This is the great room from model home.  It is a twin home, that is why there are no windows on the left side of the room.  Still as you can see from the picture, the designer kept the room light and airy.  I love the way all the elements are traditional yet the feel is contemporary.  I think the secret is in the mix.  Take the dining room table for instance,  the lines are very classic and traditional but a bit exaggerated so it doesn’t feel like it came from your Great Aunt’s attic.  The wood floors are timeless but the stain is fresh and now.  Another key mix is traditional seating with contemporary fabric. 

      Here in the kitchen you can really see the traditional and contemporary coming together.  The costly elements, cabinets and counters were kept clean and classic.  The elements that are cheaper and easier to change; back splash, paint, appliances, are hip and contemporary.  If you are going for a transitional look, have fun playing around with the elements that are easily changed.  Your space will look classic but not dated.

       My husband and I love Oktoberfest.  Snowbird Ski Resort is at it’s busiest during the winter but all those ski bums are missing out on the wonders of  Autumn.  The mountains are a patchwork quilt of greens, yellows, browns, and oranges.  The creek that runs through the resort fills the air with it’s own music (more to my liking than the polka music that’s ever present but does grown on you, especially after a couple of beers).     

       Yes, you can get a beer in Utah.  Every year there is a great selection of outstanding beers from local brewers.  There is also a a savory selection of German foods, including my favorite, German chocolate cake. There is so much more to see and do than just eat and drink.  There are booths set up by local artisans.  I bought an exquisite handmade silk wrap around skirt for only $30.00!  We didn’t take the kids with us this year because it was our anniversary this weekend but if we had, they could have chosen from dozens of activities including a tram ride to the top of the ski run.  

     Next weekend is the last weekend of Oktoberfest for this year.  Sigh.  Just as well,  there will be snow on the ground soon and the resort will be returned to the ski bums until next summer. 

      After I started design school, I realized why I didn’t like what I didn’t like in my house.  I have spent the last year changing things, mostly paint colors.  I have changed a few accessories.  I got rid of what I didn’t like, added things I do like and regrouped everything else.  Now I am happy with my house (except for the flooring, white flooring + four kids = unhappy Mom).  This painting is one of the accessories I have added recently.  My husband and I just adore it, so I put it in our bedroom.  It adds that touch of serenity we need.  Perfect antidote to scrubbing grape juice out of white carpet.

     I finally finished painting my laundry room/office.  To recap, I painted the walls turquoise, stenciled white circles on three of the walls, and painted the cabinets a creamy white.

     There is still a lot I want to do in here.  I want to rip out the old and worn Berber carpet and put down tile.  I want to make some drapes but I am still looking for just the right material (going to try Ikea this weekend).  I want to change the light fixture in front of the window.  I am looking for a red chandelier or one that I can paint red.  I am toying around with the idea of installing a back splash.  And I need to buy a real office chair.  It’s getting too close to the holidays to start any of that though.  I need to finish painting the rest of my trim before my in-laws come for Thanksgiving.

     This is what the room looked liked before.  Loved the red but it was too overpowering.  I now have just a few splashes of red around the room. 

     This is what the room looked like when we moved in.  Yes, the counters are pink.  I painted them so I can live with them until I can afford something nice.

     I love neutrals.  They make a room soft, cozy and warm.  They can also be ho-hum.  This family room is part of a very large great room in this year’s Salt Lake Parade of Homes.  I think the designer did an incredible job of mixing textures to make this room homey yet with a sexy edge.  If you like this look and you are looking for a good neutral paint color, you might want to check out Benjamin Moore’s Bleeker Beige HC-80.  It is beautiful in every light and it goes with everything.  I just got done painting my Mom’s living/dining combo in this color.  Everyone that has seen it has commented how much they love the color.  Just remember to throw in some different textures so your room doesn’t slip into the blahs.