HOME DECOR: MOLDINGS AND MILLWORK - FROM ORDINARY TO EXTRAORDINARY

Breaking out of the TRACT HOME look ...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Decorating a room doesn't have to be intimidating if you break it up into stages.  <br /><br /><br /><br />Good design consists of layers; the first of which begins at the walls, windows, ceilings and floors of a room.   Why settle for builders grade selections when you can add the touches that create interest, beauty and character in a room?  Why have boring walls and uninteresting windows and extremely ordinary ceilings and floors, when with a little imagination, you can have something LESS ORDINARY?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">CROWN MOLDING AND BASE MOLDING</span></div>Must haves are improvements in the base moldings, door and window casings.   Adding crown molding finishes a room, draws your eye up and raises your ceilings - not literally, but it makes it feel that way.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-TeRyciLRuNXj3na9oMDYEqMgNJDyD6zvWz2PTfR_Iwc2n8rlG3j7GdvPVptQgtAH3PXl5XQ-pmnq0RJuprLecbQN3rrY-mqu0fWubjDRPPRUyeTB_hd1dLLnub8r-bvJ-UZJiebX9k/s1600/custom-trim-moldings-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-TeRyciLRuNXj3na9oMDYEqMgNJDyD6zvWz2PTfR_Iwc2n8rlG3j7GdvPVptQgtAH3PXl5XQ-pmnq0RJuprLecbQN3rrY-mqu0fWubjDRPPRUyeTB_hd1dLLnub8r-bvJ-UZJiebX9k/s400/custom-trim-moldings-full.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Higher ceilings can handle fatter moldings - but <span style="font-size: large;">never less than 4"</span> for a custom look</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQf5LEYc0tTky4V545-nMD_FXyn4WshUbXqxVr9JT5aA0UwD2nwhlZnSvEmwRoQwpmrfq8yezTLrFcvfBI5qnMPDF78uVztk57iLgVVw1I2TChr8TiquRpTpzLINjrwpahxwcsYhbkOpT2/s1600/Berry%2520Res_%2520013%2520(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQf5LEYc0tTky4V545-nMD_FXyn4WshUbXqxVr9JT5aA0UwD2nwhlZnSvEmwRoQwpmrfq8yezTLrFcvfBI5qnMPDF78uVztk57iLgVVw1I2TChr8TiquRpTpzLINjrwpahxwcsYhbkOpT2/s400/Berry%2520Res_%2520013%2520(Small).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because of the angle involved, crown moldings are more complicated than base and casings.  But most handymen, and handy husbands are equal to the task.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Contemporary as well as traditional design aesthetic has more character with added crown and base moldings, window and door casings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPUdERjqzV5z0KTdqhtuaiLZ_dtyz8cTH5aUHVdlDXatsr2aiTRh4WhqjKNUeixYyeqYufVUBlb7ERN5j0FC3H94fsAJ-Sf1ls3Dn_mlZTPlByiOUBYZIfPTJszHapKJIfwVgvg-tYA1H/s1600/hallway%2520istock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPUdERjqzV5z0KTdqhtuaiLZ_dtyz8cTH5aUHVdlDXatsr2aiTRh4WhqjKNUeixYyeqYufVUBlb7ERN5j0FC3H94fsAJ-Sf1ls3Dn_mlZTPlByiOUBYZIfPTJszHapKJIfwVgvg-tYA1H/s400/hallway%2520istock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuAUE7_BKzHZNbThVtpxg32dqQvREcQpfN7gXfXPF7jAyVfN3ZKpz_eUjnI0gkWtG1Zc6_bRINQSMqzQKyZLXYoaO3GUS6txvuUn2pUwo39G43po4dC-HkoZugyICn7z86X4yT8RM2D5P/s1600/Berry%2520Res_%2520027%2520(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuAUE7_BKzHZNbThVtpxg32dqQvREcQpfN7gXfXPF7jAyVfN3ZKpz_eUjnI0gkWtG1Zc6_bRINQSMqzQKyZLXYoaO3GUS6txvuUn2pUwo39G43po4dC-HkoZugyICn7z86X4yT8RM2D5P/s400/Berry%2520Res_%2520027%2520(Small).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">WINDOW AND DOOR CASINGS</span></div><br /><br />Builders standard door casings are 3".  Pump them up a bit with wider casings and chunkier baseboards along with your crown moldings for a room with some charm and character.  You can make a door or opening into another room look very special with the use of a little more in the way of trim and moldings, but at the very least, frame those bare windows, add sills if they are absent, and widen the door casings.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwSDymxQHRGQtDEpETHOxaJJ09ir3gLO-0H9jK2SsQqvnw6TmggQReYpD4uSxOsj13nkaSAdlBpG-wSaR44pcODK5AUC2NYslrrSuyj3Z79oq8RfJKDlMBSOlUFPbMDsyNZ2waYRlQ1sN/s1600/hm7_10%2520054%2520(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwSDymxQHRGQtDEpETHOxaJJ09ir3gLO-0H9jK2SsQqvnw6TmggQReYpD4uSxOsj13nkaSAdlBpG-wSaR44pcODK5AUC2NYslrrSuyj3Z79oq8RfJKDlMBSOlUFPbMDsyNZ2waYRlQ1sN/s400/hm7_10%2520054%2520(Small).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">mitred casing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEgCGu44kLg6agLfLCbBOkDmrgOtGd1hBFxBFvIfheGCKPZBDzgrhk2w4Vn16-VuMCuS3FMv2nsjGVA0OvW2ogzGfNNzbUEsZ2t3VrlOJ_W-sLn1WUG1x8SxsnVhKcHZMJLCHGhSGajZs/s1600/beadboardpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEgCGu44kLg6agLfLCbBOkDmrgOtGd1hBFxBFvIfheGCKPZBDzgrhk2w4Vn16-VuMCuS3FMv2nsjGVA0OvW2ogzGfNNzbUEsZ2t3VrlOJ_W-sLn1WUG1x8SxsnVhKcHZMJLCHGhSGajZs/s400/beadboardpaper.jpg" width="367" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">combined with custom sill</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthQQO0XUCoTGmnBfMTKXwNoovydgK6ptZ9Gq6QkDkIlZqziCmoItQtHdwgpV6J9JHueQ5dlFv8kIOHEEqvLRUFaUBh-xA_oML9n3wV4KJ-jWuCYG7rmcG9qjrflG81BmuI9cSTygCnYNv/s1600/door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthQQO0XUCoTGmnBfMTKXwNoovydgK6ptZ9Gq6QkDkIlZqziCmoItQtHdwgpV6J9JHueQ5dlFv8kIOHEEqvLRUFaUBh-xA_oML9n3wV4KJ-jWuCYG7rmcG9qjrflG81BmuI9cSTygCnYNv/s400/door.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqReNw3zuYu2w43pzMIGU7uf54yThU9uFpE3ZrNNtiVPZb8aQOm2_3rYffmsjBR0oZtL-ojatLljxDIaJ86kPZe9Vd8H65FSstKwpgA0hn-Ftj9jLnayBYrNrpGXNQPHIHF-G3zcvQx-P-/s1600/creamy+neutrals+midcentury+modern+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqReNw3zuYu2w43pzMIGU7uf54yThU9uFpE3ZrNNtiVPZb8aQOm2_3rYffmsjBR0oZtL-ojatLljxDIaJ86kPZe9Vd8H65FSstKwpgA0hn-Ftj9jLnayBYrNrpGXNQPHIHF-G3zcvQx-P-/s400/creamy+neutrals+midcentury+modern+living+room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">non mitred casing with corner medalions</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZUvwjU9yZkUAnVmpywSQCjOosZxNNIGu7HVeymf8_ltnIyzZQPh7HPEDKHnThvcMSTW5oeyiO75v1RuA4OJNc2Z6DWYsn4THoEaKRFMdfrlLoftgnLY46bxuJh4evpa4Er8bcKggf1rA/s1600/fluted.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZUvwjU9yZkUAnVmpywSQCjOosZxNNIGu7HVeymf8_ltnIyzZQPh7HPEDKHnThvcMSTW5oeyiO75v1RuA4OJNc2Z6DWYsn4THoEaKRFMdfrlLoftgnLY46bxuJh4evpa4Er8bcKggf1rA/s400/fluted.bmp" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fluted casings make a</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PEfLuk2keFz1QC_Wj0PHDHwYXJ3mQdNCH7xxFIGd3xcP7Bu2y4Isk4p5FO3tr6bHijH32ouM_JWNQfITNLCER58ULylYfcLJ1LuZYWIBZYfa05sIZvFBqrFv2SnTdZP_HJOpCVv2b3dt/s1600/4016070247_89e1600b5d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PEfLuk2keFz1QC_Wj0PHDHwYXJ3mQdNCH7xxFIGd3xcP7Bu2y4Isk4p5FO3tr6bHijH32ouM_JWNQfITNLCER58ULylYfcLJ1LuZYWIBZYfa05sIZvFBqrFv2SnTdZP_HJOpCVv2b3dt/s400/4016070247_89e1600b5d_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">big statement in a contemporary room</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUmPhqijSso5O4qyPAXVojuQrJDo5We7wKS3B-tjgV67-Wb8H5cdpRt9XQiDonCjDwQFSDT8AYnmzfzJxiNeG0GlYCo_XX446028jqNq8ldJb2naOphbv1nZHgsWdwvkhp2AK_U3nTjgZ/s1600/bs+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUmPhqijSso5O4qyPAXVojuQrJDo5We7wKS3B-tjgV67-Wb8H5cdpRt9XQiDonCjDwQFSDT8AYnmzfzJxiNeG0GlYCo_XX446028jqNq8ldJb2naOphbv1nZHgsWdwvkhp2AK_U3nTjgZ/s400/bs+15.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8sFBdlo64Y9KbuR1foGBO-WkXyggjRX_6TAW_3PQSaOsqA8MbGQ2nGOTX1D9qzHScXXW_w26ziSxoYkZUC18LLSAnyBOK50bMjFySnJeA_HIjGpy5YfffsK5Pw6ta8d8BYwdI12KOT1_/s1600/long+narrow+room+_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8sFBdlo64Y9KbuR1foGBO-WkXyggjRX_6TAW_3PQSaOsqA8MbGQ2nGOTX1D9qzHScXXW_w26ziSxoYkZUC18LLSAnyBOK50bMjFySnJeA_HIjGpy5YfffsK5Pw6ta8d8BYwdI12KOT1_/s400/long+narrow+room+_2.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This narrow room's focal point is its beautifully finished windows</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">WALL OPENINGS AND TRANSITIONS</span></div><br /><br />An opening into another room allows you to add a little millwork to that otherwise boring hole in the wall. You are only limited by your imagination. A good designer or woodworker can help you put something beautiful together, but here are some examples.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__-I_BMieznEgOJJ7u1ahYECxh7CGJTCXCDZNvMMED_1wXNHMHZtBj-4ASAlX-jHJLNpnuaGQ0IzxAtEuDawWDX9Qbl_3h-zjxNl8JM4qaLIry3Jutd3ziDkFry5V-msRtyuttfDefqfE/s1600/IMG_3824%2520(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__-I_BMieznEgOJJ7u1ahYECxh7CGJTCXCDZNvMMED_1wXNHMHZtBj-4ASAlX-jHJLNpnuaGQ0IzxAtEuDawWDX9Qbl_3h-zjxNl8JM4qaLIry3Jutd3ziDkFry5V-msRtyuttfDefqfE/s400/IMG_3824%2520(Small).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4BKovyJchQPR3-UHQ2gxtXx_2Iq3H_H8-Njymoj3AxyGtQWyg5kRarR8XxDoc-vC3MOtlxw3j7xN9kBdUBIahGW-AM2fMd72vUBXwZNJcwdp6p2TOXPGV2Uc6JaznjVC6K_IT5ElvKx7/s1600/spec_img-trans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4BKovyJchQPR3-UHQ2gxtXx_2Iq3H_H8-Njymoj3AxyGtQWyg5kRarR8XxDoc-vC3MOtlxw3j7xN9kBdUBIahGW-AM2fMd72vUBXwZNJcwdp6p2TOXPGV2Uc6JaznjVC6K_IT5ElvKx7/s320/spec_img-trans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlZ2PoPaIrEyO1GXB4XRDBA62XLCq0ERPNyn6J6g-_DI6J0TNbMrhnqC6o1jYRAlE3qqExXQVoeznehUCZgYeReCH_fAJ1uDfJHxerRc8ERanVBL6gjBW7OrQja7eSaV5bI6yr8BLheWa/s1600/Berry%2520Res_%2520042%2520(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlZ2PoPaIrEyO1GXB4XRDBA62XLCq0ERPNyn6J6g-_DI6J0TNbMrhnqC6o1jYRAlE3qqExXQVoeznehUCZgYeReCH_fAJ1uDfJHxerRc8ERanVBL6gjBW7OrQja7eSaV5bI6yr8BLheWa/s400/Berry%2520Res_%2520042%2520(Small).jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g8B4ETVHGeAgRgnR6WHKRP6Z2KTLqYiq1bTClWVgZza5ASw-caX3Jyz_nZ51ZLYRYBqOtXv2bPYKSIjrNrYzROXjKmBNYvoA_3xlRwQqmMAmimYD94u3i0OFcmsfYPL6CHlnkUbK2cTx/s1600/PhotoA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g8B4ETVHGeAgRgnR6WHKRP6Z2KTLqYiq1bTClWVgZza5ASw-caX3Jyz_nZ51ZLYRYBqOtXv2bPYKSIjrNrYzROXjKmBNYvoA_3xlRwQqmMAmimYD94u3i0OFcmsfYPL6CHlnkUbK2cTx/s400/PhotoA.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">WALLS</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">FROM BORING TO BEAUTIFUL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Covering up a boring, pebble textured, painted wall with some wonderful woodwork is one of my favorite things to do.  I love the application of a high wainscote done in beadboard or board and batten - not just for that beachy cottage or a kids room anymore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5VbKBhyphenhypheneS7RmuvP4ne3DvCI3mYww1uhfUUVTpcZwYq_WfVe85B22aQrUKKibt_m3hZkkd9LAsb0P9XzyEgGwGeucOFF1WiRWOOO5KMGSWe3_tDIJNZpkML4zmeioqAP-amKcLciy-9g/s1600/4b975cb9633a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5VbKBhyphenhypheneS7RmuvP4ne3DvCI3mYww1uhfUUVTpcZwYq_WfVe85B22aQrUKKibt_m3hZkkd9LAsb0P9XzyEgGwGeucOFF1WiRWOOO5KMGSWe3_tDIJNZpkML4zmeioqAP-amKcLciy-9g/s400/4b975cb9633a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHD1lIRe5AeaCavgKgp2cMnvx78ClCEjpLTn-9LFElx5SIh3GYq6Rhs0Zkgbs2flPSTal-IgSyqzU9hOWPN48wPZTVVpTUBNUFmAdnhO5_cBKYePp9npMskDM_gYhk5f8V4DrcXLjrxuv/s1600/PhotoF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHD1lIRe5AeaCavgKgp2cMnvx78ClCEjpLTn-9LFElx5SIh3GYq6Rhs0Zkgbs2flPSTal-IgSyqzU9hOWPN48wPZTVVpTUBNUFmAdnhO5_cBKYePp9npMskDM_gYhk5f8V4DrcXLjrxuv/s400/PhotoF.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some examples of traditional wainscoting.  Faux panels are created with narrow picture frame molding for a more formal look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNsEnmuH1xv4noPKo5a5v5RY8fVeRyQj5g8AFOAeyig5uXqvh8Sl11TIwPa7_mQXTR-qD9HlqCOGL25UcDDWQ__buRe_sEIV9GQSvd2gE6xw7o11Jxfg7geZ5AADfxMuXXT6_eiR5ndU/s1600/12345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNsEnmuH1xv4noPKo5a5v5RY8fVeRyQj5g8AFOAeyig5uXqvh8Sl11TIwPa7_mQXTR-qD9HlqCOGL25UcDDWQ__buRe_sEIV9GQSvd2gE6xw7o11Jxfg7geZ5AADfxMuXXT6_eiR5ndU/s400/12345.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-0bd-VIasok-lWI1i6yne6e-wBxcEpOgzQLZafeyoF7ILl1HoDwYxTxIYc-aG5PtNbew77hRF899veSyPdYgfRiH5ZTAiYFPvAdkVeQ6RJGl7dODttUlw5UYg4Et7mQKJgEK2FB3s5I/s1600/250185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-0bd-VIasok-lWI1i6yne6e-wBxcEpOgzQLZafeyoF7ILl1HoDwYxTxIYc-aG5PtNbew77hRF899veSyPdYgfRiH5ZTAiYFPvAdkVeQ6RJGl7dODttUlw5UYg4Et7mQKJgEK2FB3s5I/s400/250185.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the way it wraps around this window.  Looks nice up a staircase, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJURyVcrwyKRwoudfDXTo4Tg1p5JA4oqCAJp1FCDyFj3namwfC9PZe7wrRAFkWEqQ-KeqJXxnjYnNpyaZH82QFrVTbO1tCOz41qsQ3igKac0bvCuBVUTLFkhbPZ7o67_ifgxjmGVPwIGwo/s1600/staircase1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJURyVcrwyKRwoudfDXTo4Tg1p5JA4oqCAJp1FCDyFj3namwfC9PZe7wrRAFkWEqQ-KeqJXxnjYnNpyaZH82QFrVTbO1tCOz41qsQ3igKac0bvCuBVUTLFkhbPZ7o67_ifgxjmGVPwIGwo/s640/staircase1.jpg" width="443" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The board and batten treatment works well in a variety of applications and has recently grown up, as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uFurHD6AVH0uuKKiQyjZV4a5nOhSpV0rur9y4HmdBwauNm0r2QhvYzhyphenhyphent62WV-3z0LKsgVobR6Grgv0TxCsbspajipjkoVi9oH2mLVM-Wzioz5XeJWxmObrwdjSMy81GikS-wBRS3vR9/s1600/PhotoD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uFurHD6AVH0uuKKiQyjZV4a5nOhSpV0rur9y4HmdBwauNm0r2QhvYzhyphenhyphent62WV-3z0LKsgVobR6Grgv0TxCsbspajipjkoVi9oH2mLVM-Wzioz5XeJWxmObrwdjSMy81GikS-wBRS3vR9/s400/PhotoD.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb3V6OHXJDvFoxXG0YevXjsMFpHM_kVRmt9CLrM7a05NCvNm1Amkd9IKTTX6Z6OgGWFQbMiZgQXBfSB_gvv7n95673cfemubCOEsyi2PBdOcARoMkZSGoOj8a2cc3WEfxxTDuklxJjGA/s1600/board&batten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb3V6OHXJDvFoxXG0YevXjsMFpHM_kVRmt9CLrM7a05NCvNm1Amkd9IKTTX6Z6OgGWFQbMiZgQXBfSB_gvv7n95673cfemubCOEsyi2PBdOcARoMkZSGoOj8a2cc3WEfxxTDuklxJjGA/s640/board&batten.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little closer look at the treatment</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24Lk5-jM8rLSgTA3ShbRX3aWDOJyniNDkLi86uWfjfOMKre7YlV1TsX8x__mTXSjD1kWNaj6ZexmxaABuDC1bwv32jzoaQWAuyjvu5c4SDWd0QA5MzYMHyOElJwCeFWjjxFZif2CaPZeH/s1600/Picture+6.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24Lk5-jM8rLSgTA3ShbRX3aWDOJyniNDkLi86uWfjfOMKre7YlV1TsX8x__mTXSjD1kWNaj6ZexmxaABuDC1bwv32jzoaQWAuyjvu5c4SDWd0QA5MzYMHyOElJwCeFWjjxFZif2CaPZeH/s400/Picture+6.bmp" width="396" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love how this board and batten treatment looks elegant in this room and keeps the deep chocolate from overpowering the design.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6BTVqiUleH0K2PJH3IveO2tIFZtjKUOkd76QrI-eiU3rUIWLbnyR7zSCb6ctZXk-CqeXG-UoZ_WVGuk4SDMp0Ud96XAlnunJRiIu1lr71d7ex8Ug7-GGQkyym1kdcdJIx3eumBSxOTxW/s1600/james+mich+howard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6BTVqiUleH0K2PJH3IveO2tIFZtjKUOkd76QrI-eiU3rUIWLbnyR7zSCb6ctZXk-CqeXG-UoZ_WVGuk4SDMp0Ud96XAlnunJRiIu1lr71d7ex8Ug7-GGQkyym1kdcdJIx3eumBSxOTxW/s400/james+mich+howard.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Board and batten adds great interest to this stair wall in 'squares'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><strong>PANELS AND PANELLING</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMODx_vvN2_c-wmYwFdkmg8ax419nfsrF4MKE5mCJrkLjaH9wZ4W4Mrdt5U0nAEauHor0046-BYvKgBUOTTiaesFRaT2Va4Z46ID_ElfoMfhedZgC3V_8CmWgE2hHwgospAy_mnCwbbbtD/s1600/msl_0904_yellows_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMODx_vvN2_c-wmYwFdkmg8ax419nfsrF4MKE5mCJrkLjaH9wZ4W4Mrdt5U0nAEauHor0046-BYvKgBUOTTiaesFRaT2Va4Z46ID_ElfoMfhedZgC3V_8CmWgE2hHwgospAy_mnCwbbbtD/s400/msl_0904_yellows_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yellows and golds make me happy.  But that isn't why I chose this photo.  These traditional panels are perfect for framing art, and are especially effective with the color treatment inside the panel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ8AuXYxVlkTQN4oxY3VjeLKqcnrMddZKHp_BF_ZQuzlTy1EszxzfSwoghT1-rlwZRsIZnlx7QS7O10LSeT_vx-Pp_vaND90J8z_AISh7Tt8asxxI3_P1ckdzDRUaG-WEMdEkwQlBtlrj/s1600/PhotoC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ8AuXYxVlkTQN4oxY3VjeLKqcnrMddZKHp_BF_ZQuzlTy1EszxzfSwoghT1-rlwZRsIZnlx7QS7O10LSeT_vx-Pp_vaND90J8z_AISh7Tt8asxxI3_P1ckdzDRUaG-WEMdEkwQlBtlrj/s400/PhotoC.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the height of these panels and the textural interest it adds to this wall</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWWnSd3zWOgz-hrSCwHM2Fwe5orIRk9G55Myg0CEoMY5MicOqvCiderOqxJi-r-HYBarcZGoW2VaYn-sBIkxzu_qSGHPZlkCK5su8Q3-ugIy9aGGsUY0hmIJX1__h3qE-g0eSeb6SYOt7/s1600/Soft+gray-green+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWWnSd3zWOgz-hrSCwHM2Fwe5orIRk9G55Myg0CEoMY5MicOqvCiderOqxJi-r-HYBarcZGoW2VaYn-sBIkxzu_qSGHPZlkCK5su8Q3-ugIy9aGGsUY0hmIJX1__h3qE-g0eSeb6SYOt7/s320/Soft+gray-green+living+room.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These panels are painted out in one color, but you still see the dimension of the panels and it still adds subtle visua linterest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB5CA1UTfdpRWhHLUofOEzEviyHFPFn9WyLew1sF0hotYDgJWxFRw4VCx-Qrjzd_qLnOMNwUzH5oe0onmqX_D4EtaEPw8iT8ht98HAD8hj8dbIz9FRu6mXXKQPBqI_gAkwS-7n07ckbvm/s1600/1234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB5CA1UTfdpRWhHLUofOEzEviyHFPFn9WyLew1sF0hotYDgJWxFRw4VCx-Qrjzd_qLnOMNwUzH5oe0onmqX_D4EtaEPw8iT8ht98HAD8hj8dbIz9FRu6mXXKQPBqI_gAkwS-7n07ckbvm/s400/1234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's another treatment with reverse painted effect - the molding darker than the wall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnULnbw75Vtw1jP5q4ZZiTXflZXADrOI44VCYKzUS-J76R3MzK5Q9lRr89zkkz1UyJWCb6AJyBWSpCvVL14pWM3KSd90PI8YXqDqMQ_9E80KFVKVfuW7xxD5QVo2D_95jBujY_o2THNXg3/s1600/whole+wall+wainscote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnULnbw75Vtw1jP5q4ZZiTXflZXADrOI44VCYKzUS-J76R3MzK5Q9lRr89zkkz1UyJWCb6AJyBWSpCvVL14pWM3KSd90PI8YXqDqMQ_9E80KFVKVfuW7xxD5QVo2D_95jBujY_o2THNXg3/s400/whole+wall+wainscote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love love love this wall. It looks amazing.  The whole wall becomes a piece of art.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisF0Ug-Vu6Vo33q-8rx1_WenZ2IJer6XdJ9scdForYzz25l6cfaDyGBuORDXz15cBvguustcoIcs67rNJK1dQAYQyHnAVfuW3crlKwuNRzOMW7iMMQCml5S_89zi_H8skQbwDPH5cJjQ_6/s1600/Elegant+white+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisF0Ug-Vu6Vo33q-8rx1_WenZ2IJer6XdJ9scdForYzz25l6cfaDyGBuORDXz15cBvguustcoIcs67rNJK1dQAYQyHnAVfuW3crlKwuNRzOMW7iMMQCml5S_89zi_H8skQbwDPH5cJjQ_6/s400/Elegant+white+living+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is another subtle painted version, with a detailed dentil molding at crown of the room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUX7egfeM0r_lIRR_orobGtoXRTPiAKK3B22_epHevAWX3SiUjiaTDYcJL9Ig7hLj-t0uWArY3UrSo-PPFTOwqLi9azD9f_juR-RPTc1WdcaoOUjXrL3yjsmYoNLBcsXNtbHf9FRpCCHnt/s1600/Nate+Berkus%27s+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUX7egfeM0r_lIRR_orobGtoXRTPiAKK3B22_epHevAWX3SiUjiaTDYcJL9Ig7hLj-t0uWArY3UrSo-PPFTOwqLi9azD9f_juR-RPTc1WdcaoOUjXrL3yjsmYoNLBcsXNtbHf9FRpCCHnt/s400/Nate+Berkus%27s+living+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Xr_MKGIbYDU7z__yielAkhBoCy39N9e5p9FbEw6Isuz4-0NblpBtxTjivpSlSn5_Vhcpfj2FArifa8fD8x4z-UJzcYhjXnjJOZ7NeuepcE_WwJYkGDeMPjUv6vDp3KAC0AC4eJEVRymX/s1600/PhotoI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Xr_MKGIbYDU7z__yielAkhBoCy39N9e5p9FbEw6Isuz4-0NblpBtxTjivpSlSn5_Vhcpfj2FArifa8fD8x4z-UJzcYhjXnjJOZ7NeuepcE_WwJYkGDeMPjUv6vDp3KAC0AC4eJEVRymX/s320/PhotoI.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Panels topped with a ledge form a substantial headboard.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59DCAeBtjfpEidwJ28z6Z1TWFrEfHtswqmklh1tMe3Hyqot6Ntsw2hCDRBjog262gUAQYCrvZBP2Mm6pMvhMjU0wV-nET00n1gbCmNG5wUmprKmUF4BLKBed8bun6vZhVx2Ofi3hBtage/s1600/aaagambrel-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59DCAeBtjfpEidwJ28z6Z1TWFrEfHtswqmklh1tMe3Hyqot6Ntsw2hCDRBjog262gUAQYCrvZBP2Mm6pMvhMjU0wV-nET00n1gbCmNG5wUmprKmUF4BLKBed8bun6vZhVx2Ofi3hBtage/s400/aaagambrel-1.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the wide plank panelling in this very traditional room</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keeps it from taking itself too seriously!</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or, Turned sideways ..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL8yFnm9lI0vBPBcpBIGE90y6IdgI8uA6gTNziVfTsIy1KMRRlAs3LW9sDTVQ49PkM3-q11mj73FfvnXOhqACHMFcCPY3XTHXIVtEL2jVW6e3IISs-k5gW5PIK2VLrJ04OsneOP0fv5Qg/s1600/bathsink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL8yFnm9lI0vBPBcpBIGE90y6IdgI8uA6gTNziVfTsIy1KMRRlAs3LW9sDTVQ49PkM3-q11mj73FfvnXOhqACHMFcCPY3XTHXIVtEL2jVW6e3IISs-k5gW5PIK2VLrJ04OsneOP0fv5Qg/s200/bathsink.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJxQe3ihbYyZR_tHKwvLPlnIiizYAJwd7Yeh6tsFb1BsJt_nIPU-MS6wAMY2QA528p2j8qej3b5A7xP0dgrzK0ZujeoSPl5qrovOOJmjKKWHrD_Ed8g0a-tzsPgCpX3yn9x39Yti7jME/s1600/ceiling+tiles+donkee+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJxQe3ihbYyZR_tHKwvLPlnIiizYAJwd7Yeh6tsFb1BsJt_nIPU-MS6wAMY2QA528p2j8qej3b5A7xP0dgrzK0ZujeoSPl5qrovOOJmjKKWHrD_Ed8g0a-tzsPgCpX3yn9x39Yti7jME/s320/ceiling+tiles+donkee+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see, it lends itself to a variety of decorating styles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><strong>BUILT-INS</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If your room is a little lacking in architectural interest and you could use more storage - and who can't - consider a beautiful built-in cabinet, bookshelf or cupboard on that blank wall - tailor made to your needs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this child's room, much needed storage is created by building out around a window, and then placing the bed in the alcove created by the build-out of the two closets.  It looks charming and cozy and no kid could resist sleeping in that alcove!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyKRdYCf1Q33bQ7eFxoWTiyMTkhEZyp7My3qLNbgPFI4BSU4XlHSia1gp-uU20U8TMg0Ij7ykLkY824ubwl29sJwUlkG-11MNPeoD71stgMr4T6C4_l4p5j5N8WZCTOcQ7hAglXlIHwA/s1600/82b81cc4e53d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyKRdYCf1Q33bQ7eFxoWTiyMTkhEZyp7My3qLNbgPFI4BSU4XlHSia1gp-uU20U8TMg0Ij7ykLkY824ubwl29sJwUlkG-11MNPeoD71stgMr4T6C4_l4p5j5N8WZCTOcQ7hAglXlIHwA/s400/82b81cc4e53d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Built in bookcases are a natural choice to flank a fireplace and creates a great focal wall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnT6ynBbziWr8ttmbzk75X9mC63lh5EcDFjkRqSOTZq1jewU2Lqp9xVt0bFD1f81mR6Vsbkqk8QCWuKJNI6oFmttuS3ndGqk-6Fy-klVnZnWtFd406eV6hgdMDRLlMjbgZJDi14CJBgf8/s1600/alloftheabove.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnT6ynBbziWr8ttmbzk75X9mC63lh5EcDFjkRqSOTZq1jewU2Lqp9xVt0bFD1f81mR6Vsbkqk8QCWuKJNI6oFmttuS3ndGqk-6Fy-klVnZnWtFd406eV6hgdMDRLlMjbgZJDi14CJBgf8/s400/alloftheabove.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bookshelves - an upcoming project for my house -  can really be added to any room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2GSu4OWcHsjD7s5D3JDmbvVxfgqmtofIuh8s6T5DphmzBbXTAftRLMIs3tXsSV3Em-hEYGghhcdZSRhK3hi5sWhQP9IOFoORskwLacBwIxrckKr-kZ2mNOJ6pOcLBct0SZGaiwffGI8/s1600/bedroom+builtin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2GSu4OWcHsjD7s5D3JDmbvVxfgqmtofIuh8s6T5DphmzBbXTAftRLMIs3tXsSV3Em-hEYGghhcdZSRhK3hi5sWhQP9IOFoORskwLacBwIxrckKr-kZ2mNOJ6pOcLBct0SZGaiwffGI8/s400/bedroom+builtin.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adding cabinets or bookshelves around a window is a great excuse for a window seat</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj16wEWwShwpLD-8jUHwzI_xSKdubMrNeJYZv_DOXmDXZpRtn_N-r360xY73lv0F_KljEtgCyfGbDBHFFSxIc-skcCya6plGxbEJ0sNwZwjgWapuP45QZWX-nAS8Z-GHOq-00_fLdk7mo/s1600/windowseat2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj16wEWwShwpLD-8jUHwzI_xSKdubMrNeJYZv_DOXmDXZpRtn_N-r360xY73lv0F_KljEtgCyfGbDBHFFSxIc-skcCya6plGxbEJ0sNwZwjgWapuP45QZWX-nAS8Z-GHOq-00_fLdk7mo/s400/windowseat2.bmp" width="313" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoRlfvisIhRyKMDoH-tHCtV6sDzQyN4yOqBnUk-jy5ohdpeX3WZdi1dPjvEOK7JgaBWthUBCknoTT4Hu4L5DrAn7K_OUTZfNu1tEgN8RvP7dMHT5y2dSxA51GyKb2YRJFyW4n1k5k1Gc/s1600/Built-in-Cabinetry-Detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoRlfvisIhRyKMDoH-tHCtV6sDzQyN4yOqBnUk-jy5ohdpeX3WZdi1dPjvEOK7JgaBWthUBCknoTT4Hu4L5DrAn7K_OUTZfNu1tEgN8RvP7dMHT5y2dSxA51GyKb2YRJFyW4n1k5k1Gc/s400/Built-in-Cabinetry-Detail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are filling a wall with bookshelves, think about leaving a space for your desk, flat screen tv, or seating area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRfP21I0Zk9aM5wwLXaIcbQOL8Y2mn4gIqiY0jwPAj4uH3CoLKj3q1UPzUxMkDXc7BJxYp-bD_cfaPgTFHYH39CIFit7bOfHyXn9xAgrnTXjTE7t_EFanWrvSfBBerfM_fkSOrqEgufE/s1600/besty+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRfP21I0Zk9aM5wwLXaIcbQOL8Y2mn4gIqiY0jwPAj4uH3CoLKj3q1UPzUxMkDXc7BJxYp-bD_cfaPgTFHYH39CIFit7bOfHyXn9xAgrnTXjTE7t_EFanWrvSfBBerfM_fkSOrqEgufE/s400/besty+display.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These shelves were specifically made to showcase a collection</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWfwNzg6y8X4_3LQx3FSlLWJtMiMBObDHBxEAYJUl8AnjStoyhG5O4uPIPq6FhX1fZcqRSPFKyKmxMozQK7tJuQukg3t72pCvOjgAAG7ykKg-pKiAJamVh0Baj2B60CKbS5zvNNUpn3U/s1600/bk+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWfwNzg6y8X4_3LQx3FSlLWJtMiMBObDHBxEAYJUl8AnjStoyhG5O4uPIPq6FhX1fZcqRSPFKyKmxMozQK7tJuQukg3t72pCvOjgAAG7ykKg-pKiAJamVh0Baj2B60CKbS5zvNNUpn3U/s400/bk+4.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcNclQJIoc_iIUQ7l5T0QgkaPebhewg6Uby1rdjG1rx3WptVNHClWZj2M6VDb1RrQM8kZ-zCjf_s8Ct0PVlPWsorXOZrgEHnMC35btOW__LcObX9hEjr54qBiNJJhEjO-9R2O9a_kLkI/s1600/builtins.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcNclQJIoc_iIUQ7l5T0QgkaPebhewg6Uby1rdjG1rx3WptVNHClWZj2M6VDb1RrQM8kZ-zCjf_s8Ct0PVlPWsorXOZrgEHnMC35btOW__LcObX9hEjr54qBiNJJhEjO-9R2O9a_kLkI/s400/builtins.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keep in mind the style and character of your home and decor and make sure your shelves add to and enhance your decor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Built-ins add character and value to your home, no matter the size</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNib0LfTi6r6FJyjL-51_sR5dpG7Ht4aO8wuf5dAun0yg6CEgCkRRRMZRehKtOMY3ejOZlCGl-Dk8pDoNwr_Bl1L-EAEBW04awEVpcAQ97kiA7NWveLcScd6OmNmPMPrp_jUN0gBarjVM/s1600/c+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNib0LfTi6r6FJyjL-51_sR5dpG7Ht4aO8wuf5dAun0yg6CEgCkRRRMZRehKtOMY3ejOZlCGl-Dk8pDoNwr_Bl1L-EAEBW04awEVpcAQ97kiA7NWveLcScd6OmNmPMPrp_jUN0gBarjVM/s400/c+3.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I do envy this storage area - and anyone who has room for it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZuStetG1Nvu1VZaIJqloTtxu3wMjueJoqqA_IE_BjXg0rr2_X3N2tLoCmikM9VKo0VEMR9vFV3p3j6pEM-CuN6F89u9hjJ3TfcO4jCYElZG21DeOVwy-zJ_kKtxeDg929LeoIkph_CU/s1600/cabinets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZuStetG1Nvu1VZaIJqloTtxu3wMjueJoqqA_IE_BjXg0rr2_X3N2tLoCmikM9VKo0VEMR9vFV3p3j6pEM-CuN6F89u9hjJ3TfcO4jCYElZG21DeOVwy-zJ_kKtxeDg929LeoIkph_CU/s320/cabinets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't be afraid to go bold if your room can handle it.  Not a built-in, but large enough to be, I chose this photo to show the contrast of color and the weight it adds to that side of the room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9DkN5SY4RuiQ1wSjvCvRrrxS4CFKahWpbUj1GfbwI3GSa07nvt9APXcXq2DAxOjvgjuoty8PNYe2R6MzzmUIRIbIznOSZGmqp71oIH43gLjnQR4tmFd08J5JYV_6UQ2vATVQkPuCxh0/s1600/etc+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9DkN5SY4RuiQ1wSjvCvRrrxS4CFKahWpbUj1GfbwI3GSa07nvt9APXcXq2DAxOjvgjuoty8PNYe2R6MzzmUIRIbIznOSZGmqp71oIH43gLjnQR4tmFd08J5JYV_6UQ2vATVQkPuCxh0/s400/etc+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just imagine it in your own color - (so glad they told me this was 'red')</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2eacsUXEuYKMc3yKr4c8cMnEtRuXCboAedpXBLiTN321wMTmIM9y6jr3gh6WzlLsj6WNFvX2LLqAwQDp6oTZt7FdOR7ZXqLwTFRLXyBOW3uPAWruIXBEWueXkYTa-DRthKobmdehUJ-_/s1600/hgtv-red-room-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2eacsUXEuYKMc3yKr4c8cMnEtRuXCboAedpXBLiTN321wMTmIM9y6jr3gh6WzlLsj6WNFvX2LLqAwQDp6oTZt7FdOR7ZXqLwTFRLXyBOW3uPAWruIXBEWueXkYTa-DRthKobmdehUJ-_/s320/hgtv-red-room-m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8q0DWyx6Fr0c8sDC6wMlWdLD_Le867y5cK7f4N37HAHWgRSUDsHchJhDrAmdwueRD9L-DB4TNoZVllCB6m8pWgsj2lpeLRNEOaFGkAKJ2bW4KbI_Lf96_pbbLnWS2rd38be-NpF72QYS/s1600/IMG_3796%2520(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8q0DWyx6Fr0c8sDC6wMlWdLD_Le867y5cK7f4N37HAHWgRSUDsHchJhDrAmdwueRD9L-DB4TNoZVllCB6m8pWgsj2lpeLRNEOaFGkAKJ2bW4KbI_Lf96_pbbLnWS2rd38be-NpF72QYS/s400/IMG_3796%2520(Small).jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The built-in china cabinet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">below is a nice touch for this large kitchen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW7hC4eSLqa8xsnUgAo7iaCrdGPQOd137e_IX3o9BlQuog_NBu44COLJZ6F6XcD5PS6nOmdtNRTg9P6gnQMi4M0gnD8eclPKT-zhjKx3xFK1FSGT1TJPehugWRgn-bkhGFFI0R9ffPWxb/s1600/k2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW7hC4eSLqa8xsnUgAo7iaCrdGPQOd137e_IX3o9BlQuog_NBu44COLJZ6F6XcD5PS6nOmdtNRTg9P6gnQMi4M0gnD8eclPKT-zhjKx3xFK1FSGT1TJPehugWRgn-bkhGFFI0R9ffPWxb/s400/k2.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have actually always dreamed of having a stone wall - maybe in  my master bedroom, behind the headboard.  It works well in this kitchen - adds a rustic old-world feel.  Definitely no 'tract home' feel here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YUVcONS4TXS2tVohPQoKLK31bIrIOo7ov0C5XsxejNLTOojOegokUEtKn4jFGlBmFHTPpb2xNvUDJgvYfNeXRINfodXGY20-2EKbz3W36uOyL7nkD_w6wjKbJIz89W_K_wJPzCaWFXj3/s1600/fireplacewall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YUVcONS4TXS2tVohPQoKLK31bIrIOo7ov0C5XsxejNLTOojOegokUEtKn4jFGlBmFHTPpb2xNvUDJgvYfNeXRINfodXGY20-2EKbz3W36uOyL7nkD_w6wjKbJIz89W_K_wJPzCaWFXj3/s400/fireplacewall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The curved brick/stone veneer on this fireplace is a yummy combination with the bookcases in high contrast on either side.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHjBRcXNkoL91wRGqvQtqJhGMjaxaBi5DcPu8Q8f9-YAWeehzG4GGzKSB8Y12eXstMxAG9w4iOMbEcsJIWs3U6CMaoFMmWNXDKxfn90pvSOIhLCHlgwThXf3Zo5STSrMHFP0hk5h8AYdk/s1600/modern+dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHjBRcXNkoL91wRGqvQtqJhGMjaxaBi5DcPu8Q8f9-YAWeehzG4GGzKSB8Y12eXstMxAG9w4iOMbEcsJIWs3U6CMaoFMmWNXDKxfn90pvSOIhLCHlgwThXf3Zo5STSrMHFP0hk5h8AYdk/s400/modern+dining+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I liked this contemporary treatment as well, boxes on the wall in place of shelves, but with the same effect and appeal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0PBCFJns4btiEL2aRgoCyNnFyHlDQwhn2YpI0kA_8HQindvAws9iqtIoAcFWbF6NhM7OoZsFsJ8lpAO1QDMIPKgrsXL_1rGnnP_qF8wWYbI_yN5RGy4VSOQaS8pskMYEH0aoxpEvtzp2/s1600/sandra+lindsay+design+bookcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0PBCFJns4btiEL2aRgoCyNnFyHlDQwhn2YpI0kA_8HQindvAws9iqtIoAcFWbF6NhM7OoZsFsJ8lpAO1QDMIPKgrsXL_1rGnnP_qF8wWYbI_yN5RGy4VSOQaS8pskMYEH0aoxpEvtzp2/s400/sandra+lindsay+design+bookcase.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm a fan of the 'square' openings in this unit - great for books as well as spotlighting an object or collection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyePLofSZHEToBn4sJ0kRCE9o1ei5BckkLlIzt8rKgEQob5Ut71YIzr0g8NzfFhmbC7sYqkFykb5c7k2mlkaHvQi_TvoJgeZPL-OmqSPz-9SDsQQObkqeUwJbHL573BWHDxf4xdaZk3UP/s1600/SKMBT_C451+08091609181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyePLofSZHEToBn4sJ0kRCE9o1ei5BckkLlIzt8rKgEQob5Ut71YIzr0g8NzfFhmbC7sYqkFykb5c7k2mlkaHvQi_TvoJgeZPL-OmqSPz-9SDsQQObkqeUwJbHL573BWHDxf4xdaZk3UP/s400/SKMBT_C451+08091609181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to give you a heads up here - white washed wood surfaces are back and are the next big trend.  For a current look, think 'weathered' and 'driftwood' - I love the color of this gray cabinet above...   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dCt5eaYpbG-S_uBa83aHYHiLjfuxlhwteA9MPzoAAnZ-n1Zz2q7KARYzRELlolXCtE1OJK94AQLy4HhNOsE0lCKk1WwEQlz7qRubZcg5yd275JcHG-9zshG_whVdiyA-HefWlfaYtRhd/s1600/1_thumb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dCt5eaYpbG-S_uBa83aHYHiLjfuxlhwteA9MPzoAAnZ-n1Zz2q7KARYzRELlolXCtE1OJK94AQLy4HhNOsE0lCKk1WwEQlz7qRubZcg5yd275JcHG-9zshG_whVdiyA-HefWlfaYtRhd/s400/1_thumb1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKLuqkCWE-jECSZ2UnO37sNr1HuvqY30g-h9UvBA3yp_39YHZCfn3byNSPIKHmEGfYFvbd9zSlZPzuQyWlHtmEZVfpeN9lQaWchmernKDeqw4m-C35uw1ttYFkcs3-cLYsb8xSCV5TwvD/s1600/1-storageorganizing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKLuqkCWE-jECSZ2UnO37sNr1HuvqY30g-h9UvBA3yp_39YHZCfn3byNSPIKHmEGfYFvbd9zSlZPzuQyWlHtmEZVfpeN9lQaWchmernKDeqw4m-C35uw1ttYFkcs3-cLYsb8xSCV5TwvD/s400/1-storageorganizing.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm going to need one of these ladders for the bookcases I have planned for my vaulted ceilings...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgQh5PHtF6WiA6WYprSYSlt7RTVQFFJ7_Q04uNf6B4H9iOYrZ4hwmj1wgKd_zvsrtMwaFMofwGZUwBv1J9qa3kfotcjm5eajqLacbp9NY_czEerpcOI6ckHIg-11RUQ561aTC3RfAHpJb/s1600/18349d38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgQh5PHtF6WiA6WYprSYSlt7RTVQFFJ7_Q04uNf6B4H9iOYrZ4hwmj1wgKd_zvsrtMwaFMofwGZUwBv1J9qa3kfotcjm5eajqLacbp9NY_czEerpcOI6ckHIg-11RUQ561aTC3RfAHpJb/s640/18349d38.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The soft blue background of this bookcase makes everything in it look beautiful</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaykOzEm4qg29yRNI-LFYvZnQLjKSVcU4tRJnWvwYsUQZBNhoolLEUds8s2Q8hUOukzdNAFbs3AjPBxRD8BcWzOeVeStnZVugqRVQer5ylgiIre2kHQj7sFMBrFHRIljJcFdVcWzJ2zjL/s1600/bookshelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaykOzEm4qg29yRNI-LFYvZnQLjKSVcU4tRJnWvwYsUQZBNhoolLEUds8s2Q8hUOukzdNAFbs3AjPBxRD8BcWzOeVeStnZVugqRVQer5ylgiIre2kHQj7sFMBrFHRIljJcFdVcWzJ2zjL/s400/bookshelves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have always loved bookcases that surround a window or doorway</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FfZyK8BQmXwbr9OPteCq5lp6D0zQbr6LGT07LXrQ6xz6idZebER4DVwrlJwqmEfCBb160US-9hGrGM58U-PuP5wpt7uCMDm4lc1gFtgNK3iwEq0vb2xK5O5OVKMqFbH9AsFsK5_AMvkv/s1600/mudroom-after1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FfZyK8BQmXwbr9OPteCq5lp6D0zQbr6LGT07LXrQ6xz6idZebER4DVwrlJwqmEfCBb160US-9hGrGM58U-PuP5wpt7uCMDm4lc1gFtgNK3iwEq0vb2xK5O5OVKMqFbH9AsFsK5_AMvkv/s640/mudroom-after1.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and who doesn't love a place for shoes and backpacks???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><strong>FLOORS AND CEILINGS</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Floors are probably the area you need the least help in customizing.  But there are a few unique treatments worth looking at, besides carpeting, traditional wood and tile.</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqYAECYAZFH3gVU7Bdy8ZZ_qFwL4Qu1ioF0BRypAL-zZbuP7s6-WFGzmv22Nqp5c_RyKehQiMl4jUVphpa7hae-YJCr9BbkAnr_r0BZEN9fhOmKIb0z8HfIksK-Hhy_vlexk7N7xoawAZ/s1600/stripedfloor+manolohome.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqYAECYAZFH3gVU7Bdy8ZZ_qFwL4Qu1ioF0BRypAL-zZbuP7s6-WFGzmv22Nqp5c_RyKehQiMl4jUVphpa7hae-YJCr9BbkAnr_r0BZEN9fhOmKIb0z8HfIksK-Hhy_vlexk7N7xoawAZ/s400/stripedfloor+manolohome.bmp" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember the trend I told you about, here are floors with a weathered white wash done in stripes...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSKpbz03XbfBTwsFWV7LTMwD5wAYqh0XdNJ09HNjh9-lmqCMqYwE-BJ4HYzO0y8edR5LnBd22P7dW3iTABS4l7BST1IcYD3iBhWKoqccZMu7ZUBOuCkALxWc3xoCESBEflln5SRzQsYry/s1600/washedfloor.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSKpbz03XbfBTwsFWV7LTMwD5wAYqh0XdNJ09HNjh9-lmqCMqYwE-BJ4HYzO0y8edR5LnBd22P7dW3iTABS4l7BST1IcYD3iBhWKoqccZMu7ZUBOuCkALxWc3xoCESBEflln5SRzQsYry/s400/washedfloor.bmp" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU0IpYOqCN1pjHJb9gbfK8xC6LJRRew2_nC5zInWkw8KP3pCSOgbCU4QbD_rAGgRQfMC15maV2EjdseRTAhdoQJQyesh98MJvKgFYKjFkeWYEKv4QzUBkahhnOWuCrDhOiiqxOEdQlL4K/s1600/whitewashfloor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU0IpYOqCN1pjHJb9gbfK8xC6LJRRew2_nC5zInWkw8KP3pCSOgbCU4QbD_rAGgRQfMC15maV2EjdseRTAhdoQJQyesh98MJvKgFYKjFkeWYEKv4QzUBkahhnOWuCrDhOiiqxOEdQlL4K/s320/whitewashfloor2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">another white washed floor... a great way to avoid the cost of a new floor if your hardwood is looking a little tired.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac9ne7BaLb54geOgCPx8qlkYBnZzqjhGh2Z15DzYmb_Kzw08pVBiuHK1t4JWY0qlHW4-AyWBbKYsklIyF1E3q0voXaXt8kD8N6ZzYP2KOkq6prtjC1-DTYT9BoMJhnlLuB4BW9o-kAwrv/s1600/whitewashceiling.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac9ne7BaLb54geOgCPx8qlkYBnZzqjhGh2Z15DzYmb_Kzw08pVBiuHK1t4JWY0qlHW4-AyWBbKYsklIyF1E3q0voXaXt8kD8N6ZzYP2KOkq6prtjC1-DTYT9BoMJhnlLuB4BW9o-kAwrv/s400/whitewashceiling.bmp" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWLpjQ-0Rbel7A5I5mTLqfKoOeavZFIONuR8nHfrYhIiZjCtvyeKNxw7bY4AHcKym1xGVTrX-HQYAgrhnvAbilA_LtkoBG7kpOPP5Afgv_Ot6DFKtFamW047Xs401dVR2YEogsp3V_EiN/s1600/seagrass-rug-cotedetexas1-400x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWLpjQ-0Rbel7A5I5mTLqfKoOeavZFIONuR8nHfrYhIiZjCtvyeKNxw7bY4AHcKym1xGVTrX-HQYAgrhnvAbilA_LtkoBG7kpOPP5Afgv_Ot6DFKtFamW047Xs401dVR2YEogsp3V_EiN/s400/seagrass-rug-cotedetexas1-400x300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">from Cote de Texas blogsite</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another trend is sustainable flooring - like bamboo flooring or a fibre rug (jute, sisal, seagrass).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Note the whitewashed weathered ceiling beams - what do you think about this look?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3BovYzJRhyphenhyphenUoofTqGpR66cnqOr21h0mwbsb123P8Uu0KjN_4Nippe4Db070iwuD5Gs8sXMSsRT60uRhvXVMBJB3e1s6WnL41sPhetBx9aQ4FzjxwdrA94lPAq-_StQEuzohf7DnIzJV8/s1600/image94_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3BovYzJRhyphenhyphenUoofTqGpR66cnqOr21h0mwbsb123P8Uu0KjN_4Nippe4Db070iwuD5Gs8sXMSsRT60uRhvXVMBJB3e1s6WnL41sPhetBx9aQ4FzjxwdrA94lPAq-_StQEuzohf7DnIzJV8/s400/image94_thumb.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eco friendly seagrass floor coverings are also relatively inexpensive and stain resistant.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNqMIUC7whbevR0v7DLj04lfpk_SYSqLyoQWnr-BSEqPWhqHdaASqPaOHDcu_pT8Z7cpXCaOPOc-NBoK6lsEKa0MXE2KsWhzu1-6hekLRk4DectrqvvJpIJLvZeKChKQJ10OrV9eHwut4/s1600/whitewashfloor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNqMIUC7whbevR0v7DLj04lfpk_SYSqLyoQWnr-BSEqPWhqHdaASqPaOHDcu_pT8Z7cpXCaOPOc-NBoK6lsEKa0MXE2KsWhzu1-6hekLRk4DectrqvvJpIJLvZeKChKQJ10OrV9eHwut4/s320/whitewashfloor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For floors and furniture - expect to see lighter washed or reclaimed woods - (for example: Restoration Hardware's new line).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8Aed0nmgBrbLVbyieKGWbwQTAA0yH9x4Nt7Fbc_BVHCIa_ys9Na3dAzkgfZuL7pHCs6jOyrSbKW93svtEVkA_W60I-s2lMmFFP4aDAGMDYOSPtcGygKEj1Kwb-d82lqM3ijj2Ugcmy9b/s1600/wpf+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8Aed0nmgBrbLVbyieKGWbwQTAA0yH9x4Nt7Fbc_BVHCIa_ys9Na3dAzkgfZuL7pHCs6jOyrSbKW93svtEVkA_W60I-s2lMmFFP4aDAGMDYOSPtcGygKEj1Kwb-d82lqM3ijj2Ugcmy9b/s320/wpf+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This beautiful room has coffered ceilings - a beautiful treatment for high ceilings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycIAoPPeVRIjuT5HnUMmaa3lRuEBUxx8d7_bWzmf0k0WVtCrg2-7VaV5BmnknUeajPJdsnU3x-5WPCHKs7fpKU7tmNq0QkhVsuL4MJPzsNaMkiuuwxTheGK2JEGewBgdOozQDi9lnrZtT/s1600/aquaandcream+southernliving.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycIAoPPeVRIjuT5HnUMmaa3lRuEBUxx8d7_bWzmf0k0WVtCrg2-7VaV5BmnknUeajPJdsnU3x-5WPCHKs7fpKU7tmNq0QkhVsuL4MJPzsNaMkiuuwxTheGK2JEGewBgdOozQDi9lnrZtT/s400/aquaandcream+southernliving.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1xyh5HHjo2GB7HOOWtg9kDYlQGRP7HQ9vlj_i13kBTbQcq-ZgsVTo5SkTFSFijPskYFml6S8BVdWOVVUMDAnuyvMhuAXHXcWgTtyLi-KvU4XLTH6BW3JqxNNmdadoGwmFZUGwziFHv-C/s1600/Window+Seat-Colonial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1xyh5HHjo2GB7HOOWtg9kDYlQGRP7HQ9vlj_i13kBTbQcq-ZgsVTo5SkTFSFijPskYFml6S8BVdWOVVUMDAnuyvMhuAXHXcWgTtyLi-KvU4XLTH6BW3JqxNNmdadoGwmFZUGwziFHv-C/s400/Window+Seat-Colonial.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I could go on and on - from ceilings and floors to windows, like the one above that just makes this little window seat the most charming seat in the house - but....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">another day... another blog</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we'll talk about them later</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">I hope you are inspired to create some wonderful custom elements in your home.  Make it a beautiful place to be!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Best wishes,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">Claudine</span></em></div>

HOME DECOR: MOLDINGS AND MILLWORK - FROM ORDINARY TO EXTRAORDINARY

Breaking out of the TRACT HOME look ... Decorating a room doesn't have to be intimidating if you break it up into stages.  Good design c...

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HOME DECOR: KNOW WHAT YOU LOVE

<div class="separator" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">KNOWING WHAT YOU LOVE</span></div><div class="separator" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">EXPLORE YOUR INNER DECORATING VOICE</span></div><div class="separator" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="425" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDU-PT-luBV-ETuVp5miI3ja5UVoK0SV4uTUnRzJExoTgFKZBz-opJiy3Ubj53FV0WgpnTu6OakFsf5iLC7VCvqE5KBZzp_KfXDiGY4Jmi3Npq5YgzY5xZL0mRDRZLosF1tzn9ylxm_Y/s640/windsor1.jpg" width="640" /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was playing around the other day on <a href="http://www.googleearth.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Google Earth</span></a> - (seriously fun if you haven't tried it).  I discovered it when my son was in Brazil and I needed to <span style="font-size: large;">SEE</span> where he was.  This time I was looking for one of my own childhood homes in Reading, England and the school I attended there, Grovelands Primary School.  The school was gone, replaced by a large clump of modern buildings; but the house I lived in was still there, as was the very large park where we used to walk the neighborhood dogs.  That park spoiled me for all other parks.  It was seriously big, filled with wonderful mature trees and had wild gooseberry and blackberry brambles at the edge which we would gather for my mother to make gooseberry jelly and blackberry pie.  The gypsies camped in the woods surrounding it in their colorful caravans and sometimes they came into the neighborhood, selling their handmade laces and telling fortunes.  At least that is how I remember it...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMEF894eYHNPai4ZEfkOvpozLfBTsxntnYZa5mreP-Rer_LtnEErd2xHkXzaFEluTH3Dc8vzVPgLrxLiY57jyVnhKPLP6GwGIZePO9uwcJuibYOkm2c9_drTt6TY_n8wjNQksfFjQ6nQ/s1600/our+scotland+neighborhood+-+hamilton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMEF894eYHNPai4ZEfkOvpozLfBTsxntnYZa5mreP-Rer_LtnEErd2xHkXzaFEluTH3Dc8vzVPgLrxLiY57jyVnhKPLP6GwGIZePO9uwcJuibYOkm2c9_drTt6TY_n8wjNQksfFjQ6nQ/s640/our+scotland+neighborhood+-+hamilton.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">BLOOMFIELD ROAD, READING, ENGLAND</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkfCQ-vaC4KYZj26rdG_2C2iO5ss4FX982ejzQR6UzJtSL5mDPzXEI4lOWECE-zkJM-9FJgBrf3EHMBajWgJYHdQ06u-nt1spubuXHA-PJLOOG9RgwU5OXtsEhGzQGwkUd2yTaN9q5cU/s1600/aprilengland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkfCQ-vaC4KYZj26rdG_2C2iO5ss4FX982ejzQR6UzJtSL5mDPzXEI4lOWECE-zkJM-9FJgBrf3EHMBajWgJYHdQ06u-nt1spubuXHA-PJLOOG9RgwU5OXtsEhGzQGwkUd2yTaN9q5cU/s640/aprilengland.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">MY SISTER APRIL IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE ON BLOOMFIELD ROAD</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1blnLByvfCwDfHE-1U_Q0eOjxF-4xJXMklRBDgxsr8nXC0my8WrIf1r7KSRWcYHyKtIA78hrANwlURKRO6-LLLpQb71CLbGPaF-JUocpq8M1-zpXpzBJFg46s5RVk_LqE7y790w3clLc/s1600/reading+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1blnLByvfCwDfHE-1U_Q0eOjxF-4xJXMklRBDgxsr8nXC0my8WrIf1r7KSRWcYHyKtIA78hrANwlURKRO6-LLLpQb71CLbGPaF-JUocpq8M1-zpXpzBJFg46s5RVk_LqE7y790w3clLc/s640/reading+park.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">PARK IN READING, ENGLAND</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKREXe3qVYB2gxjypF_WaN2Ky6sFSvRYR6mBWehIozHJgZutpQEWILCMnzIb-NZeziYSul0AtlkPiZauyZtxyQ1fZurVK1QbF7KiVbYdEd21gUuB9bUk8SfZiQOGjWechLzsE1SaT69i0/s1600/grazing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKREXe3qVYB2gxjypF_WaN2Ky6sFSvRYR6mBWehIozHJgZutpQEWILCMnzIb-NZeziYSul0AtlkPiZauyZtxyQ1fZurVK1QbF7KiVbYdEd21gUuB9bUk8SfZiQOGjWechLzsE1SaT69i0/s640/grazing2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">GYPSY CARAVAN</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzj08ddgtnsI3s1oDjIlHV-SMiXprChYCThGtcrLWP3INLxqW2gEapyR_uwYMLh3gyEL2W4III2bO1V-A7SPvhqmj2IR09LbzT_UESH5qwvuxSgD-Qq724p7chhtn-SzCKNExsXrQhoj4/s1600/A9endfamilyJPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzj08ddgtnsI3s1oDjIlHV-SMiXprChYCThGtcrLWP3INLxqW2gEapyR_uwYMLh3gyEL2W4III2bO1V-A7SPvhqmj2IR09LbzT_UESH5qwvuxSgD-Qq724p7chhtn-SzCKNExsXrQhoj4/s400/A9endfamilyJPG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">THAT'S ME, CENTER FRONT WITH MY PARENTS AND SISTERS </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> IN A PHOTO TAKEN JUST PRIOR TO LEAVING FOR ENGLAND</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Looking at the images from my childhood; I started thinking about my life and the experiences in it that have influenced my personal design choices</span>.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When I was 7, my father's job took us to the United Kingdom for several years.  Fresh off the plane after a very long flight, and having only the possessions that would fit in our suitcases, we were told by the company representative that permanent lodgings had not yet been secured, but that temporary accomodations had been found for us just outside of London.  We traveled down a tree canopied lane to a pillared gate and a large mansion at the end of a circular drive that was to be our home for several weeks.  My sisters and I explored that manor from top to bottom, as well as the grounds, which were extensive - a formal rose garden in the back bordered by tall trees and shrubs.  It was a magical time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnXa7ttEGcu79p76msEvs-uVFUB6LyjK2PQSXwnTuggDelMf9kb98kz19wZJmGCCZTB2JnU7lfYCdIPpAjmXphlh-S6iOgcanJUXGvCOxn_dWWWgHU0oQyq-1_FifQItp2hCLb_WFRw4/s1600/edenbrook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnXa7ttEGcu79p76msEvs-uVFUB6LyjK2PQSXwnTuggDelMf9kb98kz19wZJmGCCZTB2JnU7lfYCdIPpAjmXphlh-S6iOgcanJUXGvCOxn_dWWWgHU0oQyq-1_FifQItp2hCLb_WFRw4/s640/edenbrook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">EDENBROOK</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: center;">England is a land of contrasts and even at the tender age of 7, it made a great impression on me.  </div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_PSLMGM0vkI3NkH7_lu7Fv1az0j7mCdGdMOueim4uTugMdwjgbH8dTc5uJPAfdoqRKm2OD-mZGT28wtOxOnEaNiwUh8NbCCnGNMw42V3ex25ortf4elYrDBuTeGTcgV9UNs4AXFTEUI/s1600/508-37309~The-Long-Walk-and-Windsor-Castle-Windsor-Berkshire-England-United-Kingdom-Posters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_PSLMGM0vkI3NkH7_lu7Fv1az0j7mCdGdMOueim4uTugMdwjgbH8dTc5uJPAfdoqRKm2OD-mZGT28wtOxOnEaNiwUh8NbCCnGNMw42V3ex25ortf4elYrDBuTeGTcgV9UNs4AXFTEUI/s640/508-37309~The-Long-Walk-and-Windsor-Castle-Windsor-Berkshire-England-United-Kingdom-Posters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">WINDSOR CASTLE - BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is a land of castles and cathedrals, cottages and museums</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDU2YzyGdW4no_7EwNX8IMRKcs-fcmZfyrP4hiEYrf6VD9w6SG7awzsmcgzAtHxbaQKQvxvwyBjyZ0mW45R9wbE1MNRk6yNs_wV1NRd_J5lwVCqJll52ecJZNlGUvWVljHzBDuxiqmzX0/s1600/crooked+house+of+windsor3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDU2YzyGdW4no_7EwNX8IMRKcs-fcmZfyrP4hiEYrf6VD9w6SG7awzsmcgzAtHxbaQKQvxvwyBjyZ0mW45R9wbE1MNRk6yNs_wV1NRd_J5lwVCqJll52ecJZNlGUvWVljHzBDuxiqmzX0/s640/crooked+house+of+windsor3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">CROOKED HOUSE AT WINDSOR</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is a land that embraces the charming and odd, and the ridiculous.  Don't ever let anyone tell you that they take themselves too seriously.   You have only to attend opening day at Ascot to see their sense of humor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJILvaZD-_QV4lsCSOdB2ISqM6yVIkRR00Z99VhAOd0N8Ev_6TtjrJo-QsBaGKiqba3XoWVrVaMQkJlBmV5MwCqGr3uHV-KI6oMK3v_2W9xCqcghx2eJGAuAjNtymSrKQ2uZAlrRwKCg/s1600/r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJILvaZD-_QV4lsCSOdB2ISqM6yVIkRR00Z99VhAOd0N8Ev_6TtjrJo-QsBaGKiqba3XoWVrVaMQkJlBmV5MwCqGr3uHV-KI6oMK3v_2W9xCqcghx2eJGAuAjNtymSrKQ2uZAlrRwKCg/s640/r.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">THE ARISTOCRACY</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">OPENING DAY AT ASCOT</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2LYxQ0YQSrbwMg7FKlRKvitEkaEn1b9JgKUyDTTgdUKzAQ_cRv1_TmPfBL4CnV-SacLuePDjxsminPVCldLdl43k_jOAl-ysTUWLjiW2Ut83Ow2Pv51IXiOOgx0HQsMit_368ugLwjI/s1600/carriage_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2LYxQ0YQSrbwMg7FKlRKvitEkaEn1b9JgKUyDTTgdUKzAQ_cRv1_TmPfBL4CnV-SacLuePDjxsminPVCldLdl43k_jOAl-ysTUWLjiW2Ut83Ow2Pv51IXiOOgx0HQsMit_368ugLwjI/s640/carriage_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">THE QUEEN ARRIVES</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YFkSDQxqitObFgVjc10Rn8mCzK4LDddN4XAVRIF-lGlFCm_IHzQh0g7vxhydJ8XUstQV4RQ5hk4CrBt-GenK9gAbKSznSVUIAusf5ULksKYHA9mPzS2SZgHEAcLM28uoDMT_U_3BFpU/s1600/fashion_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YFkSDQxqitObFgVjc10Rn8mCzK4LDddN4XAVRIF-lGlFCm_IHzQh0g7vxhydJ8XUstQV4RQ5hk4CrBt-GenK9gAbKSznSVUIAusf5ULksKYHA9mPzS2SZgHEAcLM28uoDMT_U_3BFpU/s320/fashion_3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F3mqosI7SBILzl7A-ReKxP6lrTKUp1bKOOytWUTZpPQqZ5Ab0z8D8I_J1JvZIvan-aJHqylqAZSUZZCWGmXe70SQJNf9mkHRGMz5kTom3mdZIaIfzz36we77nVSvSRK4gVaInjt348M/s1600/crazy_hat_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F3mqosI7SBILzl7A-ReKxP6lrTKUp1bKOOytWUTZpPQqZ5Ab0z8D8I_J1JvZIvan-aJHqylqAZSUZZCWGmXe70SQJNf9mkHRGMz5kTom3mdZIaIfzz36we77nVSvSRK4gVaInjt348M/s320/crazy_hat_1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">HATS, HATS, HATS</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2uBFUtqfmvM_2WCg9duHBdPfZaJE74CrYPMBuxPLdh00OfNUEOcdyiAYlpGPiHKfnHbPG1tiTf7X2DW6ePOozS6cNGX1X6-WfWubxsVcx1sGAwK5zz2AXyDyIJxJmtWoGhPATCc2Kgk/s1600/fashion_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2uBFUtqfmvM_2WCg9duHBdPfZaJE74CrYPMBuxPLdh00OfNUEOcdyiAYlpGPiHKfnHbPG1tiTf7X2DW6ePOozS6cNGX1X6-WfWubxsVcx1sGAwK5zz2AXyDyIJxJmtWoGhPATCc2Kgk/s640/fashion_2.jpg" width="481" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6J8SbDPXOgfzNYdJnG1jNpzMyD6Ocye_ALspYxxhLJS1iTI0F7k1xWFJorHNHZoVFc1cnJiAhi8yWYHmvGe7Ca3IAdgLgRJlelUYOdD6WJ0Erjm409ssJemsba0qgzTtEVV1ptFwv2k/s1600/enclosure_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6J8SbDPXOgfzNYdJnG1jNpzMyD6Ocye_ALspYxxhLJS1iTI0F7k1xWFJorHNHZoVFc1cnJiAhi8yWYHmvGe7Ca3IAdgLgRJlelUYOdD6WJ0Erjm409ssJemsba0qgzTtEVV1ptFwv2k/s640/enclosure_1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmNGdkq3bgfqbk86i3Hkofp_d0e58JN-Bv7bojRZrp_E35ZsSEc8rf8ZvoAaoPbERTglmK9FlCDt4LeQH5hfoIazAK9TXyBg2ydSqtC7aFPfHodyGraer09t5mock40y2Ov0-XmsHOuY/s1600/crazy_hat_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmNGdkq3bgfqbk86i3Hkofp_d0e58JN-Bv7bojRZrp_E35ZsSEc8rf8ZvoAaoPbERTglmK9FlCDt4LeQH5hfoIazAK9TXyBg2ydSqtC7aFPfHodyGraer09t5mock40y2Ov0-XmsHOuY/s640/crazy_hat_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It is a country with pride in the cleanliness of their streets and the efficiency of their rail system.  Pride in their edifices of higher learning and their national treasures.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCF3wlFB-51OR5hQnlgDwZZCw6FFYZkhiW7Yg2GQDb027Yxagzq5Fnn8zQZ4gSfQ0xgTyNpD-AV4LKEV1jvnWhKsuq86OgApnctIxtZVJElgh5ILFFyjIVv_aPkXiJ1KNdOy8lTGr1rvA/s1600/Double-Decker-Bus-1023x663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCF3wlFB-51OR5hQnlgDwZZCw6FFYZkhiW7Yg2GQDb027Yxagzq5Fnn8zQZ4gSfQ0xgTyNpD-AV4LKEV1jvnWhKsuq86OgApnctIxtZVJElgh5ILFFyjIVv_aPkXiJ1KNdOy8lTGr1rvA/s400/Double-Decker-Bus-1023x663.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QGFlU38itFkJwf-tYWTu7wDT87HMJ74Ete-58fDxIrUc8k28bqH7FCI_A6ML9yck5QKWVcZ2XcCXVdiu4_yxvmvlgIlrVQZCLnMjQRjcpFNBpMYdbQfp9_pULHPLxejmQRczdascAkQ/s1600/bigben2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QGFlU38itFkJwf-tYWTu7wDT87HMJ74Ete-58fDxIrUc8k28bqH7FCI_A6ML9yck5QKWVcZ2XcCXVdiu4_yxvmvlgIlrVQZCLnMjQRjcpFNBpMYdbQfp9_pULHPLxejmQRczdascAkQ/s640/bigben2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT AND BIG BEN</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFF_eekPSL00ms5N8HAVW4p5r2Qk9cwe7yyYrySi5ZgeKeA_-nyRsG9x8DJrBPzL_EV4obxn98fM0xf1m3ZhwXTfTZHWKHj95U8LLo5GaiH-v4U4STFCCwHqHYuHX67dLjpXmb8N_qq-Y/s1600/cambridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFF_eekPSL00ms5N8HAVW4p5r2Qk9cwe7yyYrySi5ZgeKeA_-nyRsG9x8DJrBPzL_EV4obxn98fM0xf1m3ZhwXTfTZHWKHj95U8LLo5GaiH-v4U4STFCCwHqHYuHX67dLjpXmb8N_qq-Y/s640/cambridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">CAMBRIDGE UNIVERISTY</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1SkfWcRcVXlSmFpb-qYZITs7lIOPitiE7cjosJKqgMyTazhoLyCzHj5X5h5JTvCkbidvaDjd2NiAelN3_lltzM98jfyWyyapBodKilBtCpxXHl_JIV9sg_UlWKgR7kM3hS_LSrC5paQ/s1600/london01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1SkfWcRcVXlSmFpb-qYZITs7lIOPitiE7cjosJKqgMyTazhoLyCzHj5X5h5JTvCkbidvaDjd2NiAelN3_lltzM98jfyWyyapBodKilBtCpxXHl_JIV9sg_UlWKgR7kM3hS_LSrC5paQ/s400/london01.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">TOWER BRIDGE</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFIrU92bei73Nb-XAt_3qBG-s4JzDd3Ry6V8LNauMaoDoYWmo8zS7-cxLo9bfCszBorpvL24e6y80ZJEc-uodEKnACTaaWUp5XuhS7HRwI8A3n_2Gc0RGpVWWRiIIFm7lD7npcRSGIXY/s1600/Stratford-on-Avon-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFIrU92bei73Nb-XAt_3qBG-s4JzDd3Ry6V8LNauMaoDoYWmo8zS7-cxLo9bfCszBorpvL24e6y80ZJEc-uodEKnACTaaWUp5XuhS7HRwI8A3n_2Gc0RGpVWWRiIIFm7lD7npcRSGIXY/s640/Stratford-on-Avon-1.jpg" width="593" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">STRATFORD ON AVON</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is the land of Shakespeare and Sherlock Holmes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWVP7jhGVGiMNcpUZC0ofdIsciVP2yTMZKa4zRt_wGedRxDmR-HyrPFZlkLkzI0DsegU7ptDIsy3DDgpIQjHxoPktUknhA3Wh0AoEiCQGTu4SRPS8tQimFZ8tHtgWlbLMZGkQNp3FiG8/s1600/london2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWVP7jhGVGiMNcpUZC0ofdIsciVP2yTMZKa4zRt_wGedRxDmR-HyrPFZlkLkzI0DsegU7ptDIsy3DDgpIQjHxoPktUknhA3Wh0AoEiCQGTu4SRPS8tQimFZ8tHtgWlbLMZGkQNp3FiG8/s400/london2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and the infamous Tower of London;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the birthplace of Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, Robin Hood and King Arthur.  It is equally at home with shiny glass and steel office buildings and old stone walls, roses and English country gardens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlO0icqgUznt4R0JgkQgdJk8MBEPpyiedUEvIQrGIucQrnhraQKH82az3xO8Pp_m_vRYC408gos9n1uBYNHcZzhAZ4XZhTs8WLcDm-LkAI5JfW7AhxNeirP23j2XvaiDOxAaBOdWxK_w/s1600/Annehathaways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlO0icqgUznt4R0JgkQgdJk8MBEPpyiedUEvIQrGIucQrnhraQKH82az3xO8Pp_m_vRYC408gos9n1uBYNHcZzhAZ4XZhTs8WLcDm-LkAI5JfW7AhxNeirP23j2XvaiDOxAaBOdWxK_w/s640/Annehathaways.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our life experiences have unique ways of influencing our personal design taste. From my experience in England came my appreciation of the ancient and the old, antiques and worn surfaces, stateliness and charm. It has directly influenced how I plant my garden and decorate my home; what surfaces I use and how I incorporate the elegant in with the casual and charming. I'm nuts about small cottages and beautiful, decaying manor houses; stacked stone walls, roses and lovely thatched roofed cottages. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqcN7WrZkegbYNMuJwfbTmaVcENCbrS0dKUg38-YpA6dpxssMUtvyajmcgnfpfMlplu55pKQ8nDZt3WI7nfN40z7wlpi49laVV2D5k8YMz0ZzTZDjFIG3cJoT9MhWVhWOfxUthMcQUS4/s1600/cotswolds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqcN7WrZkegbYNMuJwfbTmaVcENCbrS0dKUg38-YpA6dpxssMUtvyajmcgnfpfMlplu55pKQ8nDZt3WI7nfN40z7wlpi49laVV2D5k8YMz0ZzTZDjFIG3cJoT9MhWVhWOfxUthMcQUS4/s400/cotswolds.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxeEh2ralQT48Kj7c7M8WqQuPGzBxcOv2Lq-6MwBAU8Fif4g4OahsJk7kIJRU1B-31X1pIB070A__TIY21u4hn0bY6ezxfAV-5gCLZYxp0RVO9E2jjirR7SDSCPAU1qE6_e2allNDHLg/s1600/england13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxeEh2ralQT48Kj7c7M8WqQuPGzBxcOv2Lq-6MwBAU8Fif4g4OahsJk7kIJRU1B-31X1pIB070A__TIY21u4hn0bY6ezxfAV-5gCLZYxp0RVO9E2jjirR7SDSCPAU1qE6_e2allNDHLg/s640/england13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4PUvLgrXj8c3a-vu3R4-5nJU-LOJ7Arl5KovxM5K2OnzXnpwYRVcPoVeJGMs3bZRUG0KeLjMsZ6-4-jkr3bS-ldBPWtt3S4y7FMQXSBMqTlDnDMjg4MQ0KEZBWF75yHP_gEqYakds78/s1600/bishopscaastleenglishrose_thumb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4PUvLgrXj8c3a-vu3R4-5nJU-LOJ7Arl5KovxM5K2OnzXnpwYRVcPoVeJGMs3bZRUG0KeLjMsZ6-4-jkr3bS-ldBPWtt3S4y7FMQXSBMqTlDnDMjg4MQ0KEZBWF75yHP_gEqYakds78/s400/bishopscaastleenglishrose_thumb2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQq_G8t_C4PWk8060EvhW4CBZGuVq9cMl3GXa7QcURerRkMEa9obGGU2mgg44EbKD3Qe4O8Mz57hTV09QaBZZycx_W4ZVTsqlu9ShVoJ6OKltb2umEobYElRaiYvBr0nrRrpEYRQmDq8/s1600/windsor4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQq_G8t_C4PWk8060EvhW4CBZGuVq9cMl3GXa7QcURerRkMEa9obGGU2mgg44EbKD3Qe4O8Mz57hTV09QaBZZycx_W4ZVTsqlu9ShVoJ6OKltb2umEobYElRaiYvBr0nrRrpEYRQmDq8/s400/windsor4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">SWANS ON THE RIVER THAMES</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>Because of England, I am particularly fond of green in the landscape and parks that don't have a jungle gym, baseball diamond or swing set.  I lived in England for 3 years - I attended grammar school, rode the trolley bus (now extinct, see below), and walked in the pea-soup fog (also now extinct).<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPMeitfN2LqTd8cb4naMdbclXjwmtexi4U603MzyzbaNYYt2same7GxTj41OXQj0Hf9Utw36hn_fHRgnqKHaIH4bzwXHI1mobwkpT9bEsycAr8vVT-PmFjwBPcM5cf4dgGc0pjfhMTp4/s1600/Reading_Trolleybus_at_Three_Tuns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPMeitfN2LqTd8cb4naMdbclXjwmtexi4U603MzyzbaNYYt2same7GxTj41OXQj0Hf9Utw36hn_fHRgnqKHaIH4bzwXHI1mobwkpT9bEsycAr8vVT-PmFjwBPcM5cf4dgGc0pjfhMTp4/s400/Reading_Trolleybus_at_Three_Tuns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">TROLLEY BUSES WERE ELECTRIC VEHICLES THAT RAN ON ELECTRICITY SUPPLIED BY OVERHEAD POWER LINES</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9qjxPxb5YtTTdqauqZCvYH6DGC44q8UiJNCNgvxrtUnjjamGoR-43Ou0xNIGpnAsmAMhLsd3bzHUk6HVA7LBu4Ptdcq40cVJHn57oTrMV8rqRPhutNghhwi4XZ7FyT2X0hyjD_RbUkc/s1600/trolley%2520wires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9qjxPxb5YtTTdqauqZCvYH6DGC44q8UiJNCNgvxrtUnjjamGoR-43Ou0xNIGpnAsmAMhLsd3bzHUk6HVA7LBu4Ptdcq40cVJHn57oTrMV8rqRPhutNghhwi4XZ7FyT2X0hyjD_RbUkc/s400/trolley%2520wires.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I WAS A LITTLE SAD TO FIND THEY WERE GONE, BUT GLAD THAT THE OVERHEAD MESS OF ELECTRICAL WIRES NEEDED TO POWER THEM WERE NO LONGER CLUTTERING THE SKIES ABOVE THE STREETS</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKNEtEsj9xHb9TujThE_njc3GwNpqi0oropRA9vMhf247YGeewEqugRbmj_uApy4j5LFW-5u-OJ4Zo5DvSyQHj4KZKJ3sNCQF8-ccPdvMm52xMCqAXMdm3cmujS8ARY49U2fUzS2vaVA/s1600/54397214_7bc647e5c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKNEtEsj9xHb9TujThE_njc3GwNpqi0oropRA9vMhf247YGeewEqugRbmj_uApy4j5LFW-5u-OJ4Zo5DvSyQHj4KZKJ3sNCQF8-ccPdvMm52xMCqAXMdm3cmujS8ARY49U2fUzS2vaVA/s640/54397214_7bc647e5c1.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">NATURAL FOG FROM BEING AN ISLAND NATION, ALONG WITH SMOG FROM INDUSTRY AND ALL THE COAL-FUELED HEATING SYSTEMS IN ENGLANDS HOMES CREATED THE THICK DENSE FOG IT BECAME FAMOUS FOR</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE2jBA466wrHymy4I1WQukNOZCZZiAUIWXNq1dljofA0vtyEPSY9AGLAsCcsKqI8fIagrSc7U3mg-WO-8DdJh3gUH4GUUTu2SN-1iKOPDx_zG5eL00He02LE720l4P5BDtnYYEG_TB6w/s1600/1952-smog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE2jBA466wrHymy4I1WQukNOZCZZiAUIWXNq1dljofA0vtyEPSY9AGLAsCcsKqI8fIagrSc7U3mg-WO-8DdJh3gUH4GUUTu2SN-1iKOPDx_zG5eL00He02LE720l4P5BDtnYYEG_TB6w/s640/1952-smog.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">SOME FOGS WERE SO THICK AND DENSE THAT CONDUCTORS WOULD WALK IN FRONT OF THE BUSES WITH A LIGHT TO LEAD THE WAY</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div> I was young, and yet the images from that time are still vivid for me, so strong are the memories of that time and their influence.  I have told you about just one life altering adventure, but there are others that have impacted me just as strongly.  As a result, I know what I love, and that makes decorating easy for me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjpvKyL2JYz-c6JbfibgjgbZFKsE1chdrp6PN57QTS6LA35xGbOK_3cXxd5V8y7W3VFtJ-VtjfZnI9SPVjDSwa24f-ZIucRVCR-T_BwdWQ3qAA9Gv_kU97eXNmtaxqJ9svTkcBh2Sl58/s1600/london+canals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjpvKyL2JYz-c6JbfibgjgbZFKsE1chdrp6PN57QTS6LA35xGbOK_3cXxd5V8y7W3VFtJ-VtjfZnI9SPVjDSwa24f-ZIucRVCR-T_BwdWQ3qAA9Gv_kU97eXNmtaxqJ9svTkcBh2Sl58/s640/london+canals.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Do you know what you love?  You'd be surprised how many of my clients don't.  Things as simple as your choice of color to the actual style of decorating you are comfortable with, are influenced by your experiences in life.   If you don't know what you love, my job gets very hard - because my job is to help you decorate your home in YOUR style, not MINE.  So think about your life, your childhood, your best vacations, your great adventures - your life's influences....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv58I0_7vGejBxqrXxAVz1RGHHTh7IILQOaU20eIF7QPkSFMtW-TjiLxV6sj2qEQNWdw1HNZq6-oh9QxaIdBmX97PfLU1_ZPBC4dEFPpjN1JkwVHOuK3-PX6_XpKUGujrzo3xmFXf1w2Q/s1600/newforestthatch-hampshire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv58I0_7vGejBxqrXxAVz1RGHHTh7IILQOaU20eIF7QPkSFMtW-TjiLxV6sj2qEQNWdw1HNZq6-oh9QxaIdBmX97PfLU1_ZPBC4dEFPpjN1JkwVHOuK3-PX6_XpKUGujrzo3xmFXf1w2Q/s640/newforestthatch-hampshire.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />What do you love?  What about your home makes you happy?   Is it art, a favorite armchair, a souvenir from a vacation, a particular fabric or a wall color?   Perhaps it is something vintage passed down from a relative or discovered at a swap meet, or something one of your children made with their own little hands.   Think of that and WHY you love it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0lDIBq1A5AsQyAGYcFER1vNWAcul4wTaygj0fvKGbcwMfTa0xBNDsvTnM2S1Ew4c_eDoU0PlGp5xFsFZRJN29Ynx3si4YvIJrBwsa5_HBiOW-4hMSAdj_ceQ-qREamBzMJu6ud6MlmY/s1600/Perfect_English_Cottage_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0lDIBq1A5AsQyAGYcFER1vNWAcul4wTaygj0fvKGbcwMfTa0xBNDsvTnM2S1Ew4c_eDoU0PlGp5xFsFZRJN29Ynx3si4YvIJrBwsa5_HBiOW-4hMSAdj_ceQ-qREamBzMJu6ud6MlmY/s640/Perfect_English_Cottage_11.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>Whatever it is, that is the place for you to start - build on the things that you love and you will never go wrong in creating a space that makes you happy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY015BQSLpC6GcbcI6tJHMZ1C6KS5lAEmtWKfFPv4Bdtr34HH8WiwoksdI5xmzjwq6cMzq9Nm1pIp2WHrQfZ8HtM0twEndzmFszgtnwVvuegpcSwvpm7YH4gGcqhzRHywP2h1dOvTUma8/s1600/thames_henley_tilehurst_8_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY015BQSLpC6GcbcI6tJHMZ1C6KS5lAEmtWKfFPv4Bdtr34HH8WiwoksdI5xmzjwq6cMzq9Nm1pIp2WHrQfZ8HtM0twEndzmFszgtnwVvuegpcSwvpm7YH4gGcqhzRHywP2h1dOvTUma8/s400/thames_henley_tilehurst_8_sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />So.... tell me what YOU love!<br /><br /><br /><br />Best wishes,<br /><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Claudine</span></em>

HOME DECOR: KNOW WHAT YOU LOVE

KNOWING WHAT YOU LOVE EXPLORE YOUR INNER DECORATING VOICE I was playing around the other day on Google Earth - (seriously fun if you haven...

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