6 things to do at home to welcome Spring

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Spring is fast approaching in the US and that's a fun thing to know after a long and cold winter.  Isn't it?  There are a few things we can do to get into the Spring mood and welcome the pretty days of blooming flowers and full leafy trees.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLM3t455hOcAoHsFCrWr5MnoRpqqLEMzauBPJ54VcsX23qIapxTgEcS32PRCTBbm80-zjsYi_yTS7lZj0jNtDGM7MV-CceBilCI_JxAV78UiHMQHCLhqanaTNOhvbfTOh3VA1CaZRTBijo/s1600/woman+looking+out+window_ivory+beige+neutral+ruffle_lara+hutton+stylist.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLM3t455hOcAoHsFCrWr5MnoRpqqLEMzauBPJ54VcsX23qIapxTgEcS32PRCTBbm80-zjsYi_yTS7lZj0jNtDGM7MV-CceBilCI_JxAV78UiHMQHCLhqanaTNOhvbfTOh3VA1CaZRTBijo/s640/woman+looking+out+window_ivory+beige+neutral+ruffle_lara+hutton+stylist.png" width="498" /></a></div>Clean your windows from all the whitish marks of snow that get accumulated throughout the winter and let the glorious morning sun come on in without any interruption.   I remember when growing up that was one of the first things my mom used to do come Spring and she still does it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dKwJSp3pAEL9rGHHcYNk3kb9wwZVNv3hqcPcqN8yt7QzwgAMJRey-25tz_KRAX8rjx-GgUzyaBJ0F9pcbe8wUQmfVZhXtYxYDjTcBxorwZTw-631xOTWHYf9P2wxpcwBMOjUE6f3TVRF/s1600/mark+d.+sikes+hb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dKwJSp3pAEL9rGHHcYNk3kb9wwZVNv3hqcPcqN8yt7QzwgAMJRey-25tz_KRAX8rjx-GgUzyaBJ0F9pcbe8wUQmfVZhXtYxYDjTcBxorwZTw-631xOTWHYf9P2wxpcwBMOjUE6f3TVRF/s400/mark+d.+sikes+hb.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mark D. Sikes via House Beautiful </span></div>While you're at it go ahead and place some potted herbs on the windowsills.  Herbs such as mint, parsley, rosemary or basil will not only look pretty but they will also smell like heaven.   Especially mint- and you can always put it in your Mojitos.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCmG-ZXxt-cye5R3w2E4E82k_H7VtpAD1U2V065ixIxNkE-lfgn_x6uZ6qlPcibFu3GmaCqean8cdSsSd_6rPdrbnnf_bF2eT39v-aPJsUz4WjtEtTZkLQHnCcwY9v4fwUwMCG4woMVTe/s1600/white+cowskin+rug+turner+davis+interiors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCmG-ZXxt-cye5R3w2E4E82k_H7VtpAD1U2V065ixIxNkE-lfgn_x6uZ6qlPcibFu3GmaCqean8cdSsSd_6rPdrbnnf_bF2eT39v-aPJsUz4WjtEtTZkLQHnCcwY9v4fwUwMCG4woMVTe/s640/white+cowskin+rug+turner+davis+interiors.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Melanie Turner</div><div class="im">Remove that heavy and sheering rug.  If you prefer a carpet in the area, replace it with a cowhide or a jute rug.  Jute is softer than sisal to the touch.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7Ukfvoxc4agryQZ6KBYFsA_RzG3BC53Zqr33OjpA1gn7-5bLmnQmwZ3wtpB4zpf-Isf4vNKUvwCYtJkHuCMk4ggqtPlHphUpyw8hL8_W1IKZKMzp882jbQfKhsoP9Lyc2IOb-eKcTYxi/s1600/Coverlet_MarshallWatson_HOT1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7Ukfvoxc4agryQZ6KBYFsA_RzG3BC53Zqr33OjpA1gn7-5bLmnQmwZ3wtpB4zpf-Isf4vNKUvwCYtJkHuCMk4ggqtPlHphUpyw8hL8_W1IKZKMzp882jbQfKhsoP9Lyc2IOb-eKcTYxi/s640/Coverlet_MarshallWatson_HOT1.png" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Marshall Watson</div>With Spring comes the occasional chilly night but everything made of wool to cover ourselves will still be too much.  Pull a light cotton throw out of your closet and keep it on your sofa or <a href="http://www.lavivahome.com/textile/mexican-bedspread.html" target="_blank">buy an Otomi throw</a> with its colorful hand embroidered designs is perfect to bring that pup of color home for Spring.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfm81EAb4F5EcFvNsmH9agX3EYBlqD8EUH7h3VQ4U7s5iAVPF6ScbN1KqWHEK-S5YBiHHgUWBm0o2WxfmB0obaapQcXmb79ZnU1PLbDEb3fQFDuhwTX0egzldgruqxy4zD-8BRuanCTcz/s1600/elledecor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfm81EAb4F5EcFvNsmH9agX3EYBlqD8EUH7h3VQ4U7s5iAVPF6ScbN1KqWHEK-S5YBiHHgUWBm0o2WxfmB0obaapQcXmb79ZnU1PLbDEb3fQFDuhwTX0egzldgruqxy4zD-8BRuanCTcz/s400/elledecor.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Elle Decor</div>Replace your heavy curtains for lighter ones.  It's great to have thick and darker curtains during winter to help keep out the cold but in warmer days where everything gets lighter and fresher why not our curtains.  Panels that you can buy at home stores are ideal and easy!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHz11Ao3dmmYOMnmIHr2YZUk6Xtr22p0TmsiPzwgzYagYjaRPEbk8saQ7ZnWsaYmag41zeEjOVCYGGoLL8PfQxJ7kf26JqyCZ5E0HO5al4jCBdE2EpZLPBhsUHg7JQI4g7bLJJiuFXmHp/s1600/ruscoe_melindatrost_6-600x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHz11Ao3dmmYOMnmIHr2YZUk6Xtr22p0TmsiPzwgzYagYjaRPEbk8saQ7ZnWsaYmag41zeEjOVCYGGoLL8PfQxJ7kf26JqyCZ5E0HO5al4jCBdE2EpZLPBhsUHg7JQI4g7bLJJiuFXmHp/s400/ruscoe_melindatrost_6-600x800.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">And last but not least bring those new flowers inside the house.  Some people prefer carefully done flower arrangements while others prefer to have them organically placed in a base with water as if they were freshly picked from the garden.  I think a cluster of fruits or vegetables on top of a dining table also look great.  Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHXQEBvxfIHrmwl9xi57WmKyHng6cp21yUitPP9fWXLAmf_6j-NWKpy1nzXt2wFocoGPBm_IHx0_FdwBSz79Eg-0GTJKKSgWeEbX7ZL2c73bMeSoGbnFeLPa4zHbUk9mtGhCQSK_OxNUa/s1600/ruscoe_helenshouse_3-600x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHXQEBvxfIHrmwl9xi57WmKyHng6cp21yUitPP9fWXLAmf_6j-NWKpy1nzXt2wFocoGPBm_IHx0_FdwBSz79Eg-0GTJKKSgWeEbX7ZL2c73bMeSoGbnFeLPa4zHbUk9mtGhCQSK_OxNUa/s400/ruscoe_helenshouse_3-600x800.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKPSmXi0yEmYY2f83-ODDceuQ6bC4qIXmC31-dUh3bVT7Xk0wb89vm6oVKkMOu8sZ2VjChJZn7coqVI0Z9dMEw5-YR0D5bHNmX6n6Z5o2m_z1U5z-VWVmplnSTboRGsBVv7hxdvw7eRGl/s1600/ruscoe_p.beach_15-604x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKPSmXi0yEmYY2f83-ODDceuQ6bC4qIXmC31-dUh3bVT7Xk0wb89vm6oVKkMOu8sZ2VjChJZn7coqVI0Z9dMEw5-YR0D5bHNmX6n6Z5o2m_z1U5z-VWVmplnSTboRGsBVv7hxdvw7eRGl/s400/ruscoe_p.beach_15-604x800.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>Last three photos v<a href="http://namesagency.com.au/prue-ruscoe/interiors-2/helens-house/?gmode=photo" target="_blank">ia here</a>.</div>

6 things to do at home to welcome Spring

Spring is fast approaching in the US and that's a fun thing to know after a long and cold winter.  Isn't it?  There are a few things...

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Every home should have: A wallpapered powder room.

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKex9k_q9W7s6X_COc4oAJ3fJio-o0AoOEzKCDpB5J2MRHoFvYH1ZKSK5o8I8sI5mK2ihoxlWSnk8NwDamC6CTR9F_yJY4oLFvxH60oALHVba2X8_-8wjn2qVNh156je7sIlOb7f1BPbR/s1600/93d0f73acd127c62864cad7d9ed19c1f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKex9k_q9W7s6X_COc4oAJ3fJio-o0AoOEzKCDpB5J2MRHoFvYH1ZKSK5o8I8sI5mK2ihoxlWSnk8NwDamC6CTR9F_yJY4oLFvxH60oALHVba2X8_-8wjn2qVNh156je7sIlOb7f1BPbR/s1600/93d0f73acd127c62864cad7d9ed19c1f.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> You're always on my mind "banana leaf wallpaper" via <a href="http://pinterest.com/promodemary/bathroom-powder-rooms-magnifique/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As much as I love wallpaper, by far that's not the reason why I believe powder rooms look more inviting when wallpapered.  Of course big part of that inviting atmosphere comes down to the choice of paper, but the enveloping feel of a beautifully finished powder room does make a guest feel welcome more than any other room.  Bare powder rooms are boring, there is only a toilette and a sink and unless they are not covered in expensive stones and embellished crown molding or painted in a nice color, there is no visual interest at all.  <br />It's also the place where more design-conservative people can test their courage and opt for more bold design choices they would not pick for any other room in their homes.  Enjoy!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TrulPLCGtr_4a48h-fDgzgDuRH5R2uScv7nYhUN8yjECTsuDQdjXMiNf0GBe_TTDLvSjjfEEr2f0cwtv4jhLsdl9k9Eto2hT13vnVBjaa0TwaRu7PwpnH1eJQc6EjB9iHyilJ4wLnrdQ/s1600/40de960b0d5c89dc32123ef1462afec9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TrulPLCGtr_4a48h-fDgzgDuRH5R2uScv7nYhUN8yjECTsuDQdjXMiNf0GBe_TTDLvSjjfEEr2f0cwtv4jhLsdl9k9Eto2hT13vnVBjaa0TwaRu7PwpnH1eJQc6EjB9iHyilJ4wLnrdQ/s640/40de960b0d5c89dc32123ef1462afec9.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> A very cool and fresh powder room in blue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEC8R1MZkpHbmEEy4HwWFENCggeTRAynkCeFXCFIY1xqSVdJNkNxZB-1-FwSO0nWOVskyU8dL0M7kefRAdYWn87skVqjNfuCVKYPJiC1MFJHzCHg-AaWRkLTEzJU_5x7VwjYA4KjtedWw/s1600/a9754f81da73713587834902d3e7e921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEC8R1MZkpHbmEEy4HwWFENCggeTRAynkCeFXCFIY1xqSVdJNkNxZB-1-FwSO0nWOVskyU8dL0M7kefRAdYWn87skVqjNfuCVKYPJiC1MFJHzCHg-AaWRkLTEzJU_5x7VwjYA4KjtedWw/s640/a9754f81da73713587834902d3e7e921.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Katie Ridder.  De Gournay wallpaper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCTlCkfylcaGWTR8LSRHpABMNpD3hE84iudQeVlNNXF8MLuRAdoX1UpnUtkIPb8QAK_zbI9mjh_fbx1YHhw0vvelQofjBxIR-EbEuJOYfXXoZYxjGIdOYYavqNihVqedgNiqPCYb44bn7/s1600/lorenzo+castillo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCTlCkfylcaGWTR8LSRHpABMNpD3hE84iudQeVlNNXF8MLuRAdoX1UpnUtkIPb8QAK_zbI9mjh_fbx1YHhw0vvelQofjBxIR-EbEuJOYfXXoZYxjGIdOYYavqNihVqedgNiqPCYb44bn7/s400/lorenzo+castillo.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Lorenzo Castillo?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFyikpKFFAWx-Avg0duRj5LSZIrZB3DkJMyqoEGGYdXU637syBdk2g8xKS-La1tnpbJAPPmx79-v4MIrCY6DOGnafZXE36JR9XhN8S1Erl-XzBMlgukNnPg6dXqqfbEl7flEFcFtflm3H/s1600/linda+chase+interiors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFyikpKFFAWx-Avg0duRj5LSZIrZB3DkJMyqoEGGYdXU637syBdk2g8xKS-La1tnpbJAPPmx79-v4MIrCY6DOGnafZXE36JR9XhN8S1Erl-XzBMlgukNnPg6dXqqfbEl7flEFcFtflm3H/s1600/linda+chase+interiors.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Grrrr!</span> by Linda Chase</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmaCqOrJYlV8W3gtYuahWLy7IwkzSseJwicCXWooP8oJAg1GsxVTzwVDceeNzHKnwJCrTiNinRPwkeHTPLyuzjYrMml-LuGJtuOJMy2Vny-p43Whnm7v61PijnpTMdqRBcRcWHsauNLY7/s1600/timothy+whealon+via+AD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmaCqOrJYlV8W3gtYuahWLy7IwkzSseJwicCXWooP8oJAg1GsxVTzwVDceeNzHKnwJCrTiNinRPwkeHTPLyuzjYrMml-LuGJtuOJMy2Vny-p43Whnm7v61PijnpTMdqRBcRcWHsauNLY7/s1600/timothy+whealon+via+AD.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Timothy whealon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsstKDxJ6T7w_jW1U4GeEPCsz8xTQcO7rfsjpEaSie2gAy7OKh-r-jSAD93StRJeVHBufWy13bHG3pv4rsob8SIMPibDjQJ6ncp6hfqDybGPml9K4PHEL9pcGYK5e86t3fw31fVUbYQkI/s1600/isabel+lopez+quesada+powder+room+-+menswear+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsstKDxJ6T7w_jW1U4GeEPCsz8xTQcO7rfsjpEaSie2gAy7OKh-r-jSAD93StRJeVHBufWy13bHG3pv4rsob8SIMPibDjQJ6ncp6hfqDybGPml9K4PHEL9pcGYK5e86t3fw31fVUbYQkI/s640/isabel+lopez+quesada+powder+room+-+menswear+1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Isabel Lopez Quesada</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Hx-N0mZfhMmpaWDitpLPDIAYruS0j5pivqeEuRtu3x9NyLOBqYfnaUBJ2Utz-b-1ihi8sKsRXvJ2X23iukI9Booa4KNwFsusrkt4lEl-cUl_GQN2VM5YsDu9dJ70o9M4KGq0qqPC-ub_/s1600/a05011275d49846a1c28b72a7be466b5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Hx-N0mZfhMmpaWDitpLPDIAYruS0j5pivqeEuRtu3x9NyLOBqYfnaUBJ2Utz-b-1ihi8sKsRXvJ2X23iukI9Booa4KNwFsusrkt4lEl-cUl_GQN2VM5YsDu9dJ70o9M4KGq0qqPC-ub_/s400/a05011275d49846a1c28b72a7be466b5.jpg" width="412" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dona Remember</div></div>

Every home should have: A wallpapered powder room.

 You're always on my mind "banana leaf wallpaper" via Pinterest As much as I love wallpaper, by far that's not the reason ...

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Martino Gamper visits Auckland

<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent">Good news, design-philes: the incredibly talented (and witty and charming) Italian furniture designer Martino Gamper, whose home features on the cover of our current issue, is in Auckland next week to exhibit some of his one-off creations .<span class="text_exposed_show">.. and you're invited! </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">The event's being hosted by Everyday Needs, 6A Kirk Street, Arch Hill, Auckland, from 5.30pm-8.30pm next Wednesday March 13. There'll also be a range of Martino-designed items available for sale, so take your credit cards. Email studio@everyday-needs.com for more info. The photo of Martino is by Nicole Bachmann. You can also visit Martino's website to see more of his fantastic work <a href="http://www.martinogamper.com/">here</a>.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOezl3wCHjv0FHTvol2DrkH9GPWSjuL_HeBlIqKWQ5RAtiaGegcNadM26DI57BcMngV3NGRUf9L9-DZgFkjFbRZCENrX9GXbpJrTC1qhaelbVgLzo1AVdElaYSy838MUeIWMZBpY3ch4/s1600/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOezl3wCHjv0FHTvol2DrkH9GPWSjuL_HeBlIqKWQ5RAtiaGegcNadM26DI57BcMngV3NGRUf9L9-DZgFkjFbRZCENrX9GXbpJrTC1qhaelbVgLzo1AVdElaYSy838MUeIWMZBpY3ch4/s400/26.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div>

Martino Gamper visits Auckland

Good news, design-philes: the incredibly talented (and witty and charming) Italian furniture designer Martino Gamper, whose home features ...

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