Happy Halloween: Decor Edition!

It was the day of Halloween
And all through our home
People were wondering
If the holiday was known.

Spooky decorations were lacking,
and Halloween spirit was scant.
But we can't leave our home empty-
We can't! We just can't.

So what can we do that is quick, simple, and fun?
Let's consult S-Squared design; they're second to none!
We don't want something cheesy,
But we'd appreciate something easy.

Help us create a space (spooky and scary, or festive and cute)
That can return next year without giving it the boot.
Happy Halloween, may your fun be plenty!
Happy Halloween- our thanks are many!
-Andy and Mandy (the Rhymers!)

Not all of us may be gifted with poetry (or have the patience to hash out some rhymes) but I assure you- if you have the desire to be creative, time is no issue in creating a festive theme for your home. My philosophy is that the amount of effort spent decorating a space should be directly proportional to the amount of time that space will stay decorated. For instance, if you are a Halloween fanatic and celebrate the holiday for the full month of October rather than just on the last day, then you probably put a lot of thought and effort to creating a Halloween wonderland. If you could only find clearance-priced candy when you last-minute-shopped for Halloween treats to hand out, then you probably just observe the five hour period of trick-or-treaters. So, to those of you who relate more with the person in the latter description, here are a few simple ways to turn your house from your daily scene to Halloween. Enjoy!

You know that uneasy feeling you get when passing by an abandoned building? You can create this same creepy feeling in your home just by overturning a few pieces of sturdy furniture in your entryway or patio for trick-or-treaters to see. All you need is furniture you have in your home, or old furniture if you prefer, and some store-bought cobwebs that are cheap and easy to display. Mix this display with some dim lights or candles and you are sure to instill fear in every trespasser!

 Not so keen on Halloween? Celebrate autumn! Mother Nature's colors are changing and she has a lot to offer! Leaves fall from their newly-barren limbs and turn from green to little fiery flakes, offering the perfect materials for your quick fall craft project. Out of twigs, leaves, pine cones, and whatever else you may find just outside your home, you can create centerpieces, wreaths, or small accents to give your home a cozy 'fall feel.'

 Perhaps you would rather appeal to the fun and festive side of Halloween rather than the gloom-and-doom side. Years ago, I constructed a five foot black widow spider solely out of wire and glue that is still sturdy enough to suspend from the ceiling in the entryway. Though large, the spider is pretty 'cute,' especially when complimented with small Halloween accents like black vases, carved pumpkins, or stuffed black cats and ghosts.  

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

The House Is Alive with the Sound of Music!

Whether you have a Steinway or a Stratocaster, an upright bass or a piccolo, you have an instrument that enlivens your home with the sound of music- oh, how wonderful! Unfortunately, these instruments can take up space or be awkwardly positioned- which is not so wonderful. However, with just a bit of creativity and maybe some heavy lifting, you can effectively integrate your instruments into the interior of your home. Let your home sing a new song! Let your house live in harmony! Let your space be filled with sound! Need I say more? Didn’t think so. Here are some suggestions to creating harmony between your instruments and your space. Enjoy!

 A baby grand in your grown-up loft! The sheer size of this elegant instrument can be an issue when space is limited, but when placed strategically it can actually accentuate the space you have. As seen above, the piano is placed facing outward into the center of the room to keep the space feeling open. Also, the large rug beneath the piano helps divide the space while protecting the hardwood floors.

 You may have noticed the guitar in the previous picture just lounging in an arm chair: that’s neither safe nor stylish. How about storing your guitar in a way that you can display it, then play it? Hang your guitar on the wall and create a dual-media piece of art. Some assembly is required to ensure that the guitar is secured on the wall, but this clever storage strategy will save you space and the worry that someone may sit on or trip over your guitar.  

How about an upright piano in your uptown loft?! Coordinate the bench with the rest of your room simply by upholstering the top cushion with some durable, yet design-friendly fabric. You can always store smaller instruments or sheet music inside the bench to wisely use the given space. Also, the pair of blue lamps perched like songbirds on either side of the piano brings light and color into your music-filled room.

Bora Bora Honeymoon Bungalow!

For a week, my home was an island. I woke up, walked on water, greeted the sun peeking out over the ocean, and said good morning to the fish beneath my feet. Yes, my home was an island, the sea was my backyard. How was this possible? I stayed in an authentic Tahitian hut as part of the Hilton Nui Bora Bora Resort. Below you’ll find photographs of my unique dwelling that may inspire your own island getaway or maybe even a Tahitian feel in your own home. However, you’ll have to experience the marvelous weather, gorgeous ocean, and Tahitian relaxation for yourself!

 

 A waterfall shower- just like I always wanted! (Check out my Sexy Showers blog post!) Take a trip to Tahiti every time you take a shower. The experience is almost as rejuvenating- the only difference is you’ll walk out into the real world instead of the ocean.

 Welcome to the neighborhood! No need to mow the lawn, trim the shrubs, or sweep the sidewalk. Here, the ocean’s beauty is all you need to take care of, and it’s pretty much self-sufficient!

 Need to get somewhere? Just jump of the deck and swim. Don’t forget to say hi to the fish on your way- there’s much to see under the sea. (Look, that’s me- just swaying in the breeze!)

 Ah, the interior décor of an islander: lots of warm wood paneling, wood carving, and tribal imagery. The hut is equipped with numerous windows to let the sun come in and the breeze pass through. No air conditioning necessary!

The giant king size bed surrounded by a soft white linen made us feel....well like we were on a far away island! Waking up in the morning and looking out into the open ocean is spectacular! Wish we could have stayed more than a week!

No More Vicious Cycle!

All you small-space dwellers and big-time bike riders know the vicious cycle of storing your bike: you either leave it outside to weather the elements or bring it inside to crowd your home element. Neither option seems optimal, but thanks to intelligent design, we can end the vicious cycle! Now bikes can be stored in the safety of our home without sacrificing much space at all! Here are a few clever inventions that allow for safe, streamlined storage. Enjoy!

  Wheels in pairs hidden under the stairs! What a perfect place to hide a bike.

The Cycloc- lock your bicycle in this handy device. Great for kids' rooms, or any room: four colors to choose from!

 Simple design but great shelving for convenience for all those small bike accessories.

Bike storage got you up against a wall? Not anymore ;)