WEEKLY NEWSCAST:


The spring rains have come, the garden is planted and enjoying all the rain.  I'm inside staying dry and wondering how to pick paint colors on this very dark day.




DESIGN TIP:


I still find that sunshine is required to pick paint colors.  If I select the colors in the very best light, they look good in all types of light.  So on these rainy spring days if you need to select paint colors, pick several shades and save them to look at when the sunshine returns.

WEEKLY NEWSCAST:




Today I visited a good friend and client who has moved into an assisted living apartment.  She downsized and moved only her favorite things and things that would fit well in the new, smaller space.  And it is lovely...she has her "past life" in her "new life" and is enjoying how everything looks in different arrangements.


TIP OF THE WEEK:

When arranging furniture in an assisted living space, we needed to be sure the walkways were clear and large enough for her walker to fit.  And also, that the seating area accommodates visitors who may not be able to negotiate deep, plush sofas and chairs.  So we used what were "occasional" chairs as the main conversation area chairs.  Their straight backs, higher and firmer seats work very well for visitors in all shapes and sizes.

WEEKLY NEWSCAST:


Now that spring is arriving, my time will be divided between the garden and the house.  Time to plant and be outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.  But, my house is suffering from the "winter cluttering"...it seems to happen without me being aware...so I'm going to put the "remove 5 things from each room" Rule and de-clutter so I can enjoy it when I come in exhausted from too much gardening and just sit down and rest, not look around and go "oh no!"




TIP OF THE WEEK:
Enjoy the spring time weather by opening all the windows and letting the warm breezes fill the house.  And "un-fill" the house of extraneous stuff!

WEEKLY NEWSCAST:


Spring has finally arrived and we are working on the garden.  Removing leaves and debris and being delighted to find the perennials are beginning to return...hostas about 1" high, hydrangeas adding leaves, mums beginning to grow...It is wonderful.  And along with gardening, comes getting the deck ready for outdoor living.   A new yellow/red/green striped umbrella has set the mood.  Our house is yellow with dark green shutters and our lawn furniture has deep red cushions.  Soon the flowers will appear to complete the scene.


DESIGN TIP OF THE WEEK:


In between working and playing outside, it's time to reorganize the closets...put away the winter clothes, inventory the spring wardrobe and if possible install that closet organizer system that I've been longing for.