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<!--Generated by Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/) on Mon, 28 May 2012 20:19:36 GMT--><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><title>Blog</title><subtitle>Blog</subtitle><id>http://www.thespiriteddesign.com/blog/</id><link rel="alternate" type="application/xhtml+xml" href="http://www.thespiriteddesign.com/blog/"/><link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.thespiriteddesign.com/blog/atom.xml"/><updated>2011-12-27T18:32:01Z</updated><generator uri="http://www.squarespace.com/" version="Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)">Squarespace</generator><entry><title>Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...How Do I Decorate with Mirrors?</title><id>http://www.thespiriteddesign.com/blog/2011/12/27/mirror-mirror-on-the-wallhow-do-i-decorate-with-mirrors.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.thespiriteddesign.com/blog/2011/12/27/mirror-mirror-on-the-wallhow-do-i-decorate-with-mirrors.html"/><author><name>Jan Weinstein</name></author><published>2011-12-27T18:31:04Z</published><updated>2011-12-27T18:31:04Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>I have been decorating homes and offices for over 11 years, and one  of the most common mistakes I see is the placement and use of mirrors.&nbsp; I  must admit, hanging a mirror can be a quick and easy fix for your empty  wall. It doesn't clash with your wall color, right?</p>
<p>One common place I often find mirrors is over a mantel.&nbsp; This can  work in some cases, however, like with any mirror placement, look at  what is reflecting back? What are you bringing back into your decorated  room?&nbsp; If your mantel is too high, you're most likely reflecting your  white ceiling.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Try placing a mirror across from a window looking out on your  beautiful yard, or your favorite flowering tree! How about across your  favorite piece of artwork? This way you're reflecting the beauty of the  piece back into your room.</p>
<p>Try thinking out of the box a bit when choosing a mirror for your  bath or powder room. Why match your vanity exactly, when you can have  your mirror appear like a piece of art on its own? Don't be afraid to  turn a square mirror on an angle for a more artistic look &ndash; just be sure  that your space can accommodate the mirror hung that way. And remember,  if you're 6'5" or 4' 11", have&nbsp; a friend of a more average height to  help hang your mirror &ndash; you'll be glad you did!</p>
<p>﻿</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Is your accent color truly 'accenting' your room?</title><id>http://www.thespiriteddesign.com/blog/2011/12/27/is-your-accent-color-truly-accenting-your-room-3.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.thespiriteddesign.com/blog/2011/12/27/is-your-accent-color-truly-accenting-your-room-3.html"/><author><name>Jan Weinstein</name></author><published>2011-12-27T18:27:41Z</published><updated>2011-12-27T18:27:41Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>We all know that painting a room is the easiest and least expensive  way to bring change to a space, and clients often ask me if one wall  should be painted a different color for an accent wall. Here are a few  things to think about before buying that extra can of paint.</p>
<p>Stand in your doorway to view your room, and get a feel of what an  accent wall will do for your space as you enter. An accent colored wall  will draw your eye and attention to that wall. If this wall has a focal  point that you enjoy, and is large enough to handle the different color,  it should look great providing the accent color compliments the other  three walls.</p>
<p>If you're unsure of what color to use, you can draw ideas from your  furnishings in that room for some inspiration. Start with your window  treatments, area rugs, or accent pillows. It's a good idea to get  several paint chips from your local paint store and hold them next to  one another in your space, not the paint store. The lighting in the  store will be totally different than your space. Always be sure to see  how the colors look both in the natural daylight as well as the evening  lights in your home. You may be surprised how much colors can change  with lighting.</p>
<p>Remember to take your time. Did you know that 40% of paint sales are  due to buying the wrong color? These mistakes not only costly to  consumers, but costly to our environment!&nbsp;</p>
<p>﻿</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Redesign? What a concept!</title><id>http://www.thespiriteddesign.com/blog/2011/12/27/redesign-what-a-concept.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.thespiriteddesign.com/blog/2011/12/27/redesign-what-a-concept.html"/><author><name>Jan Weinstein</name></author><published>2011-12-27T18:20:34Z</published><updated>2011-12-27T18:20:34Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<div class="short_bio"></div>
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<p>"I remember it well...it was the summer of 2003. We just entered the  cottage we had rented on the Cape, and although it was cute, something  just didn't feel quite right. By the end of that first day, I had  rearranged the living room as well as the bedroom.</p>
<p>Although I knew I had created a better flow of furniture and balance  in the rooms, I also knew that I had to switch it all back before  leaving! It was that summer I knew I wanted to learn more about the art  of redesign, and incorporate this service into my business!&nbsp;</p>
<p>The key to redesigning a space is clearing the entire room. This  allows me a different perspective to "see" and evaluate the space. After  deciding what the focal point in the space will be, I can arrange the  furniture, lighting, artwork, and accessories to create beautiful  balance in the room.</p>
<p>If you're bored with a room, try angling a chair in a different  direction, and remember, your furniture does not all need to be against a  wall for an anchor. Bring the furniture "inside" the room; this change  alone, will allow you the freedom to then reposition an area rug and  tables to create a more intimate conversation area.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you're looking for smaller changes to perk up your space, think of  the seasons. With the heat of summer, think lighter colors and fabrics.  Some may just change the comforter on a bed, while others might take it  a step further, and change from heavier panels to sheers, and linen  like pillow covers over your existing pillows.</p>
<p>Redesigning a room, is virtually "no cost" decorating! Does it get  any better than that?&nbsp; Happy Summer decorating, or even better &ndash;  redesigning!</p>
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<p>﻿</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Gray ... the new neutral?</title><id>http://www.thespiriteddesign.com/blog/2011/12/27/gray-the-new-neutral.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.thespiriteddesign.com/blog/2011/12/27/gray-the-new-neutral.html"/><author><name>Jan Weinstein</name></author><published>2011-12-27T18:19:13Z</published><updated>2011-12-27T18:19:13Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>In the world of home decor, our main living spaces have been painted  different shades of tans, golds, and sage. The gray palette was reserved  for the modern and contemporary home &ndash; not any more!</p>
<p>No worries, and no need to change out every wall in your home. If you  are looking for ways to incorporate these beautiful shades of gray  without feeling too trendy, why not try some fun and simple solutions to  update your space?</p>
<p>When chosen carefully, certain shades of grays and tans compliment  each other beautifully. You can consider painting a gray accent wall in  your space. If this change feels overwhelming, or is not an option,  start with small changes to bring a new color into a space.</p>
<p>Keep a paint swatch of your current neutral wall color with you as  you shop. Look for gray hues in accent pillows, throws, trim, area rugs,  and accessories. Need a little push for inspiration? Spend a few  minutes browsing in your local fabric store, and you will be inspired!  Beautiful color combinations are around us all the time ... you just  have to stop and notice. I've been inspired by greeting cards, wrapping  paper, and more obvious items like towels and bedding.</p>
<p>After I completed my last interior redesign, I felt bored with my own  living room. I switched out an area rug, one chair, and a few pillows,  and felt like I had a new room! I had added new colors to the room &ndash; and  I didn't paint a thing!</p>
<p>I enjoy your comments, as well as answering your questions, so please  feel free to share how you've made small changes with a big impact in  your spaces.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As always, Thank you for allowing me to "bring your rooms to life!" You can find The Spirited Design on Facebook, and <a href="http://www.thespiriteddesign.com/">www.thespiriteddesign.com</a></p>
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