To you, perhaps the weary mother who wants to lock herself  in the bedroom and have a good cry over the frustration of the day but can’t even pin down what exactly made it so frustrating. To you, the mother with munchkins who need an additional 4 hours in a 24 hour day. To you the mother, in whatever stage of motherhood you may be in who needs a reminder about what it is to be a mother. To you, the mother, who might question if all of this mothering stuff really does make a difference in their lives.

Well, it does. And here is a small reminder of why.

Photo via Sutton abc

You need to know, you are an amazing being. You get up before the birds and go to sleep well past the setting sun. Often, you stay awake through out the nights – Only half sleeping to listen for the cry of an infant or the pitter patter of a toddler’s feet who awoke with a bad dream or up waiting for the teenager to return home safely. You, even though you’re exhausted, wake each dau and put a smile on your face and look at those little ones who kept you up through the night and whisper to them I love you. It’s a love that isn’t dependent on sleep or looks or agendas. It’s a mother’s love.

You cook and bake and clean and do it all again. And again. And again. So often when there’s nothing in the fridge you can work your magic and pull a meal together that usually gets little compliments  from those sitting around your table. But you have thick skin – often the meals are met with noses turned and eyes rolling and little ones telling you they really don’t like whatever you lovingly prepared. And then, dear mother, you start the battle of negotiation and bartering and set limits and hope that they eat at least two bites before they wash it down with the diluted half milk half chocolate milk mixture.

Source

You are the chief problem solver. You can mediate any argument – whose turn it is to unload or load or if one kid is picking on the other too much. You have restrictions on name calling, yelling, fibbing, and teasing. You have mastered the art of counting to ten – in a row. You often know when to step back to let it go and climb the stairs and sit on the floor in the bathroom and count to one hundred and then come out with a improved disposition. And even if you don’t have you just push through. And sometimes, it means peanut butter & jelly or pancakes for dinner – and then your kids think you’re the coolest.

You budget for bills and drive all over town and clean. And laundry? You breathe it. Day in and day out and day in and day out and then repeat all over again just when you think it is all done. Those missing and long lost socks are no match for you the sorter, folder, and organizer. And even when you get behind and it sits in the laundry room, you still joke about the mountain of clothing even though really, really you wish for just one week where you didn’t have to fold all of those clothes. But, deep down, hidden in there, you know that this is fleeting – unbelievably fleeting – where the onesies, blankets, size 2T dress, soccer shorts, and leotards get to be in your wash. So you breathe deep and try to remember the importance and sweetness of these brief years while you fold the stack of wrinkled PJs.

You dear mother, are remarkable. So often you compare yourself to all others and then you measure yourself with a stick that is much too short. You’ll look at all they do and overlook the extraordinary things you do. No one knows your children the way you do – their habits, sense of humor, and how to finally get them to stay in bed. You know when to use selective hearing and keep on talking. You know them. You go to bed exhausted and wake up tired and yet you still give and do it the next day because you love the ones who call you mom.

You need a reminder today, a reminder of your greatness. And so today, to you the chief bill payer, problem solver, clothes folder, rocking chair rocker, temperature taker, night watchman till the teen gets home, boo boo kisser, sweeper, toy organizer for the tenth time in a day, listener, cab driver, chef,  house cleaner, medicine giver, tamer of the laundry, repeated story reader, and giver of self you need to know that what you are doing today makes a huge difference.

It matters.

Motherhood matters greatly. The little ones or middle ones or bigies in your home look at you. Their mom. They see the good – the way you give unselfishly, the sweet things you do, the meals you make – and they love you. You have earned that love. And sometimes, sometimes they forget to tell you. Sometimes they yell at you, disobey or say mean things like I hate you. Those things don’t define you. Instead of throwing in the towel you just keep going. You go through sleepless nights, tight budgets, cranky kids, stress about tomorrow, homework being completed, times of sickness, more sleepless nights, and all of the above plus more. Those tender hugs from years passed matter just as much today, as do those moments where you want to shout I quit but instead, keep going.

That is my definition of a hero.

picture via Google

You are a hero.

Every single day. When you get up each day and love on those children and give of self. Don’t ever listen to the misconceptions of the world that tell you that you are only a good mom if you do x, y, and z. Motherhood isn’t defined by the number of craft projects completed, or clever facebook status updates, or perfect birthday cake you hand made, or the number that appears on the scale. Motherhood isn’t this scientific thing – it’s not judged by everything you accomplish, but rather is a beautiful example of giving selflessly and loving even when the reserve tank is on empty.

Your heart gives everyday.

Source

So you, sweet mother, today I want you to progress through your day – no matter how your day is – and remember that you are making a difference. Those kids who seem forever young will grow. And you, you are the one blessed with today and the time to enjoy their journey of growing up with them. In all roller coaster of a ride, no matter what, you are their mother. And that is something to be absolutely proud of and celebrated today.

Grab your cape.

Superheroes need them.

Because that is exactly what you are.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Source

I take no credit for the content of this blog which was so wonderfully written by Rachel Marie Martin.  Verbiage is altered to avoid copying.

Outdoor living should be comfortable, practical and as colorful as nature itself.  You can go as grand as adding professional landscaping, a water feature, fire pit or outdoor kitchen or your outdoor space can be very simple, warm and inviting with just a simple designated seating area.  Backyard bliss doesn’t always have to break the bank but it should be as warm and inviting as your interior.

A few simple additions can make all the difference.  Colorful outdoor pillows added to a comfortable outdoor seating area or decorative planters with beautiful plants and flowers to enhance the area are just two simple, inviting outdoor decorating ideas.

This picture from HGTV’s backyard makeover project only cost $200.00 with thrift store finds.  The bright colors and beautiful plants make this outdoor living space into an amazing retreat, don’t you think?

I am posting a few additional outdoor decorating ideas that will hopefully inspire you to start sprucing up your outdoor living space.

Everyone loves to sit around a fire pit in the evening roasting marshmallows and swapping good stories.  This is a ready to assemble fire pit from Necessories that would be a huge bang for your buck at only $406.00.

Or if you want to make a fire pit your main focus of your backyard, here is a grand scale one that is truly impressive.

If a simple and comfortable look is what you are going for, this back yard seating area is just that. Source backyard photo of thistlewoodfarms.com

Outdoor spaces don’t need to be expansive.  This oasis by Busybee Design is proof you can make a comfortable living area with small square footage as well.

However if you do have the space and the budget why not go backyard bliss?  I will leave you with one more amazing backyard decorating idea for inspiration.  Cozy isn’t it?

Amy Bergman and husband Bret with children Cole and Claire on the back porch.  For more information on this photo click here.  This little backyard paradise has it all, a comfortable and intimate seating area, an amazing fire pit and beautiful stone flooring to tie it all together.

Contact CT Interior Designer, Melanie Langford of All About Interiors for assistance in decorating your outdoor space.

Sources: Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3  Picture 5 Picture 6

If you just want some subtle touches or little reminders of the beach, accessories are a great way to go.

Set a few around your home to give your home a whimsical nautical feel without committing to the cottage look.

Sometimes less can be more of a statement.  Here is a great example of just a simple touch of the beach can give you that toes-in-the-sand feel.

For those who absolutely love the beach and want to bring it home with them all year round (doesn’t everyone?), I have put together a few of my favorite nautical style spaces.

I realize it may be near impossible, but if you can draw your eyes away from this amazing ocean view for just a second, take a look at this lucky duck’s living space which has the same hues as the beach sand and water.

White shutters are a great way to get a coastal feel in a room.  I just love the colors and decorative pillows in this space.

Even an overcast day at the beach is better than no day at the beach.  You can achieve a nautical feel by using wide stripes and gray tones, white piping on the sofa adds a nice touch, throw in a few beach-y accessories and voila!~

I hope my blog has inspired you to re-decorate for the summer.  At the very least, go out and bury your toes in the sand!  Contact   CT Interior Designer, Melanie Langford at All About Interiors to get started on your next decorating or remodeling project.

Picture sources: 1) Better Homes And Gardens 2) Bellemaison23.com 3) 4.bp.blogspot.com 4) LaBellevietres.chic 5)House of Turquoise 6) Lynnmorgandesign.com

picture via Source

Hang long curtains: Start close to the ceiling to give the appearance that your windows are larger than they are and your ceilings are higher than they actually are.

Martha’s Vineyard Chest pic via Source

If you can’t paint your walls in your apartment, paint your furniture to add color and interest.

pic via Pinterest unknown source

Double the function of furniture.  A creative solution to get two functions out of a piece of furniture  for the price of one.  An example of this would be this beautiful table for doing paperwork, computer work or writing bills also doubles as a make up table.

Picture via Pinterest via Source

Ditch the Dining room.  This room is so rarely used it is a waste of precious square footage.  Turn it into another useful living space such as an office or guest room.

Pic via Source

Bring it up…  Use your walls to hang floating shelves to rotate your decor or use shelving for extra storage space.

Picture via BHG

Embrace open storage by adding an industrial shelving unit for added storage when your storage options are minimal.  You can also purchase storage ottomans to store extra blankets, videos, books etc..

Pic via Source

Build it up! Create the illusion of a larger space by installing a tall book shelf or wall unit. The closer it is to the ceiling, the bigger your place will look.  Here I go again, talking about storage but this can also double as additional storage.

picture via Pinterest source unknown

Hang mirrors around your space.  Choose a framed mirror that highlights and compliments your decor.  The reflection of light will brighten up the space and make the room appear larger than it is.

picture via Pinterest

Add an entry to your home.  If your apartment lacks a designated one, you can create one with a bookcase by removing the top shelves and installing hooks to hang coats.

picture via Pinterest

Remove doors to extra closets.  By removing the closet doors, it will open up the space and create a cool visual style.  It will also turn your closet into a more useful space such as a small office or reading nook.

So there you have it! You have virtually just increased your square footage by following these great tips!  Should you home need updating please contact our CT Interior Designer, Melanie Langford of All About Interiors for a “Rent A Designer’s Eye” consultation.

Often my design and color inspiration comes directly from what I see outdoors.  Why mess with a good thing right? Mother nature was probably, no, most likely the best designer out there… why not emulate her.

Take this beautiful puffin bird for instance:

The black, white and red color scheme is duplicated in this sophisticated bedroom.

picture via www.design-decor-staging.com

again the same color combination is in this beautiful bathroom design

picture via www.imgfave.com

Take a look outside your window on a winter’s eve.  What do you see?

picture unknown

The beauty of a fresh snow fall against a moonlit night can easily be brought inside with dark blues and white.

picture via www.conspicuousstyle.com

My favorite time of year for color inspiration is fall.  I just love the vibrant reds, greens, oranges and yellows in a complete color combination.

picture source unknown

I would be happy to take these vibrant colors and place them in your favorite space in your home, if that is the color palate that inspires you.

picture via www.blog.houseoffifty.com design via Kalierosenfelddesign.com

picture via www.comfyheaven.blogspot.com

The serenity of the color purple sets a mood of calmness and peace just like this beautiful butterfly and lavender field.

picture source Pinterest

A bedroom space is the perfect place for this zen like color.

picture via bing.com

Ahhh then there is beautiful turquoise blue on this pretty little bird.

Picture via Pinterest

This color can be paired fantastically with so many color combinations.

picture via www.houseofturquoise.com

I talk for days about color.  There is so much inspiring beauty and vibrant color in nature.  I will leave you with one of my personal favorite colors “the new neutral” which literally goes with all other colors.  This color can be found in your own back yard.  Have you guessed it yet?

picture via Pinterest

Yes, green is such a wonderful natural color that can be paired with just about any other color and look absolutely amazing.  It is calming and welcoming and looks great on just about everyone.

picture via blog.liveserramar.com

Mother nature, my absolute favorite designer, has created some AMAZING color combinations.  I believe that her intention was to inspire the designer in all of us to create a home decor that imitates the colors and natural beauty that we see outdoors.

Which color combination found in nature would be your inspiration for a starting point in your next design project?

For decorating assistance, please contact our  professional CT  interior decorator, Melanie Langford at All About Interiors to help create your natural oasis.

Picture Source Homegoods

Widen & Heighten Those Windows

Hang your window treatments higher and wider than the actual window and it will trick the eye into seeing a much larger window.

Source www.savorncmagazine.com

Windows will appear much larger when drapery panels are installed wall-to-wall.

Source: BHG

Make a Small Space Look Larger

Do you have a small space you’d like to appear larger?  Try adding a shimmer tile as a back splash to reflect light.  Open cabinetry also can fool the eye into believing the space is more open than it is.

Source: BHG

A Low-Contrast Color Scheme will make a room appear larger than it is.  High contrast color scheme will break up the space and make it look choppy.

Source www.Simpleeverydayglamourblogspot.com

Don’t Be a Matchmaker

It’s okay to mix styles and finishes as long as they share some similarity such as scale, color, shape etc…  Notice the curves of the contemporary sofa and coffee table mixed with the Victorian style moldings and mirror.  Simply beautiful!

Source: La Dolce Vita

Lighten Up

When there is little light in a room there are a few tricks that are quick fixes.

Mirrors behind the lamps reflect and add light around the room.

Source: www.Designindulgenceblogspot.com

Hang a large mirror which will diffuse the light and act as if it’s a window.

 Source: www.Houzz.com

Hanging Around

People have a tendency to hang pictures too high. Wall art should ground everything around it. So when putting it over a piece of furniture, hang it 24 to 36 inches above, though that rule varies depending on the height of the artwork itself. Make sure your frame compliments your picture.  Before you make any holes in the wall, try this trick: Use the paper insert provided with a frame (or a newspaper cutout) to figure out the best placement. Put it on the wall and move it around to get a feel for how the piece will look in the room. Apply the same rules when placing mirrors, which are best hung opposite something you want to see more of—such as beautiful wallpaper or windows to bring in more light.

In sharing this with you, I hope you have learned at least one new tip listed here and use for your home.  Should you have any questions about Interior Design, please feel free to leave a comment.  If you need help in decorating your home, please contact interior designer, Melanie Langford at  All About Interiors

pic via House of Turquoise

So, which remodeling projects offer the best return on investment at resale? The following mid-range remodeling jobs offer the highest returns, according to the 2013 Cost vs. Value Report.

pic via asoftplace.net

1. Entry door replacement (steel)

Estimated job cost: $1,137

Return on investment at resale: 85.6%

pic via Houzz

2. Deck addition (wood)

Job cost: $9,327

ROI: 77.3%

pic via Houzz

3. Garage door replacement

Job cost: $1,496

ROI: 75.7%

pic via Pinterest designer unknown

4. Minor kitchen remodel

Job cost: $18,527

ROI: 75.4%

pic via Pinterest (Anderson Windows)

5. Window replacement (wood)

Job cost: $10,708

ROI: 73.3%

pic via Twig Home

6. Attic bedroom

Job cost: $47,919

ROI: 72.9%

pic via BHG

7. Siding replacement (vinyl)

Job cost: $11,192

ROI: 72.9%

pic via WinDura Solutions

8. Window replacement (vinyl)

Job cost: $9,770

ROI: 71.2%

pic via Pinterest designer unknown

9. Basement remodel

Job cost: $61,303

ROI: 70.3%

pic via Houzz

10. Major kitchen remodel

Job cost: $53,931

ROI: 68.9%

If you are looking to take on any remodeling projects this year, All About Interiors offers “Rent a Designer’s Eye” Consultations as well as Full Interior Design and Remodeling services.  Hiring a  professional designer will help guide you towards making prudent decisions and achieving the look you are longing for.  Contact CT Interior Designer, Melanie Langford http://www.allaboutinteriors.org/contact/ to begin your next remodeling project.

Article content contributions via  Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR Magazine

See, what did I tell ya?

Check out these amazing color combinations in actual rooms!

This color combination is trending right now.  Doesn’t it look gorgeous?

Ahh… but then look at the combination of nectarine and jade.  How yummy is that?

And then there are the cool tones… Cinderella obviously started a trend, Pantone has just brought it back to fashion and design.

The blue and violet used in this room are closely related on the color wheel creating a soothing analogous color scheme.

My absolute favorite color is chartreuse (I prefer the greener hue vs the yellow one).  I am swooning over the mirrored side table, aren’t you?

I love the way the Nectarine curtains change this plain blue room into something fun and exciting. There are so many things I like about this room – the headboard, lamps, and the way the curtains frame the window and bed.

Here are several colors of spring that are seen together and work beautifully.

Which color combination are your favorites?

For assistance with updating your home, call CT Interior Designer, Melanie Langford of All About Interiors. 860-810-5080

Sources: Pinterest, Bing, Poppyseed Fabric, Niceandnicer.com, Pinterest, Home-styling.blogspot.com, HGTV, Modernrugs.com

Pic via tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com

A few simple twig-style nests with a couple artificial flowers and pastel eggs can be used as a pretty centerpiece or mantle arrangement.

Pic via Pinterest

This dainty teacup cradles some beautiful fresh flowers such as spring violets.  These can be used at your Easter dinner place settings.

 Pic via www.diningdelightblogspot.com

This would make for a cheery centerpiece on your Easter table.  Oh, so easy!

Pic via www.theholtzmansblogspot.com

Even the most dignified bunny has a place on the mantle.   Add some moss, eggs and a little bird and you’ve got yourself a decorated display.

Pic via www.stylizmo.com

Add some moss in a small bowl with a blown out and clean egg and a few of spring’s first flowers and you have a beautiful arrangement.

When decorating for any holiday I encourage you to embrace the holiday to its fullest and enjoy it with those you love most.  I hope you’ve been inspired to decorate for spring or the holidays. If you’re interested in having me design a room or your entire home please contact CT Interior Designer, Melanie Langford at All About Interiors http://www.allaboutinteriors.org/contact/.

pic via www.absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com

• Books to entertain visitors and constantly seek inspiration from. Choose books in different sizes and colors; stack the largest on the bottom and work your way up.

pic via www.stylemepretty.com

• Candles to create an ambiance and add a subtle fragrance.

pic via www.layersofmeaning.com

• Fresh flowers that bring life to a room.

pic via www.houseandhome.com

• Tray to organize the items above. I suggest  you to try out different shapes and styles before deciding on a tray.

Remember your coffee table should be two things; stylish and functional. Choose decorative items that reflect your personal style or travels, having items you love will make your home a happier and more enjoyable space.

Looking to replace your current coffee table? Or simply want to remodel your entire home? Please contact CT interior designer,  Melanie Langford at All About Interiors http://www.allaboutinteriors.org/contact/