tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122306311587763582024-03-12T16:59:24.573-07:00Design with DawnHome Textiles Designer with more years than I want to list here of experience to share with designers and people of similar interest. Some tips and insights on designing.Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-79896129627390989952023-02-20T13:48:00.002-08:002023-02-20T13:48:52.339-08:00Rediscovering My Passion for Crafts<p> I have always admired my friends who are creative, who produce and display their "art" in their homes. You walk into their house and know right away, these are artists! </p><p>I love handmade items; knit or woven pillows, macramé and woven wall art. I like to knit and have made many scarfs (and baby blankets) for people over the years. When we moved, we wanted to limit all of the "extra stuff" we had. My daughter's had left a lot of the things I made them at the house when they moved out on their own. When I was packing, going thru everything, they chose not to have me keep or send it for them. I regret that, as I really loved so many of the projects I did; the colors, the stitch I chose to learn - many of them had "extras" such as antique buttons or jewels sewn on them. </p><p>I recently knit my mom a scarf... she loved it! I had one extra skein of yarn so I made myself a cowl and thought, <i>"this would make a beautiful pillow! "</i> I could not find that yarn again, so I went to my new favorite yarn store in New Hope called<a href="https://twistknittingandspinning.com/"> Twist</a>! The owner of the shop is lovely and everyone I have met there has been so helpful. I bought a beautifully dyed yarn called <a href="https://twistknittingandspinning.com/products/malabrigo-rasta?_pos=1&_sid=bf773767a&_ss=r">Rasta</a> and fell in love with the colors. </p><p>The knitters there that day helped me figure out how large of a panel I could make, using a seed stitch with one skein of yarn ... I brought a sample swatch of my knitting to show them, to ask their advice.</p><p>I used a circular needle #13 and am so happy with how it came out!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvtc1bGydpy72MipL7LAv-_plc_1I0kM3z2Uk2ba90r9j2JqwY_x6K79H7rxtMFOvhxtPV4GakiTL9o7qL73zSt5K8yWewi2dFCuhhumFuWcOYPPHDugsk7sFOAFLzNNbEAKH8x3xlwqjl2X4G8gUdozSH1bhK5QlSCRN_b4Ix0kymtkL-iLVCFrO/s4032/69579080754__202C8823-0F78-4ECC-84C3-E7349BE7330C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvtc1bGydpy72MipL7LAv-_plc_1I0kM3z2Uk2ba90r9j2JqwY_x6K79H7rxtMFOvhxtPV4GakiTL9o7qL73zSt5K8yWewi2dFCuhhumFuWcOYPPHDugsk7sFOAFLzNNbEAKH8x3xlwqjl2X4G8gUdozSH1bhK5QlSCRN_b4Ix0kymtkL-iLVCFrO/w190-h253/69579080754__202C8823-0F78-4ECC-84C3-E7349BE7330C.jpeg" width="190" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b></b><blockquote><b>Here you can see how vibrant the colors are!</b><div><b>This yarn brand has so many gorgeous hand dyed colorways and they are so soft and saturated! Offered in so many colorways!</b></div></blockquote><div><b></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div>When I finished I wanted to make a pillow shell in a color that would work so that you would not see it "grin" through. I planned to go to the fabric store to buy solid fabric and a pillow insert.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I got very lucky and found a ready made pillow with a very cool design at Target for $20 in the perfect color .... however I did not want a square pillow, I wanted a boudoir (rectangle) shape.</div><div><br /></div><div>I opened the pillow at the seam, took out some of the stuffing, cut the fabric back to the size I wanted. I then sewed the pillow closed to fit the size of my knitting; (pillow was 18 x 18 in - I made it 18 x 14 in.). Using embroidery thread to match the base pillow, I stitched the my knitting to the back of the pillow, so that I could use the pillow on either side!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">I could not be happier with the outcome!</span></b></div><div>I love adding my own touch to the house, especially when it comes out this good!</div><div>Don't let your inhibitions or fear that it won't be "good enough" stop you from allowing your creative mind to work!</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkah5vBMthegglVKRHIOq883kl6Au2CxD13c-KNZ-2P2n2MmMHn_9C3Yf4qt5-fs6VITnw7pW9YRKRiR_B6xS3PqOws6og_z3mjqiL8P-nXfZnsVBJWLhST4AO4kWdkq1rywfnqo0BS_C9gxd2C1oOX-0ru3snjHJ0WgCOPmQ-f2U0grJqYnlTWEu/s4032/IMG_9253.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkah5vBMthegglVKRHIOq883kl6Au2CxD13c-KNZ-2P2n2MmMHn_9C3Yf4qt5-fs6VITnw7pW9YRKRiR_B6xS3PqOws6og_z3mjqiL8P-nXfZnsVBJWLhST4AO4kWdkq1rywfnqo0BS_C9gxd2C1oOX-0ru3snjHJ0WgCOPmQ-f2U0grJqYnlTWEu/w240-h320/IMG_9253.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCwAVG0ho-IoHtKWVpKvuzT5EWD1J1pwpHPYnORv3w7b293RNK_pQbRoMaMVVmdzmna1V3DQR8rnCg9NRI69UX3COyN-x_s4qcw_fU2tZa-jzgA09lPYHJd9evf831t1yZK7kwus_kSyRytn_peCw0wwaw1-DV5RVBIVao49_g14HMLr8MX-bsHTG/s4032/69733987713__F2D2F24D-A9E4-426A-A43A-C80C9A57078A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCwAVG0ho-IoHtKWVpKvuzT5EWD1J1pwpHPYnORv3w7b293RNK_pQbRoMaMVVmdzmna1V3DQR8rnCg9NRI69UX3COyN-x_s4qcw_fU2tZa-jzgA09lPYHJd9evf831t1yZK7kwus_kSyRytn_peCw0wwaw1-DV5RVBIVao49_g14HMLr8MX-bsHTG/s320/69733987713__F2D2F24D-A9E4-426A-A43A-C80C9A57078A.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNGHGS5lsVUOwaKfzVPmucoskoDsSHAW5qIND190HZVBlHcH2vbssO8HNvtyE6llgf14VAqiNsxMKLYNdQgwlt5DUPFUE_YBYwzKQGFPdELu4eKqlcC8OjVBaaLPvB0xrn9MgYLAZ6F8zJSyw3TQF2qfA8GCpGC9Qd3AqQUvN0uvMlzPLWQrtHJRF/s4032/69733987713__F2D2F24D-A9E4-426A-A43A-C80C9A57078A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div></div>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-75711903362808424632022-10-12T14:04:00.002-07:002022-10-12T14:04:48.292-07:00New House.... New Hope (Pennsylvania, that is!)<p> When I look back at my blog posts so many of them have to do with color. How color affects our mood, how easy it is to use color to update your home and your MOOD!</p><p></p><blockquote>THIS POST IS NO DIFFERENT - Color affects my mindset. For all who know me, I LOVE street art! This is my street art... for now!</blockquote><p></p><p>Recently moving to "our bucket list town" of New Hope, Pennsylvania part of me wanted to examine what do I want from this house... how can it be an expression of who we are?</p><p>We have been coming to New Hope and her sister town of Lambertville for decades now; spending weekends riding our bikes along the Delaware River on the towpath, visiting galleries, meeting artists, finding great coffee and food; we have always felt a "pull" to this area. The art and culture here envelopes the every breath! </p><p>So, how did I want to start my next chapter here? </p><p>I wanted to drive up to my new home and feel like, wow, I LIVE HERE!</p><p>I want to show you how easy it is to add color to the outside of your house, giving it a personality of it's own! I work from home (since Dec. 2019) my office is situated in the front room, window facing the street. This allows me to see my new neighbors walking by with their dogs, or friends. </p><p></p><blockquote><p><b>I am kind of thrilled at how many of their heads I have turned with this update! </b></p><p></p></blockquote><p><b>Here are the BEFORE images</b>... beautiful stone front, landscaping needs some loving care...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgcOITfw5DnAjxzHxK62iNQQV-fboAsZoGJQdO-H5cx-8PwX-FaN1WrFJ0fBYn3atka9wvQOXQ6DELy14k_gmG-d_vwKV9DQU1I1Lxjsc189ZHKWL1gPs7iH-vC87NJMpiSx7TX_vlGL8yoHTs0y259Yh9Jp4wY6mxA7IgsRTHUM-apqW6Le7Ljyu/s4032/IMG_6486.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgcOITfw5DnAjxzHxK62iNQQV-fboAsZoGJQdO-H5cx-8PwX-FaN1WrFJ0fBYn3atka9wvQOXQ6DELy14k_gmG-d_vwKV9DQU1I1Lxjsc189ZHKWL1gPs7iH-vC87NJMpiSx7TX_vlGL8yoHTs0y259Yh9Jp4wY6mxA7IgsRTHUM-apqW6Le7Ljyu/s320/IMG_6486.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c0sVaWQ3Nc7BwffU07JfgrNCl_l5b7aJKtOhq5Q_kFNMe9kpg90FqimeedqrlsLCtsaGgi-NOgj_ewxAUiBKn0lVNKnnp8XwEkYk8SWvqNbbn-pCKvyu52DlJytS23Zxl_OKHLSFfgm5BdAqHAeoEP-3zEGR6whwC1X6-2eOfkS2m0d1WLwUSYlw/s4032/IMG_6483.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c0sVaWQ3Nc7BwffU07JfgrNCl_l5b7aJKtOhq5Q_kFNMe9kpg90FqimeedqrlsLCtsaGgi-NOgj_ewxAUiBKn0lVNKnnp8XwEkYk8SWvqNbbn-pCKvyu52DlJytS23Zxl_OKHLSFfgm5BdAqHAeoEP-3zEGR6whwC1X6-2eOfkS2m0d1WLwUSYlw/s320/IMG_6483.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIlTUM9LaAx1pEVLvY6ca_RkUenPdzlU2X74KAnhdXOI9oqtfQDdleMEHgSdHLiSa8KxMyrRs7LmXJusjveH7Lkb1Chq3wqYCS5_RY8ZuSS5fxejKCNXsDpmKctbsUO2nSuCL-0lw3uTxN_RuTJ7U78sndDV-NE7Lw1iTHG1QihcVCI7smLO8Kv02/s4032/IMG_5678.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIlTUM9LaAx1pEVLvY6ca_RkUenPdzlU2X74KAnhdXOI9oqtfQDdleMEHgSdHLiSa8KxMyrRs7LmXJusjveH7Lkb1Chq3wqYCS5_RY8ZuSS5fxejKCNXsDpmKctbsUO2nSuCL-0lw3uTxN_RuTJ7U78sndDV-NE7Lw1iTHG1QihcVCI7smLO8Kv02/s320/IMG_5678.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><blockquote><b>Here are the AFTER images!</b></blockquote><div>A strong pop of navy blue... classic yet artistic</div><div><br /></div><div>We tried a few colors, starting with the Historic colors offered by Ben Moore - I need to follow my own advise that I offer friends and clients... paint a sample on the area you will be painting to look at the color at all times of the day; morning, noon and night to be sure you "like" it.</div><div><br /></div><div>We ended up with 2061-10 Deep Royal - described by Ben Moore as : <span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A dark, distinguished navy that verges on black</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We took out the center boxwood in front of my office window and purchased a beautiful ceramic planter. With the help of Donna <a href="https://www.gasper.net/garden/">@Gaspers</a> she was able to guide us to the right plants to put in here... perennials and deer resistant with <b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">"pops of color"</b> . Donna told us to put crushed water bottles in the bottom, cover with landscape fabric and then special gold potting soil to give the plants the best chance to make it thru the Fall and Winter... the bottles in the bottom help so the planter will drain and not fill with water and crack in the cold of the season.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5Rgw6yU0tuyAd5yqvp_mVsu-J2Fyg-AgrWSuYKKaZx_QwCQctoHjj4ObeKqO1Oy-RqwnAIylNBGdeHdOMQSLEvsvyoxANkduz_zIUoY03MMdKKa0GTEMCIdombSFcfJ0nsSUIXExrF6WEK-IHSHyyHnmYzTRhBf8pVZ-VUaNdt12-hMj1ojDswnT/s4032/IMG_5679.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5Rgw6yU0tuyAd5yqvp_mVsu-J2Fyg-AgrWSuYKKaZx_QwCQctoHjj4ObeKqO1Oy-RqwnAIylNBGdeHdOMQSLEvsvyoxANkduz_zIUoY03MMdKKa0GTEMCIdombSFcfJ0nsSUIXExrF6WEK-IHSHyyHnmYzTRhBf8pVZ-VUaNdt12-hMj1ojDswnT/s4032/IMG_5679.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5Rgw6yU0tuyAd5yqvp_mVsu-J2Fyg-AgrWSuYKKaZx_QwCQctoHjj4ObeKqO1Oy-RqwnAIylNBGdeHdOMQSLEvsvyoxANkduz_zIUoY03MMdKKa0GTEMCIdombSFcfJ0nsSUIXExrF6WEK-IHSHyyHnmYzTRhBf8pVZ-VUaNdt12-hMj1ojDswnT/s320/IMG_5679.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL2lolUod8TD5wQ26IEQynAEWO0HU-NMHUTdoK32TT3EcXFLXGoX2azT8sa8lbqe-W5PpijA2rpsKp-mZSvLzIDzcATIH9OTH_s5_Lsf0dIGf83EwWr_q0zGdskKCrVLgXM5cGIqlJFLHW6BF7DCzoPAI0ztB7c1geaSZbwR_rRjnB19eB3ChZpa-/s4032/IMG_4394.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL2lolUod8TD5wQ26IEQynAEWO0HU-NMHUTdoK32TT3EcXFLXGoX2azT8sa8lbqe-W5PpijA2rpsKp-mZSvLzIDzcATIH9OTH_s5_Lsf0dIGf83EwWr_q0zGdskKCrVLgXM5cGIqlJFLHW6BF7DCzoPAI0ztB7c1geaSZbwR_rRjnB19eB3ChZpa-/w241-h320/IMG_4394.jpeg" width="241" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't be afraid to try something new! A new color, add a planter, flowers.. anything and everything that will make you feel good! You have nothing to loose! Like a good friend of mine would say "WHY NOT" (thanks amanda - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/indoorfangs/">@indoorfangs</a> best spin instructor; kept me sane during Covid and still does!)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-38970980544965304502022-03-07T10:48:00.000-08:002022-03-07T10:48:19.398-08:00Re-Purpose Functional Furniture<p> Did you ever have a piece of furniture that "works" for you, but over time starts to look old and worn out? Yet you cannot bear to toss it.... This was the case for these folding tables that we use in our family room. We love to relax and watch a movie and have dinner at times. </p><p>Most people call these TV Tables! LOL - which they are in every sense of the word, except they do not hold the TV, they hold the food you eat while watching TV....</p><p>I remember growing up they were metal, some with floral prints, an edge all around. If you were fancy you had a stand that housed them!</p><p><br /></p><p>Mine were simple, just wood - but over time got scratched and stained. When we were updating our family room I added a new coffee and side table, however I could not stand the thought of just throwing these away. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Repurpose, rejuvenate, restore!!! My favorite things to do!</span></b></p><p>All you need ..... spray paint, painting gloves, a tarp and a little bit of time. It is also helpful to use this special nozzle head/handle to spare your hand of paint and getting cramped from holding down the sprayhead.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdkVPoyo6J8ZVMd9nuVnRC4oEoW-2O6TvpmN4gNcDWSHlsIUShJEDSKZdE6RToKN5FuPvzJKHi70JiwSOVE4ohc38Ewh0Mn1i7lluRgqQFeIndpHuBnPvAreF1uQMXO_Mrg-RGzAQ9FekOQ5TmzF-61nzxAeqfmqj0JORRNsnJOeYTbkGoYUW8oBkt=s362" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="362" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdkVPoyo6J8ZVMd9nuVnRC4oEoW-2O6TvpmN4gNcDWSHlsIUShJEDSKZdE6RToKN5FuPvzJKHi70JiwSOVE4ohc38Ewh0Mn1i7lluRgqQFeIndpHuBnPvAreF1uQMXO_Mrg-RGzAQ9FekOQ5TmzF-61nzxAeqfmqj0JORRNsnJOeYTbkGoYUW8oBkt=w200-h194" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4v-m112DIDctyn5lLF1oFCj9LcgqfD67m61ZexFOD3ZiBY6JaytGqh3tgl93n63BgGhRhQyc3LvHemUZ13NBsBdrCzU4uyehyrT697y0GtKSnyNaF9Rv0wnqXxjhxvfJ7cWdR3XYrZpQmZo8s63SVQRTs0rox6mXpUctBZTDq6g7acSjHt9UuymSK=s818" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="758" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4v-m112DIDctyn5lLF1oFCj9LcgqfD67m61ZexFOD3ZiBY6JaytGqh3tgl93n63BgGhRhQyc3LvHemUZ13NBsBdrCzU4uyehyrT697y0GtKSnyNaF9Rv0wnqXxjhxvfJ7cWdR3XYrZpQmZo8s63SVQRTs0rox6mXpUctBZTDq6g7acSjHt9UuymSK=w186-h200" width="186" /></a></div><br /></div><p><br /></p><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>Here is the before and after</u></b></span><b>..... </b></span><div><br /></div><div>I painted them black to match the buffet/TV stand in the room and the accents of the new coffee and side table wrought iron legs. <p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3oxMmhoKglEdf6SW3sWPatlfoaS76EjBLG3ZI8D85qDbkzpBlGB5_Cy_Ybi7QwSRIT1niSHKb-A-QJkN7KhmCzCn8UQHqDC6UN5WwEJmNCBMzBmoIWF3YWPfQWMLCGlgRQkEiMQM0B3O5ysM8B8gu_9F7W23VzcEqAK4hVBVjqXoO7_zGMHcdYis8=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3oxMmhoKglEdf6SW3sWPatlfoaS76EjBLG3ZI8D85qDbkzpBlGB5_Cy_Ybi7QwSRIT1niSHKb-A-QJkN7KhmCzCn8UQHqDC6UN5WwEJmNCBMzBmoIWF3YWPfQWMLCGlgRQkEiMQM0B3O5ysM8B8gu_9F7W23VzcEqAK4hVBVjqXoO7_zGMHcdYis8=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy5XVDh-bdbBBSRamIlQXysmnCOqp1Q9_a_7pdHjrxnABjLlXCydBRRhZvPg_Nw3Qg-l9u2VqSuYyZ97zH5jfo7L-lugUP5GfOKii9RnQclR8qaN7rARbeF1et6e132eANuDYD7GWWdhmv1u0HmNz_xHn9hB9uVYqWWSEP23GYPXvpD6Uda1_uNrFu=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy5XVDh-bdbBBSRamIlQXysmnCOqp1Q9_a_7pdHjrxnABjLlXCydBRRhZvPg_Nw3Qg-l9u2VqSuYyZ97zH5jfo7L-lugUP5GfOKii9RnQclR8qaN7rARbeF1et6e132eANuDYD7GWWdhmv1u0HmNz_xHn9hB9uVYqWWSEP23GYPXvpD6Uda1_uNrFu=w150-h200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhivDTYH8x-Gi5G7UFk1PlLwl_LBBq2D8JC0P2DUyiwhyNwhoSgbmz_QAZGjdF6B2DP53QG1t1rl9psbtFWnlL_GxpB6KkqWEmFPMFj_ubJiStL_V4qlfsbaTKka_-GACwybtztbrinzqfV-uG98GqVrMiy2VH5VQ6KOb-db406hmUZSpLXGX1dZLga=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhivDTYH8x-Gi5G7UFk1PlLwl_LBBq2D8JC0P2DUyiwhyNwhoSgbmz_QAZGjdF6B2DP53QG1t1rl9psbtFWnlL_GxpB6KkqWEmFPMFj_ubJiStL_V4qlfsbaTKka_-GACwybtztbrinzqfV-uG98GqVrMiy2VH5VQ6KOb-db406hmUZSpLXGX1dZLga=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiojJesQiv2vYMYvypg82v289dHEjuxay184AkWvPZdLv7zjVyartnTJLBQmZKcfG1vxKL-ZSfIMRIUqiWwR5g4DAw4QuHojWICvidZFUeLAeGiZ8GKTq0Zip7YRA-NsrXsZRThT0UV2EAeg7j9du0-CsX2UamWuarP6UeknjWhgsQyYq0V_fNwrm4=s818" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p><p></p></div>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-63956244103759960112022-02-28T09:54:00.000-08:002022-02-28T09:54:25.647-08:00Simple Updates... Bringing more light and life into a room!As I look around my home I have been on a mission to make big changes that do not break the bank. Updating rooms by painting, or re-arranging furniture... things that do not take a ton of time or money but make a huge visual difference can be challenging and fun . <div><br /></div><div>I know I have suggested this in past posts ....<div><i><br /></i></div><div><i></i><blockquote><i>Did you ever try taking down all the art in a few of your rooms and moving them around?
Creating new groups, maybe changing the frames?
</i>
<b>You would not believe what a difference this could make!</b></blockquote><b><blockquote></blockquote></b>
I did this with furniture... the room settings and arrangement of the pieces I own. </div><div><br /></div><div>As we go through the process of thinking and re-thinking downsizing and what that would look like, we have taken multiple trips to furniture stores to try to get inspired. The argument of "well if we are moving, we need to think about the new space, and not knowing how big it will be, we should hold off". </div><div><b>This can paralyze you!!!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I love my family room, the size and layout work - but the furniture and carpet? I was just tired of it all! In light of the unknown space we might find, we decided to move the sectional sofa around and follow some of the "set up" trends we are seeing in stores; one being using the ottoman as a "backless" sitting area, not as a foot rest or coffee table!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the room before... you can see this beautiful wool rug (a big investment at the time). As much as we loved it when we purchased it, we are "bored"... </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg58nvhd4smUz_fJ6o1EiRCJlSxKm92BKg1B0HpEZrkbn8qRnrCIUWoSoM6GgbJf1iTEq7pvKwqqVwvphmsu0EzkWhlw_2KxFkdGO-VsdUqsnL2DUBegpjRvGPpBGaJwFaBoz_1vcPwUjr4XdURqjd_rxG-RiW-GbCaDAiXl9EsB_GhGEAX3oG7ZV__=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg58nvhd4smUz_fJ6o1EiRCJlSxKm92BKg1B0HpEZrkbn8qRnrCIUWoSoM6GgbJf1iTEq7pvKwqqVwvphmsu0EzkWhlw_2KxFkdGO-VsdUqsnL2DUBegpjRvGPpBGaJwFaBoz_1vcPwUjr4XdURqjd_rxG-RiW-GbCaDAiXl9EsB_GhGEAX3oG7ZV__=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div>I wanted to re-arrange the furniture and add a new carpet that was lighter and would lift the feeling of the room. The folding tables too, as functional as they might be, and we use them often just looked worn and old. </div><div><i><span style="color: #990000;">** this will be another quick post next.. stay tuned!</span></i></div><div><i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is the rug we chose to replace this - a foot smaller in each direction; a larger scale pattern, with taupe, grey and touch of teal - matching perfectly to the room!</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjadyp3yJz8XX_MDVB4P-mzKoYItDjbrDXs3A0wlAAM5mxOssGBX1zeBuVBU-PQFuDKQxkdtIYuUoz6H1u37p_VvPtXhiO5Me7YB3eLK98FyP19kRdX2FylKbJaLGj0H0xYH4knpxLqx843aoQCnzsdaX1LUItXUFRkXdsnejETtEiI3rylmo34N2Eh=s767" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="767" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjadyp3yJz8XX_MDVB4P-mzKoYItDjbrDXs3A0wlAAM5mxOssGBX1zeBuVBU-PQFuDKQxkdtIYuUoz6H1u37p_VvPtXhiO5Me7YB3eLK98FyP19kRdX2FylKbJaLGj0H0xYH4knpxLqx843aoQCnzsdaX1LUItXUFRkXdsnejETtEiI3rylmo34N2Eh=w200-h190" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Next we were in search for a coffee table and some other items to add to the room to "update" the look. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i></i></b><blockquote><b><i>When you spend so much time in a room you want a place that feels conversational and comfortable.</i></b></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Re-arranging the furniture and purchasing the tables was the first step, while we waited the delivery of the new rug. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>You can see how we inserted the ottoman as a bench seating between the chaise and sofa; purchased a few new pillows, a coffee table, side table (not shown here) and then the swatch of the new rug there to show how much different and lighter it will be!</li></ul></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-EKoVoMLmREkp5aGuMv2EfUUvFcoTW34qEhCCw69FeLZKj18o1x7tH_spj93wfG8V-wLTixxZKdmbT3Xe9T5ImsbOjpE0G86N54gk0_KPLeQauq5164gQkyYMwyQg7m89kLxwYA7dGOh9jvqz1BtjNKEdTY72nulbxIk5WxpHPdOXIm1pJAg5I_MH=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-EKoVoMLmREkp5aGuMv2EfUUvFcoTW34qEhCCw69FeLZKj18o1x7tH_spj93wfG8V-wLTixxZKdmbT3Xe9T5ImsbOjpE0G86N54gk0_KPLeQauq5164gQkyYMwyQg7m89kLxwYA7dGOh9jvqz1BtjNKEdTY72nulbxIk5WxpHPdOXIm1pJAg5I_MH=s320" width="240" /></a></div>We did not want to paint the room and we were not prepared to replace the sofa or furniture yet. I looked in so many stores for the perfect coffee table and found this at a local Home Goods! <i>Loved the recycled wood look</i>, and the fact that it was round, was so perfect for so many reasons! It gives space to walk around without crowding the room, no corners to hit your knees/ shins and with our first grandchild on the way, we will have less corners to cover! In addition, the legs for both new tables match the black accents in the room, including the furniture you cannot see in this photo, that the TV sits on top of... it is important to look for pieces that "work together" when adding these small changes to a room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will spare you the multiple photos each time we added something... <b>here is the final image below!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><blockquote>In the end, I updated the room with the following steps:</blockquote></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span><a name='more'></a></span>The addition of a few new dec pillows in solid textured colors to help add warmth and pull out the colors in the art we love so much. </li><li>A few throws ( since it is what I do for a living, lol) </li><li>Some gorgeous plants on the hearth near the fireplace ... totally inspired by our daughter whose home is full of living plants! </li><li>The coffee and side table that snuggly fits anywhere near the sofa for a flexible drink holder also add texture and warmth to the room... </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> Lastly and what now grounds the foundation of the room... the new area rug!</li></ul></div><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So happy with the outcome! </span></i></b><br />You too can make an old room feel new again - total budget here was $1550</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6CaGu0DTcRbVIKkN6u6X2jPaDK9rpmdfR5q4OgW8Ur7YkmuK0P2WuFP5hc6JXw7P9UWzcobu387v6fgJ4GwHWXJQbFmc9PP14q2wE6fxc8j7P5LmwXGI5dAhsDmjFNIst6Z2NNzIzSOahK46COcqKKskfKzoJHpNOKtp5UvxLoEzsdc5lkQptGV03=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6CaGu0DTcRbVIKkN6u6X2jPaDK9rpmdfR5q4OgW8Ur7YkmuK0P2WuFP5hc6JXw7P9UWzcobu387v6fgJ4GwHWXJQbFmc9PP14q2wE6fxc8j7P5LmwXGI5dAhsDmjFNIst6Z2NNzIzSOahK46COcqKKskfKzoJHpNOKtp5UvxLoEzsdc5lkQptGV03=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-40149859546221694042021-10-06T06:49:00.004-07:002021-10-06T06:57:14.594-07:00Home Cleansing is Cathartic<h4 style="text-align: left;">After 21 years in our home we decided to<i>
</i><b><i>clean house ...</i><blockquote></blockquote></b></h4><b><blockquote></blockquote></b>That is not to say that we didn't keep the house clean.... but the amount
of <i>"things"</i> you accumulate in that time is unbelievable. I look at my two
dear friends Lisa and Rena who live in these beautiful small spaces in
Manhattan. Their homes always seem to be in order, even their medicine cabinet
and bathroom countertops are clean and inviting! Small space living... I have a lot of space and need to learn that you do not need to fill it!<div><br /></div><div>My daughter lives in a
beautiful home in Richmond and just has a sense of "what she wants and needs"
and does not take in <i>anything extra</i>!!! She only buys or takes items that "fit" -
her style and her space. She really knows and sets her boundaries! </div><div><br /></div><div>I always found the space for <i>one more thing</i>; one more
set of sheets, blankets, dishes... if I liked it and wanted it, I found space
for it. My kids joke that they grew up with a "sheet and blanket museum" aka our
linen closet ... To be fair, I have been in home textiles for over 20 years so
needless to say I have collected "just a few things"! If it was soft and
wonderful, I had to keep it! The good news is that when my kids moved to their
own places, I had a lot to give them - not that they wanted it, LOL! </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">How do you
decide what to keep? I find I am asking myself "why did you save this in the
first place?" </h3><div><i>Catharsis is the purification and purgation of emotions—particularly pity and fear—through art or any extreme change in emotion that results in renewal and restoration. </i>as defined by <a href="wikipedia.com">Wikipedia</a></div><div><br /></div><div>As I read this I think... I am not sure I agree with the pity and fear part of the definition - yet then I think, well maybe the fear of letting go.. of an item, or more so, a memory.</div><div><br /></div><div>Small things are easier to go thru and give away - the souvenir
you wanted from that flea market in Mexico on vacation; the wooden carved
dolphin or duck.. what were we thinking? Yet these items have sentimental value,
as I learned when I wanted to toss them and my husband didn't. Memories attached
to certain items have kept us from purging too! </div><div><br /></div><div>When I worked for RL, I was responsible for all International Licensing - I worked with a company in Mexico and traveled there a few times. The owner of the business sent me a beautiful wood piece of furniture, that unbenounced to me, arrived one day. It is made of distressed wood, rich in character and I was grateful- it is small and has been with me for over 25 years - so it is sentimental in a way; a reminder of my accomplishment, time and travels. In those years I have filled the drawers with birthday, anniversary and greeting cards I have received ... again sentimental! <i>Why was I saving these, when would I ever look back at them, yet when I received them I could not bear to just "throw them away"!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Every drawer is FULL!</b></i></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlCijlXibVQ/YV2npDVFpdI/AAAAAAAA88U/I6X7z-yVAnQ33qWYgCSevYpT4ouBicxjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0252.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlCijlXibVQ/YV2npDVFpdI/AAAAAAAA88U/I6X7z-yVAnQ33qWYgCSevYpT4ouBicxjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0252.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zdipOTrDYw/YV2npFKhu-I/AAAAAAAA88Q/I6D5e6IORB4iZ70burJcPkPegJQAICveACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0251.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zdipOTrDYw/YV2npFKhu-I/AAAAAAAA88Q/I6D5e6IORB4iZ70burJcPkPegJQAICveACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0251.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>Now as I am going through my house, looking at what I love, asking myself...how can I "lighten the load", what would I take with me if I moved to a smaller space? I decided I have to go through these drawers... </div><div>and examine my initial question.... asked and answered.</div><div><br /></div><div>This one task will take time because I now want to go through many of these things, read them, think back and enjoy the memory... the reason I saved them - </div><div><br /></div><div>Take the time to look around you - this year, in a time when we have had to be alone with our thoughts, our homes... is the time to think about <i>getting rid of what no longer serves you</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i>Cleaning your house is cathartic... it is freeing in a way!<br /></i><i>It also allows space for new - time, adventures and what new things lie ahead of us!</i></h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-10929855935075549592021-09-21T10:00:00.001-07:002021-10-06T06:56:13.771-07:00Guest Room Reno continued.... wall color matters!As you follow along on my journey, maybe looking for ideas, curious how others address change; here is just a quick update to our guest room renovation.... a forced change that worked out beautifully!
I shared with you the images of the final room - here is what I did:
• tore out the wall to wall carpet and cleaned the "almost new" wood floors underneath. Not sure they ever saw the light of day, they were is such good condition, we got lucky!
• kept the furniture and moved it around
• added new neutral bedding with pops of color in the decorative pillows
• took everything off the walls, including the shelving (sold them on FB Marketplace)....
<b>However this is where my journey ran into a hurdle<i><blockquote></blockquote></i></b>
I could not for the life of me find the color I painted this room!
My daughter loved this color and I was determined to keep this one room with "color". It was fun, bohemian in a way with all the decorative items I added and I wanted a custom look to at least one room. <div><br /></div><div><b>
<i>I guess we were destined to paint almost the entire house though</i>... </b></div><div>so after getting a sample of the color I was sure it was, matching it back to the Ben Moore fan deck- it did not match : (
Granted, I only put on one coat, over white spackle, but it was no way dark enough so I knew that I was going to have to paint the entire wall. At that point "handy husband" said, we might as well give in and paint this room neutral ( as the real estate agent who saw the house said we should for best look, when we are ready to out the house on the market).
I went kicking and screaming and finally gave in... <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLQAb_PnU10/YUoOlChUPiI/AAAAAAAA84M/wgq18q_LJPAPSQUPOQuJkMTrJda_C6J_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8929.jpeg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLQAb_PnU10/YUoOlChUPiI/AAAAAAAA84M/wgq18q_LJPAPSQUPOQuJkMTrJda_C6J_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8929.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> Here are the final results of the renovation - the room does look bigger, brighter and I am sure that someone looking at the room will like it, or at least be able to see "their" potential for it. Sometimes you have to be open to change; even when you are holding on for sentimental reasons! (my daughter loved that color!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5xc0xVK1GI/YUoOlQ3EjJI/AAAAAAAA84Q/siu-1lzSF7MRqilJqTA3wpcLa_zrdpx9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8931.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5xc0xVK1GI/YUoOlQ3EjJI/AAAAAAAA84Q/siu-1lzSF7MRqilJqTA3wpcLa_zrdpx9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8931.jpeg" /></a></div>
</div></div>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-14419421365964899142021-07-07T10:16:00.000-07:002021-07-07T10:16:56.539-07:00Make Old New Again! Repurposing a Wood Tray<b>I love to repurpose furniture and household items!
<blockquote></blockquote></b>
Whether is it a chair or a smaller project, <i>you too can make something new again!</i>
Take this old serving tray, I use this all the time; to take food into another room, to serve meals outside, especially for guests. This old tray has seen better days yet it is a great size and in really good shape, with the exception of a few nicks and scratches.
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<i>I am going to show you how you can rejuvenate this tray to make it look new, and customize it to fit your style.
<blockquote></blockquote></i>
<b>Supplies you need:</b>
<blockquote>• Decorative paper for the inner base of the tray</blockquote>
<blockquote>• Ruler (best to have one with a cork backing)</blockquote>
<blockquote>• Exacto knife with a new blade</blockquote>
<blockquote>• Cutting board or surface</blockquote>
<blockquote>• Mod Podge - this is a sealer and a glue</blockquote>
<blockquote>• Foam applicator</blockquote>
<blockquote>• Fine or medium sandpaper or sanding block</blockquote>
<blockquote>• Polycrylic - water based sealer</blockquote>
<blockquote>• Paint brush</blockquote>
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<i>Michaels<a href="http://www.michaels.com/paper/paper/809188526?pmpt=qualifying"></a></i> and many other craft stores sell scrapbooking papers in so many different patterns, styles and colors! Decide the look you want and the size you will need. Before you choose a paper, be sure to measure the object you will be updating to be sure you get enough. The largest paper I found was 12 in x 12 in. For my project I only needed two pieces (I bought four just in case I messed up, lol). You can also use craft paper, wrapping or magazine paper! Lay the paper out to see how the pattern matches up side to side and top to bottom. Some designs will be able to be cut to work, others might look funny and very mismatched.
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<b>SIMPLE STEPS:<blockquote></blockquote></b>
<blockquote>1. Cut paper to fit the surface you are covering. Use the ruler to measure the dimension of the surface and carefully mark the paper. Place the paper on the surface to be sure it all matches up so you are happy with the layout. Put paper aside.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>2. Using fine or medium sandpaper, sand the wooden tray to remove all dirt, marks and scratches; brush or dust off excess sawdust and wipe down with slightly damp paper towel.</blockquote>
<blockquote>3. Coat base of tray with Mod Podge; this acts as a glue to adhere paper to wood surface. Coat evenly. </blockquote>
<blockquote>4. Lay paper into base, as you tested in pt. 1 and smooth out with your hand to take out all bubbles and wrinkles. In some cases, depending on the look, you might want some textured wrinkles in your paper. Be sure to keep this in mind when you are cutting to size. </blockquote>
<blockquote>5. Let dry 15- 20 minutes</blockquote>
<blockquote>6. Coat top of paper once dry with a thin coat of Mod Podge and let dry 15-20 minutes.</blockquote>
<blockquote>7. Finally, coat with polycrylic, over paper and wooden tray to protect against dirt and for a smooth protected surface. This will also make it easier to clean. I like to put at least 2 coats of the polycrylic; be sure to let fully dry in between coats.</blockquote>
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<i>Now you have re-used, re-purposed, and rejuvenated a great decorative piece!
<b><blockquote></blockquote></b></i>
Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-35853208332517680002021-06-15T10:11:00.003-07:002021-06-15T10:11:21.417-07:00Guest Room Reno... Downsizing? Start the process of staging your house!<p>This post is about how easy it is to change a few things and give a room a whole new look. You have to think outside the box, if you will... move around some furniture, art, lamps. Whether you need a new look or, like us, you are thinking... <i>"why do we need this much space"</i>, it is always fun to update your home. </p><p>A little background before I dive into the design stuff... <i>( you can skip to the bottom, but you might enjoy how we got here).</i></p><p>We have been "empty nesters" as most will call it for over 6 years now. The home we purchased to raise our children was a mindful planned out venture.... best school district, close to your temple for easy car pooling to hebrew school, and their friends in both plus right here in our neighborhood. I realize what a luxury this is! <b><i>Now this house has too many rooms</i></b>... we keep their bedroom doors closed most of the time. So basically we are living in our bedroom/bathroom and the first floor.</p><p>When each of our daughters moved out; whether it was to move into their first college dorm room, apartment on campus, locally or in NYC with friends, we always did what we could to help... and boy do we feel we have moved them enough for a lifetime!</p><p>The issue is that with every one of their moves, we gained more STUFF! As they moved out on their own as adults, a lot was left behind... much due to the fact that one moved across country with as much of her belongings that would fit in her civic! The other is in a NYC apartment... need I say more?!</p><p>We are both still working, so location for us is still really good for our commutes. Mine is down the stairs and to the left. My husband; some of you know as my <i>Handy Husband</i>, has a reasonable drive to the Shore. As we consider where to "move" where do we "want to be" we have started to "downsize our belongings"... and over time ridding ourselves of items we really do not need or have purpose for - such as VHS tapes of Disney movies! LOL. With Disney Plus, we can always access the kids old favorites for when the time comes to share them with their kids, if we are so blessed. Old printers, an end table, hangers upon hangers... really trying to minimize what we keep.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><u>OKAY - design posts... getting to it!</u></span></b></p><p>As we ponder these questions we have started looking at locations and some homes for sale. This means we need to be ready to put our house on the market if we are to find something we love - we will need to act very quickly!</p><p>So, <b><i>another bedroom renovation</i></b> to show you! It is the last room in the house that still had wall to wall carpet. I mean... what else were we going to do on a rainy Memorial Day weekend towards the end of (we hope!) Pandemic?!!</p><p>We didn't fully re-decorate, this room was in pretty good shape. We moved the furniture around, packed up the stuffed animals and books on the shelves and tore up the carpet! We added this fantastic area rug we found online, changed the bedding, threw out the old ugly bedskirt and bought some new accent pillows. </p><p>*Craziest thing is that this area rug is the same as one that we fell in love with in a house we saw when looking at options .... by chance, compared the images we took and it is exactly the same! </p><p><i>How lucky was that!</i></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Take a look....</i></span></b></p><p>A few new decorative pillows and it looks like a new room! Minus the 30 year old TV! Sorry, again I did not take true before photos - these before shots show the room a little after as we got started...</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">BEFORE SHOTS</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQo3zbc2dvs/YMjYIDzn4wI/AAAAAAAA66k/FUd6J7hymjsmxlsw3lAl1hPuD8brQeFYACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3827.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQo3zbc2dvs/YMjYIDzn4wI/AAAAAAAA66k/FUd6J7hymjsmxlsw3lAl1hPuD8brQeFYACLcBGAsYHQ/w210-h280/IMG_3827.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knfDC-uzdTE/YMjYII7K2uI/AAAAAAAA66g/ruRtTH_sPsAptWxMyPQXqbsdWadWuJQRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3828.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knfDC-uzdTE/YMjYII7K2uI/AAAAAAAA66g/ruRtTH_sPsAptWxMyPQXqbsdWadWuJQRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w210-h280/IMG_3828.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><br />Worst part was tearing the carpet out and all the staples that had to be removed from the floor.<p></p><p>The best part? An amazing hard wood oak floor underneath, that we think was never exposed!</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana;">AFTER THE RUG WAS REMOVED.... same bedding, pillows, etc...</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twUIoCi5Qdg/YMjaWfVxAOI/AAAAAAAA664/E26zqQcOmvsom8vv9T-RdzvjUGFSW6xGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3835.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twUIoCi5Qdg/YMjaWfVxAOI/AAAAAAAA664/E26zqQcOmvsom8vv9T-RdzvjUGFSW6xGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3835.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b083--eMQjQ/YMjaWbBN9rI/AAAAAAAA660/0-x2SKmwFcwgaY7m4CiDc8LksJh9qta6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3833.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b083--eMQjQ/YMjaWbBN9rI/AAAAAAAA660/0-x2SKmwFcwgaY7m4CiDc8LksJh9qta6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3833.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p>This just was not enough for me... I wanted this room to "feel better" so when someone walked in to see it they would think</p><p><i>.... I want to stay here!</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>We moved the dressers to one wall, will eventually hang the mirror.</i></p><p><br /></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana;">FINAL SHOT</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Moving around the dressers made a difference in how much larger the room feels! </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">With the addition of new bedding (a quilt set I designed for a Wal-Mart private label program, new decorative pillows, a new cushion for the chair (actually the original red one I bought...) swapping the throws, nightstand and the lamp from another room, buying an accent rug...<i> the room came to life! </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am going to take down the shelving for a more open look and I did add that cute Frieda framed piece I found at Home Sense! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4b7B_76ve9U/YMjbSR5eZSI/AAAAAAAA67I/HguJefv-4vk_taug5sr4bOlg1PS06AhngCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3964.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4b7B_76ve9U/YMjbSR5eZSI/AAAAAAAA67I/HguJefv-4vk_taug5sr4bOlg1PS06AhngCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_3964.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGTtn8CG2s8/YMjYIJueF-I/AAAAAAAA66c/kJPWMpshDZgIQ-6XLS7YB3yMPIW9Up40QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3831.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-796921287563429792021-06-02T15:32:00.002-07:002021-06-02T15:32:55.527-07:00Paint and Color Cures for Old Outdoor Furniture<p> We all spend money on things that later we look at and think ... <i>I wish this looked as good as when I first bought it!</i></p><p>As the weather improves, and people are able to start to <b>"get back at it"</b> being vaccinated from Corona virus and feeling a bit more free to socialize, our desire to be outside and with friends and family grows. I feel it is a luxury to have outdoor living space; with my pots of flowers and a deck to relax and entertain. I do not take these things for granted! </p><p>I have these two white resin adirondack chairs and have always loved the "look" of them, as a relaxing seating area out in the yard. Over time they have weathered... and we have power-washed them year after year. When you look at the cost of replacing, you think... what????</p><p>I am all about <i>"re-purposing, re-working and re-inventing"</i> in every aspect of my life; my good friends and certainly my family can attest to this. I am just thrilled with how they came out!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbeq3dEQDe8/YLgC7SU36bI/AAAAAAAA52U/K_X_xlI7_Kox0dpvdghAQdokPm7qrbBwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3096.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbeq3dEQDe8/YLgC7SU36bI/AAAAAAAA52U/K_X_xlI7_Kox0dpvdghAQdokPm7qrbBwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/IMG_3096.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORW_6w78Te0/YLgC7AwWy5I/AAAAAAAA52Q/8m72s3i71eELLS-LVxM_sqaEePwnGx0lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3097.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORW_6w78Te0/YLgC7AwWy5I/AAAAAAAA52Q/8m72s3i71eELLS-LVxM_sqaEePwnGx0lQCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/IMG_3097.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p>Here is the before images of the chairs and little side table. We used Rustoleum Ultra Cover Paint and Primer. You cannot believe how many colors are available! </p><p>Taking my daughter's advice I watched a few You Tube videos and learned that there is a great tool that saves your "trigger finger"... it attaches to the top of the spray can and has an actual trigger that allows you to get an even coat and no paint on your hands!</p><p><br /></p><p>We chose a color to match back to some of the accessories and decorative pillows we purchased for the deck furniture.... we wanted a POP of color!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPI0YYoqEhA/YLgECns_nzI/AAAAAAAA52k/PJyCNcE2weEejyS-65HKEGOU8gAnqFV7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3099.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPI0YYoqEhA/YLgECns_nzI/AAAAAAAA52k/PJyCNcE2weEejyS-65HKEGOU8gAnqFV7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_3099.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Choose a spot to paint; lay out a tarp. You can used one of the lightweight plastic tablecloths you get at the dollar store, or even an old shower curtain liner.<div><br /></div><div>Place your items on the tarp - take note of the wind.... </div><div><i>THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! </i> You want to be "downwind" of the paint as you spray the items you are re-purposing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Be sure to move with the lines of the item; long steady strokes and as even as you can get them so you do not have any drippings. Have a paper towel nearby to "dab" them if needed - you need to do this right away before they dry.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can see from the photo here that the table was very badly stained. We powerwashed all of the items before we started and made sure to use a towel to dry them all thoroughly.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoA1GVU2o9g/YLgFMbXLPNI/AAAAAAAA52w/kIUh8N_hc2wW7Lrz_TgQtVKHtJvUMXe6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3105.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoA1GVU2o9g/YLgFMbXLPNI/AAAAAAAA52w/kIUh8N_hc2wW7Lrz_TgQtVKHtJvUMXe6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3105.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Once you have finished painting all of the items you are re-purposing.... let the items sit out to dry. I love to see the lines from the paint; like shadows! This restoration was quick and easy! You can bring anything back to life with a little paint!<div><br /></div><div><blockquote><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Now you can see below how pretty this color is in our garden and how well it goes with the new accessories we added to our deck!</span></b></blockquote><p>We plan to put in some more flowering bushes behind these for a nice backdrop... for now we love looking out as this pop of color! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVVu5nJMb4I/YLgFMSScrVI/AAAAAAAA52s/9J5-N4xkTrs8QsPtKy3OHTjBmxB_a7pGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3108.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVVu5nJMb4I/YLgFMSScrVI/AAAAAAAA52s/9J5-N4xkTrs8QsPtKy3OHTjBmxB_a7pGgCLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_3108.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPfI1cVaKf8/YLgGHuRx0KI/AAAAAAAA528/MsCIumDoSPggcw-IIab6aG5L8d6AUu9yACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPfI1cVaKf8/YLgGHuRx0KI/AAAAAAAA528/MsCIumDoSPggcw-IIab6aG5L8d6AUu9yACLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_3007.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-21141345117007297462021-05-19T15:36:00.000-07:002021-05-19T15:36:31.615-07:00Throw away those winter blues for a new shade of happy. Allow yourself to get inspired!<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Winter blues can be cured with a great day of warmer weather, as we have had this week! With everyone starting to feel a little more freedom we still continue to update our homes; want something fresh and new!</b></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b> </b> This time of year we are all <i>so done</i> with winter and the cold, especially here in the Northeast! We have all been inside and mostly isolated for a year, looking at the same four walls. People have been more inclined to update their rooms with a fresh look, so they can feel good about their space, and now that they can start to see their friends, and have company again, they will <i>oohh and aaahh<b></b></i> over how nice everything looks when they visit.</blockquote>
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We all want a fresher look, cleaner, brighter and updated. <b></b></blockquote>
An easy way to rejuvenate a room is with a fresh coat of paint. I cannot walk into a paint store without gathering and collecting paint swatches, making new palettes which awakens the need in me for change!<br />
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Contractors will tell you that this is one of their craziest times. Especially now that Covid is more under control and people are less afraid and getting vaccinated. Contractors can hardly keep up with the requests for quotes, let alone the job. Many people hope to make changes to the inside, before they all start working outside; spending time in the nicer weather on outdoor projects. DIY stores are putting out flowers and bulbs and this "Spring cleaning" idea allows us to get ready for that and makes us crave for something fresh! <div><br /></div><div> <b>The big question most ask me as a designer is "where do I get started?"</b></div><div><b>Allow yourself to be inspired... all you have to do is look at what makes you feel good, what color is it, is it flowers that have a scent that is reminiscent of a time that makes you smile?<br /></b>
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<blockquote>Living near a great small downtown... Princeton, NJ gives me the opportunity to walk around town, the University campus and the great stores! Grab a coffee, wander around streets of this historic town... the architecture, the art museum - so much culture here.... allow myself to get inspired!</blockquote>
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Palmer Square is exactly as it sounds, a "square" block that surrounds a "green"... a patch of grass where in the summer they offer concerts and movies. I always head down to this quaint, very unique home store in town called <a href="https://homesteadprinceton.com/">Homestead</a>... They recently moved to a new location just outside of town, and the beautiful items they have are so inspiring. They have a great way of pulling things together, offering very unique items and making you want and feel the need to buy something new to add to your home! If lucky you can catch the owners there and hear about a new piece he designed and repurposed from some very cool antique! This is a great source of inspiration for me, something always catches my eye- colors or the way things are put together that might work in my house. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8BylXef6IM/XmE99Z3zOmI/AAAAAAAAwJs/-6WVZk88l7gNtrJsbt-KKF26YfIqw94lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-03-05%2Bat%2B12.05.51%2BPM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1344" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8BylXef6IM/XmE99Z3zOmI/AAAAAAAAwJs/-6WVZk88l7gNtrJsbt-KKF26YfIqw94lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-03-05%2Bat%2B12.05.51%2BPM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
As you saw from one of my previous posts, I have a<i> favorite art gallery</i> store located in the heart of Princeton; <a href="http://cranburystationgallery.com/">Cranbury Station Gallery</a>. If that didn't help my longing for springtime and flowers, and inspire me to create, nothing would! Thankfully they were able to stay open in spite of the lockdown. Stop in, browse the art, the owner is a wonderful painter!<br />
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So if you too are inspired by your surroundings, and crave something fresh... go down to your local paint store, pick out a few chips in colors that ignite your soul, stop in to your favorite store and buy something that makes you smile - paint the room, move some things around - add that new item you bought (doesn't have to be anything big to make a difference, even just a candle) and brighten up your home!</div>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-11040556510011504382021-05-07T08:10:00.008-07:002021-05-07T08:10:55.968-07:00Personal Space to unwind... creating a home gym<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Designing in a Pandemic</b>.... </h3><div>Who ever thought it would be over a year and we would still be here, at home, staring at the same walls.
For most, we saw things in our houses that had to change; whether this was cleaning out a closet, tossing clothing that we never wear, haven't worn in years or just didn't like anymore... or the simple exercise of cleaning those little corners or the rooms you never spent more time in. <div><b><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">We looked more closely at how we surround ourselves, what a room "feels like".</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><blockquote></blockquote></span></b>
We asked ourselves if this was the <i>"space"</i> that we wanted to be in; that made us feel good. </div><div>I started working from home a few short months before everything closed down. I had a bit of a head start setting up an "in house" office... I showed the make over in an earlier post. </div><div><br /></div><div>The issue with working from home is that it is allways there; <i>no, that is not a typo, LOL!</i> </div><div>I quickly realized you need to set boundaries for yourself, hours you will work, eat.. and not just sit at your desk endlessly. My office faces my front yard, so I would see my neighbors walking their dogs or out for a stroll and knew I had to carve time out of my day to get some fresh air... even in the dead of winter. </div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">What changes did you make? To your routine, your house, yourself?!!! What questions did you ask yourself, what did you need...</span></b></div><div><b><blockquote></blockquote></b>
I was commuting to NYC every day for work, taking Soul Cycle class four times a week, seeing friends, and clients. This routine worked for me. In Dec. 2019 I made a job change and started working from home.... I needed to find a new routine. I joined a second gym, belonging to one at home already, and continued to go into the city to once a week. One reason was to take that SoulCycle spin class with my daughter, I then would comp stores for work; it kept me connected to the city. I mean, <i>who wouldn't be happy about not having to commute every single day?! </i>I added a new membership at a very new and cool gym at home, worked out at least 5 days (between @orangetheory and @Lifetime). I found a new normal, where I could work from home but still have my socialization and exercise. I met new people and loved the schedule I set, all based around the classes I was taking. I could do this! </div><div> </div><div>Then on March 12th, I came in to the city to ride with my favorite instructor, @melaniegriffith, with my friends I had made in the class over time... had lunch with my old colleagues who flew in from CA for Market Week, and somehow I knew it was my last day going to the city for some time. I visited my daughter and took the train home. I heard rumors about the growing numbers of covid cases and that the city, as we knew it, was closing down. Market week was pending and everyone who was preparing for clients to come see their new developments was stopped mid-step and told for the first time, in my career in home textiles, that <b>market week is not going to happen</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div> Slowly everything closed - gyms closed...
I could feel that this isolation was not going to be easy. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">So where is the design topic, where I tell you about a new project?</span></b></h3><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><blockquote></blockquote></span>
Right here!</b> </div><div> I felt I had to first <i>"set the scene"</i> build the story and let you understand where the need came from and why I had to create a purposeful space for myself at home
<b>a home gym.. a place to recuperate, invigorate and escape to in my house.
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First you need to know that we have been empty nesters for some time now. We also have been in this house 21 years this coming May! That being said, I have a lot of great exercise equipment.. and then a spin bike I inherited from my youngest daughter who is a SoulCycle Spin instructor for the past 6 years... it has cages on the pedal, but I did not let that stop me for the first 6 months of quarantine! LOL!
Here are the before shots; as you can see my mess and lots of stuff that we have accumulated over the year, including the stuff my kids left behind when they moved out.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpT0Ls7bjkE/YJR-4Hq4lDI/AAAAAAAA5wE/pCbb4-sPKV8Pm8MXtbaj7K5v7HOskqQFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_6651D.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before shots with so much stuff!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sY2tJjGUOEU/YJR-4NME93I/AAAAAAAA5wI/mnYru7Kzj7smclMAcYvIS-BjgtKtTJ2ZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_6649D.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
I was determined to create a sanctuary; an at home "dark room" that I could spin in, listen to the best music, and just disappear and work out...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elvdsWwScI4/YJSAEVsrHrI/AAAAAAAA5wU/YQP7oLEROuguPEdWMWv7w5Uy4VtdrkaBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/62967543256__0DDDB0ED-B9CA-4E57-8EFB-6D8BFBF0A087.jpeg" style="display: inline !important; padding: 1em 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elvdsWwScI4/YJSAEVsrHrI/AAAAAAAA5wU/YQP7oLEROuguPEdWMWv7w5Uy4VtdrkaBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/62967543256__0DDDB0ED-B9CA-4E57-8EFB-6D8BFBF0A087.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cK-A0_AkFWg/YJSAETc80EI/AAAAAAAA5wY/9CD-1vg8Ij4Vos8z_84PeUGZh5LyTosJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/62967401895__7F86279A-AB63-48B3-9F28-0D9DC1CB6177.jpeg" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cK-A0_AkFWg/YJSAETc80EI/AAAAAAAA5wY/9CD-1vg8Ij4Vos8z_84PeUGZh5LyTosJACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/62967401895__7F86279A-AB63-48B3-9F28-0D9DC1CB6177.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
I cleaned out the space, rearranged the room, put up the most beautiful wall mandala decals! </div><div><b>So bohemian!<blockquote></blockquote></b>
Then I was lucky enough to have the best brother and sister in-law; in October I received the best present ever - the final touch to my space! </div><div><br /></div><div>The piece dé resistance! A Peloton! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs8-jwaU7Ng/YJSA6R72jaI/AAAAAAAA5wo/5g5RjJ5B1zID3n_zSzVQ7cORaOhiGinzACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7432.jpeg" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs8-jwaU7Ng/YJSA6R72jaI/AAAAAAAA5wo/5g5RjJ5B1zID3n_zSzVQ7cORaOhiGinzACLcBGAsYHQ/w174-h232/IMG_7432.jpeg" width="174" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Look at this space! I could not be happier! </span></h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZgoLI8nOSI/YJSA4LurHoI/AAAAAAAA5wk/IU7mFeGwTygZTLgAYQz3HXtfXCmdRXJowCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/62578155313__8EFA7935-AF7C-4A81-AD3C-DB0C1B61A738.jpeg" /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PdAaDQmOK-8/YJSBhkBBFCI/AAAAAAAA5w0/v2dH-wS23gQJdnQdMEy_MSL52GLM85g9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2995.jpeg" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PdAaDQmOK-8/YJSBhkBBFCI/AAAAAAAA5w0/v2dH-wS23gQJdnQdMEy_MSL52GLM85g9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_2995.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFQvGslWtvc/YJSBhnj6FcI/AAAAAAAA5w4/LuWH-cdH-vEbu29VZ0vRSc1qIJ7EimIJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2996.jpeg" style="display: inline !important; padding: 1em 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFQvGslWtvc/YJSBhnj6FcI/AAAAAAAA5w4/LuWH-cdH-vEbu29VZ0vRSc1qIJ7EimIJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_2996.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Now onto the other room renovations needed. </i></div><div>For now, at least I have an escape, and I have to say, I spend so much time in "MY GYM" that it was worth it!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZgoLI8nOSI/YJSA4LurHoI/AAAAAAAA5wk/IU7mFeGwTygZTLgAYQz3HXtfXCmdRXJowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/62578155313__8EFA7935-AF7C-4A81-AD3C-DB0C1B61A738.jpeg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"></a></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Create a space for yourself!</span> </h4><div>We all need a place to breathe, to feel good... do this for yourself, if not, then who will?
If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we need to look around and live in the present... you never know what is around the corner.
... and if you didn't notice, there is an extra bike - come ride with me!
I promise the music will be amazing!</div></div></div>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-71803536034753584192020-08-13T13:40:00.013-07:002020-08-13T16:27:24.219-07:00Empty Nest? Time to update some bedrooms!<p> It has been way too long since our kids lived home... we miss their voices, singing, music we used to hear echoing through the house. When they visit, it is wonderful; but as we examine the house, the rooms, the colors... <b>boy do we need to clean and update!</b></p><p>As a designer my kids knew I loved to decorate and re-decorate - I was all ways ready for a color change, a new look (yes, all ways, in every way) I find it so much fun to redefine your space. Being in the home textiles industry for over 20 years... bedding, blankets, throws, dec pillows are my thing! I design every day for others, why not my family and my house.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Well, it was time ...Back in the day warm dark colors were all the rage; now it is about </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>"clean and classic"</i>. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;">Neutrals Rule!</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Out with the deep dark mocha that we had painting on the ceiling and the walls... WOW that is a job! It took 2 coats of Killz and then 3 coats of the soft off-white we chose. The ceiling took 2 coats of primer and then 2 coats ceiling white!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>TIP: </b>if you are trying to cover a dark color; be sure to use a primer and be prepared to do at least 2 coats of paint, especially if you plan to use a much lighter color in the end!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-weight: bold;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxmAE1l0F9o/XzWgUh03J3I/AAAAAAAAxos/q4cPErPKO74pbm6I3fCrGYo8TLmZPP4VACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2793D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxmAE1l0F9o/XzWgUh03J3I/AAAAAAAAxos/q4cPErPKO74pbm6I3fCrGYo8TLmZPP4VACLcBGAsYHQ/w246-h328/IMG_2793D.jpeg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dark mocha on the walls and ceiling!</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQPWiT4Lw6M/XzWgU15g3SI/AAAAAAAAxow/xCbPXfSefqMvE1t2MYks0CHcmBYpE3eZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2803.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQPWiT4Lw6M/XzWgU15g3SI/AAAAAAAAxow/xCbPXfSefqMvE1t2MYks0CHcmBYpE3eZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w246-h328/IMG_2803.jpeg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankfully I have a "Handy Husband"<br />who is a great painter!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">Once we finally covered this dark color on the walls and ceiling we were so happy to look down the hall to this fresh new room! I made use of our existing art, window treatments and furniture... no reason to invest in new at this time - </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I did add a pop of my favorite color; a soft teal cotton coverlet; some inherited pillows from my daughter, a plant relocated from my room and a new rug....</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3JZ3JxxPd0/XzWjIMMgauI/AAAAAAAAxpA/1LMh8WSzWdA4eBl5pCVi5MvBVSUMPu6zQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2940D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3JZ3JxxPd0/XzWjIMMgauI/AAAAAAAAxpA/1LMh8WSzWdA4eBl5pCVi5MvBVSUMPu6zQCLcBGAsYHQ/w307-h410/IMG_2940D.jpeg" width="307" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I am only sorry I did not take true before pictures prior to taking everything out and covered it all with the drop cloths.... I am always in such a rush to get started I often forget this step.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We tore up the carpet... that has been in this room since we moved in 20 years ago!!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The original wood floors underneath had never been exposed, except of course when the house was built back in the 70's! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>They were in perfect condition!</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">When you take out carpet expect tons of dust and dirt; the back of the carpet along with the foam over years starts to deteriorate so that was a mess!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All the base molding was removed and my "Handy Husband" got a beautiful high profile base and quarter round, painted it to match the trim in the room and it looks amazing! <i>So happy he has a nail gun!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I still have a few finishing touches I want to add; linen panels to soften the look of the wall and windows and a few more pieces of art for the walls - some of my dad's photography...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Very happy with our renovation... </span></b><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">the kids like it too!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuonrZr4EOI/XzWkHqwhQKI/AAAAAAAAxpM/j1bEjgaR7FoDVHIEV3ppK_36-C2JLT-yACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_3185D.jpeg" /></span></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuonrZr4EOI/XzWkHqwhQKI/AAAAAAAAxpM/j1bEjgaR7FoDVHIEV3ppK_36-C2JLT-yACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3185D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b></b></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-32916415450067516992020-03-21T14:22:00.000-07:002020-03-21T14:22:24.621-07:00Creativity Let Loose... WFH commuting mapSo here I am, first full week isolated at home - not going out, or anywhere except a few walks.... keeping the suggested 6 feet apart from a walking partner; who is chosen with care! <i>Not much unlike the rest of the country right now...</i> As I told you in my last post I have been working from home since mid December so #WFH (working from home) is not new to me. Today was a gorgeous day here in the Northeast, sunshine and 79 degrees! As I was working this morning I started to think about my <i>"work commute"</i> and isolating... not going to the gym every morning, or grabbing a coffee with a friend. <b>Life changed in a matter of seconds!</b><br />
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I reflected on my "commute", what does my day look like now? Comparing it to what it used to look like when I worked in NYC and even from home before all this craziness started. I took a break from working on textile designs and created an at home <b>Corvid Commute Line map....just for the fun of it!</b></blockquote>
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<u><b>Pretty much how I have tried to structure my days; </b></u><br />
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<ul>
<li>get up & get dressed for the day</li>
<li>go downstairs, get coffee</li>
</ul>
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* of course I have checked the online fitness class schedule on IG the night before...(greatest thing since sliced bread.. at least that is how my grandmother, or even father would say it, lol) It is the best thing that could have happened for someone like me, and so many others I know!<br />
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<ul>
<li>dependent on the time of the online class, I decide if I will eat before or after </li>
<li>make breakfast and eat at my desk while checking emails</li>
<li>check wechat; to connect to my team who are all based in China</li>
<li>answer emails and plan the day's projects</li>
<li>makes notes and calls, strategizing my week</li>
<li>take a class... Spin, Yoga or Embody - so many are now generously offering online classes you can take ANYTHING! Lifetime Athletic and Orange Theory (I belong to both) are also now offering online classes!</li>
</ul>
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I go from my bedroom to the kitchen, kitchen to my office, office to my kitchen...<br />
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With a world of everyone paying attention to "counting their steps" I wanted to break it down a little further... what is my path, what is my commute every day... then I started creating a map of my house. I have to admit I was inspired by a friend who sent me a meme via text and I was off and running!!!</blockquote>
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When I am in the city, and take <a href="https://www.soul-cycle.com/">SoulCycle</a> I usually ride at one of two studios; West Village or W77; taking the 1 train or the <i><span style="color: red;">"red line" </span></i>from Penn Station. So I started thinking, why not make a red line to my Spin Bike in the basement ...an express line! LOL! I continued along this route and built another express line for my husband and I to "get to work".... <span style="color: orange;">the orange line! </span><br />
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The <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">blue line</span></span> expresses to the kitchen, the <span style="color: #f1c232;">yellow line</span> is more of a weekend express to the kitchen and the family room and the <span style="color: #6aa84f;">green line</span> is the local line that will get you <i>anywhere and everywhere in the house</i>... including the local stops at the pantry, fridge, Nespresso machine, toaster, oven and sink. This line also will go to the laundry room and outside!<br />
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What is your day like, how do you get your steps in?!<br />
Be safe!<br />
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<br />Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-61818904529527955662020-03-18T16:10:00.002-07:002020-03-19T06:03:48.416-07:00Social Distancing and Design.... how interconnected they really are!<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>In my lifetime I never could have imagined we would all be here today, where we need to think about every person we are in physical contact with, who we saw in the last two weeks and how to keep eachother safe.... scary times! </i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am thankful that I have been working from home since December. I had been in and out of the city </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">up until last week, when I went for one day to see friends </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">... thankful I now have the luxury of working from home; <i>yes luxury!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I made this change I had to re-think the <i>"space" </i>I would be working in, what would make it feel like an office, not just a desk in my dining room. It had to be a place I could feel good in, and look good to fit my home aesthetic. Not to mention that I would be video chatting more often so people would see it, lol! <i>See my photos of the room I changed to my home office at the end of this post!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For most who now find themselves having to re-think their day, their meals, their space, it is new and not so easy - I first had to deal with the isolation, no other people to laugh with, to talk about projects as they happen, tv shows or just to have social interaction. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A friend sent me this article; </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> in the </span><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/hard-times-soft-pants-life-with-the-housebound-white-collar-workforce/2020/03/13/4a7243f0-62f2-11ea-b3fc-7841686c5c57_story.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Washington Post</a> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that really hit home! So much of it spoke to what I had to go through when I started to work from home, and now what so many other people will have to deal with... this one statement :</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"When a global pandemic shrinks your world, you can’t help but notice its imperfections. The uneven lighting. The ho-hum paint."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>BOOM!</b> The connection back to my world, design and your home and how you need to feel good in your space! They are talking about your space, having to carve out work space at home, and all the issues you will see now that you spend so much more time at home ... what you notice!</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I often talk about inspiration in my posts</i>.... don't let the things you now see become that thorn in your side... because, let's face it, you are spending a lot more time home then you did before and will see things you let slide because it wasn't "in your face".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is difficult to deal with this <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Coronavirus (Covid-19)</span>, <i>"forcing us"</i> to stay home, to take a look at so many things, (for those of us lucky enough to have jobs where we can work from home), this is just the tip of the iceberg:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">how to structure your workday</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">your space</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the need to communicate with your associates, clients, etc.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nevermind the fact that you are now staring at your four walls and starting to see all of the things you would want to change, fix and improve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So many people think, " I don't have any idea where to start..." That is what I hope to help you with here.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On your breaks,<i> (oh, don't forget to take breaks!) </i>look for ideas online, in magazines you didn't have time to read before. Make a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/dawnrfields/home-office/">pinterest page</a> with ideas for your office, or any other room that now stands out as <i>needing a fresh look </i>....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Start to gather your ideas, changes you want to make and consider these small suggestions that might also help to lift you up.... today and tomorrow and in the weeks to come. In a time where we have to give up control of so many things, this is one area that we can feel "in control".. where we can make a difference in how we feel everyday.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Look at what you can do NOW to make you feel like you can affect your space. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Changing, fixing, improving and the ever so simple .... <i>"re-arranging"</i>. </b></span> <b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This alone can make a huge difference! </b></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Here are some suggestions:</u></i></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take down the art in your house and see how you might re-arrange the pieces together, place them in different rooms or create a gallery wall, arranging your favorites, in your most lived in space.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Look to see if you have any paint in the house, or order paint to pick up <i>( I know local stores can use all the help they can get to stay in business and would be happy to have it ready for you to pick up curbside)</i> and start with the room you will spend the most time in.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Move your furniture around for a new layout; take a chair or ottoman and use it in a different room, drape it with a throw.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take decorative pillows and throws and use them in new rooms!</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">New perspective, new day.... Spring is coming and as time passes, hopefully this will too; sooner than later.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For now - be good to each other, to yourself! </span></i></b></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is my before and after of my home office </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything out and ready for painting -<i> it really was a dining room with a desk.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now it is <b>my office</b>, a space I really feel good about! I </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> painted, added new drapes, a desk and bookcase, some decorative items, wall art and baskets for files. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are still things to do, organizationally and more... so little by little I add a touch here and there, adding the finishing touches that make it feel like "my space"!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">**Also loving this desk.. it has a lift top feature!</span><br />
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<br />Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-70149675595200908732020-03-10T16:01:00.000-07:002020-03-10T16:01:43.036-07:00Reigniting My Love for Painting <blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>I love painting! The art of creating</b>... it is what I do for a living, which is a luxury, as it does not feel like work! I create textile designs, bedding collections, and home textiles; <i>working in the industry over 25 years</i>... can hardly believe it has been that long!</blockquote>
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Finding love in an old hobby is hard to do... first you have to find the time, then the courage to try it again... asking yourself <i>"is it worth investing the time, the money... what if I am not really good at it?"</i><br />
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<a href="http://cranburystationgallery.com/">Cranbury Station Gallery</a> runs these wonderful painting parties, and every time I got an invitation, I wanted to go. What with work, commuting in and out of NYC, the time never aligned for my schedule... <i>until now! </i><br />
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I am working from home since December and when this invite came, and it was a floral theme, I couldn't been happier to say yes! I have been framing artwork with Kathleen for all the years I have lived in the area, a long time - and as an artist, her work is so pretty! She has it in the gallery in Princeton for sale, and I always love to go in and peruse what is hanging.<br />
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Kathy sends out emails and shows you an image of the project you will be working on.... and when you have the winter blues and long for the colors of Spring, painting flowers feels like the right thing to do!<br />
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Located in Palmer Square, next to the garage it was easy to park and I could not wait! Almost all of the art I have purchased, that hangs in my home is related to botanicals... why not try...<br />
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I attended to two parties - some of the people who attend are regulars!<br />
The first class I attended we were to paint these pretty pink flowers in a vase... I thought what better way to start! Kathy gives great direction, we paint from a painting that she has done - which can be helpful when getting back into the art, or starting from scratch.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RiN7zXdUKc/XmKugUz4IMI/AAAAAAAAwKs/NzBKOORqhw4_DXBrjG25YnuIO9a4ztIzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RiN7zXdUKc/XmKugUz4IMI/AAAAAAAAwKs/NzBKOORqhw4_DXBrjG25YnuIO9a4ztIzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2201.jpeg" width="256" /></a>As amazing as it sounds, every one of us looked at the same painting and every one of us had a different outcome; one prettier than the other!<br />
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Here is my first painting; after over 2 decades of not taking paint brush to canvas...<br />
<i>Kathy convinced me to sign it, lol!</i><br />
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Over the years I have done multiple murals for friends kid's rooms and lead the design on both post prom events for my kids High Schools, but this is more personal... therapeutic and relaxing!<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>I really enjoyed the evening. </b></blockquote>
When I received the next invite, I set up a "date night" with my husband, who is also an artist in his own right... I planned a day, then the painting party and dinner next door at Mediterra for afterwards<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwSeUkdw8mU/XmKvaRi8NXI/AAAAAAAAwK4/x04p9EkgmvgUnqBclRqgLJaHMsQyEL5RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DRF%2BDaisies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1265" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwSeUkdw8mU/XmKvaRi8NXI/AAAAAAAAwK4/x04p9EkgmvgUnqBclRqgLJaHMsQyEL5RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DRF%2BDaisies.jpg" width="252" /></a>... This time Kathy showed us that we would be painting daisies; my daughter's favorite flower... so we went!<br />
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We had a really fun evening and I am pretty happy with how it turned out! I keep critiquing it, how I would add more shadows, and how else I could have approached it... but <i>overall I am pretty pleased and proud of myself.</i>... for taking on the challenge and just allowing myself to have fun!<br />
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<b>Spring is in the air!</b><br />
I am now waiting for the town of Princeton to hang all those amazing flower baskets that they do every year to make it official!<br />
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Take time to take a deep breath, try something new or go back to an old hobby you once loved!<br />
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Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-90078387114344879992020-03-05T08:40:00.001-08:002020-03-05T08:40:40.008-08:00Master Bathroom Final Outcome! <b>I travel a lot for work; to some really wonderful places!</b> My job is to design and create new products for the home so I am always looking for something new and different as well as absorbing the space around me. Many years ago my husband and I were lucky enough to spend an Anniversary in NYC overnight... BC! (before children, LOL) I had worked for Ralph Lauren for a decade and truly understood what <i>"luxury lifestyle"</i> is.. not that I lived that way, but we worked to create the aura of luxury and opulence in clothing that then extended into your home or homes!!!
<b>Back to our overnight<blockquote></blockquote></b> - we had enough points to stay at the Stanhope Hotel - OMG, the walls were this gorgeous patina marble, the sitting room looked like a staged room from our RL Showrooms; leather chairs, velvet curtains, deep rich prints.... and that was just the lobby and sitting room! <b>Our room was amazing and the bathroom? WOW!</b>
<b>We vowed that when we could, we would create a master bedroom and en-suite, as though we were living in the best luxury hotelever, just like this!<i><blockquote></blockquote></i></b>
As you read from my last post, when the kids moved out on their own, and we finally decided to turn our attention and $$ towards ourselves... and so... we designed this gorgeous bathroom; one that would rival even the most amazing hotel!!!
Choosing monotone tiles and keeping the feel of the room neutral and elegant, would lend itself to the look of a luxury hotel. We found beautiful tiles <a href="https://www.creativeceramictile.com/">@CreativeTile</a> they are so wonderful to work with! <a href="https://stonetechmarble.com/">Stonetech</a> is a wonderland of the most beautiful and unique natural products you can find... we spent hours looking at so many slabs until we landed on this one, that stoneyard told us is called "white mystery" ... for the counters and shower sill - which we also used for the half wall cap, shower sill, the seat, and in the oversized wall alcove!
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i21V_r3Jtoo/XlxG1TvWwHI/AAAAAAAAvDE/o6Q2H7RkRqcuOpCd4xDI9XeT77q9tO_6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1217.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i21V_r3Jtoo/XlxG1TvWwHI/AAAAAAAAvDE/o6Q2H7RkRqcuOpCd4xDI9XeT77q9tO_6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1217.jpeg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-yDZXgfdcU/XlxG1RsO6mI/AAAAAAAAvDA/EBLfMXMHZ4Y8veNhOYlp-alwv4TAKV13ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1220.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-yDZXgfdcU/XlxG1RsO6mI/AAAAAAAAvDA/EBLfMXMHZ4Y8veNhOYlp-alwv4TAKV13ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1220.jpeg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<blockquote>We loved the textured smaller tiles for the floor of the shower and we also mindfully placed them in the floor as accents to tie the look together.</blockquote>
We shopped in NYC in Tribeca and through the Bowery for the most beautiful lighting fixture! We paid attention to every detail... and love how the lighting fixture is not only seen as the centerpiece of the room when you enter, but it reflects everywhere! In the wardrobe mirror, the vanity mirrors and the glass doors of the shower...
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<blockquote>It is such a wonderful treat to come home or wake up to this room, luxurious shower, this sanctuary that we created!<b></b></blockquote>
Before this renovation my husband and I had to schedule our prep time for work, etc.... now we have our Google Home set up to give us the morning news and play music so we can co-exist in this beautiful space!
<b>Treat yourself! Rejuvenate your space, whether is it a simple paint color change, with new towels, a new mirror or bath mats; you deserve the best!
<blockquote></blockquote></b>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-48950418496563707252020-03-01T15:14:00.001-08:002020-03-01T15:14:27.735-08:00Master Bathroom Luxury Renovation!<b>Art fills my soul! It makes me smile, it makes me crave more and awakes the need in me to be creative!<blockquote></blockquote></b>
This can be good and bad, as usually that means changing something in my house; a paint color, rearranging furniture or worse off a complete renovation of a room!
This blog started off wanting to share some street art... I will save that for another post
I realize that I always plan to blog more every year, however that requires the luxury of time.
As I look back I see I never shared my <b>"total master bathroom renovation"<i><blockquote></blockquote></i></b> <b>and this is a must! </b>
<blockquote>We moved into our house 20 years ago.. with three "little girls" </blockquote>- the house was built in the 70's and did not have ANY upgrades at all! Long story short, we took a few weeks before we moved in to do simple things like taking down the wallpaper in EVERY SINGLE SPACE ... everywhere there was sheetrock (besides the family room that had "panelling" of all things) we scraped, and spackled and well... you know the drill.
We then painted every room and did a few small projects to make the house more of our home.
Our girls are grown, and out on their own for years now - when they were in High School we updated their bathroom to make it really nice for them... ignoring our own; as it was a postage stamp and never room in their for the two of us at the same time but ours would need much more than simple things and here we did not have the luxury of $$$
Here is what the room looked like... gold mini tiles, we painted the vanity at one point, cabinet over the toilet, but there was not a lot of things we could do to make it better!
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<i>How horrible is this!??</i>
<b>Last year we decided we owed it to ourselves to finally focus on us!
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We tore out the closet and this crazy space that was nestled between the bathroom and the walk in closet... not sure why this space was every here to begin with...
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The wall was removed, and that space was now more than adequate for a true <b>Master en-suite!<i></i></b>
Construction was long and dusty to say the least... we moved out of our room and into one of the girls rooms to avoid the mess as much as we could!
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<blockquote>Then the fun came - <b>DESIGNING!</b> <b></b></blockquote> <i>isn't that what this blog is about???</i> ...
I will share some of the things we chose- the tiles, the white mystery stone for the countertop and this magnificent lighting fixture we found in Tribeca... and the fun we had finding it was almost as great as how perfect it ended up in the room!
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I hope you continue to follow me and please....</i>
<b>Stay tuned to the next entry (promise it will be soon) to show you the finished product!
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Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-36795654040669090812018-08-07T11:36:00.004-07:002018-08-07T11:36:56.951-07:00Never too early for Color Palettes!So here we are in the middle of summer and I am already, in my mind, at the end of September... and well into <b>Fall 2019!</b>
My family has learned that for me, when Memorial Day hits, I am already thinking <i>Labor Day, Jewish Holidays and</i> <b>Market Week!</b>
<blockquote>I have been in Home Textile fashion industry for well over 20 years and <b>I live by "MARKET WEEK"<i><blockquote></blockquote></i></b>.
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In my business, with most production overseas; in Asia, Turkey, Portugal and India, time is money and being prepared is a key to success! My design team is amazing and we work year round designing and creating... for the future. We need to be prepared with the latest and greatest ideas to present to our retail partners.... with this said my eyes are always open and searching for something to spark my interest and inspire me on a journey to find what will resonate with our clients, with their customers for each upcoming season.
This weekend, walking around my favorite city, the isle of Manhattan; on a nice Saturday afternoon; strolling Union Square we happen upon the weekend Farmer's Market... and what better place to be inspired by colors....
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<b>Flowers, Beets, Radishes,Carrots of every colors... Gladiolas! A plethora of color inspiration!!<blockquote></blockquote></b>
Getting to work matching pantone colors.... so exhilerated!
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Have to dedicate this post to my daughter, Erika.... <i>a shoe addict!</i>
<blockquote><b>I am one of the lucky ones who just LOVES what I do!</b> <b></b></blockquote>
<blockquote>I love my job and the creative license I have to design; to interpret and create new ideas for home textiles. Often heard coming out of my mouth <i>"home textiles in not rocket science"</i></blockquote> It is challenging to come up with new ideas that will resonate with the end use consumer... something new, a different take on what is currently in stores online and actual stores that you peruse through when you have time. I still love to physically be in a store to touch and feel the merchandise! That being said, it is rare to have the time and then when you do need something, it is more of a chore, so not so much fun.
<blockquote>In January, I was lucky enough to go to the Germany, England and France, looking at what the Europeans had to offer. As all of us in fashion were taught that they are "light years" ahead of us.... not so true anymore with all of the online shopping we do and <i>"speed to market"<b></b></i></blockquote>
<b>My goal is that when everyone is going left, I want to turn right... why offer what everyone else has?<blockquote></blockquote></b> Why shop for inspiration where everyone else is looking - that might be boring and wind up looking like everyone else come time for Market Week. I mean you want to be "on point", and at the same time, offer some new fresh look that no one else thought of, right??
<blockquote>So you might now be asking... why did I title this SHOES?<b></b></blockquote> I will tell you, as much time as I spent looking at home textiles and furniture and decorative accessories in Europe; I spent equal time looking at fashion.... and shoes stood out <b>BIG TIME</b> this trip - take a look at the photos and tell me if you agree....
Amazing techniques, trims, fabrics, treatments, re-designed heel shapes and placements, <b>fur everywhere!</b>
From the well know designers including Jimmy Choo, Mui Mui, Prada, United Nude, Dolce.... all the way through every collection! <b>EYE CANDY<i><blockquote></blockquote></i></b>
<blockquote>I post today, as I search to replace my loved simple black loafers and realize the depth of design in shoes... and I just want classic low heel loafers, lol!<b></b></blockquote>
<blockquote>Enjoy!.....<b></b></blockquote>
<b>First up..... <i>HEEL ARCHITECTURE!</i><blockquote></blockquote></b>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KyGfZsM1rrU/WttCjaEUNeI/AAAAAAAAdug/FCPx0zCOeWYBngG16HjmpoSi8PhkYuBMACLcBGAs/s1600/SleekSexy_greypump.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KyGfZsM1rrU/WttCjaEUNeI/AAAAAAAAdug/FCPx0zCOeWYBngG16HjmpoSi8PhkYuBMACLcBGAs/s320/SleekSexy_greypump.jpg" width="320" height="303" data-original-width="750" data-original-height="710" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUk6gsTTZLU/WttCohkgQmI/AAAAAAAAduk/GusKzeRHa7gqtIFifWQewvlaB4ERPDypgCLcBGAs/s1600/PolkaDot_crazy%2Bheels.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUk6gsTTZLU/WttCohkgQmI/AAAAAAAAduk/GusKzeRHa7gqtIFifWQewvlaB4ERPDypgCLcBGAs/s320/PolkaDot_crazy%2Bheels.jpg" width="320" height="305" data-original-width="750" data-original-height="714" /></a>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVVV9sAWSW4/WttC_3J_gfI/AAAAAAAAdvE/twLKRoXrQcEZktk0wEuOZ3vxDDPrFEfKgCLcBGAs/s1600/Black%2BBow%2BStack%2Bheel%2Bslingback.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVVV9sAWSW4/WttC_3J_gfI/AAAAAAAAdvE/twLKRoXrQcEZktk0wEuOZ3vxDDPrFEfKgCLcBGAs/s200/Black%2BBow%2BStack%2Bheel%2Bslingback.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1202" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKhKKdXRHJY/WttC-1yUJBI/AAAAAAAAdu8/YBR1RrsCuL8JTWcGR3M5Jo5CC5vGBRtQgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8688.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKhKKdXRHJY/WttC-1yUJBI/AAAAAAAAdu8/YBR1RrsCuL8JTWcGR3M5Jo5CC5vGBRtQgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8688.jpg" width="200" height="162" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1296" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITdZ_U7jKEA/WttC_BWhGhI/AAAAAAAAdvA/aJkwsXygneANK-a5j5ODM_EKz8ElkE60wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8599.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITdZ_U7jKEA/WttC_BWhGhI/AAAAAAAAdvA/aJkwsXygneANK-a5j5ODM_EKz8ElkE60wCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8599.jpg" width="194" height="200" data-original-width="1551" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<b>Here are just FUZZY SHOES!!! Crazy fabrics, poms, fur.... lots of fur and texture!<blockquote></blockquote></b>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybJQyDj2xb0/WttDnPUVYrI/AAAAAAAAdv8/8pyFwVtXOYEQOu2FEvfOwF485jzMsWqdgCLcBGAs/s1600/Feather%2Bfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybJQyDj2xb0/WttDnPUVYrI/AAAAAAAAdv8/8pyFwVtXOYEQOu2FEvfOwF485jzMsWqdgCLcBGAs/s200/Feather%2Bfront.jpg" width="200" height="186" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1115" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4JphqvlHw0/WttDsOfqmFI/AAAAAAAAdwE/XvA7u21q6sIutMAoumo5dOnxrpYHgK7MACLcBGAs/s1600/furry%2Bshoes%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4JphqvlHw0/WttDsOfqmFI/AAAAAAAAdwE/XvA7u21q6sIutMAoumo5dOnxrpYHgK7MACLcBGAs/s200/furry%2Bshoes%2B2.jpg" width="200" height="193" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1157" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CClUhnIvVo/WttDnySTeCI/AAAAAAAAdwA/enwUNFR4FZs_VJqHiQ3J-o8C0vKPaGL_wCLcBGAs/s1600/Furry%2BSneakers.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CClUhnIvVo/WttDnySTeCI/AAAAAAAAdwA/enwUNFR4FZs_VJqHiQ3J-o8C0vKPaGL_wCLcBGAs/s200/Furry%2BSneakers.jpg" width="200" height="158" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="948" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKPgSgw2LVM/WttDxsMFZVI/AAAAAAAAdwI/N10WfRRCRO45kBm3KUGGv1j2ohQ08jiKwCLcBGAs/s1600/Greeen%2BFurry%2Bboot.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKPgSgw2LVM/WttDxsMFZVI/AAAAAAAAdwI/N10WfRRCRO45kBm3KUGGv1j2ohQ08jiKwCLcBGAs/s200/Greeen%2BFurry%2Bboot.jpg" width="165" height="200" data-original-width="1316" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-etz8hvC73iA/WttEUnnX59I/AAAAAAAAdwY/26mGIesvzpwonuWlcBpatJLw7qfcBbGJgCLcBGAs/s1600/FuzzyClog.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-etz8hvC73iA/WttEUnnX59I/AAAAAAAAdwY/26mGIesvzpwonuWlcBpatJLw7qfcBbGJgCLcBGAs/s200/FuzzyClog.jpg" width="200" height="172" data-original-width="1500" data-original-height="1290" /></a>
<blockquote><b>JEWELS! DRIPPING IN JEWELS AND SEQUINS- some classic... some crazy!</b><b><i></i></b></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya3kE1DjGh8/WttFsNr2CpI/AAAAAAAAdws/ZHe6tdhA3nMDjnVnqVXSvxcbcwJl_iWjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Shoe%2Brounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya3kE1DjGh8/WttFsNr2CpI/AAAAAAAAdws/ZHe6tdhA3nMDjnVnqVXSvxcbcwJl_iWjQCLcBGAs/s320/Shoe%2Brounds.jpg" width="297" height="320" data-original-width="1483" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3aMi-cPIm4/WttF7arEfYI/AAAAAAAAdw0/RsZoqWxjhYMMaPOBIyTwPuws7eTaiwjqACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8611.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3aMi-cPIm4/WttF7arEfYI/AAAAAAAAdw0/RsZoqWxjhYMMaPOBIyTwPuws7eTaiwjqACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8611.jpg" width="200" height="184" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1468" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3H3cB9tpKA/WttF7fzIStI/AAAAAAAAdw4/QOZNPZj7L5kW-OFDf_Vb7lkJrKFwFB7pwCLcBGAs/s1600/Shoes%2Bwith%2Bjewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3H3cB9tpKA/WttF7fzIStI/AAAAAAAAdw4/QOZNPZj7L5kW-OFDf_Vb7lkJrKFwFB7pwCLcBGAs/s200/Shoes%2Bwith%2Bjewelry.jpg" width="200" height="176" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1408" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-2CTv28-Eo/WttGJKck78I/AAAAAAAAdxE/cGFIAyap7IQ-uihJWhFBz_0-c9ln_qjnQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8666.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-2CTv28-Eo/WttGJKck78I/AAAAAAAAdxE/cGFIAyap7IQ-uihJWhFBz_0-c9ln_qjnQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8666.jpg" width="177" height="200" data-original-width="1414" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8Oy_8UWRDQ/WttGIdeP9lI/AAAAAAAAdxA/G4qel1KkPpEK29NTKmhsbEojODd-BHL_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8683.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8Oy_8UWRDQ/WttGIdeP9lI/AAAAAAAAdxA/G4qel1KkPpEK29NTKmhsbEojODd-BHL_gCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8683.jpg" width="200" height="126" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1004" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqZol_-Nr2w/WttGbrSKkeI/AAAAAAAAdxY/_8JkUVCpcLIwgX6eBZ-U_TB5FLSLMjmfgCLcBGAs/s1600/MiuMiu%2Bpearl%2Bembellished.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqZol_-Nr2w/WttGbrSKkeI/AAAAAAAAdxY/_8JkUVCpcLIwgX6eBZ-U_TB5FLSLMjmfgCLcBGAs/s200/MiuMiu%2Bpearl%2Bembellished.jpg" width="157" height="200" data-original-width="1255" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E67RFz4LTo/WttGxm5a4tI/AAAAAAAAdxo/sXdPhzAWu9c9CS3JWsGbRDUM0TPZ-1oeACLcBGAs/s1600/JimmyChoo_sequin.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E67RFz4LTo/WttGxm5a4tI/AAAAAAAAdxo/sXdPhzAWu9c9CS3JWsGbRDUM0TPZ-1oeACLcBGAs/s200/JimmyChoo_sequin.jpg" width="200" height="172" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1373" /></a>
<blockquote>ANIMAL SKIN PATTERNS ... still popular!!<b></b></blockquote>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L30IJfMMe9E/WttimE_xcBI/AAAAAAAAdyE/o_Tx9cQM5VACGk36MpUVaP4wuK64kQV5QCLcBGAs/s1600/BlkWht%2BZebra%2Bloafer.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L30IJfMMe9E/WttimE_xcBI/AAAAAAAAdyE/o_Tx9cQM5VACGk36MpUVaP4wuK64kQV5QCLcBGAs/s200/BlkWht%2BZebra%2Bloafer.jpg" width="179" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1342" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIlk61fCtZQ/Wttil-p2QzI/AAAAAAAAdyA/3jrQ7rITKW0bd5sYliprK4puf15Kdb5CQCLcBGAs/s1600/Zebra%2Bboot.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIlk61fCtZQ/Wttil-p2QzI/AAAAAAAAdyA/3jrQ7rITKW0bd5sYliprK4puf15Kdb5CQCLcBGAs/s200/Zebra%2Bboot.jpg" width="200" height="187" data-original-width="1286" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk2aRXOIF9I/Wtti4BIScTI/AAAAAAAAdyM/ufaY7LI-FEYRMMcPu3c1CkWICbsdaGP7wCLcBGAs/s1600/Fun%2Bloafers.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk2aRXOIF9I/Wtti4BIScTI/AAAAAAAAdyM/ufaY7LI-FEYRMMcPu3c1CkWICbsdaGP7wCLcBGAs/s200/Fun%2Bloafers.jpg" width="137" height="200" data-original-width="823" data-original-height="1200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yEelk8467xw/Wtti4XE94II/AAAAAAAAdyQ/lWJ4S1d0lXkpcypaR2VL1fOx0rhcljwnQCLcBGAs/s1600/RedBlk%2BZebra%2Bbootie.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yEelk8467xw/Wtti4XE94II/AAAAAAAAdyQ/lWJ4S1d0lXkpcypaR2VL1fOx0rhcljwnQCLcBGAs/s200/RedBlk%2BZebra%2Bbootie.jpg" width="167" height="200" data-original-width="1001" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<blockquote>
and good, anything but old- fashioned.... COMBAT BOOTS!<b></b></blockquote><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07x1OxGANXM/Wttjo0jc1tI/AAAAAAAAdyw/Mmyei_cG_vgyKiA-Cqt2MpeB3PovIxRHACLcBGAs/s1600/CoolBlackSkinBootie.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07x1OxGANXM/Wttjo0jc1tI/AAAAAAAAdyw/Mmyei_cG_vgyKiA-Cqt2MpeB3PovIxRHACLcBGAs/s200/CoolBlackSkinBootie.jpg" width="158" height="200" data-original-width="1265" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xWn81qCo8Ns/WttjoNxFk0I/AAAAAAAAdys/EgqmimWaAV80fArPXzqho7Ktfl-_COy4gCLcBGAs/s1600/fun%2Bbooties3.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xWn81qCo8Ns/WttjoNxFk0I/AAAAAAAAdys/EgqmimWaAV80fArPXzqho7Ktfl-_COy4gCLcBGAs/s200/fun%2Bbooties3.jpg" width="200" height="133" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="798" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhFMNzYM96Y/WttjwkR3H4I/AAAAAAAAdy8/FG-MpmCdOuwpe0zJ6fImm_AcJFBEr9S0ACLcBGAs/s1600/Olive%2BBoot_grommet.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhFMNzYM96Y/WttjwkR3H4I/AAAAAAAAdy8/FG-MpmCdOuwpe0zJ6fImm_AcJFBEr9S0ACLcBGAs/s200/Olive%2BBoot_grommet.jpg" width="170" height="200" data-original-width="1362" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcaUcGOul8w/WttjwHCYxHI/AAAAAAAAdy4/ByuZxfNnUD0dB_KPyjiNHeP2NYlsSp4vQCLcBGAs/s1600/True%2BArmy%2Bboot.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcaUcGOul8w/WttjwHCYxHI/AAAAAAAAdy4/ByuZxfNnUD0dB_KPyjiNHeP2NYlsSp4vQCLcBGAs/s200/True%2BArmy%2Bboot.jpg" width="192" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1248" /></a>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-39736078907178324292018-03-24T08:24:00.000-07:002018-03-24T08:24:03.721-07:00Home mimics Fashion!My life has been about noticing details, everywhere with everything.... there is beauty and inspiration all around us, we just have to open our eyes and notice. For me, I take photos of it all, even floor patterns and rod iron gates.
<b>While in Paris my charge was to "FIND THE TRENDS"<blockquote></blockquote></b> <i>
How to find the fashion and interpret it into the home market.. </i>
I had to post this perfect example:
<b>High Couture Fashion to High Fashion Lampshades!<blockquote></blockquote></b>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2Udex-NSQY/WrZm2hfd5SI/AAAAAAAAdOM/FTyz7FFCNOYn9r_wGDxTs68XCb-zfth_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Pinch%2Bwaist%2Boutfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2Udex-NSQY/WrZm2hfd5SI/AAAAAAAAdOM/FTyz7FFCNOYn9r_wGDxTs68XCb-zfth_ACLcBGAs/s320/Pinch%2Bwaist%2Boutfit.jpg" width="133" height="320" data-original-width="300" data-original-height="720" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-osbtrr7kpzY/WrZm5i0kHxI/AAAAAAAAdOQ/RgSNekXidsY2G4Q0XI2mheWgA3bn5IWjwCLcBGAs/s1600/Pinch%2Bwaist%2Blampshade.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-osbtrr7kpzY/WrZm5i0kHxI/AAAAAAAAdOQ/RgSNekXidsY2G4Q0XI2mheWgA3bn5IWjwCLcBGAs/s320/Pinch%2Bwaist%2Blampshade.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="360" data-original-height="480" /></a>
<b>S</b>o many amazing fabric techniques, trims and manipulations are interpreted in home textiles; ruffles on sleeves and dresses are used in bedding! In fact you will see a lot more of that in the stores moving forward!
Look at this best selling bed from <a href="http://amrapur.com">Amrapur Overseas</a>! This is Antonella and one of the best beds we offer! Look at the ruffles, paired with pinch pleats and decorative trim as an accent.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbgwf0gjwbo/WrZqT2snGVI/AAAAAAAAdOg/ZzQrjcF_BS0jigusG1Q9SWQzc17QAecVACLcBGAs/s1600/Antonella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbgwf0gjwbo/WrZqT2snGVI/AAAAAAAAdOg/ZzQrjcF_BS0jigusG1Q9SWQzc17QAecVACLcBGAs/s400/Antonella.jpg" width="400" height="315" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1261" /></a></div>
Look at your favorite style, a belt, some pom poms or an old piece of jewelry or beads, see how you might add a spark to your home by interpreting it to fit your style
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GM1yHtYB_n0/WrZtJv88GwI/AAAAAAAAdPc/1Wze_2GunFw0xJT5ADI9-OK71eHTjslTwCLcBGAs/s1600/1843839ddbeefb223db6afde9996a806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GM1yHtYB_n0/WrZtJv88GwI/AAAAAAAAdPc/1Wze_2GunFw0xJT5ADI9-OK71eHTjslTwCLcBGAs/s200/1843839ddbeefb223db6afde9996a806.jpg" width="186" height="200" data-original-width="839" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>- buy trim at the fabric store and tie back your drapes to change up the look.
<blockquote>You could even sew a ruffle on to the edge of the panel for a softer more farmhouse touch!
<b></b></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFzLmiiXm7o/WrZsWzc4s8I/AAAAAAAAdPI/gq-alHnhm10aG7CVcPAXDZC3_1u4zWeogCLcBGAs/s1600/shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFzLmiiXm7o/WrZsWzc4s8I/AAAAAAAAdPI/gq-alHnhm10aG7CVcPAXDZC3_1u4zWeogCLcBGAs/s200/shopping.jpg" width="200" height="200" data-original-width="450" data-original-height="450" /></a></div>
<b>Bring Fashion into your Home!
<blockquote></blockquote></b>
Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-85242938978639409822018-02-14T18:47:00.000-08:002018-02-14T18:47:53.580-08:00Last touch on the Laundry Room!What helps create mood in a room?
<b>Color and lighting are a big factor when considering how a room "feels"!<blockquote></blockquote></b>
<blockquote>When we renovated our Laundry Room (which was over 3 years ago.... as I said, it took me forever to write that post) we knew we wanted a feeling of fresh, clean and welcoming. After all, that is the room that has the door that leads to the backyard, the door that we come and go from all year long and most importantly as room where we do our laundry, lol, can't overlook that! </blockquote>
After the renovation, we looked around so happy and proud of the change! One thing stuck out... the terrible builders fixture. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxtVc7WBKwg/WoC0gUkcBUI/AAAAAAAAbwY/_hMdEhPsB7omZtoyYxf1jnLx6cef4LLxQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxtVc7WBKwg/WoC0gUkcBUI/AAAAAAAAbwY/_hMdEhPsB7omZtoyYxf1jnLx6cef4LLxQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9006.JPG" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><blockquote>And what made that worse, when we purchased the house, the builders fixture was here and the house was built in the 1970's- <b>OH NO! </b>A designer <i>never</i> keeps builder's fixtures! <i>Not ever!<b></b></i> Here I was the shoemaker.... (for all who get that reference, lol)
</blockquote>
<b>
I wanted to do something creative and different here...</b> I got this great idea from a dear friend; <b>Emad</b>.. <i>thank you!</i> I found a fun trash can one day at Home Goods, on sale with great lines and the perfect size. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gRyUsNweJe8/WoC1dVpf85I/AAAAAAAAbws/X-O7ukTkImQBl5mQX7p35OMd7whTbzFLgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gRyUsNweJe8/WoC1dVpf85I/AAAAAAAAbws/X-O7ukTkImQBl5mQX7p35OMd7whTbzFLgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_9008.JPG" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div> I then went with my handy husband to Lowe's to buy a <i>light kit</i>.<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6XV65mlNeaE/WoC1S7K53dI/AAAAAAAAbwk/cV6CR84G-lsa6cOqOoAvAPJK_3RLBqYAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2083.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6XV65mlNeaE/WoC1S7K53dI/AAAAAAAAbwk/cV6CR84G-lsa6cOqOoAvAPJK_3RLBqYAACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_2083.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2b7sVrV8o8/WoC1SxIku1I/AAAAAAAAbwo/3RdCHNjFS9w9T7IZUgg5mTgsJLABU2LjgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2084.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2b7sVrV8o8/WoC1SxIku1I/AAAAAAAAbwo/3RdCHNjFS9w9T7IZUgg5mTgsJLABU2LjgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_2084.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
My handy husband drilled a hole (more like punched a hole) in the bottom of the trash can. This is no easy task; you need to be sure you find the center of the bottom, measure the item that needs to be inserted for the bulb and then proceed with caution... the right tools, protective eyewear & gloves.<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hl555xZVMeQ/WoC2DqTICKI/AAAAAAAAbw8/jq-nMKof5wo2TLERKCWXfyqowm8E54ebQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9010.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hl555xZVMeQ/WoC2DqTICKI/AAAAAAAAbw8/jq-nMKof5wo2TLERKCWXfyqowm8E54ebQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_9010.JPG" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pN8ouJ3BNC8/WoC2DhENZMI/AAAAAAAAbw4/MHFNqrZLZrsxDsI-BcVbSLsDMFb2crbNgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9011.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pN8ouJ3BNC8/WoC2DhENZMI/AAAAAAAAbw4/MHFNqrZLZrsxDsI-BcVbSLsDMFb2crbNgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_9011.JPG" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
Next step was measuring how low you want the light to hang (our brothers are VERY tall so we needed to consider this) secure the wire at the right height, then proceed to turn off the power to the room before we (wrong pro-noun... before <b>HE</b>, lol) did the installation. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FMdiQj95LE/WoC5V3Y380I/AAAAAAAAbxg/CxrYynI_Z0IM7E7xsXrCv-xJK3JP3Z8BgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FMdiQj95LE/WoC5V3Y380I/AAAAAAAAbxg/CxrYynI_Z0IM7E7xsXrCv-xJK3JP3Z8BgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_9012.JPG" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<blockquote><b>I could not be happier with the outcome! The design in the wire container gave off such great shadows, and added that perfect touch to my room! Funny thing was as I was tossing the tag to the trash can, the name of the item I noticed was <i>"lantern"</i>- how appropriate!<blockquote></blockquote></b></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KohkhnqZXjg/WoC5ej9I-EI/AAAAAAAAbxk/WRpDWy-6XlMOcFmBrw_FRxWSgYZt8Bp7ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KohkhnqZXjg/WoC5ej9I-EI/AAAAAAAAbxk/WRpDWy-6XlMOcFmBrw_FRxWSgYZt8Bp7ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9024.JPG" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-46251689391909961092018-02-12T15:11:00.000-08:002018-02-12T15:11:54.745-08:00Laundry Room continued.... tub sink topSo my last post was about my new laundry room... not so new, it just took me forever to post it!
I teased and told you that two special touches I added to this room made it mine..
I feel it is important to use the space you have in the best way possible.... today's key word would be <i>small space living<b></b></i> or <i>small space solutions<b></b></i>. With the popularity of the HGTV shows and booming thoughts of home renovations and "making the space your own" it was about time I got this into writing!
<blockquote>One of things we did in our renovation was to add a utility/ tub sink. I paint an awful lot, and my husband and I do many home renovation projects. We always found ourselves washing the paint brushes out in the kitchen sink and the mess it made, let alone the guilt that "we eat from this space" and paint does not mix with this thought.... I always wanted a <i>"work sink"</i>!
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCtnApdJfgE/WoCmEiy4I6I/AAAAAAAAbvo/NkrpY6oiU2szePhScduZOx7HW-m9XyFpwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCtnApdJfgE/WoCmEiy4I6I/AAAAAAAAbvo/NkrpY6oiU2szePhScduZOx7HW-m9XyFpwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_3695.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
The issue was that I didn't want to store things IN the sink for everyone to see ... and saw this as a missed opportunity to use this space the best way I could. So I had my handy husband cut a piece of wood to fit the top. He did amazing cutting the top corners to best fit. I sanded the edges so they were rounded and he cut a hole where the faucet would sit over in case of dripping water.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8uB10_uOPTI/WoCmiWCIztI/AAAAAAAAbvs/O6XO6WUVRhwmleqr9JZBsGIPqJBJSWSXwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8uB10_uOPTI/WoCmiWCIztI/AAAAAAAAbvs/O6XO6WUVRhwmleqr9JZBsGIPqJBJSWSXwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_3696.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div> Well I could not leave this white, oh no!
<b>I set out to figure what inspires me in this room... how can I express a message of fun and creativity?<blockquote></blockquote></b>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTi9D9jnmjA/WoCnTCo2EYI/AAAAAAAAbwA/63IUhXzcfD03zJ38GGS5NOn9iv_yw3v1QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3722.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTi9D9jnmjA/WoCnTCo2EYI/AAAAAAAAbwA/63IUhXzcfD03zJ38GGS5NOn9iv_yw3v1QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3722.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ophfXMg6Z-o/WoCnTFlKWYI/AAAAAAAAbv8/Y0q28KVT-DIrUFVQ2nhusIMJiCylbMUGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3723.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ophfXMg6Z-o/WoCnTFlKWYI/AAAAAAAAbv8/Y0q28KVT-DIrUFVQ2nhusIMJiCylbMUGACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3723.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<blockquote>I chose a theme that suits my family; Kody our family pup being washed in a tub, a tree of life framing the space with the leaves encompassing the entire work... musical notes as life is full of song and so is our home! I stole a few of the pieces of the art that lives on our daughters (in their tatoos- the butterfly, treble cleff and notes with the small 3) and a single sock on the line in honor of all those "lost socks" over the years!</blockquote>
<b>I continued with some quirky messages that I found funny and appropo...
Got Soap, Loads of Fun, Normal is just a setting, Check your pockets (for all the tissues that go thru the wash and litter my black clothes), Self Service Wash... a message to all, lol!<blockquote></blockquote></b>
I coated the completed work of art with 10-12 coats of poly urethane allowing it to dry the required time in between... so as to have a hard finish and not to worry about chips and scratches.
<b>As you can see, I now have a practical surface space, and can hide all our rags and things in the sink under this top! So it worked for two things - storage and surface space! What could be better!<blockquote></blockquote></b>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-59911584019858926832018-02-11T12:15:00.000-08:002018-02-11T12:15:45.656-08:00Updating a Laundry Room for Today's LivingMud Rooms/ Utility Rooms - they are not just for laundry anymore!!
Practical every day living includes the understanding that it is almost impossible to keep our homes in "model home" condition. That being said, I am a strong advocate for a central <i>"dumping ground"</i> if you will. Families, especially those raising kids, need a designated place for all of the shoes, coats, back packs, school papers, calendars, etc. (I could go on and on!) that find their way home during the school year and bathing suits, sandals, towels, etc. during the summer months.
<b>Our laundry room is off the kitchen, just inside the garage door entrance. This makes it conducive to being much more of a family space than just a room to do laundry!
<blockquote></blockquote></b>
<blockquote>Updating this room can mean a world of difference to the everyday clutter.
<b></b></blockquote>
<blockquote>I want my laundry room to be a place that is clean and practical at the same time. Our renovation was small, with fantastic results!
</blockquote>
<b>Here is what we did:<blockquote></blockquote></b>
<blockquote>- changed the flooring to a larger ceramic tile; better look and easy to clean
</blockquote>
<blockquote>- added a utility tub sink; great for puppy baths, washing out paintbrushes, and all the messy jobs you don't want in your kitchen sink!</blockquote>
<blockquote>- added a cabinet to store all of the cleaners</blockquote>
<blockquote>- racks for towels, baskets and hanging all of those clothes that you fear will shrink in the dryer</blockquote>
<blockquote>- tore out the closet and made a "folding" station shelf with cubbies underneath and shelving above
- added hooks for coats</blockquote>
<i>.... a fresh coat of paint in a fun colors ( soft sunshine yellow) and a rug for feet wiping!
<b><blockquote></blockquote></b></i>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTOQb_6BAWw/WoCioWkIVaI/AAAAAAAAbvI/XyWOvH2MHXM5nIJEKLGC3xbJjAAF3ixnwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3633.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTOQb_6BAWw/WoCioWkIVaI/AAAAAAAAbvI/XyWOvH2MHXM5nIJEKLGC3xbJjAAF3ixnwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_3633.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms8Sd1zbnaY/WoCiuhgzOyI/AAAAAAAAbvM/5FdcHtHIEuMTUTPuzqp4XZJfjOdujX7dACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3695.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms8Sd1zbnaY/WoCiuhgzOyI/AAAAAAAAbvM/5FdcHtHIEuMTUTPuzqp4XZJfjOdujX7dACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_3695.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng78f4nlK3E/WoCi3mPUlmI/AAAAAAAAbvY/GFZr1Obr8qkid6jXIeLbfYOBTjj-9PUJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3718.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng78f4nlK3E/WoCi3mPUlmI/AAAAAAAAbvY/GFZr1Obr8qkid6jXIeLbfYOBTjj-9PUJwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_3718.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5PxWDclE_Q/WoCi3XVIw3I/AAAAAAAAbvQ/h8RKHeuKxCo1eabhljGnixyTViqekL-5wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3720.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5PxWDclE_Q/WoCi3XVIw3I/AAAAAAAAbvQ/h8RKHeuKxCo1eabhljGnixyTViqekL-5wCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_3720.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kajn5m3Hz2A/WoCi3aAB37I/AAAAAAAAbvU/xJWOOBL0Mi8GtoF7dMO09SPfufwgP3PbQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3721.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kajn5m3Hz2A/WoCi3aAB37I/AAAAAAAAbvU/xJWOOBL0Mi8GtoF7dMO09SPfufwgP3PbQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_3721.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<blockquote>There are two special things I added to this renovation; my creative twist!
<b></b></blockquote>
I had my very handy husband cut me a top for the utility tub sink... and painted it to create additional counter top space
Last but not least a creative light for that final touch...
but these projects deserve their very own blog post!
<b>STAY TUNED</b>
Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-29779250894611869992018-01-06T10:29:00.001-08:002018-01-06T10:29:50.828-08:00Trends.... what actually makes it a trend?As I prepare to leave for a 16 day journey to Europe I am reflecting on what I learned last year, and wondering what fun inspirations are in store for me.
<blockquote>Everyone talks about <i>"trend"<b></b></i> but what is that exactly.... </blockquote> I would define this as a look or colors that are everywhere- in retail stores in all categories; apparel, bedding, candles, even nail polish colors - the way I see it, they are colors and ideas that are seen in stores, or online, that resonates with the majority.
However... I am a realist and I ask myself, are they self fulfilling prophecies? <a href="https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2018">Pantone</a> along with Cotton Inc. (to name a few) and paint companies assign their "color of the year". Then everyone starts "pinning" their products available in these colors. If paint companies and color companies say <i>it is so</i> and manufacturers all follow these ideas, then products are made in these colors, to fit the idea of what is "on trend", and retail buyers then "see it everywhere" when shopping for the next season, and purchase it for their stores, so then <b>that</b> is what is available in the stores.... so that is what the consumers see, and so it is true, and <b>so it becomes the trend!<blockquote></blockquote></b>
<blockquote><b>Growing up I clearly remember when a true trend meant that something is "IN" or "OUT"</b></blockquote>
<blockquote>My clearest memory of this is skirt lengths - Mini was in... mini skirts, hot pants, the shorter the better. The next season... it was definitely OUT and Midi was in - calf length; culottes, gouchos ( crazy name for flaired capris!) .... the next year MAXI WAS IT! If you look at that trend, I would say that is the start of the Boho look that is <i>"so on trend"</i> now!
</blockquote>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9TvjkvTlUQ/WlEUiUXKeRI/AAAAAAAAbo0/Lk1yLx4ORJAMioTev4Hv7LcdnO-Xjdx9gCLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_mb70nrNG5S1r67e2so1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9TvjkvTlUQ/WlEUiUXKeRI/AAAAAAAAbo0/Lk1yLx4ORJAMioTev4Hv7LcdnO-Xjdx9gCLcBGAs/s200/tumblr_mb70nrNG5S1r67e2so1_500.jpg" width="172" height="200" data-original-width="550" data-original-height="639" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAL7xeqK4Oc/WlEUkGEJSkI/AAAAAAAAbo4/hch2H6NDWJkkbhPElPBSgwOoyJ64Fx2vQCLcBGAs/s1600/e52808dd90e11dd65dce66a1b590a909.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAL7xeqK4Oc/WlEUkGEJSkI/AAAAAAAAbo4/hch2H6NDWJkkbhPElPBSgwOoyJ64Fx2vQCLcBGAs/s200/e52808dd90e11dd65dce66a1b590a909.jpg" width="163" height="200" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="983" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kV06qDVKis/WlEUlinOBzI/AAAAAAAAbo8/8NWMCpR3c4EL7lJ2UwzpW2LahQGlNWElACLcBGAs/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kV06qDVKis/WlEUlinOBzI/AAAAAAAAbo8/8NWMCpR3c4EL7lJ2UwzpW2LahQGlNWElACLcBGAs/s200/download.jpg" width="200" height="144" data-original-width="265" data-original-height="191" /></a>
<blockquote>It seems to me for well over 15 years now, skirt lengths are "in" if they flatter your figure, look nice, are paired with the right shoes and are well pulled together. </blockquote>
<a href="http://stylebyportobello.com/blog/70s-mini-vs-70s-maxi-which-seventies-trend-would-you-choose/">Style Portobello</a> has a great article on this exact topic!
<b>Fashion is cyclical <i><blockquote></blockquote></i></b>
In apparel... looks and colors come and go and come back again - <i>the exact reason I have always held on to my velvets! </i> Same goes for our homes and how we decorate; the color we paint our house, the walls inside, the towels and bedding we buy.
The same applies to kitchens and bathrooms; stainless appliances were the hottest thing, now black stainless is being introduced, darker woods in flooring and cabinetry are all "trending" right now!
• New materials, new substrates, new colors
Who will come up with the next great color combination and will it stick? Will it resonate at retail and add volume to sales?
<blockquote>Here is what I think... you can never go wrong with classic clean elegant colors in your home- vintage or antique white, greys, tans and flax hues with pops of the colors you are "feeling at the time. </blockquote>
<blockquote>My advice? look at what is being shown in the stores, on pinterest, online shopping.... then go with what resonates with you - nothing is "OUT" </blockquote>
<b>Trends are in the "eye of the beholder"<blockquote></blockquote></b>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312230631158776358.post-86639784490146094622018-01-03T08:06:00.000-08:002018-01-03T08:07:14.844-08:00Freeeeezing Cold...... As I bundled up this morning for my daily commute from NJ to the beautiful isle of Manhattan I knew that I had to dress for the weather.... not forgoing fashion of course but definitely for warmth! Who knew I would come in to <b>NO HEAT!</b> So as I sat at my desk, overlooking Fifth Avenue in the heart of the Home Textiles district I could not help but to think..... ice cold blue!!! That led me to color and pattern and.... why not use this as another inspiration.
<blockquote>If a photograph or an image could conjure up a feeling, what would that look like? Here are three I found that express the extreme cold I am feeling as my frozen fingers dance across the keyboard this morning...</blockquote>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lZqppZ4bYE/Wkz9qtZZo0I/AAAAAAAAbmg/9mCIWOBcoPM3TIy4yBMRWEz-uAW90sFywCLcBGAs/s1600/1423209333.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lZqppZ4bYE/Wkz9qtZZo0I/AAAAAAAAbmg/9mCIWOBcoPM3TIy4yBMRWEz-uAW90sFywCLcBGAs/s200/1423209333.jpg" width="200" height="113" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1f21QWG6uI/Wkz9vsGA4cI/AAAAAAAAbmo/BtUIp3EUKtAvFvVDKWcMQJL1HUH8NMmFACLcBGAs/s1600/Snow_wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1f21QWG6uI/Wkz9vsGA4cI/AAAAAAAAbmo/BtUIp3EUKtAvFvVDKWcMQJL1HUH8NMmFACLcBGAs/s200/Snow_wallpaper.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8dkLVM2EYg/Wkz91uFrD2I/AAAAAAAAbms/Owigsz4AnNIsaJ-LJrFAkkm8ScdBH6BtgCLcBGAs/s1600/d35550aed794e31023e01f253bdc0a9e.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8dkLVM2EYg/Wkz91uFrD2I/AAAAAAAAbms/Owigsz4AnNIsaJ-LJrFAkkm8ScdBH6BtgCLcBGAs/s200/d35550aed794e31023e01f253bdc0a9e.jpg" width="200" height="113" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
<blockquote>Then I started to think, hmmmm winter patterns, what would be <i>"cool"</i>... (every pun intended!) so here is the design I came up with!
Will definitely add this to our throw and bath assortment for 2018
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPh0KuJTnPM/Wkz_Tz3opPI/AAAAAAAAbnA/7LmBW-kNubgBai0iiKi1su_NZ09PkERbwCLcBGAs/s1600/ChillyWinter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPh0KuJTnPM/Wkz_Tz3opPI/AAAAAAAAbnA/7LmBW-kNubgBai0iiKi1su_NZ09PkERbwCLcBGAs/s400/ChillyWinter.jpg" width="309" height="400" data-original-width="612" data-original-height="792" /></a></div>
<b><blockquote>Baby it's color outside....Stay warm!<b></b></blockquote></b>Dawn Rochelle Fieldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761441038061392738noreply@blogger.com0