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 ;)

This is more than just a sofa!

Sofas don't have to be big, bulky, boring objects, let them speak for their self! These are a few sofas I found to be pretty interesting and different. People tend to go for only comfort when purchasing a new sofa, but even though these might not be loose cushions it can still be a comfortable sofa to spend an evening cuddled up watching a movie or watching the football game on the edge of your seat. Which ever you chose remember next time to give your sofa a chance to be interesting and loved by all who get to enjoy it. Enjoy! 

 Perfect spot for a date night at home!

 You can rest your head or your feet whichever way you want!

 Want a chase on your sofa but don't have the room for it? This is perfect for a space challenged room!

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Need More Space? Finish Out your Attic!

Most houses have an attic. Some attics are big enough to make it usable square footage and add a room or a rent-able apartment. These are some great ideas for finishing out your attic and gaining more space in your existing home. Enjoy!

Make a private office, somewhere you can concentrate and ideas can come to life.

 How about an extra living space? Or a place for your teenagers to hangout with their friends and not disturb the parents.

 An extra bedroom comes in handy for the holidays or a for a growing family. 

 Make a profit on your extra square footage! If your neighborhood allows you to have a multi-family home then add an attic apartment! 

This attic apartment feels less like an apartment and more like a loft! It is an open concept and lets you be imaginative with how to layout your space. 

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Amazing Indoor Pools!

I have yet to design an indoor pool but one day I will have that chance and I will have such great ideas! So of course I wanted to share some of these great designs with you! Enjoy.

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Seaside Cottage

This seaside cottage shows you do not have to be a millionaire to have a great looking place that functions perfectly. The beach house was completely rebuilt after Hurricane Ike and has been the best improvement these happy clients made to their beach house lot. Using a soft color palette that plays off the natural ocean colors near them, makes this home bring the "outside in" as people say. This seaside cottage is where the family and close friends spend weekends and vacations at. The aqua and white color scheme is throughout the house but shown in different shades to make each space feel a little different. Doesn't this make you want to lay on the beach all day? Enjoy!

 

Dream Wine Cellars

For all the wine lovers out there, this is for you. Even if your home doesn't have enough space for a full cellar you can still display and store your collection anywhere you please.  Here are some unique, creative, and just fun wine cellars!

 Love the clean linear execution!

 I feel like I'm in a professional kitchen with all the stainless steel.

 Can you think of a better place to wine and dine?

 Rich woods give this example a warm and welcoming feel.

This is a perfect modern example of a wine cellar in a small space.

 Some consider wine to be art, why not put it on display?

 Wine provides a warm and unique feeling for me,
This designer really wanted to return that feeling to the wine itself.

 A perfect place to share a glass with a close friend.

Circular racks continue the theme and make a fitting resting place for this collection.

Cool Off This Summer with New Hot Tile!

Tile is a great way to being in texture and color into a bathroom, kitchen or really any space for that matter.  These are some cool tiles that are sure to make your space heat up! With so many options for tiles who would want to be ordinary? Pick something that represents you and your style.  Enjoy!

 These tiles remind me of tetris! Simple color with various thicknesses to give lots of depth to what would normally be a boring flat wall.

 Geometry is one of my favorites. These slightly varied shades give the illusion of 3 dimensions.

 Stainless crosses wow! Alternating between polished and matte finishes gives depth to a wall.

 A city map on a wall?! Genus! I definitely want this. 

 How about a plain white tile with the most texture you can think of. These horizontal tiles do just that! Or if you aren't into lines how about these hex shaped tiles angled various ways for added texture!

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I'm on a boat!

I have seen more modern houseboats than ever before! History shows us that people migrate to where water is....so why not be surrounded by it?Having an unconventional house literally floating on the water isn't for everyone (especially if you get sea sick) but it makes for a unique home that you can move it virtually anywhere! These are some houseboats from around the world. Enjoy!

 

Multi-Functional Furniture, Perfect for that Small Space!

No Space? No Problem!  Furniture that serves more than one purpose is crucial to keeping your sanity in your small space. Whether it's a dining table doubling as a desk or stairs turning into storage, there are plenty of innovative pieces created to solve many of life's spacial conundrums. Enjoy!

It's a chair, or a desk, or maybe both?! When you need extra seating, flip it and there you go! When you need a desk flip it back.

Loft beds are a perfect solution for anyone whose bedroom needs to double as an office or any kind of workspace. Perfect for college students!

 Desk, shelves, seat. This multipurpose piece is streamlined, simple, and clever!

 Watch out Optimus Prime. There's a new Transformer... and it fits nicely in any living room.

Don't waste any space- stow stuff in your steps!

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