Hello everyone.
It’s time to recap the happenings of design themed ideas from HomeSpirations for the month of July.
We had a little bit of event fever and explored things from Olympic designs to Independence day and we even celebrated with some guests posts. Here is a recap of the month.
Olympic Design Fever, July 2, 2012
The Olympic games are the most celebrated sporting event in the world because of its demand for excellence from the competitors and from the city who will host the games. It takes a considerable amount of funding, urban planning, engineering, architectural design and public involvement for any city to host such a huge event. Click here to read more about it.
Happy Independence Day! July 4, 2012
In honor of Independence Day, I would like to show you some extremely colorful firework displays from our Nation’s Capital. I thought I would do something different and start today’s article with a few fun facts. Test your knowledge of Independence Day here.
HomeSpirations Movie~An Architectural Wonder! July 6, 2012
We’re going to view a 5,330 square foot house, it is a mountain retreat that was built between 1936 and 1939. In 1991, the American Institute of Architects, named this house the best all-time work of American architecture. In 2007, it ranked it 29th on the list of America’s Favorite Architecture. It’s referred to by architectural critics as a house ahead of it’s time. Watch it here.
Reading Nooks and nifty designs. July 9, 2012
Reading nooks are comfortable, quiet places to retreat to and curl up with a good book. You can create a nook anywhere you like in your home. See the beautiful pictures here.
Let’s Talk Energy Efficiency. July 11, 2012
It’s always interesting and educational to read what’s new in eco-friendly tips and products for homes during the summer months. Today’s post is all about ways to be energy efficient within your home without spending too much money. Click here to learn more.
HomeSpirations Movie~The Fascinating Nemours Estate. July 13, 2012
Today’s movie involves a gorgeous mansion in Delaware that was built during the period of architecture known as the Beaux Arts period. The style combined classical Greek and Roman architecture with Renaissance ideas. See the movie here.
HomeSpirations Newsletter~2nd Edition. July 16, 2012
Wow! Would you believe another month has come and gone! I hope you enjoy this issue and, as always, I appreciate your feedback. All comments are welcomed either on the blog posts itself or on my Facebook page. As our current prize winner, Lynn Giampalo, discovered. It certainly does pay to be an engaging reader. Read more.
Guest Blogger Jessica on Decorating with Stripes. July 18, 2012
I’m doing something totally different today; I’m handing over my writing pen to a guest blogger, Jessica, from Arcadian Lighting. I hope you enjoy these beautiful interiors! Read more.
HomeSpirations Movie~Driving in Style. July 20, 2012
I know that some families enjoy driving across the country in a RV. It is their home away from home, where they can sleep, cook and entertain. Click here to see the movie.
Decorating Small Bathrooms and Prize Giveaway. July 23, 2012
I’m going to focus on small bathrooms and how you can make them look bigger and better with color and design tricks. For a small bathroom, you want maximum impact for a limited amount of space. I’m giving away a $40 gift certificate to The Container Store. It’s one of my favorite go-to stores for ideas on colorful ways to organize your home. Read more.
Eco-Day~Green Walled Homes. July 25, 2012
Green walls are either free-standing or part of a building, and they are defined as having some sort of vegetation growing directly on them. Green Walls are conceptualized by architects who have taken on the challenge to make homes more environmentally friendly. See these homes here.
HomeSpirations Movie~Let’s Do Museums. July 27, 2012
Here’s a question for you, are you looking for something cultural to do? How about visiting a museum? There’s nothing more enjoyable than spending an afternoon lost in the beauty and splendor of priceless works of art and sculptures. I’m going to showcase museum architecture, from the classical to the modern. See them here.
Doll-house designs and Prize Winner. July 30, 2012
Doll houses create hours of playing and entertaining for many girls with their friends as they grow up. I’m so happy and pleased to announce the winner of the $40 gift certificate to The Container Store, her name is Manda Overturf Shank. Congratulations, Manda! See these wonderful dollhouse inspirational interior designs here.
Phew! A lot to read, but I had so much fun writing.
Design Tips:
Thinking of re-decorating your home office? Not sure what colors you should try? Here are some color design tips for you:
- Blue can be calming and can lower your pulse rate while increasing productivity.
- Green creates a serene, soothing atmosphere, which can relieve stress.
- Red and orange promote excitement and enthusiasm.
- Purple is thought to promote artistic creativity.
- Yellow is cheerful.
- Light browns and greys deliver a feeling of serenity.
- Darker browns provide a stoic, earthy atmosphere.
