As we mature, lighting is essential to a primary bath. This bathroom needed extra attention. One easy way to help with this issue is to add a mirror from the ceiling to the top of the vanity and then add wall sconce lighting to reflect off the mirror giving extra light. Additional LED can light was positioned over the two sink vanities and the shower. The bathroom also had a flush mount ceiling light that I changed to a chandelier.

Round and organic were very prevalent in this market.

Note: The round table with round barrel chairs from the Gabby Showroom.

When serving appetizers, choose light wines like Rose, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay makes the perfect paring and something most people enjoy with appetizers.

In the above photo the floral arrangement is flowers and weeds from my yard. Remember my last blog post about bouquets for your home. Having various plants to clip from makes easy DIY bouquet for any events or just for a weekly arrangement.

Enjoy yourself as well as your guests, whether family or friends. Now you have all it takes to make the perfect girl’s night in!

Happy entertaining,

Lori

P.S. Attached recipes below.

March is a month that can be beautiful and warm one day and cold breezy the next here in Arkansas. We always say, “if you don’t like the weather today, tomorrow will be different.” A few weeks ago it was -6 degrees. Currently the weather is warmer and things are beginning to green-up and early spring flowers are making appearance. Times like this makes you ambitious to plant, but it’s still to early for most plants.

I do not claim to be a green thumb gardener, I’m a fair weather gardener. I love to plant when it’s cool and have been know to go a little overboard. I don’t sweat well. So, in dog days of August I’m sweating tryin to get everything watered. That being said, I plant mainly low maintenance for flowers and shrubs for bouquets for my home.

I have made list of plants that work great for fresh bouquets for your home. Have a nice variety for all the seasons is my goal.

I currently have boxwoods, variegated shrubs, curly willow (personal favorite), having several of these very easy to grow trees comes in handy for filler in any arrangement. Various ornamental grasses, peonies, lilac, zinnia, forsythia, hydrangeas, roses, and especially herbs. Another great tree for their branches is Birch trees. Most of these are two-three season bouquets.

This year I plan to add the following:
Southern Magnolia (Christmas arrangements)
Various Pine Trees (Christmas arrangements)
Dogwood Trees (Spring)
Lemon and lime trees in pots (beautiful bowls of fruit)
Bittersweet Vines (Fall)

Pumpkins and Gourds, I have grown these in the past for my decor. I love watching them grow and take on various shapes. Easy to grow, very little maintenance.

I’m getting excited for Spring and the new buds and green grass. It all makes your soul sing.

Your too can start now planning for easy DIY bouquets for your home.

Happy Spring,

Lori

Kitchen Renovations.

Here’s a few things to keep in mind before you began a kitchen remodel.

A. What is the outcome you want to receive from this renovation?

B. What are your must haves? Double ovens, pot filler for your stove/cooktop, farmhouse sink, microwave drawers?

C. Appliances and their placements.

D. How do you working in your kitchen? And how many others will be working at the same time?

E. Make sure your have a good kitchen triangle for less steps when cooking from refrigerator, stove and sink.

Are you a busy homeowner that loves a beautiful home, but don’t have the time or know how to begin a renovation? Let me with my 25 years of interior design experience helping 1000’s of busy homeowners like yourself whether it’s their primary or secondary home create a beautiful comfortable space they love entertaining family and friends.

Special Invitation:

Every Tuesday at noon, I go Live on Facebook discussing Interior Design Dilemmas. I would love to have you join me, comment, like, share, and send me emoji.

https://facebook.com/thegrapevinehome

Working on getting a new website and rebranded to Lori Carpenter Designs (feels like a snail pace) hopefully soon?

Are you looking at your tired, outdated home? Are you in a design dilemma? I will offer my expert advice to help you save time, stress, and feel better in your home.

This week I’ll be talking about fabrics and how they can enhance your home. Join the fun each Tuesday at noon.

I also offer in-home or virtual design consultations.

Up to 90 minutes to cover any specific pain points you have in your home: furniture layouts, new rugs, furniture, or window coverings. You may need help with paint colors, tile selections, countertops, a total remodel or new build—$ 250. for the initial consultation, Additional hours at $100 per hour.