Our Entryways.... the "Heart" of your Home



After many years of decorating roooms, I still find the Entryway to be one of the most challenging of all spaces to decorate and design.

Many times, the space is small, narrow and minimal on wall space- it is more important than ever to carefully make our choices in decor in order to get "the biggest bang for your buck"!

The entyway picture above , originally created by Shannon Bowers of Dallas, offers color, contrast and simplicity to a narrow space.

Many times, we find pictures in magazine and other decorating publications that give us the inspiration to begin decorating and designing our rooms, only to find that our alotted "budget" is not compatable with the elements shown in the beautiful magazine picture.

Fear not.... there is a way to "get this look for less". Consider the addition of some similar pieces that perhaps provide the same sense of balance, texture and weight to a space- yet are not as much as an investment as some of the more "pricey" designer items.

The green cabinet on the right side of the entryway photo, could easily be replaced with the wonderful shabby chic shutter screen which brings in the white and green which are dominant to this color scheme. If the space is a narrow one- screens are a perfect way to fill a corner, and change the line and angle of a room- getting rid of the "bowling alley" look.
How about the addition of florals and greenery- a must for every room. This gorgeous dried hydrangea wreath with lemon leaves and berries would add just the right texture and 3 dimensional detailing needed to finish off an otherwise very "flat" area.
Finally, the addition of the salvaged Wood Candlesticks would create warmth by offering the opportunity to light candles upon the arrival of your guests. Nothing says "welcome" more than warm light and a lovely aroma as you enter a home!













It's Spring.... and GREEN is in!!!

Nothing says Spring better than the color Green! As a traditional "Irish girl", green has always been a personal favorite of mine!

While working with my Decorating Clients over the years, I stressed the importance of adding Green to every room. Bringing "the outdoors in", is essential in giving your room a fresh and completed look. In fact..... I want to share with you my secret for a custom finished room- the decorating BAGG.

In order to give a room a decorator's touch , it's important to add a BAGG to every room.

Black- adding a bit of black to your room gives it the depth and drama it needs. Perhaps it's a small bit of black in a picture frame, candlestick, lamp shade or even a larger piece such as an upholstered sofa in a beautiful print fabric which accents the color black.

Artwork and Accessories- These two elements are truly the "icing on the cake" when expressing your own personal style in your rooms. Art truly is in the eye of the beholder. How about using a fun and whimsical piece of art in your formal dining room? The juxtaposition of these two styles creates a "surprise" element that your friends will remember!
Accessories are such a great investment! When you move- you take them with you and they are easily changed throughout each room. Mix it up.... move them around from room to room to get a completely fresh and different look.

Glass- The beautiful, light and reflective elegance of glass is a perfect balance to the heavier elements of a room. Add a bit of glass with candlesticks, picture frames, lamps, etc.... to illuminate your room.

Greenery- Bring the outdoor in!!! I can't stress enough the importance of adding greenery to every room. Have a "brown thumb"? No problem! I recommend to clients that they invest in good quality artificial greenery to give a natural look and fill in that empty corner, tabletop, or shelf. I am particularly fond of Palms..... not the Miami with coconuts Palms..... rather the elegance of Areca or Arelia palms.