The Voice of East Bay Living

WOW - The house and family feel so much better without all this clutter!

By adding my mother's Victorian loveseat, persian rug, and fern plant, this living room began to come alive.

This plain bathroom was transformed into a place of beauty by adding simple, fresh daffodils, whit towels and accent brocade ties.

One of the most important aspects of your home is how it is viewed at first first glance-or curb appeal. You want people to be attracted to your entrance-to take the time to visit you. The Chinese call it good chi energy.

Many homes have beautiful little niches. Here is a simple way to enhance a lovely architectural detail. This niche was over the fireplace in the living room AND was completely empty. Now it is so much happier with a manzanita branch and an eye catching leaf-a simple touch of beauty.

You can do a lot with picture frames that have character. They can be purchased at second hand stores or garage sales for really good prices. In the photo you see a beautiful gold frame with a fresh arrangement consisting of wild onion blossoms and stems. It is the focal point of a Spanish Mediterranean living room.

As you can see, this living room was bursting at the seams with objects. After our SEE-SIMPLIFY-SELECT process, we were able to create an inspiring space with torch lights, whimsical musical instruments,and raw silk curtains.

Many homes have extra spaces next to the kitchen. These can be used as eating areas. By placing a cozy table and chairs in this un-used space,you can create a breakfast nook. Here you see the table adorned with fresh croissants and linen napkins.

Many bedrooms are dark and boring. Here we have added a new spread, pillows, lighting, and soft curtains. Now the room feels romantic and more restful.

This master bedroom was very dark, cluttered and smelled like a wet dog. We removed the blinds, cleaned the floors, and sprayed air freshener throughout the room. We then added a beautiful light silk spread with a matching white sitting chair (purchased at the local Salvation Army for $10.00). The house sold for one million dollars in 10 days--

This home was located next to a very busy street. To soften the traffic noise we added a lovely fountain at the front entrance. It created a soothing water sound and was visually very beautiful. The fountain itself was made from a large Chinese container, bamboo fountain head and a simple pump purchased from the local hardware store.

Many walls in homes look bare and boring. In this photo we have used a lovely Chinese robe purchased at the local thrift store for thirty dollars. It is hung with a long piece of black bamboo. It certainly perks up any room.

Would you believe it?This house had an interior swimming pool next to the kitchen.(Be careful where you walk).The ceiling had a retractable roof so you could see the stars. I wanted some exciting chairs next to the pool-so here they are-twisty and fun!! Next to the chairs is a simple Japanese ikebana arrangement composed of a large tropical leaf and a cluster of orchids.

We often encounter rooms that have been used as storage spaces for years. We re-established the integrity of this room by throwing out most of the items in the pile and then choosing a few that worked. I sprayed the wicker chairs a great copper color and found fabric to blend with the other colors. The finished result is a comforatable living room in a small apartment adjacent to the main house.

The family room was boring with a muted grey couch and no lighting. We spruced up the room with raw silk red pillows, coffee table,pictures, and torch lighting.

Many families cover their furniture with sheets and bedspreads . The result is ghastly (or should I say ghostly). It would be better to enjoy your furniture and not worry about stains. With beauty around you, your entire family will be happier.

If you need a quick dining room scene you can use a long board balanced on two make shift stands. Cover the table with great fabric, elegant china and VOILA - a great dining scene.

What to do when you have pink carpet over hardwood floors.-Remove the pink carpet and install hardwood floors-you can see the results....

The first step in creating a wonderful home environment is to clear away clutter. The rule is the following: If you have not used it in six months it is HISTORY....this goes for clothes as well as stuff around the house-books,magazines,piles scatterd here and there. The other simple rule is SEE...SIMPLIFY...SELECT... Your environment will begin to feel lighter and less burdened by objects. You can then give your space a good cleaning, including the windows. There is alot of wisom in the expression, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness."

This is a sample of what you can do with an empty space.