Romantic Ideas for Rose Lovers

Romantic roses & delicious sweets-the perfect combination!

Roses take center stage as Valentine’s Day approaches. But my favorite flower is never out of fashion, whether with the sophistication of a single blossom or in profusion in a bouquet. Roses are ever popular as a motif in fabrics and wallpapers. And as gardens are now dormant in most of our climes, you can still bring the luxury of a rose garden to your life. Tarry here for lovely ideas.

Your answer to cold temps: Cozy up at home!

Hang a wreath like this above a mirror for unexpected touch.
Photo credit: Mikkel Vang

All across the United States, temperatures have dipped to record lows for the most frigid January in a century. Never have the comforts of home been sweeter. The best answer to harsh weather conditions is to COZY UP at home. Here are some ideas in my latest blog for Hooker Furniture to do just that.

For a special winter sentiment, Lexington’s “Welcome to the Cabin” is fun and cheery.

Holiday Decorating from Nature — Ideas Abound!

Burlap, cranberries & walnuts adorn Christmas tree

How lovely to create trees, as well as home decorations, from natural materials. Why not organize a Santa’s workshop with your children or friends as your elves? Magazines abound with delightful ideas—many easy. And whatever your home’s decor, naturals will enhance its beauty at this special time of year. Read about some great ideas, inspired by our ancestors who relied on the woods around them for boughs and berries at this time of year, in my latest blog for Hooker Furniture.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays,
NL

Everything's Coming Up Pumpkins!

Pumpkin carving party ideas from Martha Stewart

“Tonight the Great Pumpkin will rise out of the pumpkin patch.  He flies through the air and brings toys to all the children of the world.”

~ Linus, It’s the Great Pumpkin,Charlie Brown

There is pumpkin mania in the land as Halloween and the festive fall holidays are upon us. And indeed, pumpkins are coming up everywhere. Looking for ways to decorate with pumpkins as the theme? You can find some inspiration in my latest blog for Hooker Furniture.

Labor Day Staycation Idea: Escape with a Good Book

Summer Read by Michael Steirnagle

Summer picnics, lazy walks and beach parties are great fun. But as the days grow shorter and we approach the last “official weekend” of summer, these fleeting days of leisure are not only a great time to dip into the pool, but a great time to dip into a really good book. Here are some suggestions to afford you a true “getaway” for the long Labor Day weekend, whether or not you are able to escape for one last weekend at the coast or resort. There is a lot to be said, after all,  for enjoying that novel or story of your choice in the comfort of your own home.

Creative use of open space=light & airy

Picture a lovely summer garden with roses entwined on a lattice, such as this one featured on annieathome.com. This creative use of open space is a design concept that never grows old. You will find it in such classics as Windsor chairs and in the contemporary designs shown in my latest blog for Hooker Furniture Corporation. While they are for all seasons, there is something especially appealing for the summer home. The look is tranquil and “cool” in every sense of the word.

Enjoy.
NL

Bravo to House Beautiful magazine for asking some of our best interior designers for their decorating secrets! There are 101 ideas for you to peruse, and most are just reminders of things we can do to make our homes and furniture look and function better. The very best of the ideas are guides that are cost-free.

Here are a few pointers that simply make good decorating sense!