Ah, Spring!

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Farmers Market Flowers

Photo of the Day
July 17, 2013

I bought a bouquet of flowers yesterday. This one has large sunflowers, multiple dahlias in different colors, snapdragon, lilies, and other flowers. It’s a strikingly beautiful bouquet.

I love supporting our local growers and farmers. I’ll be back next week to get another one.

All photos © kwalsh photography

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Footprint and Flowers

Photo of the Day

I happened upon this garden on Saturday.
This was part of a Peace Garden.

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Scenes From Lyndale Park

Weekly Photo Challenge: Today

Week Beginning June 1, 2012

This week’s challenge is to go out and take a photo rather than dig through our archives. I headed out with my camera, not exactly sure where I’d go or what I’d photograph. I took a lot of pictures and it was tough deciding which ones to post today. I finally settled on these garden shots because they aren’t the oft seen rose, tulip or other popular flower photos. (Yes, I have rose photos as well.)

There’s also a photo taken on the way to the garden–of a scene just begging to be photographed!

These flower photos were taken at the award-winning Lyndale Gardens by Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lyndale Park Gardens encompasses four distinctive gardens: Rose Garden, Annual/Perennial Garden, Peace (Rock) Garden, and Perennial Trial Garden and Hummingbird/Butterfly Garden.

Read more about the weekly photo challenge at the DailyPost.wordpress.com.

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Boosting Your Home Appeal at Low Cost

There are plenty of good tips in this article from The Associated Press. If you want tips specific to your home and getting it ready for selling, give us a call. Our background in antiques and interior design has paid off for our sellers with faster than average sale times.

Low-Cost Things
Homeowners Can Do to Spruce Up Property

When times are tough, women who can’t afford a new dress often purchase a new accessory or lipstick to recharge their wardrobes. Known as the “lipstick effect,” the tendency applies to homeowners too.

Barry Culkin, CEO of Questech Corp., a tile manufacturer in Rutland, Vt., noticed sales of his $5 cast stone and marble switch plate covers rose whenever the economy faltered. Last year, sales of their covers at major retailers were up 15 to 20 percent.

As homeowners rein in spending, more opt for small indulgences and postpone major renovations. Whether the goal is a new look for a worn kitchen or simply an injection of color in a room, here’s a list of some of the best ways to give a space a quick uplift. Many cost much less than a designer lipstick and a few don’t require any financial outlay.

“I am seeing quite a bit of Yankee ingenuity in my customers. They are getting pretty smart about using and repurposing items to add some zip to their living spaces,” says Shirley Walsh, owner of Kalembar Dune, a vintage home decor shop in Boston.

Simply moving furniture and accessories around and borrowing from other areas of the home can give a room a whole new look. If you want to splurge, consider hiring a designer who specializes in redesign.

The instant gratification of having it all accomplished in a day is hard to resist but “it’s also low stress because it uses familiar furnishings,” observes Pam Faulkner, owner of Faulkner House Redesign in Oak Hill, Va. The cost to have Faulkner make over a room ranges from $400 and $700 depending on the space.

A little elbow grease also can go a long way. Sparkling windows bring in light and make the entire house shine. Often, all carpets and rugs need is a thorough cleaning and they will feel almost new. The same holds true for wood floors and trim.

Nothing is a better quick-change artist than paint. But you don’t have to go all out. Rather than entire room, paint an accent wall, trim or piece of furniture. “Never underestimate the power of paint and pillows, always the best lipstick for your home in any shade,” advises Marcia Richards, a Phoenix, Ariz., interior designer.

Give a living room or bedroom a facelift by shifting the color scheme. Pillows add instant color, but to complete the look, mix in color keyed accessories, such as a throw and new lamp or lampshade. If your budget allows, go a step further and add a rug and/or slipcovers.

Orders for fabric by the yard are up, says David Petersen owner of Maine Cottage Furniture in Yarmouth, Maine. He notes that more consumers are re-covering rather than replacing worn furnishings.

Small luxuries can have a big impact on our moods and our homes. Flowers and new plants inject new life and color to any space. Try replacing regular light bulbs with full spectrum bulbs which are more like sunlight.

Sometimes all it takes to spark up an entire room is a unique accessory or piece of individual art.

New hardware is traditionally a quick fix for dated kitchen cabinets. But elsewhere, exchanging old doorknobs for polished bronze or nickel can give an entire house an up-to-date look. Using levered handles also increases a home’s universal design quotient.

And maybe you can’t afford to change the tub or the tiles, but a dated bath can get a quick uplift simply by altering a few elements. Instead of remodeling, Michelle Samuels spent about $150 to give a bath in her Mill Valley, Calif., home an update. She replaced her antique gold towel racks and faucets with updated brushed silver versions. She painted the frame around the mirror a soft silver with craft paint and completed the effect with new door handles.

Removing old fluorescent lights and replacing them with pendants or a more contemporary fixture also has a big impact.

Don’t wait until you can renovate to give your kitchen a new look. Sometimes changing only one facet can refocus the entire space. New hardware and light fixtures are quick and inexpensive. Don’t forget refacing or painting cabinets if new is beyond your budget. If the countertops are in good shape, consider tiling the backsplash. Reorganize cabinets so the space works better. Add new accessories or update countertop appliances so they coordinate.

Increasing curb appeal is traditional advice for anyone selling their home. But nothing is more akin to applying lipstick than revamping the entry. Replace a worn front door if the budget permits. Otherwise give the old door a new look with paint. Seasonal plants, new house numbers, a new doormat and trimmed walkway will make you feel like you are coming to a new house.

Shop thrift and consignment stores for some unique finds; then polish and paint. Also think about creating your own artwork in colors that will make a room pop. You will save a bundle and possibly discover an inner artist you didn’t know existed.

© 2010 Camilla McLaughlin, Associated Press

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Ellen Walsh | 612.220.3304 | emwalsh@cbburnet.com

Kate Walsh | 612.220.3309 | info@designhouse9.com

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Spring Show of Blossoms

Photos of the Day
April 3, 2012

A plum tree puts on a spring show of blossoms in Saint Paul.

It’s a lovely time of year, isn’t it?

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A Home in the Woods

Photo of the Day
March 23, 2012

Yesterday’s post showed a home by the wetlands, shrouded in mist. Today’s photo shows a home in the woods. Which do you prefer?

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Home and Garden Show in Minneapolis

Home and Garden Show

February 29-March 4, 2012
Minneapolis Convention Center

$2 Off Discounted Tickets to the Home and Garden Show

The Home and Garden Show is taking place at month’s end. This is an opportunity to get lots of ideas and advice on these two topics. Hundreds of exhibits and displays will be placed throughout the Minneapolis Convention Center. Show highlights include:

Innovation Avenue

Green Scene

The Ultimate Backyard Lounge

Glorious Feature Gardens

The Idea Home

The Chandelier Fashion Show

Taste on Third Avenue

Shop the Marketplace

The Annual Plant Sale (5pm on Sunday)

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What show would be complete without celebrity guests? Here’s a partial list of celebrities at the show this year:

Chip Wade of HGTV’s Curb Appeal, The Block and Designed to Sell

Mark Brunetz of Style Network’s Clean House

Pat Simpson, nationally recognized home building and remodeling expert

Marjorie Johnson, a national star in the world of baking (and a Twin Cities native)

HOURS:

Wednesday Noon – 9pm
Thursday 10am – 9pm
Friday 10am – 10pm
Saturday 9am – 9pm
Sunday 9am – 6pm

ADMISSION COSTS:

$13.00 adults;
$4 children 6 to 12
5 and under free

More information on the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show

Maps – Minneapolis Convention Center

More information on Gardens

Here’s a link to Entertaining–Green/Eco Tips–Recipes | Tips Trends and Tools for those who can’t make the show in person.

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Home and Patio Show

February 16-19, 2012
St. Paul River Centre

$2 Off Coupon for the Home and Patio Show

If you’re planning to make some changes to your home or gardens this year, here’s an opportunity to get ideas and “how to” information. Hundreds of exhibits and displays will be placed throughout the three levels of the River Centre. Home improvement seminars will be presented by the Home Depot Pros. Topics include:

Do-It-Yourself Tile Installation: Ceramic, Porcelain and Stone

Do-It-Yourself Installing Pre-Finished Laminate and Hardwood Flooring

Do-It-Yourself Light Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Landscape Lighting

Do-It-Yourself Toilet Installation and Repairs

Painting Tips and Techniques

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Looking to spruce up the landscape and garden? The Minnesota State Horticultural Society is sponsoring the garden seminars. Topics include:

Container Gardening for the Balcony, Deck or Patio

Small Space Vegetable Gardening – Jennifer Porwit, Master Gardener

2011: Oh, What a Year! – Bobby Jensen, KARE 11 and The Lawn Ranger

Ornamental Grasses – Susan Oven, Master Gardener

Crafting Cool & Creative Containers – Don Engebretson, The Renegade Gardener

Organic Gardening – Mark Armstead, Linder’s Garden Center and Greenhouse

Master Gardeners will be available on Saturday and Sunday to answer questions. Looking for bulbs? Check out the bulb sale each day.

HOURS:

Thursday Noon – 9 P.M.
Friday Noon – 9 P.M.
Saturday 10 A.M. – 9 P.M.
Sunday 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.

ADMISSION COSTS:

$9.00 adults;
$2.50 children 6 to 12
5 and under free

More information on the Minnesota Home and Patio Show

Directions to the River Centre

The Renegade Gardener

LessLawn.com

More information on Gardens

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Adding Artistic Color to a Room

Pillows That Double as Art

The other day I wrote a post about getting inspired and adding color to your home. One way to do this is to add colorful pillows. Here are some that are not only colorful, but artistic.

Some of these pillows can be found at Three Rooms at the Galleria in Edina, Minnesota. Here’s information on the shop Three Rooms:

“A gallery devoted to the ingenuity of American artists and craftsmen, Three Rooms, with its 38-year history, is an art institution in the Twin Cities where you’ll find fine art, unique lighting, furniture, decorative accessories and hand-crafted jewelry.”

Three Rooms is one of my favorite shops in the Twin Cities. It appeals to the artist in me. Here is a link to the hours and directions to Galleria.

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How to Brighten a Gray Day

Add a Bit of Color

It’s been beautifully foggy for a few days this week. No sunshine though. I miss the sun. This photo reminds me of sunny, colorful days.

If your home is beginning to feel a bit dull and uninspired, try adding color. It can be as simple as pillows, artwork, a rug, towels, or the like. Use your imagination. Find something you love. Sometimes small changes make a big difference.

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Chairs and Charm

Photo of the Day
October 13, 2011

Adirondack Chairs Outside a Cape Cod Style Home

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Photo of the Day: Iris

Iridescence Iris

In Greek mythology, Iris is translated to the goddess of the rainbow.

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Peonies on Parade

Photos of the Day
June 16, 2011

Happy Birthday to my June 16th birthday gal!
Hope your day is a beautiful as you and these peonies.

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Farmers Market Finds

The Minneapolis Farmers Market
A Photo Walk Tour–Part 2

Flowers and Jeans

Burst of Floral Color

Lettuce Wrapped in White Paper

Rooster Feet and Shadows

Metal Birds Flock Together

Sea of Flowers

Green Stalks Tied with Red

Pasta and More

See more photos and learn more about the Minneapolis Farmers Market:

It’s Not All Food at the Farmers Market

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Burst of Blooms

Photo of the Day
May 22, 2011

It seems the rain barely quits around these parts nowadays. Still, there are places to find pure joy amidst all the clouds and water. Here’s a case in point.

I’ve been driving by this sea of tulips for the past week. My eyes have been drawn to this profusion of color every time. I headed out early this morning and snapped some photos. Before the rain started–again.

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Minneapolis Home and Garden Show

Ready for a respite from winter? Check out the Home and Garden Show this week. There will be plenty to see and do. Click on the link below to get all the details.

Minneapolis Convention Center
March 2-6, 2011

More information about the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show

Save $3 off an Adult Ticket when you purchase it online here.

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Home and Patio Show in St. Paul

Home and Patio Show

February 17-20, 2011
St. Paul River Centre

$2 Off Money-Saving Coupon to Home and Patio Show

If you’re planning to make some changes to your home or gardens this year, here’s an opportunity to get ideas and “how to” information. Hundreds of exhibits and displays will be placed throughout the three levels of the River Centre. Home improvement seminars will be presented by the Home Depot Pros. Topics include:

Do-It-Yourself Tile Installation: Ceramic, Porcelain and Stone

Do-It-Yourself Installing Pre-Finished Laminate and Hardwood Flooring

Do-It-Yourself Light Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Landscape Lighting

Do-It-Yourself Toilet Installation and Repairs

Ask the Home Depot Pros: Open Q & A

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Looking to spruce up the landscape and garden? The Minnesota State Horticultural Society is sponsoring the garden seminars. Topics include:

Creating a More Sustainable Landscape

Design Ideas to Shrink Your Lawn – Evelyn Hadden, LessLawn.com founder

Tough Sites, Great Solutions – Bobby Jensen, KARE 11 and The Lawn Ranger

The Secret Ingredient: Growing, Preserving, and Using Herbs

Crafting Cool & Creative Containers – Don Engebretson, The Renegade Gardener

Top 10 Gardening Blunders and How to Avoid Them! – Don Engebretson

Master Gardeners will be available on Saturday and Sunday to answer questions. Looking for bulbs? Check out the bulb sale each day.

HOURS:

Thursday Noon – 9 P.M.
Friday Noon – 9 P.M.
Saturday 10 A.M. – 9 P.M.
Sunday 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.

ADMISSION COSTS:

$9.00 adults;
$2.50 children 6 to 12
5 and under free

More information on the Home and Garden Show

Directions to the River Centre

The Renegade Gardener

LessLawn.com

More information on Gardens

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