1 Basic Step in Finding Happiness in LIFE…

I have searched, read, and FEEL that de-coding some of life’s greatest mysteries for personal development is really quite simple!

I find the thought process of human dynamics-on how we relate to one another so incredibly fascinating!

My personal answer is simply…to stop obsessing and start embracing, by finding our own individual strength through the power of our choices.

To me using this very simple statement:  “this is something that I DO NOT CHOOSE to have in my life…so I choose to move on and I’m not waiting for your validation.” 

This in a nutshell is the catalyst to obtaining your own personal power.  Period…THE END!

Because you’re either transitioning in life your transgressing (to impede-not allowing forward movement).

 

Stop finding and discovering the step’s to what you did you wrong, what you could have done better, or how you should perceive the situation that has you tormented.

Stop pleading with others to fill up your bucket of what you are needing and learn to fill it up on your own!

Don’t know how ?  Learn!  This is the true passion of life…your needed soul’s  purpose!  The rest is just noise!

Mic drop!

Love,

Inspire

 

 

 

The Art of Paint…

Many are confused about selecting the right paint color for their home.

We have experienced a sea of neutral paint tones for the last 15 years.  In fact it has been a sea of beige for a long time now.  Neutral still reigns, but the next fresh color direction are shades of white and gray.

The difficulty comes into play, even when we are thinking of selecting such simple colors of gray and white; and that issue is… the undertones.

So when you are selecting white paint place a black piece of paper under the color chips that you are considering to make sure that certain shades that you like do not have red or blue undertones.

When working with gray use a sheet of white paper to see how those read.

Then after you have narrowed it down…purchase a sample amount.

Apply color with brush to several walls to see how the light reflects off each individual shade before you make your final choice.

These steps will help you find that PERFECT shade for your own individual home.

Happy Painting!

Chic and Cozy Bedroom…

I always decorate the bedroom first…for so many reasons.

Mainly because it is your ULTIMATE sanctuary and it needs to be cozy, comfortable and most of all relaxing!

So many factors can play into creating a chic and cozy room no matter the budget.  Yes, it is more challenging to create the right balance of being chic and practical…but it can absolutely be done with a tight budget.

Here are some of the areas that you need to work on when bringing together your bedroom no matter the budget.

1.  Lighting-Make sure that your nightstands or bedside pieces have table lamps.  Watch the scale…too small and not in proportion to the bed may look…CHEAP!  Ceiling fixtures-try not leave an inexpensive fixture such as builder grade up.  If your in a rental…either remove it (temporarily) or use my favorite trick of all by placing a lampshade over the existing fixture. Obviously this depends on the actual fixture, but look for an over-sized lampshade preferably a drum…and Voila!

2. Sheets and duvet…first off if you are still using a top sheet then you might want to try considering eliminating it…just make sure that your duvet is washable.  Try using two duvets…especially important for the “his and her” aspect…then no need to worry about cover hogs.  Plus, try using cross coordinating duvets with two or more patterns on the bed, this is extremely eye catching.

3. Drapes…hang the rod at the highest point…to the ceiling so that allows the window to appear larger.  If you can have custom….obviously have them properly measured to hang correctly.  If using panels, then make sure that you use several panels on each side and use two colors, attaching the second color like a band on the bottom of the main color panels in order to extend the length to the floor.  Because most pre-made panels are only able to be purchased at one length.

4. You are creating an atmosphere, use candles, throws, wall decor, elements of nature-it is all about layers.  Create interest with the wall behind the headboard with color, tone or texture because that is the impact wall.

5.  My last tip is to have the bed look like you can jump into at any second…and not looking like it needs velvet ropes around it…so that no one will touch it.  You want the room to be welcoming…especially after a long day at work!  Clutter kills cozy…and I’m not into perfect room settings by any means.  I LOVE an artfully designed area of piled books and stuff; but stacks of clothes, papers, and just general catch all things need to be put away!  Or at least have a Monica’s closet (from Friends) you know that place where you stash everything, and hope that you never have to open the door for awhile.

Whats trending now…

 

Soft pinks with heather grays!

 

Romantic floral prints!

 

New color combinations!

 

Fashion-Sea Glass Colors

Trend spotting is a favorite pass time (some like sports…and some don’t) of mine-so here is the up date for 2015-16 fashion and home.

Fashion and home trends run simultaneously, not saying that you should hang the latest “little black dress” as your new curtains.  It is more about understanding that certain color and style directions could be strong for the upcoming seasons.

This trend marketing information is there because the consumer is constantly demanding a “new” feel in all areas of lifestyle.

Prime example, the colors that are growing in strength and interest are the “sea glass shades”.  Home trends are using these “new” shades and applying them in the next home design trend of mid-century modern.

The forecasters, yes there’re actually counsels  that gather to project these valuable next trends.  In order to help all designer’s from both the home and fashion arenas to better target what the consumers will spend their money on.

That is also why…they target the younger market because they’re constantly looking for the new, different and most importantly something exciting.

If and when the trend accelerates and becomes a mass hit, then those who are on the far end of the target market timeline might actually pick up and follow…thus creating a successful trend projection.

Mercury Raising…

From this…

To this…

With this…

I’m a huge fan of mercury glass!  I found this wonderful frugal shortcut for the DIY’ers!

1. Pick up any piece of glassware that you would like to turn into a piece of MG.

2. Mist inside of the chosen piece of glassware with a water bottle…that has a touch of black liquid ink or food color.

3.  Then while still wet from the misting spray with mirror effect and let dry!  VOILA!

 

 

Designer Secrets…

So I love great ideas…I think that this one is right up there…especially for those who LOVE a great cottage look.  This is an old table…yep!  My sister did this exact project…in fact she still has the same coffee table that was once a causal kitchen table in our family home.  Basically you cut the pedestal base off at the top where it meets the top and then cut it again where the center post meets the base!  New coffee table!

Designer Secrets…

Wow!

Go from sad to wow!  With one simple trick… use two shower curtains versus one!  Makes a huge impact with little investment!

 

l

Typical!

Confession’s of a Decorator…

Okay…today I’m going to talk about the WORST things ever to do when styling home.  I have seen this again and again….let go of the BAD ficus tree in the corner from the local craft store!

Please place at curb!

Second…yes we all like to save money and use pre-made drapery panels that you buy from big box store’s.  But people PLEASE stop using just 2 panels for the whole window and think that it is OKAY!  The panels are very inexpensive buy 4 per window at least.  You need to have fullness at the sides…plus as you pull them close…and if there is only one panel per side…it looks like your hanging a sheet on the window!  One last thing…most panels are not long enough for complete floor to ceiling look.  So buy a coordinating color and attach to bottom.