Welcome Summer!
Welcome Summer! Summer is a great time to wind down a bit, simplify our homes and our schedules, take a break from work or school and maybe gain a better perspective of ourselves, our homes, our lives, and what is really most important to us.
It's also a great time of year to make a few changes, even some small ones. Get outdoors more and take advantage of the sunshine and longer days; make time in your schedule for fresh air and exercise; take walks; work in the garden; frequent your local farmers' markets & produce stands if you don't have your own garden; eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and salads; clear out the clutter in your home and your life. It's all up to you! Summer welcomes new beginnings and nurtures new growth. It's a time to be energized, have fun, and enjoy! A time to be inspired and try out some new ideas. Each time we make a conscious change or explore a new idea, it's an opportunity to open up, expand our horizons, eliminate some stagnant areas, and re-energize ourselves, our lives, and our homes.
Summer is a great time to simplify, clear clutter, re-energize ourselves, and pay more attention to the environment we live in. Every time we simplify and clear out the clutter, we are making room in our lives and our homes for new opportunities to come in. Each small change we make in our lives and our homes is an opportunity to move forward, grow, and flourish.
Think S-U-M-M-E-R !
S is for Simplify
Summer is a great time to simplify. Put away heavy window treatments, throws, bedding, etc. Wash the windows, roll up some of the wool area rugs and replace with something lighter, add fresh flowers, clear clutter from tabletops and other horizontal surfaces. Rearrange your furniture and get rid of anything that is no longer working for you. Take time to enjoy outdoor concerts, farmers' markets, craft fairs, art festivals, antique shows, flea markets, tag sales, auctions, and all the wonderful community activities that seem to proliferate during the summer months.
Want some great tips to help you simplify your life? Go to Real Simple, one of my favorite resources.
Special Offer for Summer
A Two Hour In-Home House Therapy Consultation with a Follow-Up Report will be discounted 10% through August 31, 2009.
Contact me for more details and to set up an appointment.
U is for Unify & UnCluttered
One of the best ways to make a space look larger and more spacious is to create a sense of unity and flow between various rooms. This can be done through the proper use of color, pattern, decorating motifs, furniture placement, furniture scale and proportion, and various design elements. Another way to make a smaller space seem larger is by eliminating as much clutter as possible, keeping things organized, and having a place for everything.
- One of my favorite places to visit to gain a better perspective and insight on living a simplified, unified, and uncluttered life is Hancock Shaker Village just outside of Pittsfield, MA. If you live in Southern VT, the Berkshires, or Upstate NY, it's just a short drive and well worth the trip. I try to get there at least once each summer and I'm always inspired by their history, their belief system, their way of life, their work ethic, and how much they honored and respected all people, the environment, and education and learning.
- I also love Shaker furniture and Shaker style architecture and design. I have several books about the Shakers and Shaker contributions to art, design, furniture making, cabinet making, farming, herbs, and more. One of my favorites is Shaker: Life, Work, and Art
by June Sprigg and David Larkin. A beautiful book and a great resource. They were truly ahead of their time.
Want to get more information, tips, and inspiration to make your home a place that you love to come home to? Here are more of my favorites:
Do you need some help? Maybe a consult with The House Therapist will help you to see your home with new eyes and learn some ways to unify what you have on hand. Or, perhaps, to get rid of some of the clutter that is holding your home back from realizing its true potential.
I'm running a Special Offer through August 31, 2009 on House Therapy Services! You'll get a F.R.E.E. Initial 30-Minute Consultation plus a 10% discount on any products or services if you hire me before August 31, 2009.*
Click Here for more information about The House Therapist and House Therapy Services
* Some restrictions apply. Contact me for more information.
M is for Modify
Changes don't have to be huge or big to make a difference. Sometimes, all you need are a few minor modifications to your current space to make all the difference.
- Sometimes, just rearranging the furniture is all it takes to get a whole new look. At a loss? Don't know where to start? Give me a call and I can give you a consult. We can help you to redesign a room in a day or less, often using things you already have on hand.
- Redecorating doesn't have to be expensive. There are lots of inexpensive and creative options to choose from that don't have to break the bank. On a budget? If you're in the Londonderry, VT area, stop by The Joy of Junque and tell Joy that Ceil sent you!
- How about repurposing an old item in a new way? You can make new throw pillows from vintage fabrics. Can't sew? I can have them made for you!
- Refresh a lamp with a new lampshade.
- Paint an old dresser, add some new pulls, line the drawers with pretty paper. Need help deciding what to do? Give me a call!
- Give an old print a new look with a different mat or frame.
- Make a mirror from a recycled window! Locally, you can find windows at various salvage yards and community recycling centers. ERC Community Warehouse in Hoosick Falls, NY is a great place to get some deals and help the local economy as well.
Got the picture? There's lots of information available to help you if you want to do it yourself. Or, if you'd like to give me a call for a quick consult or to refer you to some local area resources, I'd be happy to help you!
- Would you like to give an old lamp a new look with a custom lampshade made from vintage fabric? Lake's Lampshades in Pawlet, VT is the perfect place to find it! Judy Lake has been making custom lampshades from vintage fabrics and trims for years and it's a fun shop to visit, too! Would you like to learn how to do it yourself? Judy also has classes. And if you are really determined to do it yourself without the benefit of a class, Judy has a new how-to book coming out this summer! Visit her website for more information!
- The Lighting Place in Manchester, VT is also a great source for lighting, lamps, lampshades, and other home decor items. They also repair lamps and have great customer service. When you stop by, tell them that Ceil sent you!
- Do you like antique prints and rare books? Barleycorn Antique Prints in Hebron, NY owned by Philippa and Michael Katz is a fabulous source.
- I've been an avid fan of tag sales and flea markets for years. As a matter of fact, my first home in CT over 35 years ago was furnished and decorated almost entirely with flea market finds and tag sale treasures. I've come a long way since then, but I still have some pieces that I still treasure even after all those years. One of my favorite decorating books on the subject is Junk Beautiful: Room by Room Makeovers with Junkmarket Style
Need a quick consult to help you put some of these things together?
Contact The House Therapist!
M is for Multipurpose
I'm a big fan of multipurpose pieces -- furnishings and accessories that can be used in different ways, in different rooms, and provide a multitude of storage and decorating options. I live in a small space, plus I work from a home office, and I have multiple pets (dogs and cats), so I'm always looking for furnishings and accessories that do double (or even triple) duty.
- In your living room or den, a trunk used as a coffee table or an ottoman with a lift up top is also a great storage option.
- In your bedroom, a bench with a lift top at the end of your bed can add some extra storage. Nightstands with drawers and shelves are great choices, too.
- I know that many people store things under their beds, especially if space is tight. However, I try to avoid that because it's bad Feng Shui and doesn't allow chi to flow freely. If you have to store things under your bed, use an underbed storage piece designed specifically for that. Don't just shove things under your bed to get them out of sight.
- In your mudroom a bench with a lift top, a peg rack with shelves or cubbies, and other storage pieces are great for coats, boots, shoes, hats, mittens, etc.
- One of my favorite multipurpose pieces is something I had made from a salvaged barn window. I painted it, added a mirror, attached several old wrought iron hooks and an antique doorknob, and it hangs in my entry for coats and scarves (and to check my face & hair before leaving the house)!
- I use pretty boxes and baskets for storage all the time. I'm always on the lookout for great-looking boxes that I can use in my office, my kitchen, my bedroom - wherever I need to contain and organize things. I recently picked up a beautiful red lacquered antique Chinese box at The Joy of Junque. I'm using it in my office to store CD's and DVD's I use for my design business.
- Don't forget the old standby for overnight guests - the sleeper sofa! There are lots of great choices from a variety of different furniture companies. Just make sure you test out the mattress before you buy it! Some of the less expensive ones have very flimsy mattresses and are not very comfortable.
Here are a few resources for multipurpose pieces:
Special Multipurpose Offer for Summer!
10% Off any Custom Designed Multipurpose Storage Piece!*
*Some restrictions apply. Must be designed by Ceil Petrucelli Interiors and ordered through Ceil Petrucelli Interiors by August 31, 2009. Contact me for details and information
Click here for some great articles on clearing clutter and organizing.
E is for Energy and Eco-Friendly
- There are lots of little things we can do every day to make a difference in our environment. Just being conscious of the energy we consume and making a few small changes in our homes, our vehicles, and our work places can add up over time. For more information, go to Low Impact Living and The Daily Green.
- Another great resource for design & decorating with a definite green perspective is Green Your Decor. Jennae also has a wonderful blog and newsletter which you can subscribe to.
- Green Building is the hot new trend in construction. About time! For lots of great information about Green Building from the guys (and gals) who have been doing it for years, visit This Old House. A favorite of mine for more than 20 years!
- Interested in taking some classes and immersing yourself in learning all about sustainable building practices? Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Warren, VT would be a great place to study & learn.
- Storey Publishing has been a leader for many years in how-to books, sustainable living, green construction, recycling, gardening, and more. Visit their website for more information. I actually worked for them for a short while when I first moved to Vermont.
- Bamboo is another hot trend in flooring, and now fabrics! Visit Teragren for more information about bamboo flooring. Visit Beacon Hill, a division of Robert Allen to see some fabulous fabrics made from bamboo! Contact me if you'd like to order any fabrics or to get memo samples!
- Another great source for beautiful and eco-friendly fabrics is O EcoTextiles. Visit their website for more information and contact me if you'd like to place an order. They are To the Trade Only.
- Organic and natural bedding has become very popular, too. Several companies now carry lines made form organic cottons, linens, and other natural fabrics. Pottery Barn has a natural line, as does Garnet Hill.
- When you replace old sheets, towels, comforters, blankets, quilts, etc., think about donating your old bedding to a local animal shelter. Here in Southern Vermont, Second Chance Animal Center accepts donations!
- Home furnishings are also going green. Lee Industries manufactures a line of upholstery that is 100% natural and uses no chemicals.
- Pioneer Millworks and Carlisle Wide Plank Floors are two flooring manufacturers that use reclaimed wood.
- Here's a great little book filled with a wealth of information, tips, and resources for earth-friendly living It's Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living
Here are a few more on-line resources for green and eco-friendly home furnishings and accessories.
Special Eco-Friendly Offer for Summer!
10% Off any Custom Order items made from natural or recycled products. Includes home furnishings, window treatments, and custom cabinetry. Orders for any products must be placed through Ceil Petrucelli Interiors before August 31, 2009. Contact me for details.
Subscribe to my Mailing List!
R is for
Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose, Renew, Redecorate, Redesign, Reorganize, Refresh, Reinvent, and Revitalize!
Need I say more?
- Send a message! Demand eco change now with a few mouse clicks! The Environmental Defense Fund makes it easy to support green legislation in Congress. Go to edf.org, select the "What you can do" tab, and look under "Take Action" for a web form letter to send to your local representative.
- Safeguard your home! Learn easy ways to create a healthier environment indoors. Check out the Sierra Club's newly relaunched Green Home site. You can take a quiz that assesses how things in your home, from air polutants to mold to carbon dioxide to wall paints are affecting your health.
Summer is the perfect time to tackle some of those projects you've been putting off for awhile!
If you need help pulling things together, need some expert advice about various design and decorating questions, or want to schedule some long overdue home improvement and redecorating projects, don't hesitate to contact me. I have plans to fit almost any budget!
Welcome Summer!
