Archive for March, 2006

Home Therapy: Fast, Easy, Affordable Makeovers

March 28, 2006

Home Therapy: Fast, Easy, Affordable Makeovers, Lauri Ward

Ward is the doyenne of one day makeovers and this book is an inspirational compilation of case studies from a wide range of clientele. Whether you are downsizing, shifting from renting to owning, making the most of temporary quarters, merging households with another or creating a specific home environment, there is something here to look at. Neatly laid out with each scenario including background and challenges, diagnosis and remedy, and follow up commentary, Ward provides detailed solutions and floorplan sketches to implement immediately. So much of design requires a fresh view, and professional expertise without breaking the bank is always welcome.

As You Like It

March 21, 2006

Do you have a useless niche, a room without a reason, an available closet? Transform it into a space with a purpose! No, of course, it doesn’t have to fit anyone else’s definition of useful, only yours, but let’s consider some fresh ideas . . .

Conversation Station: Finding yourself constantly on the phone but tired of using a cell phone or an ear piece? What about having a good old retro rotary dial or even just a normal sized cordless but in a designated niche just for calling? You can create a calling corner, as it were, beneath the stairs or even in a closet that isn’t storing useful goods. Consider adding a small desk complete with your choice of desk accessories, and I mean the good stuff. Go find a divine desk blotter, an old fashioned address book, a card holder, and even an in box and outbox. It is a mini conversation station and a great way to renew the art of correspondence and keeping in touch.

Tis Better To Give and Give Beautifully: Whenever I have a gift to take I am always running about madly searching for the last bit of wrapping paper, tape, and scissors two minutes before I am to be out the door. How much nicer it would be to have a dedicated space stocked with creative wrapping elements and the room to use them. So consider devising your own gift niche. Even when going to a party and taking a bottle of wine, the presentation counts and so does originality and effort. Sure you can use one of those gift bags, but why not dress it up, personalize it with charms, sequins, notes and more all available at the local party supply store. If you regularly attend baby and bridal showers, anniversary celebrations, birthdays, and corporate shindigs, presents with all the trimmings really make a statement.

Zen for Better Balance: I actually know a couple of clients that have meditation rooms on their wish list, and what a great idea! A space of quiet and calm designed solely to wind down and synthesize the pressures of every day into positive energies for every life. It can include a chaise or day bed, or even just long floor cushions, an étagère with space for soothing elements of inspiration including crystals, and scented candles. A mirror to witness your transformation, and a source of relaxing sounds or music are essential. Think of this as creating a way station for better balance and re-energizing.

Of course there are other rooms, niches, and nooks you can create; it depends on what you want. So take a good look around – is your house missing the haven you most want? Make it happen!

The Dark Side of the Light Chasers

March 19, 2006

The Dark Side of the Light Chasers, Debbie Ford

This is a terrific internal look at some of our most challenging issues. Ford forces us to look at what we are hiding from ourselves or what we avoid looking at. She shows us how our “dark” side can actually bring us more into the light of our being. This is a truly enlightening guide at how we can reconcile the parts of ourselves we like least with our best sides, to become truly whole individuals. It is by acknowledging and respecting ourselves completely that we can find our path and release ourselves from patterns of self doubt and punishment. Ford is an easy read with compelling thoughts and positive outcome.

House Beautiful . . . More Beautiful Than Ever

March 15, 2006

House Beautiful has a new editor and a new look! More and larger pictures to view and inspire, and greater how to from top designers. They really have jumped on the band wagon on showing their subscribors the benefits of great design and how to acheive it with ease and even affordability.

They used to publish a lot of Great Grandfather, Frank Lloyd Wright’s, work. I have not so far had the privilege but do hope to in years to come. House Beautiful is one of the few publications that has truly an established history of style and been around for many years. I look forward to seeing even more changes. Check out House Beautiful here. MG

Magnolia, Not a Southern Flower . . . Best Buy

March 12, 2006

I had the priviledge to tour a Magnolia store recently here in Atlanta. Best Buy purchased this wholly owned subsidiary and is harnessing it to launch themselves into the custom home automation and high end home theatre arena. It was impressive.

I am generally one who zones out on the technology front as it is often explained in tech terms and language I can’t possibly understand, but this was different. Magnolia brought it down to a user friendly level and simplified to show us the ease of use and benefits automation could provide. Wow, I am not ready to have my home automated!

Of course it would have been more useful and cost effective if this was done upfront. Retrofitting can often cost upwards of 3x the cost of installing preconstruction. Builders really need to be climbing on board here. Best Buy can effectively partner and provide the technology and support to really boost bottom lines.

The exciting part was not just the Magnolia home theatre options, but the opportunities house wide from remote controls for thermostats and lighting in every room, to much more. They even had a system in the home office that enabled you to have two monitors operating off the same CPU and keyboard at the same time, enabling you to work more efficiently than having to switch windows continually.

I did find my favorite and only so far must have Magnolia home theatre. For a mere $140K I can have a star studded ceiling, leather recliners with cupholders, and a screen wide enough for any fantasy on film. I have to say I was smitten and until now, despite being a self proclaimed movie buff (with a record of 6 movies back to back in theatres, and 18 videos over two weeks at the holidays), I didn’t feel the burning desire for a home theatre, alas now I do! MG