Design "Do's" for Every Home

Helping people in fall in love with their homes, is something that I never, ever get tired of doing. Over the years, I have learned to look at spaces with a certain amount of detachment; we all have different tastes (and budgets) and what we like should be respected, and is very personal.

Knowing what I do, friends have sometimes said that I should “Ignore the mess”, or “Please don’t say anything, I know that my living room needs to be redecorated”. When they say this, I can honestly tell them that I don’t look at their homes that way. If they want my advice, I will gladly give it, but to poke holes in the way that someone lives, without an invitation, is never welcome. Besides, who am I to throw stones? My home is often in a state of flux, or, at the very least, looking well-loved.

That being said, I have found, that there are some general guidelines that apply to almost every home, regardless of style or budget. Here are five of my favorites:

• GIVE EVERY ROOM A PURPOSE: Use the room for what it was intended, or, create a new use for it. Whatever you do, don't use it as a storage room for Rubbermaid boxes, Christmas ornaments and a broken Futon (unless it is in fact a storage room - even so, please get rid of the broken Futon).
• HAVE TABLES WHERE YOU NEED THEM: Apart from filling out the design in a room, they are practical pieces of furniture. Where else do you put your coffee, book, snack, remote control, flowers (feet?).
• SHOW US WHERE YOUR FRONT DOOR IS: Every visitor should know how to find you. Make the door, and the way to get to it, obvious. Nothing worse than standing there, trying to figure out where to go.
• REMOVE ANY DEAD PLANTS IN POTS: Truth is, every home (I think) needs organic things in them (other than the people and their pets). Stems and mulch from a deceased orchid will make you feel depressed. 
• PLEASE THROW AWAY THE FUZZY TOILET SEAT COVER AND LITTLE MATCHING MAT: I realize that this can be one of those automatic home purchases, and I am not squeamish at all when it comes to cleanliness, but do you actually close the lid, sit on the cover and put your feet on the mat? Do you have men and boys using your bathroom?  ’nuff said.

Photograph borrowed from the Huffington Post

...

No, this isn't a post about ants, or weird critters invading your garden, it's about the other visitors, the friends and family who stop by when you least expect it.

Where I grew up, this happened quite a lot. Life was a little more impromptu; appointments were rarely made, and there was usually a cup of tea and a biscuit involved. We had long afternoons of catching up, and lots of time forgetting about all the other things we were "supposed" to be doing.

Now, I find I still do that with a lot of my friends; a cup of coffee turns into three hours, and a quick hello is spent discussing politics, the newest lipstick, or just picking a big bunch of flowers.

This month, I had several unexpected visitors on my doorstep. My friends know me, and nothing makes me happier than to stop what I am doing, and spend time with someone I care about. One morning, I woke up to a beautiful purple hydrangea on my doorstop. My friend couldn't stay, but I ran out in my nightgown to say thank you. It was the loveliest way to start off my day! Other times, I have been surprised with vegetables from someones garden, and, earlier in the year, I got warm, fresh-picked strawberries.

Usually we find time for a cup of tea, or at least a chat on the doorstep, and it reminds me of what I want my world to be like; it is comforting, nourishes my soul, and makes the difficult pieces seem a whole lot sweeter. If it is a planned visit, I will try to make a cake, some quick scones, or run to the farm market for something sweet. Of course, this can't always happen, but as long as I stop what I am doing, and make people feel welcome, the effect is still the same. (I never want anyone to think they are interrupting my day, tapping my feet waiting for them to leave).

I think, if you find the world is becoming to busy, and you're not happy about it, it is nice to try and focus on spending more time with other people. Invite a dear friend for cake (even if you've never made one - give it a try) or talk to that person that you always see in the supermarket.
I became friends with someone once next to the tomatoes. I told her I really liked her dress, and we started talking about vintage clothing and flea markets. We exchanged email addresses, and quickly became shopping friends.

When you invite more people into your life, it can help you slow down, and appreciate what you have. Studies show that we are becoming less connected, and much more impatient with each other. Dropping off an unexpected gift, or sharing a cup of something, won't solve the problems of the world, but it will definitely lower your blood pressure, and increase your happiness quotient. (Health and happiness, what more do you need? .... )

Lemonade Scones are a favorite New Zealand classic. The photograph and recipe are from Fresh. I find that original, fizzy lemonade (Sprite etc) or ginger-ale, work best. 

Worth the Wait!

Like so many people, and for no particular reason, I love different shapes; whether it is a table, a mirror, or something that I just haven't seen before, I like things that are a little "off", a little unusual. With character. The problem with this, if you want to call it a problem, is that because they are one of a kind, when I see something, I almost always have to get it.

I never regret buying what I love, but I confess that I do have things that have been constantly moved around my house for over 20 years, just because I like looking at them, but were never quite sure what to do with them. One of my favorite things is a pair of vintage light fixtures; oddly shaped, I could never get them to fit anything modern, but I adored them just the same. All I really do is put them on a pile of books, or use them to fill a space. I still enjoy them, but I always feel a little sad that they no longer have a real purpose. I imagine their previous life to be in some cheap, art deco hotel, being turned on and off  while people smoke cigarettes, drink scotch, and ponder the rise and fall of the stock market.

One day, while my light fixtures were just sitting on a shelf, our downstairs fan broke. (Well, it broke with 14 teenage girls turning it on and off during a birthday party sleepover). I had always hated the fan anyway, but I needed to get it fixed, as we did use it during the Summer months (or, more often, when the smoke alarm went off near the kitchen). As the electrician replaced the part, I glared at the fan I hated, and began to wonder about replacing it, or, at the very least painting it. Honestly, it had about as much character as a pre-chewed blob of gum, and I couldn't believe I had allowed it in my house for so long.

As I replaced the plain, white glass I remembered the vintage light fixture sitting on the shelf. Never imagining it would fit, I promised myself I would go and buy a new fan, but first I would just see how the vintage fixture would have looked.
With a little encouragement, and a smaller bulb (I may never get it off) I got it on.
And, I have loved it ever since!

Summer Road Trip

To me, Summer seems to be one of those times when we try to capture a different American Dream; we suddenly want to create the perfect BBQ, drink strange, frozen drinks with our friends, and watch the children run through sprinklers on a perfectly manicured lawn (stopping occasionally to eat a red Popsicle, say "Thank you", and smile lovingly at their doting parents).

We are inundated with photographs and commercials, showing us snapshots of a pretend family, and implying that we only have a few months left to grab some fun; that now is the time to whisk up a laborious, homemade, special hot sauce, go camping with the neighbors, and (inexplicably) take our dog on a long road trip to find the zombie brewery that we saw in the "Weird NJ" magazine.

So, we plan the BBQ, and we find the zombie's, but we decide to buy the hot sauce. Our days aren't as perfect as the photograph in the magazine, but we find some new places to visit, get the garden in good shape, and we try to spend more time with the children. Life is like that; a jumbled mixture of ideas that get thrown together and sifted through. We can't do it all, but we can always figure out a way to do some of the fun stuff.

Although I don't like the idea of saving my fun for Summer, I do see that for some people it is the best, guaranteed way to plan their down time. Almost like forcing you to relax, without feeling (too) guilty. Some people still find it difficult, and even their relaxing seems too exhausting for me. They look for gadgets and "things" that will make their Summer easier, and save them time. Honestly, I get tired just looking at them (never mind reading the directions on how I am supposed to use them). I prefer to try and use what I have, or do without; I tend to luxuriate in my lazy days, and keep things as simple as possible.
But, if you are someone who is less lazy than me, and your heart flutters at the thought of the newest widget, then you still have a few weeks left to buy one of these time-saving lovelies.......

Pig Tail Food Flipper:  This, I am putting first, because I know I would be the person who would misunderstand the directions, and flip my steak onto the lawn. Surely tongs are easier? But, it comes in a nice, wooden box, so would be a lovely gift.
Hot Dog Forks: Another easy way to quickly lose your food on the grass, but, it would be great for roasting marshmallows, and making S'Mores.
Doggles: Perfect for protecting your dog's eyes on those long, hanging out the window, road trips.
Outdoor Chair with attached table, pockets, drinks holder and more: Perfect for the beach, outdoor concert, patio, camping, or even your favorite bachelor's Living Room.
Meatball Grill Basket: I have heard that this works very well, and it looks very cute, but it seems like a lot of effort to get twelve piddly meatballs (and I can't even imagine cleaning it afterwards).
Barbecue Dining Boat: Just to see if you were reading. This has a built in grill, a retractable umbrella, and seats ten people. (But is it worth $50,000? Personally, I would prefer the Hot Tub Boat at $42,000)
Beach Towel with speakers and a pillow: Why not? Great for your backyard, vacation by the pool, or the beach (compatible with most music sources).
Ice Cream Insulated Bucket: To me, this is the best one on the list. Sharing optional.

Decorating Funnies for your Weekend!

Let's face it, creating beautiful, happy, comfortable homes is what I absolutely love to do (and I do take it very seriously) but, decorating homes also has a really funny side to it.
I can't take credit for any of these cartoons, but I do hope they make you smile....
                                                                                                                  Enjoy your week,
                                                                                                                                    - Wendy