Design for a creative lifestyle

Room Design Tools

Interior and Exterior Design is one way to help you fall in love with your own home again. (And yes, you can do it yourself.) Many people live in one house for years, and can't see all the potential in your own space that is offered through change by rearranging, reorganizing and purging your stuff. The crazy housing market of late, makes it that much more important to take another look at your home and consider remaking the space rather than selling up to a larger home with the possibility of more risk.

This is one reason I love the Room Design Tools we feature from Canvas Home Basics. First, they're inexpensive, and when you are ready to spend money on paint, furnishings, and materials, this is one way to ensure that they all will fit in as planned. The other reason is that they are easy to use and bring out your creativity in ways you can't even imagine. Finally, some of the designs I have seen of late are so worthy of framing and hanging on a few walls as art pieces.

We have already sent out a few as gifts to some of our Etsy shoppers - We have a few more to give away as surprises with purchases. I love surprises.

Hope you do too...

Lise

Things We Keep

What does the modern woman keep for her future? We think of natural alternatives like bamboo sheets, organic cotton matelasse, and perhaps a little bling tossed on the bed to satisfy our inner girly girl.

These are just a few preview photos from the new lines we are carrying for our Jump Off Design and Keeping Collections.

Embellished...

I thought I would share a few snapshots of some of the embellishments slated for use in upcoming Jump Off Design boxes.

I love the ethereal quality of this particular flower. We are trying to choose between a lampshade or silk pillow project; or even a very simple project - using it to adorn a tassel that hangs from your doorknob.

And speaking of tassels, we've found some gorgeous and colorful options. Since this is so cute, I'd probably hang it on a door that I use daily, just so I could admire it often.

This flower is made from tin in a design that's not for the timid. One project idea is to use several around an otherwise plain round mirror. It could be painted or left in its natural state.

And finally I looked at this trim and immediately thought about redoing the back sun porch pillows with this trim. Hot. Spicy. Fun.

Margaritas, chips and salsa anyone?

All photos courtesy of VVR.

Jump off Design - Tween Color

Inspiration Palette for Jump Off Design Box. This is for teens who prefer brights plus modern touches of unique storage and wall art that changes easily.

Inside Design - Mood Boards

I am choosing new colors for a dining room project. The room I am designing is located near the front door of the home, and is one of the first areas on view as you enter. I wanted to build a vibrant room; making statements with the colors and graphic patterns. I love the palette so far. It was inspired in part by a simple quote - Bloom where you are planted; and also by the blend of colors in the small seashell.

Beyond color, this design will also incorporate creativity in strong doses. There is a graphic yet subtle wall design plan. Along with a paint-on-canvas project. I'll also add some custom pillows and add colorful trim throughout.

As for function; I want the room to be used year round, not just for special occasions. I've decided to have it work for both dining and reading. I want to use two over sized, dual-purpose, reading and dining chairs near the window. I like the texture of this particular chair. With the high back and clean lines it definitely makes a statement and provides a little shelter from overexposure near windows. I'll cover the cushions with a bold- patterned fabric in a color that will contrast with the other colors I have chosen already.

Shopping for the tabletop will be fun. I am thinking of a really clean white on white modern pattern for the dishes. Square - not circle. And a funky coral centerpiece with candles for a moody and mod atmosphere.

For this project, I will also need to cover a decorative inset on the wainscoting. I'm thinking of covering the panels with fabric too. You can apply fabric to the walls using liquid starch.

The complete design will be available through our Jump Off Design™ program at the end of September. Jump Off Design is a limited edition design service for do-it-yourself types in need of a bit of inspiration. The "design-in-a-box" kit includes specifications for furnishings, paints, and materials. It also includes detailed instructions for completing the special wall & window treatments, pillows, and simple upholstery projects.

This is a limited edition product, and as such, will not be widely distributed. Please contact us for information on pricing and availability - or to request a custom design.

Enjoy!

Lise