hgtvdesignstarisback

HGTV Design Star is back. 

Unfortunately, the design shows aren't.

HGTV Design Star hosts (LtoR) David Bromstad,
Genevieve Gorder, Vern Yip, and Sabrina Soto.

Our current HGTV line up consists of House Hunters, House Hunters, and – for a little variety – House Hunters International. 

Okay, that's a little bit of an overstatement. There's also Love It or List It marathons interspersed between HH and HHI. At this point, we're ready to list it. 

What would make us love it? It's not hard to figure out. Where's Genevieve Gorder or Sarah Richardson?  Maybe they've moved on and you need ideas for new shows. Here are a few of ours: 

• Tommy Smythe, Sarah Richardson's trusty sidekick, needs to kick it up a notch with his own show. 
• Going Once, Twice, Sold! – rooms designed using only online auctions like One Kings Lane, Joss & Main, Gilt, eBay, Craiglists or etsy. Think of the advertisers!
• JCPerfect! – A JC Penny sponsored design show that showcases their new home store. No one would mind the corporate takeover with winning designs from Jonathan Adler, Design by Conran and Michael Graves. 
• Pantone – A show that teaches and entertains about color trends, moods, cultural influences, etc. 

Come on HGTV...bring back design as well as Design Star! 

gamechangers

Ever think about how to make your home more enjoyable?  We have. Here are a few ideas – both high and low: 
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A CLEAN HOUSE: 
Learn to enjoy your home instead of cleaning it (or feel bad about watching another episode of RHOXX instead of cleaning it). Since guilt and enjoyment rarely live in the same house, we have two easy answers: 

          LOW: Dimmer switch          HIGH: Cleaning service               

Dimmer switches can be your BFF. The soft light can cast a clean glow over your house and...bonus...you. – OR –  If you have the bucks, spring for some spring cleaning all year long. 
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PITCH BLACK SLEEPING QUARTERS: 
Don't dismiss the value of sleeping in a pitch black room. I discovered it recently when my neighbor discovered outdoor security lighting (aka "the sun in incandescent form"). 

       LOW: Sleeping Mask       HIGH: Blackout curtain liners        

Holly Golightly knew the value of a good mask. We love Mary Green's masks. They are light weight yet big enough to block out the strongest light. – OR – spring for blackout lining on your curtains. 

Bottom line – most game changers aren't about aesthetics. They're about comfort. They take more creativity than they do cash. Try it. You'll see the difference is day and night...literally with a good sleep mask. 

thisissouthernliving

If you've ever uttered the phrase "This is living" during a showcase home tour, a visit to Taylor, MS will have you saying "This is the Southern Living." 

In 2008, Southern Living built the Taylor Creek Idea House just outside Oxford, MS. The idea house is now available as a VRBO rental, which we had the chance to enjoy this past weekend. Check it out if you have a chance. If not, here are a few of our favorite ideas from this Idea House:

2008 Southern Living Idea House Exterior

I love the mix of brick and wood in the foyer. 

The wall of built-ins and fireplace is always a good idea.

The living room is open to the dining room and kitchen.
I don't really like red, but love the red chairs. 

For me, the kitchen is the crowning glory of the house.
The color combination of the Viking appliances, the
grey/green cabinets, and the marble that picks up
both hues is smart and sophisticated. 

A bar is tucked under the stairs. The woodwork and
built-ins throughout the house add depth and interest
to the most unassuming nooks. 

The guest bath is another example of a
 simple mix of textures. 

 The use of an old wooden dresser top at the
back entrance adds history to a new house.

As you head upstairs, the banister greets you with
an elegant curve. 

Each room greets you with old pine doors
stripped of their finish, but with layers of warmth. 

My second favorite room is the bunk house.
The simple beds are twinspired.

Dual sinks and heated floors ensures
the warmth is extended to the inside
of the master bath.