Imagine a classy hotel like the Ritz-Carlton or a Holland America Line cruise, this is where you will find the formal style. As with the traditional style, classic, symmetry and balance are key.

Furniture arrangement in a formal room is always on a straight axis and is finely crafted, tailored with unique details, crisp pleats and straight to gently curved lines. The rooms themselves will boast highly polished woods, glistening mirrors, luxurious fabrics and highly polished brass window and door hardware, high ceilings, large and tall windows, and architectural features such as a large fireplace mantle or beautifully paneled walls. Lighting usually includes crystal chandeliers or wall sconces.

Accessories are arranged in balanced symmetry and exhibit imported Oriental rugs, lush floral arrangements, plants, original framed prints, leather bound books and antique vases, china, glassware and silverware. In dining rooms, elegant tablecloths or attractive fabric place mats are included in the table setting. Classic solid colours, floral, plaids and stripes are found on luxurious silk and velvet fabrics. Tailored window treatments include roman shades, pleated panels, loosely draped swags trimmed with tassels and fringe. Traditional neutrals, deep luxurious shades, or soft pastels are common colour palettes, with the ceiling often a soothing white. Wall designs may include floral or strong geometric patterns.

References: About.com: Interior Decorating (Apr 6, 2010),
HGTV. (2004). Sensible Chic Smart Style on Any Budget (First Edition). Des Moins, Iowa: Meredith Publishing Group

Images: iStock Photo (Apr 6, 2010)

Now that we’ve done our spring cleaning, it’s time to add a little spring to our decorating. Some quick tips for that perfect look:

• Re-duce, re-use, re-cycle. Re-duce the decorations in your home this year – less is more, re-use items that you love but are not looking the way you want (add a fresh coat of paint to revive that antique dresser) and re-cycle the items in your home you no longer need.

• Visit your local craft or dollar store to find spring themed decorations and silk flowers. Add a centerpiece to your kitchen table, a spring wreath to your front door or some potted plants along the walkway to your door.

• Revitalize a dull couch with colourful and patterned pillows or throws – what colours? Try greens, pinks, violets or golds.

• Add fresh flowers. Remember to choose a colour scheme that will coordinate or compliment the decorations you already have.

Have some fun and be creative!

Since the beautiful warm weather has greeted us this spring, I’ve become a little more motivated to do some spring cleaning. With the environment becoming a bigger issue, this year I’ve decided to replace my usual cleaners with some eco-friendly home remedies. Searching online for tips and recipes here are some of the highlights of what I’ve found and what I’ll be using:

Eco Cycle: Working to Build Zero Waste Communities
Besides providing many home-made eco-friendly cleaning supplies, Eco Cycle has many tips on recycling, composting, recycled products for purchase and how to reduce waste. Here are two of my favourite cleaning recipes:

Window Cleaner
Mix together:
2 tsp. vinegar
1 qt. warm water
OR
2 tbsp. borax
3 c. water
Rub dry with newspaper to avoid streaking.

Air Fresheners
Simmer: Cinnamon sticks
Orange peel, cloves
Water
To absorb odors, place 2 to 4 tbsp. baking soda or vinegar in small bowls in refrigerator and around the house and pour ½ cup baking soda in the bottom of trash cans.

Less Toxic Guide
The Less Toxic Guide is produced by the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia (which is still applicable to all of Canada). They have many helpful tips on consumer advice, personal and baby care, household cleaners and pest control. The advice on this site that made an impression on me was their article on Green Washing. Many manufacturers of hazardous products know of our wishes to become more green and they market their products with images of flowers, fruit and the words “green”. They may may promote healthy sounding ingredients like goat’s milk or vitamin e, while the other main ingredients are not healthy at all. I encourage you to read the link.

What earth-friendly tips and tricks to you implement? I’d love for you to share them.

References: Eco Cycle, Alternative Cleaners and Recipes (Mar 31, 2010), Guide to Less Toxic Products, Beware of Greenwashing (Mar 31, 2010)

The main function in a bedroom is to sleep. This is why you want the bed to look as cozy as possible. Make sure you have plenty of different sized cushy pillows and a soft comforter. By adding another comforter folded up at the foot of the bed adds extra warmth as well. Make sure there is ample lighting beside the bed to allow reading.

Try to keep cool or soft colours in the bedroom to promote relaxation. Although reds and oranges are very bright and fun, they are too energetic to allow a restful sleep.

Images: iStock Photo (Feb 23, 2010)