DIY Holiday Urns

As I get older, I despise the cold weather we have during the winter season and I dream about one day moving closer to my sister who lives in southern California.  There is, however, something to be said about being in the cold climate during Christmas... it just doesn't feel right otherwise.  And seeing the snow fall on Christmas Day-- there's nothing more perfect..with all the Christmas lights and decorations, I get the warm and fuzzies and suddenly the cold isn't so bad!

One of my favorite things I love to see this time of the year are winter urns. They are perfect for bringing life to your front entry and help create a warm and inviting feeling for your home.  Here are my winter urns and I've decked them out with red touches for the Holidays...

Supplies:  an urn with soil, pine, cedar, spruce, dogwood, magnolia leaves, decorative balls and mesh ribbon. The spray bottle is a product called 'Wilt Proof' and you apply it on the greens to prevent moisture loss.

And, here is how you put it together...

Hoarder in the Making

Having walked through many homes for consultations, I've seen all kinds-- the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Heaven forbid though, I have yet to work on a hoarding case.  Yet with many homes while they would not be classified as a clinical case, it wouldn't be a stretch to say some homeowners could certainly be "hoarders in the making."  I, myself, confess to having an inclination to hoard and it is probably a human behavior more common than we realize.  Here is a recent post from Apartment Therapy with some helpful ideas on How Not to Be a Hoarder... (read here).

Cheers!
Imelda


Image: CSL CartoonStock

Guest Post: Guest Bathroom Remodelling Ideas

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Guest post by Megan Gates

of Elliman.com

If you own a home, chances are you'll be hosting guests at various times throughout the year. Whether it's for holidays or an old friend visiting, you'll want to have a pleasant space available for them during their stay. One of the most important places to make inviting is the guest bathroom. It should be a comfortable, relaxing environment for those using it, and by
following some of these handy tips, any guests will feel right at home.

Luxurious Layout: One of the key layout concerns of a guest bathroom is the location of the guest bathroom in relation to guest bedroom. Ideally, the bathroom should be no more than two doors away for easy access, making the guest feel at home and able to use it just as they would their own bathroom. It's also more convenient to have a full bathroom with a shower available as opposed to a half - this adds the comfort of being able to store their toiletries and not feel intrusive. If guests have to use your own personal bathroom to shower, they may feel they're putting their hosts out.

Design Ideas: Keep the color scheme uncomplicated and leisurely. Posh hotels and spas usually follow an all white or off white theme because of the clean feeling it promotes in guests. Match this simple theme throughout the linens to coordinate, and have large, fluffy towels and robes for comfort. Add a simply patterned shower curtain, and comfy, plush bath mats on the floor to pull the theme all together. Make sure the vanity space is uncluttered so they can store their things if needed. You can decorate with a great smelling candle or a vase of your favorite smelling flowers for a personal touch, but be sure to leave an ample amount of counter space so visitors can put out their toiletries.



Upscale Extras: You can fool your guests into believing that they are in fact staying at a ritzy hotel by having an abundance of extras tucked away in your bathroom. Additional towels and toilet paper are a must and can be stored in a linen closet or below the sink. Stock your guest bathroom with shampoos, toothpaste, soaps, extra toothbrushes, body lotion and disposable razors so if they forget anything, it's right there for their use.

Traveling can be stressful, so having a comfortable space for guests to stay is tantamount to a pleasant visit, and a cozy, relaxing guest bathroom helps them feel better about staying in someone else's home.

Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to New York Rentals, New York City Rentals and Real Estate, home improvement and the latest architecture, design and fashion. Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign.

End of guest post

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It's very exciting to have my first guest post on my blog! Thank you, Megan. Interesting how there is that element of staging involved when preparing your house for overnight guests. And just like when staging your home for sale, you want to stir emotions that will capture visitors coming into your home. The key is to create that 'inviting feeling' making any guest who walks into your space feel that they can be comfortable, relax, and be at home. Do you have a comfortable bathroom for overnight guests to use? What do you do to make your visitors feel at home?

Cheers!
Imelda

P.S. I can help you decorate your home for the holidays. If you're having guests, and you want to do something special, give me a call!

Seaside Inspiration

Here's a lifestyle selling technique... Came across cute idea for a table setting at the Crate&Barrel -Yorkdale!

Imelda :-)