Do's and Don'ts of Design…Room Shapes and Solutions

DO Divide the space by creating multiple conversation groupings in open floorplans.


DON’T Line up all of your furniture against the walls.

Use your furniture to create “walls”. Experiment with angles and avoid the urge to line everything up on right angles.

DO Use tall trees, chandeliers that drop down into the space, and decorative moldings to create a lower sight line in rooms with tall ceilings.

DON’T Emphasize a low ceiling by using short drapery.

Mount hardware at the ceiling and use floor length panels.

Finds under $50...Chocolate Lover's Month

Some great finds in honor of National Chocolate Lover's Month (oh yes it is!):

This throw from Pier 1 will definitely be softer than chocolate...but I doubt it would taste better!


Who said you can't have dessert for dinner? Well, at least you can put your veggies on a chocolate colored plate! Only $31.80 for a set of 4 dinner plates from Z Gallerie.


And some gorgeous glasses to go with, also from Z Gallerie ($27.80 for a set of 4):



What could be better than decorating with chocolate? How about having your home SMELL like chocolate! Godiva now makes candles, only $22.50:
And if it's not enough to have your home smelling like dessert all the time - you yourself can smell like chocolate (without the guilt of course) with this amazing Chocolate Orange soap from Cost Plus!

Do's and Don'ts of Design…Fabrics

DO Mix colors and patterns.

If you’re afraid of mixing too many colors or patterns, incorporate various textured fabrics of similar tones to give visual interest.

DON’T Use small scale patterns in a large room.

Large-scale patterns are like warm colors in that they appear to come toward you, they help to make a large space feel cozier.

DO Vary the style of the patterns.

Instead of choosing three plaids, try a floral, plaid and stripe. Or maybe add checks or a geometric pattern. In addition, vary the scale of the pattern. If you have a large plaid, choose a medium scale stripe and a small scale floral.

DON’T Use ONLY light and airy colors or ONLY deep and dark colors.

A room with only light and airy colors will not feel grounded and a room with only deep and dark tones can be depressing. By combining light, mid-tone and darker colors you will give the room balance.

Finds under $50...Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is fast approaching! Here are some great, inexpensive items to help get you (and your home) in that romantic mood:

Even the outside of your home can express your sensitive side with this adorable door mat for $24.00 from Chiasso.



Having dinner at home this year to save some cash? Why not serve it on these adorable heart plates for only $6.95 each from Crate & Barrel:

And serve your sweetheart a home-made dessert on this great $38.00 cake plate.
Nothing is more timeless & romantic than a dozen red roses - only problem is, they don't last! This rose pillow from Pier 1 will keep the romance alive all year long (and it's much cheaper at only $29.95)!