The Jewel Box Home

Bleak Start to the New Year

2012-01-15T22:18:00.000-08:00

I have not posted in a long time. Why? I keep waiting for good news to report so I can keep Jewel Box® upbeat and fun. So far, 2012 has been bleak.

Two contracts have been written on my mother-in-law's house and both have fallen through at inspection.
My youngest son has told us, "why should I work hard in school or even go to college? That has not worked out so well for you and Dad. What is the point? You are middle-aged and miserable. Why would I want that? NO THANKS! I'm going to do whatever I want and be happy.
My husband has now been unemployed for 3 years and 5 months. No prospects in sight.
We don't have money to pay the mortgage this month or my oldest son's last semester of tuition.

And that is the state of the Jewel Box® Home on Sunday, January 15, 2012. In our house, the American Dream is Officially dead. I'll leave you with a poem I wrote over the last week:

Beautiful flawed children,

harnessed to the mistakes of their parents.

Strong broken women weeping in the shadows.

Broad-backed idle men searching with vacant eyes.

Thinking, whispering, but we did the right thing,

we followed the rules...

Genevieve

Christmas Angels

2011-12-05T15:54:00.000-08:00

It's the simple things that make Christmas time special for me. Especially when it comes to decorating. There is nothing better than simple and easy! My favorite holiday display is also the simplest and is found on my black cabinet just inside the backdoor to my kitchen. Green, white and silver colors combine to create a subtle Christmas theme. The angel is from my mother-in-law's house and the watering can I have used for many years. The white urn, which usually holds my ivy topiary, is a perfect container for a rosemary 'Christmas' tree.

Close-up of brass angel.

Just outside my kitchen backdoor is another angel, also from my mother-in-law's house. This is a garden angel whose basket I have filled with greenery. I can see her from the bay window in my kitchen.

Garden angel.

For the holiday season, I have come to think of these little guardians as my Christmas angels.

Next time, decorating the Christmas Tree: Step Two, putting on the lights.

Genevieve

Decorating the Christmas Tree - Step One

2011-11-28T17:25:00.000-08:00

Last year I did not put up a Christmas tree. The stress of 2010 had worn me out and I couldn't face the effort of putting up holiday decorations, let alone take them down at the end of the season. It was just all too daunting!

2011 has been as stressful as 2010, but I decided to once again have a tree for the holidays. Usually I wait until the week before Christmas to 'deck the halls', but this year I started much earlier. Yesterday I bought the tree! And I'm so glad I did. For the first time in my married life, there is no pressure to get the tree done. I have over three weeks to finish. Love it!

Decorating the Tree - Step One

Those of you who have an artificial tree, can skip this post. And for the sheer ease of decorating and storage, I highly recommend an artificial tree. I really considered going 'fake' this year. But the tree I liked was just too expensive.

I don't have a preference for live trees over artificial trees. Both are lovely and also have pros and cons. But let me know what you think.

Getting back to decorating the tree. For a live tree, the first step is pruning and shaping the branches to make room for lighting and ornaments. Many people skip this step, but it only takes a few minutes and is worth the effort.

Shaping a Live Christmas

Clip the tips of branches that 'stick out too far' from the desired triangle shape.
Create room for ornaments by pruning branches near the trunk that overlap.
Trim the tip of the tree crown to a height that will fit your 'tree topper'. For trees that have two or more tips at the crown, prune until only one tip remains.

Shaping the tree.

Checking my work.

Making adjustments.

Branches pruned from the tree.

The final shape.

Next post, Decorating the Tree - Step Two, lighting.

Before I go, look at the gorgeous table my sister set for Thanksgiving!

And the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, gravy, homemade rolls and homemade pies were delicious!

Genevieve

Quick Thanksgiving Appetizer

2011-11-23T22:43:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning I'm driving to Iowa and spending Thanksgiving with my sister and her family. She is doing all the cooking and all I have to do is show up. How great is that!

Before I leave, here is a great quick appetizer I tried tonight after hearing about it on NPR. It only takes a few minutes and is really good.

Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme

Cut the top off a round of brie. Any generic store brand will work.

Place the brie in a microwaveable serving container and drizzle the top with 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey.

Chop one tablespoon of fresh thyme and sprinkle on top of the honey. Dried thyme also will work.

Microwave the brie on high until warm. I found that 30 to 50 seconds in the microwave on worked well. Baking in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes should yield similar results.

Serve with crackers or crusty baguette slices.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Genevieve

Staging A Smaller House For Sale

2011-11-17T00:32:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to everybody who left comments on 'The Chair Project' post! I so appreciate your thoughtful comments and kind words. June and Laney, I always look forward to your notes and pep talks. And my two favorite gals from Iowa, Judy and Kelley, I'm so glad you keep stopping by. Jill, Joyce and Stellans, your warm wishes for my family are so very much appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to write!

Some of you know that over the past few weeks I have been decluttering and staging my mother-in-law's house for sale. The first open house was held just last Sunday.

Here are old photos showing the house before staging. This is the entryway and living room. Notice the green carpet and furniture placement.

Again, notice the green carpet and clutter in the room. Too much furniture and too many accessories. And yes, that is me with my oldest as a baby. The last two photos show the den and kitchen.

Here is the house after staging. I pulled up the carpet, with help from my husband Rick. Eliminated most of the furniture and rearranged the rest. All the living room and dining room furniture is over 40 years old, but a few new accessories (from my house) brought out the best in these old pieces and make for a terrific art deco look.

Here is the kitchen staged for sale. Keeping it simple was and clean was the goal. I used only white and silver accessories that focused on the Italian coffee and espresso tradition.

The small den/study is right off the kitchen. This is the same room as shown above in the photo with the pheasant. The clutter and two oversized couches were removed to leave a light filled room with a modern feel.

In the bathroom, there was nothing to do but go 100% with the art deco theme. And it worked!

In the master bedroom upstairs, I removed all but four pieces of furniture, the bed, night stands and chest of drawers. I replaced the lighting with lucite lamps and black shades from Cost Plus. The bedding is also new from TJ Maxx. The modern clock is original to the house.

It's difficult to overstate how much furniture and clutter were in the upstairs bedrooms which were used almost exclusively as storage. But after staging, the rooms looked terrific. Here the second bedroom which was organized to look like a young boys room. The Borsalino hat and hat box belonged to my father-in-law. Again, the bedding is from TJ Maxx.

The third upstairs bedroom was staged as a nursery. The gray castle was built by my son's great-grandfather. The chairs are antiques from my house with fresh cushions.

If you would like to see the complete listing click here. Let me know what you think.

Genevieve

The Chair Project

2011-10-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? Wallowing in self pity. I still don't know if we will lose our house. It's month-to-month. But I want to thank June and Laney who email frequently with pep talks, prayers and 'thinking of you' notes! You are my angels! My sister has also been a huge support. Thank you Kelley! And a big hello to Mary who is the 100th Jewel Box® follower! Wow! Mary has a very clever blog you can find at Mary@redo101.

To keep busy, I'm throwing myself into little projects after work. Here is my latest effort, a scroll arm chair.

Jewel Box® Home Scroll Arm Chair

This started as an old chair from my mother-in-law's house. First I cut out the caning on both arms. Next I sanded and weathered the chair using nails, a hammer and a meat cleaver. There is a little too much weathering, but it sure felt good to beat up that chair!

I also sanded the sharp edges of the chair and for the final step, applied a mahogany stain. As you can see, I didn't get the stain on evenly. Oh well, it goes with the eclectic look, right? Here is the completed chair next to the sofa with a foot stool.

And yes, the sofa is faded and needs to be recovered. But that project has to wait.

Enjoy your weekend!

Genevieve

Small Homes, Small Pets

2011-09-29T05:27:00.000-07:00

I have two dogs. Wait, let me rephrase that....my daughters have two dogs. One for each girl. A Chihuahua named Olive and a Miniature Pinscher named Missy. They are simply darling. They drive me insane on a daily basis. And that is putting it mildly. While I'm typing this, the Min Pin is staring at me as I sit on the couch with my laptop pleading with her eyes for me to allow her on the forbidden furniture. She thinks I don't know that she gets on the couches when we leave. I ignore this breach of trust between the two of us as long as she keeps her mouth shut to my daughter about how I shut her in the bedroom when they are gone sometimes. Its an unspoken agreement. The Chihuahua is currently licking the same spot on my rag rug with the embroidered roses over and over and over. Something must have spilled there. She pauses mid lick to look at me when I hiss at her to cut it out and immediately resumes her licking.

Missy whines when we're gone. Jumps up and down like an acrobat when its supper time and she's about to be fed, occasionally gets in the trash and chews up discarded cheese wrappers and lunchmeat packages and barks every time someone walks by on the sidewalk outside the big picture window. Olive is a licker and a barker and a sneezer and a chewer and a couch sitter. She doesn't even try to hide it like Missy does.

Crazy. They drive me crazy.

But we love them. They are family. What would we do without our furry friends? I find that keeping pets in a small home is a common problem and one that is gaining more attention, especially as people downsize or choose to live in more urban areas and occupy duplexes, apartments and smaller homes.

I dedicate this post to animals well suited for small home living. Pros and cons. I'll try not to outnumber the pros with the cons as I'm highly irritated at my dogs right now. Missy got in the bathroom trash today. She's grounded.

I am not a fan of reptiles. Not turtles, lizards, or dare I say it...snakes! Eeek! However many people love them and they are ideally suited for small home dwellers. Their habitat is nice and confined aaaaand they don't bark or shed. However, they need a lot of attention in the form of cleanliness in their environment. Let's face it...they stink if not properly cared for and we all know every smell is accentuated in a small home. They don't cuddle, though. And you can't walk one around the neighborhood on a leash. Well, I suppose you could...

Gerbils, hamsters and mice are also ideal for small spaces. They need only a wheel to run around and around and around (and around) on with fresh food and water. Again, their cages need to be cleaned so frequently that it is almost a daily chore. My daughter had a white mouse named Elephant when she was around five years old and it would kick its little wood shavings out of its cage so often that I just stored the Dustbuster in a drawer under the table that its cage sat on. Also it creeped me out with its beady little eyes.

I love birds! Love them! I think they are beautiful and I love listening to them sing. They also are messy and honestly, birds can require as much attention as a dog or cat in the form of petting and being spoken too. Cockatiels can be especially sensitive and molt if neglected. And some live for up to 40 years! We had two parakeets named Lucy and Ethel years ago and I adored them. They would come out of their cage and fly around the living room in the evenings sometimes. Once when we came home from a short road trip we let them out and as we were carrying in our luggage, they flew right out the back door. I choose to think of them in a nest in the trees in our backyard and I like to think they pay us the occasional visit now and again.

Hermit crabs! Not cuddly, but extremely low maintenance and you can decorate their shells with non-toxic paint! Just ask your vet or the pet store before you decorate. No harsh dyes or glitters, though!

Did you know you can train your pet rabbit to use a litter box? Its true! I have a fried whose daughter got a bunny five Easters ago in her Easter basket and it uses the litter box and sleeps in a dog bed in her room. She dresses it in little doll dresses and pushes it around in a baby doll stroller. But it chews constantly. They have to give it special snacks and toys to keep its teeth from growing. It chewed my friends Manolo Blahnik shoes and now they have a love/hate relationship.

Goldfish. Who gets tired of these sunny fellows? I'm not a fan of cleaning the bowl and you can't hold it in your lap and it doesn't look happy to see you when you come home from a long day at work, but they are fun to watch!

The same for salt water aquariums although the maintenance is much higher!

I love kitty cats and they are ideally suited for small homes. They require little in the form of backyard square footage and once trained to use a litter box they are extremely low maintenance. Most cats shed on furniture, though. Some more than others.

Man's best friend. Just look at that face! There are so many articles and columns written about dogs kept inside the house. Click here for a great article about dogs suited for apartment dwellers. The key to choosing a dog for a small home is to evaluate your needs versus the dogs needs. How much exercise and attention can you give a dog? Each dog is different and some breeds are much more needy than others. When choosing a dog for your small home, I hope everyone does their research. There is nothing sadder to me than a pet that needs to be found a new home once it is discovered that its family didn't fit its lifestyle. Or vice versa.

Whatever your pet of choice, I know that animals enhance my life and I hope that if you love animals you do not let a small home impede your decision to have a pet!

~Amber

Teeny Tiny!

2011-09-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

I am fairy certain that Genevieve has mentioned Tumbleweed Houses in a previous post although I have been searching for the past fifteen minutes and can't locate it. If you are new to The Jewel Box Home Blog, please go and explore their website. Jay Shafer, the author of "The Small House Book" has been living in a closet-like homes for almost fifteen years and has more or less pioneered the Tiny Home Movement. He is a huge advocated of Small Space Living and simplifying your lifestyle. I find him fascinating and inspiring. He is definitely worth at least a perfunctory Google Search!

Apparently Jay parked one of his models, the Popomo, in the middle of Manhattan as he was transporting it to the East Coast this summer. Fox Business News jumped on the opportunity to interview him and the above interview is the end result.

The interview shows some good footage of the home's living room, bedroom and kitchen and showcased the home as an alternate lifestyle. Whether you living a small home out of necessity or personal beliefs, these homes will definitely reduce your carbon footprint.

~Amber

Pantry Makeover in One Afternoon!

2011-09-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Whew! What a whirlwind summer this has been. One of the hottest on record in our part of the world and it flew by before my very eyes and now autumn is just around the corner. Thank you for being patient with our sparse posting these past few weeks. As you know, Genevieve is very busy at this junction in her life and she has asked me to issue a warm welcome on her behalf. Before I show you this marvelous pantry makeover, I just want to tell each one of our readers at The Jewel Box Home that we so appreciate and value your visits. The wonders of the internet make it possible for us to be friends despite the distance between us!

Confession: I am jealous of anyone who has a pantry. My kitchen does not allow for such luxuries as a separate closet for food and household miscellanea. If you have a pantry I hate you. Not really, but maybe a little. I at least covet your pantry. Even in little Jewel Box Homes many of you lucky lucky homedwellers have pantries and will appreciate the catch-all that they become. You simply must go over to Teresa's blog entitled "Whatever" and read her fun account of her afternoon project. Yes, you heard me, she not only reorganized, but wall-papered her pantry in a beautiful design in only one afternoon. She gives the time frames and everything. Its wonderful.

Before

After

And the end result is stunning! Go. Right now.

~Amber

A Prayer for a Little House

2011-07-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

It has been almost three years to the day since my husband lost his job. He has no immediate prospects. My family is now on the verge of losing our home. In the moments when this knowledge pushes its way to the surface, I can't breathe and the room spins. Was there really a time I obsessed about a larger house and looked down on this little place? Now I would do almost anything to keep it.

Amber's post today can be appreciated by anyone with a place to call home...

Joplin, Missouri is just down the turnpike from my hometown. Certainly most of America has seen the news coverage of the devastation left from the tornado that wiped the town out last month. Click here for National Geographic's coverage of the remains of the city.

Some family members of mine lost all they owned in that storm. The home they had lived in for forty years, wedding albums, diplomas, treasured memories, and heirlooms passed down from their parents. It has made me take pause and really appreciate my little home. Count my blessings for the roof over my head and the love that my four walls hold.

A Prayer for a Little House

by Florence Bone

God send us a little home;

To come back to when we roam.

Wooden floors and fluted tiles;

wide windows, a view for miles.

Red firelight and deep chairs;

Small white beds upstairs.

Great talk in little nooks;

soft colors, rows of books.

One picture on each wall;

not many things at all.

God send us a little ground;

Tall trees stand 'round.

Homely flowers in fertile sod;

Overhead, thy stars, O God

God bless thee when winds blow;

Our home and all we know.

Count your blessings!

~Amber

Photos Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Vacation Checklist

2011-07-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Forgot to mention that I'm in Savannah this week on a college visit with my son. Here is a checklist from Amber to cover all those prevacation errands.

Did I turn off the coffee pot? Shut the garage door? Remember to pack my toothbrush? As I prepare to travel on a family vacation, I find myself filled with anxiety before I ever leave the house. This year I am ahead of the game with my checklist. I thought I'd share it with you since 'tis the season for summer travel. As you prepare to leave your little Jewel Box® Home, make sure you get the following checked off your list!

Stop that mail!! Nothing tells a would-be thief that your home is unoccupied like a mailbox crammed with mail and four newspapers in the driveway.

Arrange to have your lawn mowed. Surely some kind neighbor or family member will help you out during your time away! Not only is this also a theft-deterrent, but who wants to come home to yard work?

Set your air conditioner at a higher setting.

Set lights and a radio on a timer. Just an hour or so on at night makes a house look occupied.

Board your pets!

Ask your neighbor to park in your driveway every other day or so.

Before you leave take one last look around and don't forget to turn off that coffee pot and shut the garage door.

Relax and have fun!

It's the Little Things

2011-07-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

It's the little things that bring beauty to a smaller home. Large, flamboyant "stuff" is jarring and out of proportion in tight quarters. Simple everyday objects are an especially beautiful way to add light and color to Jewel Box® spaces.

This morning I cut these white Anabelle hydrangeas and elephant hosta from my garden and arranged them in an old glass vase. Fresh fruit from the grocery store sits on the black cabinet. I especially appreciate this fleeting beauty which only lasts until my boys eat the fruit.

(Yes, that is me on the left taking this photo.)


The green hosta foliage highlights the vibrant white hydrangeas.

Don't be afraid to 'change things up'. I often move my fruit platter from the bay window, to the dining room table and back to black cabinet in the course of a week.

Simple kitchen dish towels can be inexpensive and practical works of art. These lemon towels hang in my powder room above lemon scented soap brought back from Italy by a dear friend.

Close up of kitchen dish towels used in my powder room.

A topiary on the powder room window ledge adds another touch of color and complements green lemon leaves in the dish towels.

Topiary reflected in the powder room mirror.

I firmly believe it is important to bring beauty into any space where you spend time. Not only will it make you feel better, but you will be more productive. These framed tulip postcards, hang on the wall of my small office. The frames are from Blick Art and tulips are one of my favorite flowers.

The colors of this thin geode slice have always fascinated me. Along with polished rocks found in my garden, this stone has followed me from job to job. Here they rest on a black filing cabinet.

Geode and garden stones.

Photos I took of an old Alaskan copper mine, on a trip to visit my brother, hang above the file cabinet.

Close-up of copper mine.

And this is a favorite photo of the Amalfi. Again in a simple black frame.

Amalfi photo detail.

A gorgeous paper weight I received from a good friend over 15 years ago occupies the corner of my desk.

One of my favorite office accessories.

And of course, the most beautiful thing in my life, my family, is captured in photos on shelving directly across from my desk.

May you carry beauty into all the small spaces of your life!

Genevieve

Friendly Friday - Empty Nester

2011-07-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

For this Friendly Friday we are visiting my neighbor Ralph's house. He is a widower with a son in college.

Here is the front lawn decked out for his annual summer get together. Stick around for more party photos. But first, let me show you the beauty of an empty nest.

Ralph's son left for college two years ago. During that time Ralph has transformed his house from a space focused on the needs of a teenager and his friends, into a sophisticated home that caters to adults, but is comfortable for all ages.

The living room sets the tone for Ralph's home with rich olive taupe walls, creating a perfect backdrop for boldly colored artwork. Pine cones are a nod to natural found objects displayed throughout the house.

A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace is the centerpiece of the family room which has the relaxed feel a north woods lodge. The mantel is solid unvarnished ash and the artwork highlights foliage from native trees surrounding the Great Lakes.

Outdoor design elements are carried into the kitchen seating area with iron pine tree stenciling on the overhead lamp and rust colored granite counter tops.

Brick red cabinets and a natural stone backsplash complete the look. A pastel sketch of Ralph's son as a young boy brings a personal touch to the space.

The second floor of Ralph's house has seen the most dramatic change since his son moved out. This office was originally one of three bedrooms. To create this space, the wall between the hallway and bedroom was opened up and a ledge built.

The burnt orange walls are variations on the color schemes used throughout the first floor.

All the photos in Ralph's office picture someone reading a book. Notice that the frames are the same size and are black. This brings symmetry to the room. A close-up of one photo dating from the early 1900s, shows a hospital patient reading while convalescing in bed.

Until two years ago, this upstairs bedroom was used by Ralph's son. Now it is a meditation room! Simplicity is the defining design element. Long gone are the days where sports gear and dirty clothes covered the floor.

Hardware on the cabinet was replaced and the wood stripped bare to blend with the calm natural color scheme of the room.

Small touches, like this sconce, add to the stark beauty of this space.

Ralph has carried the serenity of his meditation room outdoors. This is the view to his garden.

And now for my favorite empty nester home renovation made by Ralph. He took out the bathroom tub and created an adult mini-spa!

Yes, that is marble on the walls. Just beautiful!

Notice the built-in ledge for toiletries. Sigh...

This is my dream bathroom!

Back to the party. The 'Ice Cream Station' with a choice of ice cream and toppings was a huge hit.

And here is one of the youngest guests. Ralph is the elegant bald gentleman in the background. The party was epic!

Enjoy your weekend!

Genevieve

Japan's Micro Homes

2011-07-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

Thank God for Amber! What would I do without her! I owe you all several 'Friendly Friday' posts. But for now, Amber is holding down the fort and here is her fascinating post about Japan's Micro Homes...

While surfing the web on a lazy Sunday morning, sipping coffee and trying to be as non-productive as possible, I wandered over the Jen's Cottage of the Month page as I do around the first of every month. I was delighted to see her current feature on a homeowner in Tokyo! Please run over and visit her right now and see the darling cottage style 70 meter living space that this clever woman has made her own. If you didn't already click the link above then by all means click here and go visit. I'll wait.....

Wasn't it darling??? Doesn't it make you feel a twinge of guilt for ever complaining about your small dwelling space? I am in awe and inspired by a people that willingly sacrifice personal space and live in closet-like areas just so they can stay in their beloved city. Amazing.

Then as I did a little more research and began examining photos and articles, I wondered.....where are the laundry baskets? Where are the phone chargers and stacks of mail and magazines? Where are the pet beds and children's toys? Please tell me they bagged them up and shipped them off for these photos to be taken. Otherwise I'll feel so inadequate as a small-home dweller.

We know the Japanese have a love affair with all things tiny. Two words. Bonsai tree. But some of these homes are amazing in their architectural ingenuity.

Some of these homes are so compact they could probably fit in the garage of an American McMansion.

Because so many young couples with children want to stay in central Tokyo close to the best schools and high-powered jobs, they are forced to build on the tiniest plots of land imaginable. Architects are beginning to specialize in this trend and have named it kyo-sho-jutaku. This new design style is accounting for a large portion of the $1.2 billion dollar architectural design industry.

Tiny home, tiny car. Just have my valet park it on the back patio.

There are stand alone homes and also pre-built aluminum cube homes that can be purchased for around $17,000 and assembled in less than a day. These people mean business!

Where are their phone cords? Trash cans? Dirty laundry? Library books? School papers? Sigh.

I'm inspired by the Japanese commitment to lifestyle and their willingness to make the best of a tight squeeze. I'll never complain about my lack of closet space again. Well....for a while anyway!

~Amber

Getting your hands dirty...

2011-06-22T23:06:00.000-07:00

So sorry there wasn't a 'Friendly Friday' post last weekend. A few days ago Madeline, my mother-in-law, died and yesterday we had the funeral. Madeline raised my children while I worked and was a second mother to me, after I lost my mom over 20 years ago. We are all sad to lose her, but as she said herself, I've had a wonderful 88 years!

This weekend I'm planning two 'Friendly Friday' posts. And here are some great tips from Amber for creating a small garden...

Do you love gardening, but squeezing plants into a small yard seems like too much hassle? Let me show you how to bring your garden dreams to life. Creating a great garden in a small spot is no more challenging than organizing a small closet. The key is planning and research. After determining which type of garden you want ... cottage ... English ... vegetable ... tropical ... herbaceous ... or any combination of these, just do your research, develop a foundation plan and get your hands dirty!

When planning your garden consider the size of plants or trees when fully mature. Will they require much upkeep and if so, are you willing to dedicate the labor required to prune and care for fast growing shrubs and plants? Miniature varieties of arborvitae, boxwood and evergreens are slow growers and require little to no pruning. Many deciduous trees can also be kept small by pruning and shaping.

Cultivating a "weed-free" herbaceous border can be back breaking work. To keep weeds at bay with a minimum of elbow grease and maintain a look of fullness, consider a mix of fast-growing shrubbery such as nandina, or fern wegelia and low growing ground covers.

Sometimes lush rolling lawns are not a homeowners chief desire. This darling backyard gardener used natural stone and raised beds to create a lovely and peaceful landscape with nary a blade of grass to be found!

Embellishments in the form of garden statuary, arbors and fencing make a charming backdrop for a small yard.

This bi-level concrete tiled patio with its charming playhouse and dining area makes me long for a cocktail and some savory 'small bites' while lounging next to teak arbor. How peaceful!

Arbors make the perfect support for climbing plant varieties. And don't have to stop at roses, although they are my favorite! Great climbers include morning glories, wisteria, clematis and even a grape vine. Very little pruning for these dandies is required.

To make vegetable gardens work in a small space, just downsize the amount of veggies. A few plants from each variety, tomato, cucumber, beans, will keep you in veggies all summer. And be creative in your placement of plants. Who says you can't grow a row of corn against a fence?

I think vegetable gardens are just as lovely as flower beds. Look at the symmetry of this zen garden which also includes vegetables. Large squash plants and climbing beans are woven into the design plan along side rocks and a minimalist garden fountain.

Apartment dweller? No worries! This clever gardener used a hanging shoe bag to plant veggies!

Whatever your gardening style, it doesn't have to be compromised due to lack of space. With a little ingenuity and some elbow grease you can have a beautiful landscape in your own backyard! Happy gardening!

~Amber

Photos Courtesy of Small Gardening Magazine

A Warm Welcome!

2011-06-12T03:42:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of The Design File

Confession. I have no foyer. Its one of the many downsides of living in a small home. My front door opens right into the living room with nary a welcome mat or place to deposit keys or your hat. It makes me sad. (Not really.) But while most people in larger homes worry about keeping their entryways organized and clutter free I'm left wondering where to place my mail and wet umbrella. Not only that, but I want my guests to feel warm and welcome when they enter my home and that is no easy task when you're opening the front door in the middle of your main living area.

I'm woman enough to say it....I have foyer envy. Sigh.

Photo Courtesy of The Old Painted Cottage

However, while perusing the "Apartment Therapy" archives recently I was struck at the creativity of some small home dwellers, whether they be in an apartment, bungalow, cottage, condo or mid-century slash modern ranch home. These homeowners have panache! Sign me up for some pinache, willya? They've taken it upon themselves to create entryways out of thin air. Poof! Like magic....

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

With some well placed benches, a boot tray, a lovely plant, nice lighting...these people have created a warm, welcoming landing strip for shoe removal and the hanging of hats as well as a place that invites guests in with a lovely embrace.

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Photo Courtesy of Mochatini

Who needs grand entrances with sweeping staircases and chandeliers as long as there is a hat rack, umbrella stand and a little organization.

Photo Courtesy of Mochatini

I must get a bench like this one pictured above. I bet my children would never leave their shoes in a pile by the door if we had a bench like this. Sigh. Now I have bench envy as well.

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

These clever people built a nice half wall with a pass through that divided up their living area nicely to create an instant entryway. They tiled that small area to give the room clear distinction without scrimping on space or style.. A little banquette and a throw rug makes the area its own room.

Photo Courtesy of Mochatini

My silly friend, who happens to be one of those frugal genius decorators who creates something out of nothing, did what the homeowner above mimicked. She had some special family photos printed in black and white, matted them in black frames and displayed them on inexpensive shelving in her foyer. The entire effect cost less than $50 and it looks fabulous! A great welcome to a warm family home.

Photo Courtesy of The Design File

I love hooks and hat racks. There's just something about them that screams "Home Sweet Home" to me. What's the old adage about a place to hang your hat?

Photo Courtesy of The Design File

I plan to steal the idea of mounting those clever wire baskets on the wall as a place to corral mail and homework, permission slips and To Do Lists!

Photo Courtesy of The Design File

After about 45 minutes of blog stalking and downloading pictures of lovely entrances, I've deduced the following: with a few well-placed benches or shelves, good lighting, a welcoming houseplant or flower arrangement and possibly a decorative screen as a divider I can make my own foyer in my little Jewel Box® Home.

Guess what my project for this week will be? Now if only I had a place to put my To Do List...

~Amber

Friendly Friday - Alaskan Jewel

2011-06-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Alaska! This is my brother's log cabin near the Wrangell-St. Elias Park and Forest Preserve. A true rustic Jewel Box®, he built the cabin himself. And not from a kit. Pine logs were shipped in from Canada, then he stripped and notched each one by hand, before building the cabin structure of his own design. This is one of my favorite places in the world!

Notice the wooden porch swing at the front of the cabin. To the left partially hidden by a towering pine tree is the sauna. Also built by hand.

The indoors is classic log cabin decor. And it works beautifully. Open shelving and rust painted cabinet fronts make-up the kitchen. The pot bellied stove on the native rock hearth, takes center stage. But don't miss the antique cabinet to the left. That is one of my mother's finds. My brother carted it all the way to Alaska. I'd love it for my home, but it will never leave the cabin. An oil lamp sits on the left edge of the cabinet. There is no electricity or running water here.

The only bedroom is under the eaves reached by wooden stairs from below. The lantern on the bed stand allows for night time reading. A pine aroma still fills the cabin years after it was built.

My nephew and his friend relax on the front porch during a recent visit.

A deer antler is used for a door handle on the front of the sauna. Angled wood on the door is a nice contrast to logs used for the building's base. There is no indoor plumbing here, only an outhouse. (It can be an interesting trip from the cabin to the outhouse in the middle of the night.)

Nature provides landscaping around all sides of the cabin.

And the 'natives' not people, have the right of way. A mother bear and her cubs are curious about the arrival of my brother and nephew. They are standing on the dirt road that winds to the cabin's front.

Beautiful white aspen surround the cabin. Here a bear can be seen foraging in the woods.

Next week, back to the mainland for Friendly Friday.

Cheers!

Genevieve

Friendly Friday's Are Back for Summer!

2011-06-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first Friendly Friday of 2011! It's a summer tradition at Jewel Box® to tour a 'real life' smaller house or space every weekend through Labor Day.

Our first stop this summer is a gorgeous little Cape Cod on Martha's Vineyard. There are so many things to like about this home, the dormer windows, the gray blue shingles and my favorite, the weather vane topped by a whale!

This is my boss Sarah's family home from her blog Unshoveling the Past. Through letters and photos found after her mother's death, Sarah's blog chronicles the story of her mother's life, which includes making a home in Botswana. Anyone who has lost a mother, as I did over 20 years ago, will appreciate the journey, both physical and emotional, so beautifully told in Unshoveling the Past.

Now back to our tour. All photos are from Unshoveling the Past.

Here is the back of the house with pink hydrangeas blooming under the windows.

The house sits on a cul-de-sac with native landscaping that beautifully suits the property. The view of the back garden was taken in the spring when trees and shrubs were flowering.

I love the flower garden outside the back porch with color spilling onto the path. In the summer, climbing vines fill the trellis.

The front entryway is perfectly proportioned for the house. And just look at the harp table next to the door. Classic!

Sunlight fills the home streaming through large wooden paned windows. Fully functioning shutters make the use of curtains optional. The dining room below shows off the oak flooring found throughout the house. Traditional decor and cream walls compliment the architecture. And don't miss the ladder back chairs, dry sink and area rug with colorful birds woven into the design.

Simple elegant decor continues upstairs. The seafoam fringed throw and flowered accent pillow add a touch of color.

Antique black twin beds paired with a vintage black wooden rocker are a terrific combination against cream walls in this dormer bedroom.

The screened in sun porch is a perfect summer spot for lounging with a good book.

And Sarah tells me the house is now for sale. Even a smaller home on Martha's Vineyard can't be cheap. Still, if I had the money, I'd prefer this little beauty over the larger sprawling so-called 'cottages' on the island I've seen in magazines.

Cheers!

Genevieve

House Tour!

2011-05-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

Cozy oceanside charm abounds in this 800 square foot beach cottage. This one bedroom, one bath house on Martha's Vineyard disproves the old adage that bigger is better. Just one look at this small home inspires me!

This living room, with its 11 foot cathedral ceilings and big windows brings the outdoors in and lets light into a small space giving the feeling of depth and spaciousness!

Skimping on square footage doesn't mean skimping on luxury! A beautiful cherry and soapstone fireplace adds character and charm to the living room.

Cupboards in the kitchen are tailored around appliances to utilize the space more efficiently.

What a lovely storage spot! Right off the kitchen this pantry provides ample space for linens and sundries. I love the beaded board!

Light and more light seems to be the key to creating calm in this tiny home. What better view than an ocean view?

I am green with envy over this space-saver dining nook!

I think I would trade a little square footage for an ocean view. How about you??

~Amber

Before and After Looks

2011-05-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today I'd like to share some fun 'before and after' looks. But first, I have to tie up a few loose ends. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who comments, even though I so rarely get a chance to respond.

During the week I'm often working until 7:00 pm and usually on the weekends as well. I'm lucky to work at a terrific company with a lovely group of people. But it doesn't leave much time to get back to all of you as frequently as I would like!

Laney, June and Judy, I owe you all emails and notes! I love reading your comments! And thanks to all the Jewel Box® visitors... Ella, The Cozy House, The Cool Mom, Laurie, Mary, Kelley and Skooter8, to name just a few. Most of you have blogs and I'd love it if you left links to your sites in the comments section.

Now a big shout out to Joyce who asked if the Jewel Box® Home website is still up and running. The answer is yes, but it definitely needs restyling for 2011. With Amber's help, I'm hoping to get caught up on the newsletters and reader stories. Joyce, I promise to post your story soon. I loved it and know everyone else will too!

And 'Friendly Fridays', are starting up again after Memorial Day. If you would like to have your house featured, send a short email and photos to genevieveferraro@comcast.net. I'd love to share your beautiful homes and tips.

Paging through 'before and after' looks is one of my favorite things to do. Today's looks are from Chicago Home + Garden Magazine. Most of these are larger homes, but the colors and furniture styles would work well in smaller rooms.

The colors in this room are so refreshing and elegant. I actually like this wallpaper, probably because it doesn't look like wallpaper.

For those of you who want a bigger kitchen, but don't want to move or put on an addition, here is an idea. Move the kitchen to the living room. That is what these homeowners did.

It seems like most houses have one of these ugly little powder rooms shown in the before photo above. But replace the vanity with a cabinet and built in sink, add a mirror and sconce lighting and the space becomes a little jewel.

The apartment in the last two photos is 1400 square feet total. Notice that the floor did not change, but the use of a cream wall color and spare modern furniture throughout, gives the space an airy pulled together look.

Genevieve

Decorate for Spring on a budget!

2011-04-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

We are on the cusp of Spring and my house is sparkling clean! Well...its getting there. After a good thorough scrubbing, I always want to open the windows and freshen up my winter decor. I'm fluffing and puttering hither and yon around my little Jewel Box® home, touching up paint here and switching out rugs and curtains there. I want to let the outdoors in this time of year and send winter away on a song.

Here are a few tips to help us get in the spirit of the new season:

Photos Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Create a casual living room that sings "spring," brimming with juicy citrus colors. Adding brightly colored vases, spunky patterned pillows, a painted jute rug, and flea market finds to your space for a fresh feel without spending a fortune. Bold throws, pillows and lampshades add pop to your springtime decor! I love the addition of colored beads to the flower vase! A simple but elegant touch.

Freshening up your boudoir is as simple as a coat of paint and some fabric. Add punch to a headboard by wrapping it with a yard of mod floral fabric. Try inexpensive album frames filled with patterned paper to adorn bare walls. The bedside table is tres chic with the addition of a coat of metallic paint. I love it!

Replace winter rugs with light jute or sisal for a clean, airy feel. Floral pillows and jugs of flowers as accent pieces add a fresh look that will last throughout the summer months.

Get a fresh perspective on your bathroom by swapping out a typical bathroom mirror for a decoupaged beauty. Purchase a mirror with a flat frame and cover the frame with vibrant fabric using decoupage. A new shower curtain and a few new towels or bathmat can revamp a room without breaking your budget. I love the floral lampshades on the wall! A glue gun and some faux petals would make a great weekend project and give your creativity an outlet!

What says springtime more than our feathery friends? Find a classic bird-watching field guide at a used book store. Carefully cut loose sheets from it and use finishing nails to hang them in a grid to get the look of vintage prints without the cost.

I love paint! What better decorating tool than paint to turn an old piece of furniture or some bland walls into a work of art! If you don't like the outcome, you're out nothing but a can of paint and some time. Hinging together unfinished bifold doors creates a decorative room divider or large work of art. Paint it to your heart's desire. One side could be for your winter decor and then turn it around for spring!

Replace heavy draperies with light panels or sheers to celebrate the new season. Use cafe clips for a casual look. Remember sheers come in all colors, not just white, so they will match any decorating scheme and let the sunlight fill your room!

Dress up Roman shades with decorative tape or fabric paint for a whimsical touch to any room.

Bring the outdoors in, literally, with these sun catchers. Sandwich a leaf (hosta, fern, caladium, or palm) between two framed panels of glass, available at imports stores. Fresh leaves will turn brown, so you'll need to swap them out every few weeks, or use dried leaves and coat them with acrylic artist's spray to prevent discoloration. What a wonderful way to showcase Mother Nature's handiwork!

Have fun sprucing up your little home to welcome Spring!

~Amber

Keep Smiling!

2011-04-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

This post has nothing to do with Jewel Box® homes. I just had to share the most wonderful photos from NPR of the new baby giraffe at the Cincinnati Zoo. This little guy made me grin from ear to ear.

These days, I mentally catalog anything that makes me smile. It distracts me from the constant stream of little crisis that keep popping up. Like my younger son crashing both our cars this past weekend. And my mother-in-law, who we moved into a nursing home two weeks ago, falling three times on Sunday and ending up in the hospital. By the way, The New Old Age blog carried by the New York Times, is filled with information and solutions covering aging and elder care. I highly recommend it.

Anyway, at least my life is not dull! I tuned into Oprah the other day for a rerun on people facing financial challenges. It seemed a good place to pick-up some tips. The first guest was a single mother trying to pay the bills. Oprah's advice, "You are still alive and breathing, focus on that." That life changing advice made me feel soooo much better!!!

My motto these days, survival equals success.

So here is that glorious baby giraffe. Enjoy!

Genevieve

Mexican Fiesta!

2011-04-11T06:08:00.000-07:00

I made this tonight. It was in the latest edition of Better Homes and Gardens. It was so delicious I wanted to marry it...

It was a beautiful day here and I longed to be outside. So I put these babies in the crockpot and went out to play in the sunshine with my girls! I made some sangria, a little pico de gallo and we had a tiny little Mexican Fiesta on a Saturday night. I just had to share it with you!

Ingredients

3 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder (or chicken)
1 14-ounce can chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 to 3 teaspoons ground chipotle chile pepper or hot chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 10-ounce cans enchilada sauce
1 tablespoon snipped fresh cilantro
1 4-ounce can diced green chile peppers
8 ounces cojita cheese, shredded (2 cups)
8 to 12 8-inch flour tortillas
Snipped fresh cilantro
Diced tomato or quartered grape tomatoes
Sour cream (optional)

Directions

1. Trim fat from pork. In a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker combine pork shoulder, broth, onion, garlic, cumin, ground chipotle chile pepper or chili powder, and salt. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 10 to 11 hours or on high-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove pork from slow cooker, reserving cooking liquid. Using two forks, pull meat into coarse strands.*
3. In a large bowl combine pork, 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce, 2 tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid, and the 1 tablespoon snipped cilantro. Set aside.
4. In a medium bowl combine the remaining enchilada sauce, 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking liquid (discard any remaining cooking liquid), and the diced green chile peppers. Spread about 1/2 cup of enchilada-green chile pepper mixture in the bottom of a 3-quart rectangular baking dish; set aside.
5. Divide pork mixture and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese among tortillas, placing meat and cheese near the edge of each tortilla. Roll up tortillas. Place filled tortillas, seam sides down, in the prepared baking dish (place tortillas close together); top with the remaining enchilada-green chile pepper mixture. Cover with foil; bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake, uncovered, about 5 minutes more or until heated through and cheese is softened and starts to brown slightly.
6. Sprinkle with additional snipped cilantro and tomato. If desired, serve with sour cream.

~YUM!

The Most Beautiful House I Know - Part I

2011-04-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

This past week I had the pleasure and privilege of spending the evening at the home of two dear friends. My son and I were visiting colleges over spring break and our friends invited us to spend the night at their house.

This lovely home was built for the sole purpose of bringing family and friends together. It has never been photographed for any magazine or book, the owners want this to remain a private retreat, but clearly this house could grace the cover of 'Architectural Digest' or 'House Beautiful'. The proportions of this home are perfect for family gatherings and get togethers with friends. So don't expect a Jewel Box®, but I know you will appreciate the remarkable beauty of this home. And many of the interior design arrangements work well in a small space. You are in for a rare treat!

The architecture of the home was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie Style. Japanese and Italian styles are also woven into the design.


The house seems to grow organically from the landscape.


Take a look at this garage! Perhaps the loveliest place to store cars I have seen.

Antique Japanese stone planters can found throughout the grounds.

A bridge connects the main house to the coach house.

A river birch and Japanese deity greet visitors.

Let's go inside. This red lacquered bench in the side entrance to the house, makes is a convenient place to remove shoes and outerwear. In keeping with the Japanese undertones of the home, only slippers or stocking feet are worn indoors.

A stunning unique trait of this house is the flooring. It may look like wood, but this is actually stone.

Red lacquered bench in side entry.

A close-up of the stone flooring.

Pocket doors are used throughout the house. This is a great space saver in a smaller space and also adds functionality in a larger house.

Pocket doors are used throughout the house.

The front entrance with its matching ginger jars and Japanese styled wooden chairs on either side, greets guests with a calming, welcoming, beauty.

A magnificent feature of the front entrance is the large white sculpted chandelier that hangs from the ceiling.

This one of a kind chandelier is more like a sculpted work of art.

Front entrance chandelier lit and seen from above.

Two ancient Buddhas also flank the entrance. It is difficult to describe how lovely these pieces are. The muted colors and peaceful poses radiate tranquility and a tangible sense of calm.

The Buddha to the left of the entrance.

A close up of detail on the Buddha's face and robe.

Buddha to the right of the front entrance.

The Japanese influence flows into the living area. This room combines comfort and elegant design. But even with all its beauty, this house is made for living. Lounging, chatting, eating and even dancing are all encouraged!

The clean lines and restrained use of accent colors would work well in smaller spaces. The large seating cushions are especially practical for extra seating.

Close up of the armless couch also showing ginger jars flanking the front entrance.

An antique ginger jar in the corner of the living room.

One of a pair of slipper chairs positioned to take in the lake view.

The fireplace mantel.

Original art work in the living room.

The view from the living area.

For me, one of the most beautiful rooms in this most beautiful of homes, is the Japanese dining room. Tatami mats surround the table with cushions for seating.

The Japanese dining table with space carved for feet below.

Dining utensils in a basket by the sliding screen doors.

Early antique sepia photos of Japanese life hang in the dining room.

Not one detail in this house is overlooked. Including the first floor powder room.

River bed stones surround the stainless steel bowl. The faucet and handles are installed directly into the stone wall. Colored glass block allows light into the room, but maintains privacy.

A bamboo teakettle to the side of the sink.

A small lavatory for a small space.

In the study, dark wood is replaced with cherry. Green and brown print and striped fabrics are pulled together by brown silk pillows. This is a stunning room!

The fireplace in the study.

My photography does not do justice to the kitchen. I really needed a completely different camera and more skill at photography. Actually, none of my photos show the true beauty of this home. But back to the kitchen, the backsplash over the stove runs the entire length of the wall up to the ceiling. It is a combination of small stainless steel and irridescent tiles, all hand laid. Convenient pot filling faucets are installed over the stove.

Frosted glass cabinets flank either side of the hood.

A creamy marble tops the kitchen island.

Original artwork in the kitchen.

The kitchen sitting area has a view to the living room. The white leather chair seats compliment the dark wood.

Chairs from the kitchen table can easily be moved to the living area for more seating.

Close-up of a serving platter on the kitchen table.

Stay tuned for future posts covering the upstairs and lower levels of the most beautiful house I know. And a big thank you to our hosts, who so generously allowed me to photograph and share their home.

Genevieve

Undecorating

2011-03-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

The new trend in interior design is called "undecorating". Christiane Lemieux describes this new style in her book "Undecorate: The No-Rules Approach to Interior Design," as do-it-yourself design that is unfussy, lived-in, creative and imperfect. "In figuring things out yourself," Lemieux says, "including what you can afford, you make interesting decisions that wouldn't be made if money were no object—the imperfections, the real life demands are what inspires us." I do love the underlying philosophy of undecorating that values taste over expense and the surprises of accidental design based on a homeowner's personality. But I find the reality of it to be a bit cluttered and fussy. Especially for a smaller space.

The undecorating examples below all come from the Wall Street Journal article on Lemieux's book.

I love the gold chair, but the mantel feels crowded. And all the different styles in the room seem to be competing with each other.

The artfully unmade bed. One of the ideas behind undecorating is to welcome guests into a home as it is lived in.

I do like the contrast of pink and black in this room.

Let me know what you think about "undecorating"?

Genevieve

Small Kitchen Makeover

2011-03-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

I am so drawn to color this spring season! I feel like painting everything in vibrant hues. Maybe that is why my eye was drawn to this kitchen makeover featured in Better Homes and Gardens. I'm always impressed with homeowners who dress up dated rooms and fixtures, but this kitchen really caught my attention with is beautiful blue color scheme.

Before

Tiny kitchens are always a challenge, but outdated appliances and color schemes left this kitchen looking dreary and cramped.

After

A fresh palate, a new window seat, some tile and new lighting created a beautiful blue escape!

Like many galley style kitchens, this room lacked light. New lighting and fresh attention to the window seat made a dark, dim kitchen light and welcoming.

Whimsical fabric and tile choices help balance out the blue without making it overwhelming and also give it a classic, timeless look.

Heavy cabinets above the stove were removed and replaced with open shelving that now show off fun kitchenware!

The magic of paint and fabric never ceases to amaze me! I love a facelift that doesn't require heavy construction. It feels more within my realm of possibility. Now, I'm off to the Home Improvement store to gaze longingly at paint swatches.

~Amber

Spring Cleaning!

2011-03-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year! Time to roll up your sleeves, tie back your hair and open the windows for some fresh air. Spring cleaning is here!! So, put on some music and get your mops and buckets out to get your Jewel Box® Home ready for spring weather.

Spring Cleaning Tips:

1. Get Organized!

Eliminate clutter. Sort through old mail, stacks of paper and magazines. Don't be afraid to throw things away that have no significance or value. If you don't love it or need it-pitch it, donate it or give it away! All the odds and ends that you keep, store in decorative, labeled boxes or baskets and file them away.

2. Transition out your wardrobe.

Have winter clothes and coats cleaned and box them up for lighter jackets and short sleeves. Yeah for sunshine and warmer weather!

3. Freshen up bedrooms.

Flip and vacuum mattresses, hang pillows outside to freshen. Wash your mattress pad and bedskirt. Clean the bedroom windows and vacuum draperies.

4. Scrub the floor!!

Wash tile and wood floors. Have rugs and carpets professionally cleaned. Don't forget the baseboards!

5. Light fixtures and ceiling fans!

Now is the time to clean light fixtures, ceiling fans and lampshades. Using a vacuum attachment with a brush or a microfiber cloth works wonders.

6. Don't Forget About Bathrooms.

Yes, I know we all clean our bathrooms every week...but we don't deep clean them! Now it's time to battle clutter and refresh old products. Go through your medicine cabinets and safely discard any outdated products. Replace worn bath mats, shower curtains, and liners, or wash and dry shower curtains and liners.

7.Organize the kitchen.

Clear out your pantry, cabinets and drawers. Replace shelf paper and wipe down cabinet faces. Donate equipment you don't use regularly. Discard dated spices and canned foods. Clean your refrigerator and freezer. Don't forget the top of the fridge!

8. Wash those windows!

Best glass cleaner ever: 2 Tablespoons of vinegar in one quart of water. Use squeegie and a lint-free cloth! Sparkling clean.

If you were really industrious you could also extend your spring cleaning to your car and give it the seasonal scrub it needs as well! When you are finished with your heavy work regime, put on the coffee pot, put your feet up and enjoy the fruits of your labors. A sparkling home full of love for friends and family members!

Happy Cleaning!

~Amber

All Photos Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Finding Extra Space in a Small Room

2011-03-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

Many, many times I find myself trying to squeeze just a little extra space out of an already small room. I ran across these creative solutions and just had to share them.

A place for hanging pots built between two kitchen joists. The green paint on the back wall adds a pop of color.

A cozy bedroom alcove for sitting. The perfect substitute when there isn't room for a chair. Notice the built-in lighting and trim around the edges.

Shelving for books and display at the bottom of the steps. Flat pillows are stored under the window seat. What a clever idea!

Open shelving in the bathroom framed and painted to complement the wall color. The thin ledge underneath the shelving and running the length of the bathroom, is also ideal for keeping small frequently used items within easy reach.

Custom shelving built under the eaves in this small bedroom uses space that would otherwise be empty. Carrying the wall color to the shelves adds depth to the tiny room.

Enjoy your weekend!

Genevieve

Add Color Without Paint!

2011-03-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

Remember how I was dreaming of spring? Not much has changed in that area except the motivation part...its got me motivated to get cracking...get cleaning...get organizing...spruce up some stuff around here that's been left by the wayside. One of my favorite parts of this motivation thing is the puttering. I love to putter around my little Jewel Box® Home! Rearranging, fluffing, adding little touches here and there. My goal for this week is to add a little color into our home. Confession: I hate painting. Hate it. But fortunately for me, there are ways to add color without picking up a paint brush!

Colorful curtains in one vibrant shade.

Throw pillows in coordinating patterns and solids.

Accent pieces in one grouping of color. I love these startling pink picture frames made into mirrors!

Colorful lampshades add personality and color to any room or tabletop.

Floral arrangements are one of my favorite ways to bring the outdoors in and add color to a room.

Furniture or slipcovers in one shade create drama.

Large colorful area rugs anchor a room's furniture arrangement and require NO PAINT!

Bring in color with wall decor and art.

Even bowls of fruit and veggies can bring pop to a drab and cheerless kitchen.

Are you puttering around your house freshening things up in anticipation for spring or is it just me?

~Amber

The Cottage Company

2011-03-06T22:36:00.000-08:00

My favorite builder of smaller homes is The Cottage Company. This wonderful group of architects and builders, led by Linda Pruitt their president, create what they call 'pocket neighborhood communities' with clusters of compact homes, most from 1,000 to 1,500 square-feet. Linda and her wonderful team have no idea who I am or that I am posting about The Cottage Company. But I just have to share these beautiful little homes that are perfect examples of Jewel Box® living.

Linda Pruitt, President The Cottage Company

I would move into any of these little gems in a 'New York minute! But the company only builds communities in the Pacific Northwest. I can only hope that someday they take a chance on the Midwest. All photos are from The Cottage Company.

I just love this split double dutch door!

How cute is this bedroom!

Enjoy your week!

Genevieve

Daydreaming....

2011-02-27T09:49:00.000-08:00

Another great post from Amber! What would I do without her!!!

We, like a lot of the country, were buried in six feet of snow for over two weeks this month. This is not an exaggeration. It was charming and idyllic at first with the fat snowflakes piling up outside our door, soup simmering on the stove and card games and movies galore. After about day four or five of being cooped up inside tempers began to flare, toys and books and games and movies lost their luster and we all began to get cabin fever.

Fortunately for our family we live in a part of the country where the weather never ceases to surprise us, so today we have the windows open and are wearing short sleeves while the sun shines at a balmy 70 degrees. Not a drop of snow is on the ground and this warm weather makes me sit with my chin in my hands gazing out the window dreaming of spring. I thought you might want to join me in my daydreaming today and gaze out the window in anticipation of spring...

I long for open windows...

...backyard barbecues...

...the fourth of July...

...cold lemonade in the sunshine...

....swinging on the porch swing with my bare feet just barely brushing the wooden floor boards...

...picnics on quilts...

...FLOWERS!...

...Spring Cleaning...

...hamburgers on the grill, just the smell sets my heart going pitter pat...

...new life...

...dreaming under leafy bowers...

...root beer on ice...

...cherry pies cooling in the window...

...homegrown tomatoes...

...vegetable gardens...

...sheets hanging on the line...

...fragrant blossoms...

...tea parties...

..little girls in sundresses...

Sigh...a girl can dream...

Thanks for the indulgence.

~Amber

Photos Courtesy of Country Living

The old becomes new...

2011-02-16T17:31:00.000-08:00

Every month you can find me drooling over the latest small home featured on The Old Painted Cottage blog. It gives me inspiration even in my most non-creative phases of Tiny Home Living!

Today I was glancing through some of the archives and appreciating the homeowners' imaginative uses of furniture and displays for storage and showing off collectibles. Here are just a few of my favorites.

All Photos Courtesy of The Old Painted Cottage

Old shelving in an entryway holding jars, shoes and dishes of money and car keys.

Vintage cabinets displaying ironware and linens. Metal baskets of rolled towels.

Ugly plumbing and cleaning supplies hidden by long fabric skirts.

Crates stacked to form a shelving unit holding baskets and collectibles.

Utility shelving artfully displaying kitchen pots and pans, metal strips to hold knives. Bathroom fixtures with hooks to keep coffee mugs at the ready.

Ladders serving as a pot holder and drying rack.

Old screen doors closing in a beautifully lit linen closet.

Jars with decorative labels to store laundry supplies.

Vintage pharmacy cabinets in a bathroom holding towels, soap and bath salts.

Open kitchen shelving decorated seasonally.

Inspiration at its finest. Go for a visit on a snowy afternoon. I promise you won't be disappointed!

~Amber

Decorating with Red and Pink

2011-02-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

In honor of Valentine's Day let's talk about decorating with red and pink! Red happens to be my favorite color. I always carry a red purse and love red accents for a pop of color. In honor of Valentine's Day, Amber has some wonderful suggestions for decorating with red and pink.

Amber ...

Red and pink are often bashed and trashed as difficult colors for home decor, especially smaller homes. But if used right, these vibrant shades can work wonders in any living space.

Let's look at pink first. This lovely soft, classic color can be relaxing while providing an atmosphere of glamour and romance.

All Photos Courtesy of Country Living

Decorating with pink need not be overwhelming. Pinks are soft and pleasing to the eye. Especially when painted on a large piece of furniture.

White paired with pink is airy and calming.

What says glitz and glamour more than pink paired with mirrored furniture?

Mixing fabric patterns in pink such as ticking, paisley, damask or chintz keeps the pink effect from being fussy and overdone.

One pink focal point, like candlesticks, adds an easy accent color.

This desk and pink chair cushion remind me of cotton candy. What a delicious place to work!

A fluffy pink throw adds femininity and grace to this room. No need to paint every surface pink to create the feeling of romance. Just a dash will do!

When it comes to using red, think beyond Christmas. This is a strong color, ideal for making a statement and adding life to a room.

A perfect accent color, red curtains and accessories brighten up standard white and cream decorating schemes.

Touches of red in curtains, collectibles and dishtowels add a splash of color to this pristine kitchen.

A distinctive piece, like this red dresser, adds a touch of drama to this neutral room!

Rather than clashing, the different patterns in this dining room add depth and a playful feel.

I just want to bake a tray full of chocolate chip cookies in this kitchen and sit on one of those fun stools and dunk it in a big glass of white milk. (Psssst...the glass would have red polka dots on it!)

Easy update! Paint a few chairs! What a simple to change the feel of a room.

What could be more fun than walking downstairs on a red path....a whimsical and cute touch to any farmhouse.

This red, striped wall paper is warm and refreshing to the eye when paired with a pristine white chair rail. Classic and traditional.

This Valentine's Day consider adding a touch of red or pink to your Jewel Box® Home! Add romance. Love. Snuggle. Eat chocolate.

~Amber

Comfort Food!

2011-02-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Its cold outside and I'm hungry! Last week my kids were out of school for two days due to snow and bad roads. We snuggled up in our little Jewel Box® Home and drank hot chocolate, read books and watched movies. Mid-week my feet were cold and I had cabin fever so we all headed to the kitchen to warm our bellies. I thought I'd share my potato soup recipe with you in case it is cold where you are!

In a 4 quart saucepan melt 1/2 STICK BUTTER and saute' 1 SMALL ONION, diced and 2 MEDIUM CARROTS, diced. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

Whisk in 2 TABLESPOONS FLOUR and cook for one minute. Add 8 RUSSET POTATOES, peeled and cubed. Dissolve 2 CHICKEN BOUILLON CUBES in 1/2 cup hot milk. Add to pan.

Add 3 1/2 CUPS WHOLE MILK. Cook for 15 minutes or so until potatoes are soft. Add 1 CUP HALF AND HALF and salt and pepper to taste.

We jazz up our soup by adding cooked shrimp and sprinkling it with bacon and grated cheddar cheese.

Yummy!!!

Happy snuggling!

~Amber

Forcing Bulbs

2011-01-30T16:04:00.000-08:00

Confession: About this time of the year I get the winter blues. I just get so tired of endless cold days and cloudy skies, staying inside and chilly feet. I get antsy and cranky. So I look for ways to brighten up the gray in my life. One of the ways I do that is by forcing bulbs.

Photos Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Have you ever forced bulbs for some spring color? Its not as daunting a task as it sounds. It is a great way to add color and sweet fragrance to a dreary winter day!

You can buy bulbs at any garden store. Bulbs that work best for forcing are amaryllis, hyacinths, miniature daffodils, paperwhites and tulips. The bigger the bulb, the more flowers you get. You can put them in potting mix and cover them with a light sprinkling of soil, or you can buy special bulb-forcing glasses available at any garden center.

Bulbs need to be chilled for a specific time period. You can set them in a cold utility room or garage, or if they are small enough and you have the storage space, the refrigerator is the perfect temperature. They need between six and eight weeks of chill time, less for smaller bulbs. So if you start now you can have lovely bulbs just in time for Easter.

A little bit of springtime chases the clouds away!!!

~Amber

Home trends for 2011

2011-01-19T16:22:00.000-08:00

It appears that 2011 is our year! Pat yourself on the back, Small Homeowners. We are ahead of the curve. Furniture makers, homebuilders and appliance manufacturers are finally targeting US!!!

"The lagging economy, a slow housing market and still higher than normal unemployment rates all have contributed to what members of the National Association of Home Builders, the American Home Furnishings Alliance and the International Housewares Association have observed as a new frugality among buyers. It applies to everything from house size, to the cost of furnishings and the features of home appliances. The same consumer caution that brought us the “staycations’ of the previous decade will continue to drive many of 2011’s home-related trends." -The Star Ledger

Whatever it means to them, to us it means the Jewel Box® home and lifestyle are finally being recognized as good things.

Trend #1: Smaller houses. No more McMansions! With the shrinking carbon footprint trend and the smaller budget trend and the seeking simplicity trend, the square footage of the American home is shrinking. Smaller homes have the appeal of being more energy efficient, more affordable and easier to maintain!

Kathy's lake house from

Jewel Box® Friendly Fridays.

Trend #2: Staying put. People are remaining in their current homes. They aren't trading up, they are making improvements to their existing home, making it more livable and more valuable.

The window seat from my sister's home. Notice

the storage underneath. She and her family have lived

in this house for over 20 years.

Trend #3: Colorize! Even if remodeling isn't in the cards, homeowners are adding punch and pizzazz to their home's decor by adding color to sofas, lamps, pillows, accent pieces and wall color.

Mary's house from

Jewel Box® Friendly Fridays.

Trend #4: Get back to basics. With all the technology running rampant in today's modern world, who would have thought that 2011 would bring a return to old fashioned ways such as canning, preserving food, gardening and home crafts? For many this year, remembering our American roots is the path to leading a simpler life.

Dwell magazine

Trend #5: Time savers! In the rush to beat the clock, crunch the budget, make the meeting on time, shuttle the kids and pick up the dry cleaning we homeowners are searching for ways to save time. This creates a renewed reliance on faithful old appliances such as the slow cooker crock pot, the 15 minute cleaning routine and the good old-fashioned calendar!

The 2011 calendar in my kitchen.

Small home living is finally trendy. I like 2011!

~Amber

Quick and Easy Pound Cake

2011-01-16T12:05:00.000-08:00

This cake mix 'Comfort Cake' is just yummy so I had to share it with you! I cook almost every night, but baking doesn't happen very often. Anything quick and easy appeals to me and I wanted to make a treat before my son returned to college. I rarely use cake mixes, because of the trans-fat. But this mix is trans-fat free. I saw it on the grocery shelf and had to give it a go. Just add eggs, oil, butter and bake. This cake lives up to its name. Comfort in a box!

Here is my 'Comfort Cake', half eaten before I could photograph it.

Enjoy!

Genevieve

Teeny Tiny!

2011-01-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

All Photos Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

This cottage is 350 square feet. Yes, you heard me. And you thought your house was small. Tsk, tsk...that'll teach you to complain about your storage space!

This 1930's bungalow is fortunate for the element of light. It is bathed in natural light and that gives this small space the feeling of being outdoors, larger, more open. By keeping the room fresh and white splashes of bold, vibrant color, the homeowner embraces the beach cottage feel and makes it her own.

When asked what the biggest design challenge was for this homeowner, she replied " My greatest challenge has been finding storage that serves the dual function of killer design and smart hiding place." She repurposes items such as kitchen shelves, armoires, and a media cabinet to house her television and her wet bar.

By hanging curtains at the very top of the ceiling the owner of this small space distracts the eye and draws our attention up creating more space. She also uses a neutral floor covering to trick our eye.

The next time you feel like complaining about your lack of storage, consider this small space and breathe a little easier knowing you can stretch your legs!

~Amber

House Tour!

2011-01-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

Even Hollywood actors are taking advantage of small home living and downsizing! Actor Tony Shalhoub, from the television show, Monk, and his wife Brooke Adams spend every summer at Martha's Vineyard in a tiny 1930's cottage with 2,500 square feet of family togetherness.

When remodeling the bungalow to fit their personality, they did minor structural repairs because they wanted to keep the history of the cottage in tact. They preserved the architecture with the respect of homeowners who truly love their abode.

While this cottage is not how most Americans picture famous Hollywood actors living, it helps to know that even stars need to feel grounded and get back to the basics of life.

Photos Courtesy of Country Living

2011 is here! Thank God!!!

2011-01-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

The New Year has arrived! Thank God! But, I will get to that later.

First, it's time to hang those 2011 calendars. In small spaces, finding a spot that is practical, where calendars with handwritten notes and reminders don't look 'messy', can be a challenge. For me, the best solution is behind cabinet doors in the kitchen. I use Command hangers to keep the calendars in place. Reminder notes are written or clipped to calendar pages. There is a fishing calendar for my husband who loves outdoor sports and a school calendar for my son.

My husband's 'fishing' calendar. The Command hanger is just visible at the top.

My son's school calendar. Soon it will be filled with handwritten notes and activity schedules.

I also keep a calendar filled with landscape photos from Tuscany at work near my desk. It's silly, but every month I look forward to seeing the new photo. I've never been to Tuscany or Italy, but it looks lovely. The blue sky contrasted with green hills and the shining sun always make me smile.

So why am I thrilled to see 2011 arrive? Nothing magic or fabulous has happened. My husband continues his job search and the loss of my dear friend Maureen in late April is still painful. But just turning the page on a new year feels as if I am putting distance between the difficult challenges and memories of 2010. Many of you sent comforting words and encouragement. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Especially Laney, Judy, Melissa, June, Rue and my sister Kelley, your thoughts and prayers are so appreciated!

I could not imagine decorating for the holidays this year, so I didn't. My only decorations were gifts from friends. Jill sent a huge red poinsettia which stood in for our Christmas tree...

Christy sent paperwhite flowers in a stunning silver container ....

And Doreen sent a wreath with a big red beautiful bow.

What wonderful friends!!!

For the family Christmas Eve get together, I also made my smoked salmon plate with salmon my brother sent from Alaska. That's my son in the striped shirt.

And I shoveled a path for Buddy to take his usual walks around the house.

That was it for Christmas. Surprisingly, it was refreshing. I certainly didn't miss the usual pressure to 'do-it-all'.

Which brings me to Jewel Box® Home and this blog. Amber has been the heart and soul of this blog over the past year. I could not do this without her. We both look forward to bringing you Jewel Box® tips for your smaller homes and spaces in 2011.

Happy New Year to everyone!

Genevieve

Simple Storage Solutions for 2011!

2010-12-30T11:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! One of my favorite things about saying goodbye to year end is also saying goodbye to clutter and reassessing my storage needs. As much as I love Christmas and its abundance of decor and festivities, I love to pack it all up, scrub my house from top to bottom and organize! It feels like starting the year off on the right foot.

A common problem in many small homes is storage. I love to see clever ideas for storage paired with displays and home decorations!

Photos Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

These ready to assemble shelves mounted to the wall provide storage for books, CD's and also add to the modern look of this home's decor. The divided shelves make organization easy, but still look stylish!

We've all seen armoires used for storing many different items, but it looks like art in this glass fronted cabinet! Large prints, vases and books can be stored in this piece of furniture and look lovely.

I love re-purposed furniture! It makes me feel frugal and clever. This end table was once wooden closet shelving and now doubles as a craft supply area while CD storage sits on top! Love it.

Alcoves are often considered troublesome decorating areas in a home. This homeowner thought outside the box and installed shelving in this alcove. A perfect way to showcase art and display collections that might otherwise be relegated to the attic.

Peek-A-Boo! This old desk got a fresh coat of paint and some whimsical curtains and now doubles as a dining room buffet. The hidden storage behind the fabric holds linens, serving ware and table decorations.

Using your imagination can be the key to organization. This entry way is fun and creative with a few re-purposed items. Old air vents were spray painted and hung on the wall to organize mail and letters to the teacher. A drawer was turned on its side, nailed to the wall and now doubles as a key holder. And the wooden sectioned shoe rack is neatly labeled for each family member.

Transform a basic table into a multi-use work station by hanging wine racks and baskets under the surface to hold utensils and build a larger shelf below to hold big items like mixing bowls. Instant kitchen island!

This vegetable bin once held potatoes and onions but is now transformed into a bedside table that holds clothes, but could also be used to store toys or books!

Look for hidden treasures in your attic or at garage sales around town. You never know what new piece you can reinvent to serve an altogether new purpose for the new year. Now, go get organized!

~Amber

Christmas Cottages!

2010-12-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

Four distinctly different small homes decorated for the holidays should get us in the mood for upcoming festivities! Seven days and counting...

Photos Courtesy of Country Living

Christmas in a New England Cottage

Christmas in a Cozy Cottage

Photos Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

A Red, White and Blue Cottage Christmas

Beach Cottage Christmas

Help! My kitchen is tiny!!

2010-12-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

In this holiday winter season a lot of time is spent in the kitchen! Guests sit at the kitchen table as you prepare tapas and appetizers for a seasonal party or soup and stew for a dinner table full of guests. As they gather around my kitchen island this Christmas season, my focus will be on bringing warmth, space and style to my tiny Jewel Box Kitchen!

Some tips!

Photos Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Paint it White! White is your best friend in a small kitchen. It reflects light and makes any space feel larger than it is. The walls recede and create a seamless space which tricks the eye. Instant square footage!

White isn't your thing? Use a low-contrast color scheme. When there's little difference between the colors of the wall, the countertop, cabinetry and the woodwork, your eye glides over the surfaces looking for a place to rest, and that movement tricks your mind into thinking the space is larger than it really is. Here white woodwork and pale gray walls are close in color value so the eye doesn't trip over any sudden shifts from dark to light. The effect is serene and expansive.

Replace cabinet doors with glass. Fool the eye. Instant space!

Let there be light. Lots of natural light enlarges any space. You may have no choice about the number and placement of windows in your kitchen, but maximize the light you do have by keeping window treatments minimal.

Trick the eye with mirrors. Mirrors create depth and space. Ever consider using a mirror for a backsplash? You should...

Take the eye high. Hanging pictures, platters and wall hangings to the ceiling draws the eye up creating a larger height. This makes any room bigger. Consider hanging platters and serving ware high above eye level. Great storage and it tricks the eye!

Eliminate clutter. Counterops crowded with cookware and cabinets crowned by collectibles swamp a small kitchen and cramp your work space. To enlarge the room visually, clear off the counters, the windowsill, and the cabinet tops, and stash as much as you can behind closed doors.

However you choose, you can create a homey, inviting space to welcome guests this Christmas season!

~Amber

Winter Decorating on a Budget!

2010-11-30T15:09:00.000-08:00

Is your Christmas tree up yet? Are there Holiday lights on your house? Have you begun your festive winter decorating? After Thanksgiving, most people turn their attention to the upcoming holiday season and decorate their homes accordingly. Some decorating can get out of hand and leave a dent in your household budget. In my tiny home, we like to place glimpses of Christmas and winter around each corner of the room. Not overwhelming, but festive and whimsical. I am always on the look out for ways to re-use decorations or clever, cost-friendly ways to enhance the winter decor in our home.

Photos Courtesy of Country Living

I always love hanging things from my light fixtures! Garland and ornaments dress up an already fancy chandelier to give the Christmas spirit to any dining room.

Make a statement this year by decorating with splashes of vibrant color! This living room reminds me of a wintery skating rink with its cool blue blocks of color.

Inexpensive and traditional...wreaths can be hung from just about any surface. I love the whimsical feel of these hanging in the windows. Instant window treatment!

White...cool, calming, reminiscent of a snowy landscape....it gives dramatic effect when used all together in toning hues.

How festive and fun! A bowl full of ornaments! Instant Christmas on any tabletop.

Go on a winter's hike and gather pinecones for this darling wreath. Hot glued together and sprayed with a dusting of white glitter paint, it can be left up all winter.

Sprinkle little touches of the holiday season in every area of your home! A wreath tucked into a shelf, bowls of pine cones, a stray ornament...nothing overwhelming but the festive holiday season is still felt.

I love the idea of enhancing these cupboard shelves with paper cut out trim! Even the kids could help with this easy craft.

Display those Christmas cards! It is a special reminder of the friends and family who grace your lives.

Decorations that can be left out all winter are some of my favorites. Pine cones and tiny evergreen trees are delightful reminders that winter has its own greenery.

As do winter bulbs! I love to force bulbs in the winter. They are an inexpensive reminder that spring will come again and it is always such a sight for sore eyes when a beautiful Amaryllis or Paperwhite peeks out of a bowl in my living room.

Whatever your budget you can spread the holiday cheer with family and guests in your home with just a few inexpensive touches. Have fun!

~Amber

Thanksgiving Tablescape

2010-11-21T18:10:00.000-08:00

The fun thing about holidays at home is that whether you have a houseful of guests or just a few friends and close family members you can make any Thanksgiving table feel special with just a little personalization no matter how big your dining room or kitchen. With just a little imagination and some creativity any home's tablescape can host a fancy and fun family gathering!

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Using a few paper lanterns and using a burlap cloth as a table-covering this festive table makes a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Mis-matched chairs are disguised by draping blankets and flannel fabric over the backs for a cozy feeling.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Napkin rings double as place cards in this fun place setting. Using a few jewelry making tools and a printer, this hostess personalized each guest's place and tucked in a shaft of wheat for whimsy!

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Just craft paper and a monogrammed sticker under a clear salad plate make an elegant personal touch for this table.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

No room for a full place setting? Layer it up with a dinner plate on the bottom, followed by a salad plate and soup bowl. Tuck in a napkin and silverware and there is plenty of room for a five course meal!

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

I love bringing the outdoors in as the host did on this table. Dried corn and wheat on a raised platter-no fuss and lots of character. Check out the cute corn husk place cards! Darling and easy!

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Hollowed out gourds make great flower vases! Add dimension by placing them on top of a pedestal for height.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Oh the wonders of a grapevine wreath! Simply tucking in some rosehips and greenery and suspending it from the ceiling light fixture added charm to this table.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

I love this table runner! Brown burlap, felt or even butcher paper with some ribbons for finesse! Topped with leaves from the changing foliage outside your front door your table is memorable and yet simple!

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

My mother always says everything looks better by candlelight! Staggering candles around your table and place settings adds an inexpensive and romantic touch to your special dinner.

Whatever your choice of decor for your Thanksgiving table, I hope your day is fun and memorable! Happy Thanksgiving!

~Amber

Living Large in a Little House

2010-11-16T15:04:00.000-08:00

I loved Lizzie Carney's house the moment I saw it in the pages of Country Living Magazine...sleek and urban with a touch of vintage whimsy, she made her tiny 1,000 square foot home a bungalow fit for a princess. What grabbed my attention most in the article was Lizzie's free-wheeling spirit that allowed her to break all the "Rules" for decorating a small space. She tossed those out the window and created her own!

Photos Courtesy of Country Living

Old Rule: Small places require small Furniture.

New Rule: Tiny often leads to clutter and too much "busy-ness". Opt, instead, for fewer, larger pieces.

Old Rule: White walls are a must when square footage is limited.

New Rule: Dark colors create the illusion of depth in small rooms. Cozy!

Old Rule: Cramped quarters call for clean lines.

New Rule: Ornate, embellished details given even the tightest spots a sense of grandeur.

Old Rule: Hidden storage is key to keeping a tiny house tidy.

New Rule: When storage can be beautiful and interesting, why hide it? Dining room AND wine cellar!

Old Rule: Get extra mileage out of a guest room by having it double as an office or den.

New Rule: Turn over the entire room to a single indulgence, like a walk-in closet!

I just love Lizzie Carney's attitude toward life! Instead of wishing for a larger place to accommodate the finer things in life she turned the reality into her dream! "Don't wait to enjoy the good stuff," says Lizzie.. "Use your china when eating a hamburger. If you love a piece of furniture, find a way to make it work." She definitely makes every day a special occasion in her home. This cottage gives new meaning to the term "tiny grandeur". I love it!

~Amber

The Old Painted Cottage

2010-11-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

I just love Jennifer Grey at The Old Painted Cottage! Not only does her stunning cottage industry keep me busy perusing her eye candy for the home, but her delightful Cottage of the Month feature fills my little heart with joy when I see like-minded people enjoying the benefits of small home living!

Jennifer and her husband, Adam, love the challenge of fixing up and flipping homes. Their most recent remodel, which they lovingly call Cottage 8 is a showcase of their natural talent.

This tiny home would be a challenge to any fixer-upper, but Jennifer and Adam took on the project with glee to turn a dated ranch-style home into a delightful cottage haven.

Feast your eyes on the Before and After pictures of their tiny little Cottage 8 and then be certain to visit Jen's website for fabulous treasures and for her Cottage of the Month Feature!

All photos courtesy of Jennifer Grey at The Old Painted Cottage

Artistry at its finest! Thanks, Jen!!

Be inspired!

~Amber

Art on the Farm

2010-11-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

When Sean Scherer bought an old 1,000 square foot, run-down farmhouse, the last thing evident to the visible eye was a work of art. But to an artist like Mr. Scherer, who is well-known for his Russian Suprematism and American Minimalism style what he saw in his head was different.

Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Thus his labor of love on a 90 acre farm was born! “Most people couldn’t see the vision,” Mr. Scherer said of the house. “But frankly, this was what I’d been waiting for my whole life.”

Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Be-friending the small artistic community in his new neighborhood, he transformed the down at the heel farmhouse into what he saw in his mind's eye. With the help of his new friends whose occupations ranged from artists, antique dealers, sculptors and architects he rebuilt his home.

Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

It was important to Mr. Scherer to furnish his home with the humble farm furniture native to the area.

Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

“I don’t care about pedigree,” he said of the 19th-century furniture that fills the farmhouse. “I like the fact that the objects were made for a specific purpose. They may be a little crude but they also usually have clean, modern lines.”

Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

His eclectic collection of 19th-century pieces is sprinkled with contemporary art, anatomical sculptures, botanical prints, mercury glass, old mirrors and tintypes that he started collecting when he moved to the area.

Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

His "clutter" doesn't seem as such, more as an artistic display presented to stimulate the mind and senses instead of just another object to dust around!

Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

One of the most striking combinations, however, is in the master bathroom whose walls are plastered in Soviet posters bought in Moscow in 1989 and one of his Kasimir Malevich-inspired canvases from the 1990s. Mr. Scherer wants his home to be a reflection of his beliefs, his art and his lifestyle.

Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Art isn't always found in the modern apartments of a big-city metropolis, but often as not tucked away in a small farmhouse in the country.

~Amber

Fall Decorating with Pumpkins

2010-10-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

There's a chill in the air here at our little Jewel Box Home! The leaves are slowly changing and some are drifting downward in the breeze. Last weekend I tackled the dreaded Closet Chaos and brought the sweaters and long-sleeved fall wardrobe down from the attic. There was a Harvest Moon last week and all these seasonal changes has my fingers itching to decorate my home for Autumn.

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

This time of year makes me think of Halloween and hayrides, backyard bonfires and bowls of chili, friends and football, caramel apples and crunch leaves.

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Some of my very favorite ways to decorate my little house is to use what I have to bring the outdoors inside! I love these carved pumpkins on this candelabra! Instant votives to set the mood for your outdoor gathering.

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

What better floral arrangement for your table scape than a bunch of colorful Autumn leaves? I also love the side table in the background that displays pumpkins filled with greenery, catkins and mums. Autumn at its finest!

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Of course who can resist the urge to purchase pumpkins during this festive season? I am a sucker for the bumpy, lopsided dis-colored ones that others pass over. They just seem to have more character to me and they are perfect for carving and poking little twinkle lights into to make vases or lanterns!

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Big brambly wreaths on the front door, mums on the porch, pumpkins and gourds leaning lazily on the front steps! Welcome Fall!

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Who says only floral wreaths and greenery can grace your stoop? This homeowner has embellished her entryway with pumpkins galore. Even on the wreath!

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Autumn, to me, says candlelight...table lamps as opposed to overhead lighting....fires in the fireplace...the soft glow of an oil lamp.

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Pumpkins under glass, in bowls, on shelves, displayed in baskets? Yes, please!

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Don't forget to use old quilts as tablecloths, afghans draped over the arm of the sofa for instant snuggling, baskets of books for cozy nights indoors and a ticking clock.

Fall essentials!

Happy Autumn!

~Amber

No Mess Makeover!

2010-10-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

One thing that always annoys me about some remodeling projects featured in magazines or online is the massive construction efforts required to complete the "look" that the homeowner wanted to achieve. I don't know about you readers, but my family isn't always up for knocking a wall down here, installing granite countertops there or re-wiring an entire upstairs level just to achieve a vision in my head.

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Living Area Before

The thing that most attracted me to this bungalow remodel was, not only the small size of the home, but the fact that remodel was done on a (gasp) budget and there were no major renovations in the form of construction that were performed to achieve their goals.

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Living Area After

With the simple addition of some paint, a rug and a few artfully placed accessories, this living area was transformed into an airy, but cozy room that welcomes each visitor into the home with open arms.

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Dark furniture and an abundance of wall art gave the appearance of too much clutter in the small breakfast/dining nook.

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

By swapping out the old table with a new, round one that fits the area and placing it on a rug with some new light, airy window treatments, this dining area was transformed with no heavy demolition.

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

The guest bedroom's striking architecture went unnoticed, due to the dull wall color and outmoded linens.

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

With the simple addition of some wallpaper and new, inexpensive linens guests will be thrilled to spend a weekend in this charming space!

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

No room for a claw foot tub or jacuzzi? No budget for installation of a curtains-free shower? Not me!

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

This dull bathroom now has pizzazz with just a little wallpaper and the replacement of standard fixtures with some unique implements.

I'm not up for major construction. Please...no dust and demolition and excavation and months of rebuilding! I love the thought of a new look achieved with some fabric, new fixtures and artful re-arranging of furniture!

~Amber

Closet Chaos

2010-09-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Before treating you to a wonderful post about closets from Amber, I just wanted to let you know that posts from me may be infrequent for awhile. My wonderful husband is still out of work and it's taking a toll on the family. I am especially feeling the stress as we consider our options and whether to sell the house. But as you know, Amber will take very good care of our little 'Jewel Box Home' community and you can expect to hear from her on a weekly basis.

And now for Amber's insightful and funny post about closets in small houses. She also has some great tips!

Photo Courtesy of JD Organizer

Is this your closet? Do you have ample space for perfectly hung apparel and labeled boxes of shoes according to season? Do you have a folding station in your closet and floor to ceiling mirrors? Is there a separate cabinet for jewelry and accessories? Shelves for handbags? This is not my closet. My closet is tiny and things fall out of it when you open the door. I have stacks of handbags and shoes and hats piled on the shelves right up to the ceiling and there are belts hung on a rack that slide off each time I take just one off which means that I normally just go without a belt because I don't want to pick them all up!

Fall weather is quickly upon us and I have been staring with dismay at my sad little closet these past weeks, knowing full well that I need to sort through it as I do each season to weed out summer clothing and replace it with fall and winter wear. But I don't wanna!! It is an all day task for me and I just sigh and lean into the door as I close it hoping I can just wear a jacket over short sleeves for the rest of the week.

To get myself motivated to tackle the chore, I have been perusing others' lovely organized storage spaces.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

I have decided the key to closet organization must be cleverness. You can't let the small space beat you! I think the trick is to have the correct storage solutions on hand. This hanging shoe rack is an inexpensive way to keep shoes out from under the bed or on the closet floor.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

These basic, stick-on utility hooks cost less than $2 for a pack of three and help utilize every square inch of closet space while providing a place for hats or bags to hang without crushing them!

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Out of season clothing or even just items that can't be hung like sweaters or jackets can be stored in these decorative cardboard boxes and stored underneath hanging clothes or at the bottom of a stack of storage boxes. You could even store winter boots in these cute containers.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

My belts may stay hung on this coat rack! Perfect for scarves too. I better put this on my list.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

My problem often lies with mixing my belongings up with my husbands in our tiny space. I find that being diplomatic is hard with my jeans are mixed in with his jeans! My goal this season is to ensure we each have our own space in the closet and no inter-marrying of clothing happens by accident any more! I love the canvas totes in this closet. What a perfect way to store purses and bags. And the shoe cubbies can be used for his hats too!

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

By sliding a jewelry organizer into the cubby, this closet owner ensured that she could accessorize easily. You could also purchase silverware containers for jewelry use to maximize space as well.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

This wall-mounted trouser hanger may be the solution to my jean connundrum. For less than $10 I can keep our slacks separate and nicely ironed!

I think I'm motivated and passionate about my closet chaos now! I can do this...I'm ready!!

~Amber

Upon Reflection

2010-09-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

In memory of September 11th, which also happens to be my birthday, Amber has beautifully captured the true meaning of living in a smaller home through a lovely poem by Florence Bone and a collage of stunning images. Thank you Amber for the wonderful birthday treat!

Genevieve

"God send me a little home;

To come back to when we roam...

"One picture on each wall,

not many things at all.

"Wooden floors and fluted tiles;

wide windows, a view for miles

"Red firelight and deep chairs;

Small white beds upstairs.

"Great talk in little nooks;

soft colors, rows of books

"God send us a little ground;

Tall trees stand 'round.

"Homely flowers in fertile sod;

Overhead, they stars, O God.

"God bless thee when winds blow;

Our home and all we know."

~Florence Bone

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Upon Reflection