Becolorful

Changing Seasons, A Changing Look

Meet Puck.

He was a Christmas gift that has been classing up our place for maybe fifteen years now. 

He has been moved from room to room a few times but he usually ends up in the family room or the breezeway. I've always enjoyed changing things up a bit with the seasons and with September right around the corner I started thinking about his next look. Before I knew it I was looking at old photos of Puck, and it became obvious that I have really embraced, and maybe gone a bit overboard, dressing Puck in seasonal decor. I pulled some of the photos together and thought it would be fun to share a few of his ever-changing looks with you.

 

This would be Autumn Puck dressing in a lighted garland of fall leaves.

 

 

When it was time for book club, Puck donned his cheater readers.

 

 

 

His Halloween hat is one of my favorite looks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the past, I've done a pre-lit evergreen halo, but this year I'd like to acknowledge my Scandinavian roots and add candles to create a St. Lucia crown. 

 

 

 

 

 

Puck has an Easter bonnet,

 

 

 

and a Fourth of July chapeau.

 

 

 

 

 

I like to dress him for parties and events too.

This was the look for a bridal shower,

 

  

 

 

 

and a snow day.

 

 

 

 

 

He dressed the part for the New Year,

 

 

 

 

and he went all out for the Academy Awards party. 

 

 

The Iowa Hawkeyes play their first game of the season next weekend and around here that means  it's time to bust out the black and gold. Yep, I think I just figured out his next new look.

:D

 

 

 

Go Hawks!

Some of us change out the mantel or the front door or a window sill with the seasons, and some of us dress up Puck.

:D

 

Have a great week.

xoxo,

p

Fourth of July Flair That Doesn't Look Like It Came From A Party Shop

1.

 

I'm all for patriotism and celebrating our independence.

What I don't like is tacky big box store decor.

Where is the creativity in that?

It's the equivalent of cheap store bought Halloween costumes.

Independence flair doesn't have to be a fallback to the 1990's Americana country look either. 

#beentheredonethat

 

An understated look is what I am going for, where the impact comes from one single statement piece.

I am all about Fourth of July flair that is classic and chic.

It can be as simple as adding one flag.

 

2.

 

3.

 

 

 

4.

 

5.

 

6.

 

 

It can be as fun as stenciled stars,

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

 

 

or as easy as adding a patriotic napkin,

8.

 

 

a pillow,

9.

 

or a free printable to a frame.

10.

 

 

A couple of small flags add a simple flourish to planters.

 

11.

 

 

or a centerpiece.

 

12.

 

Keeping it simple helps to focus on the sentiment behind the holiday. Plus I don't have a lot of money invested in items that I will either discard or need to store.

#keepingitsimple

 

Happy 4th and God Bless America!

xoxo,

p

 

Photo credits:

1.Carl Christensen, Still Life Photography

2.Julieblanner.com

3.Bloodandchampagne.com

4. Julieblanner.com

5.Pinterest

6. One Good Thing by Jillee

7. bhg

8. Birch Lane

9. Tidbits

10. Goodwill free printable 2014

11. At the Picket Fence

12. Unknown google image

 

 

I'm A Faker

 

I'm a faker, a cheater. I'm embracing the faux.

I have succumbed. 

Every March I wonder what to put on the front door and in the urns on the porch. The left over Christmas is just wrong and it is too early for flowers. I thought about maybe putting some glass gazing balls in these pots but I couldn't find the right color. Red or green looked like left over holiday, silver doesn't show up against the white house, and everything else had a garish edge. Then I saw these faux boxwoods. I know. I know. Fake is bad. Fake is tacky. So color me tacky. I am tired of spending all the money for real flowers in the early Spring to only have them look leggy and sickly by the 4th of July. Most years I am anxiously looking forward to Fall so I can buy some inexpensive Mums and look like I've got my Martha on. I'm over it. Yes, I'm a big pretender. I am embracing these faux boxwoods that I purchased on Amazon.

Say what you will, they are heavy and will not blow away. I don't have to water them and I don't have to be concerned about freeze warnings.

My solution to the March Decor Madness.

xoxo,

p

xoxo

Converting a Neutral Room to Colorful Holiday Glam Part 1

 

Recently, Chairish asked me to create a colorful holiday board for them using one of their chairs. I haven't done anything like this for awhile and I think it will be a fun challenge.

This is the chair I have chosen, a classic vintage channel back slipper chair in a rich shade of moss green

 

 

 

and this is the neutral space I am working with.

 

 

 

 

 

So how will I be bringing a festive feel into this room?  

Here are a few elements that I will be incorporating into my inspiration board...

a piece of artwork from Kathy McCullen,

 

 

along with some holiday art,

 

 

 

my Hollywood Regency touches,

 

 

 and various holiday accents using the same green of the Charish chair and bright pinks, and golds.

 

 

 

 

 

It doesn't have to be difficult to decorate for the holidays. Simple infusions of color like this green chair can make any room feel festive.

 

I hope you will stop back tomorrow to see how it all comes together.

xoxo,

p

 

Skipping Christmas

 

 

It's a bit of a strange Christmas for us. There isn't anything wrong. On the contrary we are feeling very fortunate but it is just going to be an unorthodox holiday this year.

The season began like it has every year for us with a family get together here at our Linden house but this year we have the added joy of knowing that there will be one more person, a very little and probably very active person, at the table next year.

(Liz and her "littlest brother" Adam) 

James and Sumi were here from Seoul this summer so they couldn't join us for Thanksgiving and won't be here for Christmas either.

 

We miss them most of all this time of year. James, you would have loved flying drones with the guys. :D

A few days after the rest of the family polished off the Thanksgiving leftovers Rosie and I headed south for two weeks for what we are calling a new chapter in our book of life. We aren't leaving our home behind but we are looking forward to some additional adventures in a warmer climate.

 

 

 

 Being away the first half of December and knowing we would be celebrating elsewhere this year made it hard to justify a week's worth of decorating effort for only a few days of enjoyment. So, I did the unthinkable and didn't decorate.

I feel like I'm skipping Christmas.

The lights and the music are my favorite things about the holiday season and I must admit that I miss sitting in the glow of our tree this year but I am trying to get my fix from the single small tree I put up in the kitchen window and by revisiting my pictures from last Christmas.  

I never posted our holiday flair last year, so, at the risk of appearing like a cheater, which I am, I thought I would share some of those images today. 

My color scheme was pink, coral and red and I carried it throughout the house.

In the library

 

and on the living room mantle.

 

I created a garland of ornaments that were colorful by day

 

 

but felt magical by night.

 

 

I like a more casual holiday style in the kitchen and these folk art Scandinavian candelabras come out year after year. The first one belonged to my mom but years ago I bought two more to fill up these windows. 

 

 

The "gifted" chandelier is a look I have done for several years now too.

The small tree in the kitchen window hung with Sticks ornaments is one of my favorite things to pull out at Christmas time.

 

 

Last year was the first year for my black and white dining room. This is an easy room to pop with color but the pink/coral/red theme seemed to work especially well here.

 

A spray painted candle holder from the discount aisle at Hobby Lobby, some inexpensive globe ornaments and a hemmed piece of fabric turned tablecloth and this space came together for under $25.00

 

 

 

 

Years ago when I was selecting furniture, window coverings and rugs I would think about what the room would look like at Christmas because the only options seemed to be red and green or gold and silver. I love it that we are only limited today by our imaginations. So, when I painted our family room coral the thought of Christmas never entered my mind. Surprisingly enough, though, coral makes a great backdrop for December's decor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The decorating has always been a big big big part of the season for me but this year, and ONLY this year, I am keeping it simple. It has been a nice break but I'm already planning my color scheme for next year.

:D

Blues and greens?

 

or  raspberry and tangerine?

 

I'm a fickle one and I have eleven months to decide.

Lol

From our home to yours 

Merry Christmas!

xoxo,

p
 

Holiday Highlights at BeColorful - Craft Rooms and Offices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to another installment of Holiday Highlights here at BeColorful. A series dedicated to bringing holiday flair to all the rooms in your home.

It's the holiday season so have some fun with it. Why stop with the tree and mantel? Have you considered decorating your office or craft room? Apparently others have because there were some fabulous images and ideas out there on the internet. This lighted monitor garland from Squidoo definitely made me smile.

 

 

 

 

Here are some more images to hopefully inspire your decorating skills.

A tree embellished with colorful office supplies.

 

Motivating ornaments on an studio tree.

 

 

Color themed decor.

 

 

 

A full out tree in white is always a winner.

 

Lights and gift wrap are easy and always festive, especially when done to excess with a haphazard flair.

:D

 

It doesn't matter if your style is a put it all out there Christmas look or subtle and restrained, it all works.

 

 

This is where you get to put your own stamp on a look and bring out colors and elements you might not otherwise use. It doesn't matter how far you take it as long as you have fun with it and let your imagination take you to new places.

xoxo,

p

 

images

Blue Bird Papers, Squidoo, Martha Stewart, Domestic Princess in Training (2), Life in Yellow (2), The Girl Inspired, Unknown, Unknown, Flying Time Designs

 

Holiday Highlights at BeColorful - Kitchens

 

 

Kitchens seem to be where the best parties gather so they should definitely not be overlooked when it come to holiday decor.

These were some of my favorite images from blogland.

Enjoy and hopefully become inspired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

images: 1, 2 and 3, 4,5,6,7,8.9.10,

 

 

Holiday Highlights at BeColorful - Dining Rooms

 

Welcome to the Holiday Highlights LInky Party here at BeColorful.

Today it is all about dining rooms and how to add a bit of holiday flair and fun in new ways or updated versions of some tried and true ideas.

 

 

Obviously, you will want some sort of centerpiece on the table.

I think this concept of tiered colorful Christmas trees and toppers makes a terrific statement and would be sure to garner some attention.

 

Living and Dining Decoration

 

 

Another great centerpiece can be found at

Good Life Design using candlesticks and vibrant ornaments.

 

You can also bring interest to each place setting with a simple wrapped gift on each dinner plate. The all white tablescape is stunning and elegant. I like how the silverware is resting on the plates. Little touches make such style statements.

Sheri Martin Interiors

 

If your dining room is small your decor may be as simple as a centerpiece and a great view of your Tannenbaum in the distance

via Daisy Pink Cupcake

 

but if you do have room for a tree think of giving it that surprise treatment of unusual ornamentation. Silverware? Love it.

The Inspired Room

 

 

Here the dining room is a continuation of the living room's blues and greens theme.

 

Create your own tree by potting a twisty branch and embellishing it with ornaments in your color scheme.

Flea Market Trixie

 

Dressing up those windows is one way to dial up the festive vibe.

 

via Moms Get Real

 

Better Homes and Gardens

 

Decorated dining chairs are a bit unexpected and easy to do.

 

unknown

 

Angel wings seem to be growing in popularity. Are they the next big thing?

These on the chairs are a wonderfully whimsical touch.

 

Decor Ideas Interiorholic

 

Don't forget the chandelier. It is another great place to flaunt your festive side.

 

The Bungalow

 

Are you concerned your dining room colors don't lend well to holiday decor? Not to worry. Christmas comes in every color these days.

 

House to Home

 

 

Lowes

 

The color scheme for this transitional dining room works easily but sometimes it is harder to envision making modern elements feel homey for me. This image, though, proved to me that it can definitely be done.

Homeie Nice

What is probably a rather minimalist room the rest of the year appears very festive and welcoming with the pops of red and I love how she embellished those acrylic chairs with greenery and pillows. A tree, a kid's table, and packages and this room is oh so joyful.

 

 

 

Holiday Highlights at BeColorful - A Linky Event

 

 

It's that time of year. Many of us are in the throws of decking out the halls for the holidays. Some are finished and some, like me, are finding that it is taking longer than I thought. No matter where you are in this process, even if you are in that "I'm overwhelmed" stage like this poor soul, I'm so glad you are here.

This is where you can flaunt your own holiday flair or just get some ideas before digging in.

Today's features are Front Doors and Foyers.

These are a few of my faves that I have seen but I am hoping you will share some of your work too by linking up at the end of this post.

Enjoy!

From a simple black and white theme with an easy to set out dimensional block word

Decorology

 

to a triplicate wreath treatment

unknown

to a vintage holiday look, it is all beautiful.

Fern Creek

 

Packages and skates,

unknown

 

 or a beribboned and ornament embellished frame add a dash of the unexpected.

Inspiration For the Home

 

All out curtains of lights never fail to wow.

Unknown but fabulous!

 

Dream and Design

I really wish I had an old bicycle.

 

Decorate with what you have on hand and with a sense of fun.

 

Decorology

 

Be the talk of the block.

BHG

 

Soft and glowing lights in the foyer are such a welcoming touch.

unknown

 

unknown

 

Create your own artwork as a statement piece

 

Chic Stamping

or simply write on the mirror.

unknown
 

 

 

Black and Orange? Oh My, Oh NO!

Halloween = black and orange right?

I think not.

At least not at my house.

Those colors just don't fit in well with my greens, pinks and corals.

I like a more unorthodox approach to fall decor.

Something a bit more than a garland of leaves from Michael's strung across the mantel because really? That has been done forever and we can do better.

These were some image that spoke to and inspired my fall flair this year.

Pinterest





Glorioustreats.com





Better Homes and Gardens






Pinterest

 

Etsy





Two Shades of Pink




The Inspired Room




 

 Pinterest

Centsational Girl

unknown





Helen's Corner




Babble


What has been speaking to you?

I'd love to hear.

xoxo,

p

Front Doors That Welcome Fall

 

Do you like BeColorful? You will LOVE Be Colorful Coastal. Join me here @

https://becolorfulcoastal.com

BeColorful

 

For the past two years some version of this Iowa Hawkeye door candy has been our welcome to fall. This year I would like to switch it up a bit.

Yes, I am still a loyal Hawkeye fan. I even was fortunate to get to see them play Northern Illinois this past weekend in Soldier Stadium.

 

 

Talk about great seats!  We were the guests of somebody with all the right connections. 

lol.

I digress.

:D

So, yes, love the Hawks and I liked how the Iowa black and gold looked on our yellow door but I thought I would look around the internet for some inspiration to see if I saw something new or something I liked better.

 I found so many great ideas that I just had to share them with all of you.

Many of these are DIY projects so knock yourselves out trying to decide which one YOU might want to try out  to welcome fall at your front door.

From simple, clean lined and fresh looking wreaths,

Etsy

to wreaths made of paper leaves,

Martha Stewart

to dramatic wreaths created with black roses.

Martha Stewart

These were ideas to help jumpstart my creativity.

There were even wreaths layered with mini pumpkins.

Arcadian Home

 

 

Here is another take on tweaked up nature.

Arcadian Home

 

 

A mirror on the front door. Now that's original.

The Seattle Times

As is this concept of a bushel of apples as door candy.

Two Shades of Pink

 

 

For a more whimsical treatment, this witch hat caught my eye.

Bella Vita

 

 

This embellished broom makes for a great Halloween look too.

unknown

 

 

I will probably end up with two different treatments; one for fall and the second for Halloween. I don't like my Halloween too scary, just fun. 

I had never really thought about leaving the door plain and doctoring up the storm door instead but I think this could be a really interesting and unique way to welcome trick or treaters.

 

 

 

 

 

It would show up well on just about any color door. If your door is black you could create the silhouette in white or a bright yellow or maybe even a bright blue or purple.

Another version of the same concept.

 

 

 

unknown

 

 

How will you be welcoming fall at your front door?

Take a picture and link it up to Motivated Monday at BeColorful.

We party here every Monday. I would love to have you join us.

 

 

For more Halloween door inspiration be sure to take a moment and visit this site bursting with affordable and creative ideas.

 

MostCraft.com

xoxo,

p

I'm Slipping - Our Valentine Dinner

We have celebrated Valentine's Day with the same group of friends for the past five or six years. Usually we go to a restaurant but this year we decided to change it up and we all ate here at our home. Everyone contributed something so it was kind of a classed up potluck. :D  I pat myself on the back for having great friends that also know how to cook.

( It didn't hurt that one of our guests is a chef and owns a restaurant)

As for me, I had known about this dinner for about a week but how did it get to be February 14th so fast?

You know I have never claimed to be anything like a cook but I have usually taken some pride in setting the table. For some reason though, this time, I found myself totally unprepared.

Earlier in the month I had added a few Valentine vibed decorations throughout the house and I even had something for the dining room. It never occurred to me to buy something for the table because I didn't think we would be eating at home.

( I hate having the router there on that table but with these old plaster walls it seems like the only place that we can get a good wireless signal. Note to self, find something to disguise it.)

Anyway, the morning of our dinner I discovered that I didn't have any napkins to go with my red table cloth. I also didn't have a plan for the centerpiece. Well, that isn't entirely true. I had this garden like angel made out of stone that I have been planning to paint for maybe two years now. I thought he resembled a Cupid and that I could have him holding a heart or a valentine wrapped box of chocolates or something and he would look very "Cupidesque". I remembered him the morning of our little soiree but I thought he might still smell of spray paint by dinner.   I had to move on to plan B but, damn, he sure looked good in my head.

With only hours to go before our guests arrived, I headed out on a search for red napkins,  fun napkin rings and some sort of centerpiece. I was hoping to find  vibrant pink napkins because I was going for a pink and red palate. I  somehow have a knack, though, for always wanting the odd thing that nobody else wants and as a result the thing that none of the stores stock. I finally settled for a red napkin that blended well with my red table cloth and I found these cheerful napkin rings that leaned a little bit pink at Pier 1. They aren't really Valentine themed but they will be easy to use again and will work well with other colors too.

 

 

I figured the easiest thing that I could do for the centerpiece would be a collection of crystal candlesticks in varying heights but after multiple stops at department and discount stores and still coming up empty handed I had to move on to a plan C.

I was running out of time and I still needed to stop by the store for some champagne. It was there that I spied these pretty tulip plants so I bought two of them. I wasn't sure what I would do with them but, hey, they were on sale, I would make them work somewhere.

I put one on the buffet and created a little vignette.

But what to do about a centerpiece?

I had this plate holder and big glass bowl that I thought I might use. I could float flowers or candles in it.

 

 

Unfortuately the bowl was too shallow to float enough to make much of statement.

Where am I now? Plan D???

Well I decided to take some Valentine ribbon I had on hand, wrap the plate stand with ribbon to create a basket effect and I nested my second pot of $10.00 tulips in the middle and called it done.

 

 

I was cutting it close. I still had to change clothes, clean some veggies, and make the easiest appetizer ever.

Because I had bought the champagne just an hour or so before I was worried about getting it chilled so, of course, I threw it in the freezer for 45 minutes.

I knew I might get distracted and forget it so I set the kitchen timer to remind me to take it out.

The timer apparently went off while I was setting the table. I stopped what I was doing to go move it to the refrigerator.

What I didn't show you is that with all the effort, not to mention the gasoline, that I spent pulling this table together I completely forgot to set out spoons! Guess that is what I was doing when the timer went off.

 

 

Seriously? No spoons? How did I not see that? Yes, I'm slipping.

I remembered to light  candles throughout the house, set up an "In the Mood for Love" playlist, and even made room in the frig for party trays. The only thing I forgot were spoons... kind of a basic.

Funny thing is, my guests never mentioned it. Not one of them.

I think this may be the reason why...

Last night.

This morning. Yes, they are all empty.

My friends weren't just being kind. I don't think any of them noticed.

:D

Hope yours was a Happy Valentine's Day.

xoxo,

p

 

BeColorful Holiday Home Tour Part 2

 

Welcome to the BeColorful Holiday Home Tour Part 2.

Just like Part 1 I am linking this post to the Room by Room Holiday Home Tour over at

Cottage and Vine

If you are like me and like to study and be inspired by beautiful holiday design you will want to stop by her party and view all the fabulous festive flair featured there.

Yesterday  when I linked up the first part of the BeColorful Holiday House Tour I showcased our foyer, living room, dining room and kitchen.

Tonight I am sharing our family room and the adjoining breezeway.

We replaced the tree in the breezeway this year with a white tree and although I love it a fair share of the ornaments from the past didn't show up as well. This tree is also thicker than our previous tree so we are looking a bit under dressed this year. I know it sounds crazy but I am already looking ahead towards next year and what I want to add to this tree next time around. I am calling the tree done for now but next December I will be adding a fabric garland and a bevy of new ornaments I hope to buy on the 26th. 

:0

This though, is the 2011 version starting with our family room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By day

and by night.

 

Coco ushers you into our breezeway. 

 

While Puck plays a Christmas Carol

 

 

The tree is a New Year's Tree complete with martini glasses and shakers, bottles of wine and miscellaneous libations to host in 2012.

:0

Next year, along with the tulle garland, I would like to add some party hats.

 

I don't know which is better looking at it from inside the house 

or from the street.

 

Thank you so much for stopping by. We all love sharing our efforts here and I am so grateful that you took the time to look at mine. I hope you will consider sharing yours at Cottage and Vine and on this week's Motivated Monday.

From our home to yours...Merry Christmas,

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BeColorful Holiday Home Tour Part 1

Welcome to the BeColorful Holiday Home Tour.

Every month Rene at Cottage and Vine hosts a Room by Room link party and this month she is featuring holiday home tours. I hope you will stop by her blog too because I am sure there will be some divine design and decor ideas there to inspire all of us.

We started updating a few of the rooms on our first floor this year and as a result some of the holiday flair from years past just isn't working as well as it used to. I have edited some pieces out and added a few new ones  but in general this has been a rebuilding year for me. For the most part I'm just making due with what I already had but also making some mental notes of what I need to look for to get ready for this time next year. A home is forever evolving, even at Christmas time. I enjoy moving things around to change things up and some of it came together wonderfully but there are some holes, some things are out of proportion but hey, it will just make next year's post look that much better.

:0

I am so glad you are here. I will let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy.

 

The Foyer

 

 

 

 

 

The Living Room

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dining Room

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Kitchen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you can stop back tomorrow to see the 

BeColorful Holiday Tour Part 2; the family room, the sun porch and my office.

From our home to yours

Merry Christmas,

P

 

To link up to the BeColorful Motivated Monday post click here.

 

 

Decorating Your Chandelier for Christmas

Decorating our chandeliers for the holidays is nothing new but maybe the WAY we are embellishing them is.

As a new bride I thought I was the queen of style by putting mini candle rings on each arm of our dining room chandy. Actually, my mom had been doing this for years. So really, my holiday flair wasn't even that original. Over the years I added bigger candle rings, then ribbon and garland. Ribbon and garland was my go to method of dressing up the kitchen chandelier for a decade. This year I decided to change it up a bit.

I looked around the internet for some inspiration and I discovered some tried and true methods and a few new ideas too.

I thought this was stunning. I had never thought of decorating our chrystal chandeliers and actually this idea still frightens me a little. Ours are still naked.

This, though, looks like a more doable option.

via examiner.com

Elegantly fun. The mix of traditional and the unexpected always thrills me.

Vintage-Modern

 

If my fixture was white this would be an interesting update.

 

Changing out the shades is an easy way to change it up for the holidays. I especially liked these glam bright green beauties.

Then again, these black and white shades are great all year long but the addition of greenery and those red ornaments dropping down from the underside make it simply perfect.

 

 

Adding these paper hearts could have a modern or old fashioned flavor depending on the shapes and colors you chose.

Some of the chandeliers I discovered were absolutely gorgeous if I only had more time and fewer things around the house that I wanted to embellish.

What a statement this is.

I'd need a floral design crew.

I like how this homeowner took the garland right up the stem of the chandelier.

Very pretty.

Realistically, I needed something a little less time consuming. It hit me when I was a Phelan's last week. They had a light fixture decorated with packages. I loved it. With just the right touch of casual whimsy I knew it would work perfectly in our kitchen.

 

There are those tried and true things we do every year not only to be cost effective but for the whole time management issue too. Every year, though, I  like to look at a few things with new eyes. For me,  it was the time to rethink the kitchen chandy. A new design idea that is both easy and economical, definitely my style.

xoxo,

P

Hollywood Regency Does Halloween

Halloween Glam and The Rest of the Story 

I'll put it out there and say I have never been big on Halloween decorations.

Maybe because so much of it is just so...morbid.

Blood, bats and death aren't things I like to be reminded of.

 I'd prefer to just decorate for Fall because Fall flair is warm and inviting and can be put out a bit earlier and stay up longer than Halloween bling.

So I had basically decided I was going to skip over the ghoulish stuff this year.

  Then I went to Pier 1 and saw a few things that inspired and ultimately caused  me to rethink my earlier buzz kill decision.

 

Lately I have been pulling together a Hollywood Regency meets mid-century vibe in our home.

Typical cutesy or garish Halloween accents were not going to fit into my vision -  for the most part I would have to create my own.

I started with the piano.

I already had the sheet music so all I needed was a mask.

Enter Target. They had several styles of white masks that are meant to be decorated. I just needed it to be white. It was a full mask so I cut it and shaped it up a bit and voila -

a Phantom of the Opera vignette.

Now I need a silver candelabra.

:)

A couple of years ago I introduced you to Carlotta.

She was this great mask that I had found at Pier 1.

I used her as Halloween door candy.

This year I decided to change it up a bit.

I thought about adding her to an antique oil portrait I have in the dining room but I didn't know how to attach her without damaging the painting.

So I did the next best thing.

I had an old frame that I wasn't using so I removed the cardboard backing and spray painted it silver. I reattached the backing to the frame and added a hook in the middle of the backing to hang Carlotta from.

If I didn't have plaster walls I would have just hung her inside an empty frame. Making nail holes in plaster though always seems to be a "whole thing" for me. The cardboard idea was easier.

 

 

 

I also took an old orange faux pumpkin and hit it with a coat of glossy black spray paint and set it up on a small cut glass vase so it would reflect in the top of the chest.

 
For several years I have wrapped my statue of Puck in a lighted garland of autumn leaves.

This year I did the same thing but after the Pier 1 pit stop I retreated from my "buy nothing new" mantra. They just had some amazing glitz. So I folded and bought this great vintage looking veiled hat that gives my statue that fabulous glam touch.

You never know. Maybe I will get invited to a party.

I will be a blingin' witch.

:)

I added another glam nod in the foyer.

This is my edited take on Halloween.

Just a simple black mask on a stack of white books.

Sometimes that is all you need.

In the kitchen I decided to fore-go the usual garland of faux Fall leaves and opted instead for a garland of green and amber beads that I typically wind through a centerpiece on the dining room table.

Cheers to mixing things up.

So as long as I was at it, I decided to pull out the rest of my Halloween stuff.

After going through what I had I have decided to get rid of a lot of it.

One tub for Halloween. That is my goal.

Most of the older pieces have a more humorous and whimsical vibe but I knew I could use them in the more casual rooms of the house. I would just use them in new or different ways.

 

- A runner folded over and tucked under the base of the clock. 

 

A pair of crows hanging around the bird cage.

I had to do two because of an old nursery rhyme that says,

"One is for sorrow. Two is for mirth"

I am highly superstitious.

:)

 

I always like to bring out my toast to Oz pieces. This time I popped a bit of color under them with some pink and orange striped placemats.

 

This look is just an old witch's hat,

shoes that I found at a consignment shop

 

and a snow globe from Hobby Lobby.

Instead of a photo, I inserted what I think of as the perfect Halloween quote.

The haunted house was relocated from its usual roost in the foyer to a window ledge here in the family room.

My no named witch made another appearance

 

and this side table took on a bit of Halloween spirit too.

 
So I hope it will all fit in one big tub.

^?^

Whatever, I need to call it done and move on.

I only have five weeks until The Traveling Door.

OMG. So not ready.

TaTa...

xoxo,

P

linking up my Halloween Nod here:

 

 

Motivated Monday October 3 - Flaunt Your Fall Flair

Welcome to the Flaunt Your Fall Flair Motivated Monday Linky Party.

Before we get started, though, I wanted to share with you these fun features from last week just in case you missed them.

From the oh-so-informative post from Carol Anne over at

Use the Good Dishes

that gives us the total 411 in this two part series of everything you never knew but should know about sheets. Whether you are just new to this whole setting up house thing or you have been doing it for decades, I guarantee you will learn something new here.

Want to learn how to make your own personalized ribbon for gifts?

Be sure and check out Carrie's post at

Project Possessed

 

 

If you have a printer the options are limitless.

 

There were several submissions featuring window treatments.

Sandi, over at 

Making It Homey

showed us her bedroom update with some embedded links to some of her other up dos in this space.

I love that she brought in a bit of color here.

Ashley from

Domestic Imperfection

also did a drapery update and you know I am a sucker for chevron.

How great is this look?

 

Switching it up a bit, I was amazed by all the thought and colorful creativity that went into this absolutely darling birthday party for a gorgeous little guy named Luke. Looking for colorful and fresh party and party decor ideas? Be sure and stop by to see all the fun with Christa at

Life With Luke

Then the post that just wowed me from the get go  was this great costume creation

idea with a detailed and easy to follow tutorial submitted by

Twin Dragonfly Designs

Seriously? This just made me laugh out loud.

If you own a smart phone or ipad you know all about

Angry Birds.

My husband plays this game like it is his job.

:)

This creative mom didn't stop here though.

Oh no, look at the whole line up.

This just cracked me up.

I remember how I would lay awake at night thinking up Halloween costumes for our kids. I thought it was so much cooler to make them than cop out and buy something from WalMart or Target. I would pat myself on the back and tell myself what a stellar mom I was. Then, it happened, just like it did with the birthday cakes, my kids BEGGED me for a costume from the store and not something I whipped up in my head late at night. So sad. Oh well, it was easier. 

Anyway, loved this. Loved them all.

Thanks to everyone that linked up last week.

This week I thought we would show off our fall flair here at Motivated Monday.

Motivated Monday April 17th and Welcome Spring

 

 

 

Welcome Spring and another Motivated Monday

I can't believe that April is already half way over.

Just today did I finally start pulling out some of my spring decor.

The snow covered berries weren't cutting it anymore ...

even in Iowa.

It is so fun to change up the looks of our rooms for the different seasons but Spring is probably my favorite.

It is where I can layer all of the florals and bright colors that I obviously embrace.

I feel like the house comes alive after its winter hibernation.

I'm not finished but here are just a few of the tweaks I made to our home today

to welcome Spring.

This breezeway or sun porch is an easy place to let the Spring flair fly.

 

I leave these lamps out all year but I especially like them this time of year.

 

 

 

Our family room is also easy to flamboyantly dress for Spring.

 

Sometimes it is as easy as changing out the throws and pillows.

 

 

 

 

I also like changing up my statue of Puck in this room with the holidays and seasons.

Some day I will have to post about that. :)

Sorry for the blurry photo.

I'm not sure what happened here.

I'm also hoping he doesn't look like a Playboy Bunny.

:)

That was not the look I was going for.

 

I have been so busy getting ready for The Traveling Door Market that is coming up in a couple of weeks that I need to keep my decorating change up simple this time.

An Easter topiary complete with a bonnet was an easy way to welcome Spring in the dining room.

 

Seasonal change ups, they're a fun way to express your creativity.

Feel free to Link up whatever you are proud of or motivated by today but if you have done some Spring shake ups at your place too, well, I'd love to see them.

 

 

 

Christmas Home Tour 2010

I was pretty stoked when I read the Rene at Cottage and Vine would be hosting a Holiday Home tour. I love Christmas, homes, and Christmas home decor so what could be better than that?

I have been taking pictures for various posts here at BeColorful so there are some images that you may have seen before but also some new ones.

I will try to let the images speak for themselves with as little commentary as possible because I know that with Christmas less than a week away, none of us have time to read. 

"Just show me the images", I get it. :0

So here we go.

Merry Christmas to you from the Linden House.

Welcome. Please come on in.

The foyer.

 

 

The library and the reader tree.

 

 

The living room which is in the throws of a redo and we are just making do in here for  this season.

 

 

 

The dining room.

 

 

Family Room.

 

 

The Breezeway.

 

 

The Kitchen

 

Thanks for taking the time to stop in.

I always appreciate your visits.

I hope you will also have time to view some of the other 2010 Christmas Home Tours at Cottage and Vine.

                            

 

See you over there.

XOXO,

P

Christmas Style at Mom's Place

Welcome to my mom's home –

This three foot Santa is the first thing to greet you when you enter through the front door at my mom's place.

She bought him probably ten years or so ago in the Amana Colonies.

She had three of these exquisite bearded guys but when my dad became ill  she eventually decided to downsize to a condo and opted to only keep the smallest one of the three.

His friendly face has welcomed me for so many years now that he feels like one of the family.

 

My mom has a wonderful sense of style.

I love it when we decorate together but I am unfortunately always offering up an unsolicited opinion. Consequently, I'm afraid I have eroded her design confidence.

She really doesn't need my direction. She does a wonderful job all by herself.

Yes, my mom really has it going on. :)

We have made it a tradition to decorate her place together and we have so much fun doing it.

This year we spent two days pulling everything together.

Maybe not steady decorating. Hehe.

We did stop for a couple shopping diversions, dinner and martinis.

The first day though, I didn't get home until 2 in the morning!

My mom has quite a bit of party in her. :0

The other night  I thought I would go over to her place and take some pictures of our efforts for a new Spaces to Inspire installment here at BeColorful.

My mom had a party to go to that night but I went ahead and had fun taking photos of some of my favorite decorations and things that are just so representative of her style.

 

I would describe her look as traditionally elegant. 

I love her Nativity.

 

It is made of alabaster and the detailing is amazing.

In the past we have elevated some of the figures and placed twinkle lights and a gauzy fabric underneath them but this year we kept it simple.

The figurines are so beautiful. They don't need an embellished setting.

They can definitely stand out on their own.

 

I love the look and color of the alabaster.

These pieces are timeless and would look as stunning in an ultra contemporary home as they do here.

The simplicity of her holiday decor ends there though.

Simple is not a word I would use to describe my mom.

My mom loves anything that sparkles or shimmers. 

She apparently passed that trait down to me and to her granddaughter too. :)

If it reflects light, we all love it.

Look at the bling she pulled together for her coffee table.

 

You may recognize the mirrored trees. They were from Target this season.

There is a bit more  of this  tree theme glitz on the server.

Moving into the den, she showcases her pared down collection of Byers Choice Carolers. 

 

The room has one long wall of bookcases that make it easy to stage caroler vignettes,

including this one of A Christmas Carol.

Mom has also had these Christmas geese for a number of years and I always love unpacking them.

 

 

I always enjoy their casual elegance.

 

She put her mirror tricks to work in this space too.

 

 

This is my favorite room and I love these two chairs.

 

I am gaga for anything black and white.

Mom also has an affinity for faux dogs. Too bad she can't have a real one in the condo.

She only has the two but this one, named Chablis, is especially noteworthy.

Chablis doesn't shed, drool, or need to be taken outside. :0

 

Let me show you her dining room.

She added a few new items here this year.

 

The wreath on the table with the scattered "diamonds"

 

and the matching garland that we draped in the chandelier came from Brucemore.

 

 

This glittering circle of branches came from the same museum store.

They have gorgeous things.

 

We placed the branches in front of a wall of mirrors.

The effect is spectacular but it makes for a difficult photo.

 

Initially we weren't sure where to display these sparkling twigs but then opted for this arrangement.

We bought an inexpensive wreath at Michael's, draped some lights on it and then nestled the branches in the center.

What is the whole thing sitting in?

Well, actually, that is a baptismal font from the old church.

My brother was baptized in this font so I love it that my mom has this piece in her home.

I always think that those unconventional items, especially if they have a history, are what make a room and a home more interesting.

Christmas can even be found in Mom's bedroom.

From the red amaryllis wreath hanging on the mirrored bedroom door

to the red walls, sparkling disco ornaments and white Christmas tree, this room is quintessentially Carol.

She has a remote on the tree so she can climb into bed and admire the tree before falling asleep.

When she's ready she can turn the tree off and never get up. Love that.

Not only is she beautiful and creative but a smart one too.

 

Mom, I had so much fun pulling this year's holiday look together with you.

It's a lot of work for both of us but you make it fun.

So how should we deck out your place for Valentines? :)

xoxo,

P