Curtain Quandary

WHERE?  HOW?  WHY?

•    Where should I hang my windows panels in relation to the window frame and ceiling?

•    How high and wide should they be around the window frame?

•    Why is this the right way to hang them?

When your ceilings are high - consider placing your curtains 

halfway between the window frame and ceiling

Great questions…the placement of your window panels can visually create a larger room with a grand feel.  While I was researching these questions I found that there are many equations and ideas that will tell you the correct placement of your curtains.  When calculating it really depends on the amount of space around your window and the height of your ceilings.  But the one belief that is consistent throughout all suggested placement is that your curtains not be hung hugging the window frame.   Let your windows breathe!  It is always recommended that you should hang them above and wider, creating the illusion of a larger window and taller ceilings.  Major retailers such as Pottery Barn, Smith and Noble, Country Curtains all present images of panels installed this way, they should know!  I have a small dining room with 8 foot ceilings and even though my window is large I still wanted more height and width to my room.  When I installed my curtains I made sure the eye would be lifted higher by placing my panels just below the ceiling. 

It made a huge difference and created the 

illusion that I wanted for that space.  

There are so many examples of this theory –

 I gathered a bunch for you to see.  

Enjoy and let the light in!

This example shows exactly where the panels should be placed around the window,
see the width and height that was considered.

Hug the ceiling not the window and create that grand illusion

A great tutorial from Country Living

http://www.countryliving.com/home-maintenance/organization/advice/g104/small-space-decorating-0109/?slide=4

Beautifully framed windows.

Need I say more...

Bring on the Blaze

CLASSIC TWIST

The crackle, pop, and glow of a cozy fire is inspiration enough for a DIY weekend project.  With a little chill in the air, there is nothing better than a cozy place to gather with friends and family.  This is the perfect time of year to turn a corner of your backyard into an oasis. Imagine a night with close friends huddled around a blazing pit enjoying the exchange of stories.  Installing a fire pit kit can take just a couple hours and should be ready for a crowd by sundown or opt for a stand alone fire pit which is easier and less expensive.  Cluster chairs accessorized with pillows and throws and your guests will linger longer.   I always suggest a table or two so that s’more fixings can be assembled with ease and a perch is provided for a warming beverage.

Mix colors and textures, traditional and modern, for a casual feel that invites everyone.

RUSTIC MODERN MIX

Shopping List

CLASSIC TWIST

Chairs- Wayfair- Royal Tahiti Square Back Adirondack Chair 

              by International Caravan $157.99

Throw- Pier 1 - Colorblock Plaid Knit Throw $49.95

Pillow- Wayfair - Aruba Indoor/Outdoor Polyester Lumbar Pillow 

            by Majestic Home Products $34.45

Lantern- Pier 1- Harrison Lantern – Small $24.95

Fire pit- Home Depot - $360.04

Tree Stump- Free

RUSTIC MODERN

Chairs- Cedar Log Patio Lounge Chair $125

Throw- Target- Threshold™ Herringbone Throw $24.99

Pillows- Target-Room Essentials™ 2-Piece Outdoor Toss Pillow Set $13.99

              Home Depot -12 in. x 16 in. Pike Jasper Outdoor Lumbar Pillow (2-Pack) $24.00

Lantern- Target - Smith and Hawkin Lantern $12.99

Fire pit- Wayfair - $184.99

Table- Target- Crosley Metal Retro Patio Side Table $39.99

"Conshy" just gets better and better.

This little town just keeps getting better, where I am talking about? Conshohocken, Pa., of course…a quaint old borough just outside Philadelphia’s city limits.  The location couldn’t be any better, and the accessibility to the major roadways, is prime.  It is a closely knit community that cradles the Schuylkill River and hosts major players in the business world.  It has a laid back no fuss feel, where neighbors meet and greet in the many establishments, parks, community centers, and playing fields.   Savy young professionals have noticed the un-ending benefits of this borough and have invested in its’ future. “Conshy” as the locals affectionately call it, always seems to have an event going on to lure the outside public to its’ fun loving feel and warm welcome.   Currently the bevy of restaurants have teamed up for Restaurant Week (Sept. 14-20) and to wash down all the good grub, the 2^nd annual Conshohocken Beer Fest is right around the corner on October 17^th.  No matter what event you participate in,  all proceeds will give back to the community and local charities.  There are many establishments who have always believed in Conshy and will never budge and many newcomers have noticed its’ convenience, charm and appeal.  It is easy to see why so many are relocating to Conshohocken, it just keeps getting better and better.

The Lucky Dog Restaurant recently relocated to Conshohocken

More info on The Lucky Dog

More info on RESTAURANT WEEK

More info on the Conshohocken Beer Fest

More info on Conshy - More than the Curve

Now and Later - Fall Container Displays

It is that time of year - your potted plants have just about had it.  Before you pop a pile of mums in your containers think about using other perennials instead.  If you are like me I enjoy getting the absolute most out of my dollars spent.   In the fall garden centers usually run specials on perennials, so here’s your opportunity to grab a couple beauties to enjoy now and later in the spring.

My favorite perennials with fantastic foliage are Heuchera Coral Bells. The variety and colors are awesome.  You can simply cluster several different species together or combine with hosta, ferns, and grasses for a container full of color and texture. When the winter winds start to blow place your container(s) in an unheated garage and water on a regular basis.  After your plants have been dormant and sleepy, simply bring them back out in the sunny spring and watch their beautiful display all over again.  

Heuchera Varieties

Simply Display of Heuchera

Fall Foliage with Perennials

Heuchera, Hosta, and Ferns - OH MY!

A stand alone beauty of Heuchera

Feng Shui – Impeccable First Impression

A well maintained meandering path that leads to a red door, with gleaming hardware, flanked by lush plantings and perhaps a fountains’ calming trickle can be heard along the way. 

Sounds welcoming, right?

Incorporating the 5 elements of Feng Shui can invite not only your guests but prosperity, good energy, and harmony to your home.

Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water should be present prior to passing through your front door.   By doing so, you allow the Seng Chi (beneficial energy) to enter and permeate your dwelling. Each element can be represented in items surrounding your homes’ entrance.  Wood can be in the form of plants and trees with a vertical formation, achieving this with containers and plantings.

Fire can be revealed in your front door color, painting it red will invite prosperity to those who live inside.  To present Earth in the mix, the use of low and flat surfaces can produce desired balance, i.e. a pathway of flagstone or rectangular shaped stepping stones.  Metal, is self explanatory, beautiful and simple hardware and a door knocker are essential.  Lastly, Water, could be a fountain close by, or a dark vessel, gazing ball, or any reflective surface with placement considered.

A decision to “Feng Shui” your entrance will promote the 

potential for harmony and prosperity.  

I am pretty sure we are all looking for more of that in our lives.