Game On!

I thought I'd share a design board of a video game room I'm currently working on. And yes...you heard that right. An ENTIRE room devoted to video games. Men everywhere will be jealous and women...will be cursing me for now putting the idea into their heads. I'll go into more detail when I post pics of the final product but I will tell you that the main requirement for this room was "Fun."

Creepy Class

Now this, is how you can add some Halloween decor to your home in a more subtle way. Just a hint of creepiness is all you need to get in the spirit of things. Vintage apothecary jars, white skulls and the funky floral arrangement bring on the creep while damask covered pillar candles bring back some of the class.

Better Homes & Gardens-Halloween Issue Oct 2010

How to Use Orange

I LOVE the color orange, always have...always will. I find people either love it or hate and many have apprehensions about using it in their homes. I've searched for some examples on how you can use orange without HAUNTING your home!

I think what makes the orange work so well in all of these rooms is that it was used strategically only as accents instead of having it overwhelm the spaces. Can you also see how much gray was used with orange? It is such a beautiful combination and has become one of my new favorites! You could easily add some blue as a third layer of color if you're really bold.

Ron Marvin

Martha Stewart Living~Oct 2003

Heather Garrett Design

Unknown Designer-Photo courtesy Decor Pad

Photo Courtesy~Blue Label Bungalow

Lonny Mag Jun/Jul 2010, Designer Lee Kleinhelter

Lonny Mag Feb/Mar 2010~ Designer Betsy Burnham

Nail In The Coffin

This sure puts a new spin on "A Nail in the Coffin" doesn't it?!?! Besides the fact that it makes one of the most unique platforms for a buffet I've ever seen, the nailhead detail on the coffin...I love it! This party as well as instructions how to make this coffin yourself can be found on pg 82 of the current issue of Halloween (Better Homes & Gardens Special Interest Oct 2010)

Countdown to Halloween

It's October 1st and besides being my 4 year Anniversary today, it feels like Fall begins! I've been gathering some great Halloween ideas for decorating your home and parties to share all month. So, let's begin with some great displays I've seen while out and about. But, before I get to that, here is a photo of my Hubby and I on our wedding day. We look quite a bit younger, so vibrant, not tired...I can't imagine why?!?!

Now on with the show.

While in Richard's one of my favorite go tos for craft supplies and home decor, I came across some great Halloween displays.

My next great display find was while on a recent trip to Southern California. I went to Generations Home & Garden in Laguna Niguel and the displays were gorgeous! There were so many things to look at and so many things to BREAK! Not so good for this klutzy gal who was also trying to keep her energetic toddler in her stroller to avoid tremendous catastrophe. If you're ever in the area, stop in. I'm sure it is just spectacular at Christmas time!

I LOVED the vintage stove.

So hopefully that got you just a little excited and inspired for HALLOWEEN. More ideas to come!