Henri Matisse. If one has ever visited the Matisse Chapel in Vence, France, the first, perhaps most important element that overcomes a visitor is the light. Prisms embrace morning yellows and blues and become rainbows across the altar and flooring, resulting in a magical, mystical, spiritual experience. Exactly what the artist wanted. Artists are obsessed […]
design
Posted inAt Home
Your Home Safety Checklist: Simple Steps to Keep a Safer, Happier Space
Your home is more than just a place to live — it’s where you create memories, unwind and feel most comfortable. Yet, many household items and systems can hide potential safety risks. “The good news is that by identifying and addressing potential hazards early, you can create a safer space for your family,” says Christine […]
Posted inHome
What Homebuyers Really Want
Are you thinking of remodeling your home or buying a home? Are you a builder or remodeler wanting to stay abreast of current home design trends? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may be interested in the results of a new survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
20 Ways to Make Your Backyard an Outdoor Oasis
Who says the outdoors can’t be stylish? We tend to treat these spaces as just useful backyards. But with a few easy upgrades, outdoor living spaces can become an attractive outdoor living area that fits right in with the rest of your home. We’ll walk you through innovative design ideas for your outdoor living spaces. […]
Posted inGarden
The Fairy Tale Garden of Wyn and Steve Abbott
Wyn and Steve Abbott live on a piece of land in Hansville that was described as “The Fairy Tale Garden” on the 2024 Hansville Helping Hands tour. Its name is perhaps appropriate in more than one way. Both Abbotts create magic, not only with their gardening efforts, but with their own artistic and creative talents. […]
Posted inPeople & Places
The Freedom to Create
Creativity is in each of us, but sometimes we must find our way to it. It may seem unlikely that a bank examiner who is required to use her skills of exactness, ensuring that banks are complying with laws, attention to detail in studying documents, and reviewing policies and procedures would be able to tap […]
Posted inGarden
Gardens — An Invitation to Happiness
Perhaps one of the best joys of gardening is when a gardener finds that new struggling little sprout that’s choking under too many weeds and she frees it — and within a day, it’s growing straight, reaching into new summer sun. Little joys like this one are abundant stories coming forth from the gardeners of […]
Posted inHome
The Color-Coded Closet
Imagine stepping into your closet each morning and feeling instantly inspired. Every piece of clothing works together effortlessly, creating a wardrobe that feels cohesive, stylish and — most importantly — uniquely you. This is the power of organizing your closet using color analysis, a system that not only streamlines your wardrobe but also ensures that […]
Posted inGarden
Jeannie Kay O’Reilly’s Indianola Secret
In the fall of 2021, Jeannie Kay O’Reilly was seeking a place of renewal. She found the perfect location in Indianola, but the lot was mostly lawn. While there was a terrific view of Miller Bay, the longed-for flowers and planted garden beds were lacking. She was “mostly retired” and was looking for a space […]