My first thought of open shelving in the kitchen was clutter, but this idea has really grown on me. I love kitchens that are primarily white with open shelving displaying a mixture of colorful stacked dishes. It makes the kitchen appear more relaxed and comfortable.

http://www.countryliving.com/homes/decor-ideas/kitchen-decorating-ideas?click=pp#fbIndex11

http://www.houzz.com/photos/45860/Coastal-Living-Kitchen–kitchen-other-metros

http://acountryfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2010/07/kitchen-of-roses.html

http://houseandhome.com/design/casual-open-shelves

http://www.bhg.com/decorating/budget-decorating/cheap/cheap-savvy-decor-design-ideas/?sssdmh=dm17.562905&esrc=nwdc112311&email=2713665770#page=27

http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U-VyeJeSkiI/ThkkKyF5GBI/AAAAAAAAOfw/MRETO2sHD54/july20110161_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800

http://www.myhomeideas.com/decorating/built-in-storage-00415000067337/open-shelves-00415000067410/

http://heirloomphilosophy.blogspot.com/

http://highstreetmarket.blogspot.com/2011/07/inspired-by-chris-barrett-design.html

I found these photographs off the blog Cote De Texas (http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2011/07/georgian-in-georgia.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CoteDeTexas+%28COTE+DE+TEXAS%29) and thought they were absolutly wonderful. The home is located in Fulton, Georgia. The house if for sale through Beacham and Company Realators. These photographs were taken by Blayne Beacham and you can visit her own blog (http://www.thisphotographerslife.com/2011/07/sit-and-feast-on-your-life-part-2-whos-closet-is-it-anyway.html). My favorite room by far is the kitchen. The slip covered furniture gives the home a more relax feel, while the architectural details keep it classy. NOTE: all photographs are watermarked by the photographer.

I know it is probably way too early to be thinking about holiday gift wrapping, but I can’t help myself. I was on Pinterest and saw someone had pinned a photo of beautiful gift wrapping and I was instantly inspired. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the gift wrapping. The guys in my family often recruit me during the holidays to wrap their presents for them. Perhaps this year, time permitting, I will wrap my gifts with a little extra care. I love the idea of using Kraft paper to cover the gifts and then adding pine cones or berries to accent the piece, all tied up in a large satin bow. http://olderandwisor.blogspot.com/ This blog has several entries about gift wrapping ideas for not only Christmas, but Birthdays and other events. Check it out to get inspired. Here are some of my favorite ideas…

Stamped name tag

Adding a piece of holiday candy not only gives the person something to nibble on later, but it adds color and pattern.

DIY color swatches as name tags- A great way to add color

Kraft Paper and Gingham

Cut out pages of a book to add character.

Lace name tag

Make flowers out of book pages

I love the tone on tone color and the satin bow mixed with Christmas foilage.

http://olderandwisor.blogspot.com/

http://designfromca.blogspot.com/2010/12/ten-creative-gift-wrapping-ideas.html

http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/2008/12/all-wapped-up.html

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/red-and-white-christmas-decorations#slide-7

http://www.cozycottagecute.com/search/label/Christmas%20Decorating

(http://tinyfarmblog.com/pumpkins-on-the-stand/)

HAPPY FALL!

I am excited it is Friday and one day away from the 1^st of October. I can finally start decorating for Fall, despite the hot temperatures. Although I had my heart was set on visiting the local family pumpkin farm this year to pick out my pumpkins, the farm had to close due to economic and weather related conditions. It looks like my pumpkins will be coming from Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby.

Some fall decorating I want to tackle this year: a new autumn centerpiece for my dining table and pumpkin decorating. I have found so many fun ideas for pumpkin decorating this year from decoupage leaf designs, to stencil drawings and even glitter pumpkins! I have never been much of a pumpkin carver. I am much better with a paint brush, plus painting saves the pumpkin from molding and rotting within a week. Last year, my pumpkins remained in my apartment, fully healthy through June. Here are some of my favorite ideas I’ll be tackling today:

Decoupage Leaf Pumpkin:

Set leaves between paper towels and flatten them under a book for at least five days.

Then brush decoupage glue on a white pumpkin and arrange the leaves.

Cut small slits along the edges of the leaves as you go so they’ll fit the pumpkin’s contours.

To finish, coat the decorated surface in decoupage glue

Tack Pumpkin:

Use thumb tacks to create a simple scroll design. The tacks can be gold, silver or white, or you can paint them in a fun color.

Stencil Pumpkin:

Cut stencil to fit pumpkin.

Spray the back of paper stencil with repositionable adhesive and let dry.

Apply stencil to top or bottom of pumpkin, pressing to secure. If necessary, cut slits in doily so it will lie flat against pumpkin.

Apply small amount of paint using a stencil brush and dabbing motion.

Allow paint to dry slightly; carefully remove doily.

Glitter Pumpkin:

Use a medium-size paintbrush to spread a layer of white glue over the surface of a small pumpkin.

Hold pumpkin over a paper plate or a sheet of newspaper to catch excess glitter.

Sprinkle powder glitter over pumpkin in several colors covering completely.

Let dry for about one hour; shake off excess glitter.

Or you can use spray glitter (find at local art store).

Monogrammed Pumpkin:

Simply paint words or a monogrammed letter on the pumpkin surface with acrylic paint. You may choose to use a letter stencil instead of free handing.