It's That Time of Year!

Spring is finally here and I can't wait to open the windows and let in the fresh air.
I think I am one of those crazy people who really likes cleaning.
I love making my things look new and fresh by cleaning and properly caring for them.
I also think its important in 2011 to clean and repair if possible.
Here are some great tools that are beautiful as well as functional.

All of these are available at:
http://www.bellocchio.com/catalogue/maison/

Once you have cleaned and donated gently used items its important to store them properly with labels!

Remember to take your time, have fun and be thankful.
JWS

Stop by Rustigian Rugs for Their Spring Sale!

I just wanted to thank Roz, Eddie, and Erich for all their help today in ordering two area rugs for the guest suite.
Located in Providence, Rustigians has been selling new and vintage rugs since 1930.
They also provide repair services if you need them.
They are currently having their spring sale so check out their website or visit them in person. There is plenty of parking!
www.rustigiansrugs.com

Speaking of a decorating job...

Take a look at these "inspired" interiors!
I can't decide if they are awful or if they will be the next hot scheme in a New York restaurant.

WHAT is happening in here.
I feel like I am in a underground prison. Wow, that is a lot of mirror.
Do you think the upholstered seats are easy to clean?

OK, look at the tubes in the corner. I think they are cardboard...I see why maroon and beige never really caught on residentially.

Speaking of residential interiors, what was with brown in the seventies? Was there a shortage of other, less offensive colors? I mean nothing says light and fresh like brown, yellow and orange.

Has anyone seen my zebra?

And you thought you had seen it all. Yes, the window casing is upholstered! I think this person was dead inside. Very, very dead.

A friends office comes together...

Here are two shots of a quick decorating job on the East Side of Providence.

A whimsical "golden stump"under a amazing, thought provoking painting.

Are those SLS pillows? Great job SLS! They look amazing with the woven paper floor lamp shade and more amazing art.

10 tips on how to survive a shopping trip to IKEA

My mom came to visit me this past Sunday and she mentioned that she would like to take a trip to IKEA.

I immediately felt anxious and overwhelmed. It's not that I don't like to shop, or spend time with my mom, I just find the experience a little too extreme. So I thought that I would make a list of tips that would help make the IKEA experience more enjoyable. 

1. Don't go hungry. Healthy blood sugar is essential to making healthy decisions. While those Cinnamon buns smell great, in about 20 you're gonna crash like the stock market in the twenties. Bring a apple or some granola. 

2. Bring your own shopping bag. IKEA is a European company so they don't give away plastic bags that clog our landfills and get trapped in trees. Can you imaging having trash stuck in your hair?

3. Do your homework. Go online, shop the catalog and bring key measurements. I am super proud of you Mom for doing this without me suggesting it!

4. Do not go with more than one person. There are way too many people aimlessly milling about the store to begin with. And please get a babysitter or at least bring your kids to that kid jail they pretend is fun and sanitary.

5. Take Airborne! There are ALOT of people who touch things and unfortunately not all of them wash their hands.

6. Get there early. 

7. Bring a stress ball or flask. You will get bumped, cut off, and rammed into. Just take a nip and push through it.

8. Prepare yourself for disappointment. Chances are there is a part or part that is not in stock. Its part the the IKEA ritual. And if you have to return something see rule number 6.

9. Know your cars/transport capacity. This is crucial. Nobody likes to sleep on a mattress that has road burns.

10. Stop and edit what is in your bag, in your cart, or in your hands. Chances are you don't need it, and if you do, remember there is a reason why it is so inexpensive.

I had a great time Mom!

JWS