
* Accent lighting is used to create mood in a space. It is also a way to highlight important architectural details in your space. Accent lights can be picture mounted to highlight artwork, cove lighting along the ceiling, table lamps, etc.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match the different types of lighting—the more layers you have, the more warmth you can create. If you’re afraid of the harshness of the lights, try dimmers too.
To get a romantic glow, use low lighting—try a three-way bulb but keep it lit on the lowest light, and put the overhead lighting on dimmer. A romantic look can also be achieved by the style of lighting that you choose—light fixtures with a warm patina, such as an oil rubbed bronze finish, are great for this look. The shades may have a more traditional shape such as a bell shape or they may be embellished with trim or crystal.

HomeFurnishings.com: Easy Room Transformations

HomeFurnishings.com: Easy Room Transformations

NEW YEAR - NEW LOOK!

Adding One Oversize Statement Accessory– Adding a great statement piece to your décor is the perfect way to make a dramatic impact in your space with only a minor investment. By incorporating an oversized piece of art or leaning a large mirror against a wall you create an instant focal point. A red laquered mirrored will catch the eye of every guest to your home. Strategically placed, it can double the perception of space as well as bounce light throughout the room. Marlaina’s Pick: Bungalow 5 Chloe Mirror (bungalow5.com)

Incorporating A New Color With Accessories – One of the simplest ways to update your space is adding in new color! You can do this affordably with by changing out your existing accent pillows with inexpensive new pillows. Toss in instant cozy appeal with a beautiful textured throw blanket. The added layer of texture on your sofa or chair brings in another level of visual interest. Turquoise is one of the coolest colors of the new season and it is a great color partner with almost any color you can think of – beige, red, grey, black, etc. Pillows and throw blankets are great ways to add a splash of color without making a huge investment. Also, adding plants to your scheme is another way to inexpensively and naturally add color and dimension to a space. Area rugs can also add another layer of color and texture to a space. Lamps with funky shades can bring in a dash of color as well. Marlaina’s Pick: Z Gallerie Peacock Lazo Throw (zgallerie.com)

Updating Cabinet Hardware – Freshen up your kitchen with a little nip and tuck, as small changes can go a long way towards updating the look of a tired kitchen. You should choose finishes that compliment the look of your kitchen, but don’t be afraid to be a bit daring with color or shape. Glass and enamel cabinet pulls are available in a variety of colors. My favorites – irregularly shaped crystal knobs in aqua and sleek tubular pulls in Lucite. These looks will bring a hip, rockstar look to your cabinetry with a minimal investment. Marlaina’s Pick: Haute Deco Eclipse Lever Handle (thedoorknobshop.com)

Add Dramatic Lighting – Lighting has the ability to enhance the mood of any room. Ambient or overall, task and accent lighting are the types of lighting every room should have. Lighting can bring dimension and depth to your space. Adding a chandelier to your entryway sets the tone for the rest of your space, and making a statement here can set a great first impression. In the living area, replace dated lighting with trendier table lamps. There are so many great looks in lighting for 2010 that are affordable and can really affect the mood of your space. Marlaina’s Pick: Z Gallerie Glass Links Chandelier (zgallerie.com)

Change Your Paint – Color affects how we feel about a space. Some colors create a soothing, calm atmosphere, while others inspire energy and activity. A harried mom may need relaxing hues surrounding her to bring her back from the edge. A creative type may crave a riot of colors in his space to inspire him. Blues and greens are very restful. Blues in particular is known to lower our heart rates, and they are perfect in bedrooms. TRY Sherwin Williams Meditative SW 6227, Sleepy Blue SW 6225 and Refuge SW 6228. Strong, saturated colors are great for a bold look. They inspire energy in a space. TRY Sherman Williams Enticing Red SW 6600, Gambrol Gold SW 6690, Tigereye SW 6362, and Umber SW 6146. Warm neutrals are a classic scheme. People do not usually have strong preconceptions about the neutral beiges and earth tones that make up a classic scheme. They are not offensive and are perfect for living rooms where a lot of entertaining is usually held. Warm neutrals also inspire calm. Try BM Barely Beige 1066, BM Indian River 985, and BM Olive Branch 2143-30.

Update your space with 2010’s “IT” color – TURQUOISE!

Update your space with 2010’s “IT” color – TURQUOISE!

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MTD on the Radio!

Wow - that was fun! Recently I was a guest on DIY- Homefront Radio. Host Danny Lipford wanted to know how to decorate for under $300 and I was happy to give him some tips that actually don't cost a penny. It was my first radio interview, and while I was a bit nervous it definitely went well.

Each week, listeners across the country tune into Homefront for useful advice about their homes. The syndicated call-in radio show is hosted by veteran remodeling contractor Danny Lipford, who is also known for his television appearances as host of Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford® and home expert for The Weather Channel.

On every show you'll hear Danny, along with Co-Host Allen Lyle, answer questions from listeners about a variety of home topics, and dispense useful tips and information. And you never know what special guest will drop by to share the microphone, a laugh or two, and some home insights as well.

Homefront is informative and entertaining fare for home enthusiasts nationwide.