Sunday, July 7, 2013

A Look at the 70s Livingroom

The 70s was about pattern and lots of it. And mixing in bright colors. I can still remember the bright bold patterned wallpaper my mother put in my room in the early 70s, and how much I loved it back then! The rug in the above photo shows some of the patterns popular at this time, and this one isn't as bold as many of them were. 
 Orange and yellow were popular colors in home decor during the 70s and it was considered to be modern and chic at the time. My mother had our living room in orange growing up, even the television was orange.

 Not all living room styles were bold and patterned as shown in the above photo.They also incorporated splashes of color and patterns in the accessories.
 This photo is an example of the way color was used in the 70s. Modular type furniture was also all the rage.
How could anyone forget the wood paneling popular at the time or the shag rugs. Here bold colored, patterned furniture dominates the room. Notice the bright yellow lamp. Yellow has been making a comeback in decor trends lately. 
Another play on bright color and pattern is seen in this green 70s living room. Toss pillows of red accentuate this room. The 70s incorporated color dramatically. The decor in this photo was considered very chic at the time.
 Turquoise and yellow play together on a patterned rug in this photo. The bold patterned rug has also been making a comback in home decor today.
Notice the style of fireplace in the corner, this was considered the in thing to have. Velvet was also popular as seen in the orange furniture in this living room. 

This 70s living room was considered traditional in its day. It doesn't use bold patterns but takes advantage the colors that were popular.

I love looking back to different eras to see what was popular in home decor and fashion.If you do to check out 50s kitchens.  I grew up in the 70s and remember many of these styles. How about you?

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Black in The Bedroom

Photo Credit: tomstringer.com designs
I love this bedroom. The colors all work well together against the white walls. A bedroom with any detail of black looks good to me. The black bed and lamp add just enough to ground the eye. The green patterned pillows and the green chair on a beige colored rug creates the perfect retreat.
Photo Regan Corlis
The subtle use of black manages to pull this room together. From the black sleigh bed to the black lamps on either side of the bed. The zebra print rug balances the whole look. Emerald green and soft green pillows stand out against the simple black blanket. The curtains are perfect for this room.

Jean Stephane Beauchamp Design

The bedspread and pillows on this black sleigh style bed pull this whole look together. The color of the walls is accented with a touch of the same in the bedspread. The hanging lamp continues the circle style of the black and white rug.

Dena Brody Interiors
If you like bright this is the perfect way to use black with a bright color. The yellow walls make the black furniture really stand out, with different shares of yellow on the bed.
anna rue interiors
The patterned bedding in linen and white stand out against the black of this bed. Black is like white it can work with any color without clashing. Black grounds the eye. I remember reading somewhere years ago that it didn't matter what colors you had in a room you should always have at least one item of black.
James Yocham Photograpy
The classic simplicity of this bedroom makes it elegant. The soft color of gray walls makes the bed, bedding and accessories stand out. The more I see the way black can be used in a room the more I like it. I currently have a black couch and love seat that I am trying to decorate around, so stay tuned I'm looking for photo inspiration I will share!
Mary Prince Photography
Prints of all kinds are the in thing at the moment, and this bedroom takes advantage of a few. The trick to making it work is there isn't to much, so it doesn't overwhelm the eye. The touch of a soft turquoise colored bench at the end of the bed adds just the right touch and breaks up the pattern of the rug and the pillows.
The lettered Cottage
I love the white washed walls in this room, but I have a thing for white. Black is used in the furniture and in frames on the wall. The photo wall takes advantage of both white and black picture frames and balances out the white and black through out the rest of the room.
Edwin Pepper Interiors
Simple lines and splashes of green and yellow give this bedroom an interesting look. Chandeliers are the in thing now and unlike years past they come in all colors and shapes besides your clear crystal. This room is sleek, modern and elegant.
Studio KW Photography
Yellow is a color we are seeing popping up every where lately in design, which is nice to see. It has been years since we have seen yellow. The touches of black give this room a modern take.
Tiffany Eastman Interiors
Pink and white patterned bedding stand out against a black headboard. The look is soft and welcoming.

I really like the look of black in a bedroom, whether it is in the furniture or in accents. It makes me want to paint my bedroom furniture black!


Style Find: Turquoise Summer Style

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Friday, July 5, 2013

30 Things to Do With Lavendar



Skimbaco Lifestyle
 1.) Make Hand & Body Soap

 If you don't grow your own lavender to dry, it can be purchased in health stores. Making soap isn't as complicated as you would think, or at least not like it used to be in Grandma's day with the old lye soap. My grandmother made lye soap up until a few years ago. I miss getting bars of lye soap from her, nothing cleaned or could remove stains like it could. Making lavender soap is a treat for your skin, and senses. Over at Skimbaco Lifestyle, you'll find directions on how to make lavender soap for yourself and for gifts.

Recycle Reuse
2.) Make Liquid Laundry Soap

With the cost of laundry detergent it makes sense to make your own. Even better you have control of what goes in it, which means it will have less chemicals in it. Lavender leaves a soft scent without being over powering, and if you or your children have allergies this would be a good laundry soap worth trying. The Recycle Reuse blogspot has instructions and photos to put this together for yourself.





Condo Blues
3.) Make Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is easy to make and can be used to make other products to add a lavender scent. As long as it is stored in a cool, dark place it can be kept for a long time. If you are interested in making your own Lavender essential oil check out the recipe and directions at Condo Blues




The Beautiful Nest
4.) Make Lavender & Lemon All Purpose Cleaner

Lavender has long been known for it's antiseptic and antibacterial qualities. Combine it with the grease cutting power of lemon and you have an all purpose cleaner that rivals many of the bought ones, minus the chemicals of course! Take a gander over to The Beautiful Nest and see how easy it is to whip up your own.



freepeople.com
5.) Make Bubble Bath

 Let the scent of lavender relax and unwind you. The scent of lavender has a calming effect and makes it the perfect scent to soak away in. Pamper yourself and try this easy recipe at freepeople.com





justapinch.com
 6.) Make Lavender Body Scrub

This lavender scrub contains olive oil so it also leaves your skin feeling soft and luxurious. It contains just a few drops of lemon and combined with the lavender creates a unique scent. Over at justapinch.com you will find the recipe on how to make your own lavender body scrub.




bebookbound
7.) Make Powder Laundry Soap




 If you prefer powder over liquid laundry soap then this is the recipe for you. This lavender soap will last a long time as very little is used per load. This makes it very budget friendly. For this recipe jump on over to bebookbound










themotherhuddle.com
 8.) Make Lavender Dryer Bags

Here is a quick and easy way to make your own lavender dryer bags. Each bag can be used about 10 x, making it another economical choice. Once the bags are made they should be kept in a sealed container. Take a gander over to themotherhudle.com to see how to make your own.



motherearchliving.com
 9.) Make Lavender Solid Perfume



Wear the light scent of lavender whenever you are feeling stressed, down, or are having trouble sleeping. Just massage into your pulse points or anywhere you want. The scent of lavender has been known to calm and relax you. And because this isn't a liquid it is easy to take along when traveling. If you want to give this one a try check out motherearthliving.com for the full recipe and directions.









hillcitybride
10.) Make Plantable Lavender Seed Paper

This is such a creative idea and uses up scraps of paper at the same time. This would make a great gift to give. You just plant the paper that is full of lavender seeds into the ground and watch your lavender grow.  Add to a decorative flower pot as a gift for someone, or place in a card. These also make great wedding favors. Check out hillcitybride for the how to.





pumpkinandaprincess.com





 11.) Make Lavender & Vanilla Candles

I'm addicted to candles -  there are usually 3-4 candles burning in my house at any given time. I also have lots of glass candle jar with lids from all the store bought candles I've bought. Mason jars make perfect holders for candles and are affordable. To make your own lavender jar candles hop on over to a pumpkinandaprincess.com.




hifriendsdesign.com
12.) Make Lavender Linen Spray




Linen spray can refresh your bedding, towels, toss pillows and more in between washing. With the refreshing, clean smell of lavender your home will smell warm and inviting.  At hifrienddesign.com you will not only find the recipe on how to make your own but free printable labels to use.









shelterness.com

13.) Make Lavender Surround Candles


This a quick decorating idea that can be put together in no time at all. Just add dried lavender to your favorite jars or candle holders and top with a candle of your choice. For this and more lavender ideas check out shelterness.com.





centsationalgirl.com
14.) Make Lavender Eye Pillows

These lavender eye pillows will help you relax and give you a good night's sleep. Just lay down and place the pillow across your eyes and you'll be feeling relaxed and centered in no time at all. To make your own lavender eye pillows check out centsationalgirl.com.







theannamomdiary.com
15.) No Sew Lavender Bags

This craft in particular is one I love as I don't sew. These lavender bags are great for tucking in your dresser drawers, or under your pillow. These are so quick and easy to do. They make a nice gift to pass on to others. If you don't sew or are looking for something quick to do with your lavender check out theanamomdiary.com




elizadomestica.com
16.) Lavender & Honey Lip Balm


This softening lip balm will do wonders for your lips, keeping them soft and healthy If you try this you won't be disappointed! Visit elizadomestica.com to whip up some of your own.



adelightfulhome.com

17) Lavender Room Deodorizer Spray

If you love using deodorizing spray in your home, this is a more environmentally and healthy choice. Keep a bottle in the bathroom or under the kitchen sink to keep it handy. This is another fairly easy way to use lavender. If you would like to try this lavender air freshner take hop over to adelightfulhome.com. You won't be dissapointed.










myownlabels.com
 18.) Make Infused Lavender Sugar


Lavender sugar is a delight to add to baking, sprinkling on cereal, grapefruit, and more. Lavender has many healing properties, it fights indigestion and bloating just to name a few. It is another way to use lavender that is quick. Check out myownlabels.com to make your own lavender sugar.





adelightfullife.com
19.) Make Lavender Salve



Lavender salve is a wonderful hand lotion that is moisturizing and healing at the same time. Use it on rough patches like elbows and knees. It is also antiseptic making it a great salve on dry areas of the skin. This is another way to use lavender in a creative way and also makes a great gift to give. It's not hard to make at all and you'll find the recipe and ingredient list at adelightfullife.com.








sophisimom.com
20.) Make Lavender Lemonade



I would never have thought to use lavender in such a way, but I had some at a friends the other day and it is delicious. As soon as I can get my hands on some lavender this is on my 'to try' list. She got the recipe from sophistimom.com.  











peasepuddingwordpress.com
 21) Make Lavender Syrup


Lavender syrup is a wonderful addition to pancakes, and added to tea or coffee. Drizzle it over ice cream, baking, and fruits. Lavender syrup is excellent with strawberries. Add a few drops to wine to give it a burst of flavor. To see how it is made, how it is used and how to make your own jump over to peasepuddingwordpress.com.





cookingclassy.com
 22.) Make Lavender Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Icing



Cooking lavender here in North America seems a bit odd, especially when we view lavender as a scent. In France it has been a cooking ingredient for centuries. Lavender adds a unique flavor to anything it is added to making it taste all the better. Over at cookingclassy.com you'll find a simple recipe worth trying. Try it first then decide if you like it or not!









countryliving.com

23.) Make Lavender Heart Cards

Add lovely scent to homemade cards by stuffing fabric hearts with lavender and attaching to the front of the card. The recipient will also be able to use the lavender bag making it card and gift at the same time. For full directions see countryliving.com.






foodandwine.com
24) Make Lavender Ice Tea



A nice drink of lavender tea will help quench your thirst and cool you off .Infused with lavender added to Earl Grey Tea, this refreshing drink is sure to become a favorite. To try this out hop on over to foodandwine.com.







beforeitsnews.com
 25.) Make Homemade Lavender Mosquito Repellent


Lavender has long been known to deter pesky bugs when planted outside. To take advantage of that repelling quality try making some lavender mosquito repellant. It is deet, chemical free and safe to use. beforeitsnews.com has a simple recipe to get you started.







centsationalgirl
26) Make a Dried Lavender Wreath


Lavender wreaths look beautiful on a front door, hanging in a window or on a fence. centsationalgirl guides you through the process of making one for yourself. With clear directions and photos you'll have a wreath made in no time at all. A wonderful way to great family and friends.







Photo Credit: shelterness.com
27) Make a Dried Lavender Arrangement


Dried lavender stems tied together make an interesting flower display that never needs to be watered. Keep the lavender bouquet standing up by adding stones, colored glass, or marbles to the bottom of the container.







reluctantentertainer
28) Make a Fresh Lavender Centerpiece


Add some fresh lavender to your favorite vase or bowl to create a quick table centerpiece. Fill vases through out your home to bring a fresh, clean smell through out your home. See the reluctantentertainer for more photos.





powercourtgardenpavilion

29) Make a 3 Flower Vase Display



 Lavender, pansies and lily of the valley blooms nestle together in this interesting mini flower display. The vase's are egg holders with egg shell liners holding the flowers. See more at:  powercourtgardenpavilion.











30) Make Your Own Lavender Garden

Starting your own lavender garden is one of the best ways to enjoy lavender. Once the plant isestablished it will usually last for years. If you don't have a garden a pot of lavender in a sunny area of a patio, deck or step can be used. To learn more about growing lavender stop over at: about.com gardening.




Lavender Products