My Backyard!

We have had such a crazy week trying to finish things off before the Easter break! I'm sharing a snippet of my new paving that was completed last week in my backyard. As you can see, I still have a lot of work to do...maybe adding some big pots with flowers to bring some colour into the garden. I also need some new outdoor furniture but good things come to those who wait! I'm so pleased with the job our pavers did laying the random sandstone. It has made such a huge difference to the yard as our old paving was a dark reddish brown clay paver so it's now so much lighter now. Well enough about me, hope everyone has a wonderful Easter break...Hayley is off overseas again, sourcing some wonderful things for Porchlight clients and I will be holding down the forte here! Happy Easter, Tracey xx

Inspirations

Inspirations are huge part of our life. Having an inspiration board, really does keep you inspired throughout the day. What would you put on yours? Pictures of family, friends? Or photos of random objects and places?
xoxoxo

Studio Nommo

If asked what would you choose: wallpaper or paint? I often struggled with the answer to this question till I discovered Studio Nommo. You just must have a look at this jungle of creativity! The main factor here is that Studio Nommo provides the costumer with so much choice and variety and as a bonus they are available to order online so if you fancy a change, then start clicking.
I’m a fan of calming, pastel and neutral combinations. The “baby trees” green and blue design is just stunning and so pure. For office space I would choose the “wired” wallpaper which as the Designer Jan Avendano describes is a puzzle-like hand drawn illustration for your attentive eyes.

(Baby Trees by StudioNommo)

(Wired by StudioNommo)

(Teapots by StudioNommo)

(Fox by StudioNommo)

(Neighbours by StudioNommo)

Aren’t they fabulous?

For those of you who are braver than me, I recommend the foxy design by Ashley which is so daring and bold. But if you are not brave enough to try one of those colourful and busy designs then how about making a statement with some amazing wall stickers. Studio Nommo also has variety of funky wall stickers which can brighter up your space and add some edge to you room.

(Spring Blossom by StudioNommo)

(Dragon Fly by StudioNommo)

(Under the Sea by Studio Nommo)

Seriously, aren’t they all such lively, stimulating designs. I just love them to bits!
Which one would you like to have in your home and where would you put it?

Kisses,
xoxoxox

Dream Big

We should be reminded of this every day... What are your dreams?

See more inspirational prints here.

Also, a HUGE thank you goes out to Marianne at Haven and Home

for featuring my watercolors today!

Spring Cleaning Tips: Making Your Closet Functional & Beautiful

Keeping a house clean is a year around task, however many bigger cleaning projects are saved for when the seasons change. Washing windows, cleaning upholstered furnishings and washing outdoor furniture many be some chores on your spring cleaning checklist. Getting your closet organized is also an important task as we go into spring and here are a few tips to help you get started:

Store. As you transition your wardrobe closet from cold-weather clothing to warm-weather clothing, make sure that you store sweaters, coats and pants away in zipped bags that protect your garments from moths and other pests. And before you store, make sure your garment is cleaned. The Container Store has some great storage options and a spring organization sale going on now.

Give. Donate clothing that you do not wear to a local charity. Don't know one in your area? Excess Access will match you with a charity organization in your zip code. They link each donation with the wish-lists of your nearby charities that can provide pick-ups or will accept drop-offs. And donors get tax-deductible receipts.

Organize. If you have a large or walk-in closet it's best to organize it into zones by season or garment type (i.e. work, casual, formal). Next arrange the clothing into sections for each category (i.e. blouses, dresses, pants, etc.). Then arrange the clothes in each section by color from left to right (i.e. black, blue, brown, red, orange, yellow, ivory and white). This makes it much easier to find outfits and is more pleasing to the eye. Wouldn't you agree?

Function & Style. To help keep shirts, shoes and sweaters arranged neatly I recommend stackable boxes with clear fronts like these tweed drop-front boxes. The clear drop-front allows you see what's inside and to access items without having to unstack them.

Plan. The Today Show recently highlighted Closet Lite, a high-tech clothing organization/planning application for your iPhone. It allows you to organize your clothing, create outfits, plan them for certain days and view them. This app can even create packing lists for any upcoming trips. Love this!

Speaking of trips - are you taking a vacation for spring break? If so, here are some more tips on packing for a trip.

Happy spring and happy organizing!

*images courtesy of House Beautiful, Martha Stewart, Canadian House & Home, Making it Lovely

Grey and white in the kitchen

I love the lighting in here, it just makes the room don't you think...

Pink, Silver and White

As the ranunculus started to show signs of fading, I trimmed their stems and gathered them up into two small arrangements. I just love, love, love the combination of the pink, silver and white on the kitchen shelves.

I also love how their centers look like the little bum of a bumble bee.

What I love most about flowers is their heavenly power to completely embrace you with their intoxicating beauty.

I left the milk glass vase arrangement on the kitchen shelf...

...and placed the mint julep arrangement on my nightstand so that I may open and close my eyes to their mesmerizing beauty.

Chincoteague Sunset Rentals

Are you looking for a relaxing vacation? Leave your busy schedule behind and enjoy the southern hospitality of Chincoteague Sunset Rentals.

Sunset Bay Villa #207 is a beautiful home overlooking the marina and the Chincoteague Bay. The decorating is elegant and bright.

The open floor plan offers plenty of space for entertaining and a view

of the Chincoteague Bay from the kitchen.

The master suite has a private bath with jacuzzi tub, separate shower and double vanity, a view of the Chincoteague Bay and access to your private balcony.

There is a separate laundry room with full size washer and dryer, 2nd bedroom, 2nd full bathroom and a sunset view from the cheerful den.

If you are noticing some familiar artwork on the walls like the famous "red crab" and "hosta prints", that is because my Mom owns this condo! We are going on Friday to visit, and I will post more pictures when I return.

This Villa sleeps 8, (Master 2-D/2nd bdrm 1-Q/Den 1-D Sleeper Sofa / Livingroom 1- Q Sleeper Sofa) ~ Satellite Tv's ~ Living room 37" with DVD player, Master bedroom 22", Den 19" ~ Wireless Internet (for you bloggers!)

Click here to reserve your spot today!

Mention Bright, Bold, and Beautiful and receive a complimentary

Red Crab print upon your arrival!

Paisley in Paris

If you are like me, you are always scrambling to buy a birthday card at the last minute in the nearest convenience store! Take a peek at my lovely sponsor,

Paisley in Paris. Stock up on some cute cards so you are prepared for the next occasion. Dio has fun and original cards, invitations, stickers,

address labels, and handcrafted gifts.

Would you like to be a sponsor of Bright, Bold, and Beautiful?

Please e-mail me for rates: laura.trevey@gmail.com

A Lynn Morgan Room

Is like a candy store.
YUMMO!
Her published rooms are faboo!

It's not just the sunny colors in Lynn Morgan's rooms that make one want to exhale, but the designer herself: Relaxed and unpretentious, Morgan brings the tropical colors and effortless living of her native Savannah—where she grew up sailing and crabbing—to the homes she designs from her shingled studio in Rowayton. After 25 years of raising children in Connecticut, the designer and her husband returned to Manhattan with an Upper East Side pied-à-terre.“I needed to push myself away from my regular look,” says Morgan of the Art Deco apartment that she says required “symmetry, simplicity, and sophistication.”  For the palette,she avoided the sea blues, chartreuse greens, and bougainvillea pinks inspired by her coastal upbringing and winters in St. Croix. Instead, she used the grey-and-white awnings of Paris as a starting point for roman shades and pillows,and the black-and-whites of her husband’s City of Light photography collection as foils for bursts of coral and orange. “I like white high-gloss lacquered walls—nothing fussy,” says Morgan. Unafraid to mix high and low, she balances custom pieces with catalog finds. “Simplicity and order—that’s the spirit of a holiday, year-round.” ( as featured in New York Spaces)

"Linens and orange cashmere throw from Bloomingdales. Monograms by Number 411 in Savannah."

I love the metal light fixtures that she has spec'd for most of her kitchens.

I love this room.

It reminds me of Maine.

This one is for you Mom.

(the art work)

This picture is for me.....

I LOVE banquettes. 

And this setting is fabulous with the mix of textures and the antique chairs.

I noticed that most of her walls are pale 

and the color is in the upholstery 

and in the soft goods.

For the most part, I do the reverse.

I put the color on the walls 

and in the occasional soft goods.

ie; pillows, occasional chair fabrics, and any trims that I might use.

They are easily changed

when the client tires of them ( and less costly).

And the biggest impact (I think) 

in a room you can have is a gorgeous paint color.

And if you are going to screw up on anything....

paint is an easy fix, and an easy change 

when you want a new look, and a totally new feel.

And the room is all about 

'THE FEEL' 

if you ask me.

Are you all about 'THE FEEL' of your rooms?

Each one of my rooms have different moods, or feelings

 that the colors and pieces set off in me.

credit: lynnmorgandesign.com


Renee Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her BLOG.....
Interior Design, Palm Beach, Boca Raton,Ft.Lauderdale,Design Service, Window Treatments, TurnKey Interior Design Service,Paint selection, Floor-Plans,Online Interior Design,
Design Center of The Americas, D.C.O.T.A., Lynn Morgan Design, Color, Moods,Feeling