I LOVE design books.  I believe you can never have too many…okay maybe that is an overstatement. The larger books look great displayed on a coffee table (and so do the small ones and the medium).  Let’s agree, we all have them on our bedside tables—not to mention all over our office, on our desk, shelves and the list goes on and on.  No wonder there are tons of different bookend designs.  Here are just a few, some just for fun and others that would be great in any space.  Enjoy!!

Here is where they came from:

1. Fine Home Products
2. Design Within Reach
3. Velocity Art and Design
4. Etsy
5. Restoration Hardware
6. Etsy
7. West Elm
8. Chiasso
9. Jonathan Adler
10. Restoration Hardware

Have you noticed that the color turquoise (and many closely related) is everywhere right now? It has been named the color of 2010 by Pantone’s executive director. It was the obvious choice because it’s soothing and makes people think of being on vacation. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your home.

PAINT- it is the easiest and most cost effective way to transform any room.  You can even create a great focal wall by just painting it and leaving the rest alone.

Give your home some Spring curb appeal by painting the front door and maybe even the shutters. 

Here are all kind of things.  One or two will give your home an updated look.

Sources:
1. Christina Table Lamp by Bungalow 5 from Clayton Gray Home
2. Blue Beaded Globe from Pieces
3. Vintage French Glass chandelier from Revival Home & Garden
4. Mira sofa from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
5. Vince and Vincent Lamp from Stray Dog Designs
6. Zebra Waste Basket and Tissue Set from Clayton Gray Home
7. Lacquer Umbrella Stand from Jonathan Adler
8. iittala mug from AllModern
9. Turquoise Glass Jars from Grace Home Furnishings

Sources:
1. Lush square pillow by Unison from AllModern.com
2. Turquoise Vases from Jayson Home & Garden
3. Large lucite frame from Dabney Lee at Home
4. Azure pillow from John Robshaw
5. Writing Desk from Russell and McKenna
6. Amanda Blue quilt by Roberta Roller Rabbit
7. Turquoise Pill Carafe from Jonathan Adler
8. Cyan pillow from John Robshaw
9. Ginny Shower Curtain from India Rose
10. Turquoise Moroccan pouf from John Derian
11. Turquoise Art Deco lamp from Target

If you are worried about being too trendy rest assured that this color has been around as long as this door.

Just a few tried and true design tips.  Enjoy!

Each room should have at least one unique piece that has a special meaning to you (even if it doesn’t match the decor of the room).

If the pillows made for your sofa look better on your bed, switch them.

When you can’t find the right coffee table, switch your search to dining tables and cut the legs.

Wallpaper the ceiling – it’s the largest visible surface in the room.

Buying green is great, but working with what you already have is even better.

Setting the table with mis-matched vintage china patterns is more glamorous than a table that looks like a store display.