ROAD TRIP: STEPPING BACK IN TIME in La Conner, Washington

One of my favorite past-times is to just get in the car and go, with no plans, no direction, and only the anticipation of what the day may bring forth. One of my favorite discoveries during one of these spontaneous road trips was the little town of La Conner, Washington.

This old mill town, established during the Victorian era, sits quietly on a canal, with tree lined streets full of beautiful old houses that appear to have remained the same since their birth in the late 1800′s. I have always had a fascination with the Victorian time period, so naturally, being in this little time warped town had me frolicking around like a kid in a candy store.

La Conner has a population of around 1000, and the town itself only covers a span of about a mile. It is easy to park your car and see the entire town on foot within less than an hour. There are cafes and shops, and many quaint little restaurants on the canal.

Located West of I-5, about 40 minutes North of Seattle, the drive to La Conner is as gorgeous and scenic as it gets. In the Spring, you wind through miles of colorful tulip fields, and old farmhouses with authentic, rustic barns. In the fall, you see pumpkin patches, surrounded by orange and red leaves covering the tree-lined rolling hills.

One of my favorite discoveries in La Conner was a place called Nasty Jack’s Antiques. This little diamond in the rough is full of old collectibles, furniture, clothes, and magazines. Since I was already feeling like I had taken a time machine back to the Victorian era, I found it suitable to wander through many rooms full of Victorian items.

Far in the back, there was an old hutch full of old magazines, dating back to the 1800′s. “The Ladies Home Journal,” a popular women’s magazine (still today), was fascinating to flip through and read. Especially the advertisements for fashion and household products in the 1800′s.

I found and purchased old  ”Life” and “Family Circle” Magazines from each member of my family’s birth month and year. These magazines have been great conversation pieces at birthdays and have made great gifts.  Within them, there are ads for popular products and interiors. It amazes me how many of the fashion and interior design styles are back in full circle.

One little known fact about La Conner is that Tom Robbins, author of many award winning novels, including “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,”  which was later made into a movie, currently resides there. His house is distinctly different from all of the traditional Victorian homes. He re-faced an old San Francisco Palladian style Victorian into something more quirky and playful like himself.

A typical home in La Conner- beautiful Victorian.

Tom Robbin's Playful Exterior.

There are many reasons to see La Conner, Washington. These are just a few of my favorite memories there. If you ever get the itch to step back in time, this would be a great place to try. You will feel the overwhelming historical energy, as though you’ve been there before.

How I Was Inspired By a Simple Statement

 

Just like most people, I jot down my New Years Resolutions on New Year’s Day. However, I have found that for me personally, I tend to have a delayed start when it comes to moving forward with them. So, why, you ask, am I bringing this up? Because yesterday, my friends, is when I started mine. Just under two weeks late! It just took a little inspiration, is all.

This past Saturday, I decided to take a “me” day. I allowed myself to sleep in, watch old movies, and embrace the sheer invention of stretch-waisted pants. Taking a day like this can be challenging for me; I adore my job, so to step away from it for a few hours is a pursuit in itself. I read Kafka, ordered take-out, and gave myself a mud-mask facial.

In a moment of silence, it happened. I was inspired.  That spark of motivation. The sheer catalyst I have been waiting for to get moving on those goals of mine. I was scrolling through Pinterest, looking at “beautiful quotes” when I came across this image:

Just like that, I made up my mind. I want the “future me” to be grateful for a fit, healthy body. I am going to get in shape this year, and nothing can stop me! On Sunday afternoon, I laced up those running shoes that have been forgotten in the back of my closet, and hit the pavement.

It’s amazing how different your surroundings look when you allow yourself to be present. I live in the small waterfront town of Des Moines, Washington, on the outskirts of Seattle. It is a quaint little town with family-owned shops and restaurants overlooking a breathtaking view of the Puget Sound. While jogging the boardwalk, my total lack of being in shape was distracted by the rustic old houses, scenic beachfront, and crisp oceanic air. Rather than feeling like it was a chore, I embraced the moment and actually enjoyed it!  Instead of feeling exhausted, I was inspired to make this a way of life.

It amazes me that such a simple quote could have inspired me in such a way. There was just a profoundness to it that got me off of the sofa and out into the fresh air! The great motivation of this small quote brought me inspiration to look at other quotes, this time, by my favorite fashion icons.

Here are my Top Five Fashion Icon Quotes:

 ”Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, ‘I’m possible!’” – Audrey Hepburn

“We must never confuse elegance with snobbery.” -Yves Saint Laurent

“Success is achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.” – Coco Chanel

“Women often try to tame themselves as they get older, but the ones who look best are often a bit wilder.” -Miuccia Prada

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it is better to be absolutely ridiculous than to be absolutely boring.” -Marilyn Monroe

NOSTALGIC INTERIORS: A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST

When looking at old paintings and photographs, I often find myself looking past the person or subject in the photo, and into the background with hopes of getting a glimpse of what life was like during the time the picture was taken. More specifically, what people’s homes looked like.

I love how in old impressionistic paintings, interiors reminiscent of times past can be seen. I love looking through old black and white Victorian photographs that are candid and not staged. From old paintings to photos, our interiors leave lasting impressions, whether they are intentionally captured or not.

Here Are My Top 5 Authentic Interior Captures from the Past:

1. Jean Alaux.  ”Louis Vincent Palliere in His Room at the Villa Medici.” This painting is of the artist’s room, while staying at a hotel in the early 1800′s. In looking at this painting, you can see that there are many interior trends from that era that are still popular today. What a great example of timeless design.

2. Old Dormroom Photo, 1915. I found this old photograph of a dorm room to be fascinating. These three women figured out a way to capture their image in the mirror, while still being able to showcase their proudly decorated gem at Brown University.

3. 1930′s Kitchen. This beautiful photograph of Lucille Ball is reminiscent of the fully-tiled, frilly curtained kitchens of its time. Even this famous actress knew her gender-stereotyped place in the home during this era!

4. 1950′s Tupperware Party. Party on, ladies! This photo shows what the classic tupperware get-together looked like in action. In the background, you can see the lovely wall sconces that were oh-so-fashionable, and the natural stone fireplace look that had taken the nation by design storm.

5. 1980′s Family Dinner. This image may not mean anything to you, but when you look into the background, it most likely would if you lived in the 80′s. No, that is not a flat screen t.v. above the fireplace. Back in the “olden days,” framed art went above your mantle. The beautiful vertical plastic blinds paired with the brass chandelier screamed 80′s decor, if you ask me.

Blast from the Past: 80's Nostalgia!

Last night, a group of friends and I got on a Youtube kick, watching Stephanie Tanner from the hit 80's show "Full House," and her amazing dance routines! I remember as a kid, thinking she was the cat's pajamas. I seriously idolized her-- watching these videos was so truly nostalgic of my childhood.

Seeing these sparked an interest in 80's nostalgia for the group of us, which led us to watching hours of 80's commercials. It is amazing how times have changed. This morning, I thought it was only necessary to continue rediscovering the great memories of my adolescence. 

Here are my top 20 80's nostalgia picks (in no particular order):

1. Popples! Who wouldn't wanna roll around in that basket? I mean really.

2. Teeny Little Super Guy. The best part of Sesame Street!

3. Pound Puppies. Came with an adoption certificate!

4. Squeez-it! Only the lucky ones had this in their lunchbox.

5. L.A. Gear. The more socks and laces you had, the more popular you would be.

6. Viewmaster. The perfect 3d escape!

7. Dancing Flower. I so proudy presented this in my bedroom decor!

8. Refillable Pencils. Worthless if you lost one of the lead refills!

9. Cabbage Patch Kids. An 80's kid must-have. I remember writing on my sister's CPD's head when I was mad at her in permanent marker. haha!

10. Lite Brite! Hours of fun. I might just have to get one of these for myself now.

11. Gloworm. The cuddliest night light.

12. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day. "I went to bed with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair."

13. Be Kind Please Rewind. The sticker future generations won't understand.

14. Speak and Spell. 80's Ipad.

15. McDonald's Packaging. Before being "green" was "in."

16. Iron Kids Bread. "The taste is really the best!"

17. Fashion! I'm pretty sure I had the outfit in the middle. 

18. 80's M&M's. Anyone else wonder what happened to the tan one?

19. Rainbow Brite everything. This would have been my dream room.

20. Kid Pix. Where my interior design passion began. On our Commodore-64 computer, I would design entire houses with this program! Who woulda thunk I'd end up as an Interior Designer now!

As an ADDED BONUS--- I thought it was only appropriate to give you a glimse of my 80's mullet. Yes, people... I had a mullet. Thanks mom and dad! 

INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURE: SHIPPING CONTAINER BUILDINGS

I’ll never forget a former design client I was working with who was determined to place some shipping containers on his tenth floor penthouse roof to make extra rooms for himself. I remember thinking he must be crazy! Why on earth would he want this? Well, in doing my research, I came across an entire shipping container culture. Many people are building homes and commercial properties with these simple, rectangular boxes. So today, I am going to share some of my favorite shipping container architecture!

Here are my top five picks of shipping container buildings across the world:

1. Shipping Container Guest House. San Antonio, Texas. How cool would it be to spend a weekend with these folks? Your very own shipping container guest house? You could check that one off your bucket list. This little gem has its own bathroom, tons of windows, and a sleek, contemporary design.

2. Shipping Container City. Cholula, Mexico. This shipping container shopping center features restaurants and bars, galleries, residences, and stores! It is painted colorfully, and has an eclectic spunk to it. There are lounge areas with ping-pong tables and places to relax. On weekends there are live bands that showcase in the common areas as well!

3. Shipping Container Holiday House. New Zealand. This vacation home was designed to close into a perfectly sealed box. When in use, the walls come down, and there are pull-out beds, a patio, and windows in tact!

4. Oceanscope Scenic Observatory, Songdo New City, Incheon, South Korea. These containers were placed at fixed angles, providing different views of one of the most popular harbors in the city. This architectural delight attracts tourists from all over the world.

 5. Multi-Container House, Redondo Beach, California.This beachfront property is built with eight fabricated shipping containers. One of the coolest attributes to this home, is that one of the containers was converted into a swimming pool!

DIY Party: 5 CORKY CRAFTS!

When I was brainstorming a DIY topic for today, I stumbled across some awesome crafty things you can do with your leftover wine corks. These ideas are easy, fun, and useful, while adding character to your home!

DIY Party: 5 Corky Crafts!

1. Cork Coasters. When paired with a bottle of great wine, these make the perfect gift! Simply assemble the corks into a pattern, and glue (a hot glue gun works best). Wrap in pretty ribbon, and viola! A gift from the heart.

2. Corky Letter Wall Art. Using quick dry tacky glue, place your cork onto a cut-out of your desired letter. Once it dries, place in an antique frame (spray-painted white), and assemble on your wall. Shabby chic decor!

3. Cork Key Chain. All you need are looped-screws and key chain rings, and you’ve got yourself some great stocking stuffers!

4. Cork Place Holders. This little DIY is as easy as it gets, and will have your guests amused at your creativity. Simply cut the cork on one end (lengthwise) to give it a flat bottom, and score the other side for the name card. Using high-quality craft paper will give it a nice touch!

5. Wine Cork Bath Mat.  This craft takes a lot of corks, but will really give your bathroom space great character! Because cork naturally repels liquid, it dries easy while providing a cushion for your feet. Simply glue your corks together with tacky glue, let dry, and enjoy!

DIY Party: 5 THINGS YOU CAN MAKE WITH OLD MAGAZINES!

We all have it. That random pile of magazines lying around, creating clutter in our space. We are apprehensive about throwing them away; we might want to read them a second time, right? Well, we almost never do. So, what can we do with them? Do we toss them into the recycling bin? Or, can we recycle them in a more creative way? I choose the latter. Here are five crafty activities we can do with our old mags.

1. Old Magazine Foot Stool. Making one of these will allow you to keep those magazines you’re afraid to part with, while giving them a second chance at life. All you need is a serving tray, a stack of old mags, and a small throw pillow. Belt those babies together, and viola!  Not too shabby!

2. Gorgeous framed mirror. All this little craft takes is your clutter, some scissors, and an old framed mirror or picture frame! Cut the magazine into strips, roll them up and glue them down. I love this!

3. Magazine Envelopes. All you need are some plain envelopes, scissors, magazines, and glue. Gently un-glue and unfold the envelope until you get a square piece of paper. Glue that piece of paper to a page in a magazine, then cut around it. Re-assemble the envelope, and you got yourself the world’s best stationary! Write to an old friend!

4. Magazine Butterfly Chain. This DIY is as easy as they come! Simply cut your magazine into almond shapes. Then fold back and forth (like a fan) lengthwise. Pinch it in the middle and tie. Do small ones, and large ones (for the large wings and small wings) and tie them together. Then place on some twine, and hang. What a great party idea!

5. Magazine Waste Basket. This is perfect for a rainy day! Put on your favorite movie, and start snipping away. Once you have made strips, simply roll them up, and glue them into the shape of a waste basket. I love this!

Shut the Front Door: ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY GRAFFITI!

Unless it is done by a talented artist, graffiti can be an eyesore. When you think of graffiti, you probably picture a spray painted cluster of words, symbols, and drawings that have been placed where they shouldn’t be. But, in doing my research, I found a little DIY graffiti gem that I am excited to try!

Moss-Art Graffiti. Did you know that moss contains spores that grow easily, can spread, and withstand harsh conditions? Well, I didn’t until now. Green Graffiti, made with moss, has taken the nation by storm, and I feel like I’ve been living under a rock for not knowing about it.

So, how do you make this concoction? With just moss, sugar, buttermilk, and gardening gel. Blend it together, and you’ve got yourself hours of entertainment! Here is a tutoral on how:

 Here are my three favorite green graffiti masterpieces:

1. Represent Your Family Name. How cool would this be to have on the side of your house? Many of these artists use stencils to get a clean, streamlined look.

2. Geometric Pattern to Dress Up An Otherwise Uninteresting Wall. By taping off the pattern, then applying the solution, this landscape architect created a gorgeous design masterpiece!

3. Bring A Dead Car Back to Life. Moss artist, Edina Tokodi took moss graffiti to a whole new level. By adding grass seed to the moss spores, this sad little Beetle got a rebirth.

WOAH! 3 AWESOMELY UNIQUE HOUSES

We all aspire to live the dream.  We go about our daily lives, keeping up with the Jones’, in a constant state of redundancy.  We live in our commonplace homes, with right angles and two-by-fours.  We desire constancy, and prefer predictability.  Or do we?  There are a handful of people who have decided against the norm.  At least when it comes to their living quarters, that is. They prefer to live in spaces that are uniquely theirs.  Here are my favorite three awesomely unique houses:

1. House NA, Japan.

The House NA, designed by architect, Suo Fujimoto, is made almost entirely of glass.  His whole idea behind this concept was to experiment with what defines a house.  He is known for his designs with letting in light, and took his niche to a whole new level!

2. Bubble House. Tourrettes-sur-Loup, France.

This crazy looking house is still a work in progress, even after 35 years! It has become a historic monument, designed by Hungarian architect, Antti Lovag.  He built this house full of windows facing the volcanic Côte d’Azur landscape and the beautiful Mediterranean.

3. Space House. Signal Mountain, Tennessee.

This space-age style home is tucked away in the hills of Tennessee.  Built by architect, Curtis King and his sons in the 1970′s, inspired by the science fiction movement of its time.  It is currently up for sale, with the owner stating that the price is, “whatever the public is willing to pay.”

Beat the Heat: Clever Cool Down Tricks You'll Love!

It's that time of year again! Woo-ee! It is hot! It definitely doesn't help that the free-ons in my car decided to die, so I get to drive to and from work in a 100 plus degree car-- go figure!

On that note, I thought it only made sense to write about some clever cool-down tricks I have found and tried- only to realize they are fantastic!

Here are my Top Six Summer Cool Down Tricks:

1. Frozen Grape Ice Cubes. I love a refreshing glass of white wine in the summertime- and what a wonderful way to keep it cool! The best part- you get a treat at the end, and some vitamins too!

2. Aloe Vera Ice Cubes. Living in Seattle, I tend to worship any Vitamin D I can get! The unfortunate part is that this usually leads to sunburn. This has been a hack I have used for years- I love the cooling effect, while it's helping my skin to heal!

3. Homemade Air Conditioner. Yes! It works! Just a styrofoam cooler, some cutouts, pipe and a fan. Viola!

4. Homemade Sprinkler. This is one of the easiest, but fun hacks I have tried on a hot day. It is perfect for when you are basking in the sun and need a quick cool-me-down!

5. Noodle Sprinkler. Nuff Said!

6. Freezer Pillows. Just take your favorite pillow and freeze it for 15 minutes before you hit the hay. Cooling your head down will cool down the rest of your body. Nighty night!

INTERIOR DESIGN: Coastal Love

There is something so beautiful about beach inspired decor. While I have not ever personally indulged in this style, I have a true love for it. Maybe in my next place! Here are my top seven beachy inspired spaces!

1. Pelican Focal Point.

2. Fresh and Bright.

3. Coastal Kitchen.

4. Bathroom Bliss.

5. Sunny Chic.

6. Beach Smart.

7. Coastal Nursery.

INTERIOR DESIGN: LIVING/FAMILY ROOM DESIGN CONCEPTS to LOVE

Our living room is one of the busiest parts of our home. It is an area used for entertaining, watching our favorite movies, and chatting about the day’s events. This room typically has the most seating, from sofas, to armchairs, to ottomans. We like our living room to be welcoming, warm, and most importantly, comfortable.

One of the biggest design dilemmas that we face when choosing how to decorate our living room is figuring out a plan. It is difficult to decide on paint color, furniture, and accessories, while maintaining function and aesthetics. We thought it would be helpful to give you some tips on how to make these choices, and show you some of our living room inspirations, as well.

Choosing Paint Color

Choosing a paint color for your living room can be difficult. It is overwhelming- the amount of paint colors that are out there, nowadays. So, here are some rules of thumb when it comes to choosing paint color:

1. Size of your room. If you are trying to make your room appear larger, stick to lighter, brighter colors. If you are trying to make a large room feel more cozy, darker colors are the answer.

2. Natural light. If your living area is in direct sunlight, you are best off painting it with more saturated colors. The natural brightness of the sun can have a dulling affect on paint visually; bold colors can withstand this, and make their statement. However, a simple, clean white paint can really emphasize the sunniness of the room, if that is what you are going for.

If your living room area is away from natural light, you will want to stick with neutral, light colors. This will make the room feel brighter. Dark colors typically are placed as accent walls, or in rooms where a cozy feel is desired.

3. Warm vs. Cool tones. Do you like your living room to feel warm and cozy? Or, perhaps you like a clean, fresh feeling living room. This is where color choice can play a large role, as well. Warm toned colors, such as red and orange will give your room a well, warm feeling. Cool tones, such as blues and greens, tend to give your room a fresh, cool feeling.

Choosing Furniture

When it comes to choosing the furnishings you will put in your living room, there are two very important factors to consider:

1. Size of the Room. How large or small your living room is, can play a large role in choosing your furnishings. It is important to consider scale. If you are furnishing a room with 20′ ceilings and an open floor plan, you may want to consider larger scale furnishings to fill the space, while emphasizing the grandiosity of the architecture. If your living room area is smaller, closed off (more traditional layout), you will want to choose furnishings that fit the space, while maintaining flow.

2. Function of Your Room. Do you like to entertain? Do you have family movie night in your living room? How many household members are there? Do you have small children who keep their toys in this room? It is the function of your living room space that is an important factor to consider when choosing furniture. A large comfy sofa with a chaise would work for a family with children. A modern, sleek sofa would be ideal for a single professional.

3. Storage. Do you need storage? It is important to consider storage when purchasing living room furniture as well. Would a coffee table that doubles as a storage trunk be ideal for your space, or a simple, lightweight ottoman instead?

Choosing Decor

Once you have figured out the paint and furnishings, it is time to consider the best part: the decor. People are always amazed at the impact the little things can make on a room. From throw pillows to accessories, it is the decor that can pull all of the other factors together.

Here are some key things to consider when choosing your decorative items:

1. Color Palette. A very common misconception people have when decorating their homes, is that everything must match perfectly. Actually, there is some truth in this; but not fully. It is often key to integrate the colors of your paint and furnishings into your throw pillows and rugs. But, did you know that you can integrate those colors in different saturation, lightness and darkness, even hue, and still have it look gorgeous?

Complementary colors (colors opposite from each other on the color wheel) work best when choosing a color palette. If your walls have a blue tint for example, some orange-toned items in your room would flow nicely.

2. Pattern. It used to be trendy to match your sofa to your drapes, to your pillows, and so on. This is no longer the case (thank goodness)! Having a mixture of pattern in your space can allow for many secondary focal points, and bring harmony to the design. When choosing patterns, it is important to consider where you are placing it.

If you have a large scale, repeating pattern, it may look to busy on your sofa, leaving the mind restless. Large scale, and brighter colored patterns work best as throw pillows and rugs (unless you are trying to make that piece of furniture your focal point).

Small scale repeating patterns work well on furniture and window treatments.

Theme. You don’t necessarily need to have a theme to your room, but having a general style is always going to bring some cohesiveness to it. If you prefer very ornate, traditional style furnishings, it is probably safe to stick with that look. If you prefer more of a modern, streamlined look, you can go with that, and have it work together. But, most of us prefer an eclectic mix of both traditional and contemporary. This style is called, “transitional.”

LET'S EAT! My Favorite Recipe Infographics

I have always had a love for the culinary arts- the anticipation and excitement that goes into the perfect meal is enough to make my day, or I should say week, when it turns out fabulous!  Here are my favorite recipes, placed into infographics-- perfect for the visually inclined, like myself!

1. Greek Tzaziki.

2. Bisquick Finger Lickin' Chicken.

3. Chicken Broccoli Pockets.

4. Perfect Ginger Bread Cookies.

5. Cinnamon Rolls.

DESIGN YOUR LIFE: Soothing Bedroom Designs

There is nothing more refreshing than waking up in a clean, crisp, beautifully designed room. Here are my top ten favorite soothing rooms- ones that anyone would adore morning and night.

1. Industrial Calm.

2. Blue and White Classic.

3. Glisten and Sparkle.

4. Rustic Cabin.

5. Princess Ballerina.

6. Coastal.

7. Fresh and Colorful.

8. Boho Beauty

9. Shabby Chic

10. Contemporary Classic.

DIY FRIDAY: THE SIMPLE WAY TO REPAINT YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS

The most influential contributors to your kitchen’s overall design are the cabinets. If your cabinets are old, dated, or just plain ugly, I have an easy solution for you!

Image Source: Curbly, Online

Many people are apprehensive about taking on cabinet painting DIYs, but we are here to tell you that there is nothing to be intimidated by. Once you follow these simple steps, you will be amazed at how so little work could make such a big difference.

DIY Friday: The Simple Way to Repaint Your Kitchen Cabinets

1. Empty and Remove Doors from All Cabinets. Once you have set up a “painting station” in your garage, back yard, etc., you are ready to lay the doors flat, and begin. It is important to have them flat to avoid drip marks.

Image Source: Handyman Club Online

2. Stay Organized. Put all knobs and other hardware in baggies and label them according to where they go in your kitchen. On the back side of your cabinets, label their location as well, in pencil. This will save you a lot of time when re-assembling, and it will keep them aligned perfectly.

Image Source: Wikihow, Online

3. Clean Your Cabinets. Take a spray bottle with some mild soap and warm water and wipe the surfaces to be painted. Removing dust and other residue will allow the paint to adhere better.

4. Sand Surfaces. If your cabinets are already painted or finished, it is important to sand them down to the wood so that you have a fresh surface to work with. It is important to sand because this can make or break the life of the new paint; you want it to last, right? There are many different types of sandpaper out there, so be sure to choose one that is right for your surface. Click here for a sandpaper guide.

5. Primer. Choose a primer that is made for the material you plan on painting. There are many different selections at your local home improvement store. Color is key, as well. If you are planning on painting your cabinets a darker color, you will want to prime them with dark primer. If you are planning on painting them a light color, white or light gray primer will work best. Now, take your brush and using long strokes, cover the cabinets with the primer. Remember that primer is only an adhesive, so it is okay if it doesn’t fully cover the surface, it may almost look transparent. Once you have applied the primer, let it dry.

Image Source: DIY Network, Online

6. Paint. Latex paints are recommended for kitchen cabinets. They are easiest to clean, and the color doesn’t fade over time. We would recommend an angled brush as well as a cabinet roller brush for painting. When painting the doors, it helps to elevate them from the surface you are working on, so you can get to the edges easier. When painting the cabinetry in your kitchen, be sure to tape off any surface you don’t want paint to get on. It is important to avoid dripping. Allow for all surface to dry completely before re-assembling. *Remember that it is not always necessary to paint the inside of your cabinets. 

7. Re-assemble, and Enjoy! You will be amazed that you were able to complete this task in such a short amount of time, and make such a difference to your space. It isn’t always necessary to completely reface your kitchen cabinets, especially if your pre-existing ones are still in decent shape. Click the video below for a more visual tutorial.

5 CELEBRITY MUSICIANS: THE HOMES THEY GREW UP IN

We are all a little star-struck, fascinated by the jet-setting, luxurious lifestyles of the rich and famous. We can only imagine what it would be like to spend a day with our favorite musician and truly get to see their real personality off-stage. Some of us may have this opportunity at some point in our lives, but unfortunately most of us will not. But, here is a little peek into their pasts.

5 Celebrity Musicians: The Homes They Grew Up In 

1. Madonna. Currently she travels between her gorgeous homes in New York and London, but Madonna grew up in a modest, middle class home in Rochester Michigan. It was here that she was raised with her seven siblings, an all-American upbringing in a small town outside of Detroit. This four bedroom, two bath home is complete with a library and garage, and on 1.3 acres.You don’t  suppose that since we are living in a material world, is why Madonna had other plans for herself?

Image Source: Zillow Blog, Online

2. Elvis. The King of Rock and Roll spent the early years of his childhood in the small town of Tupelo, Mississippi in this small home, built by his father in 1935, with $180.00 that he had borrowed from his employer. It was a two bedroom flat, lit with just a single light in each room. The city of Tupelo purchased this home in 1957, and it is currently a museum that has been fully restored with period furniture. If you’re ever in the area, check it out!

 Image Source: Delsjourney, Online.

3. Michael Jackson. It is hard to believe that such a large family lived in such a small house. This little home in Gary, Indiana, was home to the Jackson children for most of their early childhood. Michael, born in 1959, was one of five children (hence the “Jackson Five”), and had a modest upbringing prior to fame. The town of Gary is an old mill town; quiet, with a small population. It is speculated that the Jackson children were raised by a “stage father,” who demanded they get their “Jackson Five” act perfected under any consequence.

Image Source: Flikr, Online. 

4. Johnny Cash. This small home in Dyess, Arkansas, is where Johnny and his siblings would reminisce about a happy childhood. His brother, Tommy recalled to a local radio station, “Mama was a great housekeeper, and she made it very homey for us.” Johnny was only three when they moved to this house that was situated on 20 acres of farmland. His family was relocated to the town of Dyess as a new start in an “Agricultural Resettlement Colony.” It is here that Johnny speaks about, in his songs about the Arkansas plains.

Image Source: WBUR Radio, Online.

5. Jimi Hendrix. The house that Jimi grew up in was on a neighborhood corner in the Seattle suburb of Renton, Washington. His father secured the home in 1950 with a $10.00 deposit, and it is where Jimi found his passion for music. He grew up there with his large family, who still to this day have fond memories of their childhood there.  Unfortunately in 2009, the home was demolished by investors based on complaints by neighbors that it was an “eyesore and had to be removed” from their neighborhood.

Image Source: The Guardian, Online

DESIGN TREND: COMPUTER GENERATED FINISHES

We have been seeing photo-print fabrics on the Runway, but they are becoming increasingly popular in Interior Design. There is something so vibrant and interesting about seeing a photograph on a material, able to bend and move while maintaining its stillness. So, how can we apply this trend in our space?

Here Are Our Top 5 Computer Generated Finishes in Interior Design:

1. Wallpaper. There are many new photo-realistic wallpaper patterns on the market now, some which can be used to make a space appear larger or for a focal point. You don’t suppose the Greeks and Romans were onto something when the Trompe d’oeil was the interior fashion trend?

Image Source: Nicedecors, Online.

2. Furniture Upholstery. With today’s technology, you can display your favorite image on your furniture. Talk about making a statement!

Image Source: Fresh Home, Online.

3. Flooring. It has become a popular trend mostly in commercial design to put a Google Earth image on your floor. What an appropriate place for it, pictured here, at an airport!

Image Source: GizMag, Online.

4. Curtains. There really are no limitations as to where you can put digital images, as long as they are placed on something flat, and tangible. More importantly, there are no limits as to what you can have printed!

Image Source: Meat Artists, Online.

5. Pillows. Probably the most common photo-image printed items that are trending right now are throw pillows. You can find almost anything printed now, so the design sky is the limit! Here are some of Pure Home’s picks: