Ceilings should be in proportion to the total space of the room! Many years ago, John Romack from Romack Builders and I were analyzing his newly built home and discussing this. We have worked on many homes from many architects and architectural designers since 1982. We came to the conclusion that the space doesn’t feel cozy if the ceiling height is higher than the width or length of the room. Yes, rules are made to be broken but generally this is a guide.

Extend your color blends to your own home by photoshopping your exterior front or any room! The Sherwin Williams Color Tools enable you to experiment with changing your colors before you pick up a brush. You can take a photo of any view with your smartphone camera, upload to the app then recolor to a combination you are considering without much effort.

With a light box and an enlarged photo, the exact room or exterior can be redrawn with only architectural details then let the fun begin! My cantera stone rep, George, used this on one of our projects to add stone details around the windows. I have used it to show improvements to fireplaces. It is representative of the exact space. Do you want blue window frames? Color them in! Or change the fireplace to a low, horizontal line of fire and get a truer visual on the space!

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!