Eco Friendly

Bug-Free Room

• Put a couple of drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil on a cool light bulb to help repel bugs.
• Place several drops of oil of lavender or peppermint on a cotton ball or two. Put them into a small jar or margarine container. Poke a few holes in the lid and cover. Put around the room.

Natural Insect Repellent
Mix 2 drops of oil of peppermint or lavender with 2 teaspoons of almond or sweet oil and dab on the skin.

Pest-Free Picnic Table
Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to 32 ounces of water. Pour into a spray bottle and wipe down the table and chairs.

Body Heat Coolers
• Place a piece of silverware on the back of your neck for a quick cool down.
• Rest your wrist on a cold glass of iced water and feel the chill.
• Wipe your feet with an alcohol wipe to cool off your whole body.

Chiller
Freeze several different sizes of water bottles to keep food chilled in an ice chest. When the water melts, you can drink it!

Here are a few summer tips!

xoxo,

Cathleen

Artisan Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Kitchen Aid is right on with these splashy colors. The perfect kitchen accessorie. I myself like the Green apple, which color do you like? Discuss...

xoxo,

Cathleen

Seating Banquettes

Contemporary Banquettes
Traditional Banquette
Tuscany BanquetteBanquettes are the latest restaurant trend to hit the American homes. Now you can sit comfortably in a banquette. Its a new alternative for updating your dining or kitchen space.
xoxo,

Cathleen

Pick the right shade for you

Drum Shade

(also includes rctangle, oval, hourglass shapes) Large circular openings at the top and bottom of the shade throw light above and below. The light is fairly bright making it a good choice for living rooms.

Column Shade
(also includes square shapes) Small openings at the top and bottoms of these long, narrow shades cast light above and below. Column shades work best in bedrooms and dining rooms.

Column Shade


Cone  Shade

(also includes bell shapes) A smaller opening at the top and large opening at the bottom funnel the majority of light downward. This shade is ideal for offices, or task lighting for reading.

Cone ShadeA lampshade, after all, is not just a lampshade. They are the jewelry of a room, little treasures that make a space glow.  Like choosing the perfect accessory, picking the right lampshade is easy with a little guidance.

xoxo,

Cathleen

Beautiful Consoles

There are many different ways to use a console, and just as many styles choices as you can see.

My favorite place is in an foyer with a pair of beautiful table lamps. 

xoxo,

Cathleen

Platform Beds

Platform night stands

Platform Beds


I really like the minimalist look the platform bed offers.

Although it is a very contemporary style, it works well with an asian theme too.

Be sure to pair with low night stand tables.

xoxo,

Cathleen

Old Hollywood

Love that old Hollywood glamour! The mirrored look is for you! This is a very romantic look, it works best with softer shades of white or pastels. Makes a girl feel like a movie star.

xoxo,

Cathleen

Black and White

I love the look of Black and White Rooms. It is a very romantic and chic look. Don't be limited by only one room, this look can flow though the whole house. It is such a hot combination that you will find linens, towels, and dinnerware in the black and white design. When doing this look I love to add a little color to give the room a little pop. maybe a accent wall in hot pink, aqua or a tangy orange.

xoxo,

Cathleen

Love me some Animal prints

Zebra Chair

girraffe and zebra print rugs

Tiger print chair

Leopard print chair

I love all the different styles of animal print. Don't be afraid to add a little into your decor.

xoxo,

Cathleen

Trend Alert -- Whimsy

Why stick to the typical when you can jazz things up with the unexpected? Who says decorating cannot be fun?

Twig table

carved wood

Sea shell mirror

                      or modern spears

Bring a little nature inside.

xoxo,

Cathleen

Unexpected Nightstands

Stacked hat boxes

Vintage Safe
Antique trunks 
Stacked Metal Trunks

offer great storeage



Wooden desk does

double duty as a night stand and desk.

Reinvent a nightstand

Why use a standard set of matching nightstands,  spice it up with a little whimsy. How about a stack of books, antique safe, or a floating wall shelf installed next to your bed. Be imaginative!

xoxo,

Cathleen

Brave Color

Color is sometimes the best furnishing of all.  It can be used to subdue or boldly highlight areas, and it doesn't need to be pale to fell restful. Strong color choices can have surprising effects. While you can add color to a bedroom in many ways-through accessories, bedding, pillows or painting a wall for a focal point.  Let color brighten your life.

Look for brightly colored fabrics and wallpapers at www.janechurchill.com and paint colors at www.benjaminmoore.com

xoxo,

Cathleen

2nd picture:                                

ceiling & walls: apple green
Lime Green
latex pearl/two coats
Benjamin Moore 

bookcase: aqua
Caribbean Holiday
oil gloss enamel/two coats
Pratt & Lambert 

Carey Clay

     I want to thank Carey Clay for all the help in setting up this blog, my web site and all the photography pictures in my gallery and bio page. I never could have done this on my own.

Carey is a photograher in Temeucla, Calif. view her web site at www.bellagracelynn.com 

You may view my new web site at www.designbycathleen.com

I am an interior designer working in Lake Havasu, Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Southern California.

x0x0,

Cathleen

Update your Patio

Paint new colors
Add a Chandelier

New Style Chat Table
Durable Outdoor Furniture

If your getting tired of sitting in the same old patio furniture, now might be the time to update.

Here are some new patio-furniture trends:

Indoor furniture outside:

Try indoor furniture made with outdoor durable materials. You can leave them outside if it's raining.

Being environmentally aware:

Recycle old pieces with a fresh coat of paint, look for items made from recycled products.

Chat Tables:

Chat tables are new this year. These tabletops are higher than coffee tables but lover than dining tables.

Element of Surprise:

Try adding a chandelier over you table. Large vases filled with outdoor candles. How about a mirror.  Let you imagination run wild.

xoxo,

Cathleen