Formal living rooms will always hold their own against family rooms as one of the most essential elements of a home, both for entertaining purposes and simply for decoration.  Sally Morse, Director of Creative Services for window fashions leader Hunter Douglas and the design expert featured on “Ask Sally & Jen” at www.hunterdouglas.com, offers the following advice on how to adorn a formal living room in homes today:

Traditional versus Contemporary: Just because this room is deemed “formal” does not automatically mean it must have a traditional setting. This room is a reflection of the tastes and styles of the homeowner, both in attitude and furnishings, and should be decorated to suit them.

If you tend towards contemporary looks you will gravitate towards statement pieces; one picture on the wall, for example, versus the eight you might find in a traditional interior.  And, in traditional décor, shapes are more ornate and finishes are mellow – they look as if they have been aged at least a decade.

• Floorcoverings: Luxurious decorations take precedence in the formal living room with the floor serving as the launching pad.  For a more traditional feel, use Oriental rugs in common shades of red, orange, yellow and blue.  For a more contemporary flare, rugs with geometric patterns or exotic animal prints such as black-and-white zebra stripes add a zesty element.

• Window Treatments: Elegance at the window is key, particularly as this room typically resides at the front of the home, giving the first impression of the style of the rest of what’s inside.  Luminette® Modern Draperies from Hunter Douglas feature beautiful woven fabrics that offer the look and function of traditional draperies, while making a consistent, clean, modern statement.  Unlike traditional draperies, they also offer quick delivery, easy motorization options and the Hunter Douglas Lifetime Guarantee.  They’re modern, but with a softness that can work in any design style. 

Luminette Modern Draperies also offer a very popular Dual Panel design where the drapery is combined with sheer fabrics on one headrail.  This allows for the best of both worlds, the rotating fabric vanes of the sheer providing light and privacy control and the drapery providing elegance.

• Walls: Fill this area with decorative items such as gilded mirrors and wall sconces that make the eye wander around the room.  Paint hues should be simple so they do not compete with the furnishings and other decorative elements.  Colors such as taupe, beige or even a light gold work best.  Again, for a more contemporary feel pare down the number of items.

• Final Touches: Finish off the look with important accessories including lamps, antique clocks and decorative books, or even a whimsical chandelier.  Remember quality over quantity, whatever your style, as you want the room to emit elegance, not clutter.

Using these tips, your living room will be fit to entertain in no time.

Tired of always looking for the remote controls? Put a basket or another decorative container on the coffee table or end table and designate that the remote basket. After you turn off the tv, put the remote back where it goes.

If you don’t want to use a basket, here are some remote control organizers that we just love!

• Richards Homewares Black Remote Control Organizer
• Smartworks 6 Pocket Sofa, Couch, Arm Rest Organizer
• Spinning Remote Control Caddy – Brown
• Perfect Solutions Spinning Remote Control Organizer with Picture Frames

It’s that time again, when summer nights come to an end and students gear up for their exciting lives at college. Students used to rely on tapestries and posters to create décor on their dorm’s dull walls but today’s college students have so many other options.  For those who want to bring the sophistication and style of their fashions to their décor, here are a few tips from Paula Berberian, Creative Services Manager for Brewster Home Fashions, producer of WallPops, the premier line of peel-and-stick wall art.

1. Throw Pillows: Easily add color with one or a few pillows to accent your room.  Compliment your room décor with a pop of color or one that matches your bedspread or wall art to add more life to your room.

2. Play with Lights: Dorm room lighting is normally drab and bleak.  Take the initiative to improve your surroundings and buy floor or desk lamps to add a homey touch to your living space.  Also, don’t be afraid to get adventurous and play with stringable lights.  Hanging lights over your bed, around the door or windows can create a fun and playful atmosphere.  Match your lights with the rest of your room décor and you will have a peaceful spot to hang out with friends, study or relax.

3. Use Wall Decals: Try WallPops, removable and repositionable peel and stick wall art.  With WallPops you can bring major style to your white walls.  Try these design ideas:

Sleek n’ Chic: For the more sophisticated individual, create a modern look using “Blackjack” Blox, “Ghost” (white) Blox, and “Sizzlin” (red) Dots to produce a geometric pattern that will make guests feel like they are at a hip urban hotel.

Exotic Safari: Get in touch with your wild side with “Go Wild” zebra print Blox, Dots and Stripes to create a lively and unique atmosphere.

Funky Diva: In need of some additional color in your life? Turn to “Twister” Blox and Dots with “Plush” (purple) Dots to create a fresh retro design.

Bollywood Hollywood: Try “Bali” black-and-white intricate designs with an alternative ethnic Indian feel bringing a cultured feel to college living spaces.  Also, “Carnivale” a red, orange, yellow and brown circular pattern with blossoming floral patterns inspired by Brazilian flowers will brighten your room.

Additionally, use WallPops Dry Erase Message Boards and calendars in various styles and colors to keep yourself on schedule and to easily write reminders and notes to friends.

4. Rugs and Carpets: To add the final homey touch to your room, use a few area rugs or a large carpet to cover those often cold dorm floors.  Use a colorful carpet to add depth to your room and transform your living space into a personalized masterpiece.

By adding these elements to a room, you can go from dull and basic to dramatic and stunning without spending a lot of time or money.

WallPops Dry Erase collections are available at select retailers nationwide from approximately $13 per WallPops Dry Erase Message Board, $13 per Dry Erase Monthly Calendar and $20 per WallPops 4-piece Calendar Set.  Other WallPops collections are available for approximately $12 for a pack of Dots (four or five per pack), $12 for a pack of Blox (four or five per pack), $12 for a 6 ½‘’ x 16’ continuous roll of Stripes, $24.99 per ZooWallogy animal and $29.99 per WallPops Wall Art Kit.

You can now shop online as WallPops has an updated website.  The site – www.wall-pops.com – has been redesigned, expanded and conveniently now has an online store as well as full store listings and additional product information.  Fans can peruse the different styles of peel-and-stick wall art to add easy flair to their home. Additionally, become a fan of WallPops on Facebook to meet other fans and read up-to-the-minute product news.  Visit: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/WallPops/146032655413589?ref=ts.  Or follow them on twitter at http://twitter.com/WallPops

It is a pungent problem that unfortunately happens all-to-commonly in homes across the nation. Towels, clothes and
other fabrics can often harbor a serious stench of mold, mildew and fungus that won’t go away no matter how many times they get washed. Now a new product called Smelly Towel Cleaner can remove those odors from fabrics –  all in a non-toxic, environmentally-friendly manner.  Just a half-teaspoon of Smelly Towel with detergent as a booster will not only remove foul odors, it can also enhance colors and keep towels and clothing looking like new.

Invented by a veteran residential appliance repairman, the company’s original product, Smelly Washer Cleaner attacks the moldy wash machine itself — often times the root cause of the mold problem. When it comes to the washing machine, ironically it is a device that can harbor more fungus than any other place in the home. Fungus spores often collect on residue left behind from detergents and fabric softeners and result in a moldy, mildew-like smell.  One tablespoon of Smelly Washer powder added to a hot cycle can bring a washer back to a healthy state.

Medical experts agree that many fungi and molds can cause serious health problems and should be kept away from sensitive people, the elderly and children. Both Smelly Washer and Smelly Washer will easily remove odor-causing fungus and mold buildup without using harsh chemicals.

Smelly Towel & Smelly Washer sell for $16.99 per 12 ounce/One year suppy bottle at www.smellywasher.com and Amazon.com. They also available nationally at stores such as Ace Hardware; Hardware Hank; Do It Best; Bed, Bath and Beyond and many other retailers.

It’s a product that combines the creativity of the  popular hide-a-key products in lawns and landscaping, but with the  unprecedented security of a solid lock box. The RocLok Hide a Key is the  first faux rock key hiding system to incorporate the security of a  combination lock box with the inconspicuous benefits of the traditional faux  rock key hider. With no batteries to change and a built-in combination lock  with 1,000 combinations, the RocLok provides homeowners peace of mind for  less than one visit from the locksmith.

There are indeed many rock hide-a-keys on the market, as well as a sprinkler hide-a-key product and even the numerous concrete bunnies, turtles or frogs that hide a key. But those are now so common that they are easily sought out and found by burglars and can pose a security problem for homeowners. RocLok provides an easy, effective and affordable solution to that problem.

What also makes the RocLok Hide a Key uniquely beneficial, is that where other faux rocks are small in size and comprised of fiberglass and plastic, the RocLok is a realistic size and weight and the cement based material adapts naturally with its environment.  RocLok comes in many shapes and sizes and ranges in weight from 4 to 12 lbs. RocLok comes in five different rock types to match natural stones in various parts of the country. It is also built to withstand the harshest weather and age naturally like real
rocks and stones.

“As a former real estate broker, I wasn’t fond at all of the key hiding and security options on the market,” says RocLok inventor and company President Ryan Belshee. “Contractor lock boxes were glaringly obvious and frankly easy to break into – and small key hiders were unrealistic looking so they were easy to spot. So I combined the best of both worlds and developed RocLok.”

The RocLok sells for $64.95 and is available at: www.roclok.com as well as a growing number of stores nationally. A store locator page is featured on the site.

Now this is definitely a fabulous find! The Cuisinart Ice-45 Mix-It-In Soft-Serve 1-1/2-Quart Ice-Cream Maker is perfect for these summer months, as well as entertaining your guests and serving them ice cream.

Product Features

Make professional-quality soft ice cream, yogurt, sorbet, and sherbet right at home with this fully automatic, soft-serve ice-cream maker. Simply pour in the ingredients and turn the dial–no chemicals, salt, or ice required. The unit’s double-insulated freezer bowl holds cold temperatures and makes it possible to produce up to 1-1/2 quarts of ice cream in just 20 minutes. Three built-in condiment dispensers allow for adding sprinkles, mini M&Ms, chocolate chips, and other favorites, mixing them right in to frozen desserts as cones and bowls get filled. A unique pull handle sends ice cream swirling out like with an authentic soft-serve machine. Other highlights include a cone holder that holds a stack of pointed or flat-bottom cones, a drip tray, nonskid feet, and removable parts for easy cleaning. An instruction book with recipes comes included. The ice-cream maker measures 10-1/2 by 12-1/2 by 19-4/5 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

Sprinkles, mini-chips and more–the choice is yours. Just pull the tabs on one, two, or three condiment dispensers to add your favorite mix-ins as you dispense into your cone or bowl. Makes any frozen dessert extra delicious.

Bringing the Good Life Home

Cuisinart products are designed to make life delicious all day long. Specialty items, like our Mix-It-In soft serve ice cream maker, offer today’s consumers a variety of menu options, and fun and easy new ways to entertain family and friends.

Cuisinart first came into home kitchens over 30 years ago when it introduced the now legendary food processor. People discovered that routines could be broken and creative cooking quickly became part of the new lifestyle. Preparing fresh ingredients with products that offered easy and interesting new techniques meant healthier meals and more free time.

Today Cuisinart develops products to make every meal memorable. From breakfast toast and coffee to elegant five-course dinners, the preparation and cooking have become a pleasurable part of the total experience. Today’s relaxed lifestyles and the convenience of Cuisinart products make it easier than ever to Savor the Good Life, right at home with family and friends.

Here at HomeFabulous365, we are also about helping YOU look fabulous all year long! Many of us have begun to hit the beach and soak up the sun and splash in the ocean. Going to the beach means a little rest and relaxation but at the same time, you want to look your best.

You never know who you might run into or who you might meet. But not all of us have model perfect bodies and we need a suit that’s comfortable yet has great coverage. You’ll find that in the Speedo Aquatic Xtra Life Lycra Conservative Ultraback Swimsuit.

It’s designed for action and gives a supportive fit whether you’re lying on the sand working on a golden tan or riding out the waves in the water. It’s resistant to the annoying ‘crawl up’ that suits do when they get wet and the lining helps keep you covered.

For those who prefer a suit with a gathered waistline and underwire bra support, the Miraclesuit Women’s Sanibel One Piece Swim Suit fits the bill. The high leg cut and low scoop back are made to flatter the figure and give you confidence that you look great while having fun.

If you like a halter top bathing suit, you’ll find a great one in the Spiegel Shirred One-Piece Halter Swimsuit. This swimsuit has a shelf bra for added support. When you want to don a cover up to step off the sand to grab a bottled water or warm up from the breeze blowing off the ocean, you can do it in style with the Alki’i Misses Halter Top Beach Dress.

You can find it in white or black and in sizes ranging from small to large. Because it’s made from lightweight material, you won’t feel bogged down when you’re wearing this over your suit.

Besides a beach cover up, you can choose a sporty and stylish swimdress too. The Newport News Stone-Trimmed One-Piece Bandeau Swimsuit Dress has a shelf bra as well as an attached panty for water play or simply tanning. This design is also made to fit and flatter larger shapes too. It’s perfect for the getting back into shape after baby days.

No matter what you wear at the beach-a one piece, a bikini, a cover up or a swimdress, some things can sag where you don’t want there to be a sag. For that, you can get Pure Style Girlfriends Women’s Pick Me Up Breast Lift Tape.

Because it’s waterproof, you’ll be able to have that youthful figure no matter how long you play in the water. You can also find this kind of support in the Fashion Forms Bring It Up Breast Lift Tape 3-Pack Accessory.

While you’re out there in the sun, don’t forget to protect your scalp and eyes from the glare of the sun. You don’t want a nasty sunburn on the top of your head and you don’t want to the sun’s rays to affect your vision. So make sure you grab a hat and sunglasses. You’ll be shielded in style with the Cherry Red Wide Brim Cotton Floppy Beach Sun Hat.

There’s something that is just so delicious and tempting about the taste of slow cooked, smoked foods, and if you get excited about real smokehouse flavor and the taste of barbecue that’s slow cooked to perfection, then you need to get the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker.

Barbecue grills can give you great grilled meals with a wonderful, smoky-grilled flavor. But grills aren’t capable of handling certain tasks like the Smokey Mountain Cooker can.

Consider this scenario: you have a large family and a long list of friends that you want to invite over for a Saturday afternoon cookout. The Smokey Mountain Cooker can tackle and entire smoked ham and Thanksgiving or summertime turkey as well – at the same time! How’s that for feeding a hungry crowd?

If you’re into putting together crowd-pleasing barbecues for all of your favorite people, then you need something that can handle the job. And this cooker will give results that are unmatchable – moist, tender meat and poultry with a delicate, smoky flavor every time.

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is made of premium grade steel with a porcelain-enameled coating. The two cooking grates are nickel plated and each measure a roomy 18 and a half inches in diameter provide plenty of area for whole turkeys, chickens, hams, or whatever is making your mouth water.

And there’s also a two and a half gallon water pan that steams your food during the cooking process, assuring that every morsel is juicy and moist. Reviewers of this Weber cooker love the nice, wide door that enables easy access and maneuvering for adding charcoal and wood chunks.

And the door’s spring-loaded latch let’s you know that it’s securely closed. Also appreciated by reviewers is the included thermometer that makes it easy to check internal temperature, and the handle on the lid that resists the heat so you don’t get burned. A 10-year limited warranty completes the list of things that reviewers enjoy about the Smokey Mountain Cooker.

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is made for ease of use and durability, along with being made to provide you with the means to create the best and most delicious slow-cooked barbecued meals you can imagine.

Its size and roomy interior allow for cooking large birds, and multiple types of food at once. You can adjust the cooker as needed for slower cooking, more of a smoked flavor, and moisture. And the 10-year limited warranty gives you confidence that this cooker is an investment in eating, entertainment and enjoyment.

Do you love to barbecue for big crowds? Do you love to entertain during the summer? Is your backyard the place that everyone gathers on the weekends for fun and food? If so, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is the thing you need to create fantastic smokehouse-style meals!

Daisies make me happy and that’s why they are in my living room, a place I spend a lot of time in. You might be thinking I am talking about daises in a vase filled with water. Nope. I am talking about daisies on my wall.

Aren’t these fabulous? I have had so many compliments on these since I have put them up. They are from a company called Umbra and they have some great wallflower designs to choose from. My favorite, obviously, are the daisies. They also have pink, blue, chrome and even dragonflies to hang on your wall.

You can check out their entire line of wall decor here.

It’s fun to think outside-the-box when it comes to decorating and hanging up these daisies, which you can put little pictures of your family inside, is definitely out of the ordinary. It’s one of the first things people see when they walk into my house and I just love them.

They are super easy to hang up. You just push a magnetic tac in the wall and the flowers go on with magnets. I have red accents in my living room, so the red inside the flowers really brought that out.

This is a super simple and inexpensive way to make it look like you went to a lot of trouble to decorate a room, but you didn’t. Now that’s my kind of decorating!

*Disclaimer – Umbra sent Home Fabulous 365 the wall decor to review. We were not compensated in any way and the review represents our opinion of the product.*

]]> http://homefabulous365.com/2010/06/18/wallflower-wall-decor-from-umbra/feed/ 1 http://homefabulous365.com/2010/06/18/let-the-black-and-decker-lawn-hog-mow-down-your-wiley-weeds/ http://homefabulous365.com/2010/06/18/let-the-black-and-decker-lawn-hog-mow-down-your-wiley-weeds/#comments Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:52:25 +0000 Julie http://homefabulous365.com/?p=330

You can make lawn care as hard and grueling or as easy and convenient as you want. It’s really up to you. If you want to make things easier, you’ll want to use the Black & Decker Lawn Hog to keep your grass evenly mowed, unsightly weeds at bay, and clippings picked up and out of the way, or mulched back into your grass to provide future nutrients.

The Black & Decker Lawn Hog works perfectly for small to medium sized yards, and lets the ecologically conscious, as well as the convenience conscious, enjoy mowing with less energy used and less time spent on adding gas and servicing gas-driven lawn mower engines.

A powerful electric motor provides plenty of power for a clean cut, even in deep and wet grass. And because it is electric, the Lawn Hog is quieter and produces much lower emissions than its gas-driven counterparts. You never have to worry about running out of gas. You simply plug in your Lawn Hog and go.

The Black & Decker Lawn Hog mower cuts a 19-inch swath with every pass, and you can adjust your mowing height from one and one quarter inches to three and one half inches. A push of a button lowers or raises all four wheels.

Besides being more ecologically friendly, this is a comfortable mower to use. The handle features a cushioned grip, meaning that you’ll experience less vibration while mowing your lawn. This is safer, and helps keep you from getting fatigued. Plus, the handle can be adjusted to fit your height so you can use a comfortable, straight posture while mowing.

One of the nicest features of the Lawn Hog is that you have a choice as to whether you will bag your lawn clippings or mulch them. The detachable bag allows you to easily collect lawn clippings and then dump them into your compost pile or a lawn waste bag. Or, if you like, you can leave the bag off and let the Lawn Hog mulch the clippings back into your lawn.

Storage is a breeze too. The Black & Decker Lawn Hog is compact in size to begin with, and the handle folds when not in use. This makes for easy storage in a small corner of the garage or shed.

And because Black and Decker is confident in the quality of the Lawn Hog, they cover it with a full two-year warranty. Even small and medium sized lawns can be difficult to keep up with.

But the Black & Decker Lawn Hog offers you unsurpassed convenience and ease of use when it comes to mowing your lawn and keeping things looking neat and weed-free. You can use this maintenance-free electric mower to mow and mulch, or mow and bag. Either way, you’ll enjoy a cleanly cut lawn every time with the Black and Decker Lawn Hog.