A New Fabric Has Arrived!!

   

There are a couple of new kids in the running. I just received this fabric………

Then another new puzzle piece came to mind after seeing my friend Sherry’s post on Mary McDonalds new collection for Schumacher. 

I fell in love with a fabric, and a pillow she had on her blog post today……..

Source: fschumacher.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Just look at this fabric made into a lumbar pillow………..

I don’t know about you all, but I think I am in LOVE with this pillow!!!

Don’t they look happy together?!

The plot thickens!

I am leaning more, and more towards some solids and geometric prints. 

If I could just  find the perfect combiner fabric that has all my colors in it with a touch of black!

 (This makes me smile!)

Be sure and visit my last post to see the other 6 combinations of fabrics that are in the running but falling behind now that I have seen this pillow!

BTW: I am ordering my fabric for the sofa and ottoman tomorrow!! I am very excited!!

Also for those of you that have already chimed in, Combination #1 has double the votes of any other combination. 

TO BE CONTINUED..........

 

Look At What I Have Been Up Too!!!

 

When I am working on a project I can get very focused. Sometimes to a fault!! My mind can’t let go of a project until I get it nailed down.

I don’t have it totally nailed down yet, but I am getting closer to the look I want in my family room. I still have several swatches coming so nothing is in cement yet.

You all know that I am a planner, and all details need to be ironed out before orders will be placed.

Since I like a semi- casual-elegant look I tried to keep that in mind when sourcing out fabrics.

The larger swatch is the fabric for my sofa, and ottoman. Both the sofa, and ottoman will be piped in white to keep it bright, fresh and crisp.

This is what I have been up to this past week, instead of writing blog post……….

#1

#2

The upper right hand fabric has a light natural linen colored background, not white. The large leaves are actually a light sage/celadon green outlined in a darker sage/celadon green which happens to be the exact color of my kitchen cupboards. The reason I am even mentioning this is my home is an open concept home so the kitchen and family room are seen when in both rooms.

#3

 The upper right hand fabric is a small print with a repeat of 3 in. Here is a picture of the actual size of the pattern on a pillow, but in a different colorway...........

#4

#5

#6

Now that you have seen all of the mixes which ones do you like or for that matter, dislike. Please leave a comment to give me your opinion. I always love hearing from my readers. Trust me I know design is subjective!

Can’t wait to hear what you all have to say, remember none of these fabrics have been ordered yet, and the only one in cement is the ticking stripe!!

Let the Design Games begin!!

 

Are You An Observer Of DETAILS!?

If you have read it once you have

probably read it a thousand times!!

Source: classy-in-the-city.tumblr.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

I don’t know about you all, but when I look at an image of a well decorated room I study the image.

What I am looking for are the DETAILS!

DETAILS  will make an ordinary room become a well designed room.

Source: interiordesignmusings.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinteres

(DETAIL: the Greek Key trim at the bottom of the drape)

With the onset of Pinterest we all have a plethora of images to study.

What I do first is skim the images by color and feel. If those two elements are appealing to me I will then stop and scan the image closely and look at all the details.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

(DETAIL: mitered stripe on top of ottoman)

I don’t have to necessarily love the room, or style for my own home. If it is designed well it is worth stopping to study.

I am looking for textures, placement of furniture, or elements that are special, like subtle details in the millwork, or upholstery.

Source: seasidestyle.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

(DETAIL: Contrast cord welting in blue.)

It is usually the subtle details that really can pull a room together.

There are so many layers in a room, and to orchestrate a well appointed room all the details must be addressed.

Source: vtinteriors.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

(DETAIL: Simple Greek Key applique on the sofa pleat)

DON’T FORGET………

Next time you see a room you love, STOP and study all of the details, make note of what you love in the room.

By doing this you will start training your eye to see a room differently. You will see more than what is obvious, and apparent to anyone who glances at the room.

.Keep a running list of the DETAILS that you seem to be attracted too.

This technique will help you when it comes to decorating, or planning your next redesign. 

I have learned, over the years that I am attracted to

contrast, and love elements that are outlined.

I am drawn to contrast cord welting on furniture, borders on a drapery, or even a border on flooring, or mouldings on a wall.

What Design DETAIL do you seem to love whenever you see it in a room?

If you would like to see more of the DETAILS that I am attracted too, go to my Pinterest board.......

DETAILS  

 

Coordinating Fabrics For My Family Room

I shared with you all that I am going to be re-doing my existing family room. First on the agenda is to get the sofa re-upholstered…..

Originally I was going to have the seat changed to a bench seat. Thank goodness I asked for opinions on that post.

After reading all of your wonderful comments I realized it would not work for one very important reason. 

My fabric can not be railroaded. I did not want the stripe to run horizontally on the seat so, I am back to its original style.

I have ordered lots of samples of fabrics for accent

pillows.

I am not exactly sure which combination I will be using, still working on that, but I have narrowed it down to the fabrics below........

You will notice I have Greek Key pattern in the mix I was so excited when this one sample came, because I love the Greek Key pattern. It is actually a trim and it matches the blue I am using perfectly.

I am going to use it sparingly because I don’t want it to look too contrived. It is going to be used for trim on a pillow and/or on the side hem of a white drapery panel.

I am still in the planning stages, except on the sofa, that decision has been made.

Tomorrow I will be ordering the ticking for the sofa.

I will be adding my ottoman to the order also once I figure out how I want to have it upholstered.

Existing ottoman…..

I have two designs in mind for the ottoman……..

I am thinking of a box pleat with contrast white cord welt  and a border in white like the one on the right.

OR

Use a white twill tape with nail heads as pictured above.


Since you all were so helpful with my last decision, which one do you all think would be the way to go?……

Kathysue’s Inquiring mind, wants to know!!

Great Ideas To Ponder On A Sunday!!

   

If you are not watching the football games today, then I have some wonderful ideas for you to think about today.

For all of you DIYers this is a really good idea for the projects that require some spray painting……..

Source: craftynest.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Go to the dollar store and buy a garment bag and use it as a spray tent for small objects.

The next time you have a picture to hang that has two hangers try this method to mark the spot…..

Source: somewhatsimple.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Just put a dollop of toothpaste to mark the hangers and press against the wall and then just put your nail where the toothpaste makes a mark, and Voila!!

Source: missnattysbeautydiary.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

For those of you who have opened your overnight bag on a trip, and have found your make-up, or eye shadows shattered, this is for you. When you pack them add some cotton balls and pads and that will prevent any breakage.

 

Source: thegardenerseden.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

How many of you have had to throw out fresh herbs because they have gone bad. Next time measure them into 1 tsp. amounts and place in olive oil and put in ice cube trays and freeze. Next time you need fresh herbs you can just add it to the recipe.

If you need an easy way to keep your shower tile and doors clean keep this in your shower and use periodically while you are in the shower…….

Source: joyfulhomemaking.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Fill a scrubby brush with half vinegar and half Dawn and you have a great cleaner for your shower.

I have not tried this next idea, but I plan on doing it. I can’t stand for my baseboards to get dirty, and let’s face it we live in a dusty world…….

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

This is suppose to work really well, plus it makes your house smell good too!

I am all over anything that makes my home smell good. That reminds me of an idea I posted last year that is still getting me lots of traffic on my blog….

Source: morganmoore.typepad.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

The person that originally posted this on Pinterest wrote this………

when I used to work at Williams Sonoma (about 10+ years ago) they used to simmer this amazing concoction on the stove and it made the whole store smell amazing. Originally posted on this blog morganmoore.typep...

I have used this concoction and it smells heavenly. Wonderful for our homes during the winter while they are all closed up. Lemon, rosemary and some vanilla.

Wishing you all a wonderful Sunday!!

Please share any ideas that you have found helpful lately, in the comments.

 

Let's Play With Make-Up!!

Source: butterflies-eyes.tumblr.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

One of the many things I love about being a girl is being able to play with make-up.

I remember when I was a teenager, and brush-on make-up became in vogue my Dad use to tease me and ask if I needed the dust pan. 

He would tell me that he didn’t understand why I would take so long to put on make-up to get a natural look!!

Source: projectwedding.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

He was right! I did spend a lot of time choosing just the right colors and blending them to give me a fresh faced natural look.

Source: kinopoisk.ru via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

To this day I still love nothing better than to look naturally enhanced!!

As I have become older I am finding that a little less make-up with a softer touch is better for the look I enjoy.

Today I am going to share with you the make-up products that I have used, and have had success with.

Let’s start at the bottom of it all …..

FOUNDATION

I actually have two foundations I use, sometimes alone, and sometimes together, depending on the look I am going for.

Bare Minerals:

Source: bareescentuals.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

I know everyone in the world uses this product. It is a tried and true product for me.

I do find that I have to use it with a light hand as I get older, but it has wonderful coverage for the days, or nights I feel I need a bit more staying power.

LIQUID FOUNDATION

Source: chanel.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

I love the smooth finish the Chanel foundation gives me. I wear a color called  03 Cendre. A little goes a long way.

Next is what I call my miracle make-up!

BOI~ING

Source: amazon.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Such a funny name!! But, it is named well, because it really does make your eyes going Boi~ing!!! 

I was so glad to find this product. I have very dark circles around my eyes and this stuff really does hide them well. You have to try this!! I promise you will thank me later!!

 BROWS

Now that I have my foundation in place it is time to do my brows. Don't forget to fill in your brows, remember they are like a frame around a pretty picture.

Source: bareescentuals.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Source: bareescentuals.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

I love this dynamic duo by Bare Minerals. I use the light ash blonde. I find this product so easy to apply and it looks soft and natural. Remember I love a natural look!!

Have you all noticed the trend of thicker eyebrows, again?

Next………

THE EYES

I have green eyes so I use a liner that is a very dark plum that comes off as a soft dark brown with a purple undertone. The purple makes my eyes pop more than any other color.

Source: bareescentuals.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Source: bareescentuals.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Source: bareescentuals.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

The trick to using this product is to blow off any access on the special angled brush before applying and then just dab it close to your eyelashes. That way you get a more natural look. 

The beauty of this product is you can apply more for a dramatic look for evening, and with the angled brush you can even get a fun cat-eye look without looking too harsh.

I always, always use an eye lash curler. Every one swears by the  shu uemera, but I read an article claiming that the Sonia Koshak at Tarjay was just as good. 

That is the one I own and I love it. I was having a hard time getting my eyelashes to stay curled but with this curler they are great.

Source: target.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Last but not least…….

MASCARA

I have trouble with most mascaras making my eyes weep so I have used Maybelline for years and it seems to work great for me.

Source: google.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

One by One Volum’ Express!

Last but not least I pop a soft pink/lavender shadow in the very center of my eye lid,  blending it outward.  I learned a long time ago this makes my eyes stand out more.

The shadow I use is discontinued so I am on the hunt for the perfect color. When I find it I will share it with you, I promise!!

If you are still with me you are to be commended. I know this is a lengthy subject.

Next post I will tell you all about my favorite lipsticks, glosses and blushes. Oh my, I do love a good gloss!!

Be sure to come back, and also leave any helpful comments telling us which products  you swear by.

 Inquiring minds want to know!!

If you missed my last post be sure and read  it. It is all about my tried and true skin care products I now use. There is also a picture of me so you can see my make-up in action!! Go HERE!