My Toy Room to Teen Room Transformation!

My children are entering the teen years now. As they grow and change the needs of our home have changed as well. One of the bedrooms over our garage had been a "toy room", filled with plastic Little Tikes Kitchens, Legos and Trains- a place for forts and building castles. My teenage daughter suggested that we re-decorate the "Toy Room" to be more Teen Friendly. I agreed and so (sadly for Mom) we have said to goodbye to Pokemon and American Girl Dolls.

Here is the room Before (actually we have two identical rooms above our garage, they are mirror images of each other and this photo is of other side). Like all decorating projects we had Goals, Restrictions and a Budget. The Goal was a room for for sleepovers, a place to do school projects where they could spread things out (and not be near their parents), and a place to hangout with friends and watch Movies and I-Chat! Our main Restriction was the doorway size. It is only 27 inches wide. And our Budget was $2500.

Here is the room after we ripped up the old carpet. Then we painted the trim BM White Dove and the walls BM Lighthouse Landing. Paint cost $4o. Paint, as always is an immediate improvement!

The kids were allowed to choose everything in the room and I treated them like clients on our shopping trip. We found this great, thick wool rug at HomeGoods for $600. (did I mention how much I love HomeGoods for rugs??) The kids liked the Pottery Barn feel and the blue and brown color scheme. While we were there the kids scouted some great pillows that matched and two small microfiber ottomans. All together we spent $800.

Meanwhile at home, my sister, who LOVES to organize, came over and sorted through all our arts and crafts supplies and organized everything in the old bins which used to hold plastic food and Matchbox cars. Now it is a perfect go to space for all the supplies we need for projects at school.

Thank you, Sandra! Cost - priceless!

We couldn't let go of the blocks, (well I couldn't) so they stayed put and we moved an old bookcase into the walk in closet for extra storage for paper and other supplies.

Dramatic drum roll.... Here is the Before.

And the After! We found this thin couch at Macy's and once we took the feet off it fit through our tiny doorway! The sectional microfiber couch was $1400 and the bar table and leather stools $199. at Overstock.com.

Inspirational artwork was $50 on clearance! Bookcase, side table, and TV we already had!

The total Teen Hangout Room Makeover cost was.....$2489!!

We still had money left over for a Movie and some snacks!! We found some wonderful bargains, stayed with in our budget and came out with a great room! The kids are thrilled and call it their "Hang Out Room" - I call it a success!!

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Also a heartfelt thank you to the many, many kind readers who sent me get well wishes and prayers. I am truly blessed to have so many friends in blogland. I was beyond touched! xoxo

(all photos Willow Decor and not to be copied without permission)

And That's Where I've Been...

Why are hospital rooms so uninspiring?

It's been a crazy few weeks. I have been in and out of the hospital and had lots of tests. Luckily we have ruled out all the major ailments - and for that I feel very blessed.

I have spent a lot of time at home nesting... I promise to be back soon when I am back on my feet with photos of some of my new projects. xx-Gina

Pretty In Pink & Closet Envy!

I was browsing the listings in Boston and came across this fabulous home. Though not generally a fan of pink, I had to share this wonderful room with you.

The architectural detail was lovely. The shade of pink was just perfect. Loved the crystal chandelier! Such a sweet room.

Here is a close up of the moulding details, notice the ceiling. Just dreamy!

The house also boasted the most magnificent closets.

Not only were there so many of them, but the again the detail was absolutely stunning.

Take a look at this close up - They really don't make closets like this anymore!

I was thrilled to see yet another fabulous closet - Perhaps this is the gentleman's space.

As if the exterior of the closet was not beautiful enough - the interior is equally exquisite! I am quite sure I would move into this closet!

You can see more of this home here. I wish I could convince Dave to move again, my clothes would be so happy....

A Coastal Dream by Catalano Architects

Houses by the ocean always seem to draw me in.

I love the shingle style architecture - and no one does it better than our friends at Catalano Architects. This particular house has incorporated a lighthouse theme.

Notice the "lighthouse" in this closer up photo. As usual, no detail was overlooked inside or out. You enter the home via a gorgeous cobblestone edged driveway.

The back of the home is breathtaking - designed to take in the equally breathtaking views.

Notice the wavy clapboard in the peaks. It would have been easier (and less expensive) to put straight clapboard, but its these small details that add to the character and personality of the home.

This is the main entry hall - You can see the view through those spectacular windows out toward the ocean.

Here is the entry hall with your back to ocean and facing the front door. Notice the tile is set on the diagonal.

The staircase includes beautiful custom detailing - the moulding, wainscoting and railing. Notice all the window shapes. I also like the stair runner.

Here the back staircase has a lattice inspired wall. Much more interesting than a solid wall.

The family room evokes a feeling of being on a luxury yacht. The wood paneled walls are amazing.

A close up of the bar. Just stunning!

The kitchen and breakfast room move us back in the a more traditional coastal decor - white cabinets and beadboard ceilings.

Every coastal home needs a pool house/guest house. Again Catalano Architects continues the lighthouse theme and creates a charming oasis.

Here is a closer shot. Take a moment and study the outside - the attention to detail is really amazing. Notice the curved shape of the roof, wavy clapboard, railings, columns - This guest house is truly a gem.

The inside is also outstanding. I especially love the retractable doors which immediately transform an indoor room into an outdoor room.

The interior detailing again astounds you - the curved staircase above is a work of art.

And when the view and the pool aren't enough - you can enjoy time in the game room, equipped with pool table and two lane bowling alley. Isn't this so much fun??!!

Or find an quiet niche in the house to curl up with a good book. Clearly this home has it all!

A special thanks to Tom Catalano of Catalano Architects for sharing this outstanding dream home with us! For more inspiration visit Catalano Architects here.

(all photos Catalano Architects by Warren Patterson-not to be copied without permission)

Blue and Brown Living Room Decor

Ideas for Decorating in Blue/Turquoise/Teal and Brown Colors



Incorporating Brown and Teal For a Living Room That is Modern and Appealing
By Leon Tuberman

Today, modern decor is refreshing and attractive. Two decades ago, most people would never dream of decorating a living room in shades of brown and teal; now, it's one of the most appealing looks you can have if you love a clean, modern decor. In this article, you will find many useful tips for incorporating these two colors for a look that is vibrant and beautiful.

Starting point: Walls

In order to prevent your living room from looking closed in or small, you want to use a light, neutral shade for the walls. Consider light sand, a pale, soft aqua or a muted caramel color. To add further interest and appeal, paint baseboards and trim in a contrasting shade such as bold aqua or dark chocolate brown.

If you're feeling particularly creative, consider texturing the walls through various techniques such as stamping, ragging or rag-rolling to add a wallpaper-like finish that is original and eye-catching.

Choosing the furniture

To achieve balance in this style of decorating, it's best to choose furnishings that are scaled to a larger size. Tables, entertainment centers, chairs and sofas should all be the same deep brown shade if possible. Leather furnishings work especially well in this decor, and add rich texture.

Accessories are where the fun begins

Once walls are completed and furnishings are chosen, it's time to start adding colorful accents. Choose 3 shades of teal; a pale shade, a medium shade, and one that is dark and bold. The medium shade will be the dominant teal color for the room, while the others help balance things out.

When shopping for accents, let anything teal catch your eye and consider if it will work with your decorating theme. Throw pillows, picture frames, vases, window treatments, candles, tapestries - all of these things will add color and visual appeal to the room.

Vary patterns for further appeal

Long gone are the days when everything had to match. In past years, if you chose a floral pattern for your living room, you would not dare use stripes or abstract patterns. Today, it is very common for savvy decorators to mix stripes, plaids, swirls and all types of patterns together, and the look is creative and attention grabbing. Consider a plaid throw, along with striped pillows and abstract paintings for the walls to create a room that is full of life. Mixing patterns adds depth and originality, making each room striking in its own unique way.



For those who love modern, contemporary rooms, this look is ultra-chic and absolutely beautiful. Incorporate hues of dark, chocolate brown and shades of teal for a rich look with bright splashes of color that bring the room alive! Decorate with accessories that are unique and capture the attention of the eye. Once you see the finished results, you will want to show your living room off to everyone you know!

Leon Tuberman has been in the home furnishings and interior decorating industry for 4 decades. He owns and manages a popular furniture store in California. They have a large inventory of handcrafted American built solid wood furniture for your bedroom, home office and living room. Whether you're looking for a oak tv stand for your media room or a arts & crafts coffee table for your family room then they carry everything you need.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leon_Tuberman

Blue and Brown Home Decor Inspirations

Blue Brown Bedroom Home Decor

Blue Brown Living Room Home Decor

Blue Brown Bedroom Home Decor

Blue Brown Draperies Home Decor

Blue Brown Retro Sofa
Perfect for Nursery Room Home Decor

Bathroom Towel Racks

One of the more essential things in the bathroom, is the towel rack. The place where you can hang up the wet towel to dry after use - yes, and not placed in a heap on the bathroom floor like your loved one does!

Below is an expert take on choices available when you lack space for a built-in towel rack; turn to the free standing towel rack.

A Free-Standing Towel Rack Solution
By Jennifer Akre

Sometimes I've run into a design problem that I knew I could solve with a simple solution. My story explains my quest to find a free standing towel rack, and how it changed my master bath from almost perfect to exactly right.

Several years ago I was involved in a challenging home renovation project. We bought a 120-year-old Queen Anne Victorian, a house that had been the victim of several non-sympathetic additions and adaptations. Our goal was to restore the house to something close to its original state, preserving its character but still updating it so it would be comfortable for a modern family to live and work in.

I discovered that is more difficult to work within the confines of an existing building than to build a new one. It wasn't impossible, mind you, and a surprising number of details fell into place quite easily.

Free Standing Towel Rack



I was particularly happy when we were able to create a traditional master bath with contemporary features. We found reproduction tile and re-used solid wood doors original to the home. Our new master bath was as perfect as I could imagine.

Perfect, that was, until it was time to install a towel bar. We had no place to screw anything into the wall within reach of the shower. Pocket doors, plumbing, lack of a reasonable expanse of wall-I had no place to hang a towel. But I knew there had to be a solution. I was on a quest to find a free standing towel rack.

Although I hadn't seen them anywhere at the time, I knew the free standing towel rack couldn't be a far-fetched idea. I was thinking of a quilt rack, but none were narrow enough for the space I was trying to fill. Eventually, I found a free standing towel rack in an in-flight catalog. It was a rare and lucky find.

The idea must have had merit, because today, you can find a free standing towel rack in a wide variety of sizes, finishes, and features. If you have limited floor space and need a place to hang the terrycloth, you can find a simple free standing towel rack on post and a weighted base. The post is topped with an S-shaped hanging rod, or a set of free-swinging bars on the top of the post, or an open oval rack. With this free standing towel rack, there's plenty of room to hang a few towels while taking up less than a square foot of floor space. And if you want to hang hand towels and don't have the nearby wall space for a conventional towel bar, you can get a countertop version of the free standing towel rack, too.

An elegant solution follows my instincts about using a quilt rack. Today you can find a free standing towel rack in all the popular hardware finishes. They are now readily available, and they provide two or three hanging rods--enough space to hang towels for a whole family. A base shelf on a free standing towel rack can store folded towels and spare bathroom essentials.

Another innovative design for the free standing towel rack is a towel ladder. Even if you have limited passage in your bathroom, the floor space that the ladder takes up is minimal, and you can hang four towels is less than two feet of wall space.

If you have space in your bathroom, another free standing towel rack takes its design from the étagère. Rather than having open shelves, this rack uses side bars for hanging towels. It gives you hanging space on four sides, and might give you hanging space for outside for pool towels.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it is bath accessories for your bathroom or chairs for your kitchen there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Click today and indulge your senses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre

Bathroom Towel Racks Ideas

Bathroom Towel Rack

Bathroom Towel Rack White

Bathroom Towel Rack

Bathroom Towel Rack

Off Season on the Island!

This weekend Dave and I are in Martha's Vineyard to attend a wedding. What a beautiful place the island is, especially during the off season when most of the summer crowds have gone.
Here are a few photos of the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown where the wedding will take place.
Weddings always stir up feelings of happiness, hope and excitement for the future. It's turning out to be the most spectacular day for a wonderful couple.

And some great R&R for Dave and I. Wishing you a wonderful and relaxing weekend as well!

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(all photos Harbor View Hotel)