resolutions: for your home

This time of year nearly everyone is thinking about how they can make 2012 better than 2011.  Some people join a gym or commit to a new exercise routine, they vow to eat healthier and make more ‘me’ time. Some people say they will get around to all of the household projects that were on last year’s list.

Well here are some suggestions for resolutions your can make for your home:

1. Get Organized! Stores are going to have all of their organizing bins, baskets, and boxes on sale or clearance now thru the next two weeks. Be sure to grab up a bunch and organize a closet or storage room. Having a rhyme and reason to your storage spaces really helps put your mind at ease… and not to mention, it’s great to know exactly where to look when you’re trying to find something!
2. Save on energy bills.  Now is a great time to switch out your bulbs for energy-savers, turn down your water heater a degree or two, and program your thermostat. These little changes don’t seem like much, but over time, they are a great way to save a little green!
3. Clear out the clutter.  Set aside an afternoon and sort through your clutter. There are lots of places around the Twin Cities that accept donations; Bridging can pick up your donations, while  Goodwill locations, Arc Value Village locations, The Reuse Center all accept drop offs. Clear out your cabinets and closets and help make a difference to someone less fortunate!
4. Refresh your linens. New sheets and towels make a world of difference. After you donate or recycle your gently used items, stock up on new linens. A crisp set of white sheets and some fluffy towels might be all your bedroom and bathroom needs to feel refreshed!
5. Get out your paint brush. New color on the walls breathes new life into a space. Color theory is an interesting thing – you can control the feel and energy of the room just by the color on the walls.

What other resolutions are on your list for 2012?

mid-century mod color scheme

In an ode to Mid Century Modern design… here is a color scheme pulled from one of our past ASID Showcase house projects…

All paints are from the Benjamin Moore Classics collection:

HC- Willmington Tan

HC- 76 Davenport Tan

HC-49 Mayflower Red

Accent colors:

1666 In the Midnight Hour

076 Corlsbud Canyon

723 Spring Rain

Design tip: By adding splashes of color here and there, it gives your eye spots to rest on the neutrals. In this picture your eye can rest on the soft Willmington Tan background in the reading nook, or on the rich reddish-brown wood of the bookcase, while the pillows and back painted light blue glass give the little nook some pops of color and interest.

“name that color!” contest

February must be ‘color month’ because I found another fun idea relating to color!

Hirshfields is coming out with 15 new colors this spring, but they don’t have names for them! Click on the link below and enter your color name ideas for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Hirshfields!

http://www.hirshfields.com/namethatcolor/index.html

The contest is open from Feb 24th – March 15th.

Have fun! And once you enter, share your color ideas with us!