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Black and Gold Interiors

Today I am especially loving these black and gold interiors

Do you have Black and Gold fever?  If you live in Boston, Massachusetts or even New England it is hard to avoid this color scheme today.  The most enthusiastic sports fans in the country live here and the anticipation of tonight’s Stanley Cup Playoff game is evident everywhere you go.

Decorating with black and gold is classic.  Using this color scheme even as an accent in any room gives it a sophisticated look.  Traditional, modern, French country and eclectic styles can make use of this powerful color scheme.

Black and Gold Living Room. Black and gold interiors. see more on www.windowdesignsetc.com by Marie Mouradian

Mary McDonald ~ Million Dollar Decorators

This living room has the gold accents well distributed throughout the room in the panel drapes, sofa pillows and the black and gold roll pillows on the chairs.  The dark gray walls soften the impact of the black and gold.  I’m not sure who’s room this is but I can imagine Tim Thomas relaxing on the sofa, can you?

Black Framed Photos Over Black and Gold Sofa. Black and gold interiors. see more on www.windowdesignsetc.com by Marie Mouradian

linagoldbergdesign.com

Black and gold don’t need to dominate (except on the ice) the entire room.  This white wall is a high contrast to all of the black and white photos framed in heavy black frames.  The white, black and gold sofa provides just enough of a pop of color to give this room a lively punch.  Look closely at the photos.  Do you see Tyler Seguin as a little pee wee on the ice?

Black and Gold Kitchen Black and gold interiors. see more on www.windowdesignsetc.com by Marie Mouradian

apartmenttherapy.com via littlebluechairs.com

This retro kitchen is energized by the golden painted cabinets with the black handles.  I love the golden gingham café curtains on the black wrought iron rod.  Can you imagine Milan Lucic getting himself a glass of water here?

Bruins Blades and Friends

Bruinsbase.com

The black and gold will be shining bright at Rogers Arena in Vancouver tonight.

BRUINS

faniq.com

Go Bruins!

Note-I have done my best to find the sources of the photographs used in this blog post.  Countless hours are spent on the web collecting interior design photos for inspiration.  If you would like more information about the sources please contact me.

Where will you be watching tonight’s game?  Will you be comfortable at home?  How do your surroundings make you feel?  When you are ready to begin transforming your house into a home you love to live in contact me.

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My Little Girl Dreams Came True

The dreams of a 7 years old

Growing up the baby sister to two brothers left me lots of time for imaginative girl play.  Two things I recall doing was playing house (I made floor plans by raking pine needles into blueprint style rooms) and playing with baby dolls.

I was about seven when I declared that I would one day have a doll named Amy.  As my family can attest, I am very determined to make my dreams into a reality.

Amy 2 weeks old My little girl dreams come true. 2 week old whaie baby girls with dark hair

She was my real live doll at two weeks old. Her dark brown eyes and the pink bow in her hair were a small glimmer of her future.

Little Girls Dreams Come True

 Bows, dresses and a room to decorate

I had so much fun making dresses for my baby and tying bows in her hair.  Of course, I also had the opportunity to design a dream room for our very own princess.

Amy's room when she was three. Little girl dreams. Childs room in pink and green with bows and flowers

Decorating for my very own doll was so much fun. 

This is what her room looked like when she was three years old.  All of the ruffles, bows and pink were a reflection of her personality.  The animal silhouette clouds on the ceiling were left over from her nursery.  The full-size princess bed with crowne and upholstered headboard gave her plenty of room to grow up in.

Amy's senior picture Little girl dreams come true

Lilley Photography, Cape Cod

 

 

 

 Dreams Really Do Come True

Happy 18th Birthday Amy!

pink heart

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6 Ways to Decorate with Your Personal Creations

Antique Sewing Machine, Quilt and Crafts. How to decorate your home with your hobby and crafts. red, blue and yellow patchwork, crochet lace, embroidery

An artful collection of hobby and crafts. Featuring quilting, sewing, embroidery, crochet, lacework, scrapbooking, vegetable and flower gardening

Decorate With Your Hobby and Crafts

Maybe it’s the long winter that is keeping us indoors or we are looking for a way to express ourselves, but there is a huge surge in adult hobby and crafts.  I have heard from so many of you that you are knitting, quilting, painting, sewing, scrapbooking, jewelry making, doing needlework or planning your spring garden.

Since you have invested so much of your time, talent and love into these creations; why not showcase them in your home?

Decorate your walls and furniture

Here are just a few ideas to spark your imagination….

1. Decorate your walls- Hang a quilt; this is great in the TV room for sound absorption or in the bedroom for a cozy feel.  Click on the photo to enlarge.  Paint a mural. Is there a wall you just don’t know what to do with?  Paint a scene of your favorite place, create some Tromp l’Oeil.

2. Refresh your furniture- A warm knitted throw or quilt on the sofa or at the end of your bed is perfect for any time of the year.  Make a few in different colors to compliment the seasons.  Turn your needlepoint into a pillow for your reading chair.  Add a few jewels for that extra sparkle.

Needlepoint Pillow of a pink bird among green branches with pink blossoms. Window seat cushion and pillows designed by Window Designs Etc. in Sterling, MA

The client’s winter needlepoint project is made into a pillow. It makes a wonderful personal addition to her Sterling, MA window seat.

 

3. Hang it up- Everything that you create can become art for your walls.  Create a shadow box of the finer jewelry you have made.  Take your favorite scrapbook page and frame it to enjoy whenever you walk by.  Hang your daughter’s favorite dress or sweater you made for her when she was a baby. 

Home accessories that reflect “you”.

4. Accessorize- Put your personal touch everywhere.  Frame photos of last summers garden vegetables and arrange on your mantel.  Make beaded bracelets smaller and use as napkin rings.  Embroider hand towels for the powder room.

5. Your materials are decorations too. – Fill a basket with your leftover yarns and put it on the coffee table.  Ribbons look especially elegant in a crystal bowl and equally cute in a county canning jar.  Make a collage of your materials under a glass top table.

6. My personal favorite – Window Treatments – Over the years, I know that anything can be made into a window treatment.  Here is a beautiful quilt a client made and now it hangs at her back door as a shade!

Handmade Quilt Made into a Roman Shade. How to use your hobby and crafts in home decor

One very talented client created this block quilt. We made it into a Roman shade for her back door. It is a unique expression of creativity. It’s a conversation piece, for sure.

Would you like to incorporate your creations into your home decor?  Contact me and I would be happy to give you some ideas!


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Spring-Bring Some New Life to Your Interior Decorating

Yellow daffodils bring new life to spring decorating

A bouquet of bright yellow daffodils brings new life to every room in your home.

 

Happy first day of Spring! Let’s bring some new life into your home decor. Over the next several posts I’ll show some very easy and doable tips to refresh your home for Spring.

Bring in New Life for Spring

Real plants and flowers are so much nicer than the browned dried floral arrangements and the dust collecting silks. Orchids are exotic, low maintenance and the blooms last for several weeks.

Bringing new Life Indoors for spring

It is Spring in the corner of this room all year round. Live plants bring in new life. They are healthy for you physically, they give off oxygen, and psychologically.

 

You don’t have a green thumb? Get a single fish and put it in a beautiful bowl as a centerpiece. Several small glass bowls with one fish in each make for very interesting mantel decor. Use fresh fruit as accents. A bowl of lemons, limes and oranges is very refreshing.

Pears, lemons and a spring chicken bring new life to your home decor.

All types of fruit and vegetables add color and texture as decorative accents. Including the new life of a spring chicken!

 

Contact me if you would like to refresh your windows and home for Spring.

 

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Sunday Thoughts – I’m Ready for Spring. Are You?

Daffodils and hyacynths are a sign we are ready for spring.

Who’s ready for spring?

Spring officially begins in less than 2 hours, yay! Some springtime rituals are taking place around here.

It feels so good.

Signs We’re Ready For Spring

  • The snow IS melting here in central Massachusetts.  I can see grass on about 40% of our front yard.
  • Daffodils are sprouting in the garden on the south side near the warm foundation.
  • I pulled up all the driveway reflectors this past week.
  • The planter at the mailbox has been stripped of the red branches, pinecones and boughs.  I can’t wait to plant some pansies.  Has anyone seen them for sale yet?
  • The “winter” wreath has been replaced with an early spring creation of yellow and purple pansies with a big bow to blow in the March winds.
  • My snow baby collection is ready to be packed up and put away until next December. I think I’ll replace it with my Dedham Ware.
  • The bird feeder has been taken down.  This makes me sad but at this time of year, the bears are a lot hungrier than the birds.  Our deck is a little too close for the big Teddies to be visiting.
  • My sweetie set up the small table and chairs on the deck so we can sit outside as the days continually get warmer.
  • I won’t be wearing turtlenecks anymore.  Darn those things are so uncomfortable!
  • Our favorite homemade ice cream stand is open for the season!  We go almost every Sunday night.  We’re going there now.  At least the ice cream doesn’t melt too fast.  I’ll be the one with the winter coat and gloves! Happy Spring!

How do you celebrate the beginning of Spring?



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I Made the Sunday Paper!

Marie in her Nurturing Space as seen in the Worcester T & G Sunday paper featuring an interior designer mom cave. White wicker chaise lounge, pink and green stripe cushions, pink and green floral china teacup.

As seen in the Sunday paper. A peek into my personal space. Every morning I sit here, enjoy my coffee, journal, pray, read and center myself for the day.

Worcester T & G Sunday Paper

Yes, Worcester area residents are seeing this photo while enjoying their morning coffee and reading the Sunday Telegram.  I was interviewed for this article earlier this week.  The photographer came yesterday to snap some photos.

Please read the full article here.  Donna Boynton conveyed my ideas so well. John Ferrarone’s photos say it all.  Thank you T & G.

You have had a sneak peek into my nurturing world. I promise I will share the details of the room design very soon.  Right now it’s time to pour my coffee and read the Sunday paper.  You know where I will be.

Enjoy the BEAUTIFUL day!

If you would like to transform your house into a home you love, contact me.

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Get Ready to Decorate!

Prepare to decorate your home in 6 super simple steps. More on the blog Window Designs Etc. by Marie Mouradian

Prepare To Decorate Your Home

Is there an area of your home that needs some attention?  Every time you walk by, does it make you feel uncomfortable?

Before you begin, you need to prepare to decorate.

In just a few short steps I will show you how to refresh an area such as your mantel, desk, dresser or kitchen counter.

  1. Take a photo as the area looks now. Don’t move anything, quick, go get your camera and take the picture.  You’ll want a picture of the before to keep track of your progress and show off your decorating talent when the area is refreshed.
  2. Clear off and clean.  Remove everything from the space and put it on a table or floor.  Get out the cleaning products to dust and polish to a white glove shine.
  3. Analyze what you have.  Is it useful?  Does it really belong there?  Do you love it?  Does it have sentimental value? If the answer is “no” to any of the above questions; put it away, give it away, give it to a charity or feed the trash can.
  4. Put back only what you love and use.  Don’t you already feel lighter and energized?
  5. Take another photo.  This will help you see how well you’ve done and what you may need to complete the project.
  6. Pour yourself a cup of tea, sit back and admire the fullness of a refreshed space.

Congratulations, you have accomplished the first step in creating a beautiful home and life!

If you would like to transform your house into a home you love, contact me.

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8 ½ Steps to a Romantic Bedroom

Note-I wrote this article for my email list a few years ago.  I have reprinted it each year since because we all need a little reminder to keep the love alive.   If you would like to copy it would you please show me some love and link it back to me for credit?

XOXO,

Marie

Decorating A Romantic Bedroom

The bedroom is the most important room to a romantic couple.  It is your own little sanctuary away from family and work demands.  Your bedroom should be calm, clean and uncluttered.  The decorations set the stage for the mood of the room.  Paying attention to some simple details will transform your room from just a place to sleep to a lush romantic getaway.

  • 1. Get rid of the clutter. A cluttered room makes for a cluttered mind. Eliminate the distraction of bills, laundry and kids toys.  Pack away everything that does not say “love” into boxes and put them someplace else in the house.  (Under the bed works fine too.)
  • 2. Make an inviting bed. Invest in the best mattress that your budget allows.  You spend 1/3 of your life in bed; you might as well be comfortable.  Splurge a little on your bed linens for a truly romantic bedroom.  Sheets that are worn and scratchy are just going to be irritating.  I like cotton flannel to keep us warm in winter and luxurious cotton sateen for summer.  Add a down filled or fluffy fiber filled comforter for an inviting look.
    Romantic Bedroom - Add lots of pillows and a throw for a romantic bed

    Romantic bedding with lots of pillows and a custom throw

  • 3. Pillow talk. In addition to your sleeping pillows, add lots of throw pillows in various shapes and sizes.  Use luxurious and sensual fabrics.  Pillows create the romantic ambiance of a bed that you just can’t wait to jump into.
  • 4. Candle light. Place lots of candles around your room. Use different sizes and colors.  Be sure they are in a safe and fireproof place.  Light them all, turn off the lights and feel the warmth and sensuality of flickering light.

You’re almost half way to a romantic bedroom

  • 5. Something pretty to look at. Flowers are nature’s gift of romance.  A few simple flowers will brighten up any room.  Float rose petals in a glass bowl.  Keep the decorations simple but meaningful.  Dig out the valentines you gave each other in the past. Frame a picture of the two of you when you were first datng. Add anything that has special meaning to both of you.
  • 6. Heavenly scents. Entice even your nose in the romantic bedroom.  Studies show that vanilla is the most appealing scent to both men and women.  Burn scented candles, put out a bowl of potpourri, lightly spray the sheets with your favorite perfume.
  • 7. The sound of music. Do you have a special song?  What played at your wedding?  Special music will trigger happy memories. Make a play list on your ipod and plug it into speakers.  A favorite CD you both like will work too.  No radio stations with interrupting commercials.
  • 8. In case you get hungry.Bring in a tray of plump juicy strawberries, smooth dark chocolate and tickling bubbly champagne.  In addition to how yummy they taste, the colors, shapes and textures are beautiful to look at too.
    Romantic Bedroom Pink Cupcakes

    Even cupcakes can be romantic. My daughter Amy made these.

  • ½. You. The most important thing you can do for your partner is taking care of yourself.  Get plenty of rest (just not tonight with this romantic bedroom you’re creating!), eat healthy foods, get some exercise and spend time enjoying what you love to do.  I have given you all the necessary steps to decorate your room for romance.  Now go find your other half!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

When it’s time for you to transform your house into a home you love, contact me.

Copyright 2012 Window Designs Etc. by Marie Mouradian


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About-Marie-Mouradian-Holden-MA

Marie Mouradian Holden, MA resident for over 40 years

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800 Main St. Suite 207
Holden, MA 01520