When my husband and I relocated to the rural northeast to an area surrounded by cornfields and cow farms, we learned on our first hay seeking adventure to the countryside a mantra of gentlemen and serious farmers alike:  “You can tell everything you need to know about a man by the way he plows his field”.

Now, I can’t really claim to know the difference when it comes to a corn field, but, I have since noticed a great deal of effort is expended on precision and neatness. This revelation, and the simplicity of the theory, got me to thinking of my own, admittedly less time honored, perhaps plagiarized, truism: “You can tell everything you need to know about a household by the way the entry is kept”.

An immaculate art filled formal entry will imply there are no shoes or dirty jeans allowed, while boot scrapers, a few plants and some colorful inexpensive area rugs will suggest a more casual atmosphere where the dog , the kids and the guests can come barreling through. Give some serious thought to the message you wish to convey, and be very clear; nothing is more disconcerting for a guest than to find themselves standing on Aunt Rose’s prized needlepoint rug in muddy boots.

Welcome!

Architects and advice givers of all types recommend creating a reciprocal relationship, a dialogue if you will, between the exterior and interior of a home. Linking the outside to in, stylistically and decoratively, can most simply be accomplished with color. A reciprocal color scheme, no matter how subtle, will begin to suggest what’s happening inside. If your interior is destined to be more whimsical than the exterior may otherwise suggest, choose a few punch colors for doors, flowers or accessories. Changing the entire exterior color scheme is rarely necessary; after all, whatever drew you to the house you live in is probably close to your comfort zone stylistically.

Reveal Your Personal Style

First impressions and curb appeal not withstanding, mudroom and garage entries often super cede the more formal front door for all but the most special guests. Entering through a familiar and comfortable back or side entry can be an equally welcoming experience, when family and friends are offered a place to pause before or just after entering. More than a place to find keys and collect the mail, a good entry is a place for a tiny time out from the cares of the day, a place to take a minute out, and say “hello” to your delightful home.

An Excerpt from “Can’t Fail Room Makeovers”/Creative Homeowner

e-mail [email protected]

When my husband and I relocated to the rural northeast to an area surrounded by cornfields and cow farms, we learned on our first hay seeking adventure to the countryside a mantra of gentlemen and serious farmers alike:  “You can tell everything you need to know about a man by the way he plows his field”.

Now, I can’t really claim to know the difference when it comes to a corn field, but, I have since noticed a great deal of effort is expended on precision and neatness. This revelation, and the simplicity of the theory, got me to thinking of my own, admittedly less time honored, perhaps plagiarized, truism: “You can tell everything you need to know about a household by the way the entry is kept”.

An immaculate art filled formal entry will imply there are no shoes or dirty jeans allowed, while boot scrapers, a few plants and some colorful inexpensive area rugs will suggest a more casual atmosphere where the dog , the kids and the guests can come barreling through. Give some serious thought to the message you wish to convey, and be very clear; nothing is more disconcerting for a guest than to find themselves standing on Aunt Rose’s prized needlepoint rug in muddy boots.

Welcome!

Architects and advice givers of all types recommend creating a reciprocal relationship, a dialogue if you will, between the exterior and interior of a home. Linking the outside to in, stylistically and decoratively, can most simply be accomplished with color. A reciprocal color scheme, no matter how subtle, will begin to suggest what’s happening inside. If your interior is destined to be more whimsical than the exterior may otherwise suggest, choose a few punch colors for doors, flowers or accessories. Changing the entire exterior color scheme is rarely necessary; after all, whatever drew you to the house you live in is probably close to your comfort zone stylistically.

Reveal Your Personal Style

First impressions and curb appeal not withstanding, mudroom and garage entries often super cede the more formal front door for all but the most special guests. Entering through a familiar and comfortable back or side entry can be an equally welcoming experience, when family and friends are offered a place to pause before or just after entering. More than a place to find keys and collect the mail, a good entry is a place for a tiny time out from the cares of the day, a place to take a minute out, and say “hello” to your delightful home.

An Excerpt from “Can’t Fail Room Makeovers”/Creative Homeowner

e-mail [email protected]

When my husband and I relocated to the rural northeast to an area surrounded by cornfields and cow farms, we learned on our first hay seeking adventure to the countryside a mantra of gentlemen and serious farmers alike:  “You can tell everything you need to know about a man by the way he plows his field”.

Now, I can’t really claim to know the difference when it comes to a corn field, but, I have since noticed a great deal of effort is expended on precision and neatness. This revelation, and the simplicity of the theory, got me to thinking of my own, admittedly less time honored, perhaps plagiarized, truism: “You can tell everything you need to know about a household by the way the entry is kept”.

An immaculate art filled formal entry will imply there are no shoes or dirty jeans allowed, while boot scrapers, a few plants and some colorful inexpensive area rugs will suggest a more casual atmosphere where the dog , the kids and the guests can come barreling through. Give some serious thought to the message you wish to convey, and be very clear; nothing is more disconcerting for a guest than to find themselves standing on Aunt Rose’s prized needlepoint rug in muddy boots.

Welcome!

Architects and advice givers of all types recommend creating a reciprocal relationship, a dialogue if you will, between the exterior and interior of a home. Linking the outside to in, stylistically and decoratively, can most simply be accomplished with color. A reciprocal color scheme, no matter how subtle, will begin to suggest what’s happening inside. If your interior is destined to be more whimsical than the exterior may otherwise suggest, choose a few punch colors for doors, flowers or accessories. Changing the entire exterior color scheme is rarely necessary; after all, whatever drew you to the house you live in is probably close to your comfort zone stylistically.

Reveal Your Personal Style

First impressions and curb appeal not withstanding, mudroom and garage entries often super cede the more formal front door for all but the most special guests. Entering through a familiar and comfortable back or side entry can be an equally welcoming experience, when family and friends are offered a place to pause before or just after entering. More than a place to find keys and collect the mail, a good entry is a place for a tiny time out from the cares of the day, a place to take a minute out, and say “hello” to your delightful home.

An Excerpt from “Can’t Fail Room Makeovers”/Creative Homeowner

e-mail [email protected]