Thursday, August 28, 2008
Towel Holders-Towel Grabber

I think this towel holder is exceptionally clever. I'm not sure if you can make it out in the photo, but there's a clear plastic piece in the middle, shaped like an X. To use it, you just push the corner of the towel into the middle of the X, and it grabs onto it. What a really unusual way to hang your towels. And because it takes up almost no room, you can put it anywhere. In fact, it's got an adhesive back, so you could even hang it at the back of the tub if you wanted.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Towel Holders- Scrollwork

The main complaint I have against this towel holder is that it only holds three towels. It's very pretty, but I've got WAY more than three towels, and I'm not sure this would cut it in my house. Still, if it matches your decor, you can always use more than one on the wall.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Towel Holders- Flowers

I have a towel holder that's somewhat similar to this one, except mine is lacking the flowers, lattice section, and the other frou-frou. I love it. It holds stuff fairly close to the wall, so it fits in almost any spot where there might not otherwise be room. I definitely recommend them.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Towel Holders- Triangle Towel Holder

This adhesive back towel holder is triangle shaped, and the way it works is by sliding the corner of the towel down into it. It narrows, and catches the towel. You could hang it in the bathtub, or because of its size, anywhere else in the bathroom. I really like this style, and it's simple, but also a very elegant solution.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Alzheimer's Memory Walk
It's that time of year again to be thinking about joining the Alzheimer's Memory Walk. It's an important annual event whereby you can help raise money for Alzheimer's disease research by joining a Memory Walk near you. Also, if you are able, you should think about becoming a team captain to help out even more! It's typically a 2-3 mile walk, and they are held all over the nation, so it's easy to find and join one near you.
My grandma and grandpa had Alzheimer's disease. And the sad part is, that's not all that unique. Too many families have been affected by this disease, and we need to see some progress on it. And with a lot of the population growing older, this is going to be an issue that only becomes more and more important in the next few years. So working on a cure for it NOW is absolutely essential. Sure, this Memory Walk is a small step. That's the point. It's a small thing that almost everyone can do, and it provides support for the Alzheimer's Foundation to find treatments and possibly a cure.
For my grandparents, they had always been very independent, and they came to live with us because it was no longer safe for them. We even rearranged the furniture so they would be less likely to injure themselves, or wander off. My grandpa was convinced that the local golf course was his farm, and he would walk out the door without telling anyone, go into a neighbors backyard to access the course, and look for his cows. I mean, on the surface, it sound a little funny. This man going to the golf course to look for his cows. But it was anything buy funny, and it was especially scary for a young girl to watch her grandparents mind's break. So, obviously, this is an important event to me.
My grandma and grandpa had Alzheimer's disease. And the sad part is, that's not all that unique. Too many families have been affected by this disease, and we need to see some progress on it. And with a lot of the population growing older, this is going to be an issue that only becomes more and more important in the next few years. So working on a cure for it NOW is absolutely essential. Sure, this Memory Walk is a small step. That's the point. It's a small thing that almost everyone can do, and it provides support for the Alzheimer's Foundation to find treatments and possibly a cure.
For my grandparents, they had always been very independent, and they came to live with us because it was no longer safe for them. We even rearranged the furniture so they would be less likely to injure themselves, or wander off. My grandpa was convinced that the local golf course was his farm, and he would walk out the door without telling anyone, go into a neighbors backyard to access the course, and look for his cows. I mean, on the surface, it sound a little funny. This man going to the golf course to look for his cows. But it was anything buy funny, and it was especially scary for a young girl to watch her grandparents mind's break. So, obviously, this is an important event to me.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Window Hardware- Black Holdbacks

These black holdbacks are simple, but really useful. I've got some tortoise shell ones myself. I got mine before holdbacks caught on in popularity, and I'm still a fan. I think they give less of an uptight look that happens when you use a large decorative rope to tie the curtains back. They have more of that old, craftsman style that's so beautiful.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Window Hardware- Scroll Curtain Rod

This drapery hardware comes in several different sizes, so make sure to get the right one for your windows.
This isn't my favorite. It just looks like it's trying too hard to be cute, and not succeeding quite well enough. It's not ugly by any means, but I don't think it's as whimsical as they intended for it to be.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Window Hardware- Snakeskin Acorn

Yes, I realize that's a weird title, but what would you call this type of drapery hardware? It looks like an acorn that is covered in snakeskin!
You're the only one that can decide whether this works for your home, but ultimately, it's a little too weird for me. If you've got a very masculine room with lots of dark leather and sleek surfaces, I'd consider it though.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Window Hardware- Square Drapery Rod

This square drapery rod is interesting, although ultimately, I'm not a fan. The reason why is simple. It looks a little too much like you pulled the copper caps on your deck posts off, brought them inside, and reused them as drapery hardware. Not good. I do like that you can get the entire set, including all the holdbacks and everything, though.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Window Hardware- Stone Curtain Rod

This stone curtain rod is really pretty, and it would probably work the best in a location such as the kitchen or bathroom. If you have stone tiles on your walls or floor that match this, this is a good way to tie in that look a little higher up. It would also work well throughout the rest of the house, tying in the kitchen or bathroom with the living room and other rooms.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Home Decor Fabrics
I am a big believer in doing your own home decorating. After all, nobody knows your style as well as you do. And I think it's very important to update your home decor fairly often. Pick some basic pieces that look great, and customize it with elements that don't cost quite as much. For example, splurge a little more on something like the sofa, but get it in a neutral color. Then, throw out the pillows that came with it, and make your own. Add your own curtains and drapery hardware, make your own lampshades, etc. The look will be completely unique to you, but it won't cost an arm and a leg either.
But where should you get the fabric? More and more, it seems like fabric stores aren't focused on fabric, but crafts and candleholders. And furniture stores charge a lot for their fabric. I remember when my mom had some pillows made, it cost $40 per yard for some rather standard upholstery material. I have worked at two different fabric stores over three separate times, and so it's something I'm very familiar with. So I know what I'm talking about when I say that it's hard to find the perfect fabric. Even when you know exactly what you want, there's a very good chance that the fabric stores will not carry it. Despite that vast looking selection of fabrics, you'd be surprised at how many more fabrics they do not carry, and how the choices become rather limited if you're looking at a specific color or type of fabric. So even if you know the exact Waverly fabric you want, good luck finding it. And even when you do, you're likely to pay a lot because they have things such as overhead that figure into their price.
I found a store online that has an incredible range of fabrics. Their Waverly fabric selection is tremendous. And these are some of the best and most popular choices for things such as Window Treatments such as drapes, valances, and swags. It's a perfect place to find a fabric for your latest home decorating project, and because it's online, the prices are a bit lower since there isn't any overhead to worry about. I saw a black and white Waverly toile print for a very good price.
But where should you get the fabric? More and more, it seems like fabric stores aren't focused on fabric, but crafts and candleholders. And furniture stores charge a lot for their fabric. I remember when my mom had some pillows made, it cost $40 per yard for some rather standard upholstery material. I have worked at two different fabric stores over three separate times, and so it's something I'm very familiar with. So I know what I'm talking about when I say that it's hard to find the perfect fabric. Even when you know exactly what you want, there's a very good chance that the fabric stores will not carry it. Despite that vast looking selection of fabrics, you'd be surprised at how many more fabrics they do not carry, and how the choices become rather limited if you're looking at a specific color or type of fabric. So even if you know the exact Waverly fabric you want, good luck finding it. And even when you do, you're likely to pay a lot because they have things such as overhead that figure into their price.
I found a store online that has an incredible range of fabrics. Their Waverly fabric selection is tremendous. And these are some of the best and most popular choices for things such as Window Treatments such as drapes, valances, and swags. It's a perfect place to find a fabric for your latest home decorating project, and because it's online, the prices are a bit lower since there isn't any overhead to worry about. I saw a black and white Waverly toile print for a very good price.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Curtains- Spring Green

I love these bright, spring green curtains. I think the look would typically be used in a juvenile's room, but it shouldn't be limited to there. Have fun with your decor, and if this matches, go for it. It will give your living room a really trendy look, and if the rest of your decor is done in an upscale manner, you don't have to worry about it looking like Hannah Montana was your interior decorator.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Curtains- Gunmetal Beaded

Now it's time for the unusual choice. Why not use a beaded curtain instead of your normal curtains. They let light through, but block it somewhat. They also send a lot of shimmer across the room and really play with the light. It's an interesting idea that I don't think has been explored nearly enough.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Curtains- Chocolate and White

These brown and white curtains give the room a classy look, but I'd be careful with how much brown you have in the room. I'd definitely recommend against having any sort of brown paint. This is almost the only time I'd say that white paint would be appropriate on the walls.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Curtains- Black and White

These black and white curtains are fairly simple, but very pretty. I like the contrast between the white and black, and I can see this becoming a huge trend in the next few years. It's very subtle, and would look nice in a shabby chic style interior.


