Beautiful Modern Contemporary House Elevation

HomeSense Spring Preview

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWaYSt-NUpFwWkmPYzKAGnEYIcUgq2dwUPcTPmTjf3OZ0cEjET4fdrr-4WVTls4bsJxdaIGo_7jNAOGyuYKS_wY96EZXgY-c_hDid5fOprcZxqDFYw3jpYtF_Tm3KKiukJTQUKbSfj20/s1600/IMG_2045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWaYSt-NUpFwWkmPYzKAGnEYIcUgq2dwUPcTPmTjf3OZ0cEjET4fdrr-4WVTls4bsJxdaIGo_7jNAOGyuYKS_wY96EZXgY-c_hDid5fOprcZxqDFYw3jpYtF_Tm3KKiukJTQUKbSfj20/s1600/IMG_2045.jpg" /></a></div><br />As I've mentioned before, one of the perks of having a blog is occasionally being invited to things. I don't get to go to a lot because I'm at home with Oscar full time and running my <a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/" target="_blank">shop </a>but on occasion an invitation comes along that is<i> to amazing</i> to pass up - I got my first invite to the <a href="http://www.homesense.ca/" target="_blank">HomeSense </a>Preview. Shut the front door. I was so giddy with excitement. First of all, HomeSense is pretty much where I shop all the time.<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/10/where-to-find-my-art.html" target="_blank"> Plus, you can find my art there</a>. So, yeah, I kind of <i>love </i>this store.<br /><br />The team that works at HomeSense exudes warmth and you know that they love what they do and the products that they have in the stores. At some previews I feel like there is a disconnect between the team presenting it and the products (you feel like it's just their job to present). But at HomeSense, there was this immediate vibe that you knew that everyone there liked the company and shopped a lot in the store. It makes it really easy to just love the stores.<br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wFP1g37LsPL-eGbR1BueQKVmqizPQXq2Rc8m5pjCP_xp7o5abmcsX4Hta2wy1qPcCaT7ZFcAOtNNpk5GXJWqkruK1bajleAqiX8xj2LxS3-seexhzdajMCl0zaBwTmL50unFuxHfWhY/s1600/IMG_2058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wFP1g37LsPL-eGbR1BueQKVmqizPQXq2Rc8m5pjCP_xp7o5abmcsX4Hta2wy1qPcCaT7ZFcAOtNNpk5GXJWqkruK1bajleAqiX8xj2LxS3-seexhzdajMCl0zaBwTmL50unFuxHfWhY/s1600/IMG_2058.jpg" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>[Above] <a href="http://designmaze-tim.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Tim </a>and I walked the preview together and we went bananas for this coral piece show above. The art department has really done an amazing job with the collection for Spring. So many pieces are gorgeous. And I'm going to try to find it in my HomeSense trips to add to our upstairs hall.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnyMWSefONpLgMhDGAy-RYkqqp7fDYAupMDJ9m5Wy26lx6YyqV1UMDE7gyjODIWYwuS1oc_U5P4eBxjR48e3A1yRbKm70p_iKm3PCmzNlc6Omz0lgvc2vOhmDjV_9l5Ht8sHwTpscbek/s1600/IMG_2040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnyMWSefONpLgMhDGAy-RYkqqp7fDYAupMDJ9m5Wy26lx6YyqV1UMDE7gyjODIWYwuS1oc_U5P4eBxjR48e3A1yRbKm70p_iKm3PCmzNlc6Omz0lgvc2vOhmDjV_9l5Ht8sHwTpscbek/s1600/IMG_2040.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>[Above] I've always loved the quatrefoil side tables that you've seen in home decor magazines but the price tags were always too ridiculous to justify for me, so I flipped out when I saw similar tables in a few colours at the preview. On the table are these <i>gorgeous coasters </i>that I know are seriously on trend for 2013 - I saw a major Geode theme in New York at the show, and, always spot them in fancy homes. (I have more on that trend in another post) But you can also see some gems in the art photo above...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF7D90jLQ0GXq9DeTW8BrlQ9bFT3D1Dtmtn_Bs9IyMJ7MaFdDCjQ0mtoo9ZykPhHrwqV2I0SEUQwOVnfLV9N9YwzDtniEm3O40Y0mmiPeX816oyNWIDHkx2V0Hf9lTajPIOh06klzPs0/s1600/IMG_2071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF7D90jLQ0GXq9DeTW8BrlQ9bFT3D1Dtmtn_Bs9IyMJ7MaFdDCjQ0mtoo9ZykPhHrwqV2I0SEUQwOVnfLV9N9YwzDtniEm3O40Y0mmiPeX816oyNWIDHkx2V0Hf9lTajPIOh06klzPs0/s1600/IMG_2071.jpg" /></a></div><br />Above, these pillows remind me totally of <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/283586107755658304/" target="_blank">Tommy Smythe because of this shot</a>. Should any of you decorating obsessed readers have a young mans room to design, these pillows should be snatched up.  You'll also see some new art of mine rolling out into the store, so if you see it, I'd love to see pictures! (Trust me, I snap pictures whenever I'm in the store and see my art!)<br /><br />Thanks to HomeSense for the invitation to the preview and now I feel like my bank account will be drained over the next few months as I snap up new pieces. :)<br /><br />

HomeSense Spring Preview

As I've mentioned before, one of the perks of having a blog is occasionally being invited to things. I don't get to go to a lot beca...

7:49 AM

Our Vermont Trip

Our Vermont Trip

Hubby and I took an amazing trip to Vermont over the weekend and had a blast! I have all my photos posted over here . Swing by and take a lo...

10:22 AM

stamp sale

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCIVfiEhKKx0xi4zYeMNxAL0cxelTyxzEvTtI7TyEpcrsBqglrWw3CXrUTV4uBO5C6W9YTi0SsmDrShoV5zXxRUtXqJUF1UC-ro1KH_h6o_VMG_nxOkEftRpj-doLxGEaJR13dKu94rU/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCIVfiEhKKx0xi4zYeMNxAL0cxelTyxzEvTtI7TyEpcrsBqglrWw3CXrUTV4uBO5C6W9YTi0SsmDrShoV5zXxRUtXqJUF1UC-ro1KH_h6o_VMG_nxOkEftRpj-doLxGEaJR13dKu94rU/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'm feeling off my blogging game this week. I have a lot to post, but I'm pretty engrossed in work right now. I'm placing orders for new stock for the shop (can't wait to post about that!), making some new work spaces in my studio to accommodate the growth of the business (another Ikea hack), and just doing regular business stuff that seems to take up most of the day to begin with.  Anyways, my reason for posting is because it's time for a stamp sale! <a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/collections/stationery-custom-stamps" target="_blank">Save 15% on all of the stamps when you enter FEBSALE</a>. The sale ends this Saturday, so grab one while you can at this discount. In addition, every order that has a stamp gets a free ink pad through February. Anyways, <a href="http://www.pennypeople.com/stampsale2013.html" target="_blank">you can see the eUpdate here</a>, which has all of the fine print. xo Lindsay

stamp sale

I'm feeling off my blogging game this week. I have a lot to post, but I'm pretty engrossed in work right now. I'm placing orders...

6:51 PM

Sublime

Juste un petit mot rapide pour dire que je suis encore là! Simplement très occupée à boire du champagne à Stockholm... ;) En attendant d'avoir un peu plus de temps pour bloguer, je voulais déjà vous montrer ces images d'hier, d'une expo réalisée par Michael Anastassiade chez <a href="http://www.svenskttenn.se/" target="_blank">Svenskt Tenn</a>. Sublime!<br /><br /><i>Just a quick note to say that I'm still here! Only very busy drinking champagne in Stockholm... ;) </i><br /><i>Until I have some more time to blog, I just wanted to show you these pictures from yesterday, taken at an exhibition by Michael Anastassiade at <a href="http://www.svenskttenn.se/" target="_blank">Svenskt Tenn.</a> Stunning!</i><br /><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjG6KS5Ue-y2zVZ2RSjTVp_9YH7wNti7OirCWGrysikXZPBTbK_vvCPqDpsZ3m0e8A5usxFgAYNBanhFVZfKSYOTdqg4JPVsQb3ctJwyx1Y4A5xPsQ81a0xSGj29CrawrBxvxgx-ERMY/s1600/a67deb4c6e2411e2806d22000a1f9e4d_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjG6KS5Ue-y2zVZ2RSjTVp_9YH7wNti7OirCWGrysikXZPBTbK_vvCPqDpsZ3m0e8A5usxFgAYNBanhFVZfKSYOTdqg4JPVsQb3ctJwyx1Y4A5xPsQ81a0xSGj29CrawrBxvxgx-ERMY/s1600/a67deb4c6e2411e2806d22000a1f9e4d_7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTavlEnXKegZiKV-7MT80wi8iNRVRVUqOQhpyDXJnVCxC2-PLcqP_-kBWtJVVC7In7JA_CxCPaRyiiPV1A_e0DLynervT0IsWdcr-E7Xl9dYEnBsButlBIT_68FtEgGshYiLNakuf3eHw/s1600/b32b84086e2411e2929322000a9e0719_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTavlEnXKegZiKV-7MT80wi8iNRVRVUqOQhpyDXJnVCxC2-PLcqP_-kBWtJVVC7In7JA_CxCPaRyiiPV1A_e0DLynervT0IsWdcr-E7Xl9dYEnBsButlBIT_68FtEgGshYiLNakuf3eHw/s1600/b32b84086e2411e2929322000a9e0719_7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYEG2WRxY8yKZ1WRghzVV_1v4bo8Xr254qSsz-BukaaSKmGyP7Sdcwky708dTz1S43aD-WDLqAuocqKg74tZ7PyQo5I_hQxblXGvWmPlAof01tHKhDDRW_SA74L9gWSVBp-WVC5T4CoI/s1600/3e02a2846e2811e2af1622000a1fb845_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYEG2WRxY8yKZ1WRghzVV_1v4bo8Xr254qSsz-BukaaSKmGyP7Sdcwky708dTz1S43aD-WDLqAuocqKg74tZ7PyQo5I_hQxblXGvWmPlAof01tHKhDDRW_SA74L9gWSVBp-WVC5T4CoI/s1600/3e02a2846e2811e2af1622000a1fb845_7.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo Anna Gustafsson</i></div>

Sublime

Juste un petit mot rapide pour dire que je suis encore là! Simplement très occupée à boire du champagne à Stockholm... ;) En attendant d...

3:35 PM

DIY Quote Design

I love good design. And I love inexpensive ways to decorate a space using good design. So, when I stumbled upon <a href="http://recitethis.com/#" target="_blank">ReciteThis.com </a>I knew this was something I had to share with all of you. I can't keep something this awesome to myself.<br /><br />Unless you've been living under a rock, or have boycotted Pintrest, you know that well designed quotes are a popular thing on most people's boards. They're cute, creative and sometimes really funny - and you can print them off and hang them as art in your home or office!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8445486032/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Screen Shot 2013-02-04 at 11.19.25 AM by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="Screen Shot 2013-02-04 at 11.19.25 AM" height="388" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8445486032_cc0f11713e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />What's awesome about Recite This is that you write your own quote then choose from a couple dozen well designed options for it to be showcased. Here are a few of my favorites! My plan is to print off a couple of my own to spruce up my grey cube at the office. <br /><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;"><div style="position: relative;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/recite_this/set?.embedder=2675664&.svc=copypaste&id=71287846" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Recite This" border="0" height="967" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/opZiLrBkcsADfkEfCBZcA/cid/71287846/id/apvPrjDuRRStF60U5tpKBw/size/c600x967.jpg" title="Recite This" width="600" /></a></div></div></div><br />Warning: Be prepared to spend hours on this site. I was hooked throughout the entire Superbowl last night, and may or may not have missed the entire game...

DIY Quote Design

I love good design. And I love inexpensive ways to decorate a space using good design. So, when I stumbled upon ReciteThis.com I knew this w...

12:28 PM

Lighting Secrets to Help Sell Your Home

<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFnRP1xiAG1G_00rwUh0BwuZdmdnOIM9ikXgmAq9zoexhkOjaN9YOAQpZWTs4inkqrywGktzbqDtBbfQWwTXyT1JaOUmK0IZieI48nuoNFjvW2MJr3S4eYTWcs0qDPLZcOzmk-Rm7BVc/s640/cococozy+guest+bedroom+napa+showhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFnRP1xiAG1G_00rwUh0BwuZdmdnOIM9ikXgmAq9zoexhkOjaN9YOAQpZWTs4inkqrywGktzbqDtBbfQWwTXyT1JaOUmK0IZieI48nuoNFjvW2MJr3S4eYTWcs0qDPLZcOzmk-Rm7BVc/s640/cococozy+guest+bedroom+napa+showhouse.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Wide, white lampshade, check!<br /> Pale walls, check!  Big lamp, check!  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="Style-1CxSpFirst">When your home is for sale, the more light your rooms get, the bigger and cleaner it feels to people touring it. <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpLast">Here are some tips to use indoor lighting and natural that gets those results.  <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Up the Wattage</b></span></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText">Kinda obvious, but often overlooked: Make sure all your fixtures and lamps have all bulbs in the correct wattage. </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText">The emphasis is on “all bulbs.” How many of us have replaced a bulb in a multi-bulb fixture with whatever we had on hand. Or neglected to notice that, in fact, one bulb was burned out. Double check all your lights. <br /><br />Replace those boob, ceiling light fixtures with something big and bold and reflective. Don't be shy about installing a chandelier style. </div><div class="Style-1CxSpFirst"><br />When it comes to task lighting, you may personally like the moody look of subdued illumination, and cozy pools of light spaced around a room. But this is the kind of lighting that makes a room look small and cramped. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle">Whether you or your realtor shows your property, it’s sometimes awkward to circle the room and turn on all the task and accent lights. That’s why it’s important that general, overhead lighting be sufficient.  <o:p></o:p><br /><br />Other tricks for boosting the brightness: double up on lamps. Yes, I mean pairs of lamps in close proximity. Or, place a large mirror on the wall behind a table or desk that sports a lamp.<br /><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Best Table Lamps</b></span></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle">If you are absent  before a showing, you can’t count on your realtor to arrive at your house before her clients do, and turn on all lamps.<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle">In one property I had on the market, I put timers on a couple of table lamps, just to make sure that darker room were always well-lighted when I was away.<br /><br />To me, the cost of electricity was worth it.No one said it wouldn’t cost any money to sell a house.    <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText">Most home stagers prefer white lampshades, and for good reason.Darker lampshades will absorb light so that you’re not getting all the wattage you want. </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />Also, ditch the ditzy table lamps. They take up too much tabletop real estate for the little bit of charm they bring to a space. </div><div class="Style-1CxSpFirst"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="Style-1CxSpFirst"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Best Floor Lamps</span></b></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>When choosing a floor lamp, look for lamps that provide ample light and take up little floor space.A floor lamp that bounces light off the ceiling will go a long way towards increasing the size of the room. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle">An extension cord snaking across the floor to a lamp is a red flag to home buyers. It gives the impression that there’s a problem with the home’s wiring, even if there isn’t. Try to arrange lamps so the cord isn’t visible.  <o:p></o:p></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Uplights, Downlights</span></b><br /><br />One clever way to add some drama to a room is with hidden lights that wash a wall with light. Make sure your walls are blemish-free and expertly painted when you aim a light at them at a sharp angle.</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText">Darks corners in a room are no friend to the spacious look you want. Solve the problem with low wattage uplights that can be left on. Or place in the corner a table with a large table lamp. Wall sconces are another possibility. Some are battery operated so there's no cord dangling below if they aren't hard-wired.   </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText">An unseen light behind a sofa or under kitchen cabinets give a room a certain glow. Lighting like this can often create a focal point or emphasize one such as a fireplace or some built-in cabinetry.<br /></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Proving the Rule</span></b><br /><div class="MsoBodyText">Every rule has an exception.  If your home is large, make one of your rooms stand out as a dimly lighted retreat. It could be a romantic bedroom, a media room, a man cave, or a library. It shouldn’t be a kitchen, bath, closet, hallway, or children’s room. </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText">This approach could solve the problem of a room that is already dark because it’s on the north side of the home, has poor natural lighting, or is so small that you’re not going to fool anyone into thinking it’s large.<br /></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Daylight Rocks</span></b><br /><div class="MsoBodyText"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2007/04/550_100024384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2007/04/550_100024384.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">What a cool way to hide a less-than-perfect view, but still <br />let in the light.  And there's always room for a creative lighting solution <br />like this sunny pendant fixture. Photo: Meredith </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>Are your rooms getting enough sunlight? Even if your windows are small – especially if your windows are small – there are ways to increase the amount of perceived light entering the room. </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText">Keep window treatments away from the actual framed window opening. My <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/01/no-sew-window-treatments-why-stitch.html" target="_blank">window treatments ebook </a>shows you how to make 15 different styles of no-sew curtains and draperies especially designed for home staging.     </div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText">Also, remove or prune outdoor shrubbery that blocks light entering through windows. Watch the way sunlight moves across a room over the course of a day, and observe what’s shading the room. It could be the lower branches of a tree that’s overgrown or too close to the house. People like open views.  </div><div class="Style-1CxSpFirst"><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpFirst">Work with your realtor to encourage her to show your home when it looks best. Perhaps the morning sun floods your kitchen, but leaves bedrooms dim. Since many people don’t care about bright morning sun in bedrooms, mornings would be the best time to show the property. Dark and rainy days are not ideal for showings. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle">Of course, it’s not always possible to control the schedule, but it’s worth mentioning to your realtor.  <o:p></o:p></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Brighten Ceiling and Walls</span></b></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2011/08/17/e08b9573c960.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2011/08/17/e08b9573c960.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">You can't beat a white ceiling for bringing a room to life. Don't listen to people <br />telling you that the wall color on the ceiling will heighten a room. <br />Light reflection matters more.  Designer: Nate Berkus for Katie Lee.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>I’ve given many ceilings a coat of fresh paint, and the client is always amazed at the difference one coat of bright white paint makes. Over time a ceiling can take on a dull grey or brown tone from dust, pollen, aging paint, nicotine or cooking oils in the air. <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle">Paint sold as “ceiling white paint” is especially designed to be reflective because it’s a pure, bright white. It doesn’t have the durability or washablilty of wall and trim paints, so it’s usually less expensive.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle">If you think your ceiling can benefit from some brightening (most can) it’s not that difficult to paint a ceiling if you do half a room at a time. Remove the small furniture to another room. Scoot all the big stuff to one side of the room, and cover the floor. Then, working on a step ladder, use a brush to cut in around the edge of the ceiling, and roll the reminder from the floor, using a roller screwed onto a long handle (like a mop handle).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle">Make your walls feel clean and bright with wall colors that reflect rather than soak up light. Muddy colors with dark undertones will close in the walls of a room more than clear, pale colors. Use a flat finish rather than a finish with sheen. Flat finish tends to blur the boundaries of the room, making it feel larger.   <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">    <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><h3><b><span style="font-size: large;">Light Your Way to a Purchase Offer</span></b></h3></div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle">“Plenty of light” is high on the wish list of most buyers. Even if you don’t have an abundance of natural light, you can still go a long way towards pleasing buyers by putting to work my tricks to create the sense of light-filled spaces in your home.</div><div class="Style-1CxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="Style-1CxSpLast">Want more tips and encouragement to help you sell your home? That’s what you get when you have my handy <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar.</i>It’s just $5 and is an instantly downloadable pdf. You can start today to make your home the one that real estate buyers want.  <o:p></o:p></div><div class="Style-1CxSpLast"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="Style-1CxSpLast"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Top photo: Room design by Melanie Coddington, via Cococozy.</i></span></div>

Lighting Secrets to Help Sell Your Home

Wide, white lampshade, check! Pale walls, check! Big lamp, check! When your home is for sale, the more light your rooms get, the bigger ...

2:00 AM

New York City

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZohNYzScrIfOHwqK1AMEYCS5-CHgoGyyBsOxH-MJ94r8ZfDLM1zbadBg8sJbvCo19oDYK_oqJ_6uHUH5JFei4c_mrtmGCfoBtIbH7mEuWKwO5UeQ4SqzZ5JlpPENn_r_zFfaYmCFiJmA/s1600/IMG_9411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZohNYzScrIfOHwqK1AMEYCS5-CHgoGyyBsOxH-MJ94r8ZfDLM1zbadBg8sJbvCo19oDYK_oqJ_6uHUH5JFei4c_mrtmGCfoBtIbH7mEuWKwO5UeQ4SqzZ5JlpPENn_r_zFfaYmCFiJmA/s1600/IMG_9411.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have decided to just post ALL of my photos from my trip to NYC into one <em>monster</em> blog post so if you're interested in the shots from my trip to New York and what we did, everything is after the jump. As a side note, I took all of the photos with my iphone. Although I brought my DSLR and used it on occasion, I was surprised at how much I just did with my phone. It was so convenient, easy to snap a photo on the go, and doesn't scream "tourist". The security guy at the airport, before I had to get scanned and patted down for weapons/drugs started telling me that iphones now have lens attachments? What?! Anyways, I was so flustered that the security guy was making conversation that I got super ackward and scurried away. We had a few ackward encounters with secutrity. Anyways, that's for another day. More shots after the jump. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a name="more"></a><br /><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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5_iQ8nCpwgE8ND34Wf1FBsnCzeM_azGrg2yk_I9q6lZyTHF_N1rzkBLjYSBuHk5lUgNQ1tPUcCrXBe7RLP-dtvSalCNv7ZLOHDcAFqjkUEn2WLZJNLMbbkt8NhJYPPbeHzD0x9bvdWM/s1600/Central+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5_iQ8nCpwgE8ND34Wf1FBsnCzeM_azGrg2yk_I9q6lZyTHF_N1rzkBLjYSBuHk5lUgNQ1tPUcCrXBe7RLP-dtvSalCNv7ZLOHDcAFqjkUEn2WLZJNLMbbkt8NhJYPPbeHzD0x9bvdWM/s1600/Central+Park.jpg" /></a></div><br />After walking the <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/01/new-york-international-gift-fair.html" target="_blank">gift show all Monday</a>, we took Tuesday to explore New York a little bit by foot. The first stop in the morning was we walked to <a href="http://www.frick.org/" target="_blank">The Frick Collection</a>. It was <i>amazing</i>.  We had a personal tour by our family friend who we were staying with -  who not only has a love of art like Mom and I do, but he knew quite a bit about the art collection and the home of Henry Frick - so the tour was perhaps my <i>favourite </i>part of the day. After that we three walked to Central Park -  The day had spring like temperatures, so we were pampered a bit for the walk. For lunch we dined at <a href="http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/" target="_blank">The Loeb Boathouse restaurant in the park.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1O2CG0P1gTN_LolcnQZK66PYjv8OR2IlvGmZZWmg8LQGHRWNNDJDL32Y92teuSKCK5tRZ9wlujgKk0z5mL3xaAy7_ph2mwM70qWIAdpsyeoONfCmRi784yHuhg7XUFyZRpinykYEAH4/s1600/architecture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1O2CG0P1gTN_LolcnQZK66PYjv8OR2IlvGmZZWmg8LQGHRWNNDJDL32Y92teuSKCK5tRZ9wlujgKk0z5mL3xaAy7_ph2mwM70qWIAdpsyeoONfCmRi784yHuhg7XUFyZRpinykYEAH4/s1600/architecture.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />After the park, we took to just walk around as I was especially taken with the architecture in the city. I am just in awe of the details. We were lucky to be staying in an amazing neighbourhood so the variety in homes/buildings was fascinating. I had originally intended to get to the MOMA but I was a bit in sensory overload mode. So I'll save more galleries for my next trip.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-g1ktRYOh2xZNCn3cNGKJ7D4Uf4ScHjD5CuT011eZpmgVZf8KvFu_VgqIUTzy3I8i9VcWHtr8c0Rb1VV9gIZpfFL9t_0aDT4FctUwHUUMbf5w9XmE8CU5uL5aF-yFAQGyd40-uSD1Cq8/s1600/Downtown_Night2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-g1ktRYOh2xZNCn3cNGKJ7D4Uf4ScHjD5CuT011eZpmgVZf8KvFu_VgqIUTzy3I8i9VcWHtr8c0Rb1VV9gIZpfFL9t_0aDT4FctUwHUUMbf5w9XmE8CU5uL5aF-yFAQGyd40-uSD1Cq8/s1600/Downtown_Night2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We walked to <a href="http://www.laduree.fr/en/maisons/monde-details#135" target="_blank">Ladurée</a>, that was newly opened (within the last year) and I indulged in a Pistachio Macron. It was heavenly. The night before I had indulged in my <a href="http://www.sprinkles.com/cupcake-bakery-locations/new-york/" target="_blank">very first Sprinkles cupcake</a> which also was worth the indulgence. It unintentionally became a "food" trip rather quickly. We of course visited<a href="http://www.fao.com/home/index.jsp" target="_blank"> FAO Schwarz </a>where I picked Oscar up some goodies and giggled with friends. I'm hitting myself for not buying one of those masks. I never really got into Disney- but I am a<a href="http://henson.com/" target="_blank"> Jim Henson</a> fan so I got giddy at the Muppet Workshop in FAO.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_prsLOk2h1MKsWd2WgcFWM2NqGJv_BVvEnwoOSnE34Igu8C93lBNbjJza-e3Rhzs5pWjvE-Bt-SEEuBVMg22ax9Q0nY0o-k39zJlTOz5yI4GPgCpKG9Wtw5yLkirqfYNJ7mWplVTxl-w/s1600/Downtown_Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_prsLOk2h1MKsWd2WgcFWM2NqGJv_BVvEnwoOSnE34Igu8C93lBNbjJza-e3Rhzs5pWjvE-Bt-SEEuBVMg22ax9Q0nY0o-k39zJlTOz5yI4GPgCpKG9Wtw5yLkirqfYNJ7mWplVTxl-w/s1600/Downtown_Night.jpg" /></a></div><br />At night we went to <a href="http://www.oncemusical.com/" target="_blank">see Once</a> on Broadway. It was amazing. The voice of the main woman "Girl" played by Cristin Milioti gave me goosebumps. We walked home after the show and walked through <a href="http://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/timessquare/" target="_blank">Times Square,</a> <a href="http://www.rockefellercenter.com/" target="_blank">Rockefeller Centre</a>. I adore this city at night - the architecture that I love is put on display with all of the lights.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyXgmEgHV-MCM1VlVr_jEFsWGJHI0XPv7HocfO9cnvvz6k3dYwQehnUaUYCx4FIWKX1tpM_UvKcuhkhyphenhyphenlxFI1u6OAYgVybesKvketUh-LOC639J3cIWYlP52cGGZnHyJ-j1-TqfKx1hs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyXgmEgHV-MCM1VlVr_jEFsWGJHI0XPv7HocfO9cnvvz6k3dYwQehnUaUYCx4FIWKX1tpM_UvKcuhkhyphenhyphenlxFI1u6OAYgVybesKvketUh-LOC639J3cIWYlP52cGGZnHyJ-j1-TqfKx1hs/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Wednesday morning we were picked up and headed back to the airport. (We flew Porter, so the airport was in New Jersey). I stocked up on magazines, coffee and Mom and I sat and enjoyed the Porter Lounge. Before we knew it we were landing home, and Oscar was enjoying some of the goodies I brought him back from my adventure. (His NYC Rescue Vehicle set, that he wanted to play with in the sink).<br /><br />And that, my friends, was my NYC trip. So much fun. :)

New York City

I have decided to just post ALL of my photos from my trip to NYC into one monster blog post so if you're interested in the shots from m...

5:34 PM