I have been having fun recently creating what I am calling Whimsical Works of Art.  They are photographs that have become something more than just a photograph.

     I have been looking at my world and asking myself What If?  The result is the images you can see in my new Whimsical gallery.  Like all the other photographs on my site these are available for purchase in a wide range of sizes.  Most of these are in a square format so they will fit in spaces that the usual rectangle might not.

     Take a moment and check out this new gallery and let me know what you think.  Would you hang these images in your home or office?  Let me know in the comments.  Here's to a new and whimsical day!
​#2017yearofthehome

     A hint, a suggestion or just a touch of the things you love.  Can it be enough to bring you pleasure?

     I think it can. The featured photograph has just a hint of color.  There is only a suggestion of the shape of the flower. Yet it is enough to set your mind on a joyous visual journey.

     Sometimes all you need is to grate a little of that chocolate on top of your ice cream.  That suggestion of flavor can explode in your mouth allowing you to enjoy it without over indulging.  The suggestion of flavor is enough.

     Perhaps all your home needs is just a small touch or suggestion of that crazy color you love that really doesn't go with your decor.  But that little touch of the color might be all you need to enjoy it.

     Yes, I do believe that sometimes a suggestion is enough to bring us pleasure.

     You've heard it said that change is constant.  But that doesn't make it easy.

     Do you often come home and just don't feel that good vibe you used to get from being home?  You might be getting a little bored with your home.  You know changing it will help to re-energize your good feelings about home, but you don't have time or finances to really do anything.

     Her are 5 easy ways to change your decor without a big investment in time or money.

1.   Change out your focal piece of art.  If it's the first thing you notice try something bright and bold.
2.   Add one or two plants. Don't have a green thumb or want to bother with watering?  Try an air plant.  They require no maintenance and are fun and different.
3.   Add some small photographs to a side table.  These can be switched out periodically to create an ever changing artistic statement on a small scale.
4.   Add a splash of color as an accent with just two or three throw pillows.
5.   Paint just one wall a slightly darker shade of your main color.

     Embrace change in a small way.  The rewards will be large.

     Can you imagine what your world would be like if you couldn't see color?  Your entire world would be in gray-scale.  Try putting together a wardrobe of decorating your home not knowing how it really looked!

     I recently watched a TED talk by a man that had a condition where he could not see color.  Listening to him I realized how fortunate I am that my world is colorized and that most people see the world as I do.

     I have written in the past about how colors vibrate, each on their own wave length.  Through technology, the gentleman from the TED talk, Neil Harbisson, wears a special device that sees colors through their vibrations and converts to a tone that can be heard.  Neil now recognizes colors by their tone or vibration, but he still can't see colors to know what they really look like.

    While I am immensely grateful for being able to see the world in color, I am intrigued by the idea of hearing colors.  I wonder if what I am wearing today vibrates harmoniously.  What about my home?  The colors I have are pleasing, they accent and complement each other, but would they be heard as a pleasant tune?  Can you imagine hearing what your rooms might sound like?  It is an interesting thought isn't it decorating by sound.

​      If you would like to listen to the TED talk you can do so here.

     Today I offer you the same photograph in color and also black and white.  Each offers it's own appeal.  Which would you choose for your home?  Both are available for purchase by clicking on the image.

     With St. Patrick's Day over and spring just a week away we are seeing an abundance of green.

     Every spring we see new leaves budding out and out world becomes green again.  It's a good feeling, one we all look forward to experiencing every year.  Did you know that our eyes see more shades of green than any other color?  That makes it a natural choice to use in your home decor because we are used to seeing green as a backdrop everywhere we look.

     Green is a very soothing color.  Surrounding ourselves with some green helps us to relax and generates feelings of hope.  It is also used in color therapy to help alleviate depression and nervousness.

     Try adding a few touches of green to your home.  Do you find yourself feeling more relaxed when you are surrounded with green?

     I was driving through town last week and noticed how many apartment building there were.  Not only existing buildings, but a lot of new buildings are under construction.  That's when it hit me - an enormous number of people are living with white walls.  And most of those can't paint them any other color.

     So just what can you do when you are stuck with white walls and still have a home that looks amazing?  I have come up with 3 tips that will help you.

1. Think of your white walls as a blank canvas.  All of your artwork will stand out when placed on a white wall.  Your eye will naturally go to the artwork so it gets noticed.  Having some awesome artwork will help.
2. Do a white-on-white palette.  White furniture with white walls can create an elegant look. Worried about keeping it clean? Try faux leather or suede or slip covers if you have pets or children.
3. Use patterns and textures to bring warmth and interest to the room.

     White is the color associated with new beginnings, purity and innocence.  It can make your home feel fresh and clean.  Don't be afraid to embrace your white walls and use them to your advantage.

     My small bathroom project has been completed.  You can see a photo below of what you see as you walk in.

     If you are looking to update your bathroom without breaking your budget here's a list of five ideas that work well.

1. Don't be afraid to paint a darker color.  Dark colors can create a rich, cozy feeling to small rooms.
2. Spend the extra money for a fabric shower curtain and liner.  You can wash them so they will last longer.  Plus they don't off-gas those nasty fumes like the plastic ones.
3. Invest in new towels.
4. Add a plant.  Air plants are fun and maintenance free.
5. Add some artwork to the walls.

I added the photograph to the walls and invested in new towels.  I haven't done so yet, but I am thinking a plant is something I want to add.

     Life has a way of happening when you least expect it.  And that is exactly what the start of 2017 did to my family and me.  Shortly after the beginning of the year we lost my father unexpectedly.  As a result I haven't been as focused here as I normally would be.

     Slowly life gets back on track and things return to a new normal.  I say new because I am moving forward with a deeper and I hope better appreciation of what is truly important.  Many of you have been in this place so you understand the adjustment of living in a world where my father no longer resides.  There is a tear in the fabric of my life that just can not be repaired.

     I hope as we move forward into this year this better appreciation of what is important and how we bring that into our homes will show in my blog and in my photographs.

     This photograph of the Broken Tree is a favorite of mine.  Even though it eventually broke from time and age it is still a beautiful reminder of what life is all about.

     Staying true.  Those are powerful words.  In this age of instant access, the internet, Pinterest, etc., it is easy to lose your focus and veer off your course.

     My home has always been my haven.  It is the one place that has always been a reflection of me.  So how do I stay true to myself in my home when there is so much instant outside influence?

1.      Don't follow every trend.  If you see something you like, but you're just not sure, sit on it for a while.  Come back to it in a few weeks and see if it really shouts your name.
2.      Try it out in a small way.  Have you seen a color trend that looks good in a photo?  Is it a color you like enough to wear?  Include it in your home in a small way.  Perhaps a photo with that color or a throw pillow.  Does it make you feel good when you walk into the room?  Then this might be a new color to include in your homes palette.
3.      One size does not fit all.  Everyone you know might be going with the latest trend in their home, but you don't have to follow the crowd.  Always choose what make you feel good.

     At the end of the day when you close the door on the outside world, your home should feel like a warm hug.

     I decided to start my journey of 2017 The Year of the Home with my bathroom.  Does it seem like an odd place to start?  Here's my reasoning.

     Like everyone I need to live and work within a budget.  Since the bathroom is small I will be able to complete this room more quickly.  I think that satisfaction of completion of a small task helps when working on a year long project.  So I am starting small.

     Since I am currently living in a rental I can't paint my walls.  So white is my canvas here.  I also have a glass door on my tub/shower.  Which means no shower curtain for adding color or texture.  So these are my limitations and challenges in this room.

     I really want to add some color since color has the ability to affect our moods.  After much deliberation I have chosen the photograph featured above to hang in the bathroom. Gardens make me feel good.  They relax me and take away the worries when I spend time there.  I also like the colors so it is a good choice for me.

     I can also add color and texture with a choice of towels.  I am leaning towards a dark green and a dark mauve color for towels.  I enjoy therapeutic baths in the evening and I know those colors will add to my relaxation.  So this is where I am starting.

     I will update you from time to time with posts as to how this is all playing out.

​#2017yearofthehome