new blog theme

We changed the appearance of our home accent collection blog, moving toward a more minimalist and modern theme, retaining the green in our blog title and blog description. We have added a Search This Blog box and Subscription link, as well as the Share It feature for Twitter and Facebook. Feel free to tweet or follow us @homeaccentcolle on Twitter, or visit us on Facebook!

fabrics and windows

In the past, I lived in a house overlooking a lake with a beautiful view of the water and the evening sunsets. The windows throughout the house were covered with gorgeous white plantation shutters. I no longer live there, and when I moved I wanted a change. One of the changes I made was in window coverings. In an area where blinds were the custom, I decided to break convention and use fabric draperies in many of my rooms. I have the option of changing draperies, and the entire ambiance of the room, easily. This fall I am adding a custom made dupioni silk valance to my kitchen window. This dupioni silk is a medium-weight, crisp and shimmery fabric, with slubs that form an uneven finish. I love the combination of the roughness of the fabric and the shimmer.

sustainable home accents - a few thoughts

Buy home accents that will last. When you no longer want an item, you can donate it to a charity and someone else can benefit as well as the environment. Buy furniture made with certified wood. Expand your vocabulary. Learn what certified wood is, and what cradle-to-cradle means. The glossary on the ASID website under Sustainable Design is an excellent place to start. The links on the website are invaluable and often entertaining.

Also, remember that computers, computer monitors and many other electronics include toxic materials. They should not sit in landfills when they are replaced. Anything synthetic can be recycled; even athletic shoes. Contact your Chamber of Commerce to find a local recycler for synthetic materials.

the garden

It is spring throughout the US, and many of us have turned our attention to the outdoors - taking a walk in a nearby park, replacing the wreath on our front door, potting some flowers for the front porch, and even updating our planting areas, if we have a yard. So far, we have purchased a tree, some flowers, herbs for the kitchen, decorative planting pots, and the necessary materials to make a "spring" wreath for our front door.

Planning and procuring plants and other items for our backyard has been as time-consuming and expensive as decorating a room. Perhaps, more so. It has also brought us as much pleasure. After scouring many magazines, the internet and books from the library for ideas, and touring other neighborhoods by foot and car for further inspiration, I finally developed a detailed "plan" for our backyard. I planned a Japanese-style garden/yard. Our life is hectic and I wished for a calm and relaxing garden.

With plan in hand, we went to our favorite nurseries. Each time I would ask for a specific plant, the knowledgeable nurseryman would pause, his or her face would assume a blank look and they would politely say that perhaps they could show me a similar plant more suited for the local climate. The local climate is confined almost just to our city as it is on the border of two zones. Each time I would dutifully take the substitute flower/plant/tree home and have it planted.

I am flexible. My garden looks like an English countryside garden replete with hummingbirds, butterflies and a profusion of flowers! Sometimes plans go awry, but the results can still be wonderful. I wouldn't trade my garden/yard for another.

for children

(Photo used with permission.)

Walk into Clover in Ballard, a neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, United States, and you will feel like you are walking into a child's fantasy world. The neighborhood itself is beautiful, and this store is a gem tucked in it's midst. They carry "Unique Toys, Furnishings and Clothing for Children." I have a link to the "Room Decor" section of their web site under "Mostly Interior Design." Take a look at "About Us" for more about the store's beginnings and it's owner. Children change your life AND your home! Sometimes you need to put aside your favorite home accents for a few years. The aforementioned mirrored etagere would not last long in most homes with children. But, not only do children add inexplicable joy to your life, they provide an opportunity for design possibilities. Make your home the "go to" place for the children in your life. Photo by Breanne (see breannec.com). 

the mirrored etagere

I purchased a mirrored etagere several months ago for myself. It is a petite, rectangular accent table with mirrored shelves in a nickel finish frame. The mirrored shelves are etched. It is a very "feminine" table. The table is still in it's box, awaiting it's grand entrance. I can't wait to find a home in my home for this little treasure. 

a nice little bakery

A less tangible home accent in your home is the food you eat.  From gourmet food to country home cooking, food plays an important part in home life.  Some are fortunate and have many family recipes, while others have worked to develop their own special style in the kitchen. Sometimes a little help is appreciated and bakeries are an excellent place to start!  Le Panier - Very French Bakery, located at 1902 Pike Place in Seattle, Washington, is one such bakery (www.lepanier.com)!