Paint Your Space

Colorful and Organized!

Lesley — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:58:08 +0000

Paper-Source is the premiere seller of fine, handmade papers from around the world. Their colorful paper selection can add decoration to any home office.

Add a Daisy Recipe Box to your shelves for color and print.

Oh so stylish Chartreuse Dots File Folder Set would be a welcome addition to organize your piles and stacks of paper.

File folder holder includes:
1 - Chartreuse file folder holder
4 - Chartreuse dots file folders
4 - Moss file folders
4 - Chartreuse file folders

Don’t forget Birds on a Wire for fun!

Get inspired with Paper Source’s decorative paper selection. Beautiful patterns and lovely finishes are offered…… so be creative! Think about framing your favorite paper as artwork on a wall for color.

Get Inspired!

Bees Buzz

Lesley — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 18:42:47 +0000

I love this commercial from Sherwin-Williams…..In a world of Sherwin-Williams color chips, bees buzz around in search of the perfect colors for their hive.

So Clever… So Colorful!!!!

Lesley — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:33:22 +0000

Good Morning PYS readers!

I wanted to inform you that I am servicing my contact page for the next few days and will not be able to receive emails.

Thank you and enjoy your week,

Lesley Smith

Vintage, But Contemporary

Lesley — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:37:01 +0000

Oh Yes…..Swank Lighting has done it again! I love all their colorful vintage lighting selections. Lately, they have been diving into the more contemporary part of vintage lamps. This is especially exciting because of the modern lines and curves that shapes each lamp. Their pieces make for beautiful art that actually have a function.

So Light Up In Style!

Add A Little Sunshine

Lesley — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 01:04:47 +0000

Want a hand-cut look without the mess? Seek out Sunny’s original stencils. Sunny’s Goodtime Paints is always creating new stencils for a fun and creative use. I first admired one of her stencils from Posh Tots.

The Tidal Starfish Stencil Set creates a perfect look for the beach house or sea themed room!

Get inspired from Sunny’s creative uses of her stencils….love the drama and all different interior planes in play!

Stencil your walls, then to the floor, and go up on the ceiling….any special look you want to create. These stencils are definitely unique and fun for anyone to try!

Stencil Until Your Hearts Content!

Read All About It

Lesley — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:19:24 +0000

Read all about it……..The latest wallpaper design from Weitzner Limited for Spring 2010! Each roll is truly unique using old newspaper strips. The strips are hand-woven on a loom making for a beautiful backdrop for any room. This product is very ECO-CHIC and in my mind considered Art On a Wall.

Just Brilliant!

Spring is in the air!

Sandi — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:52:32 +0000

Thanks to this beautiful, warm weather we are currently having in Michigan my spring fever is out of control! It got me thinking about how I could use some new patio furniture which leads me to my latest find.

Breezesta Recycled Poly Furniture hits a home-run on so many levels! First of all it’s 100% recycled which means it’s the greenest choice you can make. But never fear, green is only one of 20 color choices! To top it all off, it’s maintenance free, has a life time warranty and is fade resistant.

Find the color and style that’s perfect for you.

THINK SPRING!

Mistakes Happen Everyday

Lesley — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:14:07 +0000

Thanks to Dana Dratch from Bankrate.com for sharing the top 22 painting blunders! I love this list….it makes me giggle. I see mistakes everyday and get many phone calls pertaining to these exact blunders. Some of my favorites are thinking all paint is the same and not prepping. Boy oh boy there are many paint jobs gone wrong so visit the list. Please ask for help. It goes a long way!

(courtesy of Apartment Therapy)

Top 22 Painting Blunders

1. Jumping the gun.

2. Dreaming up colors.

3. Pursuing trends.

4. Mistaking swatch for wall.

5. Ignoring warm and cool.

6. Forgetting every wall is different.

7. Forgetting the ceiling.

8. Not using color to connect rooms.

9. Not identifying existing paint.

10. Thinking all paint is the same.

11. Not asking for help.

12. Not using best tools.

13. Buying insufficient paint.

14. Not examining paint early.

15. Not buying the right tools.

16. Not considering hiring a pro.

17. Not prepping the wall.

18. Not having a plan of attack.

19. Using thick coats of paint.

20. Not considering painter’s tape.

21. Neglecting your tools.

22. Forgetting what colors you used.

Let Someone Else’s Painting Go Wrong….Read The Warning!

Colorful Storage!

Sandi — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:42:53 +0000

Well it’s that time of year…..Time for storage! I don’t know about you but every January I get the urge to get organized! I start taking down the holiday decorations and putting things away and just want everything clean and in it’s place. I’m notorious for buying bins and baskets to satisfy my need for organization which leads me to my latest find!

I love these Everything Bins from Serena and Lily. Say goodbye to the boring plastic bins and check out these prints! There are 12 prints to choose from and they have a glossy coat which is water tight and super durable! They are perfect for all your storage needs.

So come on everybody……Lets get organized!!!

The Best Accessory

Lesley — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:35:05 +0000

Who can guess what is really expensive, but so worth the investment?…..window treatments! I know everyone is sticker shocked at first, but once up…..worth every penny! Window treatments are like the best accessory for your little black dress.

(Beautiful things to share blog)

(courtesy of: My Notting Hill)

Most of my time right now is sketching and finding fabrics for windows. What many people do not realize is all the hours that goes into a window treatment. Here is the breakdown…..first, I visit the customer’s house and get a quick measurement. Second, I take a picture of the window and all of the surrounding areas for clues. Third, grab all the fabrics that I would like to see as possibilities and to inspire me on a style. Sometimes, I find that the style comes first and that will dictate a certain fabric. Okay, now for the fun part which is the sketching…..coming up with the perfect treatment to frame the window. Last, I revisit the customer’s house and ponder the choices…..coming up with my favorite two and having them pick from there. Fun stuff!

Now the dreaded pricing begins…..hours of figuring fabric, calling for price of fabrics, and discussions with the workroom. Now lets just hope the fabric chosen is in stock and not the dreaded ‘D’ word Discontinued…..oh yes… if so the process would start all over again. Don’t get too excited because once I share the cost with a new customers they might be scared off (secret: once hooked they will never say no again). Now, if I get the green light I have work orders to the workroom and ordering ahead of me.

(Traditional Home Oct 08)

(courtesy of: myblinds.blogspot)

Let me tell you it is worth the 6 to 8 weeks for the window treatment to be born. Certainly it is an investment, but I hope there is a better understanding of all the work that takes place behind the scenes. The designer plays a big part, but lets not forget the hardworking person sewing the draperies. That is a job you would not want me to do because I can not even sew a button! Even though much work is involved I love the whole process. The end result is just the icing on the cake…..one happy customer with some beautiful draperies!

Dress Your Window!