To make a small window look larger, hang your panels just beyond the window edges.  Hang valances high so that the bottom only covers and inch or so of the actual window.

Source:  Nesting, It’s a Chick Thing by Ame Mahler Beanland & Emily Miles Terry

Visit site:  ChickStyle.com

Check out: Smith+Noble

The exuberantly anti-minimalist interior designer, Dorothy Draper (no relation to Don Draper that I know of….as if he’s real) said, “Don’t design scared.”

Be bold and confident in your decisions.  You know what speaks to you.

For those of us who love getting our daffodil and tulips on in the spring, you’ll want to start planning now!

Here’s guide to fall bulbs to plant in the spring.

Click here for all about fall bulbs guide.

I have ordered several things from them now and all items have been wonderful and shipped quickly. The only gripe I have is that their shipping charges seem to be based on price instead of product. For example, I purchased a couple of expensive bamboo king sheet sets (not a big box or too heavy, right?) and was charged $75.00 for shipping. (What?!) But other than that I’ve been very pleased with their offerings and selections. The designer tag sales are great too!

Check it out here:  One Kings Lane

'American Potluck' - Jumbo Orienpet Lily Bulbs from BloomingBulb.com

While most local nurseries and garden supply centers are just gearing up with fresh shipments of plants, flowers, garden tools and supplies, most mail-order catalog companies, or direct sale nurseries are putting their overstock for the spring season on sale.

You can get many deals on bulbs and bareroot plants, still in plenty of time for the spring/summer planting season, from 32 to 67 percent off. It’s definitely worth taking a look to see if there is anything you need to fill an empty pot, or an empty patch of earth.

April Issue, Country Living Magazine

This months Country Living Magazine has an amazing idea for dying Easter eggs by blogger Sonia Bauer (bigsislilsis.com). She first applies a botanical blossom or leaf on the egg, ties it up in pantyhose, then dyes it with her own homemade vegetable dyes. Exquisite!

To find out more information, see this months Country Living Magazine or visit Sonia’s site.

Persian Rug from Rugman.com

The light and shadows in a room play tricks on our eyes and affect how we see color and brightness. You might notice some variations in the look of your new Persian rug or Oriental rug depending on the direction of its pile in relation to the room’s light source. Try turning the rug so that the light picks out the features that best suit your decor.

Source: Rugman.com
Find your next rug in 4 easy steps using the Rugman Advanced Search.

Seagrass Baskets with Canvas Liner at Organize.com

Functional, portable, and ever tidy, baskets are the best kind of organizing tools – the ones you leave out in the open.  A pleasing array of light and airy containers will inspire order this spring, or any season.

Reduce Clutter and Get Things in Order with Everything Storage at Organize.com! SAVE $5 OFF orders over $75 with Promo Code: 5OFF75

Orchid Phalaenopsis In Glass 22'' White, Jane Seymour Botanicals

1. Orchids

Orchids have been a standard for a while now. Simple and elegant, at home in modern or traditional decor, these are best placed in the bathroom or in an entry.

2. Peonies

Ruffled, delicate, soft and sweet, peonies are a favorite among decorators for giving a soft touch to any room.  Peony arrangements work best placed in living rooms or bedrooms.

3. Tulips

While tulips may be a bit more seasonal to spring time of year, they are still classic and elegant.  A simple bunch placed in a vase will last all week, however, you can live with tulips all year long if you opt for the artificial variety.

4. Roses

Whether you find a bunch of roses at the supermarket or you go with faux, a simple one color bouquet will get you there.

5. Hydrangeas

Old-fashioned hydrangeas just can’t be beat for creating a stunning traditional centerpiece that dries beautifully and keeps for at least a year. However, try opting for an artificial botanical version to keep seeds and fragile petals from disintegrating on your tables.

As shown:

Orchid Phalaenopsis In Vase 23” White

Hydrangeas In Glass Vase 20” Purple

Save and help others at the same time! Jane Seymour Botanicals is offering 15% off and 5% to Open Hearts Foundation

However, if the ceilings are higher than 8 feet (8′) you can raise the chandelier up to 36″ as a general guideline.

Obviously, though….your eye is your best judge. If it looks too high, it is. If you will bump your head on it every time you rise to leave the table, it’s too low. Use your own common sense and trust yourself for making these kinds of decisions.