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

Barack Obama and The Jewel Box™ Home

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. - President Elect Barack Obama

We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times... and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK. That's not leadership. That's not going to happen.- President Elect Barack Obama

Ever since Barack Obama became President Elect, I have toyed with the idea of sharing my small story about his campaign and the Jewel Box™ Home connection. Today I have decided to throw caution to the winds and for the first - and likely last time - allow politics to make an appearance on the Jewel Box™ site. First, a little background. All my life I have voted a straight Republican ticket. In fact, when I turned 18, I proudly cast my first ballot for Reagan. As a young single woman in Chicago, I volunteered downtown as a Republican Precinct captain. Since Chicago is fiercely Democratic, this was a lot like being a goldfish in a pool of sharks. Regardless, I persevered in my dedication to the Republican party. This was in large part due to my upbringing in a diehard Republican family.

Obama first made an impression on me when he ran for the U.S. Senate and won. After he declared for President, I immediately volunteered to help with the campaign. My father and husband - both hard core Republicans - could not resist teasing me as a traitor to the family's political heritage. So where does the Jewel Box™ Home come into this story? I volunteered to host a get-together at our home in the first round of house parties for Obama. My husband found this especially humorous since Senator Obama would not be coming to our house, but 'speaking' from a town hall meeting in Iowa via the internet. No matter, I was throwing this party and to his credit, my husband helped set up the computer screen hook-ups. True to the Jewel Box™ party staging rules, I served buffet style - sandwiches, sides, wine, beer and soda - in the dining room, while people talked and listened to Obama in the the living room. Because my son was 18 at the time and voting the following year in his first election, several of his friends came over along with life long Democrats and fellow Republicans. It went beautifully and the comfortable, smaller scaled proportions of our home made it easy for people from every political background to mingle. And we were all surprised when several TV stations showed up later to interview us as 'Republicans for Obama'. I made my first - and so far only - TV appearance that night on ABC and WGN in Chicago.

Aside from the house party connection, what does President Elect Obama have to do with the Jewel Box™ Home? The hallmarks of a Jewel Box™ home in a much smaller way parallel the Obama political philosophy. Obama by recognizing the needs of Americans from all walks of life, has brought together liberals and conservatives; black, white, latino and asian Americans into one community with a desire to create a better nation and world, through the collective actions of a united people. I have not met President Elect Obama, nor do I ever expect to have that privilege, but on a much smaller scale, Jewel Box™ follows Obama's unifying vision. The best traits of both large and small houses are embodied in the Jewel Box™ Home satisfying the needs of all households and lifestyles - singles, downsizing Baby Boomers, young couples, families, and single parents. The focus is on livability not size and human needs take priority. The Jewel Box™ lifestyle also teaches us the skills of functioning in a multi-dimensional society. Spaces have to be shared and the ability to respect the needs and desires of others is learned. As I mentioned earlier, most of my family, including my husband, are lifelong Republicans. Still, aside from some good natured teasing, my decision to support Obama was not only tolerated, but respected. This is the direct result of the spirit and atmosphere of a Jewel Box™ home, whose primary purpose is to enrich the lives of its people.

May your home and your life bring light and love to the world.

Until next time,

Genevieve

Rerun Of My Favorite Kitchen Things

"I have only a little galley kitchen, but I can put out a dinner party for forty."

— Martha Greenlaw, Chef and Author
Recipes from a Very Small Island, (2005)

Television and radio shows rerun favorite programs and books reprint best-sellers outfitted with new covers. Why not blogs? Rather than let more time pass between posts, I have decided to rerun 'My Favorite Kitchen Things' which first appeared about six months ago. It contains a few kitchen suggestions that might come in handy as you get ready for the holidays.

And now for 'My Favorite Kitchen Things' which first appeared last May...

The photo above is my galley kitchen and it measures 8' x 8' from wall-to-wall. So how do I function in a space this small? Let me tell you about some of my favorite kitchen things that I couldn't live without.

• My Step Stool. I have the most wonderful step stool that allows me to reach the top shelf of my kitchen cabinets without any problem. At 5'2" tall on a good day, I could not function in the kitchen without my step stool. It has a false front that looks exactly like my kitchen drawers and folds easily for storage in the kitchen kick plate when not in use.

• Under Shelf Wire Bins. The wire bins in the picture below let me make use of the space above my dishes, glasses and mugs. I also use them in my pantry. They are available for a few dollars each at any The Container Store, a nation wide chain that sells organizational and storage tools. You can purchase these bins in white - which I chose - or silver. More colors may be available, I haven't been to The Container Store in awhile. And yes, call me boring, but all my dishes are white. I prefer a monochromatic goes-with-everything look.

• Over-the-Sink-Colander or Strainer. If you read the Jewel Box Living newsletter you know that I love my large single bowl sink. But an over the sink colander lets me have it all. Whenever I need that "extra" sink for rinsing vegetables or draining pasta, I pull out my expandable colander/strainer. When not in use, I store it with my pots and pans. These colanders are available at Target for $20 to $25.

Until next time,

Genevieve

Happy Halloween!

The Summer/Fall 2008 edition of Jewel Box ^sm Living is ready! Featured articles include:

• No Mud Room? No Problem!
• Accessories and the Smaller Home
• You Can Do It! The Cocktail Party
• All new "Quick Tips"
  

For the autumn entryway look shown above, read about Tea Lights under "Quick Tips". To see the complete Summer/Fall 2008 edition of Jewel Box ^sm Living visit http://www.thejewelboxhome.com/ and click on the Jewel Box ^sm Living newsletter tab.

Until next time,

Genevieve

The Jewel Box™ Home - Resources You Can Use

A good resource makes it easier to do the things you need to do
so you can get around to doing the things you want to do.
- Genevieve Ferraro

It is now officially Fall. As life gets busy again with school, community and work functions and the approaching holidays, its always nice to have a little help. To make it easier to cope with the daily challenges we all face at this time of year, I am adding a list of Recommended Resources to The Jewel Box™ Home blog. You can find this list to the right under "About Me". These will only be resources I have personally used and found helpful - so right now the list is short!

Those of you that follow the Jewel Box™ blog will recognize the first resource on the list, ABT Appliances, the wonderful full service electronics and appliance store where I bought my new washing machine. To read more about ABT see the May 1, 2008 post titled A New Washing Machine for The Jewel Box™ Home.

Make it Better, the second resource listed, does exactly what its name promises - make the basics of life better, easier and often more enjoyable. This valuable site is filled with information, ideas and practical help for residents living on the North Shore of Chicago. But those of you in other areas of the country should not overlook the delicious recipes, inspiring stories and useful lifestyle tips that can be enjoyed anywhere you call home.

If you would like to meet me and learn how to create your own Jewel Box™ Home, its not too late to sign up for a series of classes I am teaching at Oakton Community College called The Jewel Box Home: Decorating and Entertaining Basics for the Smaller Home. Classes begin November 5th, 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

Until next time!

Genevieve

The Jewel Box Home: Scenes from the Garden

Espalier Pear Tree Outside my Kitchen Window

This is the scene out the kitchen window of my espalier pear tree - a tree that grows flat against a wall or fence, usually in a very small area. As with the Jewel Box sm Home, small is not a limitation, but an advantage. Espalier trees are trained to grow in tight spaces, this automatically produces an abundance of fruit because the branching is limited.

View of Pear Tree from my Kitchen Window

Although my garden area is small, I love to cook with fresh herbs, so I plant my favorites in pots outside the kitchen door. Below is the potted rosemary which I can easily reach by opening the screen door and snipping a piece while standing inside the back kitchen entrance.

Potted Rosemary Outside Kitchen Door

I also like to "branch" out and try some exotic gardening. These plants are always in pots which I bring indoors when the weather cools. Here is my very tiny lemon tree, which as you can see, does have lemons. These should ripen by the end of September.

Potted Lemon Tree

Until next time!

Genevieve

The Jewel Box™Home: What's for dinner?

Thursday Night Dinner

Flank Steak
Risotto with Asparagus
Red and Yellow Tomatoes with Basil and Olive Oil

One of the greatest joys of small home living is the time "freed up" for the daily rituals that bring friends and especially family together. In our home, an important part of the day is dinner. Most nights we sit down to eat as a family and often one of the boys will have a friend join us.

Our dinners are simple, but simple is not the same thing as quick. I don't care how fast Rachel Ray can whip up a meal, it takes time to make something that tastes good. I usually spend at least one hour or more in the kitchen. That does not mean, however, that I am slaving away. Making dinner is not about racing to put food on the table. I cook at a leisurely pace and the boys stop in grab a snack and chat, or my husband joins me to share a glass of wine.

Still, don't get the wrong idea and picture this perfect family sitting down to dinner. The reality is that I dirty a lot of dishes when I cook, one of the boys usually doesn't like what I make and someone is always complaining about school or work. And don't forget that my husband is Italian, so our dinner conversations often border on yelling.

Yet the routine of making a meal and eating together is an important way in which we connect as a family. So what do I make at dinner time? Monday is reserved for fish, Tuesday is pasta, Wednesday is Chicken, Thursday is beef or pork and Friday is pasta again or pizza. I usually don't plan weekend meals in advance.

The dinner pictured above is a family favorite - Flank steak, risotto with asparagus and red and yellow tomatoes with fresh basil and olive oil. The tomatoes and basil are from my garden. I like the look and flavor of the sweet yellow tomatoes combined with the sharper taste of the red variety. Let me know if you would like the recipes.

Until next time,

Genevieve

Choosing a Dog for a Smaller Home

"Buddy" our dog

For me a house becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog. - Roger Caras

I grew up with dogs and love most breeds - big and small, high energy dynamos and calm couch potatoes. But even though my children begged for a dog, we did not get one until my older son was twelve. Why not? Smaller homes and dogs are not always a good mix. When space is already limited, how do you squeeze in a dog? Where will it sleep, where do you put the dog crate, food and water bowl and doggie bed? And what about those muddy paws during bad weather, the shedding fur and the commotion a dog causes? My dogs growing up were big lovable mutts that ran around outside all day and flopped down in front of the fireplace at night. This would never work in a smaller home with a tiny backyard and neighborhood leash laws.

In the end, I could not live without a dog. So after many years of research and countless visits to dog shows and breeders, we adopted a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This is a quiet, calm smaller breed that is both a good family dog and nine-to-five dog; so he is perfectly content at home while we are away at work and school.

What I found out along the way to bringing Buddy into our lives, is that there are several dog breeds - big and small - that fit beautifully into a smaller home. The key is to find a breed that is calm with low to moderate exercise needs. These dogs tend to be comfortable in smaller spaces and less likely to do damage to your home. Some breeds to consider are:

• English Cocker Spaniels - These dogs are 15-17 inches in height and weigh 26 to 34 pounds. Because they are not as popular as cocker spaniels, inbreeding problems have mostly been avoided. This dog is a wonderful family companion that is eager to please.
• Greyhounds - This is a big dog weighing 60 to 70 pounds and measuring 26 to 30 inches in height. Quiet, clean and sweet, this is a lovely dog for people who want a larger breed. And surprisingly, the exercise requirements for this breed are more than manageable, a twenty minute walk once or twice a day is often enough. Another plus is that many greyhounds are available as rescue dogs from racing tracks.
  
• Pugs - This is a great all around dog. A very manageable size, 10-11 inches and 14 to 18 pounds, this breed is a charming companion that loves adults and children alike. Underneath that wrinkled face is a heart of gold.

Why aren't labradors and golden retrievers on the list? Both breeds are great dogs, but these are high energy animals that demand a great deal of exercise and likely will find a smaller home confining. Of course, if you have the time for at least one two hour run a day, by all means consider either of these breeds.

A wonderful resource for choosing the right dog is Paws to Consider by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson.

Until next time,

Genevieve