Tag: home design

9 Ways To Bring Light Into The Home

Carol 24 Comments

For many people winter skies are dim and even sometimes grey. The lack of light when I lived further north is really one of the reasons I moved to Florida decades ago. Winters with cold nights and long evenings and little light make me sad as it does many other people. (See Seasonal Affective Disorder for more information on dealing with SAD.)

It’s time now in the dark of winter to consider how to bring more light in your home. Nothing compares to the warm feeling of sunshine across your face especially during a cold, dreary winter. Natural light is important for so much more than aesthetics. Natural light helps to regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle. Your sleep cycle is regulated by circadian rhythms, where you begin to wake and rise when you are exposed to natural light (sunrise) and where you begin to wind down when natural light reduces (night). According to The National Library of Medicine‘s post, Benefits of Sunlight, the World Health Organization reports very low levels of UVR exposure is related to major disorders of the musculoskeletal system and possibly an increased risk of various autoimmune diseases and life-threatening cancers. It is advised to get at least 10-15 minutes of sunlight daily.  Sunlight also has a huge impact on depression, seasonal affective disorder and sleep quality and can help you lose weight. 

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Designing a Beautiful, Kid-Friendly Home

Carol 11 Comments

When I was 5 years old, my family moved from Mobile, Alabama to Oak Ridge, Tennessee. We then spent most vacations each summer driving back to Alabama to visit relatives. I was the youngest of three and often spent my time with one of my parents during these trips, but I usually enjoyed it. My mother would take me to visit her cousin Annie. Annie and her husband never had children. Every visit we sat in the 3 season glassed porch where Annie felt I would do the least damage. She was very nervous when we sat in the living room with her beautiful glass decorations. If I actually even slightly moved my shoulder, she reacted. Needless to say, I didn’t enjoy our visits. My mother always complimented Annie on her beautiful home. I didn’t like sitting on a sofa covered in plastic.

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How To Have An Eco Friendly Kitchen

Carol 10 Comments

Yesterday I shared a review of kitchen design trends. Today I’d like us to consider ways to make our kitchens more environmentally friendly. Even the smallest of choices we each make can create a massive impact on the environment when combined with others. If you’re looking for ways to be eco-friendly, you can easily start right in your own kitchen. Designing a kitchen that incorporates sustainable materials like stone, granite and wood, is far better for the planet and will give a natural, organic aesthetic. Natural stone and wooden cabinets are not only sustainable, but long-lasting, durable and offer timeless style.

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Roses & A Stone Bird

Carol 31 Comments

When I feel like I can’t stand another day staying at home, I try to find something that brings me joy. It can be a simple thing – like flowers.  Roses are one of my favorite flowers. You can grow roses in Florida but it’s really hard and takes lots of work.  Roses really aren’t happy when it’s always hot. They can burn out and must be fed constantly.  I’ve not had luck growing them here and just buy my roses.

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