My Toy Room to Teen Room Transformation!

My children are entering the teen years now. As they grow and change the needs of our home have changed as well. One of the bedrooms over our garage had been a "toy room", filled with plastic Little Tikes Kitchens, Legos and Trains- a place for forts and building castles. My teenage daughter suggested that we re-decorate the "Toy Room" to be more Teen Friendly. I agreed and so (sadly for Mom) we have said to goodbye to Pokemon and American Girl Dolls.

Here is the room Before (actually we have two identical rooms above our garage, they are mirror images of each other and this photo is of other side). Like all decorating projects we had Goals, Restrictions and a Budget. The Goal was a room for for sleepovers, a place to do school projects where they could spread things out (and not be near their parents), and a place to hangout with friends and watch Movies and I-Chat! Our main Restriction was the doorway size. It is only 27 inches wide. And our Budget was $2500.

Here is the room after we ripped up the old carpet. Then we painted the trim BM White Dove and the walls BM Lighthouse Landing. Paint cost $4o. Paint, as always is an immediate improvement!

The kids were allowed to choose everything in the room and I treated them like clients on our shopping trip. We found this great, thick wool rug at HomeGoods for $600. (did I mention how much I love HomeGoods for rugs??) The kids liked the Pottery Barn feel and the blue and brown color scheme. While we were there the kids scouted some great pillows that matched and two small microfiber ottomans. All together we spent $800.

Meanwhile at home, my sister, who LOVES to organize, came over and sorted through all our arts and crafts supplies and organized everything in the old bins which used to hold plastic food and Matchbox cars. Now it is a perfect go to space for all the supplies we need for projects at school.

Thank you, Sandra! Cost - priceless!

We couldn't let go of the blocks, (well I couldn't) so they stayed put and we moved an old bookcase into the walk in closet for extra storage for paper and other supplies.

Dramatic drum roll.... Here is the Before.

And the After! We found this thin couch at Macy's and once we took the feet off it fit through our tiny doorway! The sectional microfiber couch was $1400 and the bar table and leather stools $199. at Overstock.com.

Inspirational artwork was $50 on clearance! Bookcase, side table, and TV we already had!

The total Teen Hangout Room Makeover cost was.....$2489!!

We still had money left over for a Movie and some snacks!! We found some wonderful bargains, stayed with in our budget and came out with a great room! The kids are thrilled and call it their "Hang Out Room" - I call it a success!!

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Also a heartfelt thank you to the many, many kind readers who sent me get well wishes and prayers. I am truly blessed to have so many friends in blogland. I was beyond touched! xoxo

(all photos Willow Decor and not to be copied without permission)

HALLOWEEN: Trick or Treat! HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

FROM MY HOUSE

TO YOURS!

Some quick, instant mood makers:

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And That's Where I've Been...

Why are hospital rooms so uninspiring?

It's been a crazy few weeks. I have been in and out of the hospital and had lots of tests. Luckily we have ruled out all the major ailments - and for that I feel very blessed.

I have spent a lot of time at home nesting... I promise to be back soon when I am back on my feet with photos of some of my new projects. xx-Gina

HALLOWEEN: HALLOWEEN DECORATING

RECENTLY HAD SOME FUN DECORATING

FOR FALL/HALLOWEEN

AT A CLIENT'S HOUSE

WE USED WHAT SHE HAD FROM PREVIOUS YEARS

AND THEN WE ADDED A LITTLE MORE

TO CREATE A WHOLE NEW LOOK

IN THE KITCHEN

WE REPLACED A PLANT WITH THIS CHEERY PUMPKIN

AND A FEW AUTUMN LEAVES

ON THE KITCHEN ISLAND

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Bougainvillea and the Indian decor

As we know that bougainvillea is only the flower that blooms throughout the year with bountiful flower and make the environment colourful and magnificent. It can be used for various purposes like decoration of houses,interiors of houses, buildings, hotels, and apartments. The species of bougainvillea are characterized by their high tolerance to pollution, drought, pests, low fertility and other adverse conditions.

Although Bougainvillea has originated in South America, but approximately 50% of the present day cultivars were evolved and produced in India.

Images from my home

on the books in the lamps
on the centre table,a perfect morning
in green wine bottles,on the swing
on the centre table,in terracotta urulis

Images are from magazines and books
in hanging lamps
on the dining table
in beer bottles,long headed bottles
on the pooja mandap
winding around the windows and arches
both sides of the entrance arches
over the front gate

images and ideas conceived and clicked by Lakshmi Arvind

Image courtesy to India style and India contemporary

FALL DECOR: THANKSGIVING TABLE AND HOME DECOR

VISUAL FEASTS



THERE IS A CRISPNESS TO THE AIR

EVEN HERE IN CALIFORNIA

ESPECIALLY IN THE EVENING

AND THE LEAVES FROM MY NEIGHBOR'S MAPLE TREE, NOW GOLD,

ARE BLANKETING MY WALKWAY

FALL HAS COME

AND WITH IT THE COLORS OF SPICE

AND SOON

THE AROMA OF BAKING AND

THE MINGLING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS

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the festive season begins ...and its decor

Autumnal season begins with Durga puja and the festivities don't stop there.The festive season has just begun.Flowers and diyas and sweets overload.Enjoy your time.Happy Dussesra to all celebrating festival today and tomorrow.

I can imagine all my diyas with full of flowers,Can you all?

All images and Ideas Conceived by Lakshmi Arvind

Pl do not steal nor copy images from the site

Pretty In Pink & Closet Envy!

I was browsing the listings in Boston and came across this fabulous home. Though not generally a fan of pink, I had to share this wonderful room with you.

The architectural detail was lovely. The shade of pink was just perfect. Loved the crystal chandelier! Such a sweet room.

Here is a close up of the moulding details, notice the ceiling. Just dreamy!

The house also boasted the most magnificent closets.

Not only were there so many of them, but the again the detail was absolutely stunning.

Take a look at this close up - They really don't make closets like this anymore!

I was thrilled to see yet another fabulous closet - Perhaps this is the gentleman's space.

As if the exterior of the closet was not beautiful enough - the interior is equally exquisite! I am quite sure I would move into this closet!

You can see more of this home here. I wish I could convince Dave to move again, my clothes would be so happy....

HOME DECOR: UPDATING A MASTER BEDROOM SUITE

My bedroom needs a facelift

via

It's funny how you can live in a room for years

and not really see it

Suddenly, one day it hits you

this room is really outdated

Its definitely a room that should be appealing.

it should be the first room in the house to be decorated

but is often the last

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my lovable antiques:sweet and tangy...

I am passionate about antiques.much of our travel is in the search for antiques. An old reading says Antiques are like old books. They hold a limitless universe of knowledge waiting patiently to be revealed. Like a red violin, waiting for it's next owner as it passes through history from generation to generation. And people who collect antiques are as passionate about their collections as they are about the pursuit and discovery of something old that brings them closer to the past.

There is no right or wrong way to collect antiques, but remember, items of good design and beauty are as important as price. Buy what you personally like and are compelled to collect, and incorporate these pieces into your homes in ways that fit your own lifestyle. This way the age-old passion for antiquing and cherishing the past will never fade or loose its patina.

Some of my prized possessions include the betel nut crackers and some brass hair accessories of the yester generations,some hair clips and combs which I am passionate about.They some times accompany my centre table.i treasure all antiques from home including the various lamps and brass lotas and containers in brass.

Getting to know the sweet,tangy taste of one of India's most exhilarating culinary delights.Betel chewing has been one of India's favorite culinary indulgences for more than 8,000 years, the betel leaf itself is also used in Hindu ritual worship, where it is prepared as an offering to the Deity along with coconuts, fruits, incense and flowers.

betel nut cracker has 3 peacocks on it,a very old one

two hair clips ,a brass spoon

hair clip in the shape of a fish and the other has got devi saraswathi on it,unique designs
an old brass comb,which has got unique designs of lord rama and sitadevi and hanumanji sitting bowing to them..
staged artefacts

Hope you enjoyed my antiques as much i enjoyed sharing them...

ideas and composition conceived by Lakshmi Arvind

A Coastal Dream by Catalano Architects

Houses by the ocean always seem to draw me in.

I love the shingle style architecture - and no one does it better than our friends at Catalano Architects. This particular house has incorporated a lighthouse theme.

Notice the "lighthouse" in this closer up photo. As usual, no detail was overlooked inside or out. You enter the home via a gorgeous cobblestone edged driveway.

The back of the home is breathtaking - designed to take in the equally breathtaking views.

Notice the wavy clapboard in the peaks. It would have been easier (and less expensive) to put straight clapboard, but its these small details that add to the character and personality of the home.

This is the main entry hall - You can see the view through those spectacular windows out toward the ocean.

Here is the entry hall with your back to ocean and facing the front door. Notice the tile is set on the diagonal.

The staircase includes beautiful custom detailing - the moulding, wainscoting and railing. Notice all the window shapes. I also like the stair runner.

Here the back staircase has a lattice inspired wall. Much more interesting than a solid wall.

The family room evokes a feeling of being on a luxury yacht. The wood paneled walls are amazing.

A close up of the bar. Just stunning!

The kitchen and breakfast room move us back in the a more traditional coastal decor - white cabinets and beadboard ceilings.

Every coastal home needs a pool house/guest house. Again Catalano Architects continues the lighthouse theme and creates a charming oasis.

Here is a closer shot. Take a moment and study the outside - the attention to detail is really amazing. Notice the curved shape of the roof, wavy clapboard, railings, columns - This guest house is truly a gem.

The inside is also outstanding. I especially love the retractable doors which immediately transform an indoor room into an outdoor room.

The interior detailing again astounds you - the curved staircase above is a work of art.

And when the view and the pool aren't enough - you can enjoy time in the game room, equipped with pool table and two lane bowling alley. Isn't this so much fun??!!

Or find an quiet niche in the house to curl up with a good book. Clearly this home has it all!

A special thanks to Tom Catalano of Catalano Architects for sharing this outstanding dream home with us! For more inspiration visit Catalano Architects here.

(all photos Catalano Architects by Warren Patterson-not to be copied without permission)