I’m at it again. First the outside, now the inside needed a little seasonal update.
With the weather warming up and the summer coming, It’s nice to add a little feel of summer to a room. I ran across a calendar in a store that got me going. The calendar was called Natural Wonders 2008. It was prints of 19th century European sealife engravings with French text as the background. I decided to switch out my colorful floral prints, ( also from a calendar) that usually hang over my fireplace, to the new sealife ones. Same frames and mats, but I hung them vertically. I liked the fresh simple feel they gave to the room. It was a nice change.
I also added some more shells on my glass table. A large shell (from Guam) sits on top of a book. I switched out my colorful floral area rug to a simple sisal one, edged in a reddish canvas. It all seems to relax you and the room.
I added a few starfish, set in beach sand, in small clear votive vases, and set my big shell in the center. I have a couple of big shells I like to display. I found them when I lived on the island of Guam many years ago. They bring back lots of good memories of the beautiful island when I see them.
More shells (you can never have too many shells), set in sand and some tall bamboo (found everywhere), on an antique sideboard by the entry.
It’s always nice to bring in a little coastal feel, no matter where you live. It seems to say… “summertime, and the living is easy”.
What other ideas do you do to decorate for summer? Let’s hear em!
1. I, too, love shells, Cathy. In fact, in the small bath off my master bedroom, I have the Birth of Venus print (the naked lady coming out of a clam shell) hanging above the toilet. On the back of the toilet, I have — you guessed it! — a clam shell and other assorted shells. By the way, this print came from a calendar I had many years ago, which featured great works of art. It’s amazing at what pretty prints you can find on calendars. I hope others see your post and will chime in.
by Janice — 4/16/08 at 4:36 pm #
2. This is so pretty. I’d like to try something similar in my family room. Can you tell me more about the tall light fixtures on each end of the fireplace mantle? Are they electric? And if so, where do you plug them in?
by Robin — 4/16/08 at 6:05 pm #
3. Hi Janice,
Yes, shells are nature’s sea sculptures. Each one, a little work of art. They take you on an “instant vacation” when you see them. I’m sure you enjoy yours and your classic Botticelli art (calendar) print.
I love calendars for “series” art. 12 pictures to choose from…use them all or a few. Inexpensive, but really great art to use to make a big wall statement.
It sounds like you’re ready for summer with your patio and porch pulled together. I like to get things done before the hot weather comes so I can just sit back and relax. (ha, when does that ever happen).
As always, thanks for your great comments.
by Cathy — 4/16/08 at 7:13 pm #
4. I just purchased new leather furniture for a small den. I bought a loveseat in oyster (off white) and a chair and ottoman in a sea green. I love the sea (I work for an ocean conservation organization) and I really need some ideas to pull it together. I was thinking about painting the room as close to the color of the chair and finding matching fabric to make pillows for the loveseat. Will this be too much color. I also thought a small area rug with coordinating colors would be nice. I am not good at decorating. Do you have any ideas or suggest a website that would help me pull this room together. Thanks.
by Robin — 4/17/08 at 10:07 am #
5. Hello Robin,
Thank you so much. Actually, Those “lamps” are not really lamps. They are wreath hangers with shades on the top. Yes, I know, a bit strange. But I liked the thin profile they made, to not hide the art, and the height and shape as a “faux lamp”. So I left them there. They are not operable, just for fun. I would like some that were functional, but haven’t found any as simple as these. It’s fun to mix things up a little…you never know what you’ll come up with.
Thanks for asking.
by Cathy — 4/18/08 at 2:38 am #
6. Hi Robin,
It sounds like you have a good start on your den. There are many ways you can decorate it and have a little feel of the ocean you love so much.
I assume the walls are 8 or 9 ft. high. Divide all the walls in 3 equal horizontal spaces. Take the color of your sea green chair and match it to the paint color on a 7 color paint chip. Paint the bottom third of the wall that sea green color. Go up one shade from that color on the chip, to paint the middle third that lighter color. Go up one more shade on the chip and paint the top third the lightest color. You also could continue that color of paint onto the ceiling. It will have the feel of being under water and looking up toward the sunlight above the water. Paint this all around the room. Use a level to do the stripes and blue painters tape.
I think it could look quite interesting and very sharp. Maybe do some accent colors in a coral color…pillows, art, area rug. Maybe find some fishing nets and hang as drapery panels on the window. Hang them from a long piece of driftwood (as the rod). Don’t go “overboard” (no pun intended) with the look. Just give it a little feel of the sea.
Give it some thought. It could look great!
Let us know what you think!
by Cathy — 4/18/08 at 3:22 am #
7. We purchased a tall chest from your Venice Florida store. we would like to find another exactly like it.
We have the tag info from the back of the piece.
by Jim — 4/18/08 at 9:21 am #
8. I have painted my open living room, dining room, hall, 1/2 bath, full bath and kitchen in either one of these two colors: Sherwin Williams HC-34 and HC-110. I find these colors very warm and fall like because it appears they have some grey tones to them. When it comes to decorating for spring, I’m finding it a little more difficult. I have changed out my heavy drapes in the living room for a lighter fabric and added white flowers and light gold flowers. Now I need to tackle my den. Do I continue to paint the remaining room one of these colors or choose something else? Will I tire of these two colors quickly? My den has a large picture window and a brick fireplace.
by Susan — 4/18/08 at 9:58 am #
9. Hi Jim,
Thanks for submitting a comment to Openhouse, the new HomeGoods blog.
We understand that you have been trying to locate a chest. As an off price retailer, we make every effort to keep our prices low, and our costs down, so that we can pass these savings on to our customers. For this reason, we do not provide a service of tracking merchandise, In addition, we do not have the privilege of ordering specific merchandise from our vendors. To locate the chest, we suggest that you continue to check with the stores in your area directly. We would be happy to provide you with store locations in your area. If you would like a store list, please call our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-888-0776.
Thank you,
Jessica
HomeGoods Customer Service
by HomeGoods Customer Service — 4/18/08 at 4:47 pm #
10. Hello Susan,
When I looked up your colors, they came up as Benjamin Moore colors, Wilmington Tan and Wethersfield Moss. Not Sherwin Williams? Is that correct? If so, they are very nice soothing rich colors. It’s up to you if you want to continue the colors in your den. Since most of your house is in these colors. I would probably continue the same feel. Maybe for your den, lighten one of the colors 1/3 lighter than what you have. This way the rooms would all blend but will add more interest and a lighter feel to the room. You might want to read my post from last April titled “Wall Color Idea” for more options. Go to the archives in the right side bar.
I also love how you’ve changed out a few things for a lighter feel for summer. Another idea to “summerize”…if you have darker walls, slipcover a few pieces of furniture in white cotton and add large awning stripes and large floral pillows , sisal area rugs (even over carpeting),
fresh flowers, shells, a bowl of kiwis, oranges, limes, or lemons for great color…a few ideas for you. You’re well on your way to a cool ,comfortable, relaxed summer space. Enjoy!
by Cathy — 4/18/08 at 6:56 pm #
11. Cathy,
Tthis is the answer to your question concerning how I’d decorate a bedroom using lime green, turquoise and white bedding.. I would use a lime green fitted sheet with a turquoise top sheet (or the other way around). Of course, the white coverlet would be pulled back to reveal the sheets — you know, a layered look. I would have 4 sleeping pillows on the bed with 2 of them in lime and 2 of them in turquoise. I would use 2 square, striped throw pillows next on top of the sleeping pillows and then a solid pillow in another color found in the striped fabric (maybe hot pink or orange) with maybe some decorative fringe that matched lime curtain panels. I would find a large print for the wall– a water scene, with various shades of blues, greens, and turquoise (white background). Would also be nice to find one that had a touch of orange in it, too, so it would relate to the orange pillow. What would you change about this “mental picture?”
by Janice — 4/21/08 at 10:18 am #
12. Hi Janice,
All of your ideas sound great. I love all the colors on the bedding and how they are arranged. Also the art and accent color of orange. Maybe add some drapery panels in 3 large horizontal stripes of lime, turquoise, and white. Some large pendant lamps with white drum shades over side tables next to the bed. Maybe a teak deck lounge chair with the colored pillows or cushions. A big pot of bamboo in the corner, lit from the floor. We could go on and on. It sounds good to me. So, when are you going to do this room ? LOL. Let me know how it turns out….
Great ideas and fun colors.
by Cathy — 4/21/08 at 7:09 pm #
13. Cathy, I like to change my accessories to coordinate with the seasons, just as you implied in your post. But something bothers me about this. Red is a warm color and sometimes looks hot, especially in the summer months. Although I wouldn’t consider changing my red focal wall in the living room, I do have red throw pillows which appear too heavy (or hot) during the summer. How can i remedy this? Would something like red and toile (or black and white toile) pillows look more summery than solid red ones? How do I solve this problem? You’ll remember that my couch is camel-colored microsuede in a transitional style.
by Janice — 6/18/08 at 12:58 pm #
14. Hi Janice,
Red is a year-round color. It looks good any time of the year. If you want a little summer change, or add to, your red pillows on your camel sofa and your french feel to the room… maybe…
* Make some white pillows with red welt and stencil on a red ‘fleur de lis’ or monogramed initials in the center. Can be done in black trim also.(18″ X18″ is a good size).
* Make or find pillows with a large red and white cabana stripes for the summer.
* Make or find pillows with a large floral in red white and black print. (Hawaiian-like)
* or your red/white, black/white toile would be nice as well.
These fabrics just lighten things up and become a little more “playful ” for summertime. Do you think one of those ideas might work. Pillows are easy to make, so look around in some fabric stores at fabrics that might “speak to you”. (pick me, pick me LOL). You might find just the right thing.
Let me know what you find. I’m sure it will be good!!
by Cathy — 6/19/08 at 1:07 pm #
15. Thanks for the great ideas, Cathy. Immediately your suggestion about a while pillow with red welt and a red fleur de lis or monogram jumped out at me. I would never thought of that. And, I can sew. In fact, I made the red pillows which are on my couch now. Can’t wait to try your ideas.
by Janice — 6/19/08 at 1:20 pm #
16. Your welcome Janice,
I think the fleur de lis or monogramed pillow(s) will look great. and keep the French feel of the room. So glad you can sew them.! If there’s one thing I tell anyone to do if they want to decorate their homes and are on a budget, or not, is to learn how to SEW. You can save thousands of dollars just by learning simple techniques, and your house will look like you’ve spent a fortune. Many fabric stores offer sewing classes. Knowing how to sew, window treatments, pillows, bedding, easy slipcovers, chair cushions etc. will transform your home for very little money. It’s truly amazing! Sorry…went off on a tangent about sewing…but, I think it’s a skill everyone should know if they love to decorate. Are you with me?? Sewers rule!
by Cathy — 6/19/08 at 3:09 pm #
17. Cathy, when I was young, my mother bought a new sewing machine. With the purchase, she received free sewing lessons from a professional seamstress. She made ME go for the lessons. I hated it at the time but I’ve thanked her many times over for making me take those lessons. Sometimes I will see a beautiful tablecloth in a home store, and right away I’ll think “valances or chair cushions” because I have the ability to transform that tablecloth into anything I want. Just recently I covered the seat of an antique vanity with the fabric from a Liz Claiborne velour blouse. No one believes me when I tell them what it was originally. So listen to Cathy, everyone. Your sewing machine is your friend!
by Janice — 6/19/08 at 4:22 pm #
18. While browsing the archives, I had the good fortune to come across this posting on a seasonal update. I’m currently pulling together ideas, fabric swatches, etc. to update the decor in my master bedroom and was immediately drawn to those gorgeous sealife calendar prints! What a great idea and they look fabulous! Needless to say, I had to get my hands on this calendar!! Luckily for me I was able to locate and order it - the internet is a wonderful thing that way! Thanks Cathy for the wall decor inspiration!!! I can’t wait to get decorating!
by Sandy — 7/30/08 at 7:57 am #
19. You are so right Janice. Your sewing machine is your friend.
I bet your vanity seat turned out great…and it was all because you could sew!
by Cathy — 7/30/08 at 11:16 am #
20. Hello Sandy,
I’m glad you liked the prints and were able to find them online. Arn’t they great! I’m trying to think of some other ways to use the other 6 prints I have. It’ll hit me! They would look wonderful in a master bedroom!
Thank you so much for writing back and telling me that you found them and will be using them. I love to hear back, when people have found things helpful.
Send a picture in the “submit yours” when you get them up. I’d love to see them in your room.
Enjoy!
by Cathy — 7/30/08 at 11:26 am #
21. Cathy, since I’ll have extra prints after using some in my master bedroom what do you think of the idea of using a few in the master bath? I am keeping all the colors and fabrics compatible in these two rooms. A nice complement or too-too much? I don’t want my excitement over these wonderful prints to steer me in the wrong direction!
by Sandy — 7/30/08 at 12:51 pm #
22. Hi Again Sandy,
I think using the extra prints in the bathroom would be great. It ties the two room together as you said. You could leave them all the same as the bedroom or change them up a little with a colorful mat and different frames. Or cut them up into smaller pictures to mat and frame. Or mount 4 on a board and hang as one large collage framed and matted. You could even photocopy and fabric transfer some of the pictures (coral, shells, starfish…) onto a shower curtain or towels or pillows on the bed. Or add a border onto drapes. The possibilities are endless. Just do overdo a good thing.
Let me know if this sounds good to you. Think of some others.
by Cathy — 7/30/08 at 6:54 pm #
23. Wow, these are all really great ideas - most of which I would not have thought of on my own! I have a pretty large wall over the spa tub that is begging for artwork (or something!) and the idea of hanging one large collage framed and matted could be just the thing! You have given me lots to think about! Very inspiring - thank you!
by Sandy — 7/31/08 at 7:21 am #
24. Your welcome Sandy,
I’m glad we got some ideas generated for you.
Good Luck and let us know how it comes out.
by Cathy — 7/31/08 at 12:15 pm #
25. Hi…I am looking for the Calendar so I can frame the prints…I have a huge collection of vintage frames in sotrage and just bouth a Town House that they would look lovely in. I work and live in Iraq most of the year for the Government so I can only look online. Help anyone on finding the calander.
Thank you very Much
by Cyntia — 8/7/08 at 1:19 am #
26. Hi Cyntia,
Thanks for submitting a comment to Openhouse, the new HomeGoods blog.
We understand that you have been trying to locate a calendar. As an off price retailer, we make every effort to keep our prices low, and our costs down, so that we can pass these savings on to our customers. For this reason, we do not provide a service of tracking merchandise, In addition, we do not have the privilege of ordering specific merchandise from our vendors. To locate the cqalendar, we suggest that you continue to check with the stores in your area directly. We would be happy to provide you with store locations in your area. If you would like a store list, please call our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-888-0776.
Thank you,
Jessica
HomeGoods Customer Service
by HomeGoods Customer Service — 8/8/08 at 5:02 pm #
27. Hi Cyntia,
I will give you all the information I can on the calendar. Someone did write in and said they were able to find it online. If I can find it I’ll let you know more.
The calendar is called “Natural Wonders 2008″. Published and distributed by Cavallini & Co., San Francisco. http://www.cavallini.com. It retails for $21.95.
I hope you can find it, the prints are beautiful.
Good luck.
by Cathy — 8/8/08 at 5:47 pm #
28. Hi Cathy, I happened upon the Natural Wonders 2008 calendar while shopping in Sutter Creek, it was on sale for $3.00! I love the ocean and thought I might use the pitures for wall art in one of my rooms. What a surprise when I came across the picure of your wonderful wall art creation over the fireplace, it looks quite beautiful. Where did you find the frames and mattes? Did you put them together yourself? I look forward to more updates from you on new decor you have created. Thanks for sharing.
Vivian
by Vivian — 11/23/08 at 8:52 pm #
29. Hello Vivian,
$3.00 !!!, I paid $10.00 for mine, on sale…such a deal! We both lucked out.
Thank you, I’ve enjoyed the prints so much. I’m decorating my Christmas around them. Check back on the homepage and you’ll see how I’ve worked them into Christmas this year.
I got the frames at Aaron Bros. 2 for 1 sale a while back. I had some other prints in them, so I was lucky these fit just right. They have a double mat, large white and a black filet. I did put them together myself.
I ‘m sure you’ll enjoy your prints. They are quite beautiful.
Thanks for dropping by. Write back soon with more of your finds.
by Cathy — 11/24/08 at 9:40 pm #