Modern Design Home Decor

Recounting First Day Driving

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BspRbi0-LwC_fJ2DDnlbA7T6wNZZyYJPrA9Q35Kz238XW27V5RMgZe6bxuG_0Avyt2j52neheDFcNTed_d1WFzAb1s2I4YEnZd2C0ui9sD-2BhsxvgZf16hvE_2mSqsC3feiYwK_lQ0/s1600/2375623220_31cc45c51b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BspRbi0-LwC_fJ2DDnlbA7T6wNZZyYJPrA9Q35Kz238XW27V5RMgZe6bxuG_0Avyt2j52neheDFcNTed_d1WFzAb1s2I4YEnZd2C0ui9sD-2BhsxvgZf16hvE_2mSqsC3feiYwK_lQ0/s400/2375623220_31cc45c51b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready To Drive: Photo of Me with Posh Crash Helmet and Safety Glasses</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />When I woke up on my second day in England, I was gripped by the panic of driving. My hubby was going to work the next day, and I would need to drive for errands, grocery shopping, etc. Grab the horns of that big bull!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We bought a used SUV for a variety of reasons - I like to drive up high so I can see better; we can shuttle more kids; better for long trips. What we didn't realize was that it would cost $150 to fill the gas tank!!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">First of all, I don't have the mountains as a marker to indicate which direction I'm driving. On cloudy days, I don't have the sun either. My guess is villages popped up throughout the countryside and spiderweb-like bridal paths connected them. So I find it very difficult to get my bearings. Even my satellite navigation system is often confused or frustrated. But we do our best!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb-qfJDzToWRN8JjoO_racnpXvXv6yA10yen0dlOMzb1j7Ur8awLUZsxKAdwLvjd4Fsaqst0e-K1vbFv3d7Fk3RPYWBaKAmJB93wzf0-9DX2fHCtgJQ0T8GAz4rvpW4k5WGDm8EJhta0/s1600/figaro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb-qfJDzToWRN8JjoO_racnpXvXv6yA10yen0dlOMzb1j7Ur8awLUZsxKAdwLvjd4Fsaqst0e-K1vbFv3d7Fk3RPYWBaKAmJB93wzf0-9DX2fHCtgJQ0T8GAz4rvpW4k5WGDm8EJhta0/s400/figaro.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's Just Say This Is What I Drive, Because I Wish I Did <br />Nissan Figaro</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Anyhoo, we needed to buy a TV in a town 20 minutes away. This was my first time to drive on the wrong side, or as they say, 'the right side'.  Fortunately our car is automatic, otherwise the stick shift would be in the left hand. I took a deep exhale and we were off ('Mommy, why are you always breathing like that?' referring to my Mommy Exhales).</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So I started the car, and with my right hand I went to put the gear into reverse. But that turned on my wipers. Oops, use left hand for gears. Then I started backing out and realized my turning radius was not so hot, so I jumped the curb and almost hit my neighbor's car. Went into drive and swerved trying to figure out where the heck I was supposed to be.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">'Concern' started to creep in when I had to get on a busy street. Along the way we went through many two lane roundabouts, which were VERY busy. The mere g-force of being in that darn thing made us all yell, and wouldn't you know it, we got spat out at the right place every time. Miraculous! Yet accompanied by 'Don't hit that car/ person/ curb/ motorcycle!'</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaloIYxLY9CgDrEzcbTpOvgR0oKslUxIYz6cTw79E744Tl3a-S4ky-lHIqkytkrxTSuC8DFDl1KLB6njrwaUnK0kNly8S78LnPyepWEa3Rj7GbHESnnpaQ-nmTFQoqD96sP1710XCVoY/s1600/522101006_136625154c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaloIYxLY9CgDrEzcbTpOvgR0oKslUxIYz6cTw79E744Tl3a-S4ky-lHIqkytkrxTSuC8DFDl1KLB6njrwaUnK0kNly8S78LnPyepWEa3Rj7GbHESnnpaQ-nmTFQoqD96sP1710XCVoY/s400/522101006_136625154c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />At several points, the road turned narrow. Cars were parked along my side, which gave me only half a street to drive on. I straddled the line as cars came the other way, feeling like a game of 'Chicken'. With a long line of cars behind me, I pushed on, practically peeking through hand-covered eyes. Who could bear to watch? I literally thought I was going to throw up. My hubby said my face was flush, I was sweating, and I definitely needed a paper bag for hyperventilation. Skydiving and bungee jumping seemed safer than this.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And the kids? They kept saying, 'Please let Daddy drive. Please?!'  Poor, sweet things. And my hubby may have sprained a muscle from failed attempts to slam on the brake on the passenger side.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Once we arrived at the parking structure, we all took a Mommy Exhale together. Just like when your roller coaster ride is over and you come to the stop and it is time to get off. You survived.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We bought the TV and my hubby drove us home, to everyone's relief, and I took a huge nap. Neurons were firing that had been dormant for decades. But I have to say driving has been a bit of a snap ever since. Now I can check that big bull off my list : ) Mission accomplished.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Wanting more? See my other posts <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2011/03/happy-dance.html">here</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>XO<br />Laura

Recounting First Day Driving

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK Ready To Drive: Photo of Me with Posh Crash Helmet and Safety Glasses When I woke up on my second day in Englan...

3:44 AM

Garsons Farm - Pick Your Own

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Last weekend we went to Garsons Farm. Spanning over 100 acres, we were able to pick our own fruits and vegetables.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEf0p2lKMIRL3Z60O5Vmtreaz8JbX41IpIWWy56UkluSsBi0pM3QmoTCWx0NDnmabCbj0vYsEBnIigS_SB8pb6RNc0izFrzoGyupgAAP3Efsc0j9ZVaKdP7ZUdlQKFvkJDHoqIrMM6Ns/s1600/DSC_0429-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEf0p2lKMIRL3Z60O5Vmtreaz8JbX41IpIWWy56UkluSsBi0pM3QmoTCWx0NDnmabCbj0vYsEBnIigS_SB8pb6RNc0izFrzoGyupgAAP3Efsc0j9ZVaKdP7ZUdlQKFvkJDHoqIrMM6Ns/s400/DSC_0429-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberries</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />There was a lot to choose from: carrots, spinach, potatoes, cucumbers, squash, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, and much more. Some things I'd never heard of such as mange tout, marrows, courgettes.</div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckFEP7mY6_RNf5yPaTDCqUp_QFugj6KGEugv0K8sYDWiZBVCE2K8mVjsgWDyfu-z8qILngg-RH5_JDqGSWVTa4VXShyp8sHiZ_p7O1ICG-oFue9ep8nmqFOMiWqcYeoIBG3IUxG9e-7w/s1600/DSC_0430-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckFEP7mY6_RNf5yPaTDCqUp_QFugj6KGEugv0K8sYDWiZBVCE2K8mVjsgWDyfu-z8qILngg-RH5_JDqGSWVTa4VXShyp8sHiZ_p7O1ICG-oFue9ep8nmqFOMiWqcYeoIBG3IUxG9e-7w/s400/DSC_0430-1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cherry trees were under the netting. I've never seen such beautiful cherries.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2EJFNyOkNL40ViZZ21hiIJi56txHRzVND91d06gc-F7RL18KshhSU4_JSVcHHHxCreDhX7fcWvzOSebMVPLmDgmNp6LbgRxRvD-ZFKrTxswKzjFDP-dP-rjfTn0ZOZiOY9CAC_ersgs/s1600/DSC_0435-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2EJFNyOkNL40ViZZ21hiIJi56txHRzVND91d06gc-F7RL18KshhSU4_JSVcHHHxCreDhX7fcWvzOSebMVPLmDgmNp6LbgRxRvD-ZFKrTxswKzjFDP-dP-rjfTn0ZOZiOY9CAC_ersgs/s400/DSC_0435-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful strawberries too</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97Ruk_2TLmwVZmIRQv8pMG6mG9U08u8vuPEJ2AlO1XbMxCkNa7lQppoqvxozOEl7JJyrDtThNDoVEaKzDnVpaXnp2131v6q7qY1Gy7LHxowBFCMwjKLAIdwT_nj1iFJ2YSRQNTYXmMqA/s1600/DSC_0456-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97Ruk_2TLmwVZmIRQv8pMG6mG9U08u8vuPEJ2AlO1XbMxCkNa7lQppoqvxozOEl7JJyrDtThNDoVEaKzDnVpaXnp2131v6q7qY1Gy7LHxowBFCMwjKLAIdwT_nj1iFJ2YSRQNTYXmMqA/s400/DSC_0456-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It will take at least a week to eat all we picked. The kids (and I) had a hard time not over-picking because it was so fun!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.garsons.co.uk/Esher/PickYourOwn/">here</a> for Garsons website<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">[You're Invited! If you enjoyed this post, please consider following me: www.HappyHomemakerUK.blogspot.com ]</div><br />XO<br />Laura

Garsons Farm - Pick Your Own

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK Last weekend we went to Garsons Farm. Spanning over 100 acres, we were able to pick our own fruits and vegetabl...

12:10 AM

Not Your Typical Move, Part II

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">First, I want to say thank you for all the comments I've gotten on my posts. It encourages me to keep writing and I love hearing from you!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, I am sitting in my kitchen, drinking a cup of tea while my kids sleep in. Love that! So here we go with my story worth writing...</div><br />[The Move]<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So our container arrived an hour before the movers. The container guy was not so pleased, but fortunately I took my mother-in-law's advice and had tea and biscuits out and ready for the movers. That seemed to please him.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Once the movers came, they had trouble getting the container unlocked, but were successful after a half hour. The crew of two were able to unload our boxes and furniture in two days while taking many many breaks for tea (I did all the unpacking). All of this was relatively uneventful.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOKJdtpHsvj_lZp08pulQ495Di5hcymao5DpH9dSN3J_cAJ-zjSmRA1Ji1OCJrTkYneQugDR9SdjkeMRj7RQ9xPk2iA_YVFxLkhQ1dGvALbxkJCp_tcFJNhqd_n23-R2fZcIZ05Ny8SU/s1600/DSC_0399-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOKJdtpHsvj_lZp08pulQ495Di5hcymao5DpH9dSN3J_cAJ-zjSmRA1Ji1OCJrTkYneQugDR9SdjkeMRj7RQ9xPk2iA_YVFxLkhQ1dGvALbxkJCp_tcFJNhqd_n23-R2fZcIZ05Ny8SU/s400/DSC_0399-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilson Gets Cozy In Linen Pile</td></tr></tbody></table><br />[The Movers!]<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Okay, but here's the unusual part. So what would you have done? Turns out the movers lived 4 hours away and were with a traveling moving company. They move people all over the UK, so they sleep in their moving truck. My neighbor said she would offer them a spare room if she had one. So, yikes! Am I supposed to offer mine?! So now the movers are sleeping in the room next door? Awkward! I don't remember seeing the protocol in my London guide book on this one.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We did not offer our spare room - just too creepy. But they did use the 'loo' and the shower. They didn't have a smaller car to drive in, so we brought them dinner and the cigarettes they asked for. They seemed mildly grateful for my hospitality (fed them 3 meals), but I got the feeling I'd done less than most. Needless to say, we didn't tip them.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Good news is we got everything in perfect condition and a colorful story to tell throughout the years!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>XO<br />Laura

Not Your Typical Move, Part II

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK First, I want to say thank you for all the comments I've gotten on my posts. It encourages me to keep writi...

12:16 AM

Art attack

Firstly I wanted to thank everyone for your get-well wishes - you guys are so sweet. I'm feeling much better today, and I'm sure those couple of lazy days doing absolutely nothing have helped no end. So while I've quite enjoyed kicking back, watching dvds and catching up on reading, I do find it quite frustrating not to be working on my cabinet makeover - especially when it's sitting right in front of me! That's been set aside for when I can muster the energy, so in the meantime my thoughts have turned to painting.<br /><br />When it comes to my art, I probably have enough ideas to last a lifetime. This week has been great for giving me time to plan, refocus and potter around my studio - I've cleaned and tidied my desk (which was no mean feat!), finished a couple of orders, and started to pull together some bits and pieces for my next piece. I've also organised to frame this work my youngest daughter did at school recently:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0Ztj9vsnj6UhX45cV8qe-rHQQSgvf-fZPe3kxhaWFg67IFeSloUMU5uKMXMpnbBp5b4vMtvYBy7Qxg3xmxX4n40irCfTcSpqpDpRnQ_Zow3bR17TlTMREf93lq6RB8SDxLSlPKnoBss/s1600/DSC03497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0Ztj9vsnj6UhX45cV8qe-rHQQSgvf-fZPe3kxhaWFg67IFeSloUMU5uKMXMpnbBp5b4vMtvYBy7Qxg3xmxX4n40irCfTcSpqpDpRnQ_Zow3bR17TlTMREf93lq6RB8SDxLSlPKnoBss/s400/DSC03497.JPG" width="393" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I love it, and the fact that she designed the whole thing herself is pretty impressive I think. Once it's framed, I'll hang it in my studio, alongside some other masterpieces by my older two.<br /><br />Right, now that I've spent most of this post bragging, I'll show you a few of the things I'll be using in some of my own works. I'm always on the lookout for really diverse bits and pieces, and my plan is to incorporate them into some mixed-media works that will soon be for sale. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimidcuTiUHvopfutHrqHM8PmPO7rDR0zLjmem-ZKNlOoL7gprkPHU0QFInus0hsGWVEr5NmkllyTWqymE5eM5cJN-tVdwnqsirwmVVh-WAC4PY34K5oLa6KQbAdTFINfLfMxtEUfH43YU/s1600/DSC03516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimidcuTiUHvopfutHrqHM8PmPO7rDR0zLjmem-ZKNlOoL7gprkPHU0QFInus0hsGWVEr5NmkllyTWqymE5eM5cJN-tVdwnqsirwmVVh-WAC4PY34K5oLa6KQbAdTFINfLfMxtEUfH43YU/s400/DSC03516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Japanese paper, wood blocks, hand-made parchment, jute twine...mmm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YawkRitqodqSiiOhHVSY4hcfSjDPuCraqAtJOE5AE-DMIAj3mwssTNt4CYwi-dmoDKYMYZSam2tJNGzcaw-cMcqdOVhPVOgL98QwKb8XK82dcfkma3U4LcxrMS3GlR4bqFrohT7Ql5M/s1600/DSC03498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YawkRitqodqSiiOhHVSY4hcfSjDPuCraqAtJOE5AE-DMIAj3mwssTNt4CYwi-dmoDKYMYZSam2tJNGzcaw-cMcqdOVhPVOgL98QwKb8XK82dcfkma3U4LcxrMS3GlR4bqFrohT7Ql5M/s400/DSC03498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm really keen to get started, so I'll catch you all soon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

Art attack

Firstly I wanted to thank everyone for your get-well wishes - you guys are so sweet. I'm feeling much better today, and I'm sure tho...

7:13 PM

Not Your Typical Move, Part I

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br />[PRELUDE TO A MOVE]<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We had prepared for almost a year for our move abroad, yet it still didn't seem like enough time. Many details needed to be taken care of at the last minute, such as utilities in the US and in the UK.  As my also-moving-to-UK-friend stated, 'It is a tsunami of details'.Well said, girlfriend! Thank goodness for the internet and faxes, for those international phone calls would have cost a fortune.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Our last day in the US involved me with my home phone on one ear (I was on hold), talking on the cell phone on the other ear, and working the computer at the same time. Meanwhile, my husband was doing the same thing next to me. It was madness. I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and it was the perfect 'I Love Lucy' episode. And with teary eyes, we said goodbye to the US and our beloved friends.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And so the local movers packed us up in 2 1/2 days and put everything in a big container like you see on the back of a semi truck. The container was then put on a train to go to port in Houston, Texas to be shipped to our new house in the UK. And magically it appeared on our doorstep last week, almost exactly a month later : )</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjJ3XPyth08tu1WIVnPC5ChJSQa2H3dJATnnqD6GFpu4VLD2tZ_omPMIp8MdI9RnKBOopwsv0f7FcS005o_-poLcq3QSOJA-rIPV475WcBvd4OchUH-grdwMu0AzhDIfjnLHR1XpkhOw/s1600/DSC_0388-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjJ3XPyth08tu1WIVnPC5ChJSQa2H3dJATnnqD6GFpu4VLD2tZ_omPMIp8MdI9RnKBOopwsv0f7FcS005o_-poLcq3QSOJA-rIPV475WcBvd4OchUH-grdwMu0AzhDIfjnLHR1XpkhOw/s400/DSC_0388-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">First sneak peek of our block! Londoners call our area 'leafy'. I like that. It was the first day of rain the whole week, but I didn't mind. I was so excited to get 'situated'. Will write more tomorrow...</div><br />XO<br />Laura

Not Your Typical Move, Part I

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK [PRELUDE TO A MOVE] We had prepared for almost a year for our move abroad, yet it still didn't seem like en...

3:42 AM

HOME DECOR: MOLDINGS AND MILLWORK - FROM ORDINARY TO EXTRAORDINARY

Breaking out of the TRACT HOME look ...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Decorating a room doesn't have to be intimidating if you break it up into stages.  <br /><br /><br /><br />Good design consists of layers; the first of which begins at the walls, windows, ceilings and floors of a room.   Why settle for builders grade selections when you can add the touches that create interest, beauty and character in a room?  Why have boring walls and uninteresting windows and extremely ordinary ceilings and floors, when with a little imagination, you can have something LESS ORDINARY?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">CROWN MOLDING AND BASE MOLDING</span></div>Must haves are improvements in the base moldings, door and window casings.   Adding crown molding finishes a room, draws your eye up and raises your ceilings - not literally, but it makes it feel that way.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa3jWd4CcolyuHi_ts9O4wcYovh-MUqMGdO0cQnur4G0kxBlyBSXjx9Bu6NZONHvpdntANrzBb9SVWF1UMgANN9FpVeePdnLcpm6QiUsylk-1_54QAkic1G9z_EIF3QSS5vj5mWMkhXs/s1600/custom-trim-moldings-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa3jWd4CcolyuHi_ts9O4wcYovh-MUqMGdO0cQnur4G0kxBlyBSXjx9Bu6NZONHvpdntANrzBb9SVWF1UMgANN9FpVeePdnLcpm6QiUsylk-1_54QAkic1G9z_EIF3QSS5vj5mWMkhXs/s400/custom-trim-moldings-full.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Higher ceilings can handle fatter moldings - but <span style="font-size: large;">never less than 4"</span> for a custom look</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-1xs5BacStTKOz3MxBaa2QObytuzS4W7c0wLSymSu5SzAXTiworW-FzKFmIp4DsCqhwajHqnK4TP3SlziFt-zan7GohUB5OvKq6vrbPsGpU0Qz6rT9e0J29z-D5fBYtXjye6vlbytbLe/s1600/Berry%2520Res_%2520013%2520(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-1xs5BacStTKOz3MxBaa2QObytuzS4W7c0wLSymSu5SzAXTiworW-FzKFmIp4DsCqhwajHqnK4TP3SlziFt-zan7GohUB5OvKq6vrbPsGpU0Qz6rT9e0J29z-D5fBYtXjye6vlbytbLe/s400/Berry%2520Res_%2520013%2520(Small).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because of the angle involved, crown moldings are more complicated than base and casings.  But most handymen, and handy husbands are equal to the task.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Contemporary as well as traditional design aesthetic has more character with added crown and base moldings, window and door casings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5wbI2V-0OSwEdzuxR_9KspAtVs7ko_fR_rTIFfFBuw6yrNnCiBQyjU_-QNYw9EbPsJY6EI6FrEgU1Z6DB32Y7HtW9pbqRFEd0YIx5d9WJfttyDpK90ggljN3y1JXniK8Cb94Zw1hRJAJ/s1600/hallway%2520istock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5wbI2V-0OSwEdzuxR_9KspAtVs7ko_fR_rTIFfFBuw6yrNnCiBQyjU_-QNYw9EbPsJY6EI6FrEgU1Z6DB32Y7HtW9pbqRFEd0YIx5d9WJfttyDpK90ggljN3y1JXniK8Cb94Zw1hRJAJ/s400/hallway%2520istock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kAAOTQHsZdn6CKP71iB50EbEzQOV6cSWVa2hdxJ3qCx9UfoXyPb6_k7-drJpOkaGo1DHVTwntcLyDs6kFp7KiYl4TNLRCFf1x0BCPHvI2d4HzxW0OwITEaIjlXncFMs5_jV9iLp6tOC7/s1600/Berry%2520Res_%2520027%2520(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kAAOTQHsZdn6CKP71iB50EbEzQOV6cSWVa2hdxJ3qCx9UfoXyPb6_k7-drJpOkaGo1DHVTwntcLyDs6kFp7KiYl4TNLRCFf1x0BCPHvI2d4HzxW0OwITEaIjlXncFMs5_jV9iLp6tOC7/s400/Berry%2520Res_%2520027%2520(Small).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">WINDOW AND DOOR CASINGS</span></div><br /><br />Builders standard door casings are 3".  Pump them up a bit with wider casings and chunkier baseboards along with your crown moldings for a room with some charm and character.  You can make a door or opening into another room look very special with the use of a little more in the way of trim and moldings, but at the very least, frame those bare windows, add sills if they are absent, and widen the door casings.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzH2-5Bxxtijiutyu7k1VcPKTu57BlBoUqDy0Gm_xNa0DCK3md0NDI7rmGM1snkeI876zVdbFgJvWpEeCj3cRRj-Yyh_TqftInK6Pd-3vE1HerB87CgDAgXUPZc6s4bp7FaHk0pbkW392/s1600/hm7_10%2520054%2520(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzH2-5Bxxtijiutyu7k1VcPKTu57BlBoUqDy0Gm_xNa0DCK3md0NDI7rmGM1snkeI876zVdbFgJvWpEeCj3cRRj-Yyh_TqftInK6Pd-3vE1HerB87CgDAgXUPZc6s4bp7FaHk0pbkW392/s400/hm7_10%2520054%2520(Small).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">mitred casing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0V7ZYivgxAHawB_7eIl5uu23Wm-c0EZHh2XHE2mvqa8kRUYJlmQ0Hgu-Masy41j0Zn87F-0ejGwmSBH7LB6qeFG68ZDbTJ0HO5SoewaavZHMD0QUI4w5LrVE57H-3T-rfcXMA34rSXow/s1600/beadboardpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0V7ZYivgxAHawB_7eIl5uu23Wm-c0EZHh2XHE2mvqa8kRUYJlmQ0Hgu-Masy41j0Zn87F-0ejGwmSBH7LB6qeFG68ZDbTJ0HO5SoewaavZHMD0QUI4w5LrVE57H-3T-rfcXMA34rSXow/s400/beadboardpaper.jpg" width="367" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">combined with custom sill</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xZVfsBNxGAc8sdOyy6w9FLdxRQ9K6puw8SpdWwPh_pg_UCATnA-MweDxAG1QjAEKJeV32g-U1XP45TrrfawhN0gdc0UrT06cIKyColmS-_IFc5UqvL86TtshT36R1b6sEM2xRa4cnuiL/s1600/door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xZVfsBNxGAc8sdOyy6w9FLdxRQ9K6puw8SpdWwPh_pg_UCATnA-MweDxAG1QjAEKJeV32g-U1XP45TrrfawhN0gdc0UrT06cIKyColmS-_IFc5UqvL86TtshT36R1b6sEM2xRa4cnuiL/s400/door.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCKbythUyfCM2mXgJO14gXNUca20iMvi7NOaBbTBQWDJens6ysO_Wgunm6h1es9oRCBFQ1vevvrWW-Fsf3hyphenhyphen9tP3K_r1Sc4MM_nJS1K-yani3xzMhb-RZO6RPrZmhZZq4NZZFv_vGTTIx/s1600/creamy+neutrals+midcentury+modern+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCKbythUyfCM2mXgJO14gXNUca20iMvi7NOaBbTBQWDJens6ysO_Wgunm6h1es9oRCBFQ1vevvrWW-Fsf3hyphenhyphen9tP3K_r1Sc4MM_nJS1K-yani3xzMhb-RZO6RPrZmhZZq4NZZFv_vGTTIx/s400/creamy+neutrals+midcentury+modern+living+room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">non mitred casing with corner medalions</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmyAgYoDV6jfZd60pNd_R7M5Er6tjaO8ee7MqjZATIy9z0LToVSoX_Ji4j_Tzbt_3-95fIP1DJof3dqzDVkcVAFa4R6CGtVv4oUhT6hXjy4NJfbaYjdwzVgj728PvsKXk3SU-Fw-x_9fz/s1600/fluted.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmyAgYoDV6jfZd60pNd_R7M5Er6tjaO8ee7MqjZATIy9z0LToVSoX_Ji4j_Tzbt_3-95fIP1DJof3dqzDVkcVAFa4R6CGtVv4oUhT6hXjy4NJfbaYjdwzVgj728PvsKXk3SU-Fw-x_9fz/s400/fluted.bmp" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fluted casings make a</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItcPhETr1t6c-hVUyASDzKwTKZWPeD2nGfEtq2uDlnd7smZBUZxgMSewc0N0lbxBdOmtjtlWxOerLm1WfjT3kbzISX-90qsTLFOOldsnJWydQjE4mkcY7tNwKB-IIRs0BEJVgwobZ-621/s1600/4016070247_89e1600b5d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItcPhETr1t6c-hVUyASDzKwTKZWPeD2nGfEtq2uDlnd7smZBUZxgMSewc0N0lbxBdOmtjtlWxOerLm1WfjT3kbzISX-90qsTLFOOldsnJWydQjE4mkcY7tNwKB-IIRs0BEJVgwobZ-621/s400/4016070247_89e1600b5d_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">big statement in a contemporary room</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ1hn4mgFGXguMvedxyBfwTJz2FBfUzEHyhtmHP833Y0iYkcs-D9jofOLz_J99ONi8CV1fTN0DABgp7vDXl-SoxRvxzXnPqfO2mc6m8kTt7YMMYGE-vNSIp8glMhaazotkzU1G-zFU0T_/s1600/bs+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ1hn4mgFGXguMvedxyBfwTJz2FBfUzEHyhtmHP833Y0iYkcs-D9jofOLz_J99ONi8CV1fTN0DABgp7vDXl-SoxRvxzXnPqfO2mc6m8kTt7YMMYGE-vNSIp8glMhaazotkzU1G-zFU0T_/s400/bs+15.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Btbz7Otf2QXmTcuMHPRNHDsBY2PoJTkj5BYKk7EaM3FaZwGwe1Jr-3Ysh2xZMhPTWQcYNOCJL-qdlWr4C8n5XHI3RVUw36gNjLM4GL8RRo0VKAfHcJ2WDIUTHFN860Qa4NsC9rPNiscl/s1600/long+narrow+room+_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Btbz7Otf2QXmTcuMHPRNHDsBY2PoJTkj5BYKk7EaM3FaZwGwe1Jr-3Ysh2xZMhPTWQcYNOCJL-qdlWr4C8n5XHI3RVUw36gNjLM4GL8RRo0VKAfHcJ2WDIUTHFN860Qa4NsC9rPNiscl/s400/long+narrow+room+_2.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This narrow room's focal point is its beautifully finished windows</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">WALL OPENINGS AND TRANSITIONS</span></div><br /><br />An opening into another room allows you to add a little millwork to that otherwise boring hole in the wall. You are only limited by your imagination. A good designer or woodworker can help you put something beautiful together, but here are some examples.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnYJK1tTStwrqsa0lSvHkMgA2h8XQRY4uzb2BiPXpNGDTYRl35FqSnnGxmb7hRJ-wTnp7i0cbbesMyquUBbm8ICSbsEvPXOWk0j-ZqiwnH2LUcXV-0witv0J1hamDCsPgWoetWT6Q3TXE/s1600/IMG_3824%2520(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnYJK1tTStwrqsa0lSvHkMgA2h8XQRY4uzb2BiPXpNGDTYRl35FqSnnGxmb7hRJ-wTnp7i0cbbesMyquUBbm8ICSbsEvPXOWk0j-ZqiwnH2LUcXV-0witv0J1hamDCsPgWoetWT6Q3TXE/s400/IMG_3824%2520(Small).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3W8PWuq4QxzFC88O8w6YggxgH0FdZkTb3bfZzpamDb9rkFvoal71GTCanNXKZ6BQtdk9lMR70uu8h3Fpy7DpO536VFpz80XHYmfx4hwO9Yhf0j7gNzUJt73ISRHRyc57j511VF6Au2aS3/s1600/spec_img-trans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3W8PWuq4QxzFC88O8w6YggxgH0FdZkTb3bfZzpamDb9rkFvoal71GTCanNXKZ6BQtdk9lMR70uu8h3Fpy7DpO536VFpz80XHYmfx4hwO9Yhf0j7gNzUJt73ISRHRyc57j511VF6Au2aS3/s320/spec_img-trans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fxb49fEtUw9cRUzTi-4dTXLf7H0kNQAlf2wKiisRJ6XNYYsHgz4T8OK_gVFRZNijORB6qtBNCNgtghwy2vl448l53sQKEs3mH0rU4PRfcgOCixsnBhrN_hc4j69WZTzl0mXB_1EylAED/s1600/Berry%2520Res_%2520042%2520(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fxb49fEtUw9cRUzTi-4dTXLf7H0kNQAlf2wKiisRJ6XNYYsHgz4T8OK_gVFRZNijORB6qtBNCNgtghwy2vl448l53sQKEs3mH0rU4PRfcgOCixsnBhrN_hc4j69WZTzl0mXB_1EylAED/s400/Berry%2520Res_%2520042%2520(Small).jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkMvXTqj6v6H-lkFlUG3iYbo5RMoVNXy1rANy8ofZAdA2xCxplzb_QuBlIEux23X7nyfH5SRl25ZHTa4WzMhX0mBqFdN0dAziP-NVB8OSJbUykPqst2ZFRpmtc_Kqo0FJUjhGNwxGBxeU/s1600/PhotoA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkMvXTqj6v6H-lkFlUG3iYbo5RMoVNXy1rANy8ofZAdA2xCxplzb_QuBlIEux23X7nyfH5SRl25ZHTa4WzMhX0mBqFdN0dAziP-NVB8OSJbUykPqst2ZFRpmtc_Kqo0FJUjhGNwxGBxeU/s400/PhotoA.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">WALLS</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">FROM BORING TO BEAUTIFUL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Covering up a boring, pebble textured, painted wall with some wonderful woodwork is one of my favorite things to do.  I love the application of a high wainscote done in beadboard or board and batten - not just for that beachy cottage or a kids room anymore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMJaHqVXkIw1PbGMNCW8UR21F9f-iEiAvsgyq5QaSCOXD90ir6VKLC5DXmtGvIP4AFhc_Tya6zpB02oFPky5wOuShpS7lu1FQVL7bCtoQbgowdq03uOtJytGpDQCsn3jGvp30xQPmNLM/s1600/4b975cb9633a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMJaHqVXkIw1PbGMNCW8UR21F9f-iEiAvsgyq5QaSCOXD90ir6VKLC5DXmtGvIP4AFhc_Tya6zpB02oFPky5wOuShpS7lu1FQVL7bCtoQbgowdq03uOtJytGpDQCsn3jGvp30xQPmNLM/s400/4b975cb9633a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SK013VYB_gSN6s7dCq-UEu5lx9s_VW36PcixAw1HF0jfrhibjsDOWIxZYjKKmgXlx5aTterVyxLTLkfWP9yn_WkXfL9R93tjaIQQ0QKUzlCkTo0cpuuFFhFUvA8CNU7k8lTwmmW25Bu4/s1600/PhotoF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SK013VYB_gSN6s7dCq-UEu5lx9s_VW36PcixAw1HF0jfrhibjsDOWIxZYjKKmgXlx5aTterVyxLTLkfWP9yn_WkXfL9R93tjaIQQ0QKUzlCkTo0cpuuFFhFUvA8CNU7k8lTwmmW25Bu4/s400/PhotoF.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some examples of traditional wainscoting.  Faux panels are created with narrow picture frame molding for a more formal look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9NO4inB-B6vzZMEVgV_3DqXhwfRA1TlrzM-N3f-8KKVv-WsVgasYWFQSHfXjJWUicrdgusa7PSP0ddoRykLxvnpFYiWq-cN4AyCdShfLNwFt-tb2tWOmAb8KmjNZl10zG8pVhZ-gPKU/s1600/12345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9NO4inB-B6vzZMEVgV_3DqXhwfRA1TlrzM-N3f-8KKVv-WsVgasYWFQSHfXjJWUicrdgusa7PSP0ddoRykLxvnpFYiWq-cN4AyCdShfLNwFt-tb2tWOmAb8KmjNZl10zG8pVhZ-gPKU/s400/12345.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvrikaZt5YkuBoyfORzyyKYAIPdTmGY_DHnlifbcLr8XGkyTn1CzZDxTOGqd4ZzLfhE9Pbg9NRur8qtG3py8gjotf6VTjlQHug8Y1HF_qaoHhVj-3JSRm_81buoioqseAi3d75GBfLSY/s1600/250185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvrikaZt5YkuBoyfORzyyKYAIPdTmGY_DHnlifbcLr8XGkyTn1CzZDxTOGqd4ZzLfhE9Pbg9NRur8qtG3py8gjotf6VTjlQHug8Y1HF_qaoHhVj-3JSRm_81buoioqseAi3d75GBfLSY/s400/250185.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the way it wraps around this window.  Looks nice up a staircase, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijX52MIVN-t8AYIMm0HIGGIyxcmSqvsjX1OCRxdGl1L4uIQUVtmkKoKL4oR2NFvJ3CAUY9sYYgsmXtQTBWNbfTtEjzG7SLMRF3cHorUsCq3pH4URY97-sTxS5d31j_l7pJB-9OgToQXVOr/s1600/staircase1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijX52MIVN-t8AYIMm0HIGGIyxcmSqvsjX1OCRxdGl1L4uIQUVtmkKoKL4oR2NFvJ3CAUY9sYYgsmXtQTBWNbfTtEjzG7SLMRF3cHorUsCq3pH4URY97-sTxS5d31j_l7pJB-9OgToQXVOr/s640/staircase1.jpg" width="443" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The board and batten treatment works well in a variety of applications and has recently grown up, as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3UopKmVpos0yf7n07j8gv83ZXfahR3tlTqUjgjbRTgq99_U3uig-MYUCqGUyIaazWRDHRzDdVkIkLF-Cs5SkmHO6RooFEaqV2fbi9HD-j_nsQE51PswN2YPBVrZqWaETw-CXb2t7DXiZ/s1600/PhotoD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3UopKmVpos0yf7n07j8gv83ZXfahR3tlTqUjgjbRTgq99_U3uig-MYUCqGUyIaazWRDHRzDdVkIkLF-Cs5SkmHO6RooFEaqV2fbi9HD-j_nsQE51PswN2YPBVrZqWaETw-CXb2t7DXiZ/s400/PhotoD.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-YCbgXdxi6iALJwolyf35p3OGbrpTklubUW8HhpoyNjW-Op5aEiyVIOcAcbKaReKGAJz9M_eMlf_gKXX0GJmQySRSe-fxEx-BVqKSD373aAKC3k21JHfraN4dmSwW4WwLizqWcXDat0/s1600/board&batten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-YCbgXdxi6iALJwolyf35p3OGbrpTklubUW8HhpoyNjW-Op5aEiyVIOcAcbKaReKGAJz9M_eMlf_gKXX0GJmQySRSe-fxEx-BVqKSD373aAKC3k21JHfraN4dmSwW4WwLizqWcXDat0/s640/board&batten.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little closer look at the treatment</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyy8EzlziiUwy3_lVvL08JUME41_M7sKiASO54K795K6HMOdT-kcJRg2ycWTHzRcBdx2tD0c-Tu7nohKsgri1Z-dMurm5-VnBy2AXU8o-lXEl6z0ZzIdLrflbU0b8vtCOnJKaSfrrN48W/s1600/Picture+6.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyy8EzlziiUwy3_lVvL08JUME41_M7sKiASO54K795K6HMOdT-kcJRg2ycWTHzRcBdx2tD0c-Tu7nohKsgri1Z-dMurm5-VnBy2AXU8o-lXEl6z0ZzIdLrflbU0b8vtCOnJKaSfrrN48W/s400/Picture+6.bmp" width="396" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love how this board and batten treatment looks elegant in this room and keeps the deep chocolate from overpowering the design.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2pb8Pt0N7UopEvg8eNrqngNOEjWtctMoVPhOvtAvE4bbzycr9_osk1BSX80V5quL3CvJlCA5Yh_KJ3HxSz9_fykl86ns1zBySLqDdZCI4Tbs2OVdaaTKxvm4Ft4o-fFOk_hTy47zvOgB/s1600/james+mich+howard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2pb8Pt0N7UopEvg8eNrqngNOEjWtctMoVPhOvtAvE4bbzycr9_osk1BSX80V5quL3CvJlCA5Yh_KJ3HxSz9_fykl86ns1zBySLqDdZCI4Tbs2OVdaaTKxvm4Ft4o-fFOk_hTy47zvOgB/s400/james+mich+howard.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Board and batten adds great interest to this stair wall in 'squares'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><strong>PANELS AND PANELLING</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmGo5yvAfOiXXJ6mgi80vjMl8q4z_npgDS0Z2m1WsUNNej6t9H8R5zcLc1YPy2QMYlD8qpfDVxwwoz0ioA97joc9UcGzTIlCwtv_GqwAwj3wMZlsPdUCHlQ6rN3KCNxSOomW5bCwlUBFw/s1600/msl_0904_yellows_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmGo5yvAfOiXXJ6mgi80vjMl8q4z_npgDS0Z2m1WsUNNej6t9H8R5zcLc1YPy2QMYlD8qpfDVxwwoz0ioA97joc9UcGzTIlCwtv_GqwAwj3wMZlsPdUCHlQ6rN3KCNxSOomW5bCwlUBFw/s400/msl_0904_yellows_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yellows and golds make me happy.  But that isn't why I chose this photo.  These traditional panels are perfect for framing art, and are especially effective with the color treatment inside the panel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHV_fFwuAWpGLRbzzogHe4-npK6CCRVIxEmGqkj0PzmrwUnIdlVG6CIVm4Itt9CAshLzpuyHf-nythSHZYXNcI0lNJD_F2Dj5f8NWiQ7mC9fam7o6h1eHCh3TiYeokvtSmcs8k5pSfy-I/s1600/PhotoC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHV_fFwuAWpGLRbzzogHe4-npK6CCRVIxEmGqkj0PzmrwUnIdlVG6CIVm4Itt9CAshLzpuyHf-nythSHZYXNcI0lNJD_F2Dj5f8NWiQ7mC9fam7o6h1eHCh3TiYeokvtSmcs8k5pSfy-I/s400/PhotoC.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the height of these panels and the textural interest it adds to this wall</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifjshrqU0nQZGLZFgX1vjbo4VD7bpBjUghP1LbjQ2-flkgkBYtgm2-XSNLfAJmIlxIH1jEjO4GZZgskAkrH1Cc5mFvF8F9PqlC113e15T78LCnp96jJ6qtCeGY4tDw8YqbGq11DtepzFF/s1600/Soft+gray-green+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifjshrqU0nQZGLZFgX1vjbo4VD7bpBjUghP1LbjQ2-flkgkBYtgm2-XSNLfAJmIlxIH1jEjO4GZZgskAkrH1Cc5mFvF8F9PqlC113e15T78LCnp96jJ6qtCeGY4tDw8YqbGq11DtepzFF/s320/Soft+gray-green+living+room.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These panels are painted out in one color, but you still see the dimension of the panels and it still adds subtle visua linterest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcOmTZ9I85Hrwv3qFAoENFd2gEQtOgoKrdZHol6EhK_8R66j-dIzECdBlLMhEl9WZ8AX56FPiImLXx_u_eOyhgyqXvlenchsHgQ5i0UrwVHyoiMEFipyAtmFKZstTl_gaDY0s1NRni7r3/s1600/1234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcOmTZ9I85Hrwv3qFAoENFd2gEQtOgoKrdZHol6EhK_8R66j-dIzECdBlLMhEl9WZ8AX56FPiImLXx_u_eOyhgyqXvlenchsHgQ5i0UrwVHyoiMEFipyAtmFKZstTl_gaDY0s1NRni7r3/s400/1234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's another treatment with reverse painted effect - the molding darker than the wall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMKW94VJxYOg7WTAdTmf6HLy1Sah7n025ur9NSUG7cztv5DRp1PBtNLR8v7Vm8RvvDHYgcVAW8M3wd4g7ys24bVg3PqKhzjUZm-b7WXpTk4-YsBnMKz7edORAVTVN3-yIX_hV1XY8U9Mv/s1600/whole+wall+wainscote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMKW94VJxYOg7WTAdTmf6HLy1Sah7n025ur9NSUG7cztv5DRp1PBtNLR8v7Vm8RvvDHYgcVAW8M3wd4g7ys24bVg3PqKhzjUZm-b7WXpTk4-YsBnMKz7edORAVTVN3-yIX_hV1XY8U9Mv/s400/whole+wall+wainscote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love love love this wall. It looks amazing.  The whole wall becomes a piece of art.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg88TkLnhjnFhpkXTvQusoDObtkRJ44TJwpBtJFljlKzZAdJJaqSvPAA0ES9rD4V3EEr0vDYGpxs4pDnGwJkda0UvXWcL0Dj2z64uIuEM4jrSf7LUzxNMLFJiaAjKXszoA1dPcLksegLhu/s1600/Elegant+white+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg88TkLnhjnFhpkXTvQusoDObtkRJ44TJwpBtJFljlKzZAdJJaqSvPAA0ES9rD4V3EEr0vDYGpxs4pDnGwJkda0UvXWcL0Dj2z64uIuEM4jrSf7LUzxNMLFJiaAjKXszoA1dPcLksegLhu/s400/Elegant+white+living+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is another subtle painted version, with a detailed dentil molding at crown of the room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAljxgprHT2o1BHybQHIRt_I0r6N2lM_Vzg-MQMScMSq6zvcFbDiMh2zeRyu6SFgI-UEZ5AqzGJNI9rgyqbzjHQDqur9AeLQ5_4HqUY6A69RZ-YuLgmbuPCmlSNhnDavOuhKv_4VYXL33/s1600/Nate+Berkus%27s+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAljxgprHT2o1BHybQHIRt_I0r6N2lM_Vzg-MQMScMSq6zvcFbDiMh2zeRyu6SFgI-UEZ5AqzGJNI9rgyqbzjHQDqur9AeLQ5_4HqUY6A69RZ-YuLgmbuPCmlSNhnDavOuhKv_4VYXL33/s400/Nate+Berkus%27s+living+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYbTDR_wR7NzMMz2PtQbU2GWFFN7o06rZYQ_nVNxE9jwNgs9jHptNmkF4LxU8hdBqV56mtNwj4877YLvQgn0gGyaNirSImqvTg5HPQd79arOMMDz05T-ao2VVHUg8qtKVpD5NtCgkLyQV/s1600/PhotoI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYbTDR_wR7NzMMz2PtQbU2GWFFN7o06rZYQ_nVNxE9jwNgs9jHptNmkF4LxU8hdBqV56mtNwj4877YLvQgn0gGyaNirSImqvTg5HPQd79arOMMDz05T-ao2VVHUg8qtKVpD5NtCgkLyQV/s320/PhotoI.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Panels topped with a ledge form a substantial headboard.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eqAYCuTxZX4GdCiDO6LVDDrYJsqrqdOEqHVqOiIpKpQJxtegwiRvD-AFqHHpej2jCJkIRCWcE6sWnfr9TirN-6-CiP5n4ELm5uZJ6QzbNUoUiCCv-Ra-L6Nsscm_yesD8NGZOavJ-QPU/s1600/aaagambrel-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eqAYCuTxZX4GdCiDO6LVDDrYJsqrqdOEqHVqOiIpKpQJxtegwiRvD-AFqHHpej2jCJkIRCWcE6sWnfr9TirN-6-CiP5n4ELm5uZJ6QzbNUoUiCCv-Ra-L6Nsscm_yesD8NGZOavJ-QPU/s400/aaagambrel-1.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the wide plank panelling in this very traditional room</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keeps it from taking itself too seriously!</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or, Turned sideways ..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dFk1hkz0__Q6AWIoij3Du7gve-gr12RPSZakrXIe-f37Brr6H5J4MudC2mJeJZNj6RQAUGhEy10KZTTAcZc2ZFNmSlSkACu1J5G_kfyJRevz0CgQnUI5UtqP2HwDYLC0MCA2Drlzp7xT/s1600/bathsink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dFk1hkz0__Q6AWIoij3Du7gve-gr12RPSZakrXIe-f37Brr6H5J4MudC2mJeJZNj6RQAUGhEy10KZTTAcZc2ZFNmSlSkACu1J5G_kfyJRevz0CgQnUI5UtqP2HwDYLC0MCA2Drlzp7xT/s200/bathsink.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8P0vZKMv3ZA9uD18sIvHiq9d1iDoUfo1YvWeyQLBUBs7m_2gBQz-xEeGMSqeta6UNhYgCg8Z_37tlvcJRT6Grlo2rJE9klAfk6XzXGUWBLi6B1GsTCpDZoEukM5mNf-JJsrDS0DXoj_g/s1600/ceiling+tiles+donkee+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8P0vZKMv3ZA9uD18sIvHiq9d1iDoUfo1YvWeyQLBUBs7m_2gBQz-xEeGMSqeta6UNhYgCg8Z_37tlvcJRT6Grlo2rJE9klAfk6XzXGUWBLi6B1GsTCpDZoEukM5mNf-JJsrDS0DXoj_g/s320/ceiling+tiles+donkee+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see, it lends itself to a variety of decorating styles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><strong>BUILT-INS</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If your room is a little lacking in architectural interest and you could use more storage - and who can't - consider a beautiful built-in cabinet, bookshelf or cupboard on that blank wall - tailor made to your needs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this child's room, much needed storage is created by building out around a window, and then placing the bed in the alcove created by the build-out of the two closets.  It looks charming and cozy and no kid could resist sleeping in that alcove!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNn6gaU5dvLEs-7E_yggJrp9RQROeBuNodIPydtEod9OBgQppDrVYNxkjmPeHmCm0fPu2HDicRctOzDKFmUH_MoBp5OUHHyOWo4iv_DynTWJTuFFOWlxzPmRmfpw4lRAWCrm0Y4kJbEc/s1600/82b81cc4e53d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNn6gaU5dvLEs-7E_yggJrp9RQROeBuNodIPydtEod9OBgQppDrVYNxkjmPeHmCm0fPu2HDicRctOzDKFmUH_MoBp5OUHHyOWo4iv_DynTWJTuFFOWlxzPmRmfpw4lRAWCrm0Y4kJbEc/s400/82b81cc4e53d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Built in bookcases are a natural choice to flank a fireplace and creates a great focal wall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsie3NBeoR-VHeyHUr9f9HVKqTHKMg0z4wKrbrjtNo8BxMrU3uf7d2K-d9A_pw9DITlgoa_uI95xyCz_F34eqC4_avil0bbcjrzgHdnyzGIsd_LtURB6Gn-DrOSGV-Hp7H4Ap65Rwlwc/s1600/alloftheabove.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsie3NBeoR-VHeyHUr9f9HVKqTHKMg0z4wKrbrjtNo8BxMrU3uf7d2K-d9A_pw9DITlgoa_uI95xyCz_F34eqC4_avil0bbcjrzgHdnyzGIsd_LtURB6Gn-DrOSGV-Hp7H4Ap65Rwlwc/s400/alloftheabove.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bookshelves - an upcoming project for my house -  can really be added to any room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofG8owunf7eiOgW9vi8QsCKFVxsORPxU0BZbGu48I8ttpLbZlBiZxby4nY4KDWgL508JXeAUwwKQj8slUyi54mKbwZERVSYc0qTHIHKVPBn_ZD0heb4i-Vc2r8UCsy97XTHaVVvfeMPY/s1600/bedroom+builtin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofG8owunf7eiOgW9vi8QsCKFVxsORPxU0BZbGu48I8ttpLbZlBiZxby4nY4KDWgL508JXeAUwwKQj8slUyi54mKbwZERVSYc0qTHIHKVPBn_ZD0heb4i-Vc2r8UCsy97XTHaVVvfeMPY/s400/bedroom+builtin.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adding cabinets or bookshelves around a window is a great excuse for a window seat</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD9Hcy6wX7zqjCRc96wo-ptYE8Q8DV4RVMTrae1hxb5tKMRFekw_67d3TbJajBdaO-c6XCDbFl3Gh2GXd0rGcveAwx1N3CQLAWKQMXLGaVVHPHw3lxzWjSVegxYrd1qaInpTVtj8_5JAA/s1600/windowseat2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD9Hcy6wX7zqjCRc96wo-ptYE8Q8DV4RVMTrae1hxb5tKMRFekw_67d3TbJajBdaO-c6XCDbFl3Gh2GXd0rGcveAwx1N3CQLAWKQMXLGaVVHPHw3lxzWjSVegxYrd1qaInpTVtj8_5JAA/s400/windowseat2.bmp" width="313" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Q_TJ7gV3axfJHN_eewnTxTNu6TKBBC2uWPwao4yhAT54Ix13sDzGz03INVqNkgUhdKZEpreWvbOMfyuX5c7NTlef3S-x3313YMr_Wpy0CKtI81H2_R0b1sMS9BFeWEKSqQi9GVkc3Ro/s1600/Built-in-Cabinetry-Detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Q_TJ7gV3axfJHN_eewnTxTNu6TKBBC2uWPwao4yhAT54Ix13sDzGz03INVqNkgUhdKZEpreWvbOMfyuX5c7NTlef3S-x3313YMr_Wpy0CKtI81H2_R0b1sMS9BFeWEKSqQi9GVkc3Ro/s400/Built-in-Cabinetry-Detail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are filling a wall with bookshelves, think about leaving a space for your desk, flat screen tv, or seating area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOjScn972QLpglKdwDbKReR859Ivqryn_RAeKsY81pdxMSLreJoo4Yk3QudpWiGhJwi7UFlZJ42DVhRqAL7Jd70Bj88gvuzFkCuaEOXgcMmkgSOU2omS2XbNI45xmTgaxDF7ABXj_swM/s1600/besty+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOjScn972QLpglKdwDbKReR859Ivqryn_RAeKsY81pdxMSLreJoo4Yk3QudpWiGhJwi7UFlZJ42DVhRqAL7Jd70Bj88gvuzFkCuaEOXgcMmkgSOU2omS2XbNI45xmTgaxDF7ABXj_swM/s400/besty+display.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These shelves were specifically made to showcase a collection</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkG51NVdXexkLpApYPVL4w_G59Fr5g1dGXWR3c9gcXXEHQXYoErSAf1RKRTMT5X_Qz5LJ0NHqa7rVx7L_VA6qYWVAs_q27V8dhuet6q-lt1pWzYBokNsuVuCixmezLpt6ScF4hi8IsRo/s1600/bk+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkG51NVdXexkLpApYPVL4w_G59Fr5g1dGXWR3c9gcXXEHQXYoErSAf1RKRTMT5X_Qz5LJ0NHqa7rVx7L_VA6qYWVAs_q27V8dhuet6q-lt1pWzYBokNsuVuCixmezLpt6ScF4hi8IsRo/s400/bk+4.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8bSRkfgT_wtW5tWWNn6sazIZmO9FWwXTextblpKTDVCK7k8-HFlBLSlFO3sF5jae_idCw3F1rLdabZ0Gn_KLX_v8k0OLz_OHjii8Isv8zul4dhWs1qi7SX0rCN3WwalX320Lh1sV8No/s1600/builtins.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8bSRkfgT_wtW5tWWNn6sazIZmO9FWwXTextblpKTDVCK7k8-HFlBLSlFO3sF5jae_idCw3F1rLdabZ0Gn_KLX_v8k0OLz_OHjii8Isv8zul4dhWs1qi7SX0rCN3WwalX320Lh1sV8No/s400/builtins.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keep in mind the style and character of your home and decor and make sure your shelves add to and enhance your decor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Built-ins add character and value to your home, no matter the size</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy44kMAcEmP1s-LztXJadquaYk42MgrKsJPHb6hxL6aUx4SACN5idzOPVNPda2n8dOQP9EQ1Qw2-pnSHEhiiL9gsMjJBjJ1HlfqCQ7jbh4Pf7blztkPjF4zWRzPdtHV1tslFQMI1yJowI/s1600/c+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy44kMAcEmP1s-LztXJadquaYk42MgrKsJPHb6hxL6aUx4SACN5idzOPVNPda2n8dOQP9EQ1Qw2-pnSHEhiiL9gsMjJBjJ1HlfqCQ7jbh4Pf7blztkPjF4zWRzPdtHV1tslFQMI1yJowI/s400/c+3.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I do envy this storage area - and anyone who has room for it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSE0z9tla3Eagd72EyR9SasE-mShsNBdGcYgPUYz92PPbbp2nO2aWl9SuGURjFGC0XrH3y7mVoIr_9PkahhT9LMY0AYcq7wCahWSaqQApqhcGXB0WbA13kuoBKXUrF_m2PHE-niDxEeY/s1600/cabinets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSE0z9tla3Eagd72EyR9SasE-mShsNBdGcYgPUYz92PPbbp2nO2aWl9SuGURjFGC0XrH3y7mVoIr_9PkahhT9LMY0AYcq7wCahWSaqQApqhcGXB0WbA13kuoBKXUrF_m2PHE-niDxEeY/s320/cabinets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't be afraid to go bold if your room can handle it.  Not a built-in, but large enough to be, I chose this photo to show the contrast of color and the weight it adds to that side of the room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymBwAWMos0J9DH4C1WHZGCbEw7iulJaL1gZZWZyM-hKDA0ZQydHtUkhh41gmNjScJ3On4dzNnelst0e0xiAnYpV8KX_Zc_9qAiRe1er1rUIyfST81Maf7c1c23BKt2X_iidZOLxB8d28/s1600/etc+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymBwAWMos0J9DH4C1WHZGCbEw7iulJaL1gZZWZyM-hKDA0ZQydHtUkhh41gmNjScJ3On4dzNnelst0e0xiAnYpV8KX_Zc_9qAiRe1er1rUIyfST81Maf7c1c23BKt2X_iidZOLxB8d28/s400/etc+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just imagine it in your own color - (so glad they told me this was 'red')</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZOwBZjF90sq0a-Y8VbrGfAzSq9GWKTBuyBPJ_JvgVI7ThnrcSfsxzh-wwzOR0Bl0sJrPAf5J6QQv3gSQWQ9o7UKXoeCqzzwkrsbR89cKsuN135KEbFFm1ce8R4VlXuAB9cjzG3Z6QJZ1/s1600/hgtv-red-room-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZOwBZjF90sq0a-Y8VbrGfAzSq9GWKTBuyBPJ_JvgVI7ThnrcSfsxzh-wwzOR0Bl0sJrPAf5J6QQv3gSQWQ9o7UKXoeCqzzwkrsbR89cKsuN135KEbFFm1ce8R4VlXuAB9cjzG3Z6QJZ1/s320/hgtv-red-room-m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2qE9CdTC-3ZFKjjiegkZUth7Kbn-Y35Q_RAiYG8bahPKOq33vuRtKLkaKZm8VlpPUwWuUwb5qWubx8GILW4-13_8_vLEesiPKrkK9jK_tc9V0KU8Ow9qHllKY4SUr1_TKCmqYVMiDy5M/s1600/IMG_3796%2520(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2qE9CdTC-3ZFKjjiegkZUth7Kbn-Y35Q_RAiYG8bahPKOq33vuRtKLkaKZm8VlpPUwWuUwb5qWubx8GILW4-13_8_vLEesiPKrkK9jK_tc9V0KU8Ow9qHllKY4SUr1_TKCmqYVMiDy5M/s400/IMG_3796%2520(Small).jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The built-in china cabinet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">below is a nice touch for this large kitchen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02nCKZFg1kc6p4BZDez8Xuehy3W8NITFvbAdGV_oYYgynfV-iQAQXGOUjRwDG2xJz8TdKX0WhN3WcVxQuu8mvy32RKYLfhvsUqx80sdHk69igvOZK2LGotVk7j2yLdgttYvg4L_uNjNjt/s1600/k2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02nCKZFg1kc6p4BZDez8Xuehy3W8NITFvbAdGV_oYYgynfV-iQAQXGOUjRwDG2xJz8TdKX0WhN3WcVxQuu8mvy32RKYLfhvsUqx80sdHk69igvOZK2LGotVk7j2yLdgttYvg4L_uNjNjt/s400/k2.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have actually always dreamed of having a stone wall - maybe in  my master bedroom, behind the headboard.  It works well in this kitchen - adds a rustic old-world feel.  Definitely no 'tract home' feel here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwROaUEiyXjQXfYBCXGUzxbWR4LS7KTceTtjQjn0XMMen50_bm0gbAPgFTZd3yq7jDb5xaL7m-hVQyjRwxQbae3sf7ckYonKiwyfWn8noU9vpH8K3U2aThi-KpfPhs5FYJOtAB2lLZDry/s1600/fireplacewall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwROaUEiyXjQXfYBCXGUzxbWR4LS7KTceTtjQjn0XMMen50_bm0gbAPgFTZd3yq7jDb5xaL7m-hVQyjRwxQbae3sf7ckYonKiwyfWn8noU9vpH8K3U2aThi-KpfPhs5FYJOtAB2lLZDry/s400/fireplacewall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The curved brick/stone veneer on this fireplace is a yummy combination with the bookcases in high contrast on either side.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjFpdleGTF7fcszFcPhDuIdqMD-Z7lIK2C7QTh7ERMdrAdZ7yylVFaS_EB90Y0fl12hwcpyvlAmVQQ_3QddawAesyrUrBtEqADezgd5k8Jx1YVS2X2kbkvKhJvNy6WAhPnGzwduoRIG63/s1600/modern+dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjFpdleGTF7fcszFcPhDuIdqMD-Z7lIK2C7QTh7ERMdrAdZ7yylVFaS_EB90Y0fl12hwcpyvlAmVQQ_3QddawAesyrUrBtEqADezgd5k8Jx1YVS2X2kbkvKhJvNy6WAhPnGzwduoRIG63/s400/modern+dining+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I liked this contemporary treatment as well, boxes on the wall in place of shelves, but with the same effect and appeal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EteOmqm3WXgx7CPBwqjwHo6ftWOVd7JecHhJjMcng1qQfV-ntSTUA3Y4lb8L7pEQjavWWru4KiC5BevGjuV5VzibAKZOn2Oc5DkUm_7rm8lRaTXd9Gsk2SDXp8yN7eguo8AeyrOLTInj/s1600/sandra+lindsay+design+bookcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EteOmqm3WXgx7CPBwqjwHo6ftWOVd7JecHhJjMcng1qQfV-ntSTUA3Y4lb8L7pEQjavWWru4KiC5BevGjuV5VzibAKZOn2Oc5DkUm_7rm8lRaTXd9Gsk2SDXp8yN7eguo8AeyrOLTInj/s400/sandra+lindsay+design+bookcase.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm a fan of the 'square' openings in this unit - great for books as well as spotlighting an object or collection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUQpzEbTXh5HXWq6Z9Y7KYDH9h0r2DyoGIUkeIixWS2Z-gpgQmoxB9npBVFX3SGuTZY8Vlopgox6ysh3vJULCzp5vR1Sxb_pu0GxvE6KNp-P-0-YtzwDjJdWg3UW2vgRzE-UEHfSQBee1/s1600/SKMBT_C451+08091609181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUQpzEbTXh5HXWq6Z9Y7KYDH9h0r2DyoGIUkeIixWS2Z-gpgQmoxB9npBVFX3SGuTZY8Vlopgox6ysh3vJULCzp5vR1Sxb_pu0GxvE6KNp-P-0-YtzwDjJdWg3UW2vgRzE-UEHfSQBee1/s400/SKMBT_C451+08091609181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to give you a heads up here - white washed wood surfaces are back and are the next big trend.  For a current look, think 'weathered' and 'driftwood' - I love the color of this gray cabinet above...   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQHaQTSInHuFgBxXu4NHOBHa1mPVorLYTmocnhu8eLVHRQLFjkoQ1M7KEA7cmUYx24lMMtzNC5VOtiefkhuroByBRciJCwFmW0CxgztgaWsgg76R-rfzZB-XVj7s65kYOUxHY8zCeY7Ad/s1600/1_thumb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQHaQTSInHuFgBxXu4NHOBHa1mPVorLYTmocnhu8eLVHRQLFjkoQ1M7KEA7cmUYx24lMMtzNC5VOtiefkhuroByBRciJCwFmW0CxgztgaWsgg76R-rfzZB-XVj7s65kYOUxHY8zCeY7Ad/s400/1_thumb1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRUsZY-LYpg-_G5j6aYKR-YgO2GqkStq4dyPLb1CJHOEE0KCHmSBR5PwXvZ_ogQwvzPXL_sG-upLlt96FAfiAkGD7iJJ6125jLhWoLcX2B9dh-pI6RwDnD6i2s_TBVPGzQPLkPzIB-_6v/s1600/1-storageorganizing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRUsZY-LYpg-_G5j6aYKR-YgO2GqkStq4dyPLb1CJHOEE0KCHmSBR5PwXvZ_ogQwvzPXL_sG-upLlt96FAfiAkGD7iJJ6125jLhWoLcX2B9dh-pI6RwDnD6i2s_TBVPGzQPLkPzIB-_6v/s400/1-storageorganizing.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm going to need one of these ladders for the bookcases I have planned for my vaulted ceilings...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFE3lgfiA_Th1HISP-Y014NKPJzDmWI8uKJ1QXAlb4SIcVknUzuOXjabgsJU3TaYFuy_dRv_4SVMZDHhXNduyJGoZizeNK3Kk342rtK3t7TPOitI9MqIcodWuaVq_gNILn5x5rUDFKLT0/s1600/18349d38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFE3lgfiA_Th1HISP-Y014NKPJzDmWI8uKJ1QXAlb4SIcVknUzuOXjabgsJU3TaYFuy_dRv_4SVMZDHhXNduyJGoZizeNK3Kk342rtK3t7TPOitI9MqIcodWuaVq_gNILn5x5rUDFKLT0/s640/18349d38.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The soft blue background of this bookcase makes everything in it look beautiful</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbqaw7kA7nAqKTxkusL2vnuVzSfjniGswohvApbdRA0y7ZfyuTxscLjtl36_Z57B3AbGfQaVzqzWj9GFQ7rzi1TVh3coNNvDdtKaUmsKCOR5o8dI0vdvTLhy-jFQr0MbxrdC-ERHyNimT/s1600/bookshelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbqaw7kA7nAqKTxkusL2vnuVzSfjniGswohvApbdRA0y7ZfyuTxscLjtl36_Z57B3AbGfQaVzqzWj9GFQ7rzi1TVh3coNNvDdtKaUmsKCOR5o8dI0vdvTLhy-jFQr0MbxrdC-ERHyNimT/s400/bookshelves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have always loved bookcases that surround a window or doorway</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3fLOSJyeXa23VwEQD3JJ3RPbRDCriEATBjVt4SrkghscMPCsXM2tpgdt6QuEhcY-nd0BfyyNDdXfUo2KleqkNHmQzrzM4uJ294aot2XxIfgnNgfO5-72V6yItieU1PpQd2svCVtOIa5V/s1600/mudroom-after1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3fLOSJyeXa23VwEQD3JJ3RPbRDCriEATBjVt4SrkghscMPCsXM2tpgdt6QuEhcY-nd0BfyyNDdXfUo2KleqkNHmQzrzM4uJ294aot2XxIfgnNgfO5-72V6yItieU1PpQd2svCVtOIa5V/s640/mudroom-after1.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and who doesn't love a place for shoes and backpacks???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><strong>FLOORS AND CEILINGS</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Floors are probably the area you need the least help in customizing.  But there are a few unique treatments worth looking at, besides carpeting, traditional wood and tile.</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANumC8DiJtbPC0HxFBDzGzecnptfd3GVnZodSx9JJSLT_U_Ilbd_Yg0ocN8izmQXSSp0FMTen5YOeSELKJGnuV0ByLbvSJyc_DnIviVSTW7sM8ljRjkt9j131xdJGmaIz3Qmb16tSJdaX/s1600/stripedfloor+manolohome.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANumC8DiJtbPC0HxFBDzGzecnptfd3GVnZodSx9JJSLT_U_Ilbd_Yg0ocN8izmQXSSp0FMTen5YOeSELKJGnuV0ByLbvSJyc_DnIviVSTW7sM8ljRjkt9j131xdJGmaIz3Qmb16tSJdaX/s400/stripedfloor+manolohome.bmp" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember the trend I told you about, here are floors with a weathered white wash done in stripes...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q9ygBl0c4sY7LCe3mTbkGJ9z-GFvcwXZSozb0tkFxP9c3IgchVII_S5WwGEwMlYTcv6YATDkD5JcXsaWxZDWWSGQKNJLWe5bsKyfqY53P74ShaKnExCdl4J3Dd1Cnq0_-fKb6El_VYEj/s1600/washedfloor.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q9ygBl0c4sY7LCe3mTbkGJ9z-GFvcwXZSozb0tkFxP9c3IgchVII_S5WwGEwMlYTcv6YATDkD5JcXsaWxZDWWSGQKNJLWe5bsKyfqY53P74ShaKnExCdl4J3Dd1Cnq0_-fKb6El_VYEj/s400/washedfloor.bmp" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Q3va4QT5bAjHYVd9jvrUh26zm2MGqRDrwmyxlFlokpYK2BIADUjmmmXg4KRBdeMRZVYAiYAjrRxkn0HB4pS7TCudnj1CdxtLF-cekBhP75_Vn0iyzp5vN4bYwyAUvtSIKmPsN8bw_Jbd/s1600/whitewashfloor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Q3va4QT5bAjHYVd9jvrUh26zm2MGqRDrwmyxlFlokpYK2BIADUjmmmXg4KRBdeMRZVYAiYAjrRxkn0HB4pS7TCudnj1CdxtLF-cekBhP75_Vn0iyzp5vN4bYwyAUvtSIKmPsN8bw_Jbd/s320/whitewashfloor2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">another white washed floor... a great way to avoid the cost of a new floor if your hardwood is looking a little tired.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQ9Kw6PvaP5U4vgmM5AbhXfgKzcwNJ4BcmGmeS79EKgmmICvqUraQVc6VxDX5ttRu5G9rwjb0ecyg6DK6LgqhQziF23KumF7YK3CObEIQyM9bhUetx47w3ZSSITbnzgz4xDdb9MEtxJ0-/s1600/whitewashceiling.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQ9Kw6PvaP5U4vgmM5AbhXfgKzcwNJ4BcmGmeS79EKgmmICvqUraQVc6VxDX5ttRu5G9rwjb0ecyg6DK6LgqhQziF23KumF7YK3CObEIQyM9bhUetx47w3ZSSITbnzgz4xDdb9MEtxJ0-/s400/whitewashceiling.bmp" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoPAZXdCvyhM4K2WzLmZN1Wj0WYNgEipBpbJuYBjDy226JDmtKxoPrmqRXd95nJ75LDn9zB30o8hlOnQcub_5Q6F2kQBdRTWa8UbGAVrNmMamnI9dtS6ILG9uimHq3VIAj7pt2rR5adAj/s1600/seagrass-rug-cotedetexas1-400x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoPAZXdCvyhM4K2WzLmZN1Wj0WYNgEipBpbJuYBjDy226JDmtKxoPrmqRXd95nJ75LDn9zB30o8hlOnQcub_5Q6F2kQBdRTWa8UbGAVrNmMamnI9dtS6ILG9uimHq3VIAj7pt2rR5adAj/s400/seagrass-rug-cotedetexas1-400x300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">from Cote de Texas blogsite</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another trend is sustainable flooring - like bamboo flooring or a fibre rug (jute, sisal, seagrass).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Note the whitewashed weathered ceiling beams - what do you think about this look?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKdiwAQI53g56903g1vhhJ-SwmSfTZ0Fi0K3LqKEKcGwREilPd3s5oi7zCcMNSn5Zx5WdkPy_gxyGuEX0nbYp0iwh-WQXuZksSUpsLX6-Rg5Z3J9wb1zGxcOhvEP-BshmeyFMtu0xvtE-/s1600/image94_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKdiwAQI53g56903g1vhhJ-SwmSfTZ0Fi0K3LqKEKcGwREilPd3s5oi7zCcMNSn5Zx5WdkPy_gxyGuEX0nbYp0iwh-WQXuZksSUpsLX6-Rg5Z3J9wb1zGxcOhvEP-BshmeyFMtu0xvtE-/s400/image94_thumb.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eco friendly seagrass floor coverings are also relatively inexpensive and stain resistant.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFPV41aqYV5aF8m7XA1DqvKAsMvQ4YG2woa0dhrS-krunxtcCgSsbsKJkUBM331cIMGmQnSte2smYihahykAtlVYI-ZPhTlnB0x72FsMwmryreiGgD2aWO6mkYHWcd96bVC5fQuEKomc0/s1600/whitewashfloor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFPV41aqYV5aF8m7XA1DqvKAsMvQ4YG2woa0dhrS-krunxtcCgSsbsKJkUBM331cIMGmQnSte2smYihahykAtlVYI-ZPhTlnB0x72FsMwmryreiGgD2aWO6mkYHWcd96bVC5fQuEKomc0/s320/whitewashfloor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For floors and furniture - expect to see lighter washed or reclaimed woods - (for example: Restoration Hardware's new line).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUp4N49VGyAeNczMCOkRnvPMElyWpJfUzv2leX5mP9ZXYbe2KNJWXEqVYEhkYk5qIvOG3Nd1Xwk_HBzf12vFXl6cI4lEwubdeA58eRzn9nUTXrhgUtksOdN1gKCx4TgFOsrGTtqoJDd17/s1600/wpf+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUp4N49VGyAeNczMCOkRnvPMElyWpJfUzv2leX5mP9ZXYbe2KNJWXEqVYEhkYk5qIvOG3Nd1Xwk_HBzf12vFXl6cI4lEwubdeA58eRzn9nUTXrhgUtksOdN1gKCx4TgFOsrGTtqoJDd17/s320/wpf+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This beautiful room has coffered ceilings - a beautiful treatment for high ceilings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1Y7v_HKpPS1Bd4Zh9wJw6zQiLIOn5c92G_ru7tMAQp_FfqqwTgJ7UkNkuDH2jNw0zY8M8pAo0vnoFGBg2r9kuUc8ovBlZsMAZ_lHmGj44KJwr2f5Wj9QIuwRcAvEQWvyaPsAT4mgPLVR/s1600/aquaandcream+southernliving.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1Y7v_HKpPS1Bd4Zh9wJw6zQiLIOn5c92G_ru7tMAQp_FfqqwTgJ7UkNkuDH2jNw0zY8M8pAo0vnoFGBg2r9kuUc8ovBlZsMAZ_lHmGj44KJwr2f5Wj9QIuwRcAvEQWvyaPsAT4mgPLVR/s400/aquaandcream+southernliving.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3myuM3io8uXxTMHNQw3w9PQRU5J7FvSVrv__3si0WKoEqfA3MlgpCl-nDn34G2FJPrV5wqTT8WKZ08lh9JXflY7yJlh5H-g9D9ljQuzJ4VbezuOiYH127xUKwWrzX0fL6aGpgSSamvtjK/s1600/Window+Seat-Colonial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3myuM3io8uXxTMHNQw3w9PQRU5J7FvSVrv__3si0WKoEqfA3MlgpCl-nDn34G2FJPrV5wqTT8WKZ08lh9JXflY7yJlh5H-g9D9ljQuzJ4VbezuOiYH127xUKwWrzX0fL6aGpgSSamvtjK/s400/Window+Seat-Colonial.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I could go on and on - from ceilings and floors to windows, like the one above that just makes this little window seat the most charming seat in the house - but....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">another day... another blog</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we'll talk about them later</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">I hope you are inspired to create some wonderful custom elements in your home.  Make it a beautiful place to be!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Best wishes,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">Claudine</span></em></div>

HOME DECOR: MOLDINGS AND MILLWORK - FROM ORDINARY TO EXTRAORDINARY

Breaking out of the TRACT HOME look ... Decorating a room doesn't have to be intimidating if you break it up into stages. Good design c...

8:23 PM