Strangers in a strange new land

Yep, that's me (and my hubby).  We are strangers in a strange new land.  New Mexico, to be exact.  Here's how it happened:  My husband recently took a job in New Mexico, so we have relocated to this sunny, hot spot.  Now, don't get me wrong - I have lived in lots of places during my married years (Utah, Connecticut, Texas - twice!, Georgia, Tennessee, and New York), and I'm no stranger to new places and new faces.  But never have I lived somewhere quite like New Mexico.

Don't get me wrong - the climate is lovely (at least I hear that it will be), once we get over these super-heated summer days, and the people seem genuinely warm and friendly.  It's the architecture and the decor that I've struggled to get used to the most.  I guess it's because I spent so much time on the east coast, but the homes that really appeal to me are the charming clapboard-sided, dormered-windowed, beauties with wood floors and lots and lots of divided light windows.

Guess what?  That's not the kind of houses they have here in New Mexico.  Not even close.  Here I found lots and lots of flat roofs, stuccoed exteriors, little-to-no moldings, and things like vigas, kivas, bancos - aarrgghh!  Even the houses speak a different language down here!

Well, needless-to-say, house hunting was a little bit hard for me.  My husband and I had decided on a area that we wanted to buy a home in, and it turns out that most of the houses here are 20 to 30 years old.  So that meant a lot of out-dated ugly ducklings.  We looked at lots and lots of homes with old tile, laminate counters, old oak cabinets, dated lighting, weird wallpaper - the works.

I knew that I was going to have to do a lot of updating on the interior, so I mostly looked for something with good bones, and the potential for some easy fixes.

In the end, we bought a 1980's Territorial style home that won me over with its coziness and the charm of its exterior courtyard.  But boy-howdy, does this house need work!

Just so that I don't scare you off right at the beginning, I'll start off with some pictures of the charming courtyard:

I love the trees, the roses bushes, the bench, and the walkways.  And I love that it's all enclosed and very private.  Sort of  secret-garden-y.  It's cute, right?  Right up until you walk through the front door and find this:

 Lots and lots of windows, which is good.  The bad part is, they're surrounded by

lots and lots of dark brown, shiny trim.

 Oddly asymmetrical stuccoed fireplace with off-centered, shiny brass doors.  Nice.

Check out the lovely dated tile at the entry.  And the nice 80's sconces. 

Don't know if you can tell from this picture, but the tile's pink.  Yes, pink. 

More pink tile.  Goes well, I guess, with the dated oak cabinets and laminate

counter tops. 

This is the master bath.  Notice the carpet and the really, really bright stained glass window. 

Oh, and the faucets and light fixtures add a nice touch.

Um, don't really know what this room's supposed to be, but what

caught my attention was the lovely tiled border. 

The hall bath.  Also carpeted. 

Oh dear.  More pink tile.

Well, there you have it.  Our new abode.  I know, I know - it's kind of depressing.  But I want you to check back soon, because the renovations have already begun.  I'll prove to you that there is hope, even for this stuck-in-the-80's little charmer.  It may become home yet!

Color Me Modern

Do you love bright, colorful, modern interiors?
Have you struggled with how to bring your current drab rooms up to par without spending major bucks?
If you have, you are certainly not alone!

Here are a few sure-fire ideas to make your lackluster room hip in a hurry:


Don't be afraid to mix modern with traditional.  Adding in some quirky pieces makes a room current, but timeless. The yellow mirror paired with the traditional drapery panels and artwork really ramps up the style quotient in this room.

Design Wonderland

Accessorize with bright, funky pillows to update your room's look.  This sofa is uber-traditional, but the bright mix of pillows really brightens it up.

Daily Candy

If you really want to wake up a snoozy room, try some high-energy wallpaper on a feature wall.  Big patterns in bright colors are all the rage right now.  Oh my goodness....I am in love with these wallpapers and how they add an incredible amount of style to an otherwise plain room!

Lullaby Interiors

If you're the type of gal who's afraid of commitment, you can always go halfway and frame out a section of wall to add your wallpaper to.

Ciao Interiors

Use brights, modern fabrics through your room to add splashes of up-to-date colors and patterns.  In addition to pillows, you can add punches of color with window treatments, book covers, ottomans, etc.  Using a combination of florals and geometrics helps to ensure the patterns will work with each other.

Glam Nest

Reupholstering an ottoman is something that is within the realm of most DIYers, and if you use a bright, modern fabric, it's a great way to spice up the whole room.

Emily A Clark

And last, but definitely not least, pair down your accessories so that they really count.  Weed out the dusty, dated, and dingy old things.  Choose your details with care because they make a huge impact.  

BH&G

There you have it!  Follow these tips, and you'll be winging your way towards a hip new look in no time at all!

And I'd love to see how your room comes out - send me before and after pictures so I can see your terrific new space!

My favorite (teeny) room in the house

Does it mean that I never really grew up if my favorite room in my house is the little playroom under the stairs? Probably.  When we first discussed finishing the basement, that was my one sticking point. There has to be an adorable little playroom under the stairs.  No room for argument.

And so here it is.  I'd live in here if there was room for me to stand up straight.

I am in love with this pink chair.  I wish I could fit my 5'9" frame into it.  (Well, actually I can.  It's just that my knees hit into my chin.)  The tufting is just so feminine and sweet.

And of course, no playroom would be complete without a kitchen (a pink kitchen to boot!).

That's a lot of goodness squeezed into a very small space!  And on the flip side of the window, we give a nod to the little boys in the family.  

Yes, playrooms are the best.  Especially when they are filled with happy little grandchildren!