Top 10 Decorating renews for 2010

1.  Paint your front door a fresh new color.

My favorites colors for this year are....

Benjamin Moore Moroccan Red - 1309

Benjamin Moore Evening Sky - 833

2.  Add new colorful pillows to your couch, chairs or bed. 
 I only use "down" pillows.  They make everything feel cozy.

Here are a few pillows that I love!

The above two are from World Market

The above 2 are from Wisteria

3.  Purchase some china mugs
There is nothing like drinking tea, coffee or hot chocolate out of a china mug.
My favorite bone china mugs are by Roy kirkham.  They are lightweight and thin and come in so many different themes.  I have Christmas ones that I bring out each year and LOVE.
I'm known for my selection by my friends.  They love to choose what mug they want each time they are here, depending what mood they are in.

What guy wouldn't love these.  I need to get some of these this year. Your mugs can't all be girlie.

4.  Train yourself to find a place for everything.  Get organized.

I'm still trying to get organized.  It's always a struggle.  However, once you get in a routine, it makes your life so much easier when you know where to find things.

This year I would love to create a wrapping station for birthday gifts, etc.  Love the above idea.

Items above found at Ballard Designs

5.  Update your mantel

For this you don't have to buy new items.  Take everything off your mantel and start from scratch.  Find items from around your house to change it up a little.  Most of the time few items are better.  2 large urns vs. a bunch of little items is key.  Place a mirror on the mantel (leaning) or a painting and that's all you need.  Try shopping in your home for fresh ideas.  Large candlesticks are a great idea too.  Of course, If I helped you, I would add an eclectic touch.  I just want to encourage you to start fresh this year and try doing it yourself.

6.  Add a mirror to your space.

You can never have enough mirrors.  Purchase different shapes and sizes.  They can add so much character to a home.   Here are a few of my all time favorites.

Get creative with your shapes and finishes.

A grouping of mirrors is always interesting too.  These would also look great on a mantel.

7.  Invite Greenery into your home

Not only is the greenery what adds character it's the vase it's in.  Greenery makes a house come alive.

Greenery mixed with some color is even better.  If you have a grand entry or a great big dining table, wouldn't this arrangement be gorgeous?  I would love this in a large niche too.  I love the bench this arrangement is placed on.  The formal arrangement against the stone, on the bench makes it have a whimsical feel.  This is what I enjoy!

8.  Add a touch of modern to your home.

 A little can go a long way.

Even if your home is traditional, a little touch of modern can really add a "new" updated look.

9.  Update your hand towels and dishtowels
Some dishtowels and hand towels cost just a few dollars.  They can make your kitchen feel "new" and add a freshness to your space.

See Etsy for many handmade ones that are unique.

This is one of my favorites from William Sonoma.

10. Add a new throw to your sofa, chair or bed. 
Throws don't cost much and can add so much class to any space. 

Animal print throws are really fun.  Just don't overdo the animal print.  If your pillows are animal print, then don't have your throw match.  Animal print is often overdone.  Just one item in a room with this amazing print is all you  need.

Grey is perfect for any color scheme too.

The above throws can be found at Dillards.

I hope you have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!  May you be blessed in 2010.  Thanks for following my blog!

Time for some quick changes, it's party time.

BEFORE MANTEL

I have a client that is having a New Year's Party and wanted "a few" updates to her living room.  They were on a tight budget but I was able to add some great touches that were within their budget.  Simplicity was key here and I think it looks really classy.

I redid her mantel, added some accessories, down filled pillows and an arrangement to her dining room table. 

AFTER MANTEL

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE LIVING ROOM

Added some pillows to give some color and personality

AFTER LIVING ROOM

BEFORE KITCHEN DINING

Made her a new arrangement for her table.

AFTER KITCHEN DINING

QUICK CHANGES THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!

Who says it has to cost a fortune?

Did someone say "Perfect"?

Found this Candelabra today while I was out "thrifting".  Came home and was browsing through my Wisteria Catalog I received in the mail today and the exact Candelabra (Iron Candelabrum) I found today was for sale in  the catalog.  What's the chance of that happening?  I was thrilled because I LOVE everything that has the Wisteria name on it.

Go here to see the Wisteria Catalog.

I was happy because I got a "great deal" on mine!  Did someone say perfect?

Sometimes you hit the jackpot, sometimes you don't.  Today was a good day!

I also found the following items for some bookshelves that I'm redoing.  They will be perfect to add some interest, texture, shape and color to the shelves that are currently BORING and cluttered.

This handsome copper urn carries such a dignified presence.

Awesome shape.

This kind of urn is also wonderful for pencils, pens, paperclips, etc.  I've even put pillar candles in them.

Filled with shells, rocks, stones, coral, etc.

Heavy alabaster glass on top of a great pedestal..  I'm going to use this for a floral arrangement or may put it up on a shelf that has a window behind it so the glass is showcased for all to see.

Naturally beautiful.  Found these items separate but love the way they dance together.

Sturdy statement slate cross.

Crafted from iron, this iron candelabra holds 5 taper candles.  However, candles don't have to be used.  It can remain empty or you could add grass balls to the top of them.

Like these.

Truly a stunning silver piece.  I'll polish it up and get it even more beautiful.  Love the etching around the edge.

I see this finial stacked on top of some old books.  Got some of those from my trip to France.

Couldn't pass up this oval beveled mirror!!  Great character.

No room is complete without a little greenery.  I know I'll find the perfect place for these two lovelies.  Maybe I'll even pair them with these birdies I found last month "treasure hunting"

or maybe with these concrete urns..I've got them in my office right now and they are filled with a Christmas ornament and old keys from France.

I love finding items that I love.  Most of the time I don't know where they are going to go or how they are going to be used.  However, if I love the item, I buy it.  It's such fun when you can start pairing things together and find the perfect place for each treasure.

It's time to open up a "Ruthie's Renewed Treasures" storefront.