A good formula for ceilings is the trim color plus 50% white. Cream is better for the ceiling than a dead white. It is also a good place to save $ as it does not need to be washable. Use a reflective, glossy glaze on a low ceiling for height and a matte finish in a darker color on a ceiling that is too high. Don’t use a roller for high gloss, it will create unwanted texture.
Is Art An Investment?
Apparently! Francis Bacon’s Three Views of Lucian Freud just sold for $142.4 million at Christie’s in New York City! At Sotheby’s Andy Warhol’s “Liz #1” sold for $20,325! We’ve heard the recession did not affect everyone! Do you have a favorite piece that you bought many years ago from a good, but as yet unknown artist? My clients who have purchased from Scottsdale, AZ galleries have been pleasantly surprised to find the artists they have pieces from are in demand when they want to sell them. Of course, Antiques Road Show is a sure motivator with their recovered treasures! The real test is if you love it and enjoy living with it – that makes it priceless! (Unless you get a great offer!)
Family Photos
Family photos are the most personal part of your home. If you enjoy having some out, here are a variety of ways to use them:
- They are typically in the private areas of your home – shelves added in the master bedroom, hallways to bedrooms and large master bath and closet areas are all great for these photos.
- If the frames are all the same color and the photos are large enough to see the subject they make a nice hall family wall.
- Old photos can now easily be enlarged to showcase interesting family history.
- While framing all at once would be easier, they can be framed with different framing if the color is consistent. Frames can be painted as well.
- For a contemporary look, it is interesting to use 3-5’ sections showing your children all at the age of 2 or 3 in sepia or gray tones.
- Silver frames grouped together are always a great look.
- If you want to have the option of not always having them on display, then a open cabinetry section with bi-fold doors which allows you to close them off for a business meeting or large function.
- Photo albums can be stored nearby if you are constantly shifting new photos in to the frames.
- Snap a picture with the smartphone app Instagram then use Instacanvas to print your photo onto stretched canvas!
Hide your TV
If looking at the black screen is not desirable, there many options for integrating your TV using wood framing or 
stone. If you want to hide it completely, cabinetry such as this one from Horchow or an antique cabinet won’t call attention to the TV. On the other hand, this Rochebobois photo uses the screen by accessorizing to give balance.
Chalk Paint
Have you tried Chalk Paint? It has been popular in the U.K. for twenty years. Now it is trending in the US as an inexpensive way to give furnishings a fresh look! It can be a do-it-yourself project or achieve the look through others painting. The thirty colors can be used separately or combined for a deeper color. Do you want fabric to match? The natural dyes in chalk paint allow you to do this. (If you are going to donate it anyway, you might as well experiment!)
Options for Making Small Powder Rooms More Special
This picture from J Tribble Collection offers many choices for special small spaces with interesting details.
Living Plants Have a Health Benefit
Remember there are health benefits to living plants indoors! Add some for the season that will last for a couple of months. Orchids and colanchos both last and the later can be moved outdoors, trimmed and they will reflower. The local nurseries have indoor plants and suggestions for your exposure. Local interior plantscape companies are great if you want to have more permanent installations that will thrive with your exposure.
Rug
Multiple patterns are used to create this tile rug.
