Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Here are some easy design ideas to transfer your home into a relaxing ocean retreat.
Ahhh... the sound of the waves; the smell of the ocean air; the warm, comforting breezes. Life at the beach is heavenly. But you don’t have to live near the ocean to enjoy a relaxing beach atmosphere in your home. Try these easy decorating ideas to transform your living space into a retreat that you can enjoy all summer long! Choose light, gauzy drapery panels for the windows, and make sure you install them at least a few inches above the window frames. Soft, sheer, flowing panels give the impression of gentle breezes with lots of sunlight entering your room. There is nothing more “beachy” than seashells. Starfish are also particularly beautiful. And don’t forget sand dollars. You can combine all of your beach finds in a large bowl, …
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
"There are numerous ways to make a living space more comfortable and accessible to everyone."
Le Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century wrote: “The home should be the treasure chest for living.” He also wrote: “A house is a machine for living in.” While not referring to Universal Design, the two comments are quite apropos for the subject. Universally designed homes can easily be likened to a fine tuned machine or a treasure chest of features to remove barriers in our lives. These are well-planned spaces that allow people of various ages, and physical challenges to live more comfortably. On more than one occasion over the last 20 years, I have experienced limited mobility due to injury or surgery. On one occasion I had to wear a patch on one eye, and other times I have temporarily used a wheelchair, …
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
With a little creativity, you can showcase and preserve your family history.
Having recently lost two family members that were very dear to me, I have renewed my appreciation for family photographs. Like most families, we have boxes of photos tucked away that are rarely seen. Through the loss of loved ones, we have rediscovered photos that we want to display. We have all seen examples of photographs splashed over the walls or around the house as if just to fill a void. With just a little thought and planning, these photos can have a far more decorative impact and still tell a story that brings us smiles every day. When displaying smaller framed photos, think about grouping them on a console, end table, piano, or bookshelf. Add one or more objects that tie into the story of the photos such as old glasses, a …
