Checks

I love a check pattern. I think it's the simple graphic quality that appeals to me. Also checks easily blend with all design styles.

When we moved into our home, the kitchen didn't have a back splash. I had a picture of a black and white checkered back splash from a few years ago. This was a great solution to add a big bang for a little money. Simple glazed black and white square tiles are the most inexpensive tile to buy. My very talented husband did the installing. I love the look! I can change the kitchen colors and the back splash still works.

The checkered pattern also shows up on my Amish rocking chair. My sister-in-law gave this to me when I was pregnant with my first child. My husband has changed the webbing a couple of times (it's due again, because our cats love to sharpen their nails on it).

I found the window valance at Lowe's. My mother-in-law added the rickrack for a little extra detail.

I found some other great photos of rooms with checks

(above images: Country Living)

The Pomegranate Inn

I am always looking for design ideas. So a couple of years ago when my husband asked where I wanted to go for our anniversary, I thought of The Pomegranate Inn http://www.pomegranateinn.com/ (please click on the link to visit). I had read about this amazing inn in a local design magazine. The inn is beautifully decorated and the people are extremely gracious. I highly recommend a stay. Actually my husband and I have made this a yearly excursion.

A memento from our 1st stay

My Furry Four Footed Friends

Mattie (aka Miss Piggy)

A miniature long haired dachshund, Mattie is always happy and always hungry. She's the oldest of the pack. All the other pets adore her. The cats even try to groom her. We call her "Miss Piggy" because not only is she always hungry and looking for food, but she actually grunts like a pig.

Daisy (aka The Doodle Bug)

Daisy is our first cat. We had her for a few months before we realized she can't hear a thing, she's completely deaf (we thought she just had an attitude). We have learned to communicate, she knocks on the window when she wants to come in and we flash the outside light at night to call for her.

Shaba (aka Shaba Doo) 

Our black Labrador mix. She's the biggest of the pack and the most gentle. She loves to lay on the sofa, the whole sofa, and chase squirrels. Shaba doesn't like to share her toys and she hates getting her nails clipped.

Jasper (aka Little Man)

He is the only male of the pack and that's how he likes it . Jasper is our newest addition. Everyone except Daisy loves him (she is slowly coming around). He loves to play with his toys and nap on the bed. Jasper wants to be a Shaba when he grows up.

These are probably as close to "Farm" animals as I am ever going to have. I wanted to introduce them because they seem to like to get into our home photos. They sit on the furniture and sleep in our beds. My windows have nose prints, my floors have foot prints and my furniture has pet hair. This place would not be home without them.

***Please check out Debbie Doos Pet Party to see more furry friends***

A "someday" piece

Do you ever think about a piece of furniture you would love to have in your home? Something, maybe not really practical, maybe too large for any little space you have available? Something a little feminine?

My "someday" piece is a chaise. I love the way these look so inviting. What a great spot to curl up and read a book. They come in so many styles. I think I would prefer a vintage piece.

I have no idea where I would put it, but if I happen upon a great piece with a great price...

Do you have a "someday" piece of furniture?

My Design Theory

Color  (pick a favorite color to start)
Collections  (use collections for inspiration)
Comfort  (always make sure you have a soft place to land)
Character   (add one of a kind pieces to show off your personality)
Cost  (be realistic with your budget, take your time, make every item count)

I read a ton of design books, blogs and magazines. Everyone is always trying to explain the process. This is what works for me. I love color! I love stuff! My home will never be done. I am constantly finding new pieces to add, shuffling things around and updating the look. I believe interesting people create interesting homes. Remember it's your home, do not worry about what anyone thinks. Enjoy the process, really take the time to find out what you want. Your home should be a reflection of the people who live in it.

Pictures of rooms I love:

(images: Balastrade and Bitters, Country Living, Cottage living, Hooked on Houses)

These rooms all have lots of color and character, nothing too stuffy or over decorated. Yes, they have a lot of stuff, but everything looks so personal and collected. I would be happy living with all these rooms.

Crafty Lady

Alright... I am not all that crafty, I can't sew, knit or crochet.

But, I am always trying to find new uses for small inexpensive treasures.

Clip on Earrings
I found a box of these at one of my favorite junk shops

These are great for adding a little bling to a lampshade,

Or holding up a window shade

they also can dress up a shoe.