Thanksgiving may be only a few days away but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to decorate in a special way.  Use what you have on hand…or in the yard!

napkin

I love how simple this setting is.  If you can’t find printed ribbon, make your own with a permanent marker on plain ribbon.  I particularly love the simplicity of the leaf with a name written on it.

You can’t beat the aroma and simplicity of freshly cut rosemary.  Add a coordinated ribbon for an extra touch.

An extra cake stand topped with fresh greenery and berries looks special when a simple candle is included. 

As someone who grew up in the Pineywoods of East Texas, I like to include pinecones in my seasonal decor in the fall and winter. 

pinecone ideas

A gold-sprayed mini pinecone is so sweet nestled among kumquats and boxwood twigs. 

Cinnamon sticks and pinecones tied with textured ribbon would also make a great addition to a holiday table.  (I really love the wire basket as well!).

Use what you have…just use it in a new way with a little bit of nature’s help.

It’s not just for school girls anymore.  Plaid, the Scottish classic, is one of those trends that comes and goes…and it has come again in everything from clothing, desk accessories, and dinnerware to upholstery and lamps. 

porcelain dessert plates

Ralph Lauren Home fabric

Williams-Sonoma Lamp

Williams-Sonoma Desk Accessories

Better Homes and Gardens

Going overboard with plaid can be easy.  Try using it in small doses around the house.  A tartan throw on a solid-colored bed or sofa is great.   My favorite plaid fashion item has always been the kilt…see what I mean?

Men in plaid

The Stellar Spaces facebook page is now official.  Join me by searching “StellarSpaces” on facebook.  You’ll be able to see what sort of projects I’m working on with clients as well as check out organizing and decorating tips on a regular basis.  So, become a fan….please!

Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.
– Albert Einstein

A room makeover doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  Consider the following examples. 

Notice how the gold wall becomes a focal point now, especially since fireplace surround is now white.   Before, the room was too uninteresting.  THIS is a great example of a ReDesign…using what you already have!

Before, this room was comfortable but not very exciting. 

photos source:  www.myhomeideas.com

I bet you didn’t even notice the barstools in the background, and no –  the counters have not been changed – only the slipcovers.  Even if you aren’t into ruffles, slipcovers can make a huge difference.  Just go for something a little more tailored if ruffles aren’t your favorite design trend. 

Each of these makeovers cost less than $200.  Don’t think it’s possible?  Contact an Interior ReDesigner today and realize it IS possible.

My daughter will be turning 11 in a couple of weeks.  For her birthday this year, she has asked for a new bike and a desk.  Very practical, don’t you think?  Well, of course that’s not her entire list but those are the items I like best.  Yesterday we went on a search for the perfect desk for her room. First we stopped at TJ Maxx because earlier this week, I was shopping there and noticed a cute little writing desk (or so I thought at the time) at a great price.  So when I was presented with her birthday list and noticed “desk,” I knew we had to check out the desk I had seen earlier.  Once in the store, I pointed out the desk to her.  She immediately grimaced with disgust (as almost-11-year-old girls do so well).  That’s when I noticed it wasn’t a desk…it was a small console table with a drawer.  I guess earlier in the week, I wasn’t on the look out for a desk but that’s how it was categories in my memory.  I probably should do something about that…but I digress.  Back to the desk/ console:  double duty, right?  Not exactly.  She was right (ah hem)…it wasn’t going to work.  Since I had to pick up some items at Target, she asked if we could look at the desk selection there.  Good idea!  Of course, she found the perfect desk to coordinate with her room at Target.  I was happy because it wasn’t an exhaustive shopping trip to multiple stores AND the desk was on sale (my favorite!).  Even better, once we made our purchase and brought it home, the desk  took only minutes to assemble.  Actually, it took 15 minutes.  The clean up of the box and packing contents took longer than the assembly itself!  The only thing I really had to assemble were the legs and they only had to be attached to the desktop (which was pre-assembled).  Easy and cute – my favorite combination when it comes to “requires some assembly” items. 

FYI:  This desk at Target (and www.target.com) is the “Cottage desk.” 

Step One:  open box…

I really love when things make sense and have pictures!  (So nice and neat…)

I didn’t even have to figure out which washer was the spring washer and which one was the flat washer!

She couldn’t wait to get her new desk set up in her room.

Let the homework begin!