Decorating With Very Peri, Pantone’s Color of the Year

Every year since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute announces its “Color of the Year.”  This year’s winner is called Very Peri. I’m definitely a fan of this year’s choice, as it is a pretty blue hue with a violet undertone. But how do we decorate with the shade Very Peri? Before we decide how to incorporate this trending color, lets ask a question. What comes to mind when we think of this shade? The… Read more »


The DIY Monogram for Personalized Décor

Ancient Monograms

We sometimes think of monogramming as a southern thing, or a trendy way to identify personal belongings, but it actually has a long history. The earliest known monogram was found on 6th century B.C. Roman coins. They were marked with the ruler’s initials to authenticate and legitimize them. Throughout history, the monogram was a symbol of the powerful and the elite. From Greek and Roman history through the Victorian age, royalty, military leaders,… Read more »


Holiday Decorating to Awaken the Senses

Around the holidays, your home should feel warm and cozy, inviting and festive. To get the most out of holiday home decorating, the key factor is to stimulate the senses. When guests walk into your home, they should delight in a sensory overload of sights, smells and sounds of the season. Holiday accessories like wreaths, garland and festive family keepsakes should adorn the entry to welcome friends and family.  Decorate the heart of your home thoughtfully as… Read more »


Quick and Thrifty Fabric Valance

I needed a temporary valance in my mudroom since the existing one didn’t go with the rugs I had to purchase for my dog. We had to get runners for the mud room and kitchen because our dog Finnegan was slipping and falling all of the time. The new rugs, which would also be temporary, are grey with a busy pattern. I needed something simple for the window valance. Since it was all temporary, I… Read more »


The Drapery “Puddle”

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the term “puddling” in drapery lingo. It’s a funny term but it is a feature to be decided upon when getting custom drapery for your windows. Puddling is the result of the excess fabric length when lies on the floor. I ran across this question recently and I thought about what I would advise if I were consulting today.

When I last… Read more »


Festive Holiday Mantles

If you have a fireplace mantle it’s a wonderful thing. The fireplace will be the focal point in your room, and when the holidays are here, it can be one of the most festive displays in your home.

Every year I decorate my mantle a little differently, with the mainstays of garland and lights as my canvas. The fun accessories I have collected over the years get arranged across the length. Then, I’ll… Read more »