New Year, New Home Resolutions…

So we are a whopping 11 days into twenty-ten and everyone is slowly settling back into the daily grind. Many of us were fortunate to have some time off to relax and ponder what 2010 has in store for us.   I don’t think there is a written law that you must cast your resolution by the first for the spell to work, so I am opting that for those of us who are still trying to decide exactly what we would like to update about ourselves and our homes this year, to really think about what we want, and stick with it!

What are your Home Resolutions this year? I would love to hear your ideas! If you are having trouble, here are a few ideas to get you inspired!

  1. Green is In:  Make 2010 your year to help the environment by using greener products.  There are so many options for eco friendly home products now the choices are endless! I love Mrs.Meyers new Basil scent.  Also, stay tuned this week for some great links on products!
  2. Declutter!: Look around, I bet you have piles all over! Piles of magazines, newspapers, bills to be paid. Kids toys, dog toys.  Piles of clean clothes, and clothes that need to be folded.  By organizing one small area in your home, you will automatically lift some stress away and feel better instantly.
  3. Use your good dishes, burn the candle you have been saving, unwrap that soap: What are you waiting for?  Don’t just wait for a special occasion to use your “good” stuff! Today is Monday, you should be able to enjoy it! Soy candles are a great option because the burn longer.  One of my favorites is Pink Grapefruit signature soy candle from Archipelago Botanicals.
  4. Cook at Home: Whether once a week or once a month, instead of going out to eat, pick a new recipe for something that you have always wanted to try and make it.  Another idea is to pick up something from your local farmers market that you have never tasted and give it a try.   I chose Brussels Sprouts the other day, which I really didn’t think I would enjoy! I roasted them with Olive Oil, Garlic, and Balsamic Vinegar ~ So Tasty! I will definitely be making them again.

  5. Out with the Old: Time to dust off all the picture frames that have had the same pictures in there for decades, and refill them with new photos.  You will have updated the rooms look, and added some fresh faces! If you need new frames, I think the cleaner the better so your image stands out.  I love these white on white gallery frames from Room and Board.
  6. Flower Power: Allow yourself a special bouquet once a month.  Find flowers that are cost effective and tend to last a little longer (Spider Mums or Lilies for example) so you can enjoy the benefits as long as possible! Here is an arrangement that I did with Flowering Chives, Spider Mums, and Freesia in a Mason Jar.
  7. Just Do It: Everyone has a project in there home that is 3/4 of the way complete.  Well, its time to be accountable and just finish the project! Mark your calendar and give yourself a deadline!
  8. Recycle: Set up a recycling station in your home and your impact can be enormous! This is also a great way to get your kids involved.  Stay tuned for some ideas on creative recycling centers!
  9. Get with the Program: By Installing a programmable thermostat the average consumer can save about $180 on energy costs. Read more about it here.  Make sure you purchase one that is Energy Star approved like this one from Lux.
  10. Start Small: Pick one space in your home that you would like to revamp, and start there.  Make sure you completely finish it before moving onto the next project.  You may just get so inspired that your whole house could be complete by 2011!

Turquoise year…

So its a new year, out with the old and in with the new! Time for resolutions to be made (and of course broken!) and many new trends to emerge! Pantone, Inc who are leading color experts and have been in the color business for 45 years, announced the 2010 color of the year as 15-5519 Turquoise!  With 2009 being a bit stressful for many, it is exciting to have a strong color that evokes calmness and reminds many of us of the coast!

Here are some great thoughts from their press release:

“…Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.” Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens. Read more...”

When you really start looking there are some great products available in Turquoise! Here are some wonderful examples in lighting.  I especially love the idea of incorporating recycled elements like the old transformers and mason jars.  If you are feeling creative, you can simply make these pendants for a DIY project and add an instant conversation piece to the room!

(clockwise: chandelier and lamp from arteriors, ceramic table lamps from emissary, glass table lamp from arteriors, pendant light from Velocity)

(top: Antique Insulator pendant lights from Railroadware, Bottom: Blue Mason jar pendants from Reclaimed Lighting)

Splashes of color through accent pillows and bedding are an easy way to freshen up any space, both quickly and cost effectively.  Throw any of these vibrant pillows on a simple cream, tan, or gray sofa you have instantly changed the overall mood of the space.  Using splashes of color throughout a room this way, makes your palette very flexible.

(clockwise: habitat pillows from KoKo Company, Nautical Signal Flag accent pillow from Wisteria, Cirrus bedding from Anthropologie, accent pillow from Henry Road)

As we are still in January, it is a bit cold for outdoor planting, but here are some great ceramic glazed pots that will add some warmth to any interior space.  I also love the ceramic hangers – A few, functional accent for any entry way or closet.

(clockwise, decorative pots from Emissary, Ceramic Hanging Maties by Delong Ceramics, Brooklyn Bridge decorative tile by Delong Ceramics, Glazed ceramic pots from Emissary.)

This tone on tone room historic room, with a soft grayed aqua wall is the perfect compliment to the modern white accent furniture, especially with the vibrant turquoise elements.  I also love the white washed parqueted oak floor.
(from Think Color by Tricia Guild)

(Coastal Living)

Not only is using a decorative screen door for a pantry entry a wonderful idea, painting it a fun color adds a great accent to an all white space.
(Source Unknown)

(Old & New by Katherine Sorrell)


Turquoise is not only for interiors! I love using this color on shutters and even front doors.  It creates a sense of whimsy even on the most sophisticated home.
(Coastal Style by Sally Hayden &Alice Whately)

If you have any questions regarding any of the products shown, feel free to contact me for further information.