The contemporary powder room has new flow with the addition of a curved charcoal scroll on the walls uniting the area combining the lighting fixtures and artwork.

Favorite accessories reflect places you have been and your connection to them.  In this grouping, a replica of the Brophy Chapel from one of the fundraising luncheons is a back drop for a stone “Christ the Redeemer” sculpture from Brazil.  Mix it up and regroup as you bring new objects home.  It freshens up your look and makes your home more interesting and a reflection of your interests.

Feeling unsettled about EVERYTHING? Numerous studies and books indicate people are looking for personal order and peace. Organization books are popular as well as others with joy and happiness as a priority. Your home can provide these living spaces.

As we accumulate our storage options change. Love to entertain? Keep your dishes, linens, etc. in conveniently located spaces so it isn’t such a chore to get them out for the party. No room to entertain? Seating needs to reflect the number of people and how they can interact most comfortably. Use high tops with bar stools for wine. A small table for tea. For lunch for 6-8 people, consider a fire pit with cushioned chairs. Create space for interacting with others and enjoy the simple pleasures of chatting with a friend, a reading or a game area.

If you never use it, relocate it, provide better access or eliminate it.

Now that home prices have recovered it may be time to adjust the amount of space you have based on the lifestyle that is most enjoyable. Your quality time may be hiking, eating in a restaurant with a fireplace or a luxurious bed at home. Just so it works for your best life!

Your home should be a reflection of you!  So, whether your space is clean and contemporary or you have many collections of interest, photos can personalize your space. There are many options for creating larger sizes than the original photo.  As with art and sculpture, determine the place you want to use it and then determine the size.  After years of collecting your favorites, you can arrange your art and photos first and then add furniture.

If you have been on a great trip AND you’re a decent photographer, enlarge your favorites and group them together or make a row.  Snapfish, Shutterfly, professional photo shops like AdoramaPix and mpix, Walgreens and Costco are all options. 

Family photos?  You can use old and new favorites from the years and instead of the smaller, cluttered look many homes have, create more of a statement with your favorites enlarged.

Other options include printing on burlap, wood boards, acrylic or fabric.  An artist I work with regularly has originals copied on silk and quilts them.  It is interesting to have varied art forms in your home or office.  Sculpture, posters from museums, original art, a canvas painted a single color, framed, museum wrap or some with glass all add to the texture of your home. Engineer prints are lightweight and large.  Parabo Press prints on metal, glass and other options.  SnapBox and PhotoBarn offer additional printing choices including wood.  If time is of the essence inquire about this prior to ordering. 

It is so personal to add to your surroundings with favorites reflecting your life and travels.