Not Your Grandma’s Humidifier! The Fourth “Must Have” of Eight for Winter 2013!

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Winter can bring out the best and worst in us all! It’s a festive time, yet the cold weather and extra heat, that we all need to stay warm, can be damaging to you and your home! Depending on where you live, dry or cold climates, you probably experience chapped lips, cracked hands, and a dry face that needs extra moister, plus a body that requires lots of water to keep it hydrated.  As you turn up the heat and light the fireplace inside your home, the same dryness that happens to your body applies to your furniture and hardwood floors! Eeeek … let’s not let this happen to you or your home!!!

My fourth “Must Have” for Winter 2013 is a humidifier! You may be a little shocked by this pick and ask why is this a “Must Have”?  I agree, it may not seem as fun as my other must have items, but it definitely serves a great purpose – and they actually can be very creative! Humidifiers don’t have to be boring, they actually are packed with a lot of punch, and are able to alleviate some of the minor but irritating causes of dry and cold to hot air – especially in the winter months. Cold air contains less moisture than warm air.  When you turn your heating system on, the blowing air makes a home even dryer, which can cause damage to your body and your home’s wood elements!

There are so many different humidifiers to choose from and I would suggest you research the various brands before you buy one, however just like most home appliances, humidifiers come in all sorts of creative shapes, amazing colors and perfect sizes. They are not just your Grandma’s humidifier they are now modern and sleek!

Here are a few of my picks! Just like my last few “Must Haves” the modern humidifier can be purchased at various price points … gotta love that!

photoGizmine Middle Colors, pricing from $119.00 – $179.00

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Oskar, $159.00

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Crane, $39.99-$49.99

Do you use any of these modern Humidifiers?  If so let me know what you think in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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Jewel Tones for Your Table: The Third “Must Have” of Eight for Winter 2013!

Simplicity_colors_fsWant to add festive winter glam to your table this season?  Jewel tone glassware is the perfect accessory for various occasions during the winter months.  Amethyst, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Amber are examples of deep jewel tone colors that represent reflections of the winter season. These colors will enhance even the most basic white dishware for not only winter but also during the holidays as well! If you love one color like Ruby Red then stick to it, but if you want to be a little more adventurous then think about using three colors or all five and watch your table or holiday party come-to-life!

Here are some great ideas to make your table come alive! Again, I have given you various options and many of the options are competitive!

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Horchow: “Iris” Glassware Blue, Red Amber and Green, priced from $33.75 – $43.50

photoTarget: Glassware Collection in Blue, Red, Amber and Green, priced from $28.19 – $32.59

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William-Sonoma: Holiday Red Cut Crystal Highball or Double Old-Fashion, Set of 4 $119.95

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William-Sonoma: Organic Green Wine Glass, Set of 4 $24.99

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William-Sonoma: Amethyst Double Old-Fashioned, Set of 4 $35.95

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Mark & Graham: Orange/Amber Monogrammed Wine Glass, Set of 4 $49.00

How do you add sparkle to your winter table? I’m always looking for ideas and I’d love to hear yours.  Leave me a comment below!

Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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Splash of Glass!

Want to make the ultimate splash to your Wonderland kitchen backsplash? Consider using glass!

For the past few years, white subway tiles have been all the rage in kitchens.  While I still love the all-white look and absolutely adore subway tiles, the newest trend for kitchens is glass! Designers and homeowners are taking the leap in using more exotic backsplash finishes as they are becoming bolder in expressing themselves in their kitchen design. Some are even starting to use stainless steel and brick!

To help you achieve the exact look you want, the glass tiles come in endless shapes and colors.  Even if you do not want to bring in a vibrant color into your kitchen you can choose a neutral glass palate.  Remember, using a decorative backsplash is a safer choice than painting kitchen cabinets a bold color. If you are looking for a non-risky way to update your kitchen I would recommend a glass backsplash as it will instantly modernize your Wonderland.


I would love to hear about your favorite kitchen designs!  Leave me a comment below or send me a photo!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling!

Cheers!

Cortney

Traditional Seating Turned Playful!

Sometimes a space or Wonderland needs a little punch of playfulness!  For example, a traditional room may need just one piece of non-traditional “something” to help it have a touch of flirt and not be so serious.  This can easily be done by adding a small accessory that is barely peeking out of a bookcase, or – if you dare to be a tad bit bolder – upholster a modern fabric to a traditional chair! I suggest taking a black and white sassy print and using it on an accent chair for a desk or extra seating.

Here are three examples of black and white playful prints used on traditional chair forms:


I’d love to hear your ideas or see your photos of modern fabric on a traditional chair.  Leave me a comment below!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling

Cheers!

Cortney

Burlap Knows No Boundaries!

No matter if you are a total Bohemian at heart or live the glamorous life of “The Bold & The Beautiful”, you can stretch your boundaries with burlap! Originally known for its utilitarian purpose, Burlap has evolved into a versatile textile for home décor.  It looks amazing in an eclectic environment and adds a touch of soft reality to space that otherwise maybe too bewitching. The fabric now comes in a large variety of weaves and blends, textures, colors and even prints!

Here are a few tips on how you may want to incorporate basic Burlap fabrics into your space:

Window Treatments:  A loose weave of burlap will work best as it will let light filter into your space, yet you will still have the necessary privacy you need.

Upholstering Furniture:  When upholstering your furniture with burlap look for a blended yet tight weave.  This will give you a sturdy fabric that will be long lasting and most importantly comfortable to the touch.  Look for linen-like burlap that will provide comfort, yet will give your room a more polished look.

Wall Covering:  Just like wallpaper, burlap can be used on your walls to create a cozy and warm environment.  The fabric is laminated to paper before being applied to the wall.

Accents:  From ottomans, pillows, place mats, to lamp shades, cork boards and bed skirts … the sky is the limit when it comes to how you can use burlap.  If you just want to incorporate a hint of burlap in to your space, small accents are the way-to-go!

 

I would love to hear how you use burlap in your space!  Post a comment below or send me a photo!

Keep Dreaming, Designing and Dwelling

Cheers!

Cortney

Add Whimsical Wallpaper to your Bookcase!

If you are looking to add an extra layer of depth and texture to your Wonderland space or you simply want an inexpensive way to make a bookshelf come to life, consider adding whimsical wallpaper to the back of your bookshelf!  This is an easy Do –It- Yourself project (or your carpenter will easily be able to conquer this task) and you will add instant interest to your space!

The Materials you will need are the following:

  • Bookcase
  • Whimsical Wallpaper
  • Wallpaper Primer and Paste
  • Scissors
  • Wallpaper Smoother
  • Damp Cloth

First, you will need to measure the back of each shelf.  If you are able to remove the individual shelves then you will be able to take one large measurement. Next, you will cut your wallpaper to match your measurements. Now, it is time to install your wallpaper using wallpaper primer and paste. Make sure you use the wallpaper smoother to smooth all bubbles and wrinkles out as you work. The damp cloth can be used to wipe away any excess glue. Last, allow your new and improved bookcase to dry overnight!

 

I would love to hear how you have incorporated wallpaper into your bookcase!  Leave me a comment below or send me a photo!

Keep Dreaming, Designing and Dwelling!

Cheers!

Cortney

Dress Your Sofa with an Accent!

When it comes to dressing your sofa keep in mind that your accent pillows are like jewelry, they can stay the same all year round or they can be switched out for the various seasons.  Accent pillows will add depth, character and color to your space.  They really are ideal when designing your wonderland!  One thing I see people do is buy a new sofa and keep all the accent pillows that came with the sofa on it. I’ve actually heard someone in a store say, “I can’t buy that white sofa because the two accent pillows don’t match my current color palette.”  I honestly had to hold myself back from saying, “You can toss them and believe me you should!”  Please, don’t be afraid to toss the plain accent pillows aside and buy new ones!  New accent pillows are an inexpensive way to add spice and glamor to your sofa and any space.  Below are my do’s and don’ts to sofa accent pillows.

Let’s start with the DON’Ts: The two sofas below are shown with their original accent pillows. This look does not show depth or character.



Moving on to the Do’s!!!  All three sofas below have had their old accent pillows removed and have been replaced with accent pillows that add character, texture and depth!

When it comes to sofas never be afraid to change them up with gorgeous accent pillows.  Trust me they will add the interesting factor to your wonderland! Try mixing and matching various textures, patterns and colors until you have designed the exact look you want for your wonderland!

I would love to hear how you use your accent pillows!  Leave me a comment below or send me a photo!

Keep Dreaming, Designing and Dwelling.

Cheers!

Cortney



Lavender Bliss!

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If you have not discovered Trader Joe’s Lavender Dryer Bags then you are in for a treat! This product not only leaves your clothes, sheets and towels smelling extra yummy and fresh but the bags are reusable to up to five times! The bags, which are filled with lavender seeds, can also be used for a variety of purposes. I like to put mine in my closet or chest of drawers for a continuous fresh smell.  I also like to place one of the bags inside my pillows to create a relaxing and calming scent. These Lavender Dryer Bags are just another way I like to make my home my wonderland! 

Cheers!

Cortney