Posted on Mar 31 , 2011 in Mavis Says
Just last week, an interior designer I know told me “I remember hearing about typewriters but I don’t think I’ve actually seen one.” Welcome back beautiful. Read more about these ‘retro’ word makers in the New York Times here.
Photo Marcus Yam for The New York Times
Posted on Mar 31 , 2011 in Mavis Says
We are slowly coming out of our winter hibernation. Thinking about garden planting, renewal and the pending sun. It is time to start updating and freshening our home interiors. Let’s get started with the following easy tips.
1. Lighten Up—Replace velvet curtains with sheers, or take down window coverings completely and let the light in.
2. De-Clutter—Now’s the time to take down the Christmas tree. Just kidding! Consider simplifying and rearranging art and accessories.
3. Light On Your Feet—Change wool rugs to sea grass or sisal textured rugs for a more casual look and breezy feel.
4. Freshy fresh—Fresh flowers and fruit brighten your home. Look for flowers at your local farmers market, neighbor’s yard (ask first!) and look for coupons for free or discounted flowers or fruit at your local grocers.
5. Pillow Fight? – Change out winter throw pillows for pillows with spring motifs and bright colors, such as sun yellow, sky blue, hot pink and chartreuse.
6. Earth Day Birthday—Add an indoor compost container. Scraps of vegetables, egg shells, etc. can be recycled in your compost bin for added nutrients and savings and will contribute to a beautiful outdoor environment.
Enjoy the light and bounty of Spring!
Posted on Mar 15 , 2011 in Mavis Says
Do you know anyone, stylist, designer or otherwise, who has a house that looks like a showroom? I was intrigued by this discussion “Your House Is Not A Store” at the effervescent Hooked on Houses. Where do I stand? I am a wee jealous my house doesn’t nearly resemble anything like a magazine spread, but I wouldn’t mind if it tilted more in that direction. All compelling space showcased with glowy light. The angels would sing.
My mother is the only person I know who has covered almost every inch of her walls with memorabilia and artfully displays her vast Mickey (yes, THAT Mickey) collection and damn, it looks good. I’m opposite. One or two pictures or mirror per wall, thank you very much. This is more soothing to me. Though I am learning to add more accessories in my old age. But most of us, accessory wise, are in – between.
Part of why we love these merchandised stores is that these vignettes are really attractive. It may not be practical design in our own homes but the displays and window dressings and catalog spreads are meant to inspire us (to buy). The inspiration I see is to use a little little less restraint. Look beyond the obvious and don’t be afraid to mix things up.
What is your accessory style? What do you think about ‘merchandising’ the home? Be part of the discussion here…
Photo: Country Living via Hooked On Houses.
