Or how about that big blue wing chair that doubles as seating in this casual dining space that comes from City Sage?  I kind of like this unique look and that blue vinyl makes it so practical. 

We can’t ignore the impact of big artwork in any space, especially the dining room.  This large mural by M Design will certainly attract the attention of your guests which might be a good thing if your cooking isn’t the greatest! 

So what do you think?  Is big the way to go?

1. Lighting:  Whether it comes from artificial sources such as lamps or candles or is natural light shining through a window, lighting is important not only to the look and feel of the room but to our overall sense of happiness and well-being.
2. Personal items:  Family photos, heirlooms, souvenirs and other items that identify the people who live there are not only decorative but help to create a happy space for your family and guests.
3. Pop of color:  A bright pop of unexpected color is a treat for the eye.  It can be something as simple as a colorful floral arrangement in a neutral room or something bold such as a piece of abstract artwork hung on the wall.  Pop a throw pillow on your sofa in an unexpected color to really add drama and interest.
4. Pieces you love:  If you fill a room with pieces that delight you every time you look at them you are bound to create a happy home.  This could be your grandmother’s favorite china hung on the wall or the rocking chair you used to read to your babies.  Perhaps it is the first piece of furniture you purchased as a couple or something you picked up on a favorite vacation.  If you love these items you will not tire of them.
5. Whimsy:  Every home needs a touch of whimsy.  A small statue hidden under a table, colorful artwork created by your kids or a brightly patterned fabric that covers a bench in the entryway can all provide that little surprise that just makes you happy when you look at it.  Take this little dog hiding under a table, for example.  Makes me happy just seeing it in the picture so imagine how fun it would be as a guest to discover it when you visit this home.
   

   design by jjlocations.uk.com
   

 What are your ideas for creating a happy home?

I have noticed a trend in design scenarios lately that seems to include lots of sealife.  I like some of them like this pretty blue and white room designed by Meg Braff.  The gallery of photos is interesting and compliments the subtle coastal theme of the room.

Gallery of sea life photos in this room design by Meg Braff
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Others, not so much.  This octupus painting is just a bit too realistic for my taste and is kind of a scary greeting in the entryway.  And I usually love anything designed by Phoebe Howard!

Room designed by Phoebe Howard
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You can be whimsical or you can be subtle with this design trend.  Here are some simple ways to introduce sealife into your summer decor.

• Something as simple as filling a hurricane with sand, seashells, bits of sea glass and coral and placing it in your entry or as a dining table centerpiece can have a real impact.
•  Frame some photos of you and your family on their recent trip to the aquarium where you, hopefully, snapped some great pics of the unsual creatures found there. 
•  For affordable artwork, seek out books at the thrift store that offer drawings and/or photos of shells and frame them as in the photo above. 
•  For those of you who can sew, embroider your powder room towels with a sealife motif or add window treatments in a coral patterned fabric.  

Check out these other sealife ideas and see if they inspire you.  If you can’t get to the beach or shore during this current heat wave maybe a bit of underwater decorating will cool you off!

A colorful seashell pillow from Layla&Grace is sure to add a summer feel
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This beautiful red coral candle holder from etcetera will add an instant pop (photo geoffrey sokol via elle decor)
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Is this fish wallpaper from degournay too much?
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Laurie Smith has written a book that takes us, chapter by chapter, through the process of designing your own spaces.  She discusses important elements like function and flow and helps you find color and design inspiration.  She helps you choose color, fabrics and accessories and the book is full of big, colorful photos that make it easy to see what she is talking about. 

This book was first published in 2005 but good design never goes out of style.  You can find a copy on Amazon.com or you might get lucky and stumble across a used version at a flea market or vintage book store.  My used copy was purchased from Amazon and, as an added bonue, is actually autographed by Laurie!

For example, this black and white paper featuring silhouette images of several breeds of dogs adds a fun touch to this staircase wall.  A coordinating fabric is also available and would look great on a bench in the foyer.

Best in show wallpaper from Osborne & Little
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Crown wallpaper from Graham and Brown
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With varying sizes and shapes of crowns and tiaras, this wallpaper would delight “princesses” of any age.  Use it in the bedroom, dressing area, closet or bathroom for the royal treatment.

Raised images of bottles from Elitis wallpapers
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What appears to be a white wall has, upon closer inspection, images of bottles and jars of varying sizes that adds interest and texture to an all white room.  Perfect in a kitchen, dining room, wine cellar or powder room.

All of these wallpapers add an unexpected element of surprise to your home’s interior design that is fun and whimsical yet still sophisticated.

1. I used simple cellophane bags from the party store wrapped with gilded ribbon but you can sew your own out of purple or red velvet, for example, for a regal look. I sprinkled some “diamond” confetti in the bag for the obligatory touch of bling.
2. A china tea cup is a necessity.  These can be found at thrift stores and large discount stores like Target or Home Goods at very affordable prices.
3. A tea bag of course.  I chose several different flavors but made sure none of them were decaf!  After all, the point is to try and stay awake.
4. Crumpets.  Well, not really crumpets since I don’t know what those are, exactly.  But shortbread cookies will do the trick and taste so good with hot tea!
5. Finally, every “princess” in waiting needs a tiara.  I found mine in the bridal section of my local party store.

The wedding is only one day away but there is plenty of time to put this party bag together and deliver it to your royal wedding watching friends!  After the wedding let me know if you were able to stay awake and, most importantly, what you thought of the dress.

• I actually like the graphic black and white feel of this wallpaper from the Abigail Edwards collection.  It could be used in an entry as shown here, in a powder room, den or kid’s room.

• Accessories are an easy way to introduce a trend into your decor.  They are affordable and can easily be switched out if you grow tired of them.  This owl sleep mask is cute enough to be hung on the wall or as a bedside accessory for guests.  It is available here.

• Owls do not have to be whimsical and childlike in design.  This beautiful owl pillow found on ebay will add an earthy touch to a mountain cabin or a man’s den and the colors are right on trend for today’s homes.

If you love these wise old creatures you might want to introduce them as a lamp base, for example, or use owl fabric to sew a child’s bedding or special quilt.  Now that I have made you aware of the trend I bet you will be surprised at the number of “owl” items you spot around town.  How do you feel about this trend?  Whoooo ( help me..I can’t stop myself!) out there has some other ideas for decorating with owls.

this oversized artwork in a room designed by Ballard Designs really makes a statement
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How do you feel about this large centerpiece in a room designed by KAA design? (photo by Victoria Pearson)
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Now that's a lampshade! (courtesy of Domino Magazine)
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Notice how these rooms feature neutral color schemes and simple furniture.  A large piece of art, furniture or accessory will automatically take center stage so it is a good idea to keep the rest of the room simple.

You can also go BIG with large scaled patterns on fabric, wall coverings and rugs, so, if your personality or room demands it, go BIG and be proud of the results.

• Clean your fireplace, remove all the wood and ash and fill it with candles of varying sizes.  This allows you to enjoy the glow of a “fire” without the heat and mess often associated with winter’s log fires.

Photo courtesy of Sunset Magazine
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• Place a large lantern on a console table or entryway table to add light to those dusk hours.  For safety reasons, use a battery operated candle in those areas that are left unattended during the dinner hour etc.

The clean lines of the Malta lantern from Pottery Barn will enhance any style decor
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• Candlelight dinners are not just for lovers.  Dim the overhead lights and add some pretty spring time candles to your dinner table and your kids manners just might improve. 

Beeswax candles like these found at Pottery Barn will burn evenly and provide just the right amount of early spring light.
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• Longer days allow you to enjoy the view from your garden or deck.  Add some lights to the plants or railings and the view will be even prettier.

How cute are these bird lights from Pottery Barn?
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Springtime is such a short season so enjoy those dusky evenings, fresh blooming flowers and the anticipation of summer just around the corner.

Laura Ashley was born in Wales in the early 20th century and, as a young woman ,began her career by designing scarves and table linens and ultimately, the exquisite fabrics the company is known for today.  Check out these fabrics available at Onlinefabricstore and see if there is something you can use to update any room in your home.

This traditional toile pattern, House Party, is updated in a rich plum color
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Earthy and ethnic in nature, the amber color of Tilbury will add an exotic flair to your roomsBowlin is right on trend with it's geometric pattern and soft driftwood color
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Santorini is a soft watercolor floral in a sophisticated cotton and linen combination
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