How to keep things simple this season, or at least manageable!



Robert Allen Fabrics

I wasn't sure what I was going to blog about today.

All day long I was on the road, looking for the best tile, the best fabrics, the best rugs for my clients.

When would I have time to blog and what could I say that I haven't said in past blogs?

I could write about the great tile selection I found or the rugs that caught my eye the minute I saw them. I could write about how I can pull it all together, so that a room feels just right and looks terrific. But when I returned home and checked my emails, a photo in the email grabbed my attention. I knew what I wanted to say in today's blog after all.

The email features a photo of fabrics from the Robert Allen Fabric line. The patterns are crisp and have that 'Joie De Vivre' look. I like the patterns because they can be used in almost any style home to get an updated look. They don't have to be in the blue color scheme. The patterns would look good in red, brown, or green as well. 

Life in general and decorating the holidays can be simpler, when we open ourselves to a few of these ideas:

• Use one great and favorite color and pattern to make a room come to life. A little goes a long way. Make a statement with one large element. Don't decorate every inch of the room! (A red throw, runner, etc.)
• Find place mats that are different - shiny; or wood instead of fabric; round instead of rectangular for this months place setting.
• Use fresh evergreens from your backyard in tall vases. It's a refreshing switch from the 'plastic' Christmas trees, garlands. 
• Large bowls filled with pinecones always look great, even after the holidays.

Less is more - keep things simple and you will finally enjoy the holidays for a change!

Mary Alice Smith, based in New Jersey, is an interior designer in the New Jersey and metropolitan New York areas.
She can be reached at 732 690-2030 or at masmith729@comcast.net.

After you read this blog - check out my website and other blog:
M. A. Smith Ltd.,Interior Design
House Zen Garden Blog

How to solve pet Problems that make your Home look like it's "Gone to the Dogs"

We all love our sweet, cudly pets.

And, at the same time we want to have a beautiful home.

Photo courtesy of painter Nancy Spielman

So to keep everyone happy at home, especially our family and pets, here are some guidelines for easy-care decorating for pet-friendly living areas:

 Use ultra-suede fabric for upholstery.

My family room sofa can be scrubbed clean with a wet cloth in a matter of minutes.

I swear by its power to hold up to dogs, cats and even kids.

Robert Allen Fabrics Sensuade in Caramel

One of my favorite ways to hide pet hair (even long-haired cats)

 is an animal print for upholstery.

This Kravet fabric is rated 200,000 double rubs for upholstery

Stay relaxed with your rugs by using rugs made for outdoor use.

Photo courtesy of Safavieh.com

Now - go play (with your dogs and cats) without worrying about the furnishings!