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For being someone who is so not a Do-It-Yourself-Crafty person, I read several DIY blogs and thoroughly enjoy them. I also read several interior and website design blogs.

And it’s funny because before I got online and started blogging, I thought anything that had to do with web design would be so over my head because I imagined it as being something only ‘technical.’ However, I discovered that there is MUCH creativity involved with web design, which completely changed my perception and got me very interested in learning about it. Sometimes I will spend an entire evening surfing the Internet for web designers, while studying their designs and learning about layout, navigation, fonts, headers, and color combinations.

I guess because I’m a visual person, I enjoy anything that has to do with structure and design.

Today I would like to share my taste in interior design.

And I don’t know about you, but my taste has changed over the years. When I was younger, I liked more traditional interior design because that was how our home was decorated growing up in the northeast. Traditional furniture is more ornate, heavy, and dark; containing thick cushioned seating and pillows. And the curtains and carpeting are usually in deep accent colors, such as, burgundy, gold, brown, and forest green.

Then, when my family moved to Florida in 1973, my taste suddenly changed because everything in South Florida was primarily light to medium colored furniture (a lot of wicker and rattan) with bright, floral print cushions and pillows in coral, teal, pink, and lime green. Everything was more open and airy; reflecting the tropical ambiance of the Gold Coast.

However in the late '90’s, after spending 2 ½ months in Japan, my taste changed again because everything about interior design in that country is very minimalistic; void of any bright colors. True Japanese design is more about clean lines than the use of bright colors. And when they do use color it’s usually very neutral and muted. The color used in Japanese interior design is almost subliminal. So when I came back to the States, for years and years, the apartments I lived in I decorated with more of a Zen-like style.

So as you can see, over the years my taste in interior design has shifted, therefore, I have an appreciation for many different styles of design and take a little bit from each. But one thing that has stayed the same for me is that I prefer living in a space with not a lot of bright colors. Like the Japanese, I prefer more muted and neutral colors in earthy tones.

I also like a lot of windows with natural sunlight.

Here are some photographs I got online that will give you an idea of my varied taste in interior design and color schemes. They run the gamut from cozy and airy, to minimalistic and rustic.

And just to let you know, I've added a design category to my blog because in the future I will be sharing more posts about my love of design, be it interior design, web design, or art design.

Please enjoy...

Living Room Areas/ Dens







Kitchens




Bed Rooms (I love beds low to the floor, which is the Japanese in me.)




Studio Apartment (combination bedroom and living room)


Rustic and Bohemian



Have a MARVI Monday everyone!

*please feel free to share your own styles of interior design

76 comments:

  1. Love the pictures, Ron. I've seen a lot of the Japanese designs and if I had a choice I would go for one. Everything is so peaceful looking, making one feel exceptionally calm. Too many colours can be so disturbing. Japanese ideas on furniture arrangement is geared to serenity and peace of mind. It's similar to the Chinese Feng Shui which is something I wanted to study but didn't get round to it.

    Good for you for studying all this and in particular your own blog. You are an inspiration. I just wish I could settle down to doing more with mine. I can only do so many changes and I battle with html all the time.



    Hope you have a joyful day x

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  2. These photos are fabulous, Ron. I like the Japanese style, particularly with the beds low to the floor.


    I didn't know you spent time in Japan. That must've been an incredible experience.


    You should come up to Brooklyn and work on my place!


    Take care, buddy, and have a great week!

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  3. I grew up in the avocado/harvest gold years, with furniture inspired my Medieval times. We even had frightening weapons on the wall in the dining room - like a club thing with a spiked iron ball attached by a chain! My style has gradually become less traditional and has moved into what my son calls "obnoxious modern hippie.' But when I move, I think I'm ready for another change. I've been leaning more and more toward simplicity of design. And I love earth tones - so soothing and restful. I absolutely love those bedrooms particularly, and I'd like to incorporate some of those ideas. The tough thing is knowing what NOT to put into a room, you know? It reminds me of the saying about jewelry - that after you've put on what you want to wear, remove one piece. You don't have to have a ring and a necklace and earrings and a bracelet. So when I start moving things into a new place, when I get it, I want to continue the purge I've started and put out less. Thanks for the reminder - I've made screen shots of some of these photos to inform my thinking when I get there.

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  4. Interesting subject, Ron. I like most of these rooms but I'm not a minimalist. Do you remember the movie "Charlie" with Cliff Robertson? The thing from the movie that made the biggest impression on me was how his original apartment with the bare light bulb changed as his intelligence increased.

    From experience I've learned that things I thought I liked, I didn't after living with them for awhile. I will never have another yellow kitchen or white walls in the living room.

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  5. Ron, I love your taste in interior design! I grew up in the northeast as well, so traditional was what I was used to but when I moved to Florida, that all changed because as you said, interior design here is brighter, colorful, airy and open. Whenever I watch reruns of the Golden Girls, the house that they lived in is the perfect example of the South Florida style!


    My taste is varied as well. I like a lot of what you like, clean, minimal, and more neutral tones and hues. It seems the older I get, the less clutter I want in my living space. There was a time when I also loved Shabby Chic.


    I love that grey sofa in the second photo. And that second kitchen photo is amazing! It looks like a kitchen greenhouse. I also like all three beds because I don't like a foot board on my bed.


    Fun post, Ron! And I look forward to more design posts. Have a wonderful week x

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  6. Enjoyable post, Ron! I love the first photo for the simple design and the light. However, I do love aspects of traditional design. While I love earth tones, I also like the jewel tones. I think I only look good in jewel tones, so maybe I like to surround myself in those colors. Plus, since the climate is so frigid here, the jewel tones are warm to me.

    What I don't like is photo 3 because of the clutter. I can't stand being in a room that is so full. It's like a visual overload for me. So, I guess I have minimalistic tendencies as well. I'm a combo platter like you! Have a great week!

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  7. Gooood morning Valerie!

    " I've seen a lot of the Japanese designs and if I had a choice I would go for one. Everything is so peaceful looking, making one feel exceptionally calm. Too many colours can be so disturbing. Japanese ideas on furniture arrangement is geared to serenity and peace of mind."

    Yes, you are spot on about that! Everything within Japanese design is geared to serenity and peace of mind. And also, simplicity. And too much bright color for me, is very distracting and sometimes disturbing because it's too much energy. I prefer more muted and earthy color because they seem to calm and balance my naturally high energy.

    "It's similar to the Chinese Feng Shui."

    Yes, VERY Feng Shui. And there is something TO that because you can feel a certain 'energy' in a room when things are placed a certain way (with not a lot of clutter). The energy flows freely.

    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Have a marvi Monday and week!

    X to you and Joe!

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  8. Hey there Rob!

    "I like the Japanese style, particularly with the beds low to the floor."

    Meeeeeee too! And I think because I'm short, it makes falling into bed so much easier - HA!

    "I didn't know you spent time in Japan. That must've been an incredible experience."



    Yes, I was there in the late '90's because I doing an acting gig. I lived in Kobe, Japan for 2 1/2 months and LOVED it! I also visited Kyoto, Japan, which was AMAZING because it's where all the sacred temples are. Japan is truly a magnificent country!


    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a SUPER week!


    X

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  9. "I grew up in the avocado/harvest gold years, with furniture inspired my Medieval times."

    HA! Yes, me as well! And it's so funny you mentioned avocado/harvest because last weekend I was talking with a gentleman who owns a home accessory store here in Philly and he and I were talking about those two colors!

    "I've been leaning more and more toward simplicity of design. And I love earth tones - so soothing and restful."

    I agree...soooooo soothing and restful. And it was after I had spent time in Japan did I realize that because the whole time I lived there, I felt so peaceful and calm.

    " I absolutely love those bedrooms particularly, and I'd like to incorporate some of those ideas."

    Aren't those bedrooms faaaaaabulous?

    "It reminds me of the saying about jewelry - that after you've put on what you want to wear, remove one piece. You don't have to have a ring and a necklace and earrings and a bracelet."

    Exactly. Less is more.

    "So when I start moving things into a new place, when I get it, I want to continue the purge I've started and put out less."



    Good for you. I can't wait to see what you do with your new place. And from looking at photos of your present home, I love your sense of design because it's a lot like mine, you prefer more a more natural and earthy color scheme.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a fantabulous week!


    X

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  10. Helloooooooo David!

    " Do you remember the movie "Charlie" with Cliff Robertson? The thing from the movie that made the biggest impression on me was how his original apartment with the bare light bulb changed as his intelligence increased."

    Yes...I DO remember that film! It was based on the book, "Flowers for Algernon." What an incredibly touching story!

    "From experience I've learned that things I thought I liked, I didn't after living with them for awhile. I will never have another yellow kitchen or white walls in the living room."



    I too have done the same thing, thought I liked something but then afterwards hated it. But hey, I guess we live and learn, right?


    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a terrific week!

    X

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  11. Hey there Suzi!


    It seems the older I get, the less 'stuff' I want and need around me. And I think because I live in such a small apartment, it's easier for me to do that because I just don't have the space, so it forces me to have the minimal. And after living in Japan for awhile, where space is so precious because it's so crowded, their culture taught me a lot about being minimalistic.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a FAB week!


    X

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  12. Hola Denise!

    "Whenever I watch reruns of the Golden Girls, the house that they lived in is the perfect example of the South Florida style!"

    Yes! You are soooooo right about that! The home they lived in was the PERFECT example of the South Florida style! And every time I watch the show on You Tube, I think of that.

    "It seems the older I get, the less clutter I want in my living space. There was a time when I also loved Shabby Chic."

    True, the older I get the less clutter I want in my living space as well. And it's ironic you mentioned Shabby Chic because I love that style too, but never had it.

    "And that second kitchen photo is amazing! It looks like a kitchen greenhouse."

    Isn't that kitchen to DIE FOR? I'm not even a big cook or kitchen person, but I loved that photo because of the all windows and light!

    " I also like all three beds because I don't like a foot board on my bed."



    No foot board for me either.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have wonderful week too!


    X

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  13. Hey there Bijoux!

    "I love the first photo for the simple design and the light."

    Yes, isn't the LIGHT in that room faaaaaabulous? And yes, I also love the simplicity. That room is both bright and calm at the same time.

    "While I love earth tones, I also like the jewel tones. I think I only look good in jewel tones, so maybe I like to surround myself in those colors."

    I think you brought up a great point there because I have another blogging friend who also enjoys wearing jewel tones, so her home is decorated in similar colors and it looks AWESOME!

    "What I don't like is photo 3 because of the clutter. I can't stand being in a room that is so full. It's like a visual overload for me."



    Yes, I agree...that room is a bit cluttered (I think it's a den) but there was something about the color scheme that made me feel cozy - especially that sofa. Makes me wanna curl up with a cup of coffee and a good book.


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent week!


    X


    P.S. And speaking of frigid climate, it's freezing here right now and I think we're getting more snow on Weds. Which is so crazy because for the past couple of days the weather has been so Spring-like.

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  14. Ron, I so like those last two photos of the rustic/bohemian rooms. I love those windows and exposed brick walls. Rocking cool!


    And I like that second bedroom too. So, I guess my taste in design is minimalistic too. And I do prefer more earthy and neutral tones over bright color.


    I'm going to share this post with my girlfriend because she's a web designer and has a great eye for design and color, so I think would really this.


    Interesting post, dude!

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  15. Hiya Matt!


    Those last two photographs reminded me so much of what the loft apartments look like in SoHo, NY. They have such a rustic and raw look to them because they were at one time HUGE warehouse's converted into apartments and condos. I love that exposed brick too!


    Don't ya just love the bed in that second bedroom photo? And I also love the BIG window and all that natural light.


    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy! Have an EXCELLENT week!


    X

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  16. I think most of our tastes evolve as we grow. In the late 80s I was all about black lacquer and Nagel prints. Now, both make me gag. For me, as you are probably aware, it's all about the retro look. And when colors are involved, I prefer earth tones. You might say I like to go "au naturel," if you will.

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  17. "I think most of our tastes evolve as we grow."

    Good point, Mark, and I think you're absolutely right. Our tastes evolve and change as we grow.

    "In the late 80s I was all about black lacquer and Nagel prints."

    HA! OMG...I do remember those Nagel prints, and I think I even had one. Very Art Deco!

    " And when colors are involved, I prefer earth tones. You might say I like to go "au naturel," if you will."

    Me as well! Love the "au naturel" tones.

    Much thanks for stopping by, bud. Have a SUPA' week!

    X to you and Tara!

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  18. "Okay, I'm an Elf who is a writer! LOL! I guess it's pretty close since I do write, love to create and High Fantasy is a favorite genre."

    OMG...how FABULOUS, Lisa!!! And yup...you are definitely a WRITER. And a great one at that!

    And thank you so much for sharing about the Elf because I didn't even know that that was one of the Mythical creatures on the list. And it's a GOOD one too!

    It's uncanny how these quizzes are pretty darn accurate, hu?

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend, and for taking the quizzes. Hope your weekend was FABU!

    X

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  19. I really love the style pics you've shared. I probably lean more contemporary over traditional. I used to be big into country/antique accents, but not so much anymore. I think the be beachy-feel of Florida is always so much fun with all the color! :-) So I suppose I'm beachy contemporary!

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  20. As a web designer, I LOVE how open you are to learning a new skill! Web design, as you've found out, is VERY creative -- I wouldn't do it if it weren't, ha!
    Ron, I love your photos. That first bedroom and the second kitchen, with all those windows letting in all that sunlight, are to-die for!
    I, too, love low beds -- easier for my Sheltie to hop right in! There's something wise and wonderful about the Japanese style of living.
    Of course, those "rooms-with-a-view" HAVE to have a stupendous view to look out upon -- something beachy would be nice.
    Happy, happy Monday!

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  21. My, you're quite the renaissance man aren't you Ron?
    I'm more of a shabby chic sort of bloke. That way, you can't tell what is design and what is mess.

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  22. "That way, you can't tell what is design and what is mess."

    Bwhahahahhaha! OMG Dale, I LOVED that!

    Actually, I like the shabby chic style as well. In fact, I may be doing a design post showing that style in a future post. I had some photos picked out of shabby chic for this post, but thought there would be too many photos to look at, so I narrowed them down to these.

    Much thanks for stopping by, bud! Have a fantabulous week!

    X

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  23. "As a web designer, I LOVE how open you are to learning a new skill! Web design, as you've found out, is VERY creative -- I wouldn't do it if it weren't, ha!"

    Yup Debbie....I was sooooo thinking of YOU when I mentioned about web design! It amazes me how over the years I've gotten SO INTO website customizing. I still have more to learn, but it's been a blast!

    " and the second kitchen, with all those windows letting in all that sunlight, are to-die for!"

    Don't ya just LOVE that kitchen and all the windows? I'm not even a kitchen-person, but I fell in love with that photo! And that kitchen is HUGE.

    "I, too, love low beds -- easier for my Sheltie to hop right in! There's something wise and wonderful about the Japanese style of living."



    Yes, when I had two cats I found that to be the same - easier for them to hop right in. I actually sleep on a futon couch that folds out to a bed at night, and it's very close to the floor.


    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Have a HAPPY Monday and week!

    X

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  24. I once had a house that I decorated with all similar colours to these photos, but I am now leaning toward pale, warm colours, like creams and peaches. I do like a splash of colour, even if it's only by way of paintings on the wall.

    I too, have gone through different stages. When I first got married we bought our bedroom furniture in a place called 'Junk City' in London. It was all heavy, ornate furniture. We then painted it all two shades of red! We had an old brass bed too. The lounge furniture, we made ourselves. It was very modern. White unit seating with bright red & orange seating and low hanging lights. The kitchen was a mixture of blues, turquoise and green. The height of fashion back then. I couldn't live with those colours now, that's for sure :)

    As you know I used to be a web designer and it certainly is creative. I designed my sites as I would any artwork and I really enjoyed it.

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  25. Ron, I love this post and I'm glad to hear that you'll be sharing more on design because this is something I'm very interesting in. My mother is always telling me that I should have gone to school for interior design instead of business because she knows how passionate I am about it.

    What a great selection of styles you shared! I love that second living room with the windows behind that beautiful sofa. I also love that second kitchen with the hardwood floor and the first bedroom. And those last two images of the rustic rooms are fabulouso!

    I share your same appreciation for the color schemes as well. Love the colors you chose for these rooms. Great post!

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  26. "....but I am now leaning toward pale, warm colours, like creams and peaches. I do like a splash of colour, even if it's only by way of paintings on the wall."

    Oh, that sounds beeeeeautiful, Babs! I too like creams and peaches as well because they go so well with each other.

    That's the thing, I like so many different styles and color palettes, that's it hard to choose - HA!

    And wow....I love your description of how your place was decorated in London because I could so SEE it. Isn't it funny the different design and style changes we go through? There was even a time in my life when I was leaning more towards the interior design style of Art Deco.

    "As you know I used to be a web designer and it certainly is creative. I designed my sites as I would any artwork and I really enjoyed it.'



    And you are FABULOUS at it too! You blow me away with your creativity with all those cute graphics you design on your blog posts. And also your talent for photography and making videos!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, Babs. Have a lovely week!


    X to you and Mo!

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  27. Hey ho Robert!

    "...I'm glad to hear that you'll be sharing more on design because this is something I'm very interesting in."

    Oh goodie! I've been wanting to add a design category to this blog for awhile now because I spend a lot of time reading design blogs, so I thought it might be interesting to share stuff that I like on design. And not only interior design, but web design and art design as well.

    " I love that second living room with the windows behind that beautiful sofa."



    Faaaaabulous, isn't it? It looks like an apartment in either NYC or some European city.


    Those last two photos look like a loft in SoHo, NY.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Hope you had a marvi Monday. Enjoy your week!


    X

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  28. oh ron, you are soooo me, i love everyone of those photos. i settled on 4 and 5 and then the photos just got better. you have great taste because i like it, LOL.


    i love the simple, neat, minimalist look.

    this is me all the way: I also like a lot of windows with natural sunlight.

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  29. woo hooo, i love these quizzes. i took one weeks ago about what kind of dog am i. turns out i'm a mutt. LOL. as far as profession, the quiz lied, it said i'm a freaking vice president.

    What Career Should You Actually Have?

    You got: Vice President

    You are a doer, you know how to get things done. You’re half analytical, half big thinker, which is what makes you so valuable to any team. You love a good challenge, and are excited by possibility. Go get ‘em, tiger because at this point you’re pretty much unstoppable. Other occupations: engineer.



    CRAP!


    AND I know what city you picked to live in, it was New York, right. yeah, baby!

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  30. "you have great taste because i like it, LOL."

    HAHAHAHAHAH! Oh Val...too FUNNY!

    And you know what? I had a feeling you had the same taste, just from seeing glimpses of your home on your photo blog!

    "i love the simple, neat, minimalist look."

    Meeeee too! And LOTS of windows with natural light. My apartment, for as small as it is, has four BIG windows which make my studio seem larger than what it is.

    Much thanks for stopping by, girl. Hope your Monday was marvi! Have a super-duper week!

    X

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  31. and

    You got: Unicorn

    Regency / Via lovethispic.com

    You magical, perfect creature! You have a pure heart and you always see the best in people. You value the simple pleasures in life, and you’re an eternal optimist. You’re protective of those close to you, but you avoid conflict at all costs. You do best in small crowds and one-on-one situations, and when you trust someone, you trust them entirely.



    okay all of this is freaking true. wow. i'm going to wear my horn tomorrow. i liked this post ron, i love quizzes.


    i think fairy describes you perfectly! you are adorable.

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  32. "woo hooo, i love these quizzes. i took one weeks ago about what kind of dog am i. turns out i'm a mutt."

    Bwhahahahhahaha! OMG..I'm dying laughing, Val! I think if I were a dog I would be one of those Schnauzer's!

    WOW...you got VICE PRESIDENT!?!? How fab is that because it sounds a lot of you! You're a doer and you get things done.

    "you're a humanitarian and i have to be stuck in an office all day. oh heck naw."

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

    "AND I know what city you picked to live in, it was New York, right. yeah, baby!"



    You said it, baby....I picked NEW YORK!!!!!


    Much thanks for stopping by girl!


    X

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  33. OMG Val, you're right.....that suits you PERFECTLY!!!!!

    "You have a pure heart and you always see the best in people."

    And you DO!!!!

    Weren't these quizzes FUN??? They have a BUNCH of them over on that website. Just look on the sidebar and your will see different quizzes listed.

    "i think fairy describes you perfectly! you are adorable."



    Aw...thank you X


    And I'm confused about the photo link you left, what was I supposed to see because I went over there I saw a whole bunch of photos, but nothing with Regency.

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  34. I don't know, I just copied my creature info. Maybe I grabbed too much and the link was included
    V

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  35. I read this stretched out on the overstuffed, forest green couch with my cuppa coffee on the heavy oak coffee table that's been on my agenda to turn into a bench seat. I could mention the other oak pieces....won't...I was a sucker for antique oak pieces. I'll confess that sometimes I still am! I've got me eye on an old ladder that would go great on the wall behind the couch but I keep battling over ladder/window/ladder/window.
    Matters not....the couch can get recovered and moved to the basement. Time for different in the main living space. And I'm still working on the coffee nook....haffta wait on warmer weather to paint the table and distress it.
    Hahaha....since I'm not stinking rich, I like to shake things up and get rid of STUFF that seems to find its way into this home. And I rather enjoy redoing the pieces that are time tested but need a facelift.
    And it's a good excuse to get rid of or use STUFF that's just sorta....accumulated.
    I love the photos. I'm all about neutral/earthy tones with a few accents of one colour. Unfortunately, himself likes BOLD....and lots of STUFF.
    I'm workin' on him!!


    You have my ad.iration on braving web design. I paid good money for the girl to learn that stuff...LOL...so I don't bother and I get y money's worth. LOL. Love looking at the homes of others who seem to have that knack. Mostly, I love to steal their ideas. :-D

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  36. HA! Oh okay, I thought you left a link because you wanted me to see something on another website. How funny!!!


    X

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  37. Nope. I got nothin'. Lol.

    V

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  38. All of this reminds me (yet again) that we need to purchase a new couch soon. I'm looking at your photos and have decided that I like the "L" shaped couch, one with a comfortable area to stretch out your feet and truly lounge. I'm eying your second to last photo and that's nearly what I envision. Now, if only we can find a place that semi-reasonable in price. Far too many showrooms are asking way too much for their couches. It's like they're made of gold of somethin'.

    ...next up would be more windows, but I fear a new home would be required for that ;-)

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  39. "I could mention the other oak pieces....won't...I was a sucker for antique oak pieces. I'll confess that sometimes I still am! I've got me eye on an old ladder that would go great on the wall behind the couch but I keep battling over ladder/window/ladder/window."

    Oh Mel, I bet your house is so cozy and warm!

    "..since I'm not stinking rich, I like to shake things up and get rid of STUFF that seems to find its way into this home. And I rather enjoy redoing the pieces that are time tested but need a facelift."

    I do the same thing because I'm not stinking rich either. So what I do is STEAL ideas from various websites or design books, and then I find stuff that looks similar, but MUCH cheaper. Sometimes I find them at second-hand stores or even Ross and Burlington Coat Factory. I like things to look good, but I don't want to spend a lot of money doing it.

    "You have my ad.iration on braving web design. I paid good money for the girl to learn that stuff...LOL...so I don't bother and I get y money's worth.'

    HA! You GO, Mel!

    Honestly though, I'm amazed that I have such an interest in web design customizing because I didn't think I could do it until I got into the creative part of it. And now I love it!

    Thanks oodles for stopping by, dear lady. Have a super-duper week!

    ((((((((( You )))))))))

    X

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  40. " I'm looking at your photos and have decided that I like the "L" shaped couch, one with a comfortable area to stretch out your feet and truly lounge. I'm eying your second to last photo and that's nearly what I envision."

    I agree, Herman! And even though I'm a small guy, I like something BIG to stretch out on. And even my bed, I cannot sleep in twin, I have a full size mattress because I need space when I sleep.

    And don't you LOVE the color of that couch in the second to last photo? Faaaabulous!

    "Now, if only we can find a place that semi-reasonable in price. Far too many showrooms are asking way too much for their couches. It's like they're made of gold of somethin'."



    Thank you! I couldn't agree with you more, the prices of their couches are outrageous. I like a lot of stuff from the store, West Elm, but their prices are waaaaaaaay too expensive.


    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a super week and I hope you're feeling better!


    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  41. Ron, I read your comment to Herman about West Elm and I agree. That store has some really great home furnishing, but way too expensive! I will usually wait for a sale before I purchase something from them.

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  42. I took a few of those quizzes too Ron, what a hoot to recall some of those questions. You certainly make a wonderful cover guy!!! Love that look!

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  43. There's no such thing as too many windows IMO, I agree Ron.


    That first photo was actually my fav of all of these. I could snuggle up in that room and be happy for a long time.


    You have great taste in home decor, all of these are so nice. If we could only take pages off the internet and touch them with a wand and make them appear in reality!!! I'd like to do that right now. Our current living room leaves a lot to be desired. :-(


    Happy Mid Week Ron!

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  44. Ron, and some of their sofas are well over $2,000. And they're really nice, but not worth all that much!

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  45. "You certainly make a wonderful cover guy!!! Love that look!"


    Oh, thank you, Geraldine! I used to be a Super model, can you tell?


    Bwhahahahahahah!


    Thanks much for stopping by, my friend. Hope your week is going fabulously!


    X

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  46. Helloooooo there, Geraldine!

    "There's no such thing as too many windows IMO, I agree Ron."

    Yup! My apartment is very small, however, if I didn't have all the nice big windows I have, it would look much smaller. Windows seem to give the illusion of a big space.

    "That first photo was actually my fav of all of these. I could snuggle up in that room and be happy for a long time."

    Me too! And agree!

    " If we could only take pages off the internet and touch them with a wand and make them appear in reality!!!"



    What I try to do is get basic 'ideas' from looking at interior design photos on the Internet, and then adding touches of them to my own space because I could never afford to do all this.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy Mid Week to you too. OMG...can you believe how fast this week is going?


    X

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  47. I agree, Robert. They're REALLY nice, but not worth all that much. And if you closely look at some of the construction of their furniture, it's not all that well made.

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  48. What a great selection of photographs. I loved them all. But the room overlooking the ocean seduced me. I prefer earth tones, too, and don't like a busy space. Life is busy enough.

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  49. *SMILING*

    OMG Lauren, I was sooooooooo happy to see your comment today because you have been on my mind lately; wondering how you are. You have been GREATLY missed in blogland!

    Isn't the room with the ocean view faaaaaaabulous? And I love the all windows!

    " and don't like a busy space. Life is busy enough."

    I so agree! Which is why having such a small apartment is good, because you can't have too much busy stuff going on.

    Thanks a BUNCH for stopping by. Hope your week is going well, and your writing as well!

    X

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  50. Hellooooooooo there Mich!

    Great seeing ya! :)

    "Do we get to see how you've decorated your own living space?"

    HA! Ironic you mentioned that because I am thinking of eventually sharing it pictures or perhaps taking a video of my living space, and posting it on my blog.

    Yes, my stepmother was also into decorating as well, and had great taste. In fact, she taught me a lot about color and design.

    "I love love love that kitchen with all the plants and the ton of windows!!"



    To DIE for, isn't it? I love it too because it looks like it's outdoors.


    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great rest of your week, Mich!

    X

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  51. Love, love, LOVE all the windows. So beautiful! And the living area with the rustic shutter in the background is awesome. I am horrible designer myself. No talent there, but I sure love to look. Great finds. :-)

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  52. WHAT????? You never cease to amaze me!! I have studied Interior Design!! I just love anything and everything to do with it!! I spend countless amount of hours engaging with HGTV and HGTV magazines...Real Estate websites...Interior Design magazines...it is amazing!! I was going to become an Interior Designer at one point in my life. Life had other things in store for me and I ended up in Corporate Audit. Who knew?? But I never stopped loving anything and everything to do with Interior Design. It's funny....I have never really blogged about it...but now I feel like I should! You spent time in JAPAN??? What an experience that must have been!! Do tell!! Have a great day Ron!! Man...you really do know LOTS of stuff about LOTS of things!! xo Jeanne

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  53. Hello there Angelia!

    Aren't all the windows faaaaaaaabulous? I'm one of those people, who even if I live in a small space, needs a lot of windows and natural light to give the feeling of OPENNESS.

    "I am horrible designer myself. No talent there, but I sure love to look."

    Oh I can't believe that because you are sooooo creative and artistic. I bet you'd make a wonderful designer!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy the rest of your week!

    X

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  54. "I have studied Interior Design!! I just love anything and everything to do with it!! I spend countless amount of hours engaging with HGTV and HGTV magazines...Real Estate websites...Interior Design magazines...it is amazing!!"

    That's AWESOME!

    "I was going to become an Interior Designer at one point in my life."

    Yup, Jeanne....I had a feeling you were also into design because you're a Virgo, and so many Virgos I know have such an eye for design and detail.

    "You spent time in JAPAN???"



    Yes, I lived there for 2 1/2 months while performing in musical. Japan is truly one of the most amazing places I've ever visited. I love their culture!


    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Enjoy the rest of your week!


    X to you and the girlz!

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  55. And you can find almost the same stuff at IKEA for a lot less.

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  56. "It started in 2011, went into remission for a year or two and blew up in 2013."

    Wow Lauren! Well, I admire your determination to fight for what you feel is right. You GO, girl!

    And the best to you with your writing projects as well. You're a WONDERFUL writer!

    Enjoy the rest of your week!
    X

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  57. I like quizzes, but I can be so indecisive when it comes to answering the questions. I got:

    You got: Writer
    You are a maker. Creative from the day you were born, you
    spend most of your time thinking about the world you live in. You are
    open to new ideas and value beauty and originality more than most. We
    both know you’re not really the office type, so give yourself some room
    to create. Other occupations: director, producer, advertiser.

    and:

    You got: Unicorn

    You magical, perfect creature! You have a pure heart and you
    always see the best in people. You value the simple pleasures in life,
    and you’re an eternal optimist. You’re protective of those close to you,
    but you avoid conflict at all costs. You do best in small crowds and
    one-on-one situations, and when you trust someone, you trust them
    entirely.


    I think I pretty much agree with what I got, and I think your answers (and commentary) were great, by the way!

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  58. Hey there Nathaniel!

    Yes, I too can be indecisive when it comes to answering the questions because I sometimes see several answers that I want to choose - HA!

    Thanks SO MUCH for letting me know what your results were on the quizzes, and for also posting the descriptions in your comment!

    And yes...most definitely, they both suit you SO well! You are such a creative and unique writer. And from what I can tell from our discussions through our comments, you are a VERY open person!

    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy! And enjoy the rest of your week!

    X

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  59. Love your style Ron. You spent 2 1/2 months in Japan???? WOW I so want to go there!

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  60. Aw..thank you, Peal :)

    Yes, I was in Japan performing in a musical. I lived in Kobe and visited Kyoto as well. That is the time when I had my first encounter with REIKI!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, m'dear! Have a lovely weekend!

    X

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  61. Ron, while I share your love of minimalist, I also love the rustic. My dream home would be a loft with exposed brick painted white. Where we differ - I would add pops of color. I like a candy dish in fuschia or a large bottle in aquamarine standing on the floor, maybe fun colored frames on my pics. I tend to go more towards greys/pinks/blacks when decorating - I just have something I don't like about beige.

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  62. Hey there Benze!

    " I also love the rustic. My dream home would be a loft with exposed brick painted white."

    Yes, don't you just LOVE rustic and exposed brick? That's why I chose those two last photographs because I loved the brick and rustic windows!

    I love your idea about a POP of color! Kinda like the 10th photo down, with that splash of orange for an accent.

    "I tend to go more towards greys/pinks/blacks."

    Nice color combinations!!!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a super weekend!

    X

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  63. This shows a side of you that I did not expect, actually. I am trying to think of what I expected your apartment to look like. I DID picture clean, neat and masculine. But these pictures have such muted tones - I guess I might have pictured more color - perhaps burgundy or red... so this is fun to see. All of these are gorgeous. I would do ANYTHING to live in any ONE of those! So fun to see another side of you, Ron!

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  64. "This shows a side of you that I did not expect, actually. I am trying to think of what I expected your apartment to look like."

    HA! My apartment looks nothing like these photographs, I wish! However, my apartment IS very open, airy, and all neutral and muted tones. It's kinda Zen-like. I think because I have a lot of natural energy, it's calming for me to live around neutral color because it's more calming, therefore it balances my energy.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Katherine. Have a FAB weekend!

    X

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  65. Although most of my decorating choices have been more necessity-based than based on aesthetics, given the opportunity, I have always preferred subtle over loud myself. But I have a terrible sense of style, as has been pointed out to me countless times in my life. Fortunately, I have a fiancee who is a visual artist, and she does an admirable job of saving me from my own bad choices!

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  66. "...I have always preferred subtle over loud myself."

    Yes, me as well, Nathaniel. I much prefer subtle. I like using various textures, but I prefer the colors to be neutral and almost subliminal.

    " Fortunately, I have a fiancee who is a visual artist, and she does an admirable job of saving me from my own bad choices!"



    Hey...that's AWESOME! A visual artist! And I bet she has a great eye for design!


    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Hope your weekend has been great so far!


    X

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  67. Do we get to see how you've decorated your own living space?

    My Stepmom is really really into decorating. I never really tried. Always been more of a "just throw it wherever there's room" sort of decorator. Absolutely nothing in my apartment matches.

    I love love love that kitchen with all the plants and the ton of windows!!

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  68. Okay, I'm an Elf who is a writer! LOL! I guess it's pretty close since I do write, love to create and High Fantasy is a favorite genre. Thanks for a little bit of fun on a Monday morning! Elf: You’re one of the most revered and honored creatures in the fantasy world, but you’re also very hard to pin down. You’re an interesting mix of empathetic politician and pragmatic dreamer. You believe in the power of justice, but you also believe in the power of protecting yourself. You’re always willing to lend a hand, but not to the point where it will negatively affect you.

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  69. These photos remind me I need to get rid of a lot of crap to have that clean sleek look!

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  70. Hi Ron. Thank you. It's been too long. I've really missed hanging out in blogland. I was caught in the gravitational pull of earthland.


    I've been working on writing projects and fighting Town Hall and the cell tower company they're in bed with. It has been physically and emotionally draining. It started in 2011, went into remission for a year or two and blew up in 2013.


    Yes, I absolutely love the room with an ocean view. I'm ready to move in.

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  71. "I will usually wait for a sale before I purchase something from them."

    Me too, Robert! I've gotten some really nice pillows and accessories at West Elm, but only when they have a sale. I was thinking of getting a daybed many, many years ago from them, but they were asking over $800 for a DAYBED!?!?

    NOT!

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  72. Thanks, Lisa....my taste runs the gamut of so many different styles. But one thing I consistently like are more earthy, muted, and natural colors. Almost like bringing the great outdoors inside.

    " I probably lean more contemporary over traditional."

    Yes, there are even a few contemporary pieces in some of these photos, so I must like some contemporary as well.

    " I think the be beachy-feel of Florida is always so much fun with all the color! :-) So I suppose I'm beachy contemporary!"



    It's so ironic you mentioned that because I can so see you living in Florida, with loving the warm weather as you do. I loved living there for as long as I did, but then something changed inside me that drew me back to the northeast and my roots.


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a SUPER Monday and week!


    X

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  73. Babs, isn't it uncanny how these two quizzes end up coming out pretty close to accurate?

    "The second one fits me better - A fairy. So you see, we are alike :)"

    Yahoooooooo! We're both fairies!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely weekend!

    X to you and Mo!

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  74. OK I am dying. I had a great, intelligent response to this post and then I saw that you are a "fairy" every smart thought left my mind. I am simply laughing to hard!!!!

    HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!! You kill me!

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