Terrie’s Favorite Hammocks

Photo via Pottery Barn

Padded fabric, a pillow for my head and festive colors make this hammock appealing. Pottery Barn $149.

Available from Design Public.

I love this family sized hammock though I don’t know how restful it would be to share with little kids.  My fantasy might suffer a bit unless I just shared with hubby. The Fatboy Headdemock for $399.

Available from Unica Home

When I found this one, it immediately fed into my fantasy…. doesn’t it just look like it would transport you to a tropical isle?  Actually the price on it would pay for the whole trip for your entire family to that tropical isle!  Available from Unica Home, the Wave Parasol sells for $26,000.  No, those zeroes are not a typo.

Available from Frontgate or GrandinRoad

This romantic look is of Brazilian cotton with a delicate crochet edging…..maybe better in a more protected area like a porch or sunroom.  On sale from either Frontgate or Grandin Road for $60.

ETSY store, 4aSong

Even the littlest member of the family deserves a quiet, relaxing place to retreat during the heat of summer!  This handmade treasure (the hammock, not the baby) is available from ETSY store 4aSong for $45.  Adorable.

Cindy’s Favorite Hammocks

Photo via thegreenhead.com

I started with my “I’ll never own this but isn’t it a cool?” hammock.  Unusual, inviting and decadent…a party in a hammock it seems to me.  Created by Henry Hall Designs I think this is really an elegant hammock – with an equally elegant price tag of $19,500.  It’s definitely a wish list item and not a need.  I can still enjoy looking though!

Photo via hammock-company.com

Two layers of cool colored canvas with soft poly-fil quilted between them and a coordinating pillow make for a soft and cozy afternoon snooze.  This Quilted Beach Hammock by Pawleys Island sells for $199.97. 

Photo via hatterashammocks.com

Lake side, pool side or at the beach this Quick-Dry Comfort Hammock in Nantucket Summer Fabric is made from a non-absorbent outdoor fabric so if it gets wet it won’t stay that way long!  Sold by Hatteras Hammocks for $199.99.

Photo via bonluxat.com

Pinar Yar and Tugrul Gövsa found inspiration in a leaf when designing this modern hammock.  They combined a composite material with a netted interior section to create the first hammock in the world that is ergonomic to sleep in.  Available in white, black, green, purple, navy blue, dark brown, red, turquoise,  and sand.

Photo via target.com

Sunny summer colors and a price to make you smile, you can relax and give your wallet a break too as this hammock from Target is only $49.99.

Photo via hatterashammocks.com

If you select a hammock that will not be installed on a stand, do your trees a favor – do not lash your hammock to them with rope.  Rope can damage tree bark, cutting into the tree and leaving it prone to infection while wearing it away.  As an option consider something like this $26.99 hammock tree strap from www.hatteras.com.

Do Hammocks Sway You?

As we approach mid-summer, it’s not too late to add a hammock to your outdoor space.  They are available in every price range and come with a stand or to hook to a tree (use Cindy’s great find to protect your tree).  Actually, it’s time to start watching the “end of season” sales as they’ll be bringing out winter goodies soon!  We hope you’re finding time to sway in sun-dappled shade, soaking up the slower rhythm of summertime.  Tell us how you enjoy summer….. 

Easy Home Projects

Feng Shui art canvases for an easy art project from MuralMaker1.blogspot.com

Photo via MuralMaker1.blogspot.com

Another take on easy-to-do artwork using scrapbook or handmade novelty papers – tape and inexpensive canvas are all you need.  Directions here at BHG.com. 

Paper art ideas from BHG.com

 A Soft Place to Land has a great idea for some REALLY EASY drapery panels.  As she mentions, uses for drop cloths (you know, paint drop cloths from a home improvement store…) abound online.  She’s taken the initiative to show an excellent no-sew option for draperies to be made in an hour.  That’s right, 60 minutes!

Photo via A Soft Place.net

Need some inspiration for a dazzling painted wall pattern?  Design Dazzle has a great tutorial (CLICK HERE) for a wall everyone will remember.

Tutorial on DesignDazzle.blogspot.com

Use your computer to enlarge a paper pattern then have it copied onto transfer paper.  Iron the design onto a plain fabric, and voila, you have custom fabric for pillows or accents anywhere in your home.  Directions are here at BHG.com. 

Paper inspiration from BHG.com

Another take on affordable homemade but stylish pillows using ribbons and trim remnants is from OurHartBeat.blogspot.com.  They’d be so great for summer and to introduce some lightness and whimsy to a room. 

Photo via OurHartBeat.blogspot.com

Ribbon projects are easy to complete.  Gather a stash of ribbon (collect it over time from sales, etc), some fabric glue or iron on hem tape and try a couple more projects.  These from Midwest Living are complete with how-to photos, supply lists and instructions.

Project from MidwestLiving.com

Project from MidwestLiving.com

 For those of you who sew (or just love to collect pretty fabric), I know you usually end up with bits and pieces.  Here’s someone who’s figured out more than a couple of options of how to use that left over fabric.  Visit Red Door Home.blogspot for lots of fun ideas.

Project via RedDoorHome.blogspot.com

We can’t forget our crafting buddy Martha, can we?  She has a couple of super easy projects to make your summer special.  You can make your own or use plain ready-mades and a bleach pen to create your own picnic style.

Project via MarthaStewart.com

 I LOVE the idea of this lighting – even if you don’t have a pool (which we don’t), the columns of light look so festive and creative, who wouldn’t love them?  And easy?  You bet.  Get Martha’s quick instructions and more outdoor decor ideas at her site MarthaStewart.com.

Patio lighting from MarthaStewart.com

 Eddie Ross (remember him from Top Design?) has a blog that mostly relates his travels and vintage finds, but every once in awhile he shares a how-to project.  This is a great project – easy, classy and thoroughly manageable by any of us.  Follow along with directions and inspiration and imagine the possibilities for this monogrammed hurricane……  Or check out Centsational Girl’s post on all the ways she went crazy with etched glass (great ideas here!).

Photo via EddieRoss.com

Using a little decoupage medium, fabric scraps and empty jars or bottles, you can create a vase to coordinate with any room in your home.  Directions and photo how-to’s at CasaSugar.com.  Include the kids in this one; it’s that easy.

Photo via CasaSugar.com

Maybe you’re a little more adventurous and want to stretch your creative wings – try an “anything goes” super tassel tutorial at Hope Studios.blospot.  Use a designer tassel like this on an armoire handle or hung over a bathroom doorknob.  Make 2 and give one as a gift.

Photo via Hope Studios.blogspot.com

Spread Your Creative Wings

It’s time to be brave, break out the glue gun, your extra trim or fabric snippets, family photographs, a little decoupage…..whatever inspires you.  I’ve read a couple of blog posts where girlfriends get together for crafting parties.  Make a stop at the dollar store, everyone brings some goodies from home to add to the communal crafty pot, spend some time with friends and surround yourself with creative energy.  Then everyone goes home with a handmade goodie.   

Plan a crafting party or just spend a few hours on your own and then show us the fruits of your labor.  We’d love to see what you come up with.  If something sparks an idea in a whole new direction, so much the better.  Tell us all about it – pictures can be emailed to solutions@YourDecoratingHotline.com and leave us comments below.

Breezy Coastal Rooms

Many of us wish we lived on the coast, near a beach and water.  We fantasize about the cool breezes, the sand between our toes and the sunny days and pleasant evenings.  But the reality is that we live in the city, in a style-challenged suburb or in the baked southwest (me!).  Even if you don’t live near the water, you can capture the casual, fresh appeal of the coastal style very easily.

• Color schemes use lots of white and blue – either crisp navy or the lighter spa colors
• Casual and comfortable furniture styles
• Touches of rattan
• Accessories are often nautical or relate to the sea in some way
• Simple window treatments to let the light and breeze in
• Wood side tables painted in soft sea colors
• Light wood tones, especially if bleached or pickled

Designed by Georgia Carlee via House Of Turquoise.com

Choosing the restful spa colors of shades of light blue, green and sand, this room is restful and casual.  The rattan coffee table, bamboo shades and natural area rug add texture and increases the feeling of summer.  (Love the wide stripes on those extra long drapes!)

Photo via BHG.com

Don’t be afraid to be bold!  Bright turquoise really stands out in this room and just look at that big expanse of naked windows.  A nod to the sea is evident in the battered oar and vase filled with seashells.  A couple of weathered chests/tables and this room feels like it belongs right next to the dock.

Room by Samantha Pynn via House of Turquoise

A softer interpretation of a seaside room uses the expected blues and whites but the wall color appears to be a light aqua.  To me what sets this room apart is the excellent mix of texture:  woven bench, basket on the coffee table, ceramic side table, wire balls, brick and area rug, etc.

Photo via TraditionalHome.com

The coastal look is established in this room with the extensive collection of seashells.  The fact that they painted the back of the shelves a light blue enhances the shells and reinforces the color scheme.

Room designed by Meredith Hutchison

Relying on the tried and true blue/white color scheme, this room embraces the coastal theme with some overt accessories (the large model boat, the light hearted lobster pillow, ship plates) but stops short of going over the top by anchoring it with large expanses of white, a textural sand colored area rug, a distressed chest (in a different shade of blue!) and the use of simple woven shades.

Designed by Meredith Hutchison

A softer version of a seaside room uses the 2 oars to draw your attention to this seating nook.  Light colored striped chairs feel nautical and again the play of texture enhances the room:  woven blinds, baskets, nubby pillows, polished wood floor, even the large rope knot on the floor.

Photo via TraditionalHome.com designed by Colleen Duffley

This soothing bedroom might not feel overtly coastal, but it fits the feeling….light, bright, comfortable and casual.  I love the use of strung sea glass behind the bed (see other headboard ideas in this recent post) and the horizontal boards on the walls and ceiling is charming too.  I like the mix of teal (lampshades, pillows) with the cobalt/navy throw as well as all the dark wood trim to keep the room from feeling too ethereal.

Use Caution With Themed Rooms

Themed rooms are fun and easy to decorate.  Once you establish the theme it helps focus your attention on the details and you keep finding more and more to add.  There’s the problem….knowing when to stop.  Whether your theme is tropical: palm trees, shells, bright tropical colors; or 50’s diner: vintage art, chunky white crockery dishes, red/black/white color scheme; or an animal theme: horses, dogs, cows, roosters, etc., you run the risk of letting your theme dominate the room.  Use restraint, be subtle, be tasteful and add just the best of accessories to reinforce and build your theme.

The best place to see themes in action is in model homes.  Designers often use a theme to showcase a home and you can borrow and adapt their ideas to your home.  However, remember that model homes aren’t designed as real people live, so pick and choose carefully.

Photo via HomeWallColor.net

With the art or wallpaper panel behind the bed imitating a view out the window, you can really imagine yourself at the beach.

Photo via Sunset.com

Bright citrus colors make a statement in this tropical room and the wallpaper really sets the tone.  Fresh and not overdone, this themed room would be in style for a long time. 

I pulled a few model home pictures from my portfolio to illustrate how themes can go too far – in a model home it’s fun, in your home it would be “over the top”.

From my portfolio.

There are so many themed elements here:  rattan chair and chest coffee table, palm patterned cushions, palm tree/beach art & lamps and even candle holders.

From my portfolio

In a model home every detail is often themed, even the dishes and table setting decor.

From my portfolio

The tropical theme was carried into the child’s room with this whimsical beach hut, 3-D fish on the wall and fabric for the valance.

From my portfolio

From my portfolio

This bold condo model was designed with the idea of appealing to a younger, single person.  Apart from the striking color scheme, the theme of circles was carried throughout the unit from the drapery fabric to the wine glasses on display in the dining room.  This design actually started from the large painting behind the sofa and grew once I decided on the circles for the drapery fabric.  Suddenly I started seeing red/black/gray circles everywhere!

Personal Note

I SO enjoyed my little work-vacation with Cindy!  We had a chance to talk face to face (for hours and hours) about life in general but also lots of planning for YDH and how we want it to grow.  We have lots of exciting ideas, so we hope you’ll keep reading and enjoy what we’ve got planned for our 2nd year.  Cindy, thanks again for opening the door to your lovely casita for me and all the great conversation.  We’ll have to do it again sooner rather than later!

However, we don’t want to leave you “blog-less” so we’ve put together a few eye candy posts just to keep you inspired.  How about a little online shopping today?  Look at these great finds on sale (all from our affiliate websites).

SAVE MONEY on Home Decor

Gumps.com

Embroidered linen butterfly napkins from Gumps.com, on sale s/4 $50.

Lillian Vernon

A summery wreath from Lillian Vernon, on sale $20.

Lamps Plus

I love the movement and colors in this rug.  On sale at Lamps Plus, 8×10 for only $200, free shipping.

Lamps Plus

Circular Shapes metal art, 24″ square, on sale at Lamps Plus for only $40.

Great Indoors

All bedding is on sale at The Great Indoors.  This soothing pattern is called Crocsil, from $200.

CostPlus Worldmarket

Patio string lights for your summer entertaining.  On sale for $10 or $21 from CostPlus Worldmarket.

CostPlus Worldmarket

Make a functional wall/seating area for your yard with this wood set.  On sale for $99 from CostPlus Worldmarket.

Burke Decor

Stripe handle magnifiers from Burke Decor are a whimsical addition to a tablescape; on sale for $20 each. 

Did we hit on something you’ve been thinking about buying?  Did you see something of interest?  Almost all our affiliates are in the midst of summer sales – click through to any of the websites and look for the SALE tab at the top of their page to browse hundreds of sale items.  Remember, the easiest way to get to the affiliate sites is through our Shopping Savings tab at the top of the page.  Happy Shopping.

We’ll be back on track in a couple days with more fabulous content for you.

However, we don’t want to leave you “blog-less” so we’ve put together a few eye candy posts just to keep you inspired.  Today there are no lessons (except ones you might find for yourself), just decor in yellow to celebrate the height of summer.  Enjoy.

Pretty Rooms, Pretty Things

Fresh and summery, beautifully done accessories. Photo via SouthernHospitality.com, designer Suzanne Kasler

Use color to unify a mantel; via BHG.com

Bedroom via The Inspired Room.com

Take your yellow outside; photo via CoastalLiving.com

Yellow handpainted grid and tub would be an eye-opening way to start the day. Photo CountryLiving.com

Love the classic of blue and yellow. Photo Coastal Living.com, designer Shelley Metcalf

This subtle introduction of yellow would be easy to live with. Photo via CountryLiving.com

Photo via Metropolitan Home (ElleDecor.com). Use a pop of yellow to provide zing in a monochromatic room.

This warm yellow room invites you in. Photo via HGTV.com

Sunny and bright, this room from CountryLiving.com

I love this table setting! The bright yellow napkins and sunflowers raise the fun level for this picnic. Photo via HouseBeautiful.com

Hope you’re having a great summer!  We’re sure enjoying our break and our time together.  It’s been years since we’ve been able to hang out and just reconnect.  We’re lovin’ it!  We’ll be back soon.

A Bedroom’s Most Important Feature

The bed is the focal point of a bedroom.  It’s the largest piece of furniture and the most frequently used.  It sets the style of the room and the bedding introduces and reinforces the color scheme.  Headboards, footboards, 4 poster beds or bunk beds each lend their own stamp to a room.

But, what if all you have is a frame, mattress and box springs.  No headboard.  How do you make the bed become the focal point it should be?  How about trying one of these ideas?

DIY Headboard Ideas

Photo from BHG.com

This headboard would be easy to replicate.  Use a freestanding bookcase tucked in behind the bed or find a charming old curio shelf, recylce it by painting it a coordinating color and attach to the wall with a few molly bolts.  Great for kids or a guest room.

Photo from Martenson-Jones Interiors

This very sleek look could be accomplished by wrapping an appropriate sized piece of 1/4″ plywood with some quilt batting then wrap it with linen, burlap or the textured fabric of your choice.  The trim could be nailheads placed close together or a gimp or braid trim glued or stitched in place.  I like the placement of the art above the bed that reinforces the restful, horizontal lines.

Photo from Martha Stewart.com

This room is obviously small – the bed and nightstands barely fit so I’m imagining there’s not really room for a headboard.  Clever Martha created one with a pretty piece of fabric hung from a curtain rod.  If you sew, all the better: add a contrasting border or some pretty trim.  If you don’t, how about looking for a pretty patterned curtain panel?

Photo from HomesAndGarden UK

Another version of the same idea but the drapery hardware contributes more of a statement.  For maximum drama, take the fabric panel all the way to the ceiling.  Or maybe try a soft gather for some volume.

Photo from BHG.com

This clever use of fabric adds pattern and reinforces the angle of the ceiling by using a couple of rods.  You could also use bamboo poles, painted dowels, or long branches for a really natural “think outside the box” solution.

Photo from Architectural Digest 12/03

There are lots of things I like about this faux headboard.  I like the way the patterned pieces aren’t even with the solids.  I like how it climbs the ceiling for a touch of the unexpected.  I like how it blends into the wall…..except where it doesn’t. 

While I’m sure it wasn’t showcased as a DIY project (it was in Architectural Digest after all), how could you create a similar look?  You might use painted canvas panels or stretched fabric.  It could be painted wood with the patterned pieces created by decoupage (try family photos or themed photos) or covered with fabric.  You could further personalize those patterned sections with a contrasting painted edge or gluing on decorative items that reinforce your scheme:  shells, sewing trim, tulle, or even oversize washers from the hardware store.  Whatever floats your boat.

Paint Always Works

My guest room painted wall.

Sometimes the best solution is also the easiest.  My guest room has one of those ‘naked’ beds with pretty new bedding but no headboard.  I had the room but not the inclination to buy one.  So I freehanded some branches roughly approximating the look on the bedding.  It cost me a $5 can of sample color paint and a couple hours time.

Photo via ETSY.com

A more sophisticated look would be to use a single oversized stencil to make a graphic statement.  I actually bought this stencil (from Cutting Edge Stencils, ETSY) though I haven’t used it yet.  My plan is to use it in my entry way for a strong wallpaper type damask look.  I’ll be sure to share results when I actually finish the project. 

No Headboard, No Problem

When is a good time to forego a traditional headboard?  Small rooms with no room for the extra foot or more a headboard can take up, no room in the budget, don’t want to get locked into a particular style by buying an expensive piece of furniture, you are an apartment dweller and move fairly often – all good reasons to try one of these more flexible headboard solutions.

How have you solved the ‘no headboard’ problem?  Share your creative solutions with us by leaving a comment below the ads – just click on the word “Comment” and you’ll get a text box.  We love hearing from you.