Picture [[Frame]] This!

Fun and simple ideas for using old picture frames: Frame a single picture to expand it's visual impact. The painting inside the frame is by local artist Jennifer Lanne. I just love her work and am pleased to own several of her pieces. She has been featured in several magazines including Country Living and in the May edition of Where Women Create. Be sure to click on her name above to see more of her beautiful work.Anchor and add height to a group of similiar colored objects. "Frame" a group of small prints for an unexpected twist. I have even thought about painting behind the frame or adding a piece of fabric for texture. Enjoy!

The Blueblossom Lilac

The wild lilacs are in full bloom. The overgrown shrubs we talk about clearing away every year are now delicate blossoming blue flowers. Of course now we want to keep all those shrubs so that we have the blossoms to look forward to. That works out nicely, as that means we can take something off our long to do list.

These bushes line our driveway (above), the fields and are throughout the entire valley. It's always so amazing how all of the wild flowering trees and bushes stand out after going unnoticed most of the year.

The wild lilacs are very fragrant so I have been making bouquets for the house. It's a wonderful summer-sweet fragrance...oh, happy heart, I truly love this time of year.

Happy flower watching!

Better Homes and Gardens Feature - Basement Renovation

Be sure to pick up the July issue of Better Homes and Gardens.

Inside you will see the article/pictures below of my recently finished basement.

Better Homes and Gardens / Photographer - John Bessler

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

 

Better Homes and Gardens / Photographer - John Bessler

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

The project took most of the winter to finish and also includes a bedroom and bathroom. The bathroom will be featured in Bed and Bath Makeovers which should be available soon. The overall goal was to make the space flexible to accommodate our ever changing family needs.

Better Homes and Gardens / Photographer - John Bessler

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

  

Great care was taken to make sure this space fit into the overall design scheme of the rest of the house. I wanted it to look like it had been completed when the house was built seven years ago.

Better Homes and Gardens / Photographer - John Bessler 

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

To that end, I used bead board, vintage lights and door knobs, matched trim, columns and doors to exising woodwork, changed the treads on the stairs from pine to oak and kept the walls the same color as the upstairs. I am very happy with the results and can't wait to tackle my next project.