Decorating a Smaller Home: The Traditional Look Done Right!

This is the look of traditional styling done right!

One of the most well known decorating styles is the traditional look. On its own or combined with complimentary elements from other styles, this classic decorating scheme is known for the use of dark, rich woods, Persian and Oriental carpets, along with antiques and reproductions. Decorative tassels and fringe are often found on window treatments and furniture. Because it can feel heavy or crowded, a traditional style does not always work well in a smaller home. But as shown above, it can be lovely if a light touch is used and you don't go overboard on heavy accents.

Traditional Gone Wrong

So how can you create a beautiful traditional style for your home? First, let's look at what to avoid.

The patterns in this room clash and the furniture pieces don't compliment each other. The overall look is too fussy. Haphazardly putting antiques together in a room is not the same thing as good decorating.

Whatever is wrong with this room is no small thing. The spindly antique side tables have no business being in the same space as the dark heavy carved arm chairs and the blue cushioned 'coffee table' creates a strange focus.

Tassels and fringe should always be used sparingly, yet here we see window dressings with fringe made out of tassels! Next we have curlicues and stenciling on the sideboard. This look went out of style in the late 1600's or early 1700's. If this is a valuable antique, my advice is to auction it off and get the cash. And why is that antique arm chair - that looks too fragile to sit in - placed under the window by itself? Furniture needs to be functional and have a reason for being in the room. Enough said.

Traditional Done Right

What does traditional styling done right look like? Use the stunning rooms below, courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens as your guide. Each has traditional elements, but their use is never overdone. Also, you will notice that the color palettes are neutral. Why? This creates the best balance visually and brings harmony to the space. By the way, only the last three photos are from smaller homes. Someday I'll be able to run around and take all the photos I need - or pay someone else to do it - but for now my day job keeps me busy. Enjoy!

Warmly,

Genevieve

My Decorating Pet Peeves - Wallpaper, Is It Ever a Good Idea?

Could you sleep in this room? Not me!

This month as we discuss decorating basics for a smaller space, I'd like to bring up a few of my 'pet peeves'. High on my list of 'no-nos' is wallpaper, especially floral wallpaper. I expect many of you out there will disagree with me, but wallpaper, is almost never a good idea. Here are my reasons:

• Wallpaper makes a room look dated, regardless of whether the pattern is new.
• A wallpapered room often feels cluttered and claustrophobic. The 'busyness' of the walls overpowers every other design element.
  
• Wallpaper gets dirty very quickly and can be difficult to clean.
• It takes a professional to hang wallpaper correctly and it is hard to remove and replace.
• Wallpaper 'chops-up' the continuous visual flow needed to make a small space harmonious.
• Wallpaper almost always becomes a room's focus. To create balance, walls should be the background for a room, not its focal point.
  

Now, if you must have wallpaper, here are photos of some acceptable wallpapered rooms. But let me tell you, these examples were not easy to find.

This works because the wallpaper is monochromatic.

The natural light and uniform color scheme saves this room.

The black wallpaper is the only accent color here so it is not overwhelming.

Again the wallpaper is the only accent color in this room so it works.
These are all complimentary colors which balance with the the wallpaper.

Until next time,

Genevieve

Decorating a Smaller Home: Choosing a Style

Fashion passes, style remains. – Coco Chanel, Fashion Designer, (1883-1971)

When decorating any space, but especially a smaller space, start with a general idea of how you want the room or area to look. This will be your style. For a smaller home, choose a style that can be used throughout the house. Why? This leads to a cohesive look, the first step in creating a harmonious space, one of the hallmarks of a Jewel Box™ home. It is not necessary to rigidly follow a particular style, but you will want to incorporate the basic elements into your overall decorating scheme.

So how do you choose a style? The best way is to look through home décor and general interest magazines and tear out pages with rooms that appeal to you. My favorites are Better Homes and Gardens and Real Simple. Catalogs are also a good place for style shopping. I like Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and Ballard Designs. While looking through magazines and catalogs, keep in mind that decorating has nothing to do with following design trends. Just because something is trendy, new or expensive, does not automatically make it a good idea. And unless you are a teenage girl, ‘cute’ is not a style. Also, floral prints, plaids and oriental carpets never belong in the same room. Ever!

Most styles are variations on one of several looks:

• Traditional
• Contemporary/Modern
• English Cottage and French Country
• Mediterranean
• Asian
• Eclectic

In the coming weeks we will look at each of these styles and how well they work in a smaller space. But for now, enjoy the striking photos below of a 780 square foot condo in Chicago's Lincoln Park recently profiled in Chicago Home and Garden. This is a wonderful example a contemporary/modern look.

Entryway

Living Area

The Classic Modern Statement Piece - An Eames Chair

Galley Kitchen

Custom Built-in Headboard and Night Tables

Small Houses Are Healthier for Children and Teens

"In one way or another, the challenges of prosperity
come up in about 40 percent of the cases I see."
- Cheryl Rampage, Senior Vice President of The Family Institute as quoted in Privileged, by Penelope Mesic, November 2008 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM

In the Spring 2008 edition of Jewel Box™ Living, I discussed the benefits of small home living as a healthy lifestyle choice. Building and maintaining close relationships with family and friends is widely documented as a critical factor in fostering good physical and mental health throughout life.

Research now finds that small home living is especially good for teens. A recent article in Chicago's NorthShore magazine, focused on the privileged life many teens lead in Chicago's wealthy northern suburbs and the growing number of adolescents who are collapsing under the weight of their advantages. The risk factor for these young people is something that most regard as a benefit - affluence and all the possesions that come with it, particularly the larger house.

Here is an excerpt from this fascinating article:

In fact, the wealthier the child, the more likely to feel estranged. This matters because the best predictor for healthy adjustment is closeness to one's parents, and the reverse is a warning sign for drug and alcohol use, anxiety and depression. And when these problems emerge in high school they may predict a lifelong vulnerability in adulthood.

One way that affluence plays a part, Rampage says, is that "closeness" has a literal component. A less-prosperous family usually shares a smaller space. Parents can see or hear when a child is upset or sad. Children can tell when their parents are worried and have a better sense of their family's problems. The child is more likely to contribute, and the child's contributions are more likely to be valued, which creates a sense of worth and responsibility.

A middle-class family may really need a teenage son or daughter to clean house or to baby-sit and make a meal for younger siblings or to have a job to save money for college. An affluent teen may have no reason to do chores or cook dinner. After all, there are people around who are paid to do those things. Another contributing factor is the affluent teen with his or her own room, bath, TV, computer, telephone and car doesn't have to compromise about who will use the car when, or learn to take turns choosing what's on television, or negotiate about who takes the first shower.

From the parental point of view, to have your child live in a parallel universe may seem entirely positive. Your Audi won't come back from basketball practice with a crumpled rear bumper. You won't spend most of Nova arguing with a 14-year-old who would rather watch Spiderman III. You can read The New York Times "Style" section without having to listen to Radiohead. But even irksome contacts can foster closeness and promote the skills your child needs, including the ability to compromise, negotiate, accommodate others and take care of belongings.

"In a smaller space you witness each other's moods and interests," says Sachs Alter. "You take turns, enjoy each other's company."

The complete article can be found at NORTHSHOREMAG.COM.

The moral to this story? Make children share a bedroom. Its good for them!

Until next time,

Genevieve

A New Years Celebration!

There is nothing like bringing in the New Year with family and friends. For a simple and delicious New Year's Eve dinner you might like to try all or part of the menu I served at a holiday celebration this past weekend. Recipes follow the party photos.

***

Appetizers
Smoked Salmon with toast points
Crab dip with crackers
Assorted cheeses with sliced ficelle bread
***
Entree and Sides
Beef Tenderloin with Bernaise Sauce
Mashed potatoes with Parsnips
Steamed Broccolli with Hollandaise
***
Salad
Baby Greens with roasted pine nuts and sliced pear
***
Dessert
Brownies, Lemon Bars and Seven Layer Bars
Fresh Fruit
***

Getting ready.

Here come the appetizers!
(Even in a small kitchen, there is room for everyone.)

Appetizers in the living room.

A little cooking help is always appreciated.

The mashed potatoes are ready!

Is it time to eat yet?
(This is a good view of the small passage way from our tiny kitchen to the living room.)

A toast!
(Seat everyone together, even if your dining room is tiny. This makes for good conversation, more fun and a warm comfortable feeling. Here, three generations of family and friends - 12 adults plus 2 young children - are seated at the same table.)

Dinner is served!

Mangia!

Recipes

Bourbon-marinated roast tenderloin

(from the Chicago Tribune 12/18/96)

Cooking time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 adult servings

1/3 cup bourbon
1/4 cup each: packed light brown sugar, soy sauce
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon oil (I like to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
1 small onion, finely minced
1 teaspoon each: minced fresh rosemary, Worcesterchire sauce
1 bay leaf
1 beef tenderloin, 4 to 5 pounds

1. Combine bourbon, sugar, soy sauce, mustard, oil, onion, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf in small bowl; stir to dissolve sugar.
2. Transfer marinade to a large, heavy-duty plastic food bag. Add meat, seal tightly and refrigerate 12 hours or overnight, turning bag over several times. Remove from refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking.
3. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Remove meat from marinade and blot dry. Place in shallow roasting pan. Bake until temperature, tested with instant-reading thermometer, reaches 130 degrees for medium rare, about 35 minutes; or longer as desired. Tent with foil and let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

Mashed Potatoes with Parsnips
(My recipe so proportions are approximate)

1 5 pound bag of medium red potatoes
4-5 medium to large size parsnips
1 stick salted butter
2 cups half and half (more if desired)
Salt to taste

1. Peel potatoes and parsnips and cut into large pieces. Place potatoes and parsnips in a large pot, cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Continue to boil until a fork can be inserted easily into potatoes and parsnips.
2. Drain potatoes and parsnips in a colander and let sit for a few minutes. In same large pot used to boil potatoes and parsnips, melt butter then add half and half and stir. Add potatoes and parsnips along with salt to taste (I like about 2 teaspoons).
3. Mash potatoes and parsnips by hand or use a mixer. Add salt as needed to taste. Serve garnished with parsley.

Hollandaise Sauce and Bernaise Sauce

This is as easy as it gets. Buy the Knorr hollandaise and bernaise sauce mixes and follow the directions.

Salad with Baby Greens, Roasted Pine Nuts and Pear
(My recipe so proportions are approximate)

1 bag baby greens
3 Bartlett or Bosc pears
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 bottle Robb Ross Red Wine Vinegar and Oil Dressing (available at most grocery stores)
Salt to taste

1. Saute pine nuts in a dry non-stick pan on medium until brown; about 2 minutes. Let nuts cool.
2. Cut pears into thin slices length wise.
3. Place green, pears and pine nuts into a large salad bowl. Sprinkle with olive oil add a pinch of salt and mix to coat greens with oil. (I do the mixing with my hands, this seems to work best.)
4. Add 1/4 of the Robb Ross dressing to the salad and mix again to coat the greens. Serve salad on dinner plate or separately.

Everything Else Including Desserts and Appetizers

Call me lazy, but I buy all my desserts and appetizers. It makes things much easier and I'm able to enjoy my guests and the party. Of course, many of you are much more talented and organized than I am so you can probably whip those appetizers and desserts together in a minute. I'd love to have your recipes!

Happy New Year!

Genevieve

Merry Christmas from the Jewel Box™ Home!

Wreath at the front door

I heard the bells on Christmas Day,
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Christmas Bells in Flower-de-Luce, 1867

At last the decorating is done and its time to celebrate. I wish you all good things during this holiday season. And as always, may your home be filled with beauty and joy and may you always be surrounded by the company of family and friends.

Warmly,

Genevieve

Christmas Roses

Christmas Amaryllis

The Christmas Tree

The White Ceramic Manger Scene

The Mantle and Stockings

A place to relax and enjoy the holiday

Christmas decorations on the tree

The Italian Nativity

Christmas Decorating 1, 2, 3!

A Holiday Decorating Tradition

In my family holiday decorating doesn't begin until a week or so before Christmas. My mother started this tradition over 50 years ago. When I was a child, holiday greenery and smaller decorations began appearing in the days before Christmas and Santa brought the tree on Christmas eve after my brother, sister and I were in bed. Although my mother died over 20 years ago, one of her most treasured memories was our amazed faces on Christmas morning when we woke to a decorated tree surrounded by presents. My father felt differently - he didn't like the Christmas Eve all-nighter - but it was only once a year so he went along with my mother's plan. Funny thing, I don't remember the presents I received, but I do remember how happy my parents looked while we tore into our gifts.

Decorating for Christmas in One Week or Less

I have continued the general spirit of the tradition my mother started. Decorating does not begin until a week or so before Christmas ( but the tree is up before the 24th, I know my limits.) So how is it possible to decorate in such a short period of time? All you need are three things (1) a holiday wreath, (2) a Christmas tree and (3) Christmas flowers.

Over the next few days I will be knee-deep in decorating, so I don't yet have any photos to share, but for inspiration take a peek at the lovely wreaths, flowers and trees from Country Living Magazine.

*1*
Holiday Wreaths

*2*
Christmas Trees

*3*
Christmas Flowers

Tips for 'Decking the Halls'

And when 'decking the halls' keep these tips in mind -

1. Think outside the red and green box. Traditional holiday colors are red and green, but other color schemes work equally well - consider white and green, or all white.
2. Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes. If you are feeling overwhelmed this year do something smaller. Or put up a large tree, but keep decorations simple - lights only is a beautiful look or try lights and ornamental balls in a single color but varying sizes.
   
3. Poinsettias are not the only flowers that say Christmas. Poinsettias are the traditional holiday flower, but amaryllis and paperwhites in pots are also lovely.
4. Ornaments do need to be fancy or store bought. Tie a red ribbon to a demitasse silver spoon or a beautiful little jewelry box. Both will add sparkle to the tree and cost nothing.
5. Keep your tree skirt simple. Buy several yards of red velvet and wrap around the base of your tree for an inexpensive but rich-looking and lovely tree skirt. White or green velvet will look just as nice. These simple skirts make beautiful backdrops for your ornaments and nicely frame the tree.
   

I hope to have photos of my home this coming Sunday.

Happy Holidays!

Genevieve