You Said It: ‘Every Centimeter Counts’ and Other Houzz Quotables

Houzzers, Halloween is a week away — have you bought the candy yet? I haven’t, because in spite of the fact that I make the tiniest hole in the bag, before the big night it all seems to fall out, unwrap itself and land in my belly somehow, and then my reputation as “the weird lady who gives out quarters” is reinforced around the neighborhood. There were two original takes on Halloween this week that absolutely delighted — one keeps little ghouls and goblins in mind, while the other is a colorful mix of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos decorations. This week’s fresh ideas included a great DIY guide for an original photograph that uses cocktail umbrellas, how to make a 270-square-foot flat livable and my personal favorite, banana-print pillows. Perhaps my inner monkey is what attracts me to them. I don’t know, but here are some highlights from this week on Houzz.

“[She] designed a new Halloween look that thrills more than it chills.” — Mary Jo Bowling

Some of the Halloween decorations I see around my neighborhood are downright terrifying; even though I know it’s fake, I cross the street to avoid one big rubber snake. I wish more folks had enlisted the talents of interior designer Kristi Will, who created the thoughtful and darling Halloween decorations that won’t scare young kiddos. The pumpkin Sesame Street gang is so darling, I want to hug them. In addition to all of the inspiration, Will shares how she made them, including the tools and materials she used.

Full story: Low-Boo Halloween Decor for the Little Ones

While you’re at it, please keep the yearly tradition going — share your Halloween decor here.


“Grab your camera and take a few photos of what autumn looks like to you. Upload your best shot to the Comments section below and tell us about it!” — Annie Thornton

I love looking through the Comments sections of Houzz Calls, and I’d like to experience some great fall color vicariously through you all (this New Englander finds fall in Atlanta very dull). So please share yours!

Full story: Houzz Call: Show Us Your Fall Color!


“My decorating philosophy is, if it catches my eye and makes me smile, I want it around me.” — homeowner Melissa Love Tristan, as told to Sarah Greenman

This is a sentiment we should all keep in mind when decorating our homes. I loved learning more about Dia de los Muertos, and seeing that what I had incorrectly thought of as a macabre holiday could lead to a house filled with exuberance and fond memories. The story is also full of wonderful tips from the homeowner about making spaces where young children feel happy and thrive.

Full story: My Houzz: A Home Comes Alive With Day of the Dead Decor


“It’s got the perfect amount of quirky and pretty and sophistication.” — designer Orlando Soria, as told to Mitchell Parker

Soria is talking about the banana-print pillow fabric. These pillows were the most fun thing I saw this week, especially thrown on this fantastic vintage turquoise sofa. This Room of the Day is a great example of how to create separate, comfortable, well-scaled spaces in a large, open room.

Full story: Room of the Day: A Playful Palm Springs Style in L.A.


“Don’t be afraid to go big; even in a small kitchen like the one shown here, a sizable pendant looks striking, not overpowering.” — Laura Gaskill

Some full kitchen renovations can cost more than a college education. For those who don’t have a big renovation budget, Gaskill’s suggestions will pack a big design punch without breaking the bank. Sometimes a small rug, a fresh coat of paint or even a topiary or two can make your kitchen feel new to you.

Full story: 10 Upgrades for a Touch of Kitchen Elegance


“Every centimeter counts!” — designer and homeowner Olga Alexeeva, as told to Joanna Simmons

In this London flat, Alexeeva miraculously created a clean and spare home in just 270 square feet. Clever space-saving solutions include multipurpose pieces and efficient storage. These include a sleeper sofa, a storage bank complete with a tucked-away office and a console table that transforms into a dining table.

Full story: Houzz Tour: A Studio Makes the Most of Every Inch


“I mourn the demise of the kitchen table. Back in the day, kitchens usually had a table right smack in the middle of the room and it was where everything happened.” — Houzz user einportlandor

I have many fond memories of gathering around the kitchen table when I was growing up too; a kitchen table makes a house feel like home to me. However, there’s no need to mourn it; I’ve noticed that the traditional kitchen table is making a big comeback lately, even in the most contemporary rooms.

Full story: 12 Rustic Touches That Add Warmth to a Kitchen


“But while Carrara and Calacatta remain classics, they have their downsides, and they aren’t your only options. Here are seven other natural stone varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and strengths, worth considering for your bathroom floors, countertops and walls.” — Shana Ecker

I don’t think I knew enough about sandstone to even identify it before I read this article — look at how beautiful it is! Ecker gives us the skinny on it along with soapstone, travertine, limestone, Belgian bluestone, onyx and slate, all interesting options that aren’t considered as often as other stones in bathroom design. Bookmark this ideabook to help with your next bathroom renovation.

Full story: Bathroom Workbook: 7 Natural Stones With Enduring Beauty


“I did what any DIYer would do: figured out how to make a similar piece myself.” — Sarah Dorsey

I’m in awe of this level of DIY and artistry (some of you may recall that I am a walking DIY disaster). Dorsey’s ingenuity resulted in a gorgeous piece of artwork made from cocktail umbrellas that’s inexpensive and doesn’t look that hard to make. (Hmmm … do I dare try it, or when it comes to cocktail umbrellas, should I stick to making piña coladas?)

Full story: Make Your Own Abstract Photo With Cocktail Umbrellas

What caught your eye on Houzz this week? Please share it with us in the Comments.

URL: You Said It: ‘Every Centimeter Counts’ and Other Houzz Quotables http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-24894.html