from Bluebird Hill

Pantone is one of the industry's foremost color forecasters.  This is a very big deal, because as such, they influence trends for automobiles, fabrics, appliances, clothing and just about everything else in our lives that has color. So, since I am a nature lover, I decided to see what Mother Nature shows with this vibrant shade of green.  It may give you some ideas on how to use it in your home furnishings, or your wardrobe. To take advantage of a trend, I feel it is important to analyze how long you think it will last, and most importantly, does it suit your personality. You can see in these pictures how very different the color is depending on what colors it is used with. Using neutrals and lots of white makes it fresh and almost neutral.  But it can also be used with pastels, as with the sculpture, or other brights as with the canoes.    How would it best suit your needs?

After the holidays, I am soooo ready to return to a quieter palate in my home. Don't get me wrong, I love color.  But I prefer a neutral palate so I can change my accessories and have a completely new look. Last year I reupholstered my living room furniture with Sunbrella fabrics in a neutral cream color.  I used a twill on a chair and sofa, and a wonderful herringbone on my favorite wing chair.  With dressmaker details, like pouf buttons on the one chair back & nailheads on the wing chair, they are anything except plain or ordinary. I took all of the Christmas decorations off the mantle, and put up this wonderful old window that a friend gave me.  I like the texture of the peeling paint, a little bit of old colors showing through and the old wavy glass.   With the finials and a plant, it is just the perfect feel for my winter room.                             ...

sophia collection from Pottery Barn I am seeing some distinct trends for 2017. The colors are neutrals, used with lots of textures. Mixing periods of furnishings in the  same room. Lots of patterns, checks & plaids, florals. Leather, fur, and vintage fabrics. Lighter woods with a flat, dry finish. Rough and smooth, in fabric and woods. Pottery Barn In this photo from Pottery Barn, you'll see some indo-chinese furnishings with a shabby slipcovered chair, and  a contemporary leather sofa. It is all brought together with a calm color scheme of neutrals, with blue & coral, Notice how the artwork & accessories on the floating shelf in the background are not centered, but are  2 separate yet cohesive vignettes. Williams Sonoma  In this photo from Williams Sonoma, you'll notice a very cool and calm look.   Larger scale furnishings a nd accessories.   Again, neutrals, with blue added.     A  s...

I love the holidays.. All of the wonderful smells..cookies, candles and other goodies. All of the beautiful wrappings, bows & glitter. A real tree with icicles and vintage ornaments. Get togethers, sing alongs, The Nutcracker & Scrooge. But, best of all, people are kinder, and for the most part, happier. Let's try to keep the spirit all through the year.

I thought you might enjoy a calendar that you can use as a screen saver or print out. I will have one for every month, and I will use photos from right here at Bluebird Hill.   enjoy!

Our homes say alot about who we are.     At this time of year, we make changes to accommodate our holiday furnishings.  We might do something big, like repaint a room, or just add some accessories to freshen things up. Some of my favorite things are:  A nice cozy throw, to add warmth, texture, color A patterned rug, over the top of a sisal Plants and flowers to add a sense of life Good scented candles, subtle & seasonal Interesting chairs for extra seating Trays to organize remotes,  books & accessories