The new year is here and now is the time to start looking at those projects you have been avoiding. Freshening up your home at the beginning of the year is a great way to change things up and keep you energized and motivated.

You should start by tackling those projects that require a lot of hard work, why? Many people make new years resolutions to lose weight, when your working on a very physical project you are really exercising without thinking about it. Add in some normal workouts and you should be off to a great start with both a new looking home and a new looking body.

You should also repaint at least one room in your home that is used a lot. Changing the look of a room can give you a boost in your own life. You may create a new outlook or at least give your self a sense of accomplishment.

The biggest thing to remember about the new year is to get the big projects done as soon as you can. Renovate in the winter and garden in the summer (unless your knocking down outside walls). If you do the project early you won’t be sitting here a year from now wondering why nothing was done.

Enjoy you home this year and make it something for you. Do what you would like and who cares about the trends. It is your home after all.

Technorati Tags: garden, home, Renovate

I have decided to start a blog carnival, if you have a home decor or interior design related blog or post feel free to enter the carnival! The first one is all about home decor tips. Each month the theme will change and some may be just a general interior design topic. If you would like to host this carnival in the future please let me know by contacting me.

Technorati Tags: blog carnival, Interior Design

I would like to wish all of my readers a Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday season. I hope your home in not only filled with great design and Christmas decor, but with warm feelings, well wishes and a happy and joyous family. From my home to yours I wish you all well and look forward to providing you with tips and ideas to keep your home fresh in the coming new year.

Right now I know it is winter, but soon spring will be on it’s way back and you will want to be prepared for it. One thing that is very hot in design right now is Ironwork. It’s fun, classic and really can accent any type of home from modern to Victorian and more.

Recently I came across Stonebank Ironcraft a company in the UK that makes some wonderful Ironwork pieces. They have gazebos, pergolas and more. They also have some great Ironwork for estates and other large property’s that will tell people where your land starts and someone else’s ends. It’s also really nice to look at and because it’s not big and bulky blends well with the land so it won’t destroy a view.

If your looking to protect those trees you are planning to get this spring you could also take a look at their tree guards, these also look really nice and remind me of the tree guards used in many public parks and other public areas. I really am thinking of getting a few for my mother as my step-dad likes to run over all of our trees, even though he planted a few of them or asked for them to be planted. I think it would be a great investment and a good birthday gift.

Technorati Tags: garden, Ironcraft, Ironwork

There is a huge abundance of hot accessories out right now and many would make some great last minute Christmas gifts. I have picked a few of my favorite items to show you.

This first one is a screen by Winoldi, I love this because it’s very different from anything I have seen, but at the same time is familiar enough to most people that it won’t scare them off. this would be perfect in a bedroom or living room area.

The next one is wonderful because it’s small, simple and elegant perfect for someone who like style, simplicity and usability in their gifts. It’s called the Leaf Platter and it’s made by Esque Studio.

The last item is probably the best on the list as it is made from recycled scooter tires and wicker. I love the look of these and am thinking of buying them as a gift for my sister. Anything natural or recycled is always a great gift and this one looks pretty cool too. They are made by Artecnica

Technorati Tags: Artecnica, Esque Studio, gift, home accessories, Leaf Platter, Winoldi