A common design challenge homeowners seem to run into is knowing how to arrange or display framed artwork or photos. While there is no perfect recipe for every home, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Frame style, size, and matting: Using the same configuration on every piece will create a more formal look. For a more casual display, play around with 2 or 3 combinations of frame style, size, color, and matting.
• Subject matter: How do the images relate to one another? Photos and artwork can definitely be combined, but grouping certain colors or frames will help to harmonize the collection.
• Mix it up: Throw in something unexpected. This may be something more three dimensional like a wooden box, scuplture, or letter to represent the family name.
• Hanging: (I love this trick!) Cut a piece of paper to the same dimensions of each item to be hung. From there, tape the paper to the wall in the configuration you desire. This technique allows you to rearrange the items until it’s just right. Once every item is placed, you can measure/mark the “nail spot” on each piece of paper, and hammer right through. Ta da!

Remember, there is no perfect solution - do what works best for your home. Here are few images to help inspire you.

Sources: desire to inspire, Cynthia Benson, design is mine, design is mine, elle decor, Sally Daffodil

Moving right along… Art Nouveau. Considered avant garde for it’s time, this style is an exaggerated expression of lines in nature. Nothing slow, straight, or simple here! Art Nouveau is intricately detailed with curling tendrils, stylized flowers, dragonflies, butterflies, peacocks, and women with flowing hair. The whiplash lines common to this style remind me of wildflowers dancing in the wind. Art Nouveau became especially popular in decorative arts such as metalwork, glass, jewelry, etc.

I love the complexity of this style, in moderation. Creating an entire room or house might feel too much like living in Rivendell (Lord of the Rings). What do you think?

Welcome back for another exciting post about color. Today we will be discussing… Yellow!

A strong contender for my favorite color, Yellow has helped to lift my spirits on many occasions. Yellow is known to be the color of sunshine, friendship, optimisim, hope, joy, confidence, and spontaneity (to name a few). Yellow, well it’s just so darn happy!

Below are a few images for your viewing pleasure. (I dare you not to smile).

As a woman in her early 30s, it should come as no surprise that many of my friends/ acquaintances are taking the next step in adulthood and becoming parents. Very exciting!

One benefit to working with a designer, is having a friend to see you through life’s many changes. A relationship that may start with a nursery can develop into finishing off the basement to create a playroom, or adding a bathroom to manage a house full of teenagers.

Here’s a super cute kid’s room I just whipped up

Now a couple months into another NH winter and I’m ready for color. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be fun to play with these firey hues. Enjoy!

Time flies when you’re having fun, and fall 2010 has been fun! Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the owners of Mr. Mac’s Macaroni & Cheese restaurant. Located on Hooksett Road in Manchester, Mr. Mac’s has amazing food available for dine in, delivery, pick up, as well as take and bake.

Inspired by the quintessential comfort food, Mr. Mac’s features a cheerful palette with homespun flare. Original photography by local artisian Max Bittle (www.maxbittle.com) is also on display and for sale.

While a few finishing touches are still pending, I encourage everyone to pay Mr. Mac’s a visit. Have I mentioned their mac & cheese is amazing?

Be sure to stay tuned for details of their grand opening!

Spring is just around the corner — and not a moment too soon. After another dreary New England winter, I have a serious craving for color. Delicate and subtle shades are all well and good, but right now I want bold, delicious, breath-taking color. Below are a few designs to help shake those winter blues. Enjoy!

Shown are images from Domino and desiretoinspire.blogspot.com - love them!