Archives for December 2014

Color Guide: How to Work With Chartreuse

Screen Shot 2014-11-10 at 7.50.03 AMAs earthy or electric as you please, this yellow-green hue brings the zing or just freshness to homes from traditional to modern

It’s a vivid, electric color. Happy, even. It’s the inside of a perfect avocado, a bed of Scotch moss or the belly of a lovebird. Chartreuse is halfway between green and yellow — a yellowish green, a greenish yellow. But the spectrum within this color ranges from bright lime to light sulphur.

In its lighter, softer form chartreuse makes a great wall color for earthy, nature-inspired rooms. In its boldest, brightest form it is as eye catching as neon.

Chartreuse can be both earthy and electric. It looks wonderful with reds, oranges and blues, especially turquoise and cobalt. Bright chartreuse is a perfect foil for charcoal gray (think lichen on stone) and in modern design is often used as a pop against muted neutrals. It looks crisp and spring-y with bright white and vivid with purple.

It’s very popular in modern design, but chartreuse can span the eras and does not need to be used sparingly. Go ahead and put it all over; it can take it. Do you want a baroque entryway with chartreuse walls and crystal chandeliers? Go for it.

As these photos show, chartreuse may be bold — flashy, even — but it is not limiting. In fact, it’s an all-around great decorating color.

Home equity is back and homeowners are using it

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As home prices rise, homeowners are wasting no time making use of their newfound, or regained, home equity. In fact, while all mortgage originations rose in the third quarter of this year, the biggest gain was in home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).

Originations of these loans, which are often in addition to primary mortgages, jumped over 17 percent for the quarter, according to Inside Mortgage Finance, a mortgage industry publication: $20 billion in new HELOCs, which is the most quarterly volume for the product this year.

How to Add Just the Right Amount of Dramatic Black

Screen Shot 2014-11-20 at 8.29.03 AMDone right, black can add punch and personality to just about any room. Here’s how to go over to the dark side in style

Black is a somewhat divisive color when it comes to interiors: some adore it; some abhor it. Personally, I love black — it instantly adds atmosphere — but it can be overwhelming if not handled carefully. From mixing in jewel brights to restricting it to paintwork or a feature wall, here are 10 ways to use inky shades in uplifting ways.

How to Ditch the Drapes and Let Your Windows Shine

Screen Shot 2014-11-20 at 8.25.00 AMIf your home has beautiful windows and you don’t need to hide a view, consider dressing them in these elegant, creative ways

Drapes are a beautiful — and functional — home privacy solution, great for covering up an unwanted view inside or out. But when your home has beautiful windows and privacy isn’t an issue, why hide them? Consider some of these classic and creative ways to dress your windows, whether you live in a secluded country house or a high-rise city apartment.

Styling to Sell a Home

Styling your home can make a world of difference in how quickly you sell and even how much you sell your home for. Find out how to style your home to sell to make a great impression on your buyers.

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Simple Pleasures: Savoring the Season of Fire and Light

Screen Shot 2014-11-18 at 8.14.39 AMWarm up your home and lift your spirits on cold winter days with these decorative touches

I am the first to admit I’m not a winter person. But where I live, in New England, snowy winters are a fact of life. And if living with winter has taught me anything, it’s to savor the warm and cozy aspects of this season. Candles, fairy lights and a roaring fire can do wonders to boost light on short, dark days and (even more important) bolster the spirits. So pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa and get cozy around the fire. Here are 10 ideas for boosting light and creating a magical ambience around the house.

Dream Spaces: Spa-Worthy Showers to Refresh the Senses

Screen Shot 2014-11-18 at 8.12.10 AMIn these fantasy baths, open designs let in natural light and views, and intriguing materials create drama

The term “shower stall” often conjures a utilitarian, single-person spot meant for one thing: getting clean. These fantastic showers are a different animal — in many of them, solid walls and opaque barriers have been largely banished to let in light and views, making an everyday wash an exhilarating experience. Take a look at 14 examples that challenge the bathtub’s title as the ultimate place for a relaxing soak.

12 Days of Ugly Christmas Sweaters [infographic]

I have been listening to Christmas music for months and shopping for Christmas gifts and planning winter outfits. If you’re into the holidays at all, you must know that an ugly christmas sweater is a must-have.

Occasionally referred to as ‘tacky’ Christmas sweaters, they are a staple item for themed holiday parties. The best part about them is that it doesn’t matter if you buy a cheap one from the store, or get your crafty on to make a cotton ball snowman on an old sweater. Whether I’m invited to any sweater parties this year or not, I will definitely be sporting the green sweatshirt I just got. The front reads, “Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal,” and I am dying to show it off.

If you’re in the market for ugly Christmas sweater ideas, check out the infographic below. After you’ve chosen or made your sweater, remember to wear them loud and proud! Celebrate Christmas in style (or not in style if that’s what you’re going for).

[12 Days of Christmas Sweaters from My Ugly Christmas Sweater]

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Eclectic Matchups: 10 Round Dining Tables With Chairs

Screen Shot 2014-10-27 at 12.52.51 PMCheck out these ideas for pairings of round tables with complementary chairs of different styles

Round and oval dining tables make conversing with dinner guests easier and prevent the dreaded corner bump as you walk past. And with a pedestal table, you also get the benefit of being able to squeeze in a few extra seats in a pinch — perfect for holiday entertaining, when everyone seems to bring a friend. Whether you already have a table you love and are looking for fresh ideas for chairs, or you’re starting from scratch, see which of these 10 table and chair matchups appeals to you.