When Lorraine Blais turns a house into a home, magic happens. Lorraine Blais Photo credit: blaisinteriors.com Meeting with us at a home she fully decorated in Citrus County, FL, the interior designer and general contractor with more than 30 years of experience, identified what it takes to make that magic happen. “Turning a house into a home means adding the personal touches that mean something to the people who live there,” she said. “With my… Devoted to Design: A Morning with Lorraine Blais
If you’re like me and can’t get enough of HGTV, DIY blogs, and Pinterest, then you’re yearning to start crafting for the holidays (if you haven’t already). I’m sharing some simple decoration and DIY projects that will get everyone in the holiday spirit. Even if you’re screaming right now that it’s too early to start decorating, keep in mind that researching décor and DIY ideas now can help you save money and time (thus also… Easy Holiday DIY Decor Ideas
Gone are the days when all the solid wood furniture in a room had to match each other and the floor. Mixing wood types and finishes livens up a room and adds interest. Whether you’ve inherited some beautiful solid wood furniture or you’re building your home furniture collection piece by piece, here are some tips on how to mix wood furniture. Identify the Undertones While the finish of each piece in a room doesn’t need… How to Mix Wood Types and Finishes
Now that spring is here, it’s time to start thinking about your plans for summer. Outdoor entertaining is one of our favorite ways to spend the warmer months. A special occasion or just plain relaxing can be taken to the next level with a pretty patio. Prepare your patio for summer parties with our tips below. Get Gardening Start small by choosing pretty planters that will add a personal touch to your outdoor space. Our LuxCraft 24″… How to Prepare your Patio for Summer Parties
Spring is in the air and that puts us in the mood for a home refresh. This season, we’re venturing into the world of urban gardening. City dwellers far and wide are finding inventive ways to bring nature indoors. Most of the time, having limited space in an apartment also means limited sunlight. However, with some creative planning, it becomes simple and easy to transform your city space to include an urban garden. Put your… How to Create an Urban Garden
Minimalist design has caught our eye for its attention to quality over quantity. This pared down look continues to grow in popularity. Because furniture takes up the most space in any room, it is the best place to start transforming your home to reflect the minimalist style. Simplify your space with our furniture picks for the minimalist. Back to Basics Bedroom Minimalism focuses on creating more open spaces by decluttering. Many of us have two… Furniture for a Minimalist Design
Whether you’re starting from scratch or would just like to refresh your home’s interior, there are a host of decorating secrets that can simplify the process for you. From something significant to minor adjustments, we’re sure you will find a tip that applies to your home. It could be a pop of color in an unexpected place or a plant to liven things up. We’ve rounded up our top 10 interior decorating secrets to help you… 10 Interior Decorating Secrets
With the new year already off to a fast start, your resolutions may have already started to fall by the wayside. Sticking to your goals can be tough if you do not set the stage for success. If you resolved to start crafting in 2017, creating a comfortable, functional space can be the key to following through. You’ll instantly feel more motivated when you are surrounded by the right tools. Below we’ve gathered our ideas… Resolving to Craft and the Furniture that Can Help
As much as we enjoy marveling at the fine craftsmanship of our Amish woodworkers, we love and admire famous furniture designers as well. Each designer has shown dedication to their craft, much like the Amish work ethic that makes our furniture great. Find out how to emulate the unique aesthetic of these designers with pieces from DutchCrafters. George Nakashima Known for: “Free-edge” furniture George Katsutoshi Nakashima was a master woodworker and architect who became known… Famous Furniture Designers and How to Emulate Them
After strong winter storms, birds can be cut off from their natural food sources. You can contribute to the health and safety of feathered friends with these winter bird feeding tips. Friendly Feeders The ideal feeder is sturdy and firm, and is easy to assemble and clean. With minimal cleaning required, environmentally friendly poly feeders fit the bill perfectly. Multiple feeders placed in your yard will attract more birds for you to enjoy. The placement… Let it Snow: Tips for Winter Bird Feeding
Beautiful barn doors have slid their way into home décor. These popular portals are appreciated for their charm and versatility. They easily incorporate rustic appeal into your home while dividing or saving space. We’ve rounded up our favorite ways to make use of unique barn doors in your home. Bedroom Barn Doors Create a rustic getaway by using barn doors in your bedroom. Your space will become instantly more inviting by using these beauties in… Designing with Barn Doors: The New Craze
With the holidays just a short time away, we’re thinking about our favorite part of the festivities: entertaining. A home bar is the perfect addition to your living or dining space. It provides a functional gathering area for friends and family alike to enjoy themselves. A home bar is a great investment. Not only will it serve as the center of many gatherings, but it will also act as a décor piece where you can… Cheers to the Perfect Home Bar Space
Heading back to school reunites your children with friends they’ve missed over the summer and introduces some new ones to their social scene. Soon an afternoon playdate or study session for two turns into a weekend sleepover for several. Before you know it, you’ve got a full blown slumber party on your hands. Follow our fun timeline for some activities and functional Amish furniture that will help entertain your guests. 2 p.m. – Bring on the… Functional Furniture for Slumber Parties
Whether you’ve got the ocean nearby or want to feel like you’re at the beach all year round, coastal chic style has something for everyone. The classic, kitschy cottage has come a long way, evolving into a more sophisticated look that we love. Read on to learn how to turn your home into an ocean-inspired oasis. Smooth Sailing in the Entryway Put your guests at ease as soon as they walk through the front door… Let Coastal Chic Carry You Away
Move over man cave! The she shed, sometimes referred to as “shedquarters,” is taking center stage with its ability to create a backyard escape. Take your staycation to the next level with our ideas for these gorgeous getaways. We’ve rounded up our top picks to create a she shed to suit your hobbies and style. The Reading Retreat One of our favorite ways to stake your claim in the backyard is to turn your shed… Move Over Man Cave, Here Comes the She Shed
