A Sunroom in need of sun!

So today I've been thinking about the SUN.

It's March 1 and the sun has been shining here in my part of NC. However, the Weather Man is calling for gray skys and snow tomorrow! Burr! I'm so ready for Winter to be over. I'm looking forward to Spring and so I'm not gonna let a

little snow dampen my desire to fluff the house with a little

touch of sunshine and whimsy.

Floral prints, birds, butterflies and bright colors are everywhere! I was at my neighborhood TARGET store this weekend and found these adorable little toss pillows. Now my sunroom is in need of a little sun and I think the best place to start is with some bright sunny color to replace the browns, deep greens and muted orange that I have been living with since October.

Let's take a look...

This oblong pillow is feather filled and oh so soft. I love the bright clear brown,yellow, orange and yes, that's right - pink color scheme of this pillow and all on an ivory background. The butterfly really caught my eye too. Now this isn't a commercial for TARGET but I really loved the Spring accessories they have displayed right now! These colors are just what I need to add

panache to my sunless sunroom.

A collection of mini-pillows in accent fabrics tie together red, yellow, peach, pink, orange, white and green. I couldn't make these little guys for what they are on sale for so...

I might just have to add these to my ever growing collection of pillows!

I love this big floral medallion print. This would be perfect on my yellow, white and green striped sofa.

Fun patterns and colors are just what the Decorating Doctor ordered but before I go spending money on these little beauties, I'm gonna check some other outlets to see if I can find anything similar or maybe even some fabric remnants to make my own. I might try making slipcovers for my existing pillows. That would save a bundle I bet. Most of these pillows were between $9-25 dollars. I figured $100 would take care of what I would need for the sofa,

loveseat and my wicker side chair.

Stay tuned in this week to see what happens. My next post will be some before pics of my sun room dressed for fall. I must warn you it's a little sad. Once Christmas was over, things sort of looked ho-hum! New window treatments are much needed and I would love to update the look with plantation shutters but that's not in the budget right now so I've got my eye on some bamboo roll shades and I'm thinking that a nice topper would do the trick.

Who knows what I'll end up with but until then,

Live Life Beautifully

Alisa

It's A New Season!

Well hello! Welcome back to Carolina Panache.

I've been on a two month sabbatical and tomorrow brings the dawn of a brand new season! No, I know spring doesn't officially start until March 20th but for me and my family a new season starts March 1st! I've missed being able to share and create with you. I thank all of you for your e-mails, comments and concern. I had almost decided to give up blogging until my BFF reminded me about

gifts...so such that I have, I will give Here the sun is rising on my new season. My son took this picture while out walking the nature trails surrounding our development. No matter what you are dealing with, it seems that the sun is always gonna rise tomorrow.

And that same sun tends to set as well. Sometimes we have to recognize when the sun is setting on a season that is over and be willing to accept that in the morning a new day will dawn and a new season will begin.

I hope you will join me tomorrow as I embark on a new leg of my journey.

Spring is just around the corner and it's time to get the house ready! Light, bright color and pattern is the name of the game for my house this year. We'll see if we can find some inspiration...

Until then,

Live Life Beautifully,

Alisa

Happy 2010! The beginning of a fresh, new decade!

Happy New Year!

Wow! Am I glad that 2009 is over and 2010 has officially begun! Now that’s a change for me. I usually am not the person wishing away time or longing for the New Year however this year I was definitely ready for a change and with the New Year will come a change in scenery. Once the holiday décor is packed away, the house will need some added warmth as we snuggle down inside to wait out the cold winter months ahead. I typically start taking down my holiday décor on January 2nd. Tomorrow my game plan is to start with the formal living room and dining rooms. This is where I use the most traditional décor and lots of RED. Once that is packed away, the rooms will feel bare and a little lifeless. To add back that needed warmth, here are my top 4 tips I live by:
1. Add warmth by including darker, richer color. I like to add pillows and throws in colors like chocolate, evergreen or ruby. These colors complement my décor but deep shades of caramel, navy or plumb would be lovely at this time of year too!
2. Include cozy accents. I break out the handmade crocheted afghans that my Mother-in-law, Ann, has made me. Keeping them draped on the back of chairs or sofas make them handy when Old Man Winter brings a chill to the air. If your upholstery is springy or summery, try adding a slipcover in a darker shade to cozy up your space.

3. Cover your windows. I like to hang heavier window treatments during the winter months. The benefits are two-fold: 1) heavy weight fabrics help to insulate against winter’s cold temperatures and 2) adding color and pattern keeps the winter blahs at bay. Nothing is more depressing to me than bare trees and gray horizons!

4. Use greenery generously. After taking down my holiday wreaths, garlands and swags, I always feel that my home is naked. A few years ago, I started keeping evergreen wreaths and garlands (less the holiday glam and glitter) displayed through the end of February. Adding fresh touches of cedar, pinecones, natural holly and magnolia leaves gives a full, lush look that is perfect all winter long. Another fun trick is to add twigs of pepper berry in vases and pots throughout the house to punch up natural elements and add interesting color and texture.
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I hope to share some before and after pictures with you later this next week as I prepare my own home for the winter months ahead. What are some of the ways that you cozy up your nest after the holidays? Please share your best tips for adding stylish winter warmth!
Until I see you again,
Live Life Beautifully!
~Alisa