Here's To An Organic New Year!

Hello, I'm back!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was a bit tumultuous, but more on that later. For now, lets talk about what we want more of in the new year! For me, organic and beautiful design sits high on the list:)

Blinds On Blinds!

If you don't want curtains in your bedroom why not take inspiration from the idea of using two different types of blinds?

Venetian blinds fitted inside the recess of the window provides the privacy you need without the use of net curtains, whilst a linen blend Roman blind style breaks the starkness, adding a soft and gentle touch which is ideal for bedrooms.

The great advantage of using two types of blinds is the endless possibilities of colour combinations you can use! White Venetian blinds provide you with a crisp clean look, as well as the versatility of being able to control the amount of light entering the room, whilst you can have a fabric blind which matches or coordinates with your bedding sets to bring the room together and provide a sense of balance.

This style of window dressing becoming increasingly popular as it a great money saver! Not only can ready made Roman blinds be bought inexpensively, you can also make your own Roman blinds which opens up a whole world of wonderful fabrics to choose from. Double layering window dressings is also a good way to help reduce heat loss via your windows, especially if you select a medium weight fabric for the Roman blinds.

Image: two ellie blogspot

Happy Christmas Everyone!

I hope you have a great day in your own chosen way, receive and give presents to friends and family, along with sitting round the table to tuck into your Christmas diner!

You've probably spent ages making sure your home is neat and tidy, especially if you have guests staying with you during the festive season, as well as decorating your home with your own individual design flair and colour combinations!

If you are spending Christmas at someone's else's home you will no doubt inadvertently look at their décor, colour scheme and interior design style – it's an 'inbred' thing which try as you might you can't shake off!

Obviously its wise not to pass judgement, however, making kind comments and remarks about someone's new curtains and blinds may be just the sort of thing they would like to hear, taking notice of someone else's efforts is a great way to build relationships as well as being a great talking point if you can't bear to sit and watch another repeat on the television!

Other people's interior designs can be very inspirational, rather like reading interior design blogs or thumbing through design magazines!

Image: Surroundings

Beautiful Festive Colour Schemes

You have probably already chosen your Christmas colour scheme this year, if you haven't try fabulous turquoise! This gorgeous colour is sure to brighten any home style as well as complimenting neutral décors.

Irrespective of what colour scheme you choose the key is not to get carried away and add so many baubles and tree decorations that your tree looks completely swamped! Remember the less is more 'rule'!

The other thing is to buy a tree which suits and fits comfortably within the size of your room! Placing it in front of your lounge window is a great idea just so long as it doesn't interfere with the opening and closing of curtains or vertical blinds.

Whilst it is the season to be jolly, you also need to be jolly careful that you don't expose your house and its contents to the world as sadly opportunist thieves are prevalent over the festive season, particularly if you leave your curtains or blinds open when you are not at home. Of course if you have Venetian or vertical blinds you can simply adjust the angle of the slats or vanes to give you privacy from prying and inquisitive eyes!

Sounds cynical? Or just a reflection of the times we live in?

Image: House of Turquoise

My Christmas Wish

Hey everyone! Thanks so much for the great comments on my last post. All of you

are so supportive. Actually, that's why I feel comfortable sharing my

feelings, because I know you all will be so kind. I will be on the road today and

with family for the week. I'm not sure how much posting I will be able

to do, so I'm leaving a Christmas treat for all of you. I love Judy Garland so

much, and this song is just perfection. Hope you enjoy it.

Merry Christmas to all my readers, fellow bloggers, and friends!

Love

Carolina

Holiday Blues

I'm not the only one who struggles with depression throughout the holidays, right? Why is that? I really try to enjoy Christmas time, but mostly it seems to bring me down. I hate that, but its the truth. Sorry to be such a downer today. Its just that its difficult for me not to be honest. My faith pushes me to be more positive and to invite good things into my life, but its a struggle at this time of year. I always feel like I haven't done enough for everyone and another year has slipped by. I don't have enough time to send out Christmas cards and take Liam to see Santa. I usually am scrambling at the last minute to finish buying gifts that I really can't afford, but feel guilty if I don't. Ahhhh! I want Christmas to be about my faith in Christ. I get frustrated that people refuse to acknowledge Christianity as the source of "Christmas" and yet my life doesn't seem to acknowledge that either! I mean what right do I have to complain?! I don't believe in expecting other people to do things I don't do. I have to say that I'm pretty fed up with these feelings I struggle with. (I'm only writing this, because it helps me when I get it all out). My life has to change. I already have been changing many things and will share them after the New Year.

You may be wondering what in the world these photos have to do with what I'm writing. Well, I posted them for purely selfish reasons. Basically, they make me happy! I needed a jolt of sunshine and fun and these photos have that, don't you think? I found them via Living Etc.

Wake Up To The Smell Of Natural Pine Or Spruce This Christmas!

I love the idea of adding festive decorations to bedrooms! What could be more pleasing that crisp, clean, snow white bedding sets and the smell of evergreen pine or spruce sap to make you feel really Christmassy!

This chic bedroom uses natural elements throughout the year with the beautifully carved wooden bed posts and the simple wood-weave Roman style wooden blinds. It's the simplicity of the overall appearance of the room combined with different textures, as seen in the embroidered bedding and scatter cushions and bed posts which has so much appeal. The windows have not been over dressed, so as much natural light as possible can enter the room during the daytime.

It's really easy to emulate designs such as these and what's even more appealing is that you can choose inexpensive bedding sets and blinds, along with odd natural 'finds' (such as the scallop shells) to use as unobtrusive finishing touches. Keep the walls plain and the design simple, no fussiness just beautiful furnishings and personal treasures and the smallest of bedrooms can be transformed effortlessly.

Adding the natural festive touches would be ideal for guest rooms this Christmas and shows that you have great design style throughout your home not just in the lounge!

Image: A Life's Design