How To: Bring the World’s Most Romantic Color into the Home
Photo: bowerpowerblog.com
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the color red becomes more and more apparent in our homes. Red roses, red hearts on Valentine’s cards, and for true holiday enthusiasts, red-colored lights draped on a mantel or at the window.
Traditionally seen as the color of passion, red is also associated with power and assertiveness. Small wonder then that so many homeowners choose to surround themselves with the vibrant hue all year ’round.
“Red is an excellent color to use if you want to create an effect that is stimulating and invigorating,” says color consultant Doreen Richmond, whose blog ColorCherish.com investigates the use of color in interior design. “It is a color that makes you conscious and alert. In the home, it adds strength and warmth.”
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Ordering Custom Window Treatments Online
Fabric Roman Shades from Smith + Noble
One of the most exciting things about building a new house was seeing how much natural light we were going to get with our windows. They are huge, and there are lots of them.
In the late afternoon I often find myself realizing that I’ve not turned the lights on since early morning. But when it starts to get dark, and the need for privacy becomes apparent, my mind sees those huge, multiple units in an entirely different context—like, what was I thinking… do you know how much custom window treatments cost?
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How To: Make Tabletop Topiaries
Topiaries at The Gardens of Versailles. Photo: concierge.com
The sculpture of plants, or topiary, has been a gardening practice for centuries. The precise designs achieved through shaping and pruning can be found all over the world, from the gardens of Versailles to the Ladew Topiary Gardens in Maryland.
If your outdoor landscape doesn’t require the addition of such a formal element, or the practice seems intimidating, why not try making a tabletop topiary for your interior?
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Bob Vila Radio: Mirror Placement
If the end of the year is a time for reflection, don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed mirror to enhance your home in the new year.
Photo: domesticpeacock.com
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Bob Vila Radio: Lighting in Layers
One of the most important things to think about when you’re remodeling is lighting: It can make or break the room.
Photo: lumitex.com.au
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Hanging Mistletoe at Christmas
Mistletoe Kissing Ball. Photo: webclipart.about.com
After decking the halls and decorating the tree, there’s only one thing left to do—hang mistletoe.
By doing so, you are participating in a ritual that holds more than just romantic significance. In fact, mistletoe was once arranged in homes to welcome the New Year and ward off evil. And it was also hung on a baby’s cradle to protect it from fairies.
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A Brief History of Nutcrackers
These fancifully painted fellows herald the holiday season in grand style.
Assorted Traditional Nutcrackers. Photo: Christmas Spirit
Slideshow: Nutcrackers on Parade
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O, Christmas Tree—O, Variety
Photo: fallofjames.blogpost.com
Every year, I look forward to picking out the Christmas tree with my husband and daughters. He does the shaking and twirling, while we do the “Turn it this way, Dad!” and “Well, maybe if that spot goes in the back, it’ll be okay” part.
In years past when we lived in New York City (and had to carry the tree home to our apartment), we generally went to the closest tree stand in the neighborhood and picked from what was there. The tree species never mattered much.
Now that we have a car, there are more choices, and more things to consider. There are so many Christmas tree types—firs, pines, spruces and more. What’s the difference? Here’s a quick primer on a few of the major species sold in the US.
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Bob Vila Radio: Carpet Wrinkles
Wrinkles in wall-to-wall carpet don’t just look bad, they can be a tripping hazard. They’ll also wear out first, so they’ll really never go away unless you fix them.
Photo: thecarpetsurgeons.com
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Bob Vila Radio: Sofa Beds
Where would we be during the holidays without the sleeper sofa? Sofa beds of the past are notorious for being somewhat less than comfortable, but designs have improved.
Photo: furniturestrend.com
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