From my library: Speed Decorating by Jill Vegas

I really like the tips in "Speed Decorating: A Pro Stager's Tips And Trade Secrets For A Fabulous Home In A Week Or Less," and the pictures are mighty cute too!



Two lovely entryways - check out the wood "bottles" to the right of the red secretary.

Five Musts For A Great-Looking Entry

1. Clutter-free surfaces. Get rid of boxes, shoes, anything that doesn't belong in the space.

2. Brilliant light. Replace any burned-out or too-dim bulbs. Clean and polish light fixtures.

3. A nice-looking floor. Vacuum and mop the floor. Replace the doormat if it's dingy. If the floor's condition is really bad, buy some floor polish and buff out scratches, or buy some carpet tiles (FLOR brand is an example) and make a runner to hide them.

4. Clean walls. Get rid of scuff marks (a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is great for this), or touch up the paint in spots to hide them. If the walls are in really bad shape, repaint.


I really like how the side of this settee is just a bare wood.

What a dreamy reading nook!

A sweet little writing area in the bedroom


I love this bathroom! "A bathroom adorned with unique accessories and artwork feels comfy. Here, botanical prints, a fern in a simple vase, and a vintage map makes this room memorable."

Anyway, I'm sure you can see why Speed Decorating is a fav. new addition to my humble library!
All photography by Michael Grimm<

Organization inspiration and tips

When it comes to pretty and practical organization, nobody brings it like Martha!

Her kitchen

A shelf over a door creates instant extra storage.

I love the homey feel of this office

If your fellow inhabitants don't really believe in sorting mail, atleast you can avoid stacks of it be designating an entryway organizer for everyone.

I love this medicine cabinet, just find some thin metal sheets at a hardware store, some magnetic containers (these are very popular and can be found at places like Bed, Bath, and Beyond.) Just make sure that if you mount anything inside the door that you can close it.


cylindrical vase= snazzy t.p. holder


we really need a boot tray...

A simple shelf that folds down is a great way to extend window sill surfaces. *tip, this is also a great idea to ad on counter space *

mount grow light underneath a shelf, and you can have flowers year round.

these following images are just for gratuitous prettiness...




If only I had such great light!

via marthastewart.com

Entryways - they're more important than you think!

When you walk into your house tonight, are you going to be welcomed by a calming, organized entryway? Or will you be welcomed by muddy boots strewn around, stacks of mail, and random homeless items? While I hope it's the first, if it's not, you need these ideas! Your entryway is the first thing people (and you) see upon entering, and sets the tone for your home, so it has to be up to par! For a really detailed way to set up your entryway, I highly recommend Apartment Therapy The Eight Step Cure, by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan. In his book Gillingham-Ryan devotes an entire chapter to the entryway, or what he calls, "the landing strip."

via Country Living

Boot tray is a great idea - especially on a day like today

Directions for this project here on marthastewart.com



Directions for this project here on marthastewart.com

via Martha Stewart

Not an entryway- but these ideas can be adapted for the entryway.

via BH&G