Do's and Don'ts of Design...Bedroom Design

DO Choose a serene, relaxing color for the walls.
Hues of green, blue, gray, and taupe are most calming.

DON'T Forget to use different elements of lighting.
Utilize different "layers" of light to achieve perfect illumination. You'll need a general, overhead light source, and task/reading light.

DO Invest in a high quality mattress.
We spend 1/4 of our life sleeping!

DON'T Make the TV your focal point.
Try hiding it away in a cabinet, or frame it on the wall to make more of an "artful" statement.

Finds under $50...Earth Friendly Decor

April is Earth month, and what better way to celebrate than adding in some great new accessories?

What better way to show you love the Earth? These fun pillows are under $20 each!


For the tech lovers in your life...or if you just need a fun accent for the office - loving this recycled keyboard frame!
Beautiful, and simple teak coasters. Only $24 for the set.
Awesome barware - made from recycled windshields!

Do’s and Don’ts of Design…Dream Dining Rooms

The Holidays are fast approaching. Here we share some great tips for creating the perfect Dining Room!

DO Purchase a table with multiple leaf options if space is limited.

Most manufactures will have a round table that will expand with 1-3 leaves (and the leaves usually store inside the table now!).

DON'T Think all of your chairs need to match.

If you don't have the room to keep your table expanded all year round, consider purchasing inexpensive wood chairs that you can store out of sight until the Holidays. To make you chairs "match" during those large family dinners, try placing matching cloth slipcovers over all of them.

DO Consider bringing in your patio set to use as the "kiddie" table.

You can cover this with a festive table cloth - and your family will be none the wiser!

DON'T Purchase all new accessories.

Take a gander around your home for some great options. Think "outside the room" - look for accessories pieces that you can add to your Dining Room in places like the Kitchen, Living Room or even the Bedroom! The art over your bed might really dress up your buffet. Or the glass canisters in the Kitchen might make a fabulous table centerpiece when filled with fresh autumn leaves, small gourds, or festive glass beads.

Finds under $50...Beat the heat!

Yes, we live in the desert. And yes, we expect it to be hot in the summer. But, is it just me, or has this summer been more brutal than usual?!?

Here are some inexpensive ways to beat the heat!

A misting system is a perfect way to make your patio bearable during the Phoenix summer. This easy do-it-yourself kit is only $25.99 from Amazon.
Nothing says cold like a refreshing glass of Sangria. This beautiful 7-piece set is only $38.95.

I'm amazed that you can find a stylish fan for under $50. This one from Lowe's comes in at only $44.97!Can't get much colder than ice! I love the clean, simple lines of this ice bucket from Bed, Bath & Beyond.

And finally, if you can't beat it - join it! Or at least you can pretend it's winter with this firepit.

Finds under $50...Fauxidermy

I have to say, I am personally against hunting. Anything once living mounted to a wall, not so appealing to me. However - I do find it fascinating as art. So I was excited to see a new trend called "fauxidermy". No taxidermist (or hunting) required!


Here are 2 great ceramic "fauxidermy" options from Z Gallerie. Only $49.95 each!


Adorable little safari hook from Urban Outfitters for only $12.



Another idea from Urban Outfitters. Added bonus - it's cardboard and recyclable!

Finds under $50...Happy Mother's Day!

Let's show all the Mom's out there how much we appreciate them!

Every Mom & Grandma needs a place to keep all those precious art pieces. Check out this beautiful keepsake box from Pier 1.

This frame from Cost Plus is a great (and easy) way to collage family photos - unless you would prefer to hire SPACES to do a custom collage for you :)



"Tea time" was always something I shared with my Mom & Grandma. We could sit for hours talking about our day over a warm cup of tea. I love this adorable tea set from Pier 1 for only $18.75.


Every Mom needs a little "ME" time (and being a brand new Mom, I can attest...). This great bath caddy from Chiasso might just do the trick! Check out the wine glass holder - pretty brilliant :)

Finds under $50...Happy Easter!

Now is the perfect time to spend outdoors. This adorable yellow table from Urban Outfitters will hold everything from your drinks to your Easter basket!



Want to dress up your door for under $21?

These adorable bunnies will look great anywhere! Only $8.96 for the large one!

This bedding from Ikea screams Spring ($49.99 for Queen)!

Do’s and Don’ts of Design…Lighting

DO Have use multiple “levels” of light in your room.

Use a combination of overhead lighting for general illumination and table lamps to create a glow and warmth around the room.

DON’T Purchase “boxed” matching sets of lamps.

Matching is a thing of the past. Use one common “theme” to coordinate your different lighting elements. Shop around for great sales on singular lamps, just make sure at least one element is the same in all – such as finish or lampshade.

DO Make sure the bottom of the shade is about even with your cheekbone when you're sitting on the chair or sofa that the lamp will be placed next to.

No one wants a light bulb in their eyes when trying to read.

DON’T Forget to take the dimensions of your table with you when lamp shopping.

The diameter of the lamp shade should never be larger than the table it’s sitting on.

October Newsletter is here!

Check out our Holiday Decorating Ideas - on 3 different budgets! It's not too soon to start thinking about re-vamping your Dining room for company!

Click here to see the October newsletter

Tips for decorating your first apartment:

1. Furniture. Check out places like Ikea, Urban Outfitters, local furniture store clearance centers (Copenhagen here in Phoenix has an awesome outlet for contemporary furniture on the west side) and even Overstock.com for staple pieces, such as a sofa, dining table & chairs, nightstands, and bookcases. Since you’re probably stuck with a relatively small space, try finding items that can serve double-duty, like storage ottomans or a low bookcase that can serve as an entertainment center as well as storage for all those books you’ll most likely accumulate. Your desk can serve double-duty as a nightstand. And utilize wall space as much as you can in order to keep the floor space clutter-free. Wall shelves make the perfect spot for books, photos, and accessories.

2. Artwork on the cheap. Purchase several canvases from the local art store (like Michael’s or Joann) and wrap them with inexpensive fabric remnants. Easily changeable depending on your mood! Or try a wall collage of you favorite items to add impact to blank, white walls. Things like hats, musical instruments, or even record album covers will add a nice punch of color and texture.


3. Accessory items. Most of the time, these are a luxury. But you don’t need many to make an impact. A few well placed, key pieces (like an interesting glass vase) will go much farther than numerous unnecessary items that will just add to a cluttered feeling. Places like Pier 1 and Cost Plus are meccas for inexpensive, cool ethnic (and contemporary) accents. Colorful toss pillows on a neutral sofa will add instant impact, and brighten up your space.

And finally, don't forget to ask your friends and family to "donate" any items that they don't need, you'll be surprised at what you actually get!

Check out our post from 6.29.09 for some great decorating ideas for under $20!