Happy Friday - eye candy!

I feel awful I've been so neglectful of Decorology lately!  Our settlement couldn't come sooner, because I'm not going to feel like the house is really ours until I have the keys.  Now I'm just in countdown mode until May 28th!

Here are some gorgeous spaces to get your weekend started off right:

via Pinterest via House Beautiful

4 above via BHG

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I might test out having white floors in my home office.  I love the look but would only want to commit to a small space in the beginning.

via Elements of Style

via BHG

Beautiful, bright, spaces for Spring decorating inspiration

I know I've been saying it for weeks, but I can't wait for spring and warm weather.  CAN'T WAIT.  I miss the smell that comes with rising temperature and leaves bursting from tree branches!

Here are some spaces that put a smile on my face

so cheerful!

Love the fuchsia!

This room is a tad too busy for me, but I love the use of gold with the pinks and blues.

all images via BHG

Here are some great deals to get the springtime warm and fuzzies a little early this year (though retail therapy alone and some new decor always puts a smile on my face too)  All these items can be found at Joss and Main

What says spring better than green and blue!

How ADORABLE is this fun clock?

Still loving ikat?  I did a double take when I saw that this chair is on sale for only $249!

This mirror is in my shopping cart right now... I'm thinking it can be like my own personal sunshine...

Do you have a go-to trick for making your space more cheerful?

Important steps to take before remodeling and redecorating

Decorating has never been more popular. The plethora of magazines, television programmes and websites dedicated to DIY stand testament to that.

Visit your local hardware store any day of the week and you will see people browsing the aisles and seeking inspiration for that big decorating project. But before you go ahead and pick up that paintbrush, just give a little extra thought and consideration to what you are going to do and how you are going to do it. Planning is probably the most important part of the job. This is also involves planning against anything that could go wrong and cost you extra money.

Avoiding Problems
There are perhaps two reasons for choosing to undertake your own decorating job. You derive great pleasure from something which is all your own work or you simply cannot afford to employ a professional to do it for you. My boyfriend and I personally LOVE building and creating things for our home. We take a lot of pride in it, but it does tend to take us awhile to finish it up. 

This is also where your forward planning is important. Before you start to consider decorating your home yourself, check that your home insurance is up to date and that your buildings and contents insurance cover you adequately. This means that you have a policy that will pay for rebuilding your home and for the replacement of all your clothing, furniture, white goods, trinkets and treasures. In short, your home and everything you have in it. Failure to do this could result in your being seriously out of pocket, so it is of paramount importance to check the figures. We never take on projects of that scope, as we just rent right now, but if you are planning on taking your kitchen down to the studs, for example, you really want to make sure you are protected should something go wrong.

Of course, if you do choose to hire a professional, they will be covered by public liability insurance, so if anything goes wrong you and your home are covered. But to avoid having to make a claim after redecorating, ensure that you are careful and remove all items of value which could get broken or damaged. Cover carpets and furniture which cannot be moved with thick dustsheets. Plastic-backed ones are a good choice as any spillages do not go through them. I am guilty of using only an old sheet to cover things when painting, but I've learned the hard way that paint goes right through a sheet.

Be particularly careful about using blowtorches to burn off paint from wood, especially in confined spaces. Keep a wet rag and bucket of water near to hand to cool down any hotspots. Smouldering wood can ignite and, ultimately, your house could burn down. If you are working in the bathroom or anywhere where there is water present take great care in using electrical appliances. Water and electricity definitely do not mix! Aside from blowing every fuse in the house, your life could be at risk, so keep them apart.

Your insurance company is there to help and advise you. Check the paperwork and ensure you are covered so that any disasters are paid for. If you follow these simple tips you can enjoy giving your home a stunning makeover. Just a little planning can avert financial disaster should the worst happen.

 Below is some inspiration if you need a little nudge to start planning that redecorating/remodeling project...

Decorative trim, moldings, and a sophisticated paint job can make a huge impact.

via BHG 

If remodeling makes you nervous, start small.  Some easy to install shelves can make greatly improve a space in much need of storage.

via BHG

Outdoor improvement projects include just as much planning, thought, and  protection as indoor projects.

via BHG

Built-ins can be a worthwhile investment when carefully planned out.

via BHG

A custom kitchen is probably the most rewarding home improvement project you can undertake.

via Traditional Home


 *disclosure: This post is brought to you in partnership with Churchill 

Little bits of pretty around the home...

Ugh. I'm stuck at the airport. Bad weather has delayed everything. It's 9:30 AM in San Francisco and now it looks like I won't get back to DC until after 9 PM. The weather here is foggy and wet. Here's a few gorgeous interior details to get you through the day if you're in a not so cheerful place...

This chest of drawers is stunning

via Tradhome 

via BHG

I love curling up with a good book on a rainy day
via Anthology

2 above via Lonny
 

via ?

Tuesday Treat: A bright and airy NYC apartment tour

This apartment belongs to the uber-talented founder of Rubie Green, Michelle Adams.

This image makes me fall in love with white all over again - but boyfriend likes the darker woods.

Michelle is all about sustainable, green design.  This cypress trunk side table is free of toxic finishes.

The striped modern upholstery balances out the traditional frames of the dining chairs

I love the idea of using what you already have.  Under the table cloth (which is actually a drape that Michelle already had but didn't fit any of her current windows), is a sideboard that she found at a thrift store.  She wasn't able to get it repaired as she planned, but instead of tossing it and buying something else, she worked with what she had and made it work.  I think it looks great.

The textiles you see around her home are from her store which carries green fabrics, Rubie Green.

What do you think?

via Lonny Mag (April/May 2010 issue)

Happy weekend and some entryway love

Holidays are right around the corner - which means guests. Here's a little inspiration if your entryway is in need of some sprucing up.

via Sweet Home Style

via House Beautiful

Ivy & Piper

Ivy & Piper

via Lonny mag

via Martha Stewart