Neil knows a thing or two about women. He should, since he lives with five of them. Neil, his wife, Lolet, his daughter, Kristina, his mother, Brenda, and his two dogs (both female, of course) all live happily in their cozy, two-story house in the suburbs. Yet, while all of the feminine energy was generally a positive force in the home, Neil was feeling a bit outnumbered when it came to the décor.
Home and Garden
What do you get when you combine a manufacturer with more than 80 years of experience creating high-quality furnishings with a high-energy home décor expert who travels the country meeting with individuals to see what their needs are?
Some of us buy things because of their looks; some buy things as mementos of a place or an experience; and some buy things in order to show off their taste, worldliness and/or wealth. In many cases, these things get scattered around the house, where they’re referred to as decorative accessories. Maybe they’re precious to their owners, but they’re often a challenge to interior designers — especially those tasked with creating minimalist settings.
There’s just no denying it. It’s hot outside. Very hot.
: I was at a party where the hostess had a drawer that slid out from under the kitchen sink. The drawer was more of a wire basket on wheels that held a trash can. Anyway, I think it’s a great idea and I’m interested in installing one. How much would it cost and how difficult would it be?
“It is by universal misunderstanding that all agree. For if, by ill luck, people understood each other, they would never agree.” Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867), French poet and critic, “Intimate Journals” (Translated by Christopher Isherwood 1947)
: Just a few weeks after reading your article about spittle bugs our large rosemary plant was covered with them. I have never had spittle bugs on this plant before and have always used it for cooking. Does this mean that it will never be “clean” enough, even after the bugs are gone, for cooking?
Art nouveau designs are very unlike the slick modern designs favored by today’s craftsmen. The style was international, but its most extreme examples were European.
Do all the inquires I’m getting about renovating summer homes represent another of those “green shoots” heralding renewed growth for the national economy? We all hope so, but it could be just a sign of the season. Not that there’s anything disappointing about the sort of green shoots that summer itself causes to sprout.
DEAR DEBBIE: I am 10 years old, and my mom and I watch you on TV. I can help do my bedroom, like picking the colors and wallpaper too. Is pink too stupid? I love it. What goes with pink that would look sort of grown-up? My room is pretty big. Your fan — Melissa
DEAR GAIL: Can you help me with my living room? It’s about 600 square feet with 12 foot ceilings and white walls. I have gray carpet, a black baby grand piano, a purple sectional, glass tables and everything feels cold and dull. When I originally decorated I wanted a clean simple look, but we never go in because it’s so uninviting. I don’t want to replace any of my furniture, but I’m ready for a change. What can you suggest? — Maggie R.
Each week you faithfully sort your glass, plastic, aluminum and paper for recycling. Most of us, however, have never given another thought to what happens to those materials once they are picked up through the curbside recycling program or taken to the local recycling center.
Laura couldn’t have been more pleased and more frustrated at the same time.
Have plan, will travel? Or, plan the room then work the plan? However you want to put it, a game plan is necessary for a room or entire house to come together attractively.
Mary Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockle shells, and pretty maids all in a row.